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

Chapter 614 Bodhisattva Accepts Disciples
Just as the Dragon Girl Ao Qiongzhi made her grand vow and expressed her heartfelt desire to take refuge in Buddhism.

Guanyin Bodhisattva, far away on Mount Putuo in the South China Sea, instantly perceived this sincere Bodhicitta with her supreme enlightenment.

Guanyin Bodhisattva possesses keen wisdom, observing all realms and paths, and understanding the cause and effect of all things in the world.

After some calculations...

Guanyin Bodhisattva calculated that she and this dragon girl had a master-disciple relationship.

Seeing the extreme tragedy of her past experiences, yet her unwavering resilience, and being amazed by her intelligence and brilliance, Guanyin Bodhisattva felt boundless pity for her.

At that moment, Guanyin Bodhisattva's compassion arose greatly.

then.

Guanyin Bodhisattva immediately rode on a lotus platform amidst auspicious clouds, accompanied by Huian Xingzhe Muzha, and personally visited the Dragon Palace of Dongting.

……

Meanwhile, in the coral garden of the Dongting Dragon Palace, a lively banquet was in full swing.

Officials of all ranks wore jeweled hats, and a grand banquet was held in the main hall, hosted by Robin.

The crab dances, and the alligator beats the drum.

The big fish cried out, and the turtle played the sheng (a type of reed pipe).

Melodious music filled the air, wine cups clinked, and the aroma of fine liquor wafted through the air.

What a magnificent banquet scene!

The banquet was in full swing. Although Ao Qiongzhi still looked somewhat haggard, the gloom between her brows had dissipated, replaced by a sense of tranquility and peace.

"Father……"

"Mother……"

She was sitting with her family, recounting the many feelings they had shared since they last met, her face beaming with the joy of a long-awaited reunion.

"Qiantang Dragon King, please..."

Lu Dongbin sat in the guest seat, looking relaxed, occasionally drinking with the Dragon King of Qiantang, displaying a carefree and leisurely demeanor.

However, just as the banquet was in full swing...

Suddenly, the Dragon Palace shone brightly inside and out, and auspicious clouds and mist surged in like a tide, penetrating deep into the water palace.

A series of pure and holy chants echoed in the Dragon Palace.

An indescribable aura of tranquility, compassion, and purity silently permeated the entire Dongting Dragon Palace.

Under the influence of this sacred aura, the shrimp soldiers and crab generals of the Dongting Dragon Palace involuntarily knelt down, their hearts filled with awe.

"This is?"

Upon seeing this strange phenomenon, the Dragon King Ao Ting and the Dragon Queen of Dongting Lake were greatly alarmed and hurriedly left their seats to look up.

In the coral garden, soft and pure Buddhist light flowed like moonlight, like a light veil enveloping the entire garden.

Within this Buddha's light, two figures gradually appeared.

The newcomer was dressed in pure white, with a dignified and solemn appearance. She held a jade vase filled with lush green willow branches, and was surrounded by a faint golden halo. She was compassionate and dignified, none other than the compassionate and merciful Guanyin Bodhisattva.

Guanyin Bodhisattva sits serenely on a lotus throne supported by auspicious clouds.

Huian Xingzhe Muzha stood solemnly to his side.

"Namo Amitabha."

The voice of Guanyin Bodhisattva is gentle and clear.

The Dragon King of Dongting Lake and the Dragon King of Jing River, Ao Ting, and his family were greatly alarmed and hurriedly rose to their feet and bowed in reverence.

"Greetings, Guanyin Bodhisattva! I was unaware of your arrival, and I have failed to greet you properly. Please forgive me!"

Although the current Dragon King of Dongting Lake and the Dragon King of Jing River, Ao Ting, is now the Dragon King of "one lake and eight rivers", in charge of Dongting Lake and the eight rivers of Chang'an, his status among the dragons is almost second only to the Dragon Kings of the Four Seas.

They wielded considerable power and influence.

but.

Guanyin Bodhisattva now also holds a position in the Heavenly Court, serving as one of the Five Elders of the Five Directions, whose status is second only to the Three Pure Ones and the Four Emperors.

