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

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However, Ao Run showed no sign of it on his face, and still stood up with a smile to greet him, saying, "Brother-in-law, you must be tired from your long journey. Please take a seat."

He then looked at the young man in brocade robes and asked gently, "And who is this?"

Before the Jing River Dragon King could speak, the young man stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said:

"Nephew Tuojie greets Second Uncle."

The Jing River Dragon King, who was standing nearby, quickly said:

"Brother, this is my youngest son, the ninth in line, named Tuojie."

He is still quite young, only a little over two hundred years old, and has not yet assumed any official duties. I'm afraid I'll have to trouble my elder brother to look after him in the future.

Ao Run suddenly realized, and laughed loudly:

"Brother-in-law, what are you saying! Since we are family, why should we distinguish between each other and why should you trouble yourself? Now that my nephew has come, treat him as if he were family."

"Quickly, come inside for a chat. A feast has been prepared to welcome you and your son."

The group was about to move inside.

But then he saw that the Dragon King of the Jing River looked worried, coughed lightly, and said to Tuo Jie:

"My son, why don't you go and visit your three cousins? It's been a long time since we last saw each other, it would be a good opportunity to catch up."

Upon hearing this, Tuo Jie's eyes flashed with a sharp light, and he asked:

"May I ask, Second Uncle, where is my eldest cousin?"

My nephew has long admired his elder cousin's reputation; his bravery is known throughout the eight rivers and four streams, the three rivers and nine tributaries.

My nephew has been practicing martial arts diligently lately and is looking to learn a few moves from his older cousin!

Ao Run, quick-witted and perceptive, understood the Jing River Dragon King's intention from his expression: he wanted to send his nephew away. He stroked his beard and smiled.

"Your cousin Moang is unfortunate; he went out of the palace to capture two wicked thieves."

Your second cousin is training his navy...

Before the words were even finished, Tuo Jie couldn't wait to interject, rubbing his hands together and saying:

"What kind of demons dare to run wild in my uncle's territory? Let's stroke the tiger's whiskers from the Western Sea!"

Second Uncle, why don't you send your nephew to lend your elder cousin a hand? We'll make that demon know its power!

Ao Run just chuckled and didn't reply.

The Jing River Dragon King, his face darkening, immediately rebuked:

"My son, you mustn't be rude! You've only attained a little skill and your magic is shallow; how can you possibly help your cousin Moang? Stop your nonsense and you'll only make yourself a laughingstock!"

Tuo Jie was scolded by her father, but her face still showed resentment and an eagerness to try.

Ao Run smoothed things over, laughing as he said:

"Brother-in-law, there's no need to get angry. Your nephew is young and spirited, and it's the perfect time for him to make progress. It's good that he has such a courageous heart."

Your eldest cousin has been gone for some time now, so he should be back soon.

Your third cousin, Ao Lie, is currently practicing his spear skills at the training ground; he is also highly skilled in martial arts.

Why don't you go and challenge him to a duel, my dear nephew? He'll surely be delighted to see you."

Upon hearing this, Tuo Jie's eyes lit up, and she quickly bowed to Ao Run and her father:

"Thank you for your guidance, Second Uncle! Father, I'll be right back!"

Having said that, he didn't wait for a response, turned around and rushed out of the hall, disappearing in a few leaps.

The Dragon King of the Jing River watched his youngest son's retreating figure, shook his head with a wry smile, and said apologetically to Ao Run:

"Please forgive me, elder brother. This unruly child has been neglected and is untamed. I hope you will forgive him."

Ao Run chuckled, seemingly unconcerned, and gestured for him to join in, saying:

"This is the proper mindset for a young person."

Brother-in-law, don't worry about it. Come with me. We haven't seen each other for a long time; it's a good time to catch up."

The two then walked side by side into a side hall, where a clam maiden served them fine wine and delicacies, which need not be described in detail.

Inside the side hall and warm pavilion.

Fine wines and rare delicacies abound in the underwater palace.

Ao Run sat opposite the Dragon King of the Jing River. After several rounds of drinks, their conversation deepened.

Seeing the worry etched on his brother-in-law's face, and his hesitation as he raised his cup, Ao Run put down his jade goblet and asked slowly:

"Brother-in-law, it's been a long time since we last met. Today, let's raise a glass and have a good time."

Why do you seem preoccupied and have a worried look on your face ever since you took your seat?

My humble opinion is truly unsettling. But what difficulties have arisen in your new role?

I recall that not long ago, the Heavenly Court issued an edict appointing you as the Grand Administrator of the Eight Rivers of Jambudvipa, and the Rain God of Haojing.

Managing the eight rivers and streams—Wei, Jing, Feng, Lao, Yu, Hao, Chan, and Ba—and regulating their flow, this position offers immense potential.

The area of ​​Haojing was once the site of King Wen's conquest of the capital and King Wu's conquest of the Shang dynasty. The dragon's energy was concentrated there, making it no small matter.

