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

Chapter 622 Yang Chan and the Dragon Girl of the West Sea

Meanwhile, deep within the Dragon Palace of the Western Sea, the walls were made of mysterious crystal, gleaming brightly, and the reflections of pearls shone with radiance.

However, in this turbulent and extraordinary era, even the most magnificent palaces and towers cannot conceal their somber atmosphere.

Inside and outside the palace, sea patrol yakshas roamed back and forth like a woven tapestry, their eyes gleaming; shrimp soldiers and crab generals stood in imposing formation, their armor chilling to the bone.

The battlefield was filled with the gleam of weapons; the drums and horns sounded low, and a murderous aura permeated the air.

The once magnificent Crystal Palace of the Western Sea has been transformed into an impenetrable battle formation, completely devoid of its former splendor and bustling atmosphere.

Ao Cunxin, the Dragon Girl of the West Sea, sat alone in the Coral Pavilion, her jade hand gently supporting her fragrant cheek as she gazed out the window, lost in thought.

The shrimp soldiers formed an iron formation like ants, while the fish spirits surged like a tide of silver spears. The yakshas, ​​wielding their forks, stood in tight ranks, and the crab generals, holding their hammers, were busy in formation.

She was by nature gentle and refined, and had never liked fighting or killing.

But now, seeing his father's hair turning gray, his elder brother clad in armor and armed with weapons, and the entire clan ready for battle, all for that blood-stained "life-or-death contract," how could he not be anxious?

The West Sea Dragon Girl, Ao Cunxin, unconsciously twisted the hem of her dress with her slender fingers. Her bright eyes, filled with sorrow and resentment, were like a deep pool, deep and sad.

The deep sea outside the window felt like a massive boulder pressing down on my heart, so heavy it made it hard to breathe.

Thinking of the battle situation in the Western Sea.

Ao Cunxin took out a precious sword, as clear as autumn water, that her father had once bestowed upon her from the glass box. She wiped it repeatedly, thinking to herself:
"Although my cultivation is shallow and I am no match for the powerful enemy on the battlefield, the Western Sea is in trouble, and we are connected by blood. How can I remain aloof and stand aside?"

"Even if we are shattered to pieces, we shall share this calamity with our fathers and brothers, and live and die together..."

Just as I was filled with sorrow, I suddenly heard the tinkling of jade pendants and the light sound of hairpins outside the pavilion.

A clear, gentle voice, like the murmuring of a spring, pierced through the beaded curtain:

Is Sister Cunxin here?

Ao Cunxin suddenly came to her senses, a hint of surprise and a glimmer of light flashing in her eyes.

I didn't have time to think much about it.

The beaded curtain had been lifted by a strong, powerful hand.

Ao Moang's tall figure stepped in first. His silver armor was still on, and there was still a trace of military severity between his brows, but his gaze towards his sister softened slightly.

immediately.

Ao Moang stepped aside, leading the elegant and ethereal figure behind him into the quiet Coral Warm Pavilion.

What does that fairy look like?

But then I saw that fairy:
Her hair, piled high like raven feathers, made her face appear as beautiful as a lotus reflecting the moon; her flowing robes, like wisps of mist, made her figure appear as delicate as a willow swaying in the breeze.

Her brows furrowed like distant mountains in spring, her eyes gazing like autumn waters rippling with clear waves. A touch of blue lotus blossoms on her jade-like forehead, and boundless compassion resides in her heart.

As you walk, auspicious clouds appear with every step, as if you are walking on clouds; when you stand still, you exude a fragrant aroma, just like a garden full of flowers.

It was none other than the Holy Mother Yang Chan, the celestial maiden who manifested her divine power to protect the people at Mount Hua in the west!
"Who do you think it is? It's Sister Yang Chan."

When Ao Cunxin saw that it was Yang Chan, she was surprised but also overjoyed at the long-awaited reunion. She stood up to greet her and said:
"Since we parted at Guanjiangkou, it has been many years since we last met."

"You... why have you suddenly come to the West Sea? Please take a seat."

She forced a smile and tried to serve tea, but a trace of sorrow lingered in her heart, and her voice sounded somewhat strained.

