Gou Zai Xi You Dao Chang Sheng

Li Yan took the bead and sensed its presence.

A vast dragon aura surged from the pearl, resonating with the magical power within his body.

Within that dragon aura, the faint sound of a dragon's roar could be heard.

【Dragon Pearl】

[Rank: Acquired Spiritual Item]

[Source: The essence of a true dragon's life]

[Effects: Allows one to comprehend the divine powers of the dragon race, refine and absorb them to greatly increase one's cultivation, and integrate them into a grotto-heaven to evolve into a dragon vein]

[Current compatibility with the grotto-heaven: Extremely high]

Li Yan was overjoyed.

If this pearl is integrated into the grotto, it can evolve into a dragon vein.

The dragon vein is the backbone of heaven and earth. With the presence of the dragon vein, the grotto-heaven has a backbone and a central focus.

At that time, the stability, vitality, and evolution speed of the cave will be greatly improved.

He accepted the Dragon Essence Pearl and thanked Ao Bibo.

Ao Bibo shook his head.

"Fellow Daoist, you are too kind. It is you who enlightened me; I should be thanking you."

After saying that, she hesitated for a moment, then added:

"Fellow Daoist, I have a request to make."

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

Ao Bibo said, "This humble woman wishes to... wishes to become your disciple."

Li Yan was taken aback.

Why is this dragon girl bringing this up again?

He was about to decline when Ao Bibo spoke first:

"Fellow Daoist, please be patient and let me finish."

"I am of true dragon blood, and I grew up in the Dragon Palace since childhood, where I have seen countless masters."

But no one can win this humble woman's heart and soul like you, fellow Daoist.

"What you said, fellow Daoist, is all reasonable and every word is precious."

Listening to your teachings, young lady, is like drinking sweet rain, like basking in a spring breeze.

"I know that you do not accept disciples because you are afraid of misleading others."

But I swear I will never cause you any trouble, fellow Daoist.

"This humble woman only asks to be by the side of fellow Daoists, to listen to their teachings, and to receive their guidance."

If one day, fellow Daoist, you deem this young lady worthy of your guidance, then it may not be too late to accept her as your disciple.

After saying this, she knelt down and touched her forehead to the stone.

"I beg you, fellow Daoist, to grant my request!"

Li Yan looked at her, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

This dragon girl is truly sincere.

The matter of accepting apprentices is of great importance.

He pondered for a long time before slowly saying:

"Young lady, I can promise you that I will often preach to you and answer your questions. But let's not talk about becoming disciples for now."

Ao Bibo looked up, a hint of disappointment flashing in her eyes, but also a hint of joy.

"Thank you, fellow Daoist!"

Li Yan raised his hand in a gesture of support.

"Please rise, young lady."

Ao Bibo then stood up, her face full of joy.

For the next few days, Li Yan preached daily, and the monkeys and Ao Bibo listened together.

The four old monkeys also came to listen every day without fail.

The monkeys listened with rapt attention, and their foundation gradually solidified.

Ao Bibo was overjoyed and his cultivation advanced greatly.

The four old monkeys, though they had sealed their cultivation, nodded frequently as they listened, a glint of shrewdness occasionally flashing in their eyes.

On this day, the sermon was finished.

Just as Li Yan was about to return to the cave, he suddenly saw a cloud of mist surging in from the horizon.

The clouds were crimson in color, with faint flickering flames.

In the blink of an eye, it landed in front of the high platform.

As the clouds dispersed, a figure appeared.

But he was an old man.

He was born with a red face and a bushy beard, and had a majestic and imposing presence.

He wore a crimson robe, a gold belt around his waist, and cloud-patterned shoes.

He landed on the high platform, clasped his hands in greeting to Li Yan, and said, "Fellow Daoist Li."

Li Yan's gaze narrowed slightly.

He recognized the old man.

Ao Qin, the Dragon King of the South Sea.

He nodded slightly.

"What brings you here, Old Dragon King?"

Ao Qin said, "I have come here to find my granddaughter."

Li Yan was taken aback.

Ao Bibo?

He looked back and saw Ao Bibo leaping down from the cliff and heading this way.

Upon approaching, Ao Bibo bowed gracefully to Ao Qinying.

