Gou Zai Xi You Dao Chang Sheng

Those eyes, like stars in the heavens, were bright but not dazzling.

"Get up."

There was an indescribable majesty in the voice; it was the natural power of heaven.

Dong Shuangcheng stood up, stood to the side with his hands at his sides, his face respectful and not daring to be negligent in the slightest.

Dongfang Shuo also stood up, but his legs still felt a little weak.

Although he served as an official in the Heavenly Court for thousands of years, he had only seen the Queen Mother of the West a handful of times.

Since moving from Xikunlun to the Heavenly Court, he has spent most of his time in quiet cultivation in the Yaochi Palace and rarely interferes in politics.

Dong Shuangcheng was in charge of most of the arrangements for the Peach Banquet, and she only appeared when the event was approaching.

At this moment, the Queen Mother of the West suddenly returned, just after Sun Wukong's havoc in the Heavenly Palace.

Dongfang Shuo couldn't help but think to himself that the Empress's visit was probably not simple.

The Queen Mother slowly rose from her phoenix carriage, and Dong Shuangcheng quickly stepped forward to help her.

She alighted from the phoenix carriage and stood before the Jade Pool Palace, her gaze first falling on the enormous peach tree.

He then turned to the nine-colored fairy flower, looked at it for a moment, and nodded slightly, seemingly quite satisfied.

"Shuangcheng, I've heard about the Nine-Colored Immortal Flower."

The Queen Mother's voice revealed no emotion.

"That Li Yan does have some skill."

This flower was transplanted from Xikunlun by me tens of thousands of years ago, and there has never been a mistake.

"After this theft, I originally thought it was beyond repair."

Dong Shuangcheng bowed his head and said, "Your Majesty is blessed."

That Taoist priest Li was indeed proficient in alchemy, and he used the technique of entering the subtle realm of the primordial spirit to refine the Spirit-Devouring Seed.

The fairy flower was not only saved, but its spiritual power was even greater than before.

The Queen Mother nodded slightly and turned her gaze to Dongfang Shuo.

"Mr. Dongfang".

Dongfang Shuo quickly bowed and said, "Your humble servant is here."

The Queen Mother looked at him, her gaze containing both scrutiny and a hint of concern:

"I heard that you were framed by that Martial Virtue Star Lord a few days ago, thrown into the Heavenly Prison, and suffered some hardship?"

Dongfang Shuo felt a warmth in his heart and cupped his hands, saying, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty."

Your humble servant has only suffered some physical pain, which is nothing.

"Thanks to the Great Sage Equal to Heaven and Taoist Priest Li for their rescue, I was able to clear my name."

"The Great Sage Equal to Heaven..."

The Queen Mother murmured these four words, her gaze slightly narrowing.

"Mr. Dongfang, what is your relationship with those two men like?"

Dongfang Shuo was taken aback, then said:

"Your Majesty, those two people saved my life, and I am deeply grateful."

Upon hearing this, the Queen Mother remained silent for a moment, then suddenly said, "Mr. Dongfang, come with me."

After saying this, she turned and walked towards the Yaochi Palace. Dong Shuangcheng followed closely behind, and Dongfang Shuo dared not delay and quickly followed.

The three of them passed through many doors and arrived at a quiet room deep inside the Yaochi Palace.

The quiet room was not large, but it was decorated very elegantly.

Several landscape paintings hang on the four walls, their brushstrokes elegant and ancient, seemingly the work of ancient immortals.

A bronze incense burner sits in the corner.

The incense burner emitted wisps of smoke, releasing a faint, pleasant fragrance that soothed the mind and spirit.

The Queen Mother of the West sat cross-legged on the cloud bed and gestured for Dong Shuangcheng and Dongfang Shuo to sit as well.

The two thanked him and sat down on the prayer mats nearby.

The Queen Mother of the West looked at Dongfang Shuo and slowly asked, "Dongfang, how many years have you served as an official in the Heavenly Court?"

"Your Majesty, it has been more than 3,700 years since I attained enlightenment and ascended to heaven to serve as an official in the Heavenly Court."

The Queen Mother nodded slightly: "Three thousand seven hundred years is not short."

Over the years, you have been diligent and conscientious in handling all matters related to the Peach Banquet, and have never made a mistake.

Both the Empress and the Jade Emperor have seen this.

Dongfang Shuo quickly replied, "Your Majesty flatters me. I was merely fulfilling my duty."

The Queen Mother of the West abruptly changed the subject, her voice suddenly becoming somewhat distant:

"Dongfang, I don't blame you for getting close to that monkey."

Although the monkey was mischievous, it was not a bad person at heart.

However, you need to know that the monkey has a calamity in its destiny.

That calamity was ordained by Heaven; no one can escape it.

Dongfang Shuo's expression changed slightly: "Your Majesty means..."

The Queen Mother said, "I know you are reluctant to do it."

That monkey and that Li Yan saved your life, and you want to speak up for them.

But I must tell you, there are some things in this world that are not for you to interfere with.

The monkey's fate was ordained by heaven. And Li Yan's background is no simple matter either.

Dongfang Shuo's heart skipped a beat: "Your Majesty, what about Li Yan..."

The Queen Mother raised her hand to stop him, and said calmly, "I cannot say more about his background."

However, I must remind you not to get too close to those two.

That monkey's calamity is beyond your ability to avert. Li Yan's path is also beyond your reach.

Upon hearing this, Dongfang Shuo felt a pang of bitterness in his heart.

He opened his mouth, but saw that the Queen Mother's gaze already held a hint of majesty.

He could only cup his hands and say, "Your Majesty's teachings will be remembered."

