Journey to the West: Cultivation Begins at Jindou Mountain

Chapter 245 Beyond Chaos
Niu Yi followed behind Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva all the way to Cuiyun Palace.

This place is always quiet, guarded only by a few ghost generals. If anything happens, they are the ones who relay the orders.

As the two entered the main hall of Cuiyun Palace, they saw a familiar figure sitting cross-legged on a lotus throne, smiling at them.

Niu Yi was slightly surprised, not expecting this person to appear here as the Journey to the West approached.

"Guangyi, I have met Guanyin Bodhisattva."

Surrounded by auspicious light, the dignified Guanyin bowed to Niu Yi.

"You are too polite, Immortal."

"This humble monk has come to visit Cuiyun Palace, never expecting that the immortal would also visit the underworld."

With a handsome appearance and a peaceful face, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, dressed in a kasaya, slowly walked to the head of the table. Di Ting was lying there, seemingly asleep, with his ears twitching slightly.

"It's quite a coincidence that you two have come. The matters you wish to inquire about are somewhat related to each other. Why don't you two discuss them together?"

Niu Yi sat down to the side and looked at the Guanyin Bodhisattva opposite him.

It would be best to discuss the matter of the Scorpion Demon with the Western Paradise and see what their attitude is. As for the matter with Guanyin Bodhisattva...
Guanyin Bodhisattva nodded slightly, looked at Niu Yi, and said with a smile:

"In that case, let this humble monk offer a preliminary suggestion to inspire further discussion."

"Bodhisattva please."

Guanyin Bodhisattva nodded slightly and said:
"This humble monk has come to Cuiyun Palace for the reincarnation of Jin Chanzi, the second disciple of Buddha Tathagata."

"He has now been reincarnated to the ninth time, and his lifespan in this life is only six years away. We ask Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva to wait until his lifespan in the ninth life ends, and temporarily keep his true spirit, and not let him be put into the cycle of reincarnation. Buddha has other arrangements for him."

When Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva saw Guanyin's gaze, he nodded slightly and agreed to the matter.

Seeing that the man had agreed, Guanyin Bodhisattva turned her head and looked at Niu Yi opposite her, saying:
"This tenth incarnation is of great importance to Jin Chanzi. To be honest, he was also one of the people who went east to spread Buddhism when we first established the Ling Mountain. If he can maintain his devotion to Buddhism through ten incarnations, then he can achieve enlightenment."

"However, there are always unexpected events in this world, which even the Buddha Tathagata cannot know. And Jin Chanzi's reincarnations have to go through many tribulations from birth in each life."

"This humble monk originally intended to ask the underworld's messengers in the mortal realm to look after me, but I never expected to meet you here, sir. So I thought, could you please do this for me?"

Just as Niu Yi was about to reply, Guanyin spoke again:
“This humble monk also knows that the Immortal Master usually stays on Mount Jindu to meditate and comprehend the Dao, and rarely comes down the mountain. However, the Immortal Master’s current avatar is in the Eastern Land with the help of the emperor, which is why his faith is flourishing and his disciples are all over the world.”

"It is said that the Immortal Master has a wide circle of friends and is acquainted with many immortals and gods in the Southern Continent. In my opinion, it would be safer to have the Immortal Master's help."

"If the immortal master agrees, our Ling Mountain will offer another gift in return."

Niu Yi pondered for a moment, nodded, and smiled:

"Since the Bodhisattva values ​​him, and Jin Chanzi is closely related to the eastward transmission of Buddhism, I should do my utmost to help him."

"Then I will agree to this matter."

This Daoist Guangyi is a man of integrity, a fact acknowledged by both the Old Zen Master of Wuchao and many gods and Buddhas of the Heavenly Court. Since he has agreed, she can rest assured.

Having achieved all the objectives of her trip to the underworld, Guanyin Bodhisattva smiled even more and nodded.

"good."

After Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva saw that the matter with Guanyin had been settled, he turned to Niu Yi and said:

"Immortal Master, have you come to the Underworld to inquire about the Scorpion Demon?"

"Exactly."

Upon hearing about the Scorpion Demon, a hint of surprise flashed in Guanyin Bodhisattva's eyes, and she began to calculate with her hands.

Niu Yi's gaze also turned to Guanyin Bodhisattva.

"The scorpion demon actually left from Leiyin Temple. Knowing that she had offended the Buddha and Mount Ling, she hid herself."

“A few days ago, this scorpion demon actually came to me, hoping that I could help her resolve this karmic entanglement.”

Guanyin Bodhisattva stopped her divination, smiled, and nodded to Niu Yi, saying:

"This humble monk already knows the whole story."

"Speaking of that scorpion demon, her talent is also excellent. The Buddhas of my Great Thunderclap Temple originally wanted to help her become a Buddha so that she could achieve enlightenment in the future. However, her nature is too lustful. She tried to break the precept against lust several times on the mountain. Although she was eventually dissuaded, she became increasingly dissatisfied with my Mount Ling."