Guanyin Bodhisattva's official rank is much higher than his.

"Why has Guanyin Bodhisattva come?"

When Lü Dongbin saw Guanyin Bodhisattva arrive, he panicked, thinking that Guanyin Bodhisattva had come to cause him trouble, and was about to sneak away.

At this moment.

"Oh no, Guanyin Bodhisattva has already seen me."

Lu Dongbin felt a supreme Buddhist light brush over his body, seemingly imperceptibly, fixing him firmly in place and rendering him unable to move.

"Great Bodhisattva Guanyin, it has been a long time since we parted at the ferry."

Lü Dongbin could only smile awkwardly and bow in greeting.

Guanyin Bodhisattva was still somewhat annoyed with Lü Dongbin and did not look at him.

Guanyin Bodhisattva's gaze, filled with boundless compassion, slowly swept over the crowd, finally settling on Ao Qiongzhi, who was kneeling on the ground, looking haggard but with clear eyes.

That gaze pierced through time and space, seeing the lonely figure herding sheep on the banks of the Ji River, and hearing her devout recitation of scriptures in despair.

"Good."

With boundless compassion in her eyes, Guanyin Bodhisattva softly said:
“Foolish child, the tribulations of love are also a path of cultivation.”

“I am fully aware of your suffering and your vows.”

“Ao Qiongzhi, you heard the Buddhist teachings I imparted on the banks of the Ji River, and in a single thought arose the Bodhi mind, and the roots of wisdom were deeply planted. You have a profound affinity with my Buddhist community and with this Purple Bamboo Forest.”

"Since you have vowed to leave the mortal world and devote yourself to Buddhism, and you are also destined to be with me, you can return with me to Mount Putuo in the South China Sea, where you can be my Dragon Girl, assisting me in managing wealth, accumulating merit, and helping me to save all sentient beings in the Saha world."

"Are you willing?"

When these words were spoken, everyone in the hall was shocked.

Everyone was so shocked by the sudden news that they were speechless.

The Dragon King and Dragon Queen of Dongting Lake looked at each other, quite surprised.

After all, Guanyin Bodhisattva is one of the "Five Elders of the Five Directions" in Heaven, one of the "Four Great Bodhisattvas" on Mount Ling, and the "Teacher of the Seven Buddhas".

It can be described as:
"It relieves the eight difficulties, saves all sentient beings, hears the cries of those suffering, responds to all requests, and possesses boundless magical power."

If Ao Qiongzhi, the Dragon Girl of Dongting and Jinghe Rivers, could become his disciple, it would be an incredible stroke of luck for her, and her future would be limitless.

"Interesting, interesting..."

Upon hearing this, Lü Dongbin also stopped and looked at Ao Qiongzhi with great interest.

This sudden opportunity struck Ao Qiongzhi like a thunderbolt, leaving her completely stunned.

Immediately, a huge surge of warmth and an unprecedented sense of belonging welled up in her heart, causing her eyes to redden slightly.

She recalled the fleeting solace brought by the faint Buddhist chants while she was herding sheep, and the fleeting thought of seeking Buddha that arose in her desperate situation... It turned out that all of this was guided by some unseen force.

"Buddha!"

Ao Qiongzhi prostrated herself on the ground, weeping and making a vow to Guanyin Bodhisattva:
"Disciple Ao Qiongzhi, I am grateful to the Bodhisattva for not abandoning me, and I wish to follow the Bodhisattva by her side!"

"I am willing to serve the lotus throne in the form of a dragon, to diligently cultivate myself, and to live up to the Bodhisattva's compassionate grace!"

"Attain supreme enlightenment."

"Disciple pays homage to Master!"

After saying this, Ao Qiongzhi respectfully kowtowed three times.

"Good!"

Upon hearing Ao Qiongzhi's devout words, Guanyin Bodhisattva nodded slightly, a look of satisfaction appearing on her face, and said:
"Since you are so determined to become a Buddhist, I will bestow upon you the Dharma name 'Sudhana Dragon Girl'."

"From this day forward, you and Sudhana will be my attendants, together on the path to enlightenment."

