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

Chapter 630 Yellow Eyebrows Bewitching Hearts
On the Lingshan Bell Tower.

The wind rustled through the eaves, and the sound of the bell gradually faded.

Fu Laolong sat on the clock tower in a daze, his face full of sorrow, secretly shedding tears as if he had lost his parents.

It is:

The bells and chimes of Ling Mountain originally produced pure sounds, but in vain, those in charge were trapped by the dragon's roar.

Blood feud remains unresolved, tears fall in vain; lofty ambitions remain unfulfilled, alas, all desires are in vain.

Seeing this, Huang Mei feigned surprise, strode forward, and wrapped his arm around Fulilong's broad shoulders covered in fine golden scales, saying affectionately:

"Brother, do you find this bell-ringing job tedious and dull, wearing down your heroic spirit?"

Fu Laolong looked up and saw it was his old acquaintance, Huang Mei. He hurriedly gathered the family letter in his hand and hid it in his sleeve. He forced a bitter smile and cupped his hands, saying:
"Amitabha, it is Brother Huangmei who has graced us with his presence."

"Didn't Senior Brother Huangmei follow the Buddha's decree and go with Senior Brother Jin Chanzi to the mortal world of Jambudvipa to perform the great merit of spreading the scriptures, undergoing trials, and saving all sentient beings?"

"How did you find the leisure to climb this deserted bell tower and come to visit your younger brother?"

His voice was low and deep, revealing an undeniable weariness and despondency.

How cunning and alert was Huang Mei?

All the futile little tricks of hiding the letters in the dragon's eyes could not escape his discerning eyes, which were adept at reading people's expressions and emotions, as well as the undisguised sorrow beneath his forced smile and the bloodshot veins in his eyes.
He already knew the truth in his heart, but he remained expressionless on the surface.

"Heh, heh, heh..."

King Yellow Eyebrows chuckled, patted Futile Dragon on the shoulder, his playful, carefree smile fading slightly, replaced by a solemn expression of shared hatred. He lowered his voice and said:

"Brother, don't hide it from me!"

"I have already heard about the tragic death of Uncle Ao Yuan, who died unjustly!"

Huang Mei sighed heavily, his tone becoming sorrowful and indignant:
"Ouch! It really hurts!"

"My Uncle Ao Yuan, who was appointed 'Great Dragon God of Rain' by the Heavenly Court, was in charge of the wind and rain in this region. He was known for his benevolence and virtue. He controlled the clouds and rain, benefiting all living beings. He was diligent and conscientious, and he never made the slightest mistake?"

"To suffer such an undeserved calamity, he finally went to the execution platform, ending up with his head severed from his body and his bones buried sadly in the desolate cliff!"

"This is truly a great injustice in the Three Realms!"

"Upon hearing this, I too was filled with righteous indignation, my heart burning with righteous anger. I wished I could immediately take up this spiked club, storm into the Jade Emperor's palace, and ask him, 'What is the reason for this?'"

After saying this, Huang Mei pounded his chest with his fist, making a loud thud, as if he were in excruciating pain, and a trace of moisture squeezed out of the corner of his eye.

immediately.

He paused, his tone becoming even more stern, as if the Eight Immortals of the Daoist sect were standing right before him:

"What's even more hateful is that the so-called 'Eight Immortals of the Daoist Sect,' who are nothing but a bunch of scattered individuals who rely on a bit of luck and have gained some minor supernatural powers. They actually dared to take advantage of your misfortune, committing such despicable acts of kicking you when you're down, humiliating your Jinghe Dragon Clan's orphans and widows, and stirring up trouble in the Western Sea..."

"My dear brother, I feel your heart-wrenching pain as well!"

"How can we say we have no clothes? We share the same hatred!"

Huang Mei spoke earnestly, a hint of pity flashing in his eyes.

