The Heaven-Reaching River

Su Qing and her companions did not linger long in Chechi Kingdom.

After staying for only a day, they left the capital and continued their journey toward the Western Heaven.

During that single day in the capital, Su Qing did not allow Chen Chaoyan to go outside, keeping her within the inn instead. After all, although the girl had changed into a Daoist nun’s robes, her mannerisms and behavior still carried a distinct Buddhist air.

She had been a nun for so many years that her habits and conduct could not be changed overnight. Thus, rather than forcing her to adapt in a short time, it was better to have her stay inside. It was safer that way, avoiding unnecessary trouble and preventing her from seeing matters she might feel compelled to interfere with.

As for Su Qing and the others, they busied themselves with the remaining tasks. Su Qing also took the time to visit the palace to see the three Great Immortals.

She found it difficult to judge those three. Compared to the other demons encountered on the journey to the West—those who left mountains of human bones in their wake—these three were certainly less malicious. Yet, calling them "good" would be a stretch as well. Because they were so hard to categorize, Su Qing chose not to have much contact with them. Once her business was concluded, she left quickly.

They set out again the following day.

Once they were clear of the capital and reached areas where the persecution of monks was less severe, Chen Chaoyan changed back into her simple Buddhist robes, no longer wearing Su Qing’s Daoist attire. However, she did not return the robes immediately, saying she would wash them first. Su Qing simply nodded and told her to keep them. An ordinary Daoist robe was of little value to Su Qing, and she didn't mind giving it away. Chen Chaoyan, however, clearly had no intention of keeping it as a gift and insisted on returning it clean. Su Qing didn't press the issue; they might need it again in the future anyway.

The group continued westward, intent on reaching the True Scriptures as quickly as possible. They traveled for a long time, moving from main roads to narrow paths, crossing mountains and ridges with great effort. Fortunately, though the journey was arduous, they encountered no powerful demons. The few they did meet were obscure, minor spirits who mostly surrendered the moment they saw the group. As for those who still sought trouble or posed a genuine threat, Su Qing could only apologize as she sent them to meet the Buddha ahead of schedule. While she disliked meddling, she never showed mercy when forced to act.

As they traveled, midsummer arrived without them noticing.

One day, as evening fell, Su Qing reined in her horse and looked into the distance, hoping to find a suitable place to stay. Even a cave would be more comfortable than sleeping under a tree; at least it would offer shelter from the wind and rain.

However, after walking a bit further, their path was blocked by a massive river.

Su Qing frowned as she looked at the vast expanse of water. Yudie picked up a stone and tossed it into the river to test its depth. The stone hit the water with a deep gloop, sending up bubbles before sinking rapidly. The river was clearly very deep. Looking toward the horizon, the water stretched out like an ocean, with no end in sight.

"Mother... the water is so deep. Should we build a bamboo raft to cross?" Yudie asked. "But the river is so wide. It would take forever on a raft, wouldn't it? Maybe we could find the River God to help us? You have a lot of prestige, Mother. If you asked, surely the River God would ferry us across?"

Su Qing chuckled and patted the girl's head. "Where would I get such prestige? I'm not acquainted with the River God here. Why would they go out of their way to help us?"

Yudie scratched her head and grinned. "But Mother, you really are quite famous!"

Su Qing sighed helplessly and pinched the girl’s cheek until she could no longer speak clearly. Jingyue nodded in agreement. "Indeed, Sister Su has always had a thick skin and a grand reputation."

"You too? You’re joining in to tease me!" Su Qing lunged at Jingyue, pinching her cheeks firmly. The little monkey’s face was surprisingly comfortable to squeeze. More importantly, she was thin-skinned; a little teasing always turned her bright red.

Yudie laughed at the scene. After chanting a Buddhist name, Chen Chaoyan asked, "By the way, Godmother, do you know the name of this river? It's so wide, it must be famous."

Su Qing nodded and pointed to a stone tablet nearby. "What it's called is written right there. See for yourself."

Chen Chaoyan followed Su Qing’s finger. She realized she had been so stunned by the river's breadth that she hadn't noticed the monument. With an embarrassed smile, she hurried over to read it.

Three large characters were carved into the stone: 'Heaven-Reaching River.'

Below them were smaller characters that read: 'Eight hundred miles across, few have crossed since time immemorial.'

Upon reading the text, Chen Chaoyan gasped. "Godmother... I don't think a bamboo raft will cut it. It's eight hundred miles wide!"

Su Qing nodded slightly. "Yes, an eight-hundred-mile river is certainly not easy to cross."

"Then what should we do?" Chen Chaoyan’s expression soured. "Should we pack extra food for the crossing?"

Su Qing smiled. "No rush. We’ll figure out how to cross tomorrow. For today, let's find a place to stay. As they say, there are always more solutions than problems. We’ll find a way."

As they were talking, Chen Chaoyan suddenly heard the sound of drums and cymbals in the distance. She paused and turned her head. "Godmother, there seem to be people over there! Should we go and ask for lodging for the night?"

Su Qing raised an eyebrow and looked at Chen Chaoyan thoughtfully. After a moment, she nodded. "Very well, let's go have a look."

Chen Chaoyan smiled and followed Su Qing toward the sound of the instruments. Before long, they spotted a small town. It wasn't large, consisting of perhaps four or five hundred families. Entering the town, they found a house at the edge of the road and knocked.

