Volume 2: The Path That Can Be Told, Chapter 158: Throwing Stones to Ask Questions

On their way back, the two remained silent, each lost in their own thoughts. Dayu recalled many past events, while Wukong was lost in his own reveries. Xiangliu was merely a strange name to him—there was no such monster in Journey to the West. He had seen the name Xiangliu in some ancient myths, but only briefly, without knowing much about it.

Dayu was always cautious and would not guess rashly without certainty. It seemed likely that there was a close connection between the Nine-Headed Worm and Xiangliu. It was widely agreed by Qilin and Dayu that Xiangliu had dragged the Phoenix into the water. The Phoenix, who originally lived in peace, had become Xiangliu’s accomplice.

If the Nine-Headed Worm was indeed related to Xiangliu, why would he marry into the family of the Dragon King at BiBo Pool Pool Pool and steal the Buddha relic? If it weren’t for seeking the Buddha relic, the Nine-Headed Worm should have had nothing to do with the pilgrimage group. So what was the purpose of his actions? Wukong always believed that Journey to the West was not just about the pilgrimage alone. Many demons and deities had no interest in Tang Seng’s flesh but were still drawn into the conflict by chance, and the Nine-Headed Worm was one of them.

Assuming the pilgrims happened to encounter the Nine-Headed Worm stealing treasures, given his abilities, he should have known the pilgrims had strong backing he couldn’t match. Why then didn’t he flee but instead stayed at BiBo Pool Pool Pool, living leisurely for three years? The most suspicious part was that after stealing the treasures, he still sent two minor demons to guard the top of the tower. To be fair, such behavior could only come from an insider. Bingbo Ben’er and Babo Ben’er were clearly left there to inform the pilgrims. The only consequence of this was that the pilgrims headed for BiBo Pool Pool Pool.

Whose domain was BiBo Pool Pool Pool? The Dragon King of All Saints! Since he was a dragon king, he undoubtedly belonged to the dragon race. Whether it was the Nine-Headed Worm who stole the treasures or his subordinates, the blame would ultimately fall on the Dragon King of All Saints. Although the relic was called a Buddha treasure, it might not have originated from the Western Heaven. Whom had this theft offended?

The pilgrims were determined to reach the West. Though they failed, it was obvious to everyone. Countless people in heaven and on earth understood this. By power, they naturally belonged to the Western Heaven faction. The Nine-Headed Worm’s actions were tantamount to enmity between the Dragon King of All Saints and the Western Heaven. Ah, the Dragon King of All Saints—since he dared to call himself “All Saints,” what extraordinary abilities or background must he possess?

If the Dragon King of All Saints held a high status among the dragons, then after this incident, there would surely be enmity between the Western Heaven and the dragon race. If he was just an ordinary figure with no fame, then his actions would mean little.

But Wukong clearly remembered that the Bull Demon King had once gone to Bibo Pond for a banquet, hosted by this Sacred Dragon King. If it were an ordinary figure, could they invite the Bull Demon King? From this, the first possibility seems most likely.
Besides, most of the friends of the Sacred Dragon King from the four seas might be at odds with the Western Heaven—like the Bull Demon King, for example—which also makes sense.
So, is the Nine-Headed Worm a spy sent by the Tathagata? The Tathagata, Xiangliu… one is a Buddha, the other a worm—what connection could there be?
No matter how much he thought about it, he couldn’t figure out the truth. It was better to wait and see what would happen.
Before long, they arrived at Cuntian Cave. Dayu’s first task was to summon Zhu Rong and explain to her the need to remelt the last Golden Cudgel. Zhu Rong agreed readily. But Wukong asked, “How long will it take to remelt it this time?”
Dayu calculated for a moment and said, “Last time, the Fire God failed to grasp the method properly, which took two hundred years. This time, 150 years should be enough.”
Wukong thought for a while and said, “There’s still one thing on my mind. How about we decide on it in three days?” Dayu replied, “Three days pass in a flash; it’s fine.” Zhu Rong gave Wukong a glance and laughed, “I’ll enter seclusion tomorrow. Come to me in three days.”
Wukong was momentarily speechless. Zhu Rong’s red figure flashed and she disappeared into the cave. Dayu laughed and said, “It’s fine. She was just joking with you.”
Wukong tried to smile in return, but only managed to twitch his lips—unable to smile properly. It wasn’t because of anything else, but because his mind was filled with countless thoughts, tangled like a ball of yarn. Pulling one thread might lead to many others, only to find that the thread pulled might not be the right one.
Wukong returned to the cave to reflect. The matter of the Nine-Headed Worm wasn’t urgent at the moment, so he set it aside for now. Two hundred years… another two hundred years, and this heaven would collapse, and this land would crumble.
With countless beings in the three realms, how could he find a way to save them?
Although people like Dayu could help, it was like a drop in the ocean. It seemed there was only one path left to take.
Wukong hurriedly flew out of the cave to seek out the Bull Demon King.
The old bull was sitting on the mountain top, lost in thought. When he saw Wukong approaching, his gaze remained dull, and he asked expressionlessly, “What’s the matter?”
Noticing the Bull Demon King’s strange expression, Wukong asked, “Your expression seems blank. Why is that?”
The Bull Demon King replied, “I’m wondering whether to enter seclusion tomorrow or the day after.”
Wukong almost laughed out loud but held back and asked, “What’s the difference?”
The Bull Demon King said, “Tomorrow is my birthday, and I still want to have a big drink.”
Wukong said seriously, “Of course. I’ll accompany my second brother to drink tomorrow!”

