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

Chapter 623 Yang Chan bestows the Dharma, Zhenwu provides guidance

Meanwhile, inside the Dragon Palace of the West Sea, Ao Moang gave an order.

A few moments.

Several female members of the West Sea Dragon Clan, their faces filled with fear and their breaths slightly weak, along with several young dragon sons and grandsons of the West Sea Dragon Clan who were not yet fully transformed, and several elderly dragons... were all led to the front of the hall.

……

The exit of the West Sea Dragon Palace.

The sorrow of parting permeated the crystal palace, shrouded in gloom.

As everyone gathered, the atmosphere grew increasingly tense.

Ao Cunxin turned back every few steps, her beautiful eyes fixed on the majestic and imposing Dragon Palace, filled with reluctance and deep worry.

Seeing this, Yang Chan gently took her arm, comforted her softly, and led her onto the cloud chariot.

On the occasion of parting.

Ao Moang came to see off his sister and a group of women, children, and the elderly from the West Sea Dragon Clan.

Just before boarding the carriage, Ao Cunxin suddenly gripped Ao Moang's hand tightly, tears streaming down her face, sobbing uncontrollably, and said:
"Brother, you and Father... must be safe!"

Ao Moang patted his chest, forced a smile, and comforted Ao Cunxin, saying:

"Don't worry, sister. Don't you know my abilities?"

"What is there to fear from the mere Eight Immortals of Taoism?"

"I will be safe and sound. When the time comes, I will personally go to Mount Hua to bring you home."

Seeing that Ao Cunxin, the Dragon Girl of the West Sea, was so worried about her father and brothers, Yang Chan couldn't bear it in the end.

In order to put Ao Cunxin at ease.

Yang Chan bit her lower lip lightly, pondered for a moment, and said to Ao Moang:

"Your Highness, please extend your hand."

Although Ao Moang did not understand his meaning, he still extended his right hand as instructed.

"A pure and immaculate mind, guided by a benevolent heart..."

"As long as the lotus core remains, all laws return to one!"

With a slight thought, Yang Chan felt the lotus mark between her brows glow.

She did not summon the Lotus Lantern in its physical form, but instead used her jade finger to draw in the air, drawing upon a wisp of the pure and vast divine power of the Lotus Lantern's origin, and lightly tapping it from afar.

In an instant.

A clear, warm, and vibrant azure light, imbued with boundless vitality and a sense of protection, meandered out like a serpent, flowing as if it were alive.

The radiance slowly condensed in Ao Moang's broad palm, eventually transforming into a clear and profound "lotus" character mark.

"The Crown Prince."

After casting the spell remotely, Yang Chan withdrew her finger and solemnly instructed:

"This battle is fraught with danger and unpredictability."

"If you are in dire straits, exhausted and on the verge of death, silently recite the name of 'The Third Holy Mother of Mount Hua' in your heart, while simultaneously clenching and unclenching this palm three times."

"I have a premonition, and I may borrow the divine power of the magic lamp to protect your life from thousands of miles away."

"Remember, use it sparingly unless absolutely necessary!"

In the past, Yang Jian, in an act of rage to protect her, stormed Mount Ling and was imprisoned by the Heavenly Court at the mouth of the Guanjiang River.

Yang Chan witnessed her brother's misfortune and felt grief in her heart, and also reflected on her own conduct.

She considered her own situation, noting that her magical power largely relied on the power of the Lotus Lantern, and that her own foundation was not yet solid and her cultivation was still shallow. She feared that she would not be able to protect herself if she encountered a powerful enemy.

therefore.

Over the years, Yang Chan secluded herself in Mount Hua, cultivating diligently from dawn till dusk, through the changing seasons, and gradually gained enlightenment, resulting in a significant increase in her cultivation.

This is a "new spell" she comprehended recently after making significant progress in her cultivation and breaking through to a higher realm.

This is also one of the tips for using the Lotus Lantern that she "recently realized".

...

At this moment.

The character "莲" (lotus) is printed on it.

Ao Moang suddenly felt that the mark on his palm contained a vast and unparalleled protective power, gentle yet overwhelming, and he was filled with immense shock and gratitude.

He looked up at Yang Chan, the Third Holy Mother of Mount Hua, standing gracefully not far away, bowed deeply, and spoke with a complex yet sincere tone:
"The Third Holy Mother of Mount Hua has shown me such great kindness today, I, Ao Moang, have no way to repay it! Thinking back to what happened to Brother Yang back then..."

