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

Chapter 238 The Dao Ancestor Descends to the Mortal Realm, Within the Flaming Mountain

In terms of good fortune, Jiang Qin was no match for his elder brother.

It was only in the Lingsu Temple in Liangjie Village that it received the nourishment of a few strands of incense from the villagers.

But this child has a very stable temperament. He practices diligently day and night, never slacks off, and is very down-to-earth.

In terms of innate talent and comprehension, he may be average, but in terms of sheer grit and determination, no one can match him.

Even more coincidentally, his diligence happened to be matched with a good mentor who was "bored out of his mind".

That "Brother Ao," the third prince of the West Sea at the bottom of Eagle Sorrow Gorge, is now imprisoned in the abyss, utterly bored.

Giving pointers to this distant "brother of different surnames" became one of his few ways to pass the time.

The dragon's energy permeates the body, and the Daoist path reaches to the heavens.

With his hands-on training, it's probably more effective than the combined skills of three generations of the Jiang family.

Moreover, the bottom of Eagle's Sorrow Ravine is steeped in dragon blood for many years, its spiritual energy is abundant, and the mist shines as brightly as day.

Jiang Qin cultivated himself there, truly like a fish entering the sea or clouds returning to the blue sky.

He achieved enlightenment a few days later than his blessed elder brother, and his vital energy became perfectly balanced, allowing him to enter the realm of perfect harmony between life and death.

As soon as the good news reached the village, the courtyard immediately erupted in excitement.

Liu Xiulian smiled so hard her eyes crinkled into crescents, Liu Chengming, holding a book, clamored to go and offer his congratulations, and even Jiang Yi, who was usually as steady as a rock, raised his eyebrows slightly.

On the stone bench in the corner of the courtyard, Jiang Jin sat quietly.

She was smiling too, her eyes were bright and her lips were slightly upturned.

But there was an indescribable feeling hidden in that smile, a mixture of joy and a faint sense of loss.

She and Jiang Qin were born of the same mother and practiced together from childhood, walking side by side every day.

Now that her brother has reached the other shore first, while she is still trapped in the mortal world, she feels a bit bitter.

After a brief discussion, Jiang Yi and Liu Xiulian made a decision.

The elderly couple, along with their two children, a family of four, went to Eagle's Sorrow Gorge to celebrate Qin'er's good fortune.

As for Jiang Feng, he was at Heming Mountain, where his teachers, fellow disciples, and friends would naturally organize a lively celebration for him.

But Qin'er is far away in Eagle Sorrow Gorge, with only Gui Ning and her father-in-law by her side, plus "Brother Ao San" who can't leave the gorge. He must be living a very lonely life.

Now that he has finally achieved his goal, how can he spend this joyous occasion alone?

The Jiang family has always valued "harmonious relationships," so they naturally wanted to make the trip and take the opportunity to get the family together.

Now that I have a pot in hand, traveling is much easier, saving me from the hassle of traveling by boat or carriage and the hassle of elaborate preparations.

After Jiang Yi and Liu Xiulian finished discussing household matters, they each rode on auspicious clouds, each carrying a child, and sped off towards Eagle's Sorrow Stream.

The two were already very familiar with the route.

Before two days had passed, it floated lightly to the outside of that familiar village shrine.

Old Gui and Gui Ning had received the news early and were already waiting outside the ancestral hall.

Upon seeing each other, the two beamed with smiles, almost wanting to embrace the person.

When Gui Ning saw her son, she could no longer hide the longing in her eyes.

She quickly bent down, took Jiang Chao's small hand in hers, looked him up and down with eyes full of affection, as if she had a thousand words to say.

But that kid's mind had already wandered off to other things.

His mind was not filled with his mother's instructions, nor with the warmth of a long-awaited reunion, but with his three very familiar and mischievous friends on the other side of Eagle's Sorrow Gorge.

If we don't show off his "little immortal's" power today, how can we feel at ease?
In Liangjie Village, although he and Liu Chengming were both "senior brothers," their titles sounded impressive, but their realities were quite different.

Liu Chengming has many junior brothers and sisters under him, and his word is law.

