Journey to the West: Starting with the True Lord of the Pure Land

With a tap of the fingertip, one can instantly travel to the wonderful world of Chapter 232, "The Buddha's Guidance at Lingyun Ferry and the Joyful Invitation of Leiyin Temple (Two-in-One)".

Upon hearing Jin Chanzi's words, Chen Jiao understood that this was a message from the Buddha.

His purpose in coming here was to pay homage to the Buddha, so there was no reason for him to refuse. He then nodded slightly and said:

"The Buddha's kindness is too much to refuse."

I have long admired the sacred Ling Mountain, and this is a perfect opportunity to behold the Buddha's light and listen to the profound Dharma.

The conversation was over.

The Golden Peak Immortal then arranged for the Heavenly Soldiers and Thunder Generals to temporarily reside in the temple, leaving only Fei Peng to escort Bai Susu, and to accompany Chen Jiao, Li Jing and his son, and Jin Chanzi on their journey to Mount Ling.

The Golden-Crowned Immortal laughed and said, "To get to Mount Ling, there's no need to detour through the mountain gate. Take a look at the back courtyard; there's a hidden path there."

After saying this, he led everyone through the quiet room.

It turns out that the Jade True Temple is in a unique location, with its rear hall connected to the mountain path of Ling Mountain, making it a hidden paradise.

Stepping out of the back hall, a bright and open space suddenly appeared before me.

A secluded stone path winds its way upwards, flanked by ancient trees and fragrant wildflowers.

The Golden Peak Immortal pointed to a distant mountain peak and laughed:

"The True Lord has made his first visit to Mount Ling, so behold—"

That place in the sky, with its auspicious five-colored light and countless layers of auspicious mist, is Vulture Peak, the sacred realm of Buddha.

Chen Jiao looked in the direction the man pointed.

As the clouds and mist dispersed, boundless light shone from the distant mountain peaks.

The light was different from the radiance of the sun, moon, and stars; it was a soft gold mixed with blue, yellow, red, and white, merging into a five-colored auspicious light that swirled and illuminated half the sky.

Within the light, layers of auspicious mist rose, revealing glimpses of magnificent palaces, precious trees, and golden lotuses.

Poems as proof:

The clouds part to reveal the majestic Vulture Peak, and the rosy clouds embrace the thunderous sound that connects to the Great Luo.

Golden palaces and silver halls hang in the azure sky, while rare flowers and jade herbs adorn the rocky cliffs.

The roar of a lion often startles the dust and worries; the sight of an elephant occasionally trampling on a shell.

It is indeed the first realm in the West, a place of perfect harmony of purity, solemnity, and magnificence.

Chen Jiao couldn't help but secretly admire it. What a serene and solemn place of enlightenment! It was quite different from the pure and tranquil Taoist immortal mountains.

Jin Chanzi chanted a Buddhist prayer in a low voice and said:

"Although the mountain path is not steep, it is surrounded by the Eight Merits Water and shaded by the Seven Treasures Forest."

Every step reveals a new and wondrous scene. Gentlemen, please follow this humble monk.

Jin Chanzi had already led the way, lotus flowers blooming beneath his feet, his steps serene.

Chen Jiao noticed that he was not riding a cloud, and felt a little suspicious, but he remained calm and simply followed along.

These people are not ordinary mortals; their bodies are free from impurities. They walk among the mountains with extraordinary grace, carried by gentle breezes and accompanied by clouds.

Ancient trees towered on both sides, exotic flowers bloomed, auspicious herbs exuded fragrance, and the faint sounds of monkeys crying and cranes calling could be heard.

In the blink of an eye, they had traveled five or six miles of mountain road. The scenery before them changed, and suddenly they heard the roar of water.

Looking up, I saw a formidable chasm stretching across my path. What a magnificent river!

The rolling waves roared like an avalanche; the surging waters resembled a stampede of ten thousand horses.

Strangely, there were no bridges or boats on this vast expanse of water.

Only a single, round, smooth log spans the water, leading directly to the other side.

The log was no more than a foot wide, slippery and dangerous to the touch, overlooking a rushing torrent; it was a sight to behold.

Upon seeing this perilous situation, Li Jing's expression changed slightly.

He was a marshal of the Heavenly Court, accustomed to riding auspicious clouds, but had never crossed such a treacherous single log before.

Bai Susu's face turned even paler. Her cultivation was shallow, and she was bound by the Demon-Binding Rope. Looking at the rushing river and the slippery log beneath her feet, her heart pounded.

Nezha remained calm, raising an eyebrow slightly, and turned to Jin Chanzi to ask:

"Buddha's disciple, since you are going to Mount Ling, why not take the Cloud Path directly up, instead of crossing this single-plank bridge at Lingyun Ferry?"