The Queen Mother nodded slightly and said, "The Jade Emperor has already sent troops to conquer Flower Fruit Mountain."

That monkey probably can't avoid this battle.

Dongfang Shuo's heart skipped a beat: "Your Majesty, that Taoist Priest Li..."

The Queen Mother said, "That Li Yan will advance and retreat with that monkey."

If he knew what was good for him, he should have left Flower Fruit Mountain long ago, and perhaps he could have saved his life.

If he insists on going with that monkey, then he can't blame anyone else.

After saying that, she stood up and waved her hand, "Dongfang, you can go and do your work now."

Dongfang Shuo knew that there was no point in saying anything more, so he got up and took his leave.

Dongfang Shuo knew that there was no point in saying anything more, so he got up and took his leave.

He left Yaochi Palace and rode on the clouds, but his heart felt as if a huge rock was pressing down on it.

He understood what the Queen Mother of the West meant; she meant that the monkey was destined to be captured and taken to heaven.

As for Master Li, he was merely an unexpected element in this grand drama.

Thinking of this, Dongfang Shuo felt a surge of hope welling up in his heart.

Since Master Li was able to break the Earth Vein Dragon Locking Formation and save the Nine-Colored Immortal Flower, perhaps he could also save that monkey.

But the thought only flashed through his mind before he suppressed it.

The Queen Mother of the West is right; the monkey's fate is beyond his control.

What can a mere celestial official like him do?

Dongfang Shuo gave a wry smile and shook his head.

On the other side, Li Tianwang led 100,000 heavenly soldiers, arriving on clouds.

The banners blotted out the sky, the spears and halberds were like a forest, and a murderous aura emanated from the auspicious clouds, while a sharp edge was hidden within the auspicious atmosphere.

The Nine Luminaries are positioned on the left and right, the Twenty-Eight Mansions each wield their instruments, and the Twelve Earthly Branches surround them from the front and back.

The giant spirit god, wielding a large axe adorned with embroidered patterns, stood majestically at the front of the formation.

Nezha rode on his Wind Fire Wheels, the Universe Ring on his wrist buzzed, and the Hun Tian Ling fluttered in the wind like fire and snakes.

Li Jing sat upright in his command tent, with a bronze mirror hanging in front of him, called the Demon-Revealing Mirror.

This mirror is an ancient treasure, capable of illuminating all things in the three realms.

No matter where demons or monsters hide, they can all be seen in the mirror.

He made hand seals and chanted incantations, using his magical power to activate the precious mirror.

On the mirror-like surface, light flowed and clouds surged, gradually revealing the entire view of Flower Fruit Mountain.

That mountain is still the same mountain.

Strange peaks rise abruptly, bizarre rocks abound, and waterfalls cascade down from the sky like ribbons, their roar echoing through the valley.

Ancient trees reach for the sky in the mountains, vines entwine around them, and birds occasionally fly by, leaving behind a clear cry.

But upon closer inspection, Li Jing realized that the mountain was different from the one he had seen before.

The vitality of the mountains has faded.

None of the monkeys that used to frolic in the mountains can be seen anymore.

The entire Flower and Fruit Mountain was like an empty mountain, deathly silent, with only the sounds of wind and water.

Li Jing frowned slightly and pushed his magical power to its limit.

The Demon-Revealing Mirror shone brightly, revealing every inch of Flower Fruit Mountain in exquisite detail.

Water Curtain Cave: Vines hang low at the entrance, and the cave is pitch black inside, with no one in sight.

The orchard on the back hill, which was originally full of peach trees, is now just bare tree trunks.

There wasn't a single leaf on the branches.

Li Jing withdrew his magical powers, his expression solemn.

He turned to the generals in the tent and said in a deep voice, "That demon monkey is not in the mountain."

These words immediately sparked a flurry of discussion within the tent.

The head of the Nine Luminaries is named Ketu, who has a face as blue as indigo and hair as red as cinnabar.

"Lord Li, has the Demon-Revealing Mirror malfunctioned?"

"That demon monkey caused such a commotion at the Peach Banquet, where else could he have gone if not back to Flower Fruit Mountain?"

Li Jing shook his head and said, "The Demon-Revealing Mirror is an ancient treasure that never makes a mistake. That demon monkey is indeed not in the mountain."

The Giant Spirit said, "Then search!"

"With 100,000 heavenly soldiers, turning this mountain upside down, are we still afraid we won't find that demonic monkey?"

Li Jing pondered for a moment, nodded, and gave the instructions:

"Nine Luminaries Star Lord, you shall lead your heavenly troops to seal off the four directions of Flower Fruit Mountain."

Twenty-eight constellations, you shall enter the mountains to search, search every inch, and do not miss any place.

"Twelve Yuan Chen, you shall patrol outside the mountain. If any suspicious persons leave the mountain, report back immediately."

The generals received their orders and dispersed.

Li Jing left the command tent, stood on a cloud, and looked down at Flower Fruit Mountain.

The sky was already bright, and the rising sun bathed the green mountain in a golden-red hue.

The mountains are shrouded in mist and clouds, and the waterfalls roar, creating a scene reminiscent of a paradise on earth.

But deep down, he had a vague feeling that something was wrong.

That demon monkey caused such a commotion at the Peach Banquet, smashing up the Jade Pool Palace and eating Laozi's golden pill...

Logically speaking, after committing such a serious crime, he should either hide back in his lair or flee to some distant place.

But this Flower and Fruit Mountain was completely empty, without even a trace of a monkey.

Where did that demon monkey go?

Where have his monkey offspring gone?

