Chapter 977
Recognizing Goods!
"All you ever think about is eating!" Sun Wukong rolled his eyes, turned around and continued walking forward. "We'll find you some food when we reach the next town. Now, stop talking nonsense and focus on your journey. If you delay our pilgrimage, your master won't forgive you!"
Chu Yang walked at the back of the group, his hands behind his back, his pace unhurried, his gaze casually sweeping over the surrounding scenery. The black dagger at his waist swayed gently with each step, the scratch on its scabbard faintly visible in the spring sunlight. He looked at Tang Sanzang's back ahead, then at the noisy Sun Wukong and Zhu Bajie, a slight smile playing on his lips, and said softly, "Alright, Monkey King, Bajie, stop arguing. Master is already feeling somewhat melancholy; your noise will only annoy him. The Women's Kingdom may be nice, but it's not our final destination. Journeying west to obtain the scriptures is what we should be doing."
Upon hearing this, Tang Sanzang slowly opened his eyes, looked at Chu Yang, and smiled gently: "Chu Yang is right. Everything in the world has its cause and effect. I only had one encounter with the Queen of the Women's Kingdom. The beginning and end of our connection are all predestined. We need not linger any longer. Only by focusing on our journey to the West can we live up to the entrustment of the Buddha and the Emperor of Tang."
"Master is right!" Sun Wukong nodded quickly, his tone becoming more subdued. "I was just worried that this fool would have wild thoughts and delay our mission. Don't worry, Master, I will protect you well, slaying demons and monsters along the way, and ensuring you reach the Western Paradise safely to obtain the scriptures."
Pigsy quickly stopped complaining, scratched his head, and chuckled, "Master, I know I was wrong. I will definitely travel hard from now on, not have any wild thoughts, and not hold you back. I will protect you well and strive to obtain the scriptures as soon as possible. When that time comes, I will also be able to achieve enlightenment and no longer be a gluttonous fool."
Tang Sanzang looked at the two men with a relieved expression, and put his hands together in prayer: "Amitabha, it is a virtue to admit one's mistakes and correct them. Wukong, Bajie, Chuyang, with you all here, this humble monk feels at ease. Let us continue our journey to the West, and not waste any more time."
"Yes, Master!" the three replied in unison, and the group continued on its way.
The spring sunshine was perfect, its warmth dispelling the morning chill. The crabapple blossoms along the official road were in full bloom, their petals fluttering in the breeze like a pink rain. In the distance, the mountains were lush and verdant, stretching endlessly, shrouded in lingering mist that clung to their slopes like a delicate ink painting. Occasionally, birdsong drifted from the woods, clear and melodious, blending harmoniously with the footsteps of the four travelers and the clatter of the white dragon horse's hooves.
After walking for about an hour, the crabapple blossoms gradually thinned out, and the trees lining the official road transformed into tall, ancient locust trees, their branches and leaves so dense and lush that they blocked out the sun. Sunlight could only filter through the gaps in the leaves, casting dappled patterns of light that fell to the ground and swayed in the wind like a cluster of dancing stars. The fragrance of flowers in the air gradually faded, replaced by the fresh scent of grass and trees and the rich aroma of earth.
"Master, we've been walking for so long, shouldn't we take a break?" Pigsy slowed down and approached Tang Sanzang, looking exhausted. "My legs are getting sore, and my stomach is growling again. If I don't eat something soon, I'm afraid I won't even be able to carry the rake."
Sun Wukong looked back at the sun, then at the surroundings, and nodded: "Alright, let's rest for a while under the locust tree ahead. I'll go look for wild fruit or water nearby to fill your stomach, you idiot."
"Great! Thank you, Brother Monkey!" Pigsy immediately perked up, ran to the locust tree in front, put down his rake, sat down on the ground, and stretched. "I, Old Pig, will wait for you here. You'd better come back quickly, and it would be best if you could find some sweet wild fruits to satisfy my cravings."
Tang Sanzang, leading the white dragon horse, walked to the locust tree, leaned against the trunk, and sat down. Chu Yang also sat down beside him, his eyes scanning the surroundings warily, watching for any movement. "Wukong, go ahead, be careful, don't go too far. We'll wait for you here," Tang Sanzang whispered.
"Don't worry, Master!" Sun Wukong grinned, shouldered his golden cudgel, and leaped into the air, disappearing into the forest, leaving only the words "I, Old Sun, will be back soon" echoing in the air.