Jin Chanzi stopped at the water's edge, turned around upon hearing this, his face still showing compassion and tranquility, and replied with his palms together:

"The Third Prince's question is quite valid. Originally, the Cloud Path should indeed lead directly to Thunderclap Monastery. However..."

He turned his gaze to Chen Jiao, who was quietly observing the water's flow, and said slowly:

"This is Master's intention. Since you are newly arrived at Mount Ling, you should naturally appreciate all the sights."

Having said this much, Jin Chanzi said no more, leaving the deeper meaning for others to understand on their own.

Li Jing frowned as he looked at the thin, slippery log and pondered, "This commander... is not accustomed to taking such dangerous paths."

"Would it be possible to ride the clouds and pass by?"

Jin Chanzi smiled slightly and nodded, saying, "Of course. The path here is left to fate."

Riding the clouds is also a method. Heavenly King Li, please proceed.

His expression was calm and he didn't seem to be forcing it.

Upon hearing this, Li Jing breathed a sigh of relief. Without saying anything more, auspicious clouds rose beneath his feet, carrying him slowly into the air, across the surging river, and towards the other side.

High above the clouds, looking down, one sees the river rushing and roaring, its sound like thunder, and the water vapor chillingly cold.

Li Jing was secretly alarmed:

"What a treacherous place! Without the ability to fly, how could a mortal possibly cross it!"

Nezha, seeing this, chuckled and didn't ride the clouds.

He first kicked out his Wind and Fire Wheels, which transformed into two streaks of light and flew to the other side. He then stepped barefoot onto the smooth log.

He stood as steady as a mountain, his steps as light as if walking on flat ground, and in just a few steps he reached the middle of the bridge.

Strangely enough, the turbulent waves that had been crashing against the bridge kept splashing water everywhere.

After Nezha stepped onto the river, the water seemed to become more docile, the waves gradually subsided, and its force decreased sharply.

Nezha turned back to Chen Jiao and said with a smile, "You silent devil, I'm off!"

After saying that, he moved again and in the blink of an eye, he was on the other side.

Fei Peng, who was holding Bai Susu captive, was dressed in cold silver armor, but his expression remained unchanged as he faced the overwhelming chasm.

He was originally a wisp of innate tranquility enlightened by Chen Jiao in the past, with a calm and aloof temperament, and was not easily moved by external things.

He longed to try crossing the bridge like Nezha, but duty called. He glanced at Bai Susu, who looked terrified beside him, and decided to ride a cloud to take the prisoner across.

Unexpectedly, Chen Jiao, who was standing to the side, spoke up to stop him:

"Fei Peng, you may also try this bridge."

The voice was calm, yet undeniable.

Chen Jiao's gaze swept over the lone log, then he glanced at Bai Susu, whose face was pale, and continued:

"Put the escort duty aside for now and go on your own. There are advantages to it."

Upon hearing this, Fei Peng did not hesitate.

He never doubted Chen Jiao's words; if the True Lord said there were benefits, then there must be.

He straightened his armor and strode towards the log bridge, his steps steady and his gaze level, not even glancing at the surging river beneath his feet.

Jin Chanzi, standing to the side, merely smiled upon hearing Zhenjun's words.

As soon as Nezha stepped across the log bridge and landed on the shore, the roaring river behind him at Lingyun Ferry roared again.

The turbid waves surged into the sky, crashing violently against the smooth log, splashing up thousands of piles of snow foam, making it look even more treacherous than before.

When it was Fei Peng's turn to step onto the log, the surging river water seemed to pause.

Although the waves still surged, the terrifying giant waves were no longer seen crashing.

Only the gentle flow of water remained beneath the bridge, allowing even the most navigable people to cross safely to the other side without getting wet.

Jin Chanzi observed all of this and couldn't help but softly praise:

"Amitabha. General Fei Peng has a clear mind and pure origins; he is truly extraordinary."

However, when Chen Jiao stepped onto that wet log, something unexpected happened!

A deafening roar was heard, as if the entire waterway of Lingyun Ferry had been enraged.

The river, which had just calmed down, suddenly boiled up again, churning up hundreds of feet of turbid waves, like thousands of angry dragons overturning the sea, crashing down on the log bridge with a deafening roar!

The towering waves surged one after another, almost completely engulfing the narrow bridge.

The air was thick with steam, creating a terrifying atmosphere.

Even Li Jing and the others on the opposite bank couldn't help but change their expressions slightly upon seeing this.

Chen Jiao stood amidst the raging waves, his black cloak fluttering in the turbulent wind and torrents.

He stood firmly on the lone log that was trembling violently and could be swept away by the giant waves at any moment, his body as if nailed to the spot.

