Journey to the West: The Immortal Clan Begins by Feeding Monkeys at Five Elements Mountain

Chapter 172 The Great Vow of Journey to the West, Where Buddhism and Taoism Are Not Separate

Before the words were finished, the curtains in the room moved slightly, bringing with them a faint, wispy scent of herbs.

Jiang Jin, dressed in an ordinary cloth dress, had just lifted the curtain when she was caught red-handed by her elder brother.

Before she could speak, Jiang Qin turned around, grabbed the worn camphor wood medicine box from the corner, grabbed her wrist, and dragged her outside, urging her on:
"Hurry up, the person is still waiting at the manor."

Jiang Yi, who was standing in the corridor, saw this but did not stop them. However, a bright interest appeared in his old eyes, which had seen half a lifetime of hardships.

A monk... another monk.

He pondered to himself, and in a daze, it was as if he were seeing the scene from thirty years ago again.

Back then, wasn't my own daughter Jiang Xi about the same age as this little girl with her hair in a high ponytail?

Half a lifetime has passed in the blink of an eye.

Jiang Yi felt a pang of emotion in his heart, but a smile appeared on his face.

He bent down and picked up Jiang Han, who was squatting on the ground chasing ants, and gently stroked the tip of her nose:
"Let's go, Han'er, let's join in the fun. Today, I'll let you off the hook by not practicing your skills."

As they spoke, a gentle breeze seemed to caress their feet, and they followed the hurried brother and sister, strolling leisurely toward Liu Family Village.

When that monk came last time, the Jiang family and the Liu family were separated by mountains and rivers, and they were not as familiar with each other as they are now.

I've only seen him once, from afar at the foot of the mountain, so that's all.

Now that the marriage is settled, the two families can visit each other as freely as walking in their own backyard, without much restraint.

Upon entering Liu Family Village, one finds a group of people already gathered in the main room.

As Master Liu was speaking quietly with his son, he saw Jiang Yi enter carrying the baby and quickly stood up with a smile:

"Our in-laws have arrived. Please have a seat."

Jiang Yi nodded, but his gaze first fell on the bamboo couch by the window.

A young monk, no more than twenty years old, was lying on the couch.

He had delicate features, but his face was deathly pale, and his eyes were wide open, staring blankly at the roof beam, as if most of his soul had been taken away.

A slightly worn gray monk's robe, covered in dust, but originally it was clearly well-maintained.

Before Jiang Jin could even speak, she put down her medicine box, took a plain handkerchief and placed it on his wrist, then gently reached up with her two slender fingers.

After a moment of concentration, his slightly furrowed brows relaxed slightly.

He then stopped, his voice calm and indifferent:
"It's nothing serious, just a fright that caused palpitations. I'll prescribe some calming medicine, and you'll be fine after a couple of days of sleep."

After he finished speaking, everyone in the room felt a little relieved.

Jiang Yi then put Xiao Han down from his arms, letting her curiously look at the mute and motionless monk.

He himself strolled to his daughter's side, glanced at the person on the bed, and asked in a low voice:
"Where did you find this?"

Jiang Xi was pouring tea for him when she heard this. She handed him the cup and replied with a light laugh:

"I encountered it while patrolling the mountains."

She paused briefly, then added, her tone as calm as if she were recounting something ordinary:

"A few ignorant little demons were about to lock him up, but seeing how pitiful he was, they just grabbed him and brought him back."

Jiang Jin's calming soup was as bland as water, yet its medicinal effects were extremely rapid.

After taking the medicine, in less than half a cup of tea's time, the monk's staring eyes gradually came to life, revealing a hint of spirit.

However, he was still weak and his hands and feet were trembling slightly, probably because he was still shaken by the shock.

Madam Liu was meticulous and had already instructed her servants to prepare vegetarian food.

A moment later, a bowl of hot porridge and two dishes of salted vegetables were served in the hall.

Two servants, one on each side, carefully helped him up and fed him spoonful by spoonful.

After a few bites, the warmth flowed down his throat and into his internal organs, and the monk's face finally regained some color.

I tried to move my hands and feet, and although I was still clumsy, I was able to stand up with difficulty.

He then bowed respectfully to everyone in the room, his voice weak, yet each word clear:

"Thank you all for your help. This humble monk is deeply grateful."

