Gou Zai Xi You Dao Chang Sheng

Li Yan stood in the hall, about to speak, when suddenly someone in the ranks said:

"I am but a rogue cultivator; do not attempt to display your supernatural powers before the ranks of immortals."

Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw a person stepping out from the ranks of military officers.

This man had a face like a red date, thick eyebrows and tiger-like eyes. He wore a crimson battle robe and had a sword hanging at his waist, looking very imposing.

He was none other than the "General of the Southern Dipper," one of the "Six Offices of the Southern Dipper," whose surname was Huan, given name Yu, and courtesy name Zhongwu.

This person is the fiercest general under the Six Star Lords of the Southern Dipper. He has cultivated for eight thousand years and has already attained the position of Taiyi Golden Immortal.

He was of a fierce temperament, valued his family background, and looked down on wandering immortals in the lower realms.

Ever since Sun Wukong raised the banner of the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, he had been resentful, but he could not retaliate because of the Jade Emperor's decree.

Seeing that Li Yan was about to speak, he couldn't help but make a sarcastic remark.

Li Yan's expression remained unchanged, and he simply said, "General Huan is absolutely right."

I am but a humble cultivator, how dare I speak presumptuously of heavenly secrets?

"But when Immortal Liu asked, I dared not conceal the truth and was about to tell him the whole story."

Huan Yu snorted coldly: "Then tell me, what did you deduce?"

Li Yan smiled slightly and said, "I have deduced that tonight's events are related to the North."

Upon hearing this, the immortals in the hall displayed various expressions.

The word "north" has always been a taboo in the Heavenly Court.

Since ancient times, the north has been a land of bitter cold and darkness, a place of slaughter and death.

Huan Yu's expression changed slightly, and he sneered, "Your deduction is quite convenient."

In the Three Realms, if there is anything that cannot be explained or explained, simply push it towards the north, and all will be well.

If that's the case, what use are you?

Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong's golden eyes flashed.

Li Yan held him down and laughed, "General Huan is right to teach him a lesson."

My deduction is indeed crude.

However, I would like to ask the general another question: have you heard of the Heavenly Net technique used by the man in black?

Huan Yu was taken aback, then said, "The Heavenly Net is a secret technique of the Heavenly Court, which I, the general, am naturally aware of."

Li Yan said, "Does the general know that this method requires the Heavenly Gang and Earthly Fiends as its foundation and the stars of the celestial sphere as its guide?"

It cannot be performed by anyone who is not at least a Taiyi Golden Immortal.

The man in black was able to perform this technique and pass through the triple restrictions without triggering them.

If you say this person is not in Heaven, this humble Taoist does not believe it.

Huan Yu's face stiffened.

Li Yan added, "Furthermore, Dong Xian's official statement said that the leader's palm was shimmering with golden light, extremely strong and yang."

It is strange in itself that one person can cultivate two completely opposite magical powers.

I dare to guess that the golden light was a deliberate flaw.

But that chilling palm strike was the man's true strength.

Upon hearing this, the immortals in the hall began to discuss it amongst themselves.

Zhang Heng stroked his beard and nodded, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes.

Huan Yu's face turned ashen, and he was about to retort when he suddenly heard another person step forward from the ranks of civil officials.

This man had a fair complexion and no beard, and possessed a shrewd and intelligent appearance.

It was the Eastern Kitchen Master of the Palace of Fate, whose surname was Zao, given name Jun, and courtesy name Zihua.

Although this person is not of high rank, he controls the fires of the Three Realms, is well-informed, and has dealings with various forces.

He cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, I have something to say."

The Jade Emperor said, "Speak."

The Kitchen God said, "In my opinion, there are many suspicious points in what happened tonight."

Although Dongfang Shuo is a suspect, there is a possibility that he was wrongly accused.

As for that Taoist priest Li, he was praised by Laozi and was also proficient in Qimen Dunjia. If we could get him to investigate this case thoroughly with the Great Sage Equaling Heaven,

Firstly, it would clear Dongfang Shuo's name, and secondly, it would demonstrate the fairness of the Heavenly Court.

As for the man in black, if he truly is from the Heavenly Court, we can find out for sure; why argue about it endlessly?

Upon hearing this, the immortals in the hall looked at each other in bewilderment.

The Martial Virtue Star Lord immediately objected: "No!"

Li Yan and Sun Wukong were originally wandering immortals from the lower realms, and they also had a private relationship with Dongfang Shuo.

Letting them investigate the case is like letting thieves investigate thieves themselves!

The Kitchen God laughed and said, "The God of Martial Virtue is mistaken."

It was precisely because they had a personal relationship with Dongfang Shuo that they went to great lengths to investigate.

If someone else had handled it perfunctorily, the truth would not have been uncovered.

Wu De Xingjun was about to speak again when the Jade Emperor raised his hand to stop him, his gaze falling on Li Yan.

"Li Yan, are you willing to take this task?"

Li Yan secretly plotted in his heart.

This job, which may seem like a hot potato, is actually an opportunity.

