In the Xie Yue San Xing Cave, the Ancestor taught the principles of heaven and earth for over a month.
When the teachings concluded, the disciples dispersed, leaving only two individuals on the Yao Tai.
One was Jiang Yuan, and the other was Zhen Jian.
The Ancestor said, “Child, you have now mastered everything.”
Jiang Yuan bowed and said, “Thank you, Master, for your guidance. I have just learned, but I have not yet perfected it.”
The Ancestor replied, “If that is the case, you should descend the mountain and seek your fated path.”
Jiang Yuan asked, “Master, should I go to Cuiyun Mountain?”
The Ancestor nodded and said, “You should go to Cuiyun Mountain. There is a Banana Leaf Cave within, where a spirit resides. This spirit is the wife of your Dharma Protector. If you find that Dharma Protector, then all is well. If you cannot find him, wait in his cave; he will surely return.”
Jiang Yuan laughed and said, “Master, there is a saying: ‘Guarding a tree stump waiting for a rabbit,’ which fits this situation perfectly.”
The Ancestor pointed at the child and said, “What you are waiting for is not a rabbit, but a cow. Go, go.”
Jiang Yuan bowed in acknowledgment and, as he was about to leave, glanced at Zhen Jian, secretly thinking, “Zhen Jian, my junior brother, the path is about to be completed.”
Having thought this, the True Person went to the quiet chamber to retrieve his purple robe.
In the Yao Tai, Zhen Jian bowed before the Ancestor, deeply feeling the Ancestor's great kindness.
The Ancestor helped Zhen Jian up and asked, “Zhen Jian, how many years have you been cultivating with me?”
Zhen Jian replied, “Master, it has been several hundred years, but I cannot count them all.”
The Ancestor asked, “How do you feel about your cultivation?”
Upon hearing this, Zhen Jian felt a surge of sorrow, unable to stop the tears from flowing.
He said, “Master, I have cultivated for several hundred years. In the beginning, I did not recognize the true path and mistakenly used the left-hand path for my heart's purpose. I did not cultivate virtue and was harmed by wealth, lust, and wine, which damaged my roots. Fortunately, I was protected by Senior Brother and guided by you, Master, allowing me the opportunity to cultivate. Yet, I was blinded by a leaf and did not know how much time had passed. Today, I finally have some understanding and am about to attain the Dao.”
The Ancestor smiled and asked, “What have you understood?”
Zhen Jian replied, “I cannot express it.”
The Ancestor asked, “Why not?”
Zhen Jian said, “If I cannot express it, then I cannot express it.”
The Ancestor smiled, pointed to the cushion in the hall, and said, “What is that?”
Zhen Jian answered, “A cushion.”
The Ancestor nodded and said, “Good. When you attain understanding, you should leave the mountain and also cultivate in the temple?”
Zhen Jian replied, “I wish to cultivate in the temple, alongside you and Senior Brother.”
The Ancestor smiled and nodded, saying no more, and instructed Zhen Jian to leave.
Meanwhile, outside the Sanxing Cave, Jiang Yuan donned his Sun and Moon Purple Robe, with a Yu Ding tied at his waist.
He looked eastward and thought, “That deer has suffered for over a decade; it should know its limits by now. I will bring it back before heading to Cuiyun Mountain.”
Having thought this, the True Person chanted a spell, stomped his foot, and used the ‘Qingyun Method,’ summoning auspicious clouds for twenty-four thousand miles, heading toward the southern Zhanbu Continent, Guanzhou.
After a short while, the True Person arrived at the mouth of the Guanjing River in Guanzhou, Zhanbu Continent, having traveled from the Western Niuhe Continent.
As he stepped onto the auspicious clouds, he saw that the Guanjing River mouth was bustling with taverns and singing houses, lively and prosperous.
He then focused his gaze on the Zhenjun Temple.
Jiang Yuan also noticed a white deer tied behind the temple.
Although it was not free, it was plump and well-fed, clearly well taken care of.
He chuckled to himself, “What a good deer! I sent it to suffer, yet it is treated so well by this Zhenjun.”
He approached the temple and said, “I, Guangxin, the eldest disciple of the Bodhi Ancestor of the Xie Yue San Xing Cave, have come to pay a visit. I hope to meet the Zhenjun.”
After a short while, the Mei Mountain Six Brothers appeared, accompanied by eagle hounds, with crossbows drawn, exuding an imposing aura.
Following them were ghost judges and various officials, all revealing their true forms.
