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

Chapter 590 Riding a Crane and Slaying the Yellow Dragon with a Flying Sword (Bonus Chapter, thanks to "fsrm31x" for the generous donation!)
"Fortunately, Erlang Shen Zhenjun Yang Jian worked tirelessly for many years to dredge the Weak Water and finally sent most of it back to the Heavenly Realm."

"However, the evil spirit of the Milky Way and the Weak Water has long been hidden in the water veins of the world, giving rise to countless water monsters and demons, causing havoc in all directions."

Speaking of this...

Zhongli Quan, the former cowherd boy of the Tushita Palace who was demoted to the mortal realm for failing to properly supervise the loss of his blue ox, now had a solemn expression, and his deep voice, containing a chilling intent, clearly reached the ears of his beloved disciple Lü Dongbin:

"I have recently heard that the Jianghuai region is experiencing raging torrents, a disaster unlike any other!"

"Among them was a ferocious dragon that used the evil power of the Weak Water to stir up storms and create floods hundreds of feet high, swallowing up countless fertile fields, villages, and innocent lives! Its cruelty was outrageous!"

Lü Dongbin listened intently, his gaze sweeping over the disaster markings on the map, and anger gradually gathered between his brows.

"This dragon is utterly wicked and must be eliminated!"

Zhongli Quan slammed his hand on the map, his gaze sharp as lightning, locking onto Lü Dongbin:

"Dongbin, you have just acquired the Daoist arts, and your swordsmanship is still in its early stages. You need to hone your skills!"

"Take the Pure Yang Sword and head to the Jianghuai region!"

"Firstly, to understand the hardships of the people and know their difficulties; secondly, to use the three-foot-long sword in hand to slay demons and eliminate evil influences, restoring peace and tranquility to the common people!"

"This is a great act of merit, and it is also your duty as a disciple of the Taoist sect."

You must not refuse!

Upon hearing this, Lü Dongbin's eyes flashed with a sharp light, reflecting both the heavy responsibility of saving the world on his shoulders and the eagerness to test the sharpness of a newly sharpened sword. He responded loudly:
"Master, rest assured! Your disciple will set off immediately!"

"With this sword, I will slay the evil dragon, to comfort the common people, and to uphold the justice of Heaven!"

After speaking, Lü Dongbin transformed into a sharp sword light, soaring straight into the sky and disappearing into the horizon in an instant, leaving only the lingering sound.

The sword light faded into the distance, disappearing into the horizon.

Gazing in the direction where the pure Yang sword light had disappeared.

Zhongli Quan watched them go for a long time before the solemn expression of concern for the world on his face slowly melted away, replaced by a cold smile.

He gently flicked his fingertips, and a falling peach blossom silently turned into dust.

"Using a borrowed knife... to kill someone..."

"Borrow a sword...to slay the dragon!"

Zhongli Quan murmured, his eyes burning with a deep-seated hatred that had been buried for decades.

Lü Dongbin is the reincarnation of the Eastern Emperor, carrying the imperial fortune of the Daoist sect and valued by Laozi, so he should be safe and sound.

So, who was the person involved in the accident?

"West Sea, oh West Sea..."

“Ao Moang, Ao Lie…”

Zhongli Quan's voice was as soft as a viper's hiss, yet it carried a deep-seated resentment:

"The humiliation at the South Heavenly Gate that year, which severed my path to immortality, is a wound I, Zhongli Quan, have never forgotten, not even for a single day!"

The meticulously planned revenge game has already seen its first crucial piece fall.

The hatred buried for decades is now being carefully guided, like an undercurrent, quietly pointing in the opposite direction, waiting for the right moment to erupt into a world-shaking storm.

……

Meanwhile, Lü Dongbin bid farewell to his immortal master Zhongli Quan and entered the mortal world to cultivate the Great Dao.

That wisp of pure Yang sword light vanished, disappearing into the mortal world and heading straight for the Jianghuai region.

Upon arriving in Jiangxia, Lü Dongbin saw only bustling markets and wine banners fluttering in the breeze.

Suddenly, a wisp of wine aroma wafted from the corner restaurant, refreshing and delightful.

Lü Dongbin followed the fragrance and stopped. Looking up, he saw that the wine in the shop was incredibly mellow and its aroma filled several miles. It was as sweet as nectar and made his mouth water.

"Waiter, bring the wine!"

Lü Dongbin entered the restaurant, smiled, flicked his Taoist robe, took the wine gourd from his waist, and gently shook it as a gesture.