Firstly, Dongfang Shuo was indeed a good person. He served in the Heavenly Court for thousands of years without forming cliques or currying favor with the powerful. He was a breath of fresh air.

When Zhen De arrested the man, Dongfang Shuo was being held up, but he still shook his head slightly at him, signaling not to make any rash moves.

Even in such a situation, he still remembered to remind others, which shows his character.

If Dongfang Shuo really wanted to make things difficult for them, he only needed to insist that they had asked for the jade pendant on their own initiative.

If he gets involved with the man in black again, he and Sun Wukong will be unable to clear their names even if they jump into the Milky Way.

But Dongfang Shuo did not.

When he testified in court, he only said that the jade pendant was a gift, without embellishing the story or implicating anyone else.

Li Yan kept this honest and loyal spirit in his heart.

Secondly, if they accept this assignment, they can legitimately enter the Peach Garden to investigate.

The roots of those peaches were buried deep in front of the Jade Pool Palace, nourished by the heavenly fortune.

Without a legitimate reason, even with the jade token, he would find it difficult to get close.

Now, under the guise of investigating a case, they can openly enter and leave the Peach Garden, secretly searching for the whereabouts of that root.

Thirdly, within the Lingxiao Palace, both civil and military officials harbored their own thoughts.

Some people want to use this incident to suppress dissidents, some want to take advantage of the chaos, and others are just watching from the sidelines.

He and the monkey were newcomers with shallow foundations, and they needed an opportunity to gain a foothold in the Heavenly Court.

If this case can be solved and Dongfang Shuo's innocence restored, he can establish prestige in the Heavenly Court and make many good connections.

Furthermore, if the monkey were to cause havoc in the Heavenly Palace in the future, he would need to understand the ins and outs of the Heavenly Court.

The location of each palace and hall, the strength of the restrictions, and the density of the guards are all crucial pieces of information that determine life and death.

Using the pretext of investigating a case to travel around is the perfect opportunity.

With this in mind, Li Yan had already made up his mind.

He stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Your Majesty, this humble Taoist is willing to accept this task."

Upon hearing this, the immortals in the hall began to discuss it amongst themselves.

The Martial Virtue Star Lord said, "What arrogance! You, a mere wandering immortal, dare to take on this task?"

Li Yan, neither humble nor arrogant, said, "What the Martial Virtue Star Lord said is absolutely right. My Taoist cultivation is meager, and I would never dare to take on this task."

However, I have met Mr. Dongfang several times and know his character.

Since he has been wronged, how can I, a humble Taoist priest, sit idly by?

Furthermore, although I am not very skilled in Taoism, I am still quite clever.

With the Great Sage's help, perhaps we can get to the bottom of this.

Upon hearing this, the Jade Emperor's gaze swept back and forth between Sun Wukong and Li Yan.

After a moment's hesitation, he slowly said, "Very well. I grant you two permission to thoroughly investigate this case."

Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong grinned and said, "Your Majesty is wise!"

Before Wu De Xingjun could speak further, the Jade Emperor said again:

"However, this case involves a great deal of issues, so I will give you three months."

If the true culprit is not found within three months, Dongfang Shuo will punish you both according to the Heavenly Laws…”

He paused slightly at this point.

Sun Wukong asked, "What about me, Old Sun?"

The Jade Emperor said calmly, "You two should put away the banner of the Great Sage Equaling Heaven and return to Flower Fruit Mountain."

Sun Wukong's golden eyes flickered, and he was about to speak when Li Yan cupped his hands and said, "This humble Taoist accepts the decree."

Seeing that Li Yan had agreed, Sun Wukong also cupped his hands and said, "I, Old Sun, accept as well!"

The Jade Emperor nodded slightly, his gaze falling on Dongfang Shuo:

"Dongfang Shuo, you shall be imprisoned in the Heavenly Prison for now, and a decision shall be made after Li Yan and Sun Wukong have investigated the case."

Dongfang Shuo kowtowed and said, "Your humble servant obeys the decree. Thank you for your wise judgment, Your Majesty."

After saying that, he stood up, looked at Li Yan and Sun Wukong, and a hint of gratitude flashed in his eyes.

Li Yan nodded slightly, indicating that he could rest assured.

Dongfang Shuo was escorted by two heavenly generals and led out of the palace.

As he passed by Li Yan, he was about to whisper, "Master Li, Great Sage, be careful..."

Before he could finish speaking, the two heavenly generals had already carried him away.

Li Yan's heart stirred.

He suppressed his doubts and left the Lingxiao Palace with Sun Wukong.

As soon as they stepped out of the palace, Sun Wukong couldn't help but ask, "Brother, why did you take on this task just now?"

"The Martial Virtue Star Lord is right; this case is clearly a hot potato."

Li Yan smiled slightly, concealing the truth, and transmitted his voice:

"Your Majesty should consider this: if you do not take on this task, then no one will be able to save Dongfang Shuo."

This man has treated us well, and he has been wronged. How can we stand by and watch him die?

Sun Wukong nodded and said, "That's true. Although he loves to drink, he's a good person."

Li Yan added, "Furthermore, our purpose in going to heaven this time is to investigate the deaths of those three demons."

