Gou Zai Xi You Dao Chang Sheng

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Li Yan pondered for a moment, concealing the secrets of heaven with the Gui Cang technique, before slowly saying:

"Junior brother, I did sense something when I was undergoing my tribulation just now."

Upon hearing the words "junior brother," Sun Wukong's golden eyes lit up.

"What does it feel like?"

Li Yan said:

"In the mirror of my heart, the phantom of a great being appeared. That phantom enlightened me and helped me overcome my tribulation."

Sun Wukong quickly asked, "Is that illusory figure my master?"

Li Yan shook his head slightly.

"His face is unclear. But his aura and Daoist spirit are indeed somewhat similar to those of the patriarch."

A hint of disappointment flashed in Sun Wukong's eyes, but there was also a sense of relief.

"Could it be that Master... he still doesn't want to see me?"

Li Yan shook his head.

"Junior brother, the fact that the Patriarch doesn't see you doesn't necessarily mean he doesn't want to see you."

Sun Wukong was taken aback.

"What is that?"

Li Yan said, "The patriarch once said that the way of cultivation is like drinking water; one knows for oneself whether it is hot or cold."

Guidance from outsiders is merely lending a light; the one who truly ignites the lamp is oneself.

"Perhaps the patriarch's refusal to see his junior brother is because he wants his junior brother to truly walk his own path."

"If we need the master's guidance in everything, when will we ever truly grow up?"

Sun Wukong listened, seemingly lost in thought.

After a long pause, he nodded.

"Brother is right. I, Old Sun, understand."

As he spoke, he grinned.

"If my master doesn't come to see me, I'll cultivate on my own."

Once I, Old Sun, attain the Great Luo realm, I will go find him and show him that I have not failed his teachings!

Li Yan smiled slightly.

"With such a will, Your Majesty will surely be able to achieve your goal."

Sun Wukong laughed heartily, then seemed to remember something.

"By the way, brother, you mentioned earlier that you were undergoing tribulation?"

Li Yan nodded.

"Just now I had a feeling and broke through to the sixth level of the cave heaven."

This triggered a karmic tribulation, nearly causing his Daoist resolve to collapse. It was only through the guidance of his patriarch that he successfully overcame the tribulation.

Sun Wukong's golden eyes shone brightly.

"Brother, you...you've become an immortal?"

Li Yan nodded.

"By sheer luck, I successfully transcended the tribulation and am now at the sixth level of the Cave Heaven Realm, the Lesser Thousand Realm."

Sun Wukong was overjoyed and hugged him tightly.

"Good brother! Good brother! I, Old Sun, was right about you!"

Li Yan was a little out of breath from his embrace, so she quickly patted him.

"Junior brother, junior brother, be gentle."

Sun Wukong then released him, still beaming with joy.

"Brother, you're an immortal now!"

From now on, the two of us brothers, one a Taiyi Golden Immortal and the other a Xiaoqian Cave Heaven cultivator, will see who dares to bully our Flower Fruit Mountain!

Li Yan smiled slightly.

"Becoming an immortal is just the beginning, not the end. The journey ahead is still long."

Sun Wukong waved his hand and said, "Who cares how long it is! With you here, brother, I, Old Sun, am not afraid of anything!"

As he spoke, he seemed to remember something else.

"By the way, brother, now that you've become an immortal, have you noticed any unusual phenomena?"

Li Yan thought for a moment and said, "There were indeed strange phenomena in the cave when I was undergoing my tribulation just now."

"Golden lotuses bloom, flowers rain down from the sky, and golden lotuses spring up from the earth. The starry sky is dazzling, and the sun and moon revolve. The earth's veins are renewed, and vegetation flourishes."

Sun Wukong's eyes lit up as he listened.

"Good heavens! It's so lively! When I, Old Sun, was undergoing my tribulation, there weren't this many tricks."

Li Yan laughed and said, "Junior Brother is undergoing the Heavenly Tribulation, while I am undergoing the Tribulation of Inner Demons. The tribulations are different, so the phenomena are different as well."

Sun Wukong nodded, then scratched his head and said:

"Brother, are you saying that illusory figure is our master?"

Li Yan pondered for a moment and then slowly said:

"Whether it is or not is not important."

