Volume 3: A Long Journey, Chapter 393: Death Thoughts Give Way to Life

Tongfeng stayed by Tang Seng’s side, watching as he slowly regained consciousness. Tang Seng opened his eyes and saw Tongfeng’s concerned gaze. Recalling what had happened before falling asleep, he showed a look of both shock and joy.
Tongfeng asked, “Are you feeling better?”
Tang Seng nodded. “Better than ever!”
Tongfeng smiled. “How can that be? You need to feel even better.”
Tang Seng shook his head and said, “Wukong gave me a flat peach. After eating it, I remembered many things from the past.”
“Things from the past? What do you mean?”
Tang Seng replied, “I’ve gone through more than ten reincarnations, most of which were spent atop a high tower.”
“Atop a high tower? Where is that tower, and what kind of tower is it?” Tongfeng also sensed the underlying meaning in Tang Seng’s words. Since that tower was used to imprison the Yin-Yang Divine Ape, there must be some unspeakable secrets involved.
Tang Seng said, “That tower is the tallest Buddhist pagoda on Ling Mountain, named Fotu.”
Tongfeng asked, “Fotu Pagoda? I’ve never heard of it.”
Tang Seng explained, “That pagoda is a forbidden area on Ling Mountain, accessible only to a few. I spent countless years atop that tower. With each passing life, I felt the most precious things in my life gradually slipping away from me. Finally, in this life, I was reborn as a mortal.”
Tongfeng felt a deep empathy and asked sadly, “Your past life was that of Jinchanzi, the second disciple of the Tathagata. Then why were you banished and reborn in the Eastern Land?”
Tang Seng replied sorrowfully, “In this life as Jinchanzi, I had relative freedom compared to before—at least I wasn’t confined to that tiny space anymore.”
Looking at Tongfeng, Tang Seng said with a bitter smile, “People say I despised Buddhist teachings and spoke arrogantly in front of the Tathagata. But think carefully—how could I do such a foolish thing?”
Tongfeng’s body trembled slightly. Those who knew about the pilgrimage only thought Jinchanzi was banished to the Eastern Land for despising Buddhist teachings. But as a Creative Divine Ape, Tongfeng had deeper insights. After learning Tang Seng’s true identity, he believed Tang Seng had remembered his own identity as the Yin-Yang Divine Ape, which naturally filled him with hatred toward the Tathagata. What seemed like rebellion was actually revenge for past grievances. Hearing Tang Seng’s words, Tongfeng realized there must be more to the story.
Tang Seng continued, “I clearly remember that day. Right in front of the Tathagata, a gap suddenly opened in my mind, and many strange memories surged in. I was at a loss at the time. Now I think it was a sign that I was waking up.”
Tongfeng asked, “What happened after that?”
Tang Seng replied, “I was stunned for a moment, not knowing what to do. But I realized this matter was likely very important, so I tried to stay calm and hide it from others.”

