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

Chapter 399 Ancient Immortal Lord, Precious Tree Before Him

Within the inner garden, celestial clouds drifted and billowed, and spiritual energy swirled like mist.

The young Taoist priest, who called himself "Qinglin," stood with a smile, surrounded by a pure aura.

He introduced himself, saying that he was here by order of the Green Emperor to guide those with affinity.

Upon hearing this, all the cultivators who had entered the inner garden were shocked. They looked at each other, their expressions filled with surprise and doubt.

This Jianmu Palace has been sealed away for countless years. Since the ancient Qingdi lineage disappeared, there has been no news of it, and the legends have long been forgotten.

Today, a Taoist immortal has appeared, claiming to be here by imperial decree to guide those with predestined affinity.

Is it reality or illusion? Is it a person or a puppet? Is it a blessing or a curse?

For a moment, no one answered; only the clear sounds of the wind rustling the branches and the spring water gurgling like jade could be heard.

The Immortal Lord Qinglin Miaohua seemed oblivious to everyone's suspicions, his gentle smile remaining unchanged.

Immediately, some quick-witted individuals stepped forward from the crowd, bowed respectfully, and said, "This junior pays respects to Immortal Lord Qinglin! Immortal Lord, you have resided in this world for a long time, and your Taoist arts are profound and mysterious. You are truly a model for us Taoist practitioners."

Speak respectfully and act humbly, intending to leave a good impression.

Seeing this, many others echoed the sentiment, constantly calling him "Immortal Lord".

Upon hearing the title "Immortal Lord," the young Taoist priest showed a hint of surprise, which quickly turned into a faint sense of reminiscence and melancholy. He shook his head and sighed softly, "Immortal Lord—in ancient times, many fellow Taoists who traveled here did indeed address me as the Immortal Lord of Azure Rain and Wonderful Transformation."

However, I am but a minor immortal who sweeps and tends to plants before His Majesty the Green Emperor.

Times have changed, and the title of "Immortal Lord" is no longer appropriate.

His tone was gentle, carrying a hint of world-weary composure. He glanced at the few cultivators who had just spoken and bowed, and nodded slightly.

The cultivators felt a surge of excitement and were secretly delighted, thinking they had gained the favor of this guiding immortal.

Many of the remaining cultivators scoffed at this, secretly annoyed that they had been a step too slow and had lost the initiative.

The Azure Rain Immortal Lord's gaze swept over the more than eight hundred cultivators present, each with their own unique aura, and he said, "Now that you have arrived, fellow Daoists, you should know the rules. Those who do not possess a token are not permitted to enter this outer garden, according to custom."

Furthermore, the palace must be kept quiet, and no noise or strife is permitted.

After speaking, he did not act immediately, but stood still, smiling and waiting.

The cultivators were taken aback at first, then suddenly realized.

The so-called tokens were naturally the jade talismans obtained from slaying the Azure Jade Beast.

The immortal lord's words gave those who had not yet obtained the talisman a chance to turn things around.

Jade tokens can be privately exchanged and given away, but they must not be openly snatched or fought over within the palace grounds.

At this moment, undercurrents are swirling within the crowd.

A myriad of divine thoughts, like a dense spiderweb, intertwined in all directions.

"Fellow Daoist Li, I would like to exchange five Heavenly Spirit Rejuvenation Pills for one jade talisman in your possession. You may keep one for yourself. Wouldn't that be excellent?"

"Brother Wang, we have been friends for a hundred years. Can you part with this opportunity? I will surely repay you handsomely in the future!"

"Hmph, you think you can get in without a jade talisman? If you know what's good for you, hand over the [Seven-Leaf Spirit-Nourishing Grass] you have, and I might consider giving you one."

"Senior brother, the three of us only got two talismans, this—"

"Junior sister, give me the jade talisman. My cultivation is higher, so I have a greater chance of entering. After I come out, I will definitely share the opportunities with you."

