Volume 2: The Path That Can Be Told, Chapter 191: Movements in All Directions

There was frequent communication between the Heavenly Court and the Western Heaven, and almost all the prominent heavenly generals had met those from the Western Heaven. After some discussion, it became clear that it was extremely difficult to choose the right person.

At that moment, Tai Bai Jin Xing’s eyes lit up as he glanced at the Jade Emperor but said nothing. The Jade Emperor thought for a while and understood Jin Xing’s intention, so he said, “There’s no need to rush at the moment. All of you may go back and think carefully. Let’s meet again here at the same time tomorrow.”

The others dispersed in a hurry, with only Jin Xing remaining. The Jade Emperor said, “Jin Xing has thought this through thoroughly. You will surely be rewarded later.” Both of them knew that although the plan was good, the key lay in choosing the right person. If it were revealed in front of everyone, and word got out, the plan would fail. Many immortal officials were very close to the Western Heaven, and it was possible they might leak the secret at this critical moment.

Tai Bai Jin Xing said, “I have one candidate in mind. Does Your Majesty still remember Marshal Tian Peng, who was banished to the mortal world?” The Jade Emperor nodded. “Of course I do.” Jin Xing continued, “Tian Peng appears loyal, but in reality, he is greedy and disloyal. It is said that after descending to the mortal world, he took on the form of a pig demon, with his handsome appearance replaced by a ferocious look. His life has become worse than death, and he is somewhat insane. Yet he still possesses considerable skills. If given some incentives, he would be an excellent choice.”

The Jade Emperor was stunned and asked, “Insane? If he slips up and reveals something, won’t it ruin everything?”

Tai Bai Jin Xing replied, “When Tian Peng was banished, there was no talk of fetching the scriptures. Where else in the world could there be such a perfect decoy plan? Even if Tian Peng spoke, I doubt anyone would believe him; they would think he is resentful of the Heavenly Court and spreading rumors.”

The Jade Emperor couldn’t help but clap his hands in approval. “Good!”

Seeing that the Jade Emperor had praised him but then fell silent again in deep thought, Jin Xing quietly bid farewell and left the Hall of Brightness, feeling pleased.

After Jin Xing left, the Jade Emperor quickly got up, summoned his carriage, and headed straight for the Jade Pool.

In a side chamber of the Jade Pool, only the Jade Emperor and the Queen Mother were talking. The Jade Emperor explained Jin Xing’s plan to the Queen Mother, who said with a smile, “Jin Xing has come up with a great plan. I had also thought of placing someone there before, but I didn’t think of Tian Peng.”

The Jade Emperor nodded. “Yes. Although he is on good terms with Buddha, it’s still all about mutual benefit. Having a trusted person placed there would surely bring more peace of mind.” The Queen Mother replied, “But at this point, the plan is only half done.”

The Jade Emperor said, “Of course. We still need to find someone to negotiate with Guanyin.”

The Queen Mother smiled. “That merciful and hypocritical Guanyin is easy to deal with. I’ll take care of this matter.”

The Jade Emperor was surprised. “You?”

The Queen Mother smiled. “I certainly have my ways. You needn’t worry.”

