Journey to the West: Starting with the True Lord of the Pure Land

In that very instant of bowing and greeting.

One aura was majestic and powerful, the other deep and abyss-like; two completely different auras collided silently.

The brilliance of the entire hall dimmed slightly, and the jade cups on the table trembled gently.

All the guests in the room felt a sudden tightness in their chests, as if a thunderclap was brewing in the heavens, about to erupt.

The collision lasted only a moment, like a flash of lightning, before vanishing without a trace.

The room was completely silent, all stunned by this unspoken contest.

After the two accepted the gifts and took their seats.

The invisible pressure suddenly dissipated, and only then did the faint sound of exhalation return to the hall.

Chen Jiao's hand holding the cup was as steady as a rock, but a slight ripple stirred in his heart.

Although the invisible clash of energies just now lasted only a moment, it allowed us to glimpse the whole picture from a small part.

The power of the Bull Demon King's demonic energy was as vast and profound as the earth, far surpassing the cultivation level of his nascent soul form.

He truly deserves to be called a powerful and influential demon clan leader who rules over the Xiniu Hezhou region.

He lowered his eyes to look at the gently rippling liquid in the glass, suppressing a hint of sternness deep within his eyes.

The Bull Demon King picked up the glass cup filled by the maid, his eyes still gleaming.

He had long heard that a Flood Dragon Demon King had emerged in the East Sea, possessing extraordinary supernatural powers. Today, he tested him briefly, and it was indeed true.

This demon's aura is profound and unpredictable, though its cultivation is not as deep as mine.

However, such a refined and pure foundation of water element and a calm and steady state of mind are beyond the reach of ordinary Nascent Soul demon cultivators.

He's a tough nut to crack, and also a fascinating character.

He grinned, his magnanimity naturally radiating, and said in a gruff voice:

"Fellow Daoist Xuanling, please!"

"Please, King of the Cows," Chen Jiao raised his cup in response.

The two drank from a distance, exchanging smiles as the wine went down their throats.

This time, there was no further probing; it was purely a matter of mutual respect between strong individuals.

Upon seeing this, all the guests in the hall breathed a sigh of relief, and the tense atmosphere quietly eased.

The Dragon King of Ten Thousand Saints witnessed this scene and was overjoyed.

With the mighty Bull Demon King of the Western Continent seated on the left, and the unpredictable Flood Dragon Demon King on the right, the two were also seated in a prominent position.

With these two figures attending the banquet, this birthday celebration has been greatly enhanced. Bibo Tan is now beaming with pride, and his status in Xiniu Hezhou is bound to rise in the future.

He seized the opportunity to stand up, and with a gesture of pressing his hands down, the commotion in the hall immediately ceased.

"The auspicious time has arrived!"

The Dragon King of Ten Thousand Saints' voice resounded throughout the hall, his face glowing red as he laughed heartily:

"Thank you all for your presence. My birthday banquet shall now begin!"

His voice was as loud as a bell, echoing throughout the palace.

The turtle minister, who had been waiting nearby, responded by striking the jade chime. The clear sound of the jade chime spread out, and the music suddenly turned into a grand and festive melody.

The maids once again moved among the guests, serving up delicacies, while the dancers' sleeves fluttered and the music began again.

The guests raised their glasses to wish the Dragon King a happy birthday, creating a lively and boisterous atmosphere.

The birthday banquet began, with delicacies laid out and songs and dances performed.

The Bull Demon King was indeed full of heroic spirit. He emptied his cup of wine and chatted and laughed with the demons at the table, his voice as loud as a bell.

He may seem rough and boisterous, but he is actually quite shrewd and quick-witted. With a simple toast, he becomes one of the guests from all directions, making him a focal point of the banquet.

He frequently raised his cup to drink with Chen Jiao, his words witty and charming, displaying both the majesty of a powerful demon king and a refreshing and pleasant demeanor.

Chen Jiao did not refuse, and drank the wine in one gulp, responding calmly.

"Fellow Daoist Xuanling."

The Bull Demon King wiped the wine stains from his beard, his copper bell eyes gleaming brightly. Holding a large bowl, he spoke in a voice as loud as a bell:

"I've heard that you pacified the Weak Water and quelled the turmoil in the East Sea. I admire you greatly! But seeing you today, I realize that your great reputation is well-deserved!"

Come, drink this cup again!

Chen Jiao responded with a cup in hand, his expression calm:

"The title of 'Bull King' is too flattering. The flooding of the Weak Water is a calamity of heaven and earth, and Xuan Ling is merely going with the flow."

