Gou Zai Xi You Dao Chang Sheng

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Li Yan bid farewell to the Green Ox, left the Tushita Palace, and continued his journey downhill.

Not far ahead, suddenly Venus appeared standing quietly amidst the sea of ​​clouds.

Li Yan paused slightly, then quickened his pace, approached, and cupped his hands in greeting:

"Is Venus here, waiting for this junior?"

Venus smiled slightly and flicked his whisk:

"Young friend, you have discerning eyes. I am here today, indeed to await your arrival."

Li Yan's heart stirred slightly, but his face remained expressionless:

"Venus, please feel free to speak your mind."

Venus looked at him, a complex emotion flashing in her gentle eyes.

"Young friend, are you heading back to Flower Fruit Mountain?"

Li Yan nodded: "Indeed. I have troubled you at the Tushita Palace for many days, it is time for me to return."

Venus sighed.

"Young friend, do you know what Flower Fruit Mountain is like now?"

Li Yan was silent for a moment, then slowly said:

"Fellow Daoists Jinjiao and Yinjiao have already spoken to me."

Venus nodded.

"Now that I know, I will say no more. However..."

As he spoke, he looked towards the sea of ​​clouds in the distance.

After a long silence, he finally said:

"Young friend, would you be willing to stay in Heaven?"

Li Yan was taken aback.

Venus continued, "If you are willing to stay, the Jade Emperor may grant you an official position."

Li Yan felt a slight chill.

"May I ask what official position Venus holds?"

Venus said, "The tentative title is [Chief of the Alchemy Room], a sixth-rank official, under the jurisdiction of the Tushita Palace, specializing in alchemy."

"Although the rank is not high, it is a respectable position. If one performs meritorious service in the future, one may be promoted."

Li Yan listened, seemingly lost in thought.

The head of the alchemy room, a sixth-rank official, was in charge of alchemy.

This position is neither particularly high nor low.

It was a prestigious but also a sinecure.

The Jade Emperor wanted to keep him in Heaven, but didn't want to give him real power.

He shook his head slightly, cupped his hands, and said:

"I am deeply grateful for Venus's kindness. However..."

"Just what?"

Li Yan said, "However, I cultivate the Dao of the Grotto Heaven, and I need to experience the natural world in the lower realm in order to make progress."

"If one resides in the Heavenly Court for an extended period, although one may be able to refine elixirs and cultivate the Dao, one will lose the fundamentals."

"Furthermore, there are old friends waiting for me to return to Flower Fruit Mountain. I cannot let them down."

Venus listened, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes.

"Young friend, you are so loyal and righteous, I admire you greatly."

Li Yan said, "Jin Xing is too kind. I was merely doing my duty."

Venus smiled slightly and said:

"Young friend, do you know what those three hundred and twenty-four Nine-Turn Golden Pills are for?"

Li Yan had long suspected this, but dared not draw any conclusions.

Now that Venus has brought it up, let's just ask directly: "Please enlighten me, Venus."

Venus flicked his whisk lightly and said slowly:

"At the Peach Banquet, immortals from the Three Realms gather. At that time, the Jade Emperor will reward those who have made contributions and bestow titles upon them."

"That Nine-Turn Golden Elixir is the reward."

"One Nine-Turn Golden Pill can increase one's cultivation by three thousand years. Three hundred and twenty-four pills would be..."

Li Yan replied, "That is, 972,000 years of cultivation."

Venus nodded.

"Indeed. Young friend, do you know what level of cultivation those who receive such a reward possess?"

Li Yan pondered for a moment and then slowly said:

"At least... a Taiyi Golden Immortal?"

Venus shook his head.

"The Taiyi Golden Immortal is merely a mid-level immortal in the Heavenly Court. Those who receive the Nine-Turn Golden Elixir as a reward are all..."

At this point, he turned and said, word by word, "They are all Great Immortals."

Li Yan's heart skipped a beat.

Great Golden Immortal!

Three hundred and twenty-four Nine-Turn Golden Pills were bestowed upon the Great Luo Golden Immortal.

How many Great Luos would that be?

Suppressing the turmoil in his heart, he tentatively asked:

"Venus, in the Heavenly Court, how many Great Luo Golden Immortals are there?"

Venus smiled slightly but did not answer. He simply stretched out one hand with his five fingers spread.

Li Yan's expression changed slightly.

"Young friend, do you know the difference between a Great Luo Golden Immortal and a Taiyi Golden Immortal?"

Li Yan pondered for a moment before saying:

"This junior will humbly attempt to speak."

"The Taiyi Golden Immortal transcends life and death, escapes reincarnation, lives freely and unrestrained, and lives as long as heaven and earth."

"A Great Golden Immortal..."

At this point, the words of our patriarch come to mind.

"The Great Luo is eternally free in all space and eternally free in all time."

Past and future, everywhere and at all times.

"With a single thought, one can travel throughout all the heavens and myriad realms; with a single thought, one can rewind to countless eons ago."

"Even if heaven and earth are destroyed, the Great Luo will not perish. Even if chaos is reborn, the Great Luo will remain forever."

As Venus listened, his eyes shone with even greater admiration.

"Young friend, the fact that you can say these words shows that you have already gained some understanding of the Great Luo Dao."