The Jade Emperor saw that the Queen Mother was full of confidence and knew she was not speaking rashly. He said, “Good,” then lifted the beaded curtain to leave. Seeing the curtain rise, the Queen Mother hurriedly called the Jade Emperor back and said, “If one can be placed there, why not place another as well for extra safety?”
The Jade Emperor asked, “Who is that other person?”
The Queen Mother replied, “Do you still remember the General Who Rolls Up the Curtain?”
The Jade Emperor suddenly understood and said, “The General Who Rolls Up the Curtain has always been loyal; he is also an excellent candidate.”
The two agreed on this important matter, feeling pleased, and then sat in a side hall to drink wine.
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In front of the Northern Heaven Gate, the Turtle General and Snake General under the command of the Black Heaven God were patrolling when they suddenly saw someone flying swiftly from the south. The Turtle General took a closer look and exclaimed, “The Great Emperor of Ziwei!” He quickly went inside to report.
Zhenwu was deep in thought in his alchemy chamber when he heard Ziwei say outside, “It seems you have quite a leisurely life, fellow Taoist.” Zhenwu was slightly surprised. Although the Great Emperor of Ziwei was on good terms with him, he rarely came to the Purple Cloud Palace. His visit this time must involve some important matter.
Zhenwu quickly dismissed his attendants and said to Ziwei, “It’s unexpected for the Great Emperor to come here. Is there some new development in the court?”
Ziwei shook his head and said, “All eyes in the world are now focused on the west. Don’t you know?”
Zhenwu replied, “The west has always been like a gentle stream. Could it dare to unleash a flood?”
Ziwei affirmed, “Exactly!” Then he explained how Buddha intended to go to the Eastern Lands to seek those who could obtain scriptures.
Zhenwu fell into deep thought. Buddha’s move was truly beyond his expectations.
It should be noted that the Great Emperor Zhenwu was no ordinary celestial being but the chosen successor to the Jade Emperor—a fact known only since the establishment of the Heavenly Court. He shared similar ideals with the Great Emperor of Ziwei and was extremely dissatisfied with the current state of Taoism. Thus, he had been secretly making plans and forming alliances, waiting for the right moment to shake the court.
The Great Emperor Zhenwu ruled over the Northern Heaven and commanded all the gods there. As the ancestor of dragons, every scaled creature in the world respected him. His influence could not be underestimated, and his status was on par with that of the Jade Emperor. The Great Emperor of Ziwei held the highest position among the stars. In Taoism, he was called “the Lord of All Stars” and “the Root of All Gods,” so he also had great influence in the Heavenly Court. These two would obey the Jade Emperor’s orders when they wished to, and even if they occasionally defied him, no one dared to use force against them.
Now that Buddhism was invading the Eastern Lands, this was a matter crucial to the fate of both religions. Zhenwu’s thoughts raced—how could his faction benefit from this situation and prevent Buddhism from overshadowing Taoism? It was a complex issue.
Zhenwu asked, “What does the Great Emperor of Ziwei think?”
Ziwei smiled and said, “Buddha’s intentions are well-known to everyone. It’s just unclear whether this is a final move or merely a test.”

Zhenwu said, “In my opinion, they should throw stones first and then hide the dagger. Tathagata is ambitious; this must have been planned for a long time.”
Ziwei nodded and said, “If he weren’t completely confident, he wouldn’t act like this. But how can he be sure the Jade Emperor won’t get angry?”
Zhenwu replied, “The Jade Emperor has always been weak and timid. Tathagata has figured out his nature.”
Ziwei said, “Anyway, this is a rare opportunity. It’s best to take advantage of the chaos.”
Zhenwu thought for a moment and said, “If the Jade Emperor takes no action this time, many in the sect will become even more disheartened. I just don’t know how to assess the situation.”
Ziwei said, “It’s not suitable to handle this personally. Right now, Guanyin is on her journey to the West in search of pilgrims. If we can secretly place agents among them…”
Zhenwu said, “Exactly. I guess everyone will know about this soon. Not only the Heavenly Court but also the Three Pure Ones should take action and plant insiders so they can stay informed about everyone’s stance before making a decision. That would be a good strategy.”
Ziwei said, “This is urgent, and nothing is settled yet. We can’t make many decisions right away. It’s better to select candidates as soon as possible.”
Zhenwu thought for a while and said, “There is indeed one person. He just violated the heavenly laws—having him atone for his sins would work.”
Ziwei asked, “Is he a trusted ally?”
Zhenwu replied, “He’s a descendant of my dragon clan—Yulong, the third son of Aorun from the Western Sea.”
Ziwei said, “Then he’s certainly reliable.”
Zhenwu nodded and said, “I’ll handle this matter. It’s also easy to talk to Guanyin.”
Suddenly, Ziwei had an idea and said, “Though this plan is good, it’s not hard to think of. If we can come up with such a strategy, others surely can too.”
Zhenwu asked, “So what?” Then he smiled and said, “I see. You’re worried about Guanyin of the Southern Sea? If too many outsiders are placed there, it might be difficult for her, right?”
Ziwei replied, “Exactly.”
Zhenwu laughed and said, “Not at all. How could Avalokiteshvara be someone who stays put? Do you think she’s completely loyal to Buddhism? She’s skillful and resourceful, with great ambitions.”
Hearing Zhenwu’s words, Ziwei felt relieved and praised, “Brother Dao, you truly know people well. I feel inferior compared to you.”
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Beneath the Five Elements Mountain, Wukong was in a daze, half-asleep. Time seemed to pass in a blur—decades might have gone by. At first, he tried to find a way to escape, but failed. Later, realizing the huge gap in his cultivation compared to Tathagata, he gave up.

