#khakkhara

[lcb-pulse]

I wonder why your wepon of choice is a Stick

“Like I said, it’s what I feel most confident wielding.”

“It can become quite lethal if you know where to strike. Oh, and it does cause hurt.”

[elidrawsthings]

jiangshi for a thing im working on

[sequiteur]

I was kind of into Love Nikki for a few months, but it’s been so long that I’ve forgotten what these outfits were called! The one on the right is from a Tanabata/Qixi-themed set, I think.

[just-null]

Wowie rly digging the yandere clone headcanons… how would each react if their darling tried to run away from them?!

You said tried so I assume this was a failed attempt!

Short answer: they get really upset and try making it your fault (shocker.) Ain't no way any of these mfs think they're the problem. Good news! you're mostly unharmed and alive.

This will just be purely writing bc i mostly had thoughts! sorry no drawing this time!!

[cw! mentions of potential harm to reader (no actual harm done), manipulation, toxic relationship dynamics (yandere flavor), obsessive behavior]

Sekido

You're always being hunted the moment the sun comes down and you don't return home in time. Reasons like that are exactly why he hates it when you part from him. 

This time is different.. he can't find you in your usual spots. There's no fucking way, right?

How could you.. No, how DARE you? Do you think that he's some joke? That his feelings for you are something that you can run away from like it's nothing? 

The second he's sure the sun won't harm him, he's already white knuckling his khakkhara, swinging at anything and everything in his path until he gets to you.

They know how to sense if you're near or not, hell, they probably know how your specific blood type smells like. 

Did you think cuddling up to you and memorizing every detail about you was for nothing? Don't be stupid. All he needs is a trace of you and he's gone in the blink of an eye.

You better enjoy running while you can because when he catches you, and he will, those legs of yours won't have much use after he's done with them. 

Sekido doesn't WANT to do this, but you honestly give him no choice. After he trusted you enough to stop looking over his shoulder, you do this? How can he ever put any faith in you again!?

On the bright(?) side, Sekido's rage wouldn't be solely on you, it'll ricochet onto everyone, especially the other clones and himself. 

They were supposed to be looking after you! But they can't do anything right, even a task as simple as this. 

And why did he think it was a good idea to trust them with something of big importance when all they do is fuck everything up!? Everyone's idiocy is rubbing off on him!

The entire time on his search for you, he's cursing and wanting to crush anything he can get his hands on, especially your bones. 

He doesn't even bother with speaking to the others, too busy spewing out all sorts of hurtful and frustrated comments about everything. 

The brutal thought that you’d rather run away than be with him isn't one he wants to entertain, but it's echoing in his head.

At least, once the other clones get there, Karaku and Aizetsu brawl with Sekido so you're unharmed while Urogi carries you overhead. 

Sekido's jealousy flares up when he sees you in Urogi's arms, making him even more pissed if that's even possible. Great, now he looks like the bad guy and the other three, the saviors. Fucking perfect.

There's a lot of yelling and a lot of blood, especially with Urogi making things so much more annoyingly difficult in the air. Karaku and Aizetsu aren't helping. Why is Sekido suddenly the problem?! You ran away!! 

But when he calms down enough, he's cursing at everyone through clenched teeth. Sometimes trying to convince the others that you don't even need your legs anyway!!

Once you get back home (or temporary prison until you somehow regain favor), Sekido will eye your legs while gripping his staff from time to time. 

Exactly why he's forbidden to be in a room alone with you for a while until he settles down..

He glares at you more often and grows colder than before. Arguments are more common where he twists your words just to have you talk with him and be angry within reason. 

Any other type of conversation makes him so irrationally upset that the others need to step in so that he doesn't lose his temper again.

Karaku

The calmest out of the group. He brushes it off as “you're playing hard to get” again, and if he makes a ruckus, you'll scamper back and beg him to stop like always!

Then it gets darker out.. and when Sekido left, he seemed pretty pissed. Like more than usual..... shit.

Karaku sprints after Sekido when it clicks that he's found you. His mind starts reeling, unsure whether he should laugh at the absurdity of your decisions or get pissed off because you didn't even bother to give a hint! 

Not like that would do anything aside from give you away but regardless!

Everyone needs to relax, this is obviously something they can sweep under the rug. This isn't that big of a deal and you're just having a fit, but things like these can get you hurt, y'know? 

They're fun and all, sure, just maybe give him a heads up next time, yeah? Sekido can't take a joke, you know this!!! Still.. There's a way Karaku can work with this.

He'll be able to swoop in, save you, be your hero, and remind you why staying with him is kinda important. Just in case you forgot~ 

You don't wanna be out and about without his charming grin and protective hold would you? Don't answer that right now, he has a feeling you'll say something wrong!

Yet.. what if you need a firmer hand to remind you of what Karaku provides? What if you got a little too comfortable being protected so you thought you'd be alright leaving them? Man, who knew you could be spoiled!

Because of this, he would purposely fumble, letting Sekido get near you just so he can stop him at the perfect moment. He purposely gets hit too and makes sure some blood gets near you. To remind you how that could've been yours.

When Sekido calms down, Karaku laughs in your face and would pinch your cheeks if you weren't up in the air with Urogi on the way home.

You should've seen your face! It was really cute~! Maybe getting scared is your thing? He'll note that for later.

He offhandedly advises you not to do things like that all the time, fighting Sekido always kinda sucks, but it's not like you actually had a chance of successfully running away so he won't chastise you too much for it. 

That's not his job, and his heart hasn’t pumped that fast in a long time.. not even in a fight! You're so amazing~~

And delusional if you think he's not going to milk this “heroism” thing back there for some extra affection points with you. 

Don't be so mean. he got his head blown off twice and jaw dislocated thrice, not to mention everywhere else on his body. Don't you think those parts of him need some extra loving? more than usual?

There's not that much Karaku can say after that aside from reminiscing like it was a funny story. He's not upset about it, mostly a little miffed you got kinda far without him noticing, but he gets over it. 

The usual routine starts back up for him when you're back home. It's like nothing happened, but he keeps a closer eye on you since everyone's so tense.

