Volume 3: A Long Journey, Chapter 333: The Appearance of Yin and Yang
Wukong immediately realized that the person in question must be the Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden. Wang Yu possessed extraordinary skills that were quite different from those of Buddhism or Taoism, along with a fierce yet delicate demeanor. How many others could have a master whose status could compare to that of Yuan Shi?
Just when Wang Yu said that mass of primordial energy was extremely useful, Wukong sensed something was amiss. The God-Slaying Circle was undoubtedly given to him by Wang Yu’s master; without guidance, Wang Yu wouldn’t have known how to craft such a magical artifact. So how could he know that this light-black mass of primordial energy would be useful? Had he perhaps seen something similar before?
This light-black mass of primordial energy was quite strange—it seemed no different from the ordinary primordial energy in the world, aside from its color. Even fewer people could recognize it. Wukong himself didn’t recognize it, and Fengtong only said, “Though this primordial energy is peculiar, it still cannot escape this world.” If even Fengtong couldn’t discern its nature, how could Wang Yu know its function? Thinking of “that person,” since the golden ring was made by him, he surely knew the use of this kind of primordial energy. As for the Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden… she could see through the calamities of the cosmic cycle and was the eye of primordial energy within it. Likely, she was the only one besides Pangu, the Kunpeng, and the Seven Divine Apes who could perceive primordial energy. It was only natural that she would know its wonders.
But the Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden had died as long ago as during the time of Bodhisattva Nagarjuna—so how could she have taught Wang Yu?
Fengtong asked Wukong, “Who do you think that person is?”
Wukong replied, “Do you know the Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden?”
Fengtong nodded. “I’ve heard of her name, but I don’t know much about her.”
Wukong thought to himself that the Three Pure Ones had indeed only mentioned her to him. Even as a disciple of Yuan Shi, Fengtong was unaware of this, let alone the other divine apes.
Wukong said, “It doesn’t matter if you don’t know. My guess might not be correct either.” As for the matters of the previous cosmic cycle, Wukong wasn’t deliberately hiding anything from Fengtong—it was just that the relationships involved were too complex, and explaining them would be of little use.
Recalling Liu Er, Wukong asked, “How did the clever divine ape end up at Qi Tian Ling?”
Fengtong replied, “I went to the Clear Subtle Heaven to learn formation techniques. On my way back, I saw the Spirit Treasure Taoist leading the clever divine ape to Qi Tian Ling. As soon as I saw him, I sensed something—then he realized his true form was that of an ancient divine ape. The Spirit Treasure Taoist said, ‘Great events will unfold in the lower world. You can send the clever divine ape to the West on Wukong’s behalf to fetch the scriptures. This way, Wukong can free himself up to act more freely.’”
“Oh, so it was the Spirit Treasure Taoist who sent him,” said Wukong.
It’s certainly a great thing that the Intelligent Divine Monkey can take Wu Kong’s place. But why did the Celestial Treasure Taoist choose this moment? He said there would be major events in the lower world—what could those be? If even the Three Pure Ones consider it a major event, it must be something extraordinary.
Tongfeng said with a smile, “You don’t know what it is, but I do.”
Wu Kong waved his hand and said, “Don’t say anything yet. Let me guess.” After thinking for a while, he recalled that last time, the Old Lord left in a hurry after learning about three gray-robed monks in the Western Heaven. Could it be related to this?
Wu Kong said, “It must be that the Three Thousand Buddhas are about to appear!”
Tongfeng looked confused and asked, “What Three Thousand Buddhas?”
Wu Kong replied, “Isn’t that it?”
Tongfeng said, “That’s completely wrong! It’s far from the truth!” Seeing Wu Kong deep in thought, he couldn’t help but say, “Stop wasting your brainpower. In my mind, only the Seven Divine Monkeys are truly important.”
