Gou Zai Xi You Dao Chang Sheng

Sun Wukong used the water-avoiding spell to part the waterways and headed downstream.

It was bright at first, but became darker as you went down.

The surrounding water changed from emerald green to deep blue, and then from deep blue to inky black.

Once you reach a depth of a thousand feet, you can't see your hand in front of your face.

But Sun Wukong's golden eyes can distinguish between day and night, and he sees the darkness as if it were day.

The darkness was nothing more than a thin veil in his eyes.

He saw countless aquatic creatures swimming in the darkness.

Small krill, about the size of a finger joint, drifted by in groups.

A sea turtle as big as a millstone slowly moves its limbs, its shell covered with seaweed.

A sea serpent, as long as a bolt of silk, twisted its body and vanished in the darkness.

And those strangely shaped fish.

Some had a lamp hanging above their heads.

Some even had two whiskers hanging from their mouths.

Some are completely transparent, and even their internal organs can be seen clearly.

When the aquatic creatures saw him, most of them avoided him.

Some of the bolder ones followed from a distance, wanting to see what was going on.

Sun Wukong ignored him and kept looking down.

After walking for about half an hour, the ground suddenly became solid beneath their feet.

Looking down, I saw fine, soft white sand, interspersed with fragments of various colored seashells.

Looking up and around, I could see faint light coming from the distance.

The light, in seven colors, swayed and flickered in the water, like a dream.

Sun Wukong followed the light and went away.

soon.

A crystal palace appeared on the seabed plain.

The palace walls are made of crystal, sparkling and translucent, with a faint spiritual light flowing within.

The palace roof is paved with coral, displaying a vibrant array of colors, from red and orange to yellow and green to blue and purple, as dazzling as rosy clouds.

The palace gate is carved from giant clam shell, as white as jade, and inlaid with bright pearls, making it shine.

Moreover, two rows of shrimp soldiers and crab generals stood at the palace gate.

The shrimp soldiers were crouching, holding long spears with gleaming tips.

The crab lay sideways, waving its large pincers, which were covered with barbs.

And then there were the sea-patrolling yakshas, ​​with blue faces and fangs, wielding steel forks, pacing back and forth in front of the palace gates.

Sun Wukong strode forward.

The yaksha saw it immediately and shouted sharply, "Halt! What kind of demon dares to trespass into the Dragon Palace!"

Sun Wukong grinned.

"I, Sun Wukong, am a born saint from Flower Fruit Mountain, and your old Dragon King's neighbor. I've come to pay you a visit!"

The yaksha was taken aback and looked him up and down.

Seeing that the monkey had an extraordinary bearing and that there was a faint glint of light in its golden eyes, they dared not be negligent.

"Wait here while I go and inform them!"

Having said that, he rushed into the palace.

Sun Wukong wasn't in a hurry. He put his hands behind his back, looked around, and admired the scenery of the Crystal Palace.

Before long, the palace gates were opened wide.

Ao Guang, the Dragon King of the East Sea, came out to greet them, surrounded by his dragon sons and grandsons, as well as shrimp soldiers and crab generals.

This Dragon King wore a crown that reached the heavens, a robe of ochre yellow, a white jade belt around his waist, and cloud-patterned shoes.

He had a lean face, three long strands of beard, and a pair of bright, piercing eyes.

Upon seeing Sun Wukong, he cupped his hands and smiled, saying, "Immortal, your arrival is truly a great honor! Please forgive my lack of hospitality!"

Sun Wukong also cupped his hands and said, "Old Dragon King, you are too kind! I, Old Sun, have taken the liberty of visiting and disturbing you!"

Ao Guang stepped aside to lead the way, saying, "Immortal, please come in, please come in!"

Sun Wukong strode into the palace.

As we traveled along, we were greeted by breathtakingly beautiful palace scenery.

The floor was paved with crystals, so shiny they could reflect a person's image.

Coral pillars, vibrant in five colors.

A bright pearl hangs overhead, like countless stars.

