Journey to the West: Cultivation Begins at Jindou Mountain

Chapter 205 Laozi's Summoning
After returning to Daojun Mountain, the Divine Physician Daojun received his three guardian generals who were still on the mountain.

On the second floor of Daojun Palace, Daojun sat on the throne at the head of the table, with the three guardian deities Yuanze, Fangcheng, and Zhu Dayou standing on either side, looking down at the ram-headed ghost king kneeling on the ground.

"Did you escape from the underworld?"

Upon hearing the voice of the Daoist Lord above, the Goat-Headed Demon King trembled and hurriedly replied:

"Reporting to Lord Daojun, I came here through the gap between the Netherworld and the mortal world."

No wonder.
A thoughtful look appeared in Daojun's eyes.

The Netherworld has a harsh environment and a vast area. In addition to the center of the Netherworld where the Underworld is located, there is another large area. When he and Ox-Head and Horse-Face walked the Yin Road, the black mist on both sides belonged to this kind of region.

And this ram-headed demon king came from that region.

No wonder this guy dared to arrest his people.
You should know that ever since he and his many guardian generals swept away all the demonic energy on both sides of the Tongtian River, very few demons have dared to appear. Anyone with a discerning eye would not try to capture his Daojun Mountain disciples.

It turns out he was a newcomer.

“Alright, I understand,” Daojun turned to look at Yuanze beside him. “From now on, you will be in charge of it. Take him down and tell him what to do.”

"Yes, Lord Daojun."

Seeing Yuan Ze and the sheep-headed ghost king leave, the divine physician Daojun turned his gaze to Zhu Dayou, who looked worried.

"But I'm worried that there are signs of renewed chaos on both sides of the Tongtian River in recent days?"

Upon hearing Daojun's words, Zhu Dayou quickly came to his senses and bowed, saying:
"I apologize, Daoist Lord, I was lost in thought just now, but I do indeed have such concerns."

Daojun nodded slightly and looked at Zhu Dayou, saying:

“My friend, I know you are worried about the people of Fenghua City, but you must also know the principle that prosperity must eventually decline. Even heaven and earth have a lifespan, let alone the two banks of the Tongtian River.”

"Over the years, the Tongtianjiang region has reached its zenith again, almost exactly the same as it was back then."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Dayou remained silent for a moment, but still cupped his hands in a respectful gesture towards the Daoist Lord and said:

"Yes, I understand."

Zhu Dayou knew in his heart that what his Daoist master said about prosperity leading to decline was almost inevitable, but he still couldn't help but worry about Fenghua City.

Perhaps he should talk to Xu Chenghuang of Fenghua City, the old city god who has witnessed hundreds of years of trials and tribulations in Fenghua City, who might be able to resolve his inner conflict.
Forty-eight years later, at the summit of Jindu Mountain.

Niu Yi was holding the Heavenly Treasure Bottle in his hand, standing under the first spirit peach tree he had planted years ago. He slowly tilted the Heavenly Treasure Bottle, and a drop of vibrant green liquid slowly flowed out from it and dripped into the ground at the tree roots.

In just a moment, the mountaintop began to tremble slightly. Niu Yi saw the peach tree in front of him start to stretch its branches rapidly, and a pure and spiritual energy was constantly spreading outward from the peach tree.

After a while, the commotion finally stopped, and the peach tree in front of Niu Yi had grown into a towering tree with lush branches and leaves, far larger and more abundant than the surrounding peach trees.

Even the tree trunk was much larger than Niu Yi's thatched hut.

Niu Feng looked at the huge peach tree from a short distance away, his eyes shining.

He's been eating peaches from this tree for centuries, and now that the tree has received the blessing of his chieftain, the peaches on it will surely taste even better!
Such a big tree, how many peaches must it bear?
Niu Yi looked at the scene before him and shook his head slightly.

The Heavenly Treasure Bottle is indeed a precious treasure. He used a small amount of Heavenly River Water and his insights into the Dao of Life to refine this drop of nectar.

Just one drop was enough to transform the purple-grade peach tree spiritual root into a gold-grade peach tree spiritual root.

But that's not enough. No matter how you look at it, the vitality within isn't sufficient to revive a dying spiritual root of heaven and earth, let alone such a delicate herb-rejuvenating elixir.
Fortunately, Niu Yi now has some ideas, and unexpectedly, he has some pleasant surprises in refining this nectar with the Heavenly Treasure Bottle.

Niu Yi opened his palm, and two streams of energy swirled around it, one full of vitality and the other full of deathly stillness.

This is the same as the Great Dao of Cause and Effect, and is also one of the most fundamental Daos in the world: the Great Dao of Life and Death.

Legend has it that the Buddha of the Western Paradise possessed a mantra for bringing the dead back to life, which contains the profound truth of life and death.

"Now I'm venturing into more and more major paths, but fortunately, the one thing I have in abundance is time."

