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

Chapter 242 Nourishing Life Through Death, Dragon Transformation Grass Seeds

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yi became somewhat interested.

He gazed at the peach tree, its branches sparse, its veins shimmering, seemingly trembling gently in the wind.

“Since these peaches are so precious,” he said casually, “why not plant the peach pit and let it grow on its own?”

In his view, his own little bit of spiritual spring water was enough to keep the immortal peaches from withering.

With a place as spiritually sacred as the Dragon Palace of the West Sea, wouldn't it be as easy as turning one's hand to feed a peach pit?

Before he could finish speaking, Jiang Hong's expression hardened.

He hesitated for a long time, seemingly unsure or perhaps troubled, before finally taking a step forward and lowering his voice.

“Great-grandfather, I have asked you the same question, Grandpa.”

"That time, Grandpa's expression changed."

As he spoke, his expression turned slightly somber, as if he were still shaken.

After a moment, he continued in a low voice:
"Grandpa said that the Western Sea cannot bear such a spiritual root. If it dares to spread it without permission, the entire Western Sea will be destroyed."

Jiang Yi's smiling expression faltered slightly.

The smile seemed to be blown away by the wind, leaving only a hint of gloom between his brows.

Even the mighty Dragon Palace of the West Sea dares not lightly spread this species.

Then this one of my own...

Just as I was pondering this, a few soft sounds suddenly came from the end of the mountain path.

Pine needles fell softly, and pebbles rolled down into the valley.

In an instant, a person carrying a bucket descended the mountain, his steps steady and slow, his clothes fluttering in the wind.

It was none other than Jiang Jun, the eldest grandson of the family.

Jiang Jun was just over twenty years old, with clear and bright eyes, and a calm and composed demeanor.

Having cultivated himself for many years, his composure had seeped into his very bones, making him appear calm and collected, quite unlike ordinary young people.

He was carrying a worn wooden bucket, with water stains still visible on the rim, indicating that he had just drawn water from a spring.

He walked through the orchard, his steps unhurried, his expression serene.

Upon reaching the spring and seeing the two men, he hurried a few steps forward, his laughter carried on the wind: "Grandpa."

Before he finished speaking, his gaze had already fallen on the slightly younger man, his eyes showing a mixture of curiosity and scrutiny.

Jiang Yi smiled and said, "Jun'er, this is your cousin Jiang Hong. He's back from the Jinghe Water Palace to visit his family."

After saying that, he turned his head and called out, "Hong'er, this is your eldest cousin."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Hong quickly composed himself and respectfully bowed.

After the ceremony, his gaze shifted slightly, but he couldn't help but secretly observe her.

At first glance, I sensed something was amiss.

This "elder cousin" seems to be only of average to above-average talent, far less sharp and outspoken than the younger cousin and the younger brother.

Yet his aura was clear and pure, like a pool of autumn water, perfectly harmonious and without any stagnation.

Upon hearing the address "Uncle," Jiang Jun smiled gently and nodded slightly.

Then, as if remembering something, he rummaged in his pocket for a moment and pulled out two bright red dates.

He handed over the dates, his expression a little awkwardly polite.

“I came in a hurry and didn’t have anything good on me,” he said. “Just a few wild fruits, to try something new.”

Jiang Hong quickly stood up to express his gratitude and accepted the gift with both hands.

At first, they thought it was just an ordinary fruit from the garden.

The moment your fingertips touch it, the jujube skin is warm and smooth like jade, faintly exuding a spiritual charm, clear and gentle like a spring, refreshing and soothing.

Jiang Yi watched from the side, his eyebrows twitching slightly, recognizing it as the precious fruit from the Ullambana Basin.

He laughed and said, "This is a good thing, you should keep it safe."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Hong's expression hardened, and he quickly found the jade box and carefully put away the two small dates.

The shimmering spring beside it added a touch of spiritual energy to the jade box.

Jiang Yi's gaze shifted to the wooden bucket in Jiang Jun's hand, and he casually asked, "What's in this bucket?"

Jiang Jun smiled, his answer was flat, yet it revealed a hint of amusement:

"Found in the mountains, it's fertilizer for nourishing trees."

