Journey to the West: The Immortal Clan Begins by Feeding Monkeys at Five Elements Mountain

Chapter 227 Refining Elixir at Dawn: Still Lacking the Right Opportunity

After that, the man and the bear settled down in Futu Mountain.

Thirsty, I scoop up a handful of morning dew from the tips of leaves;
Feeling hungry, I picked a few unidentified wild fruits.

The fruit, upon entering the mouth, was slightly sweet and refreshing, containing a faint, almost imperceptible spiritual quality, far surpassing any earthly delicacy.

The black bear spirit couldn't stand being alone.

He often played drinking games with the white-browed old ape in the mountains. When he lost, he would imitate a few cow moos, his voice so loud it shook the heavens and the earth, causing all the birds in the mountains to fly around and the branches to tremble with laughter.

Jiang Yi, however, was different.

In his spare time, he often sits on a rock under a pine tree and chats with the birds and beasts in the mountains.

At first, it was just to relieve boredom, but over time, I found that these mountain spirits spoke words of extraordinary significance.

Sometimes, the words of wild deer carry a deeper meaning;

Sometimes, the words spoken by the green ape unexpectedly coincided with the scriptures.

What aroused his suspicion the most were the pair of blue luan and colorful phoenix perched atop the cypress tree.

The two birds rarely speak, but once they do, their words are as firm as metal and as resounding as the ground.

Regardless of the vicissitudes of life or the principles of cultivation, one can always inadvertently reveal some secrets of the universe.

With a slight change of heart, Jiang Yi often found excuses to chat with the two birds.

Speaking at a measured pace, he discussed everything from the topography of mountains and rivers to the changing seasons, and gradually the conversation turned to the cultivation practices of birds.

"I wonder, esteemed immortals," he said with a half-smile, his voice gentle, "if a common chicken like the one in my household were to be fortunate enough to gain sentience, how would it cultivate itself to shed its mortal form and attain enlightenment?"

The blue phoenix and colorful dragon were originally divine birds under the Zen master's command, and Jiang Yi was an honored guest who had invited them, so the two birds dared not be negligent.

They exchanged a glance, their thoughts racing, and after a moment, the Azure Phoenix spoke softly.

Its sound is clear and melodious, like the gentle tapping of a jade chime, each word falling with a touch of celestial beauty.

"The bloodlines of mortal birds are mixed and impure; to shed their mortal form, they find it difficult to ascend to heaven. Yet the Great Dao is fifty, and the Heavenly Dao is forty-nine..."

It paused slightly, a half-smile playing on its lips, "In the end, I still left a way out."

After saying that, he no longer tried to hide anything.

A wisp of light escaped from his throat, transforming into a thin line that gently entered Jiang Yi's brow.

"This method is called the 'Chaoyang Ziqi Alchemy Method,' which was passed down by the True Lord Danhua Chaoyang."

Qingluan slowly explained, "This path does not involve cultivating talismans or refining magical treasures. It only takes the purest purple energy at sunrise. It draws it into the body and refines it under the crop, where all the meridians converge. Over time, it can condense a Morning Sun Inner Core."

"If one can make this elixir, one's life and spirit will merge, one can break free from the shackles of bloodline, transcend the mortal realm, and from then on, one can roam freely and follow one's heart."

Just then, a mountain breeze blew by.

The phoenix flapped its wings, dropping a few fine feathers that shimmered faintly in the sunlight, as if the lingering echoes of its words had not yet faded.

Jiang Yi bowed and thanked him, his heart already churning with emotion.

He knew this method was extraordinary; it was not only suitable for birds to practice, but if its principles were integrated into one's own path, one could also touch upon a glimpse of profound mystery.

From then on, whenever he sat quietly in the mountains, he would secretly review the techniques taught by Qingluan.

Rising at dawn, facing the wind, I draw in the purple aura;

Enter meditation at dusk and refine your true nature within your heart.

Time passes unnoticed in the mountains; the days flow quietly by like a clear spring at the bottom of a ravine.

Another half month passed, and the mountain wind was still, with the shadows of the forest swaying gently.

The monk in hemp robes reappeared before everyone like a wisp of smoke.

He was still wearing the same faded old linen clothes, and he was still walking barefoot among the moss, but this time, there was a touch of green light on his shoulders.

A green locust stood there quietly.

Jiang Yi's heart stirred slightly at the sight.

The locust's appearance remained unchanged, its carapace still as lustrous as jade, but the aura within it had been completely transformed.

Previously, it carried a hint of wild ferocity, like a wild beast just awakening.