Li Yan shook his head and said, "I've only heard it from others and am just repeating what they've heard."

"To be able to listen is to have comprehension. To be able to remember is to have wisdom."

Then, the tone shifted.

"Young friend, do you know what is needed to attain the Great Luo?"

Li Yan was taken aback.

Venus said, "To attain the Great Luo realm, three things are required."

"The first is the Way, the second is the Law, the third is..."

He paused here,

"Thirdly, register."

"membership?"

Venus nodded.

"Immortal register. A register of immortals recognized by the Heavenly Court or Mount Ling."

"Only those with official registration are true gods. Those without registration are rogue cultivators, demon immortals, or..."

A profound meaning was revealed in those gentle eyes.

"It is like a rootless duckweed."

Li Yan remained silent.

Venus continued:

"A god with a registered name is not necessarily a Great Luo. But a Great Luo is definitely a god with a registered name."

Why?

"Because the Great Luo Dao requires the power of the origin of heaven and earth, and the power of the three realms."

Without the Heavenly Court's approval, and without possessing a celestial register, one cannot borrow the power of the origin of heaven and earth, nor unite the forces of the Three Realms.

"Even if you cultivate to the peak of the Taiyi Golden Immortal realm, you can only stop here. The gate to the Great Luo realm will be forever closed to you."

"Even if you cultivate to the peak of the Taiyi Golden Immortal realm, you can only stop here. The gate to the Great Luo realm will be forever closed to you."

Li Yan listened, his heart churning with turmoil.

He recalled the words his master had once spoken.

The patriarch said that if he had the opportunity in the future, he could attain the Great Luo.

But the patriarch did not say that to attain the Great Luo status, one must obtain the status of an immortal.

Did the patriarch forget, or...?

He took a deep breath and looked up at Venus.

"Venus, may I ask a question?"

Venus said, "Speak."

Li Yan said, "Jin Xing just said that Da Luo must be a god with a registered title."

"Then... does that ancestor of all earth immortals, Zhenyuan Daxian, possess any immortal status?"

Venus paused for a moment, then laughed.

"Young friend, you are indeed quick-witted."

He flicked his whisk lightly and said slowly:

"Zhenyuan Daxian is indeed without official status. But he..."

At this point, a complex emotion flashed in his eyes.

"He's an exception."

"exception?"

Venus nodded.

"There are always a few exceptions in the world. Zhenyuan Daxian is one, and there are a few others as well."

Li Yan understood.

Even the Jade Emperor would treat such a person with utmost respect.

Such a person naturally does not need a celestial status.

But what about him?

He was merely a minor cultivator at the sixth level of the Cave Heaven Realm, practically a newly ascended immortal.

What makes him an exception?

Seeing his silence, Venus sighed.

"Young friend, I'm not saying this to force you to do anything. I just want you to understand..."

"The Heavenly Court is good, but it is not a prison. The celestial register is important, but it is not a shackle."

"With a certificate, one can gain the approval of Heaven and Earth, borrow the power of the Three Realms, and prove the Great Luo Dao."

"Without a place to call home, one can only drift like duckweed between heaven and earth, with nowhere to take root."

"Young friend, you are a smart man and should understand the advantages and disadvantages involved."

Li Yan listened, feeling a mix of emotions.

How could he not understand?

Understanding is one thing, making a choice is another.

He pondered for a long time before slowly saying:

"Jin Xing, there is something I don't understand and would like to ask you."

Venus said, "Speak."

Li Yan said, "As Venus just said, a god with a registered title can gain the recognition of Heaven and Earth and can borrow the power of the Three Realms."

"If one is a god without a title, then one can never attain the Great Luo realm?"

Venus nodded: "Exactly."

Li Yan asked, "How did that ancestor of earth immortals attain the Great Luo realm?"

"Young friend, are you trying to test this old man?"

Li Yan shook his head and said, "I wouldn't dare. I was just curious."

Venus said:

"When Zhen Yuanzi, the ancestor of the Earthly Immortals, attained enlightenment, the Heavenly Court had not yet been established, and the register of immortals had not yet been set up."

"He created a world out of chaos, forming his own universe."

That place was his training ground, his register of immortality.

"Therefore, he does not need the Heavenly Court's approval. He himself is the universe, he himself is the rule."

Li Yan listened, seemingly lost in thought.

Venus then said:

"Young friend, you cultivate the Dao of the Grotto Heaven, which has something in common with that one."

"If you can evolve the cave to its fullest potential, it will become your own world."

That would be like the ancestor of earth immortals, who doesn't need the Heavenly Court's approval; he himself is heaven and earth.

"That step is extremely difficult. Even Zhenyuan Daxian didn't know how many eons he cultivated before he finally achieved it."

"Young friend, you are currently only at the sixth level of the Cave Heaven Realm. You are still a long way from that step."

Li Yan nodded.

"I understand."

Venus then said:

"Therefore, my advice to you to stay is not to ask you to give up the path of the cave, but simply to give you a choice."

"Staying in the Heavenly Court, with a celestial status, allows one to leverage the power of the Three Realms, making cultivation twice as effective with half the effort."

"It's not too late to return to the mortal realm and develop a grotto-heaven when your cultivation has deepened."

