Volume 3: A Long Journey, Chapter 195: The Flesh of Tang Seng

In the Tongming Hall of the Great Luo Heaven, the Lingguan who patrolled the realm reported, “I bring news to the Jade Emperor: The Bodhisattva Guanyin has completed her mission of seeking the scriptures in the Eastern Lands. The one who went on this quest is a monk from the Eastern Lands named Chen Xuanzang, who was also granted the name Sanzang by the Emperor of the Great Tang Dynasty.”
The Jade Emperor emitted an “hm” and signaled the Lingguan to continue.
The Lingguan reported further, “The mountain gods and local deities on earth report that during Guanyin’s journey to the East, she took three men as disciples to protect Tang Sanzang on his journey westward. These three are old acquaintances of hers. One is the Stone Monkey, who was suppressed under the Five Elements Mountain by the Buddha and is named Sun Wukong. Another is Marshal Tian Peng, who was banished from the heavenly court to the mortal world and has now transformed into a pig demon, living in the Cloud Stack Cave on Fuling Mountain. The third lives by the Flowing Sands River and is the General Who Rolls Up the Curtain, who shattered the Buddha’s precious glass cup last year.”
The Jade Emperor was secretly pleased but said outwardly, “So these two abandoned generals from the heavenly court wish to convert to Buddhism?”
The Lingguan added, “According to the river god of the Flowing Sands River, the General Who Rolls Up the Curtain seems to have great remorse and wishes to atone for his sins by returning to the heavenly court.”
The Jade Emperor asked, “Oh? What merits does he have?”
The Lingguan replied, “It’s unclear why, but since those who went to the Western Lands to seek the scriptures appeared long ago, the General Who Rolls Up the Curtain, despite being banished for so many years, has already killed no less than a hundred of them. He believes that by hindering the spread of the teachings from the West, he has earned merits.”
The Jade Emperor laughed and said, “This General Who Rolls Up the Curtain is quite interesting. Having committed so many acts of killing, he still thinks it’s a merit. Well, since he now has restraints, let’s leave him be.”
Taibai Jinxing stepped forward and said, “Congratulations, Your Majesty. These three once caused chaos in the heavenly court, but now they have been taken away by the West—this is their fate. Only Your Majesty shows such magnanimity by forgiving them.” The other ministers echoed his praise.
The Lingguan continued, “Besides these three, there is also Yu Long, one of the three sons of the Dragon King of the Western Sea. He committed a grave offense but was saved by Guanyin. Now he waits at Snake Coiling Mountain and Eagle Worry Gorge, ready to serve as the pilgrim’s mount.”
The Jade Emperor nodded slightly and said, “I am aware of this. The pilgrim has a mortal body; I wonder if he can endure riding a dragon.”
The Lingguan replied, “The pilgrim has left Chang’an and has already traveled over a hundred miles.”
At that moment, General Li Jing, the Great Marshal Who Subdues Demons, reported, “In recent years, the number of demons and monsters on earth has increased by more than ten times. In my opinion, this so-called ‘Zang’ of the Tang Dynasty will find it extremely difficult to move forward, likely to be killed by some demon or other.” As he spoke, many immortals laughed in agreement.

