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

For a moment, the atmosphere in the hall became tense.

Master Yu Jin, dressed in a plain robe, stood in the center of the hall with a smile, holding a jade-handled whisk in his hand. His gentle gaze swept over the crowd, yet it inexplicably sent chills down their spines.

The ministers were all alarmed, not expecting the Imperial Preceptor to dare to barge into the palace without prior notice.

In the dead silence, an old minister with gray hair and beard stole a glance at the young king on the throne, who looked ashen-faced and uneasy.

He then forced himself to calm down and spoke first:

"The Imperial Advisor has arrived! Why was there no announcement? His Majesty and we were discussing important matters..."

However, under the watchful gaze of Master Yu Jin, who seemed to be both smiling and not smiling, his voice gradually lowered, and he ultimately failed to finish his sentence.

Seeing this, another senior official felt that the time to express his loyalty had come, and also seemed to harbor resentment for a long time. He immediately stepped forward, and said in a stern voice:

"Is this the conduct of a subject befitting the Imperial Preceptor? Does it betray His Majesty's trust and favor?"

Having said that, he turned and bowed deeply to the throne, displaying unwavering loyalty.

A hint of smugness flashed across the young king's face, but he quickly concealed it, waving his hand magnanimously and saying:

"The Imperial Preceptor is a veteran of two dynasties and has made great contributions to the country. There is no need to worry about such minor matters."

Several ministers hurriedly echoed, "Your Majesty is wise and benevolent; truly a blessing to the nation!"

Master Yu Jin watched with a smile, and only after their exchange of words between ruler and subject had temporarily ceased did he leisurely say:

"In the past, the late king was wicked and did not cultivate virtuous governance. I, a humble Taoist, followed the will of Heaven and responded to the wishes of the people, abolishing the corrupt and establishing the wise, and helping Your Majesty ascend the throne."

"Your Majesty is of advanced age, and the Empress Dowager has personally granted me the power to assist in governing, to oversee all state affairs, to ensure the safety of the ancestral temples, and to stabilize the nation."

His gaze slowly swept over the old ministers whose faces were gradually turning pale.

"Have you all forgotten all of these things, each and every one of them?"

Upon hearing this, all the officials in the hall were stunned.

In the past, the Empress Dowager personally authorized him to take charge of the government, giving him the power to instruct the emperor and correct his mistakes. This is a well-known fact.

With this authority, not only is it permissible to enter the palace without prior notice, but it is also reasonable and permissible to give instructions and guidance to His Majesty.

In the past, the Imperial Preceptor was so authoritative that he never gave such instructions, and they had almost forgotten about it.

When pointed out to his face, he was speechless.

The ministers looked grim, speechless for a moment, unable to utter a single word in their rebuttal.

The young king also looked grim, feeling a surge of anger rising within him, yet unable to vent it.

Master Yu Jin, however, seemed oblivious, turning his gaze to him and saying with a smile:

"Does Your Majesty still remember, when you first ascended the throne, you tugged at my sleeve in the Imperial Garden, looking up at me earnestly?"

He said, "The Imperial Preceptor has been a great benefactor to me, and I am willing to treat him with the respect due to a teacher."

At that time, His Majesty was young, and his feelings were sincere and deep. Whenever I think of it, I still feel…”

"That's enough!"

The young king interrupted sharply, his face already ashen, his chest heaving slightly.

How could the lion-like monster, in its transformed form, know of these long-standing trivial matters?

He felt utterly humiliated by the carp spirit's public exposure of his shortcomings, and his heart was filled with shame and anger, almost unable to suppress his demonic nature.

He took a deep breath, barely suppressing his surging anger, and said coldly:

"These are matters from long ago, which I can no longer recall clearly. What brings the Imperial Advisor here today?"

He stared intently at Master Yujin, his eyes filled with a chilling coldness that he made no attempt to conceal.

The atmosphere in the hall suddenly plummeted to freezing point. Several ministers fell silent, heads bowed and shoulders hunched, wishing they could disappear immediately.

But then Master Yujin said leisurely:

"I have heard that His Majesty intends to issue an edict to abolish all trade relations with Qingchi Ridge?"