Upon hearing these heart-wrenching words, Fu Laolong felt a pang of sorrow in his heart, and the tears he had been holding back could no longer be contained, welling up in his eyes and threatening to fall.

He sighed deeply and said:
“Since you already know, senior brother, I won’t hide it from you.”

"My heart is breaking, my liver and intestines are torn apart. I wish I could reveal my true form immediately, stir up the waters of the four seas, ride the wind and clouds for thousands of miles, rush straight to the Western Sea, find the Eight Immortals of the Daoist sect to reason with them, kill my enemies, and avenge my father!"

"Alas... alas, the Buddha's decree is above."

"Alas... alas!"

After saying this, he slammed his hand heavily on the huge bell beside him, producing a dull thud.

Futile Dragon said in frustration:

"However, Buddha forbids it, and my mother and younger brother also wrote to dissuade me, fearing that I would act rashly and fall into danger."

"My uncle, the Dragon King of the West Sea, also advised: Dragon eggs cannot all be put in the same basket."

"Since we have already offended the Taoist sect, we must not offend the Buddhist sect as well."

"Since I have been favored by the World-Honored One Tathagata and entered this sacred land of Ling Mountain to serve as the Buddha's bell-ringer, I should keep to my duty and not act rashly. Leaving a chance for the Jing River Dragon Clan to survive is the best long-term plan."

"Ugh!"

Fu Laolong let out another long sigh, then slammed his hand heavily on the huge bell pestle beside him, producing a muffled "thud" that made the bell tower tremble slightly.

The voice was filled with helplessness and resentment:
"I am trapped in this place, like a caged bird. I have the strength to overturn rivers and seas, but... it is all in vain!"

"I fear my father's spirit in heaven will rebuke me for being unfilial!"

"Is this word 'futile' truly fulfilling my name and becoming my destiny?"

By the end, Fu Laolong's voice was choked with emotion, and he could barely contain himself.

A glint flashed in Huang Mei's eyes, and he thought to himself:
"The time is right!"

present.

Huang Mei slapped his thigh, feigning an enraged and uncontrollable expression, and shouted sharply:

"Outrageous! It is only right and proper for a son to avenge his father!"

"Even the Buddha himself could not prevent people from practicing such great filial piety."

"Filial piety is the foundation of virtue, and of all virtues, filial piety comes first."

"In the past, Erlang Zhenjun Yang Jian of Guanjiangkou split Peach Mountain with an axe to save his mother, causing great chaos in the Heavenly Realm, turning the world upside down and the heavens and earth upside down. Yet, who in the Three Realms did not praise him as 'filial piety that moved Heaven'?"

"Why is it that when it comes to you, my worthy brother, the son of the Jing River dragon, it becomes 'futile'?"

He took a step closer, his gaze burning as if trying to pierce through the heart of the futile dragon, his voice carrying a seductive magic:
"My dear brother! How long will it take you to keep striking this bell?"

Even if you crash into Mount Ling and cause the Buddha's lotus throne to collapse, even if you shatter this 'Vajra Prajna Bell,' you will still be nothing more than a dragon that strikes the bell in your entire life!

"You can't even ask for leave to go home and pay respects to your deceased father."

"Who will avenge the blood feud of my Uncle Ao Yuan?"

"My dear brother, who will protect your youngest brother, Little Tuolong, who is so inexperienced in the ways of the world, surrounded by powerful enemies?"

As he spoke, Yellow Eyebrows moved closer to the Futile Dragon and whispered in its ear:

“My dear brother, you are unaware of the truth; there is actually more to this matter than meets the eye.”

“Brother, you are incredibly powerful and possess extraordinary magical abilities, making you a leader among the dragons.”

"If you descend from Mount Ling, assist the Dragon Clan of the Western Sea in their battle against the Eight Immortals of the Daoist sect."

"How could the Eight Immortals of Taoism possibly withstand the power of your Dragon Clan?"

"I have heard that the Buddha has designs on the Western Sea Dragon Clan and intends to transform another group of Western Sea Dragons for his use."