Urogi

If you're not home before the sun sets, Urogi's clawing at the walls with stress. He usually accompanies Sekido to go find you, but this time is different. Urogi could just barely tell you were around.. When Sekido bolts, Urogi's flying as fast as he can, trying to find you first. 

You're so far.. you must've gotten kidnapped!!!!!

The stress from before burns into anger, expecting to see someone having their hands on you while you're calling out in vain. How could he let this happen?! Damn sun! 

He darts through the skies even faster imagining it, and when he finally reaches you, you look.. fine? and alone. and looking at him like he's the danger. He's here to save you, dummy..

Urogi falls to his knees, burying his face against your stomach and finally wrapping his arms around you again. Your fists violently hit his head and yank fistfuls of hair back, but it doesn't phase him. 

Your comforting warmth is back, that's all that matters. And god, your smell.. it's almost making him dizzy. He missed you so much.

There's many holes to the story in Urogi's head as to why you're so far from home, but he fills them in with more convoluted delusions. It's just a peaceful reunion right now.. 

That is until Sekido finally arrives and starts swinging his khakkhara way too close to your fragile bones. 

Now he's back in defense mode where he scoops you up and tries flying out of reach. This is so stressful!!! There's lightning everywhere and he keeps having to dodge the multiple staffs thrown his way. 

He shields you with his wings as best he can while trying to stay in the air, so you don't get hurt during Sekido's outburst.

In the skies, it's much clearer to see the hurt behind the haunting glow of Urogi's eyes. Did you care about how he might feel? Did you miss him at all? Did you not feel loved enough? Did someone say something to you? 

As he maneuvers the sky, he holds you as tightly as possible, lightly digging his talons into your skin.

Being without you for a couple hours is agonizing enough on its own. If you HAD left him, abandoned, cold, alone.. he doesn't want to think about it. All that matters is that your kidnappers or liars or whatever influenced you are gone, and you're back safe with them!!! 

You.. you still like him, right? Of course you do, fate wouldn't force your paths together if it wasn't for a reason!

Coming back home is uncomfortably tense, especially with how violently Aizetsu kicked Urogi across the room, nearly through the wall, when he tried to lick your wounds clean. It really hurt! 

When you're patched up, Urogi is ten times as clingy if that's possible. He has his arms looped around you constantly so you can't stray too far, and if his hands are busy, he always has his wings!

As happy as he is that you're back, he can't help but cry into your chest sometimes. Everything is so tense nowadays, he hates it! How could you go and do something like that? Apologize immediately! Or at least hold him too? Doubt creeps in a lot, and your attitude isn't helping.. 

His mood swings are stronger. From sobbing uncontrollably into your clothes to being all smiles and radiating with joy the next just because you said something vaguely decent.

Aizetsu

The demotivation started to creep in the second you left. During the day, Aizetsu sits by the door, wanting to be the first one you properly greet. Sekido and Urogi usually bring you back and he'll be the one in your good graces without lifting a finger. That sounds nice.. 

But as the footsteps fade and the silence lingers, Aizetsu feels miserable the longer he waits... Hold on, silence?

Before he realizes what's happening, he's already dashing to where the familiar commotion is coming from. Dread sets in as his legs take him as fast as they can whilst being the slowest of the four. This doesn't feel like they're rushing over to you after a long day, it feels.. dangerous?

What did you get yourself into..? Why do you insist on going to places Aizetsu can't follow? Are you safe? He hates not knowing.

Usually you're the one who's fine. You deal with four demons almost daily! Please please please be okay. He can't fathom it if you were hurt. 

When he gets there, the puzzle pieces fall into place and Aizetsu gets even more depressed, but at least you're not hurt. Well, not if he interferes. His movements are sluggish, a perpetual frown plastered on his face as he tries holding Sekido down. 

Aizetsu wants to dissolve into the floor, and he does sometimes. Not wanting to fight Sekido off anymore, he slumps over. 

This could've been a regular day where you came home.. Are you serious? Leaving? How pitiful could you be to actually think you could get away? Or was it that you wanted to play some sick joke on them? Well, it's not very funny... It's terrible actually.

Aizetsu stays silent on the way home, walking with a bit more energy knowing you're near despite his heart ache.

You can feel the harrowing disappointment radiating off of him the moment you all go back home.

He's tired, annoyed, and so unbelievably upset. Aizetsu grimaced when Urogi got near your scratches with his tongue, so he “politely” ushered him away. 

Knowing a human's weak points is good in battle, but he started trying to learn how to heal them, specifically because he knew these types of things might happen.

As he cleans your scratches, he's actively scolding you for leaving in a cold emotionless tone. And by scolding, he's using manipulative language, trying to make you guilty for everything you did. 

He barely has the energy to live, but now that he finally found his light in the darkness, you want to leave? Is it so wrong he wants to hold onto what makes him even a smidgen happier than usual? He reminds you that he'll wither away without you, but he's not really too keen on dying just yet.

When he tries to get back into a routine, he just can't. He knows why you left, but he doesn't want to hear it. Even if you're sweet to him or not, he'll hold you from behind when you rest.

Looking at you is too much, but being away from you is even worse. Aizetsu compromises this way, but gets quieter, occasionally sniffling when he hides his face behind you.

There's too much going on and he's so tired.. If it weren't for the others, he probably would've held you so tight for so long so that you both would perish together.

Maybe that’s why he's only allowed to hold you when you're asleep. Just please don't do that again.. He NEEDS you. Please, please, please.

Safe to say you gave them a scare. When they double down on the protectiveness, living is ten times more difficult for EVERYBODY. when you lose their trust, it's pretty difficult to gain it back, but not impossible!!

Sekido and Urogi will always assume the worst if you're gone for too long while Karaku and Aizetsu give you a little more freedom until the others drag them along into their worries.

[niteshade925]

April 12, Xi'an, China, Qinglong Temple/青龙寺 (Part 3 - History):

A model of Qinglong Temple in Tang dynasty (618 - 907 AD):

There must have been something like thirty engravings of famous poems about the temple lining the walls of the corridors. Below are three examples of these engravings, from these poems one can get a feel for how Qinglong Temple used to look like. A note on the translations: they are rather unpolished as I just wanted to get the meaning across.

