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

Chapter 613 Sudhana (Holding the Pearl) and the Dragon Girl
The Dragon Maiden of Dongting Lake, Ao Qiongzhi, was the apple of the eye of the Dragon King of Dongting Lake. In her youth, she was exceptionally beautiful and had a face that could topple empires.

Praised as:
"The misty waters of Dongting Lake are beautiful, and the Dragon Girl in the lake occupies eight-tenths of that beauty."

Her beauty was unparalleled, possessing a captivating charm that could topple kingdoms. Her figure was graceful and her demeanor elegant and refined, attracting the admiration of countless talented young men from the Shui ethnic group.

However, after the Dragon Maiden Ao Qiongzhi of Dongting Lake was stranded in the Dragon Palace of Jishui, she was as if she had fallen into an abyss, suffering torment and imprisoned, like a straw dog to be slaughtered, with no dignity whatsoever.

His dragon ball was shattered, and he lost all his magical power; his beautiful clothes were stripped off, and his dignity was swept away.

He was further demoted to herding sheep, spending many years herding livestock on the banks of the Ji River. Deprived of his freedom, he endured wind and rain, becoming haggard and losing all his former glory.

The Dragon Girl of Dongting Lake, Ao Qiongzhi, now has graying temples and her skirt is soaked with snow. Compared to the past, she looks much more haggard, which is quite sad.

A gentle breeze caresses the face along the Ji River.

When the last restriction binding Ao Qiongzhilong's magic was suddenly released, she regained her freedom.

But in that instant, she felt somewhat lost and helpless, almost unable to stand. Her former glory had long been worn away by endless suffering and was no more.

Until she was gently supported by two kind-faced maids from Dongting Lake, she felt that incredibly familiar spiritual energy, carrying the warm, moist air of Dongting Lake.

It all feels like a distant memory, leaving one with a myriad of emotions.

The Dragon Maiden of Dongting Lake, Ao Qiongzhi, murmured to herself, repeatedly saying:

"Has the nightmare finally ended?"

When the Dragon Queen of Dongting saw her daughter, her clothes were tattered, her hair was disheveled, and her face still bore the marks of wind and frost. She no longer had any trace of her former delicate and noble appearance.

Overwhelmed with grief, she cried out in anguish:
"Zhi'er! My poor child!"

"My son! You have suffered so much! It is all your fault, your father and I, who misjudged people and sent you into that den of wolves, causing you to suffer endless injustice and torment. It is too late for us to regret it!"

Empress Dongting could no longer contain her grief. She rushed forward and tightly embraced her daughter, whom she had lost and found again. She wept bitterly, tears streaming down her face.

The bitter years of herding sheep on the banks of the Ji River, the vicious humiliation from her in-laws, the cold-heartedness of the Dragon King of the Ji River, the despair of having her magic sealed, the helplessness of watching her maid turn into a sheep... these scenes seem to be right before my eyes.

"Mother……"

Nestled in her mother's warm embrace, Ao Qiongzhi finally poured out all the grievances, fears, and despair that had accumulated over countless years, and wept uncontrollably.

Standing to the side, Ao Ting, the Dragon King of Dongting Lake, felt his heart breaking as he looked at his beloved daughter's haggard appearance. Tears streamed down his face as he repeatedly wiped his eyes with his sleeve.

After the mother and daughter calmed down a bit.

He stepped forward and examined his beloved daughter.

"Father... Father! Is it really you?"

Ao Qiongzhi reached out with trembling hands and stroked her father's cheek. After confirming that this was not a hallucination in her despair, the fear, grievances, and pain that had been building up for too long burst forth instantly.

She clutched her father's clothes tightly and burst into tears:
"Daughter... I thought I would never see you again!"

"This Ji River... the Ji River is no place for humans! They..."

"Alright, alright, Zhi'er, don't be afraid anymore! Father is here! Father is here to take you home! It's all over now!"

Ao Ting, the Dragon King of Dongting Lake, patted his daughter's back, his voice choked with emotion yet firm:
"From now on, no one will dare to bully my precious daughter! Let's go home, back to Dongting Lake!"

……

The ancients said:

"It's the father's fault if he doesn't teach him."

This sentence means that if parents only provide food and clothing for their children and neglect to teach and guide them, it is truly the parents' fault.

It is lamentable that Ao Yuan, the Dragon King of the Jing River, though full of love and affection for his offspring, was actually quite cruel.

However, they neglected to discipline and educate their children, and often spoiled them.

