Journey to the West: The Immortal Clan Begins by Feeding Monkeys at Five Elements Mountain

Chapter 46 The beginning was not yet ripe, so the result was difficult to bear.

The forest is deep in the mountains, the path is winding and the wind is serene.

The monk's figure disappeared into the depths of the mist with just one turn, vanishing without a trace, like a stone sinking into water.

But none of the people at the foot of the mountain were in a hurry to turn around.

They all stood rooted to the spot, gazing at the winding mountain path, as if hoping something would emerge from the forest again.

Jiang Ming and the young master of the Liu family, in particular, had focused eyes and different postures.

One stared intently without saying a word, while the other seemed lost in thought; they appeared to be each harboring their own calculations.

Finally, Jiang Yi spoke first, smiling as he stepped forward a few paces, cupped his hands in a respectful gesture, and said:
"Master Liu is not only skilled but also kind-hearted. It is truly rare that he was able to rescue a penitent in the deep mountains and forests."

Upon hearing this, Master Liu simply waved his hand, a slight smile playing on his lips, and said:

"It was just a small favor, nothing to boast about. I was just strolling around in the mountains, and I happened to run into someone, so I offered my help. I figured it was just to accumulate some good karma for myself and have a good dream."

He said it so casually, as if he really didn't care.

Seeing that he had no intention of leaving, Jiang Yi was not in a hurry and simply made a few casual remarks.

"With Master Liu's skills, if he were to leave the mountain, he would probably be able to easily achieve fame and fortune."

His tone was tentative, but also genuinely curious.

Master Liu continued to smile, his voice flat:
"Fame and fortune are but fleeting clouds, and I have enjoyed them all at home. Now that I think about it, the mountains and fields are much quieter, and life is more comfortable, which is what I want."

Having said that, before Jiang Yi could ask any further questions, he changed the subject himself and said:
"But the few Illusionary Yin Grasses that Brother Jiang sent yesterday were of excellent quality; you could tell at a glance that they were carefully cultivated."

"Once these herbs are prepared, we'll send a few portions back as a small token of our appreciation for the estate."

Seeing that he was unwilling to say more, Jiang Yi wisely stopped talking as well.

The tone shifted, returning to the topic of medicinal herbs:
“I don’t have any other business, but I’m quite skilled at farming. If the master has any rare herbs he would like to grow, I might as well entrust them to you for a try.”

These words were spoken politely, yet also carried a hint of sincerity.

Upon hearing this, Master Liu frowned slightly, as if pondering for a moment, but ultimately shook his head and said:
"The village has no shortage of common medicinal herbs, but as for the ones that are lacking, Brother Jiang, with your current resources, I'm afraid you can't grow them yet."

"That Illusionary Yin Grass is only needed because its characteristics are rare and it happens to meet certain requirements, which is why I asked you to help me."

Jiang Yi couldn't help but feel a little disappointed, but he didn't show it at all. He just nodded slightly and remained calm.

Seeing his composure, Master Liu said a few more words:
"However, if Brother Jiang takes another step forward and enters the realm of full essence and abundant energy, then there are indeed a few medicinal herbs that you can ask your family to cultivate."

Jiang Yi already knew that the three paths to perfecting one's life force were: full essence, abundant energy, and vigorous spirit.

This method of cultivating life force is much more flexible than cultivating sexual energy.

While the essence, energy, and spirit are said to be complete, they are not bound by any particular order; it depends only on the foundation one has.

Most ordinary people start with energy and gradually hone their skills.

But the Jiang family is somewhat different.

The breathing technique in the back mountain, practiced early and with a solid foundation, progressed faster and deeper in the area of ​​"qi".

Jiang Yi listened and nodded slightly, carefully memorizing the information.

Neither of them was in a hurry to leave. Instead, they set up their feet at the foot of the mountain, leaning against a stack of firewood, and chatted idly.

They talked about spiritual practice and herbs, their topics were disjointed and lacked any real substance.

Occasionally, when Jiang Yi asked about matters related to the Dharma, Master Liu would not hold back and would offer some pointers in a few words.

As they talked, the topic veered back to the intricacies of medicinal herb cultivation.