《題青龍寺詩》 [唐] 朱慶餘 寺好因崗勢，登臨值夕陽。 青山當佛閣，紅葉滿僧廊。 竹色連平地，蟲聲在上方。 最憐東面靜，為近楚城墻。

Translation (by me):

"In Commemoration of Qinglong Temple" By Zhu Qingyu (Tang dynasty) The beauty of this temple comes from the mountains, By the time I summited it was already dusk. Verdant peaks behind temple buildings, Scarlet leaves filling the corridors. Bamboo groves connecting flat areas, Chirping of insects above it all. Only the east side remains still, Since it's close to the city walls.

《清明日青龍寺上方賦得多字》 [唐] 皇甫冉 上方偏可適，季月況堪過。 遠近水聲至，東西山色多。 夕陽留徑草，新葉變庭柯。 已度清明節，春秋如客何。

Translation (by me):

"Qingming Festival Above Qinglong Temple" By Huangfu Ran (Tang dynasty) It's comfortable up in the mountains, Watching the season pass by. Sounds of flowing water from near and far, Views of mountains from east and west. Setting sun upon the grassy path, Growing leaves cover the courtyard trees. Qingming Festival has come and gone, Just like the seasons and the temple visitors.

《青龍寺早夏》 [唐] 白居易 塵埃經小雨，地高倚長坡。 日西寺門外，景氣含清和。 閑有老僧立，靜無凡客過。 殘莺意思盡，新葉陰涼多。 春去來幾日，夏雲忽嵯峨。 朝朝感時節，年鬓闇蹉跎。 胡爲戀朝市，不去歸煙蘿。 青山寸步地，自問心如何。

Translation (by me):

"Early Summer at Qinglong Temple" By Bai Juyi (Tang dynasty) Light shower settled the dust, Temple grounds blending with the hills. Setting sun outside temple gates, The scene filled with an air of serenity. An old monk stands in idleness, There are no worldly passersby in the stillness. Remaining birds having sung their melodies, New leaves providing ample amounts of shade. End of spring was just days ago, Summer clouds are already towering above. Every day we feel the passing of seasons, Our hair graying in the meantime. Why obsess over bustling cities, When we can return to the lush countryside? These verdant mountains are but a corner of the world, Here I stand and reflect upon the state of my heart.

Huiguo and Kukai

In the first part I mentioned that Qinglong Temple was where Kukai/空海 studied Vajrayana Buddhism (the Chinese Esoteric tradition was also called "Tangmi"/唐密, since it was very popular in Tang dynasty) under Huiguo/惠果. Huiguo was a student of the famous Vajrayana Buddhist master and translator Amoghavajra (Chinese name Bukong/不空). Huiguo eventually became a master himself in the Chinese Esoteric tradition, and was an Acharya (Sanskrit term meaning teacher; translated phonetically as asheli/阿阇黎 in Chinese) who had many students from different places, including from surrounding countries. Kukai was one of his last notable students before he passed away. Kukai returned to Japan in 806 AD and founded the Shingon school of Buddhism/真言宗 (also sometimes called Eastern Esotericism/東密).

Kukai was also a calligrapher and a poet, below are two examples of his works (first is an ink rubbing of his calligraphy work titled "Buddha", second is his calligraphy work named Huushincho/風信帖; both were written in Chinese):

Closeup of Huushincho (from Wikipedia). The original is at Touji Temple in Kyoto, Japan.

Shōryō shu/Xinglingji/性靈集, a collection of kanshi by Kukai. Kanshi/漢詩 is a Japanese word for Chinese poetry. These books here are a gift from Japan.

Bunkyō hifu ron/Wenjingmifulun/文鏡秘府論 by Kukai which discusses Chinese poetry. These books are a gift from Japan.

There are also other gifts from Japan. Left is the top of a khakkhara staff (In Chinese and Japanese: xizhang/锡杖/錫杖, shakujō/錫杖). Right is a Vajra (in Chinese and Japanese: jingangchu/金刚杵/金剛杵, kongosho/金剛杵), this is a Vajrayana ritual object. This particular Vajra is commemorative and bears the names of Huiguo and Kukai:

And that's all for Qinglong Temple. Next up is another famous temple in Xi'an, Daci'en Temple/大慈恩寺.

[itsabouttimex2]

All The Things I’ve Left Behind

(Yandere Celestialchaos Drabble, where Sun Wukong snaps halfway through one of Xiangliu’s “punishments” and doesn’t exactly get better.)

“It’s not possible to get “bored” on Flower Fruit Mountain, bud! Or, uh- are you one of those big nerds who still say “Mount Huaguo?”

”Monkey King!” Calls MK, beaming ear to ear, ignoring his mentor’s jab at the bitter words he had muttered. “You’re back already! Man, I thought it’d be forever!

Already. Forever.

His cherished student, a gem he works to polish and sharpen, like a nephew or maybe a grandson, expected him to be later. Thought he might never come back.

“Not the first person you’ve failed”, muses Xiangliu. “And he wasn’t the last, either.”

The image before the two demons fractures in a spray of irradiant light, midair sparks gleaming for the briefest of seconds before they sizzle into a brand new picture, just as painfully familiar as the first.

“Monkey!” Angrily cries Sanzang, slender hands gripped tightly around his golden khakkhara, which he lifts as the image of Sun Wukong preemptively recoils- and it comes down with a round of metallic clattering, sounding a divine chime that tightens his fillet. “Is there no end to the blood you’ll spill?! No end to your mischief and trouble?! Why can’t you just be good?!”

“It hadn’t been hard for any of your fellow disciples- why couldn’t you just be good, Wukong?”

The serpentine demon turns to face his captive with a grin, but sours at the sight of his lack of response.

Sun Wukong stares blankly at the dissipating illusion, his mind far from the chaotic swirl of memories and emotions that once were an onslaught after a “session” like this.

Once, he would’ve drank in the replay of MK’s excited voice, an infectious enthusiasm that reminded him of his younger self—bold, relentless, unyielding. A part of him wanted to bask in the warmth of his student’s admiration, to return the role of the infallible mentor.

