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

The Dragon King of Ten Thousand Saints personally led Chen Jiao through layers of beaded curtains and into the main hall of the Dragon Palace.

The interior of the palace was extremely luxurious.

The dome is inlaid with large, luminous pearls, whose soft, clear light shines down like moonlight, illuminating the lifelike dragon and phoenix carvings on the four walls.

The steps are made of white jade, and the railings are made of coral.

The sacred spring flows gently from the mouth of the dragon head at the corner of the hall, flowing into a clear pool in the center of the hall, where lotus leaves grow lushly and a subtle fragrance wafts through the air.

Chen Jiao was invited by the Dragon King of Ten Thousand Saints to the right-hand seat, which was only a few steps away from the main seat. It was carved from a single piece of warm jade and covered with snow-white silk.

This is clearly the most honored guest position.

He sat down calmly, his black robes appearing even more serene under the gleam of the pearls.

The remaining guests also filed in and took their seats in order of their cultivation level.

The Nascent Soul Flood Dragon Spirit sat down beside Chen Jiao, and the seats on the left were quickly occupied by several Water Palace Lords and Mountain Demon Lords with extraordinary auras.

Soon, the spacious hall was almost full, and laughter and pleasantries began to rise. Graceful maidens continuously served up spiritual fruits and delicacies.

However, the jade table at the very top on the left remained empty.

The table was set with cups and goblets, and fresh, delicious fruits, but the seats were empty.

This subtle position, directly opposite the honored seat to the right of Chen Jiao, speaks volumes about its significance.

When the demon cultivators in the hall glanced at the empty seat, their expressions all changed slightly.

He secretly wondered what kind of person could make the Dragon King of Ten Thousand Saints reserve this seat so solemnly.

Seeing that the main guests were already seated, the Dragon King of Ten Thousand Saints strode to the central seat, but did not sit down immediately. He first looked around and laughed loudly:

"I am deeply grateful for the presence of all my fellow Daoists!"

However, the auspicious time for the birthday banquet has not yet arrived. Please, everyone, take your seats, enjoy some light wine, and chat casually!

After the Dragon King finished speaking, he lightly clapped his hands.

The sounds of string and wind instruments suddenly arose, like the murmuring of flowing water.

Twelve dancers in colorful robes entered the hall, their sleeves billowing and waists swaying to the music, their graceful movements creating trails of light.

Maids carrying jade pots and golden goblets moved among the guests, pouring them turquoise spirit wine. The wine was fragrant and refreshing, and the aroma was invigorating.

Most of the demons present were rough and boorish.

The atmosphere inside the hall gradually became lively. After a few cups of spiritual wine, people let loose and their demonic nature was revealed.

They talked and laughed loudly, or flattered each other, their eyes occasionally glancing at the graceful figures dancing in the arena, and their conversations inevitably carried a touch of vulgarity and jest.

The entire hall was filled with flickering lights and shadows, the sounds of people mingling with the sounds of stringed instruments, and the lingering aroma of wine and demonic energy blending together to create a bizarre and fantastical night banquet scene.

After the Dragon King of Ten Thousand Saints raised his cup and drank a cup with Chen Jiao, he did not put down his cup. Holding the warm, smooth jade cup, his gaze fell upon her serene profile, and finally he sighed softly:

"Fellow Daoist Xuanling's ability to condense water into flowers has truly opened my eyes."

Having cultivated for thousands of years and traveled the world, I have found that the art of water manipulation is truly exceptional.

I had previously heard that you had helped resolve the calamity of the Weak Water in the East Sea, but I thought it was just an exaggeration. Today I know it was true!

The Nascent Soul stage dragon also clapped his hands and sighed, saying:

"The eight meridians of water generate and transform each other, subtly aligning with the wonders of the celestial circulation."

Fellow Daoist Xuanling's understanding of the nature of water has reached a state of perfection. In my thousand years of cultivation, I have never seen another person with such skill.

Fellow Daoist, you are so young yet possess such attainments; you put us all to shame.

"Based on the evergreen lotus, it appears moderate, but in reality, it uses the gentle nature of herbs and trees to harmonize the restlessness of the eight flowers."

Absolutely wonderful!

Several Nascent Soul cultivators in nearby seats also turned to the side, either raising their cups in greeting or offering words of agreement.

Chen Jiao returned the toast with his cup, and said calmly:

"You flatter me. It was just a matter of chance, and I tried a few more times."

As he spoke, his gaze swept over the magnificent Crystal Palace, and then over the orderly expanse of the Azure Pool outside, before suddenly changing his tone:

"However, the Dragon King's Azure Wave Pool has many demon cultivators under his command, of various kinds, yet he manages to keep them all in their proper places and in an orderly manner."

