Journey to the West: Starting from Changing Sun Wukong’s fate
Chapter 382: Morning and Evening, One Can Reach Mount Meru_2

Chapter 382: Chapter 382: Morning and Evening, One Can Reach Mount Meru_2

Xuanzang smiled and waved his hand, saying, "Your Majesty, the King, there is no need for such formalities. We have come today to bid you farewell."

"Ah!" The King was slightly surprised and quickly asked, "Are you, the Living Bodhisattvas, leaving so soon?"

Xuanzang nodded and said, "Amitabha Buddha. In accordance with the decree of the Emperor of the Great Tang, I am journeying to the Western Heaven to worship Buddha and seek the Scriptures. Until I reach Mount Meru, I dare not slacken for even a day."

"Now that Your Majesty has ascended to the throne and the people live in peace and happiness, my companions and I dare not delay any longer. After saying goodbye to Your Majesty today, we will set off immediately for our journey to the West."

The King hastily replied, "I have just ascended to the throne, and the nation is in need of restoration. I was relying on you to stabilize the domestic order. Now that you are leaving..."

Sun Wukong smiled and said, "Your Majesty, since you have ascended the throne, you should refer to yourself as ’We.’ You must also be mindful of your status at all times; a monarch must carry the authority of a king. This is how you will command the respect of your officials. Moreover, you ought to govern diligently and love your people, so that they may live in peace and happiness. This is how you will win the love of your subjects."

"I believe you will do very well, Your Majesty, and in time become an enlightened and saintly ruler." "Thank you for your instruction, Elder Sun, I have taken it to heart."

The King said this and quickly corrected himself, saying, "We have taken it to heart. Please rest assured, holy monks and Bodhisattvas, we will make every effort to be a good King beloved by the people. It’s just that..."

Sun Wukong waved his hand and said, "Your Majesty, there is no need for concern. As long as you stay true to yourself and always have the people in your heart, you will certainly win their love."

As he spoke, he reached up and plucked a strand of Monkey Fur from his head, and handed it to the King with a smile, "Your Majesty, please keep this piece of Monkey Fur safe. If ever you encounter an unsolvable problem, just hold this hair and call out to me, and I will come back to help you."

"Additionally, I have with me three elixirs that, when consumed, can strengthen the body and prolong life, which I also bestow upon Your Majesty."

As he spoke, Sun Wukong took out a Mutton Fat Jade Bottle and handed it to the King.

The King was naturally overwhelmed with gratitude, quickly rose to express his thanks, and then personally treasured both items safely away.

He then said, "We realize that none of you are ordinary beings and would not stay long in our Holy New Kingdom. Even if you are eager to reach Mount Meru to seek the Scriptures, there is no need to hurry at this moment! Why not stay a few more days and allow us to extend our hospitality?"

"There is no need," Xuanzang waved his hand and said, "Your Majesty has just taken the throne, and there must be many matters that need your attention. We should not impose any longer. After bidding farewell to Your Majesty today, we will be on our way, so we can reach Mount Meru and obtain the True Scriptures as soon as possible."

Seeing that Xuanzang and his companions were determined to leave, the King felt a deep reluctance to see them go and quickly said, "If you are unwilling to stay, then I will order a banquet to see you off."

Xuanzang waved his hand and said, "There is no need for that. We have already had breakfast at the posthouse. The nation’s provisions are the hard-earned sweat of the people and should not be wasted frivolously. It would be better to save this banquet and do some good deeds for the people instead, spending money where it truly matters."

"Thank you for the lesson, holy monk," the King quickly said.

"Well, now. It’s getting late, and we should be on our way. We hereby take our leave," said Xuanzang as he stood up.

Sun Wukong and the others also stood up promptly and gave a slight bow to the King, saying, "We, too, take our leave."

Unable to detain them further, the King ordered that some provisions be prepared to accompany them on their journey, which Xuanzang politely declined. The King then arranged for some food to be prepared, which this time Xuanzang accepted, allowing Bajie to pick out some food that was easy to carry and would not spoil, filling a large bag for the road.

Afterward, the King could only bid them a reluctant farewell, personally seeing off Xuanzang and company. As the group left the Royal Palace, news rapidly spread throughout the city, and the people poured into the streets, so crowded that there was barely room to move.

The enthusiastic people of the city grabbed at Xuanzang and his companions, insisting on dragging them to their homes for a meal. One household laid out a feast, another set a banquet, all to express their gratitude for Xuanzang and company’s rescue of their children.

The people, although full of warmth, could not hold back Xuanzang and his party who were determined to depart. After politely declining the invitations of the people, the travelers finally pushed through the city gates and continued on the main road toward the West.