Ao Moang paused, a look of shame appearing on his face:
"Back then, when Brother Yang was in trouble in the West Sea, our West Sea Dragon Palace not only failed to lend a helping hand, but was also ordered by the Heavenly Court to capture him."

"Today, the Western Sea Dragon Clan is in danger, yet the Third Holy Mother has shown kindness in the face of evil and extended a helping hand. Such magnanimity makes Ao Moang... truly ashamed!"

Speaking of it.

The dignified Crown Prince of the West Sea Dragon Palace was speechless for a moment, ashamed and unable to speak. He could only bow deeply to Yang Chan to express his deep regret for what happened back then.

Back then, the Jade Emperor issued an order to suppress his own sister, Fairy Yunhua, to kill Yang Jian's father, Yang Tianyou, and to kill Yang Jian's brother, Yang Jiao.

They also wanted to kill Yang Jian and Yang Chan.

The Western Sea Dragon Clan was also acting on orders to capture Yang Jian.

Who would have expected.

Yang Jian received the protection of Yuanshi Tianzun, while Yang Chan was favored by Nuwa.

The Yang siblings not only escaped that calamity, but also grew stronger in adversity, developing extraordinary skills and eventually gaining a foothold in the Three Realms.

……

Yang Chan moved gracefully to the side to avoid the courtesy, and with her jade hand, she lifted Ao Moang up from a distance.

She looked at Ao Moang, her eyes clear and open, reflecting the purity and innocence of her heart.

Yang Chan opened her mouth slightly and said frankly:
"Your Highness is too kind."

“In the past, you and my Yang family had different positions. Xi Hai’s actions were carried out under orders, which was reasonable.”

As the saying goes, "If you are in a position, you should fulfill your responsibilities."

"However, it is true that Sister Cunxin helped my brother in his time of crisis."

"Saving my Yang family is a favor, and my Yang family will repay kindness and will always remember it."

"If we do not help, it is our duty, and the Yang family will not hold a grudge or resentment because of it."

"The past is past, and the Crown Prince need not feel guilty about such things."

Yang Chan's words were pearls of wisdom, each sentence revealing the breadth of her mind and the depth of her compassion, inspiring awe in all the aquatic creatures present. They all said:

"The Third Holy Mother of Mount Hua is infinitely benevolent and compassionate!"

Upon hearing such magnanimous words and seeing Yang Chan's pure gaze, devoid of any resentment, Ao Moang felt his shame wash away as if cleansed by a clear spring, leaving only deep respect and endless gratitude.

Ao Moang then said no more, but deeply imprinted this sentiment in his heart, and solemnly cupped his hands again to express his farewell.

it is more than words.

……

Without further delay, Yang Chan took Ao Cunxin's hand and gracefully boarded the cloud-borne carriage shrouded in auspicious energy.

The retinue of the West Sea Dragon Clan followed closely behind, each taking their place.

Ao Cunxin stood in front of the carriage, tears welling in her eyes, reluctantly bidding farewell to her brother Ao Moang.

"hiss!"

With a clear and melodious neigh from the jade-white celestial horse, the cloud chariot rose up with countless rays of light, parted the waterways, and headed straight for Mount Hua, the Western Peak of the Southern Continent.

The light of the lotus lantern shone brightly, carving a path of light through the deep sea, gradually disappearing into the distance until it vanished without a trace.

……

In the realm of Jambudvipa, there were once five majestic mountains that stood tall and imposing.

It consists of Mount Tai in the east, Mount Hua in the west, Mount Heng in the south, Mount Heng in the north, and Mount Song in the center.

Mount Hua is precipitous, Mount Heng is beautiful, Mount Tai is magnificent... each has its own unique scenery.

Among the Five Sacred Mountains, Mount Hua in the west is the place where Yang Chan, the Third Holy Mother of Mount Hua, cultivated her Taoist practice.

In addition to the Five Sacred Mountains, there is another sacred mountain in the Central Heaven, which was revered as "Taiyue" in ancient times.

This mountain is Wudang Mountain, also known as "Taiyue Taihe Mountain".

The ancient text "Taiyue Taihe Mountain Records" details the scenic beauty of this mountain.

This mountain is called:

"An unparalleled scenic spot since ancient times, the number one immortal mountain under heaven."

Wudang Mountain is also known as "the four famous mountains all bow in reverence, and the five sacred peaks pay homage to it", which shows its esteemed status.

Taiyue Wudang was renowned in ancient times, once surpassing the Five Sacred Mountains and being hailed as the "Crown of the Five Sacred Mountains".