"That cannot compare to the Bull King, who reigns supreme over Emerald Cloud Mountain, his might shaking the Western Bull Continent and commanding the submission of all directions; that is the true hero."

His voice was not loud, but every word was clear and carried weight amidst the noise.

Upon hearing this, the Bull Demon King laughed loudly, a glint of light flashing in his eyes, and proclaimed in a clear voice:

"What a wonderful idea to go with the flow! Fellow Daoist, your words are truly insightful! This is how things should be done in this way!"

Old Niu hates those pretentious types the most. Someone like Fellow Daoist Xuanling, who is resourceful and knows when to advance and retreat, is truly rare. He suits Old Niu's temperament!

Chen Jiao glanced at the remaining wine in his cup and said calmly:

"Cultivation is like rowing against the current; if you don't advance, you fall behind. I dare not be arrogant about my meager cultivation."

The Bull Demon King recounted amusing anecdotes about the four demon kings, commenting on the strengths and weaknesses of their various supernatural abilities. His humorous remarks and broad knowledge drew continuous laughter from the audience.

Although Chen Jiao didn't talk much, every time he spoke, he hit the nail on the head, either adding a little-known secret or pointing out the key to supernatural powers, making the Bull Demon King nod repeatedly.

They drank several more rounds.

The Bull Demon King's copper bell-like eyes were already showing signs of intoxication, and he became more talkative.

"Fellow Daoist Xuanling, I, Old Niu, have traveled far and wide and seen many heroes and great men! But someone like you is truly rare!"

He waved his hand and said in a deep voice:

"So young, yet so incredibly talented, and even more remarkable is his magnanimity!"

Upon hearing this, Chen Jiao took a sip of his spirit wine and said, "Xuan Ling merely had a chance encounter; how could he dare compare to the Bull King's extensive experience traversing the four seas?"

Upon hearing this, the Bull Demon King was even more delighted, clearly extremely pleased. He downed another large cup, wiped the wine stains from the corner of his mouth, and said in a gruff voice:

"What experience? Old Niu admires people like you!"

He suddenly leaned forward, the smell of alcohol mixed with a bold and unrestrained air wafting over you, and said earnestly:

"Fellow Daoist Xuanling, it has been a pleasure to have a chat with you today. Although we are meeting for the first time, we have found ourselves to be very compatible."

"Brother, I'm a few years older than you, so I'll take the liberty of calling you 'my worthy brother,' shall I?"

Upon hearing the word "brother," the guests in the hall fell silent for a moment before resuming their noisy chatter.

However, many eyes were secretly cast toward the two chief seats, each with their own thoughts.

The Dragon King stroked his beard and smiled, his eyes filled with even greater joy.

What kind of status does the Bull Demon King have? How many people in the entire world can be called his brother?

Chen Jiao paused slightly in his cup-holding hand, then looked up at the Bull Demon King.

The bull king's face was flushed, but his eyes were open and honest, showing no sign of pretense or deceit.

He hesitated for a moment, then raised his cup and replied, "Brother Niu, your kindness is truly appreciated."

"Excellent! My dear brother! To meet you today is truly a great joy! Let us raise a toast!"

The Bull Demon King drank it all in one gulp, his spirits rising even higher. He then rose from his seat, put his arm around Chen Jiao's shoulder, and said:

"My dear brother! I am truly delighted today! It is a great honor to have met someone like you!"

If you have some free time in the future, you must come and visit my Cuiyun Mountain. Although my Banana Cave cannot compare to the Dragon King's palace, it has a few jars of fine wine. I guarantee you'll have a good time!

Chen Jiao did not refuse, and raised his cup in response, saying:

"Brother Niu's hospitality is truly kind; I, Xuanling, will certainly visit you in the future."

"Alright! Great! It's settled then! Cheers, brother!"

The two wine glasses clinked together again, producing a clear, jade-like sound.

This time, the wine in the glass seemed to have a richer, more mellow flavor than before.

The Bull Demon King found his younger brother increasingly agreeable; he was neither humble nor arrogant, and his words always contained substance.

Even the humble words contain profound meaning, leaving a lingering and unforgettable impression, like drinking fine wine.

Chen Jiao also felt that although the Bull Demon King seemed rough and unrefined, he was actually quite shrewd and a person worth befriending.

For a moment, the air was filled with the aroma of wine, and laughter filled the air.