Journey to the West: Starting from Changing Sun Wukong’s fate
Chapter 321 - 322 Reciting Poems and Making Rhymes, Hidden Murderous Intent

Chapter 321: Chapter 322 Reciting Poems and Making Rhymes, Hidden Murderous Intent

During their conversation, three old men walked out, the first with silver-white hair, the second with green temples fluttering, and the third with sparse hair.

Although the appearances and clothes of the three were different from one another, each was brimming with vitality and spirit.

The trio came forward hand in hand, their banter carrying the air of literary giants.

Even though he did not know who they were, if they had intended to attack him, he would not have minded acting to universally save them.

Naturally, the three old men had no idea what Xuanzang was thinking. Upon approaching, they bowed in unison and said, "Greetings to the Holy Monk of the Great Tang!"

As the saying goes, one does not strike a smiling face, so Xuanzang nodded in return as a form of greeting and awaited what would come next.

At that moment, Jingjie joined in with a smile and said, "Holy Monk, we truly mean no harm."

"We’ve heard that the Holy Monk is a highly virtuous High Monk with ten lifetimes of good deeds..."

"Could a bite of my flesh grant immortality?"

Jingjie was taken aback for a moment, then shook his head and said, "Holy Monk, you really misunderstand us. Although we are demons, we have a unique love for the talents of the human world."

"We’ve heard of the Holy Monk’s profound wisdom and peerless knowledge, hence we’ve been waiting here, hoping to meet you," Jingjie explained.

Xuanzang was somewhat at a loss for words, initially thinking they would eat him, but then he responded with a dismissive "Oh" and said, "Well, since you’ve seen me now, we can say goodbye!"

He preferred to deal with shameless monsters, because then he could universally save them.

These ones, however, evidently wouldn’t harm him.

Jingjie was left speechless, but still continued, "Holy Monk, we just want to discuss poetry and explore the Dao with you, nothing more than to comprehend the Zen riddles."

The other three old men also chimed in, "Holy Monk, we truly mean no harm."

Seeing the four old men with sincere expressions, Xuanzang tentatively asked, "Are you truly not tempted by the legends?"

After all, a bite of his flesh was said to grant eternal life.

The four old men couldn’t help but feel speechless.

Jingjie said with a wry smile, "Holy Monk, rest assured, we really have never thought of eating you."

Xuanzang finally felt relieved and cleared his throat before asking, "Alright then, how may I address each of you?"

Seeing that they had not eaten him up to this point, and seemed to have no intention to do so, he nodded in acknowledgment.

Jingjie quickly introduced them, "The one with the white hair is called Lone Honest Duke, the one with green hair is Soaring Child Immortal, and the one with sparse hair is called Cloud-Dispersing Elder. My name is Jingjie, often referred to as Eighteen Lords."

Xuanzang looked at the old men and said, "Er... judging by your hair, you gentlemen must not be young, right?"

Lone Honest Duke replied with a smile:

"I have lived a thousand years, old but sprawling, supporting the heavens with leaves evergreen.

My fragrant branches robust like dragons and snakes, my shattered shadows layered like frost and snow.

Since youth, I was resilient and could withstand old age; now I happily embrace righteousness and cultivate sincerity.

Where I rest, the phoenix nests; unlike ordinary folk, I stand aloof from the common dust."

Soaring Child Immortal, seeing Lone Honest Duke express himself in verse, quickly joined in:

"A thousand years I’ve stood contemptuous of frost and bitter cold, my high trunk and spiritual branches are powerfully bold.

In the still of night, my voice like raindrops can be told, in autumn’s sun, my shadow like clouds is rolled.

The roots have grasped the Longevity Mantra to hold; the elixir of immortality suits me, this is the mandate I uphold.

Transforming cranes into dragons is not for the common; my vast, refreshing abode is nigh on celestial common."

Cloud-Dispersing Elder would not be outdone and promptly recited his own poem:

"For a thousand autumns, I’ve let the cold pass, my olden days serenely clear and profound.

Untouched by noise and dust, I remain detached; having experienced frost and snow, I freely bound.

Seven Sages for company, we discuss the Dao around; Six Free Ones as friends, in singing we are found.

