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

Zhenyuan Daxian nodded slightly, allowing these words to settle in his disciple's mind, before continuing:

"Furthermore, this True Lord Jingfa was entrusted with a heavy responsibility at a young age, patrolling the four directions and holding the power of life and death."

Their character and beliefs are related to the well-being of all living beings and also affect many causes and effects.

I invited him to meet me, to offer him fruit and discuss philosophy. Firstly, this was to fulfill the proper etiquette and establish a good relationship; secondly, it was also to observe his demeanor and discern his intentions.

If these are truly sacred artifacts of the Xuanmen (Taoist school), pillars of the Heavenly Court, wouldn't a few ginseng fruits, helping them strengthen their foundation and cultivate their vital energy, thus advancing their cultivation, be far better than hanging them on a tree and wasting their spiritual potential?

Upon hearing this teaching, all the disciples in the hall, regardless of age or level of understanding, were moved and bowed in unison, saying:

"Your disciple will remember your teachings."

Zhenyuan Daxian nodded slightly and said, "In that case, Qingfeng and Mingyue, you two should make some preparations and then take my name card down the mountain."

When you meet the True Lord Jingfa, you must be completely courteous, clearly state your intentions, and absolutely not be negligent.

"Yes, Master!"

Qingfeng and Mingyue dared not delay any longer, respectfully accepted the order, and withdrew to make preparations.

The other disciples also gained their own insights. Their master's words today were not only instructions to his two junior brothers, but also enlightenment for them.

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Above the clouds, the wind howled fiercely, and the vast wilderness stretched out before them.

The True Lord sat alone on the broad and stable back of the divine beast Xie Zhi.

He wore a Xuan Tian Bi Jie Yun brocade cloak, with a Nine Spirits Pearl Pendant hanging from his waist. His body was surrounded by a faint, clear light and celestial mist, forming a clear void of his own.

Chen Jiao's eyes were slightly closed, as if he were wandering in the vast emptiness, or as if he were quietly observing the flow of energy in the lower realm.

All his thunder generals and soldiers had obeyed his orders and dispersed to various places to slay evil and suppress demons, while he alone kept his reins in and slowly moved forward to monitor the heavens.

Chen Jiao suddenly sensed something and slowly opened his eyes.

In the distance, two auspicious clouds drifted in, their mist clear and untouched by smoke or fire.

The clouds pressed down, revealing the figures of two celestial children.

Good boy, do you think he looks like? There's a poem to prove it:

Her spirit is refreshed and her face is beautiful; her short hair is tied in a topknot. Her Taoist robe is naturally shrouded in mist, and her feathered garment flows in the wind.

A tight-knotted sash adorned with a dragon-head knot, and light straw sandals wrapped with silkworm-feather tassels. Their extraordinary bearing sets them apart from ordinary people; they are none other than the two celestial children, one of the clear breeze and the bright moon.

The two children had long followed Zhenyuan Daxian in his cultivation, often serving their master and receiving immortal friends from the Three Mountains and Five Peaks. They had become accustomed to seeing immortals and saints, and their perspectives were naturally extraordinary.

However, upon seeing the Xuanchang Zhenjun on the back of the Xiezhi, one felt that his divine appearance was lofty and pure, his body was filled with a clear and perfect immortal light, and there was a touch of evil between his brows, which made people admire him.

Such a profound and majestic demeanor, imbued with the natural grace of Taoism, is truly rare.

The two children secretly praised, "What a fine example of the Pure Law True Lord!"

The gentle breeze and the bright moon remained solemn, not daring to be negligent in the slightest. They descended from the clouds, stood a few feet away, and respectfully bowed.

Qingfeng stepped forward slightly, bowed his head respectfully, and asked, "Is that the Radiant Heavenly Pacifying Law True Lord, personally appointed by the Jade Emperor to tour the four continents, atop the cloud chariot ahead?"

The bright moon also bowed in greeting.

Chen Jiao's gaze swept over the two children, noting their pure and refined nature, and the aura they rode on was also pure and peaceful. He nodded slightly and said:

"It is indeed I, Your Excellency. Where do you two celestial children come from? What brings you here?"

Qingfeng hurriedly replied, "I dare not accept the title of 'teaching'."

"Young Master Qingfeng, this is Junior Brother Mingyue. We are disciples of Zhenyuan Daxian of Wuzhuang Temple on Longevity Mountain. We have come to welcome the True Lord's arrival on the orders of our master."

Mingyue spoke up, her voice clear and crisp: "My master said that the True Lord has been ordered to travel on a tour and has come here with great difficulty."

Since we are about to pass by Wanshou Mountain, my master fears that the True Lord is in a hurry and will pass by without entering.

If word gets out, it will make my master seem impolite and stingy in his hospitality.

Therefore, he specially ordered the two of us to come here, present our calling cards, and humbly request that you, my lord, make a move.

When the True Lord passes by on his inspection tour, if he could spare some time to stop by the temple for a short visit, my master would be able to establish a good relationship with the True Lord and fulfill his duty as a host.

