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

"I dare not refuse the gift from an elder. This junior thanks the great immortal."

Chen Jiao bowed and thanked Zhenyuan Daxian before reaching out to take one.

The ginseng fruit feels slightly heavy in the hand, with a warm and cool sensation.

He brought it to his lips, took a gentle bite, and the peel broke open, revealing no kernel inside. Instead, it transformed into a clear, sweet, and fragrant nectar that flowed down his throat.

At first, I only felt a fragrant and sweet taste in my mouth, and then a vast and boundless spiritual energy surged into my limbs and bones.

What is particularly mysterious is a thick, mellow, and all-encompassing pure earth element energy that flows along the meridians back to the central palace (Yellow Court), nourishing the five internal organs and stabilizing the foundation of the Dao.

Earth of the Earth element (戊土) is Yang Earth, which has the function of bearing and generating, and is located in the center, nourishing the four directions.

Ginseng fruit is formed from the essence of Earth, so it falls when it encounters Metal, withers when it encounters Wood, dissolves when it encounters Water, and burns when it encounters Fire. Only when it encounters Earth can it enter the body, which is in accordance with its nature.

Chen Jiao's cultivation of the Golden Extreme Thunder Dao resulted in the supremely powerful and sharp Heavenly Divine Thunder.

Nourished by this powerful and abundant earth element, it perfectly aligns with the principle of the five elements generating metal through earth.

He felt his foundation in the Dao of True Immortality becoming increasingly perfect and solid, and the blazing thunderous energy within his body, as if nurtured by fertile soil, not only did not lose its sharpness.

It adds a profound and powerful foundation, and as it is circulated, a faint thunderous sound arises from the bone marrow and acupoints.

Chen Jiao savored the taste, sensing its profound mystery. After a moment, he opened his eyes, a flash of blazing white lightning disappearing within them. He sincerely praised it:

"If my senses are correct, this ginseng fruit tree in the Great Immortal Temple, though it appears to be a wood tree, is actually a spiritual root transformed from the essence of the innate Earth element."

The earth element inherent in this ginseng fruit is balanced, pure, and harmonious; it carries and nourishes all things, embodying the essence of Earth.

Zhenyuan Daxian stroked his beard and smiled, his eyes showing approval, and said:

"My dear nephew has excellent eyesight and broad knowledge."

This tree is indeed the essence of the innate Earth element, born from the creation of heaven and earth, taking the form of wood, truly a treasure of the Earth element.

The Earth element (戊土) is in the center, bearing, nurturing, and generating metal, which perfectly matches the origin of the metal-element thunder energy cultivated by your nephew.

It falls when it encounters metal, withers when it encounters wood, dissolves when it encounters water, scorches when it encounters fire, and enters when it encounters earth.

Ordinary gold objects cannot damage it, nor can wooden objects support it. It must be struck with a specially made gold mallet from my temple, and then supported by a cinnabar plate and silk fabric, in order to preserve its spiritual essence.

Seeing that Chen Jiao was listening attentively, Zhenyuan Daxian continued:

"However, the soil that 'enters upon encountering soil' is not ordinary soil, nor is it its original source, Earth (戊土), but rather Earth (己土).

The Earth element (戊) is high and rugged, representing mountains and city walls; the Earth element (己) is low and damp, representing fields and crops. Only when 戊 and 己 are combined can they represent the complete virtue of the Earth element (坤), which is generous and nurturing.

When the ginseng fruit leaves the tree, the essence of the Earth element (戊土) is contained within. When it encounters the Yin Earth element (己土), it naturally returns to its original state, perfectly embodying the harmony of Yin and Yang and the transformation back to its true nature.

For ordinary immortals, this fruit may only increase their magical power and prolong their lifespan.

However, for my nephew, it can strengthen the foundation and nourish the source, like fertile soil nurturing true gold, thus enriching the source of thunder, making the foundation more solid, and the operation of supernatural powers more harmonious and unimpeded.

This is the fundamental principle of the five elements' generating and restraining relationships, and the mutual complementarity of yin and yang.

Upon hearing this, Chen Jiao understood and rose to thank him again:

"Great Immortal, you have generously bestowed your wisdom and revealed profound secrets; I, a junior, have learned greatly from your teachings."

Zhenyuan Daxian waved his hand, chuckled, and pointed to the two remaining fruits on the plate, urging them to hurry:

"Nephew, no need for formalities, please eat quickly."

However, ginseng fruit cannot be stored for long. If it is away from the tree for too long and becomes stiff, its vitality will dissipate, and it will lose its flavor and become inedible.

