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

Chen Jiao led the Lei family's entourage and left the Western Sea, riding the clouds at a leisurely pace.

Before long, one could see rolling mountains ahead, with auspicious clouds rising and clear air swirling around like ribbons, and rosy light peeking through the clouds, painting half the sky with auspicious colors.

It is truly a pure and ethereal abode of immortals, a tranquil and profound land of morality.

The generals, observing from afar, all felt a sense of exhilaration and joy.

The Thunder-Slaying General beside him gazed intently for a moment, then said:

"My Lord, I observe the atmosphere of this mountain. It is lush and verdant, imbued with spiritual energy. Its pure aura rises to the heavens, and there is absolutely no trace of demonic or evil spirits."

It must be a secluded cave dwelling of immortals and saints, a spiritual ruin where morality is cultivated in purity.

Chen Jiao sat atop the Xie Zhi's back, his gaze sweeping over the secluded path and faintly visible buildings shrouded in mist and clouds. He nodded slightly and said slowly:

"That's right. This mountain is called Longevity Mountain, and the Taoist temple on the mountain is called Wuzhuang Temple."

The master of this temple is none other than Zhenyuan Daxian, the ancestor of all earthly immortals, who reigns alongside the world. This place is the ancestral home of the earthly immortal lineage.

The cloud chariot descended and hovered above Longevity Mountain. Chen Jiao pondered for a moment, then gave the order:

"Let us set up camp here and rest our troops for the time being. I will personally go to Wuzhuang Temple."

"This subordinate obeys!"

Fei Peng, Hu Lei, and other generals responded in unison and immediately commanded the Lei family's troops to set up camp above the clouds, with banners arrayed in neat order.

Chen Jiao left the Xie Zhi and did not ride the clouds, but walked slowly along the secluded stone path in the mountains.

As soon as he stepped into the territory of Longevity Hill, he felt refreshed and his mind was at peace.

The slight aura of conquest and violence that had been picked up during the days of hunting and exorcising evil was quietly dispelled by the abundant, gentle, and mellow spiritual energy of the mountains.

Chen Jiao did not deliberately restrain himself, but simply emptied his mind and returned to his original simplicity.

His cultivation had reached the level of a true immortal, and his physical body was immaculate. At this moment, his heart was in harmony with the Dao, and the Dao was in harmony with the truth. A pure and natural aura emanated from his body.

Wherever they went, cranes in the forest flapped their wings, neither startled nor avoiding them, gracefully following them; deer in the secluded streams stopped, calling softly, their eyes filled with affection.

Beneath the ancient trees by the roadside, Ganoderma lucidum sprouts its stems, and the fragrant herbs emit a subtle glow.

It was not a deliberate act, but a natural communion of the true immortals' Daoist spirits, which brought joy to the hearts of all things in heaven and earth.

Every step reveals a new scene, subtly revealing profound truths.

Chen Jiao walked with ease, secretly admiring the gesture.

As expected of the ancestral home of the Earthly Immortals, every blade of grass, every tree, every bird, and every beast is in harmony with the natural Dao, full of vitality yet tranquil and serene.

Being there is like being bathed in a spring breeze, like drinking fine wine; it truly has the wonderful effect of cleansing away worldly worries and nourishing the mind.

Chen Jiao walked through the forest and across the stream. After a short while, the view suddenly opened up, revealing a secluded and tranquil place.

An ancient Taoist temple stands quietly among the pines and cypresses.

To the left of the mountain gate stands a stele with ten large characters on it, written in a Taoist style: "Longevity Mountain, Blessed Land; Wuzhuang Temple, Grotto Heaven".

At the mountain gate, the two children, Qingfeng and Mingyue, were already waiting respectfully with their hands at their sides.

Having received a message from their senior brother, the two of them dared not delay for a moment, and hurriedly tidied their clothes before coming here to wait quietly.

At this moment, the True Lord was seen walking slowly from the forest, and his aura was different from the one he had seen from the clouds more than a month ago, which was majestic and awe-inspiring.

I felt that the True Lord was surrounded by pure energy and had a natural Daoist charm. As he walked, he felt completely at one with the spiritual energy of Longevity Mountain.

It was as if my master had mentioned in casual conversation those carefree ancient immortals who roamed the world.

It makes people forget their worldly ways upon seeing it, feel a sense of closeness, and dare not be negligent in the slightest.

The two children dared not look any longer, quickly straightened their clothes, and bowed respectfully in a proper manner:

"Qingfeng/Mingyue of Wuzhuang Temple, on the orders of my master, respectfully welcome the arrival of the True Lord."

