Volume 3: A Long Journey, Chapter 267: Aspiring to Unite with Heaven

In the Clear and Subtle Heaven of the Pure Realm, within the Upper Pure Palace, the Three Purities sat in a circle.
Laojun took the jade letter from Yuanshi Tianzun, glanced at it briefly, then flung it to the ground and said, “That kid has gone mad! He actually dares to think of uniting with heaven!”
Yuanshi smiled and looked at Lingbao Daozun, “Second junior brother, what do you think?”
Lingbao Daozun frowned and said, “Since this letter has reached my senior brother’s hands, it’s likely that Ziwei, Zhenwu, and Gouchen will also receive it. At this time, attempting to unite with heaven is quite inappropriate.”
Laojun said, “If it’s not appropriate now, then when will it be?”
Lingbao Daozun replied, “It’s never appropriate!”
Yuanshi Tianzun said, “When the Thirty-Six Heavens were first established, we were both there. We all know they are vast and boundless—setting up such a large scale is risky, right?”
Lingbao nodded and said, “Of course.”
Yuanshi continued, “And why do people hold back their thoughts despite having them?”
Laojun laughed and said, “That’s just how human hearts are; there’s no need to ask further.”
Yuanshi said, “It’s because everyone knows that the Jade Emperor, having just ascended to this position, is even more arrogant than heaven itself. It’s useless to speak out anyway.”
Lingbao Daozun replied, “Not everyone thinks so. To be honest, I believe the bigger the better.”
Yuanshi nodded, “Mm, many share this view. The larger the Thirty-Six Heavens, the more prosperous the population becomes, and the more they can draw from the natural forces of heaven and earth. It’s the simplest logic.”
Laojun said, “Though that’s true, this method also carries great risks. If the expenses exceed income… oh, it seems that day is approaching.”
Yuanshi said, “With the rise of Buddhism, in just one night, within a thousand or so years, it seized nearly half of the territory controlled by the heavenly court. Later, when the Eastern and Western Heavens jointly undertook efforts to refine heaven, natural resources became insufficient.”
Lingbao said, “The territory of the Ling Mountain region is very small. In comparison, it’s naturally the heavenly court that’s affected.”
Yuanshi said, “Exactly. That’s why if the Jade Emperor doesn’t attempt to unite with heaven, he won’t be able to sustain the resources needed for refining heaven. Unless… there’s only that method left.”
Laojun exclaimed, “Reclaiming Xiniuhezhou?”
Yuanshi said, “That’s right!”
Lingbao Daozun said, “If I had known this, why would I have retreated step by step at first?”
Yuanshi said, “The Jade Emperor acts in strange and erratic ways, but no matter what, he will never accept being inferior to others.”
Lingbao said, “Things are different now. The Western Heaven has moved eastward, and the Eastern Heaven has moved westward. With the Qitian Ridge in between, everyone will have to think carefully.”
Laojun said, “It’s a pity that although there are a few powerful figures in the Qitian Ridge, they don’t know how to influence the people or create divine statues or golden bodies. Otherwise, they could also take away a lot of resources from the Western Heaven.”
Lingbao laughed and said, “Apart from Wukong, who else in the Qitian Ridge understands strategy and tactics?”

