Gou Zai Xi You Dao Chang Sheng

The Earth God looked at Li Yan, his eyes filled with a mixture of hesitation and hope.

He had been guarding the Five Elements Mountain for countless years, facing the suppressed monkey day and night, and was long tired of it.

But he was merely a local deity, the lowest of the three realms.

Above them are the Mountain Gods, above them the City Gods, and above the City Gods are the supervising celestial officials—layer upon layer.

Like the Five Elements Mountain, it pressed down on him, making it hard for him to breathe.

He dared not disobey the Buddha's decree, dared not offend the celestial officials of the Heavenly Court, and dared not provoke those powerful beings who were secretly spying on him.

He could only feed the monkey iron pellets and copper juice on time every day, and then return to the small temple to stare blankly at the stone statue.

"Taoist Master," the Earth God said in a hoarse voice, "I have been guarding this place for many years and have seen many people come and go."

There were celestial officials from the Heavenly Court, Arhats from Mount Ling, and some... powerful beings whose origins I can't discern.

They came to give orders to the minor deity.

This person said, "Keep an eye on that monkey, don't let it get away."

The man said that I should be informed of the monkey's life or death every day.

Others say...

"Some say that if anyone comes to rescue the monkey, they should immediately report it and there will be a great reward."

But Xiao Shen knew in his heart that if someone really came to save the monkey, Xiao Shen would be the first to die.

"Would those powerful beings allow a minor deity to escape alive and deliver a message?"

Upon hearing this, Li Yan was slightly startled.

This local deity may seem dull-witted, but he is actually more insightful than anyone else.

He knew he was just a pawn, that in the eyes of those powerful figures he was nothing more than a discardable piece.

But he couldn't escape, nor did he dare to.

"Land God,"

Li Yan said gently.

"I observe that your complexion is ruddy, but there is a bluish-black tinge between your brows. Could this be due to stagnant liver qi or unsatisfactory wood qi?"

The Earth God was taken aback, then nodded: "What the Taoist priest said is correct."

Over the years, Xiao Shen has indeed often felt chest tightness, shortness of breath, and insomnia.

I've consulted several itinerant doctors and taken some medicine, but my condition hasn't improved.

Li Yan said, "The liver governs the free flow of Qi, and it thrives on smooth flow and dislikes stagnation."

The Earth God often suffers from emotional distress and liver stagnation, which over time affects his spleen and stomach.

"I noticed your tea just now; it was refreshing at first sip, but with a slight bitterness. Could it be due to excessive stomach heat causing a bitter taste in your mouth?"

The Earth God nodded repeatedly, a hint of conviction in his eyes:

"What the Taoist priest said is absolutely true. I have indeed been experiencing a bitter taste in my mouth and a dry throat lately, and I have lost my appetite."

Li Yan smiled slightly and took out a pill from his sleeve.

The elixir was entirely blue-green, like a piece of jade, with faint wood grain patterns flowing across it, and it emitted a faint fragrance of herbs and trees.

"This pill is called Qingmu Yanggan Wan (Green Wood Liver Nourishing Pill). It was made by me using He Shou Wu (Polygonum multiflorum) from Qingcheng Mountain as the main ingredient, combined with more than ten other medicinal herbs such as Chai Hu (Bupleurum chinense), Bai Shao (Paeonia lactiflora), Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis), and Fu Ling (Poria cocos). It can soothe the liver, relieve depression, nourish the heart, and calm the mind."

The Earth God accepted the elixir and examined it carefully.

A faint blue light swirled around the pill, and its fragrance was intoxicating. The aroma alone made one feel open-minded and dispelled some of the gloom.

He was already seven or eight parts convinced, but he was still hesitant.

After all, he had been under the Five Elements Mountain for many years and had seen far too many treacherous things.

Those powerful figures were outwardly polite, but inwardly they each harbored their own agendas.

His small piece of land could be shattered to pieces if he were not careful.

"Taoist Master," the Earth God said, holding the pill in his palm and looking directly at Li Yan.

"May I ask, Daoist Master, where do you come from?"

Where to go?

Why seek lodging from a minor deity right here at the foot of Five Elements Mountain?

Upon hearing this, Li Yan secretly praised him.

This local deity may seem bold, but he is actually quite shrewd.

After all, this question was both a test of Li Yan's background and a consideration for his own safety.

If it were an ordinary Taoist priest, he would probably be exposed if he were asked this question.

But who is Li Yan?

He studied martial arts on Fangcun Mountain for many years and served as an official in the Heavenly Court, having witnessed countless storms and waves.

Upon hearing the Earth God's question, he not only remained calm but also smiled slightly and answered composedly:

"This humble Taoist comes from Qingcheng Mountain and is heading to Kunlun Mountain."

Both Qingcheng Mountain and Kunlun Mountain are blessed lands where spiritual energy converges.

I, a humble Taoist, have been wandering the world in search of a place where spiritual veins converge, where I can retreat into seclusion and cultivate.

As for why I'm staying here...

His gaze drifted towards the Five Elements Mountain, and he said calmly:

"Just now, I was above the clouds and saw golden light soaring into the sky below the Five Elements Mountain, with Buddha's light shining everywhere. I knew that a great being was performing magic."

Curious, I descended from the clouds to investigate.

