Gou Zai Xi You Dao Chang Sheng

"This is a long story, so let me, an old ox, chew on a few pieces of fruit and tell you slowly."

As he spoke, a radiant light flowed around his neck, and three kumquats appeared one after another, hovering near his mouth.

It first caught one in its mouth, and then slowly said:

"The Lingtai Fangcun Mountain lineage is fundamentally different from the various Daoist traditions in the Heavenly Realm."

"The gods and immortals in the heavenly realm mostly cultivate themselves by relying on the power of incense offerings and vows, or by being granted titles by the heavenly court, or by relying on sacrifices by the mortals."

Such spiritual practice, though seemingly safe, is in fact deeply entangled by cause and effect.

Incense offerings are poisonous, and vows are tainted with dust; over time, divinity becomes tarnished, making it difficult to glimpse the true source of the Great Dao.

"But the Fangcun Mountain lineage cultivates purity and freedom, detached from cause and effect, and does not accept incense offerings."

The patriarchs transmitted the Way, imparting the principles of heaven and earth and nature, and expounding the Dharma of one's original mind and true nature.

A disciple's cultivation relies on their own enlightenment and on following the natural way.

It ate another kumquat, the juice dripping down the corner of its mouth, which it licked clean with its tongue.

"Although the progress of this kind of cultivation is slow, the foundation is solid, and the future achievements are limitless."

However, for this reason, after leaving the mountain, disciples of Fangcun Mountain often choose to live in seclusion and cultivate themselves in peace, rarely venturing out into the world.

Li Yan seemed to understand something: "Senior, are you saying that the disciples of Fangcun Mountain dislike getting involved in karma?"

It's not that I don't like it, it's that I can't.

The blue ox shook its head.

Do you know the meaning of the two words "karma" and "predestination"?

"Disciple knows a little bit."

Li Yan said,

"Fate is the encounter and meeting. Law is the rule. Fate and law are the rules governing all kinds of encounters and meetings in the world."

You're half right.

The green ox beckoned over a plump kumquat, but instead of eating it, it gently touched it with the tip of its nose.

"Fate is the rule of encounters, and even more so, the rule of repayment."

If we are destined to meet, then we will reciprocate with the Dharma.

The universe operates in a balance.

What you gain, you must eventually repay.

"Disciples of Fangcun Mountain cultivate the path of purity and should avoid entanglements with cause and effect."

Once one gets embroiled in worldly disputes, incurs favors, and becomes entangled in karma, it becomes difficult to maintain a pure Daoist heart.

At best, it will stagnate your cultivation; at worst, it will cause inner demons to fester and your path to enlightenment to be severed.

Li Yan was startled, recalling the matter of Zhao Yuanqing.

Zhao Yuanqing embezzled precious materials, incurring a karmic debt to Fangcun Mountain, which he ultimately repaid with his life.

He protected the city, slayed demons, saved countless people, and forged good karma, so after his death he received a truly positive evaluation from the patriarch.

This is the law of cause and effect.

"Therefore," the green ox continued.

"Disciples of Fangcun Mountain leave the mountain and seek quiet places to cultivate in seclusion, detached from worldly affairs."

Those who occasionally enter the world are invariably repaying past debts or settling karmic ties. Once their task is complete, they withdraw without lingering.

It finally put the kumquat in its mouth, chewing as it said:

"Zhao Yuanqing, for example, had not yet exhausted his past karma and had not yet resolved his cause and effect, which is why he took the final action to protect the city."

That was a debt he was destined to repay, and a fate he was meant to fulfill.

Li Yan pondered for a moment and said:

"So, you mean we disciples don't never go out, but rather we always have a reason for going out, and then we go back to seclusion once that's done?"

"good."

The blue ox nodded.

"Furthermore, the patriarchs emphasized that one should choose one's own path in order to pass on the teachings. How a disciple acts after leaving the mountain is entirely up to his own heart."

The patriarch only offered guidance, without interfering.

Therefore, the disciples of Fangcun Mountain are elusive and their whereabouts are uncertain. Even when they do appear, they often use aliases and do not leave any trace of their lineage.

"Over time, rumors began to circulate that Fangcun Mountain had few disciples and rarely went out."

That's not actually the case; they simply act discreetly and don't want to attract attention.

Li Yan suddenly realized.

It turned out to be the case.

No wonder there are so few Fangcun Mountain cultivators in Journey to the West.

It's not that it doesn't exist.

Instead, they either choose to live in seclusion and cultivate themselves in seclusion, or they travel under aliases, leaving after accomplishing their tasks and concealing their identities and names.

