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

Dongsheng Shenzhou, eight hundred li of Qingchi Ridge.

Since Xuan Ling took over this place, only a few decades have passed.

He summons clouds and rain to nourish mountains and rivers, gathers spiritual energy to nurture all things, regulates the earth's energy to strengthen its foundation, and dredges waterways to promote vitality.

Through years of conditioning and gradual transformation, the climate here is no longer what it used to be.

Below the mountain lies Qingchi Lake, its vast expanse of misty waters stretching to the horizon.

The lake water is clear, with shimmering light visible, and large fish sometimes leap about, their scales reflecting the sunlight.

Around the lake are islets and islets, shaded by willows, where cranes often fly and egrets gather, their clear cries echoing through the mountains and waters.

Among the many mountains and peaks surrounding it, the most prominent is Yunmang Mountain.

This mountain is shaped like a giant sword, piercing straight into the clouds, and the upper half of the mountain is shrouded in spiritual mist all year round.

Its majestic outline is visible, but its full form is difficult to discern; it resembles a celestial jade pillar overlooking all directions.

The convergence of spiritual veins in the mountains forms the central hub of the eight-hundred-mile-long Qingchi Ridge, and is also the fundamental and important place for Xuanling's secluded cultivation.

It is truly a blessed land of outstanding natural beauty, a fairyland by the water.

Poems as proof:

The towering clouds meet the azure sky, the clear pond reflects the ethereal beauty. From time to time, the cry of cranes echoes through the woods, and the light of dragons often shines upon the stars.

The earth's veins secretly connect to the three islands, and mist and haze perpetually shroud a bright lake. If not for the presence of the Mystic Master, how could such spiritual inspiration fill this painted screen?

The area in the mountains is orderly and unlike any other.

The patrolling demons each performed their duties, some riding the breeze across the treetops, others patrolling the lake in small boats, their eyes alert.

All the major roads and passes were guarded by demon soldiers in full armor, with a post every five steps and a sentry every ten steps.

Deep in the mountain valley, in a flat area, the sounds of muffled shouts and the clanging of metal can be heard every day. These are the demon soldiers practicing battle formations and honing their martial arts skills.

Caravans from all directions, whether human merchants or demon merchants, traveled back and forth along the mountain roads, their carriages and horses gliding and camel bells ringing softly.

The Yunmang Market in the mountains has long since expanded into a bustling place with continuous palaces and numerous shops. Rare treasures from all over gather here, trade is booming, and order is well maintained. Few dare to cause trouble here.

Looking out over the 800-li Qingchi Ridge, one sees beautiful mountains and clear waters, well-organized soldiers, bustling merchants, and thriving markets.

The clouds and mist swayed and rolled, veiling this prosperous scene.

All living beings who come and go know that the peace and prosperity here do not rely on gentle words and teachings.

Rather, it was the fearsome power of the Jiao Demon King, who resided deep within the Yunmang Mountains, rarely showing his face, yet inspiring awe in all demons from all directions.

…………

Outside the Xuanqing Cave on the main peak of Yunmang Mountain, there is a quiet courtyard.

The courtyard is lush with flowers and trees. An old wisteria vine twines around a stone trellis, hanging down clusters of pale purple flower spikes; a mountain peach tree is in full bloom, with clusters of pink and white blossoms; and in the corner, several pear trees are in full bloom, like snowflakes just beginning to fall.

Beneath the flower trellis and beside the stone table, three women of different appearances sat by the table; they were the three flower fairies who had served Xuan Ling for many years.

Wearing a light purple dress, Zi Teng is holding a jade pot and slowly pouring out the clear dew. Her movements are unhurried and her demeanor is dignified.

She pushed a cup of jade dew, filled to seven-tenths full, toward the girl in the pale yellow dress opposite her, her voice as clear and cool as a stream gurgling over stones:

"Peach, stop counting the new leaves on the vine. You've already counted them more than three times since you sat down."

The girl called "Tao'er" was none other than the mountain peach blossom fairy.

Upon hearing this, she withdrew her gaze from the old vine, pouted, took the jade dew but didn't drink it, only held it in her palm, blinked her bright almond eyes, and sighed:

"Sister Wisteria, I'm just feeling really down."

