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

I am currently reading Chapter 308, "The Source of the Kan River Flows into the Mother River, and the Hidden Dragon Swallows the Thunder River," and I am completely absorbed in it.

Upon approaching, one sees a small river, no more than ten feet wide, with a gentle current, yet exceptionally clear.

As the poem testifies: A misty vapor rises, flowing in a stream; a small boat is moored amidst the green willows. Light glitters, churning like snowy waves; a cloud-adorned banner rests at the peach blossom ferry crossing.

This water is no ordinary thing; it is the very source of creation, nurturing a spiritual seedling. Do not say that there are no men in Xiliang; for those who drink this nectar will conceive naturally.

The water was extremely clear and cold; under the sunlight, the fine sand and pebbles on the riverbed could be seen, and occasionally fish would dart to and fro.

The water flow appears calm, but upon closer inspection, a subtle, mysterious energy flows across its surface.

Seeing the exceptionally clear river water, Song An forgot his earlier seriousness and pointed at the river, asking curiously:

"Master Yao, is this the famous Mother-Child River that's been rumored to be here?"

The water looked incredibly clear and sweet, quite different from the mountain streams we know. Could it truly possess such a mystical quality?

He was asking about the strange tale that drinking from the Zimu River could lead to pregnancy.

Upon hearing this, the other young disciples who had come with her couldn't help but cast curious glances at Yao Wenjun.

Throughout the journey, Yao Wenjun's face remained filled with worry and anxiety.

Hearing Song An's question, his gaze fell on the shimmering river surface, and he nodded slightly, saying:

"Fellow Daoist Song'an's observation is correct; it is indeed the Zimu River."

This river has been here since the founding of our Kingdom of Women. Its source is hidden deep in the mountains and clouds, its beginning and end unknown. All that is known is that it flows through the kingdom and eventually merges into a great marsh.

She paused, her tone carrying a hint of awe and closeness characteristic of people from a matriarchal society:

"This river is indeed mysterious."

Sometimes, the essence of the Kan River gives birth to things that are shaped like translucent pearls and jade, containing pure Yin vitality.

It is of great benefit to women like us in our spiritual practice, and is also an essential item for some unique elixirs and ritual implements.

Therefore, the Lingcha Division has dedicated personnel to patrol and guard the river year-round, firstly to prevent external evils from polluting the water source, and secondly to collect any occasional essence of the Kan River.

Ordinary people also know that this river is related to the fate of the nation and the people's livelihood, and dare not desecrate it.

She paused, then continued:

"Its mystery is indeed as rumored. If one drinks this water, regardless of age or gender, one can conceive and have a child."

However, even the most renowned alchemists and medical masters in the country, who have studied it for thousands of years, have not been able to fully understand its underlying mechanisms.

The reason for this may only be known to the ancient water god.

Upon hearing this, everyone looked again at the vast and misty Zimu River. The river was calm and still, reflecting the sky and clouds, clear and bright as ever.

Just as everyone was about to leave the shore and continue their journey, a rumbling sound suddenly came from behind the continuous mountain range to the east.

At first, it sounded like distant rumbling thunder, low and continuous, but then it gradually grew louder and became a vast and surging sound, as if thousands of galloping horses were breaking through layers of rocks, or as if the Milky Way was pouring down and eroding the canyon.

Yao Wenjun listened intently for a moment before explaining to Song Yansong'an:

"Do not be alarmed, everyone. This is not thunder. Beyond those mountains lies the Thunder-Swallowing River."

The Tunlei River is inherently vast and turbulent. Here, the river narrows, and steep cliffs rise on both sides. The water crashes against the rock walls, swirling and churning, its roar carrying for dozens of miles, hence the name "Tunlei" (meaning "thunder-swallowing").

"The Thunder-Swallowing River?!"

Upon hearing this name, both Song Yan and Song An's expressions changed. They exchanged a glance, both seeing surprise and solemnity in each other's eyes.

They were very familiar with this name.

The adoptive father of the Venerable Yuming of Xuanri Mountain in Tongyou City was none other than the Lord of Tunlei River—Zhelei Dragon Lord!

