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

Chen Jiao carefully considered his words, and finally asked the question that was on his mind, which was also the only point that the Heavenly Venerable had not explained in detail:

"Please forgive my presumption, Your Majesty."

Just now, the Celestial Venerable mentioned the whereabouts of the legacy of the Four Emperors, but he did not mention the continuation of the legacy of the Celestial Venerable's old friend, His Majesty the Azure Emperor.

I don't know...

Mentioning his old friend, Taiyi Jiuku Tianzun's expression remained gentle, but a hint of emotion flashed in his eyes as he softly said:

"Qing Emperor...

After that calamity, the world was damaged, and life showed signs of decline.

To nourish the very foundation of heaven and earth and perpetuate the life force of all things, the Azure Emperor dispersed his form and spirit, transforming into the Dao between heaven and earth.

He sacrificed his own life so that plants could sprout again and living beings could continue to thrive.

Its nine strands of primordial green yang qi also dispersed into heaven and earth, nourishing all things.

Only a last wisp, containing a trace of lingering life, was intercepted by this humble Taoist at the moment of Dao's passing, preventing it from completely dissipating.

Upon hearing this, Chen Jiao was filled with awe.

The Azure Emperor spread his Dao throughout heaven and earth, nourishing all things; such a magnanimous spirit moved him to sincerely praise:

"His Majesty the Green Emperor is compassionate, his benevolence extends to all living beings, and his merits will last for generations. He is truly admirable."

The Celestial Venerable nodded slightly, but said no more about the Azure Emperor's matter, and took out an item from his sleeve.

It was a green leaf.

Its leaves are simple and unadorned, neither pine nor cypress, neither paulownia nor mulberry, and the veins and patterns of the leaves naturally contain profound traces of Tao.

Its color is a deep, vibrant blue, as if it embodies the most primal and lush vitality of the world.

Although it has detached from the branch, it shows no signs of withering.

An ancient and vast atmosphere, yet brimming with vitality, quietly spread out.

The hall seemed to be instantly filled with the fresh, budding grass and trees, and the tranquil atmosphere of early spring.

Chen Jiao's gaze suddenly sharpened, fixing on the green leaf.

Although he had never seen the innate Jia wood energy, the spiritual charm emanating from this leaf, which pointed directly to the origin of the wood element, gave him absolute certainty.

This item must be a rare treasure of the same origin, or even more precious!

Its ancient and pure aura far surpassed any wood-related spiritual object he had ever seen before.

The Celestial Venerable gently held the green leaf and asked in a soft voice:

"Have you ever heard of... Jianmu, True Lord?"

Chen Jiao suppressed the shock in his heart, nodded slightly, and said in a deep voice:

"I have seen the name Jianmu in ancient books and secret stories."

It is said to be an ancient divine tree that reaches the heavens, growing in the center of the world. Its height is boundless, soaring into the void, and its breadth is immeasurable, sheltering the eight directions.

Reaching the heavens above and connecting to the netherworld below, it was once a bridge linking the three realms and facilitating communication between humans and gods.

Later generations said that it had long since severed the connection between heaven and earth, collapsed and ceased to exist, leaving no trace and making it difficult to find its true form.

The leaf in the Celestial Venerable's hand...

Chen Jiao's gaze fell once more on the green leaf, his voice tinged with surprise and doubt:

"Could it be a leaf from that ancient Jianmu tree?"

Taiyi Jiuku Tianzun held a green leaf in his hand and gently brushed it across the surface, making the pale blue halo flowing on the leaf seem even more gentle.

He looked at Chen Jiao, his eyes filled with a hint of reminiscence and admiration:

"Indeed, it is a leaf of the Jianmu tree."

Jianmu is a divine tree born from the innate Jia wood element, and can be called the ancestor of all trees and the source of all spirits.

Its wonders are truly beyond words.

When it connected the three realms, all spirits could ascend and descend. Later, the Jianmu tree collapsed, its main trunk broke, and its remains and branches scattered throughout the heavens, nowhere to be found.

The Celestial Venerable paused briefly before continuing, "The Azure Emperor governs the growth and development of all things, and his Daoist principles are in harmony with those of the Jianmu tree."

After the Jianmu tree collapsed, its remains also possessed a spirit that concealed itself and disappeared into nothingness.

The Azure Emperor, through great supernatural powers and extraordinary opportunity, found two relatively intact branches among them.

The Celestial Venerable's gaze returned to Chen Jiao's face, and he said slowly:

"One of them was given to me by the Green Emperor."

Although the Celestial Venerable did not say it explicitly, Chen Jiao naturally understood that this leaf probably originated from the branch of the Jianmu tree that the Celestial Venerable had obtained.

"Though the branches are damaged, it is not a complete Jianmu tree..."

The Celestial Venerable continued, his tone carrying a subtle sense of melancholy:

"However, it ultimately originates from the innate Jia wood divine tree, and the Daoist principles it contains for communicating with all realms and stabilizing the void are still incredibly profound, incomparable to any acquired spiritual root."

