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

Half a year has passed silently.

The clouds and mist still linger over Qingchi Ridge, but the atmosphere in the mountains has become increasingly calm and harmonious.

The Yunmang Market is bustling with activity every month on the first and fifteenth of the lunar calendar, especially at the foot of Qingchi Ridge.

With the great demon lord Xuanling in charge, an ironclad rule was established: "No robbery is allowed within 800 li."

This newly established market, in just six months, has already attracted cultivators from all directions, all of whom dare to bring their treasures.

Although Chen Jiao did not appear in person, the dragon banner hanging high at the entrance of the market was a silent rule.

Moreover, whenever the market opens, a Golden Core cultivator from the mountains will sit quietly on a cloud, his gaze lowered.

It is precisely because of this guarantee that the Yunmang Market has grown increasingly large, attracting a constant stream of cultivators.

On the opening day, from dawn onwards, various colored lights descended from the sky, some riding magical artifacts, some riding demonic winds, and some mountain spirits and water monsters walking on foot.

Along the long street, the stalls were neatly arranged, displaying a dazzling array of spiritual herbs, rare ores, magical artifacts, and talismans.

The demon race traded spiritual materials and minerals for pills and techniques, while the human race exchanged magical artifacts and talismans for demon blood and rare treasures. The sounds of bargaining were incessant, but there was little hostility.

Occasionally, a dispute would arise, drawing the gaze of a Golden Elixir Immortal high above the clouds.

The two sides stood frozen for a moment, then smiled and calmed down, seeking arbitration from the demon soldiers in charge according to the rules.

There was once a Foundation Establishment cultivator who, taking a chance, disregarded the rules of the Dragon Lord and successfully seized a treasure 500 miles outside the market. He was already about to leave the territory of Qingchi Ridge.

But in an instant, he was struck by a golden light that fell from the clouds, and his body and soul were destroyed.

From then on, no one dared to cross the line.

Amidst the morning bells and evening drums, the Cloud Mound Market has become a safe and secure place for cultivators in the vicinity.

All the cultivators said that with the Great Demon Lord Xuanling presiding over this place, the rules would be established, and the business would be able to last.

The other cave dwellings and workshops in the mountains are also well-organized, with the sounds of incense and utensils filling the air, mingling with the mountain breeze and the sound of pine trees, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

The three brothers, Huli, Luli, and Yangli, have long since shed their initial awkwardness and are now practically part of Qingchi Ridge.

The three demons, with their Foundation Establishment cultivation, were not considered outstanding in the Yunmang Mountain, a place teeming with talented individuals, yet each managed to secure a place to live and make a living through their own abilities.

Hu Li was assigned to the weapon-refining room in the south of the mountain, where the furnace fire never went out, and the metal and stone clanged together.

He seemed to have found his home, spending his days tending the furnace, wielding his tiger claws to pound the clay, controlling the heat, and shouting orders.

His demonic power was refined and honed through countless trials, becoming even more pure and concentrated.

Lu Li was assigned to work in the alchemy room, guarding the furnace, watching the fire turn from martial to civil, calculating the time, and adding medicinal materials. He was even more focused than when he was cultivating.

Yang Li was assigned to take care of the medicinal plant garden, fertilizing, catching insects, and regulating the soil, which he found quite enjoyable.

Over the past six months, the rare medicinal plants he cultivated have been growing well.

The three demons knew that this opportunity was hard-won, so they worked with extra diligence and dared not slack off in the slightest.

Yunmang Mountain has strict rules, but it also has clear rewards and punishments. They worked diligently and gradually gained the approval of the Green Ape Demon General in charge.

What delighted them most was that every now and then, they could listen to the mountain master preach.

At this time, the three demons would finish their work early, bathe and change their clothes, and rush to find a seat in the front row to listen attentively.

The mountain master preached in plain language, yet his words often pointed directly to the key to spiritual practice, revealing the true essence in the subtle details.

Whether it was the daily affairs of the three demons or the difficulties they encountered while cultivating alone, they all suddenly understood through these seemingly casual pointers.

In the past six months, the three demons have not only performed their duties well, but their cultivation has also improved significantly without them even realizing it, and their aura has become more refined than before.

Now, the three demons are no longer as fearful and anxious as when they first arrived. As they walk through the mountains, they nod to their colleagues and speak with more composure.

When they had some free time, the three brothers would gather in Huli's cave, which was filled with the aura of metal and stone, to drink a pot of spiritual tea from the mountains and taste the delicious spiritual fish.

When talking about the past six months of peaceful cultivation, the gradual improvement of his Taoist skills and the refinement of his techniques, a look of satisfaction would unconsciously appear on his face.

The bewilderment and uncertainty of the past, of being adrift and helpless, have long since dissipated in the daily incense and fire of the alchemy furnace.

Life in the mountains was peaceful and quiet. They each did their jobs and got what they wanted. They lived a fulfilling and carefree life. For the first time, Yao Sheng felt a sense of "triumph".

This sense of pride stems from a sense of peace of mind.

…………

That morning.

Before dawn, Qingchi Ridge was still shrouded in a light blue morning mist.

