Gou Zai Xi You Dao Chang Sheng

"Firstly, the Confucian concept of benevolence. The Book of Changes says: 'The greatest virtue of Heaven and Earth is to give life.'"

The word "benevolence" means to give life and vitality.

You must treat the calamity with benevolence, regarding it as something in the world, which, though turbid, still has the principle of life.

Do not feel disgust or intend to reject it.

Only by embracing kindness can one truly understand and accept.

Secondly, the Taoism of emptiness.

As the saying goes, "Attain utmost emptiness, and hold fast to stillness."

Emptiness is nothingness, and it can contain all things.

Your celestial abode must be cultivated to the Void Realm before it can contain the immeasurable turbidity of countless eons without collapsing.

If the celestial abode is not false, then the turbid energy entering it will be like a stone thrown into water, creating ripples.

Finally, there is the Buddhist concept of emptiness. The Heart Sutra says: "Form is emptiness, emptiness is form."

Emptiness means the absence of inherent existence.

You should observe that the turbidity of the kalpa has no inherent nature; it arises from the combination of causes and conditions.

Since it is a combination of causes and conditions, it can be transformed through causes and conditions.

This is the opportunity for transformation.

"Confucianism takes benevolence as its essence, Taoism takes emptiness as its foundation, and Buddhism takes emptiness as its application."

Only through the unity of the three teachings can this Garbhadhatu Mandala be formed.

As Li Yan listened, he felt that every word was precious and every sentence was profound.

He had gleaned some of these principles from experience before.

But no one has ever integrated and refined it into a complete method like the patriarch.

A surge of joy welled up within him.

This method is not only about saving the monkey, but also a leap forward in one's own cultivation.

"Thank you for your guidance, Master!" Li Yan bowed deeply.

The patriarch raised his hand in a gesture of support and said, "Don't thank me in such a hurry."

What I just said was merely theory.

True cultivation requires you to practice it yourself.

Within this realm of deduction, you should use the law of cause and effect as a guide to verify the principles of these three religions with the Dao of the Grotto Heaven.

Let's see if we can deduce the specific cultivation steps.

Li Yan accepted the order and immediately sat cross-legged, closing his eyes and concentrating.

Within the mirror of the heart, the remaining ten thousand strands of karmic energy surged forth.

At the same time, his mind sank into the cave.

In this microcosm, the sun and moon revolve, dragon veins meander, and golden lotuses bloom.

He first contemplated the Confucian concept of benevolence.

Within the grotto, the plants, trees, birds, and beasts, though nurtured by the grotto, each have their own life trajectory.

Li Yan visualized them as ever-growing and multiplying.

Gradually, a profound love welled up in my heart.

This is benevolence, and also the meaning of life.

This feeling of love spread and enveloped the entire grotto.

[Two thousand strands of karmic energy have been consumed.]

Next, contemplate the emptiness of Taoism.

Inside the grotto, above the dome, the starry sky glitters.

The stars gradually became transparent.

The mountains, rivers, grasses, and trees gradually transformed into light and shadow, appearing and disappearing almost imperceptibly.

The entire cave seemed to be transforming from a small world into a void.

[Two thousand strands of the aura of destiny have been consumed.]

Finally, Li Yan contemplated the Buddhist concept of emptiness.

Those vague and elusive visions of paradise gradually lose their true nature in one's heart.

Mountains and rivers are not mountains and rivers, grass and trees are not grass and trees, sun and moon are not sun and moon.

Everything is a product of causes and conditions coming together and transforming into something else.

Since it is an illusion, it can be transformed.

[Two thousand strands of karmic energy will be consumed.]

Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism—three profound and mysterious ideas—converge in the mind.

I don't know how much time passed.

Suddenly, the ground inside the cave shook.

boom!

Li Yan felt a chill run down his spine, but remained calm.

This is the evolution of the grotto-heaven, transforming into the realm of womb-hidden existence.

Calm your mind and continue your visualization.

The love of the benevolent transforms into golden light, permeating the grotto and warming all things.

The emptiness of the void becomes nothingness, encompassing all things, neither born nor dying.

The principle of emptiness transforms into purple energy, enveloping everything and dissolving one's true nature.

Golden light, nothingness, and purple aura merged and gradually condensed into a chaotic radiance.

The radiance hung in the center of the cave, slowly rotating.

As it rotates, it generates an immense suction force.

The essence of plants, the spirit of mountains and rivers, and the brilliance of the sun and moon were all absorbed into it.

The radiance grew larger and brighter with each rotation.

In the end, it transformed into a giant golden lotus.

That lotus flower has as many as twelve petals.

The petals are layered upon layered, with mysterious symbols and profound characters engraved on them—

Benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and trustworthiness.

Morality, nothingness, nature.

Emptiness, formlessness, desirelessness, Nirvana...

The true meaning of the three religions is contained within it.

In the center of the lotus flower was a deep, dark void.

That void seemed to be able to contain all things and hold everything.

As Li Yan gazed at the lotus flower, a sudden realization dawned on him.

This is the Garbhadhatu Mandala.

In the midst of mental connection, the twelve-petaled golden lotus established a profound and mysterious link with himself.

The lotus flower is the grotto-heaven.

The grotto is also a lotus flower.

At the very moment the lotus flower took shape.

On the mirror of the heart, the numbers representing the Qi of Fate began to fluctuate rapidly.