Once, the echoes of Sanzang’s voice would have lingered in his ears for hours, sharp as the remembered sting of the fillet tightening around his head. The reprimands, the disappointment, the countless moments of failure—all of it would have resurfaced like old wounds torn open anew.

But now?

Now Sun Wukong just stared ahead, gold eyes slowly graying.

Tsk.

What was the point of a “punishment” if the recipient wasn’t even paying attention?

”Really, now… I’m disappointed.”

The spell fades entirely, smeared by an all too casual swipe of Xiangliu’s scaled hand.

“This isn’t like you,” Xiangliu sighs, his voice low and silky, a hint of threat woven into the false tenderness of the snake’s voice as he took taking Wukong’s clasped hands and pulling them away from each other with too much ease. “What’s wrong, darling?”

The simian feels Xiangliu’s gaze on him, felt the demon’s cold, scaled fingers pry his hands apart. There was no resistance left in him, no fire, no defiance. The Monkey King who had once defied Heaven itself now felt like a shadow, a hollow shell wearing a mask of bravado.

‘I’m not myself anymore’, he wants to answer. ‘Because of you.’

“…just thinking,” he barely returns.

“Of us, I hope.” ‘For your own sake’ goes unspoken, because Xiangliu never says it aloud.

”…do you want to know why I fell for you?”

Wukong barely reacts, his gaze fixed on some far-off point that only he can see. The words wash over him like water over stone, leaving no mark, no impression. He feels nothing—no anger, no pain, not even the sting of humiliation. It’s all gone, drained away, leaving behind a void where once there had been light and life.

”I loved your chaos.”

The serpentine demon tightens his grip, pulling Wukong closer, their faces now inches apart. Xiangliu’s breath is cold, like the wind that howls through the caves of the underworld, and it brushes against Wukong’s fur, sending a shiver down his spine.

“I loved how you defied Heaven and Earth, how you tore through the cosmos with that reckless abandon of yours. I loved the way you danced on the edge of destruction, unafraid, unyielding. But now?” Xiangliu’s voice drops to a whisper, dripping with disdain. “Now you’re just… becoming a husk. Where’s that fire that made you the Great Sage Equal to Heaven? Where’s the defiant king who laughed in the face of gods?”

Wukong’s silence is an answer in itself—a heavy, empty acknowledgment of what he has become. The once-mighty Monkey King, who had once challenged the Jade Emperor and the forces of Heaven, now reduced to this—nearly broken, dangerously close to being void of the very essence that had made him legendary.

Xiangliu sneers, his serpentine eyes narrowing to slits. “This… isn’t what I wanted,” he hisses, his tone laced with both anger and disappointment. “I can’t worship a shell. I need you to fight, Wukong. I need you to resist. Otherwise… what’s the point?”

Wukong blinks slowly, his gaze unfocused, barely registering the demon’s words. The void inside him yawns wider, threatening to consume what little remains of his spirit.

With a sigh, Xiangliu releases Wukong, lightly pushing him backwards. The Monkey King stumbles, but he doesn’t fall—just sways on his feet, like a puppet whose strings have been cut.

The cavernous space they occupy seems to grow colder, the shadows lengthening, as Xiangliu moves away, his presence still oppressive, still a looming threat. Wukong doesn’t move, doesn’t speak. He just stands there, eyes dull, lost in the depths of his own despair.

As the echoes of Xiangliu’s footsteps fade into the distance, the silence returns—deeper, more suffocating than before. And in that silence, Wukong is left alone with his thoughts, with the memories that haunt him, with the crushing weight of his own failures.

Once, he had been the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, the Monkey King, the warrior who had conquered Heaven. But now? Now, he is nothing. A ghost. A shadow.

The cold presence clinging to the king fades, leaving him alone in the suffocating silence, thick and stifling, a void that seems to swallow the remnants of Sun Wukong's once boundless energy. His mind drifts, slipping between memories of his past—flashes of battles fought, allies won and lost, a time when his laughter echoed across Flower Fruit Mountain, unburdened by the weight of his own existence. That all felt like a distant dream now, and with each passing second, it faded further into the recesses of his memory.

Wukong remains where he is, motionless, his thoughts empty. Not for the first time in his long, tumultuous life, he doesn’t know what comes next. There is no plan, no path, no purpose. Just an endless, aching emptiness that stretches out before him, with no end in sight.

And, by Xiangliu’s design, Wukong is starting to think that’s what he deserves.

Not that the primordial demon’s intentions stop at merely “reshaping” the king and forcing him to forget a punishment-ridden past.

No, Xiangliu wants to break him into a brand new being of unrestrained chaos.

”I’m back, darling,” he coos, each of the eight snakes on his head shifting and flicking their tongues. In his hands is a hot mug, seething with steam.

As always, after one these “punishments”, the demon is on standby with a treat or comfort to soothe at least some small amount of Wukong’s pain. To endear himself. To “apologize” and bridge the forming gap.

He approaches slowly, the scent of fruit-peel tea drifting in the air.

“You know,” Xiangliu says, his voice even and casual, “it doesn’t have to be like this, Wukong. You don’t have to keep suffering, reliving the past over and over again. You could just let go. Accept what you’ve become. Accept me.”

He holds out the mug, offering it as though it were a lifeline. Wukong’s eyes shift slowly to the steaming drink, the warmth of it a stark contrast to the cold that has settled in his bones. But he doesn’t reach for it. He just stares at it, as if the simple act of choosing to take the drink or not is a decision too monumental to make.

None of his other decisions seemed to have ended well, after all.

Xiangliu’s patience wears thin again, but this time, he hides it behind a mask of concern. “Come now, my saint,” he murmurs, leaning in closer, his breath brushing against Wukong’s ear, sending an involuntary. “Let me tend to your pains.”

Wukong says nothing, his gaze still locked on the mug, his mind distant. He feels Xiangliu’s presence enveloping him, the demon’s aura thick and suffocating, as though the very air around him has become tainted by his malice. But Wukong doesn’t resist. He doesn’t push back. He just… exists, barely clinging to the remnants of what he once was.

