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

Chapter 602 Discussing Fish and Dragons Over Green Plum Wine

Chang'an City has been the capital of emperors throughout history since the Qin and Han dynasties.

The Wei River, Jing River, Ba River, Feng River, Lao River... the eight rivers of Chang'an flow around the city like silver ribbons and jade ribbons, nourishing this imperial land.

The Jing and Wei rivers, one clear and one muddy, meet here.

The Jing River is clear, while the Wei River is muddy.

At the confluence of the Jing River and the Wei River, although the two rivers have merged and their waters have become mixed, the distinction between clear and turbid waters remains; the clear water remains clear, and the turbid water remains turbid.

This is the scene of "the Jing and Wei rivers clearly separated".

Thus, the concepts of "clear stream" and "turbid stream" arose in the world, attempting to distinguish between black and white, good and evil in all things.

But in this world, what is a "clear stream" and what is a "turbid stream"?
It's all just infighting and mutual attacks between rivals with conflicting interests.

If the water is too clear, the fish will have nowhere to stay.

If a person is too discerning, he will have no followers.

Those who seek fame in the pure stream, and those who seek profit in the turbid stream, are all driven by fame and fortune at their core.

Looking at the Jing and Wei rivers, they appear "clearly distinct on the surface," but that's only for outsiders to see.

In reality, beneath the river's surface, the so-called "clear stream" and "turbid stream" have long since merged into one, flowing together and becoming corrupt and in cahoots.

Most things in this world are ultimately like magic tricks on the surface of the Jing and Wei rivers, used to deceive the eyes of ordinary people and to deceive the conscience of heaven and earth.

……

now.

The Jinghe Dragon King holds the position of "Great Dragon God in Charge of Rain" and also serves as the "General Manager of the Eight Rivers".

The Wei River, Jing River, Ba River, Feng River, Lao River... all eight rivers of Chang'an are under the jurisdiction of the Jing River Dragon King.

Among the eight rivers of Chang'an.

The Wei River and Jing River have the largest water volume and the widest river surface, and are home to the most aquatic creatures such as fish, shrimp, crabs, turtles, tortoises, alligators, and toads.

The Jing River is clear, while the Wei River is muddy.

However, if the water is too clear, the fish will have nothing to rely on.

The Jing River is clear, making it easier to catch fish and shrimp.

Therefore, most fishermen in Chang'an prefer to fish in the Jing River.

Over time.

The waters of the Jing River are becoming increasingly sparsely inhabited by aquatic creatures.

However, the Wei River is turbid, its muddy waters like slurry, where fish and shrimp hide under the mud and sand, making them difficult to catch.

Therefore, the fishermen of Chang'an could only look at the Wei River and sigh, having thousands of nets and hooks but unable to catch even a single fish or a fish.

……

The "fish market" in Chang'an was where fishermen sold their fish for money.

Every morning at the crack of dawn, the market is already bustling with activity.

The gills of the freshly gutted fish gleamed with blood, and the fishy smell of the river delicacies mingled with the sour stench of cheap liquor, creating a scene of everyday life on the bluestone slabs.

There were several taverns in the fish market.

Fishermen in Chang'an often use small boats to cast nets on the eight rivers of Chang'an.

As dusk fell, fishermen returned to the market with their holds full of fish and shrimp, exchanged them for a few copper coins, and then gathered at the tavern.

After a cup of wine and a couple of ounces of fresh river delicacies, the conversation flowed like a bursting dam—sometimes about trivial matters at home, sometimes about strange tales of river monsters.

Some say that a thousand-year-old alligator dragon, with scales on its back like armor, is hidden deep in the Wei River.

There is a turtle prime minister living in the dark currents of the Jing River. At midnight, he often transforms into human form and goes ashore to buy wine.

"Hahaha……"

"That pig-like dragon looks fierce, but it can't even beat my goose..."

The smell of alcohol mixed with the fishy odor, and the sounds of the market mingled with laughter, were the warmest comfort for fishermen after a hard day's work.