The King and the citizens of the entire city accompanied them several dozen miles outside the city, still reluctant to part.

Only after Xuanzang repeatedly insisted did the King, with no other choice, lead his courtiers and all the citizens back to the city, looking back every three steps.

"Huff!" Zhu Bajie couldn’t help but let out a long sigh of relief, speaking with a face full of fear, "We’ve finally squeezed through."

Zhu Bajie said with a smile, "Master, you really are unfeeling. Just look at how hospitable the people of Bhikkhu Country are! They invite us to eat and offer us gifts, but you neither eat their food nor accept their gifts, which must leave them feeling quite upset."

"You lazy pig, stop your prattling and delaying us. It’s already afternoon now; we need to move faster and aim to reach the next town before nightfall to find lodgings."

Xuanzang said as he urged his horse forward.

Sun Wukong and the others followed on either side of Xuanzang, continuing forward until they reached a small town by evening. This place was still within the territory of Bhikkhu Country, though by now it should be called Holy New Kingdom.

The new king had long before ordered his men to ride quickly, notifying the towns along the way to provide assistance.

Just as Xuanzang and his companions arrived at the outskirts of the town, local officials came out to greet them with a group of people. They welcomed the travelers into the town, treated them to food and drink, and afterwards, they prepared the finest accommodations for them to rest.

Throughout their journey, Xuanzang and his companions were warmly received by local officials. Not only were their food and clothing taken care of, but they also didn’t need to worry about lodging, ensuring a safe and speedy journey.

However, Holy New Kingdom was only a small country in the Western Direction, and before long, the travelers had left its territory behind.

One day, as the group was hurrying along, Xuanzang suddenly saw a high mountain looming ahead and exclaimed nervously, "Disciples, look ahead—another high mountain blocks our path, and I’m not sure if there is any way to cross it. We must all be very cautious."

Sun Wukong chuckled and said, "As the saying goes, ’When the cart reaches the base of the mountain, a path will be found.’ Master, why worry needlessly?"

"Exactly!" Zhu Bajie laughed and added, "Master, that’s not something a seasoned traveler would say; you sound more like a young prince who has never traveled far, like one who has only observed the sky from the bottom of a well."

"It has long been said: ’Mountains do not obstruct the path; the path will lead through the mountains.’ Master, why say there is no path?"

"Amitabha Buddha!" Xuanzang quickly responded, "While it’s true that mountains don’t obstruct the path, I fear that desolate mountains and evil waters may bring forth demons and monsters, and deep woods may hold demon spirits."

Zhu Bajie interjected with a laugh, "Master, you worry too much. Rest assured, we aren’t far from Mount Meru now; no ill-sighted demon would dare cause trouble here. This place is bound to be free of trouble."

Sun Wukong smiled and said, "Bajie does have a point. Besides, even if there are demons and ghosts, with us protecting you, what is there to fear? Let’s take advantage of the early day and hurry on our way!"

As they talked, in no time, they arrived at the foot of the mountain. Sun Wukong ran ahead to scout the way and quickly came back, beaming with excitement, telling Xuanzang, "Master, there is a way ahead! It’s a winding mountain road, and it’s very easy to travel!"

"That’s wonderful!" Xuanzang finally relaxed and continued moving forward on horseback.

Riding his horse, Xuanzang asked, "Disciples, ever since I left Chang’an, more than ten years have passed. You always say we’re getting close to Mount Meru, but just how far is it? I only wish to obtain the True Scriptures as soon as possible."

At this point, Zhu Bajie chimed in with a laugh, "Master, it must be that the Tathagata is reluctant to part with The Tripitaka Scriptures. Knowing that we are coming to retrieve them, the Buddha Ancestor must have moved, otherwise, how could it be that we still haven’t reached Mount Meru after all this time?"

"Second Senior Brother, don’t talk nonsense. Just follow Master and Elder Brother, and continue on our path. As we keep going, sooner or later we’ll reach Mount Meru," Sand Monk said.

The group chatted and laughed and quickly crossed the mountain. Soon, a large expanse of the Black Pine Forest appeared before them. Xuanzang said with a frown, "Wukong, we’ve just traversed the rugged mountain path, and now we have encountered a deep forest. We must be very cautious and attentive."

Sun Wukong laughed, "What’s to fear from a deep mountain and an old forest? Let’s just focus on our journey."

Xuanzang waved his hand and said, "That’s not the point. Although we have crossed many a black pine forest before and never encountered one as vast as this, we don’t know how long it stretches. It’s always better to be careful, so let’s stay vigilant."

Sun Wukong just snickered, unconcerned, twirling his Jingu Bang and clearing a large path, leading everyone straight into the Black Pine Forest.