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

Chapter 594 Guanyin with a Fish Basket Delivers Good Fortune

Lu Dongbin arrived at a place where he saw a bustling and lively scene on the riverbank, with crowds surging around him.

Upon closer inspection.

It turned out to be an elderly fisherman and a young fishmonger carrying a fish basket, holding a grand ceremony to choose a husband through a bridal bouquet.

The fisherwoman stood at the bow of the boat, dressed in coarse cloth and carrying a fish basket, yet she possessed a graceful demeanor and stunning beauty that captivated all who beheld her.

When Lü Dongbin first saw her beautiful appearance, his heart stirred slightly, and he secretly pondered:

"This woman is extraordinary. If we could cultivate the Great Dao together and explore its mysteries, it would be a romantic and beautiful story."

However, as a celestial being, Lü Dongbin possessed unique insight; how could he be the kind of person who judges people by their appearance and only looks at their skin?
But a glint of light appeared in his eyes, and the Pure Yang True Man's unique "Qi Observation Technique" had already been quietly activated, as he tried to see what kind of aptitude and potential this woman possessed.

Lu Dongbin silently channeled his Taoist inner energy, focusing his mind and carefully observing the woman at the bow of the boat who called herself "Yu Lan'er," and the old fisherman standing silently behind her like a wooden or clay sculpture.

"This……"

In an instant, the playful and teasing feeling in my heart was replaced by astonishment after realizing the truth!

A grand and solemn aura of Buddhist teachings seemed to linger around the two of them, almost imperceptibly.

Especially within the "Fisherwoman," there was boundless compassion, with golden light flowing around her, as magnificent as the vast ocean, a grandeur that no ordinary woman could possess!

Looking at the ordinary old man again, his demeanor was as calm and steady as a mountain, deep and immovable.

Although he was dressed in coarse linen clothes, simple and unadorned, there was a profound and harmonious Zen spirit flowing through his every move, subtly in harmony with heaven and earth. His cultivation was profound and he was not someone that ordinary people could reach.

"Over the years, I have heard that Jin Chanzi, a disciple of the Buddha, and Guanyin Bodhisattva of the South Sea have been spreading Buddhism in Jambudvipa."

"That fisherman had an extraordinary bearing; he was actually a Buddhist monk... Jin Chanzi?"

Lü Dongbin thought to himself, then fixed his gaze on the woman again:

"And that fisherwoman exuded a compassionate and boundless aura, could she be... the Bodhisattva from the South China Sea!"

"Hahaha……"

Thinking of this, Lü Dongbin couldn't help but chuckle, a hint of mockery appearing on his lips. He thought to himself:

"Hahaha! So that's how it is! It's such an interesting story!"

"I wondered which sage was playing in the mortal world, creating this scene of 'using an embroidered ball to find a husband and selling oneself to build a bridge'."

"It turns out to be a wonderful show put on by the compassionate Guanyin Bodhisattva of the South China Sea and Jin Chanzi, a disciple of the Buddha!"

"Interesting, interesting."

……

Both are great beings in the Three Realms, but Taoism and Buddhism follow different paths and each has its own way.

In folk mythology, Guanyin Bodhisattva is often mentioned alongside Lü Dongbin, and there is a saying that "Buddhism has Guanyin, and Taoism has Lü Dongbin."

Pu Songling, the author of *Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio*, also commented on this:

"Therefore, in Buddhism and Taoism, there is only Guanyin (Avalokitesvara), and in Taoism, there is only Chunyangzi (Lü Dongbin)... These three saints have great vows and desire to universally save the three thousand worlds and eliminate all suffering. Therefore, auspicious clouds and precious horses often mingle in the human world and are closest to people."

……

At this moment.

Lu Dongbin glanced at the shore and saw a diverse array of beings, displaying all manner of behavior, with greed, anger, ignorance, and delusion on full display.

Merchants, their eyes gleaming like hungry wolves spotting their prey, secretly calculated the true value of this beautiful woman and how to maximize their profit.
The brute, his face trembling with menacing fat, longed only to win the heart of the beautiful woman, to have her in his arms and enjoy all the pleasures of life.
The scholar was dazed and confused, as if his soul had been stolen by the woman, leaving only an empty shell.

……

Countless greedy eyes, like the red pupils of a ravenous beast, blatantly licked at the delicate figure at the bow of the ship, wishing they could tear the woman apart and devour her on the spot to satisfy their desires.

One by one, fragments of silver and copper coins, each carrying greed, delusion, and endless possessiveness, were hurled at the bow of the boat like a storm, as if to drown the woman in them.

Let's look at the bow again.

The Guanyin Bodhisattva who transformed into "Yu Lan'er" appeared to be looking down at her nose and contemplating her heart, displaying a compassionate and peaceful demeanor, as if nothing in the world could disturb her mind.