"grandfather."

Ao Qin looked her up and down, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

"Bo'er, how...how has your cultivation improved so quickly?"

Ao Bibo smiled slightly.

"Thanks to the guidance of this fellow Daoist Li Yan, I have benefited greatly from listening to his teachings these past few days."

Ao Qin looked at Li Yan, his eyes filled with complex emotions.

He took a deep breath and bowed deeply to Li Yan.

"Thank you for your guidance, fellow Daoist! I am deeply grateful!"

Li Yan raised his hand in a gesture of support.

"Old Dragon King, there's no need for such formalities. It's the young lady's own good understanding that's the reason I'm offering this as a token of my appreciation."

Ao Qin shook his head.

"Fellow Daoist is too modest. Bo'er has been cultivating since childhood, and I have watched her grow up."

Despite her talent, she had never been able to find the right approach.

"Having listened to your teachings for only a few days, I have made such progress. Your efforts are truly indelible."

As he spoke, he took something out of his pocket.

It was a jade box, entirely crimson, with a faint glow of fire.

"Fellow Daoist, this is a specialty of the South China Sea Dragon Palace, called Dragon Flame Dates, which are cultivated using the fire from the earth's core."

I brought a box as a token of my gratitude.

Li Yan accepted the jade box and sensed its presence.

The Dragon Flame Jujube contains a rich and pure fire elemental energy.

He accepted the jade box and thanked Ao Qin.

Ao Qin waved his hand and said, "Fellow Daoist, you are too kind. This is just a small gift, nothing more."

As he spoke, he looked at Ao Bibo.

"Bo'er, you've been bothering Huaguo Mountain for many days, it's time for you to go back."

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

She looked at Li Yan, hesitant to speak.

Li Yan said, "If you wish to come again, young lady, you are welcome at any time. I always welcome you here."

Ao Bibo was overjoyed and quickly thanked him.

Ao Qin watched from the side, a complex look flashing in his eyes.

He sighed and said:

"Bo'er, go and pack your things first. I have a few words I'd like to say to you privately."

Ao Bibo was taken aback, then nodded and turned to walk towards the cliff.

After she walked away, Ao Qin looked at Li Yan.

"Fellow Daoist, I have a few words to say, but I don't know if I should."

Li Yan said, "Please speak, Old Dragon King."

Ao Qin pondered for a moment, then slowly said:

"Fellow Daoist, do you know why I sent Bo'er here?"

Li Yan's heart stirred slightly.

He shook his head.

Ao Qin said, "I sent her here to find someone with whom she has a destiny."

Li Yan asked, "A person with whom we have a destiny?"

Ao Qin nodded.

"Although Bo'er has the blood of a true dragon, he has never been able to comprehend the Dragon Treasury."

I am getting old and don't know how much longer I can live.

"If I cannot find her a wise teacher before she attains enlightenment, I will die with regrets."

"At the banquet that day, I saw that you had a clear aura and a firm Dao heart, so I had a thought."

"Bringing Bo'er here is ostensibly for a competition, but in reality, it's to let her get closer to fellow Daoists and be influenced by them."

"I didn't expect you to be so extraordinary, fellow Daoist. In just a few days, you've helped Bo'er comprehend the Dragon Canon."

As he spoke, he looked intently at Li Yan.

"Fellow Daoist, I dare to ask you for a favor."

Li Yan said, "Please speak, Old Dragon King."

Ao Qin said, "This old man would like to ask fellow Daoist to accept Bo'er as his disciple."

Li Yan was taken aback.

Another apprenticeship.

He pondered for a moment, then slowly shook his head.

"Old Dragon King, this humble Taoist cannot accept her as a disciple."

A hint of disappointment flashed in Ao Qin's eyes.

Why?

Li Yan repeated his previous statement.

Ao Qin shook his head.

"Fellow Daoist, you are mistaken. Cultivation is not about the length of time one has spent, but about one's understanding."

Fellow Daoist, you attained immortality in a decade or so, while Bo'er has remained a true immortal for a thousand years. This difference is something this old man is well aware of.

"Moreover, Bo'er has taken to heart what you have said."

This is fate. Why should age matter between those destined to be together?