But the bartender shook his head and said:
"Sir, our shop's finest wine is worth more than gold and silver!"

Lü Dongbin paid no attention, and with a flick of his eye, he picked up an orange peel and casually dab it on the wall of the tavern.

Suddenly, the yellow crane on the wall appeared so lifelike that it seemed to be alive.

Its feathers resembled golden silk draped with rosy clouds, and its crimson crown was like cinnabar dotting jade. It danced gracefully on the wall, stretching its neck and letting out a long cry, its posture exquisite, circling around the wine drinkers.

"Well done, what a fine Yellow Crane!"

"Wonderful, wonderful!"

Upon seeing this, everyone exclaimed in admiration, their drinking spirits soaring, and they showered it with praise.

"Immortal Master, please drink this wine as a sign of respect!"

The restaurant manager hurried forward, greeted him respectfully, and smiled broadly.

Lü Dongbin drank heavily, becoming completely drunk, displaying his unrestrained and unconventional nature.

The yellow crane danced, attracting a huge crowd of onlookers, who exclaimed in amazement as the crowd grew larger and larger.

Amidst the clinking of wine cups and the clamor of laughter, the tavern raked in money daily, its wealth flowing in like a river.

However, upon witnessing this miracle, the tavern owner was overcome with greed and sought to profit from it.

So he ordered people to hang heavy curtains, completely concealing the Yellow Crane, and announced to the outside world:

"Only those who enter to buy wine have the chance to see the crane."

In no time, customers flocked in like a tide, the place was bustling with activity, and money poured into the manager's pockets like flowing water.

Having tasted success, the shopkeeper shamelessly begged Lü Dongbin to paint a few more cranes, stepping forward and bowing, saying:

"Why doesn't the immortal master add another crane's shadow, so that we may become the richest people in the region?"

"How about we split the profits fifty-fifty between the immortal and myself?"

Who was Lü Dongbin?
I despise such greedy and mercenary people the most.

"Hahaha……"

Lü Dongbin laughed loudly:
"In this world, greed is easily exhausted, and good fortune is hard to preserve!"

"How can one lose sight of one's principles for the sake of temporary gain?"

After saying this, he lightly flicked his sleeve and beckoned to the yellow crane on the wall.

"Wow—!"

A clear, melodious cry of a crane echoed through the long street. The yellow crane broke through the curtain, its wings outstretched, and its lively eyes swept over the astonished crowd before finally flying to Lü Dongbin's side, where it docilely lowered its head.

"The filth of this mundane world has tainted the pure spirit of my Yellow Crane Tower! Let us go!"

Lü Dongbin leaped onto the crane's back.

The Yellow Crane, with its spiritual power, lightly touched the ground with its long legs, spread its wings and soared into the sky, carrying the dashing and unrestrained Pure Yang Sword Immortal straight into the vast sea of ​​clouds.

Only the ink stains on the wall remain.

All the wealth and stench of money can't compare to the carefree joy of a crane's dance.

Later generations, in remembrance of the immortals, built a tall building at the place where the cranes ascended to heaven, which is the famous tower of all time – the "Yellow Crane Tower".

A poem later praised it:
"The ancients have already ridden the yellow crane away, leaving only the Yellow Crane Tower behind."

"The Yellow Crane has flown away and will never return; the white clouds drift aimlessly for a thousand years."

……

Lü Dongbin rode a yellow crane and soared into the sky, arriving at the banks of the Huai River with his sword.

But the eerie atmosphere filled the sky, like surging dark clouds that blotted out the sun; turbid waves surged into the air, like ten thousand horses galloping, rushing towards the heavens.

The waters surged and roared, a true sign of a catastrophe for humanity!
Amidst this chaotic and raging torrent, a yellow dragon, over a hundred feet long and covered in dark yellow scales, appeared.

Its appearance is ferocious and terrifying, with bared teeth and claws, stirring up trouble at will.

Each roll stirs up monstrous waves as large as mountains, surging and devastating.

Under its impact, the dikes collapsed instantly, like thin paper and brittle bamboo; houses crumbled in an instant, like piled blocks and straw.

The giant dragon's mouth opened and closed, its gaping maw seemingly containing a bottomless abyss, devouring any creatures that couldn't escape.

In an instant, the cries of crying shook the heavens, and tragic scenes unfolded one after another.

Upon seeing this tragic scene, Lü Zu was filled with rage.