Now, with this flower theft case added to the list, it seems troublesome, but in reality, they all lead to the same end.

Sun Wukong's golden eyes flashed slightly: "Brother, you mean..."

Li Yan remained silent, only pointing north.

Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong asked, "Then where should we begin our investigation?"

Li Yan pondered for a moment and said, "Let's go to the Heavenly Prison first and see Dongfang Shuo."

The two headed towards the heavenly prison.

The Heavenly Prison, located in the northwest corner of the Heavenly Court, is named "Heavenly Prison" and is a place for imprisoning important criminals.

The place was eerily gloomy, a stark contrast to the auspicious clouds and propitious aura of the heavenly court.

The prison gate was cast from black iron, three zhang high and two zhang wide, with countless runes and restrictions engraved on it.

Two rows of heavenly soldiers stood before the gate, clad in armor and armed with weapons, exuding a murderous aura.

When Li Yan and Sun Wukong arrived at the prison gate, the heavenly general guarding the gate, seeing that it was the Great Sage Equaling Heaven, dared not stop them and quickly let them pass.

Upon entering the Heavenly Prison, one sees a deep, dark passageway with stone chambers on both sides, each sealed off by a restriction.

At the end of the passageway, in a stone chamber, Dongfang Shuo sat cross-legged, his face slightly pale.

Upon seeing the two, he quickly stood up, cupped his hands, and said, "Great Sage, Daoist Li, you have arrived."

After concealing the secret, Li Yan spoke through the barrier, saying, "Sir, you have suffered."

Dongfang Shuo smiled bitterly: "I was just tricked, so it doesn't matter if I suffer a little."

I feel really bad for having troubled you two.

Sun Wukong waved his hand and said, "What are you talking about implicating me or not?"

I, Old Sun, hate this kind of backstabbing and scheming the most.

"Don't worry, Brother Dongfang, I, Old Sun, will definitely get to the bottom of this and clear your name!"

Upon hearing this, a hint of gratitude flashed in Dongfang Shuo's eyes, but he shook his head and said:

"I appreciate your kindness, Great Sage."

However, that man in black is incredibly powerful and has a very deep background. You two shouldn't risk yourselves for my sake.

Li Yan said, "Sir, there is no need to worry. Now that I have accepted this task, I am quite confident."

However, there are a few things I would like to ask you, sir.

Dongfang Shuo said, "Please speak, Master Li."

Li Yan said, "There are three jade tokens that allow passage through the Peach Garden."

One of the coins was in the gentleman's possession, but it has already been stolen by the man in black.

One of them is in the hands of Master's disciple, Qingxuan.

There is one more, which is in my possession.

The man in black stole the gentleman's jade pendant and then framed him.

Have you ever considered whether the jade tablet in Qingxuan's hand might also become their target?

Upon hearing this, Dongfang Shuo's expression changed drastically.

"Qingxuan! He was ordered by me to go to the East Sea to purchase the coral and agate needed for the Peach Banquet, and he has not returned yet."

If that man in black finds him…

Li Yan said, "Sir, please don't be anxious. Where is Qingxuan now?"

Dongfang Shuo said, "He went to the Dragon Palace of the East Sea and asked the Dragon King of the East Sea for the ten-thousand-year-old coral."

The Dragon King of the East Sea and I have a past relationship, so he shouldn't make things difficult for him.

However, what if that man in black intercepts him on the way...?

Li Yan pondered for a moment and said, "Your Majesty, I would like to trouble you to go to the East Sea and bring Qingxuan back."

Sun Wukong said, "Alright! I'll go right now!"

Having said that, he transformed into a golden ray of light and soared into the sky.

Li Yan then said to Dongfang Shuo, "Sir, the man in black who stole the flowers tonight seems to be after the Nine-Colored Immortal Flower."

Actually, she came for Mr. [Name].

They first stole the jade plaque, then the fairy flower, and then framed the gentleman.

This series of interconnected schemes clearly aims to kill the gentleman.

But why would they want to harm the gentleman?

Upon hearing this, Dongfang Shuo's expression changed several times before he finally spoke after a long silence:

"I have been in charge of all matters related to the Peach Banquet for thousands of years and have seen too much of the ways of the world."

The list of invitations to the Peach Banquet is controversial every year.

Although I am merely an clerk, I have still blocked the way for quite a few people.

Li Yan said, "Does the gentleman mean that the man in black was someone who wanted to attend the Peach Banquet but was turned away at the door by the gentleman?"

Dongfang Shuo shook his head: "I dare not make a hasty conclusion. However, I have indeed offended quite a few people over the years."

Li Yan kept these words in mind and then asked, "Could you tell me more about Cui Yan, sir?"

Dongfang Shuo's expression changed slightly: "Why did Master Li ask about him?"

Li Yan said, "The master once said that Cui Yan once submitted a memorial impeaching the three great demon kings, and soon after, he died of a sudden illness."

Could this matter be related to you, sir?

Dongfang Shuo remained silent for a long time before slowly saying:

"Master Li, I didn't want to tell you about this, but since you saved me today, I will tell you the truth."