"The important thing is that the phantom enlightened me. I will always remember that kindness."

"If he is truly the Patriarch, then it is the Patriarch's compassion. If not, then it is also a manifestation of the Great Dao."

"Junior brother, those who cultivate should not be attached to appearances."

Sun Wukong was taken aback, then grinned and said:

"Brother, you're starting to sound more and more like our master these days."

Li Yan shook his head.

"I dare not accept such praise. It's just some insights I gained after overcoming the tribulation."

Sun Wukong nodded, then seemed to remember something.

"By the way, brother, you just said that the illusory figure guided you through your tribulation. What did he guide you with?"

Li Yan thought for a moment and then briefly recounted his conversation with the illusory figure.

Of course, I've omitted what shouldn't be said.

After listening, Sun Wukong remained silent for a long time.

"Brother, I, Old Sun, understand."

Li Yan asked, "Understand what?"

Sun Wukong said, "That phantom said that my way is like flowing water."

It surges against rocks, plunges over ditches, and swirls in pools—all these are natural phenomena.

"Before, I, Old Sun, always thought about cultivating myself quickly, attaining enlightenment quickly, and protecting my children quickly."

"But the more anxious you are, the more mistakes you make."

"Looking back now, all those mistakes I made in my haste were actually part of the Dao."

"Whether it's a calamity, a hardship, or a destiny, it's all something I, Old Sun, am meant to experience."

"There's no way to avoid it, and there's no need to rush it."

Li Yan listened and nodded inwardly.

This monkey is really quick to understand.

He was able to comprehend so much from the patriarch's words.

"Your Majesty has grasped the truth."

Sun Wukong grinned and said, "It's because you gave me good advice, brother."

Li Yan shook his head.

"It's because Your Majesty is very perceptive."

The two looked at each other and smiled.

Just then, a faint sound of footsteps came from outside the stone chamber.

The footsteps were extremely light and soft; it would be impossible for anyone other than a cultivator to detect them.

Li Yan and Sun Wukong exchanged a glance and looked out of the cave together.

Under the moonlight, a figure in azure blue was slowly approaching.

It was Ao Bibo.

She approached them and bowed gracefully to them.

"This humble woman sensed unusual fluctuations here and came to investigate."

I did not expect that you two celestial beings were discussing the Dao here. I apologize for the intrusion.

Li Yan looked at her, a slight stirring in his heart.

This dragon girl's arrival was quite timely.

He nodded slightly.

"There's no need for such formality, young lady. I was just undergoing my tribulation, which caused some unusual phenomena and disturbed you."

Li Yan nodded.

Ao Bibo looked him up and down, her eyes showing an even stronger sense of surprise.

"Fellow Daoist...has now become an immortal?"

Li Yan nodded.

Ao Bibo took a deep breath and bowed deeply to Li Yan.

"Congratulations, fellow Daoist! Congratulations on your attainment of immortality! You now have the hope of achieving immortality!"

Li Yan raised his hand in a gesture of support.

"You're too kind, young lady. It was just a lucky escape from tribulation, nothing to mention."

Ao Bibo shook his head.

"Fellow Daoist is too modest. I know all too well how difficult it is to become an immortal."

"Your success is due to great opportunity, perseverance, and wisdom."

Li Yan smiled slightly and said no more.

Ao Bibo then asked, "Now that you have become an immortal, what are your plans next?"

Li Yan thought for a moment and said, "I will stay at Flower Fruit Mountain for now to consolidate my realm and continue my cultivation."

A hint of joy flashed in Ao Bibo's eyes.

"That's wonderful! I would like to trouble you for a few more days to learn about the Daoist arts from you."

Li Yan looked at Sun Wukong.

Sun Wukong grinned and said, "Brother, since this dragon girl wants to learn, why don't you teach her?"

"Since you're going to preach anyway, one more or one less won't make a difference."

Li Yan pondered for a moment, then slowly nodded.

"In that case, if you don't mind, please stay."

Ao Bibo was overjoyed and quickly thanked him.

The three of them only dispersed when the moon was high in the sky.

Sun Wukong carried Little Drill Wind back to the Water Curtain Cave.

Ao Bibo also took his leave and headed towards the cliff.