Once everything was in order, the Erlang Shen, the True Lord of Manifestation, wielded a three-pronged, double-edged spear, his divine light flickering, exuding a formidable killing intent.
Jiang Yuan took a closer look and couldn’t help but marvel at the Zhenjun’s power.
He was indeed remarkable; such an imposing presence was not inferior to that of Sun Wukong.
With his Golden Core perfected, he was a celestial relative, a true immortal without flaws.
The Zhenjun also looked at Jiang Yuan, seeing this person adorned with a purple gold crown and dressed in a Sun and Moon Purple Robe, handsome and elegant, with eyes like lightning, clearly a true immortal with accomplishments in the Dao, residing in the mud pill of the divine fetus.
The Zhenjun said, “Are you the master of that white deer?”
Jiang Yuan bowed and replied, “Indeed. I was teaching it to escort a friend back to the old home in the southern Zhanbu Continent. I did not expect it to offend the Zhenjun. I hope for your forgiveness.”
Erlang Shen said, “I know the master of this white deer. Although the spirit may be unruly, I did not expect a true immortal like you to be here. In this case, it is the white deer’s unstable nature, not your fault. There is no need for you to speak of forgiveness.”
Jiang Yuan said, “In that case, I am very grateful to the Zhenjun.”
Erlang Shen then instructed someone to bring out the white deer and called the Mei Mountain Six Brothers to clear the path, putting away their weapons and sending the eagle hounds away, ensuring no one would offend.
A ghost judge brought out the white deer, which, upon seeing Jiang Yuan, transformed into a human form, kneeling on the ground and saying, “My lord, my lord! I know I was wrong!”
Jiang Yuan pointed at the white deer and smiled, saying, “You, deer, tell me, what do you know you did wrong?”
The white deer bowed repeatedly, saying, “My lord, I was wrong for not cultivating my heart. Just as I was about to succeed, I let my desires arise, causing my efforts to fail.”
Jiang Yuan said, “Do you truly know your mistake?”
The white deer replied, “I know my mistake, I know my mistake. Before I succeed in the future, I will not let my spirit wane, nor let disasters arise, leading to failure.”
Jiang Yuan said, “This time, I will let it go. If I find out again that you have made a mistake, I will not spare you.”
The white deer said, “Thank you, my lord, for your forgiveness! Thank you, my lord, for your forgiveness!”
After saying this, the white deer revealed its original form, walked to the side of the True Person, lowered its ears and hooves, no longer harboring greed.
Jiang Yuan bowed to Erlang Shen and said, “I have troubled the Zhenjun.”
Erlang Shen returned the gesture and said, “I dare not accept such words. Since the True Person has come, why not enter the temple and have a discussion?”
Jiang Yuan agreed, handing the white deer over to the Mei Mountain Six Brothers, and entered the temple with Erlang Shen.
They set a table and took their seats, and fragrant tea was presented.
After the offering, Erlang Shen took a jade whisk and returned it to Jiang Yuan, who accepted it and twirled the whisk, exuding celestial energy.
Erlang Shen said, “What year and where did you attain the Dao? I did not know such a remarkable person like you existed.”
Jiang Yuan replied, “A few years ago, I attained the Dao in the Western Niuhe Continent.”
Erlang Shen said, “I dwell in the temple, yet I did not know of such matters. During the day, I only check the incense offerings, which include the three sacrificial animals, vows for blessings, and requests for children, as well as good wishes for healing. I know little of external affairs.”
Jiang Yuan said, “The Zhenjun protects this area and has great merit.”
Erlang Shen said, “But I do not know why the True Person has not received the celestial decree. When one attains the Dao, the Jade Emperor should welcome you to ascend to heaven. Could it be an oversight? If so, I will request a title for you.”
Jiang Yuan said, “No, Zhenjun. It is because my Dao is shallow, and I focus solely on cultivation, hence I have not ascended to heaven.”
Erlang Shen laughed and said, “The True Person is indeed remarkable.”
Jiang Yuan smiled without speaking.
Erlang Shen then instructed someone to present fruit, maintaining proper etiquette, and said, “The True Person’s skills are profound; I am delighted to see them. I have not practiced martial arts for many years, but now that I see the True Person, I would like to ask for your guidance on a few techniques.”
Jiang Yuan said, “Since the Zhenjun has invited me, I cannot refuse.”
Erlang Shen joyfully said, “In that case, please follow me out of the temple to find a place to practice a bit.”
Jiang Yuan readily agreed.