Only now, upon closer inspection, does he reveal his true abilities.

Upon hearing this, the Dragon King of Ten Thousand Saints paused slightly while stroking his beard, a fleeting look of surprise in his eyes.

He did not expect Chen Jiao to suddenly bring up this matter, and to pinpoint the key difficulty he faced in governing the Water Palace.

However, the Dragon King of Ten Thousand Saints' face shone even brighter, yet he waved his hand with a wry smile and took the opportunity to speak:

"Fellow Daoist, you may not know this, but what appears to be glamorous is actually the hardship that only you know."

Unifying the aquatic creatures and balancing the various factions is far more mentally taxing than secluded cultivation. I've devoted most of my energy to this over the years.

His words lacked the majesty of a dragon king, and sounded more like he was confiding in a fellow believer and discussing scriptures.

Upon hearing this, the old dragon sitting nearby nodded in deep agreement and added:

"What the Dragon King says is absolutely right. Although my lake is not as vast as the Azure Wave Pool, I have the same worries."

The soldiers under my command are divided into two groups: the unruly ones need to be disciplined with authority, and the timid ones need to be appeased with kindness. The resources of the spiritual land are limited, so how to distribute them in a way that satisfies the masses is an even greater challenge.

When I was a carefree, wandering cultivator, I only felt the immense power and prestige of a regional lord. But once I sat in that position, I realized what it meant to walk on thin ice.

A river god demon lord also spoke coldly, his words filled with resentment:

"Even more so, there are those ignorant and arrogant cultivators who often venture into the river to search for spirit mines, or forcibly conscript aquatic creatures as mounts, leading to constant conflicts."

Chen Jiao nodded slightly and said in a deep voice:

"When Yunmang Mountain was first established, it also faced many problems."

Water has its source, and trees have their roots. Governing power is like controlling a great river; it is better to dredge than to block, and better to guide than to suppress.

By establishing rules and clarifying rewards and punishments, the demons under his command were able to find their proper place and fulfill their duties, thus dispelling their resentment.

As for external disturbances… our own foundation is solid, like a reef standing in a raging storm; though the waves are fierce, they will shatter upon contact.”

He spoke casually, but the Dragon King of Ten Thousand Saints and the several Nascent Soul cultivators present felt a chill run down their spines.

They are all people who manage their own territory. Their solid foundation sounds simple, but it contains countless ruthless methods and persistent efforts.

Chen Jiao's gaze swept over the crowd as he continued:

"As for resources, we should focus on both increasing revenue and reducing expenditure."

Those who advocate open source could emulate the Yunmang Marketplace to promote circulation and facilitate the exchange of what is available for what is not; those who advocate cost-cutting need to streamline their internal processes, eliminate waste, and ensure that every resource is used effectively.

In no time, the conversation shifted from the mystical arts to the mundane practicalities of managing one's power.

Several Nascent Soul cultivators gradually joined in, and what they said were all practical problems such as cave dwelling management, resource allocation, and discipline of the followers.

Their words were less polite and more genuinely troubled.

Chen Jiao sat quietly at the table, mostly sipping wine and listening, but every time he spoke, he hit the nail on the head.

The methods he proposed may seem simple, but they are highly effective and are clearly not just empty talk.

Whenever the Dragon King Wansheng reached a difficult point, he would subconsciously look at Chen Jiao with a look of seeking advice in his eyes.

The Dragon King was even more impressed by Chen Jiao's few words, which all hit the nail on the head regarding governance.

My gaze swept over the empty cups on Chen Jiao's desk, where the remaining wine stains rippled in the light of the pearl.

The Dragon King suddenly smiled and spoke gently to Princess Wansheng, who was standing beside him:

"My son, hurry up and pour wine for your Uncle Xuanling."

Upon hearing this, Chen Jiao paused, then couldn't help but look up at the Dragon King.

He certainly hadn't expected the Dragon King of Ten Thousand Saints to suddenly entrust him with such an intimate address, and even to have his beloved daughter personally hold the pot.

This goes beyond ordinary politeness and carries a strong sense of intimacy.

Princess Wansheng was listening intently to the conversation when she suddenly heard "Uncle Xuanling".

Her eyes were slightly lowered, her ears first blushed, and then the blush quickly spread to her cheeks, even her neck turned a peach color.

She met Xuan Ling in Sister Ying's palace and knew that his cultivation was unfathomable. Although she admired him, she always addressed him as a fellow Daoist.

That "uncle" was really...