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

Chen Jiao originally intended to use the innate Geng metal energy as the first of the ten energies, which was incomparably sharp and sharp, perfectly matching his murderous intent of the blazing thunder.

It can also erect an invincible flag for the central palace, like a sharp sword drawn from its sheath, after which it will advance without hesitation.

However, the words spoken by the Dao Ancestor struck his mind like a morning bell and an evening drum.

The pure yang energy rises to become the heavens, while the turbid yin energy sinks to become the earth; the sun and moon alternate, and the four seasons revolve...

Everything has its beginning and its order.

If he does not choose to fully absorb the five elements and ten energies, he will naturally be fine, and will act in accordance with his own Daoist principles.

If one wishes to fully embrace the ten elements, it is like governing a country; one must establish a central position and regulate the order of Yin and Yang and the five elements, rather than showing off one's temporary prowess.

If we reverse this order and take the killing Geng metal first, wouldn't that be like killing before birth or destroying before establishment?

Despite its formidable power, it ultimately falls short, violating the fundamental principle of following the natural way.

He looked up at the sea of ​​clouds outside the window, his gaze seemingly piercing through the heavens to see the mortal world below, where, with the arrival of spring, seeds sprouted from the soil, withered trees came back to life, and a single spark of life could bring forth lush greenery across the mountains and fields.

"Jia Wood..."

Chen Jiao silently recited in his heart.

This is the first of the ten Heavenly Stems, symbolizing the first signs of life in spring when thunder awakens all things and all things sprout and break through the soil.

Taking Jia wood as the first element means taking life as the beginning.

The subsequent gentleness of Yi wood, the brightness of Bing fire, and other nine elements can all follow this life force, continuing to grow, like a towering tree with deep roots and lush foliage.

More importantly, the Jia wood element implies growth and development, which subtly aligns with the principles of thunder magic.

Prioritizing this does not mean abandoning the power of thunder, but rather tracing its origins and grasping its true meaning.

Chen Jiao turned to the Dao Ancestor, his mind made up this time, his voice calm and firm:

"Your disciple is dull-witted."

"Initially, I did intend to prioritize Geng metal, as the innate Geng metal energy is incomparably sharp and perfectly suited to the Dao of Radiant Thunder that I cultivate."

If this is used as a guide, the circulation of the ten energies can be as powerful and swift as thunder splitting the sky.

The Dao Ancestor sat as still as a pine tree. Upon hearing this, he merely nodded slightly, his gaze remaining clear and peaceful, without a ripple.

Chen Jiao changed the subject and continued:

"However... just now, when I heard the teacher's discourse on the order of the Heavenly Way, it was like a sudden enlightenment."

The disciple had previously forgotten that thunder originating from the Zhen position also needs to rely on the vitality of the Jia wood in the east as its foundation.

If one insists on prioritizing the sharp and vigorous energy of Geng metal, it's like autumn acting as spring; though one may gain temporary advantage, the opportunity for continuous growth and renewal will be lost.

He bowed deeply to the Dao Ancestor:

"Now, after hearing the teacher's guidance, I realize that taking the life force of Jia wood as the first priority is the right way to follow the way of heaven and solidify the foundation of the Dao."

The disciple wishes to prioritize the Qi of Jia Wood, determine the central palace's main rotation, and follow the celestial order.

Upon hearing this, a barely perceptible hint of approval flashed in the eyes of the Dao Ancestor.

He did not immediately express his opinion, but simply said:

"Jia wood is the first of the ten Heavenly Stems, possessing the rising energy of Shaoyang. Its virtue lies in benevolence, and its symbol is life."

Your ability to relinquish the sharpness of Geng metal and prioritize the opportunity for life demonstrates that your Daoist heart has already begun to sprout.

only……"

The Daoist Ancestor paused slightly, then said meaningfully:

"Although Jia wood is the beginning, its nature is rigid and straight, easy to break but difficult to bend."

If you use this as a foundation now, can you endure the suffering of being tempered by Bing fire and sculpted by Geng metal later?

Chen Jiao's expression remained unchanged; he merely nodded slightly.

"Disciple understands. However, the path is fraught with peril; is there ever a smooth road?"

Only with the straightforwardness, courage, and diligence of Jia wood can one master all energies and achieve perfection.

The Taoist Master gave a few more instructions.

All that is said concerns the subtle workings of the universe's energy flow and the interrelationships of Yin and Yang and the Five Elements.

His voice was calm, like a stream flowing over a blue stone, yet he clearly explained the dangers that might be encountered when absorbing the ten types of energy and how to deal with them.