The six thousand strands that were consumed earlier have returned in large quantities, and there are also many new ones.

[To comprehend the Confucian concept of benevolence, to resonate with the Dao of the Grotto Heaven, and to grasp the meaning of life's continuous cycle]

[Aura of Fate +1500]

[To comprehend the emptiness of the Tao, and to realize the state of nothingness through one's own heart]

[Aura of Fate +1500]

[To comprehend the Buddha's concept of emptiness, and to understand the principle of emptiness within oneself]

[Aura of Fate +1500]

[Integrating the essence of the three religions, evolving into a twelve-petaled golden lotus, the Womb Mandala]

[Aura of Fate +3000]

[Current Affinity/Dharma Energy: 11500/5120]

11,500 strands!

Although this process of deduction and comprehension consumed thousands of strands of karmic energy, the final gains far exceeded the consumption.

Not only that, he also cultivated supernatural powers.

With this supernatural power, the foundation for saving Sun Wukong was laid.

He slowly opened his eyes.

The patriarch was looking at him, his eyes full of satisfaction.

"Good.

Your understanding and purity of heart far exceed my expectations.

"To be able to integrate the true meanings of the three religions and master this supernatural power in such a short time—even I was no better back then."

Li Yan bowed and said, "It's all thanks to the guidance of the Patriarch."

The patriarch waved his hand and said, "Don't be modest. Your supernatural powers are now complete. The next step is to see how to put them into practice."

"You must remember that although this method is ingenious, it is also extremely dangerous."

When that calamity and turbidity enter your celestial abode, it is like poison entering your internal organs.

Although it can be gradually refined, it is constantly eroding your foundation.

Therefore, you must constantly nourish your inner world with the benevolence of Confucianism and maintain your spiritual emptiness with the emptiness of Taoism.

Transform through the Buddhist concept of emptiness.

The slightest lapse in vigilance could result in a backlash from the calamity.

Li Yan accepted the instruction with awe.

The patriarch then said, "There is one more thing, which is of utmost importance."

"You need to build that bridge between you and that monkey."

This bridge is a manifestation of supernatural powers, and is also known as the Vajra Garbhadhatu Mandala of the Two Realms and Ten Directions.

It must be based on the pure friendship between the two of you, and supported by unwavering trust.

If he has even the slightest doubt about you, the bridge cannot be built.

If you harbor even the slightest scheming towards him, that bridge will crumble.

Upon hearing this, Li Yan felt a slight tremor in his heart.

No wonder the patriarch kept asking him if he was sure he wanted to save the monkey.

It turns out that the most crucial step in this method of redemption was the bond and trust between him and the monkey.

If he harbors any selfish intentions and only wants to use that monkey to refine his grotto, then this bridge will never be built.

If the monkey, clouded by delusion, no longer believes in him, then this bridge cannot be built either.

This is a spiritual practice of "heart-to-heart communication".

The slightest mistake could lead to utter ruin.

"Disciple understands. Disciple and that monkey have always been connected by heart."

Upon returning, I will use this sincere heart to communicate with him and build a bridge of understanding.

The patriarch nodded slightly, but then asked:

"Are you sure you want to do this for him?"

This is the third time.

Li Yan couldn't help but recall a Zen poem he had read in his previous life.

That poem was written by Zen Master Wumen Huikai of the Song Dynasty, and it speaks of the state of mind when practicing Zen and attaining enlightenment.

Thinking about it now, it perfectly reflects my current state of mind.

He recited slowly:

Spring brings a hundred flowers, autumn a bright moon, summer a cool breeze, and winter snow.

"If you have no worries on your mind, then every day is a good day."

Upon hearing this, the patriarch's eyes flashed with a sharp light.

This poem, on the surface, describes the four seasons, but in reality, it speaks of Zen philosophy.

The flowers of spring, the bright moon of autumn, the cool breeze of summer, and the auspicious snow of winter are all natural scenes, and there is no inherent good or bad in them.

When people have many things on their minds, they become separated from each other, and thus experience troubles.

If there are no trivial matters, one can see one's true nature, and that is a good time.

Li Yan's reply with this poem was to tell the patriarch that his friendship with the monkey was without any ulterior motives or ulterior motives.

It happens naturally, like the cycle of the four seasons, like flowers blooming and fading.

That is precisely why this friendship has such a solid foundation.

Based on this, how could the bridge of hearts not be built?

The patriarch laughed heartily, his laughter echoing throughout the realm of deduction, causing the chaotic energy to surge endlessly.

"You answered me with a Zen riddle, and I will also give you a Zen riddle."

Having said that, he held a blank bamboo slip in his hand and made empty gestures in the air.

A golden light flashed, and four lines of poetry appeared on the bamboo slip.

Li Yan looked closely and saw that the poem read:

"With hands, green seedlings are planted all over the field; looking down, one can see the sky reflected in the water."

A pure and tranquil mind is the path to enlightenment; taking a step back is, in fact, moving forward.

As Li Yan gazed at the scene, a sense of understanding gradually dawned upon him.

This poem is also a famous verse in Zen Buddhism.

It tells the story of a farmer planting rice seedlings, looking down at the sky, seemingly retreating, but actually moving forward.

This metaphorically suggests that those who cultivate the Tao must humble themselves and purify their minds in order to attain enlightenment.