Cui Yan and I have a past relationship.

Li Yan's eyes narrowed.

Dongfang Shuo said, "Three hundred years ago, Cui Yan came to me and said that the three great demon kings occupied a region, had troops and were self-reliant, and might have rebellious intentions."

He wanted to submit a memorial impeaching the enemy, but fearing he might alert them, he came to ask for my opinion.

I advised him to reconsider, but he was too stubborn and wouldn't listen, and ultimately submitted his petition anyway.

"After submitting his memorial, he died suddenly less than three days later."

Upon hearing the devastating news, I was heartbroken, but dared not utter a sound.

"Because I know that the person who harmed him holds a high position and wields great power, and is someone I cannot afford to offend."

Li Yan asked, "Does the gentleman know who that person is?"

Dongfang Shuo shook his head: "I don't know."

However, I later discovered that the last person Cui Yan saw before his death was…”

At this point, he lowered his voice: "It's the Martial Virtue Star Lord."

Li Yan was shocked.

Martial Virtue Star Lord?

This person was in the hall just now, making things difficult for Dongfang Shuo at every turn, and targeting him and Sun Wukong at every turn.

If he is the person behind it all, then there is a good chance.

However, although the Martial Virtue Star Lord was of a high rank, he could still command a black-clad man at the Taiyi Golden Immortal level.

Suppressing his doubts, Li Yan asked again, "What about Zhen De? How much do you know about him, sir?"

Dongfang Shuo said, "Zhen De is a man of deep cunning and meticulousness."

After he took over Cui Yan's position, he never made a mistake.

However, I always felt there was something strange about this person.

Li Yan secretly made a note of it, then cupped his hands to Dongfang Shuo and said, "Rest assured, sir, I will do my best to investigate this case."

Having said that, he turned and left the prison.

Upon exiting the prison gate, they saw Sun Wukong returning on his somersault cloud, followed by a young boy.

The young man was handsome with delicate features and a face like jade. He wore a blue robe and had a jade pendant hanging from his waist.

Upon seeing Li Yan, Qingxuan immediately bowed and said, "Qingxuan greets Daoist Li."

Many thanks to the Taoist priest and the Great Sage Equaling Heaven for saving me.

Li Yan waved his hand and said, "No need for formalities. Have you heard about your master's matter?"

Qingxuan nodded, her eyes slightly red: "I heard from the Great Sage that Master... was wronged."

Over the years I have followed my master, I have indeed witnessed many scheming and infighting incidents.

Every year, people would come to the master asking for invitations to the Peach Banquet.

Some people offered gifts, some made threats, and some used their power to intimidate others.

Although my master was only a celestial official, he refused to submit.

Those people have been harboring resentment and plotting to harm our master for quite some time now.

Li Yan said, "Do you remember who came to your master for help all these years?"

Qingxuan pondered for a moment and said, "Too many."

There were disciples of the Six Offices of the Southern Dipper, the Seven Stars of the Northern Dipper, and the Five Elders of the Five Directions.

However, most people were turned away by their master.

Only one person…

Li Yan asked, "Who?"

Qingxuan lowered his voice: "That Martial Virtue Star Lord once asked for an invitation for his nephew."

His nephew was merely a fifth-rank immortal, and according to the rules, he was not qualified to participate in the Peach Banquet.

But Wu De Xingjun, relying on his rank of second grade, tried to suppress his master.

His master refused, so he harbored resentment and made things difficult for his master at every turn.

Li Yan nodded to himself.

It's the Martial Virtue Star Lord again.

If this person is indeed the mastermind behind it all, then tonight's events are explained.

He stole the Nine-Colored Immortal Flower and framed Dongfang Shuo, partly to avenge his past grievances and partly to suppress his political opponents.

Thirdly...

Li Yan's heart stirred.

Those nine-colored fairy flowers are the core of the Yaotai Guiyuan Formation, and are connected to the fortune of the Heavenly Court.

If the celestial flower is stolen, the Heavenly Court's fortune will surely suffer a severe blow.

Although Wu De Xingjun was a confidant of the Jade Emperor, he was only a second-rank official.

What benefit would he gain from stealing the fairy flower?

Unless... he has someone backing him.

Li Yan suppressed his thoughts and said to Qing Xuan, "You should return to the Great Sage's Mansion first."

"Let's go check out the peach orchard first."

After Qingxuan took his leave, Li Yan and the other person headed towards Yaochi.

By this time, the sky was already bright, and a red sun burst forth from the eastern horizon, dyeing the layers of palaces golden red.

In front of the Jade Pool Palace, the enormous peach tree stands tall and majestic.

However, the nine-colored fairy flower that once stood beneath the tree roots has vanished without a trace.

Where the fairy flower once stood, only a shallow pit remains.

Within the pit, faint traces of nine-colored light lingered, appearing and disappearing intermittently.

Li Yan squatted down and examined it carefully.

Several fine cracks were visible along the edge of the pit, and black smoke lingered within them.

He reached in and felt a chilling power enter through his fingertips, exactly as Dongfang Shuo had described.

