Teaching disciples in Jade Flower Prefecture (IV)

Before Guanyin Bodhisattva rose, Ao Tu waited outside the Chaoyin Cave.

A relaxed and languid voice came from inside and said:

"Dragon Girl, quickly let him in, and don't say anything more to him."

Upon hearing this, the Dragon Girl immediately opened the Cave Gate for Ao Tu and invited Ao Tu inside.

Ao Tu walked in and entered a cave Chaoyin Cave. In front of it was Purple Bamboo Forest, and behind it was the bay of the East Sea. The tide rushed at the cliff mouth, with the force of a flying dragon, and there was the sound of waves. Water vapor gathered and formed the Sweet Dew Pool and Bright Light Spring in the cave. There was Heaven and Earth inside, and there was often a rainbow of light. The scenery was extraordinary.

Further inside, there are pavilions and temples furnished with Taoist temple.

Behind the long curtain, the figure of Guanyin Bodhisattva could be vaguely seen, sitting in front of a dressing table, arranging her hair.

Upon hearing of Ao Tu's arrival, Guanyin Bodhisattva said, "Disciple, please wait a moment."

Ao Tu laughed and said, "Since we're waiting anyway, why call me in? Why not let me wait outside? I could sit in the pavilion and avoid the trouble of standing."

Guanyin Bodhisattva said, "The Dragon Girl is naive. If I leave you outside, I'm afraid you'll abduct her."

Having said that, he rose, parted the curtains, and invited Ao Tu in.

Ao Tu looked over and saw that Guanyin Bodhisattva was wearing a small inner garment and a clean white gauze outer garment. Her black hair was not tied up, her makeup was not applied, and her bare feet were on the ground.

Ao Tu asked, "Why did you invite me in without even dressing up, Teacher?"

Guanyin Bodhisattva said, "I invited you in because you said you would find standing tiring."

As she spoke, she pulled Ao Tu to the dressing table, where there were chairs and stools, and behind them was a bed. She told Ao Tu to sit wherever he wanted, and then she sat down in front of the dressing table to fix her hair.

Ao Tu sat on the chair, not daring to overstep his bounds, looked around, and said, "Teacher, this Cave Heaven is filled with moisture and has a cool, shady nature."

Guanyin Bodhisattva said, "There is more water vapor when the tide rises each year."

Ao Tu said, "I made a Warm Jade belt to give to my Teacher."

Guanyin Bodhisattva said happily, "Let me see it."

Ao Tu said, "Don't rush, let's wait until the Teacher is dressed and ready."

Guanyin Bodhisattva said, "Very well."

Ao Tu watched Guanyin Bodhisattva neatly tied up her black hair, adorned herself with Jewel Garlands, and let a brocade velvet skirt drape around her waist without a belt. She then turned to Ao Tu and said, "Disciple, bring me the belt."

Ao Tu then stood up and stepped forward to present the belt.

Guanyin Bodhisattva took a look at it and liked it very much. She then handed it back to Ao Tu and said with a smile, "Disciple, put this on me."

Ao Tu then put the belt around Guanyin Bodhisattva's waist, and it fit perfectly without the slightest error.

Guanyin Bodhisattva said, "Is there something you need? If not, let's discuss the Dao together."

Ao Tu said, "These are minor matters, no rush."

Guanyin Bodhisattva was delighted to hear this, so she pulled Ao Tu to the Lotus Throne platform, where the two sat down together and mutually verified the Great Dao.

Guanyin Bodhisattva attained enlightenment long ago and is proficient in all kinds of Laws. Ao Tu also practices the Three Teachings simultaneously, and various paths coexist. The two discussed and debated with each other, gaining much insight.

As the two discussed the Dao, the various Great Dao within Ao Tu's body became increasingly perfect, evolving and transforming in turn, Primordial Chaos Chaos.

Guanyin Bodhisattva was interrupted by that Chaos energy. She exclaimed in surprise and stretched out her fair hand, placing it on Ao Tu's abdomen, moving it forward and backward, probing up and down.

Ao Tu quickly grabbed the hand and asked, "Teacher, what's wrong?"

Guanyin Bodhisattva said, "How come you didn't know that a Chaos Primordial Chaos had evolved within your body?"

Ao Tu said, "I know, it is derived from my own Dao Principles."

Guanyin Bodhisattva exclaimed in surprise, "No! No!"

Ao Tu said, "Why not?"

