Journey to the West: Life Simulation of Sun Wukong

```

"Zhenyuan, you're only picking three?"

Sun Wukong was astonished. "This tree of mine bears three thousand fruits that never cease to regenerate. Why take only a few? You have forty-eight disciples, and there are Qing Feng and Mingyue, the two attendants. You should at least take fifty."

"Three is quite enough," Zhenyuanzi said, stroking his beard with a smile. "Should there be a need in the future, I will personally bring some ginseng fruit, and we can enjoy them together."

Among brothers, settled accounts.

Sun Wukong understood the meaning of Zhenyuanzi's words. Initially, when he visited Wu Zhuang Guan, Zhenyuanzi had given him two ginseng fruits. Now, with another two, the number equaled four.

Previously, Zhenyuanzi had eaten one Mortal Dust Peach. So now, even if he wanted to take fifty, he would only take three.

The fellowship of Taoism is as tranquil as water.

Give as much as you take.

Not a smidgeon more, not a smidgeon less.

In the mortal realm, this might defy the common social practices, but it is a principle that must be upheld amongst those who cultivate truth and Tao. Otherwise, it's a surrender to one's desires, and trouble will inevitably arise.

"Since that's the case, why don't I accompany you on a tour around Huaguo Mountain?" Sun Wukong suggested.

"As you wish."

"Then follow me."

...

Inside Shuilian Cave.

Ao Yun led The Bodhisattva Guanyin on a tour, admiring the flowers and observing the waters, while discussing scriptures and exchanging insights on the Dao.

The Bodhisattva Guanyin said, "I perceive that you have a connection with Buddhism. How would you like me to teach you a scripture?"

Ao Yun was taken aback and thought to herself: I have often heard of how The Bodhisattva Guanyin relieves suffering with great compassion and kindness, but why offer to teach me a scripture? Could it be that Huaguo Mountain will face difficulty in the future?

Considering this, Ao Yun replied, "I dare not refuse a gift from the Bodhisattva. May I ask which scripture?"

"The Prajnaparamita Heart Sutra."

The Bodhisattva Guanyin recited slowly, "Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, when practicing the profound Prajnaparamita, saw that all five aggregates are empty, thus overcoming all suffering. Sariputra, form is no different from emptiness, emptiness no different from form; form is emptiness, emptiness is form; the same is true of feelings, perceptions, volitions, and consciousness..."

Ao Yun quickly memorized it. But as she recited, it dawned on her that this scripture seemed familiar...

It seemed to be in the Wan Shu Lou.

Yet, hearing it from the Bodhisattva had a unique charm; it was as if her spirit calmed, free from any distractions.

After the Bodhisattva finished reciting, she asked, "Have you memorized it?"

"I have," Ao Yun nodded and added, "This scripture exists in the Wan Shu Lou of Huaguo Mountain. Are you saying it is also found elsewhere?"

"I have not spread it," said The Bodhisattva Guanyin in surprise.

This scripture was the essence of her understanding, a distillation of Mahayana practice that came to her during her enlightenment exchanges with the Buddha, even earning his praise. This version was sourced from M|V|L^EMPYR.

She had only taught it on Spirit Mountain among the various Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and Arhats, never outside.

The Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and Arhats of Spirit Mountain were unlikely to spread it as she did, often walking among mortals. Yet, Ao Yun's reaction strongly suggested that Huaguo Mountain possessed this Heart Sutra.

Strange indeed!

Ao Yun explained, "The Wan Shu Lou of Huaguo Mountain contains texts from Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. If you don't believe me, you're welcome to see for yourself."

The Bodhisattva Guanyin nodded, "That would be good."

Upon reaching Wan Shu Lou, the Dragon Girl greeted the librarian tortoise and led the Bodhisattva inside.

The inside of Wan Shu Lou was serene, yet not silent.

The tapping of footsteps, the rustling of pages, the scratching sound of brisk writing.

"All here love to read," The Bodhisattva Guanyin's compassionate visage brightened slightly. The tranquility here was not much different from the South Sea, but there was an added liveliness.

This was the true abode of great virtue, a place of profound goodness.

If all the people of the world could quiet their minds, why should there be so much strife?

Like Huaguo Mountain, like Wan Shu Lou.

Seeking harmony while acknowledging differences, moving forward together – wouldn't that be wonderful?

"It's not entirely the case," Ao Yun spoke softly, "There's also a portion of lazy people here."

"Lazy people?" The Bodhisattva Guanyin was puzzled.

"Those who find this place peaceful come here to sleep, or find a secluded spot to engage in romantic pursuits," said Ao Yun, somewhat helplessly.

Sleeping?

Engaging in romantic pursuits?

The Bodhisattva Guanyin lamented, "Mortals are always foolishly endearing. This is a place as precious as a gold house, yet there are still those who devalue it and do not seek progress."

Ao Yun said, "Each person has their own path, and it cannot be forced."

The Bodhisattva Guanyin sighed.

That reasoning was sound, but she still felt frustrated at their lack of ambition.

She had once made twelve great vows, among them:

The vow to make great wishes: To express vast, great vows to relieve beings from affliction.

The vow to dwell in the South Sea: To wander the seas, leading the lost to salvation; kindly thinking of the South Sea's Guanyin.

The vow to seek out cries and save from suffering: For sick beings lying in bed, sincere thoughts of the great sage bring well-being.

The vow to remove all dangers: A thousand prayers, a thousand responses; a constant savior to those suffering across the sea.

The vow to sprinkle nectar upon the heart: With Guanyin's merciful hand sprinkling nectar, afflictions transform into lotuses.

The vow to always act with equality: Blessed by Amitabha, constantly mindful; following Guanyin's impartial heart.

The vow to eliminate the three realms of suffering: Guanyin Bodhisattva's cries rescue from torment, vowing to free all from the three realms' obstacles.

The vow to liberate from shackles: With determination, chant Guanyin's name and be freed from the suffering of bonds and pain.

The vow to save all beings: To vow to save sentient beings; tirelessly compassionate across vast aeons.

The vow to lead all to the West: Through the void to the Pure Land, with wholehearted sincerity invoke Guanyin's presence.

