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

Chapter 232 General of Heaven, The Inevitable Trend

Once it happens once, it will naturally happen again and again.

In the days that followed, news of locusts dying in large numbers would come from all over the country every three to five days.

Initially, it was only in the sparsely populated Liangzhou region.

But news travels faster than the wind; it spreads from one person to ten, from ten to a hundred, and before long, even remote places like Liangjie Village had heard the news.

The village was filled with jubilation.

Men, women, and children all rejoiced, saying that Heaven had opened its eyes and, seeing the people's suffering, had sent down its divine power to punish the wicked insect plague.

The cooking smoke carried a richer aroma, and even the children's laughter sounded brighter.

However, the sky outside the village was not clear.

As news of the locust plague's impending end gradually became confirmed, the Taiping Dao (a local administrative organization) in various states outside the region became increasingly restless.

They sent people everywhere to investigate, both overtly and covertly, hoping to find out the truth, but all they found was a mystery.

Those dead locusts were as if their souls had been wiped away by some unseen hand, completely and without any trace.

On the other hand, they hurriedly mobilized their accumulated power over the years in an attempt to suppress the matter.

But the news was incredibly stubborn, like spring grass; no sooner had one thing been suppressed than another sprouted up, spreading wider and wider, becoming more and more believable.

Later, the Taiping Dao's actions became more frequent and more impatient. Some prefectures and counties would often see flashes of light at night, while some counties would suddenly issue secret orders to close roads and prohibit passage.

People didn't know why, they just thought something big was about to happen.

Several months passed in the blink of an eye.

The last locust plague that had plagued Liangzhou was finally extinguished quietly, without anyone noticing.

The chirping of insects ceased, and even the chilling atmosphere seemed to have been blown away by the wind.

However, although the locust plague had subsided, the invisible "locust epidemic" did not stop its advance and was about to cross the state border and spread towards Bingzhou.

This incident was like the last straw, breaking the camel's back and causing it to collapse.

The Taiping Dao finally couldn't sit still any longer.

That day, before the incense in the Jiang family ancestral hall had even burned out, Jiang Liang's ghostly figure practically broke through the wind and entered; before its form could even solidify, its voice arrived first.

"Father! Something terrible has happened!"

"Zhang Jiao, the Great Teacher of the Way of Great Peace, has raised his banner in rebellion in Ji Province! He has proclaimed himself 'General of Heaven,' issued a proclamation throughout the land, and called upon his followers to jointly punish the wicked!"

"Now, the seven provinces of Qing, You, Xu, Jing, Yang, Yan and Yu have all responded, and the momentum is simply...unprecedented!"

He finished speaking in one breath, his soul trembling violently, as if even his panic was showing.

Jiang Yi, however, remained calm and composed.

He held the incense stick between his fingers and slowly inserted it into the burner.

After a long silence, he slowly asked:

"Since the Heavenly General has raised the banner of righteousness, he must have a name."

"What slogan are they using this time?"

Jiang Liang was taken aback, clearly stumped by the question.

He frowned and thought for a long time before hesitatingly saying:
"Well... I haven't heard of any slogans."

All that is known is that they agreed on a secret code, and those wearing yellow turbans were all their brothers.

Upon hearing the words "wearing a yellow turban," a barely perceptible ripple finally appeared in Jiang Yi's usually calm eyes.

He paused for a moment, then composed himself, smiled faintly, and said:
"Heh...it's simple and clear enough."

The tone shifted abruptly, and the question was asked in a calm and casual manner:

"What's the situation like inside your City God Temple?"

If there is turmoil on the ground, how can there be peace underground?
Jiang Liang shook his head with a wry smile, his soul swaying slightly, as if even his smile carried a hint of helplessness.

"The situation inside the temple isn't much better."

"My colleagues were all in a panic, either craning their necks to watch the excitement in the mortal world or asking around to find out what the higher-ups were planning."

He paused, his expression becoming more serious, and his voice lowered.

"According to the old judge in the temple, when such earth-shattering events usually occur, before the earth even stirs up any waves, news should have already come down from heaven."

"As long as everyone follows the old orders of their respective ancestors, they can pass through safely."

"But this time, it's very strange..."

"There was no warning from above. It was as if even those above were unaware that a great upheaval was about to unfold in the world."

"Without orders or decrees, no one dared to act rashly; they could only watch helplessly, their hearts filled with unease."

His words seemed to lessen the gloom.

Jiang Yi listened quietly, his expression unchanged, but a glint of light flashed deep in his eyes.

"Heaven knows nothing, earth is in turmoil,"

He sighed inwardly.
"This situation is really going to get out of hand."

He naturally understood the intricacies of the matter.

Not to mention the insignificant deities like the City God and the Judge.

It was the instigator himself, the Old Immortal of Nanhua.

They probably never expected that the disciple who casually gave them a few volumes of heavenly books back then would actually reach this point today, stirring up the world and turning it into a calamity.