His voice remained calm, but his gaze was already fixed on the still-wet imperial edict, the whisk's whisk swaying slightly without any wind.

The ministers in the hall felt a jolt in their hearts, exchanged glances, and all looked horrified.

This matter was just discussed in secret, the ink is still fresh, how did the Imperial Advisor already know about it? And how did it happen so coincidentally?

On the throne, the young king's pupils suddenly contracted, then returned to normal, and he asked hesitantly:

"Oh? The Imperial Advisor's information network is indeed impressive. I do indeed have this intention. To associate with those mountain demons..."

He paused, then changed his words, saying, "Too many concessions in trade with uncivilized lands will not benefit the country in the long run."

As the ruler of the country, I should naturally consider the long-term interests of the nation.

"Your Majesty's concern for the nation is the mark of a wise ruler."

Master Yu Jin nodded slightly, as if in approval, before changing the subject.

"However, in the past few decades, Aolai Kingdom has not lacked salt and iron, its spiritual grains have been plentiful, border troubles have gradually subsided, and people's livelihoods have gradually improved. Could this not be due to the trade with Qingchi Ridge?"

Your Majesty wishes to abolish this measure; have you considered the gains and losses over the years? Have you also considered how the master of Qingchi Ridge would feel upon hearing this news?

Upon hearing this, the ministers were already drenched in sweat, their heads hanging even lower, inwardly groaning in despair.

The young king's face had turned completely gloomy, and his hand clenched quietly in his sleeve.

He stared at Master Yujin and slowly said:

"Is the Imperial Advisor instructing me on how to govern the country, or is he using the Flood Dragon Demon King to intimidate me?"

Upon hearing this, Master Yu Jin's smile remained unchanged. He simply draped his whisk lightly over his arm and said leisurely:

"How dare I instruct Your Majesty on how to govern the country? Nor would I presume to use my power to oppress you."

However, since Your Majesty has spoken of "considering the long-term interests of the nation," I, as the humble Imperial Preceptor entrusted by the Empress Dowager, should naturally analyze the advantages and disadvantages for Your Majesty, in order to fulfill my duty as your advisor.

He took two steps, his gaze sweeping over everyone in the hall, and said slowly:

"I still remember that since we started trading with Qingchi Ridge, it has been eight years and seven months."

Salt and iron were plentiful in the country, the border defenses were gradually calmed, the Linggu Valley had bountiful harvests year after year, and people's livelihoods were also becoming more comfortable.

Last year, a demonic tide from the East China Sea spied on the border. Qingchi Ridge dispatched three groups of demon soldiers to assist in the defense, and the border people suffered no damage to a single blade of grass or tree.

How can all these things be attributed to the opportune timing, without any contribution to opening ports for trade?

Your Majesty's decision to abolish this system is, of course, a decision made unilaterally by the Emperor. However, has Your Majesty ordered the relevant officials to thoroughly examine the accounts of tax increases and decreases over the years, as well as the gains and losses to the people's livelihood?

Have you considered where military supplies will be replenished should the border situation change? And there's another point…

With each word he spoke, the heads of the ministers in the hall lowered further, cold sweat pouring down their backs.

They were naturally aware of these matters, but they had been intimidated by His Majesty's absolute authority and dared not investigate further.

At this moment, the Grand Preceptor spoke eloquently, each word like a hammer blow, striking my heart.

"The lord of Qingchi Ridge..."

Master Yu Jin finally turned his gaze back to the throne, his smile fading slightly, and said calmly:

"His Taoist practice is profound, his supernatural powers are vast, and his reputation is well-established. He is not someone to be trifled with."

His demon soldiers were well-trained, did not disturb the people, did not plunder land, and their trade was always genuine.

On the shores of the East China Sea, for thousands of miles around, all aquatic creatures and demons bow their heads in submission.

Your Majesty, if this decree is issued, not only will the prices of salt, iron, and precious grains in the country immediately skyrocket, and the defense of the border towns suddenly become strained, but more importantly...

The dragon king was displeased. What if the East Sea surged and the border towns were in turmoil?

He did not raise his voice, yet every question stirred up a silent commotion in the hall.

The ministers dared not raise their heads, only feeling that their backs were completely soaked.

