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

Chen Jiao closed his eyes and concentrated, sorting through the information he had just obtained in his mind.

The lineage of a Xuan Yin orthodox cultivation method called "Gui Shui Hua Yin She Qi Zhen Jie" (True Explanation of Gui Water Transforming Yin and Absorbing Qi), as well as several scattered Xuan Yin Qi manipulation, attack, and defense techniques, have already been imprinted in my mind.

"This [True Explanation of Gui Water Transforming Yin and Absorbing Qi] is indeed the orthodox cultivation path of the Xuan Yin Qi lineage."

It emphasizes using the nature of Gui water to generate the ultimate Yin energy, nourishing the spirit and harmonizing the dragon and tiger, which is a way of moderation, peace, and long-term foundation.

Unfortunately, Han Sui went astray, pursuing coldness and killing too much, thus losing sight of the original intention of Xuan Yin to nourish all things and to be profound and tranquil.

If Xuan Gu can use this method as a foundation, he may well be able to forge his own path.

However, this path is treacherous and cold; one must be careful to guard one's mind and nature, lest one fall into a path of fanaticism and demonic possession.

Chen Jiao pondered to himself and decided that he would pass on this method to Master Xuan Gu after Xuan Ling came out of seclusion.

This can be considered a reward for his hard work over the years. As for how much he can understand and how far he can go, that depends on his own destiny.

Chen Jiao combed through the paper again to make sure everything was correct before slowly exhaling a breath of stale air.

He carefully put away the green talisman and then took out the Hundred Taboos Token.

The token felt slightly cool to the touch, and the rustic locust wood grain appeared serene under the dim light of the quiet room.

This journey to the underworld will not last long.

However, he successfully broke through to the Nascent Soul stage, obtained the Xun Cauldron, comprehended the Dao of Wind and Fire in Harmony, formed a good relationship with King Yu Rong, and investigated clues that seemed to lead to the Jianmu Palace, which can be described as a very fruitful achievement.

It's time to return to the mortal realm and settle the remaining karmic ties.

He held the token in his palm, releasing a slight burst of magical power, and the four ancient and mysterious runes on the token's surface lit up with a ghostly light.

An invisible force emanated from the token, slowly rippling outwards like waves in the void before him, its depths leading to the other realm.

Just as Chen Jiao was about to step into the passage, he suddenly sensed something and his heart stirred slightly.

He paused, his brows furrowed slightly, and his divine sense swept across his various storage artifacts and the points where his energy was connected.

Xun Ding was stable, Tai Chi was by his side, and he had a clear understanding of the newly acquired techniques, seemingly without any oversights.

That strange feeling came quickly and went quickly.

Perhaps it is just a subtle sign that the spirit and energy have not yet fully merged into a nascent soul.

Chen Jiao stopped investigating, calmed his mind, and stepped into the rippling water passage.

The passage then slowly closed, eventually turning into a glimmer of light that gradually dissipated, as if it had never existed.

The main hall of the city lord's mansion was brightly lit.

The King of Yu Rong and the King of the Macaques were drinking fine wine together.

Niu San entered the hall silently, bowed, and reported:

"Your Majesty, that Immortal Jiangxiao left the Netherworld half an hour ago."

Upon hearing this, King Yu Rong paused in his cup-holding gesture, then nodded slightly, drained the amber-colored wine, and sighed softly.

"Fellow Daoist Jiangxiao's kindness goes far beyond the cauldron. The mutual support of wind and fire, and your protection during the calamity, have made me who I am today."

Judging from his demeanor and bearing, he is destined for greatness. This karmic connection may have further repercussions in the future.

Upon hearing this, the Monkey King downed the wine in his cup in one gulp and laughed heartily:

"Brother Yu Rong, now that you have ascended to heaven, your perspective is naturally different."

That master was ruthless and decisive in killing, and also possessed the demeanor of a Taoist in handling affairs; he was truly extraordinary.

It's always a good thing to be able to form such a positive connection.

Whether a relationship is auspicious or not cannot be forced. But I will never forget this kindness.

King Yu Rong smiled, refilled the wine cups for both himself and the Macaque King, then suddenly remembered something and said:

"Speaking of which, I heard an interesting story a while ago."

"Oh? What is it?" The Monkey King looked up.

"In the territory of Aolai Kingdom in Dongsheng Shenzhou, near the East Sea, there is a mountain called Huaguo Mountain."

There was a magical stone on the mountaintop. Some time ago, it suddenly cracked open and produced a stone egg, which turned into a stone monkey when exposed to the wind.

It is said that when he was born, his eyes emitted golden light that shot towards the Dipper constellation, startling the Heavenly Court.

Although it later subsided, the commotion it caused was far beyond that of ordinary spirits; it was as if it were a true spirit born of nature, blessed by creation.

According to the messages from the eight directions' deities, this stone monkey was born divine, incapable of cultivation, yet already possessing spiritual intelligence, and is currently reigning as king in that mountain.

Upon hearing this, the Monkey King's eyes lit up, and a look of considerable interest appeared on his face. He smiled and said:

"Haha! Such a thing? A monkey sprang out of a rock? Interesting, very interesting!"

Who would have thought that among our monkey genus, there could be such a naturally born and uniquely shaped species? It's quite a rare thing!

It's probably not a peaceful creature that can trigger such celestial phenomena.

I wonder if, in the future, I will become a free and unfettered ruler like you and me, or…”

Yu Rong Wang spoke in a leisurely tone, and laughed:

"The world is vast, and heroes naturally emerge from the Three Realms and Five Elements."