The Bull Demon King said again, “Doesn’t this show that one’s heart for cultivating the Dao isn’t firm?”
Wukong replied solemnly, “Of course it’s not firm. One must understand that ‘the Dao lies in an ordinary heart; those who follow other paths are demons.’ If the heart isn’t calm, demons will arise. How could demons exist if one has an ordinary heart?”
The Bull Demon King said, “Enough, enough! If that’s the case, I’ll retreat and practice hard tomorrow!” His expression seemed one of extreme distress.
Wukong laughed heartily. The Bull Demon King snapped, “Why are you laughing at me?”
Wukong said, “Second brother, by suppressing your inner demons, you will surely achieve the great Dao. That’s why I’m laughing!”
The Bull Demon King could tell right away that Wukong was mocking him and angrily said, “What are you here for? If you have something to say, just say it and leave!”
Wukong said, “Second brother, I need your help with this matter.”
Hearing Wukong ask for his help, the Bull Demon King leaned back and half-lay on the large rock, saying, “Since you’re asking me, have you brought a gift?”
Seeing that even the Bull Demon King liked to put on airs, Wukong felt both annoyed and amused. He said, “Second brother, this is a serious matter. Stop acting up.”
The Bull Demon King rolled his eyes. “Even if it’s serious, why go to the Three Pure Ones and the Jade Emperor first and then come to me?”
Wukong smiled and said, “Very well, then I’ll go.” With that, he turned to leave.
The Bull Demon King quickly called him back, saying, “You can’t leave this place. Where are you going?”
Wukong sighed and said, “I’m going to find a gift for you, second brother. It’s frustrating that I’ve made poor friends—my sworn brothers still make things difficult for me. Sigh!”
The Bull Demon King stood up and shouted, “Your words are really unpleasant, monkey! Speak quickly before I get angry!”
Wukong returned with a smile, saying, “I knew second brother was the most considerate.” Then he became serious again and said, “Second brother, I need to see the Supreme Lord Laozi.”
The Bull Demon King was stunned and opened his mouth wide, saying, “Huh? Why do you want to see my master?”
Wukong said, “It’s related to this world. I wonder if you can do me this favor, second brother?”
The Bull Demon King stood up, paced back and forth a few times, scratched his head, and frowned, saying, “This matter… I’m a bit afraid to do it.”
Wukong asked doubtfully, “Why are you afraid?”
The Bull Demon King said, “My master has always been strict, so I dare not.”
Wukong said, “It’s just delivering a message. What fault could you have?”
The Bull Demon King stammered, “Even… even if it’s just delivering a message, I still dare not.”
Seeing the Bull Demon King’s reaction, Wukong stamped his foot in frustration and sneered, “Enough, enough! I misjudged you! How can you still call yourself the Great Sage Equal to Heaven when you’re so cowardly! Goodbye!”
The Bull Demon King’s face turned red. “Why do you want to see my master?”
Wukong replied coldly, “If you won’t deliver the message, there’s no need to ask. Since we met, have I ever done anything useless?”

The Bull Demon King hesitated repeatedly before finally making up his mind, saying resolutely, “Very well! I’ll go and ask once. Whether there’s punishment or beating, I, the old Ox, will accept it!”
Hou Yi, hearing that the Bull Demon King had finally agreed, bowed deeply and said, “If it succeeds, I’ll thank Second Brother on behalf of all the beings in this world first. It would be best if the Three Pure Ones could all be present this time; if not, at least one of them must come!”
The Bull Demon King replied, “It’s just a try anyway. Success or failure isn’t in my hands.”
Hou Yi said, “Good!”
The Bull Demon King stamped his foot and stepped onto the cloud peak, disappearing without a trace.
Hou Yi returned to his cave, waiting anxiously. Presenting the pros and cons to the Three Pure Ones was a last resort. With the Qilin, Dayu, and others here, leaving this world wasn’t difficult, but saving everyone in the three realms ultimately depended on the Three Pure Ones.
Since the Three Pure Ones had sent the Bull Demon King to make peace with him, they surely wouldn’t reject his request this time. To meet them, he needed to clarify three points: First, killing beings under the guise of the false world also violated the harmony of heaven; second, using this world to infer the laws of another world was absurd and meaningless; third, the Creative Divine Ape cherished creation the most, and trying to help it grow stronger through this method was actually futile. If the Three Pure Ones persisted stubbornly, they might end up covered in blood with all their efforts in vain.
Besides, Hou Yi wanted to understand why the Three Pure Ones were secretly helping the Divine Ape. As the saying goes, those who show undue kindness have ulterior motives—either greed or theft. Though the Three Pure Ones wouldn’t go that far, they certainly weren’t helping out of kindness either; they must have their own reasons. Self-interest was a barrier, and before this barrier, there was no difference between gods and mortals.
Hou Yi waited for half an hour, thinking of what to say. He knew that in front of the Three Pure Ones, all flattery would likely be useless. These Taoist masters, who had practiced for tens of thousands of years, probably saw through all things in the world. Without real interests that could truly move them, they wouldn’t easily change their decisions.
Just then, the Bull Demon King flew in from outside, shouting, “Hou Yi, it’s done! It’s really done!”
Hou Yi was overjoyed, “It really succeeded?”
The Bull Demon King grinned happily and said, “With me, the old Ox, involved, how could it fail? Tomorrow at noon, my master and my two uncles will be waiting for you in the Heaven Beyond Heaven.”
“The Heaven Beyond Heaven? Where is that?” Hou Yi asked.
The Bull Demon King replied, “I’ll take you there tomorrow.”
Hou Yi said gratefully, “Thank you, Second Brother.” The Bull Demon King didn’t respond and turned to leave.
Hou Yi called out, “Where are you going, Brother?”

The Bull Demon King said, “It’s been a long time since I last saw my child. With seclusion approaching, I’ll go see him now.”