Despite the raging winds and waves, and the fluttering of their clothes, they remained steadfast and unmoved.

The auspicious light emanating from the Xuan Tian Bi Jie Yun Jin Chang (a type of brocade cloak) dissipated all the moisture that rushed towards them.

Chen Jiao's mind was now as clear as a mirror.

Nezha is the incarnation of a lotus root, without soul or spirit, without any attachments or hindrances, and is originally a pure being.

Fei Peng was formed from a wisp of innate pure energy, belonging to the innate pure spirit, untouched by dust and turbidity.

Therefore, the two men did not have any difficulty crossing the river, which was either calm or gentle.

Although he had attained immortality, in essence, he was a mortal who had gone through tribulations and arduous cultivation.

Moreover, he also has two avatars, Xuan Ling and Jiang Xiao... One person is involved in three fates and three destinies.

The waters of Lingyun Ferry reflect and test not only one's balance, but also the unseen and intangible yet undeniably real cause and effect.

Just now.

Suddenly, a small boat broke through the raging waves from the depths of the storm.

A man stood on the boat, dressed in simple monk's robes, wearing a straw hat, and holding a long pole.

His face was obscured, but a hoarse yet resonant voice pierced through the wind and waves, reaching Chen Jiao's ears:

"Cross the river! Cross the river!"

His voice was deep and calm, even suppressing some of the sound of the wind and waves.

As the boat drew near, the man raised his head, revealing a kind and smiling face beneath his straw hat, with boundless light flowing around him.

It is the Buddha who guides those with affinity, Namo Ratnaketu Light King Buddha.

At this moment, the Buddha's gaze fell upon Chen Jiao, and looking at the terrifying storms that had arisen around him, far exceeding ordinary levels, he couldn't help but feel a chill in his heart.

Lingyun Ferry has never manifested itself in such a state over the years.

This Huangtian Jingfa Zhenjun is indeed a remarkable person.

Upon hearing the cry of "Shangdu," Chen Jiao turned his gaze amidst the raging storm and saw that it was the Buddha himself who had come to guide him.

Amidst the howling wind and deafening roar of the waves, he calmly bowed slightly towards the small boat, and raised his voice, clear and resonant, which even drowned out the surging waves and thunderous roar:

"Thank you for your kindness, Buddha. But..."

Chen Jiao turned his gaze back to the other shore, which was faintly visible amidst the raging waves.

"Now that we've reached this bridge, how can we give up halfway?"

Having said that, before the Buddha of Precious Banner Light could speak again, Chen Jiao had already taken a step.

Despite the towering waves and roaring water dragons, not a single drop of water could touch him.

Chen Jiao walked steadily, each step landing on the smooth, wet, and constantly trembling log.

It was as if it wasn't the bridge that was supporting him, but rather his very existence that stabilized the storm and anchored the lone log beneath his feet.

The surging waves formed by karma and cause and effect, when they encountered the clear light surrounding Chen Jiao, were like hitting an invisible reef, dissipating or flowing around it on their own.

No matter how high the wind and how turbulent the waves, no matter how entangled the causes and effects, I remain steadfast and take root with every step.

In just a few breaths.

It was even a little faster than the time it took Nezha to cross the river.

The wind and waves have stopped on the shore.

The river at Lingyun Ferry seemed to have exhausted all its anger in an instant, returning to its calm and deep state.

Only a few ripples remain, reflecting the light of the sky and the shadows of the clouds.

Chen Jiao turned around and bowed again to the Buddha of the Precious Banner Light, who was still on the small boat in the middle of the stream.

His expression remained calm as before, and the clear light flowing around him gradually faded away.

The hem of the cloak was completely dry.

On the small boat, the Buddha of Precious Banner Light gazed at the tall figure on the shore, his eyes, hidden beneath his bamboo hat, gleaming with light, and his smile deepened.

He murmured to himself, his voice fading in the breeze:

"Without relying on boats or oars, without depending on external forces, I ferry myself across, calming cause and effect, and quelling the storms..."

So good, so wonderful. "

After praising him, the Buddha of Precious Banner Light glanced at Chen Jiao with a smile, then lightly tapped the bamboo pole.

The small boat turned around and sailed leisurely along the river towards a place shrouded in clouds and mist.

An aged yet expansive song drifted afar on the water, echoing endlessly across Lingyun Ferry:

"Do not ask how many waves lie ahead, for the lamp of your heart will illuminate the way through the maze. The bottomless boat rows emptily, ferrying those destined to cross..."

Chen Jiao watched the small boat sail away before his eyes dimmed, and he stood with his hands behind his back on the bank, carefully reflecting on the details of crossing the river.