Jiang Chao, on the other hand, was all alone, without even a junior brother he could command.

Then, there's no place for the "senior brother" to put on airs.

Now that I'm back in Eagle's Sorrow Valley, there are plenty of "accomplices" and listeners available, so how could I miss it?
At this moment, he only hurriedly greeted his mother and great-grandfather.

He grabbed Liu Chengming's sleeve and ran off towards the Water God Temple with a grin, looking like a monkey in a hurry.

Old Gui smiled and watched the two little ones run off into the distance before turning around and welcoming Mr. and Mrs. Jiang Yi into the ancestral hall with a beaming smile.

"Haha, I've been thinking these past few days about finding an excuse to invite you two in-laws over for a chat and a couple of drinks. Who knew you'd arrive so soon, saving me a lot of trouble."

Jiang Yi listened, taking it as just ordinary small talk, and responded with a few words of reply.

But before he could finish speaking, a glimpse of light in the corner of his eye drew his attention to the light and shadow in the open space behind the shrine.

There, a new formation was clearly visible.

The patterns on the ground were clearly engraved, the ashes were not yet cold, and there seemed to be a faint stream of light swirling in the center of the formation, faintly teeming with life.

That aura was indescribably strange, neither evil nor good, yet it possessed a captivating charm that could bewitch the soul.

The moment his mind touched it, he felt that the aura was almost sentient, as if it were gently tapping into his consciousness, causing his soul to flutter slightly.

Jiang Yi paused, raised an eyebrow, and turned to ask:
"My dear in-law, what's going on here?"

Upon hearing this, Lao Gui did not rush to answer.

He just smiled and waved his hand.

Gui Ning immediately understood, took Liu Xiulian's hand, and said softly:
"Grandma, let's go to the back and prepare for the celebratory feast tonight."

After saying this, the two left the ancestral hall one after the other, leaving only the two old men sitting facing each other in the room.

Old Gui calmly picked up the teapot and poured tea, the aroma rising gently, revealing an undisguised sense of pride in his eyes.

After the teacup was full, he slowly said:

"This is the 'Bright God Formation' that I obtained with great difficulty."

He pointed to the formation, his tone carrying a hint of mystery.

"This formation can use external force to enlighten the spirit and invigorate the soul, awakening the spirituality hidden within. As long as we work together to activate it, we can help Chao'er save several years of arduous cultivation and show that 'extraordinary talent' as soon as possible."

He spoke casually, but his expression was quite smug.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yi paused slightly in mid-air, his hand holding the teacup still.

Is it not the same as pulling up seedlings to help them grow if we use external forces to help them grow?
The path of spiritual practice values ​​enlightenment in a single breath; it cannot be forced or pushed.

This method may seem like a shortcut, but it is actually the root of disaster. At best, it will disrupt the flow of Qi; at worst, it will cause backlash against the mind and soul.

He looked up at Lao Gui and felt that this old immortal from a prestigious family seemed strangely unfamiliar tonight.

Logically speaking, how could he not understand such a simple principle?
Why would you use your own descendants to test these ruthless methods?

Old Gui had anticipated that he would frown, so he wasn't annoyed and just laughed it off.

"Rest assured, my dear in-law. My lineage has only Chao'er left. I cherish him so much, how could I possibly harm him?"

Jiang Yi didn't respond, but simply held his tea and listened quietly.

The fragrant aroma of tea wafted around the silence between the two of them, circling in circles.

Old Gui stopped laughing, his tone softened, but his voice dropped half an inch:

“I know what you’re worried about. This was indeed forced by external forces, and his foundation was inevitably damaged. But that foundation is nothing more than a superficial thing to him.”

He paused slightly, his gaze shifting to the center of the formation.

The light and energy within the formation swirled, reflecting a glimmer of light in his eyes.

"But if we miss this opportunity, we will never be able to find it again in this lifetime."

Jiang Yi's brows were still furrowed, but he couldn't help but raise his eyes slightly.

When he heard the word "opportunity," he was not overjoyed, but his tone became somewhat somber.

"What opportunity is it that requires such a method to seek it?"