"Sister, please don't be so polite!"

Yang Chan didn't engage in pleasantries. She went straight up to Ao Cunxin, grasped her slightly cool hand, looked directly at her earnestly, and got straight to the point:

"Sister Cunxin! Do you know why I traveled through the night, riding my cloud chariot here? It was for you!"

"I am fully aware that the Western Sea Dragon Clan and the Eight Immortals of Taoism have signed a life-or-death agreement to fight in the Western Sea."

"The arena for the duel between the two sides is the vast Western Sea."

"At that time, the Western Sea will be a chaotic battleground of supernatural powers, with magical treasures flying everywhere, and the world will be turned upside down in an instant!"

"Sister, you are gentle and kind, not good at fighting, and your cultivation is not for killing. Staying here is no less dangerous than being in a mountain of knives and a sea of ​​fire!"

"How can I leave you here in such a perilous situation?"

"If my sister is injured by the aftermath, or if she is taken advantage of by villains, call me Second Brother..."

Speaking of it.

Yang Chan paused slightly, then changed her words:

What should I do?

“I have come here to take my sister to my Lotus Peak Taoist temple on Mount Hua for a while. Once this turmoil has subsided and the Western Sea is at peace, it will not be too late to send my sister back.”

Upon hearing this, Ao Cunxin felt a surge of warmth in her heart, and Yang Chan's sincere concern brought tears to her eyes.

However, as his gaze swept across the grim military formation outside the window and fell upon his elder brother Ao Moang's tall yet weary figure, his expression darkened, and the warmth in his heart was instantly suppressed by the cold reality.

She lowered her head sadly, and shook her head gently but stubbornly:
"I am deeply grateful for my sister's kindness."

"However, I am the daughter of the Dragon King of the West Sea, the princess of the West Sea!"

“My father’s hair is turning gray, my elder brother is donning armor and ready for battle, and the whole clan is facing a life-or-death situation.”

"Though my heart is weak, how can I, Ao Cunxin, flee alone to avoid disaster, like the swallows under the eaves, flying away at the first sign of wind and rain?"

"This is not the work of the Dragon Girl of the West Sea!"

"I should stay here and share the joys and sorrows with my father and brothers, weathering the storms together. Even if I turn to dust, I will not betray the bloodline of the Western Sea and the name of the Dragon Clan!"

Though its voice was gentle, each word was powerful and resounding, revealing a pride and fierceness deeply rooted in the blood of the dragon race.

"Sister, you are mistaken! This action may be bold, but it is not a wise choice!"

Upon hearing this, Yang Chan frowned slightly, her tone urgent and earnest. She gripped Ao Cunxin's hand even tighter.

"It is precisely because you are the closest blood relative of the West Sea Dragon King that your sister's presence here causes His Majesty the West Sea Dragon King and Prince Moang even more worry and concern!"

"On that battlefield, life and death are separated by a hair's breadth, and things can change in an instant."

"The Eight Immortals possessed extraordinary powers, and the Dragon King could overturn rivers and seas. The aftershocks of their battle were enough to shatter mountains and boil the ocean!"

"At that time, the wind will split the sea and magical treasures will appear in the sky."

"His Majesty the Dragon King is engaged in a fierce battle with the Crown Prince against a powerful enemy. He still needs to be constantly mindful of protecting you. Wouldn't that be tying his own hands and feet and only adding to his burdens?"

"This is not fulfilling filial piety and duty; it only increases the burden on our father and elder brother! Sister, think it over carefully, is this not the truth?"

Yang Chan's tone softened, her voice gentler, and she continued with a tender, reminiscent tone:
"Furthermore, sister, do you still remember when my second brother, Yang Jian, split the mountain to save our mother, but he was exhausted and fell into the sea, his life hanging by a thread?"

"It was you, Sister Cunxin, who defied Father's orders and stood against the entire West Sea Dragon Palace to hide him in the forbidden area and devoted all your efforts to saving his life!"

"I will always remember my sister's kindness in saving my second brother."

"Now, my second brother is dressed in the robes of a judicial god, wielding great power, but he is also like someone wearing shackles, restrained at every turn, and unable to control his own destiny."

