Journey to the West: Demon Emperor: Beginning as a Little Toad

Chapter 541 The Queen Mother of the West and Yang Jian

The "Essentials of Regional Determination" records: "Twenty-five li from Yancheng, there is a temple dedicated to 'Erlang Slaying the Dragon'..."

The Jinan Prefecture Gazetteer and the Lengyuan County Gazetteer record: "Southeast of Huangshandian, at the place where the Sui Dynasty's 'Zhaohui Zhenjun slew the dragon,' it is commonly known as Laowan..."

There are countless records related to Erlang Shen controlling the floods.

The "Qingyuan" in Qingyuan Miaodao Zhenjun comes from the saying: "How can the canal be so clear? Because there is a source of living water."

The two characters “清源” mean to manage the source of water and to clarify the source of water.

The two characters “妙道” highlight his profound magical abilities and supernatural powers.

Qingyuan Miaodao Zhenjun means "a true lord who is skilled in water management and possesses great supernatural powers".

"The wondrous path of the Pure Source reveals its divine power and majesty."

That's the meaning.

……

Human world.

Southern Jambudvipa.

Drain the estuary.

Unlike its usual solemn and imposing atmosphere, the Erlang Zhenjun Temple was unusually enveloped in warmth today.

Looking up at the sky, the drifting clouds seemed to be gently parted by a soft hand, and the thin sunlight filtered down like golden threads, sprinkling down on the crystal-clear jade steps in front of the palace, creating tiny, star-like golden specks.

Inside the hall, colorful ribbons fluttered, and celestial music drifted softly, creating an atmosphere of joy and peace.

Today is the birthday of Yang Jian, the Manifestation Saint Erlang Zhenjun.

His younger sister, the Third Holy Mother Yang Chan, specially came from Mount Hua to celebrate her brother's birthday.

Yang Jian and Yang Chan first went to the memorial tablets of Fairy Yunhua, Yang Tianyou, and Yang Jiao to offer incense and pay their respects, expressing their filial piety.

The ceremony is over.

Inside the grand temple, Yang Jian and Yang Chan, brother and sister, sat facing each other, with an exquisite jade censer between them, from which wisps of steam rose, brewing fragrant tea.

"Second brother..."

"Third sister..."

The brother and sister chatted softly about everyday things, leisurely brewing tea and wine.

The warmth and coziness softened the usual aloofness in Yang Jian's eyes, making his expression gentler.

Looking again at the jade table, seasonal fruits filled the plate, fresh and juicy, as if they had just been picked from the celestial branches, their fragrance rich and enticing; a pot of plum wine, clear and sweet, was placed in a white porcelain warm pot, its warmth rising gently.

The delicate fruity aroma blends and intertwines with the mellow wine flavor, creating a unique and intoxicating fragrance that is truly delightful.

Throughout history, floods have been more ferocious than tigers, causing immense harm.

In his efforts to control the floods, Yu the Great passed by his home three times without daring to enter.

Only by personally experiencing the task of flood control can one truly understand the hardship and difficulty involved, as if walking on thin ice.

Years of tireless efforts in flood control have tanned Erlang Shen's once fair and jade-like face, making it somewhat dark and showing signs of fatigue.

His dark complexion and weary appearance silently spoke of the hardships and efforts he had made in flood control, and told of the trials and tribulations he had experienced on his journey.

However, in the warmth of this fireside chat, all of this quietly melted away, making Yang Jian's expression relax and feel relieved.

Yang Jian leaned back comfortably on the carved black jade throne, looking relaxed and at ease.

What is remarkable is that...

Erlang Shen's two long and powerful legs were naturally bent and crossed at this moment—one leg was leisurely and relaxed on the other bent knee, in a relaxed posture.

This is the daily manifestation of the "Yu Step" originating from Yu the Great—"crossing one's legs," also known as "Erlang Shen's legs."

In this era, Erlang Shen's sitting posture is still unique.

……

In ancient times, Yu the Great not only bestowed upon Erlang Shen, the True Lord of Manifestation, the method of flood control and the Xuanyuan Sword, the sacred sword of the human race, but also passed on the secret of the "Yu Steps" to help him tour the rivers and mountains of the world.

Legend has it that Yu the Great spent many years taming the floods without returning home, and his dedication and hard work were beyond the reach of ordinary people.

Yu the Great lived in a dangerous place for a long time, and devoted himself to dredging ditches and canals. Unfortunately, he contracted a disease called "hemiplegia", which paralyzed one leg and made him lame, making it very inconvenient for him to move around.

However, the obstacles to action did not thwart Yu the Great's ambition; on the contrary, they inspired his boundless wisdom and creativity.