After obtaining it, I used it as a foundation to create this world in the Eastern Celestial Realm.

This is the Pure Land of Eternal Bliss that you see and feel, a place where all beings can find a glimmer of purity and liberation from suffering.

Using the remnants of the Jianmu tree as a foundation, a new world is created!

Chen Jiao gained a deeper understanding of the Heavenly Venerable's abilities and the wonders of the Jianmu tree.

The pure and peaceful Qinghua Chang Le Realm actually originated from this.

Chen Jiao was deeply moved by what he heard.

He couldn't help but ask softly:

"The Heavenly Venerable used the remnants of the Jianmu tree to create the Chang Le Realm, which is already a feat that rivals the creation of heaven and earth."

But what wondrous use will His Majesty the Green Emperor have for the other branch he obtained?

Upon hearing this, Taiyi Jiuku Tianzun laughed and said:

"The Azure Emperor is fond of natural creation, but he did not use it to create an independent world like I have."

He used his own pure Yang Qi to nurture and transform that withered branch day and night.

It is hoped that one day, the remains of this primordial wood ancestor can be revitalized and sprout new buds.

He once said, "Heaven and earth are flawed, and the Jianmu tree has broken. We should leave a way for future generations to rebuild the bridge between heaven and earth, as a foundation that will remain unchanged for all ages."

The green leaf in the Celestial Venerable's hand moved without wind, as if swaying gently with his words, scattering tiny specks of imperceptible green dust.

Chen Jiao's heart skipped a beat.

How grand and arduous is this aspiration and ambition!

Jianmu is formed from the original Jia wood. Its collapse signifies a flaw in the Great Dao. To revive its remains is almost defying the heavens.

"Although the broken branch is broken, the innate wood element within it has not been extinguished. Moreover, because it once served as a bridge between heaven and earth, it still possesses a vital life force."

After countless ages, and imbued with the Daoist essence of the Azure Emperor, it actually sprouted a new bud.

Taiyi Jiuku Tianzun's eyes revealed approval, both for Qingdi's methods and for the wonder of Jianmu.

"This newly grown tree, though it no longer possesses the magnificent appearance of the ancient trees that connected heaven and earth, has still sprouted branches and leaves, growing lush and verdant, forming its own unique character."

The Green Emperor was greatly pleased to see the tree reborn.

He then followed the natural course of events, using it as the core, and following the natural flow of the branches and veins to construct halls and pavilions, set up restrictions, and draw upon the spiritual energy of the temple to resonate with it.

Over time, a palace naturally evolved on that newly grown Jianmu tree.

The palace and the Jianmu tree were seamlessly integrated; the tree was the palace, and the palace was the tree, hence the name—Jianmu Palace.

Jianmu Palace!

As Chen Jiao silently recited the name, a wondrous scene seemed to appear before his eyes.

Although it is not as towering as its ancestor, the sacred tree is still vigorous and majestic, its branches and leaves covering all directions.

And amidst the foliage, magnificent palaces and pavilions grow from the trees, connected to the sacred tree's veins, forming a seamless whole.

A blue-robed emperor sits leisurely in an ancient palace built against the wood, breathing with the wood and sharing the spring with heaven and earth.

That deep desire to leave a legacy for future generations and the ultimate goal of transforming heaven and earth and benefiting all living beings faintly overlap at this moment.

This made Chen Jiao feel a surge of respect for the ancient Azure Emperor, whom he had never met before.

Chen Jiao was completely absorbed in his work.

But then they heard Taiyi Jiuku Tianzun chuckle a few times, his tone gentle yet tinged with apology:

"It is I who have been rambling on about so many old stories."

However, the innate Jia wood energy that the True Lord is concerned about has not yet been mentioned, which may be making the True Lord anxious.

"You flatter me, Celestial Venerable!"

Upon hearing this, Chen Jiao immediately composed himself and said solemnly:

"To be able to hear the Celestial Venerable recount so many secrets is something that ordinary cultivators rarely hear even once in ten thousand years."

I have benefited greatly from this and broadened my horizons. I am deeply grateful and would never dare to blame or be impatient with you.

This is a great blessing from the Dao, and I am filled with gratitude.

"good."

The Celestial Venerable nodded slightly, his smile becoming even warmer. Without saying anything more, the floating green leaf slowly drifted to Chen Jiao's front.

"However, this leaf in my hand, though it originates from Jianmu and contains the innate Daoist essence of Jiamu."

It is a treasure for ordinary cultivation, but its quantity and quality are insufficient to lay the foundation for the innate Jia wood energy required for the True Lord to establish the central palace of the Five Elements.

This energy is so pure and vast that one must approach its source.

Chen Jiao took the green leaf with both hands, and felt its warmth and coolness upon touching it.