"Unexpectedly, it is already late, so I have come to your esteemed place to ask for lodging for the night. If it is inconvenient for you, Earth God, I will take my leave now."

After saying that, he stood up and made a move to leave.

The local earth god quickly stopped him, waving his hands repeatedly: "Taoist priest, please don't be offended, please don't be offended."

The little god was just asking casually and had no other intention.

"Since you come from Qingcheng Mountain, you must know about the Celestial Master Cave there?"

Li Yan's heart stirred, but he remained outwardly calm, saying only, "I naturally know about the Celestial Master Cave."

That was where Celestial Master Zhang Daoling cultivated. The cave contained runes and restrictions left by the Celestial Master, preventing ordinary people from entering.

The Earth God nodded and said, "That's right."

Before he attained enlightenment, Xiao Shen lived at the foot of Qingcheng Mountain for several years and heard many legends about Tianshi Cave.

Later, after attaining enlightenment and being deified, he was sent to the foot of the Five Elements Mountain and never returned.

Later, after attaining enlightenment and being deified, he was sent to the foot of the Five Elements Mountain and never returned.

He sighed, put the Qingmu Liver Nourishing Pill in his hand into his mouth, and swallowed it.

The elixir entered the abdomen and transformed into a cool, refreshing energy that rose from the dantian and flowed throughout the limbs and bones.

Wherever that cool air passes, the stagnant liver qi gradually dissipates, and the stuffiness in the chest also dissipates.

The Earth God felt completely comfortable and invigorated, and his cloudy eyes became clearer.

"Excellent medicine! Excellent medicine!" the Earth God exclaimed repeatedly.

"I've taken medicine for so many years, and I've never had such an effect. The Taoist priest is truly a miracle doctor!"

Li Yan laughed and said, "You flatter me, Earth God. I am merely smattering of medical knowledge and cannot be considered a divine physician."

The Earth God stood up and respectfully bowed to Li Yan:

"Master, I have offended you greatly just now. I hope you will forgive me."

"I've lived under this Five Elements Mountain for many years and have seen far too many ill-intentioned people; I must be careful."

Li Yan helped him up and said, "There's no need for such formalities, Earth God. I understand your difficulties."

The two sat down again, and the local earth god served them another cup of fresh tea.

This time, the tea had no bitterness; it was sweet and refreshing with a long-lasting aftertaste.

The local earth god said, "Taoist priest, I have a request to make, but I don't know if I should say it."

Li Yan said, "Please speak, Earth God."

The Earth God was silent for a moment, then whispered:

"Master, besides guarding that monkey, I have another job here under the Five Elements Mountain."

That was to feed the monkey iron pellets and molten copper every day to keep it alive.

However, those iron balls and copper molten metal need to be refined using the power of the five elements. My magical power is weak, and I have to consume most of my magical power every day to refine them.

Over the years, the little god's cultivation has not only failed to improve, but has instead gradually declined.

The little god is worried that in a few years, he won't even be able to refine these iron balls and copper molten metal anymore.

At that time, the monkey will be starved and will surely die.

"Even if I were to die ten thousand times, I would still be guilty."

Upon hearing this, Li Yan's heart stirred.

This local deity, seemingly complaining, is actually testing the waters.

He was testing whether Li Yan was willing to help him, and also testing Li Yan's true purpose in approaching him.

If it were an ordinary Taoist priest, after listening to his complaints, he would either offer some perfunctory words or pat his chest and guarantee his safety.

But Li Yan understood the deeper meaning in the Earth God's words.

"Earth God," Li Yan pondered for a moment before slowly speaking, "I do know a little about those iron balls and copper syrup."

This item is crafted using the power of the five elements: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth; none of them can be missing.

The Earth God's magical power is weak, and daily refining is indeed insufficient.

"This humble Taoist priest has a method that might be able to assist the Earth God."

A hint of joy flashed in the Earth God's eyes, but he suppressed it and said only, "Please speak, Taoist priest."

Li Yan said, "This humble Taoist observes the Five Elements Mountain, which consists of five large mountains, each corresponding to one of the five elements."

Metal, wood, water, fire, and earth are mutually generating and mutually restraining, forming a unified whole.

The power of the five elements within that mountain was extremely abundant.

Why doesn't the Earth God use the mountain's power to refine those iron balls and copper molten metal?

In this way, we can save magical energy and achieve twice the result with half the effort.

Upon hearing this, the Earth God shook his head repeatedly: "Taoist priest, you are unaware of this."

Although the Five Elements Mountain contains the power of the five elements, it is a manifestation of the Buddha's supernatural powers and contains boundless Buddhist teachings.

The minor deity's magical power was too weak to draw upon the power of the five elements within the mountain.

Forcibly activating it would likely result in a backlash from the Buddha's light, causing one's soul to be scattered.

Li Yan smiled slightly and took out a jade pendant from his sleeve.

The jade tablet was entirely black, covered with runes, and faintly glowed.

"This token is called the Five Elements Token. It was made by me using the Five Elements technique and can draw upon the power of the Five Elements between heaven and earth."

The Earth God only needs to affix this decree to the mountainside to harness its power.

"By drawing upon the power of the five elements within the mountain, we can refine those iron balls into molten copper."

The Earth God took the Five Elements Token and examined it carefully.

