I am submissive in Journey to the West, I strike hard at the gods

The dark figure beside him said, "Master, should I take action and retrieve the Sunflower's Origin Flame?"

"No need."

Jiang Wang shook his head, "A mere primordial fire is not even worth my attention."

But this little maid, Tu, is more and more to my liking the more I look at her.

If we could recruit him to our side, it would save us a lot of effort.

Below, the water curtain had cracked under the scorching heat of the sunflower's primordial fire. The Fifth Elder was pale and blood was spilling from the corner of his mouth. He had obviously suffered internal injuries from the backlash of activating his innate secret technique.

If this continues, the water curtain will surely break, and I will also be affected by the flames.

"You little brat, you just wait! I'll remember this grudge!"

The Fifth Elder said fiercely, and he suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood essence. The water curtain instantly swelled up, temporarily suppressing the flames. Then he turned around and was about to escape.

"Want to go?"

Tu Xiaonai snorted coldly, her flames intensified, and at the same time, her figure flashed like a golden lightning bolt, instantly catching up with the Fifth Elder. "You hit me, and you think you can run away? Not so easy!"

He raised his hand and punched the Fifth Elder in the back.

The Fifth Elder was horrified and hurriedly used his remaining spiritual energy to condense a water shield behind him.

"Crack!"

The water shield shattered instantly, and the force of the punch slammed solidly into the Fifth Elder's back. The Fifth Elder spat out a mouthful of blood, and his body flew out like a kite with a broken string, crashing heavily to the ground and losing consciousness.

Tu Xiaonai landed, walked to the Fifth Elder's side, kicked his body, and seeing that he didn't react, she turned to Tu Ba and the others: "Grandpa, it's alright."

Tu Ba rushed over and looked Tu Xiao Nai up and down. Seeing that he was indeed unharmed, he breathed a sigh of relief and hugged him tightly: "It's alright, it's alright! Xiao Nai, you scared Grandpa to death!"

Tu Jian and Tu Qiang also came over and bowed, saying, "Young Master is amazing."

Tu Xiaonai chuckled, somewhat smugly: "Of course."

Just then, a cold voice suddenly came from the sky, carrying an undeniable pressure: "How dare you injure someone from my Xuan Shui Dragon Clan!"

As everyone looked up, they saw several figures slowly emerging from the clouds. The leader was dressed in a blue dragon robe, with a dignified face and surrounded by dense water vapor. His dragon horns were slightly visible, clearly indicating that he was a direct descendant of the Xuan Shui Dragon Clan.

He was followed by four men in black, all of whom were powerful experts at the Demon King level.

Tu Ba's expression changed drastically, and he bowed respectfully, saying, "Greetings, Lord Dragon Clan."

The direct descendant of the Xuan Shui Dragon Clan has come in person; today's events are unlikely to end well.

The dragon clan's direct descendant snorted coldly, his gaze falling on the unconscious Fifth Elder, a flash of anger in his eyes. He then looked at Tu Xiaonai, his tone icy: "So it was you who hurt him?"

Tu Xiaonai pursed her lips and met his gaze without fear: "So what if it is? He hit me first, I was just defending myself."

"Self-defense?"

The direct descendant of the dragon clan sneered, "A mere mortal brat dares to lay a hand on someone from my Xuan Shui Dragon Clan. Even if he provoked you first, you are not worthy to harm him!"

"A mere mortal child?"

Tu Xiaonai was furious. "Who do you think you are, daring to talk to me like that!"

"presumptuous!"

A murderous glint flashed in the eyes of the dragon clan's direct descendant. He raised his hand and pointed a finger, sending a thick water arrow shooting towards Tu Xiaonai.

This water arrow was even more refined than the Fifth Elder's Heavy Water Spike, and its aura was even more terrifying. It was clearly the innate divine power of the direct descendants of the Dragon Clan.

Tu Jian and Tu Qiang's expressions changed drastically. They hurriedly stood in front of Tu Xiaonai and simultaneously channeled their spiritual energy to condense two spear shadows, which they used to meet the water arrow.

"Pfft!"

The two spear shadows shattered instantly, and Tu Jian and Tu Qiang both spat out a mouthful of blood and flew backward.

"Uncle Sword! Uncle Gun!"

Tu Xiaonai exclaimed in shock, a flash of crimson light appearing in his eyes. He glared at the direct descendants of the Dragon Clan, "You dare to hurt them!"

So what if you're injured?

The dragon clan's direct descendant sneered, "Today, I will not only injure them, but I will also grind you, this arrogant brat, to dust!"

He was about to make a move when a figure in black robes suddenly emerged from the clouds and stood in front of Tu Xiaonai.

It was Jiang Wang.

With his back to Tu Xiaonai and facing the direct descendants of the Dragon Clan, Jiang Wang spoke calmly yet with an inexplicable air of authority: "The Xuan Shui Dragon Clan is becoming more and more arrogant, even bullying a junior."

