Journey to the West: The roadblock!

Chapter 134 The Battle of Wits in Chechi Kingdom (Part 4)
After Ao Tu finished recounting the story of the monk, the four of them got together again and talked about scriptures and philosophy for a while.

First, we will discuss the heavens and the universe, and the essence of the sun and moon.

The following discussion concerns the eastward shift of stars and the southward migration of constellations.

Next, let's discuss the four continents and the overseas islands: what is considered the spirit, and what is considered the leader?
It also discusses the teachings of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, and the differences between the three schools of Taiqing, Yuqing, and Shangqing.

Finally, let us discuss how all living beings cultivate themselves and achieve immortality.

The four each expressed their own opinions. Tiger Power Immortal spoke of "martial fire," which refines essence and qi, ultimately benefiting the whole body; Deer Power Immortal spoke of "gentle fire," which warms essence and nourishes qi, cultivating tranquility and self-cultivation; Sheep Power Immortal spoke of maintaining harmony, embracing yin and yang, and remaining balanced and impartial.

These three complement each other perfectly.

Ao Tu's account differed from that of the three men.

Ao Tu spoke directly about the Way of Immortality. The three listened as if looking at flowers through fog or the moon through clouds; they could see it, but it was hazy and unclear.

Afterwards, the group discussed specific techniques.

Tiger Power Immortal and his two companions received the teachings of an immortal in Zhongnan Mountain and learned the orthodox Taoist Five Thunder Method. Unfortunately, their fate was not in sync, and they were ultimately unable to become disciples of the immortal.

All three were skilled in talismanic arts, and they mostly taught talismanic techniques to their disciples.

In addition, each of the three had their own strengths. Tiger Power Immortal could summon wind and rain; Deer Power Immortal could divine; and Sheep Power Immortal possessed a cold dragon.

Ao Tu said, "Cold Dragon, may I take a look at it?"

Immortal Yang Li took out the Cold Dragon and said, "Please take a look, True Man."

Ao Tu looked at it and saw that it was a white dragon.

This Sheep-Power Immortal is quite lucky; he somehow acquired a young dragon.

Like attracts like. Sensing Ao Tu's presence, the white dragon flew to Ao Tu's hand and wrapped itself around his left thumb, refusing to leave.

When the Great Immortal Yang Li saw this, he felt very sorry for her, but he didn't want to ask for it back.

Ao Tu laughed and said, "This little fellow is quite the opportunist. How about this, I can't just take yours for nothing, so I'll exchange this for you, how about that?"

Ao Tu took out a small seal from his bosom, about half the size of a palm, with flowing water and a bright, precious light.

When the Great Immortal Yang Li saw this, he couldn't hide the joy in his eyes.

Ao Tu handed the small seal to the Great Immortal Yang Li.

Sheep Power Immortal reached out to take it.

Ao Tu said, "Use your magic to catch it."

Unaware of what was happening, the Great Immortal Yang Li used his magic to hold back the small seal.

Ao Tu released his grip, and Yang Li Da Xian stumbled, almost falling off his seat. His arm trembled as he said, "Brother, come quickly, this seal is extremely heavy!"

Tiger Power and Sheep Power Immortal worked together to support the small seal, which finally stabilized it.

Tiger Power Immortal said, "Indeed, it is quite heavy."

The Great Immortal Lu Li said, "How heavy can such a small seal, which is only two inches in size, weigh? Let me try!"

Seeing this, Tiger Power Immortal and Sheep Power Immortal handed the small seal to Deer Power Immortal.

Deer-Power Immortal caught it with both hands, immediately feeling its immense weight. He lurched forward, and seeing this, he tried to lean back, but lost his balance and fell backward. He exclaimed, "Ouch! So heavy! So heavy!"

Ao Tu laughed and said, "This is a water seal, which is heavy enough to be considered a treasure. Among the treasures of the world, those that are extremely rare are called spiritual treasures. This seal was forged by the treasures of the four seas. If it is in water, it can control four water veins, so it can barely be called a spiritual treasure. Once you have refined this treasure, you will not feel that it is heavy."

Immortal Yang Li hurriedly bowed and thanked him, saying, "Thank you so much for bestowing this treasure upon me, Master!"

Ao Tu said, "There's no need for thanks. Our exchange of treasures is not a bestowal of them."

As he spoke, Ao Tu poked the white dragon on his hand with his finger.

This white dragon can be kept as a mount in the future.

Bai Chi raised its head in confusion, then leaned back against Ao Tu's hand.

