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

In the Tushita Palace of the Heaven of Separation and Hatred, before the Eight Trigrams Furnace.

Chen Jiao's true form was clear and pure as he calmly observed the Dao Ancestor refining the sword in the furnace, his mind gradually merging with this pure and ethereal Dao realm.

With a single thought, one can leap and move like a fish in a pond.

……

The lower realm, Yunmang Mountain in Dongsheng Shenzhou.

The stone gate of the Xuanqing Cave slowly opened, and the Xuanjiao incarnation stepped out of the room.

After a long period of seclusion, he sorted out his cultivation techniques, tempered his demonic body, and comprehended the essence of the "Mysterious Heaven Sword Qi General Record Water Volume," reaping considerable rewards.

Now that the practice has been completed, it is time to move forward from stillness.

Chen Jiao's crimson-gold eyes flashed with a hidden glint of light as they opened and closed.

A mountain breeze carries the unique fresh scent of grass and trees, and the subtle feeling of water in Yunmang Mountain.

He stood atop the mountain, looking down at the surging sea of ​​clouds and the shimmering Qingchi Lake, his gaze distant.

It was precisely at this moment, when thoughts were wavering and one was about to act but had not yet done so—

A swift black shadow appeared on the mountain path in the blink of an eye.

The patrolling demon general, Night Owl, strode forward and stopped a few feet away, bowing respectfully to report:

"I hereby report to Your Majesty!"

A visitor arrived from the foot of the mountain, claiming to be a maidservant named Jiangzhu under the command of Ao Ying, the Dragon Maiden of the Flowing Cloud Sea, and requesting an audience with a visiting card.

Upon hearing this, Chen Jiao's eyes flickered slightly.

His expression remained unchanged; he simply said, "Please come to the stone platform outside Xuanqing Cave for tea."

"yes!"

Night Owl accepted the order, turned into a black shadow, and went down the mountain to deliver the message.

The wisteria had already prepared a stone table and jade cups, and a pot of freshly picked cloud and mist tea was steaming with a delicate fragrance.

After a short while, the clouds below the mountain began to disperse.

Jiangzhu wore a light blue silk dress, which rippled like waves as she walked, surrounded by water elements.

Guided by the patrolling demons, they rode on water and clouds toward the Xuanqing Cave.

The mountain path was clean and tidy, the trees were lush and verdant, and the scenery was full of vitality.

Although the demon soldiers coming and going had different appearances, they were all solemn and orderly, without the chaotic and violent atmosphere of ordinary demon mountains, which made me secretly marvel.

Despite his fearsome reputation, this Jiao Demon King was quite meticulous in managing mountains and rivers.

Upon arriving at the Xuanqing Cave, she saw a figure in black robes standing with his hands behind his back on the cliff edge, gazing at the sea of ​​clouds.

The mountain breeze fluttered his clothes, his figure was upright, and he had an air of profound composure that commanded respect.

Jiangzhu composed herself, stepped forward, and gave a graceful bow, her voice clear and melodious:

"Jiangzhu, a female official under Prince Ao Ying of the Liuyun Sea, has come to pay her respects to the Demon Lord Xuanling of Yunmang Mountain on His Highness's orders."

She lowered her eyelids, her posture respectful.

The figure in black stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the distant mountains and flowing clouds, and simply said:

"Thank you for coming from afar, Your Highness Ao Ying. May I ask what brings you here?"

His voice was calm, yet carried a composure born of someone who had long held a high position.

However, this short sentence, when it reached Jiangzhu's ears, made her heart skip a beat for no reason.

This voice... why does it feel so familiar?

The feeling was like smoke and mist, difficult to grasp at a moment.

She frowned slightly, pondering to herself.

Liu Yunhai had extensive connections, and perhaps he had heard the voice of this demon lord at some banquet.

Just as her thoughts were wandering, the figure in black turned around.

His pair of deep, golden eyes were as dark as an ancient, cold well.

However, the moment Jiangzhu saw this face clearly...

Her delicate body trembled violently, her lips parted slightly, and her beautiful eyes widened instantly, almost letting out a soft cry.

"It's...it's you!"

His voice trembled slightly, completely lacking the composure he had displayed moments before.

She could see it clearly.

The black-clad demon cultivator before them, with his profound aura and restrained majesty, was none other than the dragon that had broken through to the Foundation Establishment stage decades ago at the edge of the Flowing Cloud Sea!