Li Yan still shook his head.

"Old Dragon King, the matter of accepting disciples is of great importance. My path of cultivation is not yet stable, and I dare not mislead any young person."

Ao Qin sighed.

"Enough, enough. This old man will not insist."

"However, if you change your mind in the future, you are welcome to come to the South China Sea Dragon Palace at any time. I will be waiting for you."

Li Yan nodded slightly.

"Thank you for your kindness, Old Dragon King."

Ao Qin then took out another jade talisman and handed it to Li Yan.

"Fellow Daoist, this is a token from the Dragon Palace of the South Sea. If there is any emergency, you can use this talisman to summon me."

"I will do my utmost to assist you, fellow Daoist."

Li Yan took the jade talisman and put it into his pocket.

"Thank you, Old Dragon King."

Ao Qin waved his hand and turned to look into the distance.

There, Ao Bibo had finished packing and was heading this way.

Upon approaching, Ao Bibo bowed deeply to Li Yan.

"Fellow Daoist, this humble woman takes her leave. Thank you for your guidance these past few days."

Li Yan raised his hand in a gesture of support.

"You're too kind, young lady. Take care on your journey."

Ao Bibo nodded, then turned and followed Ao Qin on a cloud.

The azure cloud gradually receded into the distance and eventually disappeared into the horizon.

Li Yan stood there, gazing at the departing clouds, 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.

"The dragon girl, she's gone?"

Li Yan lowered his head and rubbed its little head.

"I'm gone."

Will they come back?

Li Yan smiled slightly.

"Yes."

"She is a persistent person."

Having said that, he turned and walked towards the Water Curtain Cave.

Behind us, the waterfall cascades down like a ribbon, its spray rising in mist.

In the distance, a group of monkeys frolic and laugh.

Everything seemed normal, yet something was different.

Li Yan returned to the stone chamber and sat down cross-legged.

He took out the Dragon Essence Pearl and held it in his palm.

The beads are golden and glittering, with the shadow of a dragon swimming within.

He closed his eyes and focused his mind, immersing himself in the grotto.

Within the grotto-heaven, the 1,500-mile expanse of heaven and earth 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 activated the Dragon Pearl.

The dragon's aura within the pearl seeped into the grotto.

The dragon energy entered and quickly spread out.

Wherever it passed, the cavern and the void trembled slightly.

Amidst the tremors, the dragon energy gradually condensed, transforming into a golden dragon shadow.

The dragon's shadow was about a thousand feet long, with golden scales shining in the sun and five claws gleaming.

It soared and danced within the grotto, and wherever it passed, the void froze and the earth trembled.

After circling and turning nine times, the dragon's shadow swooped down and plunged into the earth.

The earth suddenly trembled.

A golden beam of light shot into the sky from the depths of the earth.

Within the pillar of light, the dragon's shadow transformed into a golden dragon vein, winding and coiling, traversing the entire cave.

Where the dragon vein passes, the earth becomes stable and the earth's veins are renewed.

The mountains and hills that were once somewhat ethereal now appear completely solid.

Some weak plants and trees grow wildly.

Above the dome, the starry sky shone brightly.

Three hundred and sixty-five main stars lit up simultaneously.

The sun and moon revolve, day and night alternate, and the speed is more than three times faster.

In the center, the nine-grade golden lotus suddenly trembled.

On the petals, golden patterns shone brightly.

Within the heart of the flower, that single point of chaotic light shines even more brilliantly.

[Dragon Essence Pearl Refining Completed]

[Evolution of the Grotto-Heaven: The Dragon Vein Takes Initial Formation, and Heaven and Earth Become Stable]

[Cave Heaven Realm: Cave Heaven Level 6, 30% (Radius 3,000 li)]

[Nine-Grade Golden Lotus Growth Rate +15%, Current: 30% (Blooming Stage)]

[Comprehension: The Art of Dragon Veins]

[It can activate the dragon veins of the grotto-heaven to suppress external enemies, and it can also use the power of the dragon veins to deduce the creation of heaven and earth.]

[Aura of Destiny +500 (Refining Treasures, Evolution of Grotto-Heavens)]

[Current Affinity/Dharma Energy: 5200/5120]

Li Yan opened his eyes and exhaled a long breath.