```

Maitreya received the prophetic endorsement vow: With Guanyin's diligent and grand vow power, Maitreya is endorsed as the future Buddha.

To cultivate the twelve vows: The twelve great vows are deeply sworn, sentient beings jointly witness the supreme path.

These twelve vows are not complete, never to achieve Buddhahood, for the Bodhisattva Guanyin.

She saves from suffering and difficulty, accumulating immeasurable mana and supreme Divine Skills, yet to fulfill these twelve grand vows is far beyond reach.

All the spirits of the world, accompany the seven emotions and follow the six desires.

Perhaps only by silent extinction and returning to the void, can the twelve grand vows be completed, but the Bodhisattva Guanyin's grand vows arise from within the heart, to save the world, to prove the supreme great path.

If she were to seek silent extinction and return to the void, not only would the great path be unreachable, but she would also lose her original heart, no longer being the Bodhisattva Guanyin, she would eternally fall into emptiness, forever unable to transcend.

"Bodhisattva, let me take you to the place where the Buddhist scriptures are kept," Ao Yun, unaware of the Bodhisattva Guanyin's inner thoughts, assumes that the greatly compassionate Bodhisattva has a kind heart, wanting to guide those "lazy people."

If the Bodhisattva could persuade them, nothing would be better.

But she worries that those people are just superficially flattering and will forget afterwards. Wouldn't that be a waste of the Bodhisattva's sincere heart?

Better to take the Bodhisattva to see the Heart Sutra.

"Indeed."

The Bodhisattva nods and follows Ao Yun upstairs.

Upon arriving at the library where the Buddhist scriptures are kept, the Bodhisattva looks at the scrolls of scriptures, incredulously saying, "There really are Mahayana Buddhist scriptures!"

However, Mahayana Buddhism was never passed to this East Victorious Divine Continent, so how did the Spirit King acquire them?

Could it be that the Spirit King's Divination Skill has calculated the content of Mahayana Buddhism?

But Spirit Mountain has the Tathagata; could divination really work on him?

Unless it comes from another realm.

The heavens...