The token was covered with dense runes, like tadpoles swimming.

He placed the token on his palm, closed his eyes, and focused his mind, sensing it with his spirit.

In a short while, he sensed a mysterious power surging within the token.

That power bore a faint resemblance to the power of the five elements within the Five Elements Mountain.

"Taoist Master," the Earth God opened his eyes, his gaze filled with surprise, "this token..."

Li Yan raised his hand to stop him, saying, "There's no need for the Earth God to ask any more questions."

I, a humble Taoist priest, present this decree to you, firstly because I see you as pitiful, and secondly to establish a good karmic connection.

However, there is one point that the Land God must remember.

The local official said, "Please speak, Taoist priest."

Li Yan said, "Although this Five Elements Token can draw upon the power of the five elements in the mountain, it cannot last long."

Each time it is used, the energy needs to be replenished with spirit stones.

"I have a few spirit stones here, which I'll give you for now. Once you've used them up, you'll have to find your own way to make a living."

After saying this, he took out several spirit stones from his sleeve and handed them to the local earth god.

Those spirit stones were crystal clear, with a faint radiance flowing within them; one look and you could tell they were top-grade.

The local earth god accepted the spirit stone, his heart filled with gratitude, and he thanked him repeatedly.

He had lived under the Five Elements Mountain for many years, and no one had ever treated him so well.

Those celestial officials and Arhats would arrive and immediately issue orders, never asking whether the person was willing or not, nor caring whether the person could do it.

He could only grit his teeth and persevere, even if he couldn't hold on any longer.

Today, I met Li Yan, who not only treated my illness and gave me medicine, but also gave me a token and spirit stones to help me solve my problems.

He had lived under the Five Elements Mountain for many years and had seen too many hypocrites.

Which of those celestial officials and Arhats didn't come with a smile and leave with a cold expression?

Today, this Taoist priest first gave him medicine and treated his illness, then gave him tokens and spirit stones, thinking of him in every way, which made him feel uneasy.

The Earth God put the Five Elements Decree into his sleeve and personally went to the kitchen to prepare several vegetarian dishes.

He then warmed another pot of yellow wine and brought it to the main room for Li Yan to enjoy.

Li Yan didn't stand on ceremony, picked up his wine cup, and drank it all in one gulp.

The wine was sweet and mellow on the palate, with a long aftertaste. Although it was an ordinary thing, it still had a certain flavor.

The local deity drank a few cups with him, and after a few rounds of drinks, they started talking more.

"Master," the Earth God put down his wine cup and sighed deeply.

"This humble god has been guarding this Five Elements Mountain for a long time."

He spent his days and nights facing that monkey, listening to it curse heaven and earth.

To be honest, sometimes I think that monkey was right to scold me.

Li Yan's heart skipped a beat, but his face remained impassive. He simply said, "Oh? What do you mean by that, Earth God?"

The Earth God looked around and lowered his voice: "Taoist priest, you may not know this."

Although the monkey was mischievous, it was straightforward.

They say what they think. They never hide anything or beat around the bush.

In all my years of life, I've met very few people like him.

"Those celestial officials and Arhats, once they arrive, immediately issue orders."

But Xiao Shen knew in his heart that none of those people were truly thinking of him.

Before the minor gods, they were high and mighty celestial officials.

But before that greater power, they were nothing more than minor gods.

Upon hearing this, Li Yan nodded inwardly.

This local deity may seem crude, but he is actually quite insightful.

This immortal realm is nothing but layers of oppression, where everyone is just a pawn.

"Earth God," Li Yan picked up his wine cup and gently swirled it, "I have something to say, but I don't know if I should."

The local official said, "Please speak, Taoist priest."

Li Yan said, "In the universe, everything has its place."

Dragons have their dragon positions, snakes have their snake positions, and even ants have their ant positions.

Now that the Earth God has taken this position, he should manage it well.

Do not envy the glory of those in high positions, nor lament the poverty of those in low positions.

"The right path is for everyone to stay in their place and fulfill their duties."

Upon hearing this, the Earth God remained silent for a long time before finally saying, "What the Taoist priest says is true. This humble god has learned a lot."

He picked up his wine cup, drank it all in one gulp, and then said, "Daoist Master, I have another matter I would like to ask you."

Li Yan said, "Please speak."

"I am deeply grateful for the Five Elements Token that the Taoist priest gave me."

However, I still have one question: why did you help me, Daoist Master?

Li Yan put down his wine cup, looked calmly at the Earth God, and slowly said:

"Earth God, I have a question for you: do you believe in cause and effect?"

The Earth God was taken aback, then said, "I believe you, little god. You reap what you sow. This is the way of Heaven."

Li Yan nodded and said, "That's it. By helping you, I'm planting a seed of good karma."

As for what good results it will bring in the future, I have no idea.

Perhaps one day, when I am in trouble, the Earth God will be able to help me.

Perhaps we'll never need it.

But none of that matters. What matters is that I did what I was supposed to do today.

Upon hearing this, a complex look flashed in the eyes of the Earth God.

He then asked, "Isn't the Taoist priest afraid that I am an ungrateful person?"

"Today you received the Taoist priest's favor, and tomorrow you'll turn your back on him?"