Now, however, his spiritual aura is restrained, his divine light is profound, and when his compound eyes move, it seems as if a glimmer of... human intention flashes across them.

Reborn.

These four words gently floated into Jiang Yi's mind.

He rose, clasped his hands in a respectful gesture, took two steps forward, and bowed deeply in a solemn voice:
"You've worked hard, old immortal. I wonder if this matter has been successfully completed?"

A hint of a smile appeared in the Zen master's eyes.

"We have a solution now."

He spoke very slowly and in a calm tone, as if afraid of startling something.

"However, there are still a few essential ingredients missing from Mount Futu."

Before he could finish speaking, the black bear demon beside him had already jumped out.

He slapped his chest with both hands, his voice like thunder, causing the mountain rocks to tremble slightly.
"Old Immortal!"

He grinned, his enthusiasm almost overflowing.

"Just tell me what you need! I'll go to any lengths, even through fire and water, to find it for you!"

The Black Bear Spirit's fervent request to join the mission resounded throughout the mountains and forests.

But the monk in hemp robes simply smiled slightly and gently shook his head.

He didn't look at the rough-faced bear, but his gaze went past its shoulder and quietly landed on Jiang Yi.

With a flick of his sleeve, he took out a piece of yellow paper.

The paper is rough and old, with slightly curled edges. It is covered with densely written characters in cinnabar, each stroke of which seems to radiate a spiritual light, as if it were about to leap off the paper.

"All the necessary materials are listed here,"

The Zen master handed over the paper, his voice as gentle as the wind, "They are mostly near the Western Sea. Would you be willing to make the trip for me, layman?"

Upon hearing the words "West Sea," Jiang Yi's brows furrowed slightly.

He reached out and took the light piece of paper.

Upon handling it, it felt heavy, as if it carried a weight of heavenly secrets.

His gaze swept over the area briefly.

Sure enough, they were all rare and unknown medicinal herbs, many of which even he, who dealt with medicine and stones all year round, could not recognize.

Jiang Yi didn't say much, but simply folded the yellow paper in half and put it into his sleeve.

His expression was calm, but his tone was as firm as a mountain:

"It shouldn't be a big problem."

Anything that can be found in the Western Sea is ultimately not difficult for the Jiang family.

The Zen master listened to his reply, his expression unchanged, and he only nodded slightly.

He then added, "Now that we have all the materials, we need a trustworthy alchemist to refine them into a pill."

He paused abruptly, his gaze slowly falling on the green locust on his shoulder.

"...Then, simply hand the pill over to it."

Before the words were finished, the green locust suddenly flapped its wings.

A flash of emerald light streaked across the sky, leaving a faint arc, as light as a spring breeze.

It didn't fly far; with a single leap, it landed steadily on Jiang Yi's shoulder.

The two slender tentacles swayed gently, as if greeting him, or perhaps smiling.

The Zen master looked at the green locust that was firmly perched on Jiang Yi's shoulder, a slight smile playing on his lips.

"I have already explained everything else."

His voice was calm and even, like a mountain spring dripping on a stone: "It knows its limits, so you don't need to worry about it anymore."

Jiang Yi lowered his eyes, his fingertips twitching slightly.

The green locust on his shoulder was extremely light, almost weightless, yet it gave him a strange sense of solidity.

He didn't know how much this old immortal in hemp clothing had seen in him.

Judging from the situation, the other party has no malicious intent and acts openly. It would be foolish to investigate further at this point.

He then took two steps forward and bowed deeply to the simple nest in the cypress tree.

The sleeves drooped slightly, the sound like a low bell:
"In that case, on behalf of all living beings, I thank the old immortal for his mercy."

At the edge of the nest, the Zen master remained silent, only casually raising his hand, as if bidding farewell, or as if erasing worldly ties.

"You all know what's going on here; there's no need to spread it around."

The next instant, the figure faded into the mist and vanished without a trace.

With the Zen master gone into seclusion, the mountains and forests suddenly came alive.

A blue phoenix and a colorful dragon descended in a spiral, their feathers shimmering.
The black crane and golden pheasant stretched their necks and cried out clearly, their voices piercing through the clouds.
The white-browed old ape presented fruit and bowed respectfully;
The white deer, carrying a purple mushroom in its mouth, also saw them off through the gaps in the forest, its gaze gentle and docile.

A fragrant breeze caressed our faces, and birdsong and animal calls filled the air, adding a touch of elegance and solemnity compared to when we arrived.

Jiang Yi and the Black Bear Spirit exchanged a glance, neither of them speaking, only smiling at each other.