Li Yan stood outside the stone chamber, gazing at the bright moon, remaining silent for a long time.

The sable nuzzled against his cheek on his shoulder.

In my arms, the jade mouse poked its little head out and squeaked twice.

Li Yan lowered his head and rubbed its little head.

"I know."

He said softly.

"The dragon girl must have a reason for staying here. But since she means no harm, let her go."

"What we should do is cultivate ourselves."

Only by becoming strong can one protect those they wish to protect.

Having said that, he turned and went back into the cave.

Inside the stone chamber, he sat cross-legged, closed his eyes, and gazed inward.

Within the grotto, the small world spanning 1,500 li was slowly rotating.

Above the dome, the starry sky is dazzling.

The earth is crisscrossed by veins.

In the center, the nine-petaled golden lotus blooms quietly.

Li Yan's mind sank into the golden lotus, sensing the chaotic light within its heart.

That radiance is the eye of cause and effect.

One can observe one's own entanglements of cause and effect, discern the depth of others' causes and effects, and avoid unnecessary entanglements of cause and effect.

Li Yan looked at himself with the eyes of cause and effect.

Countless causal lines extended from his body, connecting in all directions.

Thick as a child's arm, gleaming with golden light, it signifies good fortune.

As thin as a hair, grayish-black and dull, it signifies a tragic fate.

Straight as an arrow, pointing directly to a certain place, that is an unfinished bond.

Winding like a snake, endlessly meandering, that is the destiny of the future.

Li Yan observed carefully and identified them one by one.

Those golden rays of good fortune, as thick as a child's arm, mostly connected to the monkeys of Flower Fruit Mountain, Sun Wukong, and the four old monkeys.

Those dark and murky entanglements mostly connect to some vague and unclear figures.

And those unfinished connections, those future connections, lead to even more distant places.

Some pointed to the Dragon Palace of the East Sea.

Others point north.

There was a faint, unsettling aura emanating from that direction.

Li Yan felt a slight chill and remained silent in thought.

Those northerners will have to face us sooner or later.

But before that, he needs to be prepared.

Stabilize your realm, improve your cultivation, and accumulate the energy of destiny.

We should wait for the right opportunity to deal with them.

He took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and entered a meditative state.

The next day, at dawn.

In front of the Water Curtain Cave, a large group of monkeys gathered.

Li Yan stood before the waterfall and continued his sermon.

Today's topic is the cultivation of both body and mind.

"In the path of cultivation, the most important thing is nature and life. Nature refers to the mind and spirit. Life refers to the body and vital energy."

"Sex cannot exist without destiny, and destiny cannot be formed without sex. The unity of sex and destiny is the Great Way."

Raise your hand, and it will evolve in the void.

The starlight coalesced, transforming into two points of light, one black and one white.

Black is as deep and still as ink; this is destiny.

The white is light and graceful like a cloud; this is its nature.

The two points of light slowly rotated and intertwined, forming a small tai chi symbol.

"This is life."

"Destiny is contained within nature, and nature is hidden within destiny. Only when nature and destiny are united can one be a true person."

The monkeys listened intently.

The four old monkeys squatted at the edge of the crowd, listening attentively.

Ao Bibo also arrived, standing to the side with a thoughtful look in his eyes.

After the sermon was finished, the monkeys dispersed.

Ao Bibo stepped forward and bowed deeply to Li Yan.

"I have benefited greatly from what you just said about cultivating both body and mind. However, there is one thing I don't understand and would like to ask you about."

Li Yan said, "Please speak, young lady."

"Fellow Daoist said, 'Nature is the mind and spirit. Destiny is the body and vital energy.'"

"Sex cannot exist without destiny, and destiny cannot be formed without sex."

"Then this young lady wishes to ask, which came first, sex or life?"

Li Yan smiled slightly.

"Your question is like asking which came first, the chicken or the egg."

"Sex is inseparable from destiny, and destiny is inseparable from sex. The two are fundamentally one; how can there be a distinction between them?"

Ao Bibo seemed to be deep in thought.

Li Yan continued, "If we insist on prioritizing, then we are falling into a lower category."

"Those who cultivate themselves should not be attached to this."

Ao Bibo nodded.

"Thank you for clearing up my doubts, fellow Daoist."

