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

The lotus blossoms in the nearby pond are all extraordinary, shrouded in golden light and radiating a clear glow.

The jade platform is made of flawless white jade, with railings carved with cloud and phoenix patterns, surrounded by ethereal mist and fragrant exotic flowers.

In the distance, cranes can be seen fluttering about, and auspicious clouds rise.

In the center is a cloud-patterned couch, formed naturally from primordial clouds, covered with nine-colored cloud brocade.

A female immortal sat serenely atop a cloud-covered platform.

Chen Jiao raised his eyes for only a moment before lowering them again. Yet what he saw in that instant was imprinted in his mind.

The female immortal was dressed in a golden palace gown with nine phoenixes facing the sun and a crown with nine feathers. Her face was dignified and graceful, possessing both the profound majesty accumulated over the years and the natural nobility.

Her phoenix eyes, when they opened and closed, naturally exuded an air of nobility befitting a female immortal who ruled over the three realms and a mother to the world, making people dare not look directly at her.

It was none other than the Queen Mother of the West, the Golden Mother of the Jade Pool.

Beside the cloud bed stood a fairy dressed in crimson robes, none other than Princess Hong'er.

She held a wooden tray with cloud patterns in her hands. The objects stacked on the tray were covered by a piece of ethereal gauze that shimmered with rosy light, so their full appearance was not visible.

Princess Hong'er possessed a bright and dignified appearance, with both the nobility of a royal princess and an ethereal, aloof air about her, and a graceful figure.

Like a red lotus reflecting the sun, its beauty is so captivating that one forgets the mundane world.

Chen Jiao's gaze swept over Princess Hong'er, but he only glanced at her briefly before looking away, his expression calm and composed, showing no emotion.

The enchanting snow scene in the Cleansing Spring is a mystery to be told to outsiders.

"Your subject, Venus, has been ordered by the Great Heavenly Venerable to lead the True Lord of Tranquility to the Jade Pool to pay homage to the Empress and receive her favor."

Venus stepped forward and bowed in respect.

Chen Jiao followed closely behind, his posture respectful and his voice steady:

"Your subject pays homage to the Queen Mother of the West. May Your Majesty live a long and prosperous life."

"Star Lord, True Lord, no need for formalities."

The Queen Mother of the West possessed a captivating and dignified air about her.

"Please take a seat."

A fairy maiden brought a cloud-embroidered prayer mat.

The two expressed their gratitude and took their seats.

The Queen Mother's phoenix eyes fell on Chen Jiao, and she spoke gently:

"His Majesty has high expectations for the True Lord. This time, he has bestowed upon him a great title and reward, and specially granted him a Xie Zhi (a mythical beast) and a cloud brocade cloak to enhance his appearance and demonstrate the majesty of the Emperor."

This Xuan Tian Bi Jie Yun Brocade Cloak was bestowed upon me on behalf of the palace.

May the True Lord uphold righteousness and integrity, abide by the Heavenly Rules, and live up to the name of "Pacifying the Law."

The Queen Mother is the head of all female immortals and holds a revered position. This time, she is bestowing rewards on behalf of the Jade Emperor, which is also intended to demonstrate divine favor and to win him over.

"Hong'er, give the cloak to the True Lord," the Queen Mother instructed.

"Yes, Mother."

Princess Hong'er responded and moved gracefully, carrying the wooden tray to Chen Jiao's seat. She bowed slightly and presented the tray.

"This Xuan Tian Bi Jie Yun Jin Chang is woven from Xuan Tian Yun Jin mixed with the pure and untainted Qi of Xuan Qing."

This cloak has a black base, with a clear light that wards off calamities on the outside and cloud patterns that surround the heavens on the inside, subtly reflecting the way of the movement of the stars and the changing of the four seasons and eight solar terms.

Wearing it can protect you from dust and dirt, ward off wind and thunder, and prevent damage from water and fire.

It also has the wonderful effect of warding off all kinds of external evils and reducing the aura of disasters.

Please, Your Majesty, examine this.

Princess Hong'er's voice was clear and melodious as she recounted the origins and various wonderful uses of the black cloak as if it were her own treasure.

Chen Jiao stood up and took the wooden tray.

Touching it, one feels that the cloak beneath the fairy gauze is as light as nothing, with a warm and gentle spiritual light flowing through it, and a dense, supple, and all-encompassing Daoist charm contained within.

He didn't examine it closely; with just a slight sense of its nature, he knew it was a priceless treasure.

He bowed deeply to express his gratitude to the Queen Mother of the West.

"Your subject Chen Jiao thanks the Great Heavenly Venerable for his generous gift and the Empress for her grace. I will certainly fulfill my duties diligently to repay the Emperor's kindness."

