Gou Zai Xi You Dao Chang Sheng

The tree spirit stood beneath the Bodhi tree, its form ethereal as smoke, its entire body shimmering with azure light.

He looked at Sun Wukong and said in a hoarse voice, "I am the spirit of the Bodhi tree, and I have been guarding this place since the day the Patriarch attained enlightenment."

For tens of thousands of years, I have seen countless people who wanted to collect Bodhi seeds.

Buddhist monks, Taoist immortals, and even demon kings and ghost cultivators.

Those who can pass the Forgetfulness Formation are few and far between.

Sun Wukong grinned and said, "Then am I, Old Sun, a rare guest?"

The tree spirit did not answer, but turned its gaze to Li Yan, scrutinizing him for a moment before a flash of emerald light appeared in its eyes:

"You two are different from ordinary warriors."

The Forget-Heart Formation allows one to forget the past and retain the heart of a child.

Ordinary people either struggle bitterly or drift aimlessly through life.

You two are quite something; one doesn't care about where you came from, and the other is inherently enlightened.

Li Yan cupped his hands and said, "Senior, you flatter me."

We, a humble Taoist priest and my companion, have come here to request a few Bodhi seeds for use at the Peach Banquet.

I hope you can do me a favor.

Upon hearing this, the tree spirit let out a long laugh.

"For tens of thousands of years, how many people have asked me for help?"

Dongfang Shuo would come once every three thousand years, and each time he would ponder deeply at the bridge for three days and three nights before he could barely get through the ordeal.

After that, he had to kneel before me and beg for half a day before I would give him three Bodhi seeds.

Although the monk Jueming had cultivated himself on this mountain for thousands of years, each time he came to collect Bodhi seeds, he would chant sutras for seven days at the bridgehead.

By using Buddhist teachings to influence the restrictions within the formation, a sliver of space was created, allowing them to barely manage to collect a few.

The tree spirit's voice turned cold as it finished speaking:

"Although you two have passed the Forgetfulness Formation, you have only gained the word 'skill'."

Monkeys are born with a childlike heart and have nothing to forget.

You, Taoist priest, cultivate the Way of Emptiness and Clarity, and your heart is free from all attachments.

You were able to pass through the formation only because the restrictions within it were useless against you.

What kind of skill is that?

Sun Wukong's golden eyes flashed, and he was about to lash out when Li Yan restrained him and bowed to the tree spirit, saying:

"Your teachings are correct. Our encounter was indeed somewhat fortunate."

However, since those Bodhi seeds are needed for the Peach Banquet, and our two companions are hereby ordered to procure them,

If you, sir, would be so accommodating, I would be eternally grateful.

The tree spirit snorted coldly: "Ordered to procure?"

Even if the Jade Emperor himself came, he would still have to abide by my rules.

This Bodhi tree was planted by the Patriarch, and I was enlightened by the Patriarch.

Even the Heavenly Court has no jurisdiction over this place.

Dongfang Shuo paced anxiously on the other side of the bridge, unable to cross, and could only shout from afar:

"Senior Tree Spirit! I always follow the rules when I come here!"

Whatever you want, I'll give it to you!

At this Peach Banquet, the Queen Mother of the West said,

If I could gather a few more Bodhi seeds, I would build a shrine for you by the Jade Pool, so that you may receive offerings from all three realms!

Upon hearing this, the tree spirit smiled:

"I have lived on this mountain for tens of thousands of years, absorbing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, and the essence of the sun and moon. What need do I have for incense offerings?"

Master Jueming also put his palms together at the bridgehead and said, "Amitabha."

Senior Tree Spirit, those Bodhi seeds ripen only once every three thousand years. If they are not picked, they will fall off on their own and turn into dust.

It's better to do things that are convenient for others; this is also a way to accumulate merit.

The tree spirit shook its head and said, "Monk, you have been on this mountain for thousands of years, yet you do not know the wonders of these Bodhi seeds."

The fallen Bodhi seeds, once in the soil, transformed into nutrients, nourishing the old tree.

Every time you pick one, the tree loses a bit of nourishment.

I have guarded this tree for tens of thousands of years; how can I allow anyone to pluck its branches at will?

Upon hearing Shu Ling's words, Li Yan secretly plotted in his heart.

This tree spirit has cultivated for tens of thousands of years. It has a strange temperament and is not swayed by either soft or hard approaches; forcing it will not work.

Only by aligning with the Way and persuading people with reason can we succeed.

He cupped his hands and said, "Since you have guarded this tree for tens of thousands of years, you must have thoroughly understood the principles of this Bodhi tree."

"This humble Taoist priest dares to ask you, senior, to discuss the Tao contained within these Bodhi seeds."

Upon hearing this, the tree spirit flashed with emerald light and looked at Li Yan with great interest: "Oh? You want to discuss the Dao with me?"

"Exactly." Li Yan sat cross-legged under the tree, his expression calm.

"As the elder just said, when Bodhi seeds fall into the soil, they turn into nutrients to nourish the old tree."

That's true.

However, this humble monk believes that the taking of the Bodhi seeds is not necessarily a loss.

The tree spirit snorted: "What do you mean?"

