Jiang Yuan understood immediately upon hearing, and bowed, saying, “Master, your disciple understands.”
The Ancestor smiled and said, “I have not yet finished speaking, yet you have not heard it all. Go find a mat; I will continue my teachings so you can hear everything.”
Jiang Yuan expressed his gratitude for the Ancestor's profound kindness and fetched a mat to sit on.
The Ancestor then began to impart teachings to the young Jiang, much of which was derived from the Dao scriptures.
Jiang Yuan entered a meditative state, listening to the teachings, as if entranced.
Teaching the Dao and cultivating the Dao are two different matters.
After half a day, the teachings were finally concluded.
Just as Jiang Yuan was about to leave, the Ancestor stopped him and asked, “Child, have you fully mastered the technique of Sleeve Universe?”
Jiang Yuan replied, “Master, I have indeed mastered it, but I have not yet tested it, so I do not know how it performs, hence I have not reported my success to you.”
The Ancestor smiled and said, “Then show me how you test it.”
Jiang Yuan asked, “Where should I test it?”
The Ancestor said, “No need to hesitate, test it here in the room for me to see.”
Upon hearing this, Jiang Yuan did not hesitate.
He chanted the incantation and used the technique of Sleeve Universe, lightly extending his sleeve, sweeping it into the room.
He did not dare to offend the Ancestor and focused on gathering the items in front of the Ancestor.
With a sweep, he gathered the mat, table, and bed in the room, placing them into his sleeve.
This Sleeve Universe technique was indeed a great skill; once items were stored, they could not be taken out unless from the outside.
If one tried to take them out from within, the sleeve would feel soft, but if one were to strike it, it would be harder than steel.
Jiang Yuan stored half the items in the room and then returned them to their original places.
He said, “Master, this is the Sleeve Universe.”
The Ancestor clapped his hands in praise, smiling, “Child, you are indeed clever. You have fully mastered the Sleeve Universe, but you should practice it more. When you can use the Sleeve Universe without reciting the incantation, then you will truly understand it.”
Jiang Yuan said, “Master, I will practice diligently.”
The Ancestor said, “Child, have you gained any insights while practicing the Sleeve Universe?”
Jiang Yuan replied, “Master, I feel that the techniques of divine powers are similar to the proper path of cultivating the Golden Elixir.”
The Ancestor smiled and asked, “How so?”
Jiang Yuan pondered for a long time and said, “Practicing divine powers seems to have similarities with cultivating the Golden Elixir. For instance, the Sleeve Universe is akin to the ‘Establishing the Cauldron’ technique; the hundred and eight great methods involve many aspects and share similarities with the seven steps of the Golden Elixir.”
The Ancestor nodded and said, “What you say makes sense! How do you think the Golden Elixir is cultivated? This path is difficult and profound; without encountering a wise person, it is hard to achieve. If you cultivate this path, practicing divine powers is much easier. This is because, during the cultivation of the proper path, you have already mastered many techniques.”
Jiang Yuan said, “I owe everything to Master’s teachings, which is why I am where I am today.”
The Ancestor said, “Do not speak of my contributions; it is not entirely so. You must understand that a heart that does not waver is the true path. You may go and rest; another day I will teach you a protective technique.”
Jiang Yuan acknowledged and bowed, then left the quiet room.
…
Jiang Zhenren returned to his room, knowing that the monkey would come at night, so he did not engage in quiet cultivation.
He sat cross-legged on the mat and took a bamboo slip, intending to write.
What he recorded was not the proper path of the Golden Elixir; this path was difficult and not to be lightly transmitted.
There were many secrets in the Dao that should not be passed on.
How could he record them? In his earlier years, he had listened to discussions among the officials and gained some insights from the heterodox schools, so recording them was harmless, and he filled the library.
Unknowingly, the sky had darkened, around midnight.
Jiang Yuan felt something and glanced toward the half-open door, only to see a monkey head approaching, adjusting its breathing stealthily.
He smiled and said, “What’s that outside, sneaking around? It must be trying to set a fire and cause trouble.”