Li Yan smiled slightly and said:

"This humble Taoist observes the face of the Earth God, and the Heavenly Court..." His chin was square and round, and there was an air of righteousness between his brows.

Despite his lowly position, he possessed a kind heart. How could such a person be ungrateful?

"Besides, it's my business if I help you. Whether you repay me or not is your business."

I cannot refrain from doing what I should do just because I fear you will be ungrateful.

If everyone acted this way, what goodness would remain in this world?

Upon hearing this, the Earth God stood up and bowed deeply to Li Yan: "Daoist Master, please have mercy. This humble god...this humble god is ashamed."

Li Yan helped him up and said gently, "There's no need for the Earth God to do this."

"I only did a little bit of my work; it's nothing."

The two sat down again, and the Earth God sighed, saying:

"Master, what I just said was all from the bottom of my heart."

Over the years, although the little god has suffered a lot of humiliation under the Five Elements Mountain, he has also accumulated some wealth.

"If the Taoist priest doesn't mind, this humble deity would like to offer some gold and silver as a token of gratitude."

Li Yan waved his hand and laughed, "The Earth God is joking."

I am a wandering Taoist priest, and I have nothing of value. What use would I have for gold and silver?

"If the Earth God truly wishes to thank this humble Taoist, why not tell me about the local customs and traditions of this Five Elements Mountain?"

The Earth God was taken aback, then laughed and said, "Since you want to hear it, Taoist priest, I will tell you."

He picked up his wine cup, took a sip, and slowly said, "This Five Elements Mountain was originally created by the Buddha Tathagata with his boundless supernatural powers."

The five mountains correspond to the five elements.

Above the mountain, there is a flowing light of Buddha, which is caused by the daily blessings of all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.

At the summit, a golden plaque was affixed, bearing six large characters: "Om Mani Padme Hum."

"The golden characters pressing down are the Buddha's decree."

Posting it on the mountain is to tell the Three Realms that this mountain is the mountain of the Tathagata, and this monkey is the prisoner of the Tathagata.

Anyone who dares to move this mountain is making an enemy of the Buddha.

Li Yan nodded slightly and asked, "That local earth god feeds that monkey iron pellets and molten copper every day. Has he ever spoken to that monkey?"

The Earth God gave a wry smile and said, "Why didn't you say that?"

That monkey has a terrible mouth; it curses incessantly day and night.

They cursed the Jade Emperor, the Buddha, Erlang Shen, and Laozi.

Sometimes even the minor deities are cursed, called a lackey, a watchdog for others.

"Despite the scolding, the monkey still had some kindness in its heart."

I remember once, a little rabbit accidentally fell into a ravine and couldn't climb out.

The monkey saw this and asked the little god to save him.

The little god said, "Why save a rabbit?"

The monkey then cursed, saying that the little god was heartless, and that the rabbit was also a life.

Upon hearing this, Li Yan felt a slight warmth in his heart.

Even though the monkey was trapped under the Five Elements Mountain and unable to move, it still harbored good intentions.

This is the true nature of the Monkey King.

The Earth God then said, "Taoist Master, I have another matter I would like to ask you."

Li Yan said, "Please speak."

The Earth God hesitated for a moment, then said in a low voice, "Daoist Master, although I am an Earth God, I am still a mortal who has cultivated myself."

When the minor god was in the mortal realm, he had married a wife and had several children.

Later, the minor deity attained enlightenment and was deified, and his children gradually grew old.

Only a few great-grandchildren remained, living in Qingfeng Town, not far from here.

"Although the minor deity is a god, he cannot always watch over them."

Those great-grandchildren, some went to school, some farmed, and some went into business; they all managed to get by.

However, I've recently heard that a strange thing has happened in Qingfeng Town.

Li Yan asked, "What strange thing is this?"

The local official said, "Qingfeng Town is a wonderful place with outstanding people and beautiful scenery."

The people of the town lived a peaceful and prosperous life, with men farming and women weaving.

But lately, for some reason, the water drawn from the wells in that town has been murky and harmful to the body if drunk.

The townspeople who drank the well water all suffered from vomiting and diarrhea, and became emaciated and pale.

Some of the weaker ones were even bedridden and on the verge of death.

Upon hearing this, Li Yan's heart stirred.

This local deity, after going through all this trouble, complaining, thanking, and talking about the monkey's good deeds, it turns out it was all for this reason.

His great-grandchildren, living in Qingfeng Town, drank that murky well water and were probably not spared either.

Although he is the local deity, he cannot directly interfere in matters of the mortal realm.

Moreover, the murky well water might not be due to a natural disaster; it could be...

Li Yan pondered for a moment, then said, "Earth God, has the reason why the well water is so murky been investigated?"

The Earth God sighed and said, "I have investigated. There is a demonic aura in that well water."

The eerie and sinister aura suggested the presence of some kind of demonic entity.

However, the minor deity's magical power was weak, and he dared not investigate further. He only circled the perimeter before retreating.

"I've thought about reporting this to the City God, but that City God... sigh, let's not talk about it."

Li Yan sensed the helplessness in the Earth God's words.

The City God is the direct superior of the Earth God.

If the City God is an upright person, after the Earth God reports it, the City God will send someone to investigate.

Judging from the tone of the local earth god, the city god is probably not a good person.

Although the Earth God is a deity, he is merely a pawn in this game of chess, unable to reach the heavens above or save the people below.

