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

Chapter 634 The Western Sea Immortal and Demonic Armies Stand Off Against Each Other
Meanwhile, the Eight Immortals of Taoism, including Li Xuan, Lü Dongbin, Zhang Guolao, Han Xiangzi, and Zhongli Quan, were bestowed with the Nine-Turn Golden Elixir by the Supreme Lord Laozi.

This Nine-Turn Golden Elixir has endless wonders. When the Eight Immortals of Taoism took it, they immediately felt their bones and marrow cleansed, their Taoist cultivation advanced, and their magical power increased. It was truly a complete transformation!

The Eight Immortals of Taoism also gathered three thousand immortals, rogue cultivators, and spirits from the Southern Continent who admired their Tao and received their guidance.

In an instant, celestial light filled the land, vast and mighty, rushing straight towards the Western Sea.

This is truly a scene of great prosperity for the Taoist sect, with its divine might shaking all directions!

Witnessing the grand spectacle of the "Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea," people created the "Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea: A Pictorial Record," which has been passed down through generations.

There's even a proverb that goes:

"The Eight Immortals cross the sea, each displaying their unique abilities."

In the worldview of "Journey to the West", the story of "Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea" actually takes place before "Journey to the West to Obtain Buddhist Scriptures".

Rather than after the journey to the West to obtain Buddhist scriptures.

First came the Eight Immortals crossing the sea, and then came Jin Chanzi, Sun Wukong, the White Dragon of the West Sea... on their journey to the West to obtain Buddhist scriptures.

For example, in Chapter 81 of the original novel *Journey to the West*, Sun Wukong himself said:

"I will briefly explain today, so listen carefully—"

"I have subdued tigers and dragons on Flower Fruit Mountain, and I have also made a ruckus in Heaven. When I was hungry, I took a bite of two or three pills from Laozi; when I was thirsty, I drank six or seven cups of wine from the Jade Emperor."

"In the future, some will be filed, some burned, some ground, some pounded..."

"It's just like the Eight Immortals crossing the sea, each displaying their own unique abilities! Monks, let me show you this demon, then you'll recognize me, Old Sun!"

Sun Wukong himself said:

"The Eight Immortals cross the sea together, each displaying their unique abilities!"

Therefore, it can be seen that the story of the Eight Immortals crossing the sea had already occurred before Jin Chanzi, Sun Wukong, the White Dragon of the West Sea and others went on their journey to the West to obtain Buddhist scriptures.

Sun Wukong had also heard of the story of the Eight Immortals crossing the sea, and he even talked about it with great interest.

……

The Eight Immortals of the Daoist sect, leading three thousand Qi cultivators from the mortal realm, had just arrived above the Western Sea when they saw a massive, dark army of dragons stretching out before them.

The sea was as black as ink, and the waves crashed against the shore.

Ao Run, the Dragon King of the West Sea, led his dragon sons and grandsons, shrimp soldiers and crab generals to the surface of the water, confronting the Taoist immortals in the clouds across the sky.

The Turtle Prime Minister, holding the command flag and military tally, stood solemnly beside the throne, his cloudy old eyes gleaming with sharp light.

Ao Lie, the third prince of the Jade Dragon of the West Sea, held a precious sword stained with the blood of the temple keeper of Lu Zu Temple. His white-gold dragon scales shone brightly all over his body, his silver beard moved without wind, and the flames of fighting spirit burned fiercely in his eyes, his fighting spirit soaring to the sky!

The most conspicuous figure at the front of the battle was none other than Ao Moang, the eldest prince of the Western Sea!
But look at how he dressed:

He wore a purple-gold crown with inlaid pearls to bind his hair, and a bright silver armor with chainmail and lion motifs.

She wore a lion-shaped belt around her waist and lotus-silk sandals on her feet.

He held a dragon-headed, golden spear at an angle, its cold light gleaming and penetrating to the bone. A cold glint at the spear tip seemed to pierce the sky and startle the heavens!
A three-edged mace hung at his waist, from which the faint sounds of wind and thunder surged, its low, mournful wail chilling to the soul.

Ao Moang possessed a dignified and imposing presence, as deep and majestic as a mountain. His sharp gaze swept across each Daoist immortal in the clouds, pressing down on them so intensely that their hearts trembled, and they almost couldn't breathe!

It is:

"Ao Moang, the most outstanding member of the Dragon Clan, renowned throughout the four seas!"

Beside Ao Moang.