Chen Jiao listened intently, occasionally pondering over parts he didn't understand.

The Taoist master would then offer a few words of advice, often pointing directly to the source, which would enlighten him.

He finished speaking.

With a gentle flick of his sleeve, the Daoist Ancestor caused a radiant light to gather on the table, transforming into a jade slip.

The jade slip floated up and slowly drifted to Chen Jiao's front.

The Dao Ancestor spoke in a calm tone:

"Although this jade slip technique is not some earth-shattering secret method, it is the most moderate and peaceful."

This is quite suitable for your current need to fully absorb the ten elements.

"Persisting in this practice can help you regulate your Qi and solidify your foundation in Tao."

Chen Jiao accepted the jade slip with both hands.

The moment the fingertips touched it, a warm and gentle Daoist rhythm flowed into the heart, and the essential principles of the Dharma described in the text naturally appeared in the sea of ​​consciousness.

Indeed, it is a grand and imposing approach, with a solid foundation.

He did not investigate immediately, but carefully put it away.

The Daoist Ancestor then took out a small purple-gold gourd from his sleeve.

The gourd was no bigger than the palm of one's hand, yet it possessed a precious luster within and a faint fragrance of cinnabar emanated from it, which invigorated the spirit.

"This gourd contains the Five Elements Spirit Elixir, which I casually refined while tending the furnace, gathering some medicinal energy."

The Taoist patriarch gently placed the gourd on the table:

"After each refinement of Qi, you can take one pill to help consolidate and harmonize the newly generated Qi, preventing it from becoming agitated and disruptive, and also saving you some time and effort."

"Remember, when the elixir is transformed into the dantian, you must calm your mind and comprehend the changes in the generation and restraint of the five elements."

Chen Jiao respectfully accepted the alchemical gourd again, and felt its warmth upon touching it, realizing it was extraordinary.

A slight warmth touched his heart.

He knew that whether it was this method that pointed directly to the source or this precious elixir that he had "casually" refined, it was all true.

These were all protective items specially given to him by his teacher, who knew the difficulties he would face on his journey.

Such care cannot be expressed in words; it is all contained in this silent arrangement.

Chen Jiao bowed deeply to the ground:

Chen Jiao bowed deeply to the ground:

"I am deeply grateful for your great kindness, Master. I will diligently cultivate myself and live up to your expectations."

The Dao Ancestor accepted his bow and said calmly:

"Go. Heavenly affairs are numerous and complicated. The Weak Waters have just been calmed, and there are still many unfinished matters."

The practice of cultivating the ten qi is not something that can be accomplished in a day; it requires a gradual approach.

Chen Jiao agreed, carefully put the jade slip and the elixir gourd into his bosom, and bowed again.

He turned around and walked out of the quiet room with steady steps.

Outside, the Silver Horned Boy was already waiting. Upon seeing him come out, he hurriedly led the way to the palace.

The tea smoke in the room had not yet dissipated, and it lingered three feet away from the Taoist patriarch.

A figure dressed in a gray Taoist robe materialized from the void and quietly appeared.

The newcomer had an ordinary face and a serene expression. His aura was perfectly integrated with the quiet room and the Daoist charm emanating from the Dao Ancestor, as if he had always been standing there.

He was none other than the chief disciple of the Dao Ancestor, the Grand Master Xuandu.

His gaze swept across the closed door, as if he could penetrate it and see the departing figure in black.

After a moment of silence, he spoke softly, his voice calm and even, yet carrying a barely perceptible hint of resignation:

"This junior brother has a very high ambition to absorb all the innate five elements and ten energies."

The Dao Ancestor did not turn his head, but remained seated with his eyes closed. Only the wisps of white steam rising from the cup of tea on the table swayed slightly with his breath.

Upon hearing Xuandu's words, the Dao Ancestor's lips twitched almost imperceptibly, and he said calmly:

"Weren't you the same way back then?"

Upon hearing this, Xuan Du neither denied it nor expressed any regret about the past.

He simply turned his gaze away from the door and onto the empty futon opposite the Dao Ancestor.

It was as if I saw myself sitting here countless years ago, full of vigor and ambition.

"If it weren't for the teacher's timely intervention back then..."

Xuan Du's voice remained calm, but the meaning within it had deepened:

"I'm afraid this disciple has already departed and perished along with the rules of heaven and earth, and will no longer bear the name of Xuandu."

Xuandu stood silently for a long time, and finally bowed silently to the Dao Ancestor. His figure gradually faded away, as if he had never appeared.

The Daoist Ancestor sat alone on a futon.

After a long while, a barely audible whisper drifted through the quiet room:

"High...that would be better."