Pigsy sat on the ground, rubbing his legs, muttering about wild fruits: "I hope Brother Monkey can find some delicious wild fruits, preferably peaches, I love peaches the most. It would be even better if there were a few steamed buns, it's a pity I didn't bring the steamed buns from the Women's Kingdom."
Looking at his honest and simple appearance, Chu Yang couldn't help but smile: "Bajie, don't worry, Brother Monkey is very capable, he will definitely be able to find wild fruit. Don't always think about eating, we will encounter many monsters along the way, you need to be well-rested so that you can protect Master."
"I know, I know!" Pigsy nodded hurriedly. "I was just saying. I'll definitely be well-rested and protect Master. Brother Chu Yang, what do you think our next destination will be like after we leave the Women's Kingdom? Will there be monsters there too?"
"It's hard to say." Chu Yang shook his head, his tone steady. "The journey to the west is fraught with dangers and monsters. We must be vigilant at all times. However, with Brother Monkey by our side, we don't need to worry too much. As long as we work together, there is no difficulty we cannot overcome."
Tang Sanzang sighed softly and said, "Amitabha, this humble monk only hopes that there will be less killing and more peace along the way. Although those demons and monsters have committed many evils, they are still lives. If we can persuade them to do good, it will be a meritorious deed."
“Master, you are too kind,” Pigsy said. “Those monsters are all ruthless and vicious. They eat mortals and even want to eat your flesh. It’s impossible to expect them to be good. In my opinion, as long as they dare to cause trouble, we should kill them with a rake to avoid future problems.”
“Bajie, you must not speak recklessly,” Tang Sanzang said gently. “Monks should be compassionate. Even if those monsters commit many evils, we should first try to persuade them to do good. If they are still stubborn, it is not too late to take action. Killing is not the best policy. The path of cultivation is to lay down the butcher’s knife and keep a kind heart.”
Chu Yang nodded and agreed, "Master is right. Persuading people to do good is far more difficult than slaying demons, but it is also more meaningful. However, we cannot be merciful all the time. If we encounter those stubborn and vicious monsters, we cannot be soft-hearted. Otherwise, it will only make them more unscrupulous and harm more people."
Just then, a gust of wind blew by, rustling the leaves, and a slight noise came from the distant woods. Chu Yang frowned, immediately stood up, and looked warily into the depths of the woods: "Something's wrong, there's movement, everyone be careful!"
Pigsy immediately stood up, grabbed his rake, and looked around nervously: "W-what's wrong? Has a monster come? Why isn't Brother Monkey back yet?"
Tang Sanzang quickly stood up, clasped his hands together, and said solemnly, "Amitabha, don't panic, don't panic. Chu Yang, take a closer look, what's that noise?"
Chu Yang narrowed his eyes, his gaze fixed on the depths of the forest. His short sword was slightly drawn from its sheath, and his voice was low: "It's unclear yet, but the commotion was very subtle. It didn't seem like a large demon; it looked more like someone was observing us from the shadows. Master, Bajie, you two stay here and don't move. I'll go check it out." "Brother Chu Yang, be careful!" Pigsy quickly said. "If there's a demon, just shout, and I, Old Pig, will come to your aid immediately!"
"Don't worry." Chu Yang nodded and walked lightly into the depths of the woods. He moved quickly, like a gust of wind, weaving through the ancient locust tree forest. The fallen leaves under his feet made a soft "rustling" sound, and almost no other sounds could be heard.
After walking for about several dozen steps, the sounds from the depths of the woods became clearer. Chu Yang slowed his pace and quietly hid behind a thick, ancient locust tree, peeking out. He saw a boy dressed in a blue cloth robe, about fifteen or sixteen years old, with delicate features. His eyes were warily fixed on Tang Sanzang and Zhu Bajie under the locust tree. He was holding a wood-chopping knife, as if he were chopping wood, or perhaps observing them from the shadows.
Chu Yang's heart stirred, and he slowly walked out, speaking softly, "Young man, what are you doing here? Why are you secretly observing us?"
The boy was startled and turned around abruptly. When he saw Chu Yang, his eyes became even more wary. He gripped the wood-chopping knife tightly, took a step back, and said, "Who...who are you? Why are you here? I...I wasn't secretly observing you. I was just chopping wood here."
Seeing his nervous expression, Chu Yang smiled gently and said in a soft tone, "Young man, don't be afraid, we mean no harm. We are monks on our journey to the West to obtain Buddhist scriptures. We were passing through this place and rested under the locust tree. I heard some noise here, so I came to check."
