Gou Zai Xi You Dao Chang Sheng

Dongfang Shuo's words left both Li Yan and Sun Wukong deep in thought.

Sun Wukong sat upright in his chair, his golden eyes gleaming.

He recalled that when he was at Fangcun Mountain, he thought that cultivation was just about sitting in meditation, practicing exercises, breathing and guiding the qi.

Later, after entering the path of Taoism, I realized that there are different levels of spiritual attainment in cultivation.

Even within a realm of understanding, there are differing viewpoints.

Now, after listening to Dongfang Shuo's analysis, I gradually understand that the Great Luo Dao is such a world.

"Brother,"

Sun Wukong put down his wine cup and said seriously, "Hearing what you said is like opening a door for me."

It was pitch black inside the door, so I, Old Sun, couldn't see very clearly.

Dongfang Shuo laughed and said, "It is already a rare fate that the Great Sage can see the door."

Many people spend their entire lives cultivating themselves, yet never even glimpse where the gate is.

Li Yan picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said, "Since you've brought this up, sir, I'll venture to ask another question."

Is it truly impossible to break through the rank of immortals by force?

Upon hearing this, Dongfang Shuo pondered for a moment before saying:

"Master Li's question is tricky. It's not that it's impossible to break through it by force, but it's just too difficult."

"I would like to hear the details."

There is an ironclad rule in the universe: “Fortune does not come from outsiders.”

That celestial rank is the proof that Heaven and Earth recognize you as their "wife".

Without this proof, even if you possess extraordinary abilities, the heavens and earth will only lend you three-tenths of their fortune, not ten-tenths.

This is the Achilles' heel of the wandering immortals.

Having said this, Dongfang Shuo drank another cup and continued:

"But there is an anomaly in the world, called [Self-contained world]."

If someone can create a true world within themselves.

Then he doesn't need a celestial status. He himself is the celestial status.

Sun Wukong's golden eyes lit up: "Brother, are you talking about the Dao of my brother's grotto-heaven?"

Dongfang Shuo nodded and said, "Yes."

For example, Zhen Yuanzi, the ancestor of earth immortals, followed this path.

His ginseng fruit tree was the foundation of his world.

He did not rely on the Heavenly Court or the Spirit Mountain, but formed his own sect and roamed freely throughout the Three Realms.

This is how you break it with force.

Li Yan listened to this and pondered it in his heart.

Dongfang Shuo's words coincided with the results of his previous deductions.

The roots of the peach, fragments of the North Star, and fragments of the Reincarnation Bead—these three spiritual objects...

It was precisely for the purpose of establishing the World Tree within the grotto-heaven and defining the laws of the heavens.

Once the World Tree has grown and Reincarnation has been established, his grotto-heaven will become another world.

At that time, let alone the Great Luo Immortal, even the Primordial Dao Fruit might be within reach.

As he was pondering, he suddenly heard Sun Wukong say, "Brother, those three things you mentioned earlier..."

Dao, Fa, Ji—I, Old Sun, finally understand.

But to attain the Great Luo realm, there must be a starting point, right?

"I can't just sit here and wait for a windfall."

Dongfang Shuo laughed and said, "The Great Sage is right."

The starting point lies in the word "refinement".

To refine the power of heaven and earth for one's own use, and to refine the essence of all things for one's own possession.

The Great Sage's indestructible body is the result of his own self-cultivation.

To attain the Great Luo realm, one must refine external objects.

Sun Wukong asked, "What external object are you refining?"

Dongfang Shuo said, "Refine the essence of the five elements, the yin and yang energies, and the spirit of heaven and earth."

The Great Sage is born with the constitution of Geng Metal, which belongs to the Metal element in the Five Elements theory.

To achieve perfection, one must refine the other four elements of the Five Elements into one's body, so that all Five Elements are complete and Yin and Yang are in harmony.

At that time, the Great Sage's path of strength will have a foundation of gentleness.

"The dragon that soared too high regretted its actions and thus became a flying dragon in the sky."

Sun Wukong nodded repeatedly, but then scratched his head and said:

"Wood, water, fire, and earth—where do I, Old Sun, even begin to refine them?"

Dongfang Shuo pondered for a moment and said, "If the Great Sage trusts me, I have a suggestion."

Sun Wukong said, "Brother, please speak."

Dongfang Shuo said, "In a few months, it will be the Peach Banquet."

I am in charge of various matters related to the Peach Banquet, and I need to procure some items from the mortal realm.

The ancient coral of the Dragon Palace in the East Sea, and the precious herbs and lingzhi of Kunlun Mountain...

Bodhi seeds from Jambudvipa (the southern continent) and jade marrow from Uttarakuru (the northern continent) are both precious items needed for the Peach Banquet.

I had originally planned to go some time later, but now that you two have saved me, I would like to take the liberty of inviting you to accompany me.

He added, "The Great Sage is of the innate Geng metal body, and belongs to the metal element in the Five Elements."

Within the Dragon Palace of the East Sea lies a treasure of the aquatic race, containing the essence of water.

The western Kunlun Mountains are home to the rare and precious medicinal herbs and lingzhi mushrooms, which embody the spirit of the wood element.

