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

The online sensation "Journey to the West: Starting with the True Lord Jingfa," a heartfelt work by author Hengyang Yanqu, is now available.

Master Yu Jin laughed from the side:

"I arrived early but had no chance to taste Fellow Daoist Chixia's treasured spiritual tea. Today, I am fortunate to have the honor of tasting it thanks to Your Majesty."

Upon hearing this, True Man Chixia said calmly:

"The Dragon King is an honored guest. During the calamity of the Weak Water, he even had the merit of turning the tide and benefiting all living beings. I am deeply grateful and will treat him with sincerity."

As for Fellow Daoist Yu Jin…”

He paused, his tone remaining calm.

"As the Imperial Preceptor, you are busy with countless affairs of state. What rare and precious things haven't you seen? I suppose you wouldn't even look down on my humble mountain tea."

Upon hearing this, Master Yu Jin simply chuckled and said no more, raising his cup to savor the drink.

After two rounds of tea, Xuan Ling put down his teacup, turned his gaze to Master Yu Jin, and asked:

"What unusual things have happened in Aolai Kingdom lately? Please tell me in detail."

Upon hearing this, Master Yujin's expression turned serious. He glanced at Master Chixia, seemingly hesitant.

Seeing this, True Man Chixia knew that something secret was involved, so he immediately stood up, cupped his hands, and said:

"This humble Taoist priest still has morning prayers to finish, so I must take my leave now. My apologies..."

"No need, feel free to speak your mind," Xuan Ling said, seemingly unconcerned.

Upon hearing this, Master Chixia paused slightly, then calmly sat back down, focusing his attention on his nose and mind, as if listening intently.

Master Yu Jin was slightly taken aback, then lowered his head and agreed. After a moment's thought, he spoke slowly:

"Your Majesty, something unusual has happened in the kingdom. For over a month now, Your Majesty's behavior has been completely different from what it used to be."

He paused briefly, as if considering his words, before saying:

"Although the young king was intelligent, he was still young and relied heavily on his ministers in matters of state, especially on the suggestions of his subordinates."

However, recently, when he discusses matters in court, he always has his own opinions, and his thoughts are deep and thoughtful. He is also shrewd and adept at handling government affairs.

His decisiveness was unlike that of a young man; rather, it resembled that of someone who had long been worldly-wise.

"At first, I thought he was getting older and wanted to seize power and establish his own authority."

However, his methods became increasingly sophisticated, gradually forging connections with court officials and cultivating loyal followers, almost to the point of sidelining his subordinates. And…”

Master Yu Jin frowned slightly, his tone becoming even more somber, and continued:

"My subordinates secretly tried to use divination to find out the truth, but they found the secrets of heaven to be obscure, as if there was an invisible force blocking them, and they gained nothing."

When performing spells, one often feels sluggish and hindered, as if there is an invisible constraint.

"All of this cannot be explained by the mere transformation of a young man's character. I dare to speculate that there may be external forces at play, attempting to seize control of the court."

After speaking, Master Yujin bowed his head and waited quietly.

The Crimson Cloud Immortal, who was standing to the side, had already composed himself and held his breath. Although he remained seated, the look of surprise and doubt in his eyes was hard to hide.

Although he was not involved in court politics, the things that Master Yujin described were indeed strange and could not be explained by ordinary power struggles.

Xuan Ling listened quietly, his expression calm, only a slight glint of crimson gold in his eyes, as if he were deep in thought.

After a moment, Fang said calmly, "In your opinion, what is the origin of that 'external force'?"

Master Yu Jin smiled bitterly and said, "I am ashamed. I have searched extensively, but I have not found a single clue."

This person... or someone behind him, has an ability to conceal their activities that far surpasses that of his subordinates.

However, he acted cautiously and meticulously, as if he had a good understanding of how the court operated, the hearts and minds of the people, and even the methods of his subordinates.

This is certainly not something an ordinary mountain demon or wandering cultivator could accomplish.

After listening to what Master Yu Jin had said, Xuan Ling tapped his knuckles twice on the table, his crimson-gold eyes thoughtful.

"Instead of displaying supernatural powers to fight, he learns the art of governance to rule the court; he is indeed a strange and eccentric person."

"In that case, I will accompany you into the palace to investigate and see who this charlatan is who is putting on this act."

Master Yu Jin's spirits lifted, and he immediately bowed and said:

"Yes. Your Majesty, I will lead the way."

A great weight was lifted from his heart. With the king himself present, no matter how powerful the mastermind behind the scenes was, he would have nowhere to hide.

The Crimson Cloud Immortal also stood up, his expression complex.

Although he did not want to get involved in the court's disputes, the arrival of the Dragon King in person clearly indicated that the situation was no longer ordinary.

The Crimson Cloud Immortal cupped his hands and said, "With the Dragon King personally going, the demonic aura will surely be dispelled."

Xuan Ling nodded slightly in response. He then stepped out of the quiet room. Master Yu Jin followed closely behind.