Li Yan said, "Senior, please think about it. Bodhi seeds ripen only once every three thousand years."

When ripe, it falls to the ground; when it falls, it rots; when it rots, it becomes mud; and the mud nourishes the roots. This is the cycle of reincarnation, an endless cycle of life.

However, this cycle of reincarnation takes place within a single tree.

The harvested Bodhi seeds were either refined into elixirs, offered before Buddha statues, or worn on the body.

Its essence disperses throughout the three realms, interacting with all things and uniting with heaven and earth.

Once the vital energy has circulated for a full cycle, one day it will return to this mountain and this tree.

As the saying goes, all things return to their roots.

Whether one takes it or not is merely a different manifestation of the Tao.

The ancestors who guarded this tree for tens of thousands of years should understand that the Dao is not contained within a single tree, but exists throughout heaven and earth.

Upon hearing this, the tree spirit's azure light flickered uncertainly, as if it were moved, yet it still spoke:

"What you said makes some sense, but it's nothing but flattery and sophistry."

I guard this tree to protect the legacy of my ancestors.

No matter how much you talk, you can't change the fact that you two are outsiders.

Sun Wukong, who was listening from the side, grew impatient. His golden eyes flashed, and he said, "You tree spirit, you are really unreasonable!"

I, Old Sun, also have an old peach tree on Flower and Fruit Mountain.

When the peaches ripened, I, Old Sun, picked them and ate them. I threw the peach pits on the ground, and the following year, small peach trees grew from them.

This is a matter of course.

You've guarded this tree for tens of thousands of years, have you ever seen it sprout a small Bodhi tree?

Upon hearing this, the tree spirit's emerald light froze.

Li Yan's heart skipped a beat, and he secretly praised the monkey for asking the right question.

The Bodhi tree ripens once every three thousand years; when ripe, it falls to the ground and rots.

But why do no new seedlings sprout when the Bodhi seeds fall into the soil?

He had sensed something was amiss earlier, but hadn't thought about it deeply for the time being.

At that moment, Sun Wukong's words revealed the truth, and he understood perfectly.

The tree spirit remained silent for a long time before Fang Sha said in a low voice, "What do you know?"

This Bodhi tree was transformed by the Patriarch using the power of the Great Luo, and is incomparable to ordinary spiritual trees.

"The Bodhi seed falls into the soil, and though it has the potential to live, without the guidance of the patriarch, how can it take root and sprout?"

Li Yan said, "Senior, you are mistaken."

The patriarch enlightened this tree, giving it a spiritual quality.

That spirit is in the tree, and also in the fruit.

If Bodhi seeds had no spirituality, how could they be refined into elixirs and offered before the Buddha?

Where there is spirituality, there is a way.

It falls into the soil and does not sprout, not because it cannot, but because it does not want to.

The tree spirit said, "Unwilling? How do you know it's unwilling?"

Li Yan smiled slightly, took out the longevity millet he had just obtained in the Hall of Proof of the Dao from his sleeve, and held it in his palm.

"Senior, please take a look. This thing is called Longevity Millet, a seed from an ancient divine grain."

Plant it, and you will obtain food for longevity.

When I obtained this grain seed, I wondered how a single grain could give rise to life for thousands of generations.

Later, I attained enlightenment.

That vitality exists between heaven and earth.

Grain seeds merely borrow the power of heaven and earth to manifest their own Dao.

The same applies to Bodhi seeds.

He put the longevity millet back into his sleeve and said again:

"The elders have guarded this tree for tens of thousands of years. Have you ever thought about why the ancestor planted this tree back then?"

Is it so that it can stand here all alone, bearing a hundred fruits every three thousand years, only to fall to the ground and turn into mud?

Or is it to spread it far and wide, so that more people can gain enlightenment from it?

The tree spirit shone with a brilliant green light, its voice trembling: "You...how dare you speak ill of the Ancestral Master's will?"

Li Yan's expression remained unchanged, but his voice became increasingly composed: "I am not speaking recklessly, but rather applying the principles of the Dao."

The patriarch attained the Great Luo, realizing the Dao's natural way.

Nature is ever-renewing and endlessly cycling.

If this tree can only bear fruit but cannot reproduce, then it is neither yin nor yang in its own right; how can it be considered natural?

He stood up, bowed deeply to the Bodhi tree, and said loudly:

"Junior Li Yan, I humbly request that senior grant me divine intervention and resolve my doubts."

Upon hearing this, the Bodhi tree trembled.

The towering tree canopy trembled, causing the golden Bodhi seeds to shimmer.

Buzz!

The sound grew louder and louder, like chanting or the tolling of bells, echoing endlessly through the valley.

The tree spirit's expression changed drastically; its illusory form trembled violently, and its voice was filled with disbelief:

"Impossible... Our patriarch has been gone for tens of thousands of years... How could this be..."

Before he could finish speaking, lines of golden characters appeared on the trunk of the Bodhi tree.

The golden characters, with their vigorous strokes and powerful lines, were exactly the same as the characters on the stone statues in the Hall of Enlightenment.

Sun Wukong's golden eyes shone brightly.

The golden characters slowly emerged and arranged into a text.

Li Yan looked closely and saw that the golden characters read:

"I planted this tree not to bear fruit, nor to guard the mountain."