The Bodhi seeds of Jambudvipa contain the element of fire.

The Xuanbing Jade Marrow of Beiju Luzhou contains the virtue of the earth element.

If the Great Sage can obtain even one or two of these skills along the way, it would be an immense stroke of luck.

Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong's golden eyes lit up: "Brother, are you going to take me, Old Sun, on a treasure hunt?"

Dongfang Shuo laughed and said, "It's not really about treasure hunting, it's just something I did on the way."

Although those items were needed for the Peach Banquet, they were also spiritual objects of heaven and earth, each with its own mysteries.

If the Great Sage has the opportunity, he will naturally be able to glean some insights from it.

Li Yan heard this and understood perfectly.

Dongfang Shuo's words were ostensibly to guide Sun Wukong, but in reality, they were helping him.

This Dongfang Shuo is indeed a remarkable person.

Li Yan put down his teacup, cupped his hands and said, "Since you have this intention, sir, I will certainly accompany you."

"But since you've just been exonerated from your legal troubles in the Heavenly Court, and are now descending to the mortal realm, shouldn't you report this to the Jade Emperor?"

Dongfang Shuo waved his hand and said, "Don't worry, Master Li."

My job is to travel throughout the three realms.

With the Peach Banquet approaching, it is only natural to prepare items.

The Jade Emperor will not only not blame me, but will praise me for my diligence.

Besides, with the Monkey King and Taoist Priest Li traveling together, there's nothing to fear, no matter what trouble we encounter.

Sun Wukong laughed heartily, "Brother, you're absolutely right! I may not be good at much else, but I'm a master fighter!"

The three of them drank a few more cups, and the sky was beginning to lighten.

Dongfang Shuo looked up at the sky outside the window and said:

"Gentlemen, there's no time like the present. Let's set off before dawn."

Sun Wukong asked, "So eager?"

Dongfang Shuo laughed and said, "Great Sage, you are unaware of this."

Each of the various realms in the lower realms has its own rules.

In some places, it's actually inconvenient to go during the day.

It would be better to go quietly before dawn, without anyone noticing, and return quietly, saving a lot of trouble.

Li Yan's heart stirred.

Dongfang Shuo's words, seemingly referring to purchasing from the mortal realm, actually had a deeper meaning.

For example, the Xuanbing Jade Marrow of Beiju Luzhou needs to be collected in extremely cold places; it is not suitable during the day when the yang energy is too strong.

He chose to set off before dawn, precisely to catch the moment when yin and yang alternated and heaven and earth were in harmony.

"Sir, you are right."

Li Yan stood up and cleared away the cups, plates, and bowls on the table.

He then took out two jugs of Drunken Immortal Wine from his sleeve and handed them to Dongfang Shuo, saying, "Take these with you on your journey, sir, to quench your thirst."

Dongfang Shuo took the wine pot, overjoyed, and repeatedly said, "Master Li is so kind!"

The three of them left the Great Sage Equaling Heaven's mansion and traveled on clouds.

In the heavenly court, it was just before dawn.

On the eastern horizon, a sliver of dawn light outlined the hazy contours of the palaces.

Auspicious clouds swirl around, and morning dew condenses, crystal clear.

Occasionally, an early-rising crane will fly across the sea of ​​clouds, leaving behind a clear cry.

Dongfang Shuo led the way, with Li Yan and Sun Wukong following closely behind.

The three passed through the South Heavenly Gate and headed down to the lower realm.

The wind was fierce, the clouds were churning, and Sun Wukong somersaulted all the way, having a great time.

Li Yan rode on a golden beam that seemed to leap across the ground, as steady as Mount Tai.

Dongfang Shuo, on the other hand, stepped on a blue cloud, drifting away as if riding the wind.

After traveling for about half an hour, the sea of ​​clouds in front of them gradually thinned out, revealing the land and mountains below.

Dongfang Shuo descended from the clouds and landed on a mountain peak.

Li Yan and Sun Wukong also landed.

That mountain was thousands of feet high, with peaks and ridges overlapping each other.

Ancient trees reach for the sky in the mountains, shrouded in clouds and mist.

At the foot of the mountain, a great river meanders and flows, its waters roaring.

Dongfang Shuo pointed to the great river and said:

"Gentlemen, this river is called the River of Oblivion, which is the boundary between the realms of Yin and Yang. Beyond this river lies the underworld."

Sun Wukong's golden eyes flashed: "The underworld? I, Old Sun, have been there once before, and it's not a good place."

Dongfang Shuo laughed and said, "Great Sage, today we will not go to the Underworld, but only to the Naihe Market on the banks of the River of Oblivion."

That marketplace was a place where the yin and yang worlds met, a melting pot of all walks of life, from the three religions to the nine schools, and where humans and ghosts mingled.

The fragments of the Reincarnation Beads needed for the Peach Banquet could only be found in that marketplace.

Li Yan was shocked.

Crumbs of the Wheel of Reincarnation!

The third spiritual object he had been searching for was found on the banks of the River of Oblivion.

Seeing that his expression was strange, Dongfang Shuo asked, "Master Li, what's wrong?"