Upon hearing this, Lao Gui simply shook his head.

The excitement in his eyes added a touch of profound depth.

"We don't know yet."

Jiang Yi's brows furrowed even more deeply.

Seeing my in-laws' mysterious demeanor, I felt even more suspicious.

Old Gui, however, was not in a hurry.

He leaned forward slightly, very close, his voice so low it barely echoed in their ears:

“A few days ago, news came from the heavens... that the Supreme Dao Ancestor of the Tushita Palace has descended to the mortal realm without a word.”

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yi's fingertips trembled slightly.

Ever since the Taiping Dao raised the banner of rebellion and proclaimed "Heaven is dead," the Tushita Palace has remained silent. People only say that the one who knew the will of Heaven quietly withdrew from worldly affairs.

Unexpectedly, he himself descended to the mortal realm.

Jiang Yi composed himself and asked in a deep voice:
"What does this have to do with Chao'er?"

"Of course it's related, and very relevant."

Old Gui lowered his voice even further, but a glint of shrewdness flashed in his eyes.

"According to reliable information I have received, after the Supreme Dao Ancestor descended to the mortal realm, he settled in the west, in a place called 'Flaming Mountain'."

He paused, seemingly feeling that the four characters were still too bland, and then added with a smile:
"Judging from the name, my in-laws should be able to guess that the place is filled with the true fire energy of heaven and earth."

"Ordinary cultivators might avoid it like the plague, but for someone like Chao'er, who is gifted with extraordinary spiritual abilities, it is an invaluable treasure."

Seeing the slight change in his expression, Lao Gui picked up his teacup again, gently blew on it, and slowly said:
"As I mentioned before, I wanted to find a precious place for Chao'er to cultivate, and that place is the Flaming Mountain."

Jiang Yi naturally knew where the "Flaming Mountain" was.

The origin of that place is originally the same as that of the Supreme Dao Ancestor of the Tushita Palace.

If we go into more detail...

It's likely that the person on the hill behind their own house is also involved.

In the past, he had also considered that if Chao'er's cultivation was successful, one day he could send him to the Flaming Mountain to temper his true soul.

However, the child was still young and inexperienced at that time, and this thought only flashed through his mind and he did not really take it to heart.

Unexpectedly, Lao Gui brought it up first.

He held a teacup, half a cup of steam rising in front of him, obscuring some of the expression in his eyes.

After a moment's hesitation, he spoke in a calm tone:
"What good is knowing that the Dao Ancestor is at Flaming Mountain?"

Old Gui's confident smile finally faded a bit at this point.

After a long while, he finally spoke:
"Logically speaking, for someone of Dao Ancestor's status to stay in one place in the mortal realm for an extended period of time would not be without trouble."

"And in this mortal world, no matter how important the matter, it should not be done by him personally."

As he said this, he looked up and his expression brightened even more.

"In that case, nine times out of ten, people in the mountains need someone to take care of their mundane affairs."

"If I can get this job, it will be thanks to the Supreme Dao Ancestor."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yi finally understood the hidden meaning in his words.

A few ripples appeared in those eyes, which were like ancient wells.

He leaned forward slightly, and his tone softened.

"What you mean, brother, is..." He smiled, his voice carrying a hint of meaning, "that you have connections?"

"Have."

Old Gui answered decisively, without the slightest hesitation, and that smugness returned to his face.

"As long as there is a gap in the Flaming Mountain, we have a way to put Chao'er in there."

He changed the subject, his cloudy eyes falling back on the newly set up array in the courtyard.

"But..."

He stroked his beard, lowering his voice slightly, with a hint of tact.

"There may be ways and means, but ultimately, one must be strong enough to succeed."

"The Flaming Mountain is a place that is not comparable to the mortal realm. Even those with some cultivation, if they do not have compatible nature, will not last more than the time it takes to brew a cup of tea before turning into ashes."

He paused, his eyes flickered slightly, and his tone became somber.

"Chao'er is still young. Although his physique is excellent, he is not yet able to withstand the scorching of true fire. If we really want to send him up, we must first enlighten his mind and awaken the true source of the 'rising sun fire' in his soul."