A thought struck Li Yan, and he silently channeled the Canglang Dao Scripture, using the power of water virtue to envelop the cold, yin energy and slowly refine it.

Although that chilling power was unpredictable, it was no match for the gentleness of the water element.

In a short while, it turned into a wisp of green smoke and disappeared into the void.

At that moment, the remaining nine-colored light in the pit suddenly shone brightly.

Nine beams of light shot into the sky, intertwining and swirling in mid-air, gradually coalescing into a single image.

In that scene, several dark figures surrounded the fairy flower, each occupying a side, their hands forming hand seals.

The leader was tall and imposing, with a faint golden light shimmering in his palm.

Li Yan stared intently and saw that the man's hand seals were unlike any other immortal magic technique he knew.

The technique was subtle and unpredictable, yet it contained a certain underlying pattern.

A thought struck him, and he memorized every movement of the man's hand seals.

The image lasted only a few breaths before vanishing without a trace.

Li Yan stood up, his expression grave.

Sun Wukong asked, "Brother, can you see anything?"

"I've figured some things out."

The leader's hand seals subtly corresponded to the operational principles of the Heavenly Dipper and Earthly Fiends Formation.

Sun Wukong's golden eyes flashed: "Brother, you mean that person is proficient in the Heavenly Dipper and Earthly Fiend Formation?"

Li Yan nodded: "Not only that. His hand gestures contain the principles of the Nine Palaces and Eight Trigrams, yet they seem to be true but are not."

Seemingly true but actually false...

Sun Wukong said, "It seems plausible but isn't?"

Li Yan said, "Has Your Majesty ever heard of an ancient formation called the [Nine Nether Profound Yin Formation]?"

Sun Wukong shook his head.

Li Yan said, "I have seen records of this formation in the Sutra Repository in the mountains."

This formation is based on the Qi of the Nine Netherworlds and guided by the power of Xuan Yin. It can break all laws and overcome all formations.

The Heavenly Gang and Earthly Fiend Formation, though an extremely yang and powerful formation, also has its weaknesses.

That weakness lies in…

As he spoke, he pointed to the cracks in the pit.

"Right there at the heart of the formation."

The man in black had used the Nine Nether Profound Yin Formation to break the Heavenly Gang and Earthly Fiend Formation, thus allowing him to pass through the three layers of restrictions.

Upon hearing this, a hint of seriousness flashed in Sun Wukong's golden eyes: "Then this person must be an expert in formations?"

Li Yan nodded: "Not only are they proficient, but their expertise is also extremely profound."

The Nine Netherworld Profound Yin Formation requires the Qi of the Nine Netherworlds as its foundation and the power of Profound Yin as its guide. It cannot be set up without the cultivation of a Taiyi Golden Immortal or higher.

The fact that person could break through three layers of restrictions and steal the immortal flower within the time it takes for an incense stick to burn demonstrates that their mastery of formations has reached a level of unparalleled skill.

Sun Wukong asked, "Then what do we do?"

Li Yan said, "Investigate."

Investigate within the Heavenly Court to find someone skilled in formations, who also practices Yin-cold techniques, and who has a grudge against Dongfang Shuo.

He could also command black-clad men at the Taiyi Golden Immortal level.

He added, "Also, check out the Martial Virtue Star Lord."

"Does your brother suspect him?"

Li Yan said, "From what we can see, that Wude Xingjun has a grudge against Dongfang Shuo and is making things difficult for us at every turn."

If he were the man in black, that would make sense.

However, as a second-rank official, he might not possess such abilities.

Sun Wukong said, "Shall we go and investigate him?"

Just as Li Yan was about to speak, he suddenly heard the tinkling sound of jade pendants behind him.

The two turned around and saw Dong Shuangcheng coming on a cloud.

She was no longer as sharp and assertive as she had been in the Lingxiao Palace; her brows now held a hint of seriousness.

He held something in his hand, which was the nine-colored fairy flower.

But those nine flowers were no longer as radiant as they had been the night before.

Nine-colored light appeared and disappeared on the petals.

Dong Shuangcheng walked up to Li Yan, bowed slightly, and said, "Master Li, I have a request to make."

Li Yan quickly returned the greeting: "You flatter me, Immortal Dong. Please speak freely."

Dong Shuangcheng hesitated for a moment, then handed over the fairy flower in his hand, saying:

"This nine-colored fairy flower has lost much of its spiritual power since it was stolen last night."

Upon examination, I discovered several fine cracks on the petals.

Within that crack, black energy lingered, and no matter how I tried to dispel it with my magic, it wouldn't budge.

As she spoke, a hint of guilt flashed in her eyes:

"I have cultivated the Dao for thousands of years, specializing in the way of the sword, but I know very little about the method of cultivating spiritual roots."

The Queen Mother of the West is still in Kunlun and has not been able to return in time.

I have heard that you are an expert in alchemy and have received the true teachings of Laozi. You must also have considerable knowledge of the spiritual roots of plants.

Therefore, I have taken the liberty of coming here, hoping to ask the Taoist priest to intervene and save this fairy flower.