"Therefore, the Buddha, Guanyin Bodhisattva, Jin Chanzi and others were watching the 'snake and clam fighting' and wanted to reap the benefits of the fisherman's struggle."

"The Buddha Tathagata prevented you from going to the Western Sea, probably because he was afraid that you would ruin his plans."

"I see……"

In vain, Longlong's eyes widened, revealing a look of sudden realization, which then clouded over again as he murmured:
"I was too caught up in the situation to see clearly."

"Buddha... Buddha was also... plotting against us dragons..."

He thought of asking the Buddha for leave, but the Buddha refused.

In vain, Long couldn't help but feel more suspicious of the Buddha.

Having said this, Huang Mei suddenly spoke sharply:

“My dear brother, you are a dragon with great supernatural powers, but you are trapped in shallow waters, with your scales and claws sharp but unable to display your abilities; your ambition lies in the vast ocean, but you are bound by ropes and cannot gallop.”

"Is your title of 'Dragon in Vain' truly about to come true?"

"Do we really have to keep ringing the bell until the seas dry up and the rocks crumble, only to find it all in vain and we achieve nothing?"

Huang Mei is a man of extraordinary wisdom, almost demonic, and extremely adept at bewitching people and distorting cause and effect.

These words struck Fu Laolong's heart like a heavy hammer blow.

All that could be seen was Fulilong's whiskers bristling like steel needles, his breath heavy like muffled thunder, bloodshot eyes, and bulging veins on the back of his hand gripping the bell pestle.

"Giggle..."

The enormous bell-shaped pestle even made a slight sound when he squeezed it.

Huang Mei knew he was deeply shaken, so she immediately changed the subject, adopting a tone of heartfelt sincerity and camaraderie, even with a touch of "tragic heroism":
“My dear brother, we are bosom friends, as close as brothers.”

"Your father is my father, Huang Mei's father!"

"Today you are trapped in shackles, unable to be free, unable to leave Mount Ling, and unable to avenge this blood feud."

"This hatred, this grudge, I, your foolish brother, am willing to bear it for you!"

"I will wear mourning clothes for you, to pay tribute to your deceased father's spirit; I will protect your younger brother, and fight those treacherous Eight Immortals of the Daoist sect!" "On this journey to the Western Sea, I, Huang Mei, will surely turn the world upside down and seek justice for my uncle!"

Futile Dragon was greatly alarmed upon hearing this, and abruptly stood up, its eyes wide open and golden scales slightly bristling:

"Senior brother, you are mistaken! This is a family matter and a blood feud, how could I dare to trouble you with such a matter?"

"Moreover, the hatred between parents is irreconcilable. It is only right that the younger brother should personally kill the enemy to show filial piety!"

"To entrust this to someone else, I... I cannot rest easy about it!"

"I understand your filial piety, my brother."

Huang Mei waved his hand, a mysterious and sly smile appearing on his face:
“I am taking on this cause and effect for you, not as a selfless act of giving without expecting anything in return. My dear brother, do not be anxious, let me finish speaking.”

Fu Laolong took a deep breath, suppressed his surging blood and qi, and listened intently:
"Senior brother, please speak."

His dragon eyes were fixed on Huang Mei, awaiting further instructions.

Huang Mei stared intently into Fu Laolong's eyes and said, word by word:

“My dear brother is now trapped in the bell tower. He longs to pay respects to our deceased father and protect his younger brother, but he is not free.”

“I am willing to go to Jambudvipa and the Western Sea to prepare three kinds of sacrificial animals and six kinds of offerings, burn incense and pray to pay tribute to my late father’s spirit in heaven.”

"Secondly, remain hidden in the shadows and act according to the circumstances to protect your younger brother, Little Crocodile Dragon, and help him survive this calamity, preventing him from falling victim to the poisonous hands of the Eight Immortals of Taoism!"

