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

Chapter 519 The Queen Mother's Bath, Disputes at the Jade Pool (Bonus Chapter, thanks to "Blazing Calamity" for the generous donation!)
"What, taking a shower?"

Upon hearing what the Azure Bird Fairy said, Xiao Chen raised his head, his gaze passing through the faint ethereal mist swirling outside the Jade Pool Golden Mother Palace and looking towards the sky.

At this moment.

The sun is slowly rising from the eastern horizon.

Golden sunlight shone on the heavens, draping them in a golden glow.

It was obvious that it was still morning.

Xiao Chen couldn't help but think to himself:

"Why is the Queen Mother of the West taking a bath so early in the morning?"

However, although Xiao Chen was dissatisfied, he could only wait quietly outside the Yaochi Golden Mother Palace, while secretly calculating the progress on the side of the Ten Thousand Saints Dragon Girl.

While waiting, Xiao Chen's thoughts involuntarily drifted towards Wan Shenglongnu.

He knew very well that women usually took a long time to bathe, a fact he was well aware of.

Recalling what I had seen in the mortal world, the process of women bathing was intricate and meticulous. From untying their hair and clothes and gently wiping their fragrant skin, to soaking flower petals and applying perfume... every step was done slowly and deliberately, as if time itself had slowed down around them.

Xiao Chen guessed that a person as noble as the Queen Mother of the West must be very particular about her bathing, and it would probably take quite a while.

However, upon further reflection, Xiao Chen felt that this might not necessarily be a bad thing.

The longer the Queen Mother of the West bathes in the Jade Pool, the more time the Dragon Girl of Ten Thousand Saints will have to explore the Queen Mother's herb garden, and the greater their chances of successfully obtaining the Nine-Leaf Lingzhi Grass.

At this moment.

The Queen Mother of the West was bathing in the palace, so Xiao Chen couldn't go anywhere and could only wait.

have a bee in one's bonnet.

Some rumors about the Queen Mother of the West bathing in the Jade Pool couldn't help but surface in Xiao Chen's mind.

He thought of Yang Guifei, and the poem "In the spring chill, the emperor bestows a bath at Huaqing Pool, where the smooth hot spring water washes away her delicate skin" seemed to vividly present a picture of "a beauty bathing" before his eyes.

It is said that Yang Guifei bathed in many pools, with Huaqing Pool being just the most famous. There were many other pools, each different from the others; some had water as warm and smooth as jade, while others had fragrant and rich water...

As the Queen Mother of the West, the most powerful female immortal in the Three Realms, her bathing ceremony and elaborate rituals far surpass those of Yang Guifei.

Legend has it that the Queen Mother had many bathing pools, and the one she used for bathing was called the "Great Heavenly Pool".

The pool water contains endless celestial energy.

It is said that if mortals can bathe in the pool, they can wash away all the dirt and fatigue on their bodies, making their skin as delicate and smooth as a baby's, and even be reborn and gain magical powers.

The bathwater of the Queen Mother of the West also has a unique name: "Golden Mother's Cleansing Holy Water".

It is said that the "Golden Mother's Cleansing Holy Water" has miraculous effects. If a mortal can obtain a drop, he can prolong his life and be free from all diseases; if a cultivator can obtain some, his cultivation will advance by leaps and bounds.

Of course, these are most likely just rumors, since no one has ever drunk "the Queen Mother of the West's bathwater," and there's no way to verify the truth of these rumors.

The Jade Emperor does not need this "Golden Mother Cleansing Holy Water" to improve his cultivation.

Even so, the legend of the "Golden Mother's Cleansing Holy Water" still spread widely throughout the Three Realms, becoming a topic of conversation among people.

In the mortal world, many people want to drink a sip of the "Golden Mother's Cleansing Holy Water" to prolong their lives.

However, in the celestial realm.

Even with Chang'e's bathwater, there are still many heavenly soldiers and generals in the Heavenly Court who dare to even think about it, and some even dare to flirt with Chang'e.

However, the bathwater of the Queen Mother of the West in Yaochi and the heavenly soldiers and generals of the Heavenly Court were things they dared not even dream of.

In addition to the "Great Heavenly Lake", there are also the East Small Heavenly Lake and the West Small Heavenly Lake.

The East Little Heavenly Pool is the Queen Mother's washbasin, while the West Little Heavenly Pool is her foot-washing pool... Each pool has its unique purpose.

"White Tiger..."

