Journey to the West: Starting from Changing Sun Wukong’s fate
Chapter 466 - 424: Entering Mount Meru, Passing on the Tripitaka True Scriptures

Chapter 466: Chapter 424: Entering Mount Meru, Passing on the Tripitaka True Scriptures

Wang Yang left the Celestial Court and headed towards Mount Huaguo; however, halfway there, he felt a presence waiting in the distance.

It seemed to be waiting for him.

Wang Yang’s figure moved, flying towards an island above the Eastern Sea.

After landing on the island, Wang Yang saw a Daoist, who was none other than the Spirit Treasure Venerable, Leader of the Tongtian Sect, who had sought him out not long ago.

"Many thanks, Fellow Daoist, for helping me retrieve the Investiture of the Gods. Consider it a favor Tongtian owes you!"

Tongtian turned his head to look at Wang Yang and politely began to speak.

"Can the Spirit Treasure Venerable be forthright this time about what you intend to do?"

Wang Yang looked at the Sect Leader of the Tongtian and slowly said.

The Leader of the Tongtian Sect did not speak immediately but looked up at the sky before saying, "Daoism and Buddhism are inherently divided, yet this time the Daoist Sect aids Buddhism because of divine will. Once the Journey to the West is over and Buddhism flourishes, it will also be the day Buddhism begins to decline..."

As Wang Yang listened to the words of the Leader of the Tongtian Sect, a flicker of light danced in his eyes.

The next morning, after Master Xuanzang and his disciples had their breakfast at the Jade True Temple,

Sun Wukong said with a smile, "Let’s go, let’s head up the mountain as soon as possible!"

Zhu Bajie also urged in haste, "Finally, we’re here, let’s hurry on!"

The Sand Monk was inexplicably excited; the Jade Emperor had once said that after following the scripture seeker to Western Heaven, he could return to the Celestial Court.

Only Master Xuanzang remained calm, displaying neither joy nor sorrow.

After a long while, Master Xuanzang spoke indifferently, "Let’s go."

At this point, the Golden Top Immortal said with a smile, "Great Saint, no need to rush; allow me to accompany you up the mountain."

Sun Wukong replied with a smile, "No need to trouble yourself, Great Immortal, Old Sun knows the way."

The Golden Top Immortal said with a chuckle, "You know the cloud path, but the Holy Monk cannot ascend by the cloud path; you must travel by the earthly path. Allow me to accompany you up that way! Thank you for your patience!"

Sun Wukong nodded and said, "That is true; although Old Sun has been here before, I have only ever come and gone by cloud, never setting foot upon this land. Since that is the case, we’ll have to trouble the Great Immortal to lead us up by the earthly path! Much appreciated!"

The Golden Top Immortal laughed heartily, then, taking Master Xuanzang by the hand, said cheerfully, "Holy Monk, please follow me, and I will take you up."

With a beaming smile, the Great Immortal led Master Xuanzang by the hand to the altar for Buddhist teachings.

It turned out that this path did not leave the temple gate; instead, one simply walked through the main hall and out the back door.

The group left the Jade True Temple, and the Golden Top Immortal pointed towards the distance saying, "Holy Monk, do you see that auspicious light of five colors, a thousand layers of auspiciousness in the mid-sky? That is Lingjiu Peak, the sacred realm of the Buddha Ancestor."

Master Xuanzang looked up, his expression still serene.

The Golden Top Immortal cast a meaningful glance at the Holy Monk and said with a chuckle, "The Great Saint said it well. Holy Monk, having reached this blessed land, you only need to follow this mountain path straight up to reach the sacred realm of Mount Meru, where you can meet the Buddha Ancestor and obtain the True Scriptures. Please proceed at your leisure, forgive me for not being able to see you further."

Sun Wukong thanked the Great Immortal for his company, "Thanks for the company, Great Immortal, please return; we will make the rest of the journey on our own."

Master Xuanzang also expressed his thanks.

"In that case, I will take my leave now."

After bidding farewell to Master Xuanzang and the others, the Golden Top Immortal turned and went back to the Jade True Temple alone.

Zhu Bajie looked up and could not help but hurry them, "We should really move quickly! If we’re slow, I’m afraid we won’t reach the summit of Mount Meru before nightfall."

Sun Wukong replied with a smile, "Bajie, why are you in such a rush today? Is something the matter?"

Zhu Bajie replied with a smile, "I just don’t want to waste any more time."

Now that they had arrived at Mount Meru, the Sand Monk was also eager to meet the Buddha Ancestor soon to obtain the True Scriptures.

So the group continued along the mountain path towards the top. After traveling about five or six li, a wide river suddenly blocked their way, its waters rushing and tumultuous.

Master Xuanzang looked around, noting the absence of both boats and bridges, and couldn’t help but be puzzled, "Wukong, have we taken a wrong path, or did the Great Immortal misdirect us? With water so wide and turbulent, and no boats in sight, how could we possibly cross it?"

Sun Wukong replied with a smile, "To reach Mount Meru, this is the only way, it can’t be wrong. Do you see that bridge over there? You must cross it to achieve enlightenment."

When they approached the bridge, they saw a signboard hanging by the side, inscribed with the words "Cloud Crossing Bridge." However, what they called a bridge was merely a thin, long log suspended above. It was actually a narrow log bridge.

From afar it seemed a jade arch across the sky, yet up close, a mere log bridging turbulent waters.

Zhu Bajie stepped forward and, after one glance, shook his head repeatedly, "Brother Monkey! This bridge surely isn’t meant for walking; we’d better find another path up!"

Sun Wukong shook his head with a smile, "As I’ve said, to reach Mount Meru, this is the only way and there’s no other path. You must cross this bridge to get to Mount Meru and see the Buddha Ancestor to seek the True Scriptures."

The Sand Monk came forward, looked down at the bridge, and with a shake of his head, said, "Can this even be called a path? Who could possibly cross it? The water is so wide, the waves so fierce, and with just a single wooden log that’s both thin and slippery, how could you possibly find footing? If you fall, it’s no joke; this path really is impossible."

Sun Wukong smiled and explained, "If there’s such a log bridge on the way to Mount Meru, it must surely be passable. Don’t worry! You definitely won’t fall off!"

Seeing that the others were afraid to step forward, Sun Wukong said somewhat helplessly, "Since none of you dare to cross, then Old Sun will go first to show you!"