"If you insist on returning to the lower realm, you can only rely on yourself to take it one step at a time. That road is long and arduous."

As Li Yan listened, his mind gradually cleared.

Venus's words were all reasonable and insightful.

If it were someone else, they would probably have been tempted long ago.

But then he remembered the monkey, standing on the highest rock, holding Little Drill in its arms.

Her golden eyes were filled with reluctance, yet she forced herself to remain calm.

He recalled that night when the two of them drank together and the words the monkey had spoken.

Those words still echo in my ears.

"Venus, if I may be so bold as to ask a question..."

Venus said, "Speak."

Li Yan said, "If I insist on returning to Flower Fruit Mountain, wouldn't that be letting down the Great Celestial Venerable's good intentions?"

Upon hearing this, a complex expression flashed in Venus's eyes.

"Young friend, there are some things I shouldn't have said."

Li Yan said, "Venus, please speak."

Venus sighed and said slowly:

"There are indeed some people on His Majesty's side who are not very satisfied with you..."

Li Yan felt a chill run down his spine.

Qingniu mentioned this.

Venus continued, "It was Laozi who stepped in and saved you."

"Laojun said that you are a good candidate for alchemy, and that you will be useful."

"Only then did the Jade Emperor change his mind and send you to the Tushita Palace to refine elixirs."

"Now that you have finished refining the pills, thirty-six batches of Nine-Turn Golden Pills, each one perfect, without a single wasted pill."

Such skill is rarely seen even in the Heavenly Court.

"The Jade Emperor was very impressed upon hearing this. That's why he decided to keep you in office."

"If you insist on returning to the lower realm, those people will probably take the opportunity to cause trouble again."

Li Yan listened, his heart churning with turmoil.

"I appreciate Venus's kind offer."

"But I have a prior agreement with the Monkey King of Flower Fruit Mountain. He told me that I must return."

He looked towards the direction of the Southern Heavenly Gate.

"If I remain in Heaven, I will be letting him down."

"As for those who want to take this opportunity to cause trouble..."

He smiled slightly.

"Although I am of humble skill, I am not one to be bullied. If they have the ability, let them come at me."

Venus looked at him, a strange light flashing in his eyes.

After a long while, he sighed.

Venus shook his head and said, "Fulfilling one's duty is easy to say but extremely difficult to do."

"In the Three Realms, how many immortals have fought tooth and nail for immortal status and official positions, even to the point of betraying their promises and breaking their vows?"

"Those like you, young friend, who would rather give up the readily available immortal status than return to the mortal realm to fulfill their promise, are few and far between."

Li Yan said, "Jin Xing, you flatter me. I am merely..."

Venus raised his hand, interrupting him.

"Young friend, there's no need to be modest."

"I've lived for countless millennia, and I've seen more people than you've seen monkeys, young friend."

"I can tell at a glance who is worth befriending and who is not."

"A young friend like you is worth befriending."

After saying that, he took out a jade talisman from his sleeve and handed it to Li Yan.

It was a translucent white jade talisman, clear and pure, with faint starlight flowing within.

"This is a keepsake from this old man. Please keep it, young friend."

"If you encounter danger in the future, you can take this talisman and come to the Heavenly Court to find me."

This old man will certainly lend a helping hand to my young friend.

Li Yan took the jade talisman and felt a warm sensation enter his mind.

He carefully put away the jade talisman and bowed deeply to Venus.

"Thank you for your generous gift, Venus."

Venus raised his hand in a gesture of support.

"No need for formalities. Young friend, please hurry on your way. Those Flower Fruit Mountain people must be getting impatient."

Li Yan nodded and turned to leave.

Venus suddenly called out to him.

"Wait a moment, young friend."

Li Yan turned around.

Venus looked at him.

"Young friend, I have a word to offer you."

Li Yan said, "Venus, please speak."

Venus said, "Young friend, if you see the Monkey King on your way to Flower Fruit Mountain, please tell him one thing."

Li Yan asked, "What is it?"

Venus said, "When the turbidity of calamity enters the heart, it cannot be cured by medicine. Only one's true nature can break through the illusion."

Li Yan's heart skipped a beat upon hearing this.

"Venus, what you're saying..."

Venus waved his hand and said, "Young friend, don't ask. Even if you do, this old man cannot answer."

"You only need to tell this to the Monkey King. If he understands, he will be able to overcome his tribulation. If he does not understand..."

He sighed.

"Even I, an old man, am powerless to help."

Li Yan remained silent for a moment, then bowed to Venus.

"Thank you for your guidance, Venus. I will keep it in mind."

Venus nodded slightly, then transformed into a golden light and disappeared into the sea of ​​clouds.

Li Yan stood there, gazing in the direction where the golden light had disappeared, remaining silent for a long time.

A moment later, he headed toward the South Heavenly Gate.

Along the way, there were countless fairy mountains and magnificent palaces.

Those immortals all turned their heads when they saw Li Yan.

Some whispered, some pointed, and some cast curious glances.

Li Yan's expression remained unchanged; he kept his eyes straight ahead and continued walking.

Not far along, the South Heavenly Gate came into view, towering majestically.

On either side of the gate stood two rows of heavenly soldiers and generals.