No Bodhi tree, nor stand mirror.

There is nothing, where can the dust be.

If future generations happen to come here, they will know that this tree is not a tree, and this child is not a child.

Whether to pick or not, it is all part of the Way.

Whether to stay or not, it's all fate.

The gold lettering appeared briefly before gradually disappearing.

But the Bodhi tree underwent a dramatic transformation.

Suddenly, the fine lines on the tree trunk lit up, transforming into countless golden runes that spread upwards along the trunk.

The branches, leaves, and bodhi seeds were all enveloped in golden light.

The entire Bodhi tree resembles a golden pagoda, radiating boundless light and soaring straight into the sky.

The golden light shot up to the heavens, dyeing half the sky gold.

Everything on and around Bodhi Mountain, from people and animals to plants and trees, was bathed in golden light.

Master Jueming sat cross-legged at the bridgehead, sensing the golden light. He trembled, and tears streamed down his face.

"The ancestral master has appeared... the ancestral master has appeared!"

Dongfang Shuo was also stunned. He had lived for thousands of years and traveled all over the Three Realms, but he had never seen such a strange phenomenon.

The golden light lasted for about the time it takes to brew a cup of tea before gradually receding.

But the changes on the Bodhi tree never stopped.

On the tree trunk, the golden runes gradually condensed, transforming into golden fruits.

Unlike Bodhi seeds, the fruit was crystal clear, as if carved from crystal, with a faint radiance flowing within.

The tree spirit trembled as it watched this scene, tears glistening faintly within the emerald light.

"For tens of thousands of years... I always thought that the patriarch planted this tree so that I would guard it."

Only today do I realize that what the patriarch wanted me to understand was the principle contained within this tree…

It turned to Li Yan and Sun Wukong, bowed deeply, and its voice became clear and melodious:

"Thank you both. If it weren't for your guidance, I would still be trapped in this tree, unable to find a way out."

Li Yan quickly returned the greeting: "You're too kind, senior."

"I am merely going with the flow; what I have truly revealed are the words left by the Patriarch."

The tree spirit shook its head and said, "The ancestor left these words tens of thousands of years ago, and I have guarded this tree every day, but I have never seen them."

"Only after you two arrived today did the words appear. This is fate."

With a wave of its hand, several newly formed golden fruits from the Bodhi tree fell and hung in front of Li Yan and Sun Wukong.

"This fruit is called the Bodhi Enlightenment Fruit. It was formed by the Patriarch using the power of the Great Luo to condense the Daoist essence accumulated by the Bodhi tree over tens of thousands of years."

It ripens once every three thousand years, and each ripening yields no more than three fruits.

Nine fruits were formed today in one go, which shows how highly the Patriarch values ​​you two.

Li Yan accepted the golden fruit with both hands. It was warm to the touch, and the Daoist aura emanated from the fruit, resonating with the cave heaven.

He was overjoyed and cupped his hands in thanks, saying, "Thank you for your generous gift, senior."

Sun Wukong accepted a few, grinning, "Old Tree Spirit, you're quite generous!"

The tree spirit laughed and said, "You rascal, you're joking."

This fruit was originally left by the patriarch for those with affinity.

It is fate that you two came. It is destiny that you can understand.

When fate brings you together, you can neither force it nor refuse it.

It raised its hand and beckoned again.

Dozens of ordinary Bodhi seeds drifted down from the Bodhi tree and landed in front of Dongfang Shuo and Master Jueming.

"Mr. Dongfang, here are the Bodhi seeds you requested."

Monk, you have been on this mountain for thousands of years, you must be tired.

These Bodhi seeds can be used as offerings for incense.

Dongfang Shuo, watching from the other side of the bridge, was dumbfounded. Seeing the Bodhi seed float towards him, he quickly reached out and caught it, repeatedly saying:

"Thank you so much, senior! Thank you so much, senior!"

Master Jueming also clasped his hands and said, "Amitabha. Venerable senior, this old monk is deeply grateful."

The tree spirit waved its hand, its figure gradually disappearing into the tree trunk, leaving only one sentence echoing in the valley:

"If you two have the time, you are welcome to come and sit here often. Under this Bodhi tree, it is a good place to attain enlightenment."

As soon as he finished speaking, the golden light on the Bodhi tree completely disappeared, and it returned to its original appearance.

Li Yan put the Bodhi Enlightenment Fruit into his sleeve, his mind slightly calm.

On the mirror of the heart, a line of small golden characters slowly appeared:

[Discussing the Dao with the spirit of the Bodhi tree, revealing the words left by the patriarch, and obtaining three Bodhi Enlightenment Fruits]

[Aura of Destiny +800 (Uniting with the Dao through the Dao, Connecting Heart to Heart)]

[Bodhi Enlightenment Fruit: Formed from the essence of the Great Luo Dao, consuming it can aid in enlightenment and allow one to glimpse the ultimate principles of heaven and earth]

[Current Affinity/Dharma Energy: 21500/20480]

Li Yan was shocked; the aura of destiny had exceeded 20,480 strands.

He steadied himself, exited the Mirror of the Mind, and gave Sun Wukong a wink.