Bored, Xiao Chen stared at the two white tiger statues at the door.

The Azure Dragon of the East, the White Tiger of the West, the Black Tortoise of the North, and the Vermilion Bird of the South are the Four Divine Beasts, each guarding a region of the world.

These two white tiger divine beasts are clearly not the Western White Tiger God who guards the western world, but more likely its descendants, inheriting part of its bloodline and divine power.

Among the four cardinal directions of heaven and earth, the west belongs to metal, which corresponds to the Queen Mother of the West (Golden Mother).

If Donghua Dijun is the Wood Duke of the East, governing the vitality and prosperity of the East, then Yaochi Wangmu is the Metal Mother of the West, ruling over the solemnity and nobility of the West.

It is quite a stroke of luck that these two descendants of the White Tiger can cultivate in the Jade Pool with the Queen Mother of the West.

……

at the same time.

Inside the Jade Pool Golden Mother Palace.

Everywhere you look, there is a scene that is like a dream.

On the banks of the Great Heavenly Pool, on the flawless white jade steps, the Queen Mother of the West's "Golden Hairpin," "Boob Bandage," "Nine-Colored Tassel Crown," and the magnificent "Robe of the Queen Mother" and other clothing and ornaments that she had just removed were quietly scattered.

Laozi's "single belt for binding robes" is a magical golden rope that can bind all demons and evil spirits in the world.

Laozi's "one ox-nose ring" is a magical treasure called the Vajra Bracelet, which can capture all kinds of divine weapons.

The Queen Mother of the West's golden hairpin, her bodice, her bellyband, her nine-colored tassel crown... each of these garments and accessories radiated a dazzling light and contained boundless divine power.

These are naturally no ordinary items; they are all rare treasures in the world.

In the Great Heavenly Lake.

The "innate pure yin energy" emanating from the Queen Mother of the West rose up like wisps of smoke, drifting and spreading around.

The water's color was like jade, pure and warm. The gentle breeze caressed the surface, creating ripples that spread outwards.

The rising warm mist swirls like gauze, enveloping the entire Tianchi Lake and adding a touch of haziness and mystery, making it hard to distinguish between reality and a dream.

A bath is incomplete without flower petals.

above the water.

The peach petals that fell from the "Purple-Veined Yellow-Core" peach tree, which ripens only once every nine thousand years, were scattered by immortal magic and landed in the Great Heavenly Pool.

Peach blossom petals floated lightly in the bathwater like pink butterflies, carrying the fragrance and beauty of peach blossoms.

It adds a vibrant touch to the tranquil pool.

At this moment.

The Queen Mother of the West, the supreme female deity of the celestial realm, is bathing in this warm pool of water.

Her long, black hair cascaded down like a waterfall, floating on the hot spring like black silk, gently swaying with the ripples.

A subtle fragrance wafted from her flowing hair, faint yet intoxicating.

Crispy and tender, with a delicate, cloud-like texture, and a fragrant, orchid-like aroma.

This fragrance is not like the strong, pungent aroma of ordinary spices, but rather a fresh, elegant, and refreshing scent.

The Queen Mother's skin was as white and delicate as mutton-fat jade, radiating a soft glow in the pond's reflection. Her figure was graceful and elegant, like a lotus flower blooming in the pond, noble and refined.

Jade Mountain stands tall, its snow-capped peaks soaring into the clouds.

The reflection of its pristine snow-capped peaks in the shimmering pool water complements the unparalleled beauty of the Queen Mother, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene.

However, this exquisite painting went unappreciated.

"Crash..."

"Swish..."

Inside the hall, apart from the gurgling of the flowing water and the rustling of falling petals, there was no other sound.

This scene perfectly captures the sentiment: "The lonely courtyard is quiet as spring draws to a close, pear blossoms cover the ground, and the door remains unopened."

……

Meanwhile, Xiao Chen, clad in silver armor, stood tall and straight as a pine tree outside the Queen Mother's Palace in Yaochi, his expression respectful, patiently awaiting the Queen Mother's summons.

suddenly.

A clear and resounding cry pierced the silent sky, causing the clouds outside the palace to tremble slightly.

Xiao Chen looked up.

On the top of the Jade Pool Golden Mother Palace, the Azure Phoenix, its wings now shimmering with azure light, suddenly flapped its wings and flew towards the outer edge of the Jade Pool like a streak of azure lightning, disappearing into the horizon in an instant.

