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

As the emerald green flames surged and raged within the Fire-Gathering Cauldron, blood seeped from the corner of Ruyi Zhenren's mouth, and he was on the verge of collapse.

The inner fire, gentle yet outwardly violent, was about to devour and incinerate the cauldron and the caster together in an instant.

Chen Jiao's eyes narrowed, and he made a decisive move.

He raised his right palm slightly, with his five fingers spread out.

Instant time

A deep and fierce crimson lightning burst forth from his palm, like countless crimson electric snakes, instantly entangling the raging emerald green flames within the cauldron.

The Crimson Demon Lightning, extremely yang and fierce, transformed into a dense net of lightning, firmly binding and suppressing the violent energy overflowing from the fiery stream.

at the same time.

Chen Jiao lightly guided the water elemental energy with his left hand, allowing it to seep silently into the cauldron and overflow the restless core of the azure fire.

With its gentle nature, this water element, like sweet dew seeping into scorched earth, quietly soothes the yin and dryness within the fire, guiding its violent power back to its proper course.

Red thunder binds its outward violence, while gentle water moistens its inner dryness.

Two completely different yet originating from the same source, supernatural powers complemented each other under Chen Jiao's exquisite control.

The emerald green flames that were about to ignite the cauldron and break through its walls suddenly stopped.

Its outward, violent light receded at a visible speed, and its inner, yin-like restlessness gradually subsided under the influence of the water element.

The trembling of the cauldron stopped immediately.

Ruyi Zhenren felt the pressure ease, and the [Fire-Gathering Cauldron], which was almost out of control, stabilized again.

The roar and tremors inside the cauldron gradually subsided, replaced by a deep hum, like the surging of earth veins.

The emerald green fire stream no longer charged recklessly, but began to struggle and swirl like a trapped beast under the dual constraints of the lightning net and the water element.

Each conflict caused the cauldron to glow slightly, its patterns flickering, but ultimately it was firmly locked in place.

Although the spirit fire still retains some of its wildness, it has become much more docile, like a tamed wild horse that, while still possessing some power, has learned to follow the reins.

Seeing this, Ruyi Zhenren breathed a sigh of relief.

He quickly formed hand seals, fully activating the fire-condensing patterns on the [Fire-Gathering Cauldron], and, in conjunction with Chen Jiao's divine abilities, began to initially regulate and suppress the spiritual fire within the cauldron.

"It's alright for now."

Chen Jiao stopped, his breathing as steady as ever, and said calmly:

"This fire has already developed its spiritual nature and is extremely ferocious. It needs to be slowly refined with the help of this cauldron to be completely subdued. It cannot be rushed."

Master Ruyi nodded repeatedly, looking at the treasure cauldron that had finally stabilized with lingering fear, his eyes filled with relief and gratitude:

"Thank you for your help, fellow Daoist! If it weren't for your extraordinary abilities, I'm afraid I would have been in serious trouble today..."

Chen Jiao shook his head slightly, indicating that there was no need to say more.

Seeing that the fire in the cauldron was under control, the two stopped and turned to walk out of the mine.

Outside the mineral vein.

The sky seemed a bit darker than before.

The Bull Demon King remained standing in place, still holding his iron cudgel, his figure as imposing as a mountain.

However, the powerful demonic aura emanating from him was even more intense than before, and there were even traces of recent magical impact on the ground beneath his feet.

Seeing the two emerge, he glanced at the emerald-green cauldron in Ruyi Zhenren's hand and smiled:

"It's done? Haha, Brother Xuanling, I knew I hadn't misjudged you!"

A few groups of fools came by earlier, trying to take advantage of the situation, but they were all driven away!

The Bull Demon King spoke casually, completely unconcerned.

Only the lingering wisps of unfamiliar demonic energy and the faint smell of blood in the air indicated that the time when the Dharma Protector was protecting the Dharma was anything but peaceful.

Chen Jiao glanced around and nodded slightly.

The three said no more, rode on the clouds, and quickly left this place of trouble.

…………

They left Chenshi Valley.

The three headed straight for the cave where Master Ruyi usually practiced his secluded cultivation.

Above the cloud path, a gentle breeze caresses the face, while below, the mountains rise and fall in a continuous, dark green expanse.

The Fire Cauldron was carefully stored in Ruyi Zhenren's sleeve, and a faint green light shone from inside.