Upon hearing this, Li Yan's heart stirred slightly.

These nine-colored fairy flowers are the spiritual roots of heaven and earth, born from the same root as the peaches of immortality.

If one can personally treat the patient, one will surely be able to glimpse some of the secrets of the spiritual roots of heaven and earth.

It will greatly benefit the establishment of the World Tree in the future evolution of the world.

Furthermore, Dong Shuangcheng is a confidant of the Queen Mother of the West. If we can establish a good relationship with him through this, it will be much easier for us to do things in the future.

He immediately cupped his hands and said, "Immortal Dong, you flatter me. Although I know a little about this, I dare not presume to say that I can save you."

However, since I have been entrusted with this task by the celestial official, I will certainly do my best to try.

Upon hearing this, Dong Shuangcheng's face lit up with joy, and he quickly handed over the fairy flower.

Li Yan accepted it with both hands, feeling the celestial flower as warm and smooth as fine jade.

The nine-colored light on the petals shimmered slightly, as if it were sentient, and rubbed against the palm of the hand.

Li Yan's heart stirred; this celestial flower truly possessed a spirit.

He looked closely and saw that each of the nine flowers was different.

The red ones have faint flame patterns on their petals, like a raging fire.

Then look at that orange color, warm and smooth like jade, like the warm autumn sun.

Yellow is a deep and stable color, reflecting the virtue of the earth.

Green is the most vibrant color, as if spring has returned to the earth.

The blue color is clear and transparent, like a vast expanse of blue water and sky.

The deep blue is as vast and distant as the starry sky.

Purple is noble and elegant, exuding an imperial aura.

The blackness was deep and unfathomable, like the primordial chaos.

White is pure and flawless, just like the primordial energy.

Only when all nine colors come together can a celestial flower be formed.

At this moment, however, there were tiny cracks on the petals.

Black energy swirled within the cracks, like a venomous snake spitting its tongue, constantly eroding the spiritual essence of the immortal flower.

Li Yan carefully observed the black aura and saw that although it was cold and eerie, it was not an ordinary evil aura.

Within that black mist, runes could be faintly seen flowing.

The runes were neither seal script nor ancient script; the strokes were twisted, yet they conformed to some kind of rule.

Li Yan's heart stirred; these runes were exactly the same as the ones he had seen in the pit.

He pondered for a moment and said, "Immortal Dong, I need to find a quiet place to carefully examine the origins of this immortal flower."

"I wonder if there is a suitable place within the Jade Pool Palace?"

Dong Shuangcheng said, "If you don't mind, Daoist, you may come to my quiet room."

Inside that quiet room was the [Taiqing Guiyuan Array], personally set up by the Empress, which could isolate all external interference.

Li Yan nodded and said, "That's excellent."

The three turned and headed towards the Jade Pool Palace.

Although the Jade Pool Palace is a celestial palace, it is a hidden paradise.

Passing through several gates, one finds a winding path leading to a secluded spot, where exotic flowers and rare herbs bloom everywhere.

There are those rare and precious herbs, growing in the cracks of rocks, with a faint, radiant glow.

There are also green bamboos and cypresses, standing tall and straight, with a refreshing fragrance swirling among their branches and leaves.

Upon reaching the back of the palace, a small courtyard came into view.

The courtyard was not large, but it was exquisite and elegant.

In the courtyard stands an old pine tree, its gnarled branches twisting and turning, its verdant greenness almost dripping with moisture.

There is a stone table and two stone benches under the pine tree.

A chessboard was set up on the table, and the chess pieces were still there, as if someone had just played a game.

In the corner of the courtyard stands an ancient well, its water shimmering and emanating a faint spiritual energy.

Dong Shuangcheng pushed open the door to the meditation room, stepped aside, and said, "Please, Daoist Master."

Li Yan entered the quiet room and saw that the interior was simply furnished.

A cloud-shaped bed, a futon, and a stick of incense.

An ancient sword hangs on the wall, with the words "Qing Shuang" engraved on its scabbard.

The room was filled with the pure energy of Taoism, truly a tranquil place.

Li Yan sat cross-legged on the futon, holding the nine-colored fairy flower in his palm.

Close your eyes and concentrate, immersing your mind in it.

The fairy flower sensed his mind and trembled slightly.

Li Yan conveyed his thoughts: "Don't be afraid. I've come to save you."

The celestial flower trembled again, its nine-colored light flickering slightly before gradually calming down.

Li Yan probed his mind into the fairy flower and found that his vision suddenly opened up to a world of nine colors.

Heaven and earth are nine colors, as are mountains, rivers, grasses, and trees.

Within that nine-colored world, there was a small tree, no more than a foot tall, its entire body crystal clear, as if carved from beautiful jade.

Nine flowers bloom on the sapling, which are the very essence of the Nine-Colored Fairy Flower.

At this moment, however, several wisps of black energy were swirling around the small tree.

The black mist, like chains, tightly bound the sapling, constantly tightening its grip.

The sapling trembled slightly, and nine-colored light flowed continuously between its branches and leaves.

