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

The Dragon Palace of the West Sea.

Clam maidens danced, mermaids sang, and the melodious sounds of silk and bamboo instruments filled the air.

Ao Run was having a banquet with the Jinghe Dragon King. The two talked about the affairs of the dragon clan and the regulation of the water veins, and both sighed.

As they were talking, the Turtle Prime Minister suddenly strode in from outside, his expression solemn. He approached Ao Run and whispered a few words in his ear.

Upon hearing this, Ao Run's gentle expression vanished instantly, his eyes flashing with a sharp light, and he abruptly stood up!

Is this really true?

Turtle Prime Minister hurriedly bowed and said, "It is absolutely true. His Highness the Crown Prince personally sent a fast crab to report that the True Lord's carriage is approaching the palace gate."

Ao Run took a deep breath, his surprise quickly turning into genuine joy, and clapped his hands, saying:

"well!"

He turned to the still bewildered Dragon King of the Jing River and said:

"Brother-in-law, please forgive me for taking a moment to leave you alone."

The divine carriage of the Supreme Lord Huangtian Jingfa, who tours the four continents and wields the power of thunder and punishment, is approaching. I, your foolish brother, must immediately leave the palace to welcome him!

"The True Lord of Jingfa?!"

The Dragon King of the Jing River was also startled.

How could he not know the name of this True Lord? His illustrious reputation has recently spread throughout the four continents.

He quickly put down his wine cup and said seriously, "Brother, what are you saying!"

"The True Lord is an envoy of the Heavenly Court, whose virtue extends throughout the four seas. Although I am a guest, I cannot neglect this proper etiquette. I should accompany my elder brother to greet him, as this is to show my respect."

Seeing his polite manners, Ao Run was very pleased and nodded, saying, "Very good!"

He then instructed the Prime Minister Turtle: "Quickly convey my order: beat the drums to gather the generals and ring the welcoming bells!"

The chief officials of the four departments of patrolling the sea, guarding the palace, ceremonial, and imperial guard were ordered to immediately assemble their respective departments and form ranks outside the palace gates.

All the aquatic creatures of the Dragon Palace with ranks wore formal attire and accompanied the King out of the palace to greet him.

There must be no mistakes!

The Prime Minister of the Turtle received the order and hurriedly withdrew to relay it.

Suddenly, the sound of golden bells could be faintly heard throughout the once quiet and peaceful Dragon Palace.

The two dragon kings emerged from the side hall, where banners were already fluttering and ceremonial guards were arrayed.

Sea patrol yakshas with halberds cleared the way, and rhinoceroses jingled their bells to clear the waters. From the Crystal Palace Gate to the Rainbow Bridge in the outer court, the procession was solemn and magnificent.

Ao Run led his dragon sons and grandsons, along with a group of important officials from the Water Palace. The Jing River Dragon King also accompanied them, stepping out onto the waves and waiting outside the palace gate.

In the distance, the water ripples and the light and shadows shift.

First, we saw Moang leading five hundred shrimp soldiers and crab generals, with banners faintly visible behind them.

Immediately, thousands of golden rays broke through the water and arrived, the clanging of armor grew louder as they approached, and a chilling aura filled the area around the water palace.

Guided by Mo Ang, Chen Jiao led the generals of the Thunder Palace and three thousand Thunder Soldiers, parting the waves and slowly making his way forward.

Before the thunder soldiers and cavalry, several divine generals and mythical beasts, some holding whips, some gripping maces, and some carrying swords, exuded an imposing aura.

It was Fei Peng, the Fire Bell Thunder Messenger, the Thunder-Summoning General, the Heavenly Demon-Subduing General, the Fire Rhinoceros Heavenly Soldiers, the Demon-Devouring and Monster-Eating Fierce Officer, and a host of other generals from the Pivot Thunder Palace.

Although the soldiers of the Thunder Department were in the deep sea, they were protected by a clear light, their armor was imposing, their halberds and spears gleamed coldly, and their aura of solemnity and majesty was overwhelming.

In stark contrast to the magnificent and luxurious appearance of the Dragon Palace, it reveals the awe-inspiring power of Heaven.

The Jade Dragon Third Prince Ao Lie, who was standing behind Ao Run, and Tuo Jie, who was craning his neck to look around, were both secretly shocked when they saw this scene from afar.

But one could see clouds rising like dragons and tigers, and armor and weapons gleaming in the sea; the aura was vast and boundless, like a mountain about to collapse.

Only today do I understand the majesty of the gods in the Heavenly Court.

Upon seeing this display of force, Ao Run was also taken aback and became even more solemn. He quickly led his men forward and bowed in greeting:

"Ao Run, the Little Dragon of the Western Sea, leads his entire palace and aquatic generals and officers to respectfully welcome the Dharma carriage of the True Lord Huangtian Jingfa!"

"Your Excellency's presence in this humble sea has made the crystals shine; this humble dragon is deeply honored!"