The young man sized Chu Yang up and down, noticing the short knife at his waist and his gentle expression. His tension eased somewhat, but he still gripped the wood-chopping knife tightly and said, "A monk on a pilgrimage to the West? I've heard that there are many demons and monsters on the journey to the West. How dare you travel alone?"
“We’re not traveling alone. I have my master and two junior brothers with me. They’re under the locust tree up ahead,” Chu Yang said, pointing ahead. “With the Great Sage Equaling Heaven, Sun Wukong, we’re not afraid of any demons or monsters. By the way, brother, what’s this area? Are there any villages or inns nearby? We’ve been walking for a while and are a bit tired. We’d like to find a place to rest for a bit and get something to eat.”
Mentioning Sun Wukong, the boy's eyes lit up, and a look of surprise appeared on his face: "You mean the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, Sun Wukong? The one who wreaked havoc in the Heavenly Palace?"
“It’s him.” Chu Yang nodded and said with a smile, “He’s gone to find wild fruit and water nearby, he’ll be back soon.”
The boy put down his wood-chopping knife, his wariness completely gone, replaced by excitement and admiration: "Great! I've long heard of the Monkey King's fame, but I never expected to meet him here! My name is A Niu, a villager from Lijiazhuang nearby. I came here to chop wood today, and when I saw you, I just glanced at you out of curiosity. I meant no harm, so please don't take offense."
"So it's Brother A Niu, no problem at all." Chu Yang smiled and said, "We were just passing through, sorry for bothering you. By the way, Brother A Niu, are there any villages nearby? We'd like to find a place to rest for a while and maybe get some vegetarian food."
"Yes, yes, yes!" Ah Niu nodded hurriedly and said, "Our Li Family Village is not far ahead, only an incense stick's worth of distance away. The people in our village are very kind. If they knew you were monks on a pilgrimage, they would definitely treat you warmly. Moreover, there is an old lady in our village named Wang who makes incredibly delicious vegetarian food, even better than the vegetarian food in the city. It would be perfect for this benefactor Pigsy to satisfy his craving."
Upon hearing this, Chu Yang was overjoyed: "That's wonderful! Thank you, Brother A Niu. We'll go back and tell our master and junior brother that we'll go to Li Family Village with you."
"Alright!" Ah Niu said with a smile, picking up his wood-chopping knife. "I'll lead the way, you all follow me."
Chu Yang followed A Niu towards the locust tree. Back under the tree, Tang Sanzang and Zhu Bajie were anxiously waiting. Seeing Chu Yang return, Zhu Bajie rushed over and asked, "Brother Chu Yang, how are you? Was there a monster? Are you alright?"
"I'm fine, I'm not a monster." Chu Yang smiled and pointed to A Niu beside him. "This is Brother A Niu, a villager from Lijiazhuang nearby. He said that Lijiazhuang is not far ahead and he's willing to take us to the village to rest and find us some vegetarian food."
Upon hearing this, Tang Sanzang's face showed a look of relief. He put his hands together and bowed slightly to Ah Niu, saying, "Amitabha, thank you for your help, Brother Ah Niu. This humble monk and his disciples are deeply grateful."
Ah Niu quickly waved his hand and said, "Master, there's no need to be so polite. You are monks on your journey to retrieve the scriptures. You have endured hardships along the way to save all sentient beings. It is only right that we help you. Besides, I would like to see the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, Sun Wukong. I have heard that he is incredibly powerful, capable of seventy-two transformations, and can also subdue demons and monsters."
"Hahaha, you young man, you know your stuff!" Just then, Sun Wukong's voice came from the sky. Immediately afterward, a golden light flashed, and Sun Wukong landed in front of everyone, carrying a bag full of wild fruits. "I, Old Sun, found some wild fruits, just enough to fill your stomachs. Young man, are you the one who wanted to see me, Old Sun?"
When Ah Niu saw Sun Wukong, his eyes lit up instantly. He quickly stepped forward and said with a face full of admiration, "Greetings, Great Sage Equal to Heaven! I have long heard of your fame, and it is such an honor to meet you today! You are indeed as majestic as the legends say!"
Sun Wukong grinned, patted A Niu on the shoulder with considerable force, almost making A Niu stumble: "Hahaha, you know what's good for you! Since you admire me so much, I'll show you a trick, how about it?"
"Okay, okay!" Ah Niu nodded eagerly, his face full of anticipation. "I want to see your seventy-two transformations! I heard you can turn into a snake, a bird, and even a big rock. That's amazing!" (End of Chapter)