Upon hearing the name of Zhenyuan Daxian, Chen Jiao locked onto Hengyang Yanqu, locking onto every update of "Journey to the West: Starting from Jingfa Zhenjun." A slight stirring ran through his heart.

He naturally knew the name of this ancestor of earth immortals, who was of the same rank as the world's ruler, of extremely high seniority, and possessed great supernatural powers, making him one of the most powerful beings in the world.

Its sacred site, Wuzhuang Temple on Longevity Mountain, is located in the territory of Xiniuhezhou, and it is indeed nearby on my hunting route.

Unexpectedly, Zhenyuan Daxian would send his servant to invite him.

Chen Jiao pondered for a moment, then said slowly, "So you are a disciple of the Great Immortal Zhenyuan."

The Great Immortal is the ancestor of all earthly immortals, and is equal to the ruler of the world. I am but a junior and a student, what virtue or ability do I have to deserve such a thoughtful invitation from the Great Immortal?

"Since I have received such great favor from the immortal, when I pass by this sacred mountain, I will certainly climb the mountain to pay my respects and receive his teachings."

Seeing that Zhenjun agreed so readily and was so humble, Qingfeng and Mingyue felt a surge of goodwill towards him.

Qingfeng then took out a short note from his bosom, presented it with both hands, and said:

"In that case, True Lord, please accept my master's name card. When you approach Longevity Mountain, this name card will naturally resonate and serve as your guidance."

Chen Jiao accepted the visiting card and nodded, saying, "Thank you for your trouble, two celestial attendants. Please inform the Great Immortal that I will certainly keep my appointment as scheduled."

Seeing that the matter was settled, Qingfeng and Mingyue were overjoyed and said, "In that case, we will return to the mountain to report back and await the arrival of the True Lord."

Chen Jiao nodded slightly and said no more.

The two children bowed again, then rode on auspicious clouds, drifting away just as they had come, disappearing into the clouds in the blink of an eye.

The mythical beast beneath him treads slowly on clouds, its four hooves supported by auspicious clouds, as stable as a mountain.

Before long, the Xie Zhi beneath the seat seemed to sense something, raised its head and let out a clear and long murmur, its sound like a jade chime, echoing in the clouds.

Chen Jiao knew who it was without even raising his eyelids.

In the sky, a cloud of celestial clouds, faintly flashing with lightning and crackling with electric snakes, was hurtling through the air at an incredible speed.

Above the clouds stood over a hundred Thunder Riders, their armor gleaming and their aura fierce.

The leading celestial general, clad in dark black armor with thunder patterns and a thunder whip at his waist, had a resolute face and sharp, lightning-like eyes; he was none other than Yang Feng, the Commander of the Thunder Cavalry.

Behind him stood the Thunder Cavalry, their military bearing impeccable, their killing intent concealed, clearly having just emerged from a battle.

"This humble general, Yang Feng, leads his Thunder Cavalry back to battle to report to the True Lord!"

Yang Feng clasped his hands in a salute, his voice firm and resounding.

Behind him, over a hundred Thunder Riders also saluted in unison, the sound of their armor clashing in perfect unison.

Chen Jiao slowly opened his eyes, his gaze falling on Yang Feng, and said in a deep voice:

"No need for formalities. How did this patrol go?"

Yang Feng bowed his head and replied, "Thanks to the True Lord's might and virtue, and the clear manifestation of Heaven's laws, any evil spirits we encounter are either slain by thunder or flee far away at the mere sound of their voices."

By the decree of the True Lord, this humble general led his Thunder Cavalry to wipe out the demon's lair, slaying two demon kings and killing all the evil lesser demons under the thunder.

We rescued over four hundred captive civilians, and the demonic energy in the three prefectures under our jurisdiction has been cleansed. They are temporarily guarded by the local mountain gods, land gods, and the talisman soldiers we left behind.

Within a radius of three thousand li, the people's livelihood is relatively peaceful.

After hearing this, Chen Jiao nodded and said, "The demon king has been beheaded, the remaining villains have been wiped out, and the living beings are at peace. This is all thanks to you."

They will rest here briefly, replenish their spiritual energy, and heal their injuries. They will decide their next move after the other units return to their formations.

"This subordinate obeys!"

Yang Feng bowed again, then stood up and waved.

Behind them, the Thunder Riders obeyed orders without a sound, dispersing silently to each occupy a corner of the clouds, some sitting cross-legged to regulate their breathing, some wiping their weapons, and some silently replenishing their spiritual pills.

Above the clouds, only the howling wind and the hidden, vast thunder could be heard.

Before long, crimson light swirled across the sky, and another thundercloud rushed in, exuding a menacing aura.

The first general was a red-faced, bushy-bearded deity, accompanied by the sound of thunder; he was none other than the Fire Bell Thunder Messenger.

He led his troops back to the battlefield, though his forces were fewer in number than those of Cavalry Commander Yang Feng.

However, each of them exuded a violent aura, and their armor was still stained with unwashed demon blood and burn marks from lightning and fire, clearly indicating that they had also experienced a fierce battle.