Wu Kong was shocked. Perhaps all the other divine monkeys shared this view. Only he, due to his distractions, hadn’t paid much attention to the Seven Divine Monkeys. Or maybe the Seven Divine Monkeys were just a special group in the Journey to the West story… Hearing Tongfeng’s words, Wu Kong felt even more guilty. After all, he was the leader of the Seven Divine Monkeys, and he couldn’t ignore this matter any longer.
Wu Kong asked, “The Seven Divine Monkeys? Could the arrival of the Intelligent Divine Monkey bring some trouble?”
Tongfeng shook his head and said, “No trouble at all. I’ve already talked to Zhu Rong. Once the Intelligent Divine Monkey is free, Zhu Rong will teach him fire-control magic.” The Intelligent Divine Monkey belongs to the element of fire, so it’s perfect for Zhu Rong to teach him. Wu Kong hadn’t expected Tongfeng to handle things so smoothly.
If it’s not about the Intelligent Divine Monkey, then what could it be… News from the Armless Divine Monkey? Tongfeng did a somersault and jumped onto the table, exclaiming joyfully, “The gathering of the Seven Divine Monkeys is just around the corner!”
Ah! Wu Kong was also greatly surprised.
Among the Seven Divine Monkeys, the Wise Divine Monkey was himself; Tongfeng the Divine Monkey stood in front of him; the Divine Monkey King Yu had just left; the Armless Divine Monkey was said to be practicing in the Abyss of Nine Netherworlds; the Water-Raising Divine Monkey was undoubtedly in the Northern Sea; the Intelligent Divine Monkey had gone on a pilgrimage in his place. As for the Yin-Yang Divine Monkey… there had been no news of him from the beginning. Had Tongfeng found him?
“The Yin-Yang Divine Monkey? Who is he?” Wu Kong found his voice trembling slightly.
※ ※ ※
Guanyin felt a bit depressed after losing the Scorpion Spirit. She flew eastward, then turned back westward until she reached the Spirit Mountain. There, she met Buddha Tathagata and explained how she had captured the Scorpion Spirit only to have it taken away by Bodhisattva Pilapa.
Tathagata nodded slightly and said, “Good! Since that’s the case, I understand.”
Guanyin said, “Your disciple dares not confront Bodhisattva Pilapa. Please forgive her, Buddha.”
Tathagata said, “It’s none of your business.” Hearing this, Avalokiteshvara felt extremely uncomfortable. Since her life force had been severed, she had been like a puppet, controlled by Tathagata at will. Although her life force had now been restored, she didn’t know what other hidden tactics Tathagata might have, so she dared not act rashly.
Tathagata asked, “Has Tang Seng left the Land of Women?”
Avalokiteshvara replied, “I didn’t delay for a moment. After bidding farewell to Vibhava, I came to report to the Buddha. Tang Seng is probably heading west now.”
Tathagata said solemnly, “Go and help Tang Seng cross the Qi Tian Ridge, but remember—do not enter within three thousand li of it!”
Avalokiteshvara was stunned, filled with confusion. Last time, Tathagata had asked her to assist Tang Seng in crossing the ridge; now he had changed his request. Three thousand li? Wouldn’t that mean Tang Seng would have to travel an extra eighteen thousand li?
So Avalokiteshvara said, “Buddha, perhaps I should ride a cloud to help Tang Seng cross the Qi Tian Ridge.”
Tathagata replied, “Under no circumstances. Even if he takes a detour, Tang Seng must walk every step of the way. If he tries to cheat, how can his sincerity in obtaining the scriptures be proven?”
Avalokiteshvara thought to herself, “Whether it’s sincere or not still depends on you,” but she replied, “I’ll go right away!”
Tathagata said, “Don’t worry. I’ll send people to keep the demons in the Qi Tian Ridge occupied, ensuring you can cross safely.”
Avalokiteshvara bowed to bid farewell to Tathagata and left the temple on Mount Ling. Anxious not to fail the important task assigned by Tathagata, she arrived at the mountain gate just as she encountered Bodhisattva Vibhava.
