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

Chen Jiao's gaze swept over the mess in the valley. The blood at the corner of Ruyi Zhenren's mouth was still wet, and his breathing was disordered.

He stood silently in his black robes, showing no anger, and simply said:

"Do you all feel that your path of cultivation has been too smooth?"

His voice was calm, yet it carried a chilling murderous intent.

Upon hearing this, Master Tianyang trembled all over, cold sweat instantly soaking his back, and only one thought was raging in his mind.

It really is him, it really is that Flood Dragon Demon King!

Even more unexpected was the Demon Lord Xiaoyue beside him.

"Thump!"

A dull thud broke the silence.

The infamous and imposing Xiaoyue Demon Lord, whose body was as large as a small mountain, suddenly collapsed to his knees without hesitation, bowing down like a mountain collapsing and a jade pillar crumbling.

The enormous tiger head slammed deeply into the ground, kicking up a cloud of dust, and even its steel whip-like tail lay firmly against the ground.

The overwhelming demonic aura instantly subsided completely.

"This lowly demon Xiaoyue pays his respects to the Flood Dragon King! I was unaware that Your Majesty was here in seclusion for cultivation; I deserve to die!"

His voice was like muffled thunder, filled with awe and excitement.

"This humble demon has long resided in the western borderlands and has long heard of the mighty name of the Dragon King, but regrets that I have never had the chance to pay my respects!"

"Today I have the honor of seeing Your Majesty's countenance; I am willing to serve you like a dog or a horse!"

The Demon Lord Xiaoyue knelt on the ground, not daring to raise his head, a stark contrast to his fierce appearance just now, when he wanted to tear Ruyi Zhenren apart.

"The might of the Flood Dragon King is unparalleled; who in the demon realm of Xiniu Hezhou does not know him!"

The little demon has longed for this for a long time!

He knelt on the ground, his posture humble.

The prestige of a demon lord at the peak of the Golden Core stage, and the dignity of the Lord of the Nine Mountains, were all discarded like trash by him at this moment.

This bow left the recently recovered Ruyi Zhenren speechless.

Meanwhile, Tianyang Zhenren, who was standing to the side, was already pale and cold-blooded when Chen Jiao appeared.

Seeing that Xiaoyue Demon Lord had knelt down and begged for forgiveness so readily, his mind went blank.

The silver whisk in his hand fell to the ground with a thud, his legs went weak, and he almost knelt down.

Chen Jiao lowered his eyes, his gaze falling on the Xiaoyue Demon Lord, who was prostrating himself in a humble posture.

He stood still in his black robes, the mountain breeze brushing against his clothes, yet he remained motionless.

A hint of surprise flashed across his eyes.

A demon lord who had reached the peak of the Golden Core stage was able to disregard all dignity and perform such a grand ceremony.

Such behavior, if not genuine, indicates a person who is cunning, shrewd, and adaptable.

The Demon Lord Xiaoyue pressed his head to the ground, feeling the calm yet unfathomable gaze above him.

He felt no humiliation whatsoever; instead, an irrepressible excitement surged through his veins.

He suddenly raised his head, his voice growing louder with excitement, even trembling slightly:

"King Jiao, please be wise!"

Xiao Yue, though possessing nine mountains and seemingly powerful, is only of minor renown in the Western Niuhe Continent.

In reality, the path of spiritual practice is like a blind person walking at night, trembling with fear, and often feeling lost about the road ahead!

Having finally seen the face of the Dragon King today, I understand what the true path to heaven is!

This humble demon dares not presume to be accepted as a disciple; I only wish to follow the Dragon King, serving him faithfully and at his beck and call!

But to occasionally hear a few words of guidance from the Dragon King and comprehend his wondrous powers and methods is enough for me!

Even a lowly patrolling soldier under the Dragon King is better than a minor demon who calls himself king and ancestor!

His voice was like muffled thunder, echoing through the valley.

Every word exudes undisguised sincerity and fervor.

What is the foundation of the Nine Mountains, what is the prestige of the Demon Lord? Before true power and the Great Dao, all can be cast aside!

In his entire life, Xiao Yue only respected true strongmen!

Ruyi Zhenren was stunned and speechless.

When Tianyang Zhenren heard Xiaoyue Yaojun's undisguised, even "shameless" words of loyalty, he was so angry that he trembled like a leaf.

Upon hearing Xiaoyue's words, Chen Jiao's mind stirred slightly.

This tiger demon, though fierce, was not entirely brainless. Although it clashed with Ruyi Zhenren just now, it did not kill him, leaving room for maneuver.