They talked about soil feng shui, seasonal solar terms, and which herbs prefer shade and which need sunlight to grow.

Sometimes, when we get tired of talking, we'll start talking about everyday things like raising children...

Jiang Ming sat to the side, not even going to school, listening with great interest. Jiang Yi didn't urge him, just letting him broaden his horizons.

Meanwhile, Jiang Xi finally managed to complete a set of stance training exercises under her mother's guidance, and ran over, drenched in sweat, into the crowd.

Before long, the children were frolicking with the Liu family's boy, chasing each other, tumbling and rolling around, creating quite a scene of chaos. The onlookers watched the children's playful antics with smiles on their faces, but their eyes kept involuntarily glancing towards the back mountain…

The mountain path meandered, and the forest breeze rustled gently. The monk had been inside all morning, but had not yet returned.

We spent lunch at the Jiang family's house. It was a simple meal with two dishes and a pot of hot mixed grain rice, which we enjoyed quite a bit.

The day was spent at the foot of the mountain, watching the sun slowly climb overhead and then gradually slant down, casting long, long shadows.

They waited until all the livestock in the village leisurely came out of the back mountain, and even the mountain breeze slowed down, but the monk still hadn't returned.

Both families present had some understanding of the nature of the back mountain.

Although the weather in the mountains is unpredictable, ordinary people who go in will always come out around the same time every hour.

We haven't seen a soul all day, which seems to confirm what the monk said.

The path that must be taken, just take it. Whether you succeed or not, it's all up to fate.

The group stood at the foot of the mountain, their expressions varied, but none of them uttered a sound.

Master Liu remained calm and unhurried, standing there dusting off his sleeves, his expression showing no sign of concern.

His son, however, is different.

After returning empty-handed from those previous trips, he had already given up.

Now, seeing the monk silently walk into the mountain and never return, his eyes suddenly lit up, and his expression brightened.

Jiang Ming stared longingly at the end of the mountain path, his eyes filled with the desire to go in and take a look, but he didn't dare to say a word, afraid that his father would glare at him and send him back into the house.

Jiang Yi, on the other hand, stood quietly with a thoughtful expression on his face.

The monk never returned, but the mountain ultimately did not collapse.

It seems that the monk did have some good fortune, but to say that he truly had great destiny and could actually obtain some "scriptures," he was probably still lacking that final step.

If the conditions are not yet ripe, the fruit will be hard to bear.

Before the mountains are opened and the sky is moved, everything beyond destiny is human affairs.

Jiang Yi's heart stirred slightly, but he didn't say anything. He just looked up at the thick mountain mist and sighed softly.

Master Liu cupped his hands in farewell to Jiang Yi.

He had only taken a few steps when the Liu boy hopped and skipped after him, chattering away, and it was vaguely understood that he wanted to learn some Buddhist teachings.

Jiang Yi watched from behind, shook his head and chuckled softly, but didn't say anything.

I led my two kids home, one on each side.

Without delay after entering the house, he immediately pulled out the medicinal herbs that had been sorted out earlier, started a fire, and fetched water, working very swiftly and efficiently.

This time, the medicinal herbs were well-prepared and categorized. Everyone already knew which herbs to take, when to take them, and how to take them.

Today, after listening to what Master Liu said at the foot of the mountain, I have come to understand some of the things that were previously confusing.

Hearing that only by cultivating to the point of perfect refinement and abundant energy can new medicinal herbs be planted filled Jiang Yi with enthusiasm.

The breathing technique passed down from the back mountain is good, but it cannot be rushed. The right way is to first strengthen the foundation.

A handful of black scaly roots were thrown into the old medicine pot.

This is an extremely rare tonic for replenishing essence. Legend has it that it grows on the residue of old mines. It is warm in nature and not drying, making it most suitable for the initial stage of tonification.

The medicine pot was bubbling away, the liquid turning from clear to cloudy, with a golden-brown hue.

A medicinal fragrance mingled with the fresh mountain air rose gently, first wafting into the nose and then seeping into the heart.

Jiang Yi stood in front of the fire, his sleeves rolled up to his elbows, his face slightly reddened by the firelight, but his eyes unconsciously revealed a hint of expectation and stubbornness.

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(End of this chapter)