All Heavens: Sharing Talents with Countless Mes

Sun Wukong pointed to Chu Yang beside him and said, "I, Old Sun, have something else to say."

"This lad is my brother, and I want him to come along on the journey to the West."

Guanyin paused, her gaze falling on Chu Yang.

She had noticed the young man kneeling on the ground long ago, but she never expected that he was actually a friend of Sun Wukong.

"What's your name?" she asked.

Chu Yang respectfully replied, "Disciple Chu Yang."

"What kind of cultivation technique do you practice?"

"This disciple cultivates the Taiyi Qi Cultivation Technique, which was taught to me by an immortal."

Guanyin nodded and then asked, "Why do you want to go to the Western Paradise to obtain the scriptures?"

Chu Yang thought for a moment and answered truthfully, "This disciple wishes to broaden my horizons and increase my knowledge. The Western Paradise is a sacred Buddhist land, containing boundless opportunities, and this disciple yearns for it."

Guanyin remained silent for a moment, her gaze lingering on Chu Yang for a long time.

Although this young man was not highly skilled, he possessed a humble yet dignified demeanor, which she greatly admired.

Moreover, the fact that he could become friends with Sun Wukong suggests that he must be of good character.

“It’s not impossible for you to join the pilgrimage team on their westward journey,” she said slowly, “but…”

Sun Wukong grew anxious: "But what? My brother, why can't he go?"

Guanyin smiled slightly: "This humble monk has not finished speaking yet."

She looked at Chu Yang and said, "What this humble monk means is that if you wish to join the pilgrimage team on their westward journey, you must have a legitimate identity."

Chu Yang was taken aback: "A legitimate identity?"

Guanyin nodded: "Master Xuanzang is the one who went on the pilgrimage, and Sun Wukong is the protector. What about you? You can't just follow along without any official title or status, can you?"

Chu Yang fell into deep thought.

Sun Wukong's eyes darted around, and he suddenly said, "That's easy! Just let Brother Chu Yang take that monk's place on the journey to the West, won't that work?"

Upon hearing this, both Chu Yang and Guanyin were stunned.

"Replace Xuanzang?" Guanyin frowned.

Sun Wukong chuckled and said, "That's right! I, Old Sun, think Brother Chu Yang is much stronger than that monk!"

"I haven't met that monk yet, so I don't know what kind of person he is. But Brother Chu Yang has been with me for over a month, so I know him inside and out!"

"Rather than having a complete stranger as the pilgrim, it would be better to have Brother Chu Yang do it!"

Chu Yang was startled and quickly waved his hand, saying, "Brother Monkey, you can't do that!"

"Why can't it be done?" Sun Wukong asked, puzzled.

Chu Yang smiled wryly, "Brother Monkey, the Venerable Xuanzang is the reincarnation of Jin Chanzi, and was personally chosen by the Buddha to undertake the pilgrimage. How can I, an insignificant nobody, replace him?"

"Besides, the journey to the West is a momentous undertaking, concerning the well-being of all people. If I were to impersonate the pilgrim and something went wrong, wouldn't that be a grave sin?"

Sun Wukong frowned: "Why are you such a coward, kid?"

Chu Yang shook his head: "This isn't cowardice, it's about knowing one's limits. Some things are acceptable; some things are not. I can't do something like retaking the journey to the West for Master Xuanzang."

He turned to Guanyin, cupped his hands, and said, "Bodhisattva, this disciple dares not substitute for Master Xuanzang. This disciple only wishes to be a follower, accompanying the pilgrimage team on their westward journey."

"If the Bodhisattva permits, this disciple is willing to do everything in my power to help the pilgrimage team overcome their difficulties along the way."

Guanyin looked at him, a hint of admiration flashing in her eyes.

This young man is very sensible; he knows what he should and shouldn't do.

Compared to Sun Wukong's fearless nature, he was clearly more composed.

“You do have some self-awareness,” she said slowly.

She pondered for a moment, then finally nodded.

"Very well, this humble monk will allow you to accompany me."

"However, you must promise this humble monk one thing."

Chu Yang quickly said, "Please give your instructions, Bodhisattva."

Guanyin said, "The journey to the West is long and arduous, filled with eighty-one tribulations, none of which can be skipped. If you accompany them, you must not interfere with their trials."

"In other words, when Master Xuanzang is in danger, you must not rush to his aid. You can only assist him after Sun Wukong and the others have already taken action."

"Can you do it?"

Chu Yang thought for a moment, then nodded and said, "This disciple understands. This disciple will certainly follow the Bodhisattva's teachings."

Guanyin nodded in satisfaction.

"Excellent, excellent, that's good."

She looked at Sun Wukong and said, "When the Venerable Xuanzang passes through this place and breaks the seal, you will regain your freedom. At that time, you must wholeheartedly protect him on his westward journey and must not commit any more evil deeds."

"Also, since this Benefactor Chu Yang is your friend, you should take good care of him."