Ultimately, his offspring became unfilial, each displaying their own distinct traits: some were arrogant and conceited, looking down on everyone; others were spoiled, willful, and acted recklessly...

Some indulge in homosexual relationships, disregarding propriety and law; others wreak havoc on the region, causing immense suffering; still others are licentious and corrupt, ruining their family's reputation...

These actions are all the result of the doting affection of Ao Yuan, the Dragon King of the Jing River.

Ultimately, each son proved to be unworthy and caused trouble.

Jinghe Dragon King Ao Yuan was also implicated by his son, and ended up with his head severed from his body, a truly tragic and lamentable end.

……

When Ao Qiongzhi met with Ao Ting, the Dragon King of Dongting, as well as the Dragon Queen of Dongting and the Dragon Lord of Qiantang, everyone wept and lamented, their sorrow overflowing, all immersed in the complex emotions of this long-awaited reunion.

Afterwards, the group returned to Dongting Lake together.

A gentleman's promise is worth more than a thousand pieces of gold.

Meanwhile, Lü Dongbin had been waiting in the Dongting Dragon Palace for a long time, just to fulfill his promise to "the White Sheep and the Dongting Dragon Girl" and live up to his word.

Back to Dongting Lake once again.

Under the dragon willow trees on the shore of Dongting Lake.

The Dragon Maiden of Dongting gazed at the familiar scenery of the lake and mountains, and couldn't help but sigh, saying:
"The waters of Dongting Lake are vast, the willows sway gently, and my soul is forever bound to them in my dreams."

"Returning this time feels like a lifetime ago."

"My father knew I was in danger and thanked the white sheep for delivering the message for me."

"If it weren't for it, my daughter would probably not have been able to reunite with her family today and see them again."

"Father, where is the white ram that delivered my message now?"

Upon hearing this, Ao Ting, the Dragon King of Dongting Lake, pointed to Lü Dongbin standing to the side and said with a smile:

"This Pure Yang Immortal Lü Dongbin is the white sheep that came to deliver the message."

Upon hearing this, Ao Qiongzhi was stunned. Instantly, she recalled the strange white sheep by the river bend that spoke human language, offered gentle comfort, and helped her write the blood letter.

She originally thought it was just a mountain spirit that had gained some spirituality by chance, but she never expected it to be the transformation of the immortal Lü Dongbin.

Ao Qiongzhi immediately expressed her gratitude to Lü Dongbin, hurriedly rose, gracefully bowed, and respectfully said:
"It turns out to be a divine manifestation! I am foolish and ignorant, and I have not recognized your divine countenance. I hope you will forgive my rudeness."

"On that day, when I was in despair by the river, I was fortunate to receive guidance from an immortal in disguise, who sent a message to my father. Only then did Qiongzhi have a way to live today and see the light of day again!"

"This kindness and virtue, even if Qiongzhi were to be shattered to pieces, could not repay even a fraction of it!"

Her voice choked with emotion as she prostrated herself deeply on the ground.

Upon hearing this, Lü Dongbin smiled slightly and said:
"Azure clouds drift lazily, the Jing River flows eastward. A pitiful beauty weeps in the rain, her sorrow lingers among the flowers; it truly evokes pity."

"With a three-foot sword in its sheath on my back, I will stand up for Heaven and show justice to the wicked. This is my wish."

"Do good deeds and don't worry about the future; this is the attitude that a person who cultivates the Tao should have."

"Why should I repay you? There's no need for repayment."

……

The Dragon Palace of Dongting Lake.

To repay the immense kindness of "White Sheep Delivering the Message," the Dragon Palace of Dongting meticulously prepared and specially arranged an extremely luxurious banquet to entertain Lü Dongbin.

At the command of Ao Ting, the Dragon King of Dongting, a grand banquet was held in the magnificent coral garden behind the Dongting Dragon Palace.

For a time, the entire coral garden was bustling with activity.

But then one sees the coral garden.

The courtesan with the green head of the perch gently stroked the zither, its strings producing melodious notes; the red-eyed horseman played the jade flute, its sound lingering and graceful.

The pearl maidens, with their graceful figures, held shimmering pearls in their hands and danced lightly, making the fine wine and delicacies on the table shine even brighter.

The mermaids would play the zither and sing, their voices melodious and gentle, flowing into people's hearts.

The alligator beat the drum with all its might, the sound like thunder. The turtle puffed out its cheeks and played the sheng and xiao.

The giant crab waved its massive pincers, dancing gracefully, its endearing clumsiness eliciting laughter. The large fish emitted a deep murmur, as if recounting tales from a thousand years ago.

