vstars Chapter 4 The Master's Appointed Guide
Chapter 4 The Master's Appointed Guide
This method of attaining immortality is shallow and can only be granted to one person.
With a single word from the Bodhi Patriarch, his figure seemed to rise infinitely higher.
It was as high as a celestial being overlooking the human world. Though it was a secluded hermit, it now revealed a silent ferocity because of a single word, as if it were telling an extremely cruel truth.
The voice was clear and melodious, yet it was so clear that even the monkey, who had only recently attained enlightenment, could understand it.
No human words are needed; it is directly imparted by divine will.
For a moment, the monkey's mind was in a daze.
It felt as if two giant hands were trying to tear it in two.
Half of it is spent constantly reminiscing about their encounter in Qing Shi Town.
For the first time, that warm gaze pierced into my previously obscured consciousness.
It was as if a warm, large hand was leading it out of the thick fog that had enveloped the ridge a few days earlier.
Just as the bright light pierced through its illusions, enabling it to understand many truths.
The other half comes from the various separations and deaths witnessed by the monkeys and the people of Flower Fruit Mountain.
Filled with great fear of death, it crossed the sea to the west to seek the Dharma.
Single-mindedly pursuing immortality, he was unafraid of the many dangers along the way.
Driven by a single, stubborn thought, he traveled to Qing Shi Town and met Brother Ren.
"Brother Ren..."
For a moment, the monkey felt as if his heart was being torn apart, a pain that felt like it was being ripped apart.
It truly didn't know which monkey was more important to it at that moment.
The weight of immortality is immense, but Brother Keren has granted it true intelligence.
It is like a father or an elder brother; how can it enjoy immortality alone!
The monkey suddenly knelt down, hugging the man's leg, howling and screaming in pain.
Even though Zhong Xuan was heartless, he gently squatted down and gently embraced the monkey.
He didn't seem surprised; he had already been aware of it for a long time.
He is probably an anomaly that needs to be eliminated from the mainstream of this Heavenly Dao.
Perhaps only with Bodhi Patriarch can one find a glimmer of hope.
It was only because the immortals and Buddhas had long since occupied high positions, their gazes were disciplined, and the prison was solemn and strict.
The monkey recalled the deaths of its monkey offspring on Flower Fruit Mountain, reflecting on the great fear in its heart.
But the presence of my brother, with his warmth and enlightenment in my heart, made it impossible to erase this fear of life and death.
The patriarch on the high platform remained silent, his back turned, awaiting the decision.
The monkey suddenly stopped, then, with a weight as heavy as a thousand pounds, slowly pushed the human brother away.
His gaze was unwavering for the first time, and his rugged back seemed capable of bearing the weight of a thousand mountains.
It walked up to the patriarch, bowed deeply, and cried out in anguish.
"Grandmaster...this...this method of immortality...I...I no longer seek it..."
"Oh?! You really don't want it anymore? Your brother is more important than immortality?"
The patriarch's voice held a smile, but his tone gradually turned cold.
The monkey suddenly shook its head violently, its eyes flashing with cunning.
"Heavy, heavy, heavy! All the same! Brother Ren leads me...to immortality...I lead Brother Ren...to immortality!!"
The monkey's body slowly straightened, becoming as upright as a stick about to pierce the sky.
It made up its mind and broke free from the temptation of immortality.
It straightened its former monkey king pride, as if wanting the people behind it to hear it.
Then the sound grew louder, clearer, and brighter.
"I...seek immortality! But here...I cannot have it...I must leave!"
The monkey turned around and stared at the patriarch's back one last time.
His gaze gradually revealed a cunning and a hint of expectation.
"Brother...go...keep going...beg...beg elsewhere!"
Having said that, the monkey gradually grew taller and walked back to its human brother's side.
Its golden fur shimmered brilliantly in the sunlight.
The monkey still had to raise its head to meet those warm eyes and grin.
"Go away! Brother! Go somewhere else! I need help!"
"Brother Monkey..."
Zhong Xuan's gaze seemed to tremble with the wind and rain, and he sighed inwardly.
Perhaps this journey to the West is meant to fulfill a past life's wish, but it will ultimately be unattainable?
Is it always true that the things we yearn for are forever out of reach?
He suppressed his grief and used his Daoist heart to grind it into powder.
His expression returned to firmness and composure, and he spoke:
"Master, please don't be angry. I'm going somewhere else. I only ask for your mercy."
"Brother Monkey, you must have a connection with the patriarch to have found this place. I hope you will take me in."
Having said that, Zhong Xuan waved his coarse cloth sleeve and resolutely turned around.
The monkey was stunned, its stone eyes gleaming.
But it was only at this moment that Patriarch Bodhi finally spoke softly.
"Wait a moment."
The patriarch slowly turned his head, flicked his whisk, and looked down as if from a very high distance.
"Recently, the weather has been changing, which is unsettling."
His tone grew increasingly somber:
"Your fate is like a spark, yet you've become entangled with this monkey."