In reality, it secretly employs the supreme Buddhist teachings, causing all thrown objects to be quietly deflected or fall to the ground due to exhaustion before they even reach the body, without being tainted by the slightest bit of worldly filth.

The "Golden Cicada" at the stern held his breath and meticulously guided the donations into the cabin, his movements skillful and methodical.

"Hey, that's interesting!"

Seeing this, Lü Dongbin chuckled inwardly, a slight smile playing on his lips.
"A clever trick, a clever scheme."

"Hehehe, what a convenient method for 'saving all sentient beings'!"

“You high and mighty Bodhisattvas, you not only use this trick of ‘descending to earth to find a husband’ to entice people to open their wallets, but you also maintain that your Dharma body is pure and you disdain to be tainted by even a trace of worldly dust.”

"If you are so 'clean and self-disciplined,' why bother with this hypocritical act?"

"The so-called charity... is nothing but a scheming game of manipulating people's hearts!"

Lü Dongbin sneered inwardly, his smile revealing deep disdain for the scene before him.

Although Taoism and Buddhism both promote the Great Way with good intentions, their philosophies differ and their origins are different. Ultimately, they are "different paths, different goals, and cannot work together."

In the words of the attendant under the Daoist master Zhen Yuanzi:
Confucius said, "Those who follow different paths cannot make plans together." We are from the Taiyi Xuanmen sect, how could we possibly know that monk!

It should be noted that Lü Dongbin usually had to write poems and paint to earn money for drinking.

For example, Lü Dongbin used orange peels to draw cranes on the walls of restaurants, so that the cranes could jump for the guests and enhance their drinking experience, thereby earning money for drinks.

At this moment, Lü Dongbin saw that these two great Buddhist masters had transformed into human form here. Although it was for the good deed of raising funds to build a bridge, it was really unbecoming of them to use such a method of "selling oneself to find a husband" to deceive the world for gold and silver treasures.

After all, people work hard to earn money.

No one’s money comes from strong winds.

They wanted money but wouldn't actually arrange a marriage, and they used supernatural powers to prevent the money from reaching anyone.

This is a situation where one is "both in charge and out in effect".

To use other people's money to preserve one's own merits.

To a free spirit like Lü Dongbin who was unconventional and unrestrained by formalities, it inevitably had a hint of "mystifying" and "playing tricks on ordinary people," which made him quite disdainful and even a little mischievous.

Lü Dongbin glanced at the golden cicada and Guanyin Bodhisattva again, his mind racing with thoughts:
"If this road is blocked, then you'll trick people into opening the door to wealth?"

"In the name of building bridges to accumulate merit, this 'throwing the embroidered ball' game is actually a way to fool people's hearts and make these ignorant mortals pay money."

"What's the difference between this and deceiving the world?"

"Even if the money was indeed used to repair the bridge, the method... was hardly honorable."

His inherent free-spiritedness, unruliness, and a touch of "mischievousness" immediately surged up:
"What a wonderful idea to use an embroidered ball to find a husband!"

As the saying goes, "It is impolite not to reciprocate."

"Take what they have done to you."

"Since you are here to make fun of others, you should also be prepared to be made fun of by others."

"In that case, this humble Taoist priest will also come to 'form a good connection' with you and add some 'liveliness'!"

"Let's see how you handle this."

Lü Dongbin had always been somewhat dismissive of the Buddhist methods of saving the world, and seeing this scene only intensified his unruly and mischievous nature.

The decision has been made.

A sly glint flashed in Lü Zu's eyes.

Without making a sound, he flicked his finger, and a wisp of pure, unparalleled, and supremely yang immortal energy, like an invisible thread, silently attached itself to the palm of a down-on-his-luck young scholar who had squeezed to the shore and pulled out only one copper coin.

The young scholar was dressed in rags and looked haggard, but his eyes revealed a persistent and eager spirit.

"Go!"

The poor scholar exerted all his strength, and the copper coin flew out of his hand.

Jin Chanzi was silently channeling his Buddhist powers, steadily placing the copper coins one by one onto the boat.

However, just as the coin was about to fall, it seemed to be precisely lifted by a gentle breeze, its trajectory slightly bent!
The copper coin, which had been "cared for" by Lü Zu's pure Yang sword energy, seemed to be instantly endowed with spirituality, its trajectory suddenly changing in an extremely subtle way that was difficult to discern with the naked eye.

It seemed to have eyes, and it penetrated the protective Buddhist power without any hindrance.

There was a crisp sound of "pop".

That ordinary copper coin landed squarely on Yu Lan'er's smooth, delicate ankle, which was encased in her silk stockings!
The icy touch was clearly felt through my skin!
Yu Lan'er's originally calm face flashed with a hint of surprise. She frowned slightly, and her eyes revealed a trace of annoyance.

Time seemed to freeze at this moment.