This mountain has seventy-two peaks, thirty-six cliffs, twenty-four streams, eleven caves, three pools, nine springs, ten ponds, and nine wells...

What a beautiful mountain!

This mountain range stretches for eight hundred miles, its imposing presence a magnificent sight.

The dragon lies hidden at the bottom of the ravine, the tiger lies crouching in the cliff.

Seventy-two peaks, like swords and halberds, point straight to the sky; thirty-six cliffs resemble tigers crouching and dragons coiling; twenty-four streams are like swimming dragons piercing through clouds and mist...

Azure phoenixes and crimson dragons sing towards the sun, white cranes perch among the clouds by the old cypress. Hibiscus Peak stands tall and majestic, Purple Canopy Ridge is grand and magnificent.

Truly a mighty town in the southeast, a sacred mountain in the center of the sky!

……

As the saying goes:
"A deity makes a mountain, not its altitude."

"Water does not have to be deep."

Taiyue Taihe Mountain is hailed as "an unparalleled scenic spot since ancient times, and the number one immortal mountain under heaven".

There are immortals and dragons in nature.

Within this mountain dwells a true immortal, whose name is "Zhenwu".

In these waters dwells a dragon, called the "Shenlong" (蜃龙).

Wudang Mountain is also the Taoist temple of Zhenwu the Great, and the place where Zhenwu the Great cultivated and ascended to immortality.

Wudang Mountain is said to be "worthy of being visited only by Zhenwu".

The Northern True Martial Emperor, also known as the "Nine Heavens Demon-Subduing Heavenly Venerable," governs the northern heavens, subdues demons, and protects all living beings.

Mountains are protected by mountain gods, and waters are guarded by water gods. Most of the water gods in the mortal realm are descendants of dragons.

The eighth son of the Jinghe Dragon King is a mirage dragon, who guards the Taiyue Mountains and protects the tranquility of the surrounding landscape.

The dragons of the lower realm control clouds and rain, and most belong to the Water Department of the Heavenly Court, under the jurisdiction of the Four Seas Dragon Kings and the Water Department of the Heavenly Court.

Zhenwu the Great is in charge of the Northern Heavenly Gate, leading an army to subdue demons and monsters. Although Zhenwu the Great and the Mirage Dragon belong to different departments, each has their own duties.

However, the official rank of Zhenwu the Great was much higher than that of Shenlong, and Taiyue Taihe Mountain was the Taoist temple of Zhenwu the Great.

In Taihe Mountain of Taiyue, Zhenwu the Great is the boss.

Therefore, even the mirage dragon needs the order of the True Martial Emperor to leave Mount Taihe of Taiyue.

……

However, back in the day, when Emperor Donghua rebelled against Heaven...

Under the command of the Jade Emperor, Zhenwu the Great led tens of thousands of heavenly soldiers and generals to engage in a fierce battle with Donghua Dijun outside the South Heavenly Gate.

Donghua Dijun is the reincarnation of Dongwanggong, possessing the divine status of "Mugong", and is the Eastern Wood Emperor.

The True Martial Emperor is a mysterious being, embodying the combined form of a tortoise and a snake. He is the god of the north and the water emperor of the north.

The battle between the Eastern Wood Emperor and the Northern Water Emperor was truly a great war!
The two sides fought fiercely, so fiercely that the heavens and earth lost their color, the sun and moon lost their light, and the wind and clouds changed color.

In the end, the True Martial Emperor was outmaneuvered and defeated by the Eastern Emperor, falling into the vast lower realm with his shattered tortoise shell and snake body.

For years, Zhenwu the Great has been recuperating at Wudang Mountain.

……

The eighth son of the Jinghe Dragon King was a mirage dragon named "Ao Shen".

The Dragon King and his wife of the Jing River doted on their youngest son.

Before his ninth son, Xiao Tuolong, was born, his eighth son, Shenlong, was the most beloved son of the Jinghe Dragon King.

……

In the Taihe Mountains of Taiyue.

Suddenly, a mournful dragon's roar was heard, piercing through the clouds and splitting the rocks. Its sound was so shrill that it shook the pines all over the mountain, making them ripple like angry waves crashing against the shore; the stream murmured, as if weeping and wailing.

It was originally a mirage dragon named Ao Shen who received a letter from a little alligator dragon and learned of the misfortune that had befallen his family.

The image of my father, stern yet loving, flooded my mind like a tidal wave.