When Yu the Great walked, he often hopped on one foot and lifted the other. When he sat down, in order to relieve the pain, he would put his diseased leg on his healthy leg.

As time went on, Yu the Great was not content with merely adapting to this inconvenience, but instead continued to innovate, creating a unique and magical walking technique called "Yu Step".

The "Yu Steps" were used by King Yu when he toured the nine provinces, and they contain endless mysteries. It is said that when this step is performed, one can "turn the heavens and the earth, step on the Big Dipper; summon mountains and rivers, and shrink the earth to an inch," possessing great supernatural powers.

Later shamans and Taoist priests, when performing rituals to pray to the gods, often imitated the steps of Yu the Great, jumping with one foot on one foot and hopping with the other on the other, following the arrangement of the seven stars, in order to increase divine power and pray for divine protection.

Erlang Shen, having received the "Yu Steps" personally taught by Yu the Great, had long since mastered this art. When he sat, he imitated Yu the Great's posture, placing his right leg over his left, displaying an elegant and graceful demeanor.

This sitting posture has thus become known as "Erlang Legs" or "Erlang Shen Legs." Its origin can be traced back to the sitting posture of Erlang Shen, and can be traced back to the "Yu Steps" of Yu the Great.

Ordinary people, seeing Erlang Shen's elegant sitting posture, often imitated him, and it became a widespread trend.

The phrase "crossing one's legs" originated from this and has been passed down to later generations.

……

Erlang Shen Yang Jian leisurely crossed his legs and rested on his divine throne.

Yang Chan had a gentle smile on her lips, and her eyes were full of warmth.

She personally picked up the warm jade wine pot and carefully poured the amber-colored plum nectar into her brother's jade cup, filling it to the rim, and then softly offered her blessing:
"Second Brother, happy birthday."

May my second brother possess boundless magical powers, enjoy good fortune and longevity, and be free from worries year after year.

Yang Jian leaned forward slightly, took the exquisite wine cup, and gently touched it to Yang Chan's cup.

There was a crisp sound of "pop".

The two exchanged a smile, then raised their glasses and drank the mellow wine in one gulp.

Yang Jian put down his wine cup, a rare hint of gentleness appearing on his usually stern face, and said:
"Third sister is so thoughtful."

"Are you settling in well at Mount Hua lately?"

He asked with concern, his fingertips tapping lightly on his leg as was his habit.

"...Lately, have those scoundrels and bald thieves from the Western Spirit Mountain been disturbing your peace and quiet?"

Yang Jian's voice suddenly turned cold, and a cold glint flashed in his eyes.

Yang Chan naturally understood what Yang Jian was referring to.

Upon hearing her brother's question, her eyes crinkled into a smile, and she gently set down her wine cup, softly replying:
"Thanks to my second brother's good fortune, I am safe and sound on Mount Hua."

"only……"

Her gaze fell on her brother's slightly weathered face, filled with tenderness:

"My second brother was punished with centuries of imprisonment and suffering for protecting me..."

"Hahaha!"

Yang Jian laughed heartily, and the aloofness between his brows vanished instantly.
"What are you saying!"

"As long as my third sister is safe and happy, my little bit of hardship is nothing. You are my only remaining family in this world..."

Before he finished speaking, his sharp, hawk-like gaze suddenly sharpened!
The gentle, smiling gaze of moments before instantly transformed into two tangible bolts of lightning, piercing through the doors of the Erlang Zhenjun Temple and shooting into the vast void outside.

He keenly sensed that an extremely pure and vast aura of immortal energy, which was deliberately restrained and suppressed, was rapidly descending towards Guanjiang Estuary at an extraordinary speed.

The aura was strong and well-hidden, so much so that even the Celestial Hound didn't notice it or issue a warning.

"Ok?"

Yang Jian frowned slightly, his cool voice carrying a hint of doubt and wariness.

"Second brother?"

Yang Chan was puzzled, but seeing that Yang Jian's expression was strange, she couldn't help but ask.

Her cultivation level was far inferior to Yang Jian's, so she naturally lacked Yang Jian's keen insight.

Yang Jian explained:
"It seems that we have distinguished guests arriving at Guankou today."

As the Manifestation Saint True Lord, his senses were exceptionally sharp. He had already realized that the newcomer was no ordinary person and that his actions were unusually secretive and discreet, as if he was deliberately hiding his whereabouts.

Almost at the same time that Yang Jian finished speaking.

The seemingly ordinary clouds above the mouth of the Guanjiang River were gently parted as if by an invisible hand.

