Journey to the West: Starting with the True Lord of the Pure Land

Xuanqing Cave.

The cave's dome hangs high, with pearls like stars, their soft, clear light illuminating the vast space.

Looking around, more than a hundred jade tables are neatly arranged on both sides, and many guests are already seated.

According to unwritten rules, the outer seats are mostly occupied by cultivators in the late Foundation Establishment stage or even the peak stage. Although their auras are not weak, they all sit upright and have respectful expressions.

In the front row, one can see some mountain and water deities dressed in priestly robes, surrounded by the pure and spiritual aura of the mountains and rivers.

Their cultivation levels may not be particularly high, but they hold divine positions and enjoy a venerable status, hence this courtesy. They exchanged pleasantries in hushed tones, their demeanor dignified and composed.

The deeper one goes, the more profound and unfathomable the aura becomes.

Tiger Power's gaze swept over them, and his heart skipped a beat. With just a rough sense, he could perceive that there were more than a dozen Golden Core cultivators!

Some exuded an air of otherworldly grace, others a restrained demonic aura, some closed their eyes to meditate, and still others sipped their drinks slowly—each possessed an extraordinary presence.

Behind the jade tables closest to the main seat sat three beings whose auras were as profound as the sea.

It is indeed a Nascent Soul Supreme True Immortal!

Although he did not deliberately display his aura, the natural aura he exuded had already caused the surrounding spiritual energy to freeze.

The three demons were shocked and dared not look any longer. They quickly lowered their heads and found seats at the back.

He felt as if he were enveloped by powerful auras, some bright and some dark, making him extremely uncomfortable.

They couldn't resist any longer and, peering over the crowd, quietly looked up at the head of the table.

On the main seat.

A figure in black robes sat quietly, with black hair and a silver crown, exuding a refined and extraordinary air. There was no trace of demonic aura emanating from him, making him seem completely unlike a demon.

Only his pair of long, narrow, crimson-gold pupils, which opened and closed like a dragon or a python, were terrifying.

Upon closer inspection, however, it seemed as if the figure in black robes had become one with the entire cave and even the entire mountain range.

As my gaze fell upon it, I felt a sense of unease.

In a daze, I seemed to see a dragon sitting atop the throne, its eyes half-open, indifferently looking down upon all living beings.

The sight involuntarily instilled a sense of awe in all the guests, who dared not look directly at him.

The figure in black simply sat quietly, without saying a word, and without even deliberately scanning the entire room.

Yet the entire cave was quiet because of him, and all its myriad phenomena arose because of him.

Chen Jiao's gaze lingered briefly on the tiger, deer, and sheep demons, as if he were deep in thought.

The three demons sat upright and stiffly, their postures somewhat out of place with the relaxed conversations of the surrounding guests.

Not long after.

The light at the entrance to the cave dimmed slightly, and the last few cultivators from the Southern Continent had taken their seats.

The cave was filled with people, yet their energy intertwined, creating a unique atmosphere.

Chen Jiao's gaze swept over the crowd.

The one with a constant smile on his face was the land deity of Yunmang Mountain, whose status had risen along with Chen Jiao's, and who was now faintly touching the threshold of the Golden Core stage.

All the mountain and water deities were filled with envy.

Chen Jiao was not surprised that the Black Bear Spirit, the mountain god of Black Wind Ridge, had recently entered the Golden Core stage.

Master Xuangu and Master Yujin sat side by side, exchanging witty remarks and secretly probing each other's strengths and weaknesses.

Some of the other guests also came from the Southern Continent and the Western Continent, which shows that the name of the Flood Dragon Demon King had spread.

After a moment's thought, Chen Jiao...

He slowly rose from his seat, and all the whispers in the cave fell silent instantly, as hundreds of gazes involuntarily converged on him.

He didn't use any special technique to amplify his voice; he simply spoke normally, yet his voice was clear and peaceful, reaching each guest's ears as if they were right beside them.

"My cultivation is shallow, and I have only managed to reach the Nascent Soul stage by chance. Today, I am honored by the presence of fellow Daoists from all sides who have not abandoned me and have graced Yunmang Mountain with their presence. Qingchi Ridge is now a place of great honor."

He picked up a glass cup from the table, raised it slightly, and said in a deep voice:

"This is just a simple meal with some wine and food, a token of my appreciation. Please make yourselves at home."

It is concise and to the point, without any superfluous words.

After speaking, he nodded in greeting and then drank half a cup of wine himself.

Regardless of their level of cultivation or background, all the guests present returned the greetings with clasped hands and offered their congratulations.

Mountain gods praised his way of following nature, water gods lauded his widespread power and virtue, and many demon cultivators even declared that they were willing to serve as a lowly soldier under the Demon Lord's command.

Faced with a Nascent Soul level demon king, and a notorious Jiao Demon King, no one dared to offend him at this moment.

The banquet then began.

The three flower fairies standing on either side clapped their hands lightly, and a line of maids dressed in elegant dresses entered one after another, each carrying a jade plate.

Holding jade platters, they moved with light steps, placing one exquisite dish after another before the guests.

On the jade plate were fragrant spiritual fruits and meticulously prepared spiritual birds and carp.