Li Yan steadied himself and said, "It's nothing."

"I've heard that the Reincarnation Pearl fragments are a priceless treasure of the Underworld, residing in the Reincarnation Department. How could they appear in the marketplace?"

Dongfang Shuo laughed and said, "Master Li is unaware of something."

Although the Reincarnation Pearl fragments are a treasure of the underworld, they are not exclusive to the Reincarnation Department.

That revolving pearl operates through the six realms, endlessly regenerating, and every few hundred years, some fragments will peel off.

Some of those fragments fell into the six realms of existence, while others drifted to the banks of the River of Oblivion.

The underworld collects these fragments, and uses some of them to maintain the cycle of reincarnation.

The other portion was traded in the Naihe Market.

"However, those Reincarnation Pearl fragments are no ordinary items. If you wish to exchange them, you must offer a treasure of equal value."

"I brought several treasures from Heaven with me on this trip to the mortal realm; I believe that should be enough."

Sun Wukong asked, "Brother, what are those Reincarnation Pearl fragments used for?"

Dongfang Shuo said, "At the Peach Banquet, there is a dish called 'Six Paths of Reincarnation Soup,' which requires Reincarnation Pearl fragments as a base."

This soup, once served, allows attendees to glimpse the secrets of the six realms of reincarnation, greatly benefiting their spiritual practice.

Therefore, at every Peach Banquet, these Reincarnation Pearl fragments are an essential item to collect.

Li Yan listened and pondered in his heart.

His descent to the mortal realm was for the fragments of the Reincarnation Pearl.

Now, Dongfang Shuo has taken the initiative to bring them to this Naihe Market.

It can be said that you searched high and low without finding it, but then it came to you effortlessly.

However, since the Reincarnation Pearl Shards are required for the Peach Banquet, it would be inappropriate for him to ask for them.

We need to find a way to obtain the Reincarnation Pearl fragments without ruining Dongfang Shuo's plans.

The three of them walked along the mountain ridge toward the banks of the River of Oblivion.

The deeper you go, the heavier the yin energy becomes.

The ancient trees in the mountains gradually turned into withered vines and old trees.

The swirling clouds and mist transformed into a heavy, gloomy atmosphere.

Will-o'-the-wisps occasionally drift by, their eerie blue color unsettling.

After walking for about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, a stone bridge suddenly appeared ahead.

The bridge was entirely made of stone, about three zhang wide and about one hundred zhang long.

Beneath the bridge lies the River of Oblivion.

The river water was murky and churning incessantly.

Ghosts sometimes float on the river, their wails never ceasing.

Above the bridgehead stands a stone tablet with three large ancient seal characters engraved on it: "Naihe Bridge".

On the other side of the bridge, bright lights and the sounds of people could be faintly seen.

That was the Naihe Market.

Sun Wukong looked at the Bridge of Helplessness and grinned, saying, "When I, Old Sun, ventured into the Underworld, I didn't take this route."

Today I'll see for myself what this place, the boundary between Yin and Yang, is like.

The three of them stepped onto the Bridge of Helplessness.

The bridge surface was covered with runes and restrictions.

With each step, a faint light would appear beneath one's feet, then immediately fade away.

Dongfang Shuo led the way.

Li Yan followed closely behind, secretly opening his Eye of Cause and Effect to observe his surroundings.

On the bridge surface, countless lines of cause and effect crisscrossed.

As I walked to the middle of the bridge, I suddenly saw a figure blocking my way.

The figure was dressed entirely in black robes, obscuring its face.

He held a black banner in his hand, on which were embroidered six ancient seal characters: "The cycle of six realms, life and death are predestined."

Upon seeing the man, Dongfang Shuo quickly cupped his hands and said, "Is Venerable Meng Po busy?"

I am Dongfang Shuo from the Heavenly Court, ordered to procure items needed for the Peach Banquet. I have come to your esteemed place specifically to request fragments of the Reincarnation Pearl.

Upon hearing this, the man raised his head.

Beneath the black robe was the face of an old woman.

His face was covered in wrinkles, and his eyes were sunken, yet a faint, ethereal light shone through them.

She looked Dongfang Shuo up and down, then glanced at Li Yan and Sun Wukong behind him, and said in a hoarse voice:

"People from Heaven? Do you have travel documents?"

Dongfang Shuo took out a roll of yellow silk from his sleeve and presented it with both hands.

Meng Po took it, unfolded it, glanced at it, nodded, and stepped aside.

"Go in. But the price of those Reincarnation Beads has gone up this year."

Dongfang Shuo's expression changed slightly: "It's gone up? By how much?"

Meng Po held up three fingers.

"Three thousand merits?"

Meng Po shook her head.

"Thirty thousand merits?"

Meng Po shook her head again.

Dongfang Shuo's face paled slightly: "Could it be 300,000?"

Meng Po laughed in a hoarse voice, "Three hundred thousand? That was last year's price. This year, I want three rare and precious items."

Dongfang Shuo's expression changed drastically: "Three rare treasures of heaven and earth? This... how can this be?"

In previous years, it was only 30,000 merits; how come it has increased so much this year?

