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

Chapter 398 The Outer Garden Immortal Abode Opens, Qinglin Transforms into an Immortal Lord

Chen Jiao stood holding his halberd, his gaze fixed on the several disarrayed demonic lights that had fled into the distance. He coldly said, "This time, entering this grotto-heaven is a struggle for the Dao. Life, death, fortune, and misfortune will depend on each person's own methods."

As soon as he finished speaking, his figure transformed into a blazing white lightning bolt that stretched across the sky, arriving first despite being behind.

A flash of lightning streaked across the sky, like the sun blazing across the heavens.

The two demons didn't even have time to scream before they were instantly killed, turning into two wisps of green smoke amidst the blazing heavenly thunder, their bodies and souls utterly destroyed.

The remaining two or three demons were terrified. Seeing the exit of the barrier in sight, they spat out their blood essence and increased their speed by three points, hoping to be the first to enter the portal that might block the lightning.

However, a halberd suddenly appeared out of the void, sweeping across the sky with the force of opening up the heavens and the earth!

Before the halberd even arrived, its chilling and murderous aura of thunder had already sealed off all directions.

"No!"

The roar abruptly stopped.

Where the thunder halberd passed, the demonic energy dissipated, flesh and blood turned to ash, and the last two struggling sparks of the primordial spirit were completely extinguished in the blazing thunder.

The lightning halberd continued its momentum, sweeping across the sky and clearing away the countless green vines.

The blue light twinkled like a shower of stars.

People from all directions, near and far, whether immortals or demons, were speechless with shock, their emotions beyond words.

Only the gentle ripples of the blue waves reflected the complex expressions on each face.

Chen Jiao sheathed his halberd, his gaze falling on the majestic palace gate. He no longer looked at the cultivators behind him, and calmly stepped into the void.

At this moment, the strange beasts formed from the jade were also wiped out by the combined efforts of the cultivators.

The one who obtained the jade talisman showed a hint of joy on his face and carefully put it away.

Those who failed to succeed looked frustrated, glancing around with shifty eyes, as if weighing whether to attack someone else.

Chen Jiao ignored the crowd behind him, each with their own thoughts, and went straight to the hundred-foot-tall blue-gold giant gate.

Within the grotto, regardless of whether they were immortals or demons, or whether they had obtained the jade talisman or not, upon seeing this scene, they all subconsciously lowered their voices and gathered not far behind the True Lord, holding their breath and waiting.

Chen Jiao then took out the two jade talismans from his sleeve.

The Azure Dragon Jade Talisman has hidden thunder patterns; the Azure Phoenix Talisman is as clear and ethereal as jade, flowing with life-giving energy.

The two objects fit together in the palm of one's hand, and a sensation arises instantly.

"Buzz—"

A deep tremor came from beneath his feet, and the reliefs of the Azure Phoenix and the Azure Dragon on the majestic palace gate suddenly lit up, each emitting two dazzling beams of light, one azure and the other azure, as if they had come to life, swirling and intertwining on the gate.

With a rumbling sound, the colossal gate, sealed for millennia, slowly slid open a crack to both sides from the center.

Soft and hazy rosy light streamed out from the crack in the door, accompanied by wisps of spiritual mist. The refreshing fragrance of grass and trees and the incomparably pure innate wood spirit energy wafted over, invigorating all the cultivators outside the door.

Chen Jiao remained expressionless and took the lead, his figure disappearing into the flowing rosy light and spiritual mist.

The cultivators behind him hesitated for a moment, then each displayed their movement techniques, transforming into streaks of light and following closely behind.

Behind the door, however, lay not the deep, secluded palace of one's imagination, but a vast expanse of land beyond description.

Enveloped in ethereal clouds, brimming with spiritual energy, it resembled a small, independent world.

Poems as proof:

The celestial palace is shrouded in shadow, the grand halls are deep and solemn. Auspicious clouds obscure the Phoenix Pavilion, and propitious air shrouds the celestial forest.

A misty blue haze veils the mouth of the dou (a type of ancient Chinese dipper), while red clouds drift through, carrying clear sounds. Dragons fly from the eaves, holding jade dippers in their mouths; mythical beasts tread on black gold before the steps.

Rare flowers and exquisite herbs bloom in all seasons, ancient cypresses and pines provide shade for ten thousand years. This is truly the outer garden of the former residence of the Green Emperor, where the aura of immortals naturally exudes a majestic and serene atmosphere.

