Volume 3: A Long Journey, Chapter 396: Understanding Life and Death

Wukong kept pondering one question: How do these spells and techniques, which can unleash supernatural powers and control magical artifacts, function? Since this world is rooted in the principles of creation, spells are essentially a form of art to manipulate creation. Logically, only those who follow the path of creation should be able to create them—so why are they widespread everywhere? And who was the first creator?
Xuan Nu and Yuan Shi closed their eyes in deep thought, and Wukong didn’t want to disturb them, so he continued to ponder on his own. On the surface, spells seem to rely on the power of sound, but some spells also work when recited silently. Wukong used the Rope Cloud and transformed into the Heaven’s Secret Staff by reciting silently without uttering a sound. Could it be that spells can be recited silently only when used on one’s own belongings, but must be spoken aloud when used on others?
He remembered Feng Tong saying that most supernatural powers in the world are exerted through mantras, but who created these mantras and what their mechanism is remains unknown.
Thinking of this, Wukong recalled the cultivation techniques he practiced. When he recited the Tao Te Ching, didn’t his internal energy also grow? Essentially, the Tao Te Ching is just a set of mantras. When he recited it in the three realms, his internal energy grew rapidly. So, could it be said that in this world of good and evil, the Tao Te Ching is a high-level mantra?
The Tao Te Ching was written by Laojun, and naturally, it was effective in his realm because its principles aligned with those of the universe. If he could find the mantras of this world, might he achieve the same results? Who created this world? Was it Pangu? Although Pangu created the heavens and earth, from Kunpeng’s words, Wukong inferred that Pangu merely created them at the beginning of each cycle, like a dutiful servant.
If Wukong had once thought of Pangu as the master, that idea faded little by little after he learned that Yuan Shi possessed a trace of Pangu’s creative essence. Later, learning that Ksitigarbha, Xuan Nu, and Diting also inherited Pangu’s legacy and became part of the creation lineage, he completely dismissed this idea.
Although Pangu held three parts of the creative essence, Pangu had three parts, Kunpeng had two parts, and the Seven Divine Apes had one part… It seemed these were also under someone else’s control. Thus, Wukong really doubted that Pangu was the master of this world. A true master possesses an extraordinary aura that cannot be described in words.

If that’s the case, is there someone else who surpasses Pangu and Kunpeng? Wukong was shocked by this thought—could it be Tathagata? If Tathagata is the ruler of heaven and earth, then what is he doing? If it’s not Tathagata, where is this ruler of heaven and earth then?
As Wukong was lost in thought, Xuan Nu suddenly said, “It’s bad!” Wukong asked, “Why?”
Xuan Nu replied, “The Creation Sect originally consisted of nine people, but now there are thirteen. I’m afraid Tathagata has discovered this.”
Hearing this, Wukong was also shaken. Yuan Shi, Xuan Nu, and the third member were part of the Creation Sect, a fact known to few. Their secret actions had been a great help to him. Since Tathagata controlled the Creation Heart Rod, he could easily determine how many people were connected to the Yin-Yang Divine Ape.
If so, with Yuan Shi and Xuan Nu exposed, it would be extremely disadvantageous.
Yuan Shi said, “He’ll find out sooner or later.”
Xuan Nu said, “Never mind. It’s already a conflict between fire and water. Tathagata isn’t really enemies of the world—he’s actually enemies of creation itself!”
Upon hearing this, Wukong’s mind cleared. Her words were spot-on. All of Tathagata’s actions were aimed at controlling creation. If that was the case, how could the Creation Sect tolerate him?
Wukong asked, “Is there anything special about this mantra?”
Xuan Nu replied, “Just from a single mantra, it’s hard to tell anything.”
Wukong asked, “So, once the Creation Heart Rod is used, it can’t be broken?”
Xuan Nu said, “It seems so for now, but…”
“But what?” Wukong pressed urgently.
Xuan Nu shook her head with a bitter smile. Wukong looked at Yuan Shi, who said, “There’s no unsolvable problem in the world, it’s just that…”
Anxious, Wukong saw the two hesitating again and suddenly felt a sense of foreboding. He asked, “Could it be the Yin-Yang—?”
Realizing Wukong had guessed correctly, Xuan Nu said, “That’s right. If the Creation Heart Rod loses its host, it will no longer function. This artifact was created specifically to counter the Creation Sect, so it should be destroyed.”
Losing its host meant Tang Seng would die. If an ordinary person died, the essence of creation would go to the underworld to await rebirth. But Tang Seng was the Yin-Yang Divine Ape—how many people would want to claim his essence!
Yuan Shi said, “For anyone else, this wouldn’t be difficult, but for the Yin-Yang Divine Ape… it’s tricky.”
Wukong asked, “Why?”
Yuan Shi replied, “The Yin-Yang Divine Ape is good at avoiding death and prolonging life, but in truth, it fears death the most. Yet if we were to act, who could bear to do it?”