The two bowed again towards the direction of the crow's nest, then turned and descended along the bluestone path.

Once down the mountain, the black bear spirit finally let out the breath that had been choking him.

The shouts were heavy and forceful, like a mountain being lifted from the ground.

His rough face relaxed, showing both the relief of surviving a disaster and an undisguised joy.

The weight on my heart has been lifted, but my spirits are soaring.

Not daring to say much, he swiftly summoned the dark cloud and respectfully invited Jiang Yi to ascend.

The clouds rose like ink, gently swirling and ascending. As they passed over the mountain peaks, the wind whispered through their sleeves, and the cloud shadows blanketed the ground.

Before long, the mountain colors faded to a bluish-black hue, and the villages, scattered like chess pieces at one's feet, gradually disappeared.

Along the way, the black bear spirit rubbed his hands together, his eyes glancing at Jiang Yi from time to time.

He opened his mouth several times, only to swallow it back down each time.

Unable to hold it in any longer, he quietly leaned closer and whispered:
"Immortal Master, the aquatic creatures on this journey to the Western Sea are deeply entrenched, and the Dragon Palace is imposingly majestic. Do you think... I might accompany you and offer some assistance?"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yi smiled faintly, shook his head, and remained calm.

He didn't answer, but instead changed the subject, raising a slight brow at the corner of his eye:

"As for you, you must have gained quite a bit from this trip on behalf of the old immortal, right?"

The black bear spirit was taken aback, then chuckled, scratching his head and waving his hands repeatedly.

"Not much, not much... It's all for the sake of saving the common people. The old immortal is merciful; even a few words of guidance are enough for me to benefit for a hundred years."

He spoke humbly, but his smugness was undeniable in his eyes and brows.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yi simply smiled, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

“Speaking of which,” he said in a calm and unhurried tone, with a hint of casual inquiry, “there is something I don’t understand.”

He paused, as if genuinely considering his words, yet also as if letting out a casual sigh:
"What a blissful place for cultivation Mount Futu is! Surrounded by celestial birds and auspicious beasts, where one can listen to scriptures and hear the Dharma. Wouldn't that be wonderful? Why didn't you find a way to stay here?"

"Even being a gatekeeper or a nominal disciple is safer than living a life of hardship and exposure to the elements."

These words sounded ordinary, but their tone carried a hint of sincerity.

After all, in Jiang Yi's view, since Zen Master Wuchao was willing to guide others in their cultivation, his desire to take on disciples was certainly not unfounded.

In his past life, he even went to Fuling Mountain to try to enlighten the man-eating pig demon, but was rejected and left feeling humiliated.

In terms of comprehension and temperament, this black bear spirit, though somewhat mercenary, is still a promising talent.

Upon hearing this, the black bear spirit was not angry. Instead, he scratched his head and smiled, revealing a set of white teeth.

"Hey, nothing can be hidden from you, Immortal Master."

He blinked, his expression a mix of naivety and helplessness.

"When I first arrived at Mount Futu, I did have a thought: to sneak away and find the old immortal when no one was paying attention, hoping to kowtow to him, become his disciple, and serve him."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yi raised his eyebrows slightly, a hint of a smile appearing in his eyes.

"Oh? Did that old immortal even acknowledge you?"

The black bear spirit's expression froze slightly, and the smile on his face seemed to be blown away by the wind, leaving only three parts foolishness and seven parts bewilderment.

“That’s strange,” he said, scratching his head. “The old sage didn’t say anything.”

He squinted, as if savoring the events of that night.

"After I finished speaking, the old man stretched out his finger and tapped my forehead three times, 'bang, bang, bang'."

"He didn't scold or laugh, he just turned around and went back to his nest, without even giving her a second glance."

As soon as he finished speaking, the faint smile on Jiang Yi's face suddenly froze.

Those eyes were fixed silently on the black bear spirit.

The black bear spirit felt uneasy under his gaze, scratched his head, and chuckled awkwardly:
"Immortal Master, why are you looking at me like that..."

"Perhaps the old immortal thought my appearance was too coarse and dull, and that I should spend a few more years honing my skills before waiting for my opportunity."

He spoke frankly, laughed sincerely, and showed no sign of inner turmoil.

Jiang Yi remained silent for a long time before finally letting out a soft breath.

The sigh was so faint it was almost inaudible, yet it was like dust scattered by the wind, carrying a strange, inexplicable meaning.

"really."

He responded softly, then paused, his expression darkening slightly.

"It's true that we lacked some opportunity..."

(End of this chapter)