Neither trite like striking jade nor tedious like knocking gold, my natural disposition takes me to where immortals are homeward bound."

Jingjie the Eighteenth laughed and said:

"I too have lived for over a millennium, my earnest steadfastness is self-evident.

Pity the power of rain and dew that incites growth, blessed with the workings of Heaven and Earth’s great provident.

Among a thousand ravines, my presence is grand, with the four seasons, my leisure I command.

A canopy of green shadows I spread for celestial guests, engaging in games and music, discussing the Dao’s bequests."

The four old men spoke with shaking heads and gesturing hands.

"The venerable immortals are indeed of high longevity," Xuanzang quickly offered his praise.

The four old men humbly demurred, and then asked, "May we enquire about the Holy Monk’s own age?"

Xuanzang replied, "Forty years ago I left my mother’s womb; even before I was born, my life was fraught with doom..."

Upon hearing Xuanzang’s words,

The four elders said, "Since leaving the womb, the Holy Monk has followed Buddhism, practicing from a young age; truly a High Monk who has attained the Dao."

"Having the fate to meet today, we hope the Holy Monk will not begrudge sharing his pearls of wisdom, and with the Zen Method, provide us with some guidance to gratify a lifetime."

Upon hearing this, the Elder responded with magnanimity and fearlessness, "Zen is stillness, the Law is deliverance. The deliverance in stillness is unachievable without enlightenment..."

After reciting his verse, Xuanzang continued with his teaching of the Buddhist Law.

By now, Xuanzang had already finished a long segment of the scriptures, when Cloud-Dispersing Elder said, "Zen may be still and the Law may be deliverance, but it requires a focused mind and a sincere heart. Even as a Daluo Golden Immortal, one must ultimately sit on the path of non-birth."

"Our understanding of mystery is vastly different as well."

Xuanzang hurriedly asked, "The Dao is extraordinary, with form and function united; how can there be any difference?"

Cloud-Dispersing Elder said, "We came into existence solid and robust, with a physical constitution different from yours. Born by the favor of the heavens and the earth, nourished by the rains and dews. We laugh in the face of frost and snow, wearing down the days and months."

"A single leaf never wilting, a thousand branches maintain their integrity. Such words, if not knocking on the door of nothingness, you persist in your Sanskrit."

"Daoist practitioners, originally at peace in China, yet here you are seeking certification in the Western Direction. All for naught, wearing out your straw sandals, what exactly are you searching for?"

"Stone lions gouged out their hearts, wild foxes salivate to infiltrate the marrow."

"Forgetting one’s roots in Zen meditation, vainly striving for the fruit of Buddhism, are all like my Thorny Ridge’s kudzu vine riddles, meaningless rubbish. How can such gentlemen be guided? With such principles, how can they be taught and imprinted?"

"One must be introspective to see oneself clearly, there is a living to be made in the tranquility."

"Drawing water with a basket with no bottom, flowers blooming on an iron tree with no roots."

"Feet firmly planted on the peak of the Spiritual Treasure, returning to the grand assembly at the Dragon Flower."

What did Cloud-Dispersing Elder’s words mean? For a moment, Xuanzang was also bewildered, frowning as he considered the meaning and managed to roughly understand what the old man was implying.

The old man’s implication was that the Dao originated from the East, yet now Xuanzang was paradoxically heading to the Western Direction seeking the Great Dao—wasn’t this going in the wrong direction, missing the point entirely?

Secretly he cursed Xuanzang for having forgotten his roots in Zen meditation, deeming it nothing but delusion—in the end, it would just be an effort in futility.

After hearing these words, Xuanzang completely understood that this group might not be out to consume him, but they were indeed here to disrupt the quest for the Scriptures in the Western Heaven.

These demons were likely from the Daoist immortal clans; in their view, once Xuanzang succeeded in seeking the Scriptures, the spread of Buddhism throughout the Great Tang of the Eastern Land would be extensive.

It would certainly impact Daoism, hence they would do everything they could to thwart the mission to the Western Heaven for the Scriptures.

Although Xuanzang understood their insinuations, he did not say much right away, after all, he was not genuinely intent on obtaining scriptures for Buddhism. He rose to his feet to thank them, saying simply, "I have learned much."