The three demons, Tiger Power, had already bathed and changed their clothes, and hurriedly headed to the open stone platform on the main peak of Yunmang Mountain, which was usually used for preaching.

Over the past six months, they have come to know the preciousness of the opportunity to hear the sermon, and have always been among the first to arrive.

The three demons found a spot near the front, brushed away the morning dew, and sat down quietly, not daring to speak loudly, but silently adjusting their breathing and waiting.

Gradually, even several Golden Core cultivators who were usually elusive began to quietly appear.

The three demons suddenly sensed a slight movement of energy beside them.

A quick glance revealed that Master Xuan Gu and a newly recruited Golden Core cultivator had quietly arrived and were seated on either side of him.

Although the two Golden Core cultivators had concealed their auras, they still flowed like still waters.

The three demons felt immense pressure, their bodies tense, and they even breathed very softly, afraid that the slightest movement would displease him. They could only keep their eyes closed and their minds focused, sitting stiffly without moving.

Subsequently, demons and even some mountain birds and beasts with spiritual awareness quietly arrived and found their places.

Soon the area around the stone platform was filled with people, but there was little noise, only the soft sound of the mountain breeze rustling through the treetops.

Just as the hour of Chen arrived, a figure in black robes silently appeared on the prayer mat on the platform.

Chen Jiao glanced at the demons and beasts below the stage and began to speak.

The sound was gentle, neither too loud nor too soft, yet it clearly reached the ears of every living being, like a clear spring flowing into their hearts.

The lectures mainly focused on the simple principles of guiding qi and blood, and nourishing qi.

Such as harmonizing the demonic power within the body with the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, tempering muscles, bones and skin to achieve physical and mental strength, and nurturing a bit of innate vital energy through daily breathing.

Chen Jiao spoke plainly, without any mysterious terminology, simply explaining the many subtle points of cultivation in the most straightforward way.

The cultivators below the stage, regardless of their cultivation level, listened intently, occasionally showing signs of sudden realization.

Even the few intelligent cranes perched on the branches folded their wings and lowered their heads, as if they had gained something.

Hu Li listened intently, his rugged face sometimes furrowing and sometimes relaxing.

Just as Chen Jiao was talking about "Qi originates from the dantian, like a tiger crouching in the deep forest; when still, it is silent, but when it moves, wind and clouds follow."

Hu Li felt a sudden boom in his mind, and several places where he had been stuck during his cultivation suddenly became clear.

A surge of heat erupted from his dantian, flowing through his meridians, bringing indescribable comfort. Lost in his own world, he couldn't help but tilt his head back and let out a deep, joyful tiger roar:

"Awooo—"

The tiger's roar shook the surrounding area, startling the clouds and mist in the mountains, causing ripples to spread outwards.

As soon as the tiger roared, Hu Li was instantly awakened, his face turning deathly pale, covered in cold sweat, and he lay prostrate on the ground, not daring to raise his head.

The deer and sheep beside them were terrified and hurriedly prostrated themselves to beg for forgiveness.

The surrounding demons listening to the lecture also turned their heads, their eyes filled with displeasure, and the atmosphere suddenly froze.

Even the two Golden Core cultivators on either side turned their heads slightly, their gazes falling in this direction.

Huli was inwardly groaning, wishing he could disappear into a crack in the ground, and kept his head down.

They dared not look at the great demon king above them any longer, awaiting the expected reprimand and even punishment.

Chen Jiao's gaze remained calm as he looked at Hu Li. He showed no anger, only asking indifferently:

"Why is there such a commotion in the place where the sermon is being preached?"

The sound was like a cold spring pouring down on his head, making Huli shudder.

His forehead pressed against the cold stone surface, his voice trembling slightly with fear:

"You...you little demon, you deserve to die!"

Just now, I heard the King say, "The Qi originates from the Dantian, like a tiger crouching in the deep forest. When it is still, it is at peace; when it moves, the wind and clouds follow."

Suddenly, I felt that many of the obstacles I had encountered in my cultivation had been cleared up. My mind was in turmoil, and for a moment... I lost myself and disturbed the temple. I beg Your Majesty to punish me severely!

He spoke very quickly, hastily revealing the reason for his sudden enlightenment, then lay prostrate on the ground, not daring to raise his head, awaiting his fate.

Lu Li and Yang Li, standing beside their elder brother, also bowed down.

Chen Jiao remained silent for a moment, and instead of imposing the punishment as expected, he nodded slightly.

His gaze swept over Hu Li, and he said calmly:

"To rejoice upon hearing the truth is a natural occurrence; what crime is there in that?"

These words stunned not only the three demons, but also the cultivators below the stage.

Chen Jiao's tone softened slightly:

"On the path of spiritual practice, to find a moment of genuine joy is also a blessing."

Your tiger roar, full of energy and containing the sound of thunder, comes from the heart, which is quite interesting.

Although out of control, it subtly revealed a semblance of opportunity. It seems his daily training has not been neglected.

Hu Li suddenly looked up, his eyes filled with disbelief.

The world depicted by Hengyang Yanqu can be found in "Journey to the West: Starting with Jingfa Zhenjun".