"After this matter is settled... my dear brother."

His tone suddenly shifted, becoming incredibly seductive:
"Would you be willing to lend me a hand and accompany me to the East to spread the Dharma and accomplish a great undertaking?"

"This is an unparalleled act of merit, and also an opportunity for your dragon clan to bring glory to your family!"

Upon hearing this, Fu Laolong frowned and said with concern:
"To go east and spread the scriptures?"

“Senior brother, I am the bell-keeper of Mount Ling, and I have my duties.”

As the saying goes: "A monk does his job every day, just as he does his job."

"The bell on the Lingshan Bell Tower is struck every day."

“I strike this ‘Vajra Prajna Bell’ every day, which was personally selected by the World-Honored One.”

How could I abandon my post?

"When the World-Honored One heard of this, he feared that he would be punished."

"Hahaha!"

Huang Mei laughed three times, the sound echoing through the bell tower, attracting the attention of the guardian deities below.

He, however, paid no heed, moving even closer, his voice low and seductive:

"Brother, you're so foolish!"

"The Tathagata Buddha is the supreme ruler of the world, and my master, Maitreya Buddha, is also undoubtedly the supreme ruler of the world!"

As the saying goes, a good bird chooses a good tree to perch on, and a good minister chooses a good lord to serve.

"The Lingshan Bell Tower is not just one of many."

“Brother, you are a direct descendant of the Ling Mountain lineage. On the other hand, the lineage of the Buddha Tathagata is mostly descended from the Jie Sect. They are people who joined the sect halfway through their lives.”

“The Buddha’s refusal to grant my brother leave is a clear sign of distance and a sign that he is not close to me.”

"Even if you, my brother, possess extraordinary abilities, if this continues, you will be confined to this small place in the bell tower, merely spending your days striking the bell, achieving nothing in the process."

"Currently, my master's Maitreya Heavenly Palace is in dire need of a bell-ringer who is proficient in music and devout and dignified!"

“My brother is exceptionally capable and prudent, making him an excellent candidate for this position.”

“My master’s Maitreya Heavenly Palace is a place of few affairs and leisure, where there is no need for you to work tirelessly every day.”

"Besides, my master is kind and generous. If there is anything important, I can ask him for leave. There is absolutely no reason for him to make things difficult or obstruct me."

"You see, although I am in the palace playing the chime, I am still often able to move around outside."

"Once I inform my master, I will transfer you to my place. You will still serve as the bell-ringer, but you will be free. Wouldn't that be the best of both worlds?"

"This……"

Fu Laolong hesitated for a moment.

Isn't this making him pledge allegiance to Maitreya Buddha and "change allegiance" on Mount Ling?

Huang Mei paused, his eyes flashing with ambition, and his voice became even more impassioned:
“Brother, think about it. If you and I were just here on Mount Ling striking the bell and chiming the chime, even if we could live forever, in the end we would be no different from donkeys pulling millstones or oxen plowing fields in the mortal world, toiling day and night, like oxen and horses, toiling in vain.”

"You have wasted your supernatural powers to overturn rivers and seas and summon wind and rain! You have wasted your ambition to protect your family and bring glory to the Dragon Gate!"

"But if you follow me to accomplish this great undertaking of spreading the scriptures, and spread the Mahayana Buddhism to the East, you will accumulate immeasurable merit!"

"At that time, when we are rewarded for our merits, it will not be difficult for us brothers to become Buddhas and Ancestors!"

"At that time, you will be the great guardian dragon god of Buddhism! You will be ranked above the Eight Heavenly Dragons!"

"What Taoist immortals? What Eight Immortals of Taoism? Who dares to lay a finger on a hair on your Jinghe Dragon Clan?"

"Water flows downhill, that's the natural order; but you are a true dragon, you should soar through the clouds and reach the highest heavens!"

"Only in this way can we live up to your true dragon bloodline and make your father's efforts in raising you worthwhile!"