After saying this, he carried the bucket to the spring.

The peach tree's branches were withered and thin, and when the wind passed, only a slanted pattern remained on the ground.

He put down the wooden bucket, seemingly unbothered by the fishy smell of the green liquid inside. He tapped the tree trunk twice with his finger, then leaned down and pressed his ear to it, as if listening to something.

The mountain breeze came from my mouth, carrying a touch of moisture and the fragrance of fruit.

The old man and the young man remained silent, only the babbling of the spring seemed to hold its breath as well.

A moment later, Jiang Jun straightened up.

He took a wooden spoon and scooped up the viscous fertilizer liquid from the bucket.

Instead of haphazardly watering, they slowly walked around the tree roots, dug several small pits of varying depths, and poured the fertilizer solution in little by little.

After completing this process, water was taken from the spring, the remaining liquid was diluted, and then evenly sprinkled around the roots.

His every move was fluid and natural, as if he had done it a thousand times before.

Jiang Yi and Jiang Hong stood side by side, watching silently.

Both of them were extraordinary, and they could sense that although the withered peach tree had not changed in shape or color, there was a faint trace of pure energy circulating within it, like a person who had been ill for a long time drinking a bowl of medicine that was just right for their condition.

Jiang Yi's gaze sharpened slightly, then he sighed softly.

Yes.

If this tree truly originated from the Heavenly Peach Garden.

As for the origins of that person on the mountain, in this mortal world, perhaps no one understands the nature of this spiritual root better than him.

Jiang Hong's astonishment deepened even further than before.

He had assumed that the strange phenomena in the village were merely coincidences outside of ordinary life.

Unexpectedly, they actually dared to plant a spiritual root that even the West Sea Dragon Palace dared not touch in the backyard.

What surprised him even more was the expression on his uncle's face.

Throughout, he remained calm and composed, his demeanor relaxed and his technique seemingly effortless.

This demeanor clearly indicates that they know more than just the origin of the peach tree.

They even knew the habits of this peach tree like the back of their hand, and knew how to plant and cultivate it.

After a flurry of activity, the aroma of food wafted from the front yard.

Jiang Yi suppressed his surprise, called his two sons, picked a few ripe spiritual fruits, and then they went to the front yard together.

The atmosphere at the banquet was warm and filled with the aroma of smoke and lively laughter.

Jiang Chao and Liu Chengming, one on each side, kept pestering Jiang Hong with questions.

They asked if the Dragon Palace of the West Sea truly had a glazed palace, and if the mermaids of the Jing River could truly weave silk.

Jiang Hong replied with a smile, his words full of wit.

The light shone on his eyebrows and eyes, seemingly adding a touch of youthful energy.

The two little ones listened intently, their eyes sparkling, their minds wandering far away.

After the meal, everyone dispersed, and the courtyard was quiet.

Jiang Yi, however, kept Jiang Hong behind and summoned him to the main hall.

She personally poured him tea, the steam rising gently.

Between two cups of tea, only the soft sound of water could be heard, and there was silence for a moment.

After a long silence, Jiang Yi finally spoke, his tone gentle yet weighty:
"When you return to the village this time, will you go to Eagle's Sorrow Gorge to see your third uncle?"

Jiang Hong was still smiling, but his expression turned sour upon hearing this.

He hurriedly waved his hand, his expression solemn: "No...it's inconvenient. I am from the Western Sea, and it is inconvenient for me to appear."

Jiang Yi looked at him calmly, as if he had expected this.

After a moment, he asked again, "Is there anything that you want me to give to him?"

Jiang Hong shook his head again, answering simply, "It's inconvenient."

At this point, he seemed to remember something important, and took out a bulging cloth bag from his sleeve, presenting it with both hands.

“Great-grandfather, this is what my mother asked me to pass on to my grandfather.”

Jiang Yi took it, and even through the coarse cloth, he could feel a thick moisture seeping out from it, with the dragon's breath faintly visible.

He looked up and asked casually, "What is this?"

Jiang Hong replied respectfully, "Great-grandfather, it is the seed of the Dragon Transformation Grass."

