Volume 3: A Long Journey, Chapter 389: The Shift of Fate

In Zhenwu’s private chamber, only a handful of people were allowed entry. When Wukong stepped inside, he saw a huge bookshelf filled to the brim with Taoist scriptures and Buddhist texts, a sight truly astonishing.
Wukong said with a smile, “If I had known there were so many scriptures even among the Dragon Gods, why bother going to the West?”
Zhenwu replied, “Xuanzang’s journey to the West—if it were merely for obtaining scriptures, it would be nothing but a joke.”
Wukong nodded and said, “Whatever the reason, he’s not going anymore.”
Zhenwu exclaimed, “What? He’s not going?”
Wukong confirmed, “Exactly. Tang Seng now knows his true identity as the Yin-Yang Divine Ape and realizes he’s been controlled by Buddha for ten lifetimes. His hatred for the West is as deep as the Eastern Sea; he refuses to take another step there.”
Zhenwu sat down on the couch and pondered for a while before saying, “The Yin-Yang Divine Ape is indeed Tang Seng. I’ve heard of this too. But since the journey is already halfway done, if he really stops now, it might not necessarily be Buddha who fails.”
Wukong said, “The Dragon God thinks the same way. This quest to obtain scriptures is like ‘knowing there are tigers in the mountain yet still heading there.’ Without reaching the end, it’s hard to know Buddha’s true intentions.”
Zhenwu nodded. “What a bold move. I didn’t expect you to have such wisdom so early on. It seems that many things that seem illogical actually involve your intervention.”
Wukong replied, “The Dragon God overpraises me. In my opinion, without guidance, Tang Seng probably wouldn’t even realize he’s the Yin-Yang Divine Ape. This was surely done on purpose by the Three Pure Ones.”
“Oh? Why do you conclude that?”
Wukong said, “The Dragon God may not know this, but Qitianling is actually the Venting Divine Ape. I doubt that can escape your notice.”
Zhenwu said, “Of course I know that. But since you are the leader of the Seven Divine Apes, all the mysteries likely lie with you, which is why the others don’t pay much attention.”
Wukong asked, “Then does the Dragon God know that the Venting Divine Ape is a disciple of the Primordial Great Heavenly Lord?”
Zhenwu was slightly surprised and said, “That’s something I don’t know.”
Wukong said, “It was the Venting Divine Ape who enlightened Tang Seng. Think about it—without the guidance of the Primordial Great Heavenly Lord, how would he dare act recklessly?”
Zhenwu suddenly understood and said, “You’re right. Since it was the Primordial Great Heavenly Lord who did this, it surely can’t be wrong.”
Wukong asked, “What can’t be wrong? Are you saying the Great Heavenly Lord never makes mistakes?”
Zhenwu shook his head and smiled, “Who in the world never makes mistakes? But the Great Heavenly Lord surely understands how crucial this quest is. If he hadn’t discovered something, why would he rashly stop it?”
Wukong murmured, “It seems I still need to ask him in person.”