……

In a pavilion somewhere in Yaochi, amidst swirling clouds and mist.

The Dragon Girl of Ten Thousand Saints was strolling around the Jade Pool, waiting for her chance to strike.

Her gaze was intense as she stared intently at the Queen Mother's Herb Garden not far away. In that garden, all sorts of exotic flowers and rare herbs vied for attention, exuding an alluring aura of immortality, each one quite extraordinary.

Especially that nine-colored rosy light made her itchy and restless.

however.

The Jade Pool was heavily guarded, with celestial soldiers and generals patrolling the area. Their eyes were sharp as they vigilantly scanned everything around them, and any unusual movement would alert them.

How can we get close to the Queen Mother's herb garden?

Wan Shenglongnu frowned, her heart filled with anxiety. Just as she was worrying about not finding an opportunity to approach the herb garden, she suddenly heard a commotion coming from the Jade Pool.

Suddenly, several angry shouts came from a large hall in the distance:

"Su'e, I've put up with you for too long!"

"Enough is enough! There's no need to endure any longer!"

"Today, let's settle our score!"

Then, with a loud "bang," the main hall was shattered by a powerful force, sending bricks and stones flying and dust billowing everywhere.

Looking around, Wan Shenglongnu saw a pretty young maid holding a pestle, her face full of anger, viciously striking a fairy in white.

"Jade Rabbit, how dare you do this!"

The fairy in white robes moved gracefully, her white clothes fluttering in the wind like a pure white cloud. She danced lightly with her white silk ribbon, hurriedly parrying, but she was clearly struggling to keep up.

The two engaged in close combat.

However, the fairy in white only managed a few exchanges before her strength waned and she could no longer withstand the attacks, her steps becoming unsteady.

It was clear that the fairy in white was about to be struck in a vital spot by the jade rabbit and die.

Just at this time.

The sky suddenly darkened, and a giant blue phoenix appeared above the two of them in an instant, like a divine warrior descending from the heavens.

The Azure Phoenix spread its wings, like a curtain that blotted out the sun, casting a blue light that instantly suppressed the white-clad fairy and the jade rabbit, rendering them unable to move, as if they had been subjected to a spell.

"How dare they wage war in the land of Yaochi and even destroy the palace."

A clear and majestic voice rang out from the sky:

"Capture them all and hand them over to the Queen Mother for judgment!"

Followed by.

The Azure Bird Fairy, with her graceful figure and auspicious clouds, quickly arrived with a team of valiant female soldiers.

They all had cold and stern faces, and held celestial weapons. They surrounded the Jade Rabbit and the fairy in white, and then took them away without any mercy.

Most people enjoy watching a spectacle. The noise seemed to have a magical power, instantly arousing the latent curiosity in everyone's hearts.

The celestial officials and warriors in the Jade Pool, as well as the heavenly soldiers and generals, who usually performed their duties, couldn't contain their curiosity upon hearing the commotion. They surged forward like a tide, crowding the area to see what was going on.

"Oh dear, why are they fighting?"

A minor celestial official dressed in a blue robe stood on tiptoe, craning his neck, his eyes wide like copper bells, his face full of surprise and doubt, and he couldn't help but exclaim in amazement.

"The Jade Pool is a tranquil place for immortals; how can violence be used there? What kind of decorum is this!"

An elderly celestial official with white hair stroked his beard, his brows furrowed, his face full of indignation and dissatisfaction, as if this act of violence was a desecration of his sacred faith.

Although they say that, their actions tell a different story.

He still couldn't help but run over to watch the excitement.

"This is going to be interesting! I wonder what deep-seated hatred these two have that makes them fight so fiercely in the Jade Pool."

A young and ambitious heavenly soldier rubbed his hands together, his eyes gleaming with excitement, as if he too could participate in this lively event and show off his skills.

……

The crowd chattered amongst themselves, their voices rising and falling like a bustling marketplace.

They all craned their necks, their eyes fixed on the scene of the fight, not missing a single detail, and constantly speculating about the cause of this farce, as if they were wise men who could see through everything.

At this moment.

For Wan Shenglongnu, this was truly a godsend.

She came specifically for the "Nine-Leaf Lingzhi" that might exist in the Queen Mother's herb garden, but she had been struggling to find an opportunity to get close to it.

Now, this sudden change has drawn everyone's attention elsewhere, providing her with an excellent opportunity.

"What a great opportunity!"

