Journey to the West: Starting with the Hunting of the Three Demons of Twin Fork Ridge

Now, the monks made their plan, and on the second day, Li Fa went to the abbot's quarters and said to the head monk, "Head monk, this humble monk thanks you for letting me stay overnight. I am deeply grateful."

The abbot asked, "What does the Master mean by this?"

Li Fa said, "My disciple is about to continue his journey westward."

The abbot was shocked upon hearing this, recalling Jin Chi's scheme the previous night, and quickly pleaded, "No, no, you can't do that!"

Li Fa asked, "Why?"

The abbot said, "Twenty miles south of my monastery is a dangerous place called Black Wind Mountain. There is a monster in that mountain called the Black Wind King, who is fierce and evil."

There is also a dangerous place twenty miles north of my Zen temple, called the Canglang Forest. There is also a monster in that forest called Lingxuzi, who is violent and tyrannical.

Twenty miles west of my monastery lies another perilous place called White Mist Marsh. In the waters there dwells a monster called the White-Robed Scholar, a vicious and wicked creature.

Li Fa feigned fear and said, "Oh dear! Doesn't this block my path to the west? What should I do?"

The abbot said, "That's not difficult. The Black Wind King of Black Wind Mountain is on good terms with my old abbot. If the old abbot speaks to him, the monk can proceed."

Li Fa said, "Then I can only trouble the old abbot to help this humble monk."

Upon hearing this, the abbot said, "Today is not the right time. Tonight, the old abbot is going to hold a treasure-hunting competition. Whoever wins will receive a favor from the old abbot."

Li Fa laughed and said, "Since that's the case, then this humble monk can only dare to participate in the old abbot's treasure-hunting competition."

I wonder what treasure the old abbot is comparing at this treasure contest? This humble monk has nothing of value, I'm afraid…”

The abbot waved his hand and laughed, "No matter what it is, as long as it has the word 'treasure' on it, whether it is ingenious, rare, or has the wonderful use of Buddhist teachings, it can be sold in a bushel."

In my humble opinion, the Dharma Master's wondrous cloud-riding technique last night surpassed countless feats in the mortal realm.

Li Fa smiled and said, "Since that's the case, then I'll respectfully accept your offer."

The abbot was overjoyed and ordered a vegetarian meal to be prepared before he went to deliver the message to Jinchi.

Even at night, after the worshippers had left and the temple gates were locked, the main hall of the Guanyin Temple was lit up.

Li Fa was led into the main hall by the academy master, where he saw that the hall was brightly lit and filled with the aroma of incense.

Elder Jinchi sat upright on the high seat in the center, wearing a square hat with a cat's-eye stone crown that shone brightly; he wore a brocade robe with gleaming gold trim made of jadeite.

It's truly dazzling and splendid!

On either side of him stood his trusted monks, including Guangzhi and Guangmou.

Looking around the hall, one can see several incense tables, on which are displayed various objects: jade Buddhas, golden chimes, scriptures, as well as coral, agate, and pearls. It is truly a dazzling array of items!

Upon seeing Li Fa arrive, Jin Chi immediately stood up to greet him.

Li Fa bowed, and the old monk returned the bow. Then he said, "Abbot Fahai's arrival is timely, just in time for our Guanyin Temple's triennial treasure-competing event."

This gathering is not for showing off, but simply a refined gathering of my disciples, where each of us displays our treasured possessions and shares our Buddhist affinities.

"The abbot is a guest from afar; why not first appreciate his presence?"

Li Fa clasped his hands in thanks and glanced at the treasures.

He had only read in the original text that Elder Jinchi had many treasures, but there is a difference between reading the written descriptions in the book and seeing these treasures with his own eyes.

Even though he was mentally prepared, he was still secretly taken aback.

Guangzhi, standing to the side, said, "Yes, Master. Lord Fahai knows that this jade Buddha of mine was a gift from the King of Habi Kingdom. Master, do you think this treasure of mine is worthy of being the best?"

