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

Two young Taoist priests stood solemnly outside the mountain gate, where the ancient stone archway was hidden among the pines and cypresses.

They craned their necks, their eyes following the winding mountain path downhill.

The mountains were deserted and silent, with drifting clouds and occasional birds flying by, but not a single person in sight.

"Senior brother, what kind of person do you think it could be?"

The young Taoist in yellow couldn't help but ask in a low voice, his eyes full of curiosity.

This is the first time in three years that such a distinguished guest has been personally welcomed by the patriarch.

The man in green robes, being slightly older and more composed, still couldn't suppress his suspicions and whispered:

"To be treated so well by the patriarch, one must be an extraordinary person."

Perhaps... an ancient immortal who has long since departed from the mortal world? Or a venerable being from the Western Paradise?

He made wild guesses, but he himself felt uncertain.

The voice just fell.

Suddenly, the two felt a faint light appear above their heads.

It wasn't the sun breaking through the clouds, but rather a clearer and more ethereal radiance that quietly descended from the heavens, piercing through layers of flowing clouds.

The two children subconsciously looked up.

But in the extremely high and distant blue sky,

A beam of clear light silently pierced through the clouds and meandered down.

The light was not dazzling, but it carried an indescribable clarity and majesty, as if it had fallen from the highest and most ethereal Jade Capital.

Where the radiance passed, the flowing clouds naturally split in two, and the mountain breeze seemed to freeze.

The light reached the ground in an instant, then quietly disappeared three zhang in front of the mountain gate, revealing a person.

The newcomer was dressed in a black robe, with golden thunder patterns hidden on the hem and cuffs, which swayed slightly as the light faded.

He was tall and upright, with a refined and elegant demeanor that made people forget the mundane world upon seeing him.

However, between his brows, there was a lingering, chilling aura, like a hidden blade, adding a touch of unapproachable majesty to his refined and elegant demeanor.

It was Chen Jiao, the Radiant Heavenly Pacifying Law True Lord, who had come on the orders of the Supreme Dao Ancestor.

The two young Taoist disciples had never seen such a person before.

The person before him seemed completely different from the serene and enigmatic demon immortal in black robes from three years ago. He possessed less of that unfathomable depth and more of that chilling and murderous aura of the heavens.

The two were stunned for a moment, forgetting to ask a question.

Chen Jiao calmly swept his gaze over the familiar cave entrance before him, then fixed it on the two somewhat dazed young disciples, and asked:

"May I ask you two celestial children, is this the place where Patriarch Bodhi cultivated in seclusion, the Lingtai Fangcun Mountain, the Xieyue Sanxing Cave?"

The voice was clear and peaceful, instantly dispelling the slight chill brought by the morning mist in the mountains, and also waking the dazed Taoist boy.

The boy in green robes was awakened by the voice. He was startled and quickly composed himself, bowing respectfully along with the boy in yellow robes.

The yellow-robed Taoist boy, being more articulate, quickly replied:

"Reporting to the Immortal, this is indeed the ancestral temple."

The young Taoist priest in blue robes added:

"Our patriarch already knew that the immortal was about to arrive, and specially ordered the two of us to wait here. Immortal, please follow us inside."

Upon hearing this, Chen Jiao nodded slightly, showing no surprise on his face, and simply said:

"Thank you for leading the way, sir."

The young Taoist in green straightened up, not daring to look directly at the True Lord's face, but only lowered his head and turned to the side, reaching out his hand in a gesture of invitation.

"Please, Immortal."

The two young Taoist boys stepped aside and led the way, one on the left and one on the right, their steps even more respectful and careful.

Chen Jiao followed the young Taoist through the secluded mountain path and once again entered the Crescent Moon and Three Stars Cave.

Inside the grotto, the pavilions remain unchanged, and the Taoist charm is still there.

Chen Jiao entered the main hall.

Bodhi Patriarch was sitting upright on a futon beneath a long scroll of the character "Dao," his crane-feather cloak trailing to the ground, looking relaxed and smiling as he gazed at them.

He walked into the hall, bowed solemnly to the Bodhi Patriarch, and spoke in a clear and steady voice:

"This junior, Chen Jiao, has come to pay my respects to Patriarch Bodhi on the orders of my master, the Supreme Elder."

I apologize for my intrusion and for disturbing the peace of the patriarch.

Upon hearing this, Bodhi Patriarch's smile deepened. He scrutinized the man closely, his gaze seemingly able to penetrate his appearance and see right to his essence.

