Journey to the West: Demon Emperor: Beginning as a Little Toad

Chapter 595 The Shepherdess
After comforting the unexpectedly accepted child, Sudhana.

Guanyin Bodhisattva sits serenely on a lotus throne, radiating golden light, her appearance solemn and dignified.

With her slender, delicate hands, she lightly plucked a willow branch in front of her. Her jade-like fingers seemed to dance with a spiritual grace, and the divine power of Bodhi's wondrous calculations had already silently begun to operate.

The mind is like a lake, reflecting the vast universe.

The strange aura of the copper coin, which was extremely yang and powerful, pure and unparalleled, and completely different from the vast Buddhist power, was now captured by Guanyin Bodhisattva in its entirety.

Its origins are clearly traced back to the Daoist master Chunyangzi, Lü Dongbin, who was known for his carefree and worldly pursuits!
A sense of understanding settled in my heart.

……

Time flows by quietly like water.

Nanzhanbuzhou, a ferry crossing in Quanzhou.

The scholar who formed a karmic connection with "good fortune" through a single copper coin carried the Bodhisattva's decree and used the donated funds to build a sturdy stone bridge spanning the great river.

A stone bridge spans the two banks, turning a natural barrier into a thoroughfare!
People on both sides of the strait celebrated together, stepping onto the new bridge to express their gratitude to Heaven, with tears of thanks flowing from one side of the bridge.

The devout chants of "May Guanyin Bodhisattva of the South China Sea manifest her power and bless all living beings!" resounded along the riverbank, forming a tide of faith.

A bridge connecting both sides of the strait and linking countless kind-hearted people has thus been erected above the raging waves.

……

Later generations traced the origins of these sacred sites.

Because Guanyin once transformed into a "fisherwoman" here to enlighten all beings and bestow blessings.

In the land of Jambudvipa, there are many Guanyin Mountains and Guanyin Bridges... to commemorate this event.

Guanyin Bodhisattva thus evolved a unique form—the compassionate and gentle "fisherwoman" form, which is the "Fish Basket Guanyin" form revered by later generations.

The image of the "Fish Basket Guanyin" has been passed down among humankind ever since.

The legend of "Fish Basket Guanyin" is also preserved in "Journey to the West".

When Tang Sanzang and his disciples reached the Tongtian River, they were blocked by the Golden Fish Demon.

It was Guanyin Bodhisattva who appeared in the form of a fisherwoman, namely, the Fish Basket Guanyin.

She held a fish basket and used it to subdue the goldfish spirit.

Interestingly, in "Journey to the West," Sun Wukong even cursed Guanyin Bodhisattva:

"This Bodhisattva is incredibly lazy! She freed me back then and taught Tang Sanzang to go west to retrieve the scriptures... Now she's been tricked by evil spirits, and her words are all wrong. She deserves to be 'husbandless for life'!"

Sun Wukong said, "It's no wonder that Guanyin Bodhisattva was unmarried all her life," though it was said in anger.

However, this also reflects the story of Guanyin's marriage proposal.

……

"Hahaha……"

Amidst the distant smoke and dust and the sea of ​​people, Lü Dongbin gazed at the holy figure of Guanyin Bodhisattva, whose true form was faintly visible, and the newly added "protector" boy beneath her, and laughed heartily.

He bowed respectfully to the sacred figure deep within the clouds, then laughed loudly. His clear voice pierced through the remaining clamor of voices, sounding both playful and insightful.

"Wonderful! Wonderful!"

"Today, Lü Chunyang is going with the flow, helping the Bodhisattva to not only perform a good deed and obtain this stone bridge, but also helping the Bodhisattva obtain the name of Sudhana."

"This 'fate' is truly wonderful beyond words!"

"Haha, this is interesting!"

"Great Bodhisattva Guanyin, Jin Chanzi, I, Lü, take my leave!"

Before he finished speaking, his green robe fluttered suddenly, as agile as a swimming fish.

In a few flashes, Lü Dongbin's carefree figure completely disappeared into the still surging crowd, leaving no trace.

Having already revealed their divine presence and whereabouts, Guanyin Bodhisattva and Jin Chanzi should temporarily depart from the human world.

Just as the supreme Buddha light that enveloped heaven and earth was about to dissipate.

Jin Chanzi, standing beside the lotus platform, slowly turned his head, his gaze fixed intently on the direction where Lü Dongbin had disappeared.

