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

Inside the main hall of the Crystal Palace, the air was filled with the fragrance of fine liquor, the melodious sounds of string and bamboo instruments filled the air, and graceful dancers moved about.

Inside the hall, the bright pearls shone, reflecting the jade table and fine wine, creating a magnificent scene.

After several rounds of drinks, Ao Ying gently raised her jade hand, and the music and dance quietly ceased, returning the hall to silence.

Her gaze swept over everyone at the table, finally settling on Chen Jiao, who remained calm and composed throughout.

After a moment's thought, he spoke: "Since fellow Daoists have arrived here, I will not say any more and will go straight to the current situation of the Blackwater Abyss."

She lightly tapped the air in front of her with her fingertips.

In an instant, a curtain of water appeared in the center of the hall.

The scene within the light screen shifted and changed, revealing a scene deep in the ocean.

But what appeared was a dark, inky abyss, seemingly endless—the Blackwater Abyss.

Within the water curtain, countless undercurrents, like out-of-control giant pythons, could be seen twisting and colliding wildly in the abyss, stirring up the mud and sand at the bottom of the abyss and disrupting the spiritual light.

What's even more alarming is that these undercurrents are not chaotic, but rather subtly show a spiraling convergence inwards.

A colossal, slowly rotating dark vortex was beginning to take shape, emanating a terrifying aura that seemed capable of devouring everything.

At the edge of the vortex, tiny spatial cracks flash by, emitting a silent hiss.

"Fellow Daoists, please take a look."

Ao Ying's voice was gentle, yet carried a hint of barely perceptible worry:

"This is the current state of Blackwater Abyss."

The undercurrents are more turbulent than ever before, and are gradually forming eddies, growing stronger day by day.

The spiritual energy within the abyss has been completely disrupted, making it difficult for divine senses to penetrate, and ordinary aquatic creatures cannot even get close.

Even with the cultivation level of General Whale in my palace, venturing too far rashly would risk being torn apart by the undercurrents.

Everyone at the table had a solemn expression.

Upon hearing this, Master Xuangu frowned, staring at the distorted undercurrents in the water, sensing the chaotic and chilling energy emanating from them, and said in a deep voice:

"Such ferocity, how could it possibly wane?"

Could there be some underlying pattern in its origin?

Master Li Yang said solemnly, "Even with the decline, it will probably not be an easy path."

This Blackwater Abyss was already a place of accumulated gloom and darkness for millennia, and now, with the addition of hidden currents, it is even more treacherous and unpredictable.

Jin Yu lowered his head and listened to Ao Ying's description, but his heart sank.

The more dangerous the Blackwater Abyss, the more life-threatening his mission of scouting became!

He couldn't help but steal a glance at Chen Jiao, who stood opposite him with an indifferent expression, his resentment and fear growing even stronger.

Ao Ying paused, then tapped again with her fingertip.

The scene within the water curtain changed accordingly, and the surging undercurrents subsided slightly.

It was still turbulent, but no longer as violent.

She continued:

"However, the workings of heaven and earth may have their own laws."

Based on observations over the past three years, this undercurrent has not been continuously raging.

Every year or so, its intensity naturally weakens slightly, lasting for about four or five days. This is the only opportunity to thoroughly investigate the causes and resolve the root causes.

Her gaze swept over the crowd, finally settling on Chen Jiao's calm face.

"Therefore, if you wish to explore the Blackwater Abyss, you must wait until the next period when the undercurrents weaken."

There are still about ten days left.

At that time, we will need to rely on the superb abilities of all fellow Daoists, working together in unity, to venture into the perilous realm and uncover the root cause.

After speaking, she waved her hand to disperse the water curtain, and the palace was once again brightly lit.

However, the terrifying image of that abyss vortex was deeply imprinted in everyone's minds.

Ten days later, the journey to Blackwater Abyss was destined to be an adventure of uncertain fate.

Chen Jiao picked up his wine glass, took a small sip, his gaze deep and unfathomable, lost in thought.

For a moment, no one spoke; only the radiance of the luminous pearl flowed silently.

Suddenly, a slight commotion arose among the shrimp soldiers and crab generals guarding outside the palace.

Immediately, a crab general rushed in, bowed, and reported, his voice tinged with surprise:

"Your Highness, a high-ranking immortal who calls himself the Azure Dragon Taoist requests an audience outside the palace. He says he has important matters to discuss concerning the undercurrents in the sea."

Upon hearing this, Ao Ying raised her eyebrows slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes.

Azure Dragon Daoist? When did such a figure emerge from the Flowing Cloud Sea?

Master Xuangu and Master Liyang also stopped what they were doing, their faces showing confusion.

Only Chen Jiao's eyes flickered almost imperceptibly.

"please."

Ao Ying hesitated for a moment before speaking.

A slight ripple appeared on the water at the palace gate, and a streak of azure light suddenly entered.

