I just became the Pirate King, and you're telling me I also time-traveled at the same time.

Chapter 973 Basic Cultivation Methods

"Give me a break!" Sun Wukong sneered. "With your meager skills, you'd be lucky if you didn't drag us down, let alone protect our master. If a monster really comes, you'll be the first one to run away faster than anyone else."

"I wouldn't!" Pigsy retorted anxiously, his neck stiff. "Last time the Yellow Robe Monster came, I, Old Pig, rushed in too, okay? Although I didn't win, I did my best!"

Chu Yang walked at the back of the group, his hands behind his back, his pace unhurried, his gaze casually sweeping over the surrounding scenery. The black dagger at his waist swayed gently with each step, the scratch on its scabbard appearing and disappearing in the dappled light. Hearing the two arguing, a slight smile played on his lips as he spoke softly, "Alright, Monkey King, Pigsy, stop arguing. We should be nearing populated areas soon. Hang in there a little longer, and when we get there, we'll find a place to rest and get some food."

Tang Sanzang opened his eyes and said gently, "Wukong, Bajie, don't argue. The path of cultivation is inherently arduous; mutual understanding is essential. Chu Yang is right; let's go a little further and see if there's a place to rest."

Upon hearing this, Pigsy immediately dropped his argumentative expression and nodded hurriedly, "Master and Brother Chu Yang really care about me! I'll listen to you and hold on a little longer."

The group continued onward. The mountain mist gradually dissipated, and the sunlight grew stronger, filtering through the branches and leaves, warming them. After walking for about another hour, the forest ahead suddenly thinned out, and a building with blue bricks and gray tiles could be vaguely seen in the distance, nestled among the green trees. Its upturned eaves and antique charm exuded a serene and ancient atmosphere.

Sun Wukong's eyes lit up. He stopped and pointed ahead, saying, "Master, look! There's a Taoist temple up ahead!"

Following his pointing finger, everyone looked and indeed saw a Taoist temple standing in the mountain hollow ahead. The temple gate was made of blue bricks, and a couplet was carved on the door frame: the first line read, "The Tao gives birth to one, one gives birth to two, two gives birth to three," and the second line read, "Man follows the Earth, the Earth follows Heaven, and Heaven follows the Tao." The horizontal inscription read "Qingxu Temple," the characters vigorous and powerful, exuding a Taoist ethereal spirit. On either side of the gate stood a stone lion, exquisitely carved and lifelike, its eyes wide open, as if guarding the temple.

Tang Sanzang reined in the white dragon horse, his gaze falling on the Taoist temple, a look of satisfaction on his face: "Amitabha, there is a Taoist temple here, there must be Taoist priests practicing inside. We can go in and ask for lodging for the night, and also ask for some vegetarian food so that Pigsy can have a good meal."

Upon hearing this, Pigsy immediately perked up, his eyes lighting up: "A Taoist temple! That's wonderful! I've never stayed in a Taoist temple before. It'll be perfect to try their vegetarian meals; they might even be better than the ones at the inn!"

Sun Wukong frowned, scratched his head, and said, "Master, I've heard that although Taoism and Buddhism both involve cultivation, they are ultimately different. Will the Taoist priests in this temple not welcome us monks?"

Chu Yang smiled and said, "Brother Monkey, don't worry. Taoism emphasizes tranquility and non-action, and compassion. We are just asking for lodging and alms, and we have no ill intentions. The Taoist priests should not refuse us. Besides, this Taoist temple looks quiet and ancient to me, and it doesn't seem like a place for petty people to cultivate."

Tang Sanzang nodded in agreement: "Chu Yang is right. Monks should value harmony above all else. Although Taoism and Buddhism have different paths of cultivation, they ultimately lead to the same goal: self-cultivation and the salvation of all sentient beings. If we visit them and treat them with sincerity, I'm sure the Taoist priests will accept us."

"Since Master and Brother Chu Yang both say so, then I, Old Sun, am relieved!" Sun Wukong grinned, shouldered his golden cudgel, and took the lead towards the Taoist temple. "I, Old Sun, will go scout ahead and see if there are any monsters inside!"

"Brother Monkey, wait for me!" Pigsy hurriedly followed. "I'm going too, maybe I can find the vegetarian meal first!"

Chu Yang and Tang Sanzang followed closely behind, the white dragon horse held in their hands, walking step by step towards the Taoist temple. The closer they got to the temple, the more serene the surroundings became. Rows of emerald bamboo lined the roadside, swaying in the wind and making a rustling sound, as if welcoming their arrival. The open space in front of the temple was paved with clean bluestone slabs, without a single weed. Two stone benches were placed beside them, and on the benches was a bamboo basket containing some fresh herbs, emitting a faint medicinal fragrance.