Guanyin Bodhisattva said, "If you wish to create a world, you must prioritize your own thoughts and combine them with the Three Thousand Great Daos. Only then can it be created. You rely entirely on your own efforts to create it; how can that be possible? Dao Principles incomplete, but even if it were complete, you would still die from exhaustion."

Ao Tu laughed and said, "What you mean by 'creating a world' is a minor path, Teacher. With the external convergence of the Three Thousand Dao Principles, Golden Immortal can be conceived, and Great Luo can be created. To be born within this world, to be attached to it, to be subordinate to it, or to exist within it—I will not do such a thing."

Guanyin Bodhisattva asked in surprise, "What do you intend to do?"

Ao Tu said, "I wish to emulate the Sage Taiqing, to transcend the name of Pangu, to create Heaven and Earth, and to invite the Six Sages to witness it together, as if strolling through the Rear Garden. I will hire the Ancestral Dragon to manage the water for me, employ the Phoenix to watch over the fire, summon the Twelve Ancestral Shamans to guard the land for me, and have the Demon Emperor establish the Thirty-Three Heavens. This is my the Path."

Guanyin Bodhisattva was deeply moved upon hearing this, her eyes gleaming with extraordinary joy, and she exclaimed, "Truly, this is an ambition to seize the heavens!"

Ao Tu smiled and said, "I would like to invite you Teacher, to join me on this excursion."

Guanyin Bodhisattva said, "After this calamity passes and Buddhist Sect flourishes, I Attainment of the Dao through my Merit and then go with you."

Ao Tu asked, "When can't the Teacher attain Attainment of the Dao?"

Guanyin Bodhisattva said, "There are different levels of Attainment of the Dao to have aspirations, but I am not allowed to have them?"

Ao Tu said, "Good! Good! I will wait for my Teacher." As he spoke, he tried to remove Guanyin Bodhisattva's hand from his lower abdomen.

Guanyin Bodhisattva said, "Don't rush, let me observe and comprehend it again."

Ao Tu said, "What's so interesting about this?"

Guanyin Bodhisattva said, "You say it's 'easy,' but for others it's incredibly difficult. The Dao Principles involved are vast and profound. Allow me to observe them carefully."

Upon hearing this, Ao Tu had no choice but to let her observe and comprehend it, but she was very uncomfortable and fidgeted.

Guanyin Bodhisattva grabbed Ao Tu's arm with her other hand and said, "Don't move around so erratically. What do you mean by hiding and dodging? Do you dislike me?"

Ao Tu said, "I don't mind the Teacher, but this is so uncomfortable and tiring."

Upon hearing this, Guanyin Bodhisattva changed her sitting posture from cross-legged to Bodhisattva posture, with one leg crossed and the other leg hanging down naturally, and pulled Ao Tu to lie on it.

Now all was gentle and comfortable, Ao Tu exclaimed with delight, "Teacher, you are merciful!"

Guanyin Bodhisattva said, "Do not move."

Ao Tu agreed. With nothing else to do, he picked up the Warm Jade jade he had just given to Guanyin Bodhisattva and played with it for a while. Feeling relaxed, he hugged her and fell asleep.

After some time, Ao Tu woke up and was already on his bed.

Before me was the silhouette of Guanyin Bodhisattva, sitting by the couch, her slender waist slightly bent, her posture graceful and harmonious, a magnificent Merit Golden Light emanating from her, flowing quietly.

Ao Tu pushed aside the Warm Quilt, sat up, and said, "How did I get here from the Lotus Throne?"

Guanyin Bodhisattva turned around and smiled, "Didn't you say it was cold in the cave and you were afraid you'd catch a cold, so I carried you here? Is it alright to sleep?"

Ao Tu laughed and said, "That's excellent."

Guanyin Bodhisattva smiled and said, "I know you've been working tirelessly outside, managing all these affairs without rest. But you must take care of yourself and not overwork yourself."

Ao Tu said, "Thank you, Teacher."

Guanyin Bodhisattva asked, "You mentioned some trivial matters earlier; what are they?"

Ao Tu said, "It's because Minghe led his followers to preach in the Western Ox Continent, and when they arrived in the Tianzhu Kingdom, they had many disputes with the Buddhist Sect. This is Dao Contention between the two sects, and also a calamity. Minghe advised me, 'Since ancient times, the will of Heavenly Dao has always prevailed, regardless of personal relationships.' I said that other things don't matter, but Teacher must show leniency here, so I came to say hello."

