bookbashuk Chapter 61 Betraying Immortals
Chapter 61 Betraying Immortals
Upon hearing this, Song Quyou slowly put down the teacup in his hand.
"Therefore, the problem with Western religions lies not in their methods, but in their hearts."
"That's exactly right."
Huiming nodded slightly. "The law has no inherent good or evil; it is people who are good or evil. The methods of cultivating one's nature, seeking gold, and preserving one's truth are, in essence, all paths to enlightenment opened up by our predecessors. But how one walks the path and where one ends up is determined by the human heart."
The woman in plain clothes, Lan, who had remained silent until now, suddenly raised her head, her voice as clear and melodious as a swallow's:
"When the Western religion was first established, every Buddha and Bodhisattva who attained enlightenment made great vows. Unfortunately, these great vows could not overcome selfish desires. Selfish desires fostered rules, and the rules, in turn, solidified selfish desires."
Over the course of a thousand years, it has become what it is today.
Song Quyou remained silent for a moment, then slowly asked, "What does your proposed method for obtaining gold have to do with Western religions?"
Wang Xuan said, "The current methods of the Western Sect are derived from the Seeking Gold Method and the Preservation of Truth Method. As for why the Seeking Gold Method is in the hands of the Western Sect, we have to go back to an event from a thousand years ago."
According to that senior, "Back then, the Celestial Court of the Central Heaven manifested in the world to guide people to cultivate immortality and do good. However, one immortal was turned against the Western Sect and abducted the Celestial Court's library, entering the Western Heaven to become a Buddha."
From this point on, the celestial court was locked away, and its presence was no longer visible in the mortal world.
"If we wish to become immortals, without the celestial court's bestowed methods, our only remaining path is to retrieve the Western Sect's method of seeking gold."
Upon hearing this, Song Quyou gently placed his teacup on the cool mat and glanced at everyone present.
"So, the method for obtaining gold that we seek is now in the hands of the Western Church?"
"It's not just about seeking the Golden Method." Wang Xuan shook his head and held up two fingers.
"The immortal who betrayed the Celestial Court back then took away not just a method for seeking gold, but an entire library. The library contained the most core cultivation methods that the Celestial Court had established for ten thousand years. The method for seeking gold was only one of them; there were also alchemy methods, weapon crafting methods, formation methods... and many other external arts, all of which were in that library."
Song Quyou's pupils contracted slightly.
"What is that immortal's current status within the Western Religion?"
Huiming slammed his teacup on the ground with a dull thud, and said with a faint smile, "You only know that I've become an ancestor. I've cultivated there for many years, but I'm not worthy to know his esteemed name."
Song Quyou stroked the teacup with his fingers, remained silent for a moment, and then continued:
"That rebellious immortal defected a thousand years ago, and the Western Sect also experienced a change a thousand years ago. Do any of you know anything about this?"
Huiming narrowed his eyes slightly and looked at Song Quyou, saying, "Just as Benefactor Song thought, it is not a coincidence."
"The books stolen by that immortal who rebelled against the Celestial Court were exceptionally clear; they were all the true Dharma for nourishing life, nurturing creation, and seeing the true nature."
The Western religion originally practiced the "Preservation of Truth" method, which is "all things are illusory, only my true nature is imperishable", and it followed the orthodox path of Buddhism.
However, ever since that immortal took the Book Pavilion to the Western Paradise, the Western Sect began to deduce the merits of reincarnation, transforming the Preservation of Truth method into the "Destiny Creation" technique from the Seeking Gold method. Ultimately, it became the current method of "stealing others' lives to create one's own destiny."
"What are your plans for the next step in seeking the method of obtaining gold?"
The crowd shook their heads and chuckled, some sipping their tea, some scratching their heads, and others lost in their own thoughts.
Seeing this, Wang Xuan spoke up:
"The Western Religion is powerful, and reclaiming the Seeking Gold Method requires careful planning. For now, all we can do is eliminate the fake Western Religion Buddhists infiltrated by Zhongtian and wait for the opportunity that senior mentioned."