Cola Novels: This is where dreams begin, and where dreams come true.

The banquet reached its middle seat, and after three rounds of drinks...

The atmosphere at the table gradually shifted from the initial formality and politeness to a more pragmatic and serious one.

Chen Jiao's words were concise, directly addressing several long-standing border frictions and resource disputes around Qingchi Ridge.

These previously tangled and trivial matters were resolved in just a few words in his calm tone.

Whether drawing clear lines or setting compensation, the logic is clear and unquestionable.

All the guests listened attentively, and no one raised any objections. The words of the Nascent Soul Demon Lord set the tone for proper conduct.

The conversation then shifted to something deeper and more distant.

Chen Jiao discussed the production of spiritual items, the needs of cultivators from all walks of life, and even the circulation of products from other continents.

Long-term exchange of specific resources, joint protection of dangerous routes, and joint management of border areas.

Long-term exchange of specific resources, joint protection of dangerous routes, and joint management of border areas.

All the cultivators present, whether mountain gods, water spirits, demon lords, or sect envoys, listened attentively.

The topics of conversation gradually became more specific, including the year-round supply of a certain type of mineral, the stable procurement of a certain elixir, and even the guarantee of passage through several key waterways.

Chen Jiao designated several types of spiritual materials and minerals that could be supplied in fixed quantities from within the mountains, promising to conduct long-term transactions with several reputable forces at fair prices.

Several of these items were precisely what certain factions present lacked. Upon hearing this, the faction leader's eyes flickered as he secretly considered the extent of their shortage.

Chen Jiao also designated three safe trade routes traversing the heart of the mountains, connecting three thousand miles east and west by land and water, for use by traveling merchants.

The patrols are carried out by the demon soldiers of Qingchi Ridge, sharing the responsibility with the mountain and water deities along the way. Only a small fee is deducted for maintenance.

These terms, seemingly concessions, actually place Qingchi Ridge in a pivotal position.

How much spirit ore will flow out and how safe the trade routes will be all dependent on Chen Jiao's approval.

The guests were all discerning people, and after a little consideration, they realized that this was an open scheme.

The boundaries of the spheres of influence of each party and the patterns of cooperation and exchanges gradually became clear in this seemingly peaceful discussion, with their own trajectories to follow.

As the sun began to set.

Inside the cave, the pearl shone even brighter, and many matters had been largely agreed upon.

A collaborative network centered on Yunmang Mountain and radiating to the surrounding mountains, rivers, lakes and seas for tens of thousands of miles has already taken shape.

After this day, the name of Qingchi Ridge Yunmang Mountain will be more than just a Nascent Soul cultivation site.

It will become an indispensable pillar of order in the southern territory of Dongsheng Shenzhou.

So Chen Jiao raised his cup to invite everyone to drink, and all the cultivators responded in unison.

Afterwards, the guests either sipped their drinks or chatted quietly, and the atmosphere relaxed.

Chen Jiao gently stroked the rim of the glass cup on the table, his gaze sweeping over the assembled guests. His voice was steady, yet it caused everyone to unconsciously straighten their posture:

"Today, on this auspicious day."

At the foot of Qingchi Ridge, a market will be established, named "Yunmang Market".

Starting this month, a market will be set up in the rift valley thirty miles east of the ridge on the first and fifteenth of each month.

This provides a safe haven for fellow cultivators to trade and also serves as a reliable place for independent cultivators from all directions.

Chen Jiao paused slightly, and the cave was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

"Private fights are strictly prohibited within the market."

His tone was calm, yet every word was clear, like ice falling to the ground: "Those who disobey will be annihilated, body and soul."

"After leaving the market, we are within the territory of Qingchi Ridge, which is eight hundred li away."

Chen Jiao continued, his gaze like a deep pool, sweeping over every face:

"Those who commit robbery will be annihilated, body and soul."

As the last word was uttered, the energy of the entire Yunmang Mountain suddenly solidified.

During the meal, the jade chopsticks in the hand of a Golden Core demon lord quietly turned into dust, yet he dared not move them.

The words fell.

The guests all froze for a moment, then slowly relaxed, exchanging knowing glances.

How easy is it to open up a market where cultivators can come and go with peace of mind?

Ordinary Golden Core cultivators, even if they have the will, often lack the ability to achieve it.

A swift and decisive approach is needed to deter villains, and a reputation that commands respect from all sides is also essential to attract cultivators from all corners of the land to come with peace of mind.

Fellow Daoist Xuanling has already become a Nascent Soul Great Demon Lord, and there is also... the infamous Jiao Demon King, who has shown his ability to coordinate all directions today.

With him in charge, the "Yunmang Market" might truly be a promising prospect.

A moment of silence followed inside the cave.

Black Wind King was the first to raise his cup, his voice like muffled thunder:

"Brother Xuanling's selection of this auspicious site is a great blessing for the cultivation world of the East Sea. Black Wind Ridge will certainly comply!"

The guests raised their glasses in response, their expressions solemn, showing no trace of disrespect.

Chen Jiao raised his cup and took a small sip; his black robes appeared even more serene under the light of the pearl.

The appointment at Yunmang Market was quietly made amidst the twilight and the aroma of wine.