This fisherman's joy is precisely:

"Wearing a straw raincoat as a blanket, lying on the Jing River, snoring soundly, without a care in the world."

"A small boat drifts with the waves, casting its line and net to catch fresh fish."

"With plenty of fish, I can sell them in Chang'an Market and exchange them for fragrant wine to drink until I'm drunk. How delightful!"

……

Now, on this day...

Inside the taverns next to the Chang'an fish market, the noise was still deafening, the fishy smell mingling with the aroma of alcohol, all intertwined with the bustling atmosphere of the market.

Two guests, somewhat different from the rugged fishing atmosphere around them, sat in a corner by the window.

One of them was a fortune teller with a thin face, dressed in plain clothes and straw sandals.

This is the incarnation of Tieguai Li, who goes by the alias "Dongfang Kuai".

Tieguai Li (Li Xuan) was a direct disciple of Laozi and a descendant of the clan. He received the Daoist teachings personally from Laozi.

From enlightenment and the test of receiving the teachings, to the reshaping of his body and the bestowal of treasures to save the world... Li Xuan received meticulous guidance from Laozi.

Li Xuan was deeply influenced by the true teachings of Laozi, possessing remarkable Taoist skills. He was adept at discerning Yin and Yang, understanding worldly affairs, offering guidance, and resolving calamities.

The other was a burly man dressed as a peddler going from street to street.

This is Zhongli Quan in disguise, using the alias "Yuchi Zhenjin".

Zhongli Quan's predecessor was a "cowherd boy" in Laozi's Tushita Palace, and he also received a lot of teachings from Laozi.

He also wielded numerous magical treasures of the Taiqing realm, including a cattle-herding whip and a banana leaf fan.

……

Meanwhile, Li Xuan used the "Taiqing Daoist Technique" and the "Medicine King Gourd" in his hand to perform the "Gourd in a Pot" technique, which gathered the immortal energy of the two people into the Medicine King Gourd at his waist.

Subsequently, Li Xuan and Zhongli Quan changed their appearances and arrived in Chang'an City.

Thanks to the "Taishang Dao Fa" taught by Laozi and the "Medicine King Gourd" bestowed by Laozi.

At this moment, the two of them were no different from ordinary people in the city, enough to deceive everyone.

……

It was the time when the green plums were ripe, and the plums on the branches were still green.

The fortune teller and the peddler sat down by the window of the tavern and asked the innkeeper to brew a pot of warm, cloudy wine and place a dish of freshly picked green plums on the table.

On the table, the small clay stove glowed red with charcoal, and the aroma of wine filled the air.

A plate of freshly picked green plums, each one round and verdant.

The two sat facing each other, drinking plum wine, the aroma slightly intoxicating, quite at ease.

When the wine was half-finished, the sky outside the window suddenly changed color.

Rolling dark clouds surged in from the northern horizon, gathering above Chang'an, with the faint sound of wind and thunder rumbling in the air.

Through the gaps in the clouds, a huge, winding, illusory shadow of scales and claws flashed by – it was the Jinghe River aquatic creatures, ordered to bring rain.

"Look! Something in the clouds! Could it be the Dragon King appearing?"

Inside and outside the tavern, the crowd stirred, pointing to the sky and exclaiming in surprise.

The fortune teller and the peddler also leaned on the railing and gazed into the distance.

After watching for a moment, the two returned to their seats.

"Mr. Dongfang, please try this green plum."

The peddler offered his chopsticks to her.

The fortune teller picked up a green plum, held it to his nose, sniffed it gently, and slowly began to speak:

"Brother Yuchi, you have traveled far and wide and seen much, but do you know anything about the mysterious transformations of this 'dragon'?"

The peddler took a sip of his murky wine, laughed heartily, revealing a somewhat rough and boisterous side:

"Mr. Dongfang is joking!"

"Dragons are divine creatures, soaring through the clouds and riding the mist. They are only seen from the beginning, never from the end. How could I, a common man who makes a living by selling goods in the streets and alleys, possibly know the details of their mysterious transformations?"

"I humbly request your guidance, Mr. Dongfang."

