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

Chapter 598 The Dragon King of Dongting
The shepherdess smiled through her tears:
"Little lamb, little lamb, how can you... relieve my distress?"

Upon hearing this, Lü Dongbin nodded slightly, pondered for a moment, and secretly began to devise a plan.

The woman's identity is now clear; she is the daughter of the Dragon King of Dongting.

To be deceived into marriage and subjected to inhuman abuse and imprisonment is truly horrifying.

His ability to slay demons and eliminate evil is beyond question.

but.

This Dragon Maiden of Dongting Lake has already married the son of the Dragon King of Jing River, the Dragon King of Ji River.

But Lü Dongbin was ultimately an outsider.

If he were to interfere in other people's family affairs and take the woman away directly, it might damage the reputation of the Dragon Girl of Dongting.

Ultimately, the name is not proper, and the words are not righteous.

His reputation as Chunyangzi has never been good. He was known for his unrestrained and carefree nature and was often regarded by outsiders as a "romantic immortal".

However, he didn't care about the rumors and gossip.

It is:

"The world laughs at my madness, but I laugh at their blindness."

Let him be. As long as Lü Dongbin has a clear conscience, he has nothing to fear from others' opinions!
However, rumors are like a raging flood, and malicious words can hurt people invisibly.

If this matter were to spread, and it were said that the Dragon Maiden of Dongting Lake was colluding with another man to murder her husband, or eloping with him, then the Dragon Maiden of Dongting Lake's life would be completely ruined.

The Dragon Girl before us, so pure and innocent yet having suffered such a calamity, must not be allowed to suffer this stigma any longer.

Kindness is a double-edged sword, with both advantages and disadvantages. Used well, it can help people; used poorly, it can be a death sentence.

It was a case of good intentions leading to bad outcomes.

How could Lü Dongbin find peace of mind?

However, the one who tied the knot must untie it.

The daughter suffered such a great injustice and humiliation in her husband's family. Her maternal family—the lineage of the Dragon King of Dongting Lake—is the most qualified, the most deserving, and the one who must know about this matter.

The best course of action would be for the Dragon King of Dongting, the daughter of the Dragon Queen, to intervene in this matter so that justice can be served and the Dragon Queen's name can be restored.

……

Not to mention that the former servant of the Dragon Maiden of Dongting Lake was cruelly murdered by the Dragon King of Jing River, the Dragon King of Ji River, and others. Her dragon marrow was extracted, her intelligence was stripped away, and her original source of intelligence was ruthlessly extinguished, and she was tragically transformed into a sheep.

It blends into the flock of sheep, forgetting its past and not recognizing its former master, knowing only to bury its head in grass all day, keeping company with the sheep.

As time goes by, its nature gradually fades away, and it eventually merges completely into the ranks of ordinary sheep, becoming no different from them.

Moreover, given Lü Zu's unpredictable transformations and vast supernatural powers, how easy would it be for him to transform into the form of a white sheep and deceive a shepherdess who has no magical powers, making it impossible for her to see through his disguise?

……

"Little sheep, little sheep."

The shepherdess murmured to herself, her voice weak, as if in a dream:
"I have also encountered others, but most of them feared the power of the Jing River Dragon King and remained aloof, unwilling to help..."

"Though you possess spiritual intelligence, you are ultimately nothing more than a... sheep."

"The journey from the Ji River to Dongting Lake is long and arduous, stretching for thousands of miles, with numerous treacherous passes and obstacles. Water spirits occupy the riverbeds, mountain spirits occupy the peaks, and there are also guardian immortals roaming everywhere, their sole purpose being to capture these strange creatures..."

"Your journey to Dongting Lake is fraught with peril, a journey fraught with nine deaths and one life... How easy can it be?"

"Wouldn't this just be wasting your life and sending you to your death for nothing?"

"Now that you have become a spirit and a demon, this is an immense blessing. Cherish this spiritual wisdom and find a beautiful and spiritual place to cultivate diligently."

"Do not get involved in my disputes, lest you suffer undeserved misfortune."

The shepherdess spoke earnestly, her words filled with concern and worry for the sheep.

Upon hearing this, Baiyang (Lü Dongbin)'s gaze hardened, his eyes gleaming with a sharp light, and he gently encouraged him:

"Master, please don't say such discouraging things!"

"Have you not heard that the sparrow carries a ring in its beak to repay a debt of gratitude, and that Lingzhe turned against his master to save him with a single meal?"

"All living beings in the world know how to repay kindness!"

"The lamb, nurtured by its master, has gained intelligence. Even if it were to travel thousands of miles to Dongting Lake, it would risk its life to repay his deep kindness!"

"To avenge my master's shame, what fear is there of being shattered to pieces?"