After speaking, Guanyin Bodhisattva gently raised her jade hand, dipped the willow branch in her hand into the "nectar" in the magic jade bottle, and sprinkled it on Ao Qiongzhi, the Dragon Girl of Dongting.

In an instant, a pure and holy Buddhist light, like the bright moonlight, enveloped Ao Qiongzhi.

The sweet dew flew lightly from the jade bottle and gently merged into Ao Qiongzhi's brow, heart, and dantian.

The healing power of Guanyin Bodhisattva is truly extraordinary.

The ginseng fruit tree in Zhen Yuanzi's Wuzhuang Temple was destroyed by Sun Wukong, its roots were broken, and its life was almost over. However, Guanyin Bodhisattva was able to bring it back to life with her miraculous skills.

Now, facing the injury of the Dragon Girl of Dongting Lake, it's naturally nothing to worry about.

The divine water fell like sweet rain, nourishing the body.

The numerous wounds left on Ao Qiongzhi's body by the abuse inflicted by the Jishui Dragon King's family—the hideous whip marks, the broken meridians, the depleted vital energy—all the pain and imperfections were rapidly healed, regenerated, and rejuvenated at a speed visible to the naked eye under this supreme and wondrous method!
Even more amazing is...

Guanyin Bodhisattva also collected the broken dragon pearl inside Ao Qiongzhi's body.

The dragon pearl, which had long been broken, was reassembled and fused together under the nourishment of nectar and the guidance of the Bodhisattva's wonderful teachings!
The Dragon Balls were not only perfectly intact, but also enveloped in a faint halo of light.

The Buddha's light made the dragon ball appear even more resilient and extraordinary.

Guanyin Bodhisattva said to Sudhana and the Dragon Girl:
“Sudhana, your dragon pearl was once broken. Today, I will use nectar and the wonderful Dharma of Bodhi to reshape it for you.”

"This dragon ball has been cleansed by nectar and tempered by the Bodhi mind, and has been reborn." "It can be said to have been 'destroyed and rebuilt,' and its power is even greater than before."

"Furthermore, this dragon pearl has touched your Bodhi heart, giving you a touch of Buddha-nature."

"From now on, you will perform many good deeds. By borrowing the power of the wishes of all beings, you can refine this dragon pearl to make it perfect and complete. This also symbolizes the completion of your spiritual practice."

"Thank you for your grace, Master!"

Sudhana respectfully held up the newly reborn dragon pearl, which contained the light of Buddha, with both hands.

In an instant, the listlessness around Sudhana Ao Qiongzhi vanished, and a pure Buddhist light faintly appeared, like a blue lotus blooming in the Buddhist light, pure and solemn.

In front of Guanyin Bodhisattva.

A compassionate Buddha mark appeared between the eyebrows of the Sudhana Dragon Girl, who held a dragon pearl in her hands. She was pure and dignified, yet beautiful as a flower.

In this scene, what a beautiful "Dragon Girl Holding a Pearl" she is!
Since then.

A painting titled "Dragon Girl Holding a Pearl" has been passed down through generations.

……

Upon seeing this, the Dragon King and Dragon Queen of Dongting knew that their daughter's destiny was sealed. Although they were reluctant to part with her, seeing that their daughter had finally found her home, they were both saddened and happy, and prostrated themselves in reverence.

"Thank you, Bodhisattva, for your great compassion and mercy in taking in my daughter! We are deeply grateful!"

At this moment, Lü Dongbin, who was standing to the side, also stepped forward with a smile, respectfully bowed to Guanyin Bodhisattva, and his face showed sincere admiration:

"Congratulations, Bodhisattva! Congratulations, Bodhisattva!"

"Today we are delighted to have such a bright and intelligent student! Congratulations!"

"Sudhana and the Dragon Girl are naturally gifted with wisdom and extraordinary potential. With the guidance of the Bodhisattva, they will surely become dragon deities in Buddhism one day, becoming powerful assistants to the Bodhisattva in saving all sentient beings!"