"Master, Master—this disciple also wishes to see this palace—"

"You unfilial disciple! How dare you covet this place? How could you possibly understand its secrets? Quickly hand over the jade talisman to your master! Your master has a plan, and will certainly not mistreat you!"

"Old Zhao, don't push your luck! This talisman was obtained at great personal risk; I'd rather destroy it than give it away!"

"Hmph! You think you can destroy this jade talisman with your paltry tricks? Do you think you're some kind of True Lord? If you dare refuse, I'll make sure you never leave this cave!"

Whether it's an earnest plea, an exchange of benefits, a soft-spoken negotiation, or a veiled threat—

All the myriad aspects of human life are revealed in this celestial outer garden at this moment.

The mere phrase "the legacy of the Azure Emperor" was enough to make the vast majority of cultivators abandon their pride and fight with all their might.

Qinglin Immortal Lord stood quietly with a smile, his eyes as gentle as ever.

All the scheming, disputes, compromises, joys and sorrows before him seemed like fleeting clouds, unable to disturb his heart.

No one could discern the slightest fluctuation in his emotions from his calm expression.

After about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the dust gradually settled.

Most of the jade talismans have already found their owners, but there are still many cultivators who are either alone or have asked for too high a price and have not been able to obtain a jade talisman. They look around anxiously.

Seeing this, Immortal Lord Qinglin did not wait any longer.

He simply flicked the whisk in his hand towards the palace gate.

Then, without any warning, a gentle breeze arose from his sleeve.

Whether you are a Golden Core cultivator or a Nascent Soul elder, you are as powerless as a child to resist this gentle breeze.

The protective aura dissipated upon contact, and the body was involuntarily sent outside the palace gate.

By the time they stood firm, the breeze had dissipated and the ban had lifted, but the palace gates remained, still shrouded in a bluish light, yet there was no longer any chance to step inside.

"Outside the palace lies a vast expanse of blue sky and sea, where opportunities lie. You may go and explore on your own; perhaps you will find something of value."

The message from Immortal Lord Qinglin came clearly, and then the palace gates slowly closed, isolating the inside from the outside.

After this clearing out, the number of cultivators in the arena became noticeably sparse.

There were fewer than five hundred jade talismans to begin with, and some powerful figures, such as the Roc Demon King and the Lion Camel King, possessed multiple talismans each.

Looking at it now, there are fewer than three hundred people who can still stand under the celestial clouds of the outer garden.

Either you have the strength to protect the talisman, or you are quick-witted and decisive and acquire it early, or it's just luck.

The hustle and bustle faded away, leaving only flowing spiritual mist and faint celestial music, making the place seem even more serene and lofty.

Qinglin Immortal Lord's gaze was gentle as he swept over the remaining two hundred or so talisman holders in the arena. He nodded slightly and said slowly, "His Majesty the Azure Emperor is compassionate and benevolent to all living beings. In the past, in this Jianmu Palace, he distributed countless auspicious methods and left behind a lineage of true teachings, waiting for future generations with the right affinity to continue this lineage and spread his benevolence throughout the heavens."

No sooner had the words left his mouth than a cold snort rang out from among the demon kings.

But then a rhinoceros demon king with bone spurs on his back and a ferocious face stepped forward and said in a deep voice, "If you speak of compassion and spread the Dharma, why are there two fierce ancient spirits outside the palace gates?"

This has caused us to suffer heavy losses, with everyone wounded, just barely managing to enter this gate! Is this how one treats guests?

Upon hearing this, several powerful demon kings, whose bodies still bore scorch marks or weeping vine marks, immediately echoed his words in hushed tones.

Having long been local tyrants, they were arrogant and unruly. They were far less wary of this seemingly mild-mannered Palace Guardian Immortal Lord than they were of the True Lord Jingfa. At this moment, filled with dissatisfaction, they asked him directly.

Upon hearing this, many cultivators, though silent, turned their gazes toward Qinglin Miaohua Immortal Lord, clearly sharing the same doubts.