"When the Buddha saw that she was not respecting the Dharma while listening to the Buddhist scriptures, he was about to reprimand her, but she stung his finger with a poisonous scorpion, and then the scorpion demon fled from Mount Ling."

“May Buddha have mercy. Since that scorpion demon no longer holds a grudge against Lingshan and has repented, Lingshan can forgive and forget. However, she also needs to lend Lingshan a hand to repay the karmic debt she incurred for listening to Buddha back then.”

"If you, Immortal Master, have the means, you may subdue her, but this woman is extremely lustful, and her 'Horse-Dumping Poison' is quite extraordinary, so please be careful."

Niu Yi nodded and said:
"I understand now, thank you Bodhisattva for clearing up my doubts."

Seeing that everything had been settled, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva smiled and invited the Ghost King to offer fruits and vegetables to the two people in front of him to share.

Niu Yi and Guanyin Bodhisattva stayed at Cuiyun Palace for a day, discussing many matters and exchanging views on the upcoming eastward transmission of Buddhism, which gave Niu Yi some confidence.

He also got involved in the eastward transmission of Buddhism to repay the karmic debts owed to Buddhism, and he took it very seriously.

The next morning, Guanyin took her leave of Cuiyun Palace and returned to Lingshan.

At this moment, Niu Yi stood atop the Cuiyun Palace with Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, gazing at the eternally dark underworld before them, and slowly said:

"Speaking of which, the scorpion demon once said that she was able to go to Mount Ling and study Buddhism at the Great Thunder Temple because of the Bodhisattva. She also said that she had a good relationship with the two of you and could be considered a friend."

"I bother!"

Before Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva could reply, his beast Di Ting, standing at his feet, angrily said:

"That scorpion demon was clearly lusting after my master's good looks back then, and she shamelessly followed me. If that person hadn't used a trick to subdue the scorpion demon, she would have continued to pester my master!"

"It's only because my master is kind-hearted that he led her to the Great Thunderclap Temple after they met again, hoping to help her. This scorpion even has the audacity to call himself my master's friend!"

A look of helplessness appeared on the Bodhisattva's face. He shook his head, then looked at Niu Yi, who had a knowing look on his face, and said:

"What Di heard was a bit harsh, but that was roughly how things were back then. However, it is true that she and I had a past relationship."

"This woman has a rather wicked nature and is full of lust, but she is not an extremely hypocritical person. When she came into contact with the two of us, she never hid her purpose." Upon hearing this, Di Ting turned his head away, clearly not agreeing with his master's words.

Niu Yi smiled, having roughly grasped the gist of the matter, and bowed to Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, saying:

"I am truly grateful to the Bodhisattva this time."

Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva returned the greeting and said Amitabha.

"The immortal and the great master have come seeking something that is closely related to the eastward transmission of Buddhism. Although I am in the underworld and do not concern myself with Buddhist affairs, if the Great Completion of Buddhism can be transmitted eastward, it can help suffering beings. This is an immeasurable merit."

At the end of the Naihe River, a lone boat floats on its surface.

"A scorpion demon? What scorpion demon?"

The ferryman was slightly taken aback, then slapped his forehead, remembering the scorpion his junior brother had mentioned, and exclaimed in realization:

"Oh, it's her!"

Niu Yi was also somewhat surprised; his senior brother's relationship with the scorpion demon seemed to be different from what he had imagined.
"Hey, junior brother, judging from your expression, you've probably misunderstood."

The ferryman chuckled.

"Back then, that scorpion kept pestering me and Ksitigarbha. She was clearly lusting after your senior brother's good looks. I found it amusing, so I persuaded Ksitigarbha to travel with her for a while."

"When the scorpion saw that Ksitigarbha was a bald monk, it was determined to have sex with me. It used both soft and hard tactics and all sorts of methods."

"Although she is as beautiful as an angel, she is fiery and lustful, which is not to my liking. So I used an illusion to make her think that she had succeeded, and that's how I got rid of her."

Niu Yi was speechless for a moment. Back in the Pipa Cave, he had actually thought that the scorpion demon had done something with his senior brother.

The ferryman crossed his arms and smiled smugly.

"Heh~ It seems you've run into her. If she becomes your enemy in the future, don't worry about me. Just do as you please."

Niu Yi nodded, pondered for a moment, and said:
"The reason I came to see my second senior brother is to ask him about another matter, which is about the Heaven-Seizing Hand."

The talent of "Heaven-Seizing Hand" is indeed against the natural order. He is currently focused on comprehending the Great Dao and has a profound foundation. Even when he first cultivates a divine ability, it doesn't take much time. He lacks nothing, so he has never used this talent.

