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

Chen Jiao rode a tiger eastward, passing through clouds and over mountains.

The sea of ​​clouds stretches endlessly, and the wind blows for thousands of miles.

The tiger was incredibly fast, and had already traveled thousands of miles beyond Yangquan Ridge.

We arrived at Xiniuhezhou, a place with beautiful scenery and few people, above a continuous mountain range.

Below, the sea of ​​clouds churns and shrouds thousands of peaks, a scene of primordial chaos and undeveloped nature.

Chen Jiao sat on the tiger's back, closed his eyes and regulated his breathing, carefully sorting out the doubts he had gained from discussing the Dao over the past few days and from his trip to the Cleansing Spring.

As they were walking, a subtle change suddenly occurred in the energy of heaven and earth ahead.

But in the distance, a once ordinary range of mountains was now shrouded in endless clear light.

That clear light was not a killing light, but rather seemed to be an invisible giant hand, using heaven and earth as a canvas and the Daoist rhyme as a brush, gently combing and sculpting the mountains and rivers.

Water sources shifted, the earth's veins changed, spiritual springs gushed forth, and vegetation grew wildly...

Deep within the clouds and mist on the mountainside, a glimmer of light, like a newly born star, quietly appears and then disappears, seemingly just a fleeting illusion in the viewer's mind.

A faint, clear, melodious Taoist sound echoed within, like the wind rustling through pine trees or rain pattering on banana leaves; it did not display any supernatural power, yet it nourished things silently.

Xiaoyue stopped in his tracks, his copper bell-shaped tiger eyes wide open, revealing instinctive awe and surprise, and a low sob came from his throat.

"To establish a sacred site..."

Chen Jiao also looked up from the tiger's back and gazed at the clear light flowing and the landscape shifting, and was secretly alarmed.

This was not like how he governed Yunmang Mountain, where he guided the terrain, diverted water veins, adjusted the earth's energy, and slowly sorted out the spiritual energy.

The scene before me clearly shows that the very foundations of the mountains and rivers have been altered, the earth's veins shifted, and the spiritual core activated with ease.

To be able to reshape the world's atmosphere in an instant is truly a great supernatural power to manipulate the workings of nature.

This seemingly effortless method is far beyond the reach of ordinary celestial beings or demon saints!

But only for a short while.

The clear light gradually faded, and the strange phenomena gradually disappeared.

The mountains are high and beautiful, the forests are deep and mysterious, yin and yang, purity and turbidity each have their place, and spiritual energy spontaneously gathers together.

But then I saw the mountain.

A thousand peaks stand like halberds, ten thousand cliffs unfold like a screen. Sunlight reflects on the misty haze, rain clears the dark green hues.

Tall bamboos and pines, rare flowers and auspicious herbs, never fade in any season.

The calls of secluded birds are near, and the clear sound of springs flows gently. In the deep valleys and ravines, with craggy cliffs everywhere, there is a hidden flow of Taoist charm, and a pure and ethereal atmosphere pervades the air.

It is truly a paradise on earth, a celestial abode.

Just as Chen Jiao was still observing.

From the depths of the mountains, a peaceful and gentle gaze seemed to pierce through the clouds and mist, reaching out from afar.

next moment.

A gentle voice resounded directly in Chen Jiao's heart, like a babbling brook or a refreshing breeze:

"Young friend, you've come from afar, and it's a pleasure to see this newly built mountain. The mountain is simple, but we have a cup of coarse tea. Would you mind coming in and resting for a while on your journey?"

The sound instantly dispels all irritability and brings clarity to the mind.

The words had barely left his mouth.

The clouds below naturally parted to the sides, revealing a winding bluestone path leading upwards. At the end of the path, the outline of an ancient cave dwelling could be faintly seen.

The tiger tensed up, crouched low, and dared not move.

Chen Jiao's eyes narrowed slightly, realizing that the master of this place was far more powerful than he could currently fathom.

Since the other party has already spoken and has no malicious intent, it would be impolite to avoid them.

He hesitated for a moment, then bowed respectfully towards the mountain gate from afar, responding with his divine sense in a calm voice:

"Since an elder has invited me, how could I refuse?"

Then he gently patted the tiger's neck.

The tiger understood, suppressed its fear, withdrew its demonic aura, and landed on all fours, steadily ascending the automatically appearing bluestone path.

The clouds and mist swirled around me, and the fresh fragrance of grass and trees filled the air.

The lingering power that had just transformed the world has now completely transformed into the tranquility and peace of the mountains, allowing people to relax unconsciously.

After traversing the mountain path, we finally arrived at a secluded cave.

The cave entrance is tall and wide, hidden among the green cliffs and vines. There is no plaque above it, nor any couplets on the sides. Only the natural stone patterns meander, seemingly containing endless mysteries.

In front of the cave is a flat, mirror-like blue stone platform that can accommodate dozens of people.

At the edge of the platform, clouds and mist swirl, and looking down, one can see the mountains and rivers from which one came, displaying a myriad of ever-changing scenery.