Seeing that he had caught his breath, Jiang Yi stood up and asked casually:

"You are too kind, venerable monk. May I ask where you come from and where you are going?"

The monk composed himself and said, "This humble monk comes from Luoyang in the East, and wishes to travel to the Western Paradise to worship Buddha and seek scriptures."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yi paused almost imperceptibly.

He subconsciously exchanged a glance with Master Liu, and there was an unspeakable meaning in both of their eyes.

Jiang Yi's expression remained indifferent as he turned his gaze back to the monk's still somewhat childish face, his tone gentle, as if engaging in casual conversation:
"There are many temples and scriptures in the East, why go to the far west to ask for a single scripture?"

At this point, the monk's previously unfocused eyes suddenly brightened, as if a lamp had been lit in his heart.

He straightened his back slightly, his voice carrying a heaviness beyond his years:

“You are unaware, benefactor. People are drowning in the sea of ​​suffering, experiencing birth, old age, sickness, and death, encountering those they hate, being separated from those they love, and not getting what they want. Every single one of these is a torment.”

"This humble monk has been in the temple since childhood, and has long ago made a vow to find the Great Dharma to deliver those suffering. However..."

His tone shifted, a hint of bitterness flashing across his brow:
"Although there are many scriptures in the temple, most of them are fragments and incomplete texts. The translations are contradictory and self-contradictory, making them dizzying to read. Let alone helping others, it is difficult to find a clear path even for oneself."

"Oh?"

Jiang Yi raised an eyebrow, a half-smile playing on his lips, carrying a touch of scholarly refinement:

"Then how can you be sure that the Western scriptures are truly a panacea, and not just another headache-inducing mess?"

The question was tricky, but the monk did not hesitate for a moment.

He met Jiang Yi's probing gaze, his expression clear, his tone as firm as a mountain:

“Since I was a child, all the elders and senior monks in the temple have said the same thing.”

Those eyes were clear and bright, without a trace of hesitation, only an almost stubborn certainty.

It was as if this sentence itself was the entire reason for his journey westward, with no further corroboration.

Seeing the deep-rooted conviction in his heart, it was clear that it could not be shaken by a few words.

Jiang Yi understood the situation, so he didn't press the matter further. He simply stroked his beard and smiled, saying:
"The Dharma Master has made this great vow for the sake of all living beings; he is truly a man of great virtue."

Upon hearing this, the monk's expression became even more ashamed, and he quickly put his palms together and bowed.

“You flatter me, benefactor. Your kindness is truly immense. I have nothing to repay you with, and my heart is filled with unease.”

As they were talking, Liu Zian suddenly seemed to remember something and interjected:
"Father, in a few days it will be the anniversary of Grandpa's death."

The conversation took an abrupt turn, but it was perfectly timed.

The monk's eyes lit up, and he immediately replied:

"If the benefactor does not mind that this humble monk's scriptures are incomplete, I am willing to recite scriptures to help the deceased, and to do my best to fulfill my heart's desire."

Upon hearing this, Master Liu smiled and waved his hand, saying, "If the Master is so kind, then I will trouble you."

As they were talking, Jiang Jin brought in a bowl of warm water, took the monk's pulse, and nodded, saying:

"His pulse has stabilized considerably; he should recover in a few more days."

The monk quickly put his palms together and thanked him repeatedly.

Jiang Jin was about to say a few humble words, but Jiang Yi gently tugged at her sleeve.

Jiang Yi's smile remained unchanged as he turned to look at the monk, then suddenly changed the subject:
"Master, have you ever heard of the name 'Master Lingsu'?"

Upon hearing this, the monk's expression turned solemn, his face filled with reverence, and he bowed deeply, saying:

"How could I not know! The True Man Lingsu sacrificed himself to the Dao, resolved the plague, and saved the people from suffering. I have long admired him."

Jiang Yi nodded with a smile, pointed to Jiang Jin beside him, and said in a flat tone, but with great weight:

"This is the daughter of Daoist Lingsu. Her medical skills were learned from her mother, and she is also dedicated to saving lives and healing the wounded."

The monk was taken aback, but his respect turned into near awe. When his gaze fell on Jiang Jin again, it was different from before. He bowed repeatedly and said, "My apologies."