Please use it again, my dear nephew.

Chen Jiao followed his instructions and swallowed the remaining two pills.

The abundant and mellow innate Earth Qi surged in, like the Mother Earth Qi, thick and unparalleled, directly entering the central Spleen Earth.

In an instant, Chen Jiao felt his blood and qi surge like the Yangtze River, his magical power surge like the rising tide, rumbling and booming, and his acupoints all over his body faintly glowing.

The spleen, being an earth organ, governs transportation and transformation, and is the source of qi and blood production.

At this moment, it is filled with the innate Earth Qi, and undergoes a qualitative change, becoming incomparably heavy, as if it has transformed into a boundless earth that bears all things.

In a daze, Chen Jiao's thoughts drifted away, as if he were tracing the long river of time upstream and witnessing the primordial scene.

Before chaos was established, existence and non-existence intersected.

Suddenly, a Taoist priest wearing a Tai Chi robe appeared, sitting upright in the Wuji (primordial chaos), silent and motionless.

Immediately, the pure and the turbid separated, Yin and Yang were established, and the essence of the Five Elements manifested accordingly, each returning to its place, intertwining to form the foundation of the universe.

One of the innate essences of Earth, having received supreme creation, shed its chaotic form and conceived spiritual energy, transforming into the nascent form of a precious tree.

As light and shadow shifted, it seemed as if a flowing apricot-yellow sleeve swept by, gently gathering the nascent spiritual root into its embrace...

Chen Jiao was jolted, returning from that profound realization.

After consuming three ginseng fruits, the innate Earth element was fully replenished, occupying the central Spleen Earth, becoming thick, solid, and radiant within.

With a slight thought, Chen Jiao knew that if he so desired, he could immediately activate this energy and use it as a foundation to lay the groundwork for the path to true immortality.

However, he had already made up his mind that the central palace should be honored by "Jia Wood", as it is the beginning of the cycle of the five elements and the source of life and creation.

Although the Earth element is abundant at this moment, it is not the first choice.

With a thought, Chen Jiao unleashed his vast magical power, like an invisible shackle, forcibly confining the surging, restless Earth Qi within his Spleen Palace, forcing it to lie dormant.

Just as I was finishing up, I suddenly felt a gentle breeze, which seemed to come from nowhere, and it brushed against my whole body.

As the wind passed, the powerful and heavy innate earth energy, which seemed about to burst forth, instantly became docile.

The wisps of light gathered and coalesced, transforming into a warm and substantial earthy yellow halo, quietly settling deep within the spleen palace, its radiance restrained, no longer agitated.

The wisps of light gathered and coalesced, transforming into a warm and substantial earthy yellow halo, quietly settling deep within the spleen palace, its radiance restrained, no longer agitated.

Chen Jiao slowly opened his eyes, his gaze shining brightly, adding to his composed and dignified demeanor.

Looking up, one sees Zhenyuan Daxian smiling, stroking his beard and nodding, speaking slowly:

"My dear nephew is blessed with great fortune. He has taken three herbal pills into his belly, and his innate essence of Earth is now sufficient."

This energy is profound and carries all things, generating endless life; my dear nephew has already grasped its wonders.

Now the vital energy has been gathered and lies dormant in the central palace, awaiting your arrival at the Earth position in the Five Elements path.

When one needs to borrow from the earth to generate gold, or use the earth to support the wood, the very thought that arises can be used as the foundation and resources for the path.

Upon hearing this, Chen Jiao solemnly rose and bowed deeply to Zhen Yuanzi:

"This junior thanks the Great Immortal for the generous gift, and even more so for the Great Immortal's secret assistance in suppressing the qi."

He knew that the gentle breeze just now must have been the work of a great immortal, helping him to smoothly gather the sudden surge of immense energy and saving him from the pain of restlessness and adjustment.

Zhenyuan Daxian laughed and said, "The opportunity is here, and it's yours to seize. How much you can use will show your true abilities. No need for formalities, sit down and let's talk."

Seeing that Chen Jiao's vital energy had stabilized and the Earth element had returned to its place, Zhenyuan Daxian stopped mentioning the ginseng fruit.

He lightly draped his whisk over his arm, his gaze gentle as he looked at Chen Jiao and said with a smile:

"My nephew, your foundation for the Way has been laid; the Earth element has returned to its place."

Since we are here by chance, let's chat for a bit. For those who cultivate themselves, the foundation is of paramount importance. I wonder, my nephew, what is your understanding of the term "foundation of the Way"?

