The Legend of Jigong: Slaying Demons and Saving Ordinary People

The Venerable Dragon Subduer fights desperately against the Great Demon to protect the Heavenly Court, but the Great Demon figures out the Eighteen Arhats Formation and knocks him down to the mortal realm. Around that time, Li Maochun, a general’s descendant nearing forty with no children, and his wife visit Guoqing Temple to pray for a son. The statue of the Venerable Dragon Subduer suddenly collapses, as if by some heavenly design. Before long, Li’s wife becomes pregnant and gives birth to a boy. The newborn cries without stopping, and the abbot names him Li Xiuyuan.

Li Xiuyuan is exceptionally clever from a young age and never forgets anything he sees. While studying at a private school, he is targeted and framed by jealous classmates, but wins them over with his kindness. As an adult, Li Xiuyuan is handsome and refined, attracting matchmakers by the dozen. Master Li chooses his friend’s daughter, Liu Susu, and arranges their engagement. On the day of the wedding, lightning strikes Li Xiuyuan, restoring his memories of his past life in an instant. Overcome by a terrible headache, he flees in a frenzy.

Li Xiuyuan escapes into the remote mountains and forests. In his desperation, he prays to Buddha for guidance, and unexpectedly receives two treasures: a gourd and a battered palm fan. An immortal also directs him to find the sarira that can defeat the Great Demon and save the Three Realms. After that, Li Xiuyuan devotes himself to cultivation in a cave, studying how to use the treasures and making medicinal remedies. Two years later, he goes to Guoqing Temple to become a monk. Dressed in rags and covered in grime, he is unrecognized by the monks, who once envied and fawned over the young gentleman. Even after they recognize him, they resent him for having ignored them in the past, and often...