"Hahaha……"

The fortune teller stroked his beard and smiled, his voice suddenly rising several decibels, drawing the attention of the surrounding fishermen and drinkers who also listened intently:

"The dragon is the chief of scaled creatures and the most revered of aquatic beings."

"It can be small or large, it can hide or rise."

"When a dragon is small, it can hide its form and conceal itself in a trickle of water, making it difficult to detect; when it is large, it can stir up clouds and mist, stir up wind and rain in the eight directions, and overturn rivers and seas."

"When a dragon lies hidden, it lies dormant in the deepest abyss, its scales and armor concealed, disappearing into the stillness of the mud and sand; when a dragon rises, it soars above the nine heavens, its scales and claws flashing, surveying the universe with disdain!"

"It can be said that the dragon changes with the times, advancing and retreating at will, just like a person who has achieved his ambitions and roams freely across the world."

"Therefore, in my humble opinion, this dragon can be considered a 'hero of our time'!"

The peddler listened intently, his eyes filled with longing, and he clapped his hands in admiration:
"Sir, your insightful remarks are truly captivating!"

After saying this, the peddler sighed and said, "Alas!"

"What a pity, what a pity. Although I, Yuchi Zhenjin, have traveled all over the country and traded goods in all directions, I have seen a lot of the world and met many heroes."

"But I have never had the chance to witness even a fraction of the true dragon's transformations, which is truly a great regret in my life!"

Upon hearing this, Dongfang Kuai chuckled softly, gently placed the green plum in his hand on the table, glanced at the fishermen and drinkers who had gathered around, and said loudly:

"Brother Yuchi, do you truly harbor feelings for Long?"

"nature!"

Yuchi Zhenjin stood up abruptly, cupped his hands, and said:

"Such a divine creature, let alone seeing its true form, even just hearing its voice would make this life worthwhile!"

The fortune teller, Dongfang Kuai, spoke with a cryptic tone, put down the green plum, and said seriously:

"Want to see the dragon? It's both difficult and easy!"

The peddler, Yuchi Zhenjin, leaned forward, his tone fervent and passionate:
"Appreciate further details."

The fortune teller, however, did not rush to answer. Instead, he asked:
"Brother Yuchi, do you know the principle of 'the birth and growth of all things' in this world?"

The peddler scratched his head and laughed:
"I'm just a rough peddler who only knows the word 'money,' how would I know anything about 'the growth and development of all things'?"

"Let me tell you!"

The fortune teller said solemnly:
"It should be known that in the beginning of chaos, the heavens opened at the hour of Zi (11 PM - 1 AM), the earth was created at the hour of Chou (1 AM - 3 AM), and humankind was born at the hour of Yin (3 AM - 5 AM)."

"When heaven and earth unite again, all things will come to life."

"From then on, all things in heaven and earth, including beasts and birds, lived in their proper places."

"Among birds, the phoenix is ​​the most powerful; among beasts, the qilin is the most revered; and the one who rules over this vast expanse of water is undoubtedly the divine dragon."

He tapped his fingertips lightly on the table, his voice growing deeper:

"Then the phoenix, having received the essence of mating, gave birth to the peacock and the roc."

"And the peacock and the roc each breed eagles, hawks, falcons, and chickens..."

"All birds and animals in the world reproduce from this."

"However, dragons are extremely licentious and have no fixed partners. Their bloodlines flow and evolve endlessly, giving birth to many dragon sons and grandsons."

“When a dragon and a toad mate, they will produce a creature called ‘Pulao,’ which is fond of croaking and is often used to decorate bells.”

“When a dragon and a lion mate, they give birth to a ‘Suanni’, which prefers stillness and dislikes movement, and often sits on an incense burner.”

“When a dragon mates with a fish, it transforms into a ‘Chiwen’ with a wide mouth that can swallow waves, and it resides on the roof ridge to suppress fire.”

"When a dragon and a divine tortoise mate, they give birth to the 'Bixi,' which is strong enough to carry mountains and often bears the weight of stone tablets."