The Dragon Girl was secretly delighted, but she had no time to think further or thank this unexpected turn of events.

She cautiously looked around to make sure no one was paying attention to her, and then, taking advantage of the crowd's attention being focused on the commotion, she quietly slipped away towards the direction of the Queen Mother's herb garden.

……

"I wonder what treasures the Queen Mother of the West will bestow upon me..."

Xiao Chen was waiting outside the Queen Mother's Palace in Yaochi, pondering the matter of the Queen Mother's reward.

Or perhaps King Golden Horn directly asked the Queen Mother of the West for the Nine-Leaf Lingzhi Grass, but I don't know if that's reliable.

But as soon as the thought crossed his mind, he dismissed it.

"That's not quite right..."

Xiao Chen shook his head and denied it.

After all, the Nine-Leaf Lingzhi Grass is extremely rare, and its value may even surpass that of the renowned Peaches of Immortality.

"Peaches of Immortality and Nine-Leaf Lingzhi..."

Thinking back to the peaches of immortality, Xiao Chen secretly compared them in his mind.

There are 3,600 peach trees in the peach orchard. Even if each peach tree only bears 100 peaches, that would still be 360,000 peaches.

With such a huge quantity, in reality, the Heavenly Court doesn't lack peaches; it has plenty.

Moreover, with these 3,600 trees, the peaches can continue to grow year after year, endlessly.

However, the Queen Mother of the West has firmly "monopolized" this peach resource.

The power to "distribute" resources is in the hands of the Queen Mother of the West.

Others had no chance to taste it.

The problem with the peaches of immortality is not a problem of resources, but rather a problem of the "monopoly" and "distribution" of resources in the immortal realm.

The Heavenly Court has many peaches of immortality, but an ordinary deity like you cannot taste them.

However, the nine-leaf Ganoderma lucidum is completely different.

The Nine-Leaf Lingzhi Grass has extremely demanding growth requirements. It needs to grow in a place with extremely rich spiritual energy and pure and flawless conditions, and it takes a long time to take shape. The quantity is also very limited.

Moreover, King Golden Horn has a huge demand; he needs all nine leaves of the Nine-Leaf Ganoderma.

He wants it all, leaving nothing behind.

With such a huge demand, the Queen Mother of the West would certainly not agree.

Besides, my current identity is just an "ordinary heavenly soldier," so what do I need so many leaves of the Nine-Leaf Lingzhi Grass for?
This is really hard to explain.

If he were to rashly ask for it, the Queen Mother of the West would surely become suspicious, and he might inadvertently expose his true identity and purpose, causing unnecessary trouble and suspicion.

Just as Xiao Chen's thoughts were racing, he was engrossed in his own little calculations.

With a cry of "Screech!"

A burst of clear birdsong broke the tranquility.

Xiao Chen looked up and saw that the blue phoenix had returned. After gracefully circling in the air, it slowly landed on the roof of the palace.

Following closely behind Qingluan were the Azure Bird Fairy and a group of imposing celestial palace guards.

They walked in unison, their expressions serious, escorting two people as they hurried toward this place.

Xiao Chen's gaze was drawn to it, and he took a closer look.

One of them was a pretty young girl.

The girl's lips were as red as cherries, her teeth as white as pearls, neat and white; her eyebrows were like distant mountains, slightly upturned, revealing a stubbornness; her fair face had a noble and delicate complexion, whiter than snow and with a fine texture, as if water could seep out if you pinched it lightly.

Her pair of "crimson eyes" were exceptionally bright, like a pair of "red gems," sparkling with a hint of cunning and stubbornness.

Her white robes were as white as snow, she wore a golden floral crown, and held a pestle in her hand. She exuded a charming and alluring air, yet she was as pure as a fairy maiden.

This girl possesses both allure and ethereal beauty, leaving viewers in awe.

Xiao Chen glanced at it briefly, and couldn't help but wonder:
"Jade Rabbit?"

"How did she end up here, and why was she arrested?"

Xiao Chen naturally recognized the Jade Rabbit Spirit.

At this moment.

The Jade Rabbit Spirit's face was filled with anger, and her originally charming appearance was distorted by anger.

The one who was pressed down along with the Jade Rabbit was also a female immortal.

She was dressed in simple white clothes, with a graceful figure and a cool, otherworldly air.