After they spoke, they exited the Erlang Temple and walked outside.
Erlang Shen summoned clouds and mist, heading toward the mouth of the Guanjing River.
The True Person knew Erlang Shen intended to test his cloud-riding techniques, so he chanted a spell and used the ‘Qingyun Method’ to leap over Erlang Shen, leaving a trail of cloud and light behind.
After a short while, they arrived at a desolate mountain.
They stopped, and before them lay “strange stones in pairs, cold and shadowless, fierce winds stirring the earth, raising dust in the silent land.” The place was desolate and uninhabited, making it a perfect spot for practice.
Erlang Shen steadied his three-pronged, double-edged spear and said, “The True Person has great skills!”
Jiang Yuan held the whisk and said, “It is merely a minor cloud-riding skill. But please, Zhenjun, grant me your guidance.”
Erlang Shen said, “Be careful, True Person.”
With that, the two ceased their chatter and began to test each other’s divine abilities.
Erlang Shen raised his spear and struck toward the True Person.
Jiang Yuan remained calm and collected, possessing martial skills himself.
He waved the whisk to block the divine spear, and the two engaged in a fierce battle in mid-air.
This was Erlang Shen, the True Lord of Manifestation, and that was the Bodhi Gate True Person.
Both were testing their skills, enjoying the fight.
The Zhenjun’s spear danced like a phoenix, while Jiang Yuan’s whisk displayed natural grace.
The spear attacked fiercely, while the whisk defended against every strike.
The three-pronged, double-edged spear was a divine weapon, while the jade-handled whisk was an extraordinary treasure.
Erlang Shen’s profound techniques were even more exquisite, while Jiang Yuan’s skills were equally remarkable.
They attacked and defended, exchanging blows, a grand battle of the Great Luo and Tai Yi.
As they fought, after twenty exchanges, the outcome was evenly matched, with no clear victor.
Jiang Yuan realized the Zhenjun’s spear was sharp, so he used the whisk to block and deflect the divine power, allowing him to withstand any of Erlang Shen’s attacks without being defeated.
This martial skill was passed down by the Ancestor, and he had grasped its mysteries.
Erlang Shen also recognized the whisk’s profundity.
His whisk was incomparable to that of the white deer.
He turned the spear, diminishing its strength, and launched a continuous attack, aiming to break through the whisk’s defense.
The two had a disparity in martial skills; after all, the True Person was not adept at fighting, while Erlang Shen’s martial prowess was unparalleled.
He saw through the whisk’s offensive strategy, and it was clear that victory was already in his grasp.
Within three or four exchanges, he would surely win.
Jiang Yuan assessed his martial skills and decided not to continue testing them.
He retreated, opened his mouth, and spat out the Three Mysteries True Fire, sending it toward Erlang Shen.
The fierce wind and flames made Erlang Shen dare not confront it, and he could only retreat, preparing to use his divine abilities to counter.
However, the Zhenjun had not yet used his divine abilities.
Jiang Yuan spread his sleeves, welcoming the wind, and used the ‘Sleeve Universe’ technique to draw Erlang Shen into his sleeve.
The divine abilities continued, moving with incredible speed.
No matter what divine abilities Erlang Shen possessed, they were of no use.
The outcome was clear.
...
Meanwhile, in the Water Curtain Cave of Flower Fruit Mountain, the Monkey King had returned to the mountain, gathering with the monkeys and their offspring, along with the six brothers, discussing how the Jade Emperor was blind to talent.
The Monkey King said, “What abilities does this old monkey possess? I can go to heaven and sea, capable of anything. When the Jade Emperor summoned me to heaven, I thought he had discernment, but it turns out he is blind, utterly shameful! With my abilities, he wants me to raise horses, which is the role of a lowly official. What nonsense about the heart monkey and intent horse, trying to fool me! Now that I know, I will establish a Horse Monitoring Office and come down to the mortal realm.”
The others said, “Blind to talent, blind to talent! What abilities does the king possess to be a horseman?”
The Monkey King said, “Exactly! I shall roam freely in the mortal realm.”
The six brothers said, “Do not be angry; let us drink and be merry. The Jade Emperor does not know our abilities; we know them ourselves.”
The Monkey King said, “That is indeed the case! Quickly, bring wine to relieve my boredom.”
The monkeys and their offspring immediately obeyed, with none dissenting.
The Monkey King began the feast, enjoying himself with everyone.
Suddenly, a monkey came to bow and said, “Great King, Great King! Two horned demon kings have come outside the door to pay their respects.”