"If a dragon meets a snake or python, a 'jiaolong' will be born, which is ferocious and lurks in deep pools and marshes, stirring up storms and dominating rivers..."

"Indeed: Dragons have many sons, each different from the other."

After speaking, the fortune teller looked around at the engrossed crowd and explained:

"This is the principle of the dragon's bloodline extending downwards, capable of taking on countless forms and undergoing endless transformations."

Then, the fortune teller abruptly changed his tone, his eyes gleaming even brighter, and his voice suddenly rose in pitch:
"However, the Great Dao is profound and mysterious! Yin and Yang rotate; there is descent, but there must also be ascent!"

"Correspondingly, ordinary aquatic creatures, such as toads, fish, turtles, water snakes, dragons, and crocodiles, can also swim upstream and leap over the abyss to transform into dragons if they have the opportunity and good fortune!"

"This is the true meaning of the saying 'a fish leaping over the dragon gate'!"

Dongfang Kuai suddenly stood up, flicked his sleeves, and said loudly:
"An eel cultivates for ten years, and its intelligence begins to awaken, allowing it to transform into a snake; a snake lies dormant for a hundred years, absorbing water essence to molt into a python; a python lies dormant for five hundred years, honing its muscles and bones to become a viper..."

"Only after enduring a thousand years of trials and tribulations, with its scales and armor gleaming, can it become a dragon!"

"The dragon will overcome countless tribulations, swallowing clouds and spitting out mist, controlling clouds and rain, until it grows dragon horns on its forehead and its body is covered with dragon scales... finally becoming a true dragon that can summon wind and rain!"

Dongfang Kuai's speech quickened, as if unfolding a magnificent scroll depicting aquatic creatures ascending to dragonhood before everyone's eyes:

"Within the vast expanse of the eight rivers of Chang'an, there lurks the 'hidden dragon' with golden scales and the bloodline of a true dragon!"

"Its appearance may resemble a 'golden loach' hiding in the abyss, or a 'strange python' hiding in the deep ravine, concealing its tracks and making it difficult for ordinary people to identify."

As the saying goes—

Dongfang Kuai's sharp eyes swept over the fishermen's surprised and suspicious faces, and he said, word by word:

"How can golden scales be just a thing in a pond? They turn into dragons when encountering wind and clouds!"

As soon as he finished speaking, a sudden gust of wind rose outside the window, making the tavern's banners flutter wildly, as if the roar of a dragon was hidden in the clouds.

Dongfang Kuai continued:

"This 'golden scale' is actually the nascent form of a hidden dragon!"

"The dragon can be large or small, can rise or hide. When it soars, it can reach the heavens and obscure the sun and moon. When it hides, it can submerge in the waves and conceal its form. Ordinary people can hardly see its whereabouts."

"But these 'hidden dragons' that are still on the path to 'transformation into dragons,' though possessing the appearance and might of a dragon, are ultimately no match for the magical power of a master and cannot escape an ingenious net... so they lurk in the eight waters of Chang'an!"

The fortune teller, over plum wine, discusses the ever-changing nature of the world.

As soon as this statement came out, everyone in the audience was shocked.

This grand pronouncement, "A golden carp is no ordinary fish; it transforms into a dragon when it encounters wind and clouds," silenced the tavern, with only the increasingly loud patter of raindrops hitting the river outside the window.

People generally enjoy excitement and bustle.

I prefer supernatural and fantastical tales.

The strange tale of the fortune teller and the peddler discussing fish and dragons over plum wine had already attracted a large crowd of fishermen to watch.

At this moment, the tavern was filled with a cacophony of discussion.

An old fisherman, his face weathered and his hands chapped, pushed forward, shaking his head, and with the experience and disbelief of generations of fishermen, argued with Dongfang Kuai:

"Sir, what you're saying is quite mysterious!"

"I've fished in the eight rivers of Chang'an my whole life, and countless fish, turtles, shrimps, and crabs have come and gone in my nets."

"But I have never seen any golden scales or hidden dragons."

"Perhaps the gentleman is just making up some supernatural stories to amuse us and relieve our boredom?"

