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

Author Hengyang Yanqu is waiting for you with "Journey to the West: Starting from Jingfa Zhenjun".

And this roc showed no sign of ferocity in front of the peacock.

He knew that although he appeared dignified, he was actually arrogant and harbored resentment. He was furious that the dough had been broken because of him.

Da Peng dared not argue forcefully, but was also unwilling to admit everything. After a long while, he whispered:

"Bodhisattva, you are wise. I have just arrived at the East Sea and saw that the Jianmu Palace is about to emerge. I originally intended to wait for the right opportunity."

Unexpectedly, that little thief, without distinguishing right from wrong, launched a violent attack.

I was caught off guard and fell into their trap; I truly did not intend to provoke them.

"A momentary lapse in attention?"

The peacock's gaze swept over the roc, a hint of disdain in its eyes, and it said:

"You devoured living beings, attracted the attention of a wandering immortal, and then fought with him. How great was the commotion?"

That impudent thief was personally appointed by the Jade Emperor to be in charge of executions and to patrol the land on behalf of Heaven.

You ran right in front of him and committed a heinous crime; if he doesn't take action against you, who will he take action against?

The roc lay on the ground, its beak opening and closing with a hint of resentment, and said:

"Bodhisattva, please understand. I have been confined to Mount Ling for a long time, abstaining from meat and fish, and I cannot restrain myself any longer."

I also intend to clear out the surrounding area to avoid attracting too many competitors later.

Unexpectedly, that Mao Shen, without saying a word, suddenly launched a deadly attack, his supernatural powers truly domineering.

"I...I really didn't expect this..."

"Unexpected?"

A mocking smile played on the peacock's lips, then vanished as it said:

"Instead of plotting against the rightful master, you're causing trouble outside the palace, alerting the enemy and attracting this murderous star."

Now I'm even more exhausted and have lost my feathers. Tell me, aren't you foolish or not?

Dapeng hesitated and dared not speak.

The peacock stopped looking at him, as if even a glance would annoy her.

Her voice regained its usual indifference, as if nothing was bothering her, and she simply said:

"Alright, you should go and recover from your injuries."

After speaking, she gently waved her sleeve, and a five-colored ray of light swept up the roc.

"If they continue to misbehave..."

The peacock's voice drifted over gently, its lingering melody carrying a chill that made the roc's remaining feathers flutter slightly.

The rosy clouds enveloped the roc, and in an instant it emerged from the small courtyard, disappearing behind the layers of palaces and auspicious clouds of Mount Ling.

The courtyard returned to silence, with only the peacock on the wall standing proudly alone.

"True Lord Jingfa..."

The peacock murmured, a hint of coldness lingering on its face for a long time.

Immediately, her figure transformed into a five-colored stream of light and vanished in the courtyard, disappearing without a trace.

…………

Islands are scattered across the East China Sea.

One of them is shaped like a cow drinking water, hence the name Woniu Island (Sleeping Ox Island).

To the source of that boundless blue mist, it is hundreds of miles away, though seemingly close; yet, one can look up and see the majestic ancient trees that push through the clouds on the horizon.

Due to its central location and flat terrain, it has now become a gathering place for cultivators from all directions.

On the island's cliffs, beaches, and forests, one can see figures sitting, talking, or gazing eastward everywhere.

Several days have passed since the battle between Zhenjun and Dapeng, yet the ancient grotto-heaven remains closed, its emergence seemingly imminent yet also appearing to be a distant dream.

Only the calamity clouds in the sky grew thicker and thicker.

Some wandering monks and merchants who traveled all over the world simply found an open space, laid out their odds and ends, and started doing business on the spot.

Shouts and bargaining gradually rose, and for a moment the somber waiting place became unusually lively.

"Take a look! This is a top-quality [Six Ding Six Jia Protective Talisman], the perfect choice for traveling in the East China Sea, escaping for your life, and protecting yourself!"

"Made from the finest cold iron from the North Sea, this newly forged Water-Splitting Sword possesses a naturally concealed sharpness and exceptional water resistance! Fellow Daoist, would you mind taking a look?"