With his perfect Golden Core cultivation and the power to command the nine mountains, he is indeed a force to be reckoned with in Xiniu Hezhou.

His journey westward in search of the "True Fire of the Sun" was not something that could be accomplished in a single day.

If there are local experts who are familiar with the local situation and willing to serve, many things can indeed be saved a lot of trouble.

Qingchi Ridge's desire to expand its influence is ultimately hampered by its foundation in Dongsheng Shenzhou.

Planting a seed on this continent is a long-term strategy.

The decision has been made.

The surprise in Chen Jiao's eyes had long since vanished, replaced by a deep, still expression.

He did not immediately make Xiaoyue Demon Lord stand up, but spoke calmly, his words carrying an undeniable weight that struck Xiaoyue Demon Lord's heart heavily.

"Xiaoyue".

The massive demonic body lying prone trembled violently, its head drooping even lower as it held its breath and focused its attention.

"Since you are willing to join my Qingchi Ridge, I will grant you an opportunity."

Let bygones be bygones. From this day forward, you and your nine demon mountains will all be known as Qingchi Ridge.

In the past, you managed your own affairs in the mountains and marshes, but you were required to follow orders for important matters. Can you manage that?

Chen Jiao's words were concise, defining roles and establishing rules.

Upon hearing this, the Demon Lord Xiaoyue's massive body trembled violently, and his eyes burst forth with uncontrollable joy.

His voice was like a booming bell, shaking the surrounding mountains and forests:

"Xiaoyue obeys! Thank you, Your Majesty, for your kindness in accepting me into your service!"

From this day forward, Xiao Yue is a demon of Qingchi Ridge in life and a ghost of Qingchi Ridge in death! He will faithfully perform his duties and never betray the King's trust!

Chen Jiao nodded slightly and said no more.

Upon understanding, the Demon Lord Xiaoyue immediately stood up, moved his feet naturally, and stood respectfully behind Chen Jiao with his head bowed, completely different from the ferocious demon who had roared through the mountains and forests earlier.

Then, a pair of tiger-like eyes locked onto Tianyang Zhenren like cold lightning. Although the fierce aura was concealed, it appeared even more sinister.

It has clearly and quickly taken over a corner of their territory.

The valley was deathly silent.

The invisible aura emanating from the figure in black robes filled the air with a chilling heaviness.

This silence was more chilling than any shout or yell.

Cold sweat trickled down Tianyang Zhenren's forehead, soaking his graying temples.

He lowered his eyelids, not daring to look directly at the figure in black.

He had already cursed the treacherous and obsequious Demon Lord Xiaoyue a thousand times in his heart.

But at this moment, all these thoughts were suppressed by an even deeper chill.

He had cultivated for hundreds of years and experienced many trials and tribulations. He knew that he was now on the verge of death. If he was not careful, he would die and his cultivation would be destroyed. There was no chance of escaping.

The Flood Dragon King before them was by no means a merciful person.

Master Tianyang forcibly suppressed the fear in his heart and straightened his somewhat disheveled Taoist robe.

He then bowed deeply forward, his posture extremely humble, his voice dry and trembling, filled with deep remorse and fear:

"This humble...this humble Daoist Tianyang was blind and ignorant, unaware that the Flood Dragon King was here in seclusion for cultivation. I have offended the divine majesty and offended Fellow Daoist Ruyi; I deserve to die!"

He dared not raise his head, remaining bowed.

"Today's mistake is entirely due to my greed. I was blinded by greed and could not atone for it even if I died a hundred times!"

However…even ants cling to life, daring not to hope for the dragon king's mercy, but only seeking a sliver of hope.

He paused slightly, then took out a token covered with mysterious runes from his pocket and held it high with both hands.

"This humble Taoist priest hereby makes this vow, [Oath of My Life], to serve the Dragon King as my master and to be at his beck and call for five hundred years!"

For the next five hundred years, I will obey your every command and have no disloyalty whatsoever!

If I break this oath, my foundation will crumble, and my soul and spirit will perish! I only beg... I only beg the Flood Dragon King to grant me a sliver of hope!

The token shimmered with spiritual light, faintly connected to the divine soul aura of True Person Tianyang; it was a life-bound oath artifact with extremely strong binding power.

Five hundred years is a long time, even for a Golden Core cultivator.

But True Man Tianyang knew even better that if he did not give up his body, he would perish today!

His head drooped even lower, his hands holding the talisman trembling slightly, awaiting the final verdict.