Guanyin Bodhisattva listened and understood the whole story, and said:

"Shakyamuni issued Buddha's decree long ago to move the teachings to the Eastern Lands. Wisdom Monks naturally obeyed the Buddha's decree, packed their belongings, and did not quarrel with other religions. As for the rest, they were blinded by greed and should not be shown any mercy."

Ao Tu laughed and said, "Teacher's words are very wise."

After finishing his business, Ao Tu prepared to leave.

Guanyin Bodhisattva invited Ao Tu to stay, and the two then strolled hand in hand through the scenic Purple Bamboo Forest.

Ao Tu said, "Speaking of which, when I came here, I saw that the Incense Offerings Fortune of China Buddhist Sect were at their peak, and Teacher Merit were as vast as the Bohai Sea. I wonder what is still lacking?"

Guanyin Bodhisattva said, "You lack neither Incense Offerings Fortune Merit; you only lack the great momentum of Heaven and Earth. By following this momentum, you can Attainment of the Dao."

Ao Tu asked, "Even the grand scheme of Heaven and Earth can be hindered?"

Guanyin Bodhisattva couldn't help but laugh and say, "Disciple! Disciple! Disciple!"

Ao Tu asked, "What are you laughing at, Teacher?"

Guanyin Bodhisattva said, "You are going against the tide, so naturally you cannot perceive it." After saying this, she pointed and said, "Look at this Bamboo Grove. It is battered by wind and frost, rain and sun, crashed by waves, eaten by insects and beasts. How can it disregard the great trend of Heaven and Earth?"

Ao Tu nodded.

Guanyin Bodhisattva then said, "You are unique and naturally supreme. Although I do not wish to be controlled by others and wish to Attainment of the Dao as Bodhisattva, I am still within the Buddhist Sect. The Tathagata Buddha, Maitreya Buddha, Buddha Randeng have not yet moved to the Eastern Lands. How can I presume to overstep my bounds?"

Upon hearing this, Ao Tu thought for a moment and said, "Why should these three foreign monks benefit from the good land of China? I'll go and persuade them to slow down their journey. Teacher, you are freely spreading the Dharma in China. Although you are Bodhisattva, your Faith is above All Buddhas. Is that alright?"

Upon hearing this, Guanyin Bodhisattva extended her jade finger and poked Ao Tu's forehead, smiling as she said, "My disciple, I know your love for me, but this matter cannot be accomplished."

Ao Tu said, "Why can't it work?"

Guanyin Bodhisattva said, "There are three difficulties in this matter. First, how could the three Buddha easily listen to your advice? Second, China is a prosperous land, with the Three Pure Ones above and Confucius and Mencius and Mencius below; how can everyone believe in me? Third, even if all the fortune of China were used, I am not a Primordial Divine Saints like you, and I cannot bear it."

Ao Tu listened and pondered, "The former is not difficult; I can reason with them and Tathagata the three Buddhas to slow down. As for the latter, can't you, Teacher, deliver a child?"

Guanyin Bodhisattva said, "In the land of China, there are many gods who grant children. Although I am knowledgeable in the Creation Technique Yin and Yang, I cannot be considered the most virtuous. I have been spreading my teachings for many years, but only the people of the Southern Sea have a strong faith in me."

Ao Tu listened, nodded, and after thinking for a long time, he came up with a solution. He took Guanyin Bodhisattva's palm and said, "Miaoshan, do you trust me?"

Guanyin Bodhisattva said solemnly, "Since we are Dao Companion, jointly pursuing the Great Dao, we naturally depend on each other for survival. How could you not believe us?"

Ao Tu said, "In that case, I have a method."

Guanyin Bodhisattva asked, "What Dharma?"

Ao Tu said, "If you believe in me, add my name to that Buddhahood. You will be Bodhisattva, and I will be a Great Master; you will be Miaoshan, and I will be Cihang. I will spread the Dharma for you, guiding all men and women of China to believe. The merits Merit from the Incense Offerings will be shared by you and me."

Guanyin Bodhisattva, however, was Yun Liwu and asked, "What is the meaning of adding a name to Buddhahood? What is a Great Bodhisattva? And what is Cihang?"

Ao Tu laughed and said, "This is a saying from later generations, which you are unaware of. Let me explain it to you in detail."

As he spoke, Ao Tu pulled Guanyin Bodhisattva in front of him and whispered in her ear how things were done.

Upon hearing this, Guanyin Bodhisattva exclaimed with delight, "Excellent! Excellent!"

