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

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Having made up her mind, the Queen Mother's smile became even more captivating. After a moment's thought, she spoke:

"It serves as both a testament to the Dao and a mutual encouragement, and it is also a wonderful story."

His Majesty's generous gifts honor your achievements and encourage your ambitions. I am also delighted to see you today.

You have worked tirelessly to eliminate demons and uphold justice in Heaven, and your progress in cultivation also requires external assistance.

His Majesty bestows upon you the mythical beast Xie Zhi to help distinguish between the loyal and the treacherous, and grants you a black cloak to ward off calamities.

I, the Empress, offer this small token of my appreciation, hoping it will be a fitting addition to your life, and that you, My Lord, will maintain your integrity and achieve your goals soon.

Her tone was gentle, yet she possessed an undeniable air of composure.

This act is both a gesture of gratitude and an affirmation and investment in Chen Jiao's performance and future path.

After a moment's thought, the Queen Mother spoke softly to Princess Hong'er, who was standing beside her:

"Hong'er, go and fetch the Nine Spirits Holding a Pearl Pendant from my dressing case."

A hint of surprise flashed in Princess Hong'er's beautiful eyes, and she then respectfully replied:

"Yes, Mother."

She gave a graceful bow, turned and walked away, her crimson robes streaking across the misty, ethereal air.

As a woman of the Queen Mother's status, the fact that she personally bestowed these personal items shows that her intentions were not insignificant.

Chen Jiao, understanding perfectly well, quickly replied:

"Your Majesty, I am humbled and do not deserve such a generous gift. It is my duty to share Your Majesty's burdens for the sake of the Great Heavenly Venerable."

The Queen Mother gently waved her hand, her smile undiminished.

"A true gentleman need not be overly modest."

Although I reside in the Jade Pool, I know that the mortal realm is not always a bright and clear place; it is rife with demons and monsters, and lurks with hidden dangers.

The True Lord wields his magic sword and patrols all directions; with each additional layer of protection, there is a greater sense of security.

This is a small token of my appreciation; please accept it, True Lord.

As they were talking, Princess Hong'er returned, carrying a small, exquisite makeup box that shimmered with a warm, blue light.

She walked up to Chen Jiao and gently opened the makeup box. Inside, there was a brocade lining the box, upon which lay a jade pendant.

The jade pendant was simple in design, with a warm and translucent jade texture, and inside, a faint nine-colored glow slowly flowed.

On the jade pendant, nine different celestial birds in various forms circle and dance, some chirping, some singing, some soaring, and some perching on branches, all lifelike and full of Taoist charm.

At the center of the Nine Spirits, there is a bright pearl the size of a dragon's eye, shrouded in a faint purple aura.

The pearly light and the nine birds' figures, along with the colorful clouds, complement each other, making it even more mysterious, elegant, and imbued with a restrained Taoist charm.

"This jade pendant has been with my palace for many years and has been imbued with the spiritual energy of the Jade Pool. It is quite wonderful in calming the mind, warding off evil spirits, and harmonizing one's fortune."

The True Lord carries it on his person, and it may be of some help in cultivation, fighting enemies, and even in daily life.

The Queen Mother explained gently, her gaze falling on the jade pendant with a touch of nostalgia.

Princess Hong'er presented the makeup box to Chen Jiao.

As Chen Jiao got closer, he could better feel the unique, tranquil, and peaceful Daoist aura emanating from the jade pendant.

He no longer refused, solemnly extended both hands, and accepted the jade pendant. He felt its cool temperature upon touching it, and his mind was instantly calmed.

"Your Majesty, I am deeply grateful for your generous gift! I will certainly remember Your Majesty's teachings, uphold righteousness, devote myself to the affairs of the kingdom, and live up to Your Majesty's expectations."

Chen Jiao bowed deeply, his words earnest and sincere.

The Queen Mother nodded with a smile: "Very well. True Lord, please go and perform your duties in peace. Hong'er, see True Lord and Star Lord off on my behalf."

"Yes."

Princess Hong'er curtsied and said to Chen Jiao and Venus, "Star Lord, True Lord, please."

Chen Jiao bowed to the Queen Mother again to take his leave, and then left the Water Pavilion and Jade Terrace with Princess Hong'er and Venus as they led the way.

After seeing the two off, Princess Hong'er returned to the waterside pavilion and saw her mother still sitting on the cloud bed, gazing at the misty waves of Yaochi, seemingly deep in thought.