Yuan Shi said with a bitter smile, “Let’s not talk about schemes. The real joke is that the three of us knew we had been deceived, yet we simply couldn’t figure out that person’s intentions.”
Laojun nodded and said, “I’m ashamed. If it weren’t for Wukong mentioning the matter of the Five Kings, I really wouldn’t have thought he was still alive in the world.”
Yuan Shi said, “His death back then was already strange. We just don’t know how he deceived you and me.”
The three of them fell deep into thought as they recalled the past.
Suddenly, Lingbao said, “The Heavenly Court is in danger!”
Yuan Shi asked, “Have you thought of Ziwei and Zhenwu?”
Lingbao replied, “Exactly! Ziwei and the Ancestral Dragon have been plotting for a long time to take his place. With the Jade Emperor uniting with heaven this time, many people will surely be extremely dissatisfied. For them, isn’t this the best opportunity?”
Laojun said, “Hehe, those two are also full of themselves—just Eighth and Ninth Rank Immortals. If they really dare to rebel, even if the Jade Emperor stops refining heaven, he will still execute them!”
Lingbao asked, “Since Ziwei knows about the Eighth and Ninth Rank Immortals, why does he still have such ambitions?”
Laojun replied, “It’s not really his fault. Ziwei has always regarded the Three Pure Ones as supreme and has never taken the Jade Emperor seriously. Even the Eighth and Ninth Rank Immortals, he thinks are under our control. How could he know that these seven thousand or so people only obey the Jade Emperor’s orders?”
“Eighth and Ninth Rank Immortals, three thousand Buddhas… Younger brother, Tathagata and the Jade Emperor do indeed have many similarities. Do you think they might be acting under that person’s orders?” Lingbao asked.
Yuan Shi said, “You’ve asked this question many times. It’s definitely not the case!”
Lingbao replied, “Senior brother always says it’s not the case, but there’s no solid reason either.”
Yuan Shi insisted, “It’s definitely not the case. No need for explanation.”
Laojun laughed and said, “Since senior brother says it’s not, then it must indeed not be. But as for the matter of uniting with heaven… we might have to argue with the Jade Emperor.”
Lingbao said, “Then we’ll have to see if the Jade Emperor has the courage to break ties with the Western Heaven.”
“Difficult!” Lingbao and Yuan Shi said in unison.
“The Jade Emperor appears lenient on the outside but is suspicious on the inside. He’s good at planning but lacks decisiveness. It’s already surprising that he came up with the idea of uniting with heaven. If he dares to turn against the Western Heaven, then I really misjudged him,” Lingbao said.
Yuan Shi said, “The Jade Emperor is easy to deal with, but the Queen Mother is tricky. Not to mention anything else, just that old monster guarding the Peach Tree is enough to give Ziwei and Zhenwu a hard time.”
Laojun said, “If that’s the case, we really should inform those two. Otherwise, if the two sides fight each other, outsiders will benefit.”
Lingbao said, “Younger brother, the Jade Emperor has always considered himself the Supreme Heavenly Emperor and never mentions that he’s the head of the Six Rulers. He’s always resentful that the Three Pure Ones of Taoism are above him. You still think he’s one of Taoism’s followers?”

Laojun said, “As long as he remains one of the Six Emperors, he will always be part of our Taoism. Given the current situation, the best approach is naturally for the Heavenly Court to break ties with the Western Heaven and gradually reclaim the lands consumed by them. Though this plan is slow, it is fundamental and represents the best strategy.”
“If the Jade Emperor can open his heart, explain the advantages and disadvantages to everyone, and seek help humbly, perhaps they can work together to come up with other solutions. This would be the middle strategy.”
“The worst scenario is still him acting arbitrarily, going against everyone’s wishes, thus destroying any semblance of unity. By then, no one will be able to save him—that would be the worst outcome.”
After Laojun spoke, Yuanshi said, “Upon careful consideration, aligning with Heaven may indeed resolve immediate crises, but doing so would make the Heavenly Court appear weak. Those who are undecided might then wholeheartedly side with the Western Heaven.”
Lingbao said, “How could the Jade Emperor not consider this? Could it be… he’s testing us?”
“Instead of seeking to unite us, he only harbors suspicion. Sigh!” Laojun sighed. “I’ll go find Ziwei. Under no circumstances can we put the Ancestral Dragon in danger. The King of the Five Categories is of great use to that man—how can we let him succeed?”
Laojun left the room. Yuanshi said, “This issue is difficult to resolve. It seems we still need to go to Qitianling for a solution.”
Lingbao pondered carefully and gradually understood, saying, “Does that mean only Wukong can solve this?”
Yuanshi replied, “Who else but him can command the people of Qitianling? But there are some things we fear revealing too early, as it might harm him.”
Lingbao said, “Qitianling indeed makes both the Eastern and Western Heavens cautious. Those people act without restraint, following only their hearts, yet often achieve remarkable results. Even the Tathagata backed down last time.”
Yuanshi said, “Let’s wait until our junior brother returns and sees how Ziwei reacts before making a decision.”
※　※　※
On the Spiritual Mountain in the Western Heaven, it was still that courtyard filled with peony flowers. Guanyin slowly climbed the steps, looking at the white flowers that matched her own white robes, feeling a surge of sorrow. The flowers remained blooming, yet her own misfortunes had not faded. As the great Guanyin Bodhisattva, how could she not feel grief in such a situation?
The Tathagata stepped out of the house, his expression serene. He looked at Guanyin, who bowed and said, “Disciple has matters to report to the Buddha.”
The Tathagata said, “You did well regarding Zhu Bajie, but losing the Nine-Headed Worm is your fault.”
Guanyin said, “Disciple acknowledges her mistake.”
The Tathagata said, “It’s not a big deal. I don’t need to hide my actions from anyone. But since it delayed the formation, you still need to find someone to take care of it.”
Guanyin replied, “Yes.”
The Tathagata asked, “What brings you here today?”

