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

The Golden Light Immortal sat in the main seat, gesturing with his right hand to invite the guests to take their seats in order.

Chen Jiao sat comfortably in the honored position on the left, while a fierce tiger lay on a brocade cushion, its head slightly raised.

In an instant, the Five Grains Hall was filled with the soft tinkling of jade pendants, the rustling of clothes, and the sounds of greetings and laughter.

outside the temple.

As dusk approached, the clouds blazed like fire.

Master Jin Guang raised his cup, stood up, looked around, and said loudly:

"Today, our temple opens to the public. We are honored that all of you fellow Daoists have come from afar to study the Great Dao together and celebrate this grand occasion."

"I have nothing to thank you with, except this cup of 'Hundred Herbs Rejuvenating Dew' to express my sincere gratitude! Please!"

"please!"

"Congratulations on the opening of the temple!"

Everyone raised their glasses in response and drank together.

The wine, once swallowed, transforms into gentle, spiritual energy that permeates the body; it is indeed a good thing.

Next came the time for clinking glasses, toasting each other, and exchanging pleasantries.

As the first cup of wine was offered, most people's eyes quietly turned to the left. After a moment's thought, they stepped forward one by one to toast Chen Jiao.

Their words were extremely respectful, consisting of nothing more than "I have long admired your name," "It is my great honor to meet you today," and "The King of Dragons' words are thought-provoking."

Chen Jiao remained calm and polite, without any arrogance, and stopped drinking after only a small amount of alcohol.

Those who offered the toast felt honored and respectfully withdrew.

Jin Guang Zhenren put down his jade cup and nodded slightly to Zhenzhi, who was standing beside him.

Zhenzhi understood, and with a solemn expression, bowed and withdrew.

Before long, he and another Taoist priest were seen carrying a jade alchemy furnace-shaped vessel about a foot tall, steadily walking back into the hall.

The jade censer has an ancient and simple design, with a tightly closed lid. Wisps of pure and ethereal energy escape from the gaps, and the smell is invigorating.

Everyone's attention was involuntarily drawn to the jade censer, and the conversation gradually subsided.

Jin Guang Zhenren walked to the jade furnace and personally lifted the lid.

Inside the furnace, a layer of bright yellow velvet was laid out, on which seven pills, each the size of a longan, were arranged neatly in the shape of the Big Dipper.

The pill is pale gold in color, as translucent as amber, with a milky white aura slowly swirling inside, and a layer of warm, jade-colored luster flowing across its surface.

The seven pills are interconnected, causing the fragrance and spiritual energy to circulate continuously without dissipating.

The fruit is of extraordinary quality.

Master Jin Guang slowly introduced:

"This is the Jade Flower Cleansing Pill. It was made by me using more than a hundred kinds of spiritual herbs that cleanse the mind and purify the dust, following the method of the flow of the power of the Big Dipper, and it took me forty-nine days to refine it."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the guests below the stage, lingering briefly on Chen Jiao's face, and said with a smile:

"Seven pills are made, which is exactly the number of the Big Dipper. They have the effect of cleansing the physical body of impurities, calming restless blood and qi, and slightly benefiting the spirit and soul."

With such distinguished guests today, I dare not enjoy this feast alone. I wish to share it with all of you, my fellow enthusiasts, as a small token of my appreciation and to add a touch of good fortune to this grand banquet.

It also signifies working together as fellow believers, and shining brightly together like stars.

Although Master Jin Guang spoke humbly, the Jade Flower Cleansing Pill was extraordinary in both its quality and its unusual properties.

Many discerning guests were already showing surprise.

Such high-quality pills are rare even for Nascent Soul cultivators.

The Golden Light Immortal was so generous as to take out seven coins at once and distribute them, which was quite a generous gesture.

After speaking, Jin Guang Zhenren personally took the jade chopsticks and picked up the pale gold, translucent pill from the position of Tian Shu, the first star on the handle of the Big Dipper.

He slowly descended the steps and personally escorted the item to Chen Jiao's desk.

The pill was placed in a pre-prepared mutton-fat jade dish, the jade color complementing the cinnabar's brilliance, making it even more extraordinary.

"Fellow Daoist Xuanling, please. I wish you a smooth path on your path to enlightenment and that you hold the reins of power."

The Golden Light Immortal was respectful in demeanor and spoke earnestly.