The wall is inlaid with tortoiseshell, resembling swirling clouds.

Even more exotic flowers and rare herbs bloomed on both sides of the palace walls.

The fragrance of flowers is refreshing and delightful.

Sun Wukong was dazzled by the sights and thought to himself, "Goodness, this old Dragon King really knows how to enjoy life!"

Upon arriving at the main hall, Ao Guang invited Sun Wukong to take a seat.

Sun Wukong didn't stand on ceremony and plopped down on the floor.

Ao Guang took his seat in the main seat and ordered someone to serve him tea.

The teacup is carved from a single piece of Hetian jade, as thin as a cicada's wing, and translucent white.

The tea leaves are made from a rare herb from the seabed, and are emerald in color and shaped like a sparrow's tongue.

The tea is boiled with spring water from the Dragon Palace, resulting in a clear, fragrant brew.

Sun Wukong picked up his teacup and took a sip.

I felt a refreshing energy flow down from my throat into my dantian, and every one of my 36,000 pores felt comfortable.

"Excellent tea!"

Ao Guang laughed and said, "You flatter me, Immortal."

This tea, named "Bihaiqing," is a specialty of the Dragon Palace, with only a few jin produced each year.

"If the immortal likes it, please take some back with you later."

Sun Wukong waved his hand and said, "No need, no need! I, Old Sun, am not here to beg for tea."

Ao Guang's gaze sharpened slightly, and he smiled, "What brings you here, Immortal?"

Sun Wukong put down his teacup and said seriously, "Old Dragon King, I, Old Sun, will get straight to the point."

Ao Guang stroked his beard and smiled: "Immortal, please speak freely."

Sun Wukong straightened his clothes and said slowly, "I, Old Sun, have now attained the way to immortality."

The other day I was teaching my children and grandchildren martial arts, but I regretted not having a suitable weapon.

He paused slightly at this point.

"I've heard that the Dragon King's underwater palace is filled with countless treasures."

"Therefore, I have come here today not to ask for anything, but to make a transaction."

Upon hearing this, Ao Guang's gaze narrowed slightly.

He has lived for over ten thousand years and has seen countless people come to the Dragon Palace seeking treasures.

There are demon kings, wandering immortals, and overseas cultivators.

They mostly acted humbly and begged desperately.

Even the occasional domineering individual resorts to coercion, bribery, and plunder.

But this monkey actually talked about a deal?

Sun Wukong nodded and took something out of his robes.

It was a jade slip, clear and bright, with a yellowish-brown halo inside.

"Old Dragon King, please take a look."

Ao Guang took the jade slip and probed it with his divine sense.

A moment later, his expression changed slightly.

"My Flower and Fruit Mountain is the ancestral vein of the ten continents and the source of the three islands."

There is a natural waterway in the mountains that leads directly from under the Iron Plank Bridge to the East China Sea Eye.

If the old Dragon King obtains this waterway, he can use the earth's energy from Flower Fruit Mountain to nourish the Dragon Palace.

On every full moon night, by channeling the energy three times, the spiritual energy of the Dragon Palace can increase by 30%.

Ao Guang's hand holding the jade slip trembled slightly.

%.

After cultivating in the Dragon Palace for ten thousand years, what is it lacking most?

It's spiritual energy.

Although the East Sea is vast, it is a land of water elements, with mixed spiritual energy.

Unlike the other three seas, each has its own unique world.

If they are nourished by the energy of the Huaguo Mountain's earth veins, the Dragon Palace disciples' cultivation speed can be more than doubled.

This monkey, what a grand gesture!

Ao Guang suppressed the shock in his heart, but remained expressionless on his face.

"Immortal, this method of diverting water is indeed well-intentioned. However... I wonder what you wish to exchange it for?"

Sun Wukong said, "I've heard that in the Dragon King's sea treasures, there is a piece of divine iron that can stabilize the bottom of the Milky Way."

I, Old Sun, want to use it to exchange for the right to divert water three times in a hundred years.