Jiang Yi knew even better.

That great teacher's ambitions probably extend far beyond "rebelling against the court."

Jiang Yi stopped thinking about it.

He simply stood with his hands behind his back in front of the incense burner, gazing quietly for a moment, the illusory figure still half-lit and half-dim in the swirling smoke.

"In that case, you should not act rashly. Observe more, listen more, speak less and do less, and just wait and see how things develop."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Liang respectfully agreed. After bowing, his soul dissipated, turning into a wisp of green smoke that returned to the incense.

The ancestral hall has returned to silence.

This time, however, Jiang Yi did not sit down cross-legged as usual.

He turned around, left the ancestral hall, returned to his own house, and took out a well-sealed jar of Lingmei wine from an old, dusty box at the bottom of the cabinet.

That wine was brewed a few years ago.

It is taken from the sacred spring behind the mountain and paired with the fruit of the sacred plum tree behind the house.

The fragrance of plum blossoms is intoxicating, and the air is filled with a spiritual aura. As soon as you open the box, it's as if a spring breeze is blowing in through the window.

Carrying the wine, Jiang Yi slowly walked out of the courtyard gate and headed straight for Liu Family Village.

The world is already facing a storm, and if you want to find out some news from "heaven," the safest way is no longer through the young servants working in the City God Temple.

Liujiazhuangzi, that is the place where "the roots are not obvious but deep".

Zhuangzi remained composed.

It was as if the raging storms outside had bypassed this safe and secure fence.

Following his old habit, Jiang Yi bypassed the flower garden and the herb garden, and met Master Liu in the open space behind where herbs were being dried.

The in-law was still dressed in a coarse cloth robe, with the cuffs rolled up, and his expression was calm.

Compared to previous years, however, it has gained a certain "clarity" that is difficult to understand.

He was born with abundant vitality, and in the past few years, he has been chanting scriptures and cultivating his mind with the Jiang family. Over time, this has truly restored his youthful spirit.

New black hairs have appeared in his graying hair, his complexion is rosy, his breathing is steady, and his steps are light, making him look more than ten years younger than before.

Judging from this situation, he might be able to use that last bit of spiritual energy before his lifespan ends to break through the barrier and glimpse the door to "both life and death," thus entering the Dao from the mortal realm and no longer being bound by the mortal world.

"Hey in-law, got a little free? How about a couple of drinks?"

Jiang Yi lifted the wine pot in his hand, his smile gentle.

Upon seeing him and smelling the fragrance of the spirit plum wine—clear and sweet with a hint of spiritual energy—the weariness on Liu Zhuangzhu's face instantly vanished. "Perfect timing! Perfect timing!"

He laughed heartily, pulled Jiang Yijing towards the stone pavilion, and walked with the lightness of a young man.

Halfway there, he turned back and instructed his servants:
"Go and get some side dishes from the kitchen, including braised beef brisket, chilled bamboo shoots, and that jar of crispy melon."

The stone pavilion remains the same.

A thin layer of moss grew on the eaves of the bluestone eaves, and a breeze blew in from the herb garden, carrying with it the scent of hay and herbs.

The aroma, mixed with the refreshing scent of plum wine, is just right to intoxicate.

Jiang Yi raised his glass, took a sip, smiled slightly, and asked in a seemingly casual tone, "Where is my son-in-law?"

Master Liu was holding a piece of cold bamboo shoots when he heard this. His hand paused slightly, and then he sighed.

"Don't even mention it. Last night, his ancestors appeared to him in a dream again, so as soon as it was light, he rushed down the mountain to the Laozi Temple to burn incense."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yi simply nodded.

Although he didn't say much, his expression conveyed his meaning perfectly.

He knew his old in-law's pulse well; whenever he encountered a dream omen, his heart would burn with fervor.

So he didn't ask any more questions, but simply raised the pot as a sign of respect and, with a smile, filled both cups.

The two clinked glasses and chatted about everything from everyday family matters to the beauty of nature.

After several rounds of drinks and several dishes, the atmosphere in the pavilion had a carefree feel, as if "worldly affairs do not bother me."

Suddenly, a series of hurried footsteps came from outside the courtyard.

Before long, a familiar figure strode quickly from the direction of the Laozi Temple.

They were travel-worn and looked solemn.

It was Liu Zi'an.

As soon as he stepped into the courtyard, his gaze fell on the stone pavilion.

He saw his father drinking with his father-in-law, their wine cups still half full.

The words that were about to come out were abruptly stopped in his throat.

Lord Liu is more enlightened.

Seeing his son's dismayed expression, he put down his chopsticks, waved his hand, and laughed:

"We're family, so just say it, don't hold it in."

Liu Zian then relaxed slightly and quickly stepped into the pavilion.

The wind hadn't died down yet, but the words had already been spoken.

"Father, Father-in-law, the heavens... the heavens are in complete chaos!"

A sentence slipped out, tinged with panic.

