Journey to the West: Demon Emperor: Beginning as a Little Toad

Chapter 518 The Jade Pool and the Golden Mother's Palace

Yaochi is a renowned sacred place of immortals throughout the Three Realms.

Xiao Chen had already visited Yaochi and experienced its extraordinary scenery.

However, Wan Sheng Long Nu has not been there yet.

After thirty-three days.

Xiao Chen led Wan Shenglongnu leisurely towards Yaochi, taking the opportunity to enjoy the scenery near Qunyu Mountain along the way.

Along the way, a gentle breeze carried wisps of ethereal energy.

Xiao Chen and Wan Shenglongnu strolled along, taking in the beautiful scenery near Qunyu Mountain.

This time.

Emperor Donghua instigated a "war against the heavens." Although the flames of war spread throughout the celestial realm, wherever they went, immortal mountains collapsed, immortal palaces were shattered, and everything was left in ruins.

However, it did not affect the Jade Pool Wonderland.

At this moment, Yaochi remains a scene of tranquility and peace. Amidst the swirling celestial mist, jade palaces and pavilions appear and disappear, as ethereal and illusory as a mirage.

However, compared to its former tranquility, Yaochi is now more lively and bustling.

Many female immortals, dressed in colorful robes, moved gracefully towards the Jade Pool to pay their respects to the Queen Mother of the West...

After all, the Queen Mother is the head of all the female immortals in Heaven, and they are actually directly under her command and management.

Or some deities, carrying rare and precious treasures, with fawning and obsequious smiles on their faces, hurried over to offer them as a token of their loyalty...

There were also some fairies who pounded medicine; they were dressed in plain clothes, carrying medicine-pounding tools, hurrying to the Jade Pool to take their duties...

In the peach orchard, there was a group of strongmen who hoeed trees, carried water, pruned peaches, and cleaned...

They had a clear division of labor: the tree-hoeing men wielded their hoes, carefully removing the weeds; the water-carrying men carried buckets of water to water and fertilize the peach trees...

The pruning assistant, holding shears, carefully trimmed the branches and leaves, while the sweeping assistant, holding a broom, swept up the fallen leaves in the garden...

These powerful warriors naturally also exist in the Queen Mother's herb garden.

How can we succeed?

Xiao Chen pondered to himself that Yaochi was a very important place in the Heavenly Court, and it was under the watchful eye of the Queen Mother of the West, so it was heavily guarded.

If anyone tries to steal the immortal herb here, a forceful approach would be suicidal and would only invite a fierce crackdown from the Heavenly Court. In that case, not only would they fail to steal the herb, but they would also be plunged into an abyss of no return.

Therefore, the only way to steal grass is through subtle means, requiring clever planning to achieve the goal without anyone noticing.

Fortunately, they possessed the magical artifact known as the "Mirage Mask," which had the amazing ability to change appearances and identities.

With the "Ancestral Dragon Pearl" added to the mix, if used properly, he and the Dragon Girl of Ten Thousand Saints could instantly change their appearance and aura, moving around in the Jade Pool in a completely new form.

In this way, they could get closer to the Queen Mother's medicinal garden, creating favorable conditions for stealing the herbs.

Various possible identities kept flashing through Xiao Chen's mind:

"The Medicine-Pounding Fairy, the Gathering Fairy Official, the Water-Carrying Warrior, the Cleaning Warrior..."

These identities might allow them to blend into the daily affairs of Yaochi and get close to the herb garden without arousing suspicion from others.

And then there were the "celestial officials who brewed wine, the strongmen who prepared the lees, the Taoist priests who carried water, and the boys who tended the fire..."

Each identity has unique responsibilities and scope of activities. If used cleverly, one can find an opportunity to steal herbs in this Jade Pool.

Even the menial laborers who "wash jars and scrub pots," though seemingly lowly, could move freely in inconspicuous places, facilitating their actions.

……

Looking from afar.

The Jade Pool Palace stands majestically atop the Jade Mountain.

The summit of Qunyu Mountain is surrounded by snow all year round, but the Yaochi area is like spring all year round.

