I'm Dreaming of a Journey to the West

"Hello, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, you have suffered a lot! I have heard of your great name for a long time, and it is a great honor for me to meet you today! I am the visitor from another world you mentioned. My name is Li Chen." Li Chen bowed deeply and said sincerely and respectfully.

He was full of respect for Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. Without Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva's careful guidance and help along the way, he would probably have found it difficult to overcome the numerous difficulties, let alone successfully rescue the people of Jiuhua Mountain!

"Young friend Li Chen, please stand up quickly. There is no need to be so polite! If you had not been so brave and resolute this time, the many creatures in Jiuhua Mountain would have continued to suffer for a long time! I should be the one thanking you!" Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva responded with a smile and sincere words, and gave Li Chen high praise and affirmation.

Li Chen couldn't help but feel a little shy when he heard Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva's praise. However, at this moment, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva's gaze suddenly fell on Li Chen, and he asked with concern, "Little friend Li Chen, have you encountered a strong opponent? Why are you in such a mess?"

Li Chen's armor was tattered and nearly shattered, with numerous unhealed scars covering his body. The lingering burn marks on his armor were clearly visible, revealing a thrilling battle.

"Yes, when I was about to set out to rescue you, I unexpectedly encountered Tongtian Patriarch and the ferocious beast Qiongqi. So, Fairy Furong and I started fighting him and Qiongqi!"

Li Chen sighed heavily and recounted to Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva the entire battle with Tongtian Patriarch. That fierce battle was truly too dangerous. If Tongtian Patriarch was determined to kill Li Chen, even if he still had 80 Resurrection Pills in his backpack, he would probably not be able to withstand Tongtian Patriarch's fierce attack!

“What? You actually ran into Tongtian Patriarch!” Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva was astonished, thinking to himself: Tongtian Patriarch is the instigator of all these incidents! Back then, Tang Sanzang and his three disciples bravely entered the Biyou Palace, intending to defeat him in one fell swoop, but unexpectedly, they all died there in the end.

"The power of Master Tongtian is simply astonishing. Fairy Furong and I tried our best to inflict serious damage on him. However, in the blink of an eye, Master Tongtian cast a spell and easily restored the seriously injured beast Qiongqi to its original state in an instant!" Li Chen recalled the scene with lingering fear, his face full of awe.

Li Chen muttered to himself, his tone revealing endless helplessness and resentment. He sighed deeply, thinking to himself: His strength is far too weak. Compared to Tongtian Sect Master, the difference is simply worlds apart. Killing him would be as easy as beheading a defenseless child.

"Good, as long as you're alive!" Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva said softly, his eyes filled with love and compassion. Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva was deeply relieved that Li Chen had survived the hands of Tongtian Patriarch. After all, facing such a powerful demon, being able to keep one's life was a blessing.

Then, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva reached out and gently patted Li Chen's shoulder. Li Chen's damaged armor shone brightly, and then was repaired by Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva also gave Li Chen encouragement and support. He knew how difficult this battle was for Li Chen, but seeing Li Chen still standing there with strength, he couldn't help but feel a surge of pity in his heart.

Then, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva slowly pulled an ancient and mysterious book from his bosom. The book emanated a faint glow, as if imbued with boundless wisdom and power. Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva solemnly handed the book to Li Chen, explaining that it was bestowed upon him by the Buddha himself, specifically entrusted to a destined recipient.

Legend has it that this book blends the essences of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism into a supreme spiritual practice. Contained within it are the boundless mysteries of the universe. Successful cultivation grants an endless supply of magical power. However, mastering this spiritual practice to its fullest potential is no easy feat; it requires persistent effort and relentless practice day and night.

"This Heart Sutra is called 'Heaven and Earth Heart Sutra,' and it will greatly enhance your strength! Remember, only by practicing tirelessly day and night can you achieve great success!" Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva earnestly instructed. He hoped that Li Chen would understand the value of this Heart Sutra and diligently comprehend its true meaning.

"Yes, I will give it my all, diligently train, and live up to your high expectations!" Li Chen responded with a firm and resolute tone. At this moment, he seemed to suddenly remember something important, his expression becoming worried. He said anxiously, "However, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, please forgive me for being frank, but regarding the upcoming incident with Guanyin Bodhisattva on Mount Putuo, I truly do not know how to handle it. If I delay here for too long, I'm afraid it will affect Guanyin Bodhisattva's situation..."

"You don't have to worry too much. I know Guanyin Bodhisattva very well and I believe she will be able to persevere. You just need to concentrate on your practice and don't need to be distracted! As the saying goes, 'If you want to do your work well, you must first sharpen your tools.' Only when you have strong personal strength can you calmly deal with various challenges. Remember to work hard and practice diligently!" Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva comforted and warned Li Chen earnestly and earnestly.

After hearing this, Li Chen's concerns were slightly alleviated, but he still didn't dare to take it lightly. So, for the next three months, he devoted himself wholeheartedly to the practice of "Heaven and Earth Heart Method".

Since Li Chen began cultivating the Heaven and Earth Heart Method, his understanding of the power within him has deepened, and his ability to harness it has become increasingly adept. Furthermore, his physical fitness has significantly improved, surpassing previous levels. During this period, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva frequently bestowed upon him rare elixirs, significantly increasing his power. After nearly three months of dedicated practice, Li Chen's combat prowess has reached a new level.

Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva also generously opened the door to Jiuhua Mountain's treasure trove of books, allowing Li Chen free access to browse those treasured martial arts secrets, magic secrets, and animal taming techniques. This precious knowledge gave Li Chen even more power, and his combat power soared again!

Time flies. In the blink of an eye, three months have passed and the time to say goodbye has finally arrived.

"Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, thank you for your careful care over the past three months. I will never forget this kindness! I will repay you in the future! Now, I am about to set off for Putuo Mountain to rescue Guanyin Bodhisattva. Please wait patiently, I will definitely not fail my mission!" Li Chen said sincerely and with a firm look.

Then Li Chen said solemnly to Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva: "Please rest assured! Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, I will definitely follow your teachings and do my best to protect the lives and safety of myself and others!"

However, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva responded earnestly, "Li Chen, this isn't just a promise to me. It's also a responsibility to yourself and all living things in the world. No matter what difficulties, obstacles, temptations, or tests you encounter, you must always put your own safety first. Only by ensuring your own safety can you possess enough strength to save those in suffering! Remember, remember!"

With deep affection and reluctance, Li Chen slowly turned and left, bidding farewell to Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. With determined steps, he gradually walked further away, his figure disappearing into the Jiuhua Mountains. Then, he embarked on a new journey, his goal being Mount Putuo—a sacred and mysterious place known as one of the holy sites of Buddhism.

Li Chen was exhausted and traveled day and night on the journey, but his heart was always burning with the flaming faith and courage given by the instructions of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva.