Journey to the West: Demon Emperor: Beginning as a Little Toad

Chapter 511 Tushita Palace, Nine-Turn Elixir

Time flows on, and years change.

In his struggle against the demon race, Dongwanggong gradually lost and eventually died.

As for Donghua Dijun, he was born as a reincarnation of a wisp of pure Yang remnant soul of Dongwanggong, and can be considered to have inherited Dongwanggong's mantle.

now.

Donghua Dijun is at his wit's end, his life hanging by a thread, and he is about to be executed by the Jade Emperor.

Laozi recalled the events of that year and was filled with emotion.

He intervened and saved Donghua Dijun, preserving a glimmer of hope for that innate pure yang energy.

This was to repay the kindness shown to the "Taoist Master Taiqing" in the Zixiao Palace years ago, when the Eastern King Duke, as the "Head of Male Immortals," served tea to him.

……

Upon hearing this, Emperor Donghua smiled slightly and picked up the Enlightenment Cloud Mist Tea from the table once more.

He tilted his head back and drank it all in one gulp, revealing a carefree smile, and said loudly:
"I see. It really does prove the saying, 'One generation plants the trees, another enjoys the shade.'"

"The reason why Donghua is where it is today is entirely due to the merits accumulated by the Eastern King in the past."

As for why the Queen Mother of the West, who had always been cultivating in seclusion in Kunlun, would leave the Kunlun Secret Realm and go to the Lingxiao Palace to plead with the Jade Emperor to save her life.

Emperor Donghua understood this perfectly.

This was all due to the deep friendship that Dong Wanggong had formed with Xi Wangmu in the past. Xi Wangmu, remembering her old friendship with Dong Wanggong, stepped in to help.

Think of this.

Emperor Donghua couldn't help but sigh and lament:
"Dongwanggong once competed with Donghuang Taiyi and Dijun for the position of Heavenly Emperor."

"Then Donghuang Taiyi has the Chaos Bell, a supreme innate treasure, which can suppress the primordial chaos and has boundless power; Dijun wields the Hetu and Luoshu, which can deduce the secrets of heaven and see through all things. These two demons are the top powerhouses in the ancient primordial world."

"Dong Wang Gong fought against him, and although he was ultimately defeated, he was still honorable in defeat."

"Yet I lost to a junior like Buddha, ultimately proving myself inferior to him!"

Upon hearing this, Laozi simply smiled and remained silent.

After all, the Eastern King Duke was the embodiment of complete innate pure Yang energy, while the Eastern Emperor was merely a remnant of the Eastern King Duke's pure Yang soul reincarnated.

The two are vastly different in terms of their footwear.

Even if Emperor Donghua tried his best to catch up and cultivated diligently day and night, he could not reach the heights of the former King Dong.

If it were truly the Eastern King Duke himself fighting against the Buddha, the outcome would be unpredictable.

After all, the strength and methods of the Eastern King Duke were among the best in the ancient primordial world.

Even before everyone else had achieved sainthood, the Eastern King Duke was already a renowned figure in the primordial world. He could even rival the Two Sages of the West and the Three Pure Ones.

At that time, Daoist Duobao was probably still hiding somewhere out there.

Seeing that Emperor Donghua drank a cup of tea with a calm expression.

After a long silence, Lao Tzu slowly spoke:

"The old Taoist priest, the Queen Mother of the West, and the Jade Emperor once had a discussion."

"In the end, the Jade Emperor said that he would spare your life, but from now on, there would be no more Donghua Dijun in this world."

"After much deliberation, the Queen Mother of the West and I finally agreed."

"This is the Jade Emperor's bottom line, and also the way to protect you."

Emperor Donghua understood the deeper meaning behind those words.

To put it bluntly, his memories and consciousness as Emperor Donghua will eventually be completely erased.

From that time on, there was no more Donghua Dijun in this world.

Those legends and stories about him will gradually be forgotten by the world as memories fade.

However, his innate pure yang energy was able to survive and continue in another form.

But by then, he was a completely new being, no longer the Donghua Emperor he was today.

Upon hearing this, Emperor Donghua smiled, his expression calm, and said in a clear voice:
"This arrangement is not bad."

“I was born because of the Eastern King, and I have also benefited from the legacy of the Eastern King.”

"If it weren't for the remnant soul he left behind back then, how could I, Donghua, be here in this world today?"

"The winner is the king, the loser is the bandit."

"Now that I can leave a trace of the Daoist lineage for the Eastern King Duke in the world at the end, so that its inheritance will not be interrupted, I can say that my life has not been in vain."

His laughter echoed in the Tushita Palace, carrying a sense of detachment and open-mindedness.

Lao Tzu sighed softly and asked:

"Your Majesty, is there anything you still regret?"

"It's a pity..."

Emperor Donghua's thoughts were soaring.

Throughout his life, he seemed to be trapped in a cage woven from the memories and will of the Eastern King Duke.

From the moment he was born, he seemed to be living for the legacy of the Eastern King, following him closely as he did what the Eastern King had not yet accomplished.

In other words, it seems that he lived his whole life for the Eastern King.

Whether it was the Queen Mother of the West disregarding her secluded cultivation in the Kunlun Mountains to resolutely leave the mountain and protect him; or the Supreme Lord Laozi remembering their past relationship and lending a helping hand; or the Nine Elders of Yingzhou who never abandoned him and followed him closely...

Most of these are due to the past friendship between Dongwanggong and Emperor Donghua, rather than Emperor Donghua himself.

In this three realms, the person who understands you best is often your enemy.

Only the Jade Emperor.

The Jade Emperor, his adversary, always regarded him as the Eastern Emperor and relentlessly confronted him.

They were determined to completely eliminate Donghua Dijun.

as well as……

Mind this.

The sleeves of Emperor Donghua fluttered even without wind.

A pure white peony petal drifted down gently, like a graceful butterfly, carrying endless sorrow and longing.

And, her, White Peony.

In an instant, Donghua Dijun's mind seemed to be gripped tightly by an invisible hand, and his thoughts finally settled on that heart-wrenching scene.

Fangzhang Immortal Mountain, within the Taiyuan Illusionary Realm.

that moment.

Wang Lingguan's golden whip lashed out.

Upon seeing this, the Peony Fairy transformed into a giant white peony flower without hesitation, concentrating all her magical power on the petals to shield him from the fatal blow.

However, Wang Lingguan's God-Slaying Golden Whip was like a dragon emerging from the sea, unstoppable, and instantly pierced through the peony flower.

Wherever the golden whip passed, the petals shattered like snowflakes, and the white peony was instantly torn to pieces, turning into a sky full of broken petals.

The Peony Fairy didn't even have time to let out a scream before she perished.

It is just as the poem goes: "The beauty's fragrance fades and her life ends, while peonies dance in the sky."

At this moment.

In the Tushita Palace.

Emperor Donghua gazed intently at the white peony petals in his hand, stroking them gently.

The petals were as light as snowflakes, like the final gentle caress of the peony fairy.

Memories of his past with the Peony Fairy flooded his mind like a tide: the first glimpse of her, the promise made under the red leaves, the sweet words exchanged under the moon and flowers, the warm moments spent together... all flashed through his mind, leaving him with only endless regret and sorrow.

And then there was that confession from the Peony Fairy, each word dripping with blood and tears. She went to great lengths to denigrate herself, taking all the blame upon herself like a boulder.

Between the lines, there is a deep affection and protectiveness towards him.

Everything she did was so that he could live a good life in this world.

Only she, the Peony Fairy, never regarded him as "Dong Wang Gong" (Eastern King Duke), but only cared about him as "Dong Hua Di Jun" (Eastern Emperor).

But in the end, he, Emperor Donghua, betrayed the woman who loved him so deeply.

It is just as the poem says: "This love can only be cherished in memory, for at the time it was already a regret. The falling red leaves cannot sever the bond of love, and the withering peonies ultimately amount to nothing."

"Hey……"

Lao Tzu looked at the white peonies and sighed softly, saying:
"The Emperor's intentions."

"The old Taoist already understands."

"I have a magic treasure here called the 'Mutton Fat Jade Purification Bottle'. There is still some 'Three Lights Divine Water' in this mutton fat jade purification bottle."

"This Three Lights Divine Water is formed by combining the essence of the sun, moon, and stars into one, making it a top-tier healing elixir in the Three Realms."

"The Three Lights Divine Water can heal flesh and bones, revive the dead, and reshape the body." "In addition, the old Taoist has refined several new 'Nine Revolutions Rejuvenation Pills'."

"This Nine-Turn Rejuvenation Pill can reshape the soul, allowing the deceased's soul to return to its rightful place and the physical body to recover."

……

This jade bottle was specially used by Laozi (the Supreme Lord Lao) to hold water.

On the westward journey, at Pingdingshan.

Laozi's jade bottle and banana leaf fan were once taken by the Golden Furnace Boy and the Silver Furnace Boy to deal with Sun Wukong.