Upon hearing this, Song Quyou slowly nodded and said nothing more.
As the steam in the teacup gradually dissipated, the six people on the cool mat fell silent for a moment.
A breeze swept through the valley, making the sound of the distant stream seem both near and far.
Just then, the fog churned and surged not far away, and a dark-skinned man in rough clothes, carrying a compass and a knife wrapped with rope walked over.
"Wow, it's so lively today, there are so many people."
Upon seeing the newcomer, Wang Xuan stood up and smiled, saying:
"Brother Luo, even you, who usually stays in the mountains, have shown yourself. The market is really lively today."
The dark-skinned man tucked the compass into his waistband, strode closer, and looked at Song Quyou, saying:
"This must be the young man Song Quyou that everyone was talking about recently, right?"
The man then cupped his hands in greeting to Song Quyou and said, "I am Luo Shan, the treasure hunter."
Song Quyou rose and returned the greeting: "Shenxiao Temple, Song Quyou."
Luo Shan grinned, revealing a set of white teeth, and casually sat cross-legged on the cool mat. Without any ceremony, he took the teacup that Huiming pushed towards him, took a sip, and said:
"You all don't know, but I really made a fortune in the mountains this time."
As soon as he said this, everyone present became interested and watched him quietly.
"These past few days I've been wandering around a few mountain gullies near the Yangtze River, and I've destroyed a few demon lairs along the way. I even found a few dragon scales inside."
"These dragon scales are a treasure. They can absorb water. Those with shallow cultivation can absorb a vat of water, while those with deep cultivation can fill a lake. And these few dragon scales can hold far more water than a lake."
Song Quyou frowned and pondered for a moment before speaking up: "Is the dragon scale that Brother Luo obtained entirely emerald green, shimmering with seven-colored light?"
"Oh? Could it be that you received it too, brother?"
Song Quyou looked at Huiming and said, "These should be the dragon scales of the Dragon Lord in the dungeon of Lingfo Temple, where Master Huiming is located."
Huiming was slightly startled and looked at Song Quyou, saying, "How did Benefactor Song know that it was the Dragon Lord's dragon scale?"
"Of course it was Miss Jing, a descendant of the Dragon King, who recognized me. Last night I found my way into your temple's dungeon because of those dragon scales."
Huiming frowned in thought, then slowly said:
"I do not know about this matter. All I know is that the Dragon King's body was cut into eight pieces and placed in eight temples outside Qiantang City. The Lingfo Temple is where the Dragon King's head is guarded."
Where did the Luo brothers obtain the dragon scales?
Luo Shan placed the teacup on the cool mat, wiped his mouth, and said:
"It's right on the cliffs of the mountain stream upstream of the great river."
There was a nest of phoenixes and falcons there. I was thinking of taking some of their eggs to exchange for wine money, but the nest was occupied by a group of snake demons. I killed the snake monsters and, while taking their gallbladders, found some scales inside their bodies.
Strangely enough, the scales were extremely thick, clearly soaked with water, and had a very faint sandalwood scent.
Song Quyou then looked at Huiming and asked, "What is the relationship between Master Huiming, Jingci, and the white ape?"
"Jingci is my senior sister in the Western Paradise. She is said to be the reincarnation of a certain Bodhisattva. The man-eating white ape is a protector she recruited on the road. As for why she came to the Central Paradise from the Western Paradise, I do not know. But rest assured, I will find out as soon as possible."
Seeing that the topic had ended, Xuanzhenzi interjected, "This old Taoist priest is currently searching for a spiritual fruit called Fire Date to refine pills. I would appreciate it if you could help me keep an eye out for it."
Everyone nodded slightly upon hearing this, indicating that they had taken note.
Next, some people exchanged spells, while others exchanged spiritual items. Song Quyou, who had nothing, simply sat quietly, pondering his future path to immortality.