"However, Yang Chan is still alive!"

"Now that trouble has suddenly arisen, how can Yang Chan sit idly by and watch her sister fall into danger?"

"I have come here to repay my elder sister for her great kindness in saving my elder brother in the past!"

"Yang Jian……"

Upon hearing these two words, Ao Cunxin's delicate body trembled slightly, and complex emotions instantly welled up in her eyes.

The feelings of yesteryear, the resolute separation, the utter helplessness, and the deep-seated longing all surged into my heart, leaving me with a complex mix of emotions.

She paused for a moment, gazing at the deep sea outside her bedchamber window, her voice tinged with an indescribable bitterness and stubbornness:
"I understand Yang Chan's good intentions."

"But when the nest is overturned, how can any egg remain intact?"

"Now that we are at war with the Eight Immortals of Taoism, we, the Dragon Clan of the West Sea, have already offended Taoism."

"The Taoist sect is powerful, and many people in the Three Realms are disciples of the Taoist sect."

"With such a vast Three Realms, where can we, the people of the Western Sea Dragon Clan, seek refuge?"

"Come to my Mount Hua!"

Yang Chan answered without hesitation, her tone resolute:

"Mount Hua is serene and tranquil, protected by me. Demons and monsters will flee, and even immortals and gods must show it respect!"

"Sister, you can stay there safely for now."

"Once the clouds and fog clear up in the Western Sea and the dust settles, whether you stay or leave, I will not stop you!"

Ao Moang, who had been standing silently to the side, had a solemn expression.

Listening to the conversation between the two women, he gained a deep understanding of his sister's temperament and the current predicament of the Western Sea.

At this moment.

Ao Moang finally spoke in a deep voice, his tone low and carrying the unique concern of an elder brother and an undeniable resolve:
"Sister, the Third Holy Mother of Mount Hua is absolutely right!"

"The battlefield is extremely dangerous and extraordinary. It is up to the men of the West Sea Dragon Clan to fight and deal with it."

“You have never liked fighting, and your path of cultivation is not one of combat.”

“You are in a dangerous situation here. If you are caught in the battle, you will be injured and distract my father and me.”

"If anything happens to you, what's the point of us winning this battle?"

"Listen to your brother's advice! Quickly pack your belongings and follow the Holy Mother's carriage to Mount Hua for temporary refuge!"

"This will preserve the bloodline of my Western Sea Dragon Clan, and it will also free my father and me from any worries, allowing us to fight with all our might and avenge my uncle's blood feud!"

"To fight for the survival of my dragon race!"

"This is the true meaning of filial piety and righteousness!" In ancient times.

The eldest brother is like a father.

Ao Moang is the eldest prince of the West Sea Dragon Palace, the eldest son of the West Sea Dragon King, and the crown prince of the West Sea.

He is Ao Cunxin's eldest brother.

It can be said that Ao Cunxin had no choice but to listen to Ao Moang's words.

Yang Chan gripped Ao Cunxin's hand tightly again, feeling the coldness and slight trembling of her fingertips:

"Sister, we have both witnessed the brutality of the battles between immortals and gods. So many close relatives... have been caught in the vortex and their fates are unpredictable."

"Avoiding the sharp edge is not cowardice, but rather to prevent those who care about you from suffering that heart-wrenching pain."

"So that in the future, there will be a day when the family can be reunited!"

Yang Chan's sincere and earnest words were like a warm torrent, finally breaking down the stubborn barrier in Ao Cunxin's heart.

Her father's resolute and heavy back, the weariness and worry hidden in her brother's eyes, and her cousin Ao Tuojie's eyes, which seemed to mature instantly yet suppressed boundless hatred... all flashed through her mind.

Yes, she is not good at fighting. What can she do if she stays here, except to increase her father and brothers' worries and burdens?

Are we really going to wait for danger to strike and become someone else's bargaining chip to blackmail our father and brothers?

Finally, glistening tears slid down Ao Cunxin's cheeks, and she choked out:

“Sister Yang Chan…you’re right, Cunxin is being stubborn.”

"Seeing my father's resolute expression, I... I was just afraid, afraid of this parting..."