He was panting, his face still showing lingering shock, as if he was still shaken from the journey.

"When the Taiping Dao rebelled against Heaven, the secrets of Heaven were thrown into chaos. All the gods and immortal sects surrounded the Nanyang Palace, demanding to find the Old Immortal Nanhua and hold him accountable."

"Such a world-changing event, even with the cultivation of the Old Immortal of Nanhua, could not bear such karmic consequences."

"I heard that after he found out the whole story, he didn't care about anything else and rushed to the Tushita Palace outside the Thirty-Three Heavens to ask the Supreme Dao Ancestor to discuss and make a fair judgment."

At this point, Liu Zian's expression turned serious, and his voice lowered.

"I have just received the first-hand news from the Tushita Palace."

Upon hearing this, the wind in the pavilion seemed to quiet down a bit.

The wine cup in Master Liu's hand paused slightly, causing ripples to spread within it. He leaned forward and said in a deep voice:
"how?"

Liu Zian took a deep breath, his expression solemn, and slowly began to speak:

"Although our ancestors did not witness it in person, they received definite news."

"What the Dao Ancestor meant was..."

He paused slightly, as if he felt that if he said these words, he would disturb the cause and effect of heaven and earth.

"The matter has come to this point, and what's done is done. Since it's the will of Heaven, we might as well go with the flow and let this change of dynasty also become a matter of destiny."

"The Tushita Palace has also made a statement, saying that it is willing to make some concessions on other matters to compensate the various immortal sects for their loss of face."

"In this way, this incredible opportunity has completely... fallen into the hands of the Tushita Palace."

These few words, spoken in a calm and ordinary tone, describe a momentous event.

Master Liu, who had been leaning slightly forward, slowly leaned back, staring blankly at the unfinished cup of Lingmei wine, its color shimmering slightly.

After a long silence, he spoke softly, as if talking to himself:
"Since... the Supreme Dao Ancestor has personally spoken, then this matter is probably truly beyond redemption."

"The fate of the Way of Peace... I'm afraid no one can stop it."

As he spoke, he seemed to remember something, his expression brightened, he picked up his wine glass, and turned to look at Jiang Yi, who had remained silent the whole time.

Suddenly, a hint of admiration and relief appeared in his eyes.

"Father-in-law, you are truly a man of brilliant strategy and foresight!"

“I’ve heard Xi’er mention that Rui’er was a close friend of Zhang Baoyin of the Taiping Dao in his early years.”

"The Way of Peace is now a foregone conclusion, and with such connections, Rui'er will surely rise to prominence and have a bright future!"

The more Master Liu spoke, the more reasonable he seemed, and even his tone became somewhat invigorated.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yi merely smiled slightly.

He raised his hand and gently clinked glasses with his old in-laws, causing the plum wine to splash slightly and release its fragrance.

He slowly said:

"My dear in-law, you flatter me."

"Rui'er and Zhang Bao only occasionally interacted; they could hardly be considered close friends."

He paused, his gaze lowered slightly as he looked at the clear light in the glass, his tone becoming even more subdued.

"Besides, he no longer cares about the troubles of the world."

“I have sent him to Xiniu Hezhou to find a quiet place for him to live in seclusion.”

These words, spoken so casually, caused Master Liu's smile to falter slightly.

He was genuinely happy for his in-laws, but to his surprise, upon hearing such wonderful news, they immediately distanced themselves from the matter, as if afraid of being involved in anything.

For a moment, he just stared blankly at Jiang Yi, the words on the tip of his tongue, but he didn't know which question to ask.

Jiang Yi ignored him, slowly turning his head to look at Liu Zi'an beside him, his voice calm:

"Supreme Dao Ancestor, before making this decision, did you send anyone to investigate the background and character of that Great Virtuous Teacher?"

Liu Zian was somewhat taken aback by his gaze. After thinking for a moment, he cautiously replied:

"In response to your question, Father-in-law... I have not heard of it."

"I only heard that the Dao Ancestor is currently in seclusion refining a batch of extremely important elixirs and cannot be distracted for even a moment. This matter was settled with just a few words from the Old Immortal of Nanhua."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yi frowned slightly but remained silent.

He simply nodded slightly, and a faint, almost imperceptible light flickered deep within his eyes.

After a long while, he slowly got up and drank the remaining wine in his cup in one gulp.

The fragrance of plum blossoms rose up, masking the faint sigh at the corner of her lips.

"Let the people outside make a fuss about what's going on outside," he said casually.

"You and Xi'er, just guard this quiet place in the mountains and don't think too much."

After speaking, he did not linger any longer, but simply bowed and took his leave.

Before Master Liu could even get up to see him off, he saw that figure had already stepped out of the pavilion, his back swallowed up by the fragrance of herbs and the mountain wind.

Inside the pavilion, only the father and son remained, staring at each other, neither understanding what the head of the Jiang family was really planning.

(End of this chapter)