The surrounding crowd was stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter and noise.

……

"It worked! It really worked!"

"Can you win the heart of a beauty with just one copper coin?"

"Heavens above! Who is it?! Which ancestral grave is emitting auspicious smoke, bringing such incredible good fortune?"

"Hit! It really hit the fisherwoman's foot!"

"Heavens above! It's fate! This is truly the will of Heaven!" "He really succeeded! The embroidered ball marriage proposal was a promise! The young lady is his!"

"Oh dear, what a pity for such a beautiful flower, it was hit by that poor wretch!"

"What a waste of a beautiful flower stuck in cow dung! What a pity!"

"Heh heh, the young lady has ended up with this poor, penniless scholar? What a pity..."

ashore.

Thousands of eyes instantly focused on the dumbfounded, bewildered poor scholar, like sharp arrows.

Ecstasy, jealousy, resentment, contempt, schadenfreude... countless emotions surged like boiling water, exploding in the crowd.

Almost at the same time.

The pupils of Jin Chanzi, dressed as an old fisherman, suddenly contracted!
His calm, ancient face instantly darkened, and a flash of Buddhist light appeared in his eyes. Almost instantly, he discerned the wisp of pure Yang energy causing the disturbance.

Jin Chanzi's sharp, lightning-like gaze instantly pierced through the crowd, locking onto the green-robed Taoist with his arms crossed and a "the more the merrier" expression on his face.

It was none other than Lü Dongbin, the meddlesome and trouble-making sword immortal of Chunyang!

The Buddha has a compassionate heart, but also a fierce and wrathful one.

Jin Chanzi understood the situation perfectly, silently chanting Buddhist mantras, his anger barely contained.
"Amitabha! Chunyangzi! Truly excellent methods!"

"What a hostile visitor!"

……

On the bow of the ship.

Yu Lan'er's delicate body trembled almost imperceptibly.

For the first time, a clear crack appeared in the carefully maintained calm and compassionate demeanor of Guanyin Bodhisattva.

She slowly lowered her head, her bright, clear eyes falling on the ordinary copper coin, covered in dust and sweat, clinging to her plain white silk stockings.

Then I looked up at the bustling shore.

Those countless gazes, some astonished, some fanatical, a sense of absurdity at being desecrated by mortals and an anger at being mocked, surged up to my mind like a torrent!

Even with her boundless magical powers, she could not suppress the embarrassment that belonged to "the mortal Yu Lan'er" at this moment!

A fleeting look of astonishment and slight anger clearly appeared on her stunningly beautiful face.

This sudden turn of events was completely beyond her expectations!
The absurdity of being struck by the filth of mortals, and the anger of being secretly plotted against, instantly washed away the Bodhisattva's peace like a surging tide.

A fleeting look of shock and shame flashed across her carefully maintained facade of humanity.

at the same time.

A vast, pure, and irrepressible Buddhist light emanated from her body uncontrollably.

Deep within her eyes, a complex and unspeakable bitter smile and helplessness slowly spread across Guanyin Bodhisattva's face.

Bodhisattvas have no inherent form, yet a thousand people manifest a thousand forms.

But this mortal body is flawed.

This act can't go on any longer.

A faint light flashed.

"Buzz—Ang—"

A deep and solemn Buddhist chant suddenly arose from the void and resounded along the riverbank.

In an instant.

At the bow of the boat, the beautiful fishmonger "Yu Lan'er," carrying a fish basket, suddenly vanished amidst the horrified gazes of countless mortals.

The figure of the old man rowing the boat also vanished suddenly, like a dream bubble.

A myriad of rays of light shone forth, and a thousand strands of auspicious mist lingered!
A gentle yet supremely compassionate and majestic pure Buddhist light soared into the sky, illuminating half of the sky.

The river breeze froze, and the raging waves subsided!

The turbid river water that was just surging and rushing was smoothed out as if by an invisible giant hand, and instantly turned into a smooth mirror!
Auspicious clouds descend from the sky, and golden lotuses emerge from the water!
Golden lotuses bloomed one after another in the void, their rich fragrance overwhelming the turbid atmosphere of the mortal world!

The figure of the fisherwoman in simple clothes and a hairpin at the bow of the boat had vanished without a trace.

Instead, a female bodhisattva took her place.

Her eyebrows were lightly drawn like a crescent moon, her jade-like face radiated spring and compassion; she stood on a lotus platform with ten thousand petals, and wore a flawless white robe adorned with jewels, her appearance was naturally perfect, and she wore a jeweled crown; one hand held a jade vase with dew dripping from a willow branch inside, and the other hand formed the abhaya mudra, her whole body was enveloped in a gentle yet majestic Buddhist light.

It was none other than the compassionate and merciful Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, whose dignified appearance and true form were revealed!
Its side.