After the formalities were completed, Jiang Yi slowly began to speak, steer the conversation to the main topic:
“There is a shrine in the village dedicated to the Taoist priest Ling Su. The people living next to the shrine are mostly those who were displaced during the plague years ago. Although they have settled here, most of them have lost their relatives.”

His gaze shifted to the monk, his expression earnest:
"I was thinking that after the ceremony here is over, could we ask the monk to move to Lingsu Temple and hold another ceremony? Firstly, to help the souls of the deceased pass on, and secondly, to comfort the living."

Upon hearing this, the monk felt a chill run down his spine, realizing that the entire village exuded an aura of kindness.

He immediately clasped his hands together again and solemnly said:

“Your kindness is truly admirable, and this place is indeed a blessed land. I will do my utmost in this matter.” So the monk stayed at Liu’s estate.

Life was peaceful. Apart from recuperating, he would spend his time with Jiang Yi and Master Liu, chatting about scriptures and ancient stories over a pot of coarse tea.

A few days later, his energy and spirits recovered, and the ritual was prepared.

It is not extravagant, but rather solemn.

No outside guests were invited to the Liu Clan Ancestral Hall; only a few plates of vegetarian fruit and a few sticks of incense were placed on the altar.

The monk changed into a clean robe and stood before the incense table.

After Lord Liu offered incense, he began to chant scriptures in a low voice.

The chanting was not loud, but each word was clear and resonant, echoing in the small ancestral hall.

Master Liu looked solemn, his old eyes fixed on the ancestral tablets, recalling countless past events.

Jiang Yi stood with his hands behind his back, quietly watching the wisp of smoke.

This religious ceremony was simple yet comprehensive.

With the Liu family's worries put to rest, it was the village's turn next.

The ceremony at Lingsu Temple was much more elaborate.

Upon hearing this, the villagers, young and old, spontaneously came to help.

There were many figures, but no noise.

Many of them were people who had been displaced in the past. Although their lives have settled down now, they still have a lingering thought in their hearts.

Upon hearing of the high monk's memorial service today, my face was solemn, but my eyes held a hint of hope.

The monk stood in front of the shrine, with a compassionate statue of Master Lingsu behind him.

Looking at the crowd in the courtyard, his expression became even more solemn.

At midday, the Dharma bells jingled softly, and the chanting resounded through the valley like the chimes of bells.

The villagers, some kneeling and some standing, listened intently, holding their breath.

Incense smoke and chanting drifted past houses and up to distant mountains, seemingly comforting the living and soothing the departed souls.

The area in front of Lingsu Temple was bustling with people, but the Jiang Family Ancestral Hall was as quiet as still water.

Jiang Yi did not join in the commotion. Instead, he burned incense in the hall, unfolded a half-old copy of the Tao Te Ching, and sat opposite the child.

The chanting of Buddhist hymns drifted from across the fields and streams, its sound becoming a discontinuous echo, like the distant, lingering sound of a temple bell.

Jiang Liang listened intently, his face composed, but a hint of doubt flickered in his eyes.

The thought raced through his mind, but something about it felt incongruous.

Our own lineage, from cultivation to imperial conferment, clearly followed the proper path of the Taoist school;
Lingsu Temple can be considered a quiet and peaceful place of practice.

Now they've invited a monk to perform the rituals. What kind of explanation is that?

Moreover, that young monk was quite young and had a handsome appearance, but he didn't look like a highly accomplished monk at all.
Not to mention the Liu family's ancestor who is far away in Tushita Heaven, he is still far inferior to me, the newly appointed City God.

With his meager spiritual cultivation, who could he possibly save?
However, these thoughts only flashed through my mind for a moment.

Over the years, listening to scriptures and studying classics with my father, that restless spirit from my military days has finally been tempered.

Although he had doubts in his heart, he listened silently without showing them on his face.

Jiang Yi recited scriptures softly, but his eyes never left his young son.

That moment of confusion could not escape his old eyes.

He nodded to himself, though he still lacked some experience, he was more composed than before.

Moreover, having already entered the path of divinity and transcended reincarnation, there is no need to worry about not having enough time to spend grinding away.

As long as you maintain this cautious and studious attitude, it's only a matter of time before divine intervention comes into play.