Upon hearing this, the Great Immortal Yangli bowed in gratitude once more. Although the white dragon was precious, it was far less valuable than this treasured seal; how could he not know this?

After their discussion, the three of them took Ao Tu to visit the Taoist temple and admire the garden scenery.

Ao Tu saw a medicinal herb field and asked, "Do you also know how to refine pills?"

Tiger Power Immortal said, "The three of us only know how to draw talismans, not how to refine elixirs. It is only because His Majesty is old and has been ill lately that we have collected herbs and studied the principles of alchemy in order to find a good remedy."

Ao Tu nodded and said, "I see. What illness does the king suffer from?"

Tiger Power Immortal said: "When the limbs are weak, the meridians are blocked, and the three energies of wind, cold and dampness combine to cause numbness."

The Great Immortal Lu Li said, "Feeling weak and listless, short of breath, reluctant to speak, sore waist and knees, and sallow complexion are symptoms of general weakness and fatigue."

The Great Immortal Yang Li said: "Coughing with phlegm, chest tightness and shortness of breath, heart failure and exhaustion, and edema of the limbs are symptoms of phlegm retention."

Ao Tu asked, "How old is Your Majesty this year?"

The three men replied, "Seventy-two."

Ao Tu said, "At such an advanced age, it is not surprising that he has such an illness."

Tiger Power Immortal said, "That may be true, but we have long been grateful for the Emperor's favor, and we cannot sit idly by while the Emperor is afflicted with illness."

Ao Tu said, “That is true. I have a sworn brother who knows some alchemy. I often watch him refine pills and have learned a little bit myself, but I have never tried it. If I see the king, please allow me to examine the patient’s condition before making a decision.”

Upon hearing this, the three hurriedly expressed their gratitude, saying, "Thank you, Master."

Until the next day.

All the Taoist priests in the temple bathed and burned incense, tidied up the halls, and prepared for the ceremony.

The Taoist priests lined up on the left and right, playing the sheng and huang, holding up jade tablets, and prostrating themselves to offer sacrifices.

Ao Tu, treading the steps of the Big Dipper, wearing a purple celestial robe, walked at the very front.

Tiger Power Immortal, Deer Power Immortal, and Sheep Power Immortal donned their magical robes and followed behind Ao Tu.

Ao Tu lit incense and offered prayers. There was a jade slip explaining the words of the proclamation. However, as soon as Ao Tu lit the incense, he was already in the Thirty-Three Heavens, in the place of Lihentian.

What lies before me is not the Tushita Palace, but a world of flowers, a sea of ​​blossoms stretching as far as the eye can see.

There was a man ahead, carrying a hoe and a basket on his back. He was an acquaintance of Ao Tu, the Golden Horned Boy.

Jinjiao bowed and said, "Elder brother!"

Ao Tu said, "Brother, I don't know why the Ancestor summoned me here."

Jinjiao said, "Our master said that my elder brother has attracted the sun, moon and stars, alarming all the gods. Soon, a god will descend to the mortal realm to invite my elder brother to take up an official post in heaven. This matter cannot be refused. Rather than taking up an official post elsewhere, it would be better for him to be a manager here. Therefore, we asked you to come and inform him."

Ao Tu looked around and asked, "Where is this place?"

Jinjiao said, "This place was originally one of the medicinal fields that our grandmaster casually opened up to grow some immortal herbs and spiritual plants."

Ao Tu asked, "Then why are there only flowers and herbs here, and no medicinal herbs in sight?"

Jinjiao said, "It's because the Queen Mother of the West loves flowers and planted many spiritual flowers in the Jade Pool. As a favor, she cut off the unruly flowers and plants and sent them here as fertilizer. Who would have thought that over time, without anyone taking care of them, some of the flowers and plants were so tenacious that they grew back after being cut off and gradually became the dominant ones, and now they look like this."

Ao Tu said, "I see."

Jinjiao said, "Originally, I was going to get rid of these flowers and plants, but my master said that it is not easy for these flowers and plants to grow back after being cut off, so he told me to spare them and only pick the original spiritual herbs and give this place to the Queen Mother of the West."

Ao Tu said, "So, I'm here to manage the flowers and plants for the Queen Mother of the West?"

Jinjiao laughed and said, "That's not wrong. But after all, this is Lihentian, in front of our master's gate."

Ao Tu nodded, understanding Jin Jiao's meaning.

Jinjiao said, "This place is vast and covered with many flowers and plants. Please help me find the medicine, elder brother."

Ao Tu agreed.

(End of this chapter)