“Who would have thought that the very moment I awoke, I saw an unusual glow flash from the goldenThe goldenPāla
Pāla
Pāla
Pāla
Pāla
Pāla
Pāla
PālagoldenPāla is translated as: goldenPāla
Pāla
Pāla
Pāla
Pāla
Pāla
Pāla
PālagoldenPāla. in front of Tathagata, who then smiled as he picked it up.”
“I felt an extremely ominous premonition at that moment, as if I were standing at a life-or-death crossroads.”
Tongfeng asked, “Did you know your true identity at that time?”
Tang Seng replied, “Of course not. Those fragments of memory were in chaos; I hadn’t even had time to piece them together when Tathagata suddenly attacked!”
Tongfeng pressed, “Could it be—”
Tang Seng nodded. “It must be him. How could I be that foolish as to challenge Tathagata in front of so many people? Wouldn’t that be like wishing I’d lived too long?”
Tongfeng wanted to joke that among the Seven Divine Apes, he was the most afraid of death, but he couldn’t bring himself to say it and merely nodded silently.
Tang Seng continued, “What I said and did afterward actually had nothing to do with me. At that time, my body wasn’t under my control, and I don’t know what evil spell Tathagata used.”
Tongfeng said, “I understand. As soon as you woke up, Tathagata knew. He must have been waiting for this moment. Sending you to the Eastern Land was a plan he had long devised. Otherwise, why would he release you from that stupa in your past life?”
Tang Seng agreed, “Exactly!”
Tongfeng asked, “Then do you know why Tathagata insisted on you going on the pilgrimage?”
Tang Seng shook his head and then said resentfully, “Though I don’t know the details, I certainly won’t let him get his way!”
Tongfeng thought for a while and asked puzzledly, “I still don’t understand. How did Tathagata know you would wake up? Only the forces of fate are clear about such things. Tathagata isn’t Pangu or the Kunpeng, nor is he a Divine Ape of Fate. This is…”
Tang Seng replied, “I’ve thought about this for a long time too. I faintly feel that the mystery lies with that goldenThe goldenPāla
Pāla
Pāla
Pāla
Pāla
Pāla
Pāla
PālagoldenPāla is translated as: goldenPāla
Pāla
Pāla
Pāla
Pāla
Pāla
Pāla
PālagoldenPāla..”
“Oh? What is it?” Tongfeng asked.
“The goldenPāla
Pāla
Pāla
Pāla
Pāla
Pāla
Pāla
Pāla flower is actually a variant of the Utpala flower. The ‘Sutra of the Lotus Sutra’ says: ‘Utpala’ signifies divine omens. It appears once every three thousand years, and when it does, the Golden Chariot King emerges,” Tang Seng explained.
Tongfeng laughed. “When you talk about scriptures, I naturally don’t understand a word. But you’re a Yin-Yang Divine Ape. What does the emergence of the Golden Chariot King have to do with you?”
Tang Seng replied, “The Golden Chariot King is one of the thirty-two manifestations of the Cakravartin. The Cakravartin is the most noble king since the creation of the world—the king of kings, the Buddha of Buddhas.”
Tongfeng shook his head. “Nonsense! When it comes to this world, who knows more than I, the Seven Divine Apes? I’ve never heard of any Cakravartin.”

Tang Seng’s face showed concern as he said, “Although the Seven Divine Apes were born from chaos, we have been part of a larger scheme since birth, constantly controlled by others. Do you feel the same?”
Feng Tong was stunned. Tang Seng was telling the truth, and he had no choice but to admit it. He asked, “Are you saying the Seven Divine Apes are being used by someone?”
Tang Seng replied, “We can’t generalize, but I absolutely don’t believe that our understanding of the universe surpasses that of the Tathagata. Even if all seven of us were fully awakened, our knowledge would still be limited to chaos. Who knows what existed before chaos or what will come after?”
Feng Tong was greatly shocked. He had never thought in such terms, believing chaos to be the ultimate reality. He asked Tang Seng, “How can you think like that?”
Tang Seng said, “I naturally don’t possess such abilities, but having spent time with Wukong, I’ve gradually noticed his unconventional ways of thinking. Influenced by him, I’ve also changed a bit.”
Feng Tong fell into deep thought before saying after a long while, “Perhaps you’re right.”
Tang Seng smiled and said, “What does it matter if I’m right or wrong?” He stretched and sighed, adding, “I feel incredibly at ease right now. Shall we go outside the cave for a walk?”
Feng Tong replied, “Why not?”
Tang Seng asked, “Where is this place? Did you arrange to meet here with Wukong?”
Feng Tong smiled and said, “No need to arrange anything. This is called Lion Camel Ridge. Further west lies Lion Camel Country. Though it’s called a country, it’s uninhabited now. Our demons from Qi Tian Ridge are stationed here, so we’ll immediately be aware of any movements in the west.”
“There are also three ancient gods dwelling in the ridge. What more concerns do you have?” Feng Tong added.
Tang Seng smiled and said, “I’m but a humble being. What concerns could I have? I’m just afraid of causing inconvenience to others.”
Feng Tong replied, “That’s a layman’s view. Although most in Qi Tian Ridge are demons, they still uphold justice. There’s nothing they need to hide in their actions.”
Tang Seng seemed not to hear Feng Tong’s words. Lost in thought, he walked outside. Though slightly surprised, Feng Tong paid it no mind and followed him out of the cave.
From then on, Feng Tong accompanied Tang Seng on daily walks in the mountains. It might have seemed idle, but for Tang Seng, it was a rare moment of joy. In his life, aside from his carefree days as a Yin-Yang Divine Ape in his first life, these days were the freest he had ever known.