She couldn't continue; her voice was drowned out by sobs.

"Sister Cunxin, don't cry."

Yang Chan felt a pang of heartache and gently pulled Ao Cunxin into her arms, softly comforting her:

"There is always a way out. The West Sea Dragon Clan has a profound foundation, His Majesty the West Sea Dragon King is a man of great talent and strategy, and Prince Moang is the bravest in the army. He will surely lead the West Sea through this calamity."

"Come with me to Mount Hua and wait for good news."

She stepped back slightly, gazing into Ao Cunxin's tearful eyes, and said clearly, word by word:

"In the past, you protected my second brother; today, I will protect you."

The stubbornness in Ao Cunxin's eyes slowly dissipated.

She looked at Yang Chan, a glimmer of light in her eyes, and finally nodded slowly, her voice carrying a soft yet solemn expression of gratitude:

"Third Holy Mother... thank you, Cunxin... I understand."

I appreciate your kindness. But if I insist on staying, I fear it will only become a burden.

"In that case, I'll be troubling you, sister."

"Sister, you flatter me!"

When Yang Chan saw that Ao Cunxin had finally agreed, a great weight was lifted from her heart. A genuine smile bloomed on her beautiful face, like a lotus flower just beginning to bloom, bright and radiant, beyond compare.

Yang Chan parted her lips slightly, and with a smile, comforted Ao Cunxin, saying:
"It is Yang Chan's good fortune, and also Huashan's good fortune, to be able to bring my sister to stay at Huashan for a while."

"There's no time to lose, let's set off immediately."

Seeing this, Ao Moang's expression turned solemn. He immediately straightened his clothes, bowed deeply to Yang Chan, and said earnestly:

"The duel between my Western Sea Dragon Clan and the Eight Immortals of Taoism is imminent, and a great battle is about to break out."

"Looking back, many of my friends from the West Sea who were once on good terms with me now avoid my West Sea Dragon Clan like the plague, fearing that they will be drawn into this conflict and suffer unnecessary karma."

"Only you, the Third Holy Mother of Mount Hua, braved danger and extended a helping hand to our Western Sea Dragon Clan!"

"We, Ao Moang and the West Sea Dragon Clan, will forever remember this kindness!"

Yang Chan gently patted the West Sea Dragon Girl in her arms, whose emotions had calmed down but who was still sobbing. Her gaze seemed to pierce through the layers of palaces and look at the turbulent, murderous West Sea.

ponder for a moment.

Yang Chan turned to Ao Moang and suggested in a clear voice:
“Prince Moang, I see that the situation in the West Sea Dragon Palace is critical. If there are any women, children, the elderly and weak in the West Sea Dragon Palace who are unable to participate in the battle or need protection, they can all go with Sister Cunxin to my Huashan Dojo.”

“I can guarantee its safety on Mount Hua.”

"Although the Eight Immortals of the Daoist sect have a grudge against the Western Sea Dragon Clan, even if they have some tricks up their sleeves, they would never dare to offend the majesty of my Mount Hua!"

At this point, a sharp glint flashed in Yang Chan's eyes, and she said:

"If they dare to come to Mount Hua to cause trouble, I will take action to capture them all and suppress them under Mount Hua."

"Teach them to never return, for it will be too late to regret it!"

Yang Chan's words were not unfounded.

The Lotus Lantern is among the top-grade innate spiritual treasures. It grows stronger when faced with a powerful opponent, possessing boundless power and containing creation-level strength.

What exactly is the concept of a top-grade innate spiritual treasure?

A top-grade innate spiritual treasure is almost a saint-level magic weapon. If placed in a sect, it would be the sect's most treasured artifact.

Even saints rarely possess more than a few top-grade innate spiritual treasures.

It should be noted that the "Hetu Luoshu" magic weapon in the hands of the former Demon Emperor Di Jun was only a top-grade innate spiritual treasure, not a magic weapon mainly used for killing.

That alone was enough to make Di Jun dominate the demon race and look down upon the primordial world.

