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

This lack of gaps is not emptiness, but rather the clear illumination of the Dao mind, leaving no gaps for exploitation.

His will is as firm as a rock, his path is upright and dignified, and his thoughts and actions are perfectly integrated without any contradiction.

Mythical beasts are spiritually intelligent and possess the keenest perception.

It possesses innate spiritual awareness. The person before it has a single-minded focus on the Dao and has already determined their path. Their righteousness and integrity have been internalized as the foundation of their own Dao, requiring no outward manifestation, yet they are all the more solid.

All hesitation vanished, leaving no room for further doubt.

The Xie Zhi lowered its head slightly, its white jade horn on its forehead shimmering with pure white light, and took a gentle step forward.

With its forelegs slightly bent, the proud head, symbolizing righteousness and wisdom, gently lowered the outstretched hand towards Chen Jiao.

With an ancient and solemn gesture, he slowly and steadily touched the jade horn on his forehead to his palm.

As the group left the back garden of Qilin Cliff, the supervisor saw them off all the way, still marveling at their abilities.

This True Lord Jingfa may look young, but his methods and demeanor are truly unfathomable.

He didn't even use the [Mysterious Pivot Beast Taming Azure Talisman]; he only needed his aura to make the fierce and proud Xie Zhi bow its head.

Having served in the Imperial Stables for many years and handled countless mythical beasts and birds, this was the first time he had ever seen such a scene.

The supervisor glanced over and saw the mythical beast Xie Zhi quietly following half a step behind Chen Jiao.

His dark hair shimmered with a subtle luster under the flowing clouds, and the jade-like horn on his forehead was warm and smooth.

His demeanor showed no sign of forced listlessness, but rather a quiet serenity that seemed to resonate with his spirit.

The supervisor sighed inwardly, "He is indeed no ordinary person."

As we approached the gate of the Imperial Horse Stables, we suddenly heard a rumbling sound from ahead, like distant thunder rolling on the ground, or like a river surging.

I looked up.

Before the Imperial Horse Stables, on a vast plain with clouds as its ground and starlight as its railings, countless celestial horses converged into a surging torrent, galloping past.

Leading the pack was the fiery red steed, unparalleled in its swiftness; the dragon-like steed, its form appearing and disappearing; and the red rabbit, like a rosy cloud, chased the wind and lightning.

There are also famous horses such as Daoli, Baiyi, Shanzi, Quhuang, Yulun, and Lüer, as well as many other celestial horses whose names I don't know but which are equally radiant, mixed in among them.

With manes flying and hooves churning, they formed a surging tide of five colors and shimmering light, rolling forward with the force of wind and thunder.

The roars converged like a dragon's cry, echoing through the clouds. The sheer power and the extraordinary scenery were breathtaking.

On both sides of the cloud path, numerous officials and strongmen from the Imperial Horse Administration were already stationed, each holding a long pole and a command flag.

They might guide and divert the flow, shout and restrain it, or use magic to calm the overly restless airflow.

He remained calm and organized despite being busy, demonstrating his well-trained skills and adeptness at handling such situations.

Seeing that Chen Jiao, Nezha, and even Taibai Jinxing had stopped to watch, the supervisor quickly composed himself, stepped forward, and pointed to the surging torrent of horses, explaining:

"True Lord, Star Lord, Third Prince, this is the time when the Heavenly Horses set out for patrol and return to their stables at dawn and dusk every day."

My Imperial Stables is in charge of the Heavenly Horses, which are divided into nine grades and eighteen gardens according to coat color, stamina, natural endowment, and supernatural abilities.

The Red Hare, White Steed, and Hua Liu that I just saw are mostly of superior quality, belonging to the "Chasing the Wind" and "Soaring Cloud" gardens respectively.

Ordinary celestial officials and divine generals cannot be easily appointed unless they have performed great deeds or received special permission from the Emperor.

Even those of slightly lower rank needed outstanding performance or crucial positions to be eligible to apply for it, for use as transport or in battle.

Seeing that the three immortals showed no impatience, the supervisor continued the introduction:

"These celestial horses are all extraordinary breeds. Some are dragon horses, unicorns, or mixed blood of dragon beasts, while others are divine steeds imbued with the spiritual energy of famous mountains and rivers in the lower realm."

They are extremely active and difficult to tame, and are prone to depression if confined to a stable for too long.

Therefore, every day there is a fixed routine to let them graze in the fields where the celestial energy is abundant. Let them run wild, stretch their muscles and bones, and also temper their blood and spirit.

However, raising and domesticating them is quite laborious, as they need to be fed with rare herbs and fungi, and drink pure water from the Milky Way.

Besides being used by the various deities on a daily basis, they also need to practice formations in preparation for celestial campaigns and the delivery of urgent edicts.

As they spoke, the surging torrent had already swept across most of Muyunping and was heading towards Fuyao Plain, which was further away and received the starlight of the Winged Constellation.

The sound of hooves faded into the distance, leaving only billowing clouds and ripples that had not yet subsided, reflecting a dazzling light around the Imperial Stables.

The supervisor spoke with a mixture of pride and helplessness, saying:

"These celestial steeds are full of spirit and their wild nature has not been extinguished."

Even when letting people out for a stroll, they must be guided carefully to avoid causing them to collide with palaces and halls or start fighting among themselves, which would be difficult to manage.