Niu Yi dispersed the life and death energy in his palm and waved the whisk in his hand.

Although he has several major paths that he has not yet mastered, his progress is quite good. Not to mention anything else, he has already comprehended half of the Fire and Wood paths, which he has rarely devoted himself to.

If he put in some effort, even without the Fire Spirit Pearl and Wood Spirit Pearl, he was very confident that he could completely comprehend the Fire and Wood Paths and gather all five elements within a few decades.

"Perhaps we should also think about how to exchange for the Fire Spirit Orb and Wood Spirit Orb in the hands of the Fire Virtue Star Lord and the Eastern Emperor."

"The Fire God is busy with official duties, and the Eastern Emperor has been living on Fangzhang Immortal Island for a long time, so we haven't been able to meet. But soon, the Peach Banquet will begin, and I suppose these two will soon come to the Heavenly Court."

Niu Yi raised his head and gazed at the distant sky.

In the Heavenly Court, the Divine Physician Daoist, who had been summoned to Heaven by Venus, was looking at the invitation in his hand.

Daojun glanced at the invitation in his hand, then looked at Taibai Jinxing, who stood to the side with a smiling face, and said:

"Is this... an invitation to the Queen Mother of the West's Peach Banquet?"

Venus stroked his beard, nodded, and smiled:
"Of course, not all of these invitations were delivered to Daojun."

"The Peach Banquet is less than seven days away. Daoist Lord, please make good preparations. I will also introduce some fellow Daoists to you then."

"Then thank you very much, Star Lord."

For the next period of time, the Divine Physician Daojun and Taibai Jinxing drank and played chess for half a day before parting ways.

However, just as Daojun bid farewell to Taibai Jinxing and before he had even closed the gates of Daojun Palace, a familiar figure was riding the clouds and mist toward Daojun Palace.

Daojun strode forward to greet him, and saw that the person before him was the same boy who had opened the door for him in the Tushita Palace.

The Divine Physician Daoist bowed and said:
"Fairy Boy, it's been a long time. I wonder what brings you here today?"

The celestial boy returned the greeting by bowing to the Daoist.

"Daojun, it's been a long time. My master will be going to Zhuling Dantai with Dipankara Buddha tomorrow to preach. If you have time, you might as well go and listen."

After speaking, the celestial boy bowed to the Daoist Lord once more, then turned and left.

"Thank you, Fairchild."

Despite his surprise, Daojun bowed and thanked the departing fairy boy.

Although he didn't know why Laozi had sent the celestial boy to summon him, he would still gain a great deal from listening to the sermons of these two.

Early the next morning, the Divine Physician Daojun went to the Vermilion Altar of the Heavenly Court. The Vermilion Altar was a three-story pavilion with vermilion and green tiles, standing above the sea of ​​clouds. When the Daojun arrived, many celestial officials, celestial clerks, and celestial generals were already waiting outside the pavilion.

Those who knew Daojun were surprised to see the divine physician arrive. Just as they were about to greet him, a celestial boy stepped out of the high pavilion, walked straight past the crowd, and came to Daojun to pay his respects.

"Daoist Master, my master requests your presence."

Daojun returned the greeting and said:
"Please lead the way, fairy boy."

Amidst the astonished gazes of numerous celestial generals and officials, the Divine Physician Daoist and the celestial boy entered the Vermilion Altar together, their figures vanishing without a trace.

Leaving aside the astonished discussions among the many celestial officials and generals outside, Daojun followed the celestial boy directly into the second level of the Vermilion Mausoleum Pill Platform.

On the second floor, two elderly men were sitting in chairs, with no one else around.

The old Taoist priest at the head of the group, dressed in a yellow robe with the Tai Chi Bagua symbol and holding a whisk, was none other than Laozi (the Supreme Lord Lao).

The other figure, located to Laozi's left and below, is an old monk with a gaunt and aged face, a kind expression, and a halo behind his head radiating a gentle Buddhist light. He is dressed in a kasaya.

This is none other than Dipankara Buddha.

"Master, the person has been brought."

After the boy finished speaking, he bowed to the two of them, clearly having been instructed beforehand, and then turned and went downstairs.

Seeing that the two were looking at him, the Divine Physician Daojun bowed and said:

"Guangyi has met the Supreme Dao Ancestor and the Ancient Buddha Dipankara."

The two nodded slightly. It seemed as if two green lamps were lit in the eyes of the Divine Physician Daoist. He looked the Divine Physician Daoist up and down, and a hint of surprise appeared in his eyes.

Immediately, Dipankara Buddha slowly stood up and addressed Laozi:
"Let this humble monk offer a preliminary thought to inspire further discussion today?"

Lao Tzu, with a serene expression, nodded and said:
"That's fine too."

Dipankara Buddha nodded, turned and walked toward the third floor. As he passed Daojun, he smiled and nodded at him.

Daojun quickly returned the greeting, and then heard Laozi say:
"Guangyi, come to my side."