This question, though seemingly simple, is actually asking about the fundamental principles of spiritual practice.

Chen Jiao pondered for a moment, then slowly said:

"In my humble opinion, the foundation of the Dao is the beginning of cultivation and the root of the path."

Just as a tree has roots and water has a source.

However, the foundation is not only about the depth of one's magical power or the amount of treasures one possesses, but also about the practitioner's understanding of the laws of heaven and earth and their clarity about their own path.

A weak foundation is like building a tower on sand; an unclear mind, even with supernatural powers, is like a blind man walking in the dark.

Upon hearing this, Zhen Yuanzi nodded slightly and then asked:

"This is true. However, on the path of cultivation, some prove the Way through force, some unite with the Way through Dharma, some borrow external things, and some cultivate themselves."

Nephew, looking at your own conduct, which path do you most closely resemble?

Chen Jiao replied, "There are three thousand Great Paths, all of which can lead to enlightenment."

The method I cultivate, Metal Extreme Thunder, is a path of magic. It borrows the solemn and righteous energy of heaven and earth to temper myself, clarify my mind and nature, slay evil spirits, and protect the righteous path.

Power, methods, objects, and the body can all be regarded as reliance, but the fundamentals still lie in the mind and reason.

When the mind and reason are in harmony, all methods can be based on them; when the mind and reason contradict each other, even the strongest force will lead astray.

"What a wonderful phrase, 'the harmony of heart and reason'!"

Zhen Yuanzi's eyes showed approval, and he smiled and said, "However, the heavens and earth have five elements, which generate and restrain each other in a cycle that never ends."

Your nephew chose metal and thunder as the sharp edge and earth as the hidden element. Does this mean that earth, besides being heavy and capable of bearing things and nourishing life, has any other virtues?

Where should it be placed on your path?

This question touches upon the essence of the opportunity Chen Jiao just obtained, and points directly to the key to his future path in the Five Elements.

Chen Jiao knew that this was a test from the Great Immortal, and also a hint.

He paused for a moment before speaking in a deep voice:

"The virtue of earth is to bear all things with its great virtue, to reside in the center and regulate the four directions, this is the natural order. However, from the perspective of the younger generation, earth also has the nature of 'concealment' and 'transformation'."

Concealment means to hide one's brilliance and keep a low profile, cultivating endless potential, just as the spleen palace stores essence and energy without revealing it to the outside.

Change is the process of creation and transformation; the rotation of the five elements all depends on its operation. Without earth, metal cannot be produced, fire cannot be extinguished, wood has no support, and water has no control.

He paused, his gaze clear and bright, and continued:

"For the younger generation on the path of cultivation, the essence of Earth is currently 'hidden,' which strengthens the foundation and cultivates the roots, so that the sharp metal and thunder will not damage itself."

When the five elements cycle in the future and the opportunity arises, this "hidden treasure" can transform into the pivot of "transformation," helping the younger generation to harmonize all elements and achieve a cycle.

Therefore, in the path of juniors, the Earth element is not only the foundation, but also the pivot of future life and transformation. However…”

Chen Jiao hesitated for a moment, but still answered frankly:

"It is only because I am a junior that I am focused on the central palace of Jia wood to complete the five elements, and my understanding of the earth element is ultimately shallow."

The Great Immortal is the ancestor of all earthly immortals, possessing profound knowledge of the mysteries of the earth; I earnestly hope you will guide me through my confusion.

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

"Hiding and changing... My dear nephew, your ability to see this is no ordinary thing."

As my nephew said, the nature of Earth (戊土) is not only to bear, but also to nurture and transform.

All things in heaven and earth are born from the earth and return to the earth.

This is the virtue of "Kun" (坤), which is supremely yielding yet firm in movement, supremely still yet virtuous, encompassing all things with great light and prosperity.

His gaze was far-reaching, as if piercing through the void and seeing the endless earth and rivers.

"Now that you have obtained the essence of this Wu Earth, it is as if you have obtained a piece of invisible, thick soil."

Make good use of its "concealment" to nurture your sharpness, making the power of golden thunder more pure and refined, with a flawless foundation.

By skillfully utilizing its "transformation," whether you find the essence of Jia wood or rely on other spiritual means in the future,

All can use this fertile soil as a medium for smooth transformation, endlessly regenerating, without causing clashes among the five elements and harming the Dao body.

"As for your ambition to reside in the Jia Wood Central Palace..."