When Qinglin Immortal Lord heard the demon king's question, his gentle smile remained unchanged. He looked at him calmly and said slowly, "Fellow Daoist, you may not know this. The karmic law left by His Majesty the Azure Emperor requires not only blessings but also virtue; not only karmic connections but also ability."

The two true spirits outside the palace, Azure Dragon and Green Bend, were enlightened by His Majesty in the past to guard this gate. One is to protect the palace from worldly dust and to examine the character and destiny of those who come.

Without the ability to subdue dragons and tigers, and without the wisdom to discern the key to success, even if one enters this gate, one will likely find it difficult to inherit His Majesty's legacy, and may even suffer the consequences.

He spoke gently and as if stating a matter of common sense, continuing, "This is not an attempt to make things difficult, but rather an act of compassion. From ancient times to the present, the great path has always been arduous."

Without the corresponding spiritual cultivation and state of mind, forcibly seeking a karmic connection is nothing but a mirage, only inviting trouble and even damaging one's own spiritual foundation and life.

Although the two spirits are malevolent, their actions have not deviated even slightly from the rules set by His Majesty.

"You have all demonstrated your extraordinary abilities by carrying these talismans to this point; why be so demanding?"

Upon hearing this, the demon king's expression changed. Although he was still indignant, he was speechless for a moment.

The other demon kings who echoed him remained silent, not daring to investigate further.

Qinglin Immortal Lord's words have made it clear that this is a protective barrier set up by the Azure Emperor for those who come after him.

If they continue to pester them, they will only appear petty and lacking in character.

After saying this, Immortal Lord Qinglin said no more. He simply draped his whisk over his arm, turned to face the hazy spiritual mist and clouds deep within the palace, and said gently, "The past is past, the opportunity lies ahead."

Now that you have all arrived here with your talismans, you have passed the first test.

However, the depth of one's affinity with the Dharma and the steadfastness of one's resolve still require further consideration. Please follow me inside for a look.

He stopped looking at the unicorn demon king whose expression was changing and turned to walk towards the depths of the spiritual mist, where palaces were faintly visible.

With a leisurely gait, leaving no trace on the clouds.

The two hundred or so cultivators behind them exchanged glances, their expressions varied, but no one raised any further objections, and they silently followed.

After passing through several corridors with steps made of spirit jade and railings made of exotic flowers, a vast expanse of jade plaza suddenly opened up before my eyes, its size beyond description.

At the end of the square, the outlines of several majestic palaces can be seen, half-hidden and half-revealed in the misty haze, exuding a solemn and dignified atmosphere.

The plaza's surface was as smooth as a mirror, reflecting the drifting clouds in the sky and the illusory shadows of the branches of the Jianmu tree above.

What's even more amazing is that hundreds of unique and unusual trees and plants of various shapes and sizes grow sparsely and orderly on this square.

Some have jade-like branches and leaves, some are gnarled and vigorous, some have flowers that bloom as bright as clouds, and some have fruits that hang down like stars. All of them are not ordinary species, but rather exhale the spiritual energy of Jia and Yi wood.

Immortal Lord Qinglin stopped in the center of the square, turned to face the crowd, and said in a gentle voice, "This is the Dao Asking Platform."

These spiritual plants before us are all rare species that His Majesty the Azure Emperor collected from all the heavens in the past and planted here by his own hands. They have survived for thousands of years and each has its own spirituality.

His Majesty the Green Emperor once said, "All things have a spirit, including plants and trees. The Way exists without being bound by any single rule."

His gaze swept over the assembled cultivators, finally settling on Chen Jiao for a moment before shifting away. He continued, "This test is rather simple. Each of you may choose a spiritual plant to approach from this area."

No words are needed, no spells are needed; simply face each other with a calm mind and communicate with your divine will.

The time limit is one incense stick's time. Those who respond to the call of the spiritual plant may follow me into the Qinghua Hall ahead to hear the verse left by His Majesty.