An old man soon emerged. He wore a string of prayer beads and was muttering 'Amitabha,' appearing to be a devout Buddhist. Seeing the women at his door, he asked, "Young ladies, what brings you to this old man's home so late?"

Chen Chaoyan chanted a prayer and said, "Old Benefactor, we wish to seek lodging for the night."

"I didn't expect one of you to be a nun. Truly a rare sight," the old man said, joining his palms. "If it's just lodging you seek, that is no problem. However, you've arrived a bit late. Had you come earlier, you could have joined us for a vegetarian meal, but the dishes have already been cleared."

Chen Chaoyan shook her head. "It is no matter. We only seek a place to sleep. We are grateful enough that you are willing to take us in."

The old man stepped aside to let them in. "Tell me, where do you come from? And where are you headed?"

Chen Chaoyan answered truthfully. The old man froze. "The Eastern Land of Great Tang? I have heard of that place, but it is at least fifty-four thousand miles from here! You ladies walked all that way by yourselves? Those in monastic orders must not speak falsehoods."

Chen Chaoyan smiled helplessly. "We are not deceiving you... Since we dare to travel west for the scriptures, we naturally have some strength to protect ourselves. If we encounter demons on the road, we are capable of subduing them."

The old man shook his head and said no more, though he clearly didn't believe her. "Fine, whether you truly come from the East matters little. But from here on, your journey will be difficult! This Heaven-Reaching River alone is nearly impossible to cross!"

Chen Chaoyan smiled. "Hard to cross is fine; as long as it's not impossible. There must be a way across an eight-hundred-mile river."

The old man simply shook his head. "But there is a demon in that river!"

"A demon?"

"You didn't know? Well, you've just arrived, so it's only natural. If you walk a bit further up the bank, you'll see the Temple of the Great King of Inspiration," the old man explained. "That is the great demon who lives in the Heaven-Reaching River. With him there, I fear you will never cross."

Chen Chaoyan frowned. "If he is a demon, why build a temple for him?"

The old man sighed. "He may be a demon, but the favorable weather for our town depends entirely on him. However... the price is steep."

"What price?" Chen Chaoyan asked.

"Every year, we must sacrifice a young boy and a young girl, along with pigs, oxen, and sweet sacrificial wine."

"For the sake of the weather, you would send your own children to feed a demon every year?" Chen Chaoyan’s brow furrowed deep.

"Heh, and if we don't? What then? If we refuse, would there be anyone left alive in this town?"

"..." Chen Chaoyan let out a long sigh. "I was being naive."

"I don't blame you. If you haven't lived through it, you cannot know the bitterness."

"Has no one thought of fleeing?"

"Flee to where? We are people born and raised here. If we leave, where else can we survive? To the other side of the river? Would the Great King of Inspiration allow us to cross? How many have died in the mouths of fish trying to cross that water?" The old man shook his head and sighed. "Alas, if there were any other way, who would willingly offer their children just to pray for peace?"

Chen Chaoyan could only sigh and chant 'Amitabha.'

They chatted as they walked and soon entered the living room. There, they saw several other monks who looked like refugees—covered in dust and wearing tattered robes. Chen Chaoyan felt another pang of sorrow at the sight.

"Please wait a moment. Though the meal is over, there are leftovers. I'll have someone heat them up for you," the old man said, leaning on his cane.

Chen Chaoyan thanked him and found a seat. Su Qing watched her, then looked at the lanterns outside. After a moment, she asked with a smile, "What is it? Do you want to do something?"

"Would you be willing to help me, Godmother?"

"Tell me what you want to do first."

Su Qing already knew, but she wanted to hear it from her. Chen Chaoyan went silent for a moment before sighing. "I want to rid the people of this evil in the Heaven-Reaching River..."

Su Qing smiled. It was exactly as she thought. "That Great King of Inspiration is likely quite powerful. Even if we combine our strength, we might not be his match. Even with Jingyue, it's hard to say."

"I see..." Chen Chaoyan sighed.

But then Su Qing added, "However, it's not impossible. I can go find someone to help! It will just take a little time."

"You really have a way, Godmother?"

Su Qing nodded. "While my prestige isn't as grand as you think, I do know a few friends. If I ask them to help, even if they don't kill the demon, they can certainly do something."

Su Qing had her own plans. The Great King of Inspiration could not be killed; he was a designated tribulation on the journey to the West, so he had to remain. However, that didn't mean she was powerless.

Chen Chaoyan was stunned for a moment before excitedly hugging Su Qing. "Thank you, Godmother!"

Su Qing laughed helplessly. "Don't thank me yet... I'll help where I can, but I can't guarantee everything will turn out perfectly."

"Mhm! As long as you act, everything will be fine," Chen Chaoyan said brightly.

She knew her godmother's power had limits, but the fact that she was willing to help was enough to make her happy. As for the outcome, they could only do their best and leave the rest to fate.

Soon, the vegetarian meal was served. After eating, the group went to the guest rooms to sleep. Su Qing, however, did not go to bed immediately. She sat in the courtyard, watching the bright moonlight.

After a moment of thought, she stood up slowly, preparing to make a trip to the South Sea to find Guanyin Bodhisattva. The Great King of Inspiration was Guanyin’s pet and a tribulation she had arranged... therefore, asking her to intervene was perfectly viable. Moreover, if Guanyin handled it, the harm caused by the demon could be minimized while still fulfilling the requirements of the journey.