The energy swirled in the void, transforming into a small dragon shadow before slowly dissipating.

The Dragon Essence Pearl has been refined.

Within the grotto, a new dragon vein has appeared.

This dragon vein is the backbone of the grotto-heaven.

With it, the cave had a backbone, and its stability was greatly improved.

Li Yan took a moment to adjust his breathing, allowing his mind to return to normal.

Then, he took out the box of [Dragon Flame Dates].

Li Yan took a moment to adjust his breathing, allowing his mind to return to normal.

Then, he took out the box of [Dragon Flame Dates].

The jade box was opened, revealing nine fiery red dates inside.

The dates are small, but they contain a rich fire elemental energy.

The spiritual energy was incredibly pure, faintly reminiscent of the fire from the earth's core.

Li Yan took one out and put it in his mouth.

The jujube entered my stomach and transformed into a warm current that surged into my lower abdomen.

The heat was intense, burning so fiercely that it made the lower abdomen feel slightly hot.

Li Yan drew upon this heat current and refined it into his own magical power.

[Refine one Dragonflame Date, Fire Element Mana +5%]

Current Fire Mana: 50%

Li Yan took out another one and continued refining it.

After refining the nine Dragon Flame Dates, my fire elemental power has reached 95%.

He opened his eyes, a faint firelight flickering within them.

[Fire elemental magic power greatly increased]

[Related to the Thirty-Six Transformations of the Heavenly Gang: Enhances the power of fire-related supernatural abilities such as the Five Thunders, Returning Wind and Fire, and Golden Light Across the Earth]

Within this grotto-heaven, volcanic eruptions and subterranean fires can evolve, enriching the Five Elements theory.

Li Yan nodded slightly.

These Dragon Flame Dates are indeed a good thing.

If I have the chance in the future, I'll get more.

As he pondered, Li Yan slightly raised his head.

The moonlight, like water, bathed the seventy-two peaks of Huaguo Mountain.

When Sun Wukong emerged from the Water Curtain Cave, he saw Li Yan sitting cross-legged on a rock, with a faint dragon aura emanating from his body, and he was overjoyed.

"Brother! You've finally really made something of yourself!"

Li Yan opened his eyes and smiled slightly.

"This is merely the beginning; we are still far from the true path."

Sun Wukong waved his hand and said, "You are just too modest."

Looking at you now, you seem even stronger than when you were undergoing your tribulation.

Come, come, today I, Old Sun, am going to have a proper celebration!

Having said that, without waiting for Li Yan's reply, he turned and shouted down the mountain:

"My children! Come out here, all of you!"

This shout, imbued with magical power, reverberated throughout the mountains and forests.

In an instant, monkeys swarmed out from all over the mountain.

An old monkey leans on a cane, while young and strong climb for support. The baby monkey hangs from its mother's belly, its bright black eyes filled with both surprise and joy.

The monkeys were densely packed, filling the open space in front of the Water Curtain Cave.

Sun Wukong leaped onto a high rock, his golden eyes gleaming, and proclaimed in a loud voice:

"My children! My brother has recently transcended tribulation and become an immortal!"

Today, I, Old Sun, will hold a grand feast on Flower Fruit Mountain, slaughtering oxen and horses, offering sacrifices to Heaven and Earth, and celebrating with my brothers!

Upon hearing this, the monkeys cheered wildly.

The four warriors immediately accepted the order and led the young and strong monkeys to get busy.

Hunting animals in the mountains, fishing by the stream, picking wild fruits, and moving tables and chairs.

For a time, Huaguo Mountain was bustling with activity, just like a festival in the human world.

Li Yan initially wanted to decline, but seeing Sun Wukong's enthusiasm and the monkeys' joy, he suppressed his thoughts and simply said:

"I am deeply grateful for Your Majesty's hospitality."

Sun Wukong grinned and said, "That's more like it! My brother's ascension to immortality is a momentous occasion; how could we not celebrate?"

As they were talking, some monkeys brought over a stone table and benches and set them up in front of the Water Curtain Cave.

Then a little monkey brought over all sorts of mountain fruits, piling them up to the brim.

