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

Deep within the Crystal Palace, in the guests' quarters.

The pearls shone brightly, reflecting the tranquility of the quiet room.

Aside from the occasional reports from the patrolling sea demons or small banquets hosted by the Dragon Princess Ao Ying, the palace was always filled with such occasions.

Most of the time, everyone practiced their own quiet cultivation in the side halls and quiet rooms.

Master Xuangu and Master Liyang were initially deeply wary of Chen Jiao, especially after witnessing his swift and decisive suppression of Jin Yu, which instilled even greater awe in them.

If we happen to meet in the palace gardens, we usually greet each other with a bow from afar and then quickly avoid each other, not daring to say much.

However, those who practice spiritual cultivation will inevitably have exchanges over time.

Over the course of a few days, thanks to the small tea party hosted by Ao Ying, the group had a brief chat.

In the beginning, when discussing common difficulties in cultivation, Chen Jiao didn't say much, often just a few words, but he always got straight to the point and his insights were profound, which was incomparable to ordinary Golden Core cultivators.

Master Xuan Gu cultivates the Xuan Yin path, while True Man Li Yang follows the Pure Yang Fire method. They seem quite different from Chen Jiao's Thunder and Water path, but the great path is simple, and different paths lead to the same destination.

Chen Jiao's words, though brief, always hit the nail on the head, dispelling confusion. His profound and insightful views secretly alarmed Xuan Gu and Li Yang.

After several encounters, the two discovered that this infamous Flood Dragon King was not entirely ruthless.

He truly possesses unique attainments in Taoist practices, and his speech is devoid of arrogance; on the contrary, it exudes a serene tranquility, as if all worldly desires have been washed away.

Although they still dared not get close, the thick barrier and fear had unknowingly melted away a bit, and instead a little respect arose.

This change naturally caught the attention of Ao Ying and Princess Wansheng, who were observing from the shadows.

How strange.

Princess Wansheng leaned against the coral window, toying with a bright pearl, and whispered to Ao Ying:

"Sister, this Fellow Daoist Xuanling has been quite quiet these past few days, even discussing Dao with Xuan Gu and Li Yang."

At first, I saw these two men as if they saw a snake or a scorpion, but now they seem much more at peace.

Ao Ying's gaze shifted, looking towards Chen Jiao's figure sitting quietly in the waterside pavilion in the distance, a slight smile curving her lips:

"Perhaps, this is his true nature."

Decisiveness in killing is one aspect of him, as is quiet contemplation and enlightenment. Previously, we had underestimated his abilities.

As for that Azure Dragon Taoist, since the banquet that day, he has kept to himself and lived in a secluded side hall arranged by Ao Ying, staying inside all day.

He only told outsiders that he needed to calmly cultivate his secret techniques in preparation for his trip to the Blackwater Abyss.

They appeared to be doing their best and fulfilling their responsibilities, making it impossible for anyone to find fault with them.

On this day, Chen Jiao was looking out the window at the sea from his residence, quietly observing the changes in the water's flow.

A soft knocking sound came from outside the door.

Upon opening the door, one saw Master Xuangu standing outside, his handsome face bearing a genuine smile, unlike his usual aloof demeanor. He cupped his hands and said:

"Fellow Daoist Xuanling, I apologize for disturbing you."

Chen Jiao looked up at him, his expression indifferent:

"Fellow Daoist Xuan Gu, is there something you need?"

Master Xuangu laughed:

"There is indeed one thing."

Thousands of miles away, there is a Dragon Whale Market run by the Dragon Whale Clan, which only opens once every few years.

Among them were many rare treasures and ancient fragments.

It just so happens that the market is open these days. I wonder if you would be interested in going to take a look together?

Perhaps we can find some useful items, which will help us prepare for exploring the Blackwater Abyss.

His words were sincere, showing no trace of his previous aloofness; on the contrary, it seemed as if he genuinely invited like-minded people to join him.

Unlike disciples of prestigious sects who receive gifts from their masters, independent cultivators rely more on their own travels, searching and trading to accumulate cultivation resources.

Visiting a place and exploring its markets has become a habit.

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

He had heard of Dragon Whale Market, a well-known underwater trading place in the East China Sea.

The market has strict rules, but it's a good place to gather information and seek opportunities.

