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

Chapter 426 A sacred site should not be given lightly; its true nature is difficult to discern.

A tranquil courtyard, naturally imbued with Taoist charm.

Chen Jiao stood there, his gaze slowly sweeping over this simple and unadorned place. He felt all his worries disappear, his Dao heart become clear, and his breath flowed with Dao intent.

He couldn't help but murmur in praise, "What a wonderful place that follows the natural way."

As soon as he finished speaking, the figure of the person in blue robes depicted in the painting on the wall seemed to move slightly.

Immediately, a wisp of pure, azure Dao energy drifted out from the painting, slowly condensing in the misty, clear light of the room.

He then transformed into a man in green robes and sat down peacefully on the futon.

Dressed simply in blue, with her hair loosely tied up, her face was shrouded in a soft, clear light, except for her eyes, which were gentle and clear, like the eternal blue sky.

It was the same appearance of the Azure Emperor that Chen Jiao had seen when Xuantai was giving his sermon, but now it seemed to have shed the majesty of an emperor, leaving only the true nature of a Daoist.

The man in blue chuckled softly, his clear voice echoing in the quiet room: "Young friend, you must be tired from your long journey. Please have a seat."

He pointed to the empty prayer mat opposite him, his posture casual, as if waiting for an old friend.

Chen Jiao's gaze narrowed slightly, his mind racing with countless thoughts. He then bowed and said, "Junior Chen Jiao greets His Majesty the Azure Emperor."

"No need for such formalities."

The Azure Emperor raised one hand, and the gentle light fell on Chen Jiao's face, then said;

"We've already met once before in the palace, so why be bound by formalities and customary names? Here, we are all guests discussing philosophy, and there is no distinction of rank or status."

Upon hearing this, Chen Jiao suppressed his thoughts and said no more, then sat down on the futon opposite the Azure Emperor as instructed.

The two were separated only by a small table. The smoke from the stove curled up, the painting was serene, and the mist rising from the pot made the quiet room seem even more ethereal and otherworldly, unlike anything in the mortal world.

The Azure Emperor's gaze was gentle as he looked Chen Jiao over and said slowly, "Young friend, you have managed to break through the three outer garden passes, suppress the Azure Dragon, subdue the Azure Phoenix, and dispel the demonic aura. You have also comprehended the key to Jia wood and established your foundation for the Dao. This is truly remarkable."

Upon hearing this, Chen Jiao lowered his eyes and said, "It was just luck. It all depends on His Majesty's blessing from the temple and the guidance of the senior."

"Opportunities may exist, but few will be able to seize them."

The Azure Emperor smiled slightly and lightly tapped the small pot on the table in front of him with his fingertip.

The pot trembled slightly, and the milky white spiritual mist rising from the spout suddenly condensed into a wisp, swimming out like a living thing, meandering and swirling in the void between the two, gradually transforming into various scenes.

It was a fleeting glimpse of Chen Jiao's previous battles, his demonstrations of magic, his inquiries into the Dao, and even his fierce battle with the three demons in the Dongxuan Palace. Though it was only a moment, it was clear and distinct.

"It's not just about force, but also about reason; it's not about brute force, but about sincerity. What's even more commendable is—"

The Azure Emperor's eyes flashed with a clear light. "Young friend, amidst the chilling thunder, you were able to comprehend the mechanism of growth and development, taking the Jia wood as your foundation, which subtly aligns with the wood element of this place, creating a mutually beneficial relationship."

This is no coincidence; it is truly a preordained connection to the Dao.

Chen Jiao's heart was slightly frightened.

The Azure Emperor's eyesight was truly as sharp as fire; he could see through the key points of his cultivation and what he had gained on this trip.

Before Chen Jiao could ponder further, the Azure Emperor said, "Although the Jia wood is established and its foundation is just beginning, it is still lacking four of the five elements, and its path is still long."

Your practice of the Metal Thunder Method is excessively forceful, but excessive force can easily lead to breakage, and excessive killing may damage your peaceful and tranquil mind.

This trip to Jianmu Palace, nourished and harmonized by the vital energy of Jia wood, presents you with an opportunity to rectify imbalances and remedy deficiencies.

Chen Jiao replied solemnly, "Your Majesty's teachings are etched in my mind. The path of cultivation truly requires a balance of strength and gentleness, harmony of yin and yang, and one should also follow the principles of Heaven, uphold one's true nature, and do what is within one's power."