Ao Shen felt his heart and soul shatter. A surge of overwhelming grief and resentment rushed to the top of his head. Hot tears could no longer be held back from his dragon eyes and streamed down his face.

"Father... Father!"

The mirage dragon cried out in sorrow:
"Alas, this hatred is irreconcilable! As a son of the dragon, how can I sit idly by and watch my father's death go unavenged?"

The mirage dragon suddenly stood up, its body trembling slightly with rage.

He was determined to set off immediately for the Western Sea, not only to personally pay homage to his father's spirit, but also to personally kill his enemies and avenge his father!

……

Suddenly, a dragon burst forth from the water and soared into the air in the deep valleys of Taiyue Taihe Mountain.

This dragon is covered in golden and green scales that shimmer with light. Its body is like a giant dragon, coiling in the sky, its light and shadow dazzling the eyes.

Its form can suddenly transform into a long-winged bird, soaring through the sky; or it can suddenly transform into a strangely shaped shellfish, as still as an abyss, its tranquility concealing endless changes... leaving viewers dazzled and unable to discern its true form.

This is precisely the "mirage dragon" recorded in ancient books.

Wang Qi of the Ming Dynasty described the appearance of the mirage dragon in detail in his book "Sancai Tuhui":

"The mirage dragon resembles a chi dragon, with horns and ears, and a red mane on its back. It exhales breath that forms pavilions and towers, which are visible before rain. Its fat and wax can be used to make candles, the fragrance of which can be smelled from a hundred paces away, and the smoke that rises from it forms the shape of pavilions and towers."

The Mirage Dragon is a mysterious and powerful branch of the dragon race, capable of ever-changing forms and extremely skilled in illusionary arts.

The ancient Chinese legend of the mirage is said to be a magical phenomenon created by a mirage dragon.

Shen Kuo, a learned scholar of the Song Dynasty, also recorded mirages in his "Dream Pool Essays":
“In the sea off Dengzhou, clouds often appear, resembling palaces, pavilions, city walls, figures, carriages, horses, and canopies, all clearly visible. This is called a mirage. Some say it is caused by the aura of dragons and sea monsters…”

……

Before the impulse to take revenge.

Shenlong, also known as Ao Shen, suppressed his grief and indignation, straightened his clothes, and walked heavily but firmly toward Taihe Palace on the mountaintop.

The area in front of the Taihe Palace was shrouded in mist, creating a solemn and dignified atmosphere.

The mirage dragon bowed respectfully to the guardian spirit official and said:
"I have something to report to the Holy True Lord. Please have the spirit official convey my message."

Upon hearing this, the gatekeeper immediately turned and went inside to report to the True Martial Emperor.

Not long after.

The True Martial Emperor summoned the mirage dragon to an audience.

Inside the Taihe Palace, incense smoke curled upwards, creating a solemn and dignified atmosphere.

The True Martial Emperor, with his hair disheveled and barefoot, sat on a cloud bed, riding on a soaring serpent and a divine tortoise. His body exuded a heavy, mountain-like aura that made people dare not look directly at him.

However, beneath that imposing demeanor, a faint, barely perceptible trace of chronic illness could be discerned.

Wen Shenlong came to visit.

The True Martial Emperor (True Lord Yousheng) opened his eyes, looked at the mirage dragon, and asked:

"Ao Shen, what brings you here today?"

The mirage dragon bowed deeply, its expression sorrowful, and reported:
“My lord, please forgive me. My younger brother sent me a message saying that my father was wronged and killed by the Eight Immortals of Taoism. He died tragically on the Execution Platform, and his body was buried sadly under the desolate cliff.”

"I wish to return to pay respects to my deceased father, and I also wish to join forces with my younger brother to avenge him!"

"I have come here specifically to resign from my post as the True Lord."

Upon hearing this, the True Martial Emperor remained silent for a long time, a complex look flashing in his eyes.

He has a deep connection with the dragon race.

Its predecessor was the ancestor Xuanwu.

The True Warrior of the North, with the combined form of a tortoise and a snake, is the embodiment of the Black Tortoise of the North.

……

Furthermore, the shape and form of Wudang Mountain closely resemble the appearance of the mythical beast "Northern Black Tortoise," as if it were a creation of nature.

If viewed from above, Wudang Mountain resembles a giant tortoise carrying a golden summit, majestic and spectacular.

In his book "The Complete Collection of True Stories of Wudang Blessed Land", Liu Daoming, a Taoist priest of the Yuan Dynasty, clearly stated the basis for the name "Xuanwu"—the mountain's shape resembles a "turtle and snake coiled together", forming a unified whole.