A surge of rage, mixed with pure Yang energy, rushed from his chest straight to his spiritual platform!
Lü Zu roared like thunder:

"You beast! You treat living beings like straw dogs! If Heaven doesn't punish you, I will!" *Clang!*

As if sensing its master's boundless rage, the Pure Yang Ancient Sword at his waist let out a clear and resonant cry like a dragon's roar and automatically leaped out of its scabbard!

"boom!"

A pure white sword aura, as intense as the sun falling to earth, rose up in response!

Its light illuminates heaven and earth, its momentum is like a thunderbolt!
The sword intent was so powerful and fierce that it faintly revealed the supreme majesty of "Emperor Donghua" who ruled over all immortals and looked down on the three realms, tearing apart the demonic atmosphere in an instant!
A fierce and earth-shattering battle suddenly erupted amidst the raging floodwaters.

The sword light, like a white rainbow piercing the sun, was sharp and swift, tearing through the rolling dark clouds.

The dragon's roar was like thunder from the heavens, deafening and shattering the turbulent waves.

Lu Zu became one with his sword, his movements as swift as lightning. He dodged and weaved amidst the towering waves and the giant claws and venomous fangs of the dragon, engaging in a life-or-death struggle with the ferocious creature.

But Lu Zu's sword moves were wide and sweeping.

Sometimes it pierces the sun like a white rainbow, straight at the dragon's head; sometimes it sweeps across the dragon's waist like a reversed Milky Way.

Sword shadows flashed, dragon shadows surged, a man and a dragon, sword light and scale shadows intertwined, stirring up the wind and clouds, making the mountains and rivers lose their color!
"Deep in the night, cranes fly through the blue autumn sky, and the west wind blows as cold as a sword."

"cut!"

At the height of the battle, Lü Zu roared, his sword moving with him, and the pure Yang sword energy slashed down like a rainbow piercing the sun.

"Pfft!"

The dull thud of a sharp blade piercing flesh was accompanied by a scream that pierced eardrums!
“Ouch——!!!”

A streak of blood-red light shot into the sky.

A rain of filth and blood poured down, turning the turbid Huai River a glaring scarlet.

The enormous, ferocious dragon's head and the massive demonic body separated with a crash, and the heavy broken pieces slammed into the water, stirring up a towering, bloody wave!
With the demise of this ferocious dragon, the eerie and malevolent aura that had been hovering over the Huai River crumbled instantly, like boiling water poured on snow, and was completely cleansed by the pure yang sword energy!

The raging flood, now devoid of demonic power, has not yet stopped, but the torrents have gradually subsided.

"Thank you so much, divine being! You savior who has saved us from suffering!"

"Heaven has eyes! Gods have blessed us! We are saved!"

"This is a celestial sword immortal!"

……

The survivors on the shore, witnessing this scene, were overjoyed and wept, kneeling down in a chorus of kneeling, kowtowing and shouting with gratitude that reached the heavens.

Later generations created the "Shadow God Picture of Lu Zu Slaying the Yellow Dragon with His Flying Sword" to commemorate this heroic feat.

Historical records state: "When Dongbin first traveled to the Jianghuai region, he tested his magic sword and slew the scourge of the long dragon!"

"Zheng" sound.

Lü Dongbin sheathed his sword and stood on the bank where the floodwaters were gradually calming.

A gentle breeze brushed against his slightly disheveled temples, and upon hearing the cheers of the people, a hint of satisfaction and gratification after vanquishing the demon and protecting the righteous path flickered across his brow.

After slaying the dragon with his sword, Lü Dongbin felt exhilarated, and his poetic inspiration surged forth.

Lü Dongbin carried a flask of old wine and climbed to a high place. Looking out, he saw a vast expanse of shimmering water, boundless and limitless. His heart was suddenly filled with joy, and he laughed heartily, composing a poem:

"Your swordsmanship is now complete, so take it and slay the dragons wherever they may."

"I sail to Cangwu in the morning and return at dusk; in the cave, I am the sky above the sun and moon."

"With sword in hand, I journey a thousand miles across the sky; I bid farewell at the first watch and return at the second."

"Carry the three-foot sword in the box on your back, for the sky and to show that you are not fair!"

……

"Hahaha!"

After saying this, Lü Dongbin tilted his head back and drank the old wine in the pot in one gulp. With a loud laugh, his figure suddenly transformed into a sharp sword light, soaring into the sky and instantly piercing through the clouds before disappearing into the vast sky.

……

When Lü Dongbin slew the yellow dragon with his sword, he never expected that this dragon had a very deep connection with the little yellow dragon, the dragon king of the Huai River.

It turns out that this yellow dragon was the brother-in-law of the little yellow dragon, the dragon king of the Huai River, and they were related by marriage.