The two then turned and walked towards the bridgehead.

After crossing the Bodhi Stream, Dongfang Shuo stepped forward, his face beaming, and repeatedly said:

"Master Li, Great Sage, you are truly amazing!"

I have walked this path for thousands of years, and each time I come here I have to kneel and beg for half a day in vain in order to obtain three Bodhi seeds.

"I really owe my trip to you all!"

Sun Wukong laughed and said, "Brother, why are you being so polite?"

I, Old Sun, can't stand those who cling to their small plot of land.

He won't listen to reason with you, and he pretends to be confused when you try to reason with him.

Only when the patriarch manifested his power did he understand.

Master Jueming also stepped forward and bowed to Li Yan and Sun Wukong with his palms together.

"Esteemed benefactors, today the Patriarch has manifested his power. I have cultivated on this mountain for thousands of years and only now do I understand the Patriarch's true intention."

This old monk will forever remember this kindness.

Li Yan quickly returned the greeting: "Master, you flatter me."

It was merely by chance that the patriarch left these words for those with the right affinity.

The master practiced his spiritual cultivation on this mountain, spending his days with the Bodhi tree; perhaps this is another form of enlightenment.

Upon hearing this, Master Jueming nodded thoughtfully.

The four exchanged a few more words, then bid farewell to Master Jueming, left Bodhi Mountain, and headed west towards Kunlun.

Riding on clouds, with Dongfang Shuo leading the way, Sun Wukong somersaulted all the way, thoroughly enjoying himself.

Li Yan followed behind, secretly making plans in his mind.

This trip to the mortal realm has been very fruitful.

I obtained the Breath of Earth Stone and the Heavenly True Water at the Naihe Market.

He obtained the Longevity Millet and the Primordial True Water on Bodhi Mountain, and attained enlightenment through Bodhi.

He already possessed two of the three spiritual items; he was only missing the North Star fragment.

However, those North Star fragments belonged to the Great Emperor of the North Pole.

The relationship between the Jade Emperor and the Ziwei Emperor is at a delicate juncture. If he were to rashly make a request, it might be inappropriate.

We must wait until the matter in Heaven is settled before making any further plans.

Just then, Sun Wukong said, "Brother, look ahead, there's a huge mountain!"

Li Yan looked up and saw a majestic mountain rising from the sea of ​​clouds on the horizon.

That mountain was so high that its peak was nowhere in sight, and its area was unknown, spanning tens of thousands of miles.

The mountainside is covered in snow and dotted with glaciers.

Below the mountainside, however, lies lush greenery and ancient trees reaching for the sky.

At the summit, a faint golden light lingered, enveloped by auspicious clouds.

Dongfang Shuo descended from the clouds and landed on a mountain ridge. He took out the Map of the Three Realms, examined it carefully, and nodded, saying:

"This is West Kunlun. The precious herbs and lingzhi mushrooms are found in this mountain."

Sun Wukong's golden eyes flashed, and he looked around, finding that Kunlun Mountain was indeed extraordinary.

The mountains are rich in spiritual energy, with lush vegetation, and cranes often fly by and deer roam freely.

However, that spiritual energy contained a faint, sharp edge, making it something not to be underestimated.

Li Yan opened his Eyes of Cause and Effect and observed carefully.

On the Kunlun Mountains, countless causal lines crisscrossed, even more complex than those in the Heavenly Court.

Several lines of cause and effect, gleaming with golden light, connect towards the mountaintop.

Several other trails, lush and verdant, lead into the dense forest on the mountainside.

There are also several more, pitch black as ink, hidden in the secluded valleys of the mountains, inspiring awe and fear.

He secretly became wary; this Kunlun Mountain did not seem like a safe place.

Dongfang Shuo put away the map and said, "Gentlemen, there are rules in Kunlun Mountain."

Before going up the mountain to collect medicinal herbs, one must first go to the Kunlun Temple halfway up the mountain to worship the mountain god and ask for permission to enter.

Otherwise, it would be trespassing into forbidden territory and would trigger ancient restrictions.

Sun Wukong said, "Then what are we waiting for? Let's go!"

The three of them walked along the ridge toward the Kunlun Temple on the mountainside.

After walking for about half an hour, a stone shrine suddenly appeared ahead.

The shrine was small, just a stone house with two stone pillars in front of the door, on which couplets were engraved.

The first line reads: "Kunlun Mountain rises ten thousand feet high, connecting heaven and earth."

The second line reads: "The Way follows nature, and endures through the ages."

Above the lintel hangs a wooden plaque with three large ancient seal characters: 【Kunlun Ancestral Hall】.

The ancestral hall door was half-closed, and candlelight flickered faintly inside.

Dongfang Shuo stepped forward, straightened his clothes, and respectfully knocked on the door three times.

Shortly after, footsteps could be heard coming from inside the door.

An elderly man with white hair poked his head out; his face was ruddy and his eyes were bright.

He wore a gray cloth Taoist robe and held a peach wood staff.

Upon seeing Dongfang Shuo, he smiled and said, "Mr. Dongfang, it's been three thousand years since we last met. I thought you weren't coming."

Dongfang Shuo cupped his hands and said, "Your Excellency the Mountain God is too kind. With the Peach Banquet approaching, how could I dare not come?"