The "Nine-Grade Golden Lotus of Merit" under the Buddha's buttocks, which is a magic treasure for suppressing the fortune of Buddhism, has not yet reached the realm of a top-grade innate spiritual treasure (it was damaged by the blood-winged black mosquito).

This demonstrates the power and preciousness of top-grade innate spiritual treasures.

The Lotus Lantern was originally a magical artifact in the hands of the goddess Nuwa, but she used it very little.

Later, the Lotus Pond of Ten Thousand Years bloomed because of Yang Chan's benevolent heart, and the Lotus Lantern was also born, reappearing in the Three Realms, and took the initiative to recognize Yang Chan as its master.

The goddess Nuwa manifested herself and personally appointed Yang Chan as the new master of the Lotus Lantern, instructing her to "use her benevolent power" to bring blessings to all living beings.

Since Yang Chan became the master of the Lotus Lantern, she has been able to command its supreme power.

A real fight.

Even if the Eight Immortals of Taoism joined forces, they might not be able to defeat Yang Chan, who holds the Lotus Lantern.

However, perhaps the Lotus Lantern was too powerful, and to prevent it from falling into the hands of world-destroying demons, the goddess Nuwa defined rules for its use:
"Only the power of benevolence can activate the Lotus Lantern."

Conversely, not only will it fail to activate the Lotus Lantern, but it will also cause injury.

For example, Xiao Chen (King Golden Horn) is a demon with a demonic heart. He is cruel, fond of killing, selfish, and enjoys watching from the sidelines. He is only interested in profit and has no great love for saving the world. He only has some love for his friends and relatives.

Therefore, the Lotus Lantern was of little use to Xiao Chen.

Although Yang Chanruo could easily have helped the West Sea Dragon Clan get rid of the Eight Immortals of the Daoist sect if she wanted to.

However, Yang Chan did not do that.

one.

Long ago, Yang Jian split a mountain to save his mother and defied the Heavenly Court. He fell into the Western Sea, and it was the Western Sea Dragon Girl Ao Cunxin who rescued him.

At that time, the Dragon King of the West Sea and his followers wanted to capture Yang Jian and hand him over to avoid offending the Heavenly Court.

to this end.

The West Sea Dragon Girl, Ao Cunxin, also had a falling out with the West Sea Dragon King and ended up homeless.

Therefore, Yang Chan was grateful for the kindness of Ao Cunxin, the Dragon Girl of the West Sea, rather than the entire West Sea Dragon Clan.

Second.

The Eight Immortals of Taoism and the Dragon King of the West Sea fought each other, signing a life-or-death pledge to battle in the West Sea.

This was a private duel between the two sides to settle their grudges.

The fight will take place in the Western Sea and will not affect ordinary people.

This matter has nothing to do with Yang Chan.

Neither of the parties involved in the duel felt there was a problem.

Why should an outsider like her play the role of a "nice guy"?
Isn't this like a dog catching a mouse, meddling in other people's business?
Although she is known as the "Third Holy Mother of Mount Hua," she is not a "saintly hypocrite."

She might protect the elderly, weak, women, and children of the West Sea Dragon Clan out of respect for Ao Cunxin of the West Sea, but she wouldn't interfere in other people's grudges.

after all.

There is a way to be good.

If a fox chases a rabbit and saves it because the rabbit is cute, wouldn't the fox starve to death?
Everything in the world has its own way, which cannot be forced by human power.

……

Upon hearing this, Ao Moang knew that the Lotus Lantern of the Third Holy Mother of Mount Hua was a top-grade innate spiritual treasure with boundless power. This promise was a great guarantee, and he immediately said solemnly:

"Since the Third Holy Mother of Mount Hua has shown her compassion and granted my Western Sea Dragon Clan the protection of the elderly and weak, then we will not trouble two masters with this matter!"

"Ao Moang, on behalf of the entire clan, expresses his deepest gratitude to the Third Holy Mother for saving our lives!"

"The Western Sea Dragon Clan will never forget this kindness and virtue!"

immediately.

Ao Moang turned around and solemnly ordered his trusted aquatic attendants:
"Go quickly! Bring all the young dragon offspring, the elderly dragon mother, and their frail retinue to this place. Do not delay!"

(End of this chapter)