Sometimes what appears to be a concession is actually a genuine step forward.

The patriarch gave him this poem to tell him that saving the monkey, though seemingly wading through muddy waters, was actually inviting karma and was a step backward.

However, if one can act with a pure heart and follow the path of non-action, this retreat is precisely the true progress.

Thinking of this, Li Yan kowtowed.

"Thank you, Master, for bestowing this verse. I will remember it in my heart."

The patriarch put away the bamboo slips, and his gaze toward him was full of satisfaction and expectation.

"Alright. It's getting late, you should go back. That monkey is still waiting for you."

Li Yan nodded, stood up, but then remembered something else.

"Master, I have another question."

"speak."

"When I return, I will establish a bridge of understanding with that monkey and guide the calamity into the cave for gradual refinement."

How long will this process take?

The patriarch smiled and said:

"There is no certainty in this matter. It depends on the amount of turbidity, the speed at which you refine it, and even more so on the state of mind of both of you."

"It could take several years, or even decades."

Once the impurities within that monkey's body are completely eliminated, you should be able to refine at least three [Purification Pills] in your own grotto-heaven.

At that time, you will both benefit greatly.

"but……"

At this point, the patriarch's gaze became profound.

"You must remember that this matter must not be known to any deity or Buddha."

Those people in the sky were constantly watching the monkey's movements.

If you reveal any flaws and they discover that you are secretly intercepting and robbing others, the consequences will be unimaginable.

Li Yan listened and wholeheartedly agreed.

"Intercepting and plundering" sounds easy, but doing it means being an enemy of the immortals and Buddhas of the Three Realms.

"I will remember the teachings of my patriarch. I will be extremely careful in this matter and will not reveal the slightest flaw."

The patriarch nodded slightly, about to speak again, when suddenly his expression changed slightly.

The patterns of the sun, moon, and stars on the black robe began to slowly fade.

Li Yan's heart tightened.

"The founder?"

The patriarch looked down.

The once solid figure was now somewhat illusory, with faint radiance emanating from its edges.

He raised his head and looked at Li Yan, his smile gentle yet tinged with a sense of relief.

"The time has come. This wisp of my past self's mark should also dissipate."

Li Yan was deeply saddened and immediately knelt down, kowtowing deeply.

"Grandmaster!"

The patriarch raised his hand to support her, but the movement was not as powerful as before.

"Foolish child, there is no need to be sad."

My true self has long since passed away.

This trace of a past life is nothing more than a glimmer of light remaining deep within chaos.

It is an unexpected joy to meet you today and to offer you guidance.

Even if it vanishes, there will be no regrets.

Li Yan knelt on the ground, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

Since he began his cultivation at Fangcun Mountain, the Patriarch had only appeared a few times, but each time he had shown him the way forward at the critical moment of life and death.

They impart the Way, grant opportunities, guide those lost in confusion, and provide comprehensive protection.

This kindness and affection are as heavy as a mountain.

He raised his head, gazing at the gradually fading figure, his eyes filled with longing and reluctance.

"Master, how can I possibly see you again?"

A complex look flashed in the patriarch's eyes.

"Your connection with me was already established on Fangcun Mountain."

Although the Venerable One has passed away, you have inherited the lineage he left behind.

If you can evolve the cave heaven to its full potential in the future, you will attain the Great Luo.

They might even attain the legendary Primordial Golden Immortal realm, perhaps even able to travel upstream through the river of time and space.

"Reunited with a trace of the original self."

"The River of Time?"

The patriarch nodded: "Between heaven and earth, there is a long river that runs across the land, called time and space."

Past, present, and future are all contained within it.

The Great Immortal can travel across the long river and observe the past and the future.

Those who are Primordial Golden Immortals can imprint their mark on the long river of time, making it eternal and indelible.

Although the deity has passed away, his mark remains deep within the river of time.

If you can cultivate to that level, then you can go and find him.

As Li Yan listened, a surge of longing welled up in his heart.

The imprint of time and space is eternal.

What kind of realm is that?

He kowtowed again and said, "This disciple will certainly strive to cultivate and live up to the expectations of the patriarch."

One day, this disciple will go upstream to pay homage to the Patriarch.

The patriarch's face was full of smiles and satisfaction.

"I am very pleased that you have this ambition."

After saying that, he changed the subject.

"You just said that besides the Heavenly Court and Mount Ling, there are also people from the North who are secretly plotting against that monkey."

Tell me more about this matter in detail.

Li Yan's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly replied, "Yes."

After the disciple descended from Fangcun Mountain, he vaguely sensed that someone was spying on him in the dark.

That gaze, coming from the north, was a deep, indifferent green, as if it could see through everything.

"Huaguo Mountain was attacked by five demon kings, seemingly at the behest of the Heavenly Court or Lingshan."

But upon closer inspection with the eye of cause and effect, the disciple discovered that behind them lay an even deeper thread of cause and effect, connecting to that unknowable place in the north.

"Afterwards, I deduced that the matter of the underworld taking away souls was also orchestrated by people from the north."

He first sent ghost soldiers to take the monkey's soul and lead it into the underworld.

If a monkey, in a fit of rage, wreaks havoc in the underworld and erases itself from the Book of Life and Death, it will forge a deadly enmity with the underworld.

