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

A hundred days is but a blink of an eye for a cultivator in seclusion.

The restrictions were lifted, and the door opened silently.

A tall figure slowly emerged, his crimson robes spotless, but his aura was completely different from what it had been a hundred days ago.

The hem of his robe fluttered without wind, with a faint blue aura swirling around it like smoke or mist, yet carrying an elusive and elusive quality.

The hint of red between his brows, born from the elixir's flame about to ignite but not yet fully ignited, was not fiery or irritating, but rather like a carefully applied dot of cinnabar on his forehead.

This made the real person appear even more refined and otherworldly. His eyes, when they opened and closed, shone brightly, as if there were wind and fire flowing within them, captivating all who looked upon them.

The exquisite little cauldron, barely an inch long and entirely blue-green, hanging from the silk sash at his waist, was subtly connected to his aura, resonating with him continuously.

Although I have not been able to fully comprehend the mysteries of the ancient Yu Ding after a hundred days of quiet contemplation, I have gained considerable insight into the principles of the Xun Ding's wind virtue and the harmony and integration of the elements.

Furthermore, by taking advantage of the Xun wind source within the cauldron, one can refine one's own elixir fire. The wind aids the fire's momentum, and the fire borrows the wind's power, polishing the foundation of one's Dao to become increasingly perfect and transparent.

Chen Jiao stood quietly in the courtyard, gazing up at the eternally unchanging dusky yellow of the dark sky, his heart at peace.

The Vermilion Bird is one of the four celestial spirits, in charge of the southern fire. This incarnation of the Crimson Sky inherited its origin and was born with the foundation of a Golden Core.

Now, having received the blessings of the Xun Ding, embodying the nature of the eight winds and comprehending the virtue of yielding, with water and fire in harmony and wind and fire mutually generating each other, the Dao has been achieved naturally, and the Golden Elixir has reached its perfect state.

If it weren't for the prior agreement with King Yu Rong that required him to leave the pass to help him resist the Bi Feng, the moment he stirred his thoughts and triggered the Dan Huo Jie Qi, it would be the time for him to break through to the Nascent Soul stage.

However, when it comes to matters of chance, one must be mindful of the balance between favorable and unfavorable circumstances.

Helping others overcome tribulations is also a form of spiritual practice, and perhaps it offers a unique perspective.

Chen Jiao calmed his mind, and the azure aura surrounding him and the crimson intent between his brows gradually subsided.

Looking up into the depths of the city lord's mansion, one could sense a deep, stagnant energy flowing there, like a mountain gathering its strength.

Chen Jiao believed that after a hundred days of study, he had gained some understanding of the use of the Xun Ding, and now was the time to fulfill his promise.

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Upon seeing the True Man emerge from seclusion, King Yu Rong sensed his harmonious and restrained aura, with a faint glimmer of cinnabar fire between his brows. Knowing the profound effects of his hundred-day retreat, he felt somewhat reassured and solemnly said:

"Thank you for your trouble, fellow Daoist."

Chen Jiao nodded slightly and returned the greeting, saying, "You're too kind, City Lord. The time is of the essence, please."

Without saying much, the two moved and transformed into streaks of light, leaving Tongyou City and heading straight for the desolate and boundless Netherworld Wilderness in the southwest.

This place was chosen by King Yu Rong long ago as the site for his tribulation. It is far from cities and inhabitants, and the terrain is open.

King Yu Rong sat cross-legged, his breath gradually merging with the earth's veins, and said in a deep voice:

"Later, I will trouble you, fellow Daoist, to hold the cauldron in the Xun position to help me stabilize the most intense wave when the eye of the storm first appears."

"I will face the remaining calamities myself."

He then closed his eyes and focused his mind, and the demonic energy around him began to rise and surge without reservation. A powerful and majestic pressure spread out, stirring up the yin energy in all directions.

There were no dark clouds in the sky, yet an invisible pressure seemed to gather from the void, making one's heart pound.

The macaque king, who was guarding the side, frowned slightly.

He knew that the Xun Ding was an ancient treasure, extremely mysterious, but the Jiangxiao Zhenren had only possessed the cauldron for a hundred days, and it was unknown how much he could control it.

But since things have come to this point, all we can do is wait and see.

Before long, disaster struck.

A faint, yet soul-piercing, howling wind arose from nothingness.

At first it was weak, then it shrieked, and in an instant it became a giant wind that swept across the sky!

This wind, though invisible, is palpable; it is icy cold and piercing, threatening to scatter one's soul and spirit. It is the Bifeng Killing Calamity, originating from the very source of the cultivator and attacking from both within and without!

The moment the wind rose, Yu Rongwang's body trembled violently, his energy surged like boiling water, and a spiritual light flickered at the fontanelle on the top of his head, as if an invisible wind was pouring in.

His face suddenly turned pale, and in an instant, the Bifeng (a type of magical energy) descended from his fontanelle, passed through his six internal organs, pierced through his dantian (lower abdomen), and penetrated his nine orifices!

The muscles, bones, skin and membranes visibly collapsed, as if an invisible force was grinding and squeezing from the inside out, trying to blow away the body's vigorous essence.

Yu Rong Wang let out a muffled groan, and wisps of gray energy escaped from various acupoints, his life force rapidly waning.

Even his robust physique seemed to be faintly ethereal, as if his form and spirit were about to be blown away by the wind.

"Now is the time!"

The Monkey King watched in alarm from afar, only to see Chen Jiao take a step forward and wave his sleeve.

The Xun Ding flew out from its waist, grew taller upon seeing the wind, and hung above the head of the Yu Rong King.