Whether it's fate or calamity, let's wait and see what tomorrow brings.

Outside the hall, a vast and mysterious aura swirled, while inside, the aroma of wine wafted through the air, and the faint sounds of laughter and conversation could be heard from the two monkey kings.

Meanwhile, the stone monkey, recently born and residing on the shores of the East China Sea, is currently playing with its troop of monkeys in the Water Curtain Cave.

Completely unaware that they had become the subject of idle chatter between the two great demon kings in the depths of the netherworld.

Such is the way of heaven and earth, the capriciousness of fate.

…………

…………

In the depths of the Black Pine Forest in Xiniu Hezhou, at the third watch of the night.

The lights were dim and yellow, and an eerie atmosphere permeated the air.

The shopkeeper remained hidden in the shadows behind the counter, slowly wiping the white porcelain cups, seemingly oblivious to the commotion throughout the room.

The lights were dim and yellow, and an eerie atmosphere permeated the air.

The shopkeeper remained hidden in the shadows behind the counter, slowly wiping the white porcelain cups, seemingly oblivious to the commotion throughout the room.

The tavern was packed with people, the sounds of shouting, playing drinking games, chewing and swallowing, and engaging in loud conversations mingled with the smell of alcohol and fish, creating a noisy and chaotic atmosphere.

Various strange-looking monsters sat around a table, discussing the recent turmoil in Xiniu Hezhou while eating blood and drinking strong wine.

"Have you heard? It's been quite lively over at Cuiyun Mountain lately!"

A bear spirit took a swig of blood wine and said in a deep voice.

"How could we not know?" A rat demon with a pointed snout and monkey-like face lowered his voice, his eyes gleaming.

"In total, there are probably seven or eight demon kings, along with several powerful demon kings who rarely show their faces, who have all gone to Cuiyun Mountain!"

"What are you going there for? Surely not to celebrate the Bull Demon King's birthday?" a demon sneered.

"A birthday greeting?" The rat demon chuckled.

"Whether to go and persuade him to take the throne or to set the stage for a rebellion is hard to say."

Everyone says that the Thunder God is on a tight patrol and his killing intent is too great.

Along his journey, he plowed through countless mountain strongholds and territories that were independent and unruly.

They were very ruthless; I heard they didn't even give him a chance to explain or beg for mercy.

No wonder everyone was uneasy and wanted the Bull King to intervene and say something.

"Hey, I heard about that too."

A muscular, demonic-looking man with a single horn on his head tore off a tendon and mumbled:

"How long has that True Lord been in Xiniu Hezhou?"

Wujin Mountain, Huangsha Ravine, Dangyun Lake… he's killed so many demon kings he can't even count them on two hands! If this continues, no one will escape unscathed!

"Did the Bull King agree?" a demon asked eagerly.

"promise?"

The bear spirit sneered and interjected, "Who is the Bull Demon King? Would he easily agree to something as obvious as using him as a pawn to confront the Heavenly Court's imperial envoy?"

I've heard that the Bull Demon King has been keeping himself away from visitors these days.

But the sheer number of people who went, their impressive titles, and their eloquent pronouncements—things like "the backbone of the demon race" and "the pillar of the Western Continent"—were all thrown out like they were free.

Hehe, now I'm probably in a bind.

The rat demon nodded in agreement: "The Bull King is the leader of our Western Continent demon race, and we must consider both his reputation and his reputation."

But that was, after all, a Heavenly Lord. If the Ox King agreed, it would be an open confrontation with the Heavenly Court.

If I don't respond, those demon kings below will likely harbor resentment. This is difficult!

"Let's not talk about it anymore! We shouldn't concern ourselves with the affairs of those important figures!"

The rat demon waved its hand, changed the subject, and said:

"Let's talk about something closer to home. You know Xuanri Mountain, right? That human cultivator who was so powerful a while ago, Grand Master Yuming, I heard... he's gone!"

"That's it?" Several demons pricked up their ears.

"Absolutely true! He died outside Tongyou City, his head was chopped off, and even his nascent soul couldn't escape!"

The rat demon lowered its voice, a hint of schadenfreude in its tone, and whispered:

"Now that there is no Nascent Soul cultivator in charge of Xuanri Mountain, its prestige has plummeted."

Fortunately, the Thunder Dragon Lord of the Thunder-Swallowing River remembered their past and stepped in to help temporarily; otherwise, they would have been swallowed up long ago!

"Loyal and righteous?"

In the corner, a tall, thin, and sinister-looking man who had been silently drinking suddenly chuckled, raised his eyelids, and said mockingly:

"What righteousness? What did Yu Ming call Guan Zhe Leilongjun again? Godfather!"

It was Yu Ming who recognized a fake father! Did he really think everyone didn't know that his Nascent Soul cultivation was obtained by currying favor and sacrificing face?

Now that the main culprit is dead, leaving behind a mess, the old Thunder Dragon is caught in a dilemma, unable to swallow or spit it out.

They had no choice but to pretend and pretend otherwise to avoid being seen as cold-hearted. In my opinion, the fate of Xuanri Mountain has come to an end.

A brief silence fell over the shop, followed by a few knowing, strange laughs.

The rat demon chuckled sheepishly, touched its nose, said nothing more, and instead raised its wine bowl:

"Let's drink! Forget about real fathers or fake fathers, let's drink and get drunk!"