The female immortal's long, flowing hair cascaded down her shoulders like a waterfall, and her forehead was adorned with vermilion rouge, like a bright ruby ​​set on her fair forehead; her face was like a silver basin, fair and round; her eyes were like autumn waves, full of affection, yet revealing a faint sense of aloofness.

This female fairy was actually very beautiful, but her eyes and brows revealed a meanness that made people feel unpleasant.

It seems that they were born with a sense of superiority.

At this moment.

The female immortal's face was full of grievance, and there was a hint of tears glistening in her eyes.

She looked like she was "very wronged," as if she had suffered a great injustice.

"It looks kind of familiar..."

Xiao Chen recalled briefly, and some images gradually surfaced in his mind.

It seems that last time on the Moon Star, the Moon Star Lord sent this fairy in white to the Moon Palace to invite Yang Chan, the Third Holy Mother of Mount Hua, to come and heal their wounds.

A thought struck him, and he muttered to himself:
"This person seems to be called Fairy Su'e."

"The Fairy Chang'e... on the journey to the West... the princess of Tianzhu..."

Xiao Chen thought about the name carefully, and a clear impression gradually formed in his mind.

In "Journey to the West", the fairy Su'e was originally a fairy in the moon palace. She once slapped the jade rabbit in a moment of impulse. Later, she was reincarnated into the royal family of Tianzhu Kingdom in Xiniu Hezhou and became a princess of Tianzhu Kingdom.

Later, the Jade Rabbit held a grudge and descended to the mortal realm as a demon. It abducted the princess, who was the reincarnation of Su'e, and transformed itself into the princess, causing a great uproar in the human world.

In the Kingdom of Tianzhu, the Jade Rabbit spirit staged a "marriage contest with an embroidered ball," striking Tang Sanzang with the ball in an attempt to marry him and absorb his vital essence to become a Taiyi Golden Immortal.

The Jade Rabbit spirit abandoned the fairy Chang'e at Bujin Temple, leaving her to suffer endless hardships in the mortal world.

Later, Sun Wukong saw through the Jade Rabbit Spirit's "fake princess scheme," found the real princess (Fairy Su'e), and welcomed her back to her rightful place, thus ending the matter.

Looking at the two people in front of him, Xiao Chen couldn't help but think to himself:

"The Jade Rabbit and the Fairy Chang'e had an old grudge, and now it has been captured in the Jade Pool. What exactly happened?"

"Could it be that old grudges have not been settled, and new hatred has been added?"

……

At this moment.

Outside the Jade Pool Golden Mother Palace.

Despite being tightly escorted by the Azure Bird Fairy and a group of celestial palace guards, the Jade Rabbit Spirit and the Fairy Su'e continued to argue angrily.

"Jade Rabbit! You are acting arrogantly and domineeringly in the Jade Pool because you rely on the Empress's trust."

"Immortal Chang'e shouted angrily," her voice trembling with emotion. Her usually cool face was now flushed red, her eyes filled with resentment, as if she wanted to devour the Jade Rabbit spirit alive.
"I merely accidentally touched the medicine box, and you accused me of 'stealing secrets,' forcing me to degrade myself to the mortal realm, and even tried to hit me!"

Do you really think the Empress doesn't exist?

"Hehehe!"

The Jade Rabbit Spirit sneered and said angrily:

"Sister Yang Chan often said, 'The wicked are the first to accuse others.' When she was dealing with disputes in Huashan, she had to be careful to distinguish right from wrong and not to easily believe what others said."

"Sister Yang Chan's words have proven to be true today."

"Su'e, you have repeatedly explored forbidden methods, and I have repeatedly advised you to change your ways. You even dare to hit me again. Do you think you can defeat me?"

While talking.

She raised her chin, her eyes filled with provocation, and the pestle in her hand swayed slightly, making a buzzing sound, as if she was ready to strike again and give the fairy Su'e another beating.

"presumptuous!"

Upon seeing this, the Azure Bird Fairy's eyebrows furrowed, her almond eyes widened, and she angrily rebuked the Jade Rabbit Spirit:
"How dare you draw weapons in front of the Golden Mother's Palace!"

"Don't forget where you are! How dare you be so insolent!"

Subsequently.

The Bluebird Fairy confiscated the "Jade Rabbit Pestle" from the Jade Rabbit Spirit's hands.

……

Today's chapter is an extra long one, and I would like to express my special thanks to the guild leader "Blazing Calamity" for the generous donation!

Thank you all for your support!

bow!

(End of this chapter)