Li Yan looked closely and saw that the source of the black chains was at the roots of the small tree.

His mind sank, and he reached towards the roots of the sapling.

At the base of the root, a black seed was slowly taking root.

The seeds were only the size of sesame seeds, completely black, with a faint glow.

It takes root in the roots of the sapling, constantly absorbing the sapling's essence to grow stronger.

Li Yan suddenly realized something.

The nine-colored fairy flower was not simply stolen.

When the man in black stole the flower, he planted this seed within the celestial blossom.

These seeds feed on the spiritual essence of the fairy flower and continue to grow.

When it matures, this celestial flower will wither completely and turn into a poisonous plant.

At that time, the Yaotai Guiyuan Formation will begin to collapse from its core.

The man in black could then break the Heavenly Court's fortune formation without shedding a drop of blood.

What a vicious method!

Li Yan felt a chill run down his spine, yet secretly rejoiced.

If Dong Shuangcheng hadn't asked him to intervene in time, the fairy flower would have been beyond saving in a few days.

He calmed himself and carefully examined the black seed.

On the seeds, countless tiny runes were engraved.

The runes were exactly the same as those he had seen in the cracks in the petals.

Li Yan memorized each of the runes, then withdrew from his mental focus and slowly opened his eyes.

Dong Shuangcheng, who was standing to the side, saw him open his eyes and quickly asked, "Daoist Master, how is he?"

Li Yan pondered for a moment and said, "I have already seen the crux of the problem."

Within that celestial flower, a [Spirit-Devouring Seed] had been planted.

This creature feeds on the spiritual essence of spiritual roots; if it is not removed in time, the immortal flower will wither completely within forty-nine days.

Upon hearing this, Dong Shuangcheng's expression changed drastically: "Spirit-Devouring Seed? I have cultivated for thousands of years and have never heard of such a thing."

Li Yan said, "This thing originated in ancient times and was created by a powerful evil cultivator."

I only have a general understanding of this.

Dong Shuangcheng's expression was grave: "Then... does the Taoist priest have a way to cure him?"

Li Yan said, "Yes. But..."

Upon hearing this, Dong Shuangcheng said urgently, "But what? Please speak freely, Daoist Master."

Li Yan pondered for a moment and then slowly said:

"However, this Spirit-Devouring Seed is already entangled with the roots of the Immortal Flower. If it is forcibly removed with ordinary magic power, the foundation of the Immortal Flower will be severely damaged."

Even if they are saved, their spiritual essence will be severely damaged, and they may never regain their former divine powers.

Dong Shuangcheng's face was slightly pale.

She has guarded the Jade Pool for thousands of years; how could she not know the importance of these nine-colored fairy flowers to the Queen Mother of the West?

This flower is not only the key element of the Yaotai Guiyuan Formation.

It is the culmination of tens of thousands of years of effort that the Queen Mother of the West brought from Kunlun in the west.

If her spirituality is severely damaged, how can she explain it to the Empress?

"Then... what should we do?"

This usually ruthless and decisive female immortal appeared somewhat at a loss at this moment.

Li Yan pondered for a moment and said, "I have a method called [Entering the Subtle with the Primordial Spirit]."

This technique requires the primordial spirit to leave the body, shrink to the size of a mustard seed, and then enter through the immortal flower meridian, reaching directly to the root.

Refine the Soul-Devouring Seed with the Fire of the Primordial Spirit.

but……"

Dong Shuangcheng felt that the person in front of him always left things unsaid, which was really frustrating.

He could only patiently ask, "But what?"

Li Yan said, "This method is extremely dangerous."

Within that Soul-Devouring Seed was the imprint of the black-clad man's divine consciousness.

If my primordial spirit were to enter it, I would surely suffer a backlash.

If that man in black's cultivation level were higher than mine, I would at least suffer mental and physical damage, and at worst, my primordial spirit would be shattered.

As he spoke, he glanced at Sun Wukong and added:

"Therefore, I need someone to accompany me."

The Great Sage's primordial spirit is powerful and indestructible.

With the Great Sage's assistance, the two of them combined would have a 70% chance of success.

Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong grinned and said, "Brother, you should have said so earlier! I, Old Sun, will go in with you right now!"

Li Yan nodded, bowed to Dong Shuangcheng, and said, "Immortal Lord Dong, I have another request."

Dong Shuangcheng said, "Please speak, Daoist Master."

Li Yan said, "After the primordial spirits of this humble Taoist and Your Majesty entered the Immortal Flower, our physical bodies became like empty shells, completely defenseless."

Although the Jade Pool Palace is a sacred place in the Heavenly Court, it is still possible that the man in black might have spies within it.

"This humble Taoist priest humbly requests that Immortal Lord Dong protect us."

Upon hearing this, Dong Shuangcheng replied without hesitation, "Rest assured, Daoist Master."

"I am here, and even if it costs me my life, I will not allow anyone to come near your physical bodies."

Li Yan then said, "That's one thing. The second thing..."

He glanced at Sun Wukong, and the two exchanged a smile before each using a different technique.