Zhenyuan Daxian paused slightly, looked at Chen Jiao meaningfully, and said:

"Wood governs growth and development, representing vitality and growth, making it an excellent choice for the operation of the Five Elements."

However, it must be understood that even the tallest tree has its roots deeply embedded in the soil. Without the nourishment and support of the soil, the tree cannot grow or remain strong.

Your spleen palace, the Earth element (戊土), is the foundation upon which the future Wood element (甲木) will rely.

"What comes first, what comes later, what is the surface, what is the essence—now that my dear nephew understands his own path, he should know the proper measure."

At this point, Zhenyuan Daxian stopped delving into the matter and instead inquired about Chen Jiao's experiences during his inspection tour and his insights from slaying evil.

Zhen Yuanzi would ask questions or nod occasionally. The only sounds in the hall were the sounds of quiet conversation and the aroma of tea. Several hours passed in the blink of an eye.

Finally, Zhenyuan Daxian took a sip from his cup and said leisurely:

"I was quite pleased to have a conversation with my nephew today. The road ahead is long, but the foundation is in place and the direction is clear. What remains is the result of persistent effort and the help of good fortune."

My dear nephew, your journey to the four corners of the land, cleansing away evil influences, is also a valuable opportunity to observe the universe and verify your own path. Take good care of yourself.

Knowing that the discussion was over, Chen Jiao rose, bowed, and said:

"This junior has learned a great deal and thanks the great immortal for guiding me through my confusion."

Zhen Yuanzi waved his hand and laughed, "It was just casual conversation. You go and attend to your business. You can come to my Longevity Mountain anytime."

Just as Chen Jiao was about to bid farewell to Zhenyuan Daxian, he suddenly sensed something and abruptly turned to look eastward.

In the far distance, boundless blue energy suddenly erupted, covering the sky and the earth!

Its color was a deep blue, its momentum vast and mighty, like an inverted blue sea, or like the ancient blue sky falling down, instantly dyeing half of the eastern sky.

Although separated by countless miles, the pure, powerful, and ever-flowing innate Jia wood energy has already permeated the spiritual energy of heaven and earth like a tide.

In an instant, the mythical birds in Longevity Mountain took flight, the auspicious beasts raised their heads, and the grass and trees all over the mountain moved without wind, their branches and leaves all facing east, as if in worship or in response.

Its aura caused tremors across the four continents, and all living beings felt it.

Within the four seas, the earth's veins resonate; above the nine heavens, clouds surge and billow.

Countless powerful cultivators in seclusion, reclusive old monsters, and even immortals, gods, and demon saints from all sides.

At this moment, everyone's mind was shaken, and their aura involuntarily leaked out and soared into the sky as they looked towards the source of the green energy.

Chen Jiao's eyes narrowed, and he understood.

This weather and this feeling are undoubtedly signs of the birth of Jianmu Palace!

Zhenyuan Daxian also looked eastward, his eyes gleaming with a strange light, and stroked his beard as he spoke slowly:

"So that's how it is. It was the manifestation of the Jianmu Palace's energy by Fellow Daoist Qingdi that alarmed all the heavens."

Chen Jiao stood in the hall, his black cloak fluttering even without wind.

He gazed at the azure light sweeping across the universe in the east, a flash of blazing white lightning seemingly appearing in his eyes before returning to stillness.

The leaf from the Jianmu tree, which was obtained from the Taiyi Jiuku Tianzun, was slightly warm inside her sleeve, emanating a clear and ancient call.

Chen Jiao then bid farewell to Zhenyuan Daxian and, without further delay, turned and stepped out of the main hall.

Above the clouds, the three thousand thunder generals had already been alarmed. Although their military formation was orderly and they remained silent, all their eyes were looking eastward, revealing a sense of shock.

Mo Ang stood beside Fei Peng with his sword at his side, also showing a look of surprise.

Chen Jiao approached the Xie Zhi, and Fei Peng and the other generals greeted him in unison. He glanced at them, said nothing more, and only uttered four words in a deep voice:

"Change course, head east."

As soon as the sound faded, he flipped onto the beast.

The xiezhi raised its head and neighed loudly, its four hooves creating clouds.

The three thousand thunder generals moved with the ease of an extension of their own arms, their formation shifting, their aura of golden spears and iron horses scattering the drifting clouds across the sky.

The magnificent procession ceased its slow, leisurely march, transforming into a blazing streak of light that stretched across the sky, accompanied by wind and thunder, tearing through the heavens.

With unwavering resolve, it headed straight for the eastern horizon where the azure sky soared and stirred up the winds and clouds in all directions.

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