Volume 3: A Long Journey, Chapter 391: You Are Not a Fish

Oh! I see!
When Wukong mentioned the battle between Hou Tu and Ni Li to Ran Deng, Ran Deng thought the fight took place in the realm of Ni Li, where Ni Li had a huge advantage. Unbeknownst to him, Ran Deng was not a being of creation, so he naturally didn’t understand matters related to creation, and thus he was wrong about this.
After Xuan Nu explained, Wukong realized that Ni Li had actually cultivated his powers from the essence of creation! Ordinary immortals already found it extraordinary to master creation, yet Ni Li had come up with such an ingenious idea—cultivating his abilities from that very essence.
Wukong said, “Isn’t this perfect? Since the skills he developed from the essence of creation can’t be used on the surface world, what harm will it do if we let him go?”
Xuan Nu looked at Wukong and said, “I’m afraid he might use the essence of Pangu to escape!”
Wukong was shocked—there was even such a trick!
If his own cultivation wasn’t strong enough, he had already suffered many losses because of it. If Yuan Shi and the others remained indifferent this time, the essence of Pangu might escape. Moreover, Ni Li Bodhisattva, with his mysterious activities in the Buddhist hell realms and years of experience in refining powers from that essence, might have even greater schemes in store. It was possible that the essence of Pangu could even be introduced directly into the Buddhist hell realms. By then, Ni Li Bodhisattva’s cultivation would soar rapidly, leaving him beyond anyone’s control.
No wonder Yuan Shi, Xuan Nu, and the others, despite their supreme cultivation, didn’t confront Buddha head-on. Ni Li Bodhisattva and Buddha’s third incarnation—both seemed like beings who defied the heavens.
From Pangu and Kunpeng to Yuan Shi and Xuan Nu, they all seemed to be behind the scenes, while at the forefront were Wukong and Tang Seng, the two divine apes of creation. Wukong couldn’t help but tease himself—whether this was a good thing or not was uncertain.
Wukong asked, “If we stop now, Buddha surely won’t sit idly by. What if he uses force then?”
Xuan Nu replied, “Don’t you understand? As long as the essence of Pangu remains untouched, Ni Li Bodhisattva’s chances of emerging will be greatly reduced. With just the limited power in the Western Heaven, how would he dare to use force?”
Wukong said, “We’ve already covered most of the journey to obtain the scriptures. How could Buddha just give up? It’s easy if he attacks openly, but the real danger lies in hidden attacks.”
Ksitigarbha said, “Since you’re worried, from today on, I’ll stay by your side and that of the Yin-Yang Divine Apes, never leaving.”
Wukong was overjoyed. With Ksitigarbha and Diting as bodyguards, what more could he worry about? Wukong said, “Thank you very much. But is it appropriate for us to stay at Shitaoling right now? Should we return to Qitianling?”
Yuan Shi shook his head and said, “It’s better to stay at Shitaoling for now and observe Buddha’s moves.”

Xuan Nu said, “Let’s wait and see who loses patience first.”
Wukong replied, “It must be him!”
After a few more words, they decided to wait passively for an opportunity, as Wukong had said—Rulai would surely be the most anxious. Yuan Shi said, “Xuan Nu and I also need to do something significant.”
Wukong asked, “What is it?”
Yuan Shi replied, “Pangu’s creation is unstable, which is never a good sign. The two of us will go and investigate. If we can figure out Pangu’s true thoughts, that would be even better.”
Wukong glanced at Di Ting and said, “Why go to such trouble? Can’t Di Ting just hear—”
Ksitigarbha laughed and said, “Even if he can hear, Pangu has to want to speak for him to hear it. It’s not as reliable as asking him in person.”
Wukong nodded. This indeed was a significant task. Judging from Pangu’s behavior, he seemed to know a lot about Rulai. If he were willing to reveal it, it would be very helpful for future actions.
Ksitigarbha said, “You’ve been out for quite some time. How about we head back to Shitaoling now?”
Wukong replied, “Of course, I’ll follow your lead.”
The two and the beast bid farewell to Xuan Nu and Yuan Shi, the Supreme Deity, and left the realm of Qingwei Heaven. Wukong joked, “I originally came here with Zhenwu, but I left him behind and went on my own.”
Ksitigarbha didn’t answer but instead said, “On our way back to Shitaoling, I’ll help you cultivate!”
Wukong was initially delighted but then felt that Ksitigarbha’s offer came suddenly, so he asked, “Why?”
Ksitigarbha replied, “When you didn’t come to Qingwei Heaven, the three of us discussed how to help you achieve sainthood sooner. Becoming a sage must be very different from now.”
Wukong also wanted to achieve sainthood. Hearing Ksitigarbha’s words, he realized his cultivation progress had been rather slow. But thinking of Yuan Shi’s words, he said, “The Supreme Deity once said that the path from the peak of Hunyuan to sainthood must be traversed slowly on one’s own to gain deeper understanding.”
Ksitigarbha said slowly, “That’s true, but… the situation is urgent, and we need to use some tactics.”
As they spoke, the two arrived at Shitaoling. Wukong led Ksitigarbha into a cave. When everyone saw Ksitigarbha, they were stunned. On Ling Mountain that day, Ksitigarbha had shown incredible power with his Staff of Good and Evil, posing a serious threat to the Bull Demon King, the Giant Roc, and others. It was surprising that Wukong could bring such a figure here to stay.
Wukong knew Ksitigarbha preferred quiet, so after briefly greeting everyone, he led him into an unoccupied stone chamber. This chamber was only a few dozen feet away from the one where Tang Seng lived, so they could reach each other instantly if anything happened.
As soon as Di Ting entered the chamber, he lay down by himself. Wukong couldn’t help but ask, “Di Ting, the divine beast, lies on the ground all day—how much sleep does he need?”
Ksitigarbha replied, “He doesn’t need to sleep. For Di Ting, listening all day is his method of cultivation.”