"Please, Master, do not hesitate. Quickly write down on the silk the great injustice you have suffered, the cruel acts of your in-laws, and the circumstances of your imprisonment!"

"I, Little Lamb, am willing to go to Dongting Lake! I will travel thousands of miles to find the Dragon King of Dongting!"

"I will tell him every word of the injustice and suffering that Princess has endured here! I will tell him that my innocent and suffering daughter urgently needs her father, the king, to come and rescue her!"

Upon hearing this, Ao Qiongzhi raised her tear-filled face and stared intently at the extraordinary white sheep before her.

In the depths of the icy pool of despair, it seems as if a faint spark has been thrown in.

These words were like a faint but real ray of light, illuminating the shepherdess's boundless darkness of despair.

Currently, she is trapped in a desperate situation, powerless and without any trusted confidants.

This psychic white sheep, appearing as if by divine intervention, is now the only straw to cling to in the midst of this catastrophe!

Even if it's all just a pipe dream, what else can we do but fight for it?

Although she was skeptical, she had no other choice but to try anything, even if it seemed hopeless.

The shepherdess, fighting back tears, glimmered a faint hope in her eyes and sighed:

"Little lamb, little lamb... I am now imprisoned here, with no one to turn to... I can only... entrust this great hope... to you..."

However, when it came to writing letters, the shepherdess encountered another problem:

"I am in dire straits. Forget about fine silks and paper, I can't even find an inkstone..."

Lü Dongbin had already made his plans, and the Daoist teachings flowed through his mind.

The white ram lightly touched the damp grass by the riverbank with its front hooves, and a pure yang sword aura surged like an undercurrent. From its soft side, a piece of supple, warm, white sheepskin, as large as a handkerchief, was silently shed and floated leisurely in front of the dragon girl.

Aries drew moisture from the damp grass stems, condensing it into a dark, inky mass. He then used a twig to carefully present it to the Dragon Girl.

“The master may write letters on my sheepskin.”

"I carefully concealed it under my skin, so that it would not be lost."

Upon hearing this, the shepherdess said:

"That's a good idea."

Lü Dongbin then said:
"However, the Dragon King of Dongting has long resided in the Dragon Palace, which is heavily guarded. It would be difficult to gain the Dragon King's trust by relying solely on empty words or a piece of paper without any proof."

"Master needs a personal token as proof to convince the Dragon Lord."

Ao Qiongzhi looked at the sheepskin and ink, a complex light flashing in her eyes.

Hope is slim, but despair is even greater!

At this moment, this is the only straw they can grasp!
She tremblingly extended her trembling fingers, stroking the still-warm sheepskin, then touching her own cold, coarse cloth collar, and said bitterly:
“I… all my dowry treasures were looted by them… I have nothing left… only…”

A fleeting glint of resolute determination mixed with grief flashed in her eyes. She suddenly lowered her head and bit down hard on her slender fingers!
Bright red blood gushed out instantly!
She gave a bitter, sorrowful smile, tinged with a ruthless edge:
"Only this body and its bones are a gift from my father and mother!"

"One of its drops of true blood contains the essence of the dragon race. Among dragons, there is a natural bloodline connection that is extremely difficult to fake!"

Instantly, crimson dragon blood gushed from the wound like beads from a broken string.

She endured the excruciating pain, using her blood-stained, delicate fingers as a pen and her own warm, bright blood as ink, to write swiftly and tearfully on the floating, soft, white sheepskin!

Every word is written in blood! Every line is filled with resentment!
She poured all her overwhelming grievances, her mountain of grief and indignation, her endless longing, and her yearning for her father's love into this blood-written letter!
The book says:
"Your unfilial daughter, Qiongzhi, weeps blood and bows a hundred times before your father and mother: I have deeply failed your kindness, and now I am stranded in a foreign land, imprisoned, and treated like a straw dog!"

"My husband conceals his homosexuality, prefers men and dislikes women, treating me with icy indifference; my in-laws are cruel and vicious, committing countless abusive acts! They shattered my dragon pearl, sealed my magical powers, stripped me of my fine clothes, and demoted me to herd rams!"

"To further humiliate my loyal maidservant of Dongting, I will extract her dragon marrow, extinguish her intelligence, and transform her into a sheep!"

"Scattered among the weeds, feeding on ordinary grass, forever relegated to the realm of beasts!"

"This hatred is as deep as an abyss, this injustice as profound as the sea! My body is like a drifting tumbleweed, my heart is as cold as ashes, I only wish that my parents would take pity on me and send troops to rescue me!"

"A thousand lines of blood and tears cannot express even a fraction of the sorrow and suffering."

"..."

"The waters of Dongting Lake are vast, the willows sway gently, and my soul is forever bound to them in my dreams."

"Separated by life and death, your unfilial daughter, Qiongzhi, kowtows with tears of blood!"