There's also the fruit wine brewed with spring water from the mountains, stored in stone jars, its fragrance filling the air.

Before long, more young and strong monkeys brought wild boars, gazelles, and deer that they had hunted. They slaughtered and cleaned them by the stream and roasted them over a fire.

The oil dripped and sizzled, its aroma wafting in the wind, making the monkeys' mouths water.

Sun Wukong pulled Li Yan to sit in the head seat.

The four generals sat on either side of him.

The rest of the monkeys took their seats in order of age and seniority.

Although they are a group of wild monkeys, they are quite organized.

Sun Wukong picked up his wine cup and stood up.

Upon seeing this, the monkeys all stood up and raised their cups to each other.

Sun Wukong said loudly:

"My children! Since my brother and I met, he has guided and supported us all the way."

Teach me, Old Sun, how to act, how to speak, and how to deal with the Four Dragon Kings.

He also taught us children the methods of cultivation and the art of self-protection.

His ascension to immortality after transcending tribulation is an event of immense joy!

"Today, I, Old Sun, raise this cup to toast my brother! May my brother's path to enlightenment advance forever, and may he live a long and prosperous life!"

The monkeys cheered in unison, raised their cups, and drank it all in one gulp.

Li Yan rose and raised his cup in return.

"I will always remember Your Majesty's kindness and everyone's generosity."

May the Water Curtain Cave of Flower and Fruit Mountain enjoy eternal peace and lasting blessings.

Having said that, he also drank it all in one gulp.

After several rounds of drinks and five courses of food,

The monkeys gradually relaxed and began to frolic.

Some were chasing each other during the meal.

Some climbed tree branches to swing on swings, while others danced around the bonfire.

The two marshals, Ma and Liu, emboldened by the wine, began to perform a play in the open space, singing and chanting in unison.

One played the role of a mischievous demon king, and the other played the role of a king, vividly portraying the story of how they killed the demon king that day.

The monkeys laughed heartily and clapped their hands in approval.

General Bengba was not to be outdone.

One person tossed a stone bowl into the air, and the bowl spun for a long time without falling.

One person threw a mountain fruit, which drew an arc in the air and landed squarely in their mouth.

The monkeys were dazzled by the sight, and their cheers rose in waves.

Sun Wukong, engrossed in the spectacle, jumped into the arena, took out his golden cudgel from his ear, and with a flick of his wrist, it grew to the thickness of a bowl. He then began to wield it.

The staff flew up and down, swirled left and right, sometimes like a dragon emerging from the water, sometimes like a tiger descending the mountain.

As the sticks passed by, a strong wind howled, causing the campfire to flicker.

The monkeys stared in disbelief, and after a long while, they burst into thunderous cheers.

In my arms, the jade mouse poked its little head out, its bright little eyes full of curiosity.

It had never seen such a lively scene before.

Li Yan lowered his head and rubbed its little head.

"Go if you want to have fun."

The jade rat blinked, squeaked twice, jumped off his arms, and hopped and skipped into the monkey troop.

When the little monkeys saw this chubby, white creature, they all gathered around it.

The jade rats were not afraid of strangers and chased and played with them, having a great time.

Li Yan looked at him and smiled slightly.

The moon gradually reaches its zenith.

The effects of the alcohol were growing stronger.

The monkeys gradually became intoxicated.

Some were slumped on the stone benches, some were lying in the grass, and some were hugging each other, fast asleep.

The four strong men were also flushed from drinking and staggering.

General Beng lay sprawled on the stone table, still muttering, "Good wine...good wine..."

General Ba leaned against the tree, snoring loudly.

Marshal Ma held onto the wine jar tightly, refusing to let go. Marshal Liu pulled at him, and the two of them tugged at each other, rolling to the ground.

Sun Wukong, however, became more and more energetic the more he drank.

He held the wine cup and walked up to Li Yan.

"Brother, I, Old Sun, salute you!"

Li Yan raised his cup and clinked it with his.

"Your Majesty, too much wine is bad for your health. That's enough."

Sun Wukong waved his hand and said, "It's nothing! I, Old Sun, am a Taiyi Golden Immortal. What's a little wine to me?"

Having said that, he drank it all in one gulp.

