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

Chapter 596 The Dragon Girl's Lament

Meanwhile, Lü Dongbin, riding his exceptionally intelligent little donkey, strolled leisurely and comfortably across the vast Central Plains.

Before we knew it, we arrived at a secluded bend in the Ji River where it meanders.

Here, the water is still and tranquil, like a painting.

Just as the man and his donkey were enjoying the wild and desolate scenery.

Lü Dongbin, however, heard a mournful, plaintive sound from a flute.

He followed the sound and gazed intently, his eyes piercing through the swirling reeds and deepening twilight, and saw a huge, dark blue rock that resembled a reclining beast perched on the water's edge.

Above, a woman in plain clothes sat alone, her profile lonely, playing the flute with her head bowed.

At first glance, the woman's hair was tied up with a simple hairpin, and she wore a plain white dress, resembling the attire of an ordinary shepherdess, so simple as to be almost shabby.

Upon closer inspection of her true appearance, even Lü Dongbin, who had seen countless beauties in the three realms, couldn't help but show a hint of amazement in his eyes.

The woman was beautiful in every way, from her appearance to her figure.

Especially her chest area, though wrapped in plain silk, could not conceal its full and rounded shape.

Those full and round snowflakes, with their perfect and flawless shape, resemble the undulating peaks of the mountains; they also resemble the bright moon reflected in the water, round and clear.

Heavily erect on her chest, it undulates and leaps beneath the fabric's texture with the sound of the flute she plays, her full figure breathtakingly unfolding beneath the plain dress, concealing endless allure and charm.

He truly possesses a profound understanding and a magnanimous spirit, leaving people in awe and deeply moved.

However, the shepherdess had a sorrowful face and tears in her eyes, like pear blossoms in the rain, as if she had endless sorrow hidden in her heart, which made people feel pity for her.

"Waaaaah, waaaah..."

"Swallow swallow swallow, swallow swallow swallow..."

The lingering, poignant melody of the flute seemed to carry endless grievances and unforgettable longing, its delicate notes lingering and echoing over the empty river bend, almost bringing tears to one's eyes.

Its flute music is lingering and penetrating, like a lone crane crying mournfully in the heavens, or like a mermaid weeping blood under the moon. Each note is filled with indescribable sorrow, striking straight into the softest crevice of the human heart.

This desolate landscape weaves a heartbreaking scene of sorrow, leaving those who hear of it deeply saddened.

This scene is just like what the ancient poems describe:
"Withered vines, old trees, and crows at dusk; a small bridge, flowing water, and a humble dwelling... As the sun sets in the west, a heartbroken traveler is at the ends of the earth."

It was so lonely and desolate.

Lü Dongbin, who was always unrestrained and had seen many enchanting fairies and beautiful women in the mortal world, was also captivated by them.

That extreme simplicity and breathtaking charm.

That blend of extreme poignant beauty, the awe-inspiring allure of her voluptuous figure, and an untimely elegance instantly struck the deepest part of his "pure yang" nature—his tenderness and romantic sentiments.

"What a beautiful shepherdess..."

Lü Dongbin secretly praised him, clapped his hands, and whispered:
"Wonderful! Wonderful! Could this be a divinely ordained destiny?"

"A heart-wrenching flute tune, a beautiful woman leaning against a stone, tears streaming down her face, clearly indicating that she harbors deep sorrow and has countless worries that she cannot dispel."

"This woman possesses such unparalleled beauty, yet she secretly sheds tears, buried in the wilderness. Is this not a sign of Heaven's cruelty, causing a bright pearl to be cast into the dark?"

Music has emotion.

The sound of the xiao (a type of vertical bamboo flute) can also convey emotions.

Lü Dongbin was also a person well-versed in music theory.

He paused to listen to the shepherdess's lingering, heart-wrenching flute music, and couldn't help but exclaim in admiration once more:
"The sound of the flute is like a lament, each note piercing the heart, like weeping and pleading, like resentment and longing."

"The young lady's rendition of 'Folding Willow Branches' is so beautifully played that it truly captivates the soul and stirs the heart!"

"Such a mournful sound must indicate a deep-seated resentment that is difficult to let go of."