With no choice, Avalokiteshvara bowed and greeted her. Vibhava smiled and said, “Has Avalokiteshvara come here to complain?”
Avalokiteshvara cursed inwardly at such rude speech but replied respectfully, “You’re joking, Grandma. I’m here to see the Buddha regarding the matter of obtaining the scriptures.”
Vibhava laughed and said, “Just joking. The task of obtaining the scriptures is almost complete, and Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva has made great contributions!”
Avalokiteshvara said, “I dare not claim credit. It’s all thanks to the Buddha’s guidance. How could I dare take credit?”
Vibhava sighed and said, “Among the four great bodhisattvas, only Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva is so devout to the Buddha, working hard for the foundation of our Buddhist path.”
Avalokiteshvara replied, “What are you saying, Grandma? Everyone can accumulate merits.” She was in a hurry to head east, but Vibhava was talkative today, and Avalokiteshvara didn’t dare be impolite, so they chatted for a while.
Just as Avalokiteshvara was trying to hold back her impatience, she heard Tathagata’s voice from afar, saying, “Bodhisattva Vibhava, could you come over for a moment?”
Hearing Tathagata call her, Vibhava smiled and said, “Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva seems in a hurry; she must have something urgent. I shouldn’t keep her waiting.” With that, she turned and flew away from Mount Ling, ignoring Tathagata’s call.
Guanyin forced a smile, bid farewell to Bodhisattva Virupa, and cursed inwardly countless times. One day on the Spiritual Mountain equaled several years on earth. With Virupa’s delay, she wondered how far Tang Seng and the others had gone. Ignoring proper demeanor, she flew swiftly eastward. Tang Seng and his companions were trudging westward when suddenly a auspicious cloud appeared in the west, with Bodhisattva Guanyin standing atop it. Guanyin descended on the cloud before them, and they immediately bowed in reverence. Having measured the distance from the air, she saw they were already within three thousand li of the Qitian Ridge and said, “The demons in the Qitian Ridge are fierce. The Buddha sent me to protect you as you journey westward.” Tang Seng knelt on the ground, his face pale as yellow earth, with sweat drops the size of beans rolling down his face. Guanyin asked, “Xuanzang, are you sick?” Tang Seng replied, “Disciple… my heart aches as if cut by a knife.” Guanyin examined him thoroughly but found nothing abnormal. Suddenly recalling what the Buddha had said—never enter within three thousand li of the Qitian Ridge—she realized the demons must have cast some evil spell. If Tang Seng continued westward, he would surely lose his life! So she said, “From now on, retreat eastward for now!” The fake Wukong said, “Bodhisattva, there are no scriptures in the east!” Guanyin replied, “I naturally know that. But Tang Seng is under a demonic spell now; the further west he goes, the harder it will be for him. We must retreat first and think of a plan later!” How could they dare not obey Guanyin? They turned their horses and headed eastward. ※ ※ ※ Wukong already had a hunch, but he found the situation too strange to draw any conclusions. “Haha!” Fengtong laughed. “You’ve been with him day and night for years and still didn’t notice anything!” Wukong immediately understood—the answer was Tang Seng! Jinchanzi! He was the Yin-Yang Divine Ape! It had to be him! Suppressing the turmoil in his heart, Wukong asked, “How… how did you know?” Fengtong replied, “Once the Divine Ape wakes up, we can sense each other from afar. You’re only a little over two thousand li from the Qitian Ridge, so I can naturally sense it!” Wukong’s voice trembled as he asked, “How is it that Tang Seng doesn’t know any magic at all?” Fengtong’s face showed sorrow as he said sadly, “Do you know that the more times the Divine Ape reincarnates, the weaker its innate abilities become? The Yin-Yang Divine Ape has reincarnated over a dozen times. At just twenty or thirty years old in this life, how could it still have any skills?” Recalling all the events since he met Tang Seng, Wukong realized that among the Seven Divine Apes, the suffering of the Yin-Yang Divine Ape was even greater than that of the Water God Ape Wu Zhiqi.