This is the true path to purity and freedom.

"However..."

Qingniu abruptly changed the subject, his tone becoming serious.

"Now the calamity has manifested, and the workings of Heaven are changing."

Even in a tranquil place, it's difficult to remain unscathed. The calamity-filled Shattered Star Gorge is clear proof of this.

It gazed into the gray-blue mist vortex deep within the crack:

"This calamity did not arise out of thin air."

This is caused by the disorder of the heavenly mechanism, the imbalance of the great Dao, and the upward surge of turbid qi.

If an ordinary cultivator were to be tainted, at best their mind would be disturbed, and at worst their foundation for cultivation would be destroyed.

Even a tranquil place like Fangcun Mountain will inevitably be eroded over time.

Li Yan's heart skipped a beat: "Senior, do you mean...?"

"I, Old Niu, have come on the orders of my master to guide those with a predestined connection to temporarily avert calamity."

After finishing the kumquat in his mouth, Qingniu said seriously,

"The Tushita Palace is the place where the Taoist Ancestor cultivated in seclusion. There is a Taiji diagram to suppress the fortune, and the Eight Trigrams Furnace to refine the turbid qi, making it difficult for the calamity qi to invade."

If you wish to go, you may temporarily reside in the palace, cultivate your spiritual practice, and seek enlightenment. Once the calamity becomes clear, you can then make further plans.

Li Yan remained silent.

The green ox's words were all reasonable.

The aura of calamity is pervasive, and tranquility is hard to find. The Tushita Palace is indeed the best choice for avoiding calamity.

However...

"Senior," Li Yan said slowly, "this disciple has a question."

"Please feel free to speak."

"Can one avoid calamity for a time, or for a lifetime? If calamity arrives, can one hide in one place, or can one escape the wrath of heaven and earth?"

A look of approval flashed in the blue ox's eyes:

"You young friend, you see things quite clearly. Indeed, calamity is the natural order of the universe, and there is no way to avoid it."

One can escape the Tushita Palace for a time, but not forever.

The master's intention is for you to temporarily avoid confrontation, accumulate strength, and wait for the right opportunity.

He paused for a moment,

"Moreover, your path involves the harmony of stars and earth, requiring you to study the celestial constellations and comprehend the profound virtue of the earth."

The Tushita Palace contains fragments of the Hetu and Luoshu scrolls, a copy of the Zhou Tian star chart, and even the true fire in the Bagua furnace that can refine star sand.

These will greatly benefit your spiritual practice.

Li Yan's heart stirred.

The River Chart and Luo River Writing, the Celestial Array and the True Fire of the Eight Trigrams Furnace...

These are all excellent aids to cultivating the "Star Aperture Hidden Dragon Technique".

In particular, the Zhou Tian Star Chart, if one can comprehend it, may complete the final link of the Dao Seed and advance to the upper three rank of Tian Gang Star Pattern.

However...

He looked towards the main peak of Fangcun Mountain.

There are my mentors, fellow practitioners, and my own small courtyard with a medicinal herb garden where I have cultivated for many years.

With a thought as swift as lightning, Li Yan said:

"I believe that since the calamity has arrived, there is no way to avoid it."

Fangcun Mountain is the foundation for disciples' cultivation and the place where they receive the Dao.

To abandon something because of its calamity is unjust.

To flee at the sight of danger is cowardice.

Continued:

"Moreover, the essence of spiritual practice lies in maintaining a righteous mind and upholding integrity."

Today we seek refuge in the Tushita Palace, but if the Tushita Palace is also not peaceful tomorrow, where should we go?

Ultimately, one cannot spend one's entire life wandering, searching for a paradise free from calamity and hardship.

Upon hearing this, the blue ox paused in its chewing of the kumquat, its bull eyes fixed on Li Yan.

After a long pause, it chuckled softly:

"Young friend, young friend, I, Old Niu, have guided at least eight hundred, if not a thousand, cultivators over the years."

Upon hearing the name of Tushita Palace, who wouldn't be overjoyed and wish they could immediately follow the old ox?

Only you hesitated and declined time and again.

It flicked its tail, and two more kumquats appeared around its neck. It put one into its mouth and played with the other while holding it in front of its nose.

"However, I think that with your personality, you might not be really suited for the Tushita Palace."

Li Yan was taken aback.

The green ox said slowly:

What is the Tushita Palace? It is the place where the Dao Ancestor cultivated in seclusion, with strict rules and clear hierarchy.

The palace attendants, strongmen, maids, and alchemists each performed their duties and were not allowed to overstep their bounds.

