The Battle in Journey to the West-Chapter 40 - 0 Equal to Heaven Returns to the Mountain

The Daoist Equal to Heaven pinched a Dharma Seal; a golden light emerged behind him, manifesting into a golden body measuring a zhang in height, with three heads and six arms, exuding majesty. Its visage was strikingly identical to that of the Daoist Equal to Heaven himself.

Once out of seclusion, the Daoist Equal to Heaven sought Yang Jian and said, “Brother Yang, Piaoqi General Liu Cang has sent word that Emperor Ming of Han, Liu Zhuang, has dispatched Cai Yin and others as envoys to welcome Buddhist high monks from The Western Regions.”

Yang Jian also said, “In recent days, I’ve sent subordinates to probe into West Cow He State and learned as much. The two high monks dispatched by Buddhism to spread the teachings are Shemoteng and Zhufalan. Both are disciples of Bodhidharma, a master of great renown. Are you familiar with him?”

The Daoist Equal to Heaven briefly hesitated before responding, “Bodhidharma is indeed formidable, already a Daluo Golden Immortal and particularly adept at close combat.”

Yang Jian continued, “Indeed! Bodhidharma is unparalleled, having created a remarkable Fist Technique with formidable power when wielded. His disciples are not to be underestimated. What do you think, should we kill them outright, or should we capture them instead?”

The Daoist Equal to Heaven replied, “Brother Yang, since Shemoteng and Zhufalan act upon Bodhidharma’s orders, and Bodhidharma likely obeys Siddhartha Gautama Buddha’s commands, killing these two might bring upon us a fate of death. These individuals have an extraordinary grasp on Buddhist doctrines and are held in high regard by Gautama.”

Hearing this, Yang Jian furrowed his brows repeatedly, admitting, “The higher echelons of our Daoist sect have stayed silent, apparently having reached an agreement. However, there is yet no divine edict forbidding a confrontation with Buddhism. This conflict will likely unfold without the interference of more powerful masters.”

The Daoist Equal to Heaven nodded, “Even if they do join, they’ll probably be loose cultivators who haven’t ascended to Western Heaven or ascended to the Heavenly Court. Perhaps we should invite Ancestor Chen Tuan to assist us?”

Yang Jian said, “Chen Tuan, known as Master Fuyao and dubbed the Sleep Immortal, dislikes conflict and is elusive. Even if we find him, unlikely we’ll be able to draw him out to assist.”

With a sigh, the Daoist Equal to Heaven said, “Then let it be. The matter of Buddhism’s eastward crossing is murky. Had it not been for your known discord with Heavenly Court, I wouldn’t have sought you out. After all, your status as a Divine Monarch is too sensitive. Ancestor Chen Tuan attained enlightenment quite early but shuns strife. Heavenly Court has recruited him numerous times, yet he never ascended to join them. It might be inappropriate to involve him in this conflict.”

After discussing for a while, they decided not to trouble the Old Sleeping Immortal.

The Daoist Equal to Heaven remarked, “Success depends on our efforts; the Daoist upper echelons and Buddhism tacitly permit this struggle. Let’s rely on our abilities and see if we can halt Buddhism’s advancement into the Eastern Land.”

Yang Jian nodded continuously, considering the deep and complex nature of this affair and finding it unwise to drag someone into it. If that person met their fated calamity, their sect might hold a grudge. Otherwise, they might incur karma, which would be less than ideal. Going forth alone, they feared nothing.

The Daoist Equal to Heaven laughed and said, “Brother Yang, I’ve recently acquired another magical treasure. Join me on a trip to Flower-Fruit Mountain. Once I’ve obtained the treasure, we can head to West Cow He State together.”

Yang Jian said, “Indeed, your physical form lacks magical treasures. You only possess divine skills, while Buddhist monks tend to have an abundance of extraordinary treasures.”

Though the Buddhist sect’s treasures may seem uniform, limited to the likes of wooden fish, the Sword of Wisdom, and the Six Routes of Pure Bamboo, their power is certainly not insignificant and should not be underestimated.