The four Heavenly Kings, each occupying a territory, are the leaders.

Li Yan slowed his pace as he approached.

As the Heavenly King of Growth approached, he stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said:

"Master Li, are you returning to the mortal realm?"

Li Yan nodded slightly and returned the greeting with a cupped hand.

"Indeed. I have been troubling you at the Tushita Palace for many days; it is time for me to return."

The King of Growth nodded, but then said:

"Master, I have something to say, but I don't know if I should say it."

Li Yan said, "Your Majesty, please speak."

"Does the Taoist priest know what state Flower Fruit Mountain is in now?"

"Please enlighten me, Heavenly King."

The King of Growth sighed.

"This humble general was ordered to guard the Southern Heavenly Gate, and I know a little about the affairs of the Three Realms."

"That Flower and Fruit Mountain is now shrouded in calamity."

Of the monkeys in the mountains, some died, some went mad, and some disappeared.

"The monkey king's temperament changed drastically; he became irritable and easily angered, and he didn't even recognize his own monkey subjects anymore."

"Master, I fear your departure may lead to..."

Li Yan simply said, "Thank you for informing me, Your Majesty. I understand."

The King of Growth looked at him, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes.

"Master, if I may be so bold as to ask one more question."

Li Yan said, "Your Majesty, please speak."

The Heavenly King of Growth asked, "What is the relationship between the Taoist priest and that Monkey King? Is it worth taking this risk for him?"

Li Yan was slightly taken aback, then smiled.

"Your Majesty, I am sworn brothers with that Monkey King."

"brother?"

The King of Growth frowned slightly.

"The Taoist priest is a Taoist practitioner, and the monkey king is a naturally born stone monkey."

One cultivates Taoism, the other cultivates demonic arts; how can they be brothers?

Li Yan shook his head and said, "Your Majesty is mistaken. Whether one cultivates Taoism or demonic cultivation, they are all people seeking the Tao."

"Since we are all seekers of the Way, we are all on the same path. Since we are on the same path, we can be brothers."

"Moreover, the Monkey King treated me with utmost sincerity."

When I was in dire straits, he disregarded his own safety to come and save me.

"Such affection is something even blood brothers wouldn't match."

"Since he treated me like a brother, I will repay him as a brother."

As the King of Growth listened, a strange light flashed in his eyes.

"I don't understand what you mean, Master. But I admire you."

Li Yan smiled slightly, cupped his hands, and said, "Your Majesty flatters me."

The Heavenly King of Growth nodded and said, "Daoist Master, I have one more thing to say."

Li Yan said, "Your Majesty, please speak."

The Heavenly King of Growth concealed his voice with his magic before saying, "Daoist, please be careful on your journey."

Li Yan frowned. "What do you mean by that, Your Majesty?"

The Heavenly King of Growth said, "During your time in Heaven, Daoist Master, some people have had quite a few complaints about you."

"They think, what right does a Daoist priest, a rogue cultivator from the lower realm, have to refine pills in the Tushita Palace?"

Why should Laozi favor him?

Why should the Jade Emperor personally issue an edict to detain them?

"These people have different intentions. Some are just gossipy, saying whatever comes to mind. Others, however..."

As he spoke, a cold glint flashed in his eyes.

"Some are truly serious. Daoist Master, you may encounter difficulties on your journey to the mortal realm."

Li Yan listened and nodded inwardly.

He had anticipated this.

During his time in Heaven, although he stayed in the Tushita Palace refining elixirs, he vaguely sensed that someone was secretly watching him.

Those people have probably been eyeing him for a long time.

Thinking of this, Li Yan cupped his hands to the Heavenly King of Growth and said, "Thank you for your instructions, Heavenly King."

The Heavenly King of Growth waved his hand and said, "Daoist Master, you're too kind. Let's get going."

Li Yan nodded and turned to leave.

Just then, the Heavenly King Vaishravana suddenly spoke up.

"Wait a minute."

Li Yan paused and looked back.

Vaisravana stepped forward, his expression calm, but a hint of coldness flashed in his eyes.

"Master Li, I have a question that I would like to ask you."

"Please speak, Heavenly King."

The Heavenly King Duowen said, "The Taoist priest just said that he and the Monkey King are brothers, so he must go back to save him."

"Then I would like to ask, Taoist priest, do you know the origins of that Monkey King?"

The Heavenly King of Duowen did not give Li Yan a chance to speak.

He muttered to himself, "That Monkey King was born from a stone monkey, absorbing the essence of the sun and moon and the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. He has cultivated successfully and has already attained the status of a Taiyi Golden Immortal."

"He seized the mountain and became king, gathering followers and defying the rule of the Heavenly Court and its laws."

"Even if such a demonic monkey reigns supreme in the mortal realm, it will ultimately be a demon and a scourge."

"As a Taoist cultivator, why do you not think of serving the Heavenly Court, but instead want to be sworn brothers with this kind of demonic monkey? What kind of logic is that?"

Li Yan listened without changing his expression.

"I cannot agree with what the Heavenly King has said."

The Heavenly King of Vaisravana raised an eyebrow.

"Oh? I'd like to hear more about it."

Li Yan said, "That Monkey King is indeed a stone monkey born by nature, he is indeed the king of the mountain, and he is indeed not subject to the rule of the Heavenly Court."