The letter is written in blood!

The shepherdess bit her finger, using her blood as ink and her finger as a pen, to write a letter in blood on the sheepskin. The handwriting was crimson, conveying a sense of sorrow and resolve!

"it is good."

The white sheep (the incarnation of Lü Dongbin) looked solemn and nodded slightly.

In an instant, the parchment book seemed to possess a spirit, automatically flying back and merging into his body, returning to its original place as if it had never left his body.

The aura of the blood-written letter was instantly and perfectly sealed and concealed, leaving no trace.

Some of the essence and blood have been lost.

Ao Qiongzhi was panting, blood still dripping from the wound on her finger, the blood falling to the ground like beads from a broken string.

She spoke weakly, offering her advice:

“Dongting Lake is vast and boundless, and finding my father is not easy, like finding a needle in a haystack.”

"If the sheep reaches Dongting Lake, it can go to the south bank, where there is an ancient willow with gnarled branches that has stood for thousands of years. Ordinary people call it the 'Dragon Willow'. This tree has endured thousands of years of wind and rain and is quite spiritual."

"When you reach the tree, knock on it three times, each knock clear and loud. Wait a moment, then knock three more times... In this way, the lake-patrolling yaksha may sense your presence and guide you to my father."

Upon hearing this, Aries smiled slightly and said:
"Master, there's no need for such trouble."

"For such a trivial matter, the goat has a clever plan."

Say it.

"Baa, baa, baa..."

The ram bleated twice at the shepherdess, its voice gentle yet firm, and said:
"Master, just be patient here for a while and do not entertain any thoughts of suicide."

"The road of life may be full of hardships, but there is always hope."

"When I return, I will surely help my master escape this sea of ​​suffering and regain his freedom!"

After saying this, the white sheep (Lü Dongbin) bleated twice more at the shepherdess, carrying a heavy, tearful accusation. With its four hooves kicking up bits of grass, it resolutely ran towards the vast Dongting Lake, its figure quickly disappearing into the twilight and reeds, leaving only a faint trace.

"Father, Mother..."

With tears in her eyes, the shepherdess watched the white sheep disappear into the depths of the lush reeds. She gripped her flute tightly, a faint yet heavy expectation welling up in her heart, something she hadn't felt in many years.

After Baiyang (Lü Dongbin) had completely disappeared into the distance, his figure suddenly flashed in the distant river bend, transforming into a wisp of white mist as fine as a ray of light, and silently vanished into the flowing clouds in the sky.

Above the clouds, white mist condensed, and Lü Dongbin, dressed in green robes, reappeared.

"Hey……"

"How can a frail woman bear the vicissitudes of life and the wickedness of people's hearts?"

Lü Dongbin stood with his hands behind his back on the cloud, gazing back deeply at the beautiful, isolated figure on the banks of the Ji River.

The evening breeze rustled, ruffling a few strands of hair on his forehead, and a hint of pity and anger flashed in his eyes.

He gazed down at the turbid, desolate Jishui River bend, where the image of the frail woman standing alone amidst the wild grass and boulders was a stark contrast to the vast, gentle blue waves of Dongting Lake in his memory.

Lü Dongbin couldn't help but gently stroke the hilt of the Chunyang Sword hanging at his waist, and softly recited a poem, "The Dragon Girl Herding Sheep":
"The blue sky is vast and the earth is boundless; the white clouds drift leisurely and the Ji River flows swiftly."

"A beautiful woman leans against a desolate rock, her sorrow like rain and flowers, breaking one's heart!"

"What do I fear when my temples are frosted with age? What harm can I bear when rain and snow cover my silk robe?"

"A letter reached far into the depths of the capital, written with blood and tears to dispel my bewilderment."

"The injustice will eventually be redressed, and I will return to my hometown to rest in peace!"

After reciting the poem, Lü Dongbin's eyes sharpened like a sword.

With a slight glint of sword light, the man transformed into a flowing rainbow, heading straight for Dongting Lake, thousands of miles away.

Lu Dongbin did not reveal his true form or his real name to the shepherdess.

After all, he had an irreconcilable feud with the Jinghe Dragon King's lineage, a grudge that had been brewing for a long time.

If the Jinghe Dragon King's lineage were to find out that this shepherdess was in contact with him, given their ruthlessness, it wouldn't be impossible for them to kill her outright.

In doing so, the shepherdess was actually harmed.

It's best not to leave your name before you've accomplished something.

Afterwards, Lü Dongbin went directly to Dongting Lake.

……

We arrived at the shore of Dongting Lake.

But what one sees is the vast expanse of Dongting Lake, stretching for eight hundred li, its surface like a giant mirror reflecting the sky, inverted onto the earth.