At that time, he will secretly intervene to cause a conflict between the monkey and the Heavenly Court.

If the monkey is provoked and wreaks havoc in the Heavenly Palace, it will forge a deadly enmity with the Heavenly Court.

"In this way, there will be no place for monkeys to live in the Three Realms."

He could then use this as leverage to force the king to submit.

The patriarch's expression gradually became solemn.

Have you ever seen those people from the north?

Li Yan shook his head and said, "No."

The disciple tried to deduce it using Qimen Dunjia, but could never see its true form.

I could only vaguely sense that he was of extremely high status and possessed extraordinary abilities; he was at least at the level of a Great Luo Golden Immortal.

The patriarch remained silent for a moment, then slowly said:

"Great Luo Golden Immortals are few and far between in the Three Realms."

There are several in Heaven, several on Mount Ling, and one in the Underworld.

Among the independent cultivators, there were one or two.

But the northerners you mentioned are not among these.

Li Yan said, "This disciple has also wondered if it might be some powerful figure from the Heavenly Court or Mount Ling acting in secret?"

The Patriarch shook his head: "Although the Heavenly Court and Mount Ling each have their own schemes, they all act openly."

Even if they plotted in secret, they couldn't escape each other's eyes.

The northerner, however, managed to deceive both sides and orchestrate his own scheme, demonstrating the brilliance of his methods and his extraordinary status.

Li Yan felt a slight chill.

Even the patriarch said that this person has superb skills and a transcendent status. What kind of person must he be?

"Master, I dare to ask, who exactly is that person from the north?"

Upon hearing this, a complex expression flashed in the patriarch's eyes.

"What I, this wisp of my past self, can see is also limited."

It can only be vaguely speculated that the person might be related to a saint who has attained enlightenment.

Li Yan's heart trembled again.

"A saint who has attained enlightenment?"

The patriarch nodded: "Above the Great Luo Golden Immortal is the Primordial Great Luo Golden Immortal, also known as a Sage."

To attain this path, one must cultivate three bodies: the past body, the present body, and the future body.

Only when the three bodies are united as one can one prove the primordial unity.

"However, the practice of the three bodies is extremely difficult and dangerous."

If one is not careful, one may go astray and suffer the separation of one's three bodies.

Among them, the past body and the future body are the most prone to going wrong.

If one harbors attachments to the past, it will transform into a nightmare of the past, causing one to become trapped in the past and unable to extricate oneself.

If one's future self harbors delusions, it will transform into a demon of the future, obsessed with the future and losing sight of one's true self.

"I suspect that the person from the north might be one of the three bodies that a Great Luo Golden Immortal severed when he attained sainthood."

Li Yan's heart was in turmoil.

Suppressing his shock, he asked, "Master, if he truly is one of the three bodies, then why would he scheme against the monkey?"

The patriarch pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "I cannot see through this matter either."

One can only speculate that the monkey's fate might be related to that person's enlightenment.

If one could control that monkey, perhaps one could use its power to cut off the part of oneself that was missing.

Or... to compensate for one's own shortcomings.

Li Yan's expression was solemn. He was about to ask again when he saw the patriarch raise his hand and stop him.

"Are you asking whether the people of the North are some great beings who survived from ancient times?"

For example, the legendary demon emperors like Emperor Jun and Donghuang Taiyi? Or perhaps the Blood Sea Styx and the Kunpeng of the North Sea?

Li Yan was slightly taken aback, then nodded.

He had heard of these names in unofficial histories and legends in his previous life.

Although I know it has nothing to do with Journey to the West, I can't help but think about it.

The patriarch shook his head slightly, his expression calm.

"No. Those figures have long since vanished into the river of time and space, and have nothing to do with today's events."

"The names you mentioned are ancient things, dating back countless ages."

The Heavenly Court of that time was not the Heavenly Court of this time, nor was the Spirit Mountain of that time.

There was once a great calamity in the world that buried all those people.

The Three Realms of today are reborn after a catastrophe, and have long since severed ties with the ancient times...

The patriarch spoke at length.

"Those you were just thinking about were all ancient figures, and they are now in a completely different world from the Three Realms of today."

That northerner was definitely not any of them.

As Li Yan listened, things gradually became clearer in his mind.

The patriarch refuted the names he had wanted to ask about one by one, explaining them clearly.

Who could that person from the north be?

Seeing him deep in thought, the patriarch slowly said:

"I just used divination to vaguely glimpse a clue."

Those people from the North possess an aura as revered as Heaven and originating from the same source as the Dao.

Li Yan's heart skipped a beat.

"To be equal to Heaven? To share the same origin as the Dao?"

The patriarch nodded: "That is to say, he lives as long as heaven and earth and walks with the Great Dao."

Such figures are extremely rare, numbering only a handful throughout the Three Realms.

Several names came to mind.

The Three Pure Ones, the Four Emperors, and the Five Elders.

That is the most powerful being in the Journey to the West world.

Jade Pure Primordial Heavenly Venerable, Supreme Pure Spiritual Treasure Heavenly Venerable, Great Pure Moral Heavenly Venerable.

The Great Emperor of the North Pole, the Great Emperor of the South Pole, the Great Emperor of the Upper Palace of Gouchen, and the Earth Goddess who follows the laws of Heaven.