The mountain god's gaze passed over Dongfang Shuo and landed on Li Yan and Sun Wukong behind him, a strange light flashing in his eyes.

Without asking any further questions, he simply stepped aside and said, "Please come in, you three."

Upon entering the ancestral hall, one sees that it is not large, consisting of only one main room.

In the center stands a stone statue of an old man with a flowing beard, holding a whisk, seated on a lotus pedestal.

In front of the stone statue, there is an incense burner with wisps of smoke rising from it.

The mountain god invited the three to sit down and served them tea.

The tea is brewed with snowmelt from the Kunlun Mountains. It has a refreshing taste, a sweet aftertaste, and a subtle herbal fragrance.

Dongfang Shuo took a sip of tea, explained his purpose, and then took out the travel document from the Heavenly Court and presented it with both hands.

The mountain god took the document, read it carefully, and nodded:

"Since it's a procurement by the Heavenly Court, this old man will naturally make exceptions. However..."

Sun Wukong asked, "But what?"

The mountain god said, "But those jade herbs and lingzhi grow in the Yaochi Ancient Land deep in the Kunlun Mountains."

That place was the palace of the Queen Mother of the West. Although it has been abandoned for tens of thousands of years, some of the restrictions still remain.

The three of you must be careful if you wish to enter.

Li Yan's heart stirred.

The palace of the Queen Mother of the West in her youth?

He recalled the nine-colored fairy flower, which was moved from West Kunlun by the Queen Mother of the West.

What else might be hidden in that ancient land of Yaochi?

Dongfang Shuo said, "Don't worry, Mountain God."

I have walked this path for thousands of years, and I have visited the ancient site of Yaochi several times, so I am quite familiar with it.

only……"

The mountain god asked, "But what?"

Dongfang Shuo hesitated for a moment before saying, "I have only heard that in the ancient land of Yaochi..."

Recently, some unclean things have been appearing. Have you heard of this, Mountain God?

Upon hearing this, the mountain god's expression changed slightly. After a moment of silence, he said, "Mr. Dongfang is indeed well-informed."

Indeed, there have been some unusual developments in the ancient land of Yaochi recently.

About three hundred years ago, strange noises suddenly came from the depths of that place.

The sound was like someone crying.

I once sent someone to investigate, but all I saw was a thick fog, within which dark shadows could be faintly seen moving.

The men sent out returned disoriented, muttering incoherent words.

Sun Wukong's golden eyes flashed: "Is that so?"

The mountain god nodded and said, "I have lived in Kunlun Mountain for tens of thousands of years and have never seen such a strange thing."

Later, I went to check it out myself and used my magic to dispel the fog. I saw a huge Ganoderma lucidum in the fog.

The Ganoderma lucidum was completely black and emitted a foul stench.

The old man tried to get closer, but felt a chilling force approaching, which almost injured his primordial spirit.

I dared not probe any further, so I retreated.

For more than three hundred years thereafter, the black Ganoderma lucidum grew larger and larger, and the mist became increasingly dense.

Now, half of the former site of Yaochi is shrouded in mist.

Dongfang Shuo's face was slightly pale:

"That...that Jade Grass and Lingzhi are in the ancient land of Jade Pool. If it were devoured by that Black Lingzhi..."

The mountain god shook his head and said, "Mr. Dongfang, there is no need to worry too much."

The Yao grass and Lingzhi grow on the east side of the ancient Yaochi site, while the black Lingzhi grows on the west side.

It has not been affected yet.

However, the aura emitted by the black Ganoderma lucidum has an extremely strong corrosive power against spiritual objects.

If this is not dealt with soon, I fear that in a few hundred years, all the spiritual beings in the entire Yaochi ancient land will suffer.

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

That black Ganoderma lucidum, which can grow in an ancient cave in Kunlun Mountain and can also corrode spiritual objects, is by no means an ordinary thing.

He recalled the Soul-Devouring Seed and the Qiongqi's spine, and a guess began to form in his mind.

Three hundred years ago, it was the time when Cui Yan died suddenly.

The appearance of this black Ganoderma lucidum is likely inextricably linked to those events.

He steadied himself and asked, "This humble Taoist would like to ask, were there any unusual phenomena before the black Ganoderma appeared?"

The mountain god pondered for a moment and said, "There is indeed one unusual phenomenon."

Several days before the black Ganoderma appeared, a shooting star streaked across the sky above Kunlun Mountain.

The meteor, entirely black, came from the north and fell upon the ancient land of Yaochi.

I initially thought it was a meteorite from outer space, so I sent people to check, but they found nothing.

A few days later, the strange noise reappeared.

They came from the north. Li Yan and Sun Wukong exchanged a glance, both of them already understanding the situation.

It's the North again.

A flash of anger crossed Sun Wukong's golden eyes, but he suppressed his temper and did not lash out.

He turned to the mountain god:

"Old mountain god, where is that black Ganoderma lucidum? Take me, old Sun, to see it."

"I, Old Sun, want to see what kind of thing dares to cause trouble on Kunlun Mountain!"

The mountain god was startled and waved his hands repeatedly: "Great Sage, you must not!"