When Guanyin Bodhisattva heard this, although she was still somewhat annoyed by Lü Dongbin's previous teasing, she accepted the greeting with a compassionate smile on her face as he sincerely congratulated her.

Guanyin Bodhisattva said to Dongbin:

"Previously, the Pure Yang Master had helped my disciple, the Dragon Girl, and we must remember this kindness."

"I give you three willow leaves, and this chapter of our relationship ends here."

After speaking, Guanyin Bodhisattva gently raised her jade hand and plucked three willow leaves from the stretching, vibrant willow branch.

Three vibrant green willow leaves, their veins seemingly shimmering with light, drifted down and flew into Lü Dongbin's palm.

……

The willow leaf of Guanyin Bodhisattva is a priceless treasure.

The "three life-saving hairs" of Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, were transformed from the "three willow leaves" of Guanyin Bodhisattva, and once saved Sun Wukong's life.

……

Lü Dongbin was incredibly intelligent, and he instantly understood that this meant "from now on, all ties are severed."

Sudhana has entered the Buddhist order, and her past worldly affairs are now closed.

Lü Dongbin did not refuse; he smiled freely and accepted it without hesitation.

"Thank you, Bodhisattva, for bestowing this treasure!"

Subsequently.

Guanyin Bodhisattva, seated on her lotus platform, addressed the Dragon King and Queen of Dongting Lake, as well as Lü Dongbin and others, saying:
"Our karmic connection here has come to an end. I shall take Sudhana and the Dragon Girl back home."

After speaking, Guanyin Bodhisattva gently raised her jade hand, gesturing for Sudhana and the Dragon Girl Ao Qiongzhi to come closer.

Sudhana, the Dragon Girl, respectfully bid farewell to her parents, then rose and stood respectfully beside the Bodhisattva.

The Buddha's light shone brightly once more, and auspicious clouds rose.

A lotus platform and auspicious clouds lifted up the compassionate and solemn Guanyin Bodhisattva, the dignified Muzha Venerable, and the reborn Dragon Girl holding the pearl, piercing through the vast blue waves, and in an instant transformed into a stream of light, disappearing into the boundless sky.

Only the lingering fragrance of incense, the ethereal image of a golden lotus slowly rising and falling, and the soul-cleansing chants echoed deep within the Dragon Palace of Dongting.

Thus, the Dragon Girl Ao Qiongzhi, having fulfilled her karmic destiny, shed all worldly vanities and formally became a disciple of Guanyin Bodhisattva, residing permanently in the Chaoyin Cave of the Purple Bamboo Grove on Mount Putuo, becoming a direct disciple of Guanyin Bodhisattva.

In this serene place, she listened to the profound teachings day and night, devoted herself to cultivation, and her spiritual power gradually became more profound, far surpassing what she had achieved before.

She would later become famous throughout the three realms as the "Dragon Girl of Good Fortune".

A poem praises it:

"The pearl of yesteryear is now covered in dust, and I am now a shepherd on the banks of the Ji River."

"Her black hair is broken by sorrow as frost and snow fall; her jade-like bones are ravaged by wind and rain."

"A little Buddhist affinity can dispel confusion and resolve all kinds of sorrow and suffering."

"Listening to profound truths in the Purple Bamboo Grove, Sudhana and the Dragon Girl attain enlightenment."

She is known as "the Dragon Girl who spreads the Dharma in the secular world".

Sudhana was not only a close disciple of Guanyin Bodhisattva, but also, due to her meticulous mind and outstanding abilities, she managed the financial and diplomatic affairs of the Purple Bamboo Grove in the South China Sea.

Its position under Guanyin Bodhisattva is of paramount importance.

Time flies, and hundreds of years have passed in the blink of an eye.

When they arrived at the westward journey.

Sudhana, the Dragon Girl, had been practicing under the guidance of Guanyin Bodhisattva for many years. She possessed great magical power and was capable of overcoming the sea.

Sun Wukong, the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, possesses great supernatural powers and endless transformations, and is rarely matched in the Three Realms.

Yet it could not shake Guanyin Bodhisattva's jade vase.

This bottle holds the waters of the Three Rivers, Five Lakes, Eight Rivers, and Four Streams... and is exceptionally heavy.