Finally, after what feels like an eternity, Wukong lifts his hand, his movements slow and lethargic, as if every motion is a battle against the weight of his own apathy. His fingers curl around the mug, the warmth seeping into his hand, but it offers no comfort. He lifts it to his lips, takes a small sip, and feels the liquid slide down his throat, hot and sweet.

Xiangliu watches him closely, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. “That’s it,” he whispers, his voice soft and coaxing. “Just let it all go. Let me take care of you. You don’t need to be the Monkey King anymore. You don’t need to fight. Just… rest.”

The words wrap around Wukong like chains, binding him tighter to the abyss that yawns within him. He feels the warmth of the tea spread through his body, but it doesn’t reach his heart. It doesn’t fill the void. It doesn’t bring back the fire that once burned so brightly within him.

But maybe that’s okay. Maybe it’s better this way. Better to let go of the pain, the anger, the endless struggle. Better to just… fade away.

Maybe that’s what he should’ve done from the start.

[jedineedlove]

Weapons of the Monkie Crew

Khakkhara

The basic design of a khakkhara is of a central staff, normally in wood, topped by a finial in metal, with a looped design, from which smaller metal rings hang on each side (similar to the stringing of traditional Chinese cash). Various numbers of loops and rings are employed, with each number being assigned symbolic significance on the basis of a variety of Buddhist numerical formulas. Historical examples from the Famen Temple include staffs with one, two, or four loops and four, six, or twelve rings on each loop.

Several versions of the staff's origin are given in the Sarvastivadavinaya, but in all of them the staff is recommended to monks by the Buddha in order to ward off animals- either for protection from dangerous predatory animals like tigers and lions, or for scaring off small creatures like spiders and snakes that might be trod upon by wandering monks. The ringing of the staff can also alert donors within earshot of the monk's presence, as monks traditionally remain silent while collecting alms.

The number of loops and rings featured on the staff was also assigned symbolic significance, according to a variety of Buddhist numerical formulas- four loops symbolizing the Four Noble Truths, six rings representing the Six Perfections, or twelve rings representing the twelvefold chain of cause and effect

Tripitakas / Tangs staff has four rings and with the added LMK universe flare magic.

Yue Ya Chan (Crescent Moon Spade)

Also known as the monk spade, the yue ya chan (月牙铲) is a typical weapon associated with the Shaolin warriors. It features a crescent-moon-shaped blade mounted on a wooden shaft and a flat wedge-shaped blade on one end.

In ancient China, the Shaolin monks carried spades when traveling to bury corpses they might find on their journey as part of their religious obligation. Eventually, it turned into a self-defense weapon with the addition of the crescent blade, which allowed hooking and sweeping techniques.

Chinese Bronze Swords

Of course, Meis is made of Jade but the Bronze sword I think bests fits her TYPE of sword. Chinese Bronze swords first appeared during the notable Xia and Shang Dynasties in China. They were an advancement from the prior Chinese Dagger, boasting a considerably bigger blade. These weapons stood out because of their wide and robust blades. Initially, people used these swords in ceremonies and rituals. As time passed, these swords played a pivotal role on the battlefield, which significantly altered the course of China's history. Along wth this I put a video of some people showing of Chinese Swords including the one I mentioned.

Nine-Toothed rake/ Baoqin Gold Palladium

This weapon is hard to find much of in the real-world use besides as a gardening tool but in the JTTW the Nine-toothed rake is a polearm with nine teeth. Pigsy’s weapon more closely resembles agricultural tools that were traditionally used by farmers since the Yuan Dynasty. It is said to have been handcrafted by Laozi from divine ice steel and etched with arcane symbols. I may not have been able to find much in words but I did find two videos of some guys showing off how it can be used in a fight.

Staff

Both MK and Macaque currently use a staff. The Chinese staff is considered the grandfather of all weapons. The long staff is the most common, usually about 7ft long, and constructed from hardwoods like oak or white wax. It originated from the long spears used by classical warriors. The Shaolin monks removed the spearheads and trained with only the shafts suited for their peaceful monastic environment.

NOW heres the BIG Question with just about everyone in the Monkie Kid Crew welding a weapon what about...... WUKONG!!

Look his hand-to-hand is awesome and has crazy powers but seriously after his staff has been passed down and this new chaos coming it might be time for Wukong to wield another weapon.

While looking up the other's weapons I found others on theme with other old Chinese weapons.

San Jie Gun (Three-Sectional Staff)

The san jie gun (三節棍) consisted of three short staves connected by chains. It functioned as a self-defense weapon, suited for either short-range or long-range combat. Unlike a long staff, it can be easily concealed and carried. It also allows various methods of attack and defense. Versatile and hard to learn, it is among the weapons of choice for many advanced martial artists.

To stay in the staff family like the other monkeys but still change things up.

or

Chui (Hammer)

A type of mace, the chui (​​锤) was a round hammer, usually used in pairs. It had a heavy head on the end of the handle for delivering powerful strikes. This ancient Chinese weapon was most popular in the Shang and Zhou dynasties.

The chui was known as the copper hammer because it was often made from copper, though other materials were later used. Since they are typically heavy and require great strength to wield, these weapons are not popular among kung fu practitioners.

I picked this for its blunt and powerful hit. Similar to the Monkey King's own fists.

or

Tie Jian (Iron Rod)

The term jian (鐧), written in a different character from the sword (劍), is also used to describe a heavy bar mace with a smooth rod. They were typically made from iron and called tie jian (鐵鐧) or “iron rod,” but there were also tong jian (bronze rod). The name iron rod is a reference to its plain metal rod.

In the West, the tie jian is regarded as a type of Chinese sword breaker—a heavy weapon capable of breaking swords and other weapons. During the Ming dynasty, the military used large two-handed versions of tie jian. By the Qing dynasty, single-handed versions were more common.

This weapon has the blunt power similar to a staff and having the reputation of a sword destroyer it seemed to fit the powerful hit from the Monkey King.

or

Hu Die Dao (Butterfly Saber)

Widely referred to as butterfly swords, the hu die dao (蝴蝶刀) is a type of double saber. These weapons developed due to merging typical Chinese fighting knife blades with Western-inspired hilts. They featured distinctive D-shaped guards, though their blades came in various forms.