There are also the Western Buddha, the Eastern Chongen Holy Emperor, the Northern Pole Mysterious Spirit, the Southern Pole Guanyin, and the Central Yellow Pole Yellow Horn Great Immortal.

These are all powerful beings with real names in the Journey to the West world, unrelated to the ancient primordial era, and are supreme beings of Taoism and Buddhism.

The patriarch saw his changing expression and shook his head slightly.

Don't make wild guesses.

Those individuals were all high above, overlooking the three realms, and most of them had already withdrawn from worldly affairs.

Even a cataclysmic event like the collapse of heaven and earth might not be able to alarm them.

But then again...

If that northerner is indeed one of them, then the matter becomes complicated.

Li Yan suppressed the turmoil in his heart.

"Master, how should this disciple respond?"

"Conceal your abilities and bide your time, and plan your moves slowly."

The Garbhadhatu Mandala you just created can be used to conceal yourself.

When the turbid energy enters your cave and is refined by you, it will emit a special aura.

It is similar to the Great Calamity of Heaven and Earth, yet different.

If a northerner were to observe from a distance, they might mistake this aura for the dissipation of the calamity emanating from the monkey.

In this way, you can act in secret without being detected.

"As for the identity of that northerner... you don't need to investigate it for now."

Even if you knew this with your current level of cultivation, you would be powerless to do anything about it.

"When your cultivation is profound enough to reach the Great Luo Realm, then you can explore it further."

Li Yan nodded.

"Disciple understands."

"Alright. My time has come for this wisp of my past self. You..."

Before he finished speaking, the patterns of the sun, moon, and stars on the black robe completely faded.

The entire figure began to transform into specks of golden light and slowly dissipated.

Li Yan knelt on the ground and kowtowed deeply.

"Disciple respectfully bids farewell to the Ancestral Master!"

Golden glints drifted into the chaos.

That gentle, jade-like voice came from the void, gradually fading away.

"Remember, a pure heart is the path to enlightenment; taking a step back is actually moving forward..."

The sound dissipated.

In the midst of chaos, silence returned.

Li Yan knelt for a long time before slowly getting up.

The scene before my eyes suddenly changed.

Upon closer inspection, I found myself inside a stone chamber.

He sat cross-legged on the futon, his aura flowing around him, his mind clear and serene.

Li Yan slowly opened his eyes.

In his eyes, starlight shone brightly, and faintly visible were the phantom images of twelve golden lotus flowers, appearing and disappearing.

He let out a long breath.

The energy swirled three times in the void, transforming into a twelve-petaled golden lotus before slowly dissipating.

He stood up and walked out of the stone chamber.

Outside the stone chamber, General Beng and General Ba waited anxiously.

Seeing him come out, they quickly went to greet him.

"Master, how is it?"

Li Yan nodded slightly.

"A solution has been found. Take me to see the King."

General Beng and General Ba exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with surprise.

"Yes! Taoist priest, please come with us!"

The three of them headed toward Sun Wukong's stone chamber.

Upon reaching the door, Li Yan stopped.

He took a deep breath and slowly pushed open the stone door.

The stone chamber was dimly lit.

The golden figure sat cross-legged, its form pinned down by seven beams of golden light.

Seven arrows of light, with faint cracks on their shafts.

Three days have passed since the seven-day deadline was set.

Four days left.

Li Yan walked up and sat down cross-legged opposite Sun Wukong.

The stone door closed behind them, and the two old monkeys retreated.

At this moment, Li Yan looked into those golden eyes and slowly spoke.

"Junior brother, I've found a way to save you."

Those golden eyes were bloodshot, yet still held a sliver of clarity as they gazed at him.

After Li Yan concealed the secrets of heaven by using the method of returning to the hidden, he secretly transmitted his voice:

"This method requires the two of us to connect heart to heart and build a bridge."

The calamity and defilement flowed along this bridge, passing through you and entering my celestial realm, where I slowly refined it.

"This bridge is called the Vajra Garbhadhatu Mandala of the Two Realms and Ten Directions."

It must be based on the pure friendship between us, and supported by unwavering trust.

If you have even the slightest doubt about me, then the bridge cannot be built.

If I harbor even the slightest ulterior motive towards you, that bridge will crumble.

"Junior brother, can you trust me?"

Those golden eyes were looking at him.

Without blinking.

a long time.

Sun Wukong's lips moved slightly.

"I, Old Sun... believe you."

Li Yan smiled slightly.

"it is good."

Having said that, he closed his eyes and concentrated.

My mind sank into the cave.

Within the grotto, the twelve-petaled golden lotus quietly bloomed.

With a slight thought, he activated the power of the lotus.

A golden light surged from the lotus, transforming into a golden pillar that shot into the sky.

The beam of light pierced through the dome of the cave, through the dome of the stone chamber, and soared straight into the heavens.

Outside, above Flower and Fruit Mountain.

Suddenly, a crack appeared in the hazy fog.

A golden light shot up from the Water Curtain Cave, piercing straight into the sky.

Strange phenomena abound, and the weather is ever-changing.

The monkeys in the mountains all looked up, their eyes filled with horror.

General Beng, leaning on his cane, murmured, "Master Li... is he saving the King?"

General Ba nodded: "It must be so. The Taoist priest is capable; he will surely be able to save the king."

Marshal Liu knelt on the ground, tears streaming down his face.

"Your Majesty... Your Majesty is saved..."