Several young fishermen nearby also joined in the commotion:

"Yes, yes! The Wei River is so muddy it's like yellow soup, you can't even see the fish's shadows, so where would any dragon seed come from?"

"Exactly! When you cast your net, all you catch are crucian carp, grass carp, silver carp, or some stupid river turtles. Where are you going to find any rare creatures with claws or golden scales?"

"Yes, you old man, are you just making fun of us?"

……

The fishermen roared in agreement, clearly most of them disbelieving.

The fortune teller stroked his beard and smiled dismissively, then turned his gaze to the peddler, Yuchi Zhenjin, and said slowly:
"A hidden dragon lies in the abyss, it has its own way."

"Those who are not destined to recognize it will find it difficult to discern with discerning eyes."

"Besides, the Wei River is muddy. Even if that hidden dragon were to swim past your net, your mortal eyes would be clouded by the muddy water. How could you possibly recognize the true form of the hidden dragon?"

He paused slightly and said to Yuchi Zhenjin:

“Brother Yuchi, I have said all I have to say. Whether you believe it or not is up to you.”

Upon hearing this, the peddler slapped his thigh, his eyes gleaming as if he had made up his mind:

"Wonderful! Mr. Dongfang's words are truly enlightening, like a sudden awakening, clearing away the clouds and revealing the sun!"

"I, Yuchi, have spent half my life traveling all over the country, selling needles and thread, mountain goods and odds and ends, earning a little money, but I have never encountered such a treasure that contains great fortune and can be called a rare gem!"

He licked his lips, adopting the air of a shrewd businessman, and said:
"Sir, you possess extraordinary abilities, capable of discerning the secrets of heaven and recognizing hidden dragons. How about this... you cast a divination for me and point out where this hidden dragon is currently hiding?"

"I am willing to spend a lot of money to hire several experienced, bold and meticulous boat captains from the fish market, and bring the best fishing nets to bring that 'Hidden Dragon' ashore for me!"

"This thing is rare! If we could get our hands on it, we could resell it to those nobles, high-ranking officials, and wealthy merchants in Chang'an who value auspicious omens and good fortune. Tsk tsk... it would be worth at least a hundred strings of cash!"

"At that time, the gentleman's guidance, the fishermen's hard work, and my profits... will all be there, and everyone will be happy. Wouldn't that be a wonderful and profitable deal?"

"I, Yuchi, love this kind of exciting and lucrative business the most in my life!"

Having said that, Yuchi Zhenjin generously pulled out a heavy copper coin from his pocket and slapped it onto the greasy table with a "smack." The coin clinked and jingled.

The fortune teller looked at the string of copper coins, slowly took another sip of wine, twirled his fingers as if calculating, pondered for a moment, and nodded:

"Hmm... As the saying goes, 'Money makes the world go round, and a generous reward will surely bring forth brave men.'"

"Who doesn't love the aroma of copper?"

"Since Brother Yuchi is in such a good mood and is willing to generously contribute, I will make an exception and cast a divination for you to explore the whereabouts of this hidden dragon!"

At that moment, Dongfang Kuai composed himself, put on his clothes, and took out an old tortoise shell and several polished copper coins.

He muttered incantations, his finger movements mysterious, placing the copper coin inside the tortoise shell, shaking it three times, and then solemnly arranging the divination symbols on the greasy table of the tavern.

The surrounding drinkers and fishermen all held their breath, craning their necks to watch this rare "dragon-calculating technique".

After a while.

Dongfang Kuai dipped his finger into the murky wine and drew a simple diagram of flowing water on the table, finally pointing to a bend in the Wei River:
"The divination indicates that the secrets of heaven are clear!"

"At 3:45 AM tomorrow, on the western section of the Wei River, twenty li from here, at a place called 'Black Water Bay' where the water is three zhang deep and the current is swirling and turbulent, there must be a golden-scaled dragon swimming hidden in the water!"

"This creature is just beginning to develop spirituality and is most easily tempted by blood and fragrant bait..."

(End of this chapter)