Ao Tuojie, the son of Ao Yuan, the Dragon King of the Jing River, was still dressed in mourning clothes, his eyes bloodshot as if they were about to bleed!
The little alligator dragon absorbed the essence of its father Ao Yuan's dragon pearl, and its cultivation level increased dramatically. Its dragon might surged and churned, causing the surrounding seawater to boil like boiling water.

"Father, I will avenge this blood feud for you today!"

The little alligator dragon gripped a bamboo-jointed steel whip as thick as a bowl, bared its fangs, and let out a low hiss like that of a wounded beast.

The intense killing intent and the pain of losing his father intertwined, condensing into a ferocious aura that was almost tangible, ready to devour anyone who might be caught!

Behind the little alligator dragon.

A large banner bearing the character "Dragon" fluttered in the wind, its four scarlet characters, "Blood Debts Must Be Repaid in Blood," a truly shocking sight!

Near the small alligator dragon.

The son of the Jing River Dragon King, "Shenlong," was hidden in the misty waters of the military formation, appearing and disappearing intermittently.

The mirage dragon tightly gripped the mirage pearl in its palm. The pearl was filled with bizarre and fantastical lights, clearly indicating that it had already set up a bewitching illusion array, waiting to confuse the enemy and capture the immortal.

The ocean is wider than the land.

The vast and boundless Western Sea nurtures countless aquatic creatures.

In the Western Sea, there are some aquatic creatures that are not ordinary beings.

They were summoned to the service of the Dragon King of the West Sea and received his favor. Today, they are willing to serve the Dragon King of the West Sea wholeheartedly, even unto death.

As the poem says:

"I will repay your kindness on the Golden Terrace and die for you, supporting the Jade Dragon."

Among these thousands of aquatic creatures, two water generals stand out as particularly outstanding, truly exceptional. They are standing at the front of the battle, their fierce aura terrifying all who behold them.

One of them is the Western Sea General, "Tiger Dragon"!
The tiger, the king of beasts, is revered as the mountain king and the sovereign of the mountains.

The Jiao is a ferocious beast in the water, capable of stirring up storms and summoning wind and rain.

If a dragon is seen moving, then a flood is imminent. Folklore often uses the phrase "dragon walking" to explain the phenomenon of flash floods.

Many ancient bridges have "dragon-slaying swords" placed beneath them to ward off floods.

The tiger-dragon is the offspring of a tiger and a dragon. It has the head of a tiger and the body of a dragon, and is known as the "fierce tiger in the water". It is extremely fierce and has both the power of a tiger and the water control ability of a dragon.

The Classic of Mountains and Seas also records the tiger-dragon clan:
"From the mountain where the prayer was offered, the Lang River originates and flows south into the sea. Within it dwells a 'tiger-dragon,' which has the body of a fish and the tail of a snake..."

……

Behold the Tiger-Dragon, the General of the Western Sea. This general has a ferocious tiger head, eyes like torches and lamps, golden pupils and red mane, captivating the soul. His body is covered in fish scales, gleaming with an eerie light, and his snake tail slithers, accompanied by the roaring sound of crashing waves.

The tiger-dragon was sixteen feet tall, standing like an iron tower, with broad shoulders and the strength to lift a thousand pounds.

In his hand was a wave-splitting halberd, over three zhang long, its blade gleaming coldly, stirring up turbulent undercurrents, its ferocious power soaring straight to the heavens!

The real one is:
"The tiger roars in the mountains, startling all beasts; the dragon leaps across the vast sea, calming ten thousand waves. The two unite as one, called the General, splitting waters and cleaving waves, astonishing even ghosts and gods! The General Tiger and Dragon come to challenge us to battle; do the Taoist immortals dare to accept?"

The second is the Western Sea Admiral "Ao Fu Yue"!
The Giant Turtle Clan is born with enormous size and immense strength.

Its shape is that of a dragon's head, a turtle's body, and a qilin's tail.

Long ago, Gonggong angrily struck Buzhou Mountain, causing the sky to collapse and the earth to cave in. The goddess Nuwa killed a giant sea turtle and used its four legs as pillars to support the four directions of heaven and earth, thus preventing the collapse of the celestial realm.

The vast and boundless Western Sea has also given birth to a giant turtle, named "Ao Fu Yue," which has the strength to carry mountains.

This giant turtle is a remnant of the "Giant Turtle that Mending the Sky" from back then.

Ao carried Yue in the Dragon Palace of the West Sea and served as the "Admiral of the West Sea".