The cauldron is simple and unadorned, without any fancy colors or glitter; it only needs a gentle turn.

"Buzz".

A clear, melodious sound rang out, unassuming yet seemingly calming the surrounding raging winds.

A gentle and ethereal aura emanated from the Xun Ding, like a spring breeze and gentle rain, nourishing all things silently.

The rapid dissipation of vital energy throughout Yu Rong Wang's body suddenly halted!

Upon seeing this from afar, the Monkey King's eyes flashed with surprise.

He originally thought that the Jiangxiao Immortal had only recently obtained the cauldron, and that it would be rare enough for him to be able to slightly activate it and share the pressure. However, he did not expect that he could control the Xun Cauldron to such a meticulous degree.

Yu Rong Wang, having caught his breath, was suddenly invigorated. He let out a low roar, and the golden light around his body shone brightly once more.

The Qi and blood within his body roared and circulated like the Yangtze River, actively meeting the Bifeng, using his unparalleled demonic body and the essence accumulated through a thousand years of arduous cultivation to repeatedly tug at and wear down the Bifeng.

The wind howled like ghosts wailing, stirring up dust and sand that was then blocked by numerous restrictions.

The stalemate continued for an unknown period of time.

The body of the Yu Rong King had withered like an old tree, and its once golden monkey fur had turned gray.

However, as the last trace of the calamity-inducing aura around him dissipated, a pure and condensed golden light suddenly shone from the depths of his parched dantian!

A radiant light flowed over his withered limbs and bones, and wherever it passed, the grayness faded, and his flesh and bones, as if nourished by sweet rain, reappeared. Golden hair flowed with a jade-like luster.

Yu Rong King slowly opened his eyes, his eyes filled with deep weariness, yet his spirit shone brightly, unlike anything he had seen before.

A celestial being has been formed.

Yu Rongwang exhaled a long breath of turbid air, which dissipated as soon as it left his body, even staining the void several feet in front of him with a faint golden glow.

The relief of surviving the ordeal and the joy of achieving the Great Dao intertwined, ultimately transforming into a state of tranquility.

Yu Rong Wang rose, approached Chen Jiao, bowed respectfully, and spoke sincerely:

"I will never forget the kindness of Fellow Daoist Jiangxiao in helping me and protecting my path."

From this day forward, whatever you need, fellow Daoist, the entire city of Tongyou will obey!

Chen Jiao returned the greeting and said gently:

"A city lord with a solid foundation and a resolute will is essential for overcoming tribulations."

"I have merely done my utmost, following the will of Heaven. Congratulations, City Lord, on your attainment of the Great Dao."

Yu Rong Wang straightened up, revealing a genuine smile. His post-disaster appearance was even more radiant than before. He smiled and said:

"Fellow Daoist, please do not be too modest. I will remember the cause and effect of this matter."

I intend to hold a banquet at my residence, firstly to celebrate our successful passage through this calamity, and secondly to express my gratitude for your assistance. I hope you will not refuse.

The Monkey King then laughed and stepped forward, patting the Yu Rong King's shoulder forcefully, and then cupped his hands to Chen Jiao, saying:

"I am overjoyed that my brother has succeeded! I also admire Fellow Daoist Jiangxiao's supernatural powers greatly!"

This victory celebration must be a feast!

He was filled with mixed emotions.

This True Man Jiangxiao not only possesses extraordinary affinity and comprehension, but also has the ability to protect the Dao. Its beauty is far beyond that of ordinary Golden Core cultivators.

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After the celebratory banquet ended, Chen Jiao told King Yu Rong that he wanted to linger in the city for a while to see the sights and sounds of the underworld.

King Yu Rong readily agreed, stating that the True Man could act as he saw fit in all matters within Tongyou City.

After leaving the city lord's mansion, Chen Jiao did not linger in the bustling streets, but went straight to a quiet alley in the west of the city.

Deep in the alley, there is an inconspicuous three-story wooden building with a narrow facade. Only a lantern hangs under the eaves, and the words "Wen You" are written in ancient seal script on the lampshade.

This place is a secret location in Tongyou City, specializing in the flow of information, and is maintained by the City Lord's Mansion.

Because King Yu Rong commanded the local deities of the eight directions, he was highly renowned and trusted among the gods of mountains, rivers, and waterways.

Therefore, this "inquiry into the hidden realms" information mostly comes from the hidden mountain gods, land gods, river gods, and lake gods from all directions.

These local deities are located in various places and have keen eyes and ears. They often obtain information that is either important or secret, which they cannot handle themselves or want to exchange for resources.

It will then be sent here, and after being examined and sorted by "Wenyou", it will be sold to those in need at a price.

The proceeds shall be distributed according to the agreement, with each party taking what they need.

The building was dimly lit and simply furnished, with only a long table behind which sat an old man with an indistinct face and a faint aura, reading an ancient book by the light of a tiny candle.

"I wish to inquire about something," Chen Jiao said calmly as he sat down on the futon in front of the desk.

"You know the rules?" The old man glanced at him.

"I know a little. In terms of news value, it can be exchanged for something of equal value."

The old man nodded slightly, took out a blank jade slip, placed it on the table, and said:

"If you wish to inquire about anything, simply imprint your thoughts into the chamber. The chamber will then make its judgment."

After a moment's thought, Chen Jiao subtly moved his mind and left a question in the jade slip.

"Recently, unusual weather phenomena have been observed in the mountains and rivers of the surrounding area."

Especially prominent are those with the wood element of the East (甲乙) and a bluish-green radiance.