Eighteen Lords and Lone Honest Duke hurriedly helped Xuanzang to his feet, while Soaring Child Immortal broke into a chuckle, saying, "Cloud-Dispersing’s speech clearly reveals too much."

"Holy Monk, please stand. His words should not be taken entirely at face value."

"We are here under this bright moon, not to discuss and practice cultivation. Instead, we hold a private gathering to indulge our hearts and minds!"

Cloud-Dispersing Elder suggested, "If we are to compose poetry in turn, please come inside the small hermitage for a chat."

Though Xuanzang did not understand the underlying meaning of their words, he already felt that something wasn’t quite right.

He feared something was about to happen.

Afterward, the four elders led Xuanzang into the Wood Fairy Hermitage, seating themselves as hosts and guest. The Red-Skinned Ghost quickly served up a plate of pastries and five cups of fragrant tea.

Xuanzang was no fool; though his power had increased, he initially dared not eat.

After watching the four elders eat, only then did he indulge in two pastries and took a sip of the fragrant tea.

After finishing the tea, Xuanzang and the four elders truly began to recite poems.

Alternating lines, back and forth, the conversation became increasingly enthusiastic.

Just as they were speaking, suddenly, they heard a burst of footsteps from outside.

The group looked out to see two green-clothed maids outside the stone house, carrying a pile of crimson lanterns, followed by a Female Immortal.

The Female Immortal, twirling an Apricot Blossom, entered the stone house with a smiling face.

Upon hearing this, Xuanzang couldn’t help but turn to look, and his eyes widened in awe!

This woman was dressed in a light red skirt with Five-Colored Plum blossoms, wearing a smoky top with firelike lightness.

Her clothes fluttered in the wind, exuding an ethereal charm, yet her facial features possessed an indescribable allure.

The woman, noticing Xuanzang staring fixedly at her, blushed and turned her head away.

The four elders quickly rose, saying, "Oh my, what wind has brought the Apricot Fairy out here?"

The Apricot Fairy bowed to everyone, then looked at Xuanzang with seductive eyes and said, "Knowing there is an esteemed guest visiting today, I came to have a look..."

The four elders subconsciously glanced at Xuanzang and then nodded to each other.

The Apricot Fairy also discreetly nodded in response.

Eighteen Lords communicated through Telepathy, "Apricot Fairy, this is Xuanzang, the very person we’ve been looking for."

The Apricot Fairy replied in kind, "I’ve heard he is the reincarnation of the Golden Cicada, a good man for ten lifetimes, his cultivation level is not bad, and his character is even better, an excellent choice for a mate. It still feels somewhat... to just consume him."

Eighteen Lords commented, "He’s indeed as the rumors describe, and he’s also quite careful."

The Apricot Fairy queried, "But do we need to be certain that this Xuanzang is the one we’re seeking?"

Eighteen Lords hesitated, "This... it should be genuine. If those followers like Sun Wukong were not true, would they follow him?"

The Apricot Fairy laughed, "As long as the flesh is real, that’s all that matters. After all, what we seek is longevity."

"Don’t forget, we are different from those Great Demons and Monsters; we’re just little demons without the power to bear the consequences of consuming him."

"If we can tempt him with love, make him return to the lay life, and without the backing of Mount Meru, then we will have our chance..."

The Apricot Fairy smiled, "Later, we’ll stick to the original plan and lure him into the room. You’ll hear my signal when I drop the cup!"

"Then... either he will yield to us, or his reputation will be ruined. I know these monks well; they value their reputation more than their lives."

Eighteen Lords’ eyes shone with anticipation, feeling the plan was flawless.

The Apricot Fairy then looked towards Xuanzang, "May I know the honor of this distinguished guest?"

When Xuanzang heard the Apricot Fairy addressing him, he nodded slightly and then said, "Fairy, let me introduce myself. I am a monk who has come from the Great Tang of the Eastern Land, heading to the Western Heaven to seek the True Scriptures."

The Apricot Fairy nodded eagerly and said, "Bring the tea quickly."

The two maids promptly presented fragrant tea and fruit.

...