But this giant turtle is seen:
Its head is held high, its two horns are prominent; its body is thick and heavy, like a mountain stretching across the land. Its massive tail sweeps across the vast ocean; its majestic form is encased in heavy armor of black iron.

Standing several meters tall, resembling a majestic mountain range; possessing the strength to lift mountains and the spirit to fill the ocean. He wields a pair of giant axes, known as the "Heaven and Earth Axes"!
The axe face is as wide as a door panel, and the axe blade gleams with a cold light.

Ao Fuyue stood before the battle, its deep waters and imposing presence awe-inspiring. The seawater, several feet away from it, parted on its own, creating a vacuum!
It is:

"Gonggong smashed the Buzhou Pillar, Nuwa slew the giant turtle to establish the Heavenly Pivot. The descendants of the mountain bearer the weight of the Western Sea, their twin axes cleaving the path of life and death! With the Admiral bearing the weight of the mountain here, which demon dares to step forward?"

……

In the Western Sea.

And then there were the sea patrol yakshas, ​​with blue faces and fangs, pointing their steel forks angrily; the captain of the mackerel wielding his water-splitting spears, their blades flashing like cold stars; and the eel warriors, their muscles bulging and twisting, stirring up the waves…

The crab general's claws opened and closed with a clanging sound; the shrimp soldiers' long spears stood like a forest, their cold gleam flashing...

The shrimp soldiers and crab generals were densely packed, layer upon layer, brandishing swords and spears, their murderous aura soaring to the heavens!
Banners and flags blot out the sun, covering the sky and the sea!
The banner bearing the character "Dragon" in the center of the formation, with the scarlet words "Blood debt must be repaid in blood" written on it, exudes the soaring resentment and indomitable will of the Western Sea aquatic tribes!

……

At this very moment, the sky above the Western Sea was also turbulent with wind and clouds, and lightning and thunder.

The Eight Immortals of Taoism, including Li Xuan, Lü Dongbin, Zhongli Quan, Zhang Guolao, He Xiangu, Han Xiangzi, Lan Caihe, and Cao Jingxiu, led three thousand Qi practitioners from the mortal world, standing proudly in the clouds.

Tieguai Li sat upright on a large gourd, from which a faint mist of cinnabar energy seemed to rise and fall.

His eyes shone brightly as he opened and closed them, no longer displaying his former dejected state, but instead exuding the majesty of an immortal, clearly having already refined most of the power of the Nine-Turn Golden Elixir.

"Buzz, buzz, buzz!"

"Clang, clang, clang!"

……

The Western Sea Dragon Clan burned down his Taoist temple and killed his temple priests. This overwhelming rage, like oil being poured into a raging fire, burned fiercely in Lü Dongbin's heart.

Lü Dongbin's eyes gleamed coldly as he carried the Pure Yang Sword on his back. The sword case hummed incessantly, and the sword energy soared straight into the sky.

Since the Nine-Turn Golden Elixir entered his body, it circulated through his meridians, nourishing every inch of his flesh and blood and his primordial spirit.

At this moment, Lü Dongbin was even more powerful, exuding immense magical energy and an overwhelming aura.

Zhang Guolao rode a donkey, and the donkey's hooves trod on illusory yin-yang fish patterns, as if he were one with heaven and earth, fully displaying the mysteries of Taoism.

Han Xiangzi's jade flute lay horizontally, and from its holes seemed to come the faint sounds of clashing swords and galloping horses, ready to unleash a battle song and boost morale.

...The three thousand Qi cultivators in the mortal realm also displayed their unique abilities.

They either rode spirit beasts, soared through the air, traveled on wind and thunder, or advanced on clear light... forming a mysterious array to guard the Eight Immortals of Taoism, ready for battle.

At the command, these three thousand Qi cultivators would fight to the death against the Western Sea Dragon Clan to defend the dignity of the Daoist sect.

……

On the surface of the West Sea, tensions were high and a murderous aura was palpable.

Ao Run, Dragon King of the West Sea; Ao Moang, Crown Prince of the West Sea; Ao Lie, Third Prince of the Jade Dragon of the West Sea; Xiao Tuolong, son of Ao Yuan, Dragon King of the Jing River; Shenlong, son of Ao Yuan, Dragon King of the Jing River; Hu Jiao, General Commander of the West Sea; Ao Fuyue, Admiral of the West Sea; Turtle Prime Minister of the West Sea...

Shrimp soldiers surged like a tide, crab generals stood like mountains, yakshas were ferocious and terrifying, and fish spirits lined up in battle formation...