"But he never intentionally committed evil, nor did he indiscriminately kill innocent people."

"Occupying the mountain as king is nothing more than protecting those helpless monkey offspring."

"Gathering in the mountains and forests is also a way to drink and make merry with one's own brothers."

To say he was disobedient to the Heavenly Court was actually a matter of not wanting to be commanded by others.

"In my humble opinion, this kind of person is a true hero with genuine feelings."

Vaisravana's expression changed slightly.

"A mere monkey demon,"

"Does he even deserve to be called a hero?"

Li Yan shook his head and said, "Your Majesty, if I may be so bold as to ask a question."

The Heavenly King Vaishravana said, "Speak."

Li Yan asked, "In the Heavenly King's opinion, what qualifies someone to be called a hero?"

The Heavenly King of Duowen was taken aback.

"Are they those celestial officials in Heaven who hold positions of power but do nothing, only knowing how to fight for power and profit?"

"Or is he still a mortal general who preys on the people and enriches himself?"

"That Monkey King, though a demon monkey, was a man of great loyalty and righteousness. To save the poor Taoist priest, he disregarded his own safety and ventured alone into the Netherworld."

"To protect those monkey offspring, he worked tirelessly day and night."

To uphold their true nature and avoid being tainted by the defilements of calamity, they struggled arduously.

"If such a person is not worthy of being called a hero, then I, this humble Taoist, do not know who is."

As Vaishravana listened, his face gradually turned ashen.

Upon seeing this, Dhritarashtra, the Heavenly King who was standing nearby, quickly stepped forward to smooth things over.

"Master Li, the Heavenly King Duowen is also thinking of the Heavenly Court and has no ill intentions."

"I understand. It is the Heavenly King's duty, and I should be understanding."

"However, if I may be so bold as to ask the Heavenly King if he has ever heard of a certain saying?"

The Heavenly King Vaishravana asked, "What is it?"

Li Yan said, "Whether it's a demon, a human, an immortal, or a Buddha, they are all living beings, and they all have thoughts."

"A righteous heart makes even a demon a hero. An evil heart makes even an immortal a scoundrel."

"The Heavenly King guards the South Heavenly Gate, a weighty responsibility."

If you encounter people from the lower realms in the future, please judge them by your thoughts and intentions, not by their social status.

The Heavenly King Vaishravana listened, his expression shifting between light and dark.

After a long while, he suppressed his impatience and cupped his hands in a gesture of respect to Li Yan.

"I will remember your words, Daoist Master."

Li Yan nodded and returned the greeting with a cupped hand.

"Thank you for your understanding, Heavenly King."

Having said that, he strode towards the South Heavenly Gate.

The Four Heavenly Kings stood beneath the South Heavenly Gate, watching the figure gradually disappear into the distance, remaining silent for a long time.

Only after Li Yan's figure disappeared did the Heavenly King of Growth sigh.

"This Taoist priest Li is truly extraordinary."

The Heavenly King Vaishravana nodded: "Although I do not like to hear what he said, I have to admit that there is some truth to it."

Dhritarashtra, the Heavenly King, laughed and said, "Rare indeed! Even the learned can admit his mistake?"

Vaisravana glared at him.

"When did I ever admit my mistake?"

I was merely saying that there's some truth to what he said. Truth is truth, and stance is stance.

The Heavenly King Guangmu shook his head and said, "Alright, alright, stop arguing. Everyone's gone, what's the point of arguing?"

The Four Heavenly Kings exchanged a glance and returned to their respective positions.

The solemn atmosphere at the South Heavenly Gate has returned.

Meanwhile, Li Yan left the South Heavenly Gate and headed down to the lower realm.

Passing through layers of clouds and over one fairy mountain after another.

A fierce wind howled, and the sea of ​​clouds surged.

He travels on clouds, his heart as still as water.

Although the conversation I had with the Heavenly King Duowen at the South Heavenly Gate was impromptu, it still expressed what I was thinking.

And he believed that the monkey was one of those with righteous thoughts.

As they were walking, they suddenly sensed a strange movement in the sea of ​​clouds ahead.

Li Yan felt a chill run down his spine, slowed the cloud's movement, and focused his attention on observing carefully.

In the depths of the sea of ​​clouds, several figures could be faintly seen, appearing and disappearing intermittently.

Those figures were grayish-black, exuding a ghostly aura, and surrounded by a chilling wind.

Li Yan's eyes narrowed.

The eye of cause and effect suddenly opened.

Those figures were all ghosts from the underworld, with low cultivation levels, only at the Ghost Immortal realm.

But there are quite a few, about twenty or thirty.

They hid in the sea of ​​clouds and quietly surrounded Li Yan.

Li Yan understood.

The King of Growth is right; someone is trying to make things difficult for him.

He hesitated for a moment, then continued walking, pretending not to notice.

Seeing that he was completely unprepared, the ghosts grew bolder and drew closer and closer.

When they got within a hundred feet, Li Yan stopped.

"Gentlemen, having followed me all this way, shouldn't you show yourselves now?"

A silence fell over the sea of ​​clouds.

Immediately afterwards, a series of eerie, grotesque laughs rang out.

