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

Several months have passed in the blink of an eye.

The light rain outside Xuanqing Cave had just stopped.

The dripping sound of water from the eaves created a sense of tranquility and peace in the room.

A jade chessboard was placed on the stone table, where Chen Jiao and the green ape played a game of chess. The black and white pieces were scattered, and the game was deadlocked.

Pear Blossom stood behind Chen Jiao, her gaze unwavering, her shy and timid eyes speaking volumes.

The ape held the white pieces, making slow and deliberate moves, but its eyes couldn't help but glance towards the southeast, where the Spirit Serpent's Palace of Azure Pool Lake was located.

Chen Jiao, playing black, placed a black piece with his fingertips, displaying a steady and powerful stance, subtly hinting at a decisive victory.

After a moment of contemplation, the green ape finally spoke, its voice extremely low:

"Brother Dao, did you notice that a few days ago, there was a violent disturbance in the spiritual energy in the direction of the Spirit Serpent Palace, with faint hissing sounds of snakes and pythons? However, it subsided abruptly within half a day and returned to silence?"

Chen Jiao held a black chess piece between his fingers, not immediately placing it down, his eyes flickering slightly upon hearing this:

"I sense something. The energy is restless and lacks staying power; this is probably not a sign of a successful breakthrough."

The green ape nodded, letting out a slight sigh of relief, a complex emotion flashing in its eyes:

"It seems... the Demon Lord's attempt to break through to the Golden Core stage during his seclusion has failed."

If the Azure Scale Demon Lord can achieve the Golden Core, the Spirit Serpent Palace will naturally rise in status, and the current pattern of one palace and four caves in Azure Pool Ridge will likely be broken instantly, with the other four caves being completely swallowed up.

Before the words were finished, a sudden gust of wind swept in from outside the cave. A dog commander in charge of patrolling the mountain quickly entered the stone hall and respectfully reported in a deep voice:

"Your Majesty, a decree from the Spirit Serpent Palace of Qingchi Lake summons the four cave masters to the palace immediately for a meeting."

Both players paused in their movements.

The white piece in Qingyuan's hand almost slipped from his grasp. His expression changed slightly as he looked at Chen Jiao.

Chen Jiao slowly placed the black piece on a corner of the chessboard, making a crisp sound, and looked up to ask:

"Do you know what the matter is?"

The dog commander shook his head in alarm: "They only said the decree was urgent, but they didn't explain the reason."

"understood."

Chen Jiao calmly replied and gently placed the black piece back into the chess jar.

The green ape also stood up, straightened his sleeves, and sighed, "Let's go, don't keep the Demon Lord waiting."

The two demons left the Xuanqing Cave, rode the demonic wind, and headed side by side into the depths of Qingchi Lake.

The lake surface was vast and misty, with water vapor rising from it. The further one went into the center of the lake, the stronger the aquatic atmosphere became, yet it carried a hint of indescribable anxiety and gloom.

The lake was deep and dark, obscuring the sky. Only various aquatic demon soldiers patrolled with halberds, forming a formidable fortress.

The outline of a majestic palace gradually emerged, built entirely of dark blue-green boulders, hidden behind layers of water curtains. The plaque above read "Spirit Serpent Palace" in three ancient and sinister characters, exuding a menacing aura.

Passing through numerous restrictions, we entered the main hall.

The Iron Mountain King of Jinshi Cave and the Poisonous Centipede King of Qianzu Cave had already arrived and sat down to one side, both remaining silent.

At the head of the main hall, the Azure Scale Demon Lord sat on a throne carved from a single piece of warm jade.

He was clad in a blue robe with scales, and his face seemed unchanged, still handsome and effeminate.

Upon closer inspection, however, his complexion had an unnatural grayish-white tinge, and deep within his eyes, there seemed to be red blood vessels.

The originally harmonious and powerful demonic energy around him now faintly revealed a sense of instability and fragility, like an undercurrent in a raging sea, seemingly calm but actually fraught with danger.

It resembled a giant serpent, its turbulent waters churning, coiled on the throne, hissing coldly.

The Azure Scale Demon Lord's gaze swept over the four generals in the palace, but lingered on Chen Jiao for a moment, a cryptic smile curving his lips: "They've all arrived."

His voice was slightly hoarse, no longer as clear and melodious as before.

"I have been in seclusion for several years, and you all have managed Qingchi Ridge quite well."

His tone was flat, revealing neither joy nor anger. "Especially Xuan Ling... I heard you killed General Tiger Fiend and then established the Xuanqing Cave?"

What a general! What a self-reliant leader!