The narrow types were efficient for heavy cuts and were likely to be used by the Chinese military units and the local militia. On the other hand, the broader types were efficient for disabling opponents without killing them and remain popular today among martial artists.

I picked these ones because they would be the only dule weapon. Giving some variety.

Each one of these I found could fit Wukong in one way or another. But if you have any other ideas for the Monkey King leave them in the comments

:) Thank you for reading.

[smilesatdawnmain]

Eternal LMK Au (Part 16) Interactive Story

I am reminded of the story of Eurydice and Orpheus

The rules are simple.: I will give the written passage, and then at the bottom there will be a vote on how the characters act next!

Story; Eternal Au

Ship; ShadowPeach

Gulping nervously, Wukong gave a sheepish laugh as he turned on his heels, “N-Now where did I put that thing?” he wrung his hands together, peering through the piles for the Khakkhara.

As he rummaged through the scattered treasures, the tickle of nostalgia caught him off guard, wrapping around his heart like a vine. The memories came rushing back—the days spent by his Master’s side, learning the sacred arts, the ways of the world, the ways of mortals and demons—everything felt simultaneously beautiful and painfully distant.

“Focus, Wukong,” he muttered to himself under his breath, shaking his thoughts free of lingering sentimentality. His hands brushed over shiny baubles and odd trinkets, but there it was—the khakkhara. It glinted in the light as he lifted it, blowing a bit of dust off the top. “There you are.”

He cradled the sacred staff between his palms, feeling its weight settle into his bones, “Okay,” he said quietly, glancing around for any sign of Mihou. He was around, he was sure- h-he hoped he was, but he spoke to the empty air, “This will work. You’ll see, everything will be okay.” There was a tension, one that he tried to smile through.

Yeahhh, his mate was definitely pissed. The search gave Wukong a bit of time to figure out why. At first he thought perhaps it was just the mention of his Master. That was a sore spot between then certainly, but that didn’t quite feel right to what Macaque was angry with.

As he lifted the staff, he began to realize.

His Master used this to vanquish demons, purge evil, summon the celestial powers in the air, and teleport them great distances.

…Teleport.

In all the long years they had been travelling, his Master could teleport. It was a thought Wukong himself hadn’t lingered on, as his Master only ever used it in dier situations. Yet, that was the thing, wasn’t it? He could remove himself out of dangerous situations, prevent catastrophe from occuring- m-maybe could have brought himself straight to the Buddha to deliver the scriptures….haha….

B-But that wasn’t how his Master was! He would never find the easy way out. He wanted to do things the way they were intended and learn the lesson from the journey so- so surely Macaque could understand that, yeah??

“Rightttt?” Wukong murmured more to himself than any unseen presence. He brushed a hand across the surface of the khakkhara, feeling every groove and etch that had been worn into it by years of his Master's grip. “Mihou… if you could just understand…”

But the room remained stubbornly silent, the chilly air wrapping around him like cold fingers clutching at his resolve. He dared to glance back over his shoulder, half-expecting to see Mihou's ethereal form standing there, arms crossed and eyes blazing. Instead, he found nothing but shadows cast by flickering candles, each flame dancing merrily as if to mock him.

Yeah, best he try not to justify it. He knew his Master well, but that did not mean he should expect Mihou to understand in return. So instead, he spun the khakkhara like his own staff, imagining the Monk’s squeaks and pleas for him not to wave it around like this. Holding it before him, he focused. Best they just get to the moon. With an exhale, he closed his eyes and focused.

Finding the pull of energy at his fingertips, he tapped the khakkhara down, recalling the hundreds of times his Master had done the same. A circle of energy swirled at his feet, forming symbols and glowing. Thinking of their destination, his eyes opened.

Suddenly he was surging, moving at speed faster then his eyes could follow, surging them through realms and planes- a bubble of light covering them in a protective glow before dropping them off on the barren tundras of the Moon’s surface.

“Ugh-” Wukong stumbled forward, the momentary disorientation causing him to teeter on the icy ground before he regained his balance. “Been a while since I did that.” The khakkhara trembled in his grasp, radiating a gentle warmth against the biting chill that clung to the lunar landscape. "Well, here we are," he said, forcing an upbeat tone into the stillness.

The vast, silver expanse of the Moon stretched endlessly before him, its surface dotted with craters. He could feel an echo of power humming through the ground beneath his feet—this place was steeped in ancient magic, a place where celestial beings danced and shadows were born. In the distance, he saw buildings and life- Chang’e’s domain.

“Undershot it a bit,” he clicked his teeth, realizing they weren’t quite at the right spot. He started walking, knowing it wouldn’t take long to get there. “A little Moon stroll hm, Mihou? Just you and me?”

He would have offered his arm with a flirty arm if he knew MIhou could grab it- even if he knew which direction to lean. Ah but...

....Where was Mihou around him right now? Behind? To his left? His right? Ahead?

He stopped walking.

"Sure is quite," The softness of his voice was swallowed by the desolate expanse, and for a moment, Wukong felt as if he truly were alone. The sharp cold bit at him and he paused, looking over his shoulder. He touched his waist, unable to feel the bond that connected them.

“Mihou?” he called, voice trembling against the stillness. No response echoed back, just the cold wind whispering across the lunar plains. The knots in his stomach tightened as panic clawed at the edges of his mind. Could it be that Mihou had been left behind?

He recalled a fable he heard from Mihou once. Of a woman being dragged to the underworld and a living man going down to fetch his love. They were given the opportunity for a second chance, but only if the man led the woman from the depths without looking back at her. If he looked back even once- he would lose her forever.

It was a concept of trust and blind faith, he believed Mihou said. Finding the gesture romantic and a trial. Wukong thought at the time it was foolish to think “not looking back” was a hard task to do.

"Well it's a tragedy." Mihou had said. "It's harder then you might think." he had been grooming Wukong’s fur at the time. “It’s beautiful, but tragic. A person’s mind can be so… fickle. A balance between hope and despair.” He stared at him, “Would you look back?”

“Pfft nooo~” Wukong snorted. Mihou quoted some poetry, “And as the shadows creep, one can hardly help but glance, for love is a restless watchman, ever peering into the dark for a second chance.’” Wukong had scoffed, nuzzling against Mihou’s lap, “I never understand you when you speak poetry,” he whined. “Things like that don’t actually happen.”