……
Just as they exited the Void Realm, Senior Sister Su Tang knocked on the door and said:
"Senior brothers, are you awake? I'm coming in."
As they entered the room, Song Quyou and Wang Xuan had just opened their eyes.
Su Tang frowned slightly as she looked at her senior brother, Wang Xuandao:
"Senior brother, the messenger just knocked on the door saying the abbot of Lingfo Temple was murdered. Was it your doing?"
Wang Xuan stood up and said with a faint smile, "Of course."
"Senior brother, please explain why, so that I can cover for you."
Wang Xuan turned his back and sighed softly, "It's nothing. That abbot almost destroyed my junior brother's mind and forced him to convert to Buddhism. He deserved to die."
Su Tang frowned even more deeply after hearing this. She had joined the sect earlier and knew that three disciples of her master had betrayed the sect and joined the Western Sect. Moreover, her master had already set off for the Western Paradise to try to reclaim the sect's secret treasure, but there had been no news of him yet.
Wang Xuan remained silent for a moment before speaking again:
"Western religions have infiltrated deeply, and Zhongtian Buddhist Temple has become their eyes and ears. These Westerners should be killed even if they are innocent, but I only killed the abbot of the Buddhist temple, which is already considered merciful."
……
The three remained silent for a moment, when suddenly an unfamiliar voice came from the courtyard: "May I ask if our benefactor, Daoist Song, resides here?"
Song Quyou got up and walked out of the room, where he saw a man in official robes followed by two yamen runners.
The man in official robes looked familiar. It turned out that he was the county magistrate of Xu County, which was under the jurisdiction of Qiantang. Jiang Xu had once saved his concubine in the Xu River.
Song Quyou stepped down the steps, cupped his hands, and said, "So it is the County Magistrate. I have been impolite."
The county magistrate bowed in return and said, "I said I would come to visit my benefactor, but I have been delayed until now. I hope my benefactor will forgive me."
Song Quyou walked into the kitchen, took out a stool, and said:
"Please have a seat, Your Excellency. My conditions are rather difficult, and I have to boil the hot water myself. Please wait a moment while I make you a pot of tea."
The county magistrate of Xu County took the stool but did not sit down. Instead, he took the gifts brought by the yamen runners behind him and handed them to Song Quyou.
"I won't drink the tea. I've come today mainly to visit my benefactor, and also to ask for your help in dealing with a calamity for the people of Xu County."
Song Quyou quickly waved his hand and said, "I dare not say please. Please tell me what difficulties you have, sir. If there are any monsters occupying the Jiangxu River again, I can certainly eliminate them."
The county magistrate quickly waved his hand and said, "It's not the Jiangxu River, but the road leading into the mountains south of the city. Recently, a group of monkeys have appeared and have been harassing the people of Xu County who are going into the mountains, stealing their mountain goods and clothing."
I dispatched my constables with powerful crossbows to drive them away, but who knew that one of those monkeys was skilled with a sword? He was extremely powerful, and the constables were no match for him. That's why I've come to you, my benefactor, for help."
Song Quyou frowned: "A monkey that can wield a sword? That's rare."
"Did you see clearly, sir, what exactly did that monkey wielding the sword look like?" Song Quyou asked.
The county magistrate looked somewhat frightened and took out a roll of Xuan paper from his sleeve, handing it over:
"My benefactor, please look. This is a monkey portrait drawn from memory by one of the yamen runners who is skilled in drawing."
The monkey was much larger than ordinary monkeys, about the size of a seven or eight-year-old child, wearing a straw hat and a cloak, with mottled white fur.
He used a rusty sword from an unknown source, and although his swordplay was not complicated, it was very disciplined.
When facing powerful crossbows, one can even make the sword in one's arms move through the air, like a celestial being's move in a painting.
Song Quyou unfurled the scroll and saw a weathered old ape holding a long sword, its posture upright, faintly resembling that of a swordsman.