Meng Po said calmly, "The underworld has not been peaceful these past few years."

The cycle of reincarnation was becoming increasingly difficult to operate.

The number of fragments that fell off the Reincarnation Bead was also much less than in previous years.

"Things are valued for their scarcity; surely Mr. Dongfang understands this principle?"

Before Dongfang Shuo could speak further, Li Yan stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said:

"Senior Meng Po, may I be so bold as to ask, what are the special features of those three rare and precious items?"

Meng Po glanced at him and said in a hoarse voice, "Of course there are rules. Ordinary lingzhi mushrooms and immortal herbs are not qualified."

Li Yan's heart stirred, and he took out a jade bottle from his sleeve, presenting it with both hands: "Senior, please take a look, is this item worthy?"

Meng Po took the jade bottle, opened it, and took a look.

Inside the bottle lay a pill the size of a longan, its surface clear and translucent, with a faint golden light emanating from it.

She leaned closer to smell it, and her expression changed slightly: "The Nine-Turn Rejuvenation Pill?"

Li Yan said, "That's right. This elixir was refined by me in the Tushita Palace."

As long as the primordial spirit remains intact, consuming this elixir will allow the physical body to be rebuilt.

Meng Po poured the elixir into her palm and examined it carefully.

The pill trembled slightly in her palm, with a faint glow flowing around it.

She examined it for a long time before saying, "This pill is not bad. However, one is not enough."

Li Yan then took out two more jade bottles from his sleeve and presented them together: "Senior, here are two more."

Meng Po took it, opened it to check, and after confirming that everything was correct, she nodded.

"Three Nine-Turn Rejuvenation Pills are barely enough. Mr. Dongfang, your companion is quite generous."

Dongfang Shuo's expression was complicated, and he seemed to want to say something but hesitated.

Sun Wukong grinned and said, "Brother, you're very generous! I, Old Sun, couldn't even bear to eat that Nine-Turn Rejuvenation Pill!"

Li Yan smiled slightly and said, "Your Majesty, please don't make fun of me."

Those fragments of the Reincarnation Pearl are of great use to this humble Taoist. Three pills for one spiritual item—it's worth it."

Meng Po put the three pills into her sleeve, took out a small jade box from her bosom, and handed it to Li Yan:

"These are fragments of the Reincarnation Beads for this year. Please keep them safe."

Li Yan took it with both hands, opened it, and took a look.

Inside the box lay several tiny, clear beads, with six faint, ethereal shadows swirling within them.

Within that illusory image, the six realms cycle endlessly, life after life continues.

A sense of satisfaction welled up inside him.

He put the jade box into his sleeve, cupped his hands to Meng Po, and said, "Thank you, senior."

Meng Po waved her hand, turned and walked towards the other side of the bridge, saying in a hoarse voice:

"Take what you need and leave. This Bridge of Helplessness is not a place to linger."

The three of them crossed the Bridge of Helplessness and headed into the marketplace.

The market was built against the mountain and set up along the river.

The streets were lined with all sorts of stalls.

Elixirs, magical artifacts, talismans, and other strange and unusual items for sale.

Some of the stall owners are ghosts, and some are wandering immortals.

Others are of unknown origin.

Sun Wukong walked and looked around, stopping from time to time to pick up this and examine it, then put down that and touch it.

He saw a bronze mirror on a stall, so he picked it up and looked at himself.

However, the face reflected in the bronze mirror was not his.

Instead, it was a golden-haired ape, baring its teeth and looking quite imposing.

"Brother, look at this mirror!" Sun Wukong handed the bronze mirror to Li Yan.

Li Yan took it and looked at it.

What was reflected in the mirror, however, was chaos.

The stall owner was a gaunt old man. Seeing the two of them examining the bronze mirror, he said in a hoarse voice:

"You two have excellent eyesight. This mirror is called the 'Heart-Reflecting Mirror,' which can reveal a person's true nature."

"Three hundred merits, and you can take it."

Sun Wukong laughed and said, "Three hundred years of merit? I, Old Sun, don't have that kind of thing." With that, he put the bronze mirror down.

The old man wasn't annoyed; he just chuckled and went to greet other guests.

The three of them strolled around the market, and Dongfang Shuo bought a few more items.

A thousand-year-old Ganoderma lucidum, a piece of cold jade, and a few Bodhi seeds.

Li Yan kept an eye on the spiritual items on the stalls, looking for anything he could use.

When they reached a stall, they suddenly stopped.

The stall was small, with only a tattered animal hide laid out on it.

Several items were placed on the animal skin.

What caught Li Yan's attention most was a stone the size of a fist.

The stone was bluish-black all over, with a rough surface and was completely unremarkable.

However, when Li Yan probed it with his primordial spirit, he felt a heavy and profound aura emanating from the stone.

The stall owner was an old man in a black robe, with a withered face but bright, piercing eyes.

Seeing Li Yan staring at the stone, he said in a hoarse voice, "Sir, you have a good eye."

This object is called the "Breath-Soil Stone," which is transformed from ancient Breath-Soil and contains the essence of earth.