Tang Seng spent a few days in leisure, but gradually, a sense of worry crept into his heart. As the Yin-Yang Divine Ape, he was most sensitive to matters of life and death, and he could sense that he might be facing an unprecedented crisis. Although Fengtong said that Lion Camel Ridge was a very safe place, his intuition never failed, and he could faintly feel that the end of his life seemed to be approaching once again.

The Yin-Yang Divine Ape was known for understanding human affairs, knowing life and death, discerning fortune and misfortune, and being skilled at avoiding death and prolonging life. Among the Seven Divine Apes, it was true that he was the most afraid of death. Yet, this very ape, who understood fortune and misfortune best and was most adept at avoiding death, was actually the one who died the most times among them—wasn’t this just the whims of fate?

Whenever death approached, Tang Seng would feel an endless emptiness and fear. Precisely because he understood life and death best, he feared death more than anyone else. Not to mention having his life taken, even encountering demons on the journey to the West would leave him paralyzed—this was an innate instinct deeply rooted in his soul, unrelated to courage.

Gradually, Fengtong could also tell that something was wrong with Tang Seng these days, but no matter how he asked, Tang Seng remained silent.

One day, Fengtong used tactics to take Tang Seng to a peak on Lion Camel Ridge. As soon as they landed, Tang Seng’s face turned deathly pale. Fengtong asked urgently, “What’s wrong?”

Tang Seng replied, “It’s finally here.”

“What’s here?” Fengtong asked again. Before Tang Seng could answer, a figure appeared in the east—it was Guanyin Bodhisattva standing among the clouds.

Fengtong comforted Tang Seng, “Don’t be afraid!”

Sure enough, as soon as Fengtong spoke, three figures flew out of the caves on Lion Camel Ridge: the Wood God Jumang, the Nine Spirits Sage, and the Bull Demon King. Guanyin ignored Jumang and flew straight toward Tang Seng.

Jumang rushed forward from the Everlasting Tree and arrived before Guanyin in an instant. Seeing Jumang’s swift and fierce attack, Guanyin was forced to retreat and said, “Wood God, you misunderstand. I just want to ask Tang Seng a few questions.”

Jumang shouted, “Then stay back!”

Guanyin nodded and said, “Alright!”

But Tang Seng spoke first, “Guanyin Bodhisattva, you and I are both under Buddha’s control. Are you still deluded?”

Guanyin smiled and said, “Stop talking nonsense. I am the foremost of the four great Bodhisattvas in the Worldly Spirit Mountain. Once I resolve this matter, I will achieve Buddhahood.”

Tang Seng laughed and said, “Deluding yourself and others!”

Guanyin pretended to be earnest and said, “Xuanzang, endure a few more days, and you will attain the true golden body. Who knows, you might even surpass me in the future. Why are you confused at this moment? Could it be that you’ve been cursed by the demons of Qi Tian Ridge?”

Tang Seng nodded and said, “I indeed have been cursed by someone—yet that person is none other than the Buddha you speak of.”

Guanyin sighed, “Foolish! So you insist on not going west anymore?”
Tang Seng replied, “Not to mention going west, I’ll head east tomorrow to give an account to the King of Tang in the Eastern Land!”