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

Ruyi Zhenren gently stroked the edge of the jade box, a hint of reluctance in his eyes, but more so, composure, and smiled:

"In my hands, this item may only be refined into a decent magic weapon in my lifetime."

However, with your abilities, vision, and skills far surpassing mine, this item may truly shine in your hands.

"Leaving it with me would be like a pearl gathering dust; giving it to you, my fellow Daoist, would be putting it to good use and fulfilling the kindness shown in my assistance."

He finished speaking.

Ruyi Zhenren then took out a thin piece from his robes, neither gold nor jade, with a dark yellow color and faint, dense ancient seal script on it:

"These are some of my humble insights from studying the properties of metals and stones and my experience in controlling fire. They are titled 'A Brief Discussion on Metals and Stones and Fire,' and I present them to you, fellow Daoists."

Although you are not an expert in this particular path, the great principles are interconnected. Perhaps this will bring you a smile and serve as a slight reference.

Ruyi Zhenren presented the two items with a grateful expression, and said nothing more, simply watching Chen Jiao quietly.

The cave was quiet for a moment, with only the faint aura emanating from the lingering warmth of the new cauldron.

Chen Jiao's gaze fell on the dark jade box and the thin piece, and he did not refuse.

He reached out and took it. As his fingertips touched the jade box, he could feel the profound and weighty yet harmonious and restrained golden aura contained within, which was indeed extraordinary.

And that thin piece of paper recording my thoughts is also a rare token of my appreciation.

Although this incarnation of his did not intend to immerse himself in the ways of alchemy and artifact crafting.

Chen Jiao looked at Ruyi Zhenren and saw that his eyes were clear and open, showing only sincerity towards the treasure given by his confidant, without any hint of bestowing favor or making a deal.

He naturally wouldn't make empty promises, so he casually tucked the jade box and thin piece into his sleeve, nodded slightly to Ruyi Zhenren, and said calmly:

"Fellow Daoist, you are too kind. This item is precious, and it would be impolite of me to refuse it."

A relieved and relaxed smile immediately appeared on Ruyi Zhenren's face, as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. He cupped his hands and said:

"I hope you don't find it too crude, fellow Daoist."

Although he was obsessed with refining weapons and alchemy, he was not ignorant of human relationships and knew that the key to befriending someone like Xuan Ling was sincerity and tact.

This gift is just right—it expresses gratitude without being overly solicitous.

Seeing this, the Bull Demon King burst into laughter, his voice echoing throughout the cave:

"Good! Your gift to me is the way of fellow Daoists!"

"Brother Xuanling helped you achieve your goal, and you rewarded me with treasures. This is how we cultivators should interact!"

Ruyi Zhenren then looked at his elder brother, the Bull Demon King, and laughed:

"Brother, you have gone to great lengths for me this time and brought such a strong ally as Fellow Daoist Xuanling. I will never forget that."

As he spoke, he took out another jade bottle.

"This bottle contains refined [Sinking Gold Essence], which is extremely concentrated and suitable for your use in tempering your physical body and refining your foundation."

Seeing this, the Bull Demon King's large, copper-bell-shaped eyes narrowed into slits with laughter. He snatched the fan with his large hand and boomed, "I love you!"

"Good lad, I won't stand on ceremony with you, brother."

With a pleased expression, he picked up the teapot on the table and refilled it with the now-cold tea:

"Let's offer tea instead of wine to congratulate Brother Xuanling on obtaining this treasure, and also to help Ruyi successfully acquire the Spirit Fire!"

The three raised their cups, using tea instead of wine, yet their demeanor was undeniably elegant.

…………

Five days passed quietly, like flowing sand, as the cultivators meditated and regulated their breathing.

Deep in Chenshi Valley.

Inside a naturally formed cave containing a vein of gold-bearing stone.

Deep underground, the light is dim.

Only the jagged, sunken gold stone ore, with its four sides, gleamed with a cold, hard metallic luster in the darkness.

The air was filled with a rich, heavy, and somber metallic scent.

Furthermore, a subtle, burning sensation emanated from the depths of the mine, gradually becoming more active.