He poured another cup and gazed at the bright moon.

"Brother, tell me, where is he now?"

Li Yan paused for a moment, then slowly said:

"He is all-powerful, omnipresent, and yet nowhere. If Your Majesty wishes to see him, he will be there."

Sun Wukong was taken aback, then grinned and said:

"Brother, what you're saying sounds mysterious. But I, Old Sun, understand it."

"Master is in my heart. As long as he is in my heart, he is there."

Li Yan nodded slightly.

"Your Majesty has understood."

Sun Wukong laughed heartily and drank another cup.

After finishing his drink, he stood up and staggered toward the iron bridge.

"I, Old Sun... I'm going to rest over there... Brother, do as you please..."

Li Yan stood up, wanting to help him up.

Sun Wukong waved his hand and said, "No need, no need! I, Old Sun, can walk by myself..."

Before he could finish speaking, he stumbled and nearly fell.

He leaned against a pine tree by the bridge, swaying gently, and sat down in its shade.

Leaning against a pine tree, I looked up at the bright moon.

Soon after, snoring began.

Its furry head gradually drooped down and rested against its chest.

She actually fell asleep like that.

Li Yan stood there, gazing at the golden figure, his brows slightly furrowed.

The gray sable on his shoulder curled up, feigning sleep, while the jade mouse in his arms was already fast asleep.

Although Li Yan didn't drink much, he was still slightly tipsy.

Just as he was about to return to the stone chamber to rest, he suddenly felt a jolt in his heart mirror.

His gaze sharpened, and the Eye of Cause and Effect suddenly opened.

Among the countless causal threads surrounding Sun Wukong, three suddenly began to tremble violently.

The three causal lines, one as thick as a child's arm and a deep blue color, led towards the East Sea Dragon Palace.

A thin strand, as thin as a hair, grayish-black in color, connects to the direction of the underworld.

There was another one, barely visible, yet faintly glowing with golden light, connecting to that unknowable place.

The thing trembling at this moment was that gray-black one.

Li Yan felt a chill run down his spine.

He immediately closed his eyes and focused his mind into the mirror of his heart.

On the mirror, a picture slowly unfolds.

That was where Sun Wukong lay drunk, under the shade of a pine tree, where the golden figure was fast asleep.

Beside that figure, two ghost soldiers had appeared out of nowhere.

One had a stern face, and the other had a lenient face.

Each wore a black robe and held a written approval document.

Above the approval document, three large characters were prominently written: Sun Wukong.

The two ghost soldiers were bending down and reaching out to put a chain around Sun Wukong's neck.

Li Yan suddenly opened his eyes.

In his eyes, starlight shone brightly, and chaos flowed.

He raised his hand, his five fingers loosely clenched.

In the Niwan Palace, the tortoise shell of the Guizang (Returning to the Source) trembled.

Chaotic light surged from the tortoise shell, instantly enveloping the two people within a three-zhang radius.

Just as the two ghost soldiers were about to strike, they suddenly felt a blur before their eyes.

Upon closer inspection, the sleeping monkey had vanished without a trace.

The pale-faced ghost soldier rubbed his eyes and looked around.

"Huh? It was just here a moment ago, how did it disappear in the blink of an eye?"

The black-faced ghost soldier was also stunned.

He looked down at the approval document in his hand.

The words "Sun Wukong" are still on the document, but they are becoming faintly blurred, as if they might disappear at any moment.

"Strange! Strange!"

The dark-faced ghost muttered, "In my three hundred years of collecting souls, I've never seen anything like this!"

The pale-faced ghost soldier said, "Could it be that the monkey has woken up and escaped?"

The black-faced ghost soldier shook his head: "No. The document is here, stating that his lifespan is about to end and his soul should depart."

Even if you wake up, you cannot escape this soul-snatching rope.

The pale-faced ghost soldier asked, "Then where did it go?"

The black-faced ghost soldier pondered for a moment, then suddenly looked up and gazed around.

Under the moonlight, the mountains and forests were silent.

In the distance, the faint snoring of monkeys could be heard from the Water Curtain Cave.

He took a deep breath and said sternly:

"Who is this powerful figure, toying with the underworld's messengers here? Show yourself!"