Three figures landed gracefully and elegantly.

The leading woman was dressed in an elegant fairy dress. Although she had concealed her glittering and preciousness, the majesty and grace she exuded in every gesture were like jade hidden in a deep pool, containing endless brilliance, making people dare not look directly at her.

Her face was dignified and beautiful, her eyes were like black lacquer, deep and unfathomable, and she exuded an aura of wisdom that made her a mother of all realms and understood all things.

Behind them were two maids in green robes, their faces beautiful and their figures graceful, like bluebirds in disguise, their aura pure and untainted. "Woof, woof, woof..."

"Woof, woof, woof..."

Outside the majestic and solemn temple of Erlang Shen, the barking of the Heavenly Hound suddenly rang out, each bark urgent, as if it were on high alert, wary of the uninvited guest who was quietly approaching.

"open!"

Yang Jian's third eye, located between his eyebrows, suddenly opened, its divine light shining brightly. He had already recognized the identity of the newcomer and then gently raised his hand, signaling Xiaotian Dog to let him pass.

Not long.

The palace doors opened silently by themselves.

A beautiful woman, dressed in an elegant cloud-patterned fairy dress and with a dignified and graceful face, entered the hall with two equally simply dressed but beautiful bluebird maidens.

Although this beautiful woman was not dressed in elaborate attire, the extraordinary aura she exuded and the noble demeanor that emanated from her made the light in the entire True Lord Temple seem to brighten, as if she were enveloped by the dazzling light emanating from her.

What followed was an invisible yet powerful pressure that spread throughout the hall like a tide.

Yang Jian's gaze was deep as he slowly rose, his posture as upright as a pine tree, showing no intention of bowing down in the slightest because of the visitor's status.

Yang Chan didn't possess Yang Jian's divine eye, which could see through illusions, and couldn't immediately discern the person's identity.

However, the majestic aura emanating from the newcomer, unique to the Queen Mother of Heaven, could not be concealed in any way.

Yang Chan stood up, recognized the person, and bowed respectfully with surprise and uncertainty:
"The Queen Mother of the Jade Pool... Your Majesty?"

"See you, empress."

The person who came was none other than the Queen Mother of the West, who had disguised herself and secretly descended to the mortal realm.

The Queen Mother of the West slightly raised her hand, her voice calm:
"Chan'er, there's no need for such formalities, please rise."

The coldness in Yang Jian's eyes did not dissipate; instead, it deepened.

He slowly rose, his tall figure as upright as a mountain. He performed a Daoist kowtow to the Queen Mother of the West, who had already entered the temple, his voice calm and unwavering, revealing neither joy nor anger.
"Yang Jian from Guanjiang Estuary greets the Queen Mother of the West."

"Today, I am hosting a small banquet at my private residence. Your Majesty's presence is unexpected. May I ask what brings you here?"

The Queen Mother of the West moved with graceful, unhurried steps, a gentle smile playing on her lips.

Her gaze slowly swept over the simple wine cups and dishes on the table, then landed on Yang Jian, who looked aloof and guarded, and Yang Chan, who was still in shock.

"good……"

The Queen Mother nodded to herself.

She traveled in great secrecy, accompanied only by her two closest Bluebird Fairies.

The fact that Yang Jian could immediately sense her arrival under such circumstances suggests that his strength has advanced further, like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon, greatly increasing his power, which is astonishing.

The Queen Mother's voice was gentle and clear:

"Yang Jian, today is your birthday."

According to etiquette, you should address me as 'aunt'.

She smiled, her eyes filled with the loving kindness of an elder:
"I, your aunt, have come to celebrate your birthday."

“That’s as it should be.”

Yang Jian's expression remained calm and composed as he said:
"Don't dare."

With a wave of her hand, the Queen Mother of the Jade Pool, her expression dignified and noble, displaying the majesty of the head of all celestial female immortals, said:
"Bring up my congratulatory gift."

As soon as she finished speaking, the Azure Bird Fairy stepped forward gracefully, raised her delicate hand, and presented several large, plump, and round peaches with a pinkish hue.

The peaches were large and plump, vibrant and juicy, with a captivating purplish-red skin adorned with mysterious purple patterns, radiating a dazzling "purple glow," and exuding a vibrant life force—truly extraordinary.

This peach is clearly an extremely precious "purple-veined, light-pitted flat peach".

Yang Jian did not refuse.

Although the peaches were no longer of much use to him at his current level of cultivation, he knew that his younger sister Yang Chan's cultivation was still shallow and she needed such spiritual objects to nourish her body and enhance her magical power.

"Third sister."

Yang Jian tilted his head slightly and gestured softly.