Wukong listened to Yuan Shi talk about the death of the Yin-Yang Divine Ape with an indifferent expression, feeling slightly displeased. Xuan Nu explained, “Wukong, do you still remember your life as Dragon Tree?” Wukong nodded, and Xuan Nu continued, “At that time, I saw that you had no clear reason for existing, so I became anxious and ended your life in your previous existence. I took out the essence of your fate and placed it in the nine orifices and eight pores of the stone, which is why you were able to be reborn with wisdom in this life. Even when a divine ape reincarnates, it doesn’t mean it never returns. I promise you that in your next life, I will protect you well. Wouldn’t that be better than being controlled by humans in this life?” Wukong remained silent. It was one thing for things to happen to him, but he really couldn’t bring himself to kill Tang Seng. Even if reincarnation was possible, it was still a living life! So he shook his head and said, “This isn’t some solution at all; it’s clearly a method that destroys everything.” Yuan Shi said, “It’s not me exaggerating. When Tang Seng was struck by the Fate-Connecting Staff, not only were we affected, but even Pangu sensed it. He knew the Yin-Yang Divine Ape was suffering, and the essence of fate became even more unstable.” Wukong realized that what Buddha intended was Pangu’s essence of fate. If he succeeded, it would likely lead to a complete upheaval in the world. After much deliberation, he forced himself to convince himself, saying, “The greater good must come first.” Then Xuan Nu said, “The problem is precisely this: fate kills fate, and retribution appears immediately! I already lost one of my avatars by taking Dragon Tree’s life. If I act again, there will be no essence of fate left in the world.” It turned out that to kill Tang Seng, it wasn’t the Yin-Yang Divine Ape itself that would suffer; whoever killed him would have to sacrifice their own life. Wukong scratched his head in frustration. If someone else had to do this, it would also harm them. Fate—what a tricky thing! Wukong remembered what had happened to Dayu and others inside the Kunpeng’s belly and said, “Hmm, if the essence of fate can exempt one from retribution, isn’t that a solution?” Xuan Nu replied, “Exactly!” Yuan Shi asked, “Who is suitable to do this?” Wukong was surprised and said, “If we’re going to kill Tang Seng, we can just pick any minor demon from Qi Tian Ling. Why choose carefully?” Xuan Nu said, “With the Fate-Connecting Staff inside him now, how could an ordinary person kill him?” Wukong asked, “Then what’s needed?” Xuan Nu replied, “When Tang Seng is under control, the reaction is weakest in me and Yuan Shi, followed by Ksitigarbha, then you and Di Ting. As for the other divine apes, their low cultivation levels mean the impact is severe. To kill the Yin and Yang, one must first achieve sainthood.” “Ah!” The conditions were truly harsh! Wukong counted the people he knew who had achieved sainthood—Qilin, Dayu, Hou Tu… Who would be willing to do this?

Xuan Nu also found it extremely difficult. The so-called essence of fate could redeem one’s karmic retribution, but no one knew the mechanism behind it. Even the slightest deviation could lead to irreparable consequences.
Wukong used the secrets of the Mysterious Sky Technique to look down. Tang Seng continued to move westward step by step. It seemed he realized he could hardly resist the power of the Rod of Fate’s Connection, so his movements gradually became more coordinated, and his pace quickened significantly.
Tong Feng followed closely beside Tang Seng, never straying an inch. The others followed either on the ground or in the sky, all with their eyes lowered, unable to bear to see Tang Seng in such a state.
Wukong observed Tang Seng’s expression carefully. There was no longer any trace of the ease and leisure he had shown at Lion Camel Ridge, and he was far worse off than during his journey to obtain the scriptures. At this moment, Tang Seng resembled a walking corpse, as if even his thoughts had ceased.
Wukong suddenly realized that the three of them, by casually discussing matters here, had unknowingly decided Tang Seng’s fate. Did Xuan Nu, Yuan Shi, and the Spirit Ape truly have such power? With this thought, Wukong said, “Let’s put this aside for now. I need to go ask the Yin-Yang Spirit Ape. He must be extremely lonely and helpless right now, not even aware of the spells affecting him.”
After saying this, Wukong directly pierced through the sky and flew toward where Tang Seng was.
Xuan Nu was stunned and looked at Yuan Shi, saying, “This Spirit Ape really causes unexpected problems.” Yuan Shi nodded and said, “I don’t know what he’s thinking either.”
When Wukong reached Tang Seng, he grabbed his arm and gently called out, “I’m back.”
Hearing Wukong’s voice, Tang Seng showed a hint of relief. He said, “Wukong, what’s happening to me? What’s going on?” Tang Seng used to be eloquent, but now he had difficulty speaking, constantly having to suppress the voice in his mind urging him to move westward.
Wukong felt guilty and explained the function of the Rod of Fate’s Connection. After hearing this, Tang Seng smiled bitterly and said, “I never thought… I would… actually drag so many people down with me…”
Wukong hurriedly said, “Don’t worry. I’ll definitely find a way to save you!”
Tang Seng replied, “Sigh, from beginning to end, it was you… who saved me every time. I still owe you… two Immortal Peaches.”
Wukong’s heart ached, but he forced a smile and said, “We’re connected by blood. Why talk about such things? Just keep walking slowly. Don’t resist that strange force.”
Tang Seng asked, “Do you really think I’m afraid of death?”
Wukong was shocked and exclaimed, “What are you talking about?”
With great effort, Tang Seng reached out to touch Tong Feng and patted Wukong, saying, “I told you, giving me these Immortal Peaches is useless.”

Wukong said, “It’s useful!”
Tang Seng shook his head with effort and said, “In the next life… let’s still be… brothers!”
Hearing that Tang Seng seemed determined to seek death, Wukong’s heart ached as if torn apart. He had countless thoughts of keeping Tang Seng, but felt utterly powerless. All he could do was shout, “No!”
His shout summoned Ksitigarbha and Di Ting, and everyone gathered around Tang Seng. Tang Seng smiled faintly and said, “Who knows life and death better than I?” His words came out smoothly. As soon as he finished speaking, he suddenly stood still and turned eastward.
Wukong was stunned. Could Tang Seng really resist the power of the Rod of Fate? Suddenly, a wave of sorrow overwhelmed him. When he looked at Tang Seng again, he was already dead.
In his last moment, he finally turned his back on the Western Heaven!