Although he is not lacking in ordinary treasures, the market town is a place where all sorts of people mingle and information is readily available, so he might be able to find out some information about the Blackwater Abyss.

After a moment's hesitation, he stood up and said:

"Very well, then I'll accompany you on your tour."

Xuan Gu's smile deepened: "Fellow Daoist, you're so generous! Please!"

The two immediately left the Crystal Palace, mounted their escape light, and traveled on water towards the renowned Dragon Whale Market at the edge of the sea.

The underwater scenery was strange and the light and shadow were dazzling, but the two of them were not ordinary people. They remained silent throughout the journey, each with their own thoughts.

……

The two moved with incredible speed, arriving at their destination in less than half an hour.

From afar, one can see a colossal whale skeleton, as majestic as a mountain, lying silently on the seabed plain.

The skeleton, as white as jade, stretches for dozens of miles. It is a strange market built on the remains of an ancient dragon whale, which is the Dragon Whale Market.

Countless glowing coral dwellings stood side by side, and crisscrossing rivers of lights made of luminous pearls illuminated the seabed as bright as day.

Beneath the archway, several demon cultivators, dressed in uniform leather armor and exuding a powerful aura, stood guard.

Judging from their appearance and aura, they all have obvious characteristics of the dragon whale clan, with faint scale patterns on their foreheads and a robust physique.

The place was bustling with cultivators and aquatic creatures, their voices of bargaining and the buzzing of treasures mingling with the deep sound of the ocean currents.

Chen Jiao's original intention on this trip was to find some pure water-attribute spiritual objects to use for setting up formations when exploring the Blackwater Abyss.

His gaze swept across the stalls, and his divine sense stirred slightly as he searched for water-attribute spiritual items such as Cold Water Essence and Profound Jade Marrow.

However, along the way, we passed several large stalls and sizable shops.

Although there were quite a few aquatic materials on display, most of them were common items with shallow age or many impurities, and were not worthy of my attention.

Master Xuan Gu also sensed something amiss, let out a soft exclamation, and whispered:

"Strange, this Dragon Whale Market is renowned, it shouldn't be like this in the past... it should be barren."

Why is it that all the slightly better water-based spiritual materials seem to have been looted?

Chen Jiao noticed that the stall owners or their employees often had a glint in their eyes when talking about top-grade water-based spiritual materials.

They might directly state that the goods were already sold out, or claim that the supply was tight recently.

Even worse, some people simply remain silent, keeping quiet about it like it's a deep secret.

Chen Jiao spoke calmly, his voice utterly unwavering:

"Someone bought up the goods in advance and monopolized the supply."

Upon hearing this, the handsome Xuan Gu Shangren's face turned solemn:

"Fellow Daoist, are you referring to the Dragon Whale Clan?"

He lowered his voice:

"That's right. Although the Dragon Princess is now guarding the Flowing Cloud Sea, the Dragon Whale Clan, who have lived here for generations, still have the deepest foundation."

In particular, General Whale Roar, who held great power and whose clan's influence was deeply entrenched.

If they intended to control market resources, it wouldn't be difficult for them.

Master Xuangu sighed after speaking, somewhat helplessly.

For independent cultivators seeking treasures, the most annoying and detestable thing is the monopoly of local tyrants.

Such sordid practices at the market, over time, often ruin the reputation of the forces behind them and lead to their abandonment by the public.

After passing through the bustling streets of the outer city, Master Xuangu led Chen Jiao to a relatively quiet corner.

Before me stands a simple, three-story pavilion, entirely constructed of deep blue jade. Several strings of calming bells hang from the eaves, swaying gently with the water's ripples and emitting a soothing, tranquil sound.

Above the pavilion's entrance hangs a black jade plaque with three large, elegant characters: Whale Cloud Pavilion.

Compared to the bustling atmosphere of the other stalls, this place seemed unusually quiet, with only a few customers in front of it.

"Fellow Daoist, this Whale Cloud Pavilion is quite interesting."

Master Xuangu introduced in a low voice:

"This Whale Cloud Pavilion was established by Whale Cloud, an elder of the Dragon Whale Clan."

Jingyun is the younger brother of General Jing, and his cultivation level is also at the early stage of Golden Core.

It's just that I don't know why he doesn't concern himself much with clan affairs, preferring to stay here and quietly cultivate himself.

Just then, a person walked out of the pavilion.