After finishing his performance with Bai Mudan, Lü Dongbin still felt unsatisfied, and his romantic feelings had not yet been fully expressed.

Later, he encountered the fisherwoman who was seeking a husband. Although he recognized her as an incarnation of Guanyin Bodhisattva of the South Sea, Lü Dongbin, being a flirtatious man, still teased her to enjoy the pleasures of romance.

Now I see this shepherdess, though dressed in plain clothes, her face is radiant and her beauty is beyond compare, like a lotus flower that rises from the mud unsullied.

The seeds of romantic love that were deeply ingrained in Lü Dongbin's "pure yang" nature sprouted once more.

His playful spirit, which was meant to be amusement in the mortal world, suddenly flared up, and he couldn't help but curl the corners of his mouth into a slightly amused smile.

As the saying goes, "High mountains and flowing water meet a kindred spirit, and a pair of people play music in harmony."

"I am skilled at playing the xiao (vertical flute), and this young lady also plays it so well. Her mournful voice is truly captivating... Is she a match made in heaven?"

"Excellent! Excellent!"

"Perhaps this is a preordained destiny?"

"It is only right that I, Lü Chunyang, follow the will of Heaven and the times to guide such a wonderful person into my Chunyang Immortal Sect!"

"If we could cultivate the Great Dao together and comprehend the profound principles of Yin and Yang, it would be a romantic and beautiful story."

"At that time, with a beautiful woman adding fragrance to the scene, her delicate hands tuning the flute, her sandalwood lips playing the xiao, and the zither and lute playing in harmony, it will be a wonderful thing."

Once the thought arises, a play can be staged.

It has its own unique charm and unrestrained style.

Lu Dongbin had a sudden thought and decided to tease the shepherdess, hoping to use this opportunity to lead her onto the ethereal path of immortality and embark on the road to immortality together.

He originally intended to first use the "Aura Observation Technique" to carefully examine the woman's aptitude and see if she possessed the qualities to cultivate immortality.

However, this woman's appearance was simply too outstanding. She was pure and refined, like a water lily in the morning dew. In addition, she had a large bust and a slender waist, with exquisite curves. She was more beautiful than any ordinary flower and naturally possessed a charming and endearing allure.

Lu Dongbin's gaze lingered involuntarily on her stunning face and graceful figure. A sudden thought arose in his mind, instantly overshadowing his desire to "observe her aura."

He couldn't help but chuckle to himself, secretly pondering:

"Forget it, with this figure and beauty, what need is there for qualifications and physical attributes?"

"A flawless jade needs no introduction regarding its material."

"With such unparalleled beauty, she surpasses countless mortals!"

"Even if this woman is born with ordinary talent, I can still use the purest and most refined Yuan Yang Divine Power of the Pure Yang Dao to enhance her. Why would I worry that she cannot become an immortal?"

"It's just... a matter of using up a little more of your original, pure Yang energy."

He straightened his back instinctively, a sense of pride welling up within him.

In fact, the dual cultivation of Yin and Yang within Taoism is a perfectly normal method of cultivation. It emphasizes the harmony of Yin and Yang and the balance of water and fire, which is incomparable to evil and heretical practices.

If used properly, this method of Yin-Yang dual cultivation can also help people improve their cultivation and break through bottlenecks.

I still remember that the Bodhi Patriarch of the Lingtai Fangcun Mountain's Xieyue Sanxing Cave once clearly told Sun Wukong, who had just entered his sect:
"There are 360 ​​side gates within the Dao gate, and all side gates lead to enlightenment."

"Wukong, how about I teach you the principles of 'movement'?"

"Although this is a method involving action and practice, it does not lose its essence. For example, methods such as absorbing yin to replenish yang, climbing bows and stepping on crossbows, massaging the navel to expel qi, using formulas for processing, burning thatch and striking cauldrons, adding red lead, refining autumn stones, and consuming women's milk, all fall within this category, each with its own infinite mysteries..."

Tang Sanzang, having been a virgin for ten lifetimes, has not lost a single drop of his primordial yang, which has attracted the covetousness of countless female demons.

Those female demons didn't really like Tang Sanzang; most of them just wanted to steal his vital essence in order to improve their cultivation and break through their bottlenecks.