At this moment, three people were already standing in front of the cave.

An old Taoist priest stood in the center.

Wearing a golden lotus crown and a plain Taoist robe.

He wore a wide robe with long sleeves, three strands of long, silver-gray beard hanging down his chest, and held a whisk casually draped over his arm.

There was no oppressive aura emanating from him, only a sense of pure energy surrounding him, and an air of otherworldly grace that made one forget worldly concerns upon seeing him.

It was the person who had just sent the invitation via telepathy.

Beside the old Taoist priest stood two young Taoist boys, one holding a ruyi scepter and the other a set of scriptures.

Both children had bright, intelligent eyes and refined demeanor, unlike ordinary people. At this moment, they were also curiously observing Chen Jiao, who was riding a tiger.

Chen Jiao dismounted from the edge of the platform and gestured for Xiao Yue to stay put and not move.

He walked steadily to within ten feet of the old Taoist priest, bowed respectfully, his posture neither humble nor arrogant, his voice clear and calm:

"Junior Xuan Ling greets Senior."

As a junior passing through this blessed land, I witnessed the wondrous wonders of creation and was deeply moved.

"I have come here uninvited by your invitation, senior, and have disturbed the tranquility of this sacred mountain. I hope you will forgive me."

Seeing this, the old Taoist priest smiled gently, waved his hand, and spoke in a calm and kind voice:

"Young friend Xuanling, you are too polite."

It was on a whim that I suddenly set up this humble abode in this desolate wilderness, disturbing the peace and quiet of the surroundings. I fear I may have startled your mount and disrupted your journey.

Your presence is a matter of fate; how could I be so presumptuous?

Chen Jiao straightened up, cupped his hands again, and said sincerely:

"You flatter me, senior."

To witness firsthand the supreme divine power to manipulate creation and reshape the universe.

For a younger generation like myself, this is already an immense opportunity.

The old Taoist nodded and casually asked, "I see you're in a hurry, young friend. Are you heading to the Eastern Continent?"

Chen Jiao said frankly:

"Indeed. My monastery is in the Eastern Continent of Victory. I am on a westward journey to visit friends, and I will return once my business is done."

"Dongsheng Shenzhou is a land of outstanding people and abundant resources; it's a wonderful place to visit."

The old Taoist priest nodded, asked no further questions, and simply said:

"It's fate that you've come, young friend. Would you mind coming inside for a seat and a drink?"

Chen Jiao hesitated for a moment, then cupped his hands and said:

"The junior is naturally delighted."

"But... I wonder where your immortal abode is, and what your honorific title is? And what is the elegant name of this immortal mountain and cave dwelling? I hope you will remember it well."

Upon hearing this, the old Taoist priest's gaze lingered on Chen Jiao for a moment, his smile deepening as if in approval, and he said slowly...

"I am a layman who has come to live here by chance, and my Taoist name is Bodhi."

As for this mountain and this cave…”

The old Taoist priest casually glanced at the deep cave entrance and the surrounding beautiful mountains, his tone relaxed and carefree:

"This mountain has no name, but with a mind, it becomes a spiritual platform; this cave is inherently empty, but leaving a photograph can serve as proof of its existence."

The crescent moon hangs in the sky, and three stars shine in the doorway. It is but a humble abode where I can temporarily reside and chat with a few fortunate children.

It's just a title or a position; there's no need to worry about it.

The words had barely left his mouth.

The clouds and mist in the mountains gather on their own, condensing and not dispersing, forming a stone tablet on the cliff top, more than three zhang high and more than eight chi wide.

It bears ten ancient seal script characters, simple and unadorned, yet subtly revealing profound mysteries, exuding a natural Taoist charm. Indeed:

Lingtai Fangcun Mountain, Xieyue Sanxing Cave.

Upon hearing this, Chen Jiao was startled, though his face remained calm, a surge of emotion welled up in the depths of his eyes.

It was actually this Patriarch Bodhi!

Was my encounter with this person a coincidence, or was it preordained?

Chen Jiao's mind raced, but his expression remained unchanged as he said in a deep voice:

"So it is Senior Bodhi. This junior has benefited greatly from learning your wonderful teachings."

The Bodhi Patriarch smiled and nodded, stepping aside to clear the way to the cave entrance, and gestured with his whisk as if to guide the way.

"Young friend, your potential is extraordinary, and your path will naturally be broad. It is also fate that we meet today."

This humble abode is newly established, and there is not much to offer guests except a few wisps of mountain breeze and a cup of coarse tea.

"If you don't mind, young friend, please come inside and sit for a while. It would bring some life to my new abode."

Although the question was asked, the tone was natural and friendly, making it hard to refuse.

Chen Jiao bowed and said, "I dare not refuse such a generous gift from an elder. I have troubled you greatly."

"Don't bother me, come with me."

Bodhi Patriarch smiled and nodded, holding his whisk, and went first into the Cave of the Slanting Moon and Three Stars.

Two young Taoist boys quickly led the way.

Chen Jiao telepathically instructed Xiao Yue to wait outside, and then followed.