The young king sat upright on his throne, staring at Master Yu Jin for a long time before coldly saying:

"The Imperial Preceptor spoke at length, always mentioning the benefits of Qingchi Ridge, and his words were always about the power of that dragon spirit."

"I have a question to ask—" He leaned forward slightly, his gaze sharp as a knife.

"Is the Imperial Advisor truly the Imperial Advisor of Aolai Kingdom, or merely an envoy under the command of the Flood Dragon Demon King of Qingchi Ridge?"

This statement is a scathing critique, directly accusing Jade Brocade Immortal of colluding with foreign powers.

The ministers were horrified and nearly fell to the ground.

Master Yu Jin seemed not to hear, his smile unchanged. He lightly flicked his whisk and sighed:

"Your Majesty's words have truly chilled my heart."

Since being entrusted by the Empress Dowager, I have worked tirelessly day and night, and in my actions, thoughts, words and plans, I have never dared to forget the fate of the nation.

How could I have ever dared to betray the people? My only wish is for a long and prosperous reign, and for peace and tranquility throughout the land.

Upon hearing this, the young king suddenly chuckled softly.

He then stopped concealing his intentions, looked directly at Master Yu Jin, and said bluntly:

"I'm afraid that's not entirely true. The Imperial Preceptor is well-informed; how could he not know?"

Recently, a children's rhyme has been circulating in the capital, and there have been some rather disrespectful discussions among the people.

Upon hearing this, Master Yu Jin raised an eyebrow and asked in surprise:

"Oh? Is that so? I have been living in seclusion lately, quietly studying the Dao, and have not heard of it."

"What kind of nursery rhyme could have reached His Majesty's ears?"

He spoke sincerely, as if he truly knew nothing.

The ministers below the steps lowered their heads even further, all thinking to themselves:

The Imperial Advisor has eyes and ears everywhere in the court and the countryside; how could he not know? This statement is clearly a pretense.

The young king's gaze turned slightly cold as he recited each word clearly:

The nursery rhyme goes like this: "Old carp, wearing a crown, sitting in the hall, swallowing gold foil. Spitting out silver horns, pressing down on a red ribbon, truly a demon among carp."

"Foolish commoners have made wild guesses and fabricated strange tales, tarnishing the reputation of the Imperial Preceptor. I have already ordered them to be banned. However... nursery rhymes have no feet, yet they travel the world, which is rather annoying."

Upon hearing this, Master Yu Jin's smile remained unchanged; instead, he shook his head and sighed softly:

"Strange tales and absurd theories are never lacking in the streets and alleys."

Some say I am an old ape who attained enlightenment in the mountains, others say I am a spirit of an ancient tree, and today I have become a water monster…

If I were to spend my days entangled in such absurd talk, busy refuting doubts and making clarifications, I would only be neglecting my serious duties of assisting the government and ensuring the well-being of the people.

A fierce glint flashed in the young king's eyes as he secretly resented the carp spirit for being so slippery and cunning.

Just as he was about to use words to pressure him further.

But then Master Yu Jin's expression suddenly turned serious, his gentle smile vanished, and his eyes turned cold.

He flicked his whisk, ceasing all pretense, and declared loudly:

"What a monstrous talent! Usurping the throne!" How dare those in power use their clever words and deceitful rhetoric to mislead the public?

Do you really think no one will discover your whereabouts?

These words were like a thunderbolt from the blue.

The ministers were immediately struck by the absurdity of the situation. They first looked at the Grand Preceptor, then at the Emperor on the throne with a mixture of surprise and uncertainty, feeling a chill run from the soles of their feet to the top of their heads.

Upon hearing this stern rebuke, the young king, seated on his throne, remained neither alarmed nor angry; instead, he chuckled softly.

The laughter initially sounded clear and melodious like that of a young boy, but it quickly became strange and deep.

"Fine, fine. I haven't even broken ties with you yet, and you little carp spirit are already courting death."

Before he finished speaking, an invisible gust of demonic wind swept out from his sleeve, passing over several ministers inside the hall and the guards outside the door.

The wind did not harm their bones, but it penetrated their very souls. Before they could even utter a sound, they collapsed to the ground, unconscious.