Ao Tu said, "Then I'll go."

Guanyin Bodhisattva said, "Thank you, my disciple!"

Ao Tu said, "Teacher, there's no need for such politeness."

Ao Tu then returned to the Blood Sea, went to a palace outside, and rushed in, only to find Nezha fast asleep, hugging a pillow.

Because he was so young, he wasn't given a pillow; instead, he was held in my arms.

Ao Tu stepped forward, ripped off the blanket, and saw that he was only wearing a red bellyband, with his buttocks exposed.

Ao Tu couldn't help but laugh, "This saves us the trouble of changing clothes."

So he patted Nezha and said, "Get up! Get up!"

Nezha woke up groggily, saw Ao Tu, and asked, "What are you doing?"

Ao Tu laughed and said, "That's great! I'll take you to spread the word, show your divine appearance, and collect Incense Offerings!"

Nezha exclaimed happily, "Good Demon Dragon! It's amazing that you still remember me after such a good thing! I'll put on my armor and go with you!"

Ao Tu laughed and said, "No need to change into your armor."

Nezha said, "If you don't change into your battle armor, you must be a clerk. Then let me change into my Divine Robe."

Ao Tu said, "There's no need to change into your Divine Robe."

Nezha asked, "Without armor and Divine Robe, how can we go? What divine appearance can we display?"

Ao Tu laughed and said, "You'll know once you come with me!"

Nezha said, "Then let me change my clothes first, okay?"

Ao Tu said, "This outfit fits perfectly, why would I change it?"

As he spoke, he grabbed Nezha by the ankle, lifted him up, and dragged him off the bed.

Nezha was extremely embarrassed, covering his front and back as he cried out, "Demon Dragon, what are you doing? Put me down! There are people outside!"

Ao Tu laughed and said, "Why are you so thin-skinned?"

Nezha, his face flushed with anger, wrapped his legs around Ao Tu's arms, flipped over, and bit Ao Tu's shoulder.

Ao Tu said, "You little Nezha, why are you biting people?"

They had no choice but to put Nezha down, saying, "Alright! Alright! Here, you can go and transform now!"

Nezha crossed his arms, gave a soft snort, and said, "Demon Dragon, what are you going to do? What do you want to transform into?"

Ao Tu said, "Transform into a Immortal Child."

Nezha asked, "How big will you become?"

Ao Tu said, "Two or three years old is fine."

Upon hearing this, Nezha transformed into a two- or three-year-old fairy Immortal Child, chubby, plump, and adorably simple.

Ao Tu asked, "Is this what you looked like when you were a child?"

Nezha said, "Of course not?"

Ao Tu said, "Revert to your childhood self."

Nezha asked, "Why?"

Ao Tu said, "I want to see."

Left with no other choice, Nezha transformed into his appearance at age three.

She was beautifully made up, with fair skin, lovely eyebrows and eyes, and charming mannerisms.

Ao Tu said, "That's exactly right!"

Nezha said, "This is not good!"

Ao Tu asked, "What's wrong with it?"

Nezha asked, "Where have you ever seen a male Immortal Child who looks like this?"

Ao Tu laughed and said, "This is to teach you how to dress up as a female Immortal Child; there are other people to dress up as male Immortal Child!"

Upon hearing this, Nezha was both ashamed and angry. He quickly dispelled his transformation, jumped back onto the bed, wrapped himself in the quilt, and refused to leave no matter what.

Ao Tu stepped forward, grabbed his feet and pulled him out, but he crawled back in. Ao Tu grabbed his hands and pulled him out, but he crawled back in again. Ao Tu had to coax and coax him for a long time before finally persuading him to put on some makeup for half a day.

So Nezha reluctantly transformed into a little girl, wearing a red bellyband to cover himself up. Although it wouldn't be noticeable otherwise, he still refused to comply.

Ao Tu then went outside to find Red Boy and transformed him into his appearance at two or three years old. Sure enough, he was fair-skinned, cute, and adorable, like a little calf. Who wouldn't like him?

Ao Tu carried the two of them, riding the clouds and mist, and in a short while they arrived in the land of China. He transformed into the appearance of Guanyin Bodhisattva, with the same appearance as before, only the clothes were different. He held Nezha in his left hand and Red Boy in his right hand. He transformed into thousands of temples and appeared in the dreams of abbots, Monastery Supervisor, Monks, Pilgrims and devout men and women.