"Well done, kid! You've got some skills!"

Amidst the churning sea of ​​clouds, twenty or thirty figures appeared simultaneously.

The leader was a demon king with a blue face and fangs.

He was twelve feet tall, with a blue face and fangs, red hair and blue eyes, and a pair of curved horns on his head.

Clad in jet-black armor, wielding a three-pronged fork, he exuded a ghostly aura, surrounded by swirling yin winds.

He looked at Li Yan, a glint of greed in his eyes.

Li Yan spoke first: "Gentlemen, what brings you here?"

The ghost king laughed eerily, "Of course I want your life!"

Li Yan said, "I have no grudge against any of you, why do you want to take my life?"

The ghost king said, "No enmity or grudge?"

"The trouble you caused in the underworld resulted in my brothers being punished by King Yama. Today, we should settle this score!"

Li Yan listened and secretly shook his head.

These ghosts were merely acting on someone's orders to cause him trouble.

The person behind that probably doesn't want him to return to Flower Fruit Mountain smoothly.

"Gentlemen, I have a word of advice to offer."

The ghost king said, "Speak!"

Li Yan said, "If you are being instructed by someone to cause trouble for me, I advise you to stop."

"The person who ordered you around is just using you as pawns."

"If you truly harm this humble Taoist, and the Heavenly Court investigates, you will be the ones who suffer."

Upon hearing this, the Ghost King's expression changed slightly.

"Boy, stop trying to sow discord! We brothers are here today to take your life!"

Having said that, he brandished his three-pronged fork and shouted sternly:

"Brothers, let's go!"

Twenty or thirty ghosts attacked at once.

A ghostly aura and a chilling wind rushed towards Li Yan.

Li Yan stood atop the clouds, his expression unchanged.

A spark of starlight welled up from the palm of my hand.

The starlight was initially as faint as fireflies.

Then it burned as brightly as candlelight.

Finally, it shone as brightly as the sun.

In an instant, it enveloped all twenty or thirty ghosts.

When the starlight shone on those ghosts, they felt their bodies stiffen and they were unable to move.

The ghost king's expression changed drastically, and he struggled desperately, but it was as if he were trapped in a quagmire.

Li Yan shook his head slightly.

"I had no intention of taking action, but you all remain stubbornly ignorant."

Having said that, he raised his hand and waved it.

The stars shone brightly.

Those ghosts only felt a blur before their eyes.

Upon closer inspection, I found myself in a strange and wondrous world.

The ghost king exclaimed in surprise, "Where...where is this?"

Li Yan's voice came from the void.

"This is my territory, and I call the shots. Now that you're here, make yourselves at home."

The ghost king's face turned deathly pale, and he said in a stern voice:

"Boy! You dare imprison us? Do you know who we are?"

Li Yan said, "This humble Taoist does not know, nor does he wish to know."

"Gentlemen, reflect on your actions. I will deal with you after I have finished my business."

After saying that, the sound disappeared.

The ghosts struggled and fought their way out of the cave, but they couldn't get out no matter what they did.

They were trapped here, unable to move.

Meanwhile, outside, Li Yan collected the ghosts and continued on his way.

They hadn't gone far when they encountered another group of monsters.

There were about thirty or forty tigers, leopards, wolves, snakes, and all sorts of strange creatures.

The leader was a demon king with a tiger's head and a human body.

He was eighteen feet tall, with a tiger's head and a human body, wearing a tiger-skin cloak and holding a mountain-splitting axe.

His body was surrounded by a surging demonic aura, and his murderous intent soared to the sky.

He blocked Li Yan's path and said sternly:

"Li Yan! You caused my king to be injured by Sun Wukong! Today you shall pay with your life!"

Li Yan looked at him and shook his head slightly.

"Who is your king?"

The tiger demon king said, "My king is the Lion Camel King! Have you forgotten?"

Li Yan understood.

It turned out they were subordinates of the five demon kings.

"Your king was injured by a monkey; what does that have to do with me?"

The Tiger Demon King said, "If it weren't for your broken formation, how could my king have been blocked by that monkey?"

How did he manage to injure me?

"Today, we brothers will avenge our king!"

Before he could finish speaking, he swung his axe.

"Brothers, let's go!"

Thirty or forty demons attacked at once.

Li Yan stood atop the clouds, his expression unchanged.

Just like before, the starlight shone brightly, enveloping all the demons within it.

When the starlight shone on those monsters, they felt their bodies stiffen and they were unable to move.

The tiger demon king's expression changed drastically. He struggled desperately, but he couldn't break free no matter what he did.

Li Yan looked at them and shook his head slightly.

"I had no intention of committing further killings, but you all remain stubbornly deluded."

With a swirling of starlight, all the demonic creatures were drawn into the cave.

Li Yan continued forward.

Along the way, they encountered five or six more groups of people blocking their path.

Besides ghosts and demons, there are also cultivators from the human world.

Some had thirty or fifty, others had seventy or eighty, and some even had over a hundred.

Li Yan didn't stand on ceremony; he accepted every batch that came.

They were all taken into the cave and imprisoned.

Upon reaching the territory of Dongsheng Shenzhou, nearly five hundred caves had already been sealed within them.