Upon hearing this, the Monkey King invited them in.
After a short while, the two demon kings entered, adjusting their clothes, and bowed to the Monkey King, saying, “We have long heard of the Great King’s invitation to talented individuals. Today, we have come to present a ochre-yellow robe and hope the Great King will accept us.”
The Monkey King was overjoyed, donned the ochre-yellow robe, and accepted the two demon kings, appointing them as the vanguard generals.
This was precisely the moment of ‘the demon obstruction assists the heart to deceive the true master, the heart monkey and intent horse no longer bound.’
The two demon kings said, “We have heard that the Jade Emperor is blind to talent, making the Great King a horseman. With such divine abilities, how can this be? If one is to serve, one should be called ‘Qi Tian Da Sheng’ instead.”
The Monkey King was filled with immense joy and said, “Good, good, good! According to you, I shall be called Qi Tian Da Sheng.”
The Monkey King issued orders in all directions, self-designating as Qi Tian Da Sheng, erecting banners and hanging them, unafraid of the heavenly court.
...
Meanwhile, at the Erlang Temple at the mouth of the Guanjing River, Jiang Yuan and Erlang Shen were unaware of the various matters in Flower Fruit Mountain.
The two had tested their divine abilities, and the outcome was clear as they returned to this place.
Erlang Shen, in awe of Jiang Yuan’s divine abilities, set a table and discussed divine techniques with him.
Erlang Shen said, “The True Person has vast divine abilities, beyond my reach.”
Jiang Yuan replied, “Zhenjun, your martial skills are exquisite; I am also not your match. If we were to fight again, I would surely lose.”
Erlang Shen said, “How can the True Person say such things? If we were to start from the beginning, you would defeat me in two or three exchanges.”
Jiang Yuan laughed and said, “Zhenjun, you and I are different. If you were to begin by understanding the profundity of my whisk, you would also defeat me in two or three exchanges. You are a master of combat, while I excel in divine abilities; it cannot be compared.”
Erlang Shen laughed heartily and said, “The True Person is indeed remarkable. May I ask where you are headed next? If you have no matters to attend to, why not stay in the temple and discuss the Dao with me? Wouldn’t that be wonderful?”
Jiang Yuan said, “To be honest, Zhenjun, I still have important matters. I came here for that restless deer. Now that I have tested my divine abilities with you, I am quite satisfied.”
Erlang Shen said, “If you are not fully satisfied today, since you have important matters, I will not keep you. Please tell me where you are going, and on another day, when I have leisure, I will come to visit you and discuss the Dao then.”
Jiang Yuan said, “I am currently at the Xie Yue San Xing Cave on Ling Tai Fang Cun Mountain in the Western Niuhe Continent.”
Erlang Shen bowed and said, “I thought this was a place of teachings; I did not expect the True Person to be the heir.”
Jiang Yuan returned the gesture.
Erlang Shen did not dare to keep Jiang Yuan any longer, fearing it would delay important matters.
He, along with the Mei Mountain Six Brothers and the officials in the temple, saw him off.
Jiang Yuan rode the white deer, bidding farewell to Erlang Shen, and left the Guanjing River, heading toward Cuiyun Mountain in the Western Niuhe Continent, intending to retrieve the Dharma Protector.
Erlang Shen watched Jiang Yuan depart into the distance, leading everyone back to the temple.
The Mei Mountain Six Brothers asked, “What do you think of this True Person’s abilities?”
Erlang Shen said, “He is a true immortal of the Dao; I am not his equal.”
The Mei Mountain Six Brothers were astonished upon hearing this.
They knew their own abilities well, and hearing their own brother say this about another person was indeed surprising.
Erlang Shen said, “I have not heard of such matters for a long time. I wonder what other affairs are there in the four great continents?”
A ghost judge stepped forward and said, “Zhenjun, there is one matter. In the Eastern Victory Divine Continent, a demon monkey has emerged, having attained the Dao for some time. It possesses the ability to subdue dragons and tigers, deceiving the four sea dragon kings, stealing divine weapons and armor, causing chaos in the underworld, and erasing the ledger of life and death, committing all sorts of evil, and was taken to heaven to become a celestial being.”
Erlang Shen said, “What nonsense is this? A demon monkey cannot compare to the True Person’s divine abilities. Is there anyone like the True Person?”
The ghost judge replied, “None, none.”
Erlang Shen, upon hearing this, concluded the matter and entered the temple with everyone.
(End of Chapter)