The second day after the establishment of Shituo Ridge, the Buddha came. He transformed into a creature with the head of an eagle and the body of a human, leading a "goose" and a dog.

The Buddha told us: This goose is very pitiful. It has been reincarnated as a goose several times. This time it was born into a scholar's family, but it was exchanged back by two sheep transformed by an evil spirit. He happened to pass by and saved this goose. He said this dog is also very pitiful. It is not a guard dog but a meat-eating dog that has been killed for its meat.

We three knew he was the Buddha, so we were very respectful to him.

The Buddha, leading the goose, took a look around Shituo Ridge and then asked us to gather everyone.

When the people were assembled, the monsters curiously looked at the Buddha. They did not recognize the Buddha, but the Green Lion, White Elephant, and I all showed great respect to the Buddha. From our attitudes, they could also tell that the Buddha's identity was extraordinary, so they began to speculate.

Could he be the sworn brother of the Demon King Sun Wukong from back then?

Listening to the monsters discussing among themselves, I couldn't help but find it amusing. The Demon King Sun Wukong from back then was the one suppressed by the Buddha, but I didn't say anything.

"I'm glad to see that you are doing well in Shituo Ridge," said the Buddha, holding the hand of the goose and speaking to the monsters, "I just came from Nanzhao. Have you ever heard of roasted goose palm?"

In Nanzhao, there is a dish called roasted goose palm. They hook the goose, making its palms step on a flat pan, and then ignite a fire underneath. As the pan gradually heats up, the goose keeps lifting and lowering its palms until they are roasted dry. Afterwards, only the goose palms are taken and eaten. People believe that animals can mobilize their most vital essence to the parts that are under attack, so eating these parts is very nourishing.

After listening to the Buddha, the monsters were filled with righteous indignation. The Buddha looked at them and continued, "There is another way for mortals to eat, called dog intestine glutinous rice. Do you know about it?"

In Nanzhao, there is also a food called "dog intestine glutinous rice." They starve the dog for two or three days and then feed it glutinous rice. The wicked dog gobbles it up, and when the glutinous rice reaches its intestines, the dog is slaughtered, and only that section of the intestine is steamed and eaten. People also believe that this is very nourishing.

After finishing his words, the Buddha called the goose and the dog to his side and said, "Throughout their countless lives, they have suffered such hardships. I think you have also experienced the same, but now you don't need to be afraid anymore. Shituo Ridge can protect you! Treat mortals the way they treat you!"

On ordinary days, the oppressed beings, upon hearing these words, shouted loudly the three words "Shituo Ridge," their voices shaking the heavens. It seemed that all the past grievances would be completely forgotten because of these three words.

The Buddha smiled and stopped the monsters' clamor.

He told us that the world is full of killing towards living beings, but monks never eat meat. Monks are vegetarians and treat all things in the world equally. While the world may torment and kill all things, monks will not. The Buddha hoped that if there were ever conflicts between Shituo Ridge and mortals, they would be kind to the monks and stay away from monasteries.

At that time, we didn't know the purpose of this act, but whether it was the Green Lion, White Elephant, or me, or the countless monsters in Shituo Ridge, we all agreed with the Buddha's words and felt that although the world may be guilty, the monks would not be tainted along with them.

Not long after, Shituo Ridge clashed with mortals.

Around Shituo Ridge, there were once many cities built by mortals. When they accidentally saw us monsters, they became furious and sent troops to attack.

Perhaps the abilities of the monsters were not convincing enough, but with the Green Lion, White Elephant, and me guarding Shituo Ridge, how could mortals shake us?

The Green Lion opened its big mouth and swallowed three thousand iron-armored soldiers in one breath, while the White Elephant used itsmighty trunk to sweep away the enemy's cavalry. As for me, I summoned my fire-breathing ability and unleashed a torrent of flames, engulfing the mortal soldiers and their weapons.

Despite our overwhelming power, we remained mindful of the Buddha's teachings. We did not harm any monks or innocent civilians. Our goal was not to conquer or destroy, but to protect Shituo Ridge and its inhabitants from harm.

Word of our formidable defense spread quickly, and the mortals soon realized that attacking Shituo Ridge was futile. Instead, they began to revere and fear us. They saw the wisdom in the Buddha's words and understood that it was in their best interest to coexist peacefully with the monsters of Shituo Ridge.

Over time, a truce was established between Shituo Ridge and the mortals. They recognized our sovereignty over the land and acknowledged the importance of preserving the balance between humans and monsters. We, in turn, promised not to harm or provoke them as long as they respected our territory.

With the truce in place, Shituo Ridge flourished. The monsters lived harmoniously in their natural habitat, and the mortals benefited from the protection and wisdom of the Buddha and the monsters.

As the years passed, Shituo Ridge became a symbol of peace and coexistence. People from far and wide would come to visit, seeking the Buddha's guidance and marveling at the majestic creatures that roamed the land.

And so, the legend of Shituo Ridge continued to grow, reminding both monsters and mortals of the importance of compassion, understanding, and respect for all living beings.