The real one is:
"Dark clouds press down on the sea, threatening to crush it; armor gleams in the sun, like golden scales unfolding!"

Before the battle even begins, the momentum is already being generated!
Thousands of aquatic soldiers, their killing intent mixed with the deep dragon's might, condensed into an invisible torrent that could destroy the heavens and the earth, soaring straight into the sky and colliding violently with the auspicious clouds and the majesty of the immortals in the air!
We're determined to determine a winner!
Two powerful forces surged together, shaking the sea and sky, and dimming the sun and moon!
……

According to old custom, courtesy should be given before force is used, so as to make it seem legitimate.

Moreover, immortals always consider themselves to be on the righteous path and always try to occupy the moral high ground.

then.

Li Xuan hovered in the air, riding his gourd. The purple aura collided with the dragon's might, stirring up lightning and thunder.

His expression was stern, his gaze piercing through layers of malevolent energy, landing directly on Ao Run, the Dragon King of the West Sea. He clasped his hands together and gave a slight bow.

Subsequently.

Li Xuan sternly rebuked the Dragon King of the West Sea:

"Ao Run, Dragon King of the West Sea! You are a righteous god of the Heavenly Court, worshipped by the people of the world and enjoying supreme honor. You should abide by the Heavenly Rules, be compassionate, and use your benevolence to benefit all living beings and protect the peace of this sea area."

"However, instead of repaying the kindness of the Heavenly Court and fulfilling your responsibility to protect all living beings, you have openly signed a blood oath, gathered demon soldiers in the Western Sea, recklessly waged war, and provoked conflict. Such actions are truly against the will of Heaven, disregarding the plight of all living beings, and are intolerable to Heaven!"

"Today, we have led our people here to act on behalf of Heaven, to subdue you wicked dragons, and to restore peace to the world!"

"If you recognize the opportune moment and understand the greater good, surrender quickly and you may save your life and avoid severe punishment. Do not be stubborn and make mistake after mistake, or you will ultimately bring about your own destruction!"

These words were like adding fuel to the fire!

"Hahaha!"

Upon hearing this, Ao Run, the Dragon King of the West Sea, bristled with anger, and his dragon aura surged and churned like a raging tide.

He laughed in extreme anger and said:
"Li Xuan, you brat, how dare you bark so arrogantly here?"

"Who are you? Do you even deserve to represent Heaven?"

"Are you worthy?"

Ao Run, the Dragon King of the West Sea, raised his head to the sky, his dragon claws pointing upwards:
"Listen up, all of you!"

"In the past, in the primordial world, ferocious chaotic beasts invaded, devouring stars, tearing the earth apart, and causing widespread suffering!"

"The primordial world was on the verge of collapse, and heaven and earth were teetering on the brink of destruction, almost ceasing to exist!"

"At this critical moment of life and death, our dragon ancestor, 'Ancestral Dragon,' with a heart full of righteousness, stepped forward, raised his arm and called out, leading our dragon clan and all scaled creatures in the world to build an indestructible wall with their flesh and blood."

"For countless millennia, my dragon sons and daughters have fought valiantly, fearless of death, battling against the ferocious beasts of chaos, staining the primordial world with their blood!"

"Our dragon, phoenix, and qilin clans fought one after another, their corpses piled up like mountains, their blood staining the endless primordial wilderness, until finally suppressing that chaotic beast into the dragon clan's underwater purgatory!"

"Only in this way was the primordial world preserved, and only then did you have a place to stand today!"

"If it weren't for the selfless sacrifice of my dragon clan in the past, how could you be alive today?"

"Know that your peace today was bought with the blood and lives of our dragon ancestors!"

The voice of the Dragon King of the West Sea was filled with pride and sorrow:

"In the past, Gonggong angrily struck Buzhou Mountain, causing the sky to tilt to the northwest, the earth to sink to the southeast, the Milky Way to overflow, and all living beings to wail in agony!"

"Who sacrificed their four legs to become a colossal pillar supporting this shattered world?"

"It was done by our ancestor, the giant turtle, of the scaled aquatic race."

"Later, when heaven and earth were first established, the four cardinal directions were unstable, and the stars and sky were in disarray!"

"And who was it that gave up their dragon body, transformed into the Azure Dragon of the East, and eternally guarded the easternmost point of the heavens, harmonizing yin and yang, regulating the earth's veins, and maintaining the ceaseless operation of this world?"

"He is a senior member of my dragon clan!"