Although it is not as precious as the Nine Heavens Breath Soil used by Nuwa to mend the sky, it is still a rare and precious spiritual object.

Li Yan's heart stirred.

The Breath of Earth is an ancient divine soil that grows naturally and is inexhaustible.

When Yu the Great was controlling the floods, he used the magic soil to dam the floodwaters.

Although this thing is a stone transformed from the soil of life, it also possesses some of the virtues of earth.

If it can be refined and integrated into the cave, it will surely solidify the foundation and stabilize the mountains and rivers.

Just as he was about to ask the price, Sun Wukong stepped forward, picked up the stone, weighed it in his hand, and grinned, saying:

"Brother, this stone is quite heavy. I'm afraid I won't be able to break it with one blow."

Upon hearing this, the old man in black robes chuckled and said, "This gentleman has quite the big mouth."

The Breath of Earth Stone is an ancient divine object; even a Great Luo Golden Immortal might not be able to shatter it with a single blow.

Sun Wukong's golden eyes flashed, and he was about to retort when Li Yan stopped him, cupping his hands to the old ghost and saying:

"Senior, how shall we exchange this item?"

The old man in black robes held up three fingers: "Three thousand merits, or spiritual items of equivalent value."

Li Yan pondered for a moment, then took out a jade bottle from his sleeve and handed it over: "Senior, please take a look, is this item worthy?"

The old ghost took the jade bottle, opened it, and took a look.

Inside the bottle lay three pills, each the size of a longan, their entire bodies a bluish-green, with a faint shimmering light.

He leaned closer and took a sniff, and felt a fresh, herbal fragrance enter his mind, instantly invigorating him.

"This elixir is called the Qingmu Yangyuan Dan (Green Wood Nourishing Essence Elixir), which I, a humble Taoist, used as a guide with thousand-year-old Ganoderma lucidum and Polygonum multiflorum."

Taking it can nourish the primordial spirit and replenish vital energy, and is especially beneficial to the body of a ghost cultivator.

Upon hearing this, the old ghost in black robes had a glint of malice in his eyes.

He was originally a ghost cultivator; although his primordial spirit was strong, he was ultimately a yin body.

What we lack most are these kinds of elixirs that nourish the primordial spirit.

He examined the three pills repeatedly, then brought them close to his nose and sniffed them again before nodding and saying:

"This item is barely acceptable. However, exchanging three for one piece of Breath Soil Stone is a bit of a loss for this old man."

Li Yan smiled slightly, then took out a jade bottle from his sleeve and handed it over:

"I'll add one more. Four pills for one piece of Breath Soil Stone, what do you think, senior?"

The old man in black robes took it, checked it, and then presented the piece of the Breath of Earth Stone with both hands:

"Sir, you're very generous. This is yours."

Li Yan took the Breath of Earth Stone and felt its weight in his hand.

A profound aura emanated from the stone, faintly echoing the twelve-petaled golden lotus within the grotto.

Overjoyed, he put the Breath of Earth Stone into his sleeve, cupped his hands to the old ghost, and said, "Thank you, senior."

The three continued on their way.

Dongfang Shuo, watching from the side, secretly clicked his tongue in amazement and whispered, "Master Li is quite generous."

The Green Wood Nourishing Essence Pill is a rare treasure even in the Heavenly Court.

You actually took out four stones in one go to exchange for a single rock?

Li Yan smiled and said, "Sir, you are unaware of something."

Although that Breath of Earth Stone is inconspicuous, it is of great use to this poor Taoist.

I cultivate the Dao of the Grotto Heaven, which requires earth as its foundation.

This item contains the essence of earth element. If it can be refined and stored in a grotto-heaven, it will surely solidify the foundation and stabilize the mountains and rivers.

"Let alone four pills, even ten would be worthwhile."

Upon hearing this, Dongfang Shuo nodded thoughtfully.

Sun Wukong, however, paid no attention and only looked around.

He saw a large crowd gathered in front of a stall ahead, so he squeezed his way forward.

On the stall, there was a transparent glass bottle.

The bottle contained some silvery-white liquid.

The liquid was like mercury, but much lighter, and flowed slowly in the bottle.

Sometimes it transforms into clouds and mist, and occasionally it condenses into water droplets, changing unpredictably.

The stall owner was a young, free-spirited immortal, with delicate features, dressed in a blue robe.

Seeing Sun Wukong approach, he smiled and said, "Esteemed guest, are you interested in this Heavenly True Water?"

Sun Wukong scratched his head: "Heavenly True Water? What's that?"

The hermit said, "Sir, you are unaware of something."

This Heavenly True Water was formed from the essence of the Primordial Water Mother at the beginning of the creation of heaven and earth.

It contains the source of water, which can nourish all things and moisten the universe.

Even withered spiritual roots can be brought back to life by watering them with this water.

Upon hearing this, Li Yan's heart stirred once again.

Heavenly True Water, the essence of the primordial jellyfish!

He has cultivated the Canglang Dao Jing and has gained considerable insight into the Dao of Water.

If one can obtain this item, one will surely be able to advance further.

Furthermore, although his cave contains rivers and lakes, they are ultimately acquired water, lacking the innate essence.