Meanwhile, inside the stone chamber...

Li Yan closed his eyes and concentrated, drawing the golden beam of light towards Sun Wukong.

The beam of light slowly approached and touched Sun Wukong's brow.

In that instant, Sun Wukong trembled.

He felt a warm sensation welling up from between his brows and into his mind.

That gentle warmth contains compassion and trust.

That was Li Yan's thought.

A warm feeling welled up in his heart, and he closed his eyes.

Open your mind and let the golden light flow into the depths of your primordial spirit.

Golden light entered, slowly merging with the mind and spirit.

The seven beams of light gradually dissipated.

It transformed into a golden bridge, connecting the two of them between their brows.

The bridge beams are engraved with countless mysterious symbols and characters, with a faint flow of Buddhist and Taoist light.

This is the Vajra Garbhadhatu Mandala of the Two Realms and Ten Directions.

The instant the bridge was completed.

Sun Wukong felt that the surging gray-black mist within his body had found an outlet.

Then, following the golden bridge, they slowly surged towards Li Yan.

The instant the calamity and turbidity entered the body.

Li Yan felt a jolt in his heart.

The gray-black mist, seemingly ethereal, was in fact as heavy as a mountain.

The rush into the grotto was like the Milky Way pouring down, or Mount Tai pressing down on you.

Inside the grotto, the twelve-petaled golden lotus trembled violently.

On the petals, the mysterious symbols and characters shone brightly.

The surging chaos was firmly contained.

The turbidity of calamity surged within the lotus, trying to break free.

But within the lotus, that deep void can contain all things and hold everything.

The more the calamity and corruption struggle, the deeper it sinks.

Ultimately, it was swallowed by the void and fell into silence.

Li Yan felt a sense of relief wash over him.

The refining process has begun.

He steadied his mind and slowly drew upon the power of the lotus to refine the turbidity of the tribulation.

I don't know how much time passed.

Li Yan slowly opened his eyes.

In his eyes, starlight shone brightly, with a faint flow of chaotic energy.

He looked at Sun Wukong.

Those golden eyes were now much clearer.

The blood vessels faded considerably, revealing the original gold underneath.

Sun Wukong looked at him, his lips moving slightly.

"brother……"

Li Yan smiled slightly.

"Your Majesty, how are you feeling?"

Sun Wukong took a deep breath and felt refreshed and clear-headed like never before.

"Much better... those sounds... are much quieter..."

Li Yan nodded.

"This is just the beginning. The turbidity of the tribulation still needs to be refined slowly; it's not something that can be accomplished in a day. Your Majesty must wait patiently."

Sun Wukong grinned and said, "I, Old Sun, have patience. Brother, you can take your time refining it. I, Old Sun, will be waiting."

Li Yan nodded slightly.

He stood up, about to speak again, when suddenly his brows furrowed.

Within the mirror of the mind, the numbers representing the karmic energy began to fluctuate.

His mind stirred slightly, and he sank into the mirror of his heart.

On the mirror surface, lines of small golden characters slowly emerged.

[By connecting heart to heart, establish the Vajra Garbhadhatu Mandala of the Two Realms and Ten Directions with Sun Wukong, and the path to redemption begins.]

[Aura of Fate +2000]

[For the first time, the turbid energy was introduced into the grotto-heaven and refined using a twelfth-grade golden lotus, with a turbid energy conversion rate of 3%]

[Aura of Fate +1500]

The grotto-heaven underwent tempering and purification during the calamity, resulting in enhanced power of the five elements and harmonized yin and yang energies.

[Aura of Fate +1000]

[Current Affinity/Dharma Energy: 16000/5120]

Sixteen thousand strands.

Li Yan felt a slight sense of relief.

This path to redemption, though perilous, also holds great opportunities.

He withdrew his focus and looked at Sun Wukong.

"Your Majesty, you should rest here quietly. I will go outside and take a look."

Sun Wukong nodded.

"Go ahead, brother. I, Old Sun, am fine."

Li Yan turned around and walked out of the stone chamber.

Outside the stone chamber, General Beng, General Ba, Marshal Liu, and Marshal Ma, who had rushed over upon hearing the news, all came forward to greet them.

"Master Daoist, how is the King?"

Li Yan said, "There's nothing seriously wrong. He just needs to rest for a while and he'll recover."

Upon hearing this, the four athletes all breathed a sigh of relief.

General Beng was overcome with grief, bowing repeatedly.

"Thank you so much, Daoist Master! Thank you so much, Daoist Master!"

The other three generals also bowed.

Li Yan raised his hand in a gesture of support.

"Generals, there's no need for such formalities. His Majesty is my brother; it is only right that I save him."

As he spoke, he looked out over the mountains.

The hazy fog had thinned considerably by now.

But outside the mountain, countless lesser demons still lurk in the shadows, spying on us.

Li Yan frowned slightly.

"Are those lesser demons still around?"

General Beng nodded, his expression solemn.

"yes.

Not long after the Taoist priest left, they arrived. One group was driven away, but another group came, an endless stream.

General Ba said, "These days, they are becoming bolder and bolder."

Some time ago, a few, somehow, even broke into the formation and kidnapped a few baby monkeys.

Li Yan's eyes narrowed.

"They captured the baby monkey?"

Marshal Ma nodded: "Not bad."