That black Ganoderma lucidum was extremely poisonous; even I was nearly injured. Although the Great Sage possesses great supernatural powers, he should not underestimate it.

Sun Wukong laughed and said, "Don't worry, old man."

"My indestructible body is so powerful that even Laozi's Eight Trigrams Furnace can't burn it, so why would I be afraid of a broken Ganoderma lucidum?"

Before the mountain god could say anything more, Li Yan cupped his hands and said, "Mountain God, there is no need to worry."

This humble Taoist priest and Your Majesty are on the side of the Jade Emperor's decree on this journey.

The mountain god only needs to point out the path; the rest is up to this humble Taoist priest and the king.

Seeing that the two were determined, the mountain god could no longer persuade them, so he took out a roll of map and pointed to a red circle on it.

"Please look, this is the ancient site of Yaochi."

Starting from Kunlun Temple, head north along the mountain ridge for about two hours, and you will see a canyon.

The canyon is called Yaochi Gorge, and at the end of the canyon lies the ancient site of Yaochi.

As for the black Ganoderma, it is located on the west side of the original site, near a deep pool.

The deep pool is called the "Mysterious Ice Pool." Its water is icy cold, and even a Taiyi Golden Immortal dares not venture there lightly.

He handed the map to Dongfang Shuo and said, "The three of you must be very careful on your journey."

In that mist, besides the black lingzhi mushroom, there were other things as well.

I can't quite put my finger on it, but I felt that those things were neither alive nor dead.

Li Yan kept these words in mind, cupped his hands to the mountain god and said, "Thank you for your guidance, sir. I have remembered it."

The three bid farewell to the mountain god, left the Kunlun Temple, and headed towards the ancient site of Yaochi.

The further north we went, the more precipitous the mountains became.

On that mountain ridge, there are jagged rocks and ancient trees reaching for the sky.

Occasionally, a fierce wind would blow from the mountaintop, biting and piercing.

Sun Wukong somersaulted all the way, not feeling anything at all.

Dongfang Shuo, however, was finding it somewhat difficult. Although he had cultivated for thousands of years, he was ultimately just a celestial official in charge of official duties.

Seeing this, Li Yan slowed his pace, took out another pill, and handed it to Dongfang Shuo, saying:

"Sir, please take this pill; it will ward off the cold."

Dongfang Shuo took the pill, glanced gratefully at Li Yan, and quickly swallowed it.

As soon as the pill entered my stomach, a warm current rose from my dantian and flowed through my limbs and bones, making me feel warm all over.

The biting wind no longer felt cold.

After traveling for about two hours, a canyon appeared ahead.

The canyon has sheer cliffs on both sides, as if carved by a knife and axe.

The valley was shrouded in mist, making it difficult to see clearly.

At the entrance of the valley stands a stone tablet with three large ancient seal characters engraved on it: 【Yaochi Gorge】.

Dongfang Shuo stopped at the valley entrance, took out a map, looked at it, and nodded:

"This is the place. Beyond this canyon lies the ancient land of Yaochi."

The three entered the canyon, where the light was dim and the cliffs on both sides were covered with moss and vines.

The ground was covered with a thick layer of fallen leaves, which felt soft and spongy underfoot.

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

It was a wasteland.

The ruins are scattered among the weeds.

The stone pillars have collapsed and the jade steps have shattered, but one can still vaguely discern the scale of the palace in its heyday.

The ruins were filled with all sorts of spiritual herbs and medicines, including the rare and precious Lingzhi.

At this moment, the western side of the ruins was shrouded in a thick fog.

The fog was as black as ink, churning endlessly.

Strange noises could be faintly heard coming from the fog, sending chills down one's spine.

Sun Wukong's golden eyes flashed, and he stared at the black mist for a moment, his expression becoming slightly serious:

"Brother, there really is something in that fog. Even with my golden eyes, I can't see through it."

Li Yan opened his Eyes of Cause and Effect and observed carefully.

Within the black mist, causal threads intertwined and tangled, like a tangled mess, making it impossible to discern any discernible pattern.

He secretly became wary, sensing that what was in the black mist was probably not simple.

Dongfang Shuo said in a low voice, "Gentlemen, the Yaocao Lingzhi is on the east side of the ruins. Let's go around the black mist and pick it."

Although that black Ganoderma lucidum is strange, it probably won't attack unless provoked.

Li Yan nodded and said, "What you say is true, sir. Let's gather the precious herbs and lingzhi first, and then we'll discuss the rest."

The three of them walked along the edge of the ruins to the east.

The ruins were overgrown with weeds and littered with rubble.

Sun Wukong led the way, sweeping away the pebbles and weeds blocking his path with a wave of his golden cudgel.

After walking for about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, an open space appeared ahead.

On that open space, a patch of Ganoderma lucidum grew.

The lingzhi mushroom was entirely emerald green, as if carved from jade, with a faint shimmering light.

The trees range in size from as large as an umbrella to as small as a fist, and they grow in dense clusters, numbering in the dozens.

Dongfang Shuo was overjoyed and quickly took out the jade box, carefully picked a few of the largest plants, and put them into the box.

As he picked them, he said, "Gentlemen, this is the Jade Grass Lingzhi."