The Little Yellow Dragon, the Dragon King of the Huai River, also holds a place among the dragons.

Now, the Jing River Dragon King was a prominent figure among the dragons, ranking as the "General Manager of the Eight Rivers and the Great Dragon God in Charge of Rain." He controlled the rain in one region and governed the waters of the eight rivers, wielding immense power and enjoying widespread fame.

Compared to the Huai River Dragon King, the Dragon King of Ten Thousand Saints is nothing more than a "country bumpkin rich man".

The wife of the Jing River Dragon King was the sister of the West Sea Dragon King.

Therefore, the Jinghe Dragon King is indeed the West Sea Dragon King's "brother-in-law," and the two are truly related by marriage.

The Dragon King of the Jing River had several sons, each of whom was no ordinary person and was prominent in their respective regions.

The eldest son, Xiao Huanglong, guarded the Huai River and was in charge of its water system.

The second son, Xiao Lilong, was in charge of guarding the Jidu River and governing the Ji River system.

The third son, the Green-Backed Dragon, governs the rivers and is in charge of the Yangtze River system.

The fourth son, Red-Bearded Dragon, guards the rivers and the Yellow River system.

……

This is exactly what the old saying means:

"The dragon has nine sons, and each of them is different."

The last son of the Jinghe Dragon King was a little alligator dragon.

The alligator is the Yangtze alligator, also known as the pig alligator.

On the road westward.

The little alligator dragon once occupied the Blackwater River and caused chaos. It captured Tang Sanzang, intending to steam and eat him to prolong his life. It also fought a series of battles with Zhu Bajie, Sha Wujing, Sun Wukong, and others, causing chaos in the Blackwater River.

Previously.

During the Battle of Buzhouyuan in Beiju Luzhou, the little alligator dragon fought alongside his cousin Ao Moang and clashed with the Golden Horn King.

However, after only a few exchanges, the little alligator dragon was defeated by the Golden Horn King and was eventually carried under the Golden Horn King's arm, looking utterly pathetic and crying out in pain.

The little alligator dragon was filled with shame, feeling utterly humiliated, and from then on refused to fight again.

The sons of the Jinghe Dragon King, such as Little Yellow Dragon, Green-backed Dragon, and Little Crocodile Dragon, all call the West Sea Dragon King "Uncle" and call West Sea Ao Moang "Big Cousin".

When they arrived at the Blackwater River on their journey to the West, the little alligator dragon captured Tang Sanzang. The first thing it did was send someone to invite its uncle, the Dragon King of the West Sea, to come and have a drink.

The one who came to capture the little alligator dragon was none other than Ao Moang from the West Sea.

The little alligator dragon was extremely polite to Ao Moang, saying:

“Cousin, I have always been fortunate enough to live here, but I have been away from you for a long time and have not been able to show my filial piety.”

"Yesterday I captured a monk from the East. I heard that he is the primordial body of ten lifetimes of cultivation. Eating him can prolong one's life. I want to ask my uncle to take a look, put him in an iron cage and steam him to celebrate my uncle's birthday."

……

The devastating news struck like a thunderbolt through the luxurious Huaihe River Dragon Palace!

"What?! You mean... you mean..."

"My...my brother-in-law..."

Upon hearing the news that the shrimp soldiers had brought over in a flurry, the little yellow dragon of the Huai River shuddered violently, and the jade cup in its hand was crushed to pieces with a "crack"!

His dragon eyes were wide open, bloodshot, and a violent rage and dragon might instantly filled the entire palace.

The entire Crystal Palace trembled and vibrated under his grief and rage.

"A mere mortal Taoist! How dare...how dare he slaughter my brother-in-law!!!"

The little yellow dragon raised its head high and let out a furious roar that shook the entire water palace and reverberated across the riverbed for miles around.
"Even if he is a rising star in the Daoist sect, this enmity is irreconcilable. He must pay with his blood! Issue my order—!"

"Gather the most elite soldiers of the Huai River Water Palace! Armed with the Dragon Palace's secret treasure—the Sea-Stabilizing Soul-Searching Mirror! Even if it means overturning rivers and seas, searching the heavens and earth, we must bring back the head of that green-robed Taoist!!!"

“I will use him to sacrifice to the flag, to comfort the spirit of my brother-in-law in heaven.”

……

An extra chapter today! Special thanks to reader "fsrm31x" for the generous donation!

Thank you all for your support!

The golden cicada, painted with ink, bows in reverence!
(End of this chapter)