The Jade Emperor coughed and said, “That’s not right. We haven’t even left the Eastern Land yet. If the pilgrims die here, it would be embarrassing for my Heavenly Court as well.”
Taibai Jinxing replied, “Your Majesty is absolutely right. In my opinion, it would be better to take this opportunity to bring order to the lower realms, thus demonstrating the magnanimity of our Taoism.”
The Jade Emperor nodded and said, “Exactly! Taibai Jinxing, receive the order!”
Taibai Jinxing was surprised, thinking that subduing demons and evil spirits was Li Jing’s duty—what did it have to do with him? Yet he had no choice but to step forward and accept the order. The Jade Emperor continued, “Assign the Six Dings and Six Jia, the Five Directions’ Deities, and the Four Guardian Spirits to Guanyin Bodhisattva. State that my Heavenly Court only wishes for the success of the pilgrimage and asks these deities to protect the Tang Dynasty monks.”
All the officials in the Heavenly Court were shocked upon hearing this order—the favor granted was far too great. The Jade Emperor didn’t seem like a typical Taoist; it seemed more like he was supporting Buddhism.
Taibai Jinxing understood the thoughts of the other immortals and was himself somewhat puzzled, but since the Jade Emperor had issued the order, he had no choice but to accept it. He then accepted the order and thanked the emperor, saying, “I receive the order.”
At that moment, Zhang Daoling stepped forward and said, “Your Majesty, wouldn’t this greatly assist the pilgrimage? I urge You Majesty to reconsider.”
The Jade Emperor laughed and said, “Master Zhang, it’s necessary to do this to show the Western Heavens our sincerity. Besides, the Six Dings and Six Jia are only borrowed for now. In the long run, many challenges lie ahead.”
Seeing that the Jade Emperor had his own plans, Zhang Daoling could only nod and retreat.
The Jade Emperor then said, “Taibai Jinxing, go and protect the pilgrim monks. Assist them whenever they’re in trouble, so as to prevent too many demons from emerging in the areas under the Heavenly Court’s control and causing criticism.”
Taibai Jinxing replied and descended to the lower realms.
The Jade Emperor continued, “Li Jing, the Great Marshal Against Demons, receive this order. Lead your heavenly troops from Chang’an City westward to eliminate demons and evil spirits, clearing a path ahead.” Li Jing replied, “I will strictly follow Your Majesty’s orders!”
The Jade Emperor added, “Remember, stop at Xiniu Hezhou and do not interfere further.”
Understanding the Jade Emperor’s intention, Li Jing said, “I understand.”
After hearing the Jade Emperor’s thorough arrangements to protect the pilgrim monks, the officials were all puzzled. The Jade Emperor explained, “The distance from Chang’an to the Spiritual Mountain in the Western Heavens is likely over a hundred thousand miles. With such a long journey, unforeseen events may arise. By having Taoist deities protect these monks, we can shield them for a while, but not forever. Once they leave Nan Shan Bu Zhou, if any more demons cause trouble, it will no longer be the concern of our Taoism.”
After his explanation, some officials felt reassured, while others thought the Jade Emperor’s actions were too submissive, not befitting the ruler of all heavens. Yet they remained silent.
Meanwhile, after completing her great mission in the Eastern Land, Guanyin Bodhisattva returned to the Western Heavens to report to the Buddha.

Above the Great Hero Hall, Guanyin and the Tathagata bowed to each other and gave a brief account of everything related to the journey to the East. Hearing that the one seeking the scriptures was the reincarnation of Jinchanzi and that the Great Sage Equal to Heaven was protecting him, the Tathagata was filled with joy.

Guanyin continued, “Besides these two, there are also Marshal Tianpeng and General Juanlian, who were demoted from heaven, to assist them. Additionally, the Third Prince of the Western Sea Dragon King, also a person who has committed crimes, wishes to join our ranks.”

The Tathagata said, “Marshal Tianpeng? Oh, that’s fine. I merely open wide the gates of compassion, providing a vessel of mercy to save all beings suffering in the sea of suffering and free them from the cycles of rebirth. Anyone who truly aspires to Buddha will be accepted, regardless of their past.”

Hearing the Tathagata’s words, Guanyin realized that aside from Tianpeng, he seemed to know General Juanlian and the Third Prince as well. She said, “The Buddha’s compassion is truly a blessing for all beings.” Then she recounted the backgrounds of General Juanlian and the Little Jade Dragon.

The Buddha smiled and said, “I already know about General Juanlian. At the Peach Banquet, he accidentally knocked over a glass cup, and he also committed evil deeds in the Flowing Sands River, eating many monks on their journey from East to West. Since he committed crimes because of me, how could I blame him? As for the Western Sea Jade Dragon, he burned the precious pearl bestowed by the Jade Emperor. His crime is somewhat serious, but it’s good that he can atone for it through good deeds.”

Relieved that the Tathagata held no blame, Guanyin felt at ease.

Then the Tathagata asked, “Have those headbands been used?”

Guanyin replied, “These four are all willing to follow Buddha wholeheartedly, so those treasures haven’t been used yet.”

The Tathagata smiled and said, “Human hearts are fickle. If anyone refuses to obey, some form of restraint is necessary.”

Guanyin said, “I will keep this in mind.”

The Tathagata added, “These headbands are extremely rare. Don’t waste them on ordinary people.”

Guanyin agreed, but she became more thoughtful. Since the Tathagata considered them rare, they must be extremely powerful magical artifacts. It was remarkable that he trusted her so much as to give her three of them.

The Tathagata continued, “Jinchanzi is reincarnated in a mortal body, and the journey to the West will be difficult for him. Now, I assign eighteen guardians to protect him. You must ensure his safety at all costs.”