I previously sent this letter from the desolate mountains, but it was rather brief and disrespectful. I hope the True Lord will forgive me.

My master is already waiting in the temple. Please follow me inside, True Lord.

Chen Jiao slightly raised his hand and said slowly, "Two celestial children, there's no need for such formalities. Please lead the way."

Chen Jiao followed the two boys, Qingfeng and Mingyue, into the temple gate. Looking up, he saw a couplet hanging above the two gates, which read:

"The abode of immortals who live forever, the home of Taoists who live as long as the heavens."

Passing through this gate, a bright and quiet courtyard suddenly appeared before us, with forty-six Taoist disciples standing neatly in rows on both sides of the corridor.

There were old and young, some holding whisks, others carrying ruyi scepters; upon seeing Chen Jiao approach, they all bowed and kowtowed, saying in unison:

"Welcome the True Lord's arrival."

His voice was clear and melodious, and his manners were impeccable.

Chen Jiao's heart stirred slightly; he hadn't expected Zhenyuan Daxian to treat him with such great courtesy.

He returned the greeting slightly, but continued walking deeper into the area, guided by the gentle breeze and the bright moon.

Turning through the corridor, a five-bay hall facing south comes into view, with carved pillars and exquisite window lattices, featuring a layout that is bright above and dark below.

Several ancient pine trees stand in front of the hall, their branches gnarled and twisted, casting a canopy of shade.

Qingfeng and Mingyue paused outside the carved lattice door in front of the palace, bowed side by side, and reported to the inner palace:

"Reporting to Master, the True Lord Huangtian Jingfa has arrived."

As soon as he finished speaking, an invisible breeze blew out from inside the hall, and the tightly closed carved lattice doors opened one by one, revealing the scene inside.

The interior furnishings are simple and unpretentious, without any extravagance.

The prayer cushions, incense tables, scriptures, and jade chimes are all arranged naturally and appropriately.

In the very center, a Taoist priest sat upright on a futon.

Judging from his appearance, he is indeed no ordinary person. There is a poem to prove it:

Wearing a purple-gold crown, and a carefree crane-feather cloak, he donned fine shoes and a silk ribbon tied around his waist.

His body was like that of a child, his face like that of a beauty. Three whiskers floated under his chin, and raven feathers adorned his temples.

The true one is ancient in appearance but clear in spirit, calm in mind and serene in spirit, lofty in simplicity and boundless in tranquility.

Although sitting right in front of me, I felt as if I were one with the palace, the mountains and rivers, and the boundless Taoist charm.

It was none other than Zhenyuan Daxian, the ancestor of all earthly immortals, who lived in harmony with the world.

Upon seeing him, Chen Jiao recognized him as a senior immortal and immediately entered, bowing respectfully as a junior member of the Xuanmen sect.

"Junior Chen Jiao greets Zhenyuan Daxian. I am honored by your invitation, Daxian, and I apologize for the intrusion."

Before the ceremony was complete, Zhenyuan Daxian had already risen gracefully from the prayer mat, and in one step he was close by, reaching out to support him and preventing him from finishing the ceremony.

Zhenyuan Daxian smiled, his tone warm and approachable, showing no airs of a senior.

"You little dragon, why be so polite? Your teacher and I are old friends, and we discuss the Dao on equal footing."

Since you are his outstanding student, you should feel at home with me and not be bound by formalities.

"Inviting you here is a small token of my appreciation as the host."

I'm afraid this will only delay your important mission of inspecting the four directions. It was my presumption that led to this. How could I possibly accept your full courtesy?"

Chen Jiao said solemnly, "Great Immortal, you flatter me. You are a respected elder of the Xuanmen sect, your virtue matches that of Heaven and Earth, and you are also my teacher and old friend."

He personally sent his esteemed disciple with an invitation, and also instructed all the disciples of the temple to welcome him with courtesy. It was both a gesture of respect from an elder and a gesture of respect from a senior.

As a junior scholar, I have been summoned here; how could I dare to be disrespectful? This courtesy is due to the venerable immortal.

Upon hearing this, Zhenyuan Daxian stroked his beard and smiled, his eyes filled with even greater admiration, and said:

"Well done, what a virtuous and respectful Jingfa Zhenjun, outwardly respectful and inwardly sincere."

You came here this time without riding a cloud chariot or a mount, concealing your divine might and sheathing your weapons.

Hiking through the forest and wading across streams, entering my mountain gate in pristine natural form—this way of upholding the tranquility of my mountains truly delights me.