The Queen Mother nodded slightly. The latest chapter of "[Title of Chapter]" is full of exciting plot twists! Come quickly! She then gave a few more gentle instructions, nothing more than words like "be upright, enforce the law impartially, and accumulate merit."

His words clearly conveyed encouragement and expectations.

Chen Jiao answered each question respectfully, his words earnest and his demeanor composed.

After handing over the cloak, Princess Hong'er retreated to the Queen Mother's side and stood quietly by her side.

Those clear, beautiful eyes would occasionally glance subtly at the black-robed True Lord below.

Having lived in the Jade Pool for a long time, she had heard about the new nobles of the Heavenly Court.

This True Lord Jingfa has been enjoying great popularity recently, and judging from his appearance and demeanor, he is exceptionally refined and extraordinary.

Contrary to the rumors of his fierce and unruly image of annihilating star lords and defying emperors, he is more like a calm and solemn law-enforcing immortal lord.

With everything settled, Chen Jiao was about to express his gratitude and take his leave.

The Queen Mother suddenly smiled, her phoenix eyes sparkling with amusement, and asked:

"I met the True Lord a little later than the scheduled time, but something happened along the way that delayed me."

Just now, there seemed to be unusual celestial phenomena outside the Jade Pool. Could it be related to this?

Princess Hong'er, who was standing to the side, noticed this and her eyes flickered with curiosity as she looked at Chen Jiao.

Chen Jiao knew that this matter could not be hidden from the Queen Mother's discerning eyes, nor was there any need to conceal it, so he bowed and replied:

"Your Majesty, the reason for my late arrival is indeed related to this."

After I accompanied the Star Lord to the Imperial Stables to receive the Xie Zhi, I happened to meet the Third Prince. On a whim, we went to the secluded Cloud Terrace in the Heavenly Court to discuss Taoist magic and supernatural powers, and to verify what we had learned.

Therefore, I have caused a brief delay and troubled Your Majesty to wait so long; this is my fault.

Upon hearing this, the Queen Mother's smile deepened. She showed no blame, but instead asked with great interest:

"Oh? It was caused by sparring with the two of you."

Although I did not witness it in person, the magnificent Daoist aura and chilling sword intent that just now manifested in the law of heaven and earth were undeniable.

But I wonder, what was the outcome of your sparring match?

"Reporting back to Your Majesty, the Third Prince possesses great supernatural powers and extraordinary magical treasures. His Samadhi True Fire and the Three Heads and Six Arms technique are particularly profound."

I also exerted all my efforts and only managed to gain a slight advantage by following the supernatural powers of heaven and earth.

This exchange was truly a testament to the strengths of both sides, making it difficult to predict a winner. More than anything, it served as a validation of the principles, a mutual encouragement and refinement.

His tone was calm, humble, and unpretentious.

Princess Hong'er, who was standing to the side, had a hint of surprise flash across her clear and beautiful eyes.

Although she knew Nezha was warlike, she was also well aware of his ferocity, and his three heads and six arms were renowned far and wide.

This True Lord Jingfa was able to gain the upper hand in the exchange, so his supernatural powers and abilities are probably even more profound than rumored.

Venus stroked his silver beard, a gentle smile on his face, and nodded slightly.

He witnessed the whole process and knew that Chen Jiao's words were true and that he was still humble. He also admired Chen Jiao's dignified and unyielding demeanor.

Upon hearing this, the Queen Mother's phoenix eyes showed even greater approval.

Having lived in the Jade Pool for a long time and seen countless immortals and gods, she naturally understood the truth and the room for maneuver behind Chen Jiao's answer.

What's even more remarkable is that Chen Jiao remained humble despite being rewarded, and showed no arrogance in his dealings with others. He also protected his friend Nezha and was mindful of his colleagues' feelings.

He stood tall in his black robe, his Taoist demeanor refined and dignified. His manners and actions were all impeccable. Facing me, the master of Yaochi, he was respectful but not obsequious, composed but not dull.

The Queen Mother was overjoyed.

The Heavenly Court is in dire need of talent, and it is truly fortunate to have such a gifted individual with a solid foundation, extraordinary abilities, a calm temperament, and the ability to know when to advance and retreat.

Your Majesty has a discerning eye for talent; this young man is indeed a promising individual, worthy of being a pillar of the state.

The Queen Mother originally bestowed the gift on behalf of the Jade Emperor to show divine favor, but at this moment, she truly felt the appreciation and expectations of an elder for an outstanding junior.

Since His Majesty has bestowed a reward, how could she, the head of the female immortals who governs the Jade Pool, not express her gratitude?