Those leading horses from earlier were the most unruly, yet also the fastest, so fast that even ordinary celestial officials couldn't get close to them..."

The supervisor's explanation revealed the true nature of the magnificent scene of galloping horses and the neighing of ten thousand horses on the plains.

Nezha was watching the magnificent celestial horses with great interest when he suddenly exclaimed in surprise, as if he had remembered something.

He turned his head to look at the supervisor, and the red silk ribbon fluttered slightly as he turned his head.

"Having said all that, where is the head official of the Imperial Stables? Where is the stable master? Could it be that he deliberately avoided us upon seeing us?"

Nezha's question was casual, but it made the supervisor's expression tighten slightly. He hurriedly bowed and spoke with extreme caution:

"Your Highness, please understand that the official did not intentionally neglect his duties."

In truth... in truth, the previous Bi Ma Wen (弼马温) was impure in his mind and lacked spiritual cultivation, thus failing to fulfill his duties and instead causing some trouble.

Some time ago, he was punished by the Heavenly Laws, stripped of his celestial register, and banished to the mortal realm.

The new head officer has not yet been appointed, so I and several other colleagues will temporarily assist in managing the affairs of the office.

There was absolutely no intention to disrespect the True Lord, the Star Lord, or the Third Prince. I hope for your understanding.

The supervisor's words were vague, but in the Heavenly Court, where discipline was strict and morality and merit were highly valued, such things were not unusual.

Venus, who had been observing with a smile, said gently:

"The Supervisor need not be alarmed."

The position of Bi Ma Wen (弼马温) may seem to involve managing heavenly horses and livestock, and its rank may be inconspicuous, but it actually contains profound mysteries and is the best way to temper one's character.

The celestial horse, endowed with the spirit of stars, treads on flowing clouds; it is inherently a free and unrestrained creature.

However, they are raised in the Heavenly Stable, bound by clouds, so that they know the time, understand the direction, and obey discipline. They are not merely for carrying loads and ceremonial purposes.

Just like the will-horse in the heart of a spiritual practitioner. The chief official of this office must use his own self-control as the reins and a pure mind as the shaft.

Spending every day with these myriad restless spirits, guiding and disciplining them to make them docile and useful, rather than letting them run wild and hurt themselves.

This is both a duty and a form of spiritual practice.

The previous position of Bi Ma Wen (弼马温) was probably not able to grasp the essence of restraining the mind, and was instead taken advantage of by the restless mind, thus his moral conscience was flawed and he could not hold his position.

What a pity, what a pity.

Raising horses is also a way to cultivate one's mind.

The responsibility of the Keeper of the Heavenly Horses lies in the word "taming," which means both taming the heavenly horses and taming one's own mind.

Impure thoughts and unrestrained desires are dereliction of duty and a source of disaster.

Those who can hold this position for a long time and remain stable are all people with strong character and profound composure.

Conversely, one is easily tempted by the daily hustle and bustle, losing one's inner peace.

Chen Jiao's expression shifted slightly as he recalled the surging torrent of celestial horses, which had always been restrained within the cloud path by the celestial officials and warriors.

I have gained a deeper understanding of what Venus said.

On the path of cultivation, there are key points everywhere. Even the Imperial Stables is a place for refining the mind.

Seeing that Venus had spoken tactfully and had not pursued the matter further, the supervisor felt relieved and repeatedly agreed.

Above the vast plains, the dust and smoke from the galloping horses gradually faded into the distance, and the lingering echoes of their hoofbeats dissipated into the clouds.

Seeing that the Xie Zhi stood quietly beside Chen Jiao, its eyes calm and its jade horn on its forehead smooth, clearly indicating that master and servant had reached a harmonious relationship, Venus smiled gently and said:

"Now that you have obtained the mount, True Lord, you may accompany me to the Jade Pool Immortal Palace to receive the Xuan Tian Bi Jie Yun Brocade Cloak bestowed by the Great Heavenly Venerable."

"Jade Pool is the celestial garden of the goddess, with strict restrictions. Ordinary people are not allowed to enter without permission. This old man will lead the way and also give the True Lord a brief message, thus avoiding any suspicion of gossip."

Chen Jiao nodded and said, "Thank you for your trouble, Star Lord."

Suddenly, Nezha stepped forward, his Wind-Fire Wheels emitting faint crimson flames, blocking the path in the clouds.

He crossed his arms, his gaze fixed intently on Chen Jiao: "Wait, old immortal. There's no rush for that cloak."

"This taciturn fellow has been promoted and acquired a treasure today, and he's itching to have a match. Let's find a bright and open place to have a go at it!"

Let me see if your methods have improved over time.

As he spoke, Nezha's gaze was fixed intently on Chen Jiao, and a sharp aura emanated from his body, indicating that he was ready to fight at any moment.

A gust of wind rose from the heavens, swirling the red ribbons around him. A fierce aura mixed with the oppressive power of a true immortal spread silently.

Venus paused slightly as he stroked his beard and looked at Chen Jiao.

Chen Jiao remained calm, turning his head to meet Nezha's almost burning gaze.

After a moment, he slowly said, "I'm available anytime."

A blinding white lightning flashed in his eyes, dazzling and intense.