As the demonic wind passed, only Master Yujin and the little king remained, facing each other from afar.

When Master Yu Jin saw the other party use his supernatural powers to knock down everyone, he showed no fear whatsoever.

He was calm and composed, his gaze sharp as lightning, as if trying to pierce through the facade of a ruler and see the true nature beneath, and said:

When Master Yu Jin saw the other party use his supernatural powers to knock down everyone, he showed no fear whatsoever.

He was calm and composed, his gaze sharp as lightning, as if trying to pierce through the facade of a ruler and see the true nature beneath, and said:

"Well done. You demon, hiding your true form, changing rulers, and disrupting the court—what exactly are you trying to achieve?"

"The throne of the mortal realm belongs only to the virtuous and wise. I find the atmosphere of Aolai Kingdom quite acceptable, so why not take a seat here?"

Upon hearing this, the young king's gaze swept over Master Yu Jin, revealing a hint of appreciation, and he added:

"I see that you, carp spirit, have some skills in governing the country. Why don't you abandon your old master and submit to my command, and continue to manage state affairs?"

Once I have pacified the land and accomplished great deeds, you will surely benefit from it.

"Wouldn't it be better for you to be a power-hungry minister with no legitimate authority, living in constant fear and anxiety?"

The dim light inside the hall fell on him, blurring and distorting his outline. In the shadows, it seemed as if a ferocious beast was lurking, ready to pounce.

"Oh?"

Upon hearing this, Master Yu Jin suddenly broke into a smile, but the smile was no longer gentle; instead, it carried a cold mockery.

"To try and poach my men right in front of me... your behavior is far too rude."

The little king's expression suddenly changed!

All that could be seen was the flow of pure energy around Master Yu Jin, and the handsome face that belonged to Yu Jin faded away like ripples on water.

Amidst the pure aura, a pair of cold and indifferent crimson-gold vertical pupils appeared and disappeared, and its figure solidified amidst the shifting light and shadow.

The next moment, the pure energy dissipated.

A tall, aloof man with black hair and a straight posture stood with his hands behind his back in the hall, taking the place of Master Yujin.

A pair of deep red-gold vertical pupils were calmly looking over, and wherever their gaze fell, one felt a chilling coldness.

It was none other than the Flood Dragon Demon King, Xuan Ling.

"you……"

The young king's pupils constricted sharply, and his composure vanished, replaced by undisguised astonishment.

He was confident in his mastery of transformation techniques, his aura concealed flawlessly, making him extremely difficult to detect.

Unexpectedly, today, in the court of this small country on the coast of the East China Sea, I have been deceived! It is truly a case of "hunting geese all year round, only to have one's eyes pecked by the goose."

"The Flood Dragon...the Flood Dragon Demon King?"

The lion-like monster's throat was dry, and its voice was filled with disbelief and astonishment.

The overwhelming ferocity and profound aura before them were far beyond what ordinary demon kings could match.

A clear light flowed in Xuan Ling's palm, and an ancient and heavy halberd materialized out of thin air.

The halberd was dark and gloomy, with hidden cloud patterns and lightning marks. The cold light at the edge was concealed, but it exuded a chilling and murderous aura, causing the temperature in the hall to drop sharply.

He gripped the halberd in one hand, its tip pointing diagonally at the ground. His crimson-gold vertical pupils locked indifferently onto the young king on the throne, and he coldly said:

"What a reckless and ignorant freak! He does possess some magical abilities."

The flickering candlelight inside the hall made Xuan Ling's figure appear even taller.

The lion-like monster's expression changed again, as it felt an overwhelming pressure descend upon it.

It was shocked; the Demon King's cultivation had actually reached this level!

Having received guidance from the Bodhisattva and made great progress in his cultivation, he now felt somewhat suffocated in the face of such a pure and domineering aura of a demon king.

A warning screamed in its heart, and it instinctively tried to use its supernatural powers to escape, only to find that its energy was trapped in a quagmire.

The sharp killing intent emanating from the halberd tip made the lion-like monster's skin ache slightly.

The lion-like monster had no choice but to suppress its horror and, with a fierce but weak expression, roared:

"Demon King Jiao! What do you intend to do? I advise you not to meddle in other people's business!"