If we use the Heavenly One True Water as a guide to transform the acquired water into the innate water,

The vitality within the grotto will surely reach a new level.

He stepped forward, cupped his hands in greeting, and asked, "Fellow Daoist, how shall we exchange this item?"

The immortal glanced at him and said, "This Daoist, the Heavenly One True Water is an innate spiritual object, and it is no ordinary thing."

I don't want merit, only spiritual items of equal value. Ideally, they would be elixirs that can help one break through bottlenecks in their cultivation.

Li Yan pondered for a moment, then took out a jade bottle from his sleeve and handed it over: "Fellow Daoist, please take a look, is this item worthy?"

The immortal took the jade bottle, opened it, and took a look.

Inside the bottle lay two pills, each the size of a longan, golden in color with a faint glow of fire.

He leaned closer and took a sniff, and felt a scorching heat rush towards him.

Like the blazing sun overhead, it caused a slight tremor in the primordial spirit.

"This elixir is called the 'Sun Refining Elixir,' and it was made by me using the true fire of the sun as a catalyst."

Taking it can refine the yin impurities in the body and purify yang energy, which is very beneficial for breaking through bottlenecks.

Upon hearing this, a hint of joy flashed in the eyes of the wandering immortal.

He had been cultivating for many years, but had been stuck at the third level of the Cave Heaven realm, unable to break through.

This Sun Refining Pill is exactly what he needs.

He examined the two pills repeatedly, then brought them closer to sniff them before nodding and saying:

"This item is not bad. However, exchanging two pills for a bottle of Tianyi True Water is a bit of a loss for me."

Li Yan smiled slightly, then took out a jade bottle from his sleeve and handed it over:

"I'll add one more pill. Three pills for a bottle of Heavenly One True Water, what do you think, fellow Daoist?"

The immortal took it, checked it, and found nothing amiss before presenting the glass bottle with both hands, smiling:

"Daoist Master, you're generous. This Heavenly True Water is yours."

Li Yan took the glass bottle and felt that the water inside was incredibly light.

He tilted the bottle slightly, and the silvery-white liquid slowly flowed out, turning into a drop of water in his palm.

The water droplets were crystal clear, with a faint radiance flowing within them, exuding a primordial energy.

He was delighted and put the glass bottle into his sleeve.

At this moment, the cave already possesses four spiritual objects.

If these four spiritual items can be refined and brought into the cave, they will surely elevate the Lesser Thousand World to a higher level.

The three of them wandered around the market for a while before leaving Naihe Market.

They traveled on clouds, heading towards Jambudvipa (the southern continent).

Dongfang Shuo descended from the clouds and landed on a mountain peak. He took out a rolled-up map from his sleeve and examined it carefully.

Sun Wukong stepped closer and saw that the map was covered with dense markings of mountains, rivers, cities, and villages.

In several places, red circles were drawn with vermilion ink, and annotations were written in tiny characters next to them.

"Brother, what kind of treasure is this?" Sun Wukong asked.

Dongfang Shuo laughed and said, "This is a map of the Three Realms, which I personally drew after traveling through the Three Realms for many years."

Although not as vast as the Celestial Constellation Chart in Heaven, it is still quite useful.

He pointed to a red circle on the map and said, "Please look, this is the Bodhi Mountain in Jambudvipa."

There is an ancient Bodhi tree on the mountain, which is said to be the place where a Taoist priest attained enlightenment.

Those Bodhi seeds are the fruit of this tree.

Li Yan looked closely and saw a line of small print next to the red circle:

"Mount Bodhi is three thousand feet high and eight hundred li in circumference."

The mountains are home to many spirits and monsters, and there are often eerie winds.

Bodhi seeds ripen once every three thousand years, and each ripening yields no more than a hundred seeds.

It must be collected on the night of a full moon and stored in a jade box, otherwise its spiritual energy will dissipate.

Sun Wukong's golden eyes flashed: "Three thousand zhang? That's taller than my Flower Fruit Mountain!"

Dongfang Shuo laughed and said, "It is indeed high, but it may not possess the spiritual beauty of Flower Fruit Mountain. Great Sage, please observe."

He drew an arc on the map with his finger.

Heading west from Bodhi Mountain, traversing countless mountains and rivers, one arrives at a place marked with the name "Kunlun Ruins".

"This West Kunlun is the highlight of our trip."

The rare and precious herbs, including Ganoderma lucidum, are produced in this mountain.

only,"

Dongfang Shuo paused slightly, a serious expression appearing on his face.

"This Kunlun Ruins is an ancient immortal's cave dwelling, heavily guarded."

Even celestial officials from the Heavenly Court dare not venture too deep into the area.

Sun Wukong grinned and said, "Don't worry, brother. I may not be good at much else, but I'm a pro at breaking restrictions!"

Dongfang Shuo shook his head and said, "Great Sage, you are unaware of this."

The restrictions on Kunlun Ruins are different from the Heavenly Court's Zhou Tian Xing Chen Grand Array.

The ancient immortals and gods arranged their formations according to the principle of "following the natural way," integrating the formations with heaven and earth.

If you try to break it by brute force, you will be making an enemy of the entire Kunlun Mountains.