The fire produced by Laozi's banana leaf fan is the Six Ding Divine Fire, which is infinitely powerful and can be used to refine elixirs and magical treasures, making it extremely formidable.

The water that Laozi used to hold in his magical "Sheep Fat Jade Bottle" could hardly be ordinary water.

The water in this bottle must contain endless mysteries; it is a first-rate spiritual substance in the world.

As for the Nine-Turn Rejuvenation Pill, its most magical aspect lies in the word "rejuvenation".

It is recorded in Chapter 39 of Journey to the West:
"A single golden elixir is obtained from heaven, and after three years, the mortal master is born into the world."

This golden pill is the Nine-Turn Rejuvenation Pill.

The king of Wuji Kingdom was just a mortal, with a mortal body. He had been dead for three years, and his soul had drifted away to who knows where. He had long since lost all life force.

However, Laozi used only one Nine-Turn Rejuvenation Pill to pull him back from the brink of death, rebuild his soul, and give the King of Wuji Kingdom a new life.

This clearly demonstrates the power of the Nine-Turn Rejuvenation Pill, truly a miraculous elixir for defying fate.

……

"It's actually the Nine-Turn Rejuvenation Pill?"

Upon hearing this, Emperor Donghua's body trembled violently.

He abruptly raised his head, his gaze fixed intently on Laozi, his voice trembling with barely suppressed excitement as he asked urgently:

"Is what the Supreme Dao Ancestor said true?"

"Is this the Nine-Turn Rejuvenation Pill?"

It should be noted that the refining of the Nine-Turn Rejuvenation Pill is considered the ultimate challenge in alchemy across the Three Realms.

This elixir possesses the miraculous power to bring the dead back to life; its effects defy the heavens, capable of reversing yin and yang and rewriting the order of life and death.

However, the method of refining the Nine-Turn Rejuvenation Pill is extremely complicated and demanding.

It requires countless rare and precious herbs, and the timing of harvesting and the method of preservation for each herb are very particular. If one is not careful, the medicinal effect will be completely lost.

Furthermore, the fire used for alchemy must be the spiritual fire of heaven and earth, or the true fire of Samadhi, or the true fire of the sun. The control of the fire must be precise to the millimeter. If there is the slightest deviation, the elixir will be ruined and the effort will be wasted.

The water used for alchemy must be taken from sacred springs and lakes, or the Jade Liquid of Yaochi, or snow water from Kunlun Mountain; the water quality must be of the highest quality and cannot tolerate the slightest flaw...

When refining elixirs, one must have a perfect grasp of the heat and timing.

If the heat is too strong, the elixir will burn and dissipate; if the heat is too weak, the elixir will be formed but not successfully.

Opportunities are fleeting; if you miss them for even a moment, all your previous efforts will be in vain.

Even Emperor Donghua, whose alchemy skills were among the best in the Three Realms, could only sigh in despair at this elixir, unable to refine it at all.

However, Taiqing, one of the Three Pure Ones, represents the power of creation of heaven and earth and is most skilled in alchemy. It is no exaggeration to say that he is the "number one alchemist in the Three Realms".

If anyone could refine this Nine-Turn Rejuvenation Pill, it could only be this Supreme Dao Ancestor.

"Your Majesty, please take a look."

Laozi smiled slightly, and gently raised his hand to take down a "purple-gold red gourd" from the wall.

Then, Laozi opened the purple-gold gourd and poured out a golden pill that emitted a soft golden light.

The golden pill was the size of a dragon's eye, round and plump, with flowing light and shining brightly.

Its golden patterns meander like a coiled dragon, its golden light dazzling and irresistible, and a layer of light purple halo surrounds it, as if it absorbs the purest spiritual power of heaven and earth.

The fragrance of the cinnabar is rich and lingering, spreading far and wide in an instant, seemingly penetrating the heavens and earth. The aroma refreshes the mind and brings joy and delight.

Laozi slowly handed the golden elixir, which emitted a soft golden light, to Emperor Donghua, and said:
"The Emperor is also an expert in alchemy; he can tell whether this pill is genuine or fake with a single glance."

Emperor Donghua accepted the Nine-Turn Rejuvenation Pill with both hands, his gaze fixed intently on the golden pill.

The surface of this golden elixir shimmered with light, constantly radiating vitality, as if it possessed a spirit, lively and vivid, just like a living thing.

Its surface is covered with natural Daoist charm, which is a manifestation of the laws of heaven and earth, all of which demonstrate the extraordinary nature and rarity of this elixir.