Chen Jiao stood with his hands behind his back on the cloud steps. Looking up, he saw palaces and pavilions in the distance appearing and disappearing in the misty fairyland. Nearby, exotic flowers and rare herbs were everywhere, and the springs were flowing. There were also cranes flying and auspicious beasts appearing and disappearing. It was a peaceful and tranquil fairyland, and it seemed like a palace in the heavens.

Although the outer garden was beautiful, its atmosphere was unusually calm, as if it had been silent for countless years.

Only an indescribable, ancient Daoist charm permeated every wisp of spiritual energy and every vein of leaf.

Subsequently, cultivators who entered with talismans, regardless of whether they were righteous or evil, immortal or demon, were all momentarily stunned upon entering this place, their eyes filled with shock.

Some of the more knowledgeable elders couldn't help but whisper in admiration, "Truly worthy of being an ancient Daoist site, its aura is indeed extraordinary—"

"The spiritual energy here is a hundred times purer than that outside!"

"Look at that spiritual spring; it's actually formed from the essence of the Wood element!"

Whispers of amazement quietly spread throughout the vast outer garden.

Just as everyone was captivated by the magnificent scenery, feeling as if they had entered a wondrous realm, and had not yet recovered from this celestial scene devoid of any worldly noise, a clear and gentle laugh suddenly came from the depths of the spiritual mist: "Fellow Daoists, you have come a long way and have had a long journey. This humble Daoist greets you."

The sound was like jade striking against jade, clear and melodious.

All the cultivators felt a chill and couldn't help but look in the direction of the sound.

But then one could see the divine mist rising and auspicious clouds paving the way.

A young Taoist priest emerged slowly from the depths of the rare and beautiful flowers, riding on clouds.

He was dressed in a moon-white Taoist robe, with a silk sash around his waist, a star-shaped crown on his head, and a whisk in his hand. His face was as white as jade, and his eyes were as bright as stars. He was surrounded by a pure aura, untouched by dust, and exuded the air of a carefree and otherworldly immortal.

Poems as proof:

Wearing a star-studded crown that shines in the azure sky, draped in a crane-feather cloak adorned with cloud-like hems. Silk ribbons securely fasten with dragon and phoenix threads, and straw sandals lightly tread upon mountains and seas.

Her jade-like face and graceful figure were elegant and refined, resembling a miniature version of the immortal. At such a young age, she possessed an extraordinary and transcendent physique, and was none other than a disciple of the Azure Emperor.

The Taoist priest stood atop the cloud, smiling and cupping his hands in greeting. His clear gaze slowly swept over the cultivators before him, lingering briefly on Chen Jiao. His smile deepened slightly, yet there was no trace of worldliness or hostility, as if he were merely a Taoist priest welcoming an ordinary visitor.

Seeing his extraordinary demeanor, which blended seamlessly with the scenery of the outer garden, the crowd was filled with astonishment and uncertainty.

This place is the ancient Qingdi Daoist temple, how could there be such a living immortal guarding it? Is it a manifestation of the cave's restrictions?

Was he a young attendant left behind by the Azure Emperor? Or perhaps—something else entirely?

Chen Jiao stood holding his halberd, calmly observing the uninvited guest, not letting his guard down despite the other's humble demeanor.

The thunder halberd in his palm shimmered with a faint light, and his aura was as solid and steadfast as a mountain.

"I am Qinglin, and I have been entrusted by the late Emperor to guard the outer garden, awaiting the arrival of my destined one."

The young Taoist priest, holding a whisk, bowed respectfully with perfect etiquette. His voice was calm as he said, "The Emperor's Daoist temple has been sealed for eternity. Today, to see you fellow Daoists holding talismans and knocking on the gates, breaking through the outer restrictions and reopening the palace gates, is also due to the workings of fate."

He spoke at a measured pace, yet possessed a unique and calming power.

Many cultivators who were initially on guard and secretly raising their magical power found themselves relaxing their tense nerves upon hearing his voice and seeing his appearance.

However, those with profound Taoist cultivation and unwavering will, such as Chen Jiao, Master Ziyang, and Peng Demon King, were secretly awed.

This Taoist priest, who called himself "Qinglin," seemed to have a pure and harmonious aura, blending seamlessly with the world around him. His depth and complexity were unfathomable, far surpassing that of ordinary guiding immortals.

Chen Jiao, in particular, could vaguely sense that beneath the other party's peaceful appearance lay a certain ancient and profound meaning that shared the same origin as the Jianmu Palace.