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

Chapter 589 The Eight Immortals Return to Their Positions
Under the tutelage of Laozi, there was a cowherd boy who often accompanied a blue ox beside the Tushita Palace.

In the novel *Journey to the West*, it is recorded that Sun Wukong fought against the One-Horned Rhinoceros King. Although Sun Wukong was powerful and had endless transformations, he was restrained by the Diamond Bracelet, lost all his weapons, and was in a sorry state.

Helpless, Sun Wukong sought help from all sides. Later, he received a cryptic message from the Buddha and learned that the master of the One-Horned Rhinoceros King was none other than Laozi, the Supreme Lord of the Tushita Palace in the Heaven of Separation from the Thirty-Three Heavens.

Sun Wukong, being impatient, somersaulted to the front of the Tushita Palace. With eyes like torches, he traversed the corridors and eaves, arriving at the side of the cattle pen, where he saw a "boy" lying by the pen, fast asleep, snoring softly, completely unaware of the world around him.

The blue ox was no longer in the pen.

Seeing this, Sun Wukong hurriedly called out:
"Old man, the cow has run away! The cow has run away!"

Upon hearing this, Laozi was greatly alarmed and asked:

"When will that beast escape?"

Amidst the commotion, the "child" awoke with a start, knelt in fear at the feet of Laozi, and wept:
"Grandpa, I fell into a deep sleep and had no idea when the blue ox left the pen."

This boy is none other than Laozi's cowherd boy.

……

It is said that one day in heaven is equivalent to one year on earth.

In April, the vibrant blossoms of spring have faded in the warmth of the season, but inside and outside the gates of the ancient temple high in the mountains, the peach blossoms are just beginning to bloom in their full glory.

The towering palace, with its flowing rosy clouds, remains as it always has; the celestial palace is serene and quiet, existing only for a few decades.

For immortals, decades are but a blink of an eye.

Looking down upon the mortal world, everything has changed, with stars shifting, things changing, and dynasties rising and falling.

The world has changed.

Since the Qin Emperor performed the Fengshan ceremony at Mount Tai, it was to demonstrate that he was ordained by Heaven and that his achievements were unparalleled throughout history.

Xu Fu was ordered to sail east, bringing with him young boys and girls, as well as various craftsmen, in search of the ethereal overseas fairy mountains and the elixir of immortality, but he never returned.

Then came the struggle between Chu and Han, a time of great upheaval and upheaval. The Hegemon-King of Chu sang a tragic song at Gaixia, while Emperor Gaozu rose to power in Hanzhong and eventually established his imperial dynasty.

When the smoke of war cleared, the mortal realm had entered the prosperous era of the Han Dynasty. The world was at peace, the people were living in happiness, and there was an atmosphere of peace and prosperity.

Not to mention the unique charm and mystery of the Moon Palace in the Heavenly Realm.

In Suyun Xiaozhu, King Jinjiao saw that Fairy Su'e had a beautiful face and a graceful figure, and felt affection for her, so he taught her with all his heart.

King Golden Horn truly shared everything he knew with great sincerity.

There was not a single bit of secrecy hidden from them.

The fairy Su'e was originally a cloud spirit, pure and immaculate, untouched by worldly dust.

Having just entered into romantic relationships, I am gradually beginning to understand the pleasures of lovemaking.

From then on, the fairy from the Moon Palace descended to the mortal world.

The tranquil setting of Suyun Xiaozhu is no longer as serene as it once was; laughter and sweet voices can now be heard, and the vibrant spirit of spring permeates the air.

The weapon used by King Golden Horn was the halberd, which was majestic and had the power to sweep away thousands of troops.

The weapon used by Fairy Su'e was cloud brocade and snow silk, which was graceful and flowing, as light as flowing clouds and as pure as flying snow.

King Golden Horn and Fairy Su'e would practice their martial arts in the Su Yun Xiao Zhu, sometimes wielding halberds and playing with snow.

King Jinjiao displayed the exquisite skill of halberd fighting, with halberd shadows flying like dragons and snakes, displaying a magnificent momentum. He saw Fairy Su'e with fragrant hair and her neck veiled in clouds, marveling at her beauty, which resembled a snow-covered mountain. Fairy Su'e laughed coquettishly.

They might engage in philosophical debates, their words subtly scheming, their tongues clashing, their arguments sharp and pointed, neither side willing to yield.

When the Toad King sold his eggs, the Fairy Chang'e served him by his side, displaying a thousand postures and ten thousand charms.

This scene, in itself, forms a romantic tale set in the moon palace.