Those little demons, using some unknown method, managed to pass through the great formation and enter silently.

They caught the monkey and ran away; by the time we noticed, they had vanished without a trace.

Li Yan pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "Take me to see."

The four generals obeyed the order and led him into the mountains.

Not far ahead, a scene of utter devastation came into view.

That used to be the place where the little monkeys played, but now it's deserted.

On the ground, there were several pools of blood, which had dried and turned black.

General Beng pointed to the bloodstains and said in a deep voice, "It's here."

That night, several little monkeys were playing here when they suddenly disappeared.

We heard the commotion and rushed over, only to see these bloodstains.

Li Yan squatted down and examined it carefully.

A faint gray-black aura emanated from the bloodstains.

Calamity and turbidity.

The reason these little demons were able to pass through the great formation and silently capture the little monkey is probably inseparable from the calamity.

Li Yan stood up and asked, "How many monkeys were captured?"

General Beng thought for a moment and said, "In total, there are probably twenty or thirty of them."

He paused, as if afraid of Li Yan's wrath, and lowered his head to say, "Besides, Little Drill Wind was among them!"

Li Yan felt a slight tightening in his chest.

He remembered that before leaving the mountain that day, he hung a protective jade amulet around Little Drill Wind's neck.

The little creature was fluffy and round, and it loved to perch on the monkey's shoulder, squeaking as it watched the monkeys practice.

The monkeys spoiled it, often taking out some wild fruits from their pockets and stuffing them into its paws.

It then held the fruit, squatted on the monkey's shoulder, and nibbled on it in small bites, its face covered in juice.

Now, does that jade talisman respond?

Thinking of this, he closed his eyes, his mind stirred slightly, and he carefully sensed the wisp of divine thought left on the jade talisman.

A moment later, he opened his eyes, a cold glint flashing in them.

"Still alive."

Upon hearing this, General Beng was first delighted, then taken aback:

"Master, are you saying that those captured monkeys are still alive?"

Li Yan nodded slightly: "The fact that the jade talismans are not broken means they have a connection. They are imprisoned somewhere and are still in the mortal realm."

General Ba rubbed his hands together, saying anxiously, "That's wonderful! Taoist priest, let's go save them quickly!"

Li Yan raised his hand and gestured for him to calm down.

"General, please wait. This matter requires careful consideration."

As he spoke, he looked out at the hazy mist beyond the mountains.

Within the mist, countless subtle wisps of energy could be faintly seen, appearing and disappearing intermittently.

"What are the origins of those lesser demons?"

Marshal Ma stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Reporting to the Daoist Master, I have been secretly keeping an eye on things several times these past few days."

"They are a diverse mix, including wolves, tigers, snakes, and foxes."

Their cultivation levels are low; most have just gained sentience and haven't even fully taken human form.

"But strangely, they moved in and out in an orderly manner, cooperating seamlessly, unlike a rabble."

Li Yan listened, seemingly lost in thought.

Have you ever seen them communicate with the outside world?

Marshal Ma shook his head: "No, they don't. They hide deep in the mountains during the day and come out to roam at night."

Occasionally, there is movement, but it's just them passing messages to each other.

"but……"

"But what?"

Marshal Ma hesitated for a moment before saying:

"I once saw from afar several minor demons bowing towards the direction of the East Sea. I wonder what their meaning was."

East China Sea.

Li Yan's gaze narrowed slightly.

Among the five demon kings, the lair of the Jiao Demon King was on an island in the East China Sea.

He pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "Generals, I have a plan that may wipe out those lesser demons in one fell swoop."

Upon hearing this, the four generals all looked at Li Yan.

"Please speak, Taoist priest!"

Li Yan raised his hand and pointed to the gray fog beyond the mountain.

"I have already seen it."

The reason those lesser demons were able to pass through the great formation and silently snatch the little monkey was because they were tainted by the calamity's filth.

"The calamity is the projection of the great calamity of heaven and earth, which can obscure the spiritual platform and confuse yin and yang."

The Zhou Tian Star Formation, though capable of repelling external enemies, could not stop the infiltration of this calamity-induced corruption.

"Those lesser demons, using the calamity they possessed, managed to evade the array's detection and sneak into the mountains."

General Beng suddenly realized, "So that's how it is! No wonder they can come and go so freely!"

Li Yan nodded: "Therefore, to prevent them from returning, we must start with the calamity and corruption."

"I will set up another great formation in the void outside the mountain."

"This formation is called the [Two Elements Dust Locking Demon Formation]."

"Based on the two principles, and using the smallest particles as tools."

Once the formation is complete, any demon tainted by the calamity's corruption that approaches will trigger the formation's restrictions, drawing them into the formation from which they cannot escape.

"In this way, however many lesser demons come, we will lock them up."

The four generals listened, their eyes filled with amazement.

General Ba asked, "Taoist Master, can this formation trap those lesser demons?"

Li Yan shook his head slightly: "They can be trapped, but not killed."

Li Yan shook his head slightly: "They can be trapped, but not killed."

"Can't we kill him?"

Li Yan said, "Those little demons, though they are the invading enemies, are also driven by others and have no choice in their actions."

If they were all killed, it would be against the harmony of Heaven.

"Furthermore, the taint of calamity on them, if killed, will dissipate into the world or find a new master."

It would be better to imprison him and then deal with him gradually.