If you go there, you'll start from the very bottom as a fan boy.

Day after day, he tended the Eight Trigrams Furnace, fanning the fire and adding charcoal, never finding freedom for a thousand years.

"With your temperament, following the rules is not difficult; what is difficult is doing the same repetitive work day after day for a thousand years."

You have something on your mind, thinking of your teachers and friends at Fangcun Mountain, and the cause and effect of this Broken Star Stream.

Once you go to Tushita Palace, these attachments become inner demons, hindering your spiritual practice.

"So, what does Senior mean...?" Li Yan asked tentatively.

The green ox put the hanging kumquat into its mouth, chewing as it said:

"Old Niu, I'm just a guide. Whether you want to go or not is entirely up to you."

The master instructed that if you insist on staying, he will give you two items as a token of goodwill.

As it spoke, it slightly raised its neck, and the tortoise shell on its collar fell off and floated to Li Yan's front.

At the same time, another kumquat appeared out of thin air and landed next to the tortoise shell.

This kumquat is different from the ones that Qingniu usually eats.

Its entire body is as clear as amber, with natural grooves flowing on the surface, and it exudes a refreshing fragrance.

"This tortoise shell was obtained by the old ox deep in the Shattered Star Valley."

"The piece you hold in your arms, and the tortoise shell that carries the Dao, were originally one."

The blue ox explained,

"Back then, when the innate spirit tortoise reached the end of its lifespan and shed its shell, the shell shattered into eight pieces and scattered across the world."

Your piece of earth is nourished by the incense offerings of the human world, and the tortoise shell carrying the Dao is nourished by the Dao's essence, while the old ox's piece of earth...

It said:

"It was discovered at a ley line node in Shattered Star Valley."

That node connects to an underground river, and after being washed by the earth's fiendish energy for thousands of years, the tortoise shell has absorbed a trace of the earth's fiendish energy, and also possesses the yin and gentle nature of water.

Li Yan took the tortoise shell and felt its icy coldness, with a faint mist of moisture permeating it.

The mirror of the heart reflects.

[Spirit Tortoise Shell - Earthly Fiend Water Vein Fragment (3/8)]

[The third fragment of the molted shell of the innate spirit tortoise, washed by the power of the Earthly Fiend Star for a thousand years, possessing both the weight of the Earthly Fiend Star and the enduring nature of the Water element.]

It can aid in understanding the changes of earthly evils and the flow of water veins, and is remarkably effective for concealment and defense.

【当前持有：载道龟甲（1/8），残缺灵龟甲（2/8），地煞水脉碎片（3/8）】

The three top-ranked teams resonate with each other, complementing each other's Taoist principles.

The tortoise shell carrying the Dao is thick and upright; the incomplete tortoise shell foretells spirituality; and the fragments of the earthly evil water veins are hidden for defense.

When these three elements are combined, a preliminary Three Powers Formation can be formed, increasing deduction capabilities by 30% and doubling the concealment effect.

Green Ox continued:

"As for this kumquat, it is no ordinary spiritual fruit."

It was nurtured by my own magical power for a thousand years and irrigated with the dew of the stars.

It is called Star Dew Kumquat. Consuming it can nourish the spirit and soul, refine the Dao seed, and also has the effect of warding off tribulations and purifying the mind.

It looked at Li Yan, its tone solemn:

"Since you have decided to stay, you will inevitably be plagued by misfortune."

This fruit can be taken in times of crisis; it may even keep you conscious for a time.

Li Yan accepted the star-dew kumquat and the tortoise shell fragment with both hands, and bowed deeply: "Thank you for your generous gift, senior."

The blue ox shook its hooves:

"Don't thank the old ox, thank the master instead."

The master said that your karmic connection with Fangcun Mountain is not yet over, and you cannot force it.

only……"

It gazed into the depths of the crack, where the gray-blue mist swirled even more intensely.

"What are your plans regarding the calamity energy emanating from Shattered Star Gorge?"

Li Yan pondered for a moment and said:

"This disciple's cultivation is shallow, and I dare not presume to make any decisions."

However, since this place is connected to my disciple and involves fragments of tortoise shells, it cannot be ignored.

The disciple plans to first use the resonance of the three tortoise shells to set up the Three Powers Sealing Array to temporarily prevent the leakage of calamity energy.

"I'll make further plans after my cultivation has improved."

A hint of approval flashed in the blue ox's eyes:

"safe.

However, Old Niu reminds you that the root of this calamity lies in the Heavenly Dao, and sealing it can only treat the symptoms.

To address the root cause, we must find the source of the calamity.