Although the spirit fire has been temporarily sealed by Chen Jiao, it still needs to be refined slowly in a quiet place in order to completely remove its ferocity and turn it into its own.

Halfway there.

The Bull Demon King gradually slowed the speed of the clouds, his thick eyebrows furrowing slightly, as if he had something on his mind.

He turned to look at Ruyi Zhenren and Chen Jiao, a barely perceptible shadow flashing in his eyes, and said to them in a deep voice:

"Brother, Ruyi, the spiritual fire has been collected. As for the subsequent refining, I, a rough man, can't be of much help."

With Fellow Daoist Xuanling's assistance, I anticipate no problems.

There are still some trivial matters that need to be taken care of for you, brother, so I must go ahead and take care of them.

Upon hearing this, Master Ruyi was taken aback, his face showing confusion:

"Brother, what brings you in such a hurry?"

"Why don't we go back to my cave and wait until I've initially refined and stabilized this spiritual fire before we have a good drink..."

The Bull Demon King waved his hand, interrupting him. His usual hearty smile faded slightly, and his tone became somewhat serious:

"Of course we should drink the celebratory wine, but... I do have some trivial matters that I need to attend to immediately."

He glanced at Chen Jiao, whose gaze was deep, then at Ruyi Zhenren, and pondered for a moment.

Seemingly feeling the need to give an explanation, he lowered his voice and said:

"Alas, I did not wish to say more about this matter, lest I cause you worry."

A few days ago, one of my brothers unfortunately ran into some trouble and was being pursued by... higher-ups.

As he spoke, the Bull Demon King subtly pointed upwards.

"Fortunately, I came to his rescue in time, and the brother was able to escape, but he was also seriously injured. He has now found a secluded place to hide and heal his wounds."

As your elder brother, I am deeply concerned and must go and visit him to put my mind at ease.

The Bull Demon King's words were vague and did not specify anything.

But the melancholy between his brows made Ruyi Zhenren and Chen Jiao instantly understand.

Master Ruyi suddenly realized, and his face showed a mixture of understanding and worry. He quickly said:

"I see!

My elder brother is a man of deep affection and loyalty, and naturally prioritizes the safety of his brothers. I am now out of danger, and with Fellow Daoist Xuanling's assistance, the refining of the spiritual fire will surely proceed smoothly.

"Brother, go quickly, and be extremely careful!"

Knowing his elder brother's temperament, he didn't try to persuade him further once he had made up his mind.

Chen Jiao stood quietly on the cloud, and upon hearing the Bull Demon King's ambiguous words, his gaze narrowed almost imperceptibly.

Some time ago, the True Lord had just left his residence after cultivation when he learned of the news. The Four Heavenly Kings had been ordered to descend to the mortal realm to capture the Mountain-Moving Lion King, but they returned empty-handed.

No wonder the Bull Demon King arrived late to the Dragon King's birthday banquet that day, and when he arrived, there was still a trace of lingering evil aura and dust on his body.

In retrospect, his so-called "delay on the road" was probably actually his journey to meet the Lion Camel King.

Having understood this, Chen Jiao had no further plans. He had taken in the subtle changes in the Bull Demon King's expression, but asked no further questions, only nodding slightly and saying:

"Brother Niu, take care."

Seeing that the two understood, the Bull Demon King forced a smile back onto his face and said to Chen Jiao:

"Brother, I'll leave the rest of the refining process to you."

"I'll be right back. I'll come find you all for a drink after this is all over!"

He patted Ruyi Zhenren's shoulder forcefully again:

"Take good care of refining the spiritual fire. If you encounter any difficulties, please send a message immediately!"

Having said that, he didn't linger any longer.

He bowed to the two of them, then transformed into a powerful, demonic gust of wind and sped off towards the southeast, disappearing into the horizon in the blink of an eye.

Above the clouds, only Chen Jiao and Ruyi Zhenren remained.

Ruyi Zhenren gazed in the direction where the Bull Demon King had disappeared and sighed softly:

"My elder brother is a man of great loyalty and righteousness, but... I hope there won't be any more trouble."

Chen Jiao's gaze remained calm: "Brother Niu is a man of great loyalty and knows his place. Fellow Daoist Ruyi, let's find a quiet place first; refining the spiritual fire is of utmost importance."

The two then rode on the clouds and continued their journey, a mountain breeze bringing a touch of coolness.