Over these many years, he only remembered Erlang Shen visiting him a few times, and there were also many who watched from the clouds without coming down to see him—probably due to their status, they couldn’t approach. Erlang Shen sent the Six Brothers of Meishan to keep an eye on him from afar. At first, Wukong would talk to them, but later he had nothing left to say.

Whether it was loneliness or solitude, what Wukong feared most at this time was Guanyin. Who knew if she would find someone else and miss him? If that happened, all his suffering over these years would have been in vain. If so, he vowed to gather everyone from Qitianling and wreak havoc! Wukong made this secret vow.

It was a warm and blooming spring day. Strangely enough, Wukong’s mind was unusually clear that day. It was Kang Anyu’s turn to be on duty. Unlike others, Kang Anyu would always greet Wukong every time he came here.

He approached Wukong and said, “Is the Great Sage doing well?” Though suppressed for many years, the Six Brothers of Meishan knew of Wukong’s great powers, and even Erlang Shen respected him, so they naturally treated him with great respect.

Wukong replied, “Brother Kang has arrived.”

Kang Anyu said, “There were matters in the mountains, so I arrived a moment late. Please forgive me, Great Sage.”

Wukong couldn’t help but ask further, “Is there something wrong at Guanjiangkou?”

Kang Anyu replied, “It’s not Guanjiangkou. It is said that the Spirit Mountain intends to transmit scriptures to our land. Brother Yang Jian went to investigate, which is why I was delayed by a quarter of an hour.”

Hearing this, Wukong was extremely excited. This day had finally come. Lost in thought, he didn’t even hear Kang Anyu saying goodbye to him.

The transmission of scriptures, the search for a pilgrim, the Tang King’s descent to the underworld, Chen Guangrui becoming the top scholar, and Tang Seng’s journey to the West—all these major events happened that year. When Wukong first read Journey to the West, he was also puzzled by one thing: Chen Guangrui’s marriage to the prime minister’s daughter and Xuanzang’s journey to the West both took place in the 13th year of the Zhenguan era. After all, Tang Seng was Chen Guangrui’s son, and Tang Seng hadn’t been born yet when Chen Guangrui became the top scholar. These two events could never have happened in the same year.

After reading it many times, Wukong realized that these events were manipulated by immortals, causing the timeline to become chaotic. Li Shimin died and was revived, and after searching for high monks, it was time for the pilgrimage. Tang Seng emerged at just the right moment—everything happened as it should. If Tang Seng had grown up year by year, by then Li Shimin would likely be old and no longer as enthusiastic about fulfilling his vow to obtain the scriptures.

Therefore, Wukong concluded that all these coincidences were certainly not the work of fate but must have been orchestrated by immortals to make everything seem perfect—though it created a huge flaw, and it was unclear how they managed to hide it from everyone else.

There are many capable people in Taoism, and surely quite a few have seen through this matter. Then why don’t they reveal it? The relationships among the immortals are intricate, with countless secret connections, so this factional struggle is not that simple either. Alas, as for the true reasons, if I were free, I might be able to uncover some clues, but now that I’m like a good-for-nothing, I can only guess.