"Over the years, my dragon ancestors have sacrificed their own bodies to become guardian gods of the East, working tirelessly day and night to harmonize yin and yang and regulate the earth's veins."

"It is because of their contributions that this land is so stable, and all things can thrive and continue to grow."

"This day was built up inch by inch by our scaly aquatic ancestors with their flesh and blood, with their sinews and bones!"

Ao Run, the Dragon King of the West Sea, swept his gaze across the assembled Taoist immortals with lightning speed and sneered:
"That's why you can enjoy this peaceful world, and sit down and discuss things freely."

Ao Run, the Dragon King of the West Sea, surveyed the assembled Taoist immortals with piercing eyes:
"Let's not talk about the past."

"Look at the waters of these four continents now, it is all thanks to the hard work of my dragon race in bringing rain and clouds."

"We, the dragon clan, traverse the sea of ​​clouds, tirelessly spreading sweet rain."

"Every drop of water you drink, every inch of land you cultivate, is thanks to the diligent work of my dragon clan, who bring rain and balance drought and flood!"

"But you all turn a blind eye to all of this."

"My dragon race has shed blood for this land, made great contributions to this land, and fought bravely for this land!"

The voice of Ao Run, the Dragon King of the West Sea, carried a hint of sorrow:
As the saying goes, "When you drink water, you should remember its source."

"You drink the water bestowed by my dragon race and enjoy the peaceful world that my dragon ancestors sacrificed their lives for, yet you have long forgotten your roots and origins!"

Ao Run, the Dragon King of the West Sea, questioned the Eight Immortals of the Taoist School, saying:
"You are nothing more than a few Qi cultivators who have practiced for nearly a hundred years and have only managed to cultivate a little bit of power. How dare you presume to claim that you are 'acting on behalf of Heaven'?"

"You... want to act on behalf of Heaven?"

Ao Run, the Dragon King of the West Sea, looked coldly at Li Xuan:

"What have you, Li Xuan, done for this land? What merit have you, Zhongli Quan, rendered for this land?"

"You are merely latecomers, those who reap the benefits without sowing."

"You think you can represent Heaven just because you've slain a few demons and rid yourself of a few evil spirits?"

When the Great Way prevails, the world is as one.

Ao Run, the Dragon King of the West Sea, slowly said:

"From the perspective of heaven and earth, humans, demons, Buddhas, ghosts... are all living beings born within heaven and earth, so what is the difference?"

"This is what you do for the sake of humanity, not for the sake of heaven."

"Everything you have done is for the benefit of the human race and for your Taoist sect to gain fame and profit!"

"Do you think you can represent God?"

"Do you think you deserve it?"

Ao Run, the Dragon King of the West Sea, sneered disdainfully:
"Hmph, our personal grudges should be settled openly and honestly. Why bother with that fig leaf of 'acting on behalf of Heaven'?"

"How utterly hypocritical! It only makes us laugh!"

"I, Ao Run, have traversed the four seas and met countless people, but I have never seen such a shameless person!"

"This, this, this..."

Li Xuan was left red-faced and embarrassed by the barrage of questions from Ao Run, the Dragon King of the West Sea. It was as if he had been stripped naked in public. Shame and anger intertwined on his face, and he was speechless for a moment. His lips trembled slightly, and he could not utter a single word.

Behind Li Xuan.

Lü Dongbin's face was gloomy, Zhongli Quan's eyes flickered, and Cao Jingxiu hesitated to speak...

At this moment.

The West Sea Dragon King's accusations tore away their righteous facade of "acting on behalf of Heaven," exposing their hidden grudges and schemes to the public eye!

As Sun Tzu's Art of War states:
"The first is to attack the enemy, then the second is to attack the enemy, the second is to attack the army, and the third is to attack the city."

The highest level of warfare is not direct combat, but subduing the enemy without fighting.

Zhuge Liang once verbally abused Wang Lang to death on the battlefield.

Finally, Wang Lang, filled with shame and indignation, fell from his horse and died. Zhuge Liang won the battle with almost no casualties.

……

Old ginger is always spicier.

Ao Run, the Old Dragon King of the West Sea, roamed the four seas and ruled the West Sea Dragon Palace for many years. How could he be an ordinary person?

……

At this moment.

Above the clouds.

Many weak-willed cultivators, upon hearing the words of Ao Run, the Dragon King of the West Sea, already showed shame on their faces and their resolve wavered slightly.

The originally neat and orderly formation began to appear somewhat scattered.

(End of this chapter)