"Chunyangzi..."

Deep within Jin Chanzi's usually calm and deep eyes, a chilling glint, carrying with it anger at being offended, quietly settled.

On the lotus throne.

Guanyin Bodhisattva remained calm and undisturbed, her face as smooth as carved white jade, showing neither joy nor anger.

However, when her discerning eyes turned towards the bustling city where Lü Dongbin had fled, a subtle yet real hint of annoyance, and a determination to record it in the "ledger," inevitably flickered in those eyes that were as silent as an ancient Buddha.

"Hmph, Chunyangzi, Lü Dongbin."

"You're the one who's causing trouble."

"Knowing that we monks are bound by strict precepts and cannot speak recklessly or marry."

"They deliberately mock my Dharma image."

"It will ruin my reputation as a beggar."

"I will make a note of this grudge regarding 'playing a trick on me' for now."

"The mountains are high and the rivers are long, and the years are endless, but let's see how long the future holds."

"The future will tell!"

……

With such thoughts, even the most compassionate and merciful Guanyin Bodhisattva would find it difficult to bear this humiliation.

Guanyin Bodhisattva's expression remained as calm as an ancient well, but her fingers, which were holding a flower, tightened almost imperceptibly before slowly relaxing.

Her eyelids closed slightly, and she remained silent. Yet, in the deep pool of her supremely compassionate Dharma image, she had already etched this matter into the depths of her consciousness—a rift as thin as a spider's thread, yet exceptionally resilient, had quietly formed.

The cause and effect of "Chunyangzi striking the copper coin to its fullest extent" has now been resolved.

……

Mount Putuo, with its purple bamboo forest in the South China Sea, is shrouded in mist and swaying in the green shadows, truly a supreme and wonderful place for quiet cultivation.

Here, the spring water murmurs like celestial music; the bamboo rustles like the soft chanting of Buddhist hymns.

Guanyin Bodhisattva and Jin Chanzi propagated the Dharma in Jambudvipa for decades, enduring years of travel and becoming physically and mentally exhausted.

Returning to the source of this lineage today allows us to wash away the dust of the world, clear our minds, and prepare for the future to unfold our grand plans.

……

When she returned to the Purple Bamboo Grove in the South China Sea on a cloud, Guanyin Bodhisattva closed her eyes on her pure lotus seat and carefully sorted out the various disturbances of the past few days.

She gently raised her jade-like hand, moved her slender fingers, and activated the supreme Bodhi Calculation Divine Power.

"Swish..."

"Hua Hua Hua..."

The bamboo grove rustles, accompanied by the sound of the tide.

In an instant.

Images from the past, present, and future flowed and reflected in the heart of Guanyin Bodhisattva like fleeting glimpses.

With her supreme wisdom, she deduced the complex causes and effects and discerned the interconnectedness of the fortunes of the three realms.

She wasn't just seeking spiritual cultivation; her divine senses caught the aura of Lü Dongbin, who had repeatedly caused trouble.

The copper coin that hinders the completion of merit at the ferry crossing, and the subsequent laughter and disturbance of the Dharma... Lü Dongbin's heavenly secrets are vaguely revealed in the calculations.

however.

The ingenious calculations flowed endlessly, and then suddenly revealed an even deeper layer of attraction.

This Chunyangzi and the Western Sea Dragon Clan still have an unresolved grudge and entanglement, which will be revealed at the right time!

At this very moment, the grand plan of "spreading Buddhism to the East," which concerns the future of Buddhism, came to mind of Guanyin Bodhisattva.

The dragon race has a profound influence on the Southern Continent.

Most of the human emperors in the Southern Continent called themselves "Sons of Heaven" to demonstrate their nobility and authority.

They wished to spread Buddhism eastward from the Western Vulture Peak, so that the Dharma could illuminate all sentient beings in Jambudvipa (the southern continent).

The dragon race is indispensable, and its assistance should not be underestimated.

"West Sea..."

During her divination, Guanyin Bodhisattva clearly sensed a dragon in the Western Sea whose destiny was imbued with Buddhist light!
This dragon from the Western Sea not only shares a predestined master-disciple relationship with Jin Chanzi, who is about to shoulder the important task of spreading Buddhism to the East, but is also closely related to the great cause of spreading Buddhism to the East. "A dragon in the Journey to the West, connected to our Buddhist community..."