The monkey outside heard this and was horrified, revealing itself and bowing, saying, “Senior Brother, it’s me! Don’t burn me, don’t burn me!”
Jiang Yuan smiled broadly, put down his brush, and pointed at the monkey, saying, “You little monkey! Why aren’t you sleeping peacefully in front? Why are you sneaking around at this hour?”
Wukong said, “Senior Brother, I came here at Master’s behest to help you through your difficulties. Once I help you pass, I will go to Master to learn the wondrous path of longevity.”
Jiang Yuan said, “When did Master say this? Wukong, those who cultivate must avoid such things.”
Wukong replied, “Senior Brother, don’t tease me. This is Master’s hidden riddle, and I understand it.”
Upon hearing this, Jiang Yuan admired him in his heart, thinking, “This monkey is truly born of heaven and earth, with such understanding, remarkable! Compared to true insight, it surpasses much. If true insight had even a bit of understanding, it would have realized the primordial spirit long ago.”
He then said, “Wukong, since you know the hidden riddle, I will not hide it from you. I will ask you a question; if your answer satisfies me, I will let you go. If not, you will return empty-handed.”
Wukong bowed and said, “Just ask, Senior Brother.”
Jiang Yuan sat cross-legged on the mat and said, “If, on the path of cultivation, there are beings that need your help, what would you do?”
Wukong replied, “Senior Brother, in the sect, although the three families teach compassion, I travel the world and know that people do not cultivate their hearts, acting for fame and profit. Seeking cultivation, they instead encounter disdain. If beings need my help, I cannot save them; I can only offer guidance by showing them the way.”
Jiang Yuan sighed, “Wukong, you are like me. If you wish to attain the proper path, you must cultivate your heart, do you understand?”
Wukong replied, “Senior Brother, I understand.”
Jiang Yuan waved his hand and said, “Then you may go.”
Wukong bowed and retreated.
Jiang Yuan looked on, unsure of Wukong’s future.
Would he be like the rebellious and unruly character from the great dream of Journey to the West? Yet he knew that at this moment, Wukong was a cultivator with a noble character, exceptional understanding, born of heaven and earth, truly remarkable, and was on the path of proper cultivation.
He awaited to see what Wukong would become.
Jiang Yuan lightly waved his sleeve, and a gentle breeze came, closing the door tightly as he continued to write.
…
Meanwhile, Wukong left Jiang Yuan’s quiet room and turned toward the Ancestor’s quiet room.
As he approached, he saw that the Ancestor’s door was also half-open.
He stepped forward and entered the room, where the Ancestor was sitting cross-legged on the mat, eyes closed.
Wukong knelt down and said, “Master.”
The Ancestor opened his eyes and said, “Why has this monkey come?”
Wukong replied, “Master, I understand the hidden riddle, so I came here to learn the Dao.”
The Ancestor asked, “What hidden riddle?”
Wukong answered, “Master, earlier at the altar, you struck me three times, instructing me to come before midnight, and then you sent me with Senior Brother to close the door, which taught me to understand Senior Brother’s intention and come through the back door to learn the Dao.”
Upon hearing this, the Ancestor thought to himself, “This fellow is indeed born of heaven and earth; otherwise, how could he see through my riddle? In my sect, there are children who inherit the teachings, and there is also true insight to assist them. I did not expect there to be another who cultivates the proper path.”
Wukong stepped forward and said, “Master, there are no eavesdroppers here. I hope Master will show mercy and impart to me the path of longevity. I will never forget Master’s great kindness!”
The Ancestor said, “Since you have unraveled the riddle, you have the affinity for the law. I will impart to you the proper path. Cultivating this path, you can attain longevity.”
Wukong bowed and said, “I hope Master will teach me!”
The Ancestor said, “Come closer; I will impart the proper path to you.”
Wukong listened attentively, moving closer to hear the profound teachings.
The Ancestor then transmitted the proper path of the Golden Elixir to Wukong.
Wukong earnestly memorized the incantations and such, bowed three times to the Ancestor, and then left the quiet room, returning along the old path to his dwelling, not daring to disturb anyone.
(End of Chapter)