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

The Venerable Xuan Gu was deeply grateful. He immediately lifted his robe, bowed deeply, and wept as he said:

"Your Majesty, I humbly thank you for your generous gift! This kindness is like a second life. I, Xuan Gu, will certainly live up to Your Majesty's expectations, dedicate myself to cultivation, and vow to break through this barrier!"

"Go and consider it further. There's no need to rush the matter of Nascent Soul Formation; a solid foundation is essential."

Xuan Ling waved his hand and said no more.

Master Xuan Gu bowed again before quietly leaving to go into seclusion and comprehend the profound teachings.

The pavilion returned to tranquility, with only the sound of flowing water and the gentle rustling of the wind through the flowers and leaves.

Zi Teng massaged Xuan Ling's temples, and seeing that the master had his eyes closed to rest, she spoke softly:

"During the years that the master has been in seclusion, Princess Wansheng of the Wansheng Dragon Palace in Bibo Pool has often sent people to deliver all sorts of rare and exotic items, spiritual fruits and immortal wines, with a very generous gift list."

The maidservant was taken into the storeroom as per custom and registered. Furthermore…

She paused, then took out a letter sealed with silk gauze and faintly fragrant from her sleeve, and presented it with both hands.

"Princess Wansheng has sent another handwritten letter here, instructing that it be delivered to the master."

Upon hearing this, Xuan Ling's eyes flashed with a hint of helplessness as he reached out and took the item.

He naturally remembered the beloved daughter of the Dragon King of Bibo Pool, and even more so, he remembered the old Dragon King's birthday banquet years ago, when the princess called him "Uncle".

The scene is still vivid in my mind.

Princess Wansheng's expression, a mixture of shyness and reproach, and the old Dragon King's carefree laughter as he stroked his beard, truly left him somewhat at a loss.

Xuan Ling reached out and took the letter.

With a slight movement of her divine sense, the letter opened on its own. The handwriting on it was delicate and lively, yet strong and vigorous, and it was indeed the handwriting of Princess Wansheng.

"To my esteemed Uncle Xuanling: It has been a long time since we last met, and I have been deeply concerned about you. I heard that you have gone into seclusion to cultivate and have achieved great success. This brings me great comfort. I wish you peace and well-being."

On the banks of the emerald pool, the sky remained as it always had. I happened to find several bushels of spirit pearls and a jar of spring water.

I also present some fresh seasonal fruits, all common items, which I dare not call rare. I respectfully offer them to my uncle for his appreciation, as a token of my heartfelt gratitude.

Recently, Wan Sheng has been practicing esoteric arts, but he often encounters obstacles and cannot understand them no matter how hard he tries.

I know that you have exceptional insight into water management. I wonder if you could spare some time to offer some guidance someday?

As I write this, my mind wanders, filled with endless longing. Respectfully submitted for the Holy Ones.

The words are respectful and polite.

Yet the subtle sense of closeness and anticipation that it conveys is like a spring stream, quietly seeping into the paper.

After reading the letter, Xuan Ling placed it on the stone table, his helpless expression becoming even more pronounced. He raised his hand and rubbed his temples.

The three sisters, wisteria, peach, and pear blossom, exchanged a glance and remained silent.

After a long pause, Xuan Ling finally said, "The return gift will be doubled. Send a letter on my behalf, saying that you thank the princess for her kindness."

Having just emerged from seclusion, I am burdened with numerous matters and will soon be embarking on a long journey. The difficulties in cultivation Your Highness mentioned will be discussed further when the time is right.

"Yes," Zi Teng replied softly, a faint smile in her eyes.

Before a cup of tea could be brewed.

Then the green ape hurried over from the stone path, and when it reached the pavilion, it bowed and said, "Your Majesty, the Jade Brocade Immortal from Aolai Kingdom has sent an urgent message."

Xuan Ling raised his eyes and said, "Speak."

"Master Yu Jin sent a message saying that strange things have been happening frequently in Aolai Kingdom recently, and undercurrents are rising in the court, which may indicate instability."

The True Man, knowing his own limited cultivation, could not discern the cause and feared it might be the work of a nearby demon king. Therefore, he dared not act rashly and earnestly requested His Majesty to personally come and investigate, so as to determine the course of events.

Upon hearing this, Xuan Ling's gaze sharpened slightly. After a moment's thought, he nodded slightly.

Aolai Kingdom is located on the coast of the East China Sea, a strategic point of land and water transportation, and its location is of great importance.

Since Master Yujin took control of the court and supported the young emperor's ascension to the throne, the Kingdom of Aolai has undergone a complete transformation and has maintained close ties with Qingchi Ridge.

The two sides exchanged goods and resources, and taxes and tributes were never lacking, making it an important foothold in the mountains extending to the East China Sea.