Just as he was pondering this, one of the twenty-eight constellations suddenly flew back from the mountains, landed in front of Li Jing, and bowed, saying:

"Lord Li, we have searched the mountains for a long time, but have not found any trace of that demonic monkey. However..."

Li Jing asked, "But what?"

The man said, "We have discovered a strange place in the mountains."

In that place, deep within the mountain, there was a flat area covered with runes, resembling the remains of an array.

We, your humble servants, dare not act without authorization and have come to report this matter.

Li Jing's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly said, "Lead the way!"

The man led Li Jing and flew into the belly of the mountain.

After passing through a narrow crevice in the rocks, the view suddenly opened up before us.

It was an open space, about a hundred feet in circumference, with a flat surface covered with densely packed runes.

Those runes, resembling both seal script and ancient script, had twisted and distorted strokes.

Within the runes, a faint radiance flowed.

Li Jing squatted down and carefully examined the runes.

Although he was not familiar with Qimen Dunjia, he could still tell that this was an extremely sophisticated formation.

The array was so ingenious that it was far beyond what ordinary immortals could set up.

"This is... a mountain-protecting formation?" Li Jing's expression was extremely solemn.

He turned to the Twenty-Eight Mansions and said, "You all continue the search; do not slacken your efforts."

"I will now return to Heaven and report to the Jade Emperor."

Giant Spirit God and Nezha followed closely behind, and the three of them traveled on clouds. Before long, they arrived at the South Heavenly Gate.

The South Heavenly Gate stood majestically, and the heavenly soldiers and generals on both sides of the gate, upon seeing that it was Li Tianwang, quickly bowed in respect.

Li Jing ignored him and headed straight for the Lingxiao Palace.

Inside the palace, the Jade Emperor was playing chess with the Ziwei Emperor.

That game of chess had been going on for a long time, and the winner was still undecided.

The Jade Emperor holds white, and the Ziwei Emperor holds black; black and white intertwine and are endlessly entangled.

Just like the power struggles and intrigues among various forces within the Heavenly Court.

Li Jing entered the hall, knelt on the ground, and respectfully said:

"Your Majesty, I was ordered to conquer Flower Fruit Mountain, but I could not find any trace of that demon monkey."

In that Flower Fruit Mountain, only a ruined formation remained; the demon monkey and his accomplices had all vanished without a trace.

Upon hearing this, the Jade Emperor paused slightly in his white chess piece before placing it down, and said calmly:

"Can you find out the origin of that formation?"

Li Jing said, "I am not familiar with Qimen Dunjia, so I dare not make any rash judgments."

However, the array was so exquisite that it was far beyond what ordinary immortals could set up.

I dare to guess that the formation was set up by Li Yan.

This person is proficient in Qimen Dunjia and has a profound understanding of formations.

Since he dared to set up an array at Flower Fruit Mountain, he must have already planned an escape route.

Upon hearing this, the Ziwei Emperor smiled slightly and placed the black piece in his hand onto the chessboard, making a crisp sound.

"Your Majesty, Li Yan is indeed quite capable."

I have heard that when he was repairing the spiritual veins in Kunlun Mountain, he triggered extraordinary celestial phenomena, with phoenixes appearing and celestial music accompanying them.

Such methods are rare even in the Heavenly Court.

The Jade Emperor nodded slightly, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

He stared at the chessboard, remained silent for a long time, and then said, "King Li, please stand up and speak."

Li Jing stood up and stood to one side.

The Jade Emperor shifted his gaze from the chessboard to Li Jing, pondered for a moment, and then slowly said:

"I know that Li Yan is proficient in Qimen Dunjia."

However, Flower Fruit Mountain was only a few hundred miles in circumference, and even with 100,000 heavenly soldiers digging three feet into the ground,

Could it be that not even a shadow can be found?

Li Jing lowered his head and said, "Your subject is incompetent. The entire Flower and Fruit Mountain has indeed been searched."

Not to mention the demon monkey and Li Yan, even the monkey demons in the mountains have all disappeared without a trace.

Only an empty mountain remains, a scene of utter desolation.

The Jade Emperor's expression darkened slightly, but he remained silent.

He turned to look at Venus, his gaze carrying a profound meaning.

Venus, who had been standing by the Jade Emperor's side, sensed the Emperor's gaze and immediately stepped forward.

He cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, there is something I wish to say, but I am not sure if I should."

The Jade Emperor said, "Speak."

Venus took out a jade pendant from his sleeve and presented it with both hands.

The jade plaque was entirely blue-green, with cloud patterns engraved on it, and a faint shimmering light emanated from it.

He said, "Does Your Majesty still remember that when Li Yanchu went to the Heavenly Court, I gave him a jade tablet?"

This card is a pair.

It was imprinted by my own magical power, and there is a trace of causal connection between it and my primordial spirit.

"This old man dares to use this jade tablet as a guide to perform a spell to deduce Li Yan's current location."

Upon hearing this, the Jade Emperor's eyes flashed with a sharp light, and he nodded slightly: "If that's the case, then you may try."

Venus received the decree, held the jade tablet in his palm, and sat cross-legged in the hall.

He closed his eyes, concentrated, recited mantras, and made hand seals.

The jade tablet gradually brightened, initially appearing as a faint bluish-green hue, which gradually deepened.

Within that radiance, runes flowed faintly, densely packed, like tadpoles swimming.

Upon seeing this, all the immortals in the hall held their breath and stared intently at the jade tablet.

Li Jing stood aside, pondering to himself.

Although Venus is not known for his supernatural powers, he is still a Taiyi Golden Immortal who has cultivated for countless eons.

Since he dared to use his own primordial spirit as a guide to deduce Li Yan's whereabouts, he must have some confidence.

The radiance on the jade tablet grew ever brighter, bathing the entire Lingxiao Palace in a bluish-green hue.

Venus's expression was solemn, and the veins on his forehead bulged slightly, clearly indicating that he was giving it his all.

Within that radiance, a picture gradually emerged, blurry and indistinct.

The scene appears to contain mountains and rivers, and seems to be shrouded in mist, yet it is always veiled by a layer of gauze, making it hazy and indistinct.

Venus was overjoyed.

Thinking that Li Yan's hiding place was about to be revealed, he quickly pushed his magic power to the limit.

The jade tablet sensed his magical power, and its radiance suddenly surged.

Like the blazing sun overhead, it stung the eyes of all the immortals in the hall, causing them to shield their gazes.

At that moment, a sudden change occurred.

The jade pendant suddenly trembled.

"Snap!"

Venus's expression changed drastically as he felt a vast backlash emanating from the jade tablet, swirling back and striking directly at his Niwan Palace.

"not good!"

Venus cried out in alarm, wanting to stop, but it was too late.

The force of the recoil came too fast, like water bursting its banks, unstoppable.

boom!

The jade pendant shattered, turning into countless fragments that scattered in all directions.

Venus let out a muffled groan, spitting out blood as he flew backward and crashed into a pillar in the palace.

His face was deathly pale, his forehead was covered in cold sweat, and his whole body was trembling.

The whisk in his hand had already flown out and landed to the side.

"Venus!" Li Jing exclaimed in surprise and quickly stepped forward to help Venus up.

His eyes were tightly closed, his face was ashen, and his breath was weak; his primordial spirit had been injured, and he had fainted.

His eyes were tightly closed, his face was ashen, and his breath was weak; his primordial spirit had been injured, and he had fainted.

The Jade Emperor's face turned ashen.

His gaze fell upon the scattered fragments of the jade tablet, and he said in a deep voice, "Backlash."

The Purple Emperor sat upright to the side, toying with a black chess piece in his hand, his expression indifferent, revealing neither joy nor anger.

He looked at Venus's appearance and slowly said, "Your Majesty, Li Yan is indeed cautious."

He accepted Venus's jade pendant but never actually used it, probably because he had already anticipated this move.

Jin Xing used the jade tablet as a clue to deduce his whereabouts, and the jade tablet contained traces of his cause and effect.

Sensing someone was watching, he severed the causal link with his own magic, inadvertently causing harm to the person who cast the spell.

Upon hearing this, a chill flashed in the Jade Emperor's eyes: "A mere wandering immortal from the lower realm possesses such abilities?"

The Emperor Ziwei smiled slightly: "Your Majesty, do not underestimate this person."

He can repair the spiritual veins in Kunlun Mountain and attract the phoenix to come.

How could an ordinary immortal be compared to someone who could escape unscathed from the Peach Garden?

This person is a master of deception; he's probably even more difficult to deal with than that monkey.

The Jade Emperor neither confirmed nor denied it, but simply said, "King Li."

Li Jing cupped his hands and said, "Your subject is here."

The Jade Emperor asked, "Have you investigated Li Yan's background?"

Li Jing was taken aback, then said:

"I once sent people to investigate, and all we know is that he was originally a rogue cultivator from Flower Fruit Mountain, who became sworn brothers with that monkey."

Later, he ascended to heaven with the monkey and was appointed by His Majesty as the military advisor and head of the alchemy room of the Great Sage Equaling Heaven.

As for his teacher and background, nothing was known.

The Jade Emperor's expression grew increasingly gloomy.

He turned to the Purple Emperor, his gaze carrying a hint of inquiry.

The Emperor Ziwei shook his head and said calmly, "Your Majesty need not look at me."

I know very little about Li Yan.

I only heard Laozi mention it once.

It is said that when Li Yan was refining elixirs in the Tushita Palace, he once used a Nine-Turn Rejuvenation Pill to revive a withered Ganoderma lucidum.

Laozi greatly admired him, saying that he had a remarkable talent for alchemy.

Upon hearing this, the Jade Emperor said, "Li Tianwang, go to the Tushita Palace and invite Laozi here."

Li Jing received the decree and was about to turn around when the Jade Emperor said, "Wait a moment."

When you see Laozi, tell him that I have important matters to discuss with him and request that he come to the Lingxiao Palace.

Li Jing felt a slight chill; the Jade Emperor's solemn attitude clearly indicated that he wanted to ask Laozi to come out of seclusion and help.

He dared not delay and hurriedly left the Lingxiao Palace, flying towards the thirty-third heaven.

The Jade Emperor watched Li Jing leave, then turned to the immortals in the hall and said in a deep voice:

"All of you may step aside. I wish to speak a few words with the Emperor Ziwei alone."

The immortals in the hall looked at each other, but dared not say anything, and all withdrew from the hall.

In a short while, only the Jade Emperor and the Ziwei Emperor remained in the vast Lingxiao Palace.

The Jade Emperor stood with his hands behind his back before the palace, gazing at the vast sea of ​​clouds outside, his voice calm:

"Your Majesty, where do you think that monkey will go this time that he descended to the mortal realm?"

The Purple Emperor sat upright to the side, still toying with the black chess piece in his hand, and said calmly:

"Your Majesty already has the answer in your heart, why ask me?"

The Jade Emperor smiled slightly, but there was no warmth in that smile: "I would like to hear Your Majesty's opinion."

The Emperor Ziwei was silent for a moment before saying, "That monkey may be mischievous, but he's not stupid."

He caused trouble at the Peach Banquet, ate Laozi's elixir, and knew that the Heavenly Court would not let the matter rest.

If he wants to hide, he needs to find a place beyond the reach of the Heavenly Court.

Such places are few and far between in the Three Realms.

The Jade Emperor said, "Not many, but there are a few. For example, the Underworld?"

The Ziwei Emperor shook his head: "Although the Underworld is a netherworld, it is still within the Three Realms."

The Ten Kings of Hell are appointed by the Heavenly Court, and all matters concerning the underworld must be reported to the Heavenly Court.

If that monkey were to hide in the underworld, it would be tantamount to walking into a trap.

The Jade Emperor then asked, "Is that Mount Ling?"

Emperor Ziwei still shook his head: "Although Mount Ling is not under the jurisdiction of the Heavenly Court, it is a pure land of Buddhism."

That monkey has no connection with Buddhism, so why would the Buddhas of Mount Ling take him in?

Besides, if the Buddha truly wanted to protect that monkey, he wouldn't have sent the Arhat Subduing Dragon to Heaven to assist in the investigation.

The Jade Emperor asked, "Where do you think that monkey will go, Your Majesty?"

The Ziwei Emperor put down the black chess piece in his hand, stood up, walked to the front of the hall, and stood side by side with the Jade Emperor.

He gazed into the depths of the sea of ​​clouds, his voice somewhat distant: "Does Your Majesty still remember what Flower Fruit Mountain is?"

The Jade Emperor was taken aback, then said, "That is the birthplace of that monkey, and also the place where he became king."

The Purple Emperor nodded and said, "That's right. Although that monkey is mischievous, he is loyal and righteous."

He caused chaos in the Heavenly Palace and committed a great disaster. His first reaction was to disappear without a trace with his monkey followers.

Why does Your Majesty believe this to be?

The Jade Emperor pondered for a moment and said, "He is protecting his monkey subjects."

The Purple Emperor said, "That's right."

He knew that the Heavenly Court would send troops to punish him, and if he stayed on Flower Fruit Mountain, his monkey subjects would suffer.

So he led his monkey followers away from Flower Fruit Mountain and went to a place where the Heavenly Court could not find them.

The Jade Emperor's eyes flashed: "What about Li Yan's grotto-heaven?"

The Emperor Ziwei nodded slightly: "This is also my guess."

His grotto-heaven is a world unto itself, outside the Three Realms and unbound by the Five Elements.

Neither the Heavenly Court's Demon-Revealing Mirror nor Venus's divination techniques could reach that realm.

Upon hearing this, the Jade Emperor's expression grew even more solemn.

"Your Majesty, in your opinion, how should we respond?"

The Purple Emperor turned around, looked at the Jade Emperor, and his gaze was deep:

"Your Majesty, although that monkey is only at the peak of the Taiyi Golden Immortal realm now, he ate nine-thousand-year-old peaches at the Peach Banquet."

He then ate Laozi's elixir in the Tushita Palace.

Those peaches and golden pills are all spiritual treasures of heaven and earth.

The spiritual essence contained within is enough to make a mortal instantly become an immortal.

That monkey was born with a constitution of innate metal element, imbued with the spiritual energy of heaven and earth.

Now that these spiritual objects have entered his stomach, if he refines and integrates them into one, I'm afraid...

He paused slightly, then said in a low voice, "I'm afraid the Great Luo Gate will soon open for him."

The Jade Emperor's expression changed slightly.

The Great Golden Immortal is indestructible through countless eons, living as long as heaven and earth, and shining as brightly as the sun and moon.

Among the Three Realms, the number of Great Luo Golden Immortals is extremely limited.

If that monkey truly attains the Great Luo realm, even if the entire Heavenly Court were to mobilize, they might not be able to subdue him.

"Therefore," the Purple Emperor said, each word carrying immense weight.

"If Your Majesty cannot capture him before he attains enlightenment, it will be difficult to handle once he opens the gates of the Great Luo."

Upon hearing this, the Jade Emperor's expression shifted between light and dark, his eyes flickering.

"Great Emperor," the Jade Emperor said in a deep voice, "is Li Yan's cave truly beyond destruction?"

The Ziwei Emperor shook his head and said, "It's not that there's no way to break it, but the cost is too high."

Although the cave was small, it was created by Li Yan using his own primordial spirit as the foundation and the spiritual objects of heaven and earth as the guide, expending countless efforts to open it up.

To forcefully break through it, one would need the power of a Great Luo Golden Immortal, with supreme divine abilities, to tear apart the barrier of that grotto-heaven.

However, that cave is connected to Li Yan's primordial spirit; if the barrier is breached, his primordial spirit will inevitably suffer severe damage.

At best, it will destroy all one's cultivation; at worst, it will cause one's soul to be scattered.

He added, "If Your Majesty insists on doing so, I do have someone in mind."

The Jade Emperor asked, "Who?"

The Purple Emperor said, "Laojun."

The Jade Emperor was taken aback, then suddenly realized.

Just then, footsteps were heard outside the hall.

Li Jing led an old man into the hall.

The old man walked with ease and composure, his expression serene, as if nothing in the world could move him.

The Jade Emperor quickly rose, stepped forward, and bowed, saying, "Lord Lao, I pay my respects."

Laozi nodded slightly and returned the greeting: "Your Majesty is too kind. May I ask what important matter Your Majesty has summoned this old Daoist?"

The Jade Emperor invited Laozi to sit down and then recounted the events of Flower Fruit Mountain and the secrets of Li Yan's grotto.

Finally, he said, "Laojun, that monkey and Li Yan have hidden in the cave, beyond the reach of the Heavenly Court's reach."

"I wish to request Laozi's intervention to destroy that grotto-heaven and capture those two individuals."

Laozi sat upright on his cloud bed, his face serene, a whisk draped over his arm, remaining silent for a long time.

Seeing Laozi pondering, the Jade Emperor, though anxious, remained outwardly calm and simply cupped his hands in greeting, saying:

"If Laozi has any good ideas, please enlighten me."

Lao Jun nodded slightly and slowly said, "Your Majesty, it's not that this old Taoist priest is unwilling to take action."

Indeed, the old Taoist priest has been quite busy lately.

Beyond the thirty-three heavens, the ancient Buddha Dipankara invited the old Taoist to discuss the Dao in the Unborn Heaven.

The Unborn Heaven is the place where chaos first began, and its mysteries are boundless.

The old Taoist priest and the ancient Buddha discussed the innate Great Dao and the acquired Five Elements, and forty-nine days have passed since then, yet they have not yet finished their discussion.

He added, "Furthermore, Li Yan's cave heaven was built upon his own primordial spirit, guided by the spiritual objects of heaven and earth, and utilizing the art of divination and escape, exhausting all the wonders of creation."

Although the old Taoist priest knew a little about it, he would need to use his supreme supernatural powers to forcibly tear apart its barrier in order to break through it.

This action would be contrary to the natural order, and secondly, the old Taoist priest's mind is currently focused on the Unborn Heaven, leaving him unable to spare any energy for such a task.

Upon hearing this, the Jade Emperor's heart sank slightly, but his face remained calm and composed.

He said calmly, "Since Laozi is discussing the Dao with the ancient Buddha, I dare not force him."

However, the matter concerning that monkey and Li Yan concerns the dignity of the Heavenly Court and must be eliminated.

Since Laozi cannot intervene, then in Laozi's opinion, what should I do?

Just as Laozi was about to reply, he suddenly heard a Buddhist chant coming from outside the hall.

"Amitabha."

The Buddhist chant was clear and melodious, like the long tolling of an ancient bell, falling from the heavens.

The vibrations caused the beams and pillars in the Lingxiao Palace to vibrate and hum.

Upon hearing this, all the immortals in the hall changed their expressions and turned to look at the hall entrance.

Outside the palace gate, auspicious clouds swirled, and golden light shone in countless rays.

Amidst the golden light, an old monk descended on a cloud.

The old monk wore a bright red kasaya, held prayer beads in his hand, had a compassionate face, slightly closed eyes, and wrinkles on his forehead that revealed his vicissitudes of life.

Behind him, a faint light of Buddha shone.

Amidst the Buddha's light, celestial dragons swirled, Buddhas offered praise, celestial maidens scattered flowers, and a wondrous fragrance filled the air.

The Jade Emperor said, "I am deeply sorry for failing to greet the ancient Buddha properly."

Dipankara Buddha returned the greeting with palms together, his voice calm: "Your Majesty is too kind. This old monk came uninvited, and I hope Your Majesty will forgive me."

The Jade Emperor invited the ancient Buddha to take a seat and ordered people to serve him fine wine and liquor.

Dipankara Buddha waved his hand and said, "Your Majesty need not be so polite."

"This old monk has come here because I have a few words I wish to say to Your Majesty."

The Jade Emperor's heart stirred, but his face remained impassive. He simply said, "Please speak, Ancient Buddha."

The ancient Buddha first looked at Laozi: "You and I were discussing the Dao in the Heaven of No Birth when suddenly a thought struck me..."

Sensing that something was amiss in Heaven, he sent a clone to the scene.

Please don't be offended, Lao Jun.

Laozi laughed and said, "The ancient Buddha is joking."

The old Taoist priest and the ancient Buddha were discussing the Tao, which was meant to be a friendly exchange. The ancient Buddha could simply leave if he had other business to attend to; there's nothing strange about it.

The old Taoist priest and the ancient Buddha were discussing the Tao, which was meant to be a friendly exchange. The ancient Buddha could simply leave if he had other business to attend to; there's nothing strange about it.

Dipankara Buddha nodded slightly, turned to the Jade Emperor, and said:

"Your Majesty, I overheard you outside the palace just now, troubled by the matter of that monkey and Li Yan?"

The Jade Emperor nodded and said, "Exactly. That monkey caused chaos at the Peach Banquet and stole Laozi's elixir."

They then hid in a cave with their accomplice Li Yan, beyond the reach of the Heavenly Court's reach.

"I am troubled by this matter."

Upon hearing this, the Ancient Buddha Dipankara said, "Your Majesty, although that cave is sturdy, it is not without its flaws."

However, to break through that grotto, one needs a person with great supernatural powers, great wisdom, and great compassion.

Although I have some knowledge of the Heavenly Court, it is not appropriate for me to interfere in its affairs.

Laozi and I were discussing the Dao in the Heaven of No Birth, and we were too busy to be with each other.

As he spoke, he looked towards the western sky and slowly said, "Why doesn't Your Majesty go to the Western Paradise and ask the Buddha for help?"

The Jade Emperor's expression changed slightly.

Dipankara Buddha seemed to see through the Jade Emperor's thoughts, smiled slightly, and said:

"Your Majesty need not worry. Although that monkey is a threat to the Heavenly Court, it is also a threat to the Three Realms."

If he attains the Great Luo realm, then the Three Realms will have gained another unrestrained and powerful being.

At that time, not only the Heavenly Court, but even Mount Ling may not be at peace.

The World-Honored One intervened not only to relieve the Heavenly Court's burdens but also to rid the Three Realms of harm.

This is a win-win situation; why does Your Majesty hesitate?

Upon hearing this, the Jade Emperor weighed the matter carefully before finally making a decision.

He bowed to the Ancient Buddha Dipankara: "Thank you for your guidance, Ancient Buddha. I will immediately send someone to the Western Paradise to request the World-Honored One Tathagata to intervene."

The ancient Buddha Dipankara clasped his hands and said, "Amitabha. Your Majesty is wise."

He stood up, bid farewell to the Jade Emperor, nodded to Laozi, and then transformed into a golden light, leaving the Lingxiao Palace.

Laozi watched the Ancient Buddha Dipankara depart, then turned to the Jade Emperor and said:

"Your Majesty, now that we have decided to ask the Buddha for help, this old Taoist will return to the Heaven of No Birth."

"As for the matter concerning the monkey and Li Yan, I'll trouble Your Majesty to take care of it."

The Jade Emperor nodded and said, "Laojun, please proceed."

Laozi stood up, flicked his whisk, and rode on auspicious clouds, leaving the Lingxiao Palace and flying towards the thirty-third heaven.

The Jade Emperor stood in the hall, watching Laozi's departing figure, his gaze slightly narrowed.

"Venus".

Venus was injured by the recoil, and his face was still somewhat pale.

Upon hearing the Jade Emperor address him, he cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty."

The Jade Emperor said, "Go to the Western Paradise and Mount Ling, and ask the World-Honored One, Tathagata, to intervene on my behalf."

Capture the demon monkey Sun Wukong and his accomplice Li Yan.

Venus received the decree and was about to turn around when the Jade Emperor added, "When you see the Buddha, tell him that I have something to tell you:

Although that monkey is unruly, it is still born of nature. I hope that when the World Honored One takes action, he will not harm its life.

"Capture them, bring them to justice, and punish them according to the law; that is enough."

Venus felt a chill run down his spine. The Jade Emperor's words seemed to be pleading for the monkey.

In reality, it was a reminder to Buddha that the monkey was a prisoner from Heaven, not from Mount Sumeru.

Capture is permissible, but the power to dispose of the prisoners remains with the Heavenly Court.

He accepted the order and set off westward on clouds, disappearing into the horizon in no time.

The Jade Emperor watched Venus depart, then turned to Li Jing and said:

"Li Tianwang, you shall return to Flower Fruit Mountain and continue to monitor the situation. Report back immediately if there are any unusual movements."

Li Jing received the imperial decree, left the Lingxiao Palace, and rode a cloud towards Huaguo Mountain.

Two flowers bloom, one branch each.

Inside Li Yan's grotto, however, all was peaceful and serene.

The mountains and rivers, spanning 300,000 square miles, appeared exceptionally magnificent under the sunlight.

Mount Tianzhu rises high into the clouds, and atop its summit stands the World Tree, its canopy like a canopy, shimmering with golden light.

Beneath the tree roots, spiritual veins converge, and the earth's energy surges, nourishing the entire land.

In Anleyuan, the monkeys were playing and frolicking under the trees.

Little Drill perched on the highest branch, holding a large peach in its hands, munching on it until juice splashed everywhere.

His eyes remained fixed on the direction of the World Tree.

Beneath the World Tree, Li Yan sat cross-legged on the left, his hands forming a mudra, his eyes closed in deep concentration.

The illusory image of twelve golden lotuses around him slowly rotated.

As you turn around, nine golden lotuses bloom in the void.

It immediately withered away, turning into specks of golden light that disappeared into the earth beneath it.

Sun Wukong sat on the right, his demeanor completely different from his usual playful and sarcastic one.

At this moment, his face was solemn, his golden eyes were slightly closed, and every hair on his body stood on end.

At the tips of its hairs, golden light shimmered, like a sky full of stars, surrounding its body.

Within that golden light, five colors faintly swirled.

Blue, red, yellow, white, and black—five colors intertwine, entwining and swirling.

Like a long, colorful rainbow, it enveloped Sun Wukong completely.

This is precisely the image of having all five elements present.

Sun Wukong was born with the constitution of Geng metal and was endowed with the essence of the White Tiger of the West. His nature was strong and vigorous, and his virtue was stern and ruthless.

However, a single piece of metal cannot be produced, and a single ray of sunlight cannot grow.

Although he was blessed with extraordinary talents, he ultimately lacked the growth of wood, the rising of fire, the cultivation of earth, and the nourishment of water.

Now he has eaten peaches that are nine thousand years old in the Peach Garden.

That is the essence of wood, imbued with the energy of the Azure Dragon of the East, endlessly regenerating and nourishing all things.

He then ate Laozi's elixir in the Tushita Palace.

This is the essence of fire, imbued with the energy of the Vermilion Bird of the South, blazing and rising, refining all things.

The spiritual energy of the peaches entered the body, and the wood fueled the fire, making the fire of the golden elixir burn even more fiercely.

The fire of the elixir overcomes metal, making the metal energy of Geng metal even purer.

Li Yan then helped him fill the gap in his earth element by using the Breath of Earth Stone from the cave.

Then, the deficiency in the water element was supplemented with Tianyi True Water and Yiyuan True Water.

Only then are all five elements complete.

The five elements swirled and circulated within his body, mutually generating and restraining each other, gradually reaching a balance.

"Junior brother,"

"The five elements have circulated in your body for 360 days and are gradually reaching a balance."

Now, use your mind to visualize and concentrate the five elements of energy in your dantian, transforming it into a five-colored lotus flower.

Sun Wukong did as he was told.

He focused his mind on his dantian, where he saw five-colored energy surging like a tide.

Blue, red, yellow, white, and black—the five colors intertwine, like colorful clouds, dazzling and radiant.

He guided the five-colored energy to slowly condense with his mind.