This plant ripens only once every three thousand years, and each time only a dozen or so plants grow. It's incredibly fortunate that we were able to harvest even these today.

Sun Wukong touched the Ganoderma lucidum and felt its smooth texture and the fresh fragrance of herbs wafting from it, instantly invigorating him.

"This stuff is really good. Even I, Old Sun, find the smell pleasant."

Li Yan also squatted down to examine the Ganoderma lucidum closely.

The roots of the Ganoderma lucidum were connected to the underground spiritual veins, and spiritual energy was faintly surging out from the ground, nourishing its growth.

A thought struck him: although the Yaochi site was now deserted, the underground spiritual veins were still functioning.

The fact that the black Ganoderma lucidum can grow on the west side suggests that it is also connected to this spiritual vein.

Just as they were pondering this, they suddenly heard a low roar coming from within the black mist.

The roar, like that of a wild beast or thunder, shook the ground slightly.

The black mist surged even more violently, spreading in all directions.

Dongfang Shuo's expression changed drastically. He quickly put the jade box into his sleeve and said in a trembling voice:

"Gentlemen, that thing has woken up! Let's go!"

Instead of retreating, Sun Wukong advanced, slamming his golden cudgel on the ground, raising his head and chest, his golden eyes staring directly at the black mist.

"What kind of demons and monsters dare to cause trouble in front of me, Old Sun! Show yourself!"

From within the black mist, the low growls grew louder and louder.

In a short while, a huge claw emerged from the black mist.

Those claws were completely black.

Five fingers, each about ten feet long, with sharp nails.

The claw scratched the ground, leaving five deep furrows.

Dongfang Shuo retreated several steps.

Li Yan remained expressionless, his hands forming hand seals as he secretly channeled his magical power in preparation for any unforeseen events.

Behind those claws, a gigantic figure gradually emerged.

The figure was about ten feet tall, entirely black, shaped like a human, but with three heads.

The one in the middle is like a demon, with a blue face, fangs, and blood-red eyes.

The one on the left resembles a venomous snake, with a triangular head and its tongue flicking out.

The one on the right resembles a vulture, with a hooked beak and sinister eyes.

Three heads, six eyes, all staring at Sun Wukong, emitting bursts of eerie laughter.

When Sun Wukong saw the monster, a hint of disdain flashed in his golden eyes.

"I thought it was something extraordinary, but it's just a three-headed worm! Look at that!"

Having said that, he swung his golden cudgel, which transformed into a golden light and smashed down on the monster's head.

When the monster saw the golden cudgel coming down, its three heads roared in unison and stretched out two giant claws to grab the cudgel.

boom!

The golden cudgel slammed down on the giant claw.

The monster was jolted back several steps, and several cracks appeared on its giant claws, from which black pus oozed out.

But even the golden cudgel was blocked by it.

Sun Wukong's golden eyes flashed, somewhat surprised.

Although he didn't use his full strength, his strike still carried immense power.

Ordinary demons and monsters are turned into mincemeat with a single blow.

This monster actually managed to withstand the attack; it must have some skill involved.

The monster, instead of being afraid after being hit by the club, became even more frenzied.

The three heads opened their mouths wide, spewing out three streams of black gas.

The black aura was foul-smelling and left everything in its wake withered and decaying, corroding the ground and creating numerous pits.

Sun Wukong snorted coldly and spat out a mouthful of air.

A golden flame spewed from its mouth, burning the three streams of black energy into nothingness.

He seized the opportunity and struck again with his staff, this time even harder, aiming at the monster's head in the middle.

Seeing that things were going badly, the monster retracted its three heads back into the black mist, and its giant claws also withdrew.

The black mist surged, and the monster's figure gradually disappeared, leaving only a string of eerie laughter echoing in the ruins.

Sun Wukong put away his staff and stood there, his golden eyes fixed on the black mist, his expression slightly solemn.

The monster was able to withstand two blows from him without dying, so its cultivation level must be at least at the Taiyi Golden Immortal level.

Li Yan stepped forward and whispered, "Your Majesty, have you seen the monster's origins?"

Sun Wukong shook his head and said, "I, Old Sun, cannot see through it."

The monster was shrouded in black mist, and even the golden eyes couldn't see it clearly.

However, those three heads looked as if they had been pieced together.

"It seems that the monster was man-made."

"Is Master Li sure?" Dongfang Shuo asked in surprise.

"Look, the head of that evil spirit in the middle has a fierce aura, like a vengeful ghost from hell."

The snake head on the left is cold and eerie; it must be a snake demon from the North Sea.

The vulture's head on the right is sharp and ruthless, resembling a local monster from Xikunlun.

These three things were not originally from the same source, but they were forged into one by a secret method, transforming into this monster.

Dongfang Shuo, who was listening nearby, turned slightly pale: "Master Li, are you saying... someone is practicing demon-refining here?"

"It's not just about demon refining."

Li Yan's gaze fell into the depths of the black mist.

"The causal threads within the black mist of my temple are chaotic and disordered, yet they faintly point in one direction."

As he spoke, he pointed to the west side of the ruins, where the deep pool was located.

Sun Wukong said, "Shall we go in and take a look?"