He paused briefly, his tone low and slow, as if repeating his mother's instructions.

"This herb grows only in the deepest part of the Dragon Abyss in the West Sea, constantly absorbing dragon energy. Dragon energy can combine with all things, so if this herb matures, all birds and beasts that eat it can obtain a wisp of dragon breath, and their bloodline will be transformed. If one is exceptionally talented, one can even use it to leap up and transform into a true dragon. Hence the name 'Dragon Transformation Herb'." He paused slightly, repeating Ao Yu's words word for word.

“My mother said that there are many living things in the house, and this Dragon Transformation Grass might come in handy.”

As Jiang Yi listened, he lightly weighed the cloth bag between his fingers.

The dragon's aura within the bag was almost about to escape, and the watery essence was so thick it couldn't be dissolved.

He already understood the layers of meaning in those words, but he simply smiled and carefully put the bag away.

"Your mother is so kind."

He said in a calm tone, "I will accept this Dragon Transformation Grass."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Hong clasped his hands in a deep bow and said no more.

He stayed in the village for the next few days.

During the day, he ran around with the two little ones, and at night he ate home-cooked meals prepared by his great-grandmother.

Listen to the roosters crowing, listen to the dogs barking, and watch the lights gradually come on.

The boy, who was originally far away in the Dragon Palace and Water Mansion, finally truly experienced what "human life" meant.

Unfortunately, his good fortune didn't last long. Three days later, he had no choice but to take his leave and return to Jinghe.

Under the old locust tree at the village entrance, a family came to see him off.

The two little ones were playing and laughing, their voices ringing out.

Jiang Chao used the crimson coral in his hand as a short staff, repeatedly stabbing at Liu Chengming.

Liu Chengming did not dodge, but raised his arm and used his heavy iron arm guards to block the attack with a clanging sound.

Jiang Yi stood to the side, his gaze occasionally sweeping over the coral, and a slight thought stirred in his heart.

The flames were restrained, and the aura was pure, unlike anything ordinary.

His brow furrowed, and he called out, "Chao'er, come here."

The little guy was still grinning when he ran over.

Jiang Yi raised his hand, and the yin and yang energies circulated at his fingertips, forming a thin film of energy, which he then used to gently remove the fire coral.

It was warm to the touch, with a clear and intense heat, even purer than he had expected.

His voice was low and deep: "Where did this thing come from?"

Jiang Chao tilted his little face up, looking completely matter-of-fact: "It was a gift from Brother Hong."

Jiang Yi held the fire coral in his palm and examined it closely.

The fingertips are slightly warm, and the breath flows freely. The fire energy within is pure and extraordinary.

Even more strangely, a glimmer of life lurked deep within the flames, appearing and disappearing, seemingly alive yet not quite.

A thought flickered in his mind, as if he remembered something, and he called out with a smile:

"This thing is useless to you. You might as well leave it to your great-grandmother so that you can save some firewood when you start a fire."

After saying that, he took out several large coins from his pocket and handed them over.

But Jiang Chao refused to take it, crossing his arms, pursing his lips, glaring, and looking like he was going to give up.

He even started haggling with his own great-grandfather.

The roosters were crowing in the yard, the wind was rustling the leaves, and the grandfather and grandson were chatting away, as if they were at a market.

It wasn't until Jiang Yi took out a few more copper coins, making it twenty, that the deal was finally "sold".

Liu Chengming watched from the side, feeling very eager, and quickly grabbed the arm and leg guards, looking over expectantly.

Jiang Yi glanced at him and couldn't help but chuckle.

He still took out twenty copper coins, but didn't reach out to exchange them for the protective gear. He simply said:

"I can give you the money, but there's a condition: you must wear this protective gear every day for the next twenty days and you're not allowed to take it off, so you can properly strengthen your muscles and body."

Upon hearing that he would receive money without having to exchange it for treasures, Liu Chengming was overjoyed and nodded repeatedly.

He grabbed the copper coin, turned around, and ran towards the other end of the village with Jiang Chao, laughing and shouting.

In the distance, the cries of a candy vendor could be heard. Two little ones walked one after the other, their shadows stretched long by the rising sun.