The dragon clan's direct descendant's pupils contracted, his gaze falling on Jiang Wang, his expression turning serious: "Who are you? How dare you interfere in the affairs of my Xuan Shui Dragon Clan!"

He could sense that Jiang Wang's aura was unfathomable, and he couldn't even see through his cultivation level.

Jiang Wang slowly turned around, revealing a face with sharp features and eyes as deep as the starry sky, carrying a cold indifference that had seen many hardships: "Who I am is not for you to know."

However, I'll protect this child.

"You protected him?"

The dragon clan's direct descendant laughed in fury, "What arrogance you have! The affairs of my Xuan Shui Dragon Clan are none of the business of outsiders! If you know what's good for you, get out of here, or I'll take care of you too!"

Jiang Wang's lips curled into a mocking smile: "Take care of me? You? And these useless guys behind you?"

"court death!"

The dragon clan's direct descendant roared, his body swelled up, transforming into a giant azure dragon tens of feet long. With a wave of his claws, accompanied by towering water vapor, he slammed towards Jiang Wang.

The dragon's might spread, and everyone in the entire Tujia Village felt a suffocating pressure, causing them to kneel down.

Tu Xiaonai looked at the giant blue dragon, a hint of fear flashing in her eyes, but she still gritted her teeth and stood still. Jiang Wang had only intervened to save her.

Jiang Wang faced the dragon claw without changing his expression. He simply raised his right hand slowly, a wisp of black spiritual energy swirling around his fingertips.

With a gentle grip, the dragon claw, imbued with immense power, was frozen in mid-air, unable to advance even an inch further.

"How...how is this possible!"

The azure dragon cried out in alarm. It could feel its power being suppressed by a terrifying force, making it impossible to break free.

Jiang Wang said calmly, "The Xuan Shui Dragon Clan's abilities are not enough to impress you."

"Go back and tell your clan leader that if he dares to let his clansmen go out and do evil again, I won't hesitate to tear down your Xuan Shui Dragon Palace."

With that, he flicked his finger, and a stream of black spiritual energy shot out, striking the cyan dragon's forehead.

The azure dragon let out a miserable cry, its massive body flying backward and crashing to the ground, where it transformed into human form, spitting blood and looking utterly defeated.

The four men in black behind him turned pale and dared not step forward. They hurriedly helped up the direct descendant of the Dragon Clan and bowed respectfully to Jiang Wang, saying, "Thank you for your mercy. We will leave immediately and will never dare to act rashly again."

Jiang Wang waved his hand, too lazy to even glance at them again.

The four, feeling as if they had been granted a pardon, helped the dragon clan's direct descendant and fled in a sorry state.

With the crisis averted, Tu Ba and the others stood up and bowed respectfully to Jiang Wang, saying, "Thank you for saving our lives, Immortal Master!"

Jiang Wang turned around and looked at Tu Xiaonai, his gaze softening slightly: "Little boy, would you like to cultivate with me?"

Tu Xiaonai was taken aback, then a hint of excitement flashed in his eyes. He looked at Tu Ba, and seeing Tu Ba nod, he bowed to Jiang Wang and said, "This disciple is willing! Master, please accept this disciple's bow!"

Jiang Wang smiled slightly and helped him up: "Alright, from today onwards, you are my disciple, Jiang Wang." Tu Ba was overjoyed. Jiang Wang was no ordinary immortal. If his little sister could become his disciple, she would surely achieve great things in the future.

He quickly said, "Immortal, please rest in the village. We have prepared a small feast to express our gratitude."

Jiang Wang nodded: "Alright." The group headed towards the village, and although Tu Jian and Tu Qiang were injured, they forced themselves to keep up behind.

On the way, Tu Xiaonai asked curiously, "Master, what kind of magic did you use just now? It was so powerful!"

Jiang Wang said indifferently, "They are just some crude methods."

"Once your cultivation level reaches a certain point, you will naturally be able to learn it."

He paused for a moment, then said, "Although the Nine Revolutions Profound Body Technique you are cultivating is an ancient technique, it focuses too much on the physical body and is lacking in the circulation of spiritual energy."

Later I will teach you a set of the "Primordial Heart Sutra" to make up for the deficiencies in your cultivation method.

"The Primordial Heart Sutra?"

Tu Xiaonai's eyes were full of curiosity, "Isn't it amazing?"

"It's alright."

Jiang Wang smiled and said, "This Heart Sutra can contain all techniques. Whether you are cultivating your physical body or controlling flames, it can play an auxiliary role."

Tu Ba listened respectfully from the side, his awe of Jiang Wang growing ever stronger.

The name "Hongmeng Heart Sutra" sounds like an extraordinary cultivation method. It seems that Xiao Nai has truly met a benefactor this time.

Upon returning to the village, Tu Ba immediately ordered wine and food to be prepared, and arranged for people to take care of the injured Tu Jian and Tu Qiang, as well as the unconscious Fifth Elder.

Jiang Wang sat in the main seat of the hall, his gaze sweeping over the furnishings in the hall. He seemed casual, but in fact he was probing the atmosphere of the entire Tu Family Village.