For our aquatic people, this is truly a place of exceptional beauty and talent. I am delighted to hear the news.

Looking at my brother-in-law now, why does he seem troubled, as if he has something difficult to say?

The Dragon King of the Jing River put down his jade cup, sighed deeply, and said with a bitter smile:

"Brother, your eyes are sharp; your foolish thoughts cannot be hidden from me."

The position of the Water Palace in Haojing is of great importance and responsibility. I am deeply grateful for the Emperor's boundless grace. How could I, your foolish younger brother, dare not do my utmost and instead harbor resentment?

To be honest, elder brother, what worries me is not power or position, but rather my family's private concerns and the future of my descendants. These thoughts keep me at a loss.

Ao Run's eyebrows twitched slightly, indicating he understood, but he pretended not to know and asked:

"Oh? My brother-in-law has nine sons, each one of them extraordinary. What worries could he possibly have?"

The Dragon King of the Jing River looked ashamed and helpless, and shook his head, saying:

"I do not hide anything from my elder brother."

The eldest son is Xiao Huanglong, the second son is Xiao Lilong, the third son is Qingbeilong, and the fourth son is Chiranlong.

These four sons were fortunate to inherit their ancestors' blessings and began to show signs of dragon-like qualities. Although their bloodline was not exceptional, they were still able to perform minor duties such as controlling clouds and rain and regulating the water element of the region.

"Having not fallen from the pedestal of my Jinghe Water Palace, I still have a future to rely on."

Ao Run nodded slightly to show that he understood.

In the dragon race, bloodline is of utmost importance; possessing the appearance of a dragon and being in charge of water is the foundation of one's existence.

"However..."

The Jing River Dragon King's voice was even lower, tinged with a hint of unspoken reluctance, as he continued:

"From the fifth son, Fu Lao, down to the sixth son, Wen Shou, the seventh son, Jing Zhong, the eighth son, Shen, and even the worthless Tuo Jie that you see today, elder brother..."

"From the fifth son, Fu Lao, down to the sixth son, Wen Shou, the seventh son, Jing Zhong, the eighth son, Shen, and even the worthless Tuo Jie that you see today, elder brother..."

Some may have incomplete scales and claws, some may have unusual appearances, and some may be mentally impaired.

His bloodline gradually became mixed, his dragon-like features faded, and his supernatural powers weakened.

In terms of spiritual cultivation, they are inherently weak, and in terms of divine authority, they are even less capable of undertaking great responsibilities.

Aside from some aquatic instincts, they are truly incapable of performing the proper tasks of controlling clouds and rain and regulating waterways, and are therefore unreliable.

Seeing them grow older, yet with no future in sight, confined to the river town, wasting their years… how could a father not worry?

"Especially the youngest Tuojie, whose elder brother has already seen him."

Fierce, unruly, and wild, with a deep-seated alligator nature in their blood.

With such a mindset and such a foundation, even with some courage and strength, how many steps could one take in this world where the laws of Heaven and the various forces are so intertwined?

The Dragon King of the Jing River looked up at Ao Run, his eyes filled with deep worry, and sighed:

"My Jinghe lineage may have a large population, but when it comes to inheritance, quality is more important than quantity."

If this continues, the direct line will not prosper, and the collateral branches will be weak; I fear that after several generations...

Whenever I think of this, I lose my appetite and cannot sleep. I hope you will forgive me, elder brother.

Upon hearing this, Ao Run's smile faded, and he stroked his beard in deep thought.

The dragon has nine sons, each different from the other; this is the creation of heaven and earth, and also contains the destiny of fate.

What the Jinghe Dragon King was worried about was a hidden pain shared by many branches of the dragon clan.

A thin bloodline and a lack of successors pose a fundamental concern for the survival of the dragon race, which values ​​inheritance.

The nine sons of the Jing River Dragon King were clearly divided into strong and weak, like the Jing and Wei rivers.

The first four sons may be promising, but the last five are unlikely to amount to much, and their future prospects are truly worrying.

"What my brother-in-law is thinking is a long-term plan, so there's no need to laugh at him."

Ao Run spoke slowly, his tone solemn.

"Bloodline inheritance is the foundation of our clan. However, the world is vast and opportunities vary."

Even if one's bloodline is slightly inferior, if one receives proper guidance and diligently cultivates without ceasing,

Perhaps by chance and good fortune, there may be a day when one can improve and find a new path.

Brother-in-law, please don't worry, take things slowly.

Although his words were comforting, he knew in his heart that this matter was difficult.

Upon hearing this, the Dragon King of the Jing River's worry eased slightly, but it did not completely disappear. He simply raised his cup and said:

"I appreciate your kind words, elder brother. I only hope that these wretched children can understand their father's good intentions and cause less trouble. That would be a great blessing."