The five-colored energy was initially disobedient, rushing left and right, and running wildly in all directions.

Sun Wukong patiently used gentleness to overcome strength, gradually gathering them together.

After an unknown amount of time, the five-colored energy finally condensed into a lotus flower.

The lotus flower has five petals, one of each color: blue, red, yellow, white, and black.

Within the heart of the flower, a point of golden light shimmers, dazzling and captivating.

Just then, Li Yan's voice rang out again:

"Junior brother, there are five elements in the universe, and there are also five elements in the human body."

When all five elements are present, yin and yang are in harmony, and the three treasures of essence, energy, and spirit are complete.

Next, based on these five elements, we will communicate with heaven and earth, borrow their power, and open the gate to the Great Luo.

Sun Wukong slightly opened his golden eyes and looked at Li Yan: "Brother, how should I, Old Sun, communicate with Heaven and Earth?"

Li Yan said, "Junior brother, close your eyes and use your mind to sense the power of heaven and earth in this cave."

This world, though not as vast as the Three Realms, is still a world of its own, with its own destiny.

Junior brother, you don't need to let your mind wander too far. Just sensing the world within a radius of 300,000 miles is enough.

Sun Wukong closed his eyes again, immersing his mind in a state of emptiness.

At first, he only felt darkness and could not sense anything.

But he wasn't impatient; he just waited quietly.

After an unknown amount of time, a glimmer of light suddenly appeared in the darkness.

The light was initially just a faint glimmer, like a firefly in the darkness.

Gradually, the light grew brighter and brighter, transforming into a vast ocean of light.

In that light, there were mountains and rivers, the sun, moon and stars, plants, birds and beasts, wind, rain and thunder.

This is the power of heaven and earth in the grotto-heaven.

Sun Wukong was so engrossed in it that he felt as if he had become one with the world.

Heaven and earth and he are one.

This is what is meant by the unity of heaven and humanity.

At that moment, he sensed a vast power surging from the depths of heaven and earth.

That power is formless and intangible, yet it is omnipresent.

That power is the energy and fortune of heaven and earth, and also the origin of the Great Dao.

It was like a warm current, flowing slowly into his primordial spirit along with his mind.

Within the primordial spirit, the golden light sensed this power and suddenly surged.

Amidst the golden light, the Great Luo Gate reappeared.

The gate was three zhang tall, its entire body gleaming with gold, and countless runes were engraved on it.

Those runes are patterns that naturally formed when heaven and earth were first created, containing the profound principles of the Dao.

At that moment, the door trembled slightly, and the runes on it lit up, emitting a dazzling light.

A surge of wild joy welled up in Sun Wukong's heart.

Once you push open this door, you'll become a Great Immortal.

He concentrated all the power within his primordial spirit into his palm and pushed it toward the portal.

boom!

The gate shook, the runes on it flickered, and a great golden light shone brightly.

The door slowly opened, revealing a small crack.

From that crevice, a vast and boundless power surged forth.

Sun Wukong felt his resonance with heaven and earth and all things growing stronger and stronger.

But at this moment, a sudden change occurred.

The portal suddenly shook.

The runes on the door all dimmed.

The small gap that had been opened slowly closed.

Sun Wukong was shocked and hurriedly activated his primordial spirit power to try to stabilize the gate.

But the more he urged it, the faster the gate closed.

"Oh no!" Sun Wukong exclaimed inwardly.

Just then, Li Yan's voice rang in my ears: "Junior brother, calm your mind!"

Don't panic!

The gates closing wasn't because you lacked strength.

Rather, someone is using great supernatural powers to interfere with the celestial energy of the cave, causing its energy to become unstable and turbulent.

Therefore, you cannot borrow the power of heaven and earth!

Sun Wukong's heart skipped a beat: "Brother, who is it?"

Li Yan did not answer, but said in a deep voice: "Your Majesty need not concern yourself with who it is."

Just guard your mind and use your own principles to push open that door!

Sun Wukong did as he was told, withdrawing his mind from the world and focusing on his own path.

His approach to the Geng Metal principle is characterized by strength, uprightness, and unyielding self-improvement.

The power of heaven and earth can be interfered with, but its Dao cannot be interfered with by anyone.

He transformed the Geng Metal Dao into a golden sword and slashed at the Great Luo Gate.

boom!

The portal shook, and the runes on it lit up again.

The door slowly opened, revealing a small crack.

Sun Wukong was anxious.

However, the power of heaven and earth that the immortals possessed was forcibly cut off by human beings, so he could not borrow it.

Just then, he suddenly felt the World Tree beneath him tremble slightly.

A golden light surged from the World Tree, flowing along his meridians and directly into his primordial spirit.

Within that golden light lay a vast power of heaven and earth.

A golden light surged from the World Tree, flowing along his meridians and directly into his primordial spirit.

Within that golden light lay a vast power of heaven and earth.

That was the power of heaven and earth in the cave.

Li Yan's voice rang out again: "Your Majesty, although this place is small, it is still a world."

Although its fortune is weak, it is still fortune.

"Your Majesty, please borrow the power of this grotto-heaven to push open that door!"

Sun Wukong was overjoyed and quickly combined the power of the cave with his own Gengjin Dao.

When the two are combined, their power surges.

The Great Luo Gate slowly opened under the combined force of the two.

The gap is getting bigger and bigger.

The light behind the door grew brighter and brighter.

Sun Wukong felt that he was only one step away from that light.

Once you cross this step, you will become a Great Immortal.

Rumble!

A violent tremor came from within the cave.

Li Yan's expression changed drastically.

He sensed that the attack was vast and boundless, like the sky collapsing and the earth sinking, unstoppable.