All they could do was stand under the Five Elements Mountain, day after day, watching the imprisoned monkey suffer, powerless to do anything about it.

"Earth God," Li Yan said gently, "I have traveled far and wide and have some knowledge of methods for subduing demons and monsters."

"Regarding the matter in Qingfeng Town, this humble Taoist priest might be able to offer some assistance."

Upon hearing this, the Earth God's eyes flashed with joy, but he suppressed it and simply said:

"Master, we don't know what kind of monster that is. If you go there rashly, I'm afraid..."

Li Yan smiled slightly and said, "Don't worry, Earth God. Although I am not very talented, I do have some minor skills."

If that demon can reason, then I, this humble Taoist, will try to reason with it.

If reason cannot be persuaded, this humble Taoist will act on behalf of Heaven and eliminate it.

The Earth God nodded repeatedly, saying, "Daoist Master, you are merciful! Daoist Master, you are merciful!"

"This humble god...this humble god will now take the Daoist to Qingfeng Town."

Li Yan raised his hand to stop him, saying, "No rush. It's already late, we can go tomorrow."

"The Earth God, please tell me in detail about the situation in Qingfeng Town."

The local earth god then told him everything he knew in detail.

Qingfeng Town is only about a hundred miles away from Wuxing Mountain. It is a small town with about two or three hundred households.

Most of the town's residents make a living by farming, but there are also a few scholars and a few merchants.

Although the town is small, it has a few shops, a school, and a local temple.

That land temple is a temple dedicated to the Earth God.

However, the temple had fallen into disrepair over the years, and its incense was no longer burning, so no one paid any attention to it.

Upon hearing this, Li Yan sighed inwardly.

This local earth god, despite being the local deity, couldn't even protect his own temple, which shows how lowly his status was.

The Earth God then said, "The problem of the well water being murky started three months ago."

It started as a well at the east end of the town, but gradually spread to the west end, and eventually all the wells in the town became murky.

The townspeople invited several doctors to examine the patient, but none of them could diagnose the problem.

They also invited several Taoist priests to perform rituals, but they still couldn't figure out what kind of evil spirit it was.

"I also secretly investigated and felt that there was a cold aura in the well water, as if it was surging up from the depths of the earth."

The little god followed the chilling aura downwards, but after only a hundred feet, he felt a tightness in his chest and dizziness, and had to retreat.

Upon hearing this, Li Yan already had some guesses in his mind.

That chilling aura could make even a righteous deity like the Earth God feel uncomfortable; it must be no benevolent being.

He pondered for a moment, then took out a jade tablet from his sleeve, handed it to the local earth god, and said:

"Earth God, this plaque is called the Evil-Repelling Decree. It was made by me using wood struck by lightning and the Heavenly Thunder Talisman technique."

It can ward off evil spirits and demons.

The Earth God should carry this decree with him, so that if he encounters that cold, yin energy again, he will not be harmed by it.

The Earth God received the talisman and felt its warmth in his hand, with a faint surge of thunderous power within it.

He was grateful and thanked them repeatedly.

Li Yan waved his hand and said, "No need for such formalities, Earth God."

It's getting late, so I'll rest now. Tomorrow morning, we'll head to Qingfeng Town.

The Earth God quickly got up and led Li Yan to a quiet room in the backyard.

The quiet room was not large, but it was kept very clean.

A wooden bed, a wooden table, a wooden chair, and on the table a rough porcelain teapot and several rough porcelain teacups.

Li Yan sat cross-legged on the wooden bed, closed his eyes and concentrated his mind, immersing himself in the mirror of his heart.

On the mirror, lines of small golden characters slowly emerged.

[A gift of Green Wood Liver-Nourishing Pills and the local earth god at the foot of Five Elements Mountain to relieve his liver qi stagnation and assist him in refining iron pills and copper molten metal]

[Aura of Destiny +500 (Giving roses leaves a lingering fragrance)]

[Give the Five Elements Token and the land beneath Five Elements Mountain to help them draw upon the power of the Five Elements within the mountain, saving them the daily toil of refining iron balls and molten copper.]

[Aura of Destiny +800 (Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime)]

[A talisman to ward off evil spirits is presented to the land beneath the Five Elements Mountain to protect it from the invasion of cold and yin energy.]

[Aura of Destiny +300 (Providing timely assistance, helping those in distress)]

[Current Affinity/Dharma Energy: 35100/40960]

Although I didn't gain any substantial benefits from befriending the Earth God, I did gain a lot of positive energy.

More importantly, through the local earth god, he learned about the surrounding area of ​​Five Elements Mountain, laying the foundation for rescuing the monkey later.

He took a deep breath, pulled his mind away from the mirror of his mind, closed his eyes, and fell into a deep sleep.

The next morning, as dawn broke.

Li Yan was awakened by the chirping of birds. He opened his eyes and felt refreshed and invigorated.

He got up, washed up, and walked out of the quiet room, only to find the Earth God already waiting in the courtyard.

Today, the Earth God changed into a clean blue robe, wore a headscarf, and held a whisk, giving him a somewhat otherworldly appearance.

"Taoist Master," the Earth God said, bowing, "I have prepared breakfast. Please enjoy."

Li Yan nodded and followed the Earth God into the main room.

