Volume 2: The Path That Can Be Told, Chapter 171: The Wisdom of Laojun

Yuanshi Tianzun, the head of the Three Purities, stood by the sea in this realm. The sea was boundless, but as Yuanshi stood there, Wukong saw him first.
Wukong landed in front of Yuanshi, who said, “He has gone.” There was a hint of melancholy in his voice.
Wukong knew he was referring to the Kunpeng and felt deeply grateful.
“Have you come for a reason?” Yuanshi asked after a long silence.
Wukong replied, “All beings in the three realms have returned to heaven and earth—this is the result of the Three Purities’ compassion.”
Yuanshi said, “It’s not really meritorious; it was simply no fault on anyone’s part.”
Wukong asked, “There are still five dragons beneath the earth in this realm. May I ask, Great Tianzun, why haven’t you set them free?”
Yuanshi replied, “Those five dragons were sealed by the Kunpeng; it has nothing to do with me.”
Wukong understood that Yuanshi would not save the dragons, nor would he stop others from doing so. So he said, “I see.”
Yuanshi added, “The workings of fate involve many considerations; you must also be cautious in the future.”
Wukong replied, “I will follow the teachings of Great Tianzun.”
After leaving Yuanshi Tianzun, Wukong wandered around the realm. Seeing that people like Dayu were still practicing, he went to seek Lingbao Daodun.
When Lingbao Daodun saw Wukong, it seemed he had forgotten about the previous events, and his tone became much more polite.
After exchanging a few words, Wukong voiced his doubts.
“In the extreme west desert of the Realm of Calamity, there is a strange ghost. I don’t know its origin—where has it gone now?” Wukong asked.
Lingbao replied, “That ghost originally wandered between heaven and earth. It entered soil, fled from wood, and was drawn to fire. Finding it peculiar, I confined it to this realm and exiled it to the desert. Unexpectedly, it forced out the spiritual essence of a cultivator and tried to take over his body. But despite killing millions, it never found a suitable physical body and instead created many ghosts resembling itself. The formation of the Eight Directions Universe Dao Array was meant to set it free. Since ghosts are also sentient beings, I won’t stop it from leaving. If it commits more killings in heaven and earth, someone will surely deal with it.”
Wukong nodded—so even Lingbao didn’t know the ghost’s origin. He then asked, “What about the Nine-Headed Worm? Does the Daodun know anything about it?”
Lingbao Daodun thought for a moment and said, “To be honest, at first I thought the Nine-Headed Worm was related to Xiangliu, so I went all out to capture it. But it seemed to have no support, and no one tried to stop it. When I asked it, it claimed to be a descendant of the Nine-Headed Pheasant, which left me confused.”
Wukong asked further, “Where have the ghost, the Nine-Headed Worm, and the Six-Eared Monkey gone? Could they possibly tell me?”

Lingbao Daozun smiled and said, “That Eight Directions Universe Dao Array is extremely mysterious. Even I don’t know about it now. But if you really want to find them, do you worry you won’t be able to?”
Wukong thought it over and thanked Lingbao Daozun before bidding farewell.
To rescue the five dragons beneath the Lock Demon Tower, he had no chance of succeeding on his own and needed to seek help from figures like Dayu. Since those people were currently concentrating on their cultivation, it wasn’t appropriate to disturb them. After some thought, Wukong returned to beneath the Lock Demon Tower in Wenxin City to talk to Laojun.
The Red Boy in Laojun’s arms had fallen asleep again. Having absorbed the Fire Phoenix’s essence, he was in a state of chaotic cultivation, so getting more sleep was beneficial.
When Laojun saw Wukong arrive, he asked, “Did you come to ask why I asked you to leave early?”
Wukong was taken aback. If Laojun hadn’t mentioned it, he would have forgotten about it. Seizing the opportunity, he said, “Laojun is truly foresighted!”
Laojun replied, “If I tell you, don’t blame me. It was I who ordered the fire set on Huaguo Mountain.”
Wukong was shocked—this answer was far beyond his expectations. He kept a calm expression and said, “Laojun asked me to take my anger out on the Heavenly Court; surely there’s a reason for that.”
Laojun seemed pleased and said, “Since you can think this far, the rest isn’t difficult.”
Realizing he had guessed Laojun’s intentions, Wukong continued to think along those lines.
The hearts of the Three Pure Ones undoubtedly belonged to Taoism, not the Heavenly Court. Laojun’s tactic of shifting blame clearly indicated he was starting to take action against the Heavenly Court. Since the Jade Emperor had allied with Buddhism, any change in the cosmic balance would likely require them to inform each other. Given Buddha’s actions, it was highly likely he already knew Wukong was the Cosmic Divine Ape and understood that Laojun would never kill him to create trouble. If Buddha learned Wukong had been reborn, he would surely start making plans. And what benefit would it bring the Three Pure Ones if Wukong caused chaos in the Heavenly Court?
Although Wukong had guessed roughly what was going on, he still asked, “Laojun is so far-sighted; I truly can’t figure it out.” He praised Laojun verbally, but inwardly he was annoyed at being used by him.
Laojun said, “That’s exactly what happens when you’re in the midst of a situation yet don’t understand the bigger picture. I know everything about the plans you’ve made on earth. You want to rebuild Huaguo Mountain alone and cause chaos in the Heavenly Court—this is very different from before. The Jade Emperor knows you’re weak and will surely launch a full-scale attack. If the Western Heaven learns of this, they might try to recruit you.”
Wukong pretended not to understand and asked, “Aren’t the Western Heaven and the Heavenly Court allies? Why do they act in such contradiction?”