The hall was filled with people and fairies. Upon hearing this, the atmosphere suddenly froze. Iron Mountain and Poison Centipede both lowered their eyes, and Green Ape's palms were slightly sweaty.

Chen Jiao sat motionless on the throne, his expression calm. He merely bowed slightly to him and said:

"Tiger Sha has repeatedly broken the rules, allowing his subordinates to injure my men and disturbing the peace of Qinghu Lake. At that time, Xuan Ling was the patrol commander of Ling She Mansion, so he should naturally take action to protect him."

As for establishing itself independently, that's utter nonsense. Xuanqing Cave is just a remodeled version of Hulao Cave, so how can it be considered independent?

All these events were not reported in a timely manner because the Demon Lord was in seclusion.

He remained calm and composed, neither humble nor arrogant. After speaking, he sipped his spiritual tea as if nothing had happened.

Upon hearing this, the Azure Scale Demon Lord stared at him with his cold, serpentine eyes for a long time, then chuckled softly, the sound echoing in the hall with an eerie quality.

"Well done! I had long heard of Hu Sha's arrogance and untamed ambition. Your ability to eliminate him demonstrates your skill and courage, as well as your loyalty to Qingchi Ridge. I am very pleased."

He abruptly changed the subject, his tone becoming meaningful:

"Speaking of which, when you were stranded here, I took pity on you because you were both snakes and dragons, and granted you a place to stay and appointed you to patrol the lake. This can be considered as a token of my gratitude."

Now that your cultivation has advanced significantly and you are the master of a cave, it is clear that I did not misjudge you.

The Azure Scale Demon Lord looked on with approval, his expression one of gratification, like that of an old father.

Chen Jiao chuckled inwardly; he had already repaid that debt of gratitude by slaying the Tiger Demon.

If you want to get something out of this, then we can talk.

"I will never forget the kindness shown to me by the Demon Lord."

The Azure Scale Demon Lord nodded in satisfaction, then casually inquired a few more questions about the affairs of each cave before dismissing Iron Mountain, Poison Centipede, and Azure Ape.

"Iron Mountain, Poison Centipede, Green Ape, you may all step back. I still have things to discuss with Xuan Ling."

The three demon generals had different thoughts, but dared not say anything and could only leave the main hall.

Inside the empty hall, only the Azure Scale Demon Lord and Chen Jiao remained.

The cold light of the pearl reflected on the water, casting shimmering shadows that obscured the demon lord's face.

An eeriness permeated the silence.

The Azure Scale Demon Lord unconsciously rubbed the armrest of the throne with his fingertips, his knuckles turning slightly white.

His voice was low, carrying a barely perceptible hint of longing:

"Xuan Ling...do you know why my seclusion this time ended in failure?"

Chen Jiao lowered his eyes: "The Demon Lord is incredibly powerful. This setback is nothing more than a minor one. He will surely succeed in the future."

The Azure Scale Demon Lord's laughter was dry and hoarse.

"The Golden Core realm is not easy for us demon cultivators to condense our demon cores. Bloodline, opportunity, and comprehension are all indispensable."

The Azure Scale Demon Lord sighed deeply, stood up and walked to Chen Jiao's side, scrutinizing him with a profound gaze, as if examining a rare treasure.

He was immediately surprised and doubtful. With his cultivation level of Foundation Establishment Perfection and the approach of Golden Core, he could not see through this dragon that had not been in Foundation Establishment for long.

My heart is burning with even greater fervor right now.

"Judging from your profound foundation and pure blood essence, you surpass even me in my prime. In particular, your bloodline seems... quite extraordinary."

He paused for a moment, his tone becoming increasingly profound:

"My seclusion this time has not been without its gains. Previously, I often felt that my bloodline was mixed and difficult to improve, but during this seclusion, I suddenly came up with a method to purify my bloodline!"

All that's needed is a single essence of blood from the same source to harmonize the dragon and tiger. You, possessing the bloodline of a dragon, are the perfect match!

The Azure Scale Demon Lord calmed his increasingly agitated emotions and looked at Chen Jiao with earnest eyes:

"How I have treated you, you know in your heart..."

He paused briefly, coughed lightly, and his tone became increasingly urgent:

"Now that I wish to pursue the Great Dao again, I need to borrow three strands of your original essence blood to help me temper my bloodline and undergo a complete transformation!"

If this matter succeeds, you will be the greatest contributor to Qingchi Ridge. If I eventually form my demon core, I will certainly not let you down!

"I can bestow upon you unparalleled demonic arts, and even half of the Qingchi Ridge region, it would not be impossible!"

His words were earnest, promising a generous reward, yet his once cold and sharp snake eyes were now filled with an undisguised greed and eagerness, like an undercurrent surging beneath the surface.