A vibrant life force emanated from the leaves, penetrating his mind and invigorating him.

He carefully put it away and listened attentively to what followed.

The Celestial Venerable continued, "However, the things that the True Lord needs are indeed available in the Jianmu Palace."

Chen Jiao's heart tightened, and he couldn't help but ask:

"May I ask the Heavenly Venerable, where is the Jianmu Palace now? Can any trace of it still be found?"

"Jianmu Palace..."

The Celestial Venerable cast his gaze upon the boundless emptiness outside the hall and slowly said:

"After the Azure Emperor attained enlightenment, he disappeared into the gaps between the heavens, leaving no trace and remaining hidden for eternity."

Even I, a humble Taoist priest, have searched for many years without success.

He changed the subject slightly: "Until recently, I suddenly had a feeling in the middle of my meditation."

He sensed that his karmic connection was about to end, and that he was about to emerge from hiding and manifest in the world.

"I did not attend this grand assembly because I used my Dharma Eye to survey the Three Realms and travel through the ten directions of the heavens, attempting to determine the specific mechanism and location of its manifestation."

That's it!

Chen Jiao suddenly realized why a figure like the Heavenly Venerable would be absent from the Grand Court Assembly.

"This leaf is for you. It can help you sense the Qi of the Jianmu Palace and may be able to break through certain innate wood-element restrictions in the palace at critical moments."

The Celestial Venerable's gaze returned to Chen Jiao's face, his eyes filled with expectation and solemnity:

"According to my calculations, the timing and location of his manifestation coincide with the True Lord's current journey of touring the four continents by imperial decree."

This can be described as a preordained opportunity. At that time, I, this humble Taoist, have a favor to ask of you.

"Your Majesty, please give your orders. I will do my best to fulfill them without hesitation."

Chen Jiao bowed in response.

"I need you to enter Jianmu Palace and retrieve an item from there. This item is left by me."

The Jianmu Palace has been sealed for eternity, its interior remains unfathomable, and it is also subject to innate restrictions.

"The True Lord possesses the potential of the Wood element; perhaps he could give this leaf a try."

Chen Jiao knew that this matter was by no means simple.

The fact that the Celestial Venerable entrusted it with such solemnity, and that the Jianmu Palace itself is involved with the legacy of the ancient Azure Emperor, means that its appearance in the world will inevitably cause tremendous upheavals.

Although he had doubts, he did not hesitate and immediately replied:

"If the Heavenly Venerable gives any instructions, this junior will do his best."

However… since Jianmu Palace is involved with the legacy of the Azure Emperor, its present existence is probably…”

"good."

The Celestial Venerable replied, his expression calm yet profoundly insightful.

"The appearance of Jianmu Palace will inevitably attract countless eyes from all directions of the Three Realms. There are countless people who covet the innate Jia wood energy, the legacy of the Azure Emperor, and even Jianmu itself."

"Your Excellency must exercise extreme caution on this journey, proceeding with utmost care. The dangers involved are likely far greater than usual."

Chen Jiao was surprised, and even more doubts arose in his heart.

With the Celestial Venerable's abilities, wouldn't it be safer to retrieve the old items himself? Why bother with a junior like him who hasn't even achieved the Golden Immortal level yet?

The Celestial Venerable seemed to see the doubt in his heart and smiled slightly:

"It's not that I, the humble Taoist, am unwilling to go in person."

The existence of Jianmu Palace in the present world has a significant impact on the flow of energy.

This humble Taoist priest must remain here to oversee the affairs of all directions.

Otherwise, those who covet it would likely include more than just ordinary immortals and demon saints.

Perhaps there are reclusive immortals or even more ancient and powerful beings who will forcibly intervene at any cost.

At that time, it may be beyond the control of the True Lord, and may even trigger an unpredictable chain of events.

Therefore, this humble Taoist is unable to attend in person, and can only trouble the True Lord with this task.

The Golden Immortal has fallen!

Chen Jiao felt a chill run down his spine.

No wonder the Heavenly Venerable needed to use his Dharma Eye to observe the Three Realms and personally oversee the matter.

It turns out that the Celestial Venerable did not go not because he was unable to.

Instead, it is using its own cultivation and status to set a relatively orderly framework for this inevitable struggle.

He used his own body as a deterrent, suppressing those who might overturn the chessboard!

"I understand."

Chen Jiao took a deep breath, solemnly put away the green leaf, and bowed deeply to the Heavenly Venerable:

"I will certainly live up to the trust placed in me by the Heavenly Venerable, and I will also do my best to find my own opportunity."

Even amidst countless dangers, we must forge ahead without hesitation.

Taiyi Jiuku Tianzun descended upon Chen Jiao, carrying both expectations and admonitions:

"The time is approaching, Your Excellency, please make the preparations. You will understand the wonder of this leaf in the future."

In all things, caution is paramount. If things become unmanageable, preserve yourself; there's always tomorrow.