Laojun said, “You’re truly confused. What’s called a temporary alliance brings only temporary benefits. The fundamental goal of Buddhism is to gather the fate of the world, which is why Western teachings have been spreading eastward over the years, and the power in the Western regions has grown stronger. Although the Three Pure Ones intend to reclaim it, the Jade Emperor has always remained ambiguous, while figures like Ziwei, Xiji, and Dongji ignore it altogether. Many factions have emerged within one religion—how can this compare to the absolute authority of the Spirit Mountain? With the East in turmoil, if Buddhism doesn’t spread its teachings widely in the West, when will it? If the Tathagata can’t see this, how can he still be called the sovereign of the world?”

“Since you’ve stepped into the world, you’ve become a target for everyone. Both the Heavenly Court and the Western Heaven are likely focusing on you. It’s a clever move of yours to have Houyi and Chisongzi lead the establishment of the mountain. The ancient divine beings have great power and prestige, and both the Heavenly Court and the Western Heaven regard them with caution. But it’s best for the other divine apes to stay hidden and avoid showing themselves in public.”

Wukong asked, “Why?”

Laojun replied, “With Yu the Great and Houyi leading above, Niu Er, Fuhai Jiao, and Shini assisting in the middle, and various demon kings in the caves providing support below, why worry that the great cause won’t succeed? People like Wu Zhiqi and Yu Xiong are far less clever than you, so it’s better to be cautious and appear less often to avoid causing trouble.”

Seeing Laojun’s thorough consideration, Wukong felt admiration despite his few words clearly outlining the overall situation of the world. Smiling, he said, “So after all, Laojun still sees me as a bait. Fine, for the sake of all people in the world, I’ll accept my fate.”

Laojun said solemnly, “Wukong, if I can serve as bait, it’s my duty!”

Seeing Laojun’s righteous demeanor, Wukong also felt admiration. Could the Three Pure Ones truly have no selfish motives?

Wukong then said, “Don’t worry, Laojun. The world isn’t meant for just one person. I’m willing to sacrifice myself so that no one else can act recklessly.”

Laojun replied, “Exactly. The Three Pure Ones will surely lend full support. Though their status prevents them from appearing in public, they can still contribute in small ways. I see that Wukong handles matters wisely, not inferior to us at all. When the time comes, just act according to your own judgment without restraint.”

Wukong nodded and said, “I’ve already asked the Primordial Supreme Lord. The five dragons underground in this realm can be saved. I’d appreciate your guidance, Laojun.”

Laojun said, “What’s sealed by fate must be freed by fate. Saving these five dragons isn’t difficult; only the seals need to be undone by you.” Seeing that Wukong seemed to be inviting him, Laojun added quickly, “At this moment, I need to heal my grandson. Otherwise, I would go with you.”

Wukong thought it hypocritical and bid farewell to Laojun, then went alone to the Lock-Demon Tower beneath the City of Self-Reflection. As the beings of the three realms fled, Yuan Shi lifted many restrictions in this realm; the escape using the five elements, which had previously been impossible, was now unobstructed.