Wukong was filled with amazement; such a method of cultivation was truly unheard of.
Ksitigarbha glanced around the stone chamber, then stretched out his hand, and a water barrier appeared in midair—no, not a water barrier, but rather a difference in gas flow between the inside and outside, making it seem like two separate spaces. Ksitigarbha said to Wukong, “Go in!”
Wukong knew Ksitigarbha wanted to help him cultivate, so he entered the space without hesitation. Ksitigarbha’s voice echoed in his ears, “Within these twenty years and one day, I will impart my insights on the ways of the universe to you every ten years. Take your time to understand them.”
Twenty years and one day! Wukong was deeply shocked. With just a wave of his hand, Ksitigarbha could create such a remarkable space—few people could possibly do such a thing. This must have cost Ksitigarbha a great deal of spiritual energy; he couldn’t let him down.
Wukong sat quietly, focusing on nothing else, feeling a spiritual impulse from Ksitigarbha enter his mind. Slowly, he began to comprehend this spiritual message, as if seeing a glimmer of light in the darkness. Overjoyed, he realized that attaining sainthood began here! He concentrated his mind and entered a mysterious state…
※　※　※
Guanyin left the ruinedseabed of the Zizai Palace, feeling a strange sensation arise in her heart.
Logically, both the Zizai Palace and the Great Five Elements Spirit Blood Formation had required much of her effort. Now that they had collapsed overnight, although Guanyin felt a slight pain, the sense of relief was even stronger. Knowing that Buddha would hold her accountable, she no longer felt much fear. Perhaps this was fate!
Thinking of that strange note, Guanyin felt no remorse either. To be honest, she had done enough for Buddha. She even hoped she might be allowed to rejoin his side. If the sender of that note was the Three Pure Ones…
Before she knew it, she arrived at Mount Luojia. Looking around, Guanyin saw that Mount Luojia remained as serene and beautiful as ever. The Dragon Maiden stood by the lotus pond, watching the fish, while Muzha sat idly in the bamboo forest behind the mountain with Nezha. The Twenty-Four Heavenly Deities continued to patrol the skies… This is my home. Guanyin hid her disappointment and put on her eternal smile, then settled beside the Dragon Maiden by the lotus pond.
When the Dragon Maiden saw Guanyin arrive, she merely glanced at her briefly before continuing to watch the fish.
Guanyin said, “Swimming back and forth, never leaving this pond—what’s there to see?”
Without turning around, the Dragon Maiden murmured, “You are not a fish; how can you know the joy of a fish?” As soon as she said this, she realized it was inappropriate and quickly added, “I was distracted for a moment. Please forgive me, Bodhisattva.”
Guanyin waved her hand and said, “How could I blame you? Where did you hear that saying?”

The Dragon Maiden’s voice softened as she said quietly, “It was Nagarjuna who said that.”
“Nagarjuna, Nagarjuna…” Guanyin repeated it several times, then said, “What wonderful words!”
They stood facing each other for a moment. Guanyin turned her gaze back and asked, “When you left the Dragon God and chose to follow me to the South Sea, have you ever regretted it?”
The Dragon Maiden was puzzled. “Why would I regret it?”
Guanyin continued, “If one day Mount Putuo Luojia becomes an uninhabitable place, where will you go then?”
Seeing Guanyin’s serious expression, the Dragon Maiden forced a smile and said, “Bodhisattva, you’re joking. How could such a day ever come?”
Guanyin replied, “Though you are called my servant, in fact, in this world, only the two of us can relieve each other’s loneliness. It’s no different from being sisters. What I said just now was not empty talk.”
The Dragon Maiden asked, “Since Bodhisattva knows me so well, have you ever seen me care about anything?”
Guanyin nodded and said, “Well, it seems I’ve been overthinking things.”
Guanyin slowly walked back to the lotus platform. Her gaze casually glanced at the fish in the pond, and she wondered to herself, “Can I escape from this pond?”
At that moment, Guanyin’s expression turned solemn as she soared into the air toward the west. There, Venerable Anuo arrived on a cloud. After bowing to Guanyin, he said, “Bodhisattva Guanyin, the Buddha sent me to deliver a message.”
Guanyin replied with a bow, “Please speak freely, Venerable One.”
Anuo said, “The first sentence is: Only in the pure land of our Buddhist sect can the flowers of freedom bloom.”
Guanyin’s expression remained unchanged, but her heart was stirred. So the Buddha had already known about the matter of the Palace of Freedom. He had never warned her, clearly confident that he could keep her under control. This sentence needed no further explanation—it was a reminder for Guanyin to focus. It seemed as though the Buddha was whispering in her ear, “I don’t blame you for the matter of the Palace of Freedom. From now on, avoid any reckless thoughts.”
Guanyin said, “I’ve remembered it. What’s the second sentence?”
Anuo replied, “The second sentence is: The quest for the scriptures must not be delayed. Hasten the balance of yin and yang within half a month!”
Upon hearing this, Guanyin was shocked. Hasten the balance of yin and yang… The Buddha knew about that note! That meant he knew she already knew that Tang Seng was the divine ape of yin and yang, and he also knew of her hatred toward him. If that was the case, what else wasn’t he aware of?
Guanyin forced herself to stay calm, bowed toward the west, and said, “I will keep this in mind!”
Seeing Guanyin refer to herself as a disciple, Anuo quickly stepped aside, unwilling to accept such a title. Though he didn’t understand the meaning behind the Buddha’s words, seeing Guanyin’s changed expression, he knew this matter was serious. He would surely report everything to the Buddha in detail upon returning.
After bowing, Guanyin asked, “What’s the third sentence?”