Mihou gave a little smile, kissing his forehead. “I hope you’re right about that.” he murmured against his skin. “Though, I would follow you out of the underworld time and time again.”

“So I’m leading?” Wukong snickered, grinning a toothy grin. He made grabbed hands to Mihou’s face, curling his fingers through his fur, “Like I’d even let you go to start.” he snorted, the idea preposterous.

Mihou smirked, considering that, “Maybe you are right, my reckless Peaches. I would be the one leading you from your own folly.” “Hey!” Wukong’s cheeks puffed.

It had been foolish…

But now, it gnawed at him. The idea of not seeing them- not knowing Mihou was right beside him, even if he couldn’t see or hear him

But now, it gnawed at him. The idea of not seeing them- not knowing Mihou was right beside him, even if he couldn’t see or hear him. His mind was his own worst enemy. Blind faith was- impossibly hard, he had come to realize. Logically, he knew Mihou had to be around him somewhere.

Logically.

He exhaled, frozen in place. If Mihou was here, he was probably wondering what the hold up was. “S-Sorry-” he stammered, shifting his weight. “You didn’t mention how long I should take a break from my vision. We didn’t agree on a time limit.” his tongue felt heavy in his mouth. He was rambling now, but in the end he pleaded, “C-Can I- I look at you-?”

Before he could finish, there was a rumble at their feet. Wukong’s head jolted upward, seeing what seemed like dust rising in the distance. No…something moving towards them. Like wheels against the moon, kicking up dirt. With a squint and a lean, Wukong scowled.

“What the-?” pointed bunny ears, robotic eyes- a robot shaped bunny. Seemed it had sensed an energy signature and was running out their way to investigate.

He should prepare for some sort of battle, clearly. He was unwanted here, as far as he knew. Probably try to take him prisoner, which he was not in the mood for.

Oh but…

the bunny….

IT WAS SO CUTEEEEEEE.

"O M Gee-" he gasped, touching his cheeks with his hands, "Mihou, look at that! That's the cutest thing I've ever seen!" he pointed to it with a squeal.

Previous

Next

[peachysodafizz]

Decided to give this challenge a try

(Ocs in left to right: Fyofiv, Lyle, Tan-ge Rine, Vieras, Laichen, Knuckleblaster Dummy (IA oc), Khakkhara (Phighting oc), Alokas, Firework (Phighting oc), Ro-torcycle (Phighting oc), Caltrops (Phighting oc), Varoitus)

[countinglegoclowns]

I’ve been experiencing a lot of su brainrot lately so. Take these lol I’ve put a stupid amount of thought into them

Rambling under the cut

Pigsy is a Rubellite!

They’re often confused with rubies, and they have similar jobs, though rubellites are a little tougher and more stout

They’re often confused with rubies, and they have similar jobs, though rubellites are a little tougher and more stout

His weapon is his rake

Tang is an Amber!

Ambers are only a tiny step above pearls, though much shorter, and are often used to categorize information. They became largely obsolete in later eras as it was hard to make them.

Tang can summon wings and his weapon is a khakkhara

Their fusion, Baozi, is a Carnelian!!

Ultimate dad, totally balances out pigsy and tang

Always cooking/eating something

His weapon is a large, spiked club

[rottonfishie]

Will the Ivory gang get the weapons of their ancestors? If so what would they be?

Yes they do!

Redson - Iron Fan

Queenie ‐ Spider Queen's Staff

Bingo ‐ Dragon Pearl

Xiezi - Khakkhara

[arthistoryanimalia]

#WorldCamelDay:

Composite Camel with Attendant Iran, Khurasan, c. 1575-1600 Opaque watercolor & ink on paper Metropolitan Museum of Art New York

"While composite animals such as this one are known from earlier periods of Persian art, they gained in popularity toward the end of the 16th century. Here, comprising the overall shape of a camel, are found images of demons (divs), dervishes, embracing couples, rabbits, dragons, and even a Buddhist monk, sporting an earring and carrying a khakkhara (sounding) staff. The meaning of such images is open to interpretation, but many scholars believe them to have mystical significance—likely referring to the unity of all creatures within God."

[journeytothewestresearch]

Yu the Great and Sun Wukong's Staff

This is my answer to the following reddit question:

Did the Ruyi Jingu Bang, as a tool used by Da Yu, exist before the novel?

Monkey's golden-hoop iron staff can be traced to the khakkhara and iron rod respectively used by his precursor in the 13th-century JTTW. The story doesn't mention anything about Yu the Great. The demi-god's connection to the staff is, as far as I know, unique to the standard 1592 edition of JTTW.

This association probably came about in a couple of ways. For example, there is a Chinese graphic similarity (and possible totemic connection) between Yu and a specific kind of monkey:

The generic Chinese primate names have identical pronunciations or spellings to those of the earliest Chinese emperors. For instance, the character 猱 (Nao) is considered as the ancestral name of the royal family of Shang dynasty (商朝 ca. 1600–1050 BCE) (Cao, 1997; Wang, 2001). This word is used to denote a primate species that is good at climbing. Similarly, the character 禺 (Yu) represents a long-tailed monkey. This word is the same as the character 禹 (Yu), a legendary emperor well known for his brilliance in regulating floodwater (Huang, 2011). This association between primates and the earliest emperors indicates a possible totemic status for primates (Niu, Ang, Xiao, et al., 2002, p. 91).

(The aforementioned Yu (禺) monkey was apparently well-known, for it is referenced several times in the Classic of Mountains and Seas (Shanhai jing, 山海經, c. 4th-century to 1st-century BCE), a popular Chinese bestiary, in order to indicate the shape and size of certain primate-like animals (Strassberg, 2002, pp. 83, 84, 91, 99, 104, 122, 123).)

Also, Yu is known for imprisoning Wuzhiqi (無支奇 / 巫支祇), a monkey flood demon, beneath a mountain in Tang and Song-era folklore. This likely influenced Sun Wukong's punishment under Five Elements Mountain.