Those ghosts and monsters were imprisoned in a corner of the cave, unable to move and could only stare helplessly.

Li Yan ignored them and continued on his way.

Finally, Flower Fruit Mountain came into view in the distance.

The mountain stood majestically, with seventy-two peaks and thirty-six caves spread out before our eyes.

But the weather in the mountains was completely different from before.

A hazy mist enveloped the entire mountain range.

The fog was sometimes thick, sometimes thin, sometimes there, sometimes not.

When thick, it is as dense as a mountain, blocking out the sky and the sun.

When pale, it resembles gauze or smoke, ethereal and uncertain.

Li Yan stood on the cloud, gazing at the mountain, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

Forty-nine years.

Forty-nine years have passed, and this mountain has changed into this state.

They pressed down from the clouds and descended into the mountains.

Upon reaching the foot of the mountain, one could see that the Zhou Tian Xing Dou Grand Array was still in operation.

Three hundred and sixty-five small flags hung in the air, starlight falling down, protecting the entire mountain range.

But the starlight is not as brilliant as it used to be.

It has dimmed considerably and is now swaying uncertainly.

Li Yan's heart sank.

This formation is based on the power of his grotto-heaven.

Although he left a wisp of his spirit to oversee the formation while refining the elixir, the power of that spirit was ultimately limited.

In addition, the celestial realm is too far away from here.

While pondering, he raised his hand and pointed.

A ray of starlight disappeared into the formation.

The formation, having received this ray of starlight, immediately shone brightly.

The stars shine brightly once more.

The flag gradually stabilized.

The entire formation has been completely renewed.

Li Yan stopped and continued walking into the mountains.

Not far along, they saw several monkeys squatting by the roadside.

Those monkey offspring all looked listless, had dull eyes, and moved slowly.

Upon seeing Li Yan, they raised their heads and glanced at him.

There was only blankness in those eyes.

Li Yan felt a pang of sadness.

He crouched down and patted the head of a little monkey.

The little monkey didn't run away, it just stared at him blankly.

Li Yan stood up and continued walking into the mountains.

All along the way, this was the scenery I saw.

Those monkey offspring who miraculously survived were also in a daze, like walking corpses.

Li Yan felt increasingly heavy-hearted.

He quickened his pace and headed towards the Water Curtain Cave.

As we reached the halfway point of the mountain, we suddenly saw two familiar figures squatting on the stone steps ahead.

General Beng, leaning on his cane and with a hunched back, looked down at the road below the mountain.

The other one, perched on a rock with its head drooping and motionless, was General Ba.

Forty-nine years have passed, and they have all grown old.

General Beng's once glossy brown fur is now sparse and gray, and when the wind blows, it reveals the wrinkled skin underneath.

His straight back was bent into a bow, and his head almost drooped to his chest.

General Ba is no better off.

Those once bright and piercing eyes are now cloudy and grimy, with eye discharge stuck to the corners.

He squatted there, like a clay sculpture, lifeless.

Li Yan slowed his pace as he approached.

General Beng raised his head and glanced at him.

A hint of confusion flashed in those cloudy old eyes, which then turned into disbelief.

"Master Li...Master Li?"

Li Yan nodded slightly and cupped his hands, saying, "General Beng, this humble Taoist has returned."

General Beng trembled, and his cane nearly fell to the ground.

He stood up shakily, took a step forward, and then stopped.

Those old eyes sized Li Yan up and down.

"Is it really... really Master Li?"

General Ba also raised his head and looked at Li Yan, his eyes filled with shock.

Li Yan smiled slightly and took something out of his pocket.

It was a jade talisman, pure white with a faint golden light flowing within.

This is the jade talisman he left for his four generals.

"Does the general still remember this?"

When General Beng saw the jade talisman, tears welled up in his cloudy old eyes.

"I remember...I remember..."

He murmured to himself, his hands trembling as he reached out to take the jade talisman, but then withdrew them.

"Master Daoist...Master Daoist is finally back..."

Before he finished speaking, his hunched body suddenly went limp.

Li Yan reacted quickly, stepping forward to support him.

"General!"

General Beng leaned against him, tears streaming down his face.

"It's good that you're back...it's good that you're back..."

General Ba also struggled to his feet and staggered over to the front.

Tears welled up in those cloudy eyes.

"Taoist Master...Taoist Master is finally back...The King...The King..."

He choked up halfway through his sentence and couldn't continue.

Li Yan's heart sank.

He supported General Beng and looked at General Ba.

"How is the King?"

General Ba opened his mouth, but didn't know where to begin.

General Beng caught his breath, wiped away his tears, and said hoarsely:

"Taoist Master... the King... he can't hold on much longer..."

Li Yan's eyes narrowed.

Just then, a commotion suddenly arose in the distance.

The commotion was even louder than before, and it carried a hint of panic.

General Beng and General Ba exchanged a glance, their expressions changing simultaneously.

"Here we go again...something's happened again..."

Li Yan, supporting General Beng, said in a deep voice:

"Let's go take a look."

The three of them headed toward the source of the commotion.

Not far along, they saw a group of monkeys surrounding a figure.

The monkeys looked terrified, yet dared not approach.

Marshal Liu, who was surrounded in the middle, stood on a rock, gesturing wildly and muttering incantations.