Several vegetarian dishes, a bowl of white porridge, and a few steamed buns were laid out on the table. Although it was simple food, it was refreshing and delicious.

After the two finished their meal, they left the local temple and flew towards Qingfeng Town on a cloud.

Qingfeng Town is only a hundred li away from Wuxing Mountain, and you can arrive in no time.

Li Yan descended from the clouds and landed on a small hill outside the town, gazing around.

Qingfeng Town, nestled against the mountains and beside the water, with its houses scattered about, was indeed a pleasant place.

But at this moment, the town was desolate.

The streets were deserted, and shops were closed. The few people who did walk by were pale and thin, and walked with difficulty.

Several villagers stood around the well in the town, staring at the water they were drawing up, sighing and complaining.

It turned out that the water drawn up was murky and muddy.

Li Yan frowned and addressed the land official:

"Earth God, can you sense the chilling aura emanating from the well water?"

The Earth God nodded and said, "I sensed it. It's deep inside that well."

Li Yan pondered for a moment and said, "Earth God, you wait here while I go down to take a look."

Having said that, he leaped into the air, transforming into a gentle breeze, and flew towards the well.

The well was several feet deep, and its walls were covered with moss.

Li Yan flew down the well wall, and the deeper he went, the stronger the chilling aura became.

After flying for about a hundred feet, they arrived at the bottom of the well, where they found a cave.

Inside the cave, it was pitch black; you couldn't see your hand in front of your face.

Li Yan opened his Eye of Cause and Effect and looked into the depths of the cave.

Deep within the cave, a wisp of black energy surged and churned.

Within the black mist, a figure appeared and disappeared.

Li Yan steadied himself and flew toward the figure.

He flew closer and then he could see the figure clearly.

It was a snake that was completely black.

The snake was several meters long and as thick as a bowl. It was coiled in the cave, its head raised and its tongue flicking out, its eyes blood red.

The chilling aura emanated from the snake.

Li Yan pondered this in his heart.

This snake possessed a demonic aura, yet it was different from ordinary demonic aura.

Within that demonic aura, there was a faint trace of dragon energy, as if it were a mixture of dragon and snake.

He recalled a strange beast recorded in the Classic of Mountains and Seas, named Bashe.

The Bashe, born in the southern wilderness, can swallow an elephant and then spit it out after three years.

Its bones can be used in medicine to treat ailments of the heart and abdomen.

Its gallbladder, when used in medicine, can detoxify all poisons.

Could this snake be the Bashe?

Li Yan's heart stirred, and he was about to step forward for a closer look when the snake suddenly raised its head, opened its blood-red mouth, and lunged at him.

Li Yan dodged the bite by sidestepping.

The snake bit at empty air, but it didn't give up. It twisted its body and transformed into a black light, coiling towards him.

Li Yan formed hand seals and unleashed the Dragon Subduing and Tiger Taming Technique from the Thirty-Six Transformations of the Heavenly Gang.

But then he was surrounded by a great golden light, which transformed into a golden dragon that lunged at the black snake.

The golden dragon and the black snake collided in mid-air with a loud bang.

The black snake was sent flying backward by the golden dragon, crashing into the cave wall and causing the cavern to tremble.

The black snake, in pain, hissed, twisted its body, and transformed into a streak of black light, fleeing into the depths of the cave.

How could Li Yan let it escape?

He leaped into the air, transforming into a golden ray of light, and relentlessly pursued the enemy.

The black snake fled extremely fast, disappearing into a crack deep within the cave in the blink of an eye.

When Li Yan reached the crack, he saw that it was so narrow that only one person could pass sideways.

He frowned, shrunk his size, transformed into a gentle breeze, and disappeared into the crack.

The crack was winding and twisting, its destination unknown.

After flying for about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Li Yan suddenly saw a clear view.

At the end of the crack was a huge cave.

Inside the cave, there is a stone platform.

On the stone platform, there was a jade box.

Within the jade box, a faint radiance flowed.

The black snake coiled beside the stone platform, its head raised and its tongue flicking, staring intently at Li Yan, but dared not approach.

Li Yan looked at the jade box, and a thought struck him.

The radiance within the jade box was a pure yang energy.

That pure yang energy, extremely strong and yang, is precisely the nemesis of this black snake.

No wonder the black snake was coiled up here, yet dared not approach the stone platform.

Li Yan stepped forward and reached out to take the jade box.

When the black snake saw him reach for the jade box, it hissed incessantly, twisted its body, and transformed into a streak of black light, lunging at him.

Without turning his head, Li Yan waved his hand, and a golden light surged from his palm, freezing the black snake in mid-air, unable to move.

The black snake struggled a few times, but could not break free from the golden light's restraints. It could only hiss and groan, its eyes filled with fear.

Li Yan held the jade box in his palm and examined it carefully.

The jade box was entirely blue-green, and its surface was covered with runes.

He reached out and lifted the lid of the box, where he saw a bead lying inside.

The bead was entirely crimson, like a flame, radiating a scorching heat.

"This is... the Fire Spirit Orb?"

Li Yan was shocked.

The Fire Spirit Pearl is formed from the essence of primordial fire, containing pure yang energy, and can overcome all yin and evil.

How did this bead end up in this cave?