Ao Guang was taken aback.

"Divine Iron?"

He was somewhat surprised.

That divine iron was a stator left behind by Yu the Great when he was controlling the floods. It weighed 13,500 catties and was left in the depths of the sea for an unknown number of years.

It was usually rusty and ignored.

In the past few days, however, a myriad of rays of light and auspicious clouds have suddenly appeared.

The old woman said it was time for it to be born, and that's when he remembered this.

But how did this monkey know?

Ao Guang was puzzled, but smiled and said:

"Immortal, that divine iron is nothing but a lump of iron; what use could it be?"

Sun Wukong waved his hand: "Old Dragon King, don't worry about what use it is. I, Old Sun, have my eye on it."

If the old Dragon King agrees, we will make a contract.

If you refuse, I, Old Sun, will turn around and leave without saying another word.

As he spoke, he made a move to get up.

Ao Guang quickly stopped him, saying, "Immortal, don't be in such a hurry! Immortal, don't be in such a hurry!"

He quickly made a decision in his mind.

That precious iron would just gather dust if left in the sea.

The right to divert water three times in a century through waterway replacement is a sure-fire way to make a profit.

only……

"Immortal, that divine iron can indeed be given to you."

However, if I were to only have the right to this waterway, and then let it go, I would still feel somewhat guilty.

Sun Wukong narrowed his golden eyes slightly.

This implies that they want something more.

He remembered Li Yan's instructions: don't be greedy, but don't give up either.

"Old Dragon King, I, Old Sun, have one more thing that I'd like to make another deal with you."

Ao Guang's eyes lit up.

"Oh?"

Sun Wukong asked, "Does the Old Dragon King know about Kanyuan Mountain?"

Ao Guang nodded: "I know. That mountain is adjacent to Huaguo Mountain and was originally a spiritual vein."

It was just that the evil devil occupied it, polluting the land's energy.

Sun Wukong said, "That troublemaker has already been killed by me, Old Sun."

That mountain is now unclaimed land.

"If the old Dragon King desires it, I, Old Sun, will exchange my armor for yours."

Ao Guang was taken aback.

Sun Wukong nodded and laughed, "My body is completely bare, I'm not presentable at all."

"If the old Dragon King would grant me a set of armor, then Kanyuan Mountain will belong to the Dragon Palace."

Ao Guang pondered.

Kanyuan Mountain, though not as beautiful as Huaguo Mountain, is still a place with a spiritual energy.

If we obtain this mountain, we can establish a branch, mine spiritual minerals, and cultivate spiritual herbs.

Although the profits are not as high as those from waterway diversion, it is still a long-term business.

However, wearing armor...

"Immortal, to be honest, I cannot make the decision on the matter of donning the armor alone."

"The Dragon Palace may hold treasures, but the truly fine armor will require my three brothers to gather together."

Sun Wukong's golden eyes flashed.

"Then please invite them here."

Ao Guang looked troubled: "This..."

Sun Wukong laughed and said, "Don't worry, Old Dragon King. I, Old Sun, am not here to cause trouble."

They came, and I, Old Sun, treated them with courtesy.

If we can reach an agreement, we'll draw up a contract. If we can't, I, Old Sun, will never force it.

Hearing this, Ao Guang felt somewhat relieved.

"In that case, I will beat the drum and strike the bell to summon them."

Having said that, he got up and left his seat.

Upon reaching the side of the hall, one would find an iron drum and a golden bell.

Ao Guang raised his hand, beat the drum three times, and struck the bell nine times.

The sound of bells and drums traveled through the sea and in all directions.

Before long, the water outside the palace began to surge.

Three figures came from across the water.

The leader was Ao Qin, the Dragon King of the South Sea, with a red face and a bushy beard, exuding an imposing aura.

Next was Ao Run, the Dragon King of the West Sea, with a fair complexion, long beard, and a refined and elegant demeanor.

