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

To immerse yourself in reading Chapter 292, "Encountering the Sage and Prosperity, Wind and Virtue in the Cauldron," please click here.

A sudden gust of wind arose inside the hall, and a blue mist swirled around the ancient cauldron, gradually growing stronger and more whistling.

The wind and fire rose from Chen Jiao's body; they were not illusions, but rather the Qi of the Xun wind and the Qi of the Li fire, manifesting within the palace.

The azure aura and crimson light intertwined, like dragons and snakes rising from the land, stirring up the spiritual energy of the heavens like boiling water, while the four spiritual lamps flickered uncertainly.

All the cultivators present were captivated by this powerful aura, their faces showing undisguised astonishment. Those with weaker cultivation felt their dantian churning and needed to circulate their internal energy to stabilize their minds.

All eyes were fixed on the crimson-robed Taoist standing with his hand on the cauldron.

Chen Jiao was quite pleased.

Inside the cauldron, it seems to form its own little world, with the Xun wind flowing endlessly and the Li fire shining constantly, the wind and fire complementing each other, evolving endlessly.

He saw the vast land of China, the mighty rivers flowing into the sea, the pioneering spirit of his ancestors, and heard the ancient edicts that established the foundations of China and divided its territory.

Chen Jiao already understood the base of this cauldron.

This is no ordinary ancient treasure. It is one of the nine tripods made when Emperor Yu collected metal from the nine provinces and cast it into tripods to represent the nine provinces.

Located in the southeast, corresponding to Yangzhou, it belongs to the Xun trigram in the Bagua, hence it is also called Xun Ding. It is in charge of the pivot of wind, harmonizing the cauldron, and has the ability to stabilize the territory, spread the wind, and promote education.

"So that's how it is..." Chen Jiao murmured to himself.

The previous divination by Daoist Chunli yielded the Fire-Wind Ding hexagram, with Li (fire) above and Xun (wind) below. Li represents his own destiny, while Xun represents the name of the cauldron and also signifies the path of Daoism.

At that time, I only felt that this hexagram was vaguely related to my future path. I never expected that the response of this cauldron would actually fall on this Xun cauldron that carries the ancient virtues!

The hexagrams are profound and subtle, reaching such a level.

As his thoughts raced, Chen Jiao recalled that when he was in the Golden Palace Cave Yin, he had been instructed by the Water Official Yu, who told him the approximate location of the other of the Nine Tripods, the Yuzhou Tripod, which seemed to be in the territory of the Southern Continent.

This inspection tour may provide an opportunity to explore.

The azure and crimson energies grew increasingly concentrated, gradually ceasing to merely circulate around his body. Instead, as if imbued with sentience, they gathered in wisps and strands towards Chen Jiao's palm, which rested on the cauldron, and slowly seeped into his body along his meridians.

The interplay of wind and fire flowed within him, subtly resonating with his own Dao foundation.

When the essence of Li meets the wind of Xun, there is not only no clash, but it is like adding fuel to the fire, making its operation more flexible and harmonious.

Chen Jiao felt his magical power flowing around him on its own, and his cultivation level was silently and subtly rising.

The hall was silent, save for the whispering wind and howling fire, and the stirring of inspiration.

A moment later, the azure and crimson energies suddenly receded, disappearing completely into Chen Jiao's body, leaving not a trace.

The Xun Ding, which stood majestically in the center of the hall, trembled slightly, its entire body shimmering and instantly transforming into a small, exquisite cauldron, only an inch tall.

It spun in mid-air, transforming into a hazy blue light, and disappeared into Chen Jiao's wide crimson sleeves.

The wind died down, the fire subsided, and the inspiration returned.

The guests in the hall, including demon kings, ghost immortals, and cultivators from all walks of life, were all stunned by this strange phenomenon that suddenly occurred and then abruptly stopped, and for a moment no one uttered a sound.

After a full three breaths of silence, an unstoppable chorus of exclamations and discussions erupted like a tidal wave.

"Did it work?"

"This cauldron has actually recognized its owner?"

"That chaotic interplay of wind and fire just now was truly terrifying!"

"Incredible! The ancient cauldron that King Yu Rong had treasured for a hundred years without finding a way to obtain it has actually fallen into the hands of this Taoist priest!"

"The Crimson Cloud Immortal is truly a master of disguise!"