Jin Chanzi also revealed his true form, his brocade cassock gleaming with precious light, and his nine-ringed staff radiating Buddhist power. He was indeed the holy monk Jin Chanzi of Mount Ling.

The holy light of Buddha shone upon the earth, instantly washing away the noise and evil thoughts on the shore.

Guanyin Bodhisattva is infinitely compassionate, and her boundless light permeates the heavens and earth.

But beneath those slightly lowered eyelids, a barely perceptible hint of resentment lingered, as if someone had disrupted his plans to help the world.

these years.

The legends of Jin Chanzi, Guanyin Bodhisattva, Huangmei Boy, and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva spreading Buddhism in Jambudvipa have spread throughout the continent.

At the ferry crossing, all was silent! All the noise, arguments, and exclamations froze in an instant, as if time had stopped.

Immediately following was a thunderous roar of exclamations and prostrations that seemed to shake the heavens:
"Bodhisattva! It is Guanyin Bodhisattva manifesting!"

"A living bodhisattva! A bodhisattva who saves people from suffering!"

"May Buddha have mercy! I bow in reverence to the Greatly Compassionate Guanyin Bodhisattva!"

……

Countless lives prostrated themselves on the ground, their cries of worship forming a surging torrent.

The image of Guanyin Bodhisattva sits serenely on a lotus throne, her gaze as deep and clear as the sea, containing immeasurable universe.

The Bodhisattva has a dignified appearance and profound eyes.

She did not lower her gaze to the mortal who had thrown "herself" into the water, but instead, with ethereal, Zen-like voice, gently proclaimed:

"Amitabha."

"All phenomena are empty in nature, like dreams, illusions, bubbles, and shadows. All forms are illusory."

Her clear, melodious voice cut through the noise, carrying a comforting power:
"Bridges are boats, used to cross the world's hardships."

"The so-called 'bridge-building marriage' is neither about love nor desire, but merely using the superficial appearance of the mortal world to carry out expedient means and accumulate wealth to accomplish good deeds."

Having said that, she turned to look at the dazed, impoverished scholar and said gently:
"The arising and ceasing of things are all predetermined."

"Indeed, giving alms plants good seeds and reaps good fruit."

"You have formed this connection with the 'Sudhana' with a single pure silver coin, which is a result of your wisdom from past lives."

"You have a karmic connection with my Buddhist community. Would you be willing to come with me to Mount Putuo in the South China Sea, to be accompanied by ancient Buddha statues and the flickering lamp, to hold a broom and admire lotus flowers, to cultivate yourself, to become a Dharma protector and a benevolent being, to cleanse your mind of worldly dust, and to attain enlightenment?"

Guanyin Bodhisattva is a "Dharma Master Control Style" character, not a "Physical Warrior Style" character, and her melee combat ability is actually average.

When Guanyin Bodhisattva fights with people, she usually uses magical weapons to strike them, or employs transformation techniques and control methods.

She originally intended to find a powerful demon, convert him to a "good fortune boy," and also have him act as a protector.

However, since this matter has already occurred, the connection with this "good fortune" has been established, so there is no choice but to accept this person.

People all say that immortals are good.

Becoming an immortal or a Buddha, achieving immortality, is something that people dream of.

Upon hearing this, the scholar was overjoyed. He disregarded everything else, knowing only that it was a divine blessing, granting him entry into the immortal realm and the chance to attain immortality. He cried out:

"Yes! This disciple is willing! This disciple is willing!"

"Thank you, Bodhisattva, for your grace! Thank you, Bodhisattva, for your grace! Your disciple is willing to go! Your disciple is willing to go to the Purple Bamboo Grove! I will go through fire and water, even at the cost of my life!"

Guanyin Bodhisattva nodded slightly, lightly tapped the silver coins in the cabin with her jade finger, and instructed the scholar:
"The funds raised here are sufficient to cover the cost of repairing the bridge."

"Since you have received this karmic connection, use this virtuous wealth to wholeheartedly oversee the construction of this bridge, so as to greatly benefit the people on both sides of the river."

"When the stone bridge connects the two banks and relieves the people from their suffering, that will be the time when your merits are fulfilled."

"You should bid farewell to the mundane world and travel step by step from Quanzhou to my sacred site on Mount Puloga in the South China Sea."

"You have traveled thousands of miles to relieve your worldly troubles, which also proves your sincere devotion to Buddha."

The scholar dared not disobey and readily agreed.

"Your disciple will obey the Bodhisattva's decree! I will do my utmost to oversee the construction of the stone bridge and relieve the suffering of the people in crossing the river!"

"I will not fail the great kindness of the Bodhisattva's guidance!"

"Then he would take three steps and prostrate once, unwavering in his resolve, making a pilgrimage across thousands of miles, determined to reach Putuo Mountain in the South China Sea and pay homage to the Bodhisattva!"

(End of this chapter)