For example, during the tribulation of "the maiden seeking yang, the primordial spirit protecting the Dao," the golden-nosed white-haired rat spirit of the bottomless cave in Trapped Sky Mountain bluntly stated:

"That Tang Sanzang is the original body of ten lifetimes of cultivation, and his primordial yang essence is still intact. He is perfect for me to use in dual cultivation with him to achieve the Taiyi Golden Immortal!"

For example, when Tang Sanzang mentioned the Jade Rabbit spirit in the Moon Palace, he also said:

"Unexpectedly, she was originally a Jade Rabbit from the Moon Palace who turned into a demon. She disguised herself as a princess and had the intention of destroying my vital essence."

It is evident that Tang Sanzang's vital essence was of extraordinary value, truly a first-rate treasure for spiritual cultivation in the world.

……

In the demon realm, there are also many female demons who covet such an opportunity.

For example, the white snake demon Bai Sulin once sought the primordial yang from the demon realm's powerful figure, the Golden Horn King, also known as "Golden Toad," hoping to use it to cultivate and improve, breaking through his own bottleneck. This shows that in this world where gods, Buddhas, demons, and monsters coexist, the primordial yang of an immortal is an extremely rare and precious resource.

It's perfectly normal in this world that everyone is willing to have a good time and get what they want.

As the embodiment of the pure Yang energy of heaven and earth, Lü Dongbin was known as "Chunyangzi," and the preciousness of his primordial Yang was not much different from that of Tang Sanzang.

This is also why Lü Dongbin was quite popular with women.

This Chunyangzi was not stingy with such treasures; on the contrary, he often "generously opened his wallet" and was happy to use his own primordial yang to help those who were "destined." He could truly be called a "living Tang Monk."

With such a "living Tang Monk" demeanor, how could the world's enchanting female immortals not flock to him?
……

Having made up his mind, Lü Dongbin was filled with heroic spirit and resolved to take immediate action, using the wondrous magic of immortality to guide this beauty and embark on the supreme path of immortality with her.

"Such a peerless beauty is left to wander in the wilderness, weeping and herding sheep all day long. Isn't this an injustice of Heaven, a case of blindness and despair?"

Lü Dongbin thought to himself:
"Watch as I use my immortal skills to relieve her sorrow and help her become an immortal. This will be a beautiful story that will be passed down among mortals."

A change of mind leads to movement of the body.

"Change!"

With a soft utterance, Lü Dongbin's figure swayed slightly, and the donkey beneath him vanished into thin air as a wisp of green smoke.

A faint glimmer of divine light.

Lü Dongbin had transformed into a robust, strong, and snow-white ram, surrounded by a faint, elegant, and ethereal aura, and silently blended into the flock of sheep.

The white sheep bleated a few times and then quietly strolled to the foot of the bluestone, waiting for the right moment.

Subsequently.

"Baa, baa, baa..."

Aries feigned intimacy, leaning close to the woman's delicate, cool ankles, and tilted his head back to utter clear, gentle words:

"Meow—Master! Master!"

"May I ask if this little lamb dares to ask, what heart-wrenching thing has made you so haggard and distressed, spending your days in tears? It breaks my heart to see you like this, an ignorant lamb!"

"Woo..."

The sound of the flute abruptly stopped.

Who is speaking here?

The shepherdess was startled when she heard the sheep speak, and she trembled all over, almost dropping the purple bamboo flute in her hand.

When she came to her senses, she looked down and her tearful eyes finally focused on the white ram that spoke human language.

The shepherdess, seeing that it was a white sheep in the flock speaking, asked with some surprise:

"Huh? You sheep have actually become a spirit? You can understand human speech?"

"It must have absorbed the spiritual energy of the mountains and rivers and cultivated into a spirit or monster, right?"

Her voice was clear and crisp, like pearls clashing together. Even with a heavy nasal tone and a sobbing voice, it could not hide her innate charm and softness.

However, this softness was now covered by heavy surprise and lingering grief, making it appear pitiful.

However, the shepherdess was not particularly surprised to see the white sheep speaking human language, and did not show much fright.

Clearly, she had also seen some strange and supernatural events, and was therefore immune to such oddities.