When he said this, the monkey was not angry at all; instead, he puffed out his chest and seemed to feel a sense of pride.
"Fine, fine. Since you started from Qing Shi Town, then lead it all the way here."
The patriarch revealed a strange smile, the smile seemingly looking into the deepest depths.
Since the fate of the heavens has become obscure, he took the opportunity to push the changes forward.
After all, these newly created spiritual stones of heaven and earth eventually need someone to guide them on their path—
Let us then play a casual game of chess, placing a piece on either side of the lofty and unfathomable will of Heaven.
Therefore, the patriarch's tone became more relaxed:
"From now on, you will continue to be this monkey's guide, leading it onto the right path, is that alright?"
Hearing this, the monkey was overjoyed and vigorously shook the man's arm.
But upon closer inspection, the man's face appeared extremely serious.
Zhong Xuan remained silent for a long time, then suddenly handed over a classic text and a book, presenting them with both hands as if he were a junior.
After he left home, he spent the rest of his time repairing and creating the new Tai Xuan Dao Jing, as well as the Hong Zhong Dian, which only deals with the mortal realm.
With a flick of his whisk, the Bodhi Patriarch summoned two scriptures that flew close and were turned open with a rustling sound in the mountain breeze.
However, after a short while, the patriarch closed the book and looked at the young man before him.
He has indeed reached the Dao realm, and his comprehension is also rare.
But—he was a mortal with no magical powers and mediocre physical attributes.
Like a seed, buried in the soil, yet to sprout.
Whether it can grow into a towering tree depends on fate and also on itself.
The patriarch nodded slightly and commented, "This is a fine seed of the Dao, but... let's look at this sea of pines."
The voice was leisurely, seemingly filled with endless emotions.
"Years ago, I obtained ginseng fruit tree seeds from Zhen Yuanzi, intending to plant them among the pines and cypresses."
"Now only the pines and cypresses stand lush and green, the laws and regulations are strictly enforced; can you see clearly now?"
The Bodhi Patriarch smiled and inquired, wanting to see more of this child's willpower and understanding.
Zhong Xuan nodded silently: "All living beings have a certain obsession, so that they are not just plants, trees, metals and stones. That bit of persistent spiritual light... is what I will pursue with all my might."
Bodhi Patriarch did not turn around, but whispered:
"It should be understood that from the ancient dragon and phoenix to the War of the Gods, the will of Heaven has gradually ceased to change."
"The sage follows the will of Heaven and the Way, and manipulates all changes."
"This world is entirely governed by the Heavenly Dao, the Sages, and the Three Pure Ones' lineage."
"All immortals, Buddhas, demons, and heretics in the heavens abide by this... Are you really sure you've thought this through?"
"And this monkey next to you, are you going to have it accompany you into danger too?"
The Bodhi Patriarch spoke gently and kindly, as if looking at a foolish child.
Zhong Xuan's Dao heart became clearer, and his gaze became as gentle as a mirror.
Indeed: Even hearing the words of a celestial being, one's mortal will remain unchanged.
Bodhi Patriarch then waved his long sleeves, revealing a universe within them, from which flew out a scroll of bamboo scripture and a book of scriptures.
"This is a scroll of methods for protecting the path to longevity, and a slow and lengthy ancient Qi-refining technique."
"The former requires you to be tempered and to open it only in the most difficult times."
"The latter, though only a few hundred words long, points directly to the smooth path of ancient qi practitioners."
"At that time, the Three Pure Ones Taoist tradition was not yet prevalent, making it the most primitive and suitable place for you, kid."
The patriarch smiled, and Zhong Xuan bowed and accepted the bamboo tube with both hands. He then continued:
"Since fate cannot be changed and you, the guide, are unwilling to back down, then come in and fight for it!"
"And you have already been drawn into the westward journey designated by the sage."
"If you don't fight, you will surely be crushed to pieces."
"If you fight, you might end up like I was in the past, in a life of seclusion."
After the patriarch finished speaking, he laughed loudly, as if he had finally resolved a long-standing knot in his heart.
"Go on, go on! We part ways here at Lingtai, our destiny now separated."
"Keep half the law, lock up half the fate."
"The bluestone should remain unchanged for a hundred years, and only by reflecting one's true nature can one attain true enlightenment."
"Following this path of the heart towards immortality, when we meet again, we should still be young..."
All sorts of carefree situations are captured in the song.
The mischievous monkey next to Zhong Xuan opened the Longevity Bamboo Scroll for a look.
It was a completely blank, bright green space, with a single green leaf interspersed among it!
Then a gentle breeze swirled, carrying him and the monkey down the mountain.
The patriarch's voice was clear and resonant, and he left a message:
"You two monkeys, take this green leaf and follow the directions!"
"You will all have to deal with the Heavenly Court sooner or later, so it's better to arrive sooner rather than later..."
"Once you arrive at your destination, you will be able to make your own arrangements and choices."
"You will receive another gift soon. But you must not mention my name in public again!"