Chen Jiao and Ruyi Zhenren were already there.

Master Ruyi changed into a more streamlined blue Taoist robe, his expression focused.

His gaze was fixed on a giant, dark gold stone deep within the vein, its color particularly deep and its light subtly shimmering.

He held the newly forged [Fire-Gathering Cauldron] in his hands, sometimes calculating with his fingers, sometimes listening to the faint humming coming from the stone, judging the heat.

Chen Jiao stood quietly to one side, his black robes almost blending into the darkness of the cave, his aura as calm as an ancient well.

He didn't say much, but silently sensed the changes in the surrounding energy.

Especially deep within the mine, a gentle yet increasingly powerful fire-attribute spiritual energy is constantly gathering and rising, like a hibernating dragon about to awaken.

Outside the cave.

It has been concealed and protected by multiple layers of restrictions set up by the True Man Ruyi, with its radiance flowing and isolating the inside from the outside.

The imposing figure of the Bull Demon King stood like a mountain, blocking the only entrance.

He did not enter, but stood with his arms crossed, his large, copper-bell-shaped eyes scanning the valley surroundings warily.

Although he appears rough and unrefined, he is actually incredibly meticulous.

He exuded a faint yet powerful demonic aura, and his immense divine sense had already covered the entire Shenshi Valley, making it impossible for any slight movement to escape his perception.

With this mighty Bull Demon King personally protecting him, not to mention ordinary monsters, even immortals, gods, and Buddhas would find it difficult to get even half a step close.

The wind howled through the valley, making the place seem even more silent.

"The time is approaching."

Ruyi Zhenren spoke in a low voice, slightly hoarse from nervousness:

"The fire elemental aura has been completely contained, and the emerald light has solidified like a pearl. This is the moment when it is fully mature and most docile and controllable."

He looked at Chen Jiao, his eyes filled with pleading and trust:

"Fellow Daoist Xuanling, we will collect it later. It is all thanks to your water element protection."

Chen Jiao nodded slightly, without saying anything more.

Deep within the mine, the color of the boulder gradually changed from dark to light, with wisps of emerald luster emanating from its core.

At first, they were like fireflies, then they gathered together like fireflies, growing brighter and brighter, illuminating the dark mine with a clear and deep blue light!

The surrounding temperature also began to rise noticeably, and a strange heat permeated the air.

The emerald light grew brighter and brighter, and the deep, pulsating sound grew louder and louder.

Suddenly, the emerald light deep inside expanded violently, transforming into a fist-sized, shimmering emerald flame!

The flames were not stable in form; sometimes they swayed quietly like flowing water, exuding a soft and cold chill, and sometimes they suddenly shot up, bursting out with a terrifying and violent aura.

The bright green light cast an eerie and sinister glow upon the surrounding gold-plated stone walls.

"The fire within the stone is ready!"

Master Ruyi let out a low shout, gripped the Fire-Concealing Cauldron in his hand, and looked at Chen Jiao.

Chen Jiao nodded slightly and took a step forward.

However, the crack in the stone wall ahead suddenly widened, and the eerie fire within the stone transformed into a surging torrent of emerald fire, bursting forth like a flood bursting its banks!

Wherever the azure fire passed, the hard, sunken gold stone melted like wax, leaving behind streaks of glass-like burn marks.

The entire mine was instantly bathed in an eerie emerald green light, and the heat was so intense it was almost suffocating.

"town!"

Ruyi Zhenren dared not be negligent and exerted all his strength to activate the Fire-Gathering Cauldron in his hand.

With a hum, the cauldron flew above the stream of fire, its mouth facing down, and unleashed a suction force. The fire patterns on the cauldron's body shone brightly, attempting to draw the raging emerald flames into the cauldron.

However, the [Fire in the Stone] possesses its own spirit and is exceptionally violent; how could it possibly submit?

The flames twisted and struggled wildly, constantly impacting the light screen at the mouth of the cauldron, producing a piercing sound like metal clashing, and the cauldron trembled violently.

Ruyi Zhenren's face turned pale instantly, clearly under immense pressure.

At that moment, Chen Jiao made his move.