A mischievous yet sincere glint shone in Baiyang's (Lü Dongbin's) eyes, his tone filled with deep care and concern:

“Master, do not be alarmed. Although I am a sheep, I have been by your side for a long time and have heard this mournful sound. I have become somewhat spiritual.”

"But you, my lord, are of unparalleled elegance, yet you sit alone by the riverbank, filled with sorrow, your brows furrowed with resentment, the sound of your flute heartbreaking, moving all who hear it."

"Master, what is it that makes you so distressed, that you have turned your beautiful face into one covered in dust and tears every day?"

These words were like a finger plucked at a heartstring, precisely touching the most taut nerve.

The shepherdess's eyes instantly turned completely red again, and she forcefully clenched her teeth across her lower lip, leaving a faint mark.

She shook her head bitterly, tears streaming down her face like a broken string of pearls.

“Silly sheep, you…you are nothing but a novice sheep spirit. Even if you have gained some spiritual power, you are still just a sheep.”

"Who would have thought that in this mortal world, the human heart is a den of demons, and the grudges and entanglements within the deep palace walls... are so cold and heartless?"

"My suffering... even if I tell you, how... how could you possibly understand?"

"Woo..."

"Woooooooo..."

As she spoke, the shepherdess was overcome with grief. Her shoulders trembled, and suppressed sobs rose intermittently. Tears, like pearls from a broken string, rolled down onto the hem of her coarse cloth skirt, leaving dark, damp stains.

"Woooooooo..."

The long-suppressed cries could no longer be contained, turning into intermittent sobs of despair.

Upon seeing this, Baiyang (Lu Dongbin) quickly took another light step forward, his warm breath like a gentle breeze, lightly touching the hem of her skirt.

Its fluffy head gently nuzzled the shepherdess, and with a look of deep concern, it softly offered words of comfort:

"Master, please don't say that. In this world, suffering knows no distinction between the noble and the lowly."

"Humans have their sorrows, and sheep have their griefs."

"The three realms are filled with suffering; what difference is there between sentient beings and all beings?"

As the ancients said, "Even plants and trees can express feelings and thoughts, let alone a sheep like me who has already gained sentience?"

"I heard your flute playing a mournful tune, as if you were weeping and lamenting. You must have suffered a great injustice to be in this state!"

"This pent-up resentment and grief, if left unresolved for too long, is like burning your own heart with fire, only adding to the pain. What good is it?"

"Why not...why not tell the little lamb all these things on your mind?"

"Speaking out might ease some of your worries."

Sincere concern is like the last straw that breaks the camel's back.

The shepherdess raised her tear-blurred face and gazed deeply into the eyes of the white sheep before her, eyes that seemed to see right through people. The grievances, shame, and despair that had been suppressed for so long burst forth like a flood breaking through a dam, and instantly found a raging outlet!
She took a deep breath, trying to maintain her pride, but her voice trembled uncontrollably.

Sobbing, she finally mustered the courage to speak:

"actually……"

"Actually, I... I wasn't originally a shepherdess in this desolate wilderness!"

She took a deep breath, trying to calm her turbulent emotions, each word revealing her heartbreak:

"I was originally the beloved daughter of the Dragon King of Dongting, the master of the vast and misty Dongting Lake."

“My name is Ao Qiongzhi…”

Upon hearing the woman claim to be the "daughter of the Dragon King of Dongting Lake," a strange light flashed in Lü Dongbin's (Aries) eyes as he pondered to himself:

"So she's a dragon princess... No wonder she's so stunningly beautiful and captivating!"

Lu Dongbin secretly activated his "Qi Observation Technique" and indeed saw that beneath the blue stone where the woman was sitting, there was a faint aura of water swirling around, like a gentle cloud that lingered and did not dissipate.

Looking again at her plain, coarse cloth dress, one could see fine, shimmering golden scales that appeared and disappeared with her sobbing breath, like dragon scales shimmering, exuding a noble aura. She was indeed a dragon princess.

Dragon maidens have always been known for their beauty.

This shepherdess was actually a dragon princess, the Dragon Girl of Dongting Lake.

No wonder she possesses such refined elegance, a slender figure, a large bust and a slim waist, and a captivating presence; she truly has the beauty to topple kingdoms.

Therefore, it is not surprising.

(End of this chapter)