The towering waves just now were less a manifestation of the water's force and more a manifestation of the invisible karma carried by the two incarnations throughout their past lives at Lingyun Ferry.

Every wave that crashes in is a story of entanglement; every gust of wind that assaults the body is a test.

However, when his will was as firm as iron, and he took each step steadily, he suppressed all kinds of delusions with his true self and resolved the external storms.

That feeling of clarity, as if breaking free from some invisible constraint, arises spontaneously.

At this moment, when I calm my mind and reflect, I feel my mind is clear and my soul has been cleansed by the turbulent waves.

Although it did not increase his magical power by the slightest, some indescribable dust and hindrance in his mind seemed to fade away with the wind and waves at the ferry, making him appear more clear and resilient.

This crossing of the clouds is not just about crossing a river, but also about crossing one's heart.

The wonder of this cannot be appreciated without personal experience and trial.

"The Buddha was indeed benevolent."

Chen Jiao understood.

On the opposite bank, Jin Chanzi witnessed Chen Jiao crossing safely, and saw him standing quietly with his eyes closed, his aura seemingly different.

He couldn't help but put his palms together again, softly chanting a Buddhist mantra, his eyes filled with even more admiration.

Nezha and Fei Peng exchanged a glance, their expressions also showing admiration.

Only Bai Susu was mesmerized, her fear of this young True Lord unconsciously mixed with a sense of indescribable shock.

Not long after.

Jin Chanzi rode on an auspicious cloud, carrying Bai Susu, and gracefully crossed the river to arrive.

With everyone present, Jin Chanzi led the way, and the group headed straight for the summit of Mount Ling.

The higher you go, the more wondrous the scenery and the more spectacular the atmosphere.

Layer upon layer of pavilions conceal the world, and towering golden palaces hide immortals. Golden tiles, like mandarin ducks, stand in stark contrast to the gleaming, agate-like bricks.

Eastward and westward, all are palaces and pavilions; southward and northward, the treasure pavilions and precious buildings are endless.

Not far.

Under a pine forest nearby, many laymen and laywomen were lined up, each with neat appearance, chanting with their palms together.

On the right, amidst the verdant cypress grove, many devout men and women held flowers and incense, their expressions pious.

Auspicious clouds occasionally drift down from the sky.

With the Lotus Assembly of the Wondrous Dharma approaching, holy beings from all directions and devout believers from all directions are arriving one after another, creating a truly solemn and grand atmosphere for the Dharma assembly.

Upon reaching the outside of the mountain gate, one sees the Eight Vajra Guardians guarding the first and second gates.

Each of them was imposing and dignified, some holding vajras, others holding wisdom swords.

In the past, they subdued dragons and elephants to make peace in this land; today, they guard the mountain gate and worship the Buddha.

The four guardians of the outer gate are:

The Vajra of the Secret Demon Rock of Mount Wutai possesses great supernatural powers; the Vajra of the Cool Cave of Mount Emei has immeasurable magical power; the Vajra of the Moer Cliff of Mount Sumeru is powerful; and the Vajra of the Golden Cloud Ridge of Mount Kunlun is indestructible and eternally abiding.

The Vajra of the Dharma, his voice booming like a bell, addressed the Golden Cicada, who was leading the way, with his palms pressed together:

"So it's Senior Brother Jin Chanzi returning. I wonder about the people behind him..."

Their gazes were sharp and fixed on Chen Jiao, Li Jing, and the others, especially on Bai Susu, who was bound, whose auras seemed to be subtly locked onto her.

Jin Chanzi returned the greeting with his palms together and briefly explained the identities of Li Jing and his son, Chen Jiao, and the matter of escorting the demon criminal.

Upon hearing this, Vajra dared not delay and quickly stepped aside to clear the mountain gate, passing through the first and second gates in a short time.

Upon reaching the third mountain gate, Jin Chanzi said to Chen Jiao and the others:

"Please wait here for a moment, while I go and find the monk who arranged the offerings to inform you."

After saying this, he bowed and turned to leave.

Chen Jiao and the others waited quietly outside the third mountain gate.

The place was even more serene, with exotic flowers and rare herbs, and celestial flowers seemingly falling from the sky, while the sound of pure Buddhist chants could be heard from time to time.

While they were waiting, a monk suddenly appeared from inside the temple, smiling.

The monk had a full, round face and a plump figure. He wore a bright red brocade robe and held a string of crystal prayer beads in his hand.

He exudes a sense of harmony and joy that inspires happiness.

He approached and bowed respectfully to Chen Jiao and the others, his voice gentle and pleasant:

"Amitabha Buddha. This humble monk is Venerable Da Le Yin."

By the decree of the Joyful Buddha Dharma, I have come to welcome the Pure Dharma True Lord and the Heavenly King and his son.