The current situation has changed and should not be taken lightly.

Xuan Ling pondered for a moment, then raised his eyes and said, "Yu Jin is always cautious in her work. Since she sent out an urgent message, it must be based on something true."

Aolai Kingdom is crucial to the strategic layout beyond the Lingnan region and should not be underestimated.

Having said that, he placed the imperial edict on the table, stood up, and said:

"In that case, I will personally travel to Aolai Kingdom. You and Xuan Gu will jointly manage the affairs of the state. Although the internal traitors have been eliminated, external defenses must not be relaxed."

"Yes, Your subordinate obeys." The green ape solemnly replied.

Xuan Ling didn't delay any longer. With a slight movement, he swept past the layered mountains and sea of ​​clouds, disappearing into the horizon in an instant, heading straight towards Aolai Kingdom on the coast of the East Sea.

…………

…………

Meanwhile, the previous Lotus Assembly of the Wondrous Dharma on Mount Ling was in full swing, and auspicious clouds and mists filled the air.

The Buddhas expound the wondrous Dharma, the Bodhisattvas speak of the true nature, and the Arhats and Vajras each display their supernatural powers.

Celestial maidens scattered flowers, golden lotuses sprang from the earth, boundless Buddha light illuminated the universe, and resounding chants spread throughout the three realms.

All the holy beings and immortal guests of the ten directions listened attentively, forgetting themselves and the world around them. Who would bother with the trivial matters of the mountain gate?

However, in the sacred site of Manjushri Bodhisattva, the tranquil realm of Mount Wutai presents a different kind of serene atmosphere.

But what one sees are towering peaks, shrouded in mist and clouds, with ancient pines and cypresses evergreen throughout the four seasons.

Occasionally, white cranes carrying lingzhi mushrooms would fly over the cloud-covered cliffs, and spirit deer would pause to listen to the faint chanting of scriptures in the valley.

It is truly a cool and pure land, a place of wisdom.

Before departing for the assembly, Manjushri Bodhisattva summoned the lion servant who had guarded the mountain year-round in front of his cave and instructed him:

"I will be going to Lingshan in ten days at most, and three to five days at least. You must guard the mountain gate well and keep a close watch on the entrance."

"Those two wicked beasts must be strictly restrained, and they must not be allowed to roam freely, lest they cause trouble and tarnish the reputation of our temple."

Upon hearing this, the lion servant readily agreed and dared not disobey.

The "two wicked beasts" mentioned by Manjushri Bodhisattva are none other than his mounts—the lion-like monster and the blue-maned lion.

This lion-like monster has quite a history.

It was originally an old demon from the lower realm, who once ruled over a mountain, gathered a group of demons, and dominated hundreds of miles of mountains and rivers.

When transforming into human form, he also disguised himself as a wandering Taoist priest, visiting friends and discussing some superficial principles;

Once he revealed his true form, he led his minions to rob travelers, raid villages and towns, and devour blood and flesh. He was indeed powerful for a while, but he also created a lot of negative karma.

Later, Manjushri Bodhisattva, acting on the Buddha's orders, traveled eastward and passed through that mountain area. He saw that although this demon king was burdened with karmic obstacles and was inherently vicious, he was still very much a target of evil.

However, a trace of innate spiritual light has not been extinguished, and he is also endowed with extraordinary abilities and skills that are different from ordinary demons.

Out of compassion, the Bodhisattva subdued the demon with the supreme Dharma, cut through its ignorance and afflictions with the sword of wisdom, shook its demonic mind with the lion's roar, and recited the true scriptures to cleanse its demonic nature.

After countless years, they finally enlightened the unruly demon king and banished his vicious heart.

They take refuge in me, serving as my mount and steed, always by my side, listening to the wondrous Dharma of Mahayana.

This is an immense opportunity to shed one's demonic form, draw near to the true Buddha, and be exposed to the supreme Dharma—an opportunity that ordinary spirits and monsters cannot obtain.

But this fellow, though his wild nature has been restrained, his pride remains; though his demonic aura has been transformed, his delusions still persist.

In the past, it was strictly disciplined by the Bodhisattva and looked after by the lion servant, so it was quite well-behaved.

Now that the Bodhisattvas have gathered, the Lion Slave sees the Lingshan Dharma Assembly so lively and grand, with Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Arhats, Vajras, and deities from all directions coming and going like clouds.

As a mere lion sergeant, his heart had already flown to the outside of the main hall, only wanting to see more of the magnificent scenery, hear more of the Buddhist chants, and receive some blessings.

They couldn't help but become a little lax in their guarding of the blue lion.

We wholeheartedly recommend this book to you: "Journey to the West: Starting with the True Lord Jingfa". You can read it here.