Master Yu Ming recognized this Dragon Lord as his godfather, which enabled him to rise rapidly and dominate the region.

After Yu Ming was killed, Zhe Lei Long Jun finally appeared and confronted Jiang Xiao Zhenren. They could see his power and supernatural abilities from afar, and they are still terrified to this day.

Song Yan's mind raced, and he asked in a deep voice:

"Steward Yao, the Tunlei River is so close to the Kingdom of Women. Are the aquatic creatures there still behaving themselves? Have you ever suspected that the recent disappearances of your people might be related to that place?"

Song An couldn't contain himself any longer and asked urgently, "That Zhe Lei Long Jun is renowned and said to be extremely powerful. Could it be that his aquatic tribes are...?"

Seeing their reactions, Yao Wenjun sighed and shook her head, saying:

"To be honest, the Tunlei River and my Daughter Kingdom have always kept to themselves and never interfered with each other."

That Thunder Dragon Lord is highly skilled and commands countless demon soldiers and aquatic creatures. He occupies the great river and rarely leaves the water to disturb our land creatures.

Moreover, the river itself is rich and fertile, and there is no history of plundering our people or taking food from it.

As for the recent events...

The Lingchasi and the palace officials had also suspected something, and even risked sending people to observe and investigate from a distance along the river.

However, no unusual activity was observed from the aquatic creatures in the river, nor were any traces of people being abducted into the river.

Most disappearances occur in inland villages, and the lingering aura at the scene doesn't quite match the demonic energy of the aquatic creatures, therefore...

She didn't finish her sentence, but her meaning was clear.

Song Yan frowned, gazing at the vast, desolate mountains in the east that blocked his view.

The mighty roar of the Tunlei River seemed to grow clearer in my ears, like heavy drumbeats striking my heart.

"First, go to the capital and meet with the person in charge of your country to understand the details of the case, and then see if there are any other clues."

With the clues mixed up and the enemy in the dark while we are in the light, it would be unwise to rashly point the finger at the unfathomable Dragon Lord of Tunlei River.

Yao Wenjun nodded in agreement and led the group around the Zimu River, continuing towards the capital of the Women's Kingdom.

…………

…………

Deep within the Tunlei River's water palace.

In stark contrast to the roaring, thunderous river outside, the main hall of the Water Palace presented a completely different scene.

Pearls were embedded in the walls, casting a soft glow that illuminated the hall as if it were daytime, yet without any harshness.

The light gauze curtains moved without wind, and a faint, exotic fragrance permeated the air, resembling neither orchid nor musk, a scent that made one feel weak in the knees and refreshed the mind.

The Thunder Dragon Lord was not wearing armor, but only a wide black robe embroidered with dragon patterns of raging seas in dark gold thread. He was leaning against a large jade couch at the moment.

He was tall and imposing, with a ferocious dragon head, and his vertical pupils flashed with blue-purple lightning between opening and closing.

In his glances, he exuded the imposing aura of someone who had long held a superior position and the sinister presence of a great demon belonging to the dragon-like family.

At this moment, he had one arm around a beautiful concubine who was only dressed in a light veil, with skin as white as snow and a charming face.

In his other hand, he held a wine cup, the spirit wine inside swirling and radiating a rich spiritual energy.

The beautiful concubine nestled in his arms, her slender fingers carefully holding a spiritual fruit and gently feeding it to his lips.

Below the steps, mermaid maidens held harps, gently plucking and strumming them, the music flowing like water.

Several other graceful dancers, some transformed from clam maidens and others from fish spirits, were dancing to the music, their flowing sleeves creating a fragrant breeze as they swayed.

"Your Majesty, please have another cup..." The beautiful concubine said sweetly, bringing the wine cup closer.

Zhe Lei Long Jun laughed heartily, drank the wine in the cup in one gulp with the help of his beautiful concubine, and then pinched the beauty's cheek, eliciting a coquettish reproach.

He appeared relaxed, enjoying fine wine and beautiful women.

However, deep within those vertical pupils that seemed to gleam with lightning, there was little sign of intoxication; instead, a barely perceptible hint of gloom and impatience occasionally flashed across them.