"Only in this way can he legitimately enter the mountain, suppress the mountain fire, temper himself with the heavenly flames, and avoid being harmed by it."

Just then, a flash of spiritual light appeared on the array in the courtyard, illuminating Old Gui's face in a half-light, half-shadow, as if it were on fire.

After listening, Jiang Yi gradually gained a better understanding of the situation.

If this matter can be accomplished, it will indeed be of great benefit to the trendsetter.

He has a broader perspective than Lao Gui.

If we can seize this opportunity to send Chao'er to the Flaming Mountain and place him in the same realm as the Holy Infant King, it would be an extraordinary opportunity.

But in this world, things are often half successful and half unsuccessful.

If this formation is pulled too hastily, it will damage the foundation, and the other path will be ruined...

Jiang Yi's internal struggle was uncertain and hesitant to make a decision.

After a long pause, he gently tapped the teacup with his fingers, the sound as soft as water, and finally spoke slowly:
"This matter cannot be rushed."

He looked up at Lao Gui, his expression calm, but his tone carried an unyielding composure.

"Speaking of which, my Jiang family and the Tushita Palace have some kinship ties. Let me ask first before making a decision."

Upon hearing this, Lao Gui smiled, as if he had expected it all along.

Since he had already arranged this marriage with the Jiang family, he had naturally investigated thoroughly and was well aware of the relationship.

At this moment, he simply nodded and smiled as he cupped his hands in a respectful gesture.

"That would be best, as it would be more prudent. Then I'll have to trouble you, my in-laws."

Jiang Yi nodded slightly and said no more.

There is no reason for me to sit here any longer.

He got up, straightened his clothes, left the courtyard, and headed straight down the mountain.

The mountain road was winding, and the fog was thick.

By the time he reached the temple of the water god, it was nearly dusk, and crows swept across the temple eaves, casting a shadow.

The temple was deserted; Jiang Qin was not there. He must have gone to ferry people across Eagle's Sorrow Stream again.

Jiang Yi didn't care. He walked to the offering table, took two sticks of incense, lit them, and the smoke curled up.

A moment later, the wisp of smoke condensed slightly in mid-air, transforming into Jiang Liang's soul shadow.

The flames flickered, but the human figure appeared somewhat unsteady, likely due to recent overwork.

Jiang Yi remained calm and spoke briefly:
“You should return to Liangjie Village immediately and go find your brother-in-law.”

"Let him find out more about the matter of the Supreme Dao Ancestor at the Flaming Mountain from that old ancestor of the Tushita Palace. It would be best to get a definite answer."

Jiang Liang was taken aback, but did not ask any further questions.

He knew that his father never spoke falsehoods and that everything he said had a profound meaning.

He immediately replied, "Yes."

After speaking, he bowed, and his shadow vanished with the wind, leaving only two wisps of incense lingering in the hall.

Jiang Yi patiently sat alone in the water god temple.

The wind outside the palace grew stronger, and the sky gradually darkened.

The mountain shadows were blurred, and the last trace of crimson from the sunset had faded, leaving only the copper bells under the eaves swaying gently in the evening breeze.

The incense ash in front of him had long since collapsed into a pile, as white as snow.

Until the embers of those two incense sticks began to rise again, a wisp of smoke slowly ascending.

As the smoke swirled and the light and shadow solidified, Jiang Liang's soul appeared within it.

Jiang Yi looked up and asked only, "How is it?"

Jiang Liang didn't beat around the bush, and clasped his hands in response:

"Father, I have already asked."

"The old ancestor of the Liu family in the Tushita Palace said that he did not know the whereabouts of the Dao Ancestor."

He paused briefly, then continued:
"However, that old Liu is an old acquaintance of the local deity of Flaming Mountain. A hundred years ago, they even worked together in the Tushita Palace to light a fire."

"Today he went down specifically to have a drink with that person and sound him out."

Jiang Liang lowered his eyes slightly and spoke very softly:

"They couldn't say it outright over there, they just said that there was indeed something important going on at Flaming Mountain."

"But not right now. It will take at least two or three years before we can get a definite answer."

(End of this chapter)