Guanyin contemplates for a moment, and although she is aware of the matters of the heavens, she hasn't given them much attention.

She hasn't even relieved the suffering of the Three Realms; how could she go to the heavens?

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

Picking up a Prajnaparamita Heart Sutra, the Bodhisattva Guanyin flips through it, and indeed it is identical to her own, suggesting that there are other Guanyins in the heavens.

"Dare I ask the Second Prince, did His Highness the Spirit King acquire these scriptures from another realm of the heavens?" The Bodhisattva Guanyin eventually asks the question.

Having a close relationship with the Spirit King, Ao Yun should know something.

"The heavens?"

Ao Yun shakes her head, "I have not discussed matters of the heavens with my elder brother, but these books did not come from the heavens. Instead, my brother made copies of them from the place where he studied and practiced."

Within the Three Realms?

Guanyin trembles, within the Three Realms, apart from the Buddha, who has Mahayana Buddhism?

Could it be that the one who instructed the Spirit King is the Buddha?

Though the Buddha, following his awakening under the Bodhi Tree, was enlightened by Laozi and converted from barbarian to Buddha, he knows the Taoist Scriptures but would not teach them to others.

And this Library of Myriad Books, it also has various Taoist scriptures.

The one who taught the Spirit King, must be a great master versed in Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism!

Within the Three Realms, both the Ancestor of Taoism and the Buddha have deep knowledge of Buddhism and Taoism, and they also have some understanding of Confucian classics.

But both are single-minded individuals: the Buddha would not teach Taoist Scriptures, and the Ancestor of Taoism would not impart Buddhist scrolls.

If the Spirit King's master is not one of these two, then who is it?

Someone capable of producing a figure like the Spirit King must certainly be a hidden great master, but it's unknown who that is.

"Dare I ask the Second Prince, do you know where His Highness the Spirit King went to study and practice?" the Bodhisattva inquires.

"Mountain of Mind and Heart, Three Star Cave," Ao Yun knows that Sun Wukong does not hide this fact, so she reveals it.

Mind?

Mind...

The Bodhisattva Guanyin realizes something, saying, "All things in the world originate from the heart and extend into Bodhi."

Ao Yun, surprised, says, "So the Bodhisattva knows."

Guanyin, puzzled, asks, "Knows what?"

Ao Yun replies, "My elder brother's teacher is Subhuti."

That's the meaning.

The Bodhisattva understands. The one who taught the Spirit King, is called Subhuti?

The heart extending into wisdom is Subhuti.

"Many thanks to the Second Prince for resolving my doubts. Let me bestow upon you another Divine Skill," the Bodhisattva Guanyin voices "Amitabha" and slowly expresses her thoughts.

"Bodhisattva, there's no need. I lack for nothing, and you have already recited the Heart Sutra for me..."

"But the Heart Sutra is also here. I merely recited it for you once, which hardly counts as a gift. Since you have relieved my confusion, I must reciprocate," Guanyin says with a compassionate look.

Without waiting for Ao Yun's refusal, she pinches her fingers and a droplet arises from the Pure Water Vase, transforming into a stream of water, circling around Ao Yun.

"Bodhisattva, it's not appropriate to play with water inside the library," Ao Yun advises.

"It won't wet a single book."

The Bodhisattva smiles faintly, and the water transforms into a small, crystal-clear carp, the size of a palm. Each scale on its body is distinctly visible, and it has a pair of small horns on its head that glimmer under the lights of the library.

"What is this?"

Ao Yun gazes at the adorable water-crafted carp and reaches out to touch it, only to find her hand passes through it as if there were no resistance, like air.

Being of the dragon race, she is most sensitive to water, yet she cannot control this water-made carp before her.

The Bodhisattva smiles, because this is no ordinary water but dew from the celestial Pure Water Vase.

"This is the Divine Skill I wish to pass on to you, the Dragon Carp," the Bodhisattva explains.

"Dragon Carp?"

Ao Yun is puzzled. Is it the dragon carp she is thinking of?

All dragons are capable of transformation, and carps typically aspire to turn into dragons... Is the Bodhisattva suggesting that she become a carp?