Shrimp soldiers served foie gras and bear paws, presenting a feast of delicacies.

The mandarin duck, with a piece of fragrant deer meat on its head, walks gracefully towards us.

It truly exudes an ethereal, otherworldly aura, captivating and enchanting the soul.

During the banquet, wine glasses were passed around and toasts were made frequently.

Lü Dongbin remained unrestrained and carefree, displaying the elegance and extraordinary demeanor of a celestial being in his conversations.

"Master Lü, please..."

The Dragon King of Dongting Lake personally poured wine for Lü Dongbin, repeatedly offering him toasts with earnest words, his gratitude overflowing.

The Dragon Queen of Dongting was also present, speaking softly and earnestly to express her gratitude.

Qiantang Dragon King, bold and unrestrained, raised his cup and drank heartily. Although he didn't say much, his recognition and gratitude for Lü Dongbin were all expressed in the wine.

Although Ao Qiongzhi was physically weak, she bravely endured her illness, changed into gorgeous clothes, and applied a little makeup.

Although the signs of weariness left by long-term torment are hard to conceal, the unparalleled beauty that was once obscured by suffering has quietly regained its brilliance.

Under the glow of lights.

The Dragon Maiden of Dongting Lake, Ao Qiongzhi, looked weary, and the sorrow that had settled between her brows and eyes had not completely dissipated. However, the stunning beauty she had shown in that fleeting moment, after enduring hardships, had instead developed into a broken yet resilient beauty that still captivated and won people's hearts.

She picked up a cup of fine wine, rose from her seat again, and walked gracefully to Lü Dongbin's seat. She knelt down deeply, and respectfully said:
"Immortal, I have no way to repay your great kindness. I can only offer this cup of wine to express my gratitude for your life-saving grace."

Lü Dongbin accepted the greeting with composure, raised his cup and drank it all in one gulp, then laughed heartily:
"Princess, there's no need for such formality. It is our duty to help those in need when we see injustice."

"The princess's fate was truly lamentable. The fact that she has been exonerated and her family reunited is a testament to the justice of heaven and the workings of cause and effect."

"I am merely going with the flow to create a good connection."

After several rounds of drinks, the atmosphere at the banquet gradually improved, becoming very lively and cheerful.

The upright and forthright Dragon King of Qiantang, slightly intoxicated, surveyed the assembled guests, his gaze settling on Lü Dongbin, and proclaimed in a loud voice:
"Fellow Daoist Lü! If it weren't for your chivalrous heart and righteous act of delivering this message, my poor niece Qiongzhi would probably still be suffering on the banks of the Ji River, her fate unknown!"

"Such a great kindness cannot be repaid with ordinary gold or silver!"

"My niece is virtuous, kind, talented and beautiful, truly a wonderful woman." "But unfortunately, she was wrongly married to a man of bad character, which caused her to suffer shame and humiliation. This matter has now finally come to an end."

Having said that, the Dragon King of Qiantang slapped Lü Dongbin's shoulder hard with his large, fan-like hand, almost making him stumble, and then said:

"I think Fellow Daoist Lü is also a dashing and romantic immortal cultivator, and you are quite a good match for my niece Qiongzhi!"

"How about I act as matchmaker and betroth Qiongzhi to you, thus creating a beautiful love story between immortals and mortals? What do you say?"

These words shocked everyone present, and the banquet fell silent for a moment.

The Dragon King and his wife looked at each other, unsure how to respond, their gazes shifting back and forth between Lü Dongbin and their daughter Ao Qiongzhi.

Upon hearing this, Lü Dongbin put down his wine cup, his usual frivolous smile fading slightly, replaced by an unusual seriousness.

He cast a gentle gaze at Ao Qiongzhi, and seeing a hint of panic and complexity flash in her eyes, he understood—this Dragon Girl of Dongting was truly unwilling.

Although the Dragon Girl of Dongting Lake, Ao Qiongzhi, felt grateful to him, she had no romantic feelings for him.

Lü Dongbin immediately cupped his hands to the Dragon King of Qiantang and politely declined, saying:
"I, Lü Dongbin, appreciate the kind intentions of the Dragon King of Qiantang!"

“Although I, Lü Dongbin, have a reputation for being lustful, I am also a lustful person.”

"This assistance was given out of a sense of justice and to fulfill my duty as a chivalrous person; I never had any other intentions."

"Qiantang Dragon King, do not mention this matter again!"

"Besides..."