There are four spirits in the universe: the Azure Dragon of the East, the White Tiger of the West, the Vermilion Bird of the South, and the Black Tortoise of the North.

When Emperor Yongle (Zhu Di) raised an army in the north, the "Xuanwu" mythical beast happened to be the "northern water god".

Therefore, Zhu Di regarded the Northern Black Tortoise as the guardian deity of the country, bestowed upon the True Martial Emperor the title of "Northern Pole Guardian Heaven True Martial Black Heaven God", and extensively renovated the palaces and temples on Wudang Mountain to demonstrate his power and virtue.

It is also mentioned in Journey to the West:
"The Jade Emperor bestowed upon him the name of Zhenwu. He corresponds to the Mysterious Void, and his form is a combination of tortoise and snake."

This statement reveals the origin of the name Zhenwu the Great, which is the embodiment of a tortoise and snake combined, and the incarnation of the Northern Black Tortoise.

……

In the primordial chaos, when heaven and earth were first created and chaos was first divided.

Dragons are the kings of scaled creatures and the overlords of the waters.

The Xuanwu clan is also under the command of the Dragon clan.

The ancient ancestor Xuanwu once followed the ancestral dragon and fought side by side in the four directions.

At that time, the Dragon Clan and the Xuanwu Clan had a deep friendship and were true family friends.

Therefore, even today, Zhenwu the Great still has many dragon subordinates serving him.

The dragon clan also has many turtle generals under its command.

"Emperor Donghua, Lü Dongbin of the Eight Immortals of Taoism, the Pure Yang Sword..."

Upon hearing the words of the Mirage Dragon, the True Martial Emperor was moved and his mind was filled with countless thoughts.

He knew full well that the implications of this matter were far more extensive than a simple personal grudge.

after all.

He had faced off against Emperor Donghua head-on and had also been injured by the Innate Pure Yang Sword, memories of which remained vivid.

Although Donghua Dijun had long since been reincarnated as Lü Dongbin, his appearance had completely changed, and his strength was far less than before.

That innate pure yang sword has also been transformed and is no longer what it used to be.

However, when Lü Dongbin was traveling in the Southern Continent, the True Martial Emperor recognized him at a glance as the reincarnation of the Eastern Emperor.

The mystery surrounding this "Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea" incident and the people behind it.

The True Martial Emperor instantly understood and comprehended the truth.

"Emperor Donghua..."

Thinking of his former rival, Emperor Zhenwu couldn't help but sigh.

It is lamentable that the first incarnation of "Dongwanggong" paved the way for the rise of the Heavenly Court, yet he could not enjoy the glory and died.

It is lamentable that in his second life, "Emperor Donghua" contributed to the prosperity of Taoism, but ultimately could not escape the cruel tricks of fate.

It is lamentable that in his third incarnation, "Lü Dongbin" once again became a sword in the hands of others, unable to control his own destiny.

……

My thoughts return to the present moment.

The True Martial Emperor looked at the Mirage Dragon, his eyes filled with the concern and comfort of an elder, and slowly spoke:

“Ao Shen, I know all about your grief and indignation.”

“However, Mirage Dragon, please hear me out.”

"Although the Eight Immortals of the Daoist sect are wandering immortals, they are deeply protected by the Daoist sect's fortune and are no small matter."

"Furthermore, the cause of your father Ao Yuan's death is complex and multifaceted, going beyond the mere appearance of the Eight Immortals; there is much more behind it..."

The words were about to be spoken.

The True Martial Emperor looked up at the sky, seemingly sensing something, and felt a chill in his heart.

He paused and continued:

"There is an even greater secret hidden behind this."

"It involves heavenly secrets and coincides with a great calamity. There may be a deeper hand manipulating cause and effect and controlling the universe."

"This situation is fraught with danger and unpredictable peril; every step is fraught with peril!"

"This calamity will not only affect your dragon clan, but may also be used as a catalyst to stir up waves in the three realms."

"If you go to the Western Sea now, you will be caught in a vortex of killing and unable to extricate yourself, and will eventually die and perish."

"But if you stay on my Taiyue Taihe Mountain and cultivate diligently, I can guarantee your safety and well-being, or even help you avoid this calamity and preserve your life."

"Only in this way can your father's spirit in heaven be comforted and he be able to rest in peace."

Upon hearing this, the mirage dragon suddenly looked up.

He looked at the True Martial Emperor, his gaze resolute, and said:

"I appreciate the True Lord's protection."

(End of this chapter)