The Golden Court and Jade Palace stretch endlessly, like a giant dragon winding and coiling, majestic and magnificent, vast and boundless in scale. As far as the eye can see, it is difficult to fathom how many tens of thousands of miles it extends.

The water of Yaochi is clear and pure, without any impurities. It is like a warm and lustrous natural jade, nestled quietly among the green mountains and ridges, complementing the surrounding green hills and waters.

A gentle breeze stirred the surface of the Jade Pool, creating shimmering ripples that resembled countless tiny silver scales leaping and sparkling.

at the same time.

Wisps of gentle, ethereal mist rose slowly from the water's surface, like smoke or fog, adding a touch of mystical mystery to this Jade Pool.

On the shores of Yaochi, all kinds of exotic flowers and rare herbs bloom in competition, and the sacred trees and fairy flowers are evergreen and fragrant all year round.

One row to the east, one row to the west, the magnificent palaces and pavilions stand tall, with carved beams and painted rafters, flying eaves and upturned corners, showing the grandeur of immortals.

To the south and north, magnificent pavilions and towers are arranged neatly and in a pleasing, staggered pattern. Each building is exquisitely beautiful, so beautiful that it takes your breath away.

Beneath the Gathering Immortals Pavilion, wisps of purple mist rise, dreamlike and ethereal, like a newly unfolded fairyland painting. Above the Cloud Light Palace, golden rays of light cascade down like a waterfall, illuminating the entire palace in a magnificent and dazzling display—truly a celestial palace in the heavens.

"My father's Wansheng Dragon Palace, though its roof tiles are made of gold and its door hinges are made of white jade, can be described as a vermilion palace with countless treasures."

The Dragon Princess gazed upon this fairyland of the Jade Pool and exclaimed in admiration:

"However, compared to this fairyland, it is like a country bumpkin, vulgar and unbearable."

Xiao Chen smiled upon hearing this.

If we compare the Dragon King of Ten Thousand Saints to a wealthy countryman, then the Queen Mother of the West is like the empress of a country who rules over the female immortals of the Three Realms. The two are worlds apart and cannot be compared.

……

Qunyu Mountain.

Xiao Chen and Wan Shenglongnu walked side by side, stepping on the golden steps, climbing higher and higher, until they finally arrived at the gate of Yaochi.

At this time, the celestial realm was temporarily at peace, free from war and turmoil, and the vermilion gate of the Jade Pool was wide open.

At the door.

Two graceful bluebird fairies stood tall, dressed in blue fairy robes, their figures elegant and graceful.

They had beautiful faces, eyebrows like distant mountains, eyes like stars, and skin as white as snow, exuding an ethereal and otherworldly charm.

Behind him stood over a hundred female immortals of considerable cultivation, all dressed in celestial robes and wielding celestial artifacts, their eyes exuding majesty and solemnity as they guarded the peace of the Jade Pool.

Xiao Chen stepped forward, cupped his hands in greeting, and said:

"Greetings, fairy. I am Yang Guoshan, a celestial soldier from the Doubu. Last time, I was ordered by the Jade Emperor to come to Yaochi to borrow the golden hairpin from the Queen Mother of the West to help the Heavenly Court quell the rebellion."

"The Queen Mother of the West once gave me a verbal order, allowing me to come and receive my reward after the battle."

"I have come here today in hopes that the fairy will convey my message."

"Oh, it turns out it's you."

One of the Azure Bird Fairies was slightly taken aback, but then recognized Xiao Chen.

She and the other Azure Bird Fairy were the same two who opened the door for Xiao Chen and received him. Naturally, they still remembered Xiao Chen's appearance and the verbal promise made by the Queen Mother of the West.

At this moment, the Azure Bird Fairy turned her gaze to the Myriad Saints Dragon Girl, her eyes filled with inquiry, and asked:
"Who is this?"

The Dragon Girl quickly took out her identity token from her bosom and handed it over with both hands.

Xiao Chen then explained:
“Fairy, this is my younger brother, Yang Long.”

“My younger brother has lived away from home for a long time and has never had the opportunity to set foot in this fairyland. He has long heard of the beautiful scenery of Yaochi and has always longed to visit it.”