"Follow the principles of Heaven, and stay true to your heart—"

The Azure Emperor repeated softly, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes, yet also a deeper sigh, before saying, "These words are very well said. Do you know that our methods of cultivation in the past are quite different from those of today?"

Without waiting for Chen Jiao's reply, he continued, "In ancient times, heaven and earth were pure and clear, and the primordial energy circulated throughout the world."

Those who cultivate themselves sense the pivot of heaven and earth, and understand the generation and restraint of all things. What they seek is to unite with the Tao and live as long as heaven and earth.

Today's strict rules and clear hierarchical structure, while beneficial for inheritance, inevitably lack flexibility and natural charm.

Chen Jiao listened attentively, nodded slightly, and seemed to be deep in thought.

When he sought the Dao from the Xuantai and comprehended the ancient Daoist principles, he had already noticed the difference between the paths of cultivation in ancient and modern times.

Now, listening to the Green Emperor's words, I feel even more deeply moved.

"However, there is no fixed superiority or inferiority in laws, and the Way is not limited to ancient or modern times; only the fittest prevail."

The Azure Emperor changed the subject and looked at Chen Jiao again, "Your path is based on Heaven, Metal, and Thunder. This method is extremely fair and just, as well as extremely strong and fierce."

When ordinary cultivators cultivate this method, those who cultivate the Heavenly Realm become arrogant and self-willed, those who cultivate the Metal Realm become murderous and confused, and those who cultivate the Thunder Realm become ruthless and devoid of humanity.

"But you—"

A hint of appreciation flashed in the Azure Emperor's eyes. "Their willpower is so firm, their Dao heart so pure, that they can actually control such fierce methods without being swayed. What's even more remarkable is that they can comprehend the pivot of good and evil, the way of life and death, amidst the thunderous slaughter. They have already glimpsed some of the wonders of the will of Heaven."

"Your Majesty flatters me."

Chen Jiao replied calmly, "The thunder I cultivate is the command of Heaven and the transformation of metal."

I am merely following the law, making impartial judgments, and respecting my own conscience.

"What a wonderful phrase: 'Act according to the law, judge impartially, and respect one's own conscience.' These three principles encapsulate the essence of the matter."

The Green Emperor sighed softly, as if he were filled with emotion.

"The will of Heaven is unfathomable, and its might is inviolable. To wield this power is like standing on the edge of an abyss, or walking on thin ice. I am greatly comforted that you possess such clarity."

He paused briefly, then reached out and gestured, causing the spout of the small teapot to tilt slightly.

Two clear streams of water flowed from the pot and poured into two white jade cups that had appeared in front of the two people at some unknown time.

The water is clear with a hint of blue, and has a wonderful fragrance that refreshes the mind and body.

"This is brewed from the morning dew of the Jianmu tree. It can't be called a fine wine, but it has a unique flavor. Young friend, why don't you try it?" the Azure Emperor said with a smile.

Chen Jiao thanked him, but did not drink immediately. Instead, he held the cup and examined it carefully for a moment.

The water in the cup shimmered, and subtle Dao patterns could be seen, as if it contained boundless vitality.

He took a sip and felt a warm, refreshing energy flow down his throat, penetrating his limbs and bones, cleansing his internal organs wherever it passed.

The slight weariness of Daoist heart accumulated from days of fierce battles and profound contemplation was swept away, and the innate Jia wood Qi in the liver palace also became more active and pure.

"Excellent tea," Chen Jiao praised sincerely.

The Azure Emperor nodded slightly, his radiance gentle and refined. He sized up Chen Jiao for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Young friend, do you know why you have come to the palace this time?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Jiao was slightly taken aback, his mind racing.

He did not reveal the reason for Taiyi Jiuku Tianzun, but only replied: "This junior was on a pilgrimage to Heaven. On the way, I encountered the birth of Jianmu Palace. I sensed an opportunity and went inside to explore."

Why did I come here? — Initially, it was to cleanse the calamity and purify the demonic atmosphere; later, seeing the ancient legacy and the vibrant Taoist spirit, I developed a desire to hear the Tao and inquire into its mysteries, in order to make progress.

"Good." The Azure Emperor nodded.

"Purifying the primordial chaos is your duty; seeking the truth and inquiring into its mysteries is your inherent aspiration to follow the Way. However, both of these are external. Do you know where the crucial point lies within?"

Chen Jiao pondered for a moment and said, "Please enlighten me, Your Majesty."

The Green Emperor raised his hand and pointed to the painting on the wall.