Think about this.

The slight resentment in Guanyin Bodhisattva's heart, which had arisen because of Lü Dongbin and had not yet completely subsided, suddenly became intertwined with this momentous event concerning the rise and fall of Buddhism.

then.

Guanyin Bodhisattva suddenly opened her wisdom eyes, her gaze piercing through the serene bamboo shadows, and summoned Jin Chanzi, her clear and melodious Zen voice ringing out:

"Jin Chanzi".

"The disciple is here."

Jin Chanzi clasped his hands together and bowed respectfully, awaiting the Bodhisattva's instructions.

Guanyin Bodhisattva spoke slowly, her voice gentle yet solemn:
"Now, I have just made a brilliant calculation of the heavens and learned that in the vast Western Sea, there is a dragon clan whose fate is intertwined with yours as master and disciple."

"This connection is of great significance, as it relates to your great undertaking of spreading Buddhism to the East."

"The future transmission of Buddhism to the East will be a long and arduous journey, fraught with difficulties. This dragon will be indispensable in protecting you and will be a vital help on your path of spreading the scriptures."

"He is currently in grave danger and may face unforeseen calamities. If we do not rescue him in time, we fear that this bond between master and disciple will be difficult to maintain."

"You may make preparations immediately and set off for the Western Sea."

"This trip is not only to rescue him from his predicament, but more importantly, to sow good seeds and reap good fruit."

"The kindness shown in helping you today will be the foundation for your sincere support and the eastward spread of Buddhism! This is also a subtle but powerful assistance for your future path of spreading Buddhism to the east."

“When you encounter difficulties in the future, you will understand the good results of your good deeds today.”

Guanyin Bodhisattva patiently explained, her words sincere and earnest.

Upon hearing that this matter was closely related to his own spiritual affinity and the important task of spreading Buddhism to the East, Jin Chanzi felt a surge of reverence.

He clasped his hands together and bowed deeply in respect:
"Amitabha Buddha, your compassion is boundless, well said, well said!"

"I will respectfully obey the Bodhisattva's instructions."

"However, I do not know the title or form of the divine dragon in this calamity. I hope to find it by remembering its name and not fail the trust placed in me."

Jin Chanzi's eyes shone brightly, filled with anticipation.

Guanyin Bodhisattva's gaze was profound, as if she had seen through countless mountains and rivers, reaching the depths of the Dragon Palace in the turbulent West Sea.

Her voice was clear and melodious as she spoke, enunciating each word clearly:

"It is none other than Ao Lie, the third son of Ao Run, the Dragon King of the West Sea."

"When you go to the Western Sea, you must rescue him from his predicament, enlighten him, and help him achieve this good relationship between master and disciple."

……

Now, let's talk about Lü Dongbin, who lived a carefree and unrestrained life in the mortal world, playing around with the world's affairs.

On the wall of the restaurant, Lü Dongbin casually drew a yellow crane with orange peel, ready to take flight, which attracted mortals to chase and jump for joy. This is the "play" in the human world.

Then, Lü Dongbin strolled into the brothel. The brothel was filled with beautiful women, many of them alluring and seductive.

One of the white peonies was a reincarnation of a famous flower, with graceful bearing and captivating beauty.

When Lü Dongbin saw this, he teased him.

After the performance of this peerless beauty, Lü Dong composed another poem, "Warning to the World," which served as a warning to people not to be misled by sensual pleasures or fall into the trap of lust.

Then Lü Dongbin laughed loudly, turned his sleeves and left, thus "teasing" the enchanting white peony, the reincarnation of a famous flower.

At the Quanzhou ferry, Lü Dongbin, with his discerning eye, recognized the incarnation of Guanyin Bodhisattva. His mischievous nature stirred, and he threw in the copper coin that had stirred up the Buddhist connection, thus "teasing" Guanyin Bodhisattva of the South China Sea once again.

After several rounds of "play," Lü Dongbin felt his primordial spirit slightly dimmed and his vital energy slightly depleted.

However, the carefree and unrestrained spirit and the joy of playing in the world remained undiminished.

He felt that the world was full of wonders and complexities, and he was still eager to experience them all.

then.

Everyone knows that immortals are good, but they can't forget fame and fortune...

Where are the generals and ministers of ancient and modern times? Their desolate graves are overgrown with weeds...

"Everyone knows that immortals are good, but they can't forget gold and silver..."