"Have those monkeys ever killed anyone?" Song Quyou asked, putting away his drawing paper.
The county magistrate shook his head and said:
"It's strange, but they only wait until dusk, after the villagers have gathered all the mountain produce, and then they steal the goods. Usually, they just push people to the ground, but they've never actually taken a life."
Although no one has been harmed, with the year-end approaching, the people of Xu County rely heavily on the mountains for their livelihood. With these beasts blocking the way into the mountains, their livelihoods are severely threatened, and I am truly distressed.
"Your Excellency need not worry. I will make a trip to Xu County today to meet that monkey demon who wields a sword," Song Quyou said.
The county magistrate was overjoyed and bowed repeatedly to express his gratitude: "With your help, this matter has been resolved. On behalf of the people of Xu County, I thank you for your kindness."
Song Quyou saw off the county magistrate.
Wang Xuan and Su Tang heard it clearly inside the room, and the two went out of the room.
"A monkey wielding a sword? That's strange. Junior brother, I'll go with you to take a look."
Su Tang shook her head and said, "Senior brother, you just killed the abbot of Lingfo Temple. Right now, the county government officials are near Lingfo Temple. If they recognize your face, it will only cause trouble for your junior brother."
"I'll go. You two grown men are clumsy; if there's something else going on with those monkeys, I can help you out."
After a moment's thought, Wang Xuan nodded and said, "Alright."
Song Quyou looked at his two senior brothers and sisters and shook his head, saying, "Junior brother should go by himself. If those government officials come knocking again, senior sister will have to deal with them."
Although my skills are not as good as my senior brothers and sisters, I can still protect myself. Besides, those monkeys didn't seem to intend to harm anyone, so they shouldn't be any evil demons. Junior brother, find out what's going on and see if you can mediate and get them to disperse. You don't necessarily need to kill them.
……
After lunch, Song Quyou set off for Xu County that afternoon.
When he arrived in the county town, it was still early. He did not go to the county government office, but went straight along the dirt road south of the town towards the foot of the mountain.
The forest on both sides of the mountain path grew deeper, and occasionally a few villagers carrying empty baskets could be seen coming down the mountain. They looked sad and advised Song Quyou not to go any further.
After thanking the villagers, Song Quyou continued up the mountain.
By the time we reached the halfway point of the mountain, it was already nearly dusk.
Suddenly, a rustling sound came from the forest. A group of disheveled villagers ran quickly through the woods, glancing back in fear every now and then.
Immediately afterwards, seven or eight monkeys poked their heads out from between the treetops, baring their teeth and yelling threateningly at the villagers.
Seeing this, Song Quyou waved his right hand, and a strong wind suddenly arose, sweeping up withered branches and fallen leaves and blowing them toward the treetops, causing the group of monkeys to sway left and right.
Seeing this, the monkey gave up the chase, clung tightly to the branch, and steadied itself.
Once the villagers had gone far away, the strong wind suddenly stopped.
When the villagers fled, the monkeys were so angry that they scratched their ears and cheeks and roared.
All the anger was directed at Song Quyou, who stood on the ground with his sword at his side.
These monkeys spread out in a rather orderly fashion, unlike ordinary wild monkeys, and seemed to be forming an encirclement.
Song Quyou's right hand rested on the long sword at his waist, his gaze sweeping over the surrounding monkey troop.
Although the monkeys surrounded him, they only bared their teeth and growled, without attacking him, as if they were waiting for something.
A moment later, a low cry came from the dense forest ahead, and the monkeys immediately quieted down and made way for Song Quyou.
The monkeys chased after him, and every time Song Quyou was about to stray from the right path, a monkey would come forward and bare its teeth.
After walking for an unknown amount of time, only a faint bluish-gray remained on the western horizon.
As the dense forest came to an end, a grove of bright orange persimmon trees appeared before us.
This persimmon grove stretches for several miles, its branches laden with ripe persimmons that gleam with a golden-red luster in the twilight, serving as winter food for birds and wild animals.