Jin Chi looked in the direction of the sound, glanced at it, then looked away and shook his head.

On the other side, Guangmou said, "Master, please look, Abbot, this palm-leaf manuscript was written by a high-ranking Indian monk and is over a thousand years old. Can I win first place?"

Jin Chi glanced at it and shook his head, saying, "Although Ru Bao is good, he still can't win first place."

Then the monks presented their treasures one by one, but Jinchi shook his head and rejected them all.

So Guangmou, Guangzhi, and the others said, "Since Master dislikes us for not having any good treasures, do you have any?"

Jin Chi then clapped his hands, and two servants carried out a box. Jin Chi told them to open it.

The two boys unlocked the door and took out a kasaya (Buddhist robe).

The two men each held one side of the robe and unfolded it, only to find:

Made of silk and satin, with gold thread forming the frame, it has twenty-five regulations.

The silk is a soft, three-loom silk, and the gauze is a bright gauze with cloud patterns, dyed a clean ochre-red color, neither gaudy nor flashy.

The gold thread is drawn from pure gold and combined with colored threads to embroider a variety of patterns, including intertwined passionflowers, auspicious cloud patterns, and nine-tiered lotus pedestals.

The robe was also inlaid with seven precious gems, all of which were rare treasures in the world: ruby, sapphire, beryl, garnet, cat's eye, agate, and moonstone.

The four corners of the robe were edged with white jade, the top was adorned with pearl buttons, red gold buckles, and colorful velvet belts.

When unfurled, the room was filled with dazzling colors; the cloak fit perfectly, displaying the dignity of a Buddhist monk.

When this treasure was revealed, all the gold and jade in the room paled in comparison.

All the monks praised it.

Li Fa also thoroughly enjoyed the sight, exclaiming, "The rarity of the old abbot's treasures and the abundance of the masters' collections have truly broadened this humble monk's horizons. To see them today is an immense honor!"

At this moment, Guangmou said, "It has to be our grandmaster! We disciples are truly in awe!"

Guangzhi also said, "Our master's treasures are so impressive that they put us to shame. It seems that our master is still the leader of this treasure competition."

Jin Chi laughed and said, "The outcome is still uncertain. Abbot Fahai has come from afar. I have heard that the East is more prosperous than our West. Abbot Fahai must have some rare treasures. Why don't you take them out for a look?"

Li Fa naturally knew what the old man was up to, but all he had to do was play along.

Jin Chi is a truly wicked fellow. He wears the cloak of Buddhism but does nothing but the deeds of a wolf.

If we follow the original story's tone, Jin Chi would inevitably see that his own treasure is better than his, and then harbor evil intentions, wanting to kill him, which would just be exactly what Li Fa wanted.

Jin Chi wanted to kill me, so it's only natural for me to fight back.

If I took advantage of the situation to kill Jin Chi, that would at most be considered excessive self-defense.

This is cause and effect; even if Guanyin were to descend, she would have nothing to say.

Once Jin Chi is dead, I will choose the Five Elements Escape Technique. Even if Guanyin directly attacks me, I will still have the ability to escape.

Thinking of this, Li Fa took out the Wind-Cutting Pestle from his bosom.

The monks looked over and saw that the pestle was dark and heavy, with nothing special about it. They all felt a sense of disdain, and their gazes toward Guangmou were filled with distrust.

Jin Chi said, "Abbot Fahai, this old monk doesn't see anything special about your treasure."

Li Fa smiled and said, "Please turn off the lights, Elder Master."

Upon hearing this, Jin Chi ordered the lamps to be blown out and the candles removed.

The hall was plunged into complete darkness.

While everyone was in a daze, they suddenly heard chanting in their ears. When they looked up, they saw that Li Fa's precious pestle was emitting a terrifying light!

Meanwhile, Li Fa's body had unknowingly floated to the top of the main hall!

Even though they were prepared, the monks were still greatly alarmed.

Unexpectedly, Fahai really does have treasures!