Sun Wukong walked to the mountain gate and gently knocked. The sound echoed through the quiet mountains. "Is anyone inside? I am Sun Wukong, the Great Sage Equal to Heaven. I am passing through this place with my master and junior brothers. We would like to ask for lodging for the night and some vegetarian food. Please open the door, Daoist!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the mountain gate creaked open, and a young Taoist boy dressed in a blue robe stepped out. The boy, about ten years old, had his hair in a bun, a handsome face, and clear eyes. He carried a broom. Upon seeing Sun Wukong and the others, he was initially taken aback, then showed a respectful expression, cupping his hands in a salute: "Greetings, masters; greetings, Great Sage. My master has been waiting for you for a long time. Please follow me in."

Sun Wukong was taken aback, then raised an eyebrow and said, "Oh? Your master has been waiting for a long time? How did he know we were coming?"

The young Taoist priest smiled slightly and said, "My master has cultivated for many years and can predict good and bad fortune. Knowing that you would be passing through this place today, he specifically instructed me to wait here. Please follow me."

Tang Sanzang clasped his hands together and bowed slightly: "Thank you for your trouble, young Taoist."

The young Taoist priest led the group into the Taoist temple. Passing through the mountain gate, they came to a spacious courtyard. In the center of the courtyard was a circular pond paved with bluestone slabs. Lotus flowers bloomed in the pond; although their blooming season was over, the leaves remained lush and green, standing gracefully. A few fallen leaves floated on the water, swaying gently in the breeze. Beside the pond stood several ancient cypress trees, their branches and leaves so dense they provided ample shade. Stone tables and benches were placed beneath the trees for people to rest. On either side of the courtyard were side rooms, their doors and windows made of wood, intricately carved with patterns, exuding a rustic charm.

"Masters, Great Sage, please wait here for a moment while I go and inform my master," the young Taoist said, bowing, before turning and walking toward the main hall deep within the courtyard.

The group sat down on the stone benches. Pigsy looked around and couldn't help but say, "This Taoist temple is so peaceful and quiet, much better than the inn we stayed at before, and it's so clean too. If I, Old Pig, could stay here for a few days, I could finally get some peace and quiet."

Sun Wukong scoffed, "You fool, all you know is how to crave comfort. We're on our way to the Western Paradise to retrieve the scriptures, not here to enjoy ourselves. Once we've got the scriptures, you can have as much peace and quiet as you want."

"I know, I know!" Pigsy quickly replied. "I was just saying. The journey to the West is the most important thing, and I, Old Pig, won't let it interfere with the important matters."

Chu Yang leaned against the stone table, his gaze fixed on the main hall deep within the courtyard. The hall's doors were vermilion, with a plaque above them bearing the three characters "Sanqing Hall," the calligraphy neat and exuding an air of solemnity. On either side of the hall's entrance stood a dragon-carved pillar, exquisitely detailed, the dragons' bodies winding and lifelike. He murmured, "The Taoist priest of this temple seems to have considerable cultivation; his ability to foresee our arrival suggests he is no ordinary Taoist."

Tang Sanzang nodded: "Yes, with such cultivation, he must be a highly accomplished Taoist master. When we meet the Taoist master later, we must be respectful and courteous, and not be negligent."

Just then, the young Taoist boy led out a Taoist priest. The priest wore a white robe, had a lean face, and his hair and beard were both white and neatly combed. His eyes were deep and penetrating, exuding an otherworldly air. He walked with light, almost ethereal steps, making no sound. He approached the group, bowed respectfully, and said in a gentle yet powerful voice, "I am Qingxuzi, the abbot of Qingxu Temple. Welcome, masters and great saints, to my humble abode."

Tang Sanzang quickly stood up, put his hands together, and respectfully returned the greeting: "This humble monk Xuanzang, along with his disciples Sun Wukong, Zhu Bajie, and Chu Yang, is on a journey to the west to obtain the scriptures. We are passing through this blessed land and have taken the liberty of disturbing you, Daoist Master. Please forgive us."

Sun Wukong also dropped his playful expression, cupped his hands and said, "I, Sun Wukong, greet Master Qingxu. Thank you for taking us in."

Pigsy and Chu Yang also stood up and bowed, saying in unison, "Greetings, Daoist Master."

Qingxuzi smiled slightly and waved his hand: "There's no need for such formalities, everyone. Master Tang Sanzang is on a mission to the west to save all sentient beings, which is a meritorious deed. It is also a kind of fate that I can receive you all here. You must be tired from your journey, please have a seat. I have already instructed my young disciple to prepare vegetarian food and tea."