After reciting the scriptures, Jiang Yi slowly closed the book, and for a moment the only sound in the hall was the soft crackling of incense.

He looked up at Jiang Liang, his tone calm, yet carrying an undeniable weight:
“Liang’er, now that you have entered the path of the gods, you must remember one thing when you are out in the world.”

Upon hearing this, Jiang Liang immediately straightened his expression and listened attentively with his hands clasped in respect.

"The conflict between Buddhism and Taoism has existed since ancient times. But since you are involved, you should not speak recklessly, and you should not make any praises or criticisms in front of others."

Jiang Yi had his own plans.

He read extensively and saw far, knowing that the waters of this world are far deeper than ordinary people can comprehend.

Buddhism and Taoism appear to be distinct on the surface, but in reality they are intricately intertwined, with each containing elements of the other.

Some deities recognize Buddha as their father;

Some deities were born to Buddhist bodhisattvas.

The complexities involved cannot be easily resolved by the mere distinction between the two words "Buddha" and "Tao."

However, these secrets of the Heavenly Court are kept very secret.

Even the one on the back mountain probably hasn't seen the whole picture yet.

He didn't want to say much, so he could only touch on the subject briefly and offer a few words of advice early on.

As for the young monk's background, that was another profound cause and effect, which was beyond the comprehension of a yin spirit like him.

Fortunately, although Jiang Liang had doubts, he was an obedient child and knew that his father's words must have a deeper meaning.

He immediately composed himself, bowed deeply, and solemnly replied:
"Yes, Father, I've got it."

The excitement of the Dharma assembly will eventually come to an end.

A few days later, the monk had fully recovered from his injuries and bid farewell to both families.

As usual, Master Liu left a few words, saying that the road ahead was long and arduous, and monsters roamed freely, so it would be better to stay a little longer.

The monk simply smiled and shook his head, saying, "The suffering of the world doesn't wait for the warmth of spring."

His determination to travel west was as firm as gold and stone, and could not be shaken by external things.

Once the decision was made, no one tried to persuade him to stay.

The Jiang and Liu families prepared enough dry food and water for him and took good care of him.

Before leaving, the monk stood at the entrance of the stone path behind the mountain, bowed deeply to everyone with his hands clasped together, then turned around and resolutely stepped into the vast forest.

The grey robe, like a drop of pale ink, quickly blended into the depths of the mountains and forests, disappearing without a trace.

Instead of leaving immediately, the group found a flat bluestone outside the mountain path and set out their tea set.

Just like thirty years ago, the two families sat together, enjoying tea and chatting in the mountain breeze.

The sun moved from the east mountain to the west mountain, tea was poured three or four times, and the conversation became more fragmented.

As darkness fell and the mountain breeze grew cool, the secluded stone path remained completely silent.

Everyone then understood the situation.

Master Liu finished the remaining tea in his cup, stood up, and dusted off his robes: "Very well, let's go back."

He had just turned around and hadn't finished speaking when a series of soft sounds suddenly came from the secluded stone path.

The rustling sound was like footsteps, yet it was so light it seemed unreal.

Master Liu stopped in his tracks, and everyone was taken aback, turning their gazes toward the darkness.

A moment later, a small figure emerged unsteadily from the mountain path.

Everyone stared intently at it.

As the figure drew closer and its outline became visible in the moonlight, it was revealed to be a boy of about seven or eight years old, with his hair tied in a topknot. He was none other than Jiang Jun, the eldest grandson of the Jiang family.

Before the elders could speak, Jiang Han, with her hair in a high ponytail, skipped over to greet them, tilting her little face up and calling out in her childish voice:
"Uncle, did you see a bald monk on the mountain?"

Jiang Jun, who had been walking steadily with clear eyes, looked up at the group of elders standing outside after hearing these words.

A look of confusion suddenly appeared on her little face.

He blinked, seemingly trying to search for some memory, and after a long while shook his head:
“A monk? ...I don’t know. As soon as I entered the mountains, my mind went blank and I couldn’t see anything clearly.”

As soon as he finished speaking, all around became quiet except for the night breeze.

Master Liu and Jiang Yi exchanged a glance, each stroking their beards, a smile playing on their lips.

There was no surprise in that smile; rather, it was as if they had known all along, and understood each other at a glance.

(End of this chapter)