In the painting, the Jianmu tree stands tall, its branches and leaves seemingly moving without wind. A figure in blue robes stands with his hands behind his back, gazing into the distance with a sense of vastness and desolation.

"Look at this painting, what do you see?"

"The Jianmu tree reaches the sky, and the emperor observes the heavens," Chen Jiao said truthfully.

"Look again." Qingdi said.

Chen Jiao stared intently at the painting and saw that the texture of the Jianmu tree, the veins of its branches and leaves, and even the folds of the green-clad figure's clothes all seemed to be slowly flowing.

A vibrant energy emanates from the painting, subtly harmonizing with the still room, the real trees outside the window, and even the entire grotto, circulating endlessly without beginning or end.

Chen Jiao's heart stirred.

"Is it... the key to endless life?" he probed.

"Indeed." Upon hearing this, the Azure Emperor was quite surprised and showed his approval.

"What this painting shows is both the pivot and the change."

The Jianmu tree serves as a bridge between heaven and earth, connecting the upper and lower parts; it is the pivot. Its growth, development, and the alternation of flourishing and decay are the mechanism.

I stand here to observe the pivotal changes in this place.

"Your journey has been filled with breaking formations, battling magic, and comprehending profound mysteries. While these experiences may seem chaotic, they are in fact manifestations of the Jianmu Palace, and indeed, the Great Dao of Heaven and Earth, interacting with you through these external forms, revealing to you the signs of pivotal changes."

He paused, his tone growing increasingly profound: "Yuzhen was trapped by murderous intent, which is the loss of the pivot of the Dao heart; Chisong was burned by true fire, which is the passing of divine opportunity; Xuanxu was drowned in illusion, which is the confusion and change of the spiritual platform."

Even the arrival of the three demons and the appearance of the demonic path are changes of calamity and hidden dangers.

Your ability to overcome, subdue, and comprehend each of these challenges is not solely due to your supernatural powers, but also because you maintain a righteous and impartial mind. Amidst the chaos and constant change, you are able to preserve a clear and discerning mind, distinguish between the essential and the trivial, and act accordingly.

As you progress on your path, you should constantly examine yourself, introspecting whether the core of your own mind is clear and whether you are insightful about the changes in the world.

When the central leadership is clear-minded, all changes will not affect us; when we respond appropriately, the path ahead will be smooth.

Chen Jiao thanked him and said, "This junior will keep Your Majesty's teachings in mind."

The room was filled with clear light, and the discussion of Taoism temporarily ceased.

The Azure Emperor sat quietly on the futon, gazing at the profound and composed young True Lord before him, his eyes filled with increasing admiration.

He remained silent for a moment before speaking slowly: "Young friend, your understanding of the Dao, your adherence to the law, and your clear discernment of the key principles have truly reached the pinnacle, and your foundation is profound."

It truly deserves to be a pillar of the Xuanmen (mysterious sect) and a golden beam of the Heavenly Court, capable of supporting a part of the heavens.

The Azure Emperor's gaze shifted slightly, seemingly piercing through the quiet room, sweeping across the small courtyard, and passing over the towering Jianmu tree and the continuous palaces below, before finally settling on Chen Jiao's face. He said gently, "This place of mine has been sealed away for countless ages, waiting for those with affinity. However, due to the changing nature of heaven and earth and the entanglement of cause and effect, it is only today that its gates have been reopened, its deep-seated ailments cleansed, and a glimpse of its former glory restored."

I have thought that since this was initiated by my young friend, it should also be returned to my young friend.

Chen Jiao's expression remained unchanged upon hearing this, but his heart tightened, and his vigilance only increased.

He declined, saying, "Your Majesty flatters me. I am a junior with shallow knowledge and limited ability, and my merits are insufficient. I dare not accept such a heavy entrustment."

The Azure Emperor, however, did not allow him to refuse, saying, "Young friend, there is no need for such modesty. The Daoist temple chooses its master according to its own destiny. This is not a gift from me, but rather a connection that has not yet been fulfilled between you and it."

"However, the Way cannot be lightly transmitted, nor can the venue be given lightly. I have three things I wish to test and verify."

Firstly, to observe the purity or impurity of your Daoist heart; secondly, to examine the key to your practice of the Dao; and thirdly, to test your capacity to withstand calamities.

Young friend—are you willing to undergo this test?

The Azure Emperor's smile deepened slightly, and a mysterious light seemed to flow deep within his warm, blue eyes, its depths unfathomable and its true nature unknowable.

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