Now, the cowherd boy lived in the Tushita Palace, accompanying Laozi. He drank the sweet morning dew and ate the fragrant celestial mushrooms in the evening. His days were leisurely and carefree.

One day, however, the cowherd boy, due to a moment of anger, neglected to guard the green ox, causing the green ox spirit to escape without a trace.

This green ox demon is the mount of Laozi, possessing great supernatural powers and high magical strength. If it escapes, it may bring disaster to the world.

This cowherd's dereliction of duty was a grave offense, greatly angering Laozi.

With a decree from Laozi, the cowherd boy fell from the pure meditation cushion in the Tushita Palace into the mortal world, to carry out his sins.

at the same time.

Lao Tzu bestowed upon him a task:

"To seek out the reincarnation of the Eastern Emperor, to enlighten him to return to the path of immortality, and to thus open the opportunity for the 'Eight Immortals to return to their rightful place' and complete the structure of the Taoist sect."

"This is your chance to redeem yourself, so you must not be negligent."

The cowherd accepted the order, but his heart was filled with mixed feelings.

The root of this punishment, like a sharp thorn, was deeply embedded in his heart, causing him pain day and night, making it difficult for him to let go.

He angrily recalled that if he hadn't had a quarrel with Ao Moang of the West Sea Dragon Palace and his brother, the Third Prince of the Jade Dragon, Ao Lie, outside the South Heavenly Gate that day, and hadn't been distracted, how could he have lost the Green Ox Demon?

Thinking of this, the cowherd boy felt an overwhelming hatred for the two dragon princes of the Western Sea.

He thought that the Crown Prince of the Western Sea, Ao Moang, was arrogant and domineering, relying on his status as the Dragon Prince of the Western Sea.

Ao Lie, the third prince of the Jade Dragon in Journey to the West, was also young and arrogant, unaware of his own limitations.

The cowherd gritted his teeth and secretly swore:
"Once I have fulfilled the mandate of Laozi, I will definitely seek out Ao Moang and Ao Lie of the Western Sea, demand justice, and vent the hatred in my heart!"

"Otherwise, my mind won't be clear!"

……

Southern Jambudvipa.

The bustling world, the vibrant city life.

Inside a humble little shop near Chang'an, the stove glowed red, the rice porridge simmered, and the air was filled with the warmth of everyday life.

The sound of students reading aloud could be heard coming from near the window.

A scholar named Lü Yan, courtesy name Dongbin, was engrossed in his studies, murmuring the words of the sages:

Confucius said: "Is it not pleasant to learn with a constant perseverance and application? Is it not delightful to have friends coming from afar? Is it not the mark of a gentleman to remain unperturbed when others do not recognize his merits?"

Then, I heard him recite again:

Lao Tzu said: "The way of Heaven is to take from those who have too much and give to those who have too little; the way of man is not so, he takes from those who have too little to give to those who have too much..."

……

This Lü Yan is no ordinary person; he is the person Zhongli Quan has been searching for, and also the reincarnation of a wisp of pure Yang energy from the Eastern Emperor.

Beside Lü Yan sat a Taoist priest.

This Taoist priest had his hair styled in a topknot, his beard extended past his abdomen, and he held a fan in his hand. With white hair and a youthful face, he possessed an extraordinary air, as if he were an immortal who had transcended the mortal world.

He was none other than the "cowherd boy of Laozi" who had been banished to the mortal realm, and at this moment he had shed his immortal status and adopted the name "Zhongli Quan".

Of course.

The disciples of Laozi, such as the Golden Furnace Boy, the Silver Furnace Boy, and the Cowherd Boy, were all exceptionally intelligent.

He had been a long-time companion of Laozi, and through constant exposure, he received many magical treasures, elixirs, and magical techniques.

If this cowherd boy were to wholeheartedly pursue the Dao and diligently cultivate himself, his progress would naturally be rapid, advancing by leaps and bounds in a single day.

Zhongli Quan looked at Lü Yan with deep eyes, and his voice rang out, carrying a hint of ethereal otherworldliness:
"Young man, it's still chilly in early spring, don't ruin your health. Take a rest for a while."

Having finished speaking.

Zhongli Quan placed the bowl of freshly cooked millet rice on the table and said with concern:
"The porridge is fragrant, the road ahead is long, why bother striving for quick success?"

at the same time.

His hands quietly formed a hand seal, and a wisp of celestial energy, invisible to the naked eye, entered Lü Dongbin's mouth and nose along with the aroma of food.

This celestial energy contains endless mysteries, capable of drawing people into dreams and allowing them to glimpse the myriad aspects of life.