Li Yan took out the Fire Spirit Orb, held it in his palm, closed his eyes, and focused his mind to sense it.

In a short while, he sensed a vast fire elemental power surging within the bead.

That power was extremely strong and pure, the purest Yang energy in the world.

He was overjoyed and put the Fire Spirit Orb into his sleeve.

Just then, he suddenly felt his heart mirror tremble slightly.

With a slight sinking of the mind, one could see lines of small golden characters slowly emerging on the mirror's surface:

Enter the underground cave of Qingfeng Town, slay demons and monsters, and obtain a Fire Spirit Orb.

[Aura of Destiny +1500 (Acting on behalf of Heaven, immeasurable merit)]

The Fire Spirit Pearl is formed from primordial fire essence and contains pure yang energy. It can aid in internal alchemy cultivation and serve as the foundation for the evolution of grotto-heavens.

[Current Affinity/Dharma Energy: 36600/40960]

Although this Fire Spirit Pearl is not as precious as the roots of the Peach of Immortality, the fragments of the Reincarnation Pearl, or the fragments of the North Star, it is still a rare spiritual object of heaven and earth.

He put away the Fire Spirit Orb and turned to look at the black snake.

The black snake was frozen in mid-air by the golden light, unable to move, its eyes filled with fear.

Li Yan stepped forward and slapped the black snake on the forehead.

A golden light surged from his palm and entered the black snake's brain.

The black snake trembled, the bloodlust in its eyes still lingering, before it suddenly froze.

He then collapsed limply to the ground, lifeless.

"Your cultivation is not easy, yet you are causing trouble and harming people's lives here. I cannot let you live."

Li Yan said calmly, and with a wave of his hand, the black snake's body turned into a wisp of black smoke, which dissipated in the wind.

Li Yan leaped into the air, transforming into a golden light as he emerged from the cave.

Beyond the wellhead, land justice awaits with bated breath.

Seeing Li Yan emerge, they quickly stepped forward and asked, "Master, how did it go?"

Li Yan smiled slightly and said, "I have successfully completed my mission."

The demon in the well has been subdued by this humble Taoist priest. The well water will clear up again in a few days.

Having said that, he took out a bottle of pills from his sleeve, handed it to the local earth god, and said:

"This elixir is called the Clear Spring Elixir. It was made by me using well water as a guide and other medicinal herbs such as Poria cocos, Atractylodes macrocephala, and licorice."

The Earth God threw this elixir into the well, which purified the cold, yin energy in the well water.

The Earth God accepted the elixir and expressed his deepest gratitude.

He quickly went to the well and took out a pill, which he then threw into the well.

The elixir entered the water, transformed into a streak of blue light, and sank to the bottom of the well.

After a short while, the turbidity in the well water gradually dissipated, and it became crystal clear.

The Earth God was overjoyed and quickly fetched a bucket of water to check. He found that the water was clear, sweet, and exactly the same as before.

"Taoist Master! Taoist Master!" The Earth God's voice trembled with excitement, "The water...the water is ready!"

Li Yan smiled slightly and said, "Earth God, although the well water has been purified, it will still take a few days to fully recover."

"These next few days, you must add the Clear Spring Elixir to the well daily without fail."

The Earth God nodded repeatedly, saying, "I understand. I understand."

Just then, the townspeople also noticed the strange change in the well water and gathered around.

Upon seeing the clear well water, they wept with joy, knelt on the ground, and kowtowed to the heavens.

The Earth God stood by the well, looking at the people with eyes full of satisfaction.

He turned to Li Yan and said, "Daoist Master, this humble god... this humble god doesn't know how to thank you."

Li Yan waved his hand and said, "No need to be so polite, Earth God."

As I have said, sow good seeds and reap good fruit. Today, I am helping you by sowing a seed of goodness.

As for what good results it will yield in the future, this humble monk has no idea.

He added, "Earth God, please keep the matter of subduing demons a secret."

The Earth God was taken aback, then nodded repeatedly and said, "Rest assured, Taoist priest."

The little god saw nothing and heard nothing.

Li Yan smiled slightly, leaped into the air, and transformed into a gentle breeze, departing from there.

The Earth God watched his departing figure, his eyes filled with gratitude.

He returned to the vicinity of Five Elements Mountain and affixed the Five Elements Token to the mountainside.

Using the spirit stone to draw upon the power of the five elements in the mountain, they refined the iron pellets and copper molten metal.

As soon as the Five Elements Token was attached to the mountain, he felt a vast power of the Five Elements surge out from the mountain and flow into his body.

He quickly guided that power with his mind to refine the iron pellets and copper molten metal.

In a short while, the iron pellets and copper molten metal were refined.

The Earth God gazed at the iron balls and molten copper, his heart filled with countless emotions.

This Taoist priest is such a good person.

He picked up the iron ball and molten copper and walked down the Five Elements Mountain.

The monkey was trapped under the Five Elements Mountain, with only its head showing and its hands barely able to move.

Upon seeing the local earth god, he grinned and cursed, "You old servant, you've come to bring me food again?"

The Earth God wasn't angry. He brought the iron ball and molten copper to the Monkey King's lips and said, "Great Sage, eat it."

Sun Wukong opened his mouth and swallowed the iron ball and molten copper.

When the iron pellets and molten copper entered his stomach, Sun Wukong felt something different from usual.