Sun Wukong chuckled, "Of course! My brothers are my brothers, I'll definitely take good care of them!"

Guanyin smiled slightly, her figure slowly rose, transformed into a golden light, and disappeared into the clouds.

Only Chu Yang and Sun Wukong remained on the platform.

Sun Wukong looked in the direction where Guanyin had disappeared and muttered, "This Bodhisattva is quite easy to talk to. I thought she would make things difficult for you."

Chu Yang smiled slightly: "The Bodhisattva is merciful and naturally will not make things difficult for a junior."

He looked at Sun Wukong, his eyes filled with gratitude.

"Brother Monkey, thank you."

Sun Wukong waved his hand: "No need to thank me, we're brothers, no need to be so polite."

"By the way, when will that Master Xuanzang arrive? I, Old Sun, can't wait any longer!"

Chu Yang thought for a moment and said, "It should be soon. I heard he's already in this area."

Sun Wukong's eyes lit up: "Then I, Old Sun, must make some good preparations!"

Chu Yang laughed heartily: "Don't worry, Brother Monkey, I'll cook you a sumptuous meal so you're full before you set off."

"Good!" Sun Wukong laughed loudly, "That's exactly what I was waiting for!"

Three more days passed.

For the next three days, Chu Yang continued to come to Five Elements Mountain every day to cook for Sun Wukong and chat with him.

However, he could clearly sense that Sun Wukong was more anxious than ever before.

The monkey kept looking up towards the mountain path, its eyes full of anticipation.

"Why hasn't that monk arrived yet?" Sun Wukong asked for the umpteenth time. "I've been waiting so long the flowers have withered!"

Chu Yang smiled slightly: "Brother Monkey, don't worry, it should be soon."

No sooner had the words left his mouth than the sound of horses' hooves suddenly came from the foot of the mountain.

Sun Wukong was startled and quickly looked down the mountain.

On the mountain path, a white horse was slowly walking towards them.

A monk in a kasaya sat on a white horse. He had a handsome face, a peaceful demeanor, and a faint aura of Buddha surrounding him.

It was none other than the eminent monk from the Great Tang Dynasty in the East—Master Xuanzang.

"They're here! They've finally arrived!" Sun Wukong trembled with excitement. "I, Old Sun, have waited five hundred years, and finally, it's here!"

He yelled at the top of his lungs down the mountain, "Hey! You monk! I, Old Sun, am here! Come and save me!"

Xuanzang was startled by the sudden shout, reined in his horse, and looked up at the mountainside.

He saw the hairy head peeking out from under the rock, and he was both surprised and curious.

"Amitabha Buddha." He clasped his hands together and chanted a Buddhist prayer. "Who is that benefactor? Why is he imprisoned under the mountain?"

Sun Wukong shouted, "I, Old Sun, am called Sun Wukong. Five hundred years ago, I wreaked havoc in the Heavenly Palace and was imprisoned under this broken mountain by the Buddha!"

"Guanyin Bodhisattva said that as long as you break the seal on the mountaintop, I, Old Sun, will regain my freedom!"

"Come up here quickly and save me, Old Sun! I, Old Sun, will guarantee your journey to the Western Paradise to obtain the scriptures!" Upon hearing this, Xuanzang immediately understood.

This must have been arranged by Guanyin Bodhisattva, so that he could take on a disciple here.

"Excellent, excellent." He dismounted and walked up the mountain path. "This humble monk is coming to your rescue."

Chu Yang stood aside, quietly watching all of this.

As he watched Xuanzang climb the mountain step by step, and saw the expectant light in Sun Wukong's eyes, a complex emotion welled up in his heart.

The wheels of history are rolling forward, and he is about to become a witness to this history.

Before long, Xuanzang arrived at the platform halfway up the mountain.

He saw Sun Wukong trapped under the rock, and then he saw Chu Yang standing to the side, a look of confusion in his eyes.

“Amitabha Buddha, who is this benefactor…”

Chu Yang bowed respectfully: "My name is Chu Yang, a friend of Sun Wukong."

Xuanzang nodded, asked no further questions, and then looked at Sun Wukong.

"Great Sage, how can this humble monk rescue you?"

Sun Wukong said eagerly, "There's a stone on the mountaintop with golden characters on it; that's the seal of the Buddha. If you can peel off those golden characters, I, Old Sun, can get out!"

Xuanzang nodded: "This humble monk understands."

He turned and walked towards the top of the mountain.

Chu Yang hesitated for a moment, then followed.

The mountaintop wasn't very high, and the two arrived in no time.

In the very center of the mountaintop, there was a huge, gleaming rock.

A golden talisman was pasted on the boulder, with six large characters written on it: "Om Mani Padme Hum".

It is the six-syllable mantra of the Buddha.

Xuanzang walked to the giant rock, put his hands together, and chanted a Buddhist prayer.

Then, he reached out and gently peeled off the golden talisman.

Rumble!
A violent tremor came from the mountain, and the entire Five Elements Mountain shook.