In the eyes of the patriarch, his foundation was as solid as a mountain, and his body was as clear as crystal.

His aura of thunderous power, seemingly restrained, was in fact magnificent and righteous.

Its nature is extremely strong and sharp, subtly revealing the profound meaning of the ultimate metal element transforming into heavenly might.

It is truly rare in the world to use metal to enter the path of thunder, to use metal to control thunder, and to use thunder to reveal metal!

What's even more remarkable is that his mind is clear and his baleful aura is condensed and does not dissipate, which is obviously due to his firm Dao heart and the celestial immortal path he has achieved through tribulations.

"So it's you, young friend."

Bodhi Patriarch nodded slightly, his tone filled with undisguised admiration:

"I am an old friend of your teacher, Boyang."

When your teacher visited last time, he mentioned that he had taken on a new and excellent disciple.

Seeing you today, I know that what Boyang said was true.

Chen Jiao was slightly surprised when he heard the name "Boyang".

How could the patriarch know of this name before it has been proclaimed in the world?

However, the moment this thought arose, it became clear in an instant.

Boyang is not merely a name, but a principle.

The Supreme Dao Ancestor has countless incarnations, all names and forms are illusory. The one called by the Bodhi Patriarch is not Li Er of the human world, but a point of primordial Qi, the beginning of the nameless world.

With this thought in mind, the initial surprise vanished, leaving only a profound understanding of the Bodhi Patriarch's profound spiritual attainment.

Unaware of Chen Jiao's thoughts, Patriarch Bodhi paused, then sighed:

"The element of metal transforms into thunder, which governs both killing and change, perfectly aligning with the essential principle of the Way of Heaven: renewal and transformation."

It is even more remarkable that you have cultivated this path to such a level, young friend, that you have restrained your murderous intent, maintained a clear mind, and not been lost in the power of thunder.

Boyang is truly blessed.

While praising him, a trace of regret also crossed Bodhi Patriarch's mind.

Three years ago, my friend Xuanling was intelligent and insightful, with a clear and pure Dao heart.

The disciple of Boyang before me possesses unparalleled foundation and extraordinary spiritual power.

They are all talented and virtuous, and it is a pleasure to see them.

Unfortunately, young friend Xuanling is not here and has no chance to enter the sect; while the True Lord before us is the direct descendant of Boyang.

In just a few short years, he has met two such outstanding juniors, neither of whom are disciples of his Crescent Moon Three Stars Cave!

Chen Jiao remained calm and bowed again, saying:

"Master, you flatter me. I am dull-witted and have made only progress thanks to your careful guidance."

The power of thunder lies in its role as Heaven's punishment, and also in its ceaseless cycle of life; this is something we, the younger generation, dare not forget.

Patriarch Bodhi nodded with a smile, clearly quite satisfied with Chen Jiao's answer, and then said:

"Young friend, what are your master's instructions for your visit?"

Chen Jiao said solemnly, "My master said that he had not seen the patriarch for a long time and was missing him dearly."

Knowing that the Patriarch has newly established a sacred site in this wondrous realm of Mount Sumeru, he specially sent this junior to offer his congratulations and to respectfully invite the Patriarch, if he has the leisure, to visit the Tushita Palace for a chat, to enjoy tea and discuss the Dao, and to renew our old friendship.”

Upon hearing this, Bodhi Patriarch stroked his beard and smiled:

"Boyang is indeed nostalgic. I am fortunate to have an old friend who remembers me while I live in this desolate mountain village."

Young friend, please sit for a moment and have a cup of tea. After I have packed my things, I will accompany you on a journey beyond the Thirty-Three Heavens.

"I will follow the instructions of the patriarch."

Chen Jiao bowed again and sat down comfortably on the guest cushion once more.

A young Taoist priest quietly served tea.

The aroma of tea wafted through the hall, and the atmosphere was filled with a sense of Taoist tranquility.

…………

Now that the matter was settled, the tea was finished.

Without further ado, Patriarch Bodhi waved his whisk and said to Chen Jiao:

"Since Boyang has invited me, I will accompany you on this journey."

"It has been many years since I last visited the Heavenly Court, and I wonder if the scenery outside the South Heavenly Gate remains the same."

Chen Jiao stood up: "Please, Ancestor."

The two left Lingtai Fangcun Mountain, rode on the clouds, and headed straight for the heavens.

The patriarch was highly accomplished in Taoism. This time, he went to Tushita Palace at the invitation of an old friend. He also traveled at his own pace. The cloud path was gentle, and he could watch the sky and clouds along the way, and the Milky Way flow.