Zhenwu said, “To be honest, I too want to know what the Great Heavenly Venerable has discovered. Perhaps he has seen through what Buddha is thinking, which is why he ordered Fengtong to act in this way.”
Wukong became excited. Had the Primordial Heavenly Venerable truly seen through everything? He couldn’t wait to go to Qingwei Heaven and ask, but since he was here at Zixiao Palace, there were still two things to do, so it wasn’t urgent right away.
Wukong asked, “I’ve heard that the Dragon God, just like Uncle Qilin, was once pursued by the Phoenix Xiangliu because someone had tampered with his body. Is that true?”
Zhenwu nodded and said, “It’s true. It was like a persistent plague that troubled me for half my life. In recent years, since the Phoenix Xiangliu has disappeared, I’ve stopped paying much attention to it.”
Wukong said, “If it’s an external influence, it’s better to get rid of it.”
Zhenwu said, “Then I rely on you.” He stretched out his arm and openly showed Wukong his pulse point. As soon as Wukong touched it, he was amazed. The energy within Zhenwu’s body was even more extraordinary than that of Qilin.
Qilin’s energy in his dantian was like scattered stars, extremely pure. But Zhenwu’s energy was like dragons soaring within his body, never resting for a moment.
Wukong, experienced in such matters, knew that the gray energy must be attached to these other energies. He began searching through them one by one. It took him a quarter of an hour before he finally found it. He drew out that bit of gray energy, and Zhenwu exclaimed in joy, “Indeed, the Divine Ape is remarkable! I’ve tried countless methods over these tens of thousands of years with no success.”
Wukong said, “The Dragon God overpraises me. This is just my natural talent; I dare not claim credit.”
Zhenwu said, “Don’t be modest. You’ve helped me once—how can I ask for nothing in return?” He took out a white jade bead from his bosom and said to Wukong, “Inside this is my understanding of the universe. Though not yet complete, it’s still better than yours now. Take it.”
Wukong quickly stepped back and said, “How dare I accept such a humble gift? The Dragon God is too kind!” Zhenwu said, “Haven’t you heard that dragons can be great or small, rise or hide? When great, they create clouds and mist; when small, they hide their forms. When rising, they soar through the universe; when hiding, they lurk within the waves. It’s not me boasting, but many transformation techniques have their own strengths. What Randeng taught you isn’t necessarily the best in the world.”
Hearing this, Wukong became somewhat tempted. Zhenwu surely wouldn’t deceive him. If these transformation techniques could truly surpass the Thirty-Six Heavenspan Transformations, they would indeed be the greatest treasures in the world.
Seeing Wukong hesitating, Zhenwu shoved the jade bead into his hand and said, “I originally intended to pass this on to the younger generations of my clan, but they’re all worthless. Use it then!”
Wukong asked, “After I use it… won’t this jade bead be ruined?”

Zhenwu said, “That’s not the case. This jade bead works in the same way as a jade slip—using it thousands of times won’t cause any damage at all.” Only then did Wukong feel relieved. He then secretly planned that, whether Zhenwu agreed or not, he would show this jade bead to Fuhai Jiao. Wukong put away the jade bead and said to Zhenwu, “Dragon God, Fuhai Jiao has already taken back the Nightlight Wall. I’m afraid he’s already returned it to the Western Sea.” Zhenwu raised his eyebrows and asked, “Fuhai Jiao isn’t a match for Guanyin. How did he manage to take it back?” Wukong then briefly recounted how the people from Qitianling destroyed the Zizai Palace and broke the Great Five Elements Spiritual Blood Formation. Zhenwu laughed and said, “Guanyin is insatiably greedy. Back then, when she dared to take the Nightlight Wall from the Western Sea, I knew this day would come. But I can’t bully the younger generation. It suits my wishes that you take action.” Wukong said, “Now that the Zizai Palace is destroyed, Guanyin’s life must be tough. That formation must be extremely important. How could Buddha spare her?” Zhenwu thought for a moment and said, “Buddha is very skilled at controlling people. I’m afraid things won’t go as you expect.” Wukong thought to himself that he had been trying to persuade Laojun to turn Guanyin against her for some time now—why was there still no sign of progress? Zhenwu asked, “Wukong, are you in a hurry to go to Qingwei Heaven?” Wukong replied, “There’s one more thing. On Shituo Ridge, I mentioned the quest for the scriptures to the Yin-Yang Divine Ape, and many secrets were overheard by the Third Prince of the Jade Dragon. This matter is of great importance, and I can’t put him in a difficult position, so I brought him to Zixiao Palace. I hope the Dragon God can give me some advice.” Hearing this, Zhenwu naturally understood Wukong’s intentions. To be on the safe side, Wukong wanted to find a good place for the little Jade Dragon, but if he left him in Qitianling, it might seem like imprisonment, which would be embarrassing for the Dragon God. There really wasn’t a better place for the little Jade Dragon than Zixiao Palace. Zhenwu laughed heartily and said, “Wukong, you’re truly thorough in everything you do. It’s a stroke of luck for the little Jade Dragon to be able to stay in my Zixiao Palace.” Wukong replied, “The journey west is not easy. Even without achieving any great feats, there’s still hard work involved.” Zhenwu pondered and asked, “Are you really not going on the quest anymore?” Wukong was stunned for a moment and said, “If I say I’m not going, I still feel empty inside. It’s better to hear what the Supreme Yuanshi has to say first.” Zhenwu said, “Let’s go! I’ll accompany you.” The two set off immediately. After leaving Zixiao Palace, Wukong gazed at the buildings and pavilions in the Great Luo Heaven, still bustling with life. He couldn’t help but say, “How many more years can this scenery last?” Zhenwu asked, “Why do you say that?” Wukong asked, “Have the Jade Emperor and the Queen Mother taken any action recently?” Zhenwu shook his head and said, “Those two ignore worldly affairs and government affairs, as if they’re asleep.” Wukong asked, “Is there anyone who cares about the suffering of ordinary people?”