Li Yan nodded slightly and turned to leave.

Ao Bibo called out to him.

"Fellow Daoist, please wait."

Li Yan turned around.

Ao Bibo hesitated for a moment before speaking.

"Fellow Daoist, there is something I wish to say, but I am unsure whether I should."

Li Yan said, "Please speak, young lady."

Ao Bibo said, "Fellow Daoist, you have now become an immortal. Your path in the future will surely be even broader."

This humble woman dares to ask fellow Daoist... to expound a scripture for her.

Li Yan was taken aback.

"Preaching?"

Ao Bibo nodded.

"Although I am of true dragon blood, I have never been able to comprehend a true scripture."

That true scripture, named the "Dragon Treasury," is a secret passed down only by the dragon race.

"I have been studying this since I was a child, but I have never been able to grasp the essence of it."

"Fellow Daoist, your cultivation is profound and your knowledge vast. I would be eternally grateful if you could offer some guidance."

Li Yan pondered for a moment.

"Young lady, since the Dragon Treasury is a closely guarded secret of the Dragon Clan, how can I, an outsider, possibly speak of it?"

Ao Bibo shook his head.

"Fellow Daoist, you may not know this."

Although the "Dragon Treasury" is a secret kept by the Dragon Clan, it is not forbidden to spread outside.

Only those with the right affinity can understand it.

"This humble woman observes that you, fellow Daoist, possess a clear and pure aura, a steadfast Daoist heart, and have already attained immortality and the Dao. You are truly a person with whom I have a predestined connection."

"If you are willing to speak, I am willing to offer you the most precious treasures of the Dragon Palace."

Li Yan's heart stirred slightly.

Dragon Palace Treasure?

He thought for a moment and asked, "What kind of treasure is it?"

Ao Bibo said, "One [Dragon Essence Pearl]."

Li Yan's eyes narrowed.

Dragon Pearl?

He had heard of this thing; it was the essence of a true dragon.

If a dragon dies, and its essence is condensed into a pearl, then one can obtain a Dragon Essence Pearl.

This pearl contains the lifelong cultivation of a true dragon, which can help cultivators comprehend the divine abilities of the dragon race, and can also be refined and absorbed to greatly increase their cultivation.

However, true dragons are rare to begin with, and those who can condense dragon essence pearls are even rarer.

This dragon girl actually possesses such a treasure?

Seeing that his expression was strange, Ao Bibo explained:

"Fellow Daoist, do not doubt. That Dragon Essence Pearl was left behind by an elder."

As his lifespan was about to end, he condensed his essence into a pearl and left it to the young woman as a resource for her future cultivation.

"I am of dull mind and have never dared to use my skills."

Seeing your profound cultivation today, I wish to offer this pearl as a token of my gratitude and request your guidance on the *Dragon Canon*.

Li Yan remained silent.

Within the mirror of the mind, a rapid deduction is underway, yet the reason remains elusive.

He simply suppressed his doubts and slowly nodded.

"In that case, I shall give it a try."

Ao Bibo was overjoyed and quickly thanked him.

"Thank you, fellow Daoist! Thank you, fellow Daoist!"

Li Yan raised his hand in a gesture of support.

"Miss, there's no need for such formalities."

However, I must first explain that the "Dragon Canon" is a secret text of the Dragon Clan, and I may not be able to fully comprehend it.

Please forgive me if I spoke poorly, young lady.

Ao Bibo shook his head.

"Fellow Daoist, rest assured. Even if I don't speak well, I will have no complaints. I will still offer the Dragon Essence Pearl."

Li Yan was slightly taken aback.

This dragon girl is quite a straightforward person.

He nodded.

"Then it's a deal."

Ao Bibo was overjoyed and took out a jade slip from his bosom, presenting it with both hands.

"Fellow Daoist, this is the Dragon Treasury."

Li Yan took the jade slip and probed it with his divine sense.

In that instant, he felt a blur before his eyes.

Countless dragon shadows swirled and danced in my mind.

Those dragon shadows, with golden scales gleaming in the sun, silver armor shining brightly, crimson as fire, and jet black as ink.

They shuttle, hover, frolic, and fight in the void.

A single dragon shadow contains a wisp of the Daoist essence of the dragon race.