For Niu Yi, even if he were to use this talent in the future, he would only use it on the Golden-Winged Roc. There was no need to use it on anything else, because no matter how much talent he acquired, it would not help him cultivate the Primordial Dao Fruit.

Throughout his cultivation, the Heaven-Seizing Hand has actually helped him a great deal. It was this Heaven-Seizing Hand that helped him through the most dangerous period and gave him the confidence to survive in the Three Realms.

However, Niu Yi was still somewhat curious about the origin of the Heaven-Seizing Hand. This talent was integrated with his true spirit, but he was absolutely certain that the Heaven-Seizing Hand was not a talent in the bloodline of the Treasure Divine Ox.

This talent is too extraordinary and its origin is mysterious. Perhaps he can get some answers and unravel some doubts from his second senior brother, who also has this talent.

The ferryman didn't seem surprised that his junior brother knew about his Heaven-Seizing Hand talent, after all, he had already sensed the aura of the Primordial Dao on Niu Yi.

Presumably, his junior brother's skills and abilities are now among the best in the Three Realms.

The ferryman pondered for a moment, then slowly spoke:

"Junior brother, do you know what lies beyond the Three Realms?"

Niu Yi's heart stirred slightly, and he tentatively said:

"Is it endless chaos?"

His Chaos Green Gourd was said to contain boundless chaotic energy, but it ultimately had boundaries. The chaos outside the highest heaven was truly unfathomable.

The ferryman shook his head, his gaze fixed on the sky above the underworld, as if looking through that dim sky and the thirty-three heavens above to see the endless chaos beyond the highest point of the Three Realms.

"It is indeed an endless chaos, but that is not entirely true, because within that boundless chaos, there are still countless worlds, just too far away to be counted."

"Even within the Three Realms, only those powerful beings have the ability to explore those individual worlds, to travel through countless worlds with a single thought, and even to project their own power there."

"Of course, powerful beings in the Three Realms can explore and travel to other worlds, and beings from other worlds can also enter these Three Realms."

"However, this possibility is extremely slim, so slim that it is rare to see one in hundreds of yuan. Moreover, the immeasurable Great Dao, even if one can enter the Three Realms, is equivalent to being reincarnated and will completely become a being of the Three Realms."

"Your senior brother is such an existence, and this Heaven-Seizing Hand was born when the True Spirit entered the Three Realms due to some inexplicable change. Although it can seize other people's talents, supernatural powers, and spells, it is still within the rules of the Heavenly Dao."

When the ferryman said this, he looked calm, clearly telling his junior brother everything he knew.

Just then, a helpless expression appeared on the ferryman's face as he said:
"To be honest, I'm not afraid of being laughed at by my junior brother. Back then, after I was born, and three years later I awakened my innate wisdom, I was overjoyed. I believed that with this talent of the Heaven-Seizing Hand, I was the chosen one."

"At first, everything went smoothly. I used the Heaven-Seizing Hand talent to ascend all the way. It wasn't until fifty years later, when I entered my master's school and had my senior brother guide my cultivation, that I became a little more restrained."

"Unfortunately, even though I later cultivated the Great Dao of Cause and Effect and realized that this talent was against the will of Heaven, by then it had already become too powerful to control. I was also arrogant, believing myself to be the chosen one, and that I didn't care about the Heavenly Dao. That's how I caused such a disaster."

Niu Yi felt slightly embarrassed at this moment.

When he awoke that year, he was overjoyed to find that he had been reincarnated as a unique being with the heaven-defying talent of the Heaven-Seizing Hand.

However, he was different from his senior brother. After learning that this place was the world of Journey to the West, he calmed down completely, carefully hiding his talent and thinking about whether he could find a powerful patron.

Putting aside other matters, the Jade Emperor, who is almost equivalent to the Heavenly Dao, has endured 1,750 tribulations. Each tribulation lasts for 129,600 years. If you calculate it, he has cultivated for more than 200 million years.

Besides the Jade Emperor, how many powerful beings in the Three Realms have cultivated for countless years? How could he possibly cause trouble?

He and his second senior brother were both reincarnations from beyond the heavens, possessing the Heaven-Seizing Hand, yet they now faced completely different situations.
"In short, just listen to these stories as if they were just tales, junior brother. With your calm and steady nature, I'm sure Master and Senior Brother can rest assured."

The ferryman handed the stone token back to Niu Yi, who then reached out to take it.

“These things are not something you need to worry about too much right now, Junior Brother. Once you have cultivated the Primordial Dao Fruit, you will naturally know many things.”

Niu Yi stood up and nodded seriously to his second senior brother.

"Thank you for your explanation, Senior Brother. I will certainly not divulge the information I have learned from you."

"I would also like to ask my senior brother to look at something."

The ferryman smiled, but before he could speak, he saw the specks of light floating in Niu Yi's hand and froze.

(End of this chapter)