The King has been in seclusion for almost five years now!

Oh dear, with the king away, I find all these exotic flowers and plants on the mountain rather uninteresting.

'

She was naturally very lively, and she made no attempt to hide her longing for her king.

Now that the King is in seclusion, the sisters still manage many trivial matters within the inner court.

Meanwhile, external affairs such as patrolling the mountains, training troops, and managing the market were handled by the many demon generals and immortals in the mountains, leaving him rather idle and bored.

Sitting beside her, Pear Blossom raised her eyelashes upon hearing this, glanced timidly at the stone gate, and said softly:

"His Majesty's seclusion must mean he has reached a crucial stage in his cultivation. We... we will simply stay and watch over him."

Everything in the mountains is going smoothly. The other day, the Golden Light Immortal from Huanghua Temple even sent someone to deliver newly refined elixirs, saying they were to be presented to the King. I have already stored them in the storeroom as is customary.

"Third Sister is right..."

Zi Teng gently placed a jade slip back on the table; it was the monthly expense account of Lingzhong that she had just been checking.

Of the three sisters, she was the most aloof and composed. At this moment, her delicate brows were slightly furrowed, revealing a rare hint of annoyance.

"His Majesty's seclusion is for the purpose of refining his cultivation and protecting the foundation of Qingchi Ridge. How can we, due to our own boredom, slacken our efforts?"

Although her tone was calm, it carried the authority of an elder sister.

Yamamoto stuck out her tongue, realizing she had misspoke, but still couldn't help muttering to herself:

"Eldest sister is right. It's just... it's just that not being able to serve the king makes life rather dull."

In the past, when the King was alive, he would often have us practice the newly acquired pieces for us to listen to during our leisure time. Now, we have no motivation to practice anymore.

She sighed again, her slender fingers unconsciously tracing circles on the smooth table.

Zi Teng glanced at her, a hint of helplessness flashing in her cool eyes. Her tone softened slightly as she said:

Zi Teng glanced at her, a hint of helplessness flashing in her cool eyes. Her tone softened slightly as she said:

"You just can't calm your mind. Have you mastered the [Yi Wood Green Breath Heart Technique] that I taught you the other day?"

The path of cultivation is like rowing against the current. The king's seclusion is precisely the time for us to make progress; how can we waste this time?

Upon hearing this, Shan Tao's pretty face flushed slightly, and she stammered:

"That incantation... is indeed quite profound; I'm still figuring it out..."

Pear Blossom quickly smoothed things over, saying softly:

"My second sister is very intelligent and will surely understand it quickly. I... I also find that incantation very difficult, and I always feel stuck whenever I try to use it."

Wisteria shook her head and said no more.

She was well aware of Shan Tao's nature; it was simply her duty that forced her to offer guidance from time to time.

My gaze fell once again on the tightly closed stone door, and a sense of melancholy swept through my heart.

Before the king went into seclusion, he entrusted all the internal affairs of the mountain to her, only instructing her to stay put and guard the place quietly.

Over the years, she has worked diligently and never slacked off, managing all affairs in an orderly manner.

However, this cave dwelling seemed too empty and desolate because of the absence of that imposing figure.

The three sisters were speechless for a moment.

The only sound in the cave was the gentle murmur of a spring flowing in the corner, which made the atmosphere even more tranquil.

Outside the window, the misty clouds of Yunmang Mountain flowed slowly, and occasionally the clear cry of a crane came from afar, adding to the serene atmosphere.

Just as the atmosphere was becoming slightly somber, Shan Tao's eyes darted around, as if trying to dispel the gloom.

Suddenly, she lowered her voice, a mischievous smile playing on her lips, and looked at Pear Blossom, saying:

"Hey, Third Sister, I heard from the lake patrol leader the other day that..."

Princess Wansheng of Bibo Pool in Luanshi Mountain, Xiniu Hezhou, recently sent a generous gift to express her gratitude for the King's past guidance.

I saw the gift list; it contained pearls from the South China Sea, coral and jade, and a bushel of precious [Water Spirit Crystal].

At the end of the gift list, the princess also added a handwritten greeting. Tell me, doesn't this princess have a special affection for our king…?