Therefore, all of this probably led to the author-compiler of the 1592 JTTW associating Monkey's staff with Yu the Great and his efforts to end the world flood.

Sources:

Niu, K., Ang, A., Xiao, Z. et al. (2002). Is Yuan in China’s Three Gorges a Gibbon or a Langur? International Journal of Primatology, 43, 822–866. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10764-022-00302-1

Strassberg, R. (2002). A Chinese Bestiary: Strange Creatures from the Guideways Through Mountains and Seas. University of California Press.

[doesfairieshavetails]

It’s Sekido’s turn now. And we all love the perpetually angry big brother trope don’t we?

cough Sanemi cough

[Sekido (積せき怒ど, Sekido, lit. Anger) is a fairly tall young adult male with a muscular build, long wavy hair that goes past his shoulders, and narrow eyes that have the kanji of "Upper Rank" (上じょう弦げん, Jōgen?) and "Four" (肆し, Shi?) engraved into them. He has two prominent curved horns on his forehead and markings under his eyes that give his face a cracked appearance. Sekido has pointed ears and sharp nails on each finger. He is usually seen wearing an irritated or enraged expression on his face. Sekido wears the same kimono as Hantengu, with the right half being covered in a pattern of flowers and lines with the left half being dark and lacking any detailed features. He also wears dark hakama pants and a pair of zōri. Sekido is always seen carrying around a Khakkhara (錫しゃく杖じょう, Shakujō?)]

bonus

[lu-is-not-ok]

HEATHCLIFF EGO JUMPSCARE.

Also his lines are VERY interesting. Never thought I’d see YSTR again, especially not on Heath

It's so exciting to see more Sinners get E.G.Os that we'd already seen, since it helps us understand them a little bit more.

I'm not going to go into a full analysis here (since we still don't know Heathcliff's Ya Śūnyatā Tad Rūpam's Sin Affinity or Cost), but I would like to point out a few things.

I think I was completely right about connecting Outis's weapon being a blade to the Sword of Damocles, considering that unlike her Heathcliff still uses My Form Empties's khakkhara. Which makes sense when it comes to Heathcliff, he's the one seeking revenge, unlike Outis who's awaiting it.

Also, while I can't see any false idol-esque themes in Heathcliff's version of the E.G.O, the retribution and impermanence of existence themes are potent here.

His awakening quote very firmly establishes that first theme. Considering how his attacks cause karmic shockwaves, "The weight of your Karma returns with each rumbling of the earth." could effectively mean something along the lines of "every time I strike you, it's in retribution of something you've done to me", which is very fitting for Heathcliff. Both with his whole revenge theme, but also with his general behavior, as much of his violence and aggression is in response to others slighting him (in his eyes).

The corrosion is where that second theme comes up. His quote there effectively describes how a certain you (potentially Cathy?) disappeared the instant they finished their single cycle of life and death. Despite the word samsara being used (which, according to my brief look at wikipedia, describes the Buddhist idea of cycles of rebirth), it's clear that no actual rebirth took place. Once you die, you're at once gone. The follow-up of "For that is existence. For that is I." feels like him comparing both to that temporary nature of human life. Existence is impermanent. Heathcliff is impermanent.

Something is going on here, and I am very excited to see the Sins related to this E.G.O once it releases.

[queengiuliettafirstlady]

Bonded in Love

Bonded in Love

Fandom: Ikemen Sengoku

Pairing: Kennyo x Juliet

Part of : Ikemen Advent hosted by me and @candied-boys

Prompt : December 15 - Shopping 

Tag: Established relationship Fluff

Word Count : 441

Author’s Note: 

Tag list

@kissmetwicekissmedeadly @aquagirl1978

@william-rex @candied-boys @writingwhimsey

@fang-and-feather @moonstruckmelancholic @lichtluv

@wistfulwanderingone @rjthirsty @ike-garden2024        

@maeko-kun @oda-princess @rkmaru

You can find me on AO3 as QueenJuliet 😊

Thank you for everyone who will like, reblog, or comment please be gentle with me english is not my first language so please do not leave rude comments I apologise for eventual errors I hope you will like it 😊

It was a tepid day despite the frizziness of the wind brushing through the crowded streets of Azuchi marker, two lovebirds strolled hand in hand perusing the stalls, stopping at each sight that caught her eyes, chatting about everything and nothing as he effortlessly carried the heavy bags of items they bought from each merchant.

“It is always a most delightful pleasure to go out with you.”

Kennyo’s voice echoed even among the noisy street making a blush crept up on her cheeks as she bashfully gazed at him with a shy smile squeezing his hand clasped tightly around her smaller one.

“I feel the same.” 

Ignoring the curious gazes of the persons around them Juliet snuggled to Kennyo’s arm, smiling with delight in the way he placed a soft kiss on her hair as they walked through the forest.

Once they settled down back into their forest cottage he helped her order the object they bought around the house, finding in each of them a surprise

A bright smile cracked on Juliet’s lips when she recognized the object Kennyo was staring so intensely at, gently he handed it over to her admiring the way her fingers worked to fast the golden bell to her obi, whose emerald fabric provided a stark contrast to the ornament.

“Do you like it ?”

“I mostly adore it … may I know what spurred this purchase ?”

“Well you  see, since you have your khakkhara that chimes when you walk I wanted to have something similar to match you.

Gently she bopped the little bell, giggling as it slid on her obi, leaving a light chime each time she pushed it to continue its movements, confusion swam in his silver eyes as he gazed at her.

“You wanted to match it with mine.”

“Yeah.” Feeling bashful all of sudden Juliet looked down only to meet his eyes glimmering with affection when he cupped her face in his calloused hands.

“It makes me so happy to hear that. Thank you.”

Kennyo brushed a gentle kiss on her forehead smiling as she purred in delight, wrapping his arms around her shorter form while Juliet laid her head on his muscular chest.

Softly he brought her to sit on his lap, holding her as she continued to play with her bell, their laugh echoed in the room adding to the coziness of the atmosphere as their grey cat reached out to pat its fluffy hand on her ornaments before getting bored and sneaking upon their brown cat that didn't pulled away from play fighting, a most endearing sight they looked at snuggled in each other embrace with fond smiles.