It raised its front hooves and traced patterns in the air.

Golden rays flowed and condensed into a scripture of several hundred words.

"This is the 'Earthly Fiend Sealing Technique,' which I, Old Ox, just comprehended by observing the movement of the earth's veins."

Now that you have obtained fragments of the Earthly Fiend Water Vein, it is the perfect time to cultivate this technique.

Using this technique to activate the three tortoise shells, the sealing array's power can be tripled.

Li Yan focused intently and memorized the scriptures.

The mental mirror reflects the truth, and the deduction is accurate.

"Thank you for transmitting the Dharma, Senior."

The blue ox nodded, then looked at the star-dew kumquat:

"Do not consume these kumquats now. Wait until your Dao seed is perfected and you are breaking through to the primordial spirit before consuming them; the effect will be best then."

As it spoke, it seemed to remember something and asked:

"By the way, you've been cultivating in the Shattered Star Gorge for over a month, but a year has passed in the outside world. Do you know why?"

Li Yan shook his head: "This disciple is puzzled."

Green Ox laughed:

"This is the power of the fragments of the Earthly Fiend Water Vein."

The earth vein node where the tortoise shell was located was eroded by the power of the Earthly Fiend Star and connected to the underground Yin River, forming a natural time difference barrier.

The flow of time inside the barrier is different from that outside.

"You cultivate for a month or so, while a year naturally passes in the outside world."

No wonder Zhou Ming said Zhao Yuanqing came down the mountain a year ago, but Li Yan felt that only a month or so had passed.

"Is this time difference barrier still in place?" Li Yan asked.

"Now that the tortoise shell has been removed, the barrier has dissipated."

Green Ox Road

"However, if you can collect all eight pieces of the tortoise shell and recreate the complete spirit tortoise shell, you may be able to set up the time difference barrier yourself."

"At that time, one day of cultivation will be equivalent to ten years, or even a hundred years, in the outside world."

Li Yan's heart skipped a beat.

The complete spirit tortoise shell has such wonderful uses?

The green ox saw through his thoughts and laughed:

Don't get your hopes up too high.

Collecting all eight pieces of tortoise shell is as difficult as ascending to heaven.

I've followed the master for countless years, and I've only ever seen three pieces of it.

The piece of tortoise shell you're holding, and the piece of old oxen you're carrying.

As he spoke, he glanced at the gray sable on Li Yan's shoulder:

"However, this little guy's bloodline is particularly sensitive to spiritual objects of heaven and earth, spatial fluctuations, and fragments of cause and effect."

If you search for other tortoise shell fragments in the future, this might be of assistance.

Before the words were finished, a flash of light appeared.

A golden dewdrop, the size of a fingertip, flew towards the gray sable.

"This drop of star dew essence is for you; it can help you purify your bloodline and awaken your innate supernatural powers sooner."

The gray sable's eyes lit up, and it cupped the golden dew in its front paws, whimpering softly as if to express its gratitude.

Then he couldn't wait to swallow the berry.

In an instant, a silver halo appeared around him, and his aura solidified slightly.

Their eyes also appeared more lively and alert.

"Thank you, senior, for bestowing this opportunity upon the sable," Li Yan said on behalf of the gray sable.

It flicked its tail, turned around, and said, "Alright, old ox, I should go back now."

The master is still waiting to report back at the Tushita Palace.

Li Yan quickly replied:

"Please take care, senior. If I need anything in the future, how can I find you?"

The blue ox turned its head and grinned:

If fate allows, we will meet again.

If there is no affinity, searching is useless.

Changing the subject:

"However, if you really collect all eight pieces of tortoise shell, I, Old Niu, might come looking for you."

After all, even I, Old Niu, am extremely curious about a complete tortoise shell.

After speaking, its four hooves sank into the air, its body glowed with a clear light, and its figure gradually blurred.

"Young friend, cultivate diligently. Your tribulation is approaching; take care of yourself."

The lingering sound faded away, and the blue ox had vanished without a trace.

A mountain breeze blows gently, and the mist rises and falls.

The hiss of the Star-Spotted Spider could be heard in the distance.

Li Yan carefully placed the star-dew-covered kumquat into the jade box in his bosom.

Then place the three tortoise shells side by side in the palm of your hand.

The tortoise shell of the Daoist vessel is thick and heavy, the broken spirit tortoise shell is warm and smooth, and the fragments of the earthly water veins are cold.

When the three top-tier experts meet, their Daoist principles intertwine and resonate subtly.

Within the mirror of the mind, the Three Powers Formation began to unfold.