Huang Mei became increasingly agitated as he spoke, spitting as he spoke. He suddenly grabbed Fu Laolong's arm and shook it violently.

"My dear brother, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Do not waste your life in vain!"

"We don't want to be treated like cattle or horses. We want to become Buddhas and ancestors."

“We will make the people of Jambudvipa acknowledge us as our ancestors, and we will be remembered for all eternity.”

"Futile Dragon, let's do it together!"

"I will attain Buddhahood, and then I will guide you to attain Buddhahood!"

Huang Mei's words were like a demonic whisper, stirring up a tidal wave in Fu Laolong's heart.

The strict rules and regulations of Lingshan, the unjust and tragic death of her father, the uncertain fate of her younger brother, her own mediocrity... all collide fiercely with the bright future of "becoming a Buddha and an ancestor", "protecting the Dharma and becoming a great dragon god", "bringing glory to the family" and "being famous for ten thousand generations"!
The name "Futile Dragon" sounded particularly jarring at that moment.

Upon hearing this, Fu Laolong understood Huang Mei's deeper intentions for this trip.

This was essentially a complete "choosing sides in the Lingshan court," a crucial decision that would determine his future fate.

He was now serving as the bell ringer of Mount Ling, working for the entire mountain and belonging to the middle faction. He only needed to be law-abiding and make a living by ringing the bell.

He doesn't need to deliberately take sides, which seems stable but is also quite ordinary.

but.

If he were to choose to go to Maitreya Buddha's palace and become the bell-ringer, it would mean that he had completely sided with Maitreya Buddha and become a member of Maitreya Buddha's camp.

In Maitreya Buddha's palace, there are fewer things to do and it is relatively quiet, unlike the Lingshan Bell Tower, where the bell tolls incessantly every day and there are a multitude of affairs that keep people busy.

Although he gained freedom and opportunities, he also placed his life and fortune entirely on Huang Mei and Maitreya Buddha.

However, the political situation in the imperial court is unpredictable. If Maitreya Buddha loses power, he too will fall into an abyss of no return.

Fu Laolong fell into deep thought.

On one hand, there is the monotonous and repetitive life of a bell-ringer in Lingshan, with no hope of advancement; on the other hand, there is the injustice of her father's wrongful death and the safety of her younger brother.

On the other hand, there is the opportunity to break free from the cage, participate in a momentous undertaking, achieve unparalleled success, and completely change the fate of the family!

But it also means that there may be no way out.

As the saying goes:
"Trees die when they walk, but people live when they walk."

If he doesn't achieve any outstanding accomplishments while serving as the bell-keeper on Mount Ling, he might remain just a "bell-keeper" for his entire life.

His daily work was mechanical and repetitive, his functions were singular, and he lacked decision-making power, as if he were trapped in an invisible cage.

He toiled all day long, but to no avail; this is the true description of the "futile dragon".

He was not familiar with Jin Chanzi, and they did not have much interaction or affection for each other.

However, he and Huang Mei have always been on good terms; they have been friends for many years and share a deep bond.

Huang Mei now has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to "spread his teachings to the East." If he takes the plunge, he might just be able to carve out his own niche. This could be an excellent chance to change his destiny.

At this moment.

"Father, Mother, younger brother..."

Thinking of the death of his father, the Jinghe Dragon King Ao Yuan, and his own current predicament, a strong fighting spirit surged in the heart of the futile dragon.

You haven't been to Lingshan.

You have no idea how high or long the steps of the Great Thunderclap Temple are!
His efforts were in vain. In terms of aptitude and ability, in what way was he inferior to those disciples of Buddha?

Why do they enjoy a prestigious status and endless glory, while I can only toil all day long in vain?
Everyone wants to become a god or Buddha, but what good is it if you become a god or Buddha?
Above gods and Buddhas, there are even more gods and Buddhas.

(End of this chapter)