She approached, took the jade pot from the fairy maiden, poured half a cup of fine wine for her mother, and finally asked softly:

"Mother, that [Nine Spirits Holding a Pearl Pendant]... I remember it was a personal item that Father Emperor gave to you when he went down to the mortal realm to undergo tribulation in his early years."

"The Jade Treasury is usually filled with many rare treasures as gifts; why was this pendant bestowed upon the Pure Law True Lord?"

The Queen Mother leaned against the cloud couch, her smile deepening as she gazed quietly at her dignified, elegant, and aloof eldest daughter.

He smiled and looked at her, but didn't rush to answer.

That gaze was gentle, yet it seemed to see into the depths of one's heart.

Princess Hong'er felt a little uncomfortable being stared at, her long eyelashes drooping slightly.

"Does Hong'er think this is inappropriate?"

The Queen Mother then spoke slowly, her voice still carrying a smile.

"Your daughter dares not. The True Lord has rendered meritorious service in pacifying the Dharma, and it is only right that he should be generously rewarded. However…"

Princess Hong'er paused for a moment, then said, "That jade pendant was ultimately a gift from my father..."

"What does Hong'er think of Jingfa Zhenjun?" the Queen Mother asked in a gentle voice, instead of answering the question.

Princess Hong'er pondered for a moment, then answered truthfully:

"Judging from her words and actions, my daughter is calm and composed, and her behavior is proper. Just now she described her sparring with Nezha, and her words were neither arrogant nor boastful, and she was not proud even after winning."

Furthermore, with the Emperor's trust in him and the protection of the Grand Master Xuandu, he is destined to be a pillar of the state.

Her assessment was objective, based entirely on what she had just seen and heard.

"Yes, the humerus, the beam."

The Queen Mother nodded with a smile: "Your Majesty is working diligently to reform the country and bring peace to the world."

Therefore, there is a need for a truly righteous and upright blade that can uphold the principles of justice and is worthy of the name "Jingfa" (靖法), which is also the foundation of the mountain's stability.

The Heavenly Court has no shortage of people with great supernatural powers, but it lacks people with solid foundations, potential, the ability to advance and retreat, and the capacity to serve His Majesty.

Nezha was fierce, and Yang Jian... had his own worries. As for the Four Saints of the North Pole, they obeyed orders and were loyal and upright. However, their roots were ultimately in the Purple Palace, and they were important generals under the Northern Emperor.

And the Radiant Heavenly Pure Law True Lord is the one chosen by His Majesty. A reading feast: a vast collection of books, an ultimate experience. His foundation is solid, his talent is beginning to shine, and his future is limitless.

The Queen Mother spoke slowly and deliberately, as if stating a given fact:

"Your Majesty descended to the mortal realm to undergo tribulations and bestowed this jade pendant upon my palace, in remembrance of our shared journey through the mortal world, our original intentions remaining unchanged."

The jade pendant I present is a token of His Majesty's expectations and affection.

He is no ordinary celestial official, but a minister whom His Majesty wishes to employ greatly.

If a few old items can make people remember the Heavenly Court's favor and retain a trace of the incense offerings of the Jade Pool, it is not a bad thing for the public and private interests, or for the stability of the Heavenly Court.

My son, do you understand?

Seeing her daughter deep in thought, the Queen Mother spoke gently again:

"Moreover, your father would be pleased if he knew that this pendant was given to you today."

Princess Hong'er listened quietly. Every word her mother spoke made sense and was based on considerations of the overall situation of the Heavenly Court and the cultivation of future pillars of society.

But why did her mother's smiling gaze always seem to hold a deeper meaning?

She concealed the thoughtful look in her eyes, regaining her usual dignified and aloof demeanor, and respectfully said:

"Your Majesty is far-sighted and has plans for the Heavenly Court. I, your daughter, have been too naive."

…………

Chen Jiao bid farewell to Venus, and the old star lord returned to the Pixiang Palace to report.

Chen Jiao was wearing a Xuan Tian Bi Jie Yun brocade cloak, with a Nine Spirits Pearl Pendant hanging from his waist. The warm and precious light of the cloak and the Taoist charm of the robe blended together, calming the mind and spirit.

He did not ride the clouds or control the thunder, but instead rode a mythical beast called Xie Zhi, whose body was made of black jade and whose horns were made of white jade.

The Xie Zhi, a creature imbued with spiritual power, carried its master through the palaces and cloud-covered paths, its four hooves treading on clear light, moving neither too fast nor too slow.

Wherever he went, the celestial officials and soldiers all respectfully gave way, bowed and watched him intently.

The Xie Zhi went directly to the Thunder Department.