In full view of everyone, he personally took the first elixir of the Big Dipper and presented it to the chief of the left wing.

The first star of the Big Dipper, Tian Shu, is the guiding star of all stars, also known as Tan Lang, and is associated with change and leadership.

Giving this elixir to Chen Jiao conveys an unspoken respect and also subtly complements the merit of his earlier discourse on the Dao.

This places him in an undisputed position of leadership at this banquet, and indeed among all the guests today; the ceremony is exceptionally grand.

Jin Guang Zhenren was indeed a person who valued etiquette extremely highly.

"Fellow Daoist Jin Guang, you've gone to a lot of trouble."

Chen Jiao raised his eyes, his gaze sweeping over the pill shrouded in spiritual energy, and then over the solemn face of Golden Light Immortal.

He nodded slightly, did not refuse, picked up the [Jade Flower Cleansing Pill], and put it in his mouth.

The pills melt instantly upon entering the mouth.

A gentle, soothing medicinal power flowed through my limbs and bones like a clear spring.

Wherever it passed, the meridians felt subtly soothed, and even the slight fatigue from more than a month of seclusion to refine the yin impurities seemed to be quietly smoothed away.

The medicinal properties are pure and genuine; it is indeed a good elixir.

Seeing Chen Jiao accept the Heavenly Pivot Spirit Pill, Golden Light True Man's smile widened even more.

He then turned around, no longer acting personally, but only giving a slight signal to Zhenzhi and the others.

The remaining six [Jade Flower Cleansing Pills] are the Tianxuan, Tianji, Tianquan, Yuheng, Kaiyang, and Yaoguang Pills.

It was also distributed to the six distinguished guests in the hall, three demon lords and three mountain and water gods.

Those who received the elixir were all delighted, carefully accepting it or consuming it on the spot to experience its cleansing and calming effects, or carefully storing it in a jade box for later use.

This precious elixir is of excellent quality and radiance, and since it was newly refined by its owner, it will certainly be beneficial to cultivation.

What's even more commendable is the sincerity and dignity shown in sharing profits in public.

Those who obtained the elixir were naturally overjoyed, while those who did not were slightly disappointed, but they were also well aware of the reason.

These elixirs are limited in number, and those who obtain them are the most distinguished guests among the most honored.

Moreover, since Master Jinguang had clearly stated the rule of sharing the food beforehand, it wasn't so unfair as to be embarrassing.

After distributing these seven main pills...

Master Jin Guang then took out several smaller jade bottles from his sleeve and handed them to the disciple beside him, saying gently:

"Here you may find the [Heart-Cleansing and Spirit-Preserving Pill] and the [Three Yang Righteous Qi Pill] that I usually refine."

Although not as precious as the Jade Flower Elixir, it is still a pure substance. Fellow Daoists, if you do not mind, each of you may take a few pills to accompany your wine, or keep them as your own treasures.

Young Taoist boys carrying bottles moved among the tables, distributing them to the remaining guests.

Although the elixirs given out varied in quality, everyone received one, so no one was left out.

For a time, the hall was filled with expressions of gratitude, and the atmosphere became increasingly lively.

The other guests gladly accepted, since Huanghua Temple was founded on the tradition of alchemy, and the quality of the alchemy they offered was guaranteed.

The pills have been distributed.

Master Jin Guang raised his cup, stood up, and said loudly:

"Fellow Daoists, you have traveled a long way and have had a long journey. Please drink this cup to the brim. May our path of cultivation be like this elixir, undergoing tempering and refinement, ultimately reaching perfection!"

May your path to enlightenment be fulfilled!

Everyone responded in unison, raised their glasses, and drank together.

The clear, refreshing spirit wine, mixed with the lingering fragrance of medicinal pills, permeated the Five Grains Hall.

As the sunset faded, the lights came on one by one, illuminating the faces inside the hall, some joyful, some lost in thought.

…………

As the host, Master Jin Guang moved gracefully between the various seats, speaking appropriately and behaving with impeccable manners, ensuring that the banquet was a success and that both host and guests were pleased.

After several rounds of drinks...

During the banquet, a demon cultivator with a face as red as a jujube and a scorching aura, emboldened by alcohol, stood up and demonstrated a minor fire control technique.

Several fire crows appeared and circled the beam three times, drawing cheers from the crowd.

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As the conversation flowed freely, the Golden Toad Demon Lord gently placed his cup on the table, making a crisp sound.