Standing behind Chen Jiao, Xiao Yue Yaojun looked at Tianyang Zhenren's grief-stricken appearance and his eyes flashed with undisguised mockery.

He couldn't help but lower his voice and sneer in a muffled tone:

"Hmph, old Taoist Tianyang, who are you trying to impress with this unlucky look of someone who has lost their parents?"

To be able to serve the King and listen to his teachings is an immense fortune that many demon cultivators would rather die for!

It's a hundred times better than you doing shady, underhanded things in some remote mountain village, relying on your weapon-forging skills!

It's as if you've suffered a tremendous loss; that's utterly absurd!

However, the Demon Lord Xiaoyue knew how to behave appropriately.

He glanced quickly at Chen Jiao's still calm and composed profile.

Seeing that the king did not react in the slightest to his words, he immediately stopped talking.

He simply snorted heavily again and stood respectfully beside Chen Jiao.

That posture clearly said: See? I'm the one who's truly loyal!

Master Tianyang remained in a bowing posture. Upon hearing Xiaoyue's words, he felt a mixture of shame and indignation, and almost vomited blood.

Chen Jiao withdrew his gaze from Tianyang Zhenren and turned to Ruyi Zhenren beside him. Although he did not speak, his eyes held a questioning look.

Ruyi Zhenren felt a warmth in his heart.

Brother Xuanling possesses unparalleled supernatural powers, yet he still considers his feelings in his dealings with others. Such respect is extremely rare in the dog-eat-dog world of cultivation.

His gaze swept over the ashen-faced, bowing man, Tianyang Zhenren, with a complex expression.

Is it enjoyable? Of course it is.

Remembering how Master Tianyang used to suppress and ostracize him, relying on his status and connections as a master weapon refiner, he realized that Master Tianyang had used his position to suppress and ostracize him both openly and secretly.

Today, he even colluded with demons to forcibly seize his foundation, almost causing his cultivation to be completely destroyed.

His current groveling and begging appearance really relieved a lot of the pent-up anger in his chest.

But Ruyi Zhenren was ultimately a man of long-term vision.

He knew that although True Man Tianyang was of questionable character, his skill in weapon crafting was truly among the best in Xiniu Hezhou, and many of his unique techniques were beyond even his own ability.

Brother Xuanling, in managing his own power base, urgently needs talents like him who are proficient in the art of crafting magical artifacts, whether it's for refining magical treasures or for training his subordinates.

Killing them only brings temporary pleasure; subduing them is the long-term benefit.

In a flash, Ruyi Zhenren took a small half-step forward, bowed slightly to Chen Jiao, and said:

"Brother Dao, you are wise."

Tianyang is indeed talented. However…

He subtly changed the subject, his tone calm yet profound:

"Having lived in the mountains for so long, I have been neglected in my conduct and inevitably have a lack of discretion. Now that I am under your command, I still need to be carefully trained before I can be of great use."

Chen Jiao nodded slightly upon hearing this; what the True Man Ruyi said was exactly what he had in mind.

He then looked at Master Tianyang again and said calmly:

Five hundred years... is not enough.

Chen Jiao paused briefly, his gaze sweeping over Tianyang Zhenren's instantly stiffened back, before continuing:

"A thousand years."

There was no room for negotiation; a deadline was simply announced calmly.

A thousand years of freedom, devoted to it as our master, in exchange for our lives.

The three words struck Tianyang Zhenren's heart like three thunderbolts!

His vision went black, and he almost banged his head on the ground.

A thousand years is a long time for ordinary people, a time when everything has changed dramatically.

For Golden Core cultivators, it is also a long and arduous journey, enough to wear away too many sharp edges and delusions.

Chen Jiao said little, but simply watched Tianyang Zhenren quietly, awaiting his decision.

Is it better to give up this thousand-year-old freedom for a glimmer of hope, or to rather perish than live in dishonor?

Master Tianyang's lips trembled; he wanted to argue, he wanted to plead.

But when he met Chen Jiao's unfathomable, emotionless gaze, all his words caught in his throat, turning into a silent sob.

The struggle lasted only a moment; in the end, the instinct for survival overwhelmed everything.

With a heavy heart, he decisively forced out a drop of his heart's essence blood and merged it into the token.

"Tianyang obeys! I am willing to serve Your Majesty for a thousand years, at your beck and call, without ever wavering!"

The token shone brightly, then subsided, transforming into a stream of light that obediently flew into Chen Jiao's sleeve.

The wind rose again in the valley.

The expressions on everyone's faces varied.