As the daylight shifted, the majestic outline of Leicheng gradually came into view.

Before the Thunder Palace of the Radiant Heaven Pivot, the Thunder General on duty saw the True Lord return, his divine appearance even more magnificent than before.

Their mounts were majestic, their cloaks and ornaments extraordinary; all bowed respectfully, their eyes filled with a mixture of awe and excitement.

Upon entering the mansion, the main hall was bright and resplendent.

Fei Peng, General Hu Lei She Qi, the Demon-Devouring and Monster-Eating Fierce Officer, the Fire Bell Thunder Messenger, and other core generals had already received the news and gathered to await the arrival.

At this grand court assembly, merits were rewarded and rewards were distributed. Chen Jiao received a generous reward from the Great Heavenly Venerable, and his power and authority were further enhanced.

Those subordinates who had followed him for a long time were also rewarded and promoted, and the atmosphere in the mansion was renewed.

Whether they were promoted in rank or bestowed with precious materials and elixirs, their faces were filled with undisguised joy, and they were in high spirits.

"Welcome back to the True Lord!"

Chen Jiao dismounted from the Xie Zhi, entered the hall, took his seat in the main position, glanced at the generals, and nodded slightly.

The spirit of the generals Their spirits were high, and they knew that this reward and suppression of the two emperors had indeed boosted the morale of the Lei family.

Chen Jiao didn't elaborate on the matter of rewards, only saying:

"The rewards bestowed upon the generals are the grace of the Great Heavenly Venerable, and also the result of your past diligence."

Use your resources wisely, and do not fail to repay Heaven's grace.

Immediately, Chen Jiao changed the subject, his tone becoming calm.

"The Great Heavenly Venerable has decreed that I, in the name of Heaven, shall tour the four continents."

This is not a matter of a single time or place; it concerns the majesty of the Heavenly Court's laws and the peace and tranquility of the beings in the mortal realm.

All departments within the prefecture must quickly prepare, inventorying the accompanying officers, soldiers, cavalry, talismans, magical artifacts, and all necessary documents. Everything must be in perfect order, ready to depart at any time.

"Yes, sir!"

The generals received the order, their voices resounding throughout the palace.

They all knew that this inspection tour was no small matter; it was both an exercise of power and a test, and their expressions turned solemn.

Having given his instructions, Chen Jiao said no more. He gave Fei Peng a slight nod, signaling him to take charge of the preparations, and then turned and headed toward the quiet room in the back of the mansion.

Passing through numerous portals, the restrictions deepened, and the spiritual energy became increasingly concentrated.

The door behind him closed silently.

He shut himself out all the noise of duty and the glory of heaven.

Chen Jiao sat cross-legged on the futon, his Xuan Tian Bi Jie Yun brocade cloak draped naturally, and the Nine Spirits Holding Pearl pendant was attached to his waist, exuding a warm and peaceful aura.

He slowly closed his eyes.

The reward has been received, and all matters are temporarily settled.

The good deeds are done, and the opportunity lies in one's heart.

Now, the time has come.

He sank his mind into the deepest part of his spiritual platform, the place that concerns the fundamental Dao and gives birth to infinite possibilities.

The second incarnation, at this very moment, gives birth to creation.

Inside the quiet room, a dim, chaotic light swirled, making it impossible to distinguish up from down or which way was up.

Chen Jiao sat cross-legged, his eyes flashing with blazing white lightning.

He looked inward at his Dao foundation, where the source of metal and thunder shone brightly and fiercely, sharp and deadly.

The first incarnation, Xuan Ling, belongs to the ancient Xuan Jiao, which governs the water element of heaven and earth. It is profound in nature and powerful in force, and it is based on the principle of water nourishing metal and metal and water generating each other.

Water is extremely gentle, nourishing all things, but it also harbors deadly intent, complementing the fierce power of his true form's thunder magic.

The gentleness of water nourishes the hardness of metal, and the power of thunder is enhanced.

Now, the path of the Five Elements needs to be taken a step further.

At this moment, Chen Jiao's mind sank into the Purple Mansion Mysterious Pass, and his past enlightenment flowed in.

He recalled the key to movement and stillness that his teacher had shown him.

Movement is not reckless, stillness is not lifelessness. Yin gives rise to Yang, Yang hides Yin.

Water and fire are inherently mutually destructive, yet true stillness is hidden where movement reaches its extreme, and true fire is contained within ultimate stillness.

Water nourishes and overcomes fire, fire blazes and refines water; movement and stillness complement each other, yin and yang transform into one another, thus generating endless possibilities!