Before long, the sea of ​​clouds in front of us suddenly opened up, revealing the majestic South Heavenly Gate, radiating golden light.

It is made of deep blue glass and adorned with bright, precious jade.

On both sides stood dozens of Heavenly Marshals, supporting the pillars and holding halberds and banners; all around were a dozen golden-armored gods, holding halberds, whips, knives and swords.

It is truly majestic and awe-inspiring, with a magnificent and ever-changing appearance.

The divine generals at the gate recognized the True Lord and, seeing the profound Taoist aura of the old Taoist beside him, dared not be negligent and bowed from afar to make way for him.

The two descended from the clouds, intending to enter through the Heavenly Gate.

Just then, a grand and magnificent procession suddenly appeared on the other side of the Heavenly Gate.

A radiant light shone forth, nine divine dragons pulled it along, and the sun revolved around the chariot, with golden flames flowing around it.

Hundreds of divine generals and warriors, clad in golden armor and carrying banners, escorted the way, their divine light piercing the sky and illuminating half of the Heavenly Gate with dazzling brilliance.

It was the imperial carriage of the Sun Emperor!

As the imperial carriage approached, it seemed to sense the presence of Chen Jiao and Bodhi Patriarch, and paused slightly.

The beaded curtain in front of the carriage moved slightly without wind, lifting a little to both sides to reveal a majestic, indifferent face with a hint of anger—it was the Sun Emperor.

His gaze, like two tangible rays of sunlight, fell upon Chen Jiao, and the coldness in his eyes deepened.

The air seemed to freeze.

The magnificent backdrop of the South Heavenly Gate and the endless stream of celestial officials and warriors seemed to become a blurred scene at this moment.

The marshals and generals guarding the Heavenly Gate all held their breath and lowered their heads, not daring to look directly at the imperial carriage, much less get involved in this invisible confrontation.

After a moment of silence, the voice of the Sun Emperor came from inside the imperial carriage:

"So it's True Lord Jingfa. What a grand display of power! Even my imperial carriage has to be stopped?"

His tone was flat, revealing neither joy nor anger, yet it carried a suffocating, scorching pressure, like an invisible wave of fire sweeping over.

Chen Jiao remained expressionless, bowed respectfully towards the imperial carriage, and spoke in a clear and calm voice:

"Greetings, Your Majesty. I am merely on official business; how could I possibly obstruct Your Majesty's imperial procession?"

"Business trip?"

The Sun Emperor's voice was indifferent, yet carried an imperceptible chill:

"Is it because of the Ruoshui case, that you've been searching everywhere for remaining culprits and gathering evidence?"

Upon hearing this, the temperature near the Heavenly Gate seemed to rise a few degrees, and the banners moved without wind, their flames swaying slightly.

Chen Jiao raised his eyes, his gaze calmly meeting the direction of the imperial carriage, his tone still unhurried:

"Your Majesty is mistaken."

The case of Ruoshui is of great importance. The Thunder Department is acting in accordance with the laws of nature, and it is its duty to apprehend the criminals and clarify the cause and effect.

As for the remaining inhabitants, the evidence of their crimes is recorded in the case files and judged by the laws of Heaven; it is not something that I, the ruler, can decide with a single word.

However, the Sun Wheel Divine General under the Emperor's command trespassed into the Thunder Department's restricted area, violating heavenly rules, and is currently reflecting on his actions in the Thunder Prison. If the Emperor has the time, he might as well discipline him more.

His words were sharp and uncompromising.

Upon hearing this, the heavenly soldiers and generals standing around all tensed up, lowered their heads, and dared not utter a sound.

The immortals and gods passing by the South Heavenly Gate also slowed down, either keeping a distance or listening intently, and the atmosphere instantly froze.

The Sun Emperor's radiance seemed to intensify slightly for a moment, the temperature around his imperial carriage quietly rose, and the eight crimson-gold fire dragons snorted uneasily.

The Sun Emperor's voice grew increasingly cold, suppressing his anger, and he said:

"Oh? I'd like to hear how the True Lord will present his report at the court assembly. The matter of the Four Hidden Star Lords also needs to be discussed in detail."

Chen Jiao raised his eyes, his gaze calmly meeting the direction of the imperial carriage. His voice remained clear and melodious, yet every word was distinct:

"What needs to be said will be said. What needs to be settled will be settled. Why should Your Majesty be in such a hurry?"