His face was ruddy, but his eyes were clear. He looked around and finally fixed his gaze on the Golden Light Immortal in the main seat, clapping his hands and laughing:

"Today, I have the pleasure of witnessing Fellow Daoist Jin Guang's grand opening ceremony, listening to his profound insights, and tasting such exquisite delicacies and wines. This trip has truly been worthwhile."

He began with a scathing critique, which drew agreement from everyone at the table, and Jin Guang Zhenren responded with a smile and humbly declined.

Immediately, the Golden Toad Demon Lord changed the subject slightly, his smile becoming amiable, and his voice rising a few decibels to ensure everyone in the hall could hear.

"That is why I have a perfect idea in my mind, which I wish to discuss with Fellow Daoist Jin Guang, and I also ask all the fellow Daoists present to be my witnesses."

He paused, and seeing everyone's gaze focused on him, then spoke slowly and deliberately:

"My Jubao Chamber of Commerce will be holding a Hundred Treasures Elixir Appraisal Conference at the Golden Toad Market in Zhu Zi Kingdom on the fifteenth of next month."

They invited alchemists and pharmacists from Xiniu Hezhou, as well as pharmaceutical merchants from all walks of life, to attend the meeting, exchange ideas on alchemy, and share resources.

At that time, people from all directions will gather, making it the perfect opportunity to make a name for themselves.

"I, Jin, am unworthy, but have been appointed as one of the managers."

The Golden Toad Demon Lord paused, his gaze sweeping across the entire hall. Seeing that many were drawn to the grandeur of the event, his smile widened, and his tone became even more earnest:

"As Fellow Daoist Jin Guang's new temple is newly established, it is essential to cultivate good relationships and spread his reputation."

Mr. Jin sincerely invites Huanghua Temple to be the honored guest of this tasting event!

At that time, Fellow Daoist Jin Guang can bring his prized elixirs, and even his unique poisons, to showcase his prowess. He can also exchange insights with fellow Daoists from all sides, making a name for himself and establishing his reputation. Now is the time!

What do you think, my friend?

Upon hearing this, the laughter and conversation inside the Five Grains Hall subsided without anyone noticing.

Many guests put down their chopsticks and glasses, their eyes lingering between the Golden Light Immortal and the Golden Toad Demon Lord.

The invitation sounds grand and respectable, a good thing to support new ideas, but upon closer inspection, it contains hidden sarcasm.

Once they agree, they will be tied to the Golden Toad Market and even the Jubao Chamber of Commerce behind it. In the future, Huanghua Temple will probably have no say in the various collaborations and support.

Many eyes quietly glanced at Jin Guang Zhenren.

With his foundation still unstable, how should the abbot of Huanghua Temple respond to the honey-coated thorns offered by such a colossal being as the Golden Toad Demon Lord?

If they accept, they risk falling into a trap; if they don't, they risk offending a powerful local figure and appearing cowardly.

The smile on Jin Guang Zhenren's face remained unchanged, but his hand holding the cup tightened for a moment.

He knew perfectly well what was going on.

However, since the Golden Toad Demon Lord had made the proposal in public and his words were earnest, a firm refusal would make him appear petty and cowardly, and would also damage the reputation of the new temple.

Master Jin Guang's mind raced, and he was trying to find a safe word to stall for time.

Just now.

From the head of the left, a calm voice rang out, instantly silencing the subtle noise in the hall.

"Fellow Daoist Jin Guang has just established his new temple, and his foundation is not yet solid. His disciples should first and foremost cultivate themselves in quiet meditation and experience the true nature of the Dao."

Chen Jiao held his cup and said calmly:

"While the marketplace is desirable, its noise and bustle, along with the diverse opinions, can easily breed restlessness and a competitive spirit, which contradicts the tranquil essence of alchemy and self-cultivation. What does Fellow Daoist Jin Guang think?"

Those in positions of authority should take charge of the situation.

Chen Jiao, having received the esteemed treatment of the Golden Light Immortal, would naturally not hesitate to offer such a small favor.

As soon as Chen Jiao finished speaking, you could hear a pin drop in the Five Grains Hall.

There was not a trace of accusation in his words, but he went straight to the essence of quiet cultivation and spiritual practice, and from the perspective of the philosophy of cultivation, he denied the actions of the Golden Toad Demon Lord.