His upright posture was now hunched over like a bow as he stood on the rock, swaying precariously as if he might fall at any moment.

But at this moment, he was full of energy.

Standing on the rock, he gesticulated wildly and muttered incantations.

"Here it comes!"

"I saw him!"

"He's here to pick me up! He's here to pick me up!"

The monkeys stared at him, their eyes filled with terror.

Some whispered, "Marshal Liu has gone mad again..."

Some covered their mouths, afraid to make a sound.

Some have already begun to quietly retreat.

General Beng and General Ba squeezed into the circle, and when they saw Marshal Liu's appearance, their hearts sank.

General Beng stepped forward and said in a deep voice, "Old Liu, wake up!"

Marshal Liu turned his head and looked at him.

A flicker of confusion crossed those cloudy eyes, which then transformed into ecstasy.

"Old Beng! You saw it too? You saw it too?"

"He's here! He's really here!"

"Quick! Come with me! Let's go get him!"

With that, he jumped off the rock and started to run out of the mountain.

General Beng grabbed him.

"Old Liu! Wake up! Nobody's coming! It's an illusion!"

Marshal Liu struggled, shouting, "It's not a hallucination! It's not a hallucination! I really saw it!"

"He's in the clouds!"

"It's him! He's back!"

Li Yan stood outside the crowd, watching this scene, his heart filled with mixed feelings.

He took a deep breath, parted the monkeys, and walked into the circle.

When the monkeys saw him, they all made way.

Forty-nine years have passed, and some of them no longer recognize him.

Li Yan stopped in front of Marshal Liu.

Marshal Liu was struggling when he suddenly sensed someone approaching and looked up.

Li Yan's figure was reflected in those cloudy eyes.

In that instant, the whole world seemed to stand still.

Marshal Liu froze, and his struggling movements ceased.

He just stared at Li Yan, without blinking.

Tears gradually welled up in those cloudy old eyes.

"Master Li...Master Li?"

Li Yan smiled slightly, raised his hand, and placed it on his shoulder.

"General Liu, I have returned."

Marshal Liu trembled.

He reached out his trembling hand, grabbed Li Yan's sleeve, and clenched it tightly.

"Really... really is you?"

"Is it really you who's back?"

Am I dreaming?

Li Yan shook his head.

"It's not a dream. I have truly returned."

Marshal Liu stared at him blankly.

Suddenly, he opened his mouth and let out a wail.

"They're back...they're really back..."

He hugged Li Yan's leg and burst into tears.

"Master Daoist...Master Daoist, you're finally back..."

"His Majesty...His Majesty is dying..."

"Those monkeys... so many of those monkeys died..."

Li Yan knelt down and helped him up.

"I know. I know everything."

"General Liu, you have suffered."

Marshal Liu raised his head, his face streaked with tears.

"Taoist priest...please go and see the king...please go quickly..."

Li Yan nodded.

"I will go now. General, please rest."

He stood up and looked at General Beng and General Ba.

"Generals, please take me to see the King."

General Beng wiped away his tears and nodded.

"Taoist priest, please come with me."

The three turned and headed into the inner cave.

Behind.

Marshal Liu knelt on the ground, gazing at that retreating figure, murmuring, "He's back... he's really back..."

The monkeys watched this scene and gradually gathered around.

A glimmer of hope flashed in the eyes of one of the monkeys.

Li Yan followed Beng Ba and his two generals toward the stone chamber.

All I saw along the way was desolation.

The once bustling cave is now completely empty.

The once cheerful monkeys have become few and far between.

Those who survived by sheer luck looked pale and had dull eyes; they huddled in corners, trembling.

When they saw them, they would only raise their heads, glance at them blankly, and then lower their heads again.

Li Yan watched silently.

Upon reaching the entrance of the stone chamber, General Beng stopped.

Looking back at Li Yan, her eyes were filled with complex emotions.

"Master, the King is inside."

"But...but Your Majesty now..."

Li Yan nodded slightly.

"I know. General, there's no need for further explanation."

After saying that, he pushed open the stone door.

The stone chamber was dimly lit.

Li Yan stepped inside, his gaze sweeping across the room.

In the center of the stone chamber, a golden figure sat cross-legged.

He has changed so much in the forty-nine years since we last met.

The phoenix-winged purple-gold crown he wore was askew, with one of its golden wings broken off.

The golden chainmail armor he wore was covered in dust and stains, and even had several cracks.

One of the lotus-silk cloud-walking shoes she was wearing was missing, and the other had several holes in it.

His hairy face was much thinner than before.

His eyes were sunken, his cheekbones were prominent, and his golden eyes were bloodshot.

His aura was vast and boundless, yet restless and uneasy.

Three feet away from him, a layer of hazy mist lingered.

The turbid energy was almost solidified, slowly wriggling.

Li Yan looked at him, her heart filled with mixed emotions.

I couldn't help but slow my pace and walk slowly towards it.

"Your Majesty."

The voice was soft and gentle, as if afraid of startling the monkey.

I'm currently reading Chapter 92, "Farewell to Venus, Return to My Hometown Island, Facing a Profound Calamity, Hidden in the Fog, Alone" (1.1 words), and I'm completely engrossed in it.