Li Yan pondered for a moment, then shook his head and said, "No rush."

That black mist could block the king's golden eyes and also obscure cause and effect; it was by no means an ordinary thing.

"To barge in rashly would only lead to falling into someone else's trap."

He took out three copper coins from his sleeve and held them in his palm.

The three copper coins were bluish-black in color and engraved with Bagua (Eight Trigrams) patterns.

It was forged by him from black iron when he was at Huaguo Mountain, and was used to assist in the deduction of Qimen Dunjia.

Li Yan sat cross-legged on a broken stele, holding three copper coins in his palm, closing his eyes and concentrating.

Silently recite: "Heaven one, earth two, heaven three, earth four, heaven five, earth six, heaven seven, earth eight, heaven nine, earth ten."

The number of Heaven is five, the number of Earth is five, and these five positions complement each other.

He threw three copper coins onto the ground.

Ding-dong!

The coins settled and arranged in a triangle.

Li Yan opened his eyes and saw three copper coins, two heads and one tails.

The righteous one is Yang.

The opposite is yin.

Two yang and one yin constitute Lesser Yang.

He calculated carefully, using the positions of the copper coins to correspond to the Nine Palaces, using positive and negative to determine Yin and Yang, and using the landing points to identify the Eight Trigrams.

Two yang and one yin constitute Lesser Yang.

He calculated carefully, using the positions of the copper coins to correspond to the Nine Palaces, using positive and negative to determine Yin and Yang, and using the landing points to identify the Eight Trigrams.

In a short while, Li Yan's expression changed slightly.

"How is it?" Sun Wukong leaned closer.

Li Yan did not answer, but took out another copper coin, making a total of four, and threw them on the ground.

This time, there are four copper coins, three heads and one tail, which is Lao Yang.

He took another coin, and tossed out five coins. Two heads and three tails, which is called Lesser Yin.

Repeat this process nine times, taking a different number each time, corresponding to the numbers in the nine-square grid.

After nine simulations, Li Yan's expression was extremely solemn.

Dongfang Shuo watched in stunned silence.

Although he had cultivated for thousands of years, he knew very little about the art of Qimen Dunjia.

Li Yan's actions seemed mysterious and unpredictable, quite similar to the methods used by the Imperial Observatory of the Heavenly Court to deduce celestial phenomena.

Li Yan gathered the copper coins, stood up, looked into the depths of the black mist, and slowly said:

"Beneath this ancient site of Yaochi lies an ancient spiritual vein."

Sun Wukong asked, "A spiritual vein?"

"Yes. That spiritual vein descends from the summit of Kunlun Mountain, runs through the entire mountain range, and nourishes all things."

The reason why the rare herbs and lingzhi can grow here is because there is an outlet for the spiritual vein here, allowing spiritual energy to overflow.

Therefore, all sorts of spiritual creatures came into being.

"However, something has been buried within that spiritual vein."

Dongfang Shuo asked, "What is it?"

"A nail."

Li Yan's expression darkened slightly.

"A nail forged from Xuan Yin Iron was driven into the spiritual vein, cutting off the flow of spiritual energy."

The black Ganoderma lucidum can grow here because it is rooted in that nail.

It feeds on spiritual veins and continues to grow stronger.

Sun Wukong's golden eyes flashed: "Someone deliberately hammered nails here to damage the spiritual veins?"

Li Yan nodded: "That's not all. There's also an array engraved on that nail."

That formation and the Zhou Tian Devouring Spirit Formation I saw in the Nine-Colored Immortal Flower share the same origin.

"That formation is called the Earth Vein Dragon Locking Formation."

"Using the Xuan Yin Nails to lock the spiritual veins, and using the Black Lingzhi as a conduit, the spiritual energy of the veins is continuously transported elsewhere."

Dongfang Shuo's expression changed drastically: "Send it elsewhere? Send it to where?"

Li Yan pointed north.

"It's the North again!" Sun Wukong roared.

Li Yan said, "That Earth Vein Locking Dragon Formation not only locks the spiritual veins, but also the fortune of Kunlun Mountain."

Kunlun is the ancestor of all mountains, and the origin of all the dragon veins in the world.

If the spiritual vein here is locked, the fortune will be stolen.

In those three realms, all mountains and rivers connected to the Kunlun Dragon Vein will be affected.

Over time, even the fate of the Three Realms will be affected.

He gazed at the black mist and thought to himself:

"Such ruthless methods."

First, they used the Qiongqi spine to disrupt the fortune of the Peach Garden, and then they used the Earth Vein Locking Dragon Formation to steal the spiritual veins of Kunlun.

One in the south, one in the north, one in the east, one in the west—these are interconnected, each step carefully planned.

Sun Wukong gripped his golden cudgel tightly: "Then what are we waiting for? Let's go in and pull out that nail!"

Li Yan shook his head and said, "Wait a minute. That Earth Vein Dragon Locking Formation is connected to the spiritual veins."

If the nail is pulled out by brute force, the spiritual vein will be severely damaged, and the entire Kunlun Mountain will suffer.

He pondered for a moment:

"I need to find the key point of the formation first, and then use skillful force to break it, so that I can remove the nails without damaging the spiritual veins."