Guanyin said, “Nezha reports that the Jade Emperor finds the thirty-six heavens too vast and intends to merge them.”
Hearing this, the Tathagata was slightly moved and asked, “When did Nezha join our sect?”
Guanyin replied, “Nezha bears his father’s vengeance and resents the Jade Emperor for not giving him justice. Recently, he has been in close contact with Mu Zha; their brotherly bond has grown strong, and through that, he has also become familiar with me.”
The Tathagata nodded and said, “Good! Since Nezha says so, this matter must be true.”
Guanyin added, “The Jade Emperor has sent messages to the immortals of the Three Pure Ones, Zi Wei, Gou Chen, Dong Ji, and other celestial realms. It remains to be seen what the outcome will be.”
The Tathagata smiled and said, “Chaos has arisen in the heavenly court. I’m curious to see how the Three Pure Ones will respond.”
Guanyin said, “If nothing else, I shall take my leave.”
The Tathagata took out an object from his bosom and said, “After much contemplation, I’ve found an antidote for you. Taking it will free you from harm.”
Guanyin trembled but did not reach out to take it. Instead, she knelt on the ground and paid the Tathagata a great bow. The Tathagata placed a jade bottle in her hands and said, “Your wisdom far surpasses that of Manjushri and Samantabhadra; even the Buddhas of the Western Heaven are inferior to you. After taking this medicine, think carefully—life in this world is perilous, and you must find a way out.”
Guanyin replied with utmost respect, “I will follow the Buddha’s teachings!”
She opened the jade bottle and poured its contents into her mouth without even looking. In just a moment, she wept with joy as her long-lost vitality returned.
Still, Guanyin knew well that if the Tathagata could save her, he could also destroy her. Having experienced this strange incident was like walking through the gates of death. With her level of cultivation, losing her life would be far worse than ordinary mortals undergoing reincarnation. Even those with great supernatural powers faced an uncertain future in reincarnation. Moreover, Guanyin knew the underworld very well—she knew clearly which of the Ten Kings of Hell favored the heavenly court and which favored Mount Ling.
Guanyin guessed that it was almost certainly the Tathagata who had severed her vitality, though he had done so silently, which was a hundred times more terrifying than acting openly.
As for the Tathagata’s skill in manipulating people, it was truly remarkable. He naturally knew that bodhisattvas like Guanyin and Manjushri served the Buddha from the East, but he never showed any reaction outwardly. Among the four great bodhisattvas, in terms of reputation, ability, and cunning, Guanyin was by far the greatest, while the others were insignificant.
Thus, he devised a clever plan to trick Guanyin into a disadvantage. Later, when Guanyin accepted bribes from the heavenly court and the Dragon Palace and inserted outsiders into the pilgrimage team, the Tathagata was fully aware of it all. No matter what Guanyin did, she could not escape his schemes.

Seeing that Guanyin behaved properly, he generously gave her the antidote, and Guanyin could only be endlessly grateful. Tathagata also gave Guanyin a few warnings to make her aware of the consequences of her actions. With Guanyin’s intelligence, she would naturally work diligently for Tathagata from then on, without any other distractions.