Behind him, the dragon princes and grandsons, the tortoise and crab generals, and even the three thousand aquatic creatures all bowed and saluted, saying in unison, "Welcome, True Lord!"

Seeing this, Chen Jiao returned the greeting and said:

"Dragon King, there's no need for such formalities. I was passing through the Western Sea when I happened to witness the prince capturing a demon, and I took the opportunity to observe."

The prince is valiant and brave, and the Dragon King is adept at controlling the floods.

Upon hearing this, Ao Run was even more delighted and exclaimed:

"I dare not accept such praise from the True Lord. I have failed in my duty to educate my son, and all my small achievements are thanks to the True Lord's great blessings."

"Now that Your Majesty has arrived, I humbly request that you, True Lord, move to the palace. I, your humble servant, may prepare a small feast to express my sincere sentiments, and so that all the aquatic creatures of the palace may look up to Your Majesty."

Chen Jiao pondered for a moment and said, "In that case, I'll trouble you."

Ao Run was overjoyed and quickly stepped aside to lead the way: "Please, True Lord!"

At that moment, Ao Run personally led the way, followed closely by Prince Moang, the Dragon King of the Jing River, and others.

A retinue of aquatic creatures lined up on both sides, respectfully inviting the True Lord and the generals of the Thunder Palace into the palace.

The three thousand thunder soldiers and generals were properly housed in the water palace by the generals of the Dragon Palace.

In an instant, delicacies were laid out, celestial music filled the air, pearls shone brightly, and precious energy rose in abundance.

The banquet was held in the main hall of the Crystal Palace. Chen Jiao was the host, accompanied by Ao Run, the chief minister, and Prince Moang stood behind his father.

Although the Dragon King of the Jing River was a guest, the host of this banquet was the True Lord, and it was inconvenient for him to sit at the same table. Ao Run had already sent someone to lead him to another hall for further hospitality.

Ao Run raised his glass in a toast, his words sincere and earnest:

"Little Dragon Ao Run, I thank the True Lord again for his immense kindness in protecting the four seas and stopping the disaster during the great calamity at the Weak Water.

Without the True Lord's swift and decisive actions, the world would not be in its present state. This cup is a token of the humble sentiments of the Little Dragon and the aquatic creatures of the Western Sea. Please, True Lord.

Chen Jiao held up his cup and nodded slightly: "It's my duty, Dragon King, you flatter me."

The calamity at the Weak Water was far-reaching, and its swift quelling was due to the combined efforts of the Heavenly Gods, not solely to my own merit.

After speaking, he also drank the wine in his cup.

Ao Run sighed again, "True Lord is too modest. Recently, True Lord toured Xiniu Hezhou, wielding his halberd to slay demons from all directions, sweeping away evil spirits with lightning, cleansing the demonic atmosphere, and purifying the world."

The atmosphere of Xiniu Hezhou has been renewed, and even the vast western sea of ​​Xiaolong feels clear and calm.

This is all due to the awe-inspiring divine might of the True Lord, whose merits are immeasurable.

His words were not entirely flattery; since Chen Jiao's inspection tour, the arrogance of demons in the area near the West Sea in Xiniu Hezhou had indeed diminished considerably.

Prince Moang nodded in agreement, his face showing admiration.

"It's my duty, my responsibility."

Chen Jiao waved his hand, not wanting to talk much about his own achievements, and changed the subject slightly, asking:

"I observe that the Western Sea is rich in water, yet there seems to be a lingering, somber aura among the undercurrents. Could it be that the calamity of the Weak Waters from that time has not yet completely dissipated?"

Upon hearing this, Ao Run's expression turned solemn, and he sighed:

"True Lord, you are wise. The Weak Water is extremely filthy. Its calamity-causing energy has corrupted the water's essence, spreading to remote and stagnant places such as the sea's eye, deep ravines, and the confluence of dark currents. Like a carbuncle that clings to the bone, it is extremely difficult to eradicate."

Although our Western Sea forces frequently dispatch troops to patrol and dredge the area, the results have been minimal, and we can only wait for it to gradually dissipate over the years. It is truly a thorn in our side.

Chen Jiao nodded slightly and said:

"The accumulated calamity energy hinders the cultivation of aquatic creatures and also damages the purity of the Western Sea."

My purpose in this imperial tour is to cleanse the world and ward off calamities.

Now that we have arrived at the Western Sea, perhaps we can draw upon the power of heavenly thunder to cure the Dragon King of this chronic illness.

Ao Run and Mo Ang exchanged a glance, both showing surprise and delight.

Heavenly thunder is extremely yang and strong, specifically designed to overcome yin and filth, making it the best means to clear away the calamity energy of weak water.

However, drawing heavenly lightning deep into the seabed and sweeping across all directions is something that only those with great supernatural powers and magical strength can do. Furthermore, one must have a very precise control over lightning magic; otherwise, the slightest carelessness could damage the water veins.