"Our homemade [Heart-Clearing and Mind-Soothing Pills], twelve pills per bottle, are an essential medicine for resisting external demons, stabilizing the mind, and exploring ancient immortal caves! We only exchange them for spiritual items, not mundane ones!"

"Honest and trustworthy! This [Wind Flag] may be a small trinket, but once activated, even the fiercest winds cannot get close. It's perfect for exploring hidden places and uncovering secrets!"

"Trinkets, talismans! The [Minor Heavenly Cloud Escape Talisman] and the [Earth Protective Talisman] are both masterpieces of my master, essential items for survival and travel! Limited stock, buy now while supplies last!"

"..."

There were also many well-informed individuals who gathered in small groups, exchanging whispers about the rumors they had heard from various places.

"...I heard that a few days ago, that True Lord in the clouds fought a fierce roc, which even alarmed a certain Bodhisattva of Buddhism..."

"Shh...shut up! Let's not talk about this anymore. A few more groups of bald monks have arrived from the west; judging by their demeanor, they don't seem like good people..."

"Who cares about all that! I just hope that grotto-heaven opens soon. Whether it's a blessing or a curse, we'll see who gets what!"

A gentle sea breeze carries a salty, damp scent.

Two sword lights swept across the sea and landed lightly on the rocks by the island, transforming into two young Taoists carrying long swords on their backs. Both had clear eyes and a refined demeanor.

The older men looked around at the lively scene on the island, shook their heads and laughed:

"Unexpectedly, this place for seeking destiny and exploring mysteries has become a marketplace."

Another laughed and said, "Senior brother, have you heard? That True Lord Jingfa is in the clouds."

He looked up at the sky and said:

"I've heard that in the past few days, two more celestial demons have been killed by the True Lord."

There was also a true immortal turtle that wasn't even left with a complete corpse; its form and spirit dissipated on the spot.

Several cultivators from orthodox sects nearby nodded and clapped their hands in delight upon hearing this.

"With a True Lord presiding over this place, the evil spirits are cleansed and the fierce are subdued."

Only then can we seek opportunities in peace, without fearing that such great demons will cause trouble and chaos.

An elderly Taoist priest, with white hair, stroked his beard and sighed, his words filled with a sense of pride.

Above the clouds.

Chen Jiao was concentrating with his eyes closed when he suddenly opened them, and flashes of lightning appeared as they shot toward the source of the azure energy.

Seeing this, Master Ziyang couldn't help but ask in a low voice, "True Lord, is it another demon causing trouble?"

"The Heavenly Tribulation has arrived," Chen Jiao said calmly.

As soon as he finished speaking, the boundless azure energy that filled the sky and the earth suddenly surged, spreading outwards like a tide.

Deep within the azure mist, a majestic ancient tree manifests, reaching towards the azure sky, its branches spreading across the universe; below, it subdues the vast ocean, its roots penetrating deep into the netherworld, its boundless and ancient vitality and Taoist charm sweeping across the land.

Immediately afterwards, thunderclouds churned in the sky, and streaks of purple and blue lightning tore through the heavens, crashing down upon the towering Jianmu tree!

Lightning illuminates the four seas, and its power shakes all directions.

After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, the lightning gradually subsided, and the dark clouds slowly dispersed.

When the light of day returned, the towering tree had materialized from the ethereal and stood majestically between the sea and the sky.

Hidden within the misty haze are the outlines of palaces, the ancient Daoist temple of the Azure Emperor, Jianmu Palace.

"It's open! The grotto has opened!"

"An opportunity is before us!"

From the islands in the sea below, countless suppressed gasps and howls suddenly rang out.

Unable to contain themselves, the figures surged toward the sacred tree.

Just as the crowd was in turmoil, another unexpected event occurred.

On the sea not far from Woniu Island, the void suddenly rippled and shone with golden light.

A giant, hundreds of feet tall and as if cast in pure gold, appeared out of thin air without any warning!

Its feet tread on raging waves, standing on the water, its whole body shimmering with golden light, reflecting across half the sea.

The giant's face was blurred, only a pair of golden eyes slowly scanned the surroundings. Wherever it passed, the noise stopped and all sounds became silent.