After eating the millet rice, Lü Dongbin felt an overwhelming drowsiness that he couldn't resist, and he mumbled incoherently:
"Thank you, sir, but there are riches and honors in these books... I will take them."

Before he could finish speaking, Lü Dongbin tilted his head and fell into a deep sleep.

Dreams overwhelmed me!

In the dream, Lü Dongbin studied diligently and his knowledge became famous far and wide. He farmed in Hanyang and was recommended as a filial and incorruptible official because of his outstanding filial piety. Soon after, he was summoned by the imperial court.

He later entered the Imperial Academy in Chang'an, where he devoted himself to his studies and eventually gained the emperor's favor, rising to the highest position and wielding immense power.

At that time, he possessed magnificent mansions, resplendent in gold and jade, like a celestial palace. He had exquisite wines and liquors, which soothed the heart and soul, like sweet dew.

He had countless beautiful wives and concubines surrounding him, and even in his old age, he still had nights spent together in the quilt, like a pear tree in full bloom pressing down on a crabapple tree.

Lü Dongbin was captivated by this prosperous scene and believed that he had achieved the ultimate good in his life.

However, this prosperous scene was fleeting.

Former colleagues, with menacing expressions, resorted to false accusations and framing.

With the emperor's own vermilion edict, a once powerful minister was instantly reduced to a prisoner!

The calamity of confiscation of property and extermination of the entire clan struck suddenly, causing unbearable pain of separation from wives and children. On the execution ground, the guillotine's cold gleam pierced to the bone, sending chills down the spine...

"Do not--!"

In a state of utter terror and despair, Lü Dongbin cried out in agony and suddenly sat up!

Outside the window, the setting sun, like blood, reflected on him.

He was drenched in cold sweat, which had soaked through his clothes.

The bowl of millet rice in front of me was still steaming with wisps of heat.

A life lived in a dream, full of ups and downs, extravagant luxury, yet also dark and suffocating, is nothing but a fleeting dream!
The humble, cramped room in reality contrasts sharply with the extreme luxury and darkness of the dream.

A tremendous sense of emptiness, like a surging tide, almost completely engulfed him.

"So, all my... my life's glory and disgrace... was just a dream?"

Lü Dongbin's eyes glazed over, and he muttered to himself, as if a tremendous sense of emptiness was about to engulf him.

"Foolish child, foolish child, life is but a dream, how much joy can it hold?"

Zhongli Quan's steady voice rang out at the opportune moment, each word like a hammer blow, striking Lü Dongbin's dazed mind:
"What you are so eager to pursue will ultimately be nothing more than a fleeting dream."

"I woke up to find myself still in that tiny, cramped room."

"Is this fame, fortune, wealth, and glory truly worth sacrificing your entire life for?"

Lü Dongbin raised his head and, for the first time, truly examined this seemingly ordinary Taoist priest.

The setting sun cast its glow upon him, making him appear almost ethereal.

The experience in the dream was unforgettable, and the realization that the world is like smoke suddenly broke through his defenses.

"Clap!"

He resolutely pushed aside the scriptures symbolizing fame and fortune, prostrated himself before Zhongli Quan, his voice trembling with the pain of surviving a calamity, yet firm and resolute:
"Immortal Master! Please, Immortal Master, save me!"

"Disciple Lü Yan has had an epiphany today, and his worldly ties are severed. He wishes to become a disciple of the Immortal Master, to follow him closely, to sweep and clean, and to seek the true path!"

The shackles of worldly life shattered completely at this moment.

All worldly thoughts and desires vanish at this moment.

"Get up, my good disciple."

Zhongli Quan smiled and helped him up, but a complex calculation flashed deep in his eyes.

Although the Innate Pure Yang Sword is broken and unrecognizable, it is no longer what it used to be.

Its power is also much less than before.

But it was still the Pure Yang Sword after all.

The old days.

The Eastern Emperor's innate pure Yang sword traversed the Three Realms, slaying Wang Lingguan, Marshal Tianpeng, Vice Marshal Tianyou, Yisheng Baode Zhenjun, and the Northern Xuanwu Emperor...

Wherever his sword went, it was unstoppable, and no god could withstand it. Wherever it passed, the immortal soldiers and generals were defeated.

The Eastern Emperor's sword broke through the Southern Heavenly Gate, ascended to the Thirty-Three Heavens, and fought its way to the Tongming Hall and outside the Lingxiao Palace. His sword slew the Western Buddha, causing the Western Buddha to go into seclusion and remain missing to this day.

That's a really fast sword!
……

then.