Master Tianyang, a master weapon refiner who was once a prominent figure, has been a servant for a thousand years.

…………

The cave is secluded and quiet.

Only the Fire-Gathering Cauldron floated in mid-air, its azure light flowing, radiating a gentle yet powerful spiritual pressure.

Ruyi Zhenren stepped forward, his expression solemn, and bowed to Chen Jiao, saying:

"Brother Xuanling, we were able to obtain this [Stone Fire] entirely thanks to your great help."

Having said that, he made a hand seal and gently pointed at the Fire-Containing Cauldron.

The cauldron trembled slightly, and the lid quietly slid open a crack.

In an instant, a stream of pure, emerald-green fire shot out like a serpent.

The flames glowed with a deep, eerie light, as if containing a miniature underworld—the [Stone Fire] that had been initially refined.

The Heavenly Yang Immortal, who had been standing dejectedly to the side, suddenly raised his head the moment he sensed this unique fire aura.

An incredulous look of horror flashed in his cloudy eyes.

He stared intently at the stream of emerald fire, his lips trembling, almost letting out a cry of alarm:

"[Fire in the Stone]? It's actually such a spiritual fire of heaven and earth! How...how did you find it?!"

Master Tianyang spent his life refining weapons, searching the world for rare and wondrous fires, but to no avail.

Now, he has actually seen this treasure, which was only recorded in ancient books, in the hands of his old rival, Master Ruyi.

For a moment, the feelings in my heart were extremely complex.

Upon hearing his exclamation, Ruyi Zhenren's lips curled into a barely perceptible smile.

He didn't look at Tianyang, but instead addressed Chen Jiao, sincerely saying:

"I must also thank Brother Xuanling. If it weren't for your presence today, I fear I would not have escaped this calamity, let alone preserved this spiritual fire."

These words were spoken from the heart, and were intended for the ears of the Heavenly Sun Immortal.

Upon hearing this, Master Tianyang shuddered and suddenly realized what was happening.

Yes, the reason why Ruyi Zhenren was able to obtain this fire was entirely due to the powerful and magical Jiao Wang!

Although I have lost my freedom, I have at least found a powerful patron...

Thinking of this, he glanced again at the enviable spiritual fire in Ruyi Zhenren's hand.

Perhaps submitting to this person's command is not all bad?

Even a tiny bit of what the king gleaned from between his fingers would likely far surpass what I've painstakingly schemed for in the past...

Chen Jiao glanced at the spirit fire, said nothing, and simply stretched out two fingers, making a light stroke in the air towards the Fire-Gathering Cauldron.

The [Stone Fire] trembled slightly, then, as if drawn by an invisible force, quietly separated a wisp of fire, which floated beside the cauldron, connected with the main fire's aura, and formed its own cycle.

"This fire has already begun to possess a spiritual quality; dividing it in half is sufficient."

Chen Jiao spoke calmly, and with a slight flick of his sleeve, he rolled the wisp of fire into his palm, where it vanished in a flash of light.

What he took was exactly half of what was agreed upon, not a penny more, not a penny less.

Seeing this, Ruyi Zhenren quickly stepped forward, his face filled with urgency and earnestness:

"Brother Daoist! If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have been able to obtain this spiritual fire, and I'm afraid my life would have been in danger!"

Brother, you should take 70%... no, 80%!

The remaining 20% ​​is more than enough for my study of alchemy and artifact crafting!

His words were earnest and sincere; he was not being insincere but genuinely believed that Chen Jiao deserved the lion's share.

Chen Jiao shook his head slightly, looking at the still vibrant azure spirit fire:

"In alchemy and weapon forging, the control of the fire is crucial. This fire is just right for you."

I have taken half of it, which is enough to study the properties of fire; any more would be of no use.

Although his tone was calm, it carried an undeniable conviction.

Chen Jiao was not unaware of Ruyi Zhenren's intentions, but for him, while external resources were important, he valued even more the proper conduct and clear understanding of cause and effect.

Once an agreement has been made, one should not be greedy for more; this is also a way of upholding one's own moral principles.

Ruyi Zhenren wanted to persuade him again, but saw that Chen Jiao had already turned away with his hands behind his back, clearly having made up his mind.

He gazed at the spirit fire that still contained boundless spiritual energy, and then at the calm profile of the man in black robes, his heart filled with countless emotions.

Finally, he sighed deeply and said no more. He simply bowed deeply to Chen Jiao's retreating figure.

This gesture of respect is not only for the gift of fire, but also for the humble and modest manner of giving and receiving.

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