He could sense a faint, ancient aura emanating from beneath Tujia Village. Though subtle, it did not escape his perception.

"It seems that this Tu Family Village has quite a few secrets hidden."

Jiang Wang thought to himself.

Before long, the wine and dishes were prepared, and Tu Ba personally poured wine for Jiang Wang: "Immortal Master, this is just a simple meal, nothing special, please forgive me."

Jiang Wang picked up the wine cup, took a small sip, and found the wine to be mellow and rich, with a faint spiritual aura. Although it wasn't some kind of divine brew, it was still quite good.

He said, "Village chief, you're too kind."

By the way, I noticed an ancient aura emanating from the ground beneath your village. Could you tell me why?

Tu Ba's expression changed slightly. After hesitating for a moment, he said in a low voice, "Immortal Master, your insight is truly remarkable."

To be honest, beneath my Tujia Village lies an ancient altar, passed down from my Tujia ancestors.

However, the altar is so ancient that it can no longer be activated, and we do not know its specific purpose.

"An ancient altar?"

A glint of light flashed in Jiang Wang's eyes. "Could you take me to see it?"

Tu Ba nodded quickly: "Of course."

"Immortal, please follow me." The group followed Tu Ba to an open space in the village.

Tu Ba walked to the center of the open space, gently pressed the ground, and a complex rune appeared. The ground slowly cracked open, revealing a staircase leading underground.

The steps were pitch black, exuding an ancient and mysterious aura.

Jiang Wang went down first, followed closely by Tu Xiaonai, and Tu Ba followed at the back.

The stairs were very long, and it took about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn before the group finally reached the underground.

Below was a huge cave, and in the center of the cave stood a huge altar. The altar was built of blue stone and covered with fine ancient runes, which shimmered with a faint light.

Jiang Wang walked to the altar and carefully examined the runes on it. A hint of surprise flashed in his eyes: "These are... the sacrificial runes of ancient shamans! I never expected to see such a complete shaman altar here."

"A shamanic altar?"

Tu Ba asked in confusion, "Immortal Master, what is the purpose of this altar?"

Jiang Wang said, "This altar is a precious treasure used by ancient shamans to worship heaven and earth and communicate with the gods."

If this altar can be activated, it can not only gather the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, but also draw upon the power of the gods to perform powerful shamanistic rituals.

However, most of the runes on this altar are incomplete, making it difficult to activate.

Tu Xiaonai curiously touched the runes on the altar and asked, "Master, can we fix it?"

Jiang Wang nodded: "It's worth a try."

However, repairing the altar requires a large amount of ancient materials and also consumes a great deal of spiritual energy.

For now, let's put this matter aside and make plans when the opportunity arises.

Just then, the runes on the altar suddenly began to flash violently, and a faint white light emerged from the center of the altar, transforming into a blurry figure.

The figure spoke, its voice aged and hoarse: "After a thousand years, finally someone can understand my runes..."

Everyone was shocked. Tu Ba instinctively stood in front of Jiang Wang and Tu Xiaonai, his expression wary: "Who are you?" The blurry figure slowly turned around, revealing an old face. He looked at Jiang Wang, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes: "I am an ancient shaman, who has guarded this altar for thousands of years."

"Since you can recognize my runes, you must be one of us."

Jiang Wang nodded slightly: "Senior Wuzhu, you are too kind."

"I, Jiang Wang, happened to be passing by this place and, seeing this peculiar altar, came to take a look."

“Jiang Wang…”

The old shaman muttered to himself, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes as if he were recalling the name. Then he shook his head. "Never mind, a thousand years have passed, things have changed, I must have remembered it wrong."

It is fate that you have come here.

I have a request, and I hope you will grant it.

"Please speak, senior."

Jiang Wangdao.

The old shaman said, "This altar is the culmination of my life's work, but now the runes are incomplete and it is about to collapse."

I earnestly request that you, sir, if you have the opportunity in the future, restore this altar so that the ancient shamanistic arts will not be completely lost.

In gratitude, I would like to impart all the shamanistic arts I have learned throughout my life to you.

A flicker of interest flashed in Jiang Wang's eyes. The ancient shamanistic arts were profound and extensive; if he could learn them, they would greatly benefit his cultivation.

He said, "Senior, rest assured, if I have the opportunity, I will definitely repair the altar."

However, given my limited aptitude, it remains to be seen whether I can master the arts of witchcraft.

"You are too modest."

The old shaman laughed and said, "Judging from your aura, you possess primordial energy, making you a once-in-a-millennium cultivation prodigy. Learning my shamanic arts will surely make your efforts twice as effective."

After saying that, he raised his hand and waved it, and a beam of white light shot into Jiang Wang's mind.

Jiang Wang felt his mind instantly flooded with countless pieces of information, all about the cultivation methods and sacrificial rituals of ancient shamanistic arts—obscure and difficult to understand, yet profound and extensive. (End of Chapter)