If the spirit plant does not respond, or if one's intentions are not sincere and one acts rashly—”

He smiled slightly, but his unspoken words sent a chill down everyone's spine.

"Let's begin now."

As soon as he finished speaking, a piece of green incense stick about an inch long flew out from Qinglin Immortal Lord's sleeve. It ignited without fire, and wisps of green smoke rose straight up, emitting a faint, refreshing fragrance.

The red glow of the incense stick flickered faintly, indicating the time limit.

The room fell silent for a moment.

All the cultivators turned their gazes to the hundred or so spiritual trees in front of them, each with a different shape, and cautiously extended their divine senses, trying to sense their aura.

However, these spiritual fruits are no ordinary creatures. Although they seem close at hand, their aura is elusive and hard to grasp, as if they are perfectly integrated with the original energy of the entire Jianmu Palace and this ancient grotto.

After a brief silence, some cultivators finally couldn't contain themselves and took the lead in walking towards a precious tree with nine-colored, dazzling flowers.

Several people, without prior arrangement, turned their gaze to an ancient tree at the edge of the square, the tallest of all, with branches like cast bronze and leaves of pale gold, its aura the most profound and majestic.

Chen Jiao, however, did not rush to make a move.

He slowly swept past the various spiritual plants, finally stopping at a corner on the left side of the Inquiry Platform.

There grew a small tree, no more than ten feet tall, with a slender trunk, a dark iron-gray color, and sparse branches and leaves. Only seven or eight thin, almost transparent green leaves trembled slightly in the misty atmosphere, making it inconspicuous and even somewhat weak.

However, when Chen Jiao's divine sense swept over it, the Jianmu leaf in his sleeve trembled almost imperceptibly.

He remained expressionless and walked towards the small, iron-gray tree.

Chen Jiao ignored the choices of the cultivators around him.

He walked calmly, passing through the misty air among the sparse spiritual plants, and stood about ten feet in front of the small iron-gray tree.

This little tree, barely ten feet tall, was inconspicuous and almost ignored compared to the surrounding spiritual plants, which were either magnificent, gnarled, or exuding a powerful aura.

However, the trembling of the Jianmu leaf in Chen Jiao's sleeve became increasingly clear, a subtle pull that was almost a resonance.

He was also puzzled and couldn't help but stare intently at the sapling. He didn't rush to release his divine sense, but slowly gathered his own energy, returning to a state of tranquility that was almost like the beginning of time. The veins of the few nearly transparent green leaves were reflected deep in his eyes.

One breath, two breaths, three breaths.

Many cultivators around them let out low exclamations, clearly sensing something, and their faces showed joy.

Some impatient individuals, seeing that their chosen plant had not responded for a long time, quietly moved on to another plant, trying to try again.

For a moment, the atmosphere in the room was tense but undercurrents were stirring.

Chen Jiao, however, seemed oblivious to all of this.

Immediately, with a slight thought, he used an extremely subtle divine sense to quietly transmit the resonance of the Jianmu leaf in his sleeve, like a gentle breeze across water, to the iron-gray sapling.

The moment that subtle sensation containing the essence of the Jianmu tree touched the leaves of the small tree.

"Buzz—"

A faint, almost inaudible tremor, yet seemingly resounding deep within the soul, emanated from the slender tree trunk.

The scene before Chen Jiao's eyes suddenly changed.

Immediately afterwards, an indescribable feeling flowed back into Chen Jiao's heart along with that wisp of divine thought.

It is neither a inherited skill nor a secret technique.

Instead, they are fragmented yet magnificent scenes:

In the beginning of chaos, a wisp of green sprouted from the void, breaking apart the clear and turbid; its form was wood, its meaning was life, growth, and inheritance.

Then a blue-robed emperor walked through the desolate wilderness, pointing to the earth to bring forth spring, to withered trees to receive rain, and to enlighten the spirits of countless plants and trees, proclaiming the workings of growth and transformation.