"All day long I lament that we don't have enough to gather, but when we finally have plenty, my eyes are closed in death..."

Lü Dongbin rode a docile little donkey, humming a folk tune, leisurely returning to the turbid waves of the mortal world.

A man and a donkey strolled leisurely through the Central Plains, unknowingly arriving at a secluded bend in the Ji River.

As dusk settled, the setting sun, like blood, poured down like molten gold, dyeing the river surface a shimmering tapestry of fragments, a breathtakingly beautiful sight.

The reeds growing on both banks swayed gracefully in the evening breeze, whispering as if telling of endless sorrow, further highlighting the desolation and loneliness of the place.

"Ohh Ohh ohh……"

"Swallow swallow swallow, swallow swallow swallow..."

Suddenly, a mournful, plaintive sound of a flute drifted from the depths of the shadows.

Its sound is lingering and poignant, like the cry of a cuckoo, each note a lament; or like the mournful cry of a lone goose, each note a heart-wrenching lament.

The sound of the flute pierced through the twilight, striking the softest spot in people's hearts, intertwining with the desolate wilderness to create an indescribable sense of sorrow.

"what?"

"This is the sound of a flute..."

Lu Dongbin's heart stirred slightly, and he quickly reined in the donkey.

He looked in the direction of the sound, his gaze piercing through the snow-like reeds and the twilight, and saw a woman in plain clothes sitting alone on a huge blue stone.

At first glance, her simple clothes and plain hairpins resembled those of an ordinary shepherdess, plain and unrefined.

However, a closer look at its appearance reveals its breathtaking and unparalleled beauty.

The twilight cast a hazy golden edge on her soft features, and her skin, like the finest white jade, shone with an almost transparent luster in the sunset, as white as snow and as delicate as cream.

She sat sideways on the bluestone, her slender waist so delicate it seemed one could grasp it with one hand, outlining a stunningly beautiful curve.

Following the graceful waistline downwards, a full, rounded, and perky buttocks line extends outwards.

Its shape resembles a ripe mountain peach, and it looks even more tempting when wrapped in coarse cloth.

"Waaaaah, waaaah..."

"Swallow swallow swallow, swallow swallow swallow..."

At this moment.

The shepherdess leaned slightly forward, intently playing her flute.

Her breasts, wrapped in plain coarse cloth, were surprisingly full and high!
Its shape is so perfect that there is not a single flaw, like a plump and round big coconut, hanging heavily in front of her chest, rising and falling with her slight breath, forming a breathtakingly full silhouette under the outline of the fabric.

It truly embodies the saying "greatness lies in tolerance," which deeply moves the heart.

Amidst the austere scene of shepherding, this exquisite abundance and captivating charm unfolds abruptly and stunningly.

"Her appearance is as graceful as a startled swan, and her charm is as elegant as a swimming dragon."

"The tender branches bloom in their full glory, and the slender wood bears abundant fruit—how wonderful!"

"Brilliant!"

Lu Dongbin saw that the woman's appearance and figure were beautiful in every way, especially her chest, which, although covered by a plain silk, could not be concealed as full and rounded. Her breasts were like two snow-white coconuts, with a graceful and elegant posture. He couldn't help but admire her in his heart.

He then looked at the woman's bare feet, which were as white and delicate as tender lotus roots nurtured in water. Her ankles were slender and exquisite, and they were faintly visible under the cover of her coarse cloth skirt, adding to her ethereal charm.

It is absolutely beautiful.

just.

The shepherdess's brows furrowed slightly, as if burdened by unresolved worries; her eyes, like pools of autumn water, seemed to hold the depths of autumn, shimmering with light, yet now brimming with tears that threatened to spill, the corners of her eyes slightly reddening, making her appear even more poignant and moving.

Beneath her straight, delicate nose, her lips were tightly pressed together, yet they seemed to be affected by the sound of the flute, opening and closing slightly, each breath filled with sorrow.

Her slender fingers gently pressed the bamboo flute, and the lingering, mournful melody flowing from her lips seemed to carry immense sorrow, each note a whisper of unspoken grief.

"Baa, baa, baa..."

"Baa, baa, baa..."

Beside the shepherdess, about fifty or sixty snowball-like lambs were scattered on the sparse green grass, making soft and desolate bleating sounds, which further highlighted the woman's loneliness and the vastness of the world.

(End of this chapter)