When the Dragon Princess noticed the commotion, she sent her to recruit her and bring her into the palace.

However, the other party politely declined, citing that his cultivation level was not yet stable and he dared not be distracted.

Although the Dragon Girl felt it was a pity afterwards, she did not insist and regarded it as a minor episode.

At that time, his aura had just stabilized, and his sharpness was restrained, unlike now, when he was as profound as the sea, and his presence commanded respect from the entire Yunmang Mountain.

How many years has it been?

Back then, it was a small dragon that needed to hide behind water veins and carefully build its foundation.

Now he is the master of a region's mountains, rivers, lakes, and marshes, and the name of the Flood Dragon Demon King has spread far and wide, even attracting the attention of his own prince.

The changes that have occurred are simply too astonishing!

She felt a chill run down her spine, mixed with a complex mix of emotions that were hard to describe.

Chen Jiao took in all the changes in Jiangzhu's expression.

As if he had expected this, he said calmly:

"Several years have passed since we last met. I hope Miss Jiangzhu is well."

Upon hearing the sound, Jiangzhu suddenly came to her senses and realized that she had lost her composure.

She barely managed to suppress the turmoil in her heart, took a deep breath, and curtsied again, her posture more than ten times more respectful than before, as she cautiously said:

"So...it turns out to be an old friend."

"My eyesight is poor; I failed to recognize the Demon Lord at first glance. Please forgive me, Demon Lord."

Chen Jiao gave a noncommittal "hmm".

Jiangzhu steadied herself and tried to make her voice steady again:

"Reporting to the Demon Lord, recently there have been unusual undercurrents and disordered spiritual energy deep within my Flowing Cloud Sea, which may lead to unforeseen events."

His Highness is concerned about the peace of the seas and wishes to bestow upon the palace treasures a grand banquet in three days at the Flowing Cloud Water Palace to discuss countermeasures.

Your Highness has long admired the Cave Master's illustrious reputation and extraordinary abilities, therefore you have specially sent this servant to deliver this invitation, earnestly requesting the Cave Master to grace you with his presence.

She presented a shimmering invitation made of colorful seashells with both hands, her tone sincere.

Chen Jiao glanced at the exquisite invitation but did not immediately accept it.

A gentle breeze swept through the mountains, stirring up a few fallen leaves and emphasizing the stillness of the moment.

Jiangzhu held her breath and waited quietly.

"Put the invitation down."

"Return and inform Your Highness that I am aware of the matter and will be keeping my appointment soon."

Upon hearing this, Jiangzhu felt as if she had been granted a pardon. She quickly and respectfully placed the invitation on the stone platform to the side and bowed again.

"Yes, this servant will certainly convey the Demon Lord's words."

"This servant will take her leave."

Having said that, he almost fled, transforming into a streak of water and hastily departing.

Jiangzhu departed, and the mountaintop returned to silence.

Chen Jiao's eyes were calm, his black robes fluttering in the wind.

He put away the invitation and turned to enter the Xuanqing Cave.

Inside the cave, the spring water murmurs gently, and the atmosphere is warm and harmonious, even more so than it was three years ago.

After a long period of seclusion, my mind and spirit are completely still.

Now that the dust has settled, a vibrant life force quietly stirs within me, like spring soil thawing and plants sprouting, needing a gentle spring rain to soothe and cleanse them.

Inside the room, three people were already waiting quietly.

Upon seeing Chen Jiao enter, they all gracefully rose to greet him.

The three women possessed distinct personalities: one was aloof, the other alluring, and the other shy, adding a touch of life to the cave.

Then, the pearl shone brightly, and a subtle fragrance filled the room.

But the cloud-like bed curtains hung down without wind, obscuring the view.

After an unknown amount of time, the clouds dispersed and the rain stopped.

The room was filled with the warm fragrance of jade and a sense of languid, contented tranquility.

The three women had already fallen into a deep sleep.

Chen Jiao put on his clothes, got up, walked to the window, and looked at the gradually darkening night outside the cave. His gaze had returned to its usual clarity and depth.

The recent rain, like a cleansing rain, washed away the stagnation and depression that had accumulated during his seclusion, making his mind and spirit clearer and more transparent.

His trip to the East China Sea and Liuyun Sea area suited his restless mind, which was yearning for more activity.

Furthermore, this trip can also be used to eliminate the blue scales that have fled to the East Sea.

Cutting the weeds and eliminating the roots is the right way.