Having seen through the entanglements of the mortal world and freed himself from all worries, Lü Dongbin finally became a disciple of Zhongli Quan, the "cowherd boy of Laozi," and traveled the world with him, determined to seek immortality and enlightenment.

Once freed from his shackles, Lü Dongbin's innate charm, elegance, and uninhibited nature were fully revealed.

but.

This Lü Dongbin was truly a remarkable person.

He roamed freely among the common people, sometimes transforming into an ordinary citizen, blending into the mundane world, playing around, and finding endless joy in it.

They might hide in the hustle and bustle of the city, setting up stalls to distribute medicine, saving lives and healing the wounded, using their superb medical skills to relieve the suffering of the people and benefit all.

Or, in a tavern, they would raise their cups and drink heartily, full of heroic spirit, reciting poems and composing couplets, their voices resounding throughout the room, attracting the attention of everyone.

Lu Dongbin wandered among the common people, filled with compassion, practicing medicine to help the world, pointing his sword at evil spirits and demons, protecting the peace of the region, and fully demonstrating the demeanor of a compassionate and chivalrous hero who helps others.

At other times, he would linger in brothels, chatting and laughing with beauties, indulging in poetry and wine, and his romantic affairs have been passed down as timeless tales, showing a heroic spirit of playing in the mortal world and laughing at the world.

However, Lü Dongbin never shied away from talking about wine and women. He was a heavy drinker, and whenever he encountered fine wine, he would drink until he was completely drunk before he would stop. He also enjoyed flirting with beautiful women, and his words and actions were witty and humorous, often making the beauties smile and feel overjoyed.

Lü Dongbin often spent his nights in brothels, indulging in music and song every night, and becoming intoxicated by the gentle pleasures of the world. As the saying goes, "To die under the peony flower is to be a romantic ghost," "Lü Dongbin teases the white peony three times," and "Lü Dongbin gets drunk at Yueyang Tower three times." Many romantic stories circulated in the streets and alleys, becoming popular topics of conversation among the people.

Lü Dongbin seemed detached from worldly affairs, as if he had seen through all things and was unmoved by worldly matters; yet he indulged in wine and women, enjoying those moments of pleasure and carefree ease.

He helped countless people, yet often mocked his own loneliness.

It is:

"Leaving Penglai, I walk alone into the mortal world with a clear conscience. Looking back at my immortal abode, it is still there in the misty depths of the clouds."

"They come and go without a trace, their whereabouts are unpredictable, they are half mad and half insane."

……

As Laozi and Donghua Dijun said in the Tushita Palace:

"Emperor Donghua, however, just as the Jade Emperor said, the 'you' of that time is no longer the 'you' of the past."

"His memory has faded, his temperament has changed drastically, and he is like a completely different person."

There is no more Donghua Dijun in the world.

The name of Emperor Donghua has become a thing of the past.

The Pure Yang Immortal has lost both the memories of the Eastern Emperor and his former aspirations; he is truly a completely new individual.

He was no longer the Donghua Emperor he once was.

……

Back then, Emperor Donghua raised an army in rebellion against Heaven, and Marshal Tianpeng fought a fierce battle against him in the Heavenly Realm.

In the midst of the fierce battle, the Heavenly River and the Weak Water poured down, falling directly to the human world. In an instant, the human world was transformed into a vast swamp, a boundless ocean.

Later, Erlang Shen Zhenjun Yang Jian, who inherited the will of Emperor Yu the Great, braved wind and rain to control the floods for many years, and finally sent most of the Ruoshui River back to the heavens, quelling the floods in all directions.

However, the Weak Water is the essence of the Milky Way, containing endless spiritual power. When it falls into the water, it transforms into countless other waters, endlessly.

Like wild grass, it cannot be burned out by wildfire, and it will grow again when the spring breeze blows; it is ultimately difficult to eradicate.

The essence of the Weak Water lurks in the rivers and lakes of the world, secretly drawing water power to strengthen itself, and occasionally stirring up storms and causing repeated floods.

Therefore, many places in the lower realm still frequently suffer from floods.

……

This day.

The immortal master Zhongli Quan—who was actually the cowherd boy with a lingering grudge—suddenly summoned his beloved disciple Lü Dongbin to his side.

Zhongli Quan, with a solemn expression, pointed to the map and said in a deep voice:

"Dongbin, take a closer look at this place."

Lü Dongbin stepped forward and examined the area closely.

Zhongli Quan said:

"In the past, a foreign demon defied the heavens, causing the Milky Way's Weak Water to pour down upon the world, causing rampant floods and unbridled devastation!"

(End of this chapter)