Just look at Tathagata in a previous life, who managed to almost kill Wukong with a single strike of his alms bowl, showcasing extreme might. While Yang Jian had never had much interaction with Buddhism, his battle with the All Heavens Dharma Protectors within the Beiming War God Secret Realm made him acutely aware of these bald heads’ prowess. Even if a creature as hardy as the Howling Celestial Dog got struck by a staff, the pain was unbearable. Yang Jian didn’t believe that merely cultivating the Eighty-Nine Mystical Techniques and having a robust physical body would easily defend against such powerful magical treasures. The Daoist Equal to Heaven, having achieved human form through Fetal Transformation and Easy Shape-Shifting and protected by the Seventy-Two Earthly Fiends Transformations, still had a physical form inferior to Yang’s own. Although the innate divine ability of the Tongbei Monkey was formidable, the lack of a treasure put it at a disadvantage.

Yang Jian asked, “What magical treasure?”

The Daoist Equal to Heaven couldn’t help but burst into laughter and said, “Those blockheads in the Underworld actually obtained a Samsara Pen, mistaking it for an ordinary writing brush. I caused a ruckus in the Underworld, and it turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as I pocketed the pen.”

Ever since Wukong got hold of that writing brush, he initially had trouble understanding its use. He tried many methods, and ultimately after sanctifying it with his vital blood, the treasure regained its radiance. However, the item seemed to have suffered damage and could not unleash its full power; otherwise, a single stroke, burdened with karmic forces, would directly send its target into reincarnation.

Yang Jian furrowed his brow and said, “The Samsara Pen? That artifact was lost after ancient times, how could it still be found in the Underworld?”

The Daoist Equal to Heaven replied, “The treasure was covered in dust, and I too initially thought it was an ordinary writing brush. But holding it in my hand, I felt something different. Thus, I brought it back to Flower-Fruit Mountain and tried to sanctify it for a long time without success until I sprinkled it with my own vital blood and sanctified it again, and then it could exert some power.”

In his heart, Yang Jian contemplated that Wukong was a being formed by heaven and earth, blessed with a thread of merit from mending the heavens, and transformed from the crystal stones of Goddess Nu Wa; there must be profound mysteries within him. Reflecting on this, he couldn’t help but admire Wukong, who was truly favored by destiny. Not only had he cultivated three primordial spirits, but he had also obtained treasures like the Samsara Pen, arousing immense envy.

“These past few days, I’ve made a few new brothers. I’ll have to introduce them to you, Brother Yang,” laughed the Daoist Equal to Heaven.

“Oh! I would be delighted.” Yang Jian was generous by nature but somewhat aloof; many people thought him arrogant and rude.

The Daoist Equal to Heaven quickly added, “No time like the present. Those mortals will need quite some time to enter West Cow He State. We can go to Dongsheng Immortal State to retrieve the treasure and enjoy a couple of good meals before heading back.”

Yang Jian agreed with praise and set off with the Daoist Equal to Heaven, soaring on clouds toward Dongsheng Immortal State.

The Daoist Equal to Heaven took out a jade slip and sent a message to Emperor Ming of Han’s brother, Liu Cang, announcing his imminent arrival and his determination to prevent the spread of the Buddhist Way in The Eastern Land. Liu Cang was somewhat relieved. Now that Emperor Ming of Han had decreed, the emperor’s words were irrevocable, and he could only hope that the Daoist Equal to Heaven would manage to keep the Buddhist Way at bay.

With unmatched escape techniques, Yang Jian and the Daoist Equal to Heaven quickly bypassed Guan Jiangkou; as they flew on the clouds, they discussed matters pertaining to Buddhism.

After traveling for some time, they finally reached Flower-Fruit Mountain in Dongsheng Immortal State but were stopped by a macaque wielding a large knife, who commanded them to halt.

The newcomer was none other than the Macaques King.

The Macaques King shared some divine skills with the Six-Eared Macaque, possessing large ears that could catch the wind and an exceptionally clever mind, understanding much of the affairs within the Three Realms and Six Paths.

“Slow down, friend! I’ve heard from brother Wukong that you, Daoist Yang Jian, would be visiting Flower-Fruit Mountain. I’ve always had a penchant for competition and strength, and if Daoist Yang Jian isn’t strong enough, he shall not have the pleasure of drinking with me!” chortled the Macaques King.

It turned out that the Macaques King had been informed by Wukong and had long heard of Erlang Shen’s fame and was now looking to test his mettle.

To be continued in the next episode.