Sun Wukong chuckled, raised his hand, plucked a handful of hairs, and blew on them.

The hair transformed into dozens of small monkeys, each only the size of a fist, yet they were incredibly lifelike, leaping and bounding around the quiet room.

Some climbed onto the roof beams, some crawled under the bed, and some squatted on the windowsill.

In an instant, every corner of the quiet room was completely secured.

Sun Wukong opened his mouth again and spat out.

A beam of golden light shot out from his mouth, transforming into a thin golden light curtain that enveloped his physical body.

On that light screen, countless tiny runes faintly flowed.

Li Yan was equally decisive. He formed hand seals, performed the ritualistic steps, and chanted incantations.

One could see streams of pure energy emanating from his body, transforming into the Bagua pattern and hanging above his head.

The eight trigrams rotated slowly, each in its proper place, radiating brilliance.

This is the "Zhou Tian Protective Divine Light" from the Thirty-Six Transformations of the Heavenly Gang, based on the Eight Trigrams and guided by the Heavenly Gang.

Two beams of light, one golden and one clear, shone brightly, completely protecting the two bodies.

Dong Shuangcheng saw this and nodded inwardly.

Although these two are merely wandering immortals from the lower realms, they possess considerable skill.

The monkey's protective technique, using its hairs as a medium and its clones to form an array, appears casual but is actually in line with military strategy.

The protective divine light of Master Li's body, based on the Eight Trigrams and guided by the Heavenly Gang, must have been a true transmission of Taoism.

She immediately sat cross-legged in front of the quiet room, placed the Green Frost Sword across her lap, and closed her eyes to concentrate.

The sword energy swirled around him, enveloping the entire quiet room.

The sword energy was incredibly sharp, yet it was concealed and never revealed; when it was unleashed, it was deadly.

Li Yan and Sun Wukong exchanged a glance and then sat down cross-legged.

Li Yan closed his eyes and silently transported his spirit.

A golden light shot out from the Niwan Palace and transformed into a tiny figure about three inches tall.

The little man's face was exactly the same as Li Yan's, and his body was surrounded by golden light.

On Sun Wukong's side, a golden light also shot out from his Niwan Palace.

Amidst the golden light, a three-inch-tall ape, covered in golden fur, with golden eyes, bared its teeth and looked incredibly majestic.

Upon seeing Li Yan's primordial spirit, the ape squeaked twice and somersaulted.

Li Yan smiled slightly and raised his hand to hold up the nine-colored fairy flower.

The two souls exchanged a glance, then leaped into the air, transforming into two golden beams of light that disappeared into the petals of the celestial flower.

Although Dong Shuangcheng had his eyes closed, he perceived all of this with his divine sense.

She secretly admired him, thinking that this Taoist priest Li was indeed quite skilled.

The technique of astral projection is a closely guarded secret of Taoism, and very few people have mastered it.

Not only can he leave his body, but he can also shrink his primordial spirit to the size of a mustard seed.

Such methods are rare even in the Heavenly Court.

She gripped the Azure Frost Sword tighter, releasing her spiritual senses to envelop the entire quiet room.

At the slightest disturbance, she would draw her sword and rise up.

Li Yan and Sun Wukong's primordial spirits entered the flower, and they felt a sudden enlightenment before their eyes.

Although the petals were only about an inch in size, they formed their own world within.

Nine colors of light flowed and swirled, like a long corridor paved with rainbows.

Countless tiny meridians meander and flow along both sides.

Within those meridians, a nine-colored liquid flowed slowly, emitting a faint fragrance.

Li Yan's primordial spirit stood in the long corridor. Looking around, he saw the source of the nine-colored light at the end of the corridor.

Just as he was about to take a step forward, he suddenly felt his feet sink slightly.

Looking down, I saw that the ground had been covered with a layer of black frost.

The icy black frost spread upwards along the feet of his primordial spirit.

Li Yan was startled and was about to use his internal energy to defend himself when Sun Wukong beat him to it.

The golden ape opened its mouth and spat out.

Golden flames spewed from its mouth, burning the black frost with a crackling sound until it turned into wisps of black smoke and vanished without a trace.

"Brother, be careful!"

Sun Wukong's voice rang in his ears, still with that playful smile, but with a touch more seriousness.

Li Yan nodded, and the two of them walked forward along the nine-colored corridor, one in front of the other.

The further you go, the thicker the black frost becomes.

Sun Wukong cleared a path with fire, and his journey went smoothly.

After walking for about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, a wide-open space suddenly appeared ahead.

It was a nine-colored lake with crystal-clear water.

In the middle of the lake, there is a small tree, no more than a foot tall, its entire body crystal clear.

Nine flowers bloom on the sapling, which are the very essence of the Nine-Colored Fairy Flower.

At this moment, however, several black chains were wrapped around the roots of the sapling.

The chains were engraved with countless twisted runes that kept writhing.

At the end of the chain was a black seed the size of a sesame seed, deeply embedded in the roots of the sapling.

The seeds were slowly pulsating.

With each leap, a wisp of nine-colored light is drawn from the tree roots.