He stared intently, and in his heart he was certain that this was indeed the legendary Nine-Turn Resurrection Pill, with the miraculous effect of reviving the dead.

Emperor Donghua gripped the Nine-Turn Rejuvenation Pill tightly and sighed:
"This is indeed the Nine-Turn Rejuvenation Pill without a doubt. That unique medicinal fragrance and the flowing spiritual energy are unmistakable."

"I wonder how much effort and energy it takes to refine this Nine-Turn Rejuvenation Pill."

"I truly admire the Taoist master's skill in alchemy."

Laozi stroked his long, snow-white beard with a calm and composed expression, as if no worldly disturbances could stir any ripples in his heart.

However, his deep eyes revealed confidence and composure, as if he had everything under control and was completely at ease with everything in the world.

Laozi lowered his eyes slightly and glanced at the white peony petal in Donghua Dijun's hand.

Although the white peony petals had lost their former vitality and beauty, they still exuded a faint fragrance.

Lao Tzu smiled and said:

"The Three Lights Divine Water contains endless vitality and spiritual power, which can reshape the physical body of the Peony Fairy."

"The Nine-Turn Rejuvenation Pill can reshape the soul of the Peony Fairy, allowing the soul of the deceased to return to its rightful place and the body to be revived."

"In this way, the Peony Fairy can return to the world."

At this moment.

As Donghua Dijun listened to Taishang Laojun's seemingly calm yet profoundly meaningful words, his heart was filled with turbulent waves of shock, and countless questions surged forth like a tidal wave...

When exactly was this Nine-Turn Rejuvenation Pill refined?

It was carefully refined by Laozi in the Tushita Palace during these days, while he guarded the alchemy furnace.

Or was it that Laozi had foreseen this long ago and prepared this elixir long ago, just waiting for this crucial moment?
Why give him Donghua Dijun at this particular time?
Why didn't Laozi take out this life-saving elixir when the Peony Fairy had passed away and he was heartbroken?
If he had taken it out then, perhaps everything would have been different. The Peony Fairy wouldn't have suffered the torment of her soul being scattered, and he wouldn't be in this dilemma he is in now.

But now, the appearance of this elixir is so strange, it seems like a cruel joke played by fate, manipulating him at will.

If Wang Lingguan's trip to Fangzhang Immortal Mountain to "catch the adulterer" was on the Jade Emperor's orders, then what about Laozi?
This perfectly timed Nine-Turn Rejuvenation Pill appeared before him without warning.

Is the Jade Emperor plotting this behind the scenes?

Or did Lao Tzu simply go with the flow and make a move?

The Jade Emperor's thoughts have always been obvious to everyone: he wants to consolidate his rule and spread the majesty of the Heavenly Court throughout the Three Realms.

However, Lao Tzu's thoughts are hard to fathom, as if hidden in a thick fog, making them difficult to see clearly.

It seems like... a smile hiding a knife.

He always speaks to you with a smile, his kind and approachable demeanor making you feel like a spring breeze, but behind the scenes he has already planned everything, controlling every step, leaving you no choice but to follow his path without any power to resist.

What is "purity and non-action"?
That is, to adopt an attitude of letting things take their natural course, being both inactive and proactive.

Without deliberately interfering, one can act in accordance with the trend at crucial moments and promote the development of things.

As Lao Tzu said in the Tao Te Ching:

"The highest good is like water. Water benefits all things without striving, yet nothing in the world can contend with it!"

……

Is this how Laozi (Taishang Laojun) is? Seemingly detached from the Three Realms, yet in reality, he has already taken control of everything?
……

Emperor Donghua's thoughts flashed through his mind.

Think about this.

Emperor Donghua couldn't help but feel a chill run down his spine.

Perhaps, the fate of Emperor Donghua, and even Fairy Peony, was predetermined from the very beginning.

He thought he was the one holding the pieces, the player, but perhaps from the very beginning he was just a pawn in this game, manipulated at will by those behind the scenes.

His path had long been meticulously planned by those behind the scenes, and every step seemed to follow a predetermined trajectory, from which he could not escape.

But at this point, thinking about it all is pointless.

In this game, Emperor Donghua has already lost, lost miserably.

He's already trapped, like a turtle in a jar; he has no bargaining power and can only be slaughtered at will.

Right now, Laozi is offering him a chance to resurrect the Peony Fairy, something he cannot refuse under any circumstances.

He had no choice.

He could only follow the path that others had paved for him.

Even if there is an abyss ahead.

(End of this chapter)