Chapter 20: The Wager and the Spiritual Spring

In the world of Journey to the West, martial arts, Daoist magic, and divine powers are strictly distinguished. Yet the swordplay and footwork that Cao Kong had learned from the "Sword Scripture" were different; they took martial skill as their form, Daoist law as their root.

Thus, when Cao Kong first crossed swords with Ao You, he noticed nothing unusual, but once he unleashed his Daoist method, the subtlety of the art truly revealed itself. Drawing down starlight to merge with sword-light, the profound might of it even startled him. As he savored the mystery of that sword, a vivid image welled up in his mind—an exuberant scene of myriad beings contending to flourish. A phrase surfaced in his thoughts: "The East, wood, governs spring by the compass."

Cultivators possess all five elements, though each has different inclinations and attributes—some favoring yin or yang, some aligned with one of the five elements. Although Cao Kong was close to the wind, through cultivating the "Golden Light Incantation of Grand Unity," he had transformed all his demonic energy into innate Daoist qi, making him without fixed nature or affiliation, yet capable of unraveling all phenomena.

If he had just now imbued that sword with his own power, transforming it into the wood attribute by the way of yin and yang, it would have resonated even more profoundly with the constellation of the Eastern Seven Mansions—and its might would have grown greater still.

A heavy thud sounded as Bai Ze tossed his two iron hammers to the ground and saluted, saying, "No wonder, when the Patriarch returned to Leopard Head Mountain, he told us that a remarkable being had come. I was skeptical at first, but after witnessing that sword, I yield to you."

The other five lions also praised Cao Kong’s martial prowess and the subtlety of his Daoist arts, each eager to spar with him. Cao Kong found the six lions so hearty and open that his fondness for them grew. As for the sparring, he had no objections and wished to test his own theories.

Just then, the Yellow Lion, having heard the clamor, hurried over on a cloud. The seven lions reunited amid laughter. The Yellow Lion then introduced his brothers to Cao Kong and set aside talk of competition. He ordered that fine wine and dishes be brought out to treat his six brothers, invited Cao Kong to stay, and summoned the Money Leopard and Ao You as well.

At the banquet, the Yellow Lion, as lord of Leopard Head Mountain, sat at the head, with the others arranged in two lines. Lately, Cao Kong had bought many scriptures and books in Yuhua City, and the Yellow Lion had read his share, claiming to be a lover of learning.

Thus, before the feast began, the Yellow Lion cleared his throat to draw everyone's attention and said, "Ahem, my friends, I’ve read quite a few books lately—let me say a few words first."

He raised his cup with a smile. "Since I left Bamboo Segment Mountain, we've not seen each other for a long time. Now that we’re gathered again, truly a nest of snakes and rats—what a fine day! Let us drink deep and perish together!"

Was that really how the saying was used?

Cao Kong was dumbfounded; Ao You's face took on a strange look, her cheeks flushed as she fought back laughter. Yet the six lions noticed nothing amiss, all raising their cups and crying, "Come, let us perish together!"

Cao Kong joined in the toast, though he could not bring himself to utter that phrase. He considered pointing out the Yellow Lion’s misuse of words, but thought better of spoiling the mood. If the Yellow Lion truly loved learning, perhaps someday Cao Kong could find him a teacher in Yuhua City.

After rounds of food, drink, and boasting, the Macaque Lion, emboldened by wine, proclaimed, "Drinking alone is dull. Brother Cao, seeing your swordsmanship just now made my hands itch—why not spar with me as well?"

Cao Kong laughed. "Gladly, for I too delight in martial arts."

The Macaque Lion grinned. "Good! But I must warn you, my martial skills surpass even Brother Bai Ze’s—don’t take me lightly."

Bai Ze did not object; the brothers often competed, and among them, the Macaque Lion was the most formidable, with only the Yellow Lion able to match him.

A space was quickly cleared. Cao Kong took up his sword; the Macaque Lion wielded a weapon called the Iron Caltrop Mace—a long hammer bristling with sharp spikes, akin to a wolf-tooth club.

The audience began to debate who would win. Although Cao Kong had bested Bai Ze, in the eyes of the lions, Bai Ze was brave and strong but lacked agility. The Macaque Lion, by contrast, was all-around skilled, with hardly a flaw. In times past, only the Yellow Lion could barely match him in skill.

The Yellow Lion, relishing the spectacle, proposed, "Why not make a wager? Each of us puts up something valuable."

The five other lions were tempted, producing treasures from their stores. After all, they had dwelled on this mountain long and must have some spiritual fruits and herbs. Notably, Bamboo Segment Mountain boasted a spirit spring, whose water was rich in spiritual energy and could nourish the body over time.

The Yellow Lion laughed. "I don't care for your spirit fruits. I've been away so long, I dearly miss the spring water of Bamboo Segment Mountain. If I win the bet, each of you must bring me thirty jin of spirit spring water."

At this, Ao You leaned in quietly, "This is too much fun—count me in."

"I have spirit wine to wager," she added. Of late, she and Cao Kong had brewed quite a bit—five vats already. She had contributed her share, so wagering one vat seemed fair enough. Besides, she had no doubt Cao Kong would win. She had witnessed the astonishing progress of his swordplay, and aside from that, his Daoist qi was formidable enough to overwhelm any foe.

Cao Kong, hearing this, gave Ao You a puzzled look—wasn’t the spirit wine his? Ao You mouthed, "Half the winnings are yours," and Cao Kong nodded in satisfaction. The mention of the spirit spring water had already enticed him; if he could use it for brewing, it would surely surpass the rainwater he usually summoned.

The wager was set: the five lions bet on the Macaque Lion, Ao You on Cao Kong, and, surprisingly, the Yellow Lion also wagered on Cao Kong.

Macaque Lion brandished his weapon and called, "Brother Cao, beware!"

Cao Kong replied with a smile, "Please."

In the next instant, the Macaque Lion lunged, moving far swifter than Bai Ze had before. The iron caltrop mace swept through the air with explosive thunderclaps.

His skill was indeed formidable; in the original legend, he and the Snow Lion together had captured Pigsy. Even though Pigsy had lost much of his power after being banished, it still spoke to the Macaque Lion’s might.

Cao Kong, meanwhile, channeled his innate Daoist qi, dividing it into yin and yang, then generating wood element power, which he poured into his sword. The blade hummed mournfully—after all, it was mere mortal iron. Cracks spread across the blade, but vitality surged around it, preserving its integrity for now. Yet Cao Kong knew the sword could not last much longer.

He then stepped into the positions of the Bagua, aligning with the Eastern Seven Mansions, manifesting a scene of vibrant growth, all things bursting forth—a testament to intent.

The Macaque Lion sensed the danger, his demonic power flooding throughout his body. He moved like wind and thunder, the iron caltrop mace striking from all directions, its afterimages and booming noise like rolling heavenly thunder.

Yet Cao Kong’s footwork was profound; he stepped into the positions of Zhen and Xun—Zhen for thunder, Xun for wind—moving with a speed that far surpassed the Macaque Lion.

In a flash, Cao Kong closed in to attack. For a fleeting moment, the Macaque Lion glimpsed seven stars forming the shape of the Azure Dragon, before all was swallowed by the light of the sword.