Guanyin asked, “In the eyes of ordinary people, he is just an ordinary monk. Is it not too much of a fuss to mobilize so many resources?”

The Tathagata laughed and said, “An ordinary monk? Even you see it that way! Do you know that my two disciples, Jinchanzi, were born with the body and heart of Buddhas? Over ten lifetimes, they have never touched meat or indulged in lust, remaining pure from birth, always aspiring to Buddha. Moreover, having done good deeds for ten lifetimes, their original purity remains intact. He already possesses the virtues of a Wheel-turning King—how can he be dismissed as insignificant?”

The Bodhisattva was shocked. According to legend, the Buddhist Chakravartin King possessed seven treasures and four virtues. If a monk could attain these seven treasures and four virtues, he would become a Chakravartin King. Yet these were extremely difficult to cultivate; even for an ordinary Bodhisattva, achieving just one virtue was already hard. Unexpectedly, this Jinchanzi had already possessed two virtues after only ten reincarnations.

So Guanyin asked, “Please, Buddha, enlighten us—which two virtues has Tang Sanzang attained?”

The Tathagata, usually very reticent, seemed in a good mood today and began to explain in detail: “The four virtues of the Chakravartin King are as follows. The first is the virtue of wealth—possessing treasures, houses, slaves, pearls, jade, elephants, and horses in abundance. No one in the world can compare to him in this regard; this is the first virtue. The second is the virtue of appearance. The Chakravartin King has a perfect and stunning appearance; wherever he sits or stands, everyone is moved by his beauty. No one in the world can compare to him in this regard; this is the second virtue. The third is the virtue of supernatural power. The Chakravartin King wields great magical powers—turning his hand to create clouds and rain, and with a single hand, he can create ten entire worlds. No one in the world can compare to him in this regard; this is the third virtue. The fourth is the virtue of longevity. The Chakravartin King is free from illness and disease, living forever, sharing life and death with heaven and earth. No one in the world can compare to him in this regard; this is the fourth virtue.”

“Tang Sanzang has attained the virtue of appearance and the virtue of longevity. The virtue of appearance is understandable, but the virtue of longevity is truly enviable.”

Guanyin respectfully asked, “Please, Buddha, explain further.”

The Tathagata said, “Since there’s no one else here today, I’ll explain.” Since he mentioned this, it must be of great importance, so all the arhats, monks, venerable saints, and disciples listened attentively in silence.

The Tathagata continued, “Ordinary immortals achieve longevity by cultivating their own bodies. Once their bodies perish, they turn into mere corpses and ashes, useless thereafter. But Tang Sanzang’s body contains innate spiritual energy. If anyone eats even a piece of his flesh, even an ordinary person can achieve immortality, surpassing even the immortal peaches in the Queen Mother of the West’s garden. What do you think of this virtue of longevity?”

Everyone present was astonished. They always regarded the Tathagata’s words as absolute truth. If so, having a piece of Tang Sanzang’s flesh would mean no need to fear disasters or the passage of time. If this news spread throughout the world, Tang Sanzang would instantly become the most sought-after figure. Even an innocent person could be blamed for possessing such a precious treasure—this was the greatest treasure in the world. For those immortals and monsters who devoted themselves to cultivation, who wouldn’t be tempted by it?

Anuo flattered, “He’s like a living immortal peach walking on earth. If those demons found out, they’d tear him apart alive.”

The Tathagata laughed and said, “It’s not easy to obtain, and eating him is also troublesome. To eat Tang Sanzang, one must find a propitious day when he’s at ease, then slowly consume him for true pleasure.”

Upon hearing this, everyone praised the Buddha for his vast knowledge.

Guanyin was greatly shocked, but after a moment’s thought, she understood the Tathagata’s intention.

If this matter was so important, why wasn’t it made clear that it shouldn’t be spread? Since he revealed this secret in front of so many people, his intentions were obvious—he wanted to spread this news throughout the world! But what was his purpose in doing this?
Guanyin remained calm and said, “The disciple understands the Buddha’s intentions. If the Buddha is worried, I can instruct my disciple Hui’an to protect him secretly, which would be much safer.”
Tathagata waved his hand and said, “Enough, let it be. If fate leads him to the Western Heaven, that’s his destiny! If he doesn’t make it there, how can we blame the heavens and earth for being heartless?”