The two left the temple gate without riding on clouds or making a great show of themselves.

Xuan Ling simply flicked his sleeve, and the surrounding scenery rippled slightly like water.

The next moment, the two figures disappeared from in front of Qixia Temple, as if they had merged into the gentle breeze and flowing clouds, leaving no trace.

Standing alone before the temple, Master Chixia gazed at the empty mountain path and the distant outline of palaces, stroking his beard in silence.

He remained silent for a moment, then turned back to the temple and gently closed the gate.

My only wish is that this time the Dragon King's actions will not implicate too many innocent lives in Aolai Kingdom.

As for the palace coup...

He shook his head, no longer pondering the matter.

…………

…………

Aolai Kingdom, Royal Study of the Royal Palace.

The young king sat behind the dragon throne, his wolf-hair brush dipped in vermilion ink, slowly writing on the bright yellow silk brocade.

The gist of the decree is that, upon closer examination, the various trade activities with Qingchi Ridge in the East China Sea in recent years have revealed numerous flaws, which are of no benefit to the country and only waste resources.

In order to consolidate the foundation of the nation and alleviate the burden on the people, all related commercial contracts and trade agreements, regardless of whether they are new or old, shall be suspended immediately.

The relevant authorities shall separately formulate appropriate regulations, striving for fairness and ensuring that they do not harm the national system.

After a long while, he finally put down his pen.

The decree was presented in a grand and dignified manner, transforming a mere edict severing ties and cutting off all ties into a wise and benevolent act that reformed abuses and benefited the people.

"Gentlemen, please take a look at this edict. What do you think?"

He displayed the silk scroll, speaking calmly as his gaze swept over the crowd.

Several senior officials carefully read the imperial edict, and at first they all showed expressions of relief.

As Your Majesty grows older, you become more decisive and capable, and your desire to reclaim power and check the Imperial Preceptor is truly a blessing for the nation.

However, upon seeing that all trade-related matters involving Qingchi Ridge had been abolished and were being reconsidered, his brows gradually furrowed.

How could they not know the key to trade between Guozhong and Qingchiling? It is truly a mutually beneficial and advantageous move for the country and its people.

Moreover, the Demon King Jiao has a fearsome reputation and great supernatural powers; he is not someone to be trifled with.

"...Your Majesty is wise and wishes to reclaim power and check the Imperial Preceptor. This old minister will naturally do his utmost to assist you."

An old minister stroked his beard and pondered, looking troubled. He then said, "However, the matter of abolishing trade with Qingchi Ridge is of great importance and involves many aspects."

The spiritual materials and elixirs produced there are beneficial to the cultivators and people in our country; the salt, iron, grain and silk produced in our country are also exported through their channels.

Although the regulations established over the years were mainly discussed by the National Preceptor, they were generally fair.

A sudden and complete collapse would likely damage the foundation of the nation, and even more so... anger that dragon king.

Another senior official echoed this sentiment:

"That's very true. That Flood Dragon Demon King Xuan Ling is no ordinary mountain spirit."

During the ancient calamity of the Weak Water, its power and merits were known to all the countries of the East Sea.

Moreover, he commands Qingchi Ridge, with countless demon soldiers and generals under his command, and is involved with various forces.

It would be unwise to antagonize them over such matters.

The young king waved his hand and said, "How could I not know what you gentlemen are worried about? But the Grand Preceptor controls the trade, and you gentlemen are certainly aware of all the intricacies involved."

So-called "fairness" is nothing but a facade. If this continues, the loss of wealth will be secondary; the real danger lies in the fact that the nation's destiny will gradually fall into the hands of foreigners.

"My mind is made up; there is no need to discuss this matter further. My only concern is the attitude of that dragon spirit..."

"As the ruler of a country, I act out of public interest and for the sake of the nation."

Even if that dragon spirit were to arrive, could it possibly unjustly accuse the ruler?

Moreover, even if he has made some minor contributions, he cannot use those contributions to coerce the nation. My country, Aolai, is a state on the east coast, not its vassal. Revising the regulations is precisely an act to demonstrate the national character.

"My mind is made up. You ministers should consider how to implement it, rather than hesitate and delay."

The ministers exchanged glances, all seeing the worry in each other's eyes, but dared not argue further, and could only bow and say:

"Your Majesty, we obey."

Suddenly, before the attendants outside the palace could announce their arrival, a laugh rang out.

"Your Majesty is diligently governing and discussing state affairs with the officials. I have come uninvited, and I hope you will not take offense."

Several ministers turned their heads in shock, only to find that Master Yujin had quietly appeared inside the palace gate at some unknown time.

His Taoist robe was simple and clean, and his face was smiling, as if he had simply strolled through the garden and accidentally wandered into this place.

None of the guards outside the palace noticed the announcement.

When the ministers saw that it was the Imperial Advisor, their expressions changed, and they subconsciously took a half step back, lowering their heads and not daring to look him in the eye.

This imperial advisor may seem gentle on the surface, but they know his methods and tactics all too well.