Lastly, there was Ao Shun, the Dragon King of the North Sea, with a black face and short beard, as steady as a mountain.

The three dragons entered the hall and were all taken aback to see Sun Wukong sitting upright in the hall.

Ao Qin was impatient and was about to lash out.

Ao Guang quickly stepped forward and explained the whole story in detail.

Upon hearing this, Ao Qin's expression softened slightly.

He looked Sun Wukong up and down.

"You monkey, you're not greedy at all."

Sun Wukong grinned and said, "After ten years of cultivation, I've learned two words: contentment."

Ao Run stroked his beard and laughed, "What a fine word of contentment."

Contentment brings happiness. If an immortal possesses this mindset, their future path in the Dao will be limitless.

Ao Shun calmly replied, "In that case, let's discuss it."

Four dragons took their seats, and Sun Wukong sat upright in the hall.

After several rounds of tea, we got down to business.

Ao Guang spoke first: "Immortal, in exchange for the right to divert water three times every hundred years, I will accept the divine iron."

Ao Qin said, "Changing your clothes at Kanyuan Mountain is also acceptable."

However, that armor was something the three of us brothers chipped in to pay for; we need to clarify that.

Sun Wukong nodded: "Please speak, Old Dragon King."

Ao Qin said, "I have a phoenix-winged purple-gold crown, made from the feathers of the ancient exotic bird, the purple phoenix. Wearing it can increase one's escape speed by 30% and also ward off water."

Ao Run said, "I have a golden chainmail armor, forged from the bronze mother of Shouyang Mountain and tempered with the nine-turn dragon soul. It can block exotic weapons and can automatically repair itself."

Ao Shun said, "I have a pair of lotus-silk cloud-walking shoes, woven from the silk of thousand-year-old white lotus roots. When I walk on them, I can walk on water without getting a single drop of water on me."

After the three dragons finished speaking, they all looked at Sun Wukong.

Ao Qin said, "Any one of these three items is worth a mountain of treasures."

When the three are combined, they become a priceless treasure.

"The immortal exchanged Mount Kanyuan for these three items, but that's not quite enough."

Sun Wukong's golden eyes flashed slightly.

He wasn't in a hurry, he just smiled and said:

"Three Dragon Kings, my old Sun's Kanyuan Mountain, though not as wealthy as the Dragon Palace, is still a spiritual vein."

Moreover, it is adjacent to Flower and Fruit Mountain, so in case of any unforeseen events, they can support each other. Such advantages far surpass those of a mere treasure mountain.

The three dragons exchanged a glance.

Ao Run pondered and said, "What the immortal says makes sense."

However, these three garments are indeed very valuable. If the Immortal is willing to add anything else, we can make a deal.”

Sun Wukong thought for a moment and said, "I, Old Sun, will add one more thing."

"Oh?"

"In the mountains of Kanyuan, there is a sacred spring. Its water can temper weapons, making them tough and resilient."

I, Old Sun, will pass this method upon the Dragon Palace as well.

Sanlong's eyes lit up.

Ao Qin asked, "Is this really true?"

Sun Wukong said, "My word is my bond."

Ao Run laughed and said, "Good! Immortal, you're so generous!"

At that moment, the four dragons and one monkey drew up a contract on the spot.

Ao Guang personally wrote down the rights to divert water three times in a hundred years, the entire Kanyuan Mountain area, and the method of refining the spiritual spring.

He also wrote about the divine iron, the phoenix-winged purple-gold crown, the chainmail golden armor, and the lotus-silk cloud-walking shoes, which were given to Sun Wukong.

Two copies are made, one for each person.

Sun Wukong took the jade contract, examined it carefully, and put it into his pocket.

Ao Guang accepted the other portion and said with a smile, "Immortal, please follow me."

Having said that, he led Sun Wukong toward the depths of the sea.

As we traveled, the coral became fewer and the darkness increased.

As they walked, a golden light suddenly shone ahead, and auspicious vapors rose.

The light pierced through the seawater, illuminating the surroundings.