From afar, Junshan Mountain appears as dark as ink, emerging and disappearing amidst the rising mist, resembling the spine of a lurking dragon, mysterious and solemn.

The ancient willows along the shores of Dongting Lake, with their gnarled branches like iron and drooping ribbons that brush the waves, add a touch of ancient charm to the 800-mile stretch of water.

As dusk fell, the setting sun, like molten gold, pierced through the clouds, transforming the vast lake into a world of shimmering gold and broken brocade, a breathtakingly beautiful sight.

The shimmering waves rippled in the evening breeze, like thousands of golden scales leaping on the water's surface, reflecting the melting crimson clouds in the sky, creating an ancient spectacle of water and fire clashing, leaving one in awe.

A poem praises Dongting Lake as follows:
"In August, the lake is level, reflecting the vast sky. Mist rises from the Yunmeng Marsh, and waves shake Yueyang Tower."

"Water, divide!"

Lü Dongbin lightly drew his sword finger, and the Water-Splitting Technique was activated.

But then, with a loud "whoosh," the vast lake opened up!

The towering waves transformed into towering crystal walls, and the turbulent flow condensed into jade steps that meandered down. Fish and shrimp fled in panic, as if struck by thunder, scattering in all directions.

He hurried along the waterway, which suddenly closed behind him, leaving only tiny bubbles rising and dissipating like strings of pearls.

……

But the Dragon Palace of Dongting Lake is built on a foundation of thousands of acres of coral, with red branches intertwined like layers of forest, and luminous pearls like stars, reflecting in the deep water as if it were daytime.

The pillar is made of ancient cold jade, and the dragon relief is lifelike. The dragon's eyes are inlaid with large, water-repelling gold crystals, which shimmer with cold light and make the dragon's shadow seem alive.

The Dragon Palace of Dongting Lake, though located underwater, is dazzling and radiant, with crystal walls, pearls as candles, coral forests, and schools of fish.

The deep blue water flows over the glazed tiles like a celestial river pouring down.

The silk curtains fluttered and rolled with the dark current, and the pearl curtains tinkled as they tapped on the jade steps.

The patrolling yakshas, ​​wielding halberds, stood in formation, their black armor gleaming coldly as they pierced the water's surface, exuding an imposing aura.

The woman holding the pearl walked slowly, her white ankles adorned with delicate silver bell chains, her figure graceful and alluring.

The Dongting Dragon Palace, though located underwater, is bustling with activity, showcasing the majesty and luxury of the dragon race.

……

However, the atmosphere inside the Dongting Dragon Palace became tense and uneasy because of an uninvited guest.

The Dragon King of Dongting sat high on the dragon-patterned throne, trying his best to maintain the majesty of a dragon king, but a trace of surprise and fear could not be hidden between his brows.

The high-ranking officials, including the Prime Minister, who stood before His Highness, also held their breath and lowered their heads, not daring to utter a sound.

Because standing in the hall was a guest in flowing blue robes, carrying a long sword – “Lü Dongbin, the Pure Yang Sword Immortal”!
The sudden visit of this powerful and fearsome Taoist figure, who had slain countless dragons and demons in recent years, to the Deep Lake Water Palace sent shivers down the spines of all the dragon spirits.

Today, the Eight Immortals of Taoism—Lü Dongbin, Tieguai Li, Han Zhongli, Zhang Guolao, He Xiangu, Lan Caihe, Han Xiangzi, and Cao Jingxiu—have all returned to their places.

The Eight Immortals, disciples of the Daoist sect, have been slaying demons and monsters in the Southern Continent, each displaying their unique abilities, and have already gained considerable fame.

Especially the Pure Yang Sword Immortal Lü Dongbin, whose Pure Yang Sword was used to slay dragons and subdue demons, had killed countless dragons and demons, and his fame spread far and wide.

They learned that it was Chunyangzi, a rising star of Taoism and a jinx from the Southern Continent, who had come to visit.

Although the Dragon King of Dongting Lake was unwilling to have much contact with him, he was also afraid of angering Lü Dongbin.

After all, Lü Dongbin's Pure Yang Sword had earned its reputation through battle and was feared by many.

……

"The Water Palace is secluded and remote, and little known. I wonder what brings the Pure Yang Immortal here?"

"If you give me any instructions, I will do my utmost to help you."

The Dragon King of Dongting bowed and asked, his words respectful yet tinged with probing and distance.

He really didn't want to deal with Lü Dongbin, this wicked star, but he was also afraid of getting into trouble, so he spoke very cautiously.

Lü Dongbin's gaze swept over the aquatic generals on guard in the hall, his expression calm, and he said in a clear voice:
"I have come here not to cause trouble, but to tell you something of great importance concerning the lives of Your Majesty's family."

"Your Majesty, please dismiss your attendants. This matter should only be discussed in private."

(End of this chapter)