Yang Chan naturally obeyed her elder brother's command.

Yang Chanlian moved lightly forward, slowly accepted the peach, gave a graceful curtsy, and said softly:
"Thank you for the reward, my queen."

The Queen Mother's gaze swept across the Erlang Shenjun Temple, finally settling on the memorial tablets of Fairy Yunhua, Yang Tianyou, and Yang Jiao.

The Queen Mother stepped forward, offered three sticks of incense to Fairy Yunhua, and bowed.

Fairy Yunhua is considered her "sister-in-law," and is also a former judicial deity in the celestial realm.

As for Yang Tianyou, a mere mortal, and Yang Jiao, a junior, they were certainly not worthy of the respect due to the Queen Mother of Heaven.

Seeing this, Yang Jian's expression softened slightly. He waved his sleeve and said loudly:
"Your Majesty has come from afar, please take a seat at the head of the table."

The Queen Mother gracefully took her seat as instructed, and with a slight lift of her delicate hand, she gestured for the bluebird attending her to wait quietly outside the palace gate.

Inside the temple of Erlang Zhenjun.

The smoke from the burning incense rose straight up, wafting gracefully, filling the air with a slightly intoxicating aroma of sandalwood and wine, like a dream.

at this time.

Only Yang Jian, Yang Chan, and the Queen Mother of the West were inside the room.

The Queen Mother of Yaochi is the Queen Mother of Heaven, the head of all female immortals in the Three Realms, and the elder of Yang Jian and Yang Chan.

To show that all the proper etiquette was observed.

Yang Chanlian moved lightly forward and personally poured wine for this "aunt".

"Yang Jian."

The Queen Mother of the West parted her lips slightly, her voice not loud, yet possessing an inherent majesty. Her gaze, sharp as torches, swept over Yang Jian's face, which, though weary, still retained its distinct features, and she slowly said:
"Today is your birthday. I am here in person not only to offer my congratulations, but also to convey His Majesty's decree."

Yang Chan's hand, which was pouring wine for the Queen Mother, paused slightly, but then returned to its steady state and filled the cup.

Subsequently.

Yang Chan gently put down the wine pot, held her breath, and listened intently to what followed.

She thought to herself:
"She never visits the temple without a reason. My nominal aunt always has a deep purpose in her actions and never does anything pointless."

"I wonder what your plans are for coming here."

Yang Jian remained calm on the surface, his gaze as deep and unfathomable as he looked at the Queen Mother.

The Queen Mother gazed into Yang Jian's eyes and spoke slowly, word by word:

"You cured the scourge of the Weak Water and saved the people from the raging flood. After more than ten years of hardship, you finally brought peace and tranquility to the Southern Continent."

"His Majesty, mindful of your great service to the Three Realms, hereby lifts all your confinement and disciplinary punishments effective immediately."

Upon hearing this, Yang Jian rose, bowed, and said:
"Thank you, Your Majesty and Your Highness."

"Since I have been granted divine powers by Emperor Yu, this is my duty and is not worth mentioning."

Having said this, the Queen Mother looked at Yang Chan and said:

"Yang Chan, you can go out first. Your second brother and I have something to talk about privately."

Yang Chan looked at Yang Jian, her eyes filled with worry and inquiry.

"Ah."

Yang Jian nodded slightly, indicating that she could leave without worry.

After Yang Chan left.

The Queen Mother's expression turned serious, and she said solemnly:
"Yang Jian, you have been controlling the floods for many years and have witnessed the suffering of the people. You should know how terrifying it is for even immortals to have emotions!"

"When immortals fall in love, the three realms are thrown into turmoil."

When gods fight, mortals suffer.

"All these calamities in the human world are caused by the secret affair between Emperor Donghua and Fairy Peony."

"It is evident that if deities are overly attached to personal desires and interests, they will forget their duties as gods and disregard the lives of ordinary people in the mortal realm."

Upon hearing this, Yang Jian said:

"If Your Majesty has something to say, please speak freely."

The Queen Mother of the West lightly tapped the stone table with her fingertip and smiled:
"Yang Jian, are you aware that the gods of Heaven are currently engaged in a fierce power struggle over the position of 'God of Justice'?"

"But I only have eyes for you."

"The God of Justice, who governs the laws of heaven."

"This person is in charge of the laws of the Three Realms. Even the Dragon Kings of the Four Seas, the Star Lords of the Nine Heavens, the Mountain Gods and Earth Gods... If they violate the laws of Heaven, their lives and deaths are all in your hands with a single stroke of your blade."

"Where the blade points, none dare disobey."

(End of this chapter)