Li Yan listened to this and pondered it in his heart.

Dongfang Shuo's words, seemingly referring to the Kunlun Restriction, were actually meant to enlighten them.

In these three realms, there are places that cannot be entered by brute force.

Since Xikunlun is an ancient immortal's cave, it may contain methods left behind by ancient powerful beings.

If we act rashly, we may suffer great losses.

Just as he was about to speak, he suddenly felt his heart mirror tremble slightly.

With a slight sinking of the mind, a line of small golden characters slowly appeared on the mirror surface:

[Having heard Dongfang Shuo speak of the secrets of the Kunlun Restriction, I understand the ancient formations and the principle of harmony between heaven and earth.]

[Aura of Destiny +200 (There is a sequence to learning, and each profession has its own expertise)]

[Current Affinity/Dharma Energy: 15900/20480]

Li Yan withdrew his thoughts, cupped his hands, and said, "Since you know the secret of the Kunlun Restriction, sir, you must already have a countermeasure?"

Dongfang Shuo laughed and said, "Master Li is indeed quick-witted."

Over the years, I have traveled through the Three Realms and have developed some friendship with the guardian of Kunlun Ruins.

As long as we follow the rules and don't break any prohibitions, picking a few rare herbs and lingzhi mushrooms shouldn't be too difficult.

The three of them had made their decision and set off for Mount Bodhi in Jambudvipa.

After traveling for about half an hour, the sea of ​​clouds in front of them gradually thinned, revealing the vast land below.

But the mountains stretched endlessly, like dragons and snakes coiled together.

The mighty river flows on, encircling the area like a jade belt.

Occasionally, wisps of smoke rise from the valleys and villages, and the sound of shepherds' flutes drifts on the wind.

Sun Wukong was somersaulting along when he suddenly stopped and looked down with his golden eyes.

"Brother, look down that mountain, what a huge temple!"

Following his gaze, Li Yan saw a temple at the foot of Bodhi Mountain.

Built against the mountain, it is layered and stacked, with as many as nine courtyards.

Red walls and green tiles, flying eaves and brackets, gleaming with golden light in the afterglow of the setting sun.

A stone archway stands in front of the temple, with four large characters engraved on it: [Bodhi Zen Temple].

The three descended from the clouds and landed in front of the mountain gate.

The stone archway is about three zhang high, and despite the erosion from wind and rain, it still stands majestically.

The archway is carved with various patterns, such as Buddha preaching, Arhats subduing dragons, and flying apsaras scattering flowers.

Although it is a Buddhist statue, the brushstrokes subtly reveal the purity of Taoism.

Li Yan stopped to observe closely.

The four large characters of Bodhi Zen Temple are written with vigorous strokes, resembling iron hooks and silver lines.

The signature area was completely blank.

"This word..." A slight thought crossed his mind.

Within those four characters, there was a faint flow of Daoist charm.

Neither Buddhist nor Taoist, yet it resembles both, mysterious beyond mystery.

Seeing that he was staring intently at the words, Dongfang Shuo laughed and said, "Master Li, you can also see the extraordinary nature of these words?"

Legend has it that this temple was built by a great master in ancient times. That person cultivated both Buddhism and Taoism, comprehended the ultimate principles of heaven and earth, and attained the Great Luo Dao here.

The words on this archway were written by his own hand.

Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong's golden eyes flashed, and he looked the archway up and down.

He looked at it for a moment, scratched his head, and said, "Brother, do you think this person practices both Buddhism and Taoism?"

"Looking at these four characters, I find them somewhat familiar."

Li Yan was slightly shaken and secretly tugged at Sun Wukong's sleeve.

The monkey seemed to sense something and chuckled twice.

Dongfang Shuo had no suspicions and took it as Sun Wukong's casual remark, so he led the two of them toward the mountain gate.

Passing through the archway, there is a stone-paved path.

On both sides, there are two rows of Bodhi trees with thick trunks and canopies that completely cover the entire passageway.

It was dusk, and the last rays of the setting sun filtered through the leaves, casting dappled gold patterns on the ground.

At the end of the passageway lies the mountain gate of the Zen temple.

The mountain gate was not large, consisting of only a vermilion-lacquered wooden door.

Two stone lions stand in front of the gate, their expressions endearing, unlike the imposing presence of ordinary temples.

Dongfang Shuo stepped forward and knocked on the door. After a short while, footsteps came from inside.

A moment later, the door opened.

An elderly monk poked his head out; his beard and eyebrows were white, but his face was ruddy.

He wore a gray monk's robe and held a string of sandalwood prayer beads in his hand.

He smiled when he saw Dongfang Shuo:

"Mr. Dongfang, it's been three thousand years since we last met. This old monk thought you weren't coming anymore."

Dongfang Shuo cupped his hands and smiled, "Master Jueming is too kind. With the Peach Banquet approaching, how could I dare not come?"

Master Jueming's gaze passed over Dongfang Shuo and landed on Li Yan and Sun Wukong behind him.

A strange glint flashed in his eyes, but he didn't ask any further questions. He simply stepped aside and said, "Please come in, you three."