After speaking, he turned his gaze to Ao Qiongzhi, and with a hint of genuine concern, continued:
"Princess Qiongzhi has just gone through a calamity and is exhausted both physically and mentally. It is probably not a good time to talk about marriage now."

All eyes immediately turned to Ao Qiongzhi.

Upon hearing Lü Dongbin's words, Ao Qiongzhi felt a quiet relaxation in her tense heart, and an indescribable sense of relief and determination welled up within her.

She slowly rose, gracefully bowed to the Dragon King of Qiantang, and softly said:
"Qiongzhi was deeply moved by her uncle's kindness."

"However, just as Lu Shangxian said, Qiongzhi was exhausted both physically and mentally, and was no longer the carefree girl from Dongting Lake she once was."

"The past years are like a dream, and now, looking back, all that remains is a heart full of wounds."

“Having gone through this ordeal, my niece has long since seen through the illusions of love and affection in the world.”

"The word 'love' in this world is like spring flowers, beautiful and vibrant, attracting countless people to become intoxicated by them; but in the end, it is like autumn leaves, falling into the mud, leaving only a heart full of desolation."

"Love in this mortal world is nothing but a mirage, seemingly beautiful but actually illusory, deeply hurtful, and only causing trouble."

"As the Lotus Sutra says, all dharmas reside in one's own nature. One's own nature is always pure, just as the sun and moon are always bright. It is only because clouds cover it that the upper part is bright and the lower part is dark, and one cannot see the sun, moon and stars clearly."

"Suddenly a gentle breeze blew it away, sweeping away the clouds and mist, and all sorts of things appeared at once."

“I remember when I was herding sheep by the Ji River, I was lonely and desperate in the wind, frost, rain and snow. Just then I heard the Buddhist chants, which soothed the wounds in my heart and moved me deeply.”

"My daughter... has seen through the illusions of love and affection in this world, and has given up on such thoughts!"

"I wish to take refuge in Buddhism, never marry again, and spend the rest of my life with only the ancient Buddha and the dim lamp."

"This resolve is firm; I hope my father, mother, uncle, and benefactor will understand and grant it."

After speaking, she kowtowed deeply again and remained motionless for a long time.

……

However, after the Eastern Emperor rebelled against Heaven, he was subdued by the Buddha.

After this.

The Buddha discussed the eastward transmission of Buddhism with the Jade Emperor and reached an agreement with Laozi to first promote Buddhism in Jambudvipa.

at this time.

Guanyin Bodhisattva, along with Jin Chanzi, a disciple of the Buddha, and Huang Mei, a disciple of the Bodhisattva Mahasthamaprapta and the Buddha Maitreya, have been spreading the Dharma in Jambudvipa for many years.

They spared no effort, traversing mountains and rivers, to widely propagate the profound meaning of Buddhism in bustling cities and quiet temples in the mountains.

Many people in Jambudvipa have already heard the Buddhist scriptures and know the Dharma.

When Ao Qiongzhi, the Dragon Girl of Dongting Lake, was herding sheep on the banks of the Ji River, she heard passersby discussing the Buddhist teachings of "Guanyin Bodhisattva of the South Sea".

For a while.

She entered deep meditation, comprehended the Dharma of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, instantly aroused Bodhicitta, had a sudden enlightenment, and even developed some Buddha-nature, resolving to pursue the supreme Bodhi Dharma.

“Having gone through this ordeal, my niece has long since seen through the illusions of love and affection in the world.”

"I wish to take refuge in Buddhism, never marry again, and spend the rest of my life with only the ancient Buddha and the flickering lamp..."

The voice of Ao Qiongzhi, the Dragon Girl of Dongting Lake, was not loud, but each word was clear, carrying a sense of weariness and enlightenment after experiencing calamities.

This unhappy marriage hurt her deeply.

Having survived this ordeal.

She had completely given up on marriage.

th.

The despair in his words was utterly extinguished.

This instantly cooled down Qiantang Dragon King's enthusiasm.

It's a pity that the Dragon Girl of Dongting Lake, in the prime of her youth, had a heart as withered as a dead tree.

"Hey!"

Qiantang Longjun opened his mouth, but hesitated to speak. Looking at his niece's pale yet determined face, he felt a mix of emotions.

After a long silence, the Dragon King of Qiantang was speechless. Finally, he sighed heavily and said helplessly:
"Enough! Enough! It was Uncle who misspoke!"

Hearing that his daughter, at such a young age, had already seen through the illusions of love and desire and wanted to become a nun, he was deeply saddened.