Even with all his might, Sun Wukong could not budge it in the slightest.

However, Sudhana was able to entrust him with this task, demonstrating her extraordinary supernatural powers.

On their journey to the West, demons roamed freely, and Tang Sanzang and his disciples faced numerous dangers. Sudhana and the Dragon Girl also assisted Guanyin Bodhisattva on many occasions in resolving these perils.

……

In the original Journey to the West, the disciples of Guanyin Bodhisattva in the South Sea were full of talented people and formed their own sect.

There is a Dharma protector named Muzha (also known as Muzha, Nezha's older brother).

There is a great guardian deity, the Black Bear Spirit, who possesses immense strength and superb martial arts skills, and guards the gate of Mount Putuo in the South China Sea. (He is also known as the Black Wind King, who has now been taken in by the Golden Horn King and is now his subordinate, guarding the mountain gate for him).

There is a boy named Red Boy (also known as the Bull Demon King, the Great Sage Who Pacifies Heaven).

There is a Dragon Girl named Sudhana, who, along with Sudhana the Boy, serves as Guanyin's left and right attendants.

There is a goldfish spirit (the Great King of Inspiration).

……

Among them, Sudhana is the "chief steward" of Guanyin Bodhisattva, in charge of the finances and foreign affairs of Mount Putuo.

Whenever Guanyin Bodhisattva went out to save sentient beings and traveled to all directions, she would often leave Sudhana and the Dragon Girl in the Purple Bamboo Forest of Mount Putuo to look after their family business.

At this time, Sudhana was the "ruler" of Mount Putuo in the South China Sea.

Black Bear Spirit, Red Boy, King Linggan, and others all obeyed his commands.

As a disciple of Guanyin Bodhisattva, she assisted Guanyin Bodhisattva many times in helping Tang Sanzang and his disciples subdue demons such as Red Boy and the Carp Demon.

The Dragon Girl of Good Fortune was stunningly beautiful, with unparalleled beauty.

It is:

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

Her beauty was so exquisite that it was praised by Guanyin Bodhisattva herself as "beautiful".

On his journey to the West, Sun Wukong encountered Red Boy's Samadhi True Fire and was burned badly. Helpless, he had no choice but to seek help from Guanyin Bodhisattva at Mount Putuo in the South China Sea.

When Guanyin Bodhisattva saw Sun Wukong arrive, she smiled and joked:
“I wanted to take it from you, but you couldn’t carry it; I wanted to send ‘Sudhana Dragon Girl’ with you, but you were not kind-hearted and only knew how to deceive people.”

"You see that I am a beautiful dragon maiden, and the jade bottle is a treasure. If you were to deceive me and take it away, how would I have time to come looking for you?"

His words revealed his deep respect for the Dragon Girl and his playful banter with Sun Wukong.

On another occasion, when Sun Wukong wanted to cross the sea but had no good plan, the Dragon Girl Sudhana went to the lotus pond, gently split a lotus petal, and placed it on the water under the rock. The lotus instantly transformed into a small boat, helping Sun Wukong to cross the sea smoothly.

Sun Wukong couldn't lift the jade bottle containing the Three Rivers, Five Lakes, Eight Rivers, and Four Streams...

But the Dragon Girl could lift it.

This is because his father was the Dragon King of Dongting Lake (Lake Dragon King), and the current Dragon King of Jinghe River (River Dragon King), and his uncle was the Dragon King of Qiantang River (River Dragon King)... His family has a profound heritage.

She can command the power of aquatic creatures from rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water for her own use.

……

When Sun Wukong subdued the Great King Linggan at the Tongtian River, he went to Mount Putuo in the South China Sea for help.

Then the guardian deity of Mount Putuo in the South China Sea, the monk Moksha, Sudhana, and the "Pearl-Holding Dragon Girl" (i.e., Sudhana) all stepped forward to greet them and bowed:
"Where does the Great Sage come from?"

The crowd gathered together, all there to vanquish demons and protect the journey to the West.

Sudhana and the Dragon Girl were among them.

(End of this chapter)