In the past, when the iron ball entered his stomach, it was like swallowing a piece of raw iron. It would sink into his stomach and need to be slowly refined before it could be transformed into a wisp of strength to sustain his life.

The molten copper was even more bitter and hard to swallow; it felt like swallowing razor blades as it went down my throat, causing a sharp pain.

But today, after this iron pellet entered my stomach, it transformed into a warm vapor that rose from my stomach and flowed to my limbs and bones.

Where the warmth passed, the meridians that had been nearly broken by the Five Elements Mountain showed a faint sign of recovery.

Sun Wukong was startled, and a strange light flashed in his golden eyes.

He has been imprisoned under the Five Elements Mountain for some time now.

Having eaten those iron balls and copper molten metal every day, I've long been accustomed to the coldness of the iron and the bitterness of the copper molten metal.

This pill today is warm like the spring sun and sweet like nectar, completely different from the ones of the past.

He carefully savored the warmth, and felt a familiar charm within it, as if it were the power of an elixir.

Sun Wukong closed his golden eyes, focused his mind on his body, and carefully sensed.

The warm energy circulated within his body for a moment before gathering in his dantian, transforming into a faint golden light.

"This is..." Sun Wukong was shocked and his golden eyes suddenly opened.

He recognized the aura.

Those are Li Yan's pills.

He had spent a long time with Li Yan and had consumed countless pills refined by him, so he was extremely familiar with the energy behind his pills.

That pure, ethereal, and mysterious aura, as warm and smooth as jade, could only be found in Li Yan's elixirs throughout the entire world.

"Brother..." Sun Wukong murmured to himself, and the originally dim light in his golden eyes suddenly brightened a bit.

He recalled the day they parted.

Li Yan's grotto-heaven has been shattered by the combined forces of the three parties; the World Tree is damaged, and the barrier is broken.

It was on the verge of complete collapse.

He had assumed that even if Li Yan didn't die, he would be completely ruined and unable to take care of himself.

Unexpectedly, he was also able to refine pills and deliver them to the foot of Five Elements Mountain, directly into his mouth.

These iron balls and copper juice were fed by the local earth god.

The local earth god was personally appointed by Buddha to guard him, so why would he help him?

unless……

A thought flashed through Sun Wukong's mind, and a cunning glint appeared in his golden eyes.

That brother must have used some means to deceive the local earth god and those spies secretly watching him.

They secretly mixed the elixir into the iron pellet without anyone noticing.

This thoughtfulness and skill are truly worthy of being my brother, Old Sun!

A warm feeling welled up in his heart.

The warm current was even hotter than the power of the elixir, rushing straight to the top of his head, making his eyes sting slightly.

I, Old Sun, am trapped under this mountain, unable to move, my fate unknown.

But that brother didn't give up and was still trying to find a way to save me.

This affection is sweeter than the peaches of immortality and more precious than the elixir of immortality.

Sun Wukong took a deep breath and suppressed his excitement.

He closed his golden eyes again and focused on refining the power of the elixir.

The internal condition is worse than it appears on the outside.

He was trapped under the mountain, suffering day and night from the corrosive power of the five elements.

The five elements—metal, wood, water, fire, and earth—take turns attacking, like five sharp blades rampaging through the body.

It cuts through the meridians, causes rampant growth and blockage, seeps into the bones and chills the heart, burns the genitals and causes intense pain, and compresses the bones to suffocate.

Any one of these five forces would be enough to annihilate an ordinary immortal.

The simultaneous use of all five methods is like being in purgatory.

If it weren't for the monkey's body possessing the power of continuous life and the ability to harmonize yin and yang, it would probably have already turned to dust.

The simultaneous use of all five methods is like being in purgatory.

If it weren't for the monkey's body possessing the power of continuous life and the ability to harmonize yin and yang, it would probably have already turned to dust.

Even so, most of the meridians were broken, and the bones were covered with cracks.

His primordial spirit was further suppressed by the power of the five elements, leaving it dim and lifeless.

At this moment, the power of the elixir entered his abdomen, slowly nourishing his parched meridians and gently connecting the broken parts.

Sun Wukong was overjoyed and quickly focused his mind on his dantian, guiding that power.

The secret to longevity that I learned at Fangcun Mountain was circulated within my body.

Although he was suppressed by the Five Elements Mountain, his magical power was sealed, and his primordial spirit was injured, that wondrous technique was the foundation of cultivating both body and spirit.

No magic power is needed, only mental focus.

He closed his eyes and concentrated, using his mind to guide his breath, using his breath to nourish his spirit, and using his spirit to unite with the Dao.

Guided by his mind, the power of the elixir flowed slowly along his meridians.

It passes through an acupoint and then sends out a strand to nourish that acupoint.

The acupoint, nourished, trembled slightly and emitted a faint light.

One acupoint, two acupoints, three acupoints...

After an unknown amount of time, he finally refined all the power of the elixir.

He opened his golden eyes and felt completely refreshed. The Five Elements Mountain pressing down on him seemed to have lightened a bit.

But this is an illusion. The Five Elements Mountain is still the same Five Elements Mountain, and the Buddha is still the same Buddha.

He had only recovered a sliver of strength; he was still a long way from being free.

But this last bit of strength gave him immense hope.