Chu Yang quickly steadied himself and looked down the mountain.

The rock that had been pressing down on Sun Wukong was slowly cracking open, and countless fragments of stone were falling from the crack.

"I, Old Sun, am free!"

A loud voice came from the foot of the mountain, and then a golden figure soared into the sky from the rubble.

The figure was less than four feet tall, covered in golden hair, with a face like a thunder god, and a pair of bright, piercing eyes. It was none other than the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, Sun Wukong!
He did several somersaults in the air and landed on the platform at the top of the mountain, laughing heartily.

"That feels great! I, Old Sun, have been imprisoned for five hundred years, and today I am finally free!"

He stretched his muscles and felt refreshed. The power that had been suppressed for five hundred years was surging within him, as if he could cause trouble in the Heavenly Palace again at any moment.

Xuanzang looked at the spirited monkey in front of him, feeling both surprised and delighted.

"Amitabha! The Great Sage has finally regained his freedom."

Sun Wukong chuckled and cupped his hands in a respectful gesture towards Xuanzang.

"Thank you very much, monk. I, Old Sun, keep my word. From now on, I, Old Sun, will protect you on your journey to the Western Paradise to obtain the scriptures!"

Xuanzang nodded, clasped his hands together, and said, "Since that's the case, I will accept you as my disciple. My Dharma name is Xuanzang, and you may call me Master from now on."

Sun Wukong was stunned: "Master? I, Old Sun, am going to become your disciple?"

Xuanzang said, "Since you are going to escort this humble monk on his journey to the West, you are naturally my disciple. This is the rule."

Sun Wukong thought about it and felt it made sense, so he nodded and said, "Alright, then I, Old Sun, will call you Master."

Xuanzang smiled with satisfaction: "Excellent, excellent. I will bestow upon you another Dharma name; let it be Wukong."

"Wukong?" Sun Wukong muttered twice, chuckling, "That's a good name, I, Old Sun, like it!"

Watching this scene, Chu Yang felt a surge of emotion.

History was proceeding according to its original trajectory; Xuanzang accepted Sun Wukong as his disciple and gave him the name Wukong.

Everything was exactly as described in Journey to the West.

only……

A complex look flashed in Chu Yang's eyes.

He knew what would happen next.

Guanyin Bodhisattva gave Xuanzang not only a kasaya and a tin staff, but also a flower hat and a tight headband.

Hidden inside that flowery hat is a golden headband. Once Sun Wukong puts it on, he will be controlled by the headband and become subject to others.

In the original story, Sun Wukong angered Tang Sanzang by killing several bandits.

Tang Sanzang, in a fit of anger, drove him away, and Sun Wukong went to Guanyin Bodhisattva to complain.

As a result, Guanyin Bodhisattva took the opportunity to have Tang Sanzang trick Sun Wukong into wearing the flower hat, and from then on Sun Wukong was controlled by the golden headband and could no longer resist.

That was the humiliation of Sun Wukong's life.

Should I tell him?

Chu Yang was hesitant.

If Sun Wukong were told about the headband, he definitely wouldn't wear that flowery hat.

In this way, history will be changed.

But if he isn't told, Sun Wukong will be tricked into wearing the golden headband, just like in the original story, and will be controlled by others from then on.

Given his friendship with Sun Wukong, how could he bear to watch Sun Wukong be outmaneuvered?

"Never mind..."

Chu Yang made a decision in his heart.

He was Sun Wukong's friend, and since they were friends, he should have reminded him.

As for whether history will be changed, that's beyond his control.

Just then, a lucky cloud suddenly drifted in from the sky.

Above the auspicious clouds stood an old woman, who was none other than the incarnation of Guanyin Bodhisattva.

"Amitabha." The old woman clasped her hands together and bowed to Xuanzang. "Venerable Xuanzang, I have a request."

Xuanzang quickly returned the greeting: "Please speak, Venerable One."

The old woman took out a flowered hat from her bosom and said, "This is a small token of my appreciation, a gift for the Great Sage."

She looked at Sun Wukong and said with a smile, "Great Sage, this flower hat was hand-woven by me. It's warm and beautiful to wear. Why don't you try it on?"

Sun Wukong looked at the flowery hat with a hint of curiosity in his eyes.

"This hat is quite nice, I'll try it on..."

Just as he was about to reach out to take it, Chu Yang suddenly spoke up: "Brother Monkey, wait!"

Sun Wukong was stunned and turned to look at Chu Yang.

"What's wrong, Brother Chu Yang?"

Chu Yang took a deep breath and said, "Brother Monkey, there's something wrong with this flowery hat."

As soon as these words came out, everyone present was stunned.

The old woman's expression changed slightly, and a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes.

Xuanzang also looked at Chu Yang with a puzzled expression.

Sun Wukong frowned and asked, "What's the problem?"

Chu Yang looked into his eyes and said, word by word, "Hidden inside this flowery hat is a golden headband." (End of Chapter)