Song Yan and Song An were already clenching their fists with excitement. If it weren't for the solemn occasion and the gathering of immortals, they would have almost cheered out loud.

Master Shouyue gazed at the aloof, independent figure in crimson robes in the center of the hall, a different kind of brilliance flashing in his clear, cold eyes.

Master Jin Guang stroked his beard and nodded, a knowing smile on his face.

Zhe Lei Long Jun's face turned ashen as he stared intently at the Taoist's empty sleeves, his heart churning with jealousy and hatred, yet he dared not utter another word.

Yu Zhi, standing beside him, also paled, murmuring:

"How could... how could it have been given to him?"

The Golden Light Immortal clapped his hands and laughed, his loud voice breaking the brief commotion:

"Excellent! Fellow Daoist Jiangxiao is indeed blessed with great fortune and profound knowledge of the Dao! Congratulations, Fellow Daoist, and congratulations to City Lord Yu Rong! This has truly been a wonderful predestined encounter!"

He then said to Luo Daoren, who was still staring in disbelief beside him:

"Fellow Daoist Luo, how is it? Is my discernment still up to par? Fellow Daoist Jiangxiao is no ordinary person."

Yu Rongwang strode forward, his face showing a hint of relief and joy.

He bowed respectfully to Chen Jiao and said in a deep voice:

"Congratulations, fellow Daoist! Congratulations! To have this precious cauldron recognize you as its master is truly a preordained destiny, a cause for celebration!"

King Yu Rong surveyed the still-shocked guests in the hall and continued in a loud voice:

"This cauldron has been covered in dust for a long time. Today it has finally met a wise master. It is just the time when the sage is about to rise and the divine artifact has found its home!"

This is a blessing for fellow Daoists, and also a great story in this grand treasure exchange event!

From this day forward, Fellow Daoist Jiangxiao is a distinguished guest of my Tongyou City, and also a friend of this king. All those within the reach of my Tongyou City's influence should be treated with courtesy and not treated lightly.

Upon hearing this, the discussions at the table subsided slightly.

Many cultivators secretly felt a chill and reassessed the significance of this True Immortal Jiangxiao. His high regard from the Lord of Tongyou City was certainly not simply due to possessing an ancient cauldron.

Immediately, many eyes turned with a hint of amusement to the Thunder Dragon Lord, whose face was ashen.

He gripped the wine glass tightly, yet the wine inside remained completely still, demonstrating the immense effort he exerted to control himself.

Who was Yu Rongwang?

He ruled Tongyou City and commanded the gods of the four directions. He was a great demon king with a great reputation. How could his power be compared to that of a Nascent Soul Demon Lord?

The grudges he had held against him now seemed so pale and dangerous under this grand announcement, making him uneasy.

Chen Jiao put the cauldron into his sleeve and felt the essence of the Xun wind subtly combine with the essence of his own Li fire, thus advancing his cultivation.

He returned the greeting with a cupped hand, his expression calm and without any arrogance.

"I am deeply grateful for the Lord's kindness. This cauldron is destined for me, and I dare not refuse it."

If the city lord ever needs anything in the future, I will certainly help him to the best of my ability.

His words were reserved, which only made him appear more composed.

Upon hearing this, King Yu Rong felt a great weight lifted from his heart, and his smile deepened. He nodded and said, "Excellent! I am very pleased to hear your words, fellow Daoist!"

This was the promise he had been waiting for.

King Yu Rong waved his hand, ordering his attendants to refill the wine cups. Turning to the guests still buzzing with discussion in the hall, he loudly proclaimed:

"The precious cauldron has found its owner, a destiny ordained by Heaven! This is a joyous occasion, let us raise a toast!"

Come, fellow Daoists, let us drink this cup to the brim and celebrate with Fellow Daoist Jiangxiao!

Inside the hall, music and singing could be heard again, but most people's minds were no longer on the banquet.

After the conference concluded, both hosts and guests enjoyed themselves immensely.

All sorts of rare treasures found their owners, and those who didn't manage to exchange them for their desired items often made new friends during the banquet and made plans to meet again.

As the noise in the hall gradually subsided, the guests bowed to each other in twos and threes and left Tongyou City one after another.

Chen Jiao, along with Jin Guang Zhenren and Luo Daoren, walked to the outer corridor of the hall.