"He begged me to bring him here to see this place. I hope you can be lenient and let him experience the extraordinary nature of the immortals."

At this point, Xiao Chen bowed and said:

"If you ever need anything from Yang Guoshan in the future, please just let me know."

Upon hearing this, the Bluebird Fairy pondered to herself.

Yang Guoshan was favored by the Queen Mother of the West, who personally granted him an audience and promised him rewards. He might become a favorite of the Queen Mother in the future.

In this immortal realm, human relationships are inherently complex. If you do me a favor today, I may be able to lend you a helping hand in the future.

Who knows, one day she might need Yang Guoshan's help.

Upon hearing this, the Azure Bird Fairy's gaze lingered on the Myriad Saints Dragon Girl for a moment, then she nodded slightly and said softly:

"In that case, come with me."

"However, this Jade Pool is a sacred place in the Heavenly Realm, with strict rules, and one cannot move about it at will."

"You must strictly abide by the rules and not offend the immortals, lest you cause unnecessary trouble."

Xiao Chen spoke:

"Of course, we all know the rules. I will leave immediately after receiving my reward and will not linger."

The Bluebird Fairy nodded slightly, then took light steps and led the way.

Xiao Chen and Wan Shenglongnu then followed Qingniao Fairy into the Jade Pool.

Yaochi is very large, covering a vast area.

After a while, the time it takes to drink a cup of tea was up.

Halfway there, Xiao Chen used his "mosquito-brand" cordless phone to send a telepathic message to Wan Shenglongnu:
“Ao Yao, look closely. In the southwest direction, there is a floating island.”

In fact, at this moment, Wan Shenglongnu's gaze had already been drawn to that floating fairy island.

The island was shrouded in mist, as if countless celestial beings were flitting and playing within it.

There is also a medicinal herb garden on the island, where the fragrance of herbs is so strong that it seems to penetrate one's soul and invigorate one's mind.

She already knew in her heart that it was the legendary Queen Mother's herb garden, which must contain countless rare and precious herbs.

She was excited, but she forced herself to suppress her inner joy and pretended to be nonchalant to avoid giving herself away and causing unnecessary trouble.

Xiao Chen was afraid that Wan Sheng Long Nu might get excited and run over, only to have the grass snatched away, so he quickly said to her:

“Ao Yao, the Queen Mother of the West is still in the Jade Pool at this moment.”

"The Queen Mother of Yaochi is not weak. As the head of the female immortals in the Three Realms, she has at least the strength of a Great Luo Golden Immortal and has many magical treasures in her possession."

"Stealing things under the nose of the Queen Mother of the West in Yaochi is too risky."

"Once we are held back by the Queen Mother of the West, the Heavenly Army will gather here."

"At that point, it will be difficult for us to extricate ourselves."

Wan Shenglongnv transmitted her voice:
"King Golden Horn, I know this is not the right time."

"I'll go check out the grass first, see what's going on, and then make a decision."

Xiao Chen understood Wan Shenglongnu's meaning.

This is the time for cooperation.

So he turned to the Bluebird Fairy who had led the way, bowed slightly, and respectfully said:

“Fairy, the Queen Mother of the West told me to go to her to claim my reward, but she didn’t mention my brother.”

"It might be inappropriate for me to bring my younger brother along. If we happen to offend Her Majesty, that would be a grave offense."

"How about I let my younger brother wait for me in this garden, and then we can leave together after I return with the reward?"

Upon hearing this, the Bluebird Fairy also thought the same thing.

After all, the place where the Queen Mother of the West received her reward was the Jade Pool, a very important place, and people could not be taken there casually.

So she nodded slightly and said:

"That's fine too."

then.

Xiao Chen then followed the Azure Bird Fairy toward the location of the Queen Mother of the West.

Meanwhile, Wan Shenglongnu remained in the garden, pretending to be nonchalant as she enjoyed the scenery of Yaochi.

She would sometimes pause to admire the delicate and beautiful flowers, and sometimes close her eyes to feel the refreshing ethereal atmosphere.