Those Daoist principles, intertwined, form a vast and profound scripture.

Li Yan was completely absorbed in it, eagerly anticipating it.

After an unknown amount of time, he slowly opened his eyes.

In his eyes, the shadow of a dragon could be faintly seen moving about.

Ao Bibo looked at him nervously.

"Fellow Daoist, how is it?"

Li Yan pondered for a moment and then slowly said:

"This 'Dragon's Treasury' is profound and extensive."

This humble Taoist priest cannot fully comprehend it in a short time.

However, I have some basic insights to share with you, young lady.

Ao Bibo was overjoyed.

"Fellow Daoist, please speak!"

Li Yan sat down cross-legged, closed his eyes, and concentrated.

Ao Bibo sat down opposite him, listening intently.

Li Yan began to speak slowly.

"The Dragon Treasury is the treasury of the dragon race."

"To conceal is to conceal the mechanisms of heaven and earth, the wonders of creation, the changes of yin and yang, and the movement of the five elements."

"For dragons, bloodline is of paramount importance in cultivation."

Bloodlines are the foundation of one's innate constitution. Pure bloodlines result in a strong foundation, while mixed bloodlines result in a weak foundation.

"But beyond bloodline, there is also the Dao heart."

The Daoist mind is cultivated after birth. A firm Daoist mind leads to vigorous blood circulation, while a weak Daoist mind results in stagnant blood circulation.

"Therefore, the opening of the Dragon Canon states: Dragons are creatures that can be large or small, can rise or hide."

On a grand scale, it can stir up clouds and mist; on a small scale, it can conceal itself and hide its form.

When it rises, it soars through the universe; when it hides, it lies dormant within the waves.

Spring is in full bloom, and the dragon, riding the wave of change, is like a person who, having achieved their ambitions, roams freely across the world.

Ao Bibo listened, his eyes sparkling with admiration.

Li Yan continued, "These opening words seem to speak of the dragon's supernatural powers, but in reality, they speak of the dragon's Daoist heart."

"The ability to be large or small is a manifestation of the mind's changeability. The ability to rise or hide is a manifestation of the mind's constancy."

Those who adapt to changing times follow the will of Heaven and the needs of the people. Those who achieve their ambitions and act with impunity do as they please.

"This is the essence of dragon cultivation: follow the will of Heaven without losing oneself, respond to others without losing one's true nature."

Ao Bibo seemed to be deep in thought.

Li Yan added, "The middle section of 'Dragon Canon' describes the supernatural powers of the dragon race."

"Dragon's supernatural powers are based on water, utilize clouds, wield thunder for power, and accelerate with lightning."

"Water is the origin of all things. Clouds are the symbol of change. Thunder is the wrath of heaven and earth. Lightning is the interaction of yin and yang."

"Only when the four are combined can one achieve the great divine power of the Dragon Clan."

"But to cultivate these four things, one must have a foundation. That foundation is an unmoving mind."

"If the mind is still, the water will not become muddy, the clouds will not disperse, the thunder will not be chaotic, and the lightning will not be confusing."

"If the mind is agitated, even the greatest supernatural powers are nothing but castles in the air and bubbles in the water."

Upon hearing this, Ao Bibo felt a sudden sense of relief.

It turns out that the reason I couldn't understand the "Dragon's Treasury" was because I was moved by it.

From a young age, she wanted to become the number one dragon, always striving to be the best and competitive.

The more anxious you are, the more mistakes you make.

The more mistakes I make, the more anxious I get.

This cycle repeats itself, creating a vicious cycle.

Now, after listening to Li Yan's explanation, I realize where I went wrong.

She stood up and bowed deeply to Li Yan.

"Fellow Daoist's words are more valuable than ten years of study. I am deeply grateful!"

Li Yan raised his hand in a gesture of support.

"There's no need for such formalities, young lady. I'm happy to be of any help to you."

Ao Bibo took out a fist-sized bead from his sleeve and presented it with both hands.

The bead was entirely golden, with a faint dragon shadow moving within it.

It was the Dragon Essence Pearl.

"Fellow Daoist, this is the Dragon Essence Pearl. Please accept it."

"Gou Zai Xi You De Dao Chang Sheng" ranks highly in readers' votes for the best Xianxia novel!