Empress Dongting was overcome with grief, and tears welled up in her eyes once again.

"Zhi'er..."

The Dragon Queen of Dongting stepped forward, gently embraced Ao Qiongzhi, and wept uncontrollably, unable to offer any further words of comfort, only silently shedding tears.

……

It is said that Guanyin Bodhisattva and Jin Chanzi have been spreading Buddhism in Jambudvipa for many years.

When Guanyin Bodhisattva transformed into a fisherwoman in Jambudvipa to spread Buddhism, she unexpectedly encountered Lü Dongbin, a free spirit who played around in the mortal world.

When Lü Dongbin saw the fisherwoman who was actually Guanyin Bodhisattva in disguise, he was captivated by her beautiful appearance and charming demeanor. On a whim, he decided to play a trick on Guanyin Bodhisattva.

Such an unexpected act caused Guanyin Bodhisattva to feel a trace of anger.

Although this anger was as insignificant as a speck of dust, it still caused Guanyin Bodhisattva to temporarily halt her journey. From then on, she remained in the Purple Bamboo Grove in the South China Sea, quietly cultivating herself in order to purify this trace of anger.

At this time of year, the Purple Bamboo Forest in the South China Sea presents a serene and tranquil scene.

"Swish..."

"Swoosh, swoosh..."

The bamboo grove rustles, and the sound of the tide echoes.

Guanyin Bodhisattva sits in meditation on a lotus throne, radiating a peaceful and holy light.

Her hair was styled in a high bun with a dragon motif, and she wore a plain silk robe. Her eyebrows were like crescent moons, her eyes like twin stars, her face naturally cheerful, and her lips were a touch of red.

She was truly like a lotus emerging from the water, untouched by any dust.

It is:

"The Water Moon Guanyin reflects the lotus flowers, a graceful and beautiful figure."

……

Just as Ao Qiongzhi, after enduring hardships, suddenly gained enlightenment, made a grand vow in her heart, and resolutely expressed her desire to take refuge in Buddhism.

A pure and intense Bodhicitta aspiration pierced through the vast waves, crossed thousands of mountains and rivers, and reached the Purple Bamboo Forest in the distant South China Sea.

Guanyin Bodhisattva, residing in the Purple Bamboo Grove of Putuo Mountain in the South China Sea, instantly perceived this sincere Bodhi mind with her supreme enlightenment.

Subsequently.

Guanyin Bodhisattva, seated on a pure lotus throne, gently raised her jade hand, moved her slender fingers, and activated her supreme Bodhi calculation and supernatural powers.

In an instant.

Past, present, future... countless images, like fleeting glimpses, flowed and reflected in the heart of Guanyin Bodhisattva...

The scene of Ao Qiongzhi, the Dragon Girl of Dongting Lake, herding sheep on the banks of the Ji River, enduring wind, frost, rain, snow, loneliness, and despair, but accidentally hearing the Buddhist chants and gaining enlightenment, appeared before the eyes of Guanyin Bodhisattva.

The compassionate Guanyin Bodhisattva, moved by the tragic fate of Ao Qiongzhi, the Dragon Girl of Dongting Lake, was slightly touched, and layers of pity welled up in her originally tranquil and compassionate heart.

Guanyin Bodhisattva was also amazed by the intelligence of Ao Qiongzhi, the Dragon Girl of Dongting Lake, and exclaimed:

“Excellent! This dragon girl has endured the suffering of love and tribulations, and has encountered inhuman difficulties. In the midst of her desperate situation, she has heard the Buddha’s teachings, which have deeply planted her wisdom and awakened her Bodhi mind. This is truly a rare and precious thing.”

"Moreover, this dragon girl is so intelligent that she has such a profound understanding of the profound meaning of Buddhism after hearing only a few words of the Lotus Sutra that I taught in Jambudvipa. This is truly rare."

Thinking back on the journey of spreading the scriptures in Jambudvipa over the years.

Guanyin Bodhisattva was deeply moved and said:
“It is pitiful that Jin Chanzi and I have been spreading Buddhism in Jambudvipa for many years, and we have already seen some initial results.”

"It can be considered that I have not failed the Buddha's trust."

"The fact that the dragon girl was able to hear the Buddha's teachings by chance is the result of her past actions."

"That is, to attain sudden enlightenment upon hearing the Buddhist scriptures I have taught."

"Indeed, we had a 'master-disciple' relationship."

"How can we allow such a brilliant talent in Buddhism to be obscured?"

"You are fit to enter my gate and cultivate good deeds."

(End of this chapter)