However, Wan Shenglongnu was actually keeping a close eye on the Queen Mother's herb garden, waiting for an opportunity to contact it to confirm whether it contained the Nine-Leaf Lingzhi Grass and its exact location.

……

They leisurely walked for the time it takes to drink a cup of tea.

Xiao Chen felt the scenery before him suddenly change, and in an instant, a magnificent palace stood before him like a towering mountain, which was none other than the famous "Jade Pool Golden Mother Palace".

This "Jade Pool Golden Mother Palace" is the residence of the Queen Mother of the West, solemn and majestic, exuding an aura of holiness and inviolability.

No one may enter without being summoned.

"The Jade Pool Golden Mother Palace..."

Xiao Chen looked up and saw that the palace was magnificent and its exquisite construction was breathtaking.

This palace is built on a base of warm, pure white jade, with pillars of green jade and tiles of gold. It is inlaid with star-shaped glazed tiles and emits a seven-colored glow.

On either side of the palace gate stood two real "white tiger divine beasts". They were agile and stood there like two small mountains, about ten feet long, and exuded a powerful aura.

Its white fur was as smooth as silk, shimmering with a holy light in the sunlight, and it looked majestic.

Xiao Chen could sense that these two white tigers possessed the strength of a peak Golden Immortal.

On the roof of the Jade Pool Golden Mother Palace, there is also a "Azure Phoenix Divine Bird" guarding it.

The blue phoenix was elegant, its blue feathers fluttering gently in the breeze, like a fairy dancing gracefully.

Sometimes it flaps its wings and soars high, sometimes it hovers low in the air, its sharp eyes scanning the surroundings.

His actual strength is unknown.

"Azure Phoenix..."

Xiao Chen glanced at the blue phoenix and secretly pondered that this blue phoenix might be the "rod of the Queen Mother of the West".

There is a saying that the phoenix has five phoenixes, which is an ancient secret that few people know in daily life.

The Five Phoenixes refer to five different types of phoenixes: the phoenix, the yuchu, the yuzhuo, the qingluan, and the honghu.

The Book of Birds states: "The blue phoenix is ​​called the pheasant, the red phoenix is ​​called the quail, the yellow phoenix is ​​called the bird, the white phoenix is ​​called the bird, and the purple phoenix is ​​called the bird."

Volume 10 of "Xiaoxue Ganzhu" mentions five phoenixes: "The red one is the phoenix, the yellow one is the phoenix, the blue one is the luan, the purple one is the yuzhuo, and the white one is the swan."

The most authentic phoenix is ​​usually crimson, or fiery red.

The Azure Phoenix is ​​actually a blue-green phoenix with phoenix blood. Although it is not as noble as the most orthodox crimson phoenix, it also has unique supernatural powers.

"The mount of Laozi, the Blue Ox with Horned Horns..."

Xiao Chen thought of the Green Ox Demon. As the mount of Laozi, the Green Ox Demon's strength was naturally extraordinary.

"The mount of the Queen Mother of the West, the Azure Phoenix..."

Xiao Chen then turned his gaze to the Azure Phoenix on the roof, secretly comparing them in his mind.

Although the Azure Phoenix, which served as the mount of the Queen Mother of the West, did not appear much on the journey to the West, its imposing presence in guarding the Queen Mother's Palace in Yaochi suggests that it is not without strength.

The Phoenix clan, whether it be the Roc, the Peacock, or the Azure Luan, each possesses unique supernatural abilities.

This blue phoenix must also possess its own unique supernatural abilities and formidable strength, but it rarely displays them on ordinary days.

The Azure Bird Fairy stopped, turned slightly, gave Xiao Chen a graceful bow, and said softly:
"I'll go in and report. You wait here."

Xiao Chen quickly cupped his hands in a respectful bow and said:

"Thank you, fairy."

Then, the Azure Bird Fairy walked lightly into the Jade Pool Golden Mother Palace.

after awhile.

The Bluebird Fairy emerged from the palace, her brows slightly furrowed, and said softly:

"Her Majesty is taking a bath and has instructed you to wait here."

(End of this chapter)