Zhenwu smiled and said, “Ordinary people have their own hardships, while immortals have their own troubles. Which of the beings in this world has it easy?”
Wukong replied, “That’s not right. Immortals have many desires, which leads to many troubles. Ordinary people often struggle to even meet their basic needs—how can they be compared?”
Zhenwu said, “Just take one step at a time and see what happens.”
As they spoke, they arrived at the Qingwei Heaven. The attendant at the gate, seeing Zhenwu and Wukong together, hurriedly went inside to report. Shortly after, he came out and invited the two in.
Upon entering the Jade Pure Palace, Yuan Shi Tianzun was sitting in the center. Wukong was surprised to see that sitting beside him were not Lingbao Daozun and Laozi, but rather the Nine Heavens Mysterious Maiden, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, and Di Ting.
Zhenwu was also greatly astonished. How had these three people gathered here? Before he could greet them, Laozi appeared out of nowhere, smiling as he took Zhenwu by the hand and led him to the back hall. Wukong faintly heard Laozi say to Zhenwu, “We have no say in matters of fate…”
Looking at those before him, Wukong felt an inexplicable sense of emotion. Those who belonged to the realm of fate were ultimately connected. The fact that the Mysterious Maiden and the others had come to Qingwei Heaven meant that past events were unimportant. From now on, they should work together to confront Buddha.
After greeting them all, Yuan Shi Tianzun said, “Wukong, sit down.”
Wukong replied, “I am but a humble one…”
The Mysterious Maiden said, “What’s the point of distinguishing between elders and juniors? We’re all equal.” Wukong understood what she meant. If ranked by seniority, Wukong was indeed junior, but since everyone in the hall belonged to the realm of fate—and there was no hierarchy among those who shaped fate—there was no need for seating arrangements.
Thinking this way, Wukong felt relieved and simply found a place to sit.
Yuan Shi Tianzun asked, “Wukong, have you come here to ask me why I helped Tong Seng gain clarity?”
Wukong replied, “That’s exactly why I’m here.”
Yuan Shi Tianzun continued, “I also hesitated for a long time over this matter. Just a few days ago, I suddenly sensed the essence of Pangu’s fate stirring…”
“What!” Wukong was shocked. The essence of Pangu’s fate! Back in the past, that essence was divided into nine parts, with Pangu himself taking three of them. If that essence began to stir, it could be extremely significant. Since Yuan Shi Tianzun brought it up now, it must be closely related to the quest for the scriptures.
Yuan Shi continued, “I have received the favor of the great god Pangu and obtained a trace of his essence of fate. Though I am but an ordinary being, I am part of this realm of fate. This trace of essence doesn’t greatly aid my cultivation, but deep underground, I can sense any slight movement in Pangu’s essence of fate clearly.”

Ksitigarbha King continued, “I’m the same. From the day I set out on the quest for scriptures, I felt certain signs, but none as clear as these recent days.” Xuan Nu smiled and said, “It’s the same for everyone. By now, what Buddha intends to do must have become clear.”
Wukong thought for a moment and said, “Could it be that Buddha wants to use my quest with the Yin and Yang divine apes to bring forth the essence of Pangu’s creation?”