"Yes, Dao Ancestor."

Upon hearing this, Dipankara Buddha paused slightly, but continued walking towards the third level of the Vermilion Tower.

On the other side, the Divine Physician Daojun quickly transformed back into Niu Yi and respectfully approached the Dao Ancestor.

Laozi looked at Niu Yi with a smile on his face.

"Do you know that your master once discussed the Dao with me here? It has been a long time since then."

After guessing that his master and the Jade Emperor were old acquaintances, Niu Yi was not particularly surprised that his master knew Laozi.

As for Laozi, he did not say exactly how long this "long time" is, but according to Niu Yi, this "long time" is probably measured in "yuan".
When Laozi spoke of this matter, he seemed only to sigh with emotion, then looked at Niu Yi and asked:
"You recently returned to Jambudvipa (the southern continent of the Buddha). What do you think of the development of Taoism?"

Upon hearing this, Niu Yi pondered for a moment, then looked at Laozi and said solemnly:

"In my humble opinion, the Southern Continent is now flourishing with various schools and religions, but it seems that Taoism is the most prosperous. The number of people cultivating Taoism and immortality is countless, and none can match it."

Lao Tzu nodded slowly and said:
"Do you know why Ran Deng came to the Heavenly Court several days before the Peach Banquet?"

Upon hearing this, a glint of light flashed in Niu Yi's eyes as he recalled the events that were about to unfold.

The only thing that could bring this ancient Buddha to the Heavenly Court ahead of schedule was...
But should he really tell the Dao Ancestor about his guess?
Niu Yi looked up at Laozi's gentle eyes. Recalling the past, Niu Yi finally bowed and said:

"It seems that the ancient Buddha came for the purpose of spreading Buddhism to the East."

"good."

Laozi nodded approvingly, and his gaze toward Niu Yi softened, as if an elder were looking at a friend's prized disciple with affection.

"Randeng came here on behalf of Tathagata to discuss with the Jade Emperor the future spread of Buddhism to the East. This matter has been settled, and I am aware of it."

"What you said to your subordinate in the Dao Lord's Palace in the lower realm was indeed correct."

"Even heaven and earth have their lifespan, and you are well aware of the principle that prosperity must eventually lead to decline."

Upon hearing this, Niu Yi knew in his heart that the Supreme Dao Ancestor was telling him that Taoism in the Southern Continent was also subject to the principle of decline after reaching its peak.

However, Niu Yi also knew that even if Buddhism entered the East in the future, Taoism would have the protection of its various lineage masters, so how much weaker could it become?

It's simply a matter of sharing incense offerings with Buddhism, creating a power struggle between the two.

Leaving that matter aside for now, Niu Yi didn't quite understand why the Dao Ancestor had sought him out today and brought up this matter.

The subsequent eastward transmission of Buddhism and the westward journey to obtain scriptures, as the Dao Ancestor has now stated, were clearly jointly managed by the Heavenly Court and Mount Ling, and the Dao Ancestor himself also assisted in the process.

But what does all of this have to do with him?
Just then, Niu Yi heard a series of Zen chants coming from upstairs. Immediately, golden lotuses appeared around the Zhuling Dantai and floated down from the sky.

“I know you have doubts, but I called you here today only to inform you in advance. In the future, just follow your heart and don’t worry too much.”

"Yes, Guangyi will keep the teachings of the Dao Ancestor firmly in mind."

"Go, listen attentively to the teachings. With your accumulated knowledge over the past few centuries, you will surely gain a great deal this time."

"Yes, Guangyi takes his leave."

Niu Yi bowed deeply to Laozi, turned and left, walking down the Zhuling Dantai. As he descended the stairs, his figure flashed and he transformed back into the Divine Physician Daojun.

The Divine Physician Daoist went straight out of the Zhuling Dantai. Looking at the many celestial officials and generals sitting cross-legged listening to the Dao around him, he also found a place, sat down on the ground, cleared his mind of the chaotic thoughts from before, and focused on listening to the Dao.

Although the Daoist Ancestor did not explicitly mention the journey to the West, he had already told him a great deal today.

Judging from the current situation, Master and Taishang Daozu should have a good relationship, and Taishang Daozu's instruction that he should not have too many concerns in his future actions also implies that he is supporting Master.

Although Niu Yi still didn't understand what this journey to the west had to do with him, this made him feel much more at ease.

At the summit of Jindu Mountain, Niu Yi, with a serene expression, sat cross-legged under a peach tree, holding a whisk in his hand.

At this moment, the sounds of the Great Dao were flowing through Niu Yi's heart. While his divine avatar was listening to the Dao, his main body was also listening to the Dao, using the whisk to comprehend the Great Dao.

Before long, golden lotuses began to bloom around Niu Yi, and the aura of the Great Dao permeated his body. His understanding of the various Great Daos he cultivated was rapidly improving.

(End of this chapter)