Everyone sat down, and the young Taoist boy quickly brought over tea and vegetarian food. The tea was served in a celadon bowl; the broth was clear and emitted a faint aroma. One sip was refreshing and instantly dispelled the fatigue of the journey. The vegetarian food consisted of several dishes of vegetables, including stir-fried greens, cucumber salad, and stir-fried tofu, along with several bowls of white rice. Although simple, it was prepared with great care and had an enticing fragrance.

Pigsy was starving. He picked up his chopsticks and began to eat heartily, muttering, "Delicious! Delicious! Daoist Master, this vegetarian meal is so delicious! It's better than any vegetarian meal I've ever had!"

Looking at Zhu Bajie's simple and honest appearance, Qingxuzi couldn't help but laugh: "I'm glad you like it, benefactor. My humble abode is simple and has nothing fancy to offer you. We can only serve you these simple meals, so please don't find them offensive."

While eating his vegetarian meal, Tang Sanzang said gently, "You're too kind, Daoist Master. This meal is already very good. Thank you for your trouble. My disciples and I have been on our journey westward thanks to the help of all the kind people here, which has enabled us to reach this point."

After finishing the vegetarian meal, the young Taoist boy cleared away the dishes and chopsticks. Qingxuzi picked up his tea, took a sip, and slowly spoke: "Master Tang Sanzang, the journey to the West is fraught with peril, filled with demons and monsters. You have all had a long and arduous journey. Besides seeking lodging, do you have any other business here today?"

Sun Wukong put down his teacup, scratched his head, and said, "Master Daoist, I actually have something I'd like to ask you. Back in the day, I wreaked havoc in the Heavenly Palace and was imprisoned under the Five Elements Mountain by the Buddha for five hundred years. Later, I became a disciple of a master and embarked on a journey to the West to retrieve the scriptures. I practice Buddhism, but I've always been curious about the Daoist methods of cultivation. I'd like to ask you for some guidance, Master Daoist."

Chu Yang also spoke up at the opportune moment, cupping his hands and saying, "Daoist Master, I also have the same intention. I have only been cultivating for a short time and my cultivation level is low. There are still many things I don't understand about the way of cultivation. Daoist cultivation emphasizes tranquility and non-action, cultivating oneself and nourishing one's nature, which I greatly admire. I would like to ask the Daoist Master for some methods of cultivation. I hope the Daoist Master will not hesitate to enlighten me."

Upon hearing this, Qingxuzi smiled slightly and nodded: "You two are too kind. Although Buddhism and Taoism have different paths of cultivation, they ultimately lead to the same goal: to pursue the Great Tao and cultivate oneself. Since you two have this intention, I am naturally willing to offer some guidance. However, my cultivation is shallow, and what I can teach you are only some basic cultivation methods. I hope you two will not find it offensive."

Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong immediately perked up, his eyes lighting up: "Master, you are too modest! I would be eternally grateful if you would be willing to guide me! Whether it's the basics or the advanced, I'm willing to learn!"

Chu Yang also respectfully said, "Thank you, Daoist Master. This junior only asks to learn some basic cultivation methods to improve my cultivation, so that I can better protect my master and help him successfully obtain the true scriptures."

Tang Sanzang looked at the two with a gratified expression and said, "Wukong, Chuyang, since the Daoist is willing to guide you, you must humbly learn from him and not be negligent."

"Master, rest assured! I, Old Sun, will humbly seek your guidance!" Sun Wukong nodded hurriedly, his eyes full of anticipation.

"This disciple will remember Master's teachings," Chu Yang said respectfully.

Qingxuzi smiled slightly and said, "Master Tang, rest assured, I will do my best to guide you two. However, cultivation requires sincerity and cannot be rushed. Please come with me to the alchemy room in the backyard. It is quiet there and suitable for exchanging ideas on cultivation. Master Tang, you must be tired from your journey. Please rest for a while in the courtyard. My young disciple will serve you."

Tang Sanzang nodded: "Thank you for your trouble, Daoist Master. Wukong, Chuyang, you two go with the Daoist Master, don't worry about me."

"Master, let's go then." Sun Wukong and Chu Yang said in unison, got up and followed Qingxuzi toward the alchemy room deep in the courtyard.

The alchemy room was located at the deepest part of the courtyard, a separate wing room with a tightly closed door. A plaque reading "Alchemy Room" hung above the entrance, and rows of herbs grew around it, emitting a rich medicinal fragrance. Qingxuzi pushed open the door and led the two inside. The alchemy room was spacious, with a huge bronze furnace in the center. The furnace was engraved with exquisite patterns, and some charcoal was burning at the bottom. Faint white smoke rose from the furnace mouth, emitting a unique medicinal aroma. Next to the furnace was a table with alchemy tools, herbs, and several books neatly arranged on it.

"Please, both of you, have a seat," Qingxuzi said, gesturing to the chairs beside the table. (End of Chapter)