Sun Wukong's golden eyes lit up.

"Is this the place?"

Ao Guang pointed and said, "That glowing thing is the Divine Iron."

Sun Wukong strode forward.

As you approach, you will see a thick iron pillar, over two zhang long, standing in the depths of the sea.

The pillar is mottled and covered with rust.

But those rust marks are peeling away little by little.

Where the metal peeled off, a dark gold-colored iron body was revealed.

On the iron body, there are faint flowing patterns.

Those patterns, like dragons and snakes, meander and coil.

Sun Wukong reached out and stroked the iron pillar.

It was cool to the touch, yet subtly warm.

The warmth traveled up his arm and into his dantian.

Within his dantian, magical power surged spontaneously, echoing the iron pillar from afar.

Sun Wukong's mind stirred slightly.

"Smaller."

The iron pillar shrank in response, becoming several feet shorter and thinner.

"Smaller."

It shrank a few more points.

"More detailed."

Shrink again.

In a short while.

The iron pillar, as thick as a bucket and over two zhang long, transformed into an iron rod as thick as a bowl and twelve zhang long, which fell into his palm.

Sun Wukong grasped the iron rod and felt a deep connection with it.

It was as if the iron rod was an integral part of his own body.

He looked down and examined it closely.

The staff is made of black gold, with gold hoops at both ends.

Two lines of text are engraved on the golden hoop.

"The Ruyi Jingu Bang weighs 13,500 jin."

Sun Wukong grinned.

"Good! Good! Good!"

He gripped the iron bar and gave it a slight shake.

The rod vibrated and made a buzzing sound.

The sound traveled through the seawater in all directions.

The entire Haizang was trembling.

Ao Guang's expression changed slightly, and he took a step back.

Those shrimp soldiers and crab generals were even more unsteady, staggering and unable to stand up.

Sun Wukong sheathed his staff and laughed, "Old Dragon King, don't be afraid. Let me, Old Sun, give it a try."

Ao Guang wiped away his cold sweat and chuckled dryly, "Immortal...Immortal's divine might is truly admirable."

Sun Wukong put the golden cudgel into his ear and returned to the main hall with Ao Guang.

Inside the hall, the Three Dragon Kings of the Seas were waiting.

Upon seeing Sun Wukong return, Ao Qin stood up and said, "Immortal, I am here in my armor."

Having said that, he took out a golden crown from his sleeve.

The golden crown was made of purple phoenix feathers, with two long feathers inserted at the top.

The long feathers trembled, and the faint sounds of wind and thunder could be heard.

Ao Run took out a pair of golden armor.

The golden armor was cast from a copper base, with pieces stacked on top of each other, shimmering with golden light.

The pieces are connected by tendons, which are both soft and tough.

Ao Shun took out a pair of cloud-patterned shoes.

Those cloud-patterned shoes were woven from lotus root silk, as white as snow, and as light as nothing.

The soles of the shoes are embroidered with cloud patterns, with faint wisps of mist swirling around them.

Three garments were placed on the table.

Radiance flows and auspicious energy rises.

Sun Wukong looked on, his golden eyes shining.

He first took the golden crown and put it on his head.

As the golden crown entered my head, I felt a surge of pure energy enter from the top of my head and flow throughout my body.

The escape speed is more than 30% faster.

Then he took the golden armor and put it on.

Wearing the golden armor, I felt a warm sensation protecting my entire body.

Ordinary weapons probably wouldn't even leave a mark.

Then he took the cloud-patterned shoes and put them on.

Walking on cloud-like shoes, I felt as light as a cloud.

With a little effort, it floats up.

Sun Wukong, dressed neatly, stood in the hall.

Golden crown, golden armor, cloud-patterned shoes.

He took the Ruyi Jingu Bang (the magic staff) from his ear and held it in his palm.

Golden light shimmered, and auspicious energy flowed in thousands of strands.

The four Dragon Kings watched, a strange light flashing in their eyes.