Upon hearing this, Jin Guang Zhenren felt a sense of relief and immediately replied:

"What Fellow Daoist Xuanling said resonates deeply with me."

While the bustling market fair is certainly something to look forward to, as the Dragon King said, the new venue is still in its infancy and everything needs to be done. It is not advisable to get involved in the hustle and bustle too early.

"I appreciate the Golden Toad Demon Lord's kind intentions, but I am currently lacking the strength to do so. We can discuss the appraisal later when the time is right. I hope you understand."

Whether this opportunity will come in a few years or a hundred years remains to be seen.

Upon hearing this, many of the guests in the hall nodded secretly.

The Dragon King's words are indeed true; the new perspective does indeed need time to mature.

The Golden Light Immortal's response was also appropriate, preserving his face without offending the Golden Toad too forcefully.

The smile on the Golden Toad Demon Lord's face froze for a moment when Chen Jiao spoke, then spread out like ripples on water, becoming even more radiant.

He laughed heartily and clapped his hands, saying:

"The Flood Dragon King is right! What Fellow Daoist Jin Guang said is also true! It was my oversight that led me to only think about making you famous, forgetting that the essence of cultivation lies in stillness and tranquility."

He deserves to be punished!

He poured himself a cup, gestured to Jin Guang Zhenren, and drank it all in one gulp.

He was poised and unperturbed, showing no sign of anger.

It was as if the invitation, which had been laced with hidden meaning, had never been made, leaving only a scene of serene clarity.

Master Jin Guang breathed a sigh of relief and cast a grateful glance at Chen Jiao.

He raised his glass and drank with the guests, thus lightly letting the matter pass.

The atmosphere inside the hall became lively again, with people clinking glasses, exchanging toasts, and laughing and chatting.

However, when many people looked at the figure in black robes in the left seat again, their gazes became even more awe-inspiring.

With just a few words, he defused a potential storm without leaving a trace. The Dragon King's methods and vision were indeed unfathomable.

After Chen Jiao's words, the Golden Toad Demon Lord's scheming mind quietly dissipated.

With this malevolent star standing blatantly beside the Golden Light Immortal, his words clearly conveyed his intention to protect him.

Even with a thousand schemes and ten thousand thoughts, he had no choice but to suppress them.

Meanwhile, Jin Guang Zhenren, who was in the main seat, had received a clear direction from Chen Jiao's words and became increasingly composed in his response.

The spirit wine is almost gone, and the spirit dishes are almost finished.

Master Jin Guang put down his jade chopsticks and clapped his hands gently.

A round of applause rang out, and the laughter and chatter that had been building in the Five Grains Hall fell completely silent.

Fellow Daoists

Master Jinguang rose, straightened his clothes, and bowed deeply to the assembled guests, his expression solemn and filled with emotion.

"Today, we are deeply grateful to all of you for taking the time to come, observe our ceremony, and offer your guidance. We, along with the staff of Huanghua Temple, are extremely grateful."

The meal was simple and plain; please forgive any shortcomings. This opening ceremony is now considered complete.

He paused, then continued:

"With the new temple newly established and everything in need of development, I am burdened with worldly affairs and fear that I will not be able to spend much time chatting with you fellow Daoists."

If any of you wish to rest in the temple or explore the nearby mountain scenery, please inform the guest master disciple for arrangements.

If you have urgent business to attend to and must depart immediately, I dare not insist you stay. I have prepared some small items from the mountains as a token of my gratitude, and I hope you will accept them with a smile.

After he finished speaking, several young Taoist boys presented small brocade pouches to the guests.

The brocade pouch was made of plain satin and embroidered with yellow flowers and cloud patterns. Inside, it might contain a few elixirs or a small jar of the temple's secret-recipe spiritual tea.

It wasn't expensive, but it showed thoughtfulness and was the perfect return gift.

The guests stood up one after another, expressing their gratitude repeatedly.

The Golden Toad Demon Lord left quite early, and before departing, he bowed to Golden Light Immortal and Chen Jiao to say goodbye.

His smile remained unchanged, his words were warm, but he never mentioned cooperation or anything else related to the market again.

The gray-clad old servant silently drove the carriage, and the spirit deer trod on the clouds, disappearing into the distance in an instant.

The guests also took their leave in twos and threes, riding on their ethereal lights and disappearing into the deep night, some heading towards the mountains to the north and south, others towards the cities in all directions.