Upon landing, he transformed into a tall, slender man with an effeminate appearance.

He wore a blue brocade robe embroidered with intricate water patterns, a jade crown on his head, and a few fine blue scales were faintly visible in his hair. His demonic aura was condensed and did not dissipate, and he actually had the cultivation level of the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm.

His gaze swept over everyone in the hall, then he cupped his hands in a gesture of respect to Ao Ying, his voice hoarse yet carrying an air of confidence:

"The wandering cultivator Qingjiao greets Your Highness, the Dragon Maiden."

Hearing that Your Highness is troubled by the hidden currents of the Blackwater Abyss, I have come to offer a solution.

Although Ao Ying had doubts, she remained polite and said calmly:

"So it's Fellow Daoist Qingjiao."

"I am indeed troubled by this matter. I wonder what insightful opinion you may have?"

The Azure Dragon Daoist's lips curled into a smile that was neither a smile nor a frown:

"Just a humble opinion."

The Blackwater Abyss is turbulent due to the disorder of the earth's spiritual veins and the imbalance of water elemental power.

Ordinary methods of intervention are merely scratching the surface.

By sheer chance, I acquired an ancient secret technique for calming water and stabilizing currents, which can guide raging water spirits and quell undercurrents.

Furthermore, he had some knowledge of the terrain of the Blackwater Abyss.

Master Xuangu frowned slightly, and Master Liyang slowed down his stroking of his beard.

Jin Yu narrowed his eyes. He was currently under a restriction and was extremely sensitive to any unexpected visitors.

The Azure Dragon seemed oblivious to everyone's doubts and continued:

"Your Highness, the undercurrents of the Blackwater Abyss have become a whirlpool, extremely dangerous. If we venture in rashly, we may face unforeseen disasters."

Azure Dragon is willing to use his secret techniques as a guide to open a safe path for everyone when the vortex is about to weaken, leading you directly to the heart of the abyss to find the source of the anomaly.

In this way, we can achieve twice the result with half the effort, and also protect all our fellow Daoists.

As he spoke, he flicked his sleeve, and an ancient jade slip floated in the air, exuding an aura of vicissitudes. Runes flowed on it, suggesting that it was indeed extraordinary.

Qingjiao suddenly changed the subject, looking at Ao Ying, his eyes flashing with emerald light:

"However, this method requires the combined efforts of several Golden Core cultivators, and the array must be set up deep within the source of the abyss during the period when the dark currents are weakening."

The dangers involved go without saying.

I believe that all of you here are like-minded individuals, and if you are willing to work together to help, this matter will surely succeed!

At that time, not only will the dangers in the sea be averted, but if any extraordinary treasures are found in the abyss, those who witness them will also have a share!

"Oh?"

Ao Ying's beautiful eyes flickered, and she did not immediately agree. Instead, she asked:

"Fellow Daoist Qingjiao, you are so kind; what do you seek?"

The Azure Dragon Daoist laughed heartily and said in a generous manner:

"To be honest, Your Highness, if I had no other choice, I would have gone into the abyss alone to search for the rare treasure!"

Unfortunately, my strength doesn't allow it.

If this matter succeeds, please allow me to take the treasure first.

If no treasures are found, I would appreciate it if Your Highness would open your treasury and allow me to choose one or two.

The Green Dragon Taoist spoke with conviction, and his conditions were reasonable.

The atmosphere inside the hall was subtle and tense.

The appearance of this Azure Dragon Taoist was too sudden, and his words and actions were all strange.

But if what he said is true, it might really be a glimmer of hope to resolve the underlying crisis.

Xuan Gu and Li Yang looked thoughtful, seemingly slightly moved by the mention of the rare treasure.

Ao Ying pondered in silence, weighing the options in her mind, unable to make a decision for the time being.

Her gaze involuntarily drifted towards Chen Jiao.

Since the Azure Dragon appeared, Chen Jiao has sat quietly with his eyes lowered, as if he were detached from the matter.

At this moment, he slowly raised his eyelids, his gaze calmly falling on the Azure Dragon.

His gaze was as deep as an ancient well, calm and undisturbed, yet it sent a shiver down the spine of the eloquent Qingjiao.

Ao Ying tapped her fingertips lightly on the jade table, pondering without making a decision.

This matter is of great importance. The arrival of this Azure Dragon Taoist is suspicious. She dares not trust him easily, yet she is also afraid of missing a good opportunity.

Just as she was about to ask more questions...

Two voices broke the silence almost simultaneously.

A voice came from the head of the left seats, calm and composed, like a stone thrown into a deep pool, leaving no ripples:

"Can."

But another voice, like a muffled thunderclap, came from the burly, armored general on the side of the hall.

Commander-in-Chief Whale took a sudden step forward, his voice booming like thunder, carrying an undeniable resolve:

"No!"