We entered the mountain gate.

There was a large, square courtyard, with an ancient pine tree at each of the four corners.

Master Jueming led the three through the courtyard and toward the wing room on the right.

As Li Yan passed the main hall in front, he suddenly stopped.

He sensed a faint Daoist aura emanating from the tightly closed palace doors.

The Taoist aura was pure, ethereal, and profound, somewhat similar to the aura he heard when his patriarch preached at Fangcun Mountain.

"Master," Li Yan said, bowing slightly, "may I ask which deity is enshrined in this main hall?"

Upon hearing this, Master Jueming's expression changed slightly, but he quickly regained his composure and clasped his hands together, saying:

"Amitabha. This hall is called the Hall of Enlightenment, and it enshrines the image of the founding patriarch of this temple."

After the patriarch attained the Great Luo Dao, he left this mountain and traveled throughout the Three Realms.

Only one statue remains for posterity to venerate.

Sun Wukong's golden eyes flashed, and he said, "May I, Old Sun, go in and take a look?"

Master Jueming hesitated for a moment, then nodded: "Since the three of you have come from afar, please come in and have a look, since we are destined to meet."

However, the hall is heavily guarded; the three of you must not touch anything carelessly.

He took out a copper key and inserted it into the keyhole on the palace door.

A faint light shimmered within the keyhole.

Master Jueming turned the key.

"Snap!"

The palace gates slowly opened.

A pure and ethereal aura emanated from the hall and rushed towards us.

Li Yan felt his mind clear up instantly.

The pure and ethereal energy entered the body and resonated subtly with the true essence and magical power in the dantian.

He was startled and secretly used his magic to suppress the resonance.

The three entered the hall.

The hall was small, square, and the four walls were bare.

There is only one stone statue in the very center.

The stone statue was about ten feet tall, carved entirely from stone, with simple lines, yet it exuded a Taoist charm.

The face of the stone statue is blurry and indistinct; one can only vaguely make out that it is an old man.

Sit cross-legged, form a mudra with your hands, close your eyes and enter a meditative state.

When Sun Wukong saw the stone statue, his golden eyes shone brightly.

He stared at the stone statue for a long time: "This stone statue... why does it look so familiar?"

Li Yan thought to himself, "This monkey must have recognized something."

Just as he was about to speak, he suddenly felt his heart mirror vibrate violently.

With a slight sinking of his mind, he saw a line of small golden characters appearing on the mirror's surface:

[Upon entering the Hall of Enlightenment at Bodhi Zen Temple, one sees the stone statue of the founding patriarch and senses the lingering spiritual essence he left behind.]

[Fate/Destiny Aura +500 (Those destined to meet will find each other even from a thousand miles away; those not destined will not meet even face to face)]

[Current Affinity/Dharma Energy: 16400/20480]

Li Yan's heart skipped a beat, and just as he was about to take a closer look, another line of small characters appeared on the mirror:

Within the ancestral master's stone statue, a wisp of the Great Luo Daoist essence is sealed.

This Daoist charm has endured for tens of thousands of years without dissipating; only those with a predestined affinity can perceive it.

Those who sense this Daoist rhythm can glimpse the ultimate truths of heaven and earth that the patriarch comprehended when he attained the Great Luo realm.

[Could the secrets of longevity be used to activate and draw upon the Great Luo Daoist essence sealed within the stone statue?]

Just as he was hesitating, he suddenly heard Dongfang Shuo say, "Daoist Li, Great Sage, this Hall of Proving the Dao is not open to the public on ordinary days."

It is already an extraordinary blessing that Master Jueming has made an exception and allowed you to enter today.

If you have any feelings about this, you may quietly contemplate it for a moment. I and the master will wait outside.

After saying this, he gave Master Jueming a wink, and the two of them withdrew and closed the temple door.

The moment the palace doors closed, the hall suddenly went dark.

Only the stone statue remained, faintly emitting a clear light.

Sun Wukong approached the stone statue, circled it three times, and suddenly whispered:

"Brother, did you notice? This stone statue... looks like..."

Li Yan quickly covered his mouth and whispered, "Your Majesty, please be careful what you say."

Although this place is a Buddhist temple, it is also the place where that person attained enlightenment.

The Daoist aura he left here can probably sense our every word and action.

Sun Wukong's golden eyes flashed: "Brother, you mean he's still here?"

Li Yan shook his head and said, "Not necessarily. However, that person's methods are beyond our comprehension."

Although he has been gone for tens of thousands of years, he may not have left no way out.

We only need to calmly contemplate and understand; let's not say anything more.

Sun Wukong nodded, sat cross-legged in front of the stone statue, and closed his eyes to concentrate.

Li Yan also sat down beside him, his mind sinking into the cave.

He silently recited the incantation: "Profound, profound, profound, the Dao is inherent, do not take the Jade Liquid lightly."

If you receive guidance from a true master, the void will shatter and your true face will be revealed.

Upon seeing her true face, her nature shines brightly; may she plant a golden lotus in her spiritual realm.

The moon reflects in a thousand rivers, and the rivers reflect the moon; the sky contains all things, and the things contain the sky...

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