Jiang Yi stood at the door, gazing at the fire coral, yet he still felt the warmth lingering in his heart, as if a dark flame flickered in his palm.

After the crowd dispersed, the hustle and bustle at the village entrance gradually subsided.

Jiang Yi, carrying the fire coral alone, walked around the ancestral hall and went to the fire-refining room at the back.

He didn't go through the door; instead, he darted through the roof ridge and into the skylight.

With a light touch of her toes, she landed gently beside the small grave mound at the very heart of the house.

The moment it touched the ground, a wave of heat hit it.

The surrounding area was filled with intense firepower, the light was like flowing mist, and the faint sound of flames rising and falling could be heard.

That Camel Hump Mountain God was indeed highly skilled in cultivation during his lifetime.

An inner core could actually generate such long-lasting vitality after death.

However, this firepower, though strong, is ultimately limited.

Jiang Yi understood that inanimate objects would eventually wither away.

Even if an array is used to gather the fire back to its source and collect all the scattered spiritual flames, it is only a temporary measure.

"An inanimate object is always an inanimate object."

He sighed softly.

If we consider the long term, there is only one path.

To bring the dead back to life, and to reignite the still.

Thinking of this, he no longer hesitated for a moment.

The fire coral was gently placed on the grave mound, its crimson branches trembling slightly in the firelight.

Jiang Yi raised his palm, and the Yin and Yang energies flowed from his fingertips, warm and gentle as water, slowly infusing into his roots.

The spiritual energy followed its course, guiding the fire coral to explore the depths of the grave and draw upon the remaining energy of the fire vein.

The room gradually quieted down, leaving only a small flame.

Crimson flames intertwine with the yin and yang energies, creating a dreamlike spectacle of light and

Jiang Yi stood there, his expression calm, yet he didn't notice a slight movement under his sleeve, as if listening to the breath of heaven and earth.

That fire coral was an extraordinary spiritual object.

It has a strong foundation and a vibrant energy.

Nourished by the Yin and Yang energies, it tamed the fire in no time.

The tiny roots stirred slightly, penetrating the grave soil and probing directly into the broken bones and inner core of the Camel Hump Mountain God.

While absorbing the dead fire, it also stretched its branches to draw out the energy.

The fire grew redder, and the light patterns flowed, like breathing, quietly flickering.

In the time it takes to drink half a cup of tea, the coral's luster had already surpassed that of the previous coral.

The flames were not violent, yet intense, secretly generating their own power.

Jiang Yi returned to Room No. 1 of the Heavenly Class and sat cross-legged to practice breathing exercises.

As soon as I entered a meditative state, I felt a difference.

The fire of the Camel Hump Mountain God was fierce and domineering, as tough as iron.
But at this moment, the fire had taken on a gentler quality.

Life is hidden within the raging flames, and warmth shines through the heat, like a deep ocean current gently supporting the firelight.

This energy no longer burns the heart; instead, it nourishes the muscles and bones, regulates breathing, and calms the mind.

The flickering firelight inside the room cast a warm glow on Jiang Yi's brows.

The fire that had died was brought back to life, and it truly resembled a kind of "resurrection".

Seeing that the arrangements were complete, Jiang Yi felt quite relieved.

He went back to the back of the house and took out the bag of seeds of the dragon-transforming grass from the shelf.

As soon as the bag was opened, steam rose up, carrying a hint of the chill of Longyuan.

He walked around to the spirit spring pool behind the house, casually brushed some soil, and carefully scattered the bag of precious seeds on it.

The spring water reflects the ground, each droplet shining brightly, as if it possesses its own spirit.

After doing all this, he summoned the three spirit rooster ancestors who had been waiting nearby.

Golden feathers folded their wings, red feathers raised their heads, while blue feathers slowly shook their feathers, each with a different expression.

Jiang Yi stood with his hands behind his back, pointing to the newly turned land, his voice calm and solemn.

"This place is a great opportunity that I have prepared for you."

"However, it will take some time to wait for it to sprout."

"You must keep a close eye on them during this time, and don't let those little brats cause any trouble."

(End of this chapter)