The four generals exchanged glances and bowed in unison.

"Master, please have mercy!"

Li Yan waved his hand and said, "Generals, please wait here. I will be right back."

Having said that, he took a step and was already in the void outside the mountain.

He stood on the clouds, overlooking the entire Flower and Fruit Mountain.

Seventy-two peaks and thirty-six caves are all within sight.

The mountain mist moved slowly.

Beyond the mist, countless subtle breaths, densely packed, were scattered throughout the mountains and forests.

Li Yan closed his eyes and concentrated.

My mind sank into the cave.

Within the grotto, the twelve-petaled golden lotus quietly bloomed.

With a slight thought, he activated the power of the lotus.

A golden light surged from the lotus, transforming into a golden pillar that shot into the sky.

The beam of light pierced through the dome of the cave and soared straight into the heavens.

Wherever the golden light passed, the void distorted slightly, rippling outwards in concentric circles.

A single ripple forms a pattern.

The array patterns resembled dragons and snakes, meandering and coiling, gradually filling the entire void.

Li Yan raised his hand, made a hand seal, and muttered incantations.

"The two polarities separate, Yin and Yang are determined. The four symbols are established, the five elements are complete. The eight trigrams interact, the nine palaces are linked..."

As the incantation was chanted, the array patterns lit up brightly.

The golden light shone brightly, illuminating half the sky.

Within that light, the image of Yin and Yang faintly emerged, one black and one white, two streams of energy intertwined and slowly rotating.

As it rotates, it generates an immense suction force.

That suction force is invisible and intangible, yet it is everywhere.

The lesser demons outside only felt a blur before their eyes.

Immediately, an irresistible force enveloped them and dragged them into the void.

They screamed in terror and struggled desperately, but to no avail.

One, two, ten, a thousand.

In a short while, thousands of lesser demons were swept into the void by the suction force and disappeared.

Li Yan stood on the cloud, his expression unchanged.

After those lesser demons were captured by the void, they fell into the cave.

Within the grotto, there is a specially designated area called the "Demon-Imprisoning Valley".

Within the Demon-Imprisoning Valley, a chilling wind howled, and a malevolent aura filled the air.

Those lesser demons who fell into it felt their whole bodies... He lost all his magical powers.

They looked around in terror, only to find a gray, misty world all around them.

There are no sun, moon, or stars in the sky, and no mountains, rivers, grass, or trees on the ground.

Only endless fog, churning and surging.

They tried to struggle and escape, but they could not break free of this world.

They were trapped here, unable to move.

Li Yan deactivated the formation and slowly descended from the clouds.

The four generals quickly stepped forward to greet them.

"Master, how is it?"

Li Yan nodded slightly: "More than four thousand have been captured."

Upon hearing this, the four generals all gasped in shock.

They've been patrolling and killing day and night for days, but they've only managed to kill a few hundred.

Master Li captured over four thousand animals with a single move!

What incredible skill!

General Beng asked in a trembling voice, "Daoist Master, what should we do with those lesser demons?"

Li Yan said, "I will temporarily imprison you in my cave."

We'll interrogate them slowly later to find out who's behind it all and the whereabouts of the captured monkey.

The four athletes nodded repeatedly.

General Ba rubbed his hands together excitedly, saying, "That's great! Those little demons won't dare to bother us anymore!"

Li Yan shook his head slightly.

"General, do not be careless. These little demons are just lackeys. The real mastermind has not yet revealed himself."

Marshal Ma asked, "Does the Taoist priest mean that the five demon kings will come again?"

Li Yan pondered for a moment before saying, "This matter requires further careful consideration."

He looked towards the East China Sea.

Although the five demon kings were injured by the monkey, they were protected by the forces behind them.

But this matter is unlikely to end well.

Moreover, they are being secretly directed by people from the north.

If it was truly the work of those northerners, then this incident of the little demon capturing the monkey was probably just a test.

Li Yan withdrew his gaze and said to the four generals, "Generals, you must strengthen your vigilance in the next few days."

If there is any unusual activity, immediately inform this humble monk.

The four generals bowed in unison: "As you command!"

Li Yan nodded and turned to walk towards the Water Curtain Cave.

Halfway there, they suddenly sensed something unusual happening in the cave.

His mind stirred slightly, and he sank into the cave.

In the Demon-Imprisoning Valley, the captured lesser demons are struggling desperately.

They gathered together and joined forces to attack the boundary of the Demon-Imprisoning Valley.

The hazy mist was churned and swirled by them.

Li Yan frowned slightly.

These little monsters are quite capable of causing trouble.

With a slight thought, the power of the twelve-petaled golden lotus was activated.

A golden light surged from the lotus and fell into the Demon-Imprisoning Valley.

The golden light transformed into a massive golden shield, enveloping all the lesser demons within it.

The lesser demons were enveloped in golden light and felt their bodies stiffen, unable to move.

They could only stay there obediently, staring at their surroundings with terrified eyes.

Li Yan nodded slightly, a thought flashing through his mind.

These lesser demons, though of low cultivation, have one thing in common: they are all tainted with the turbidity of calamity.

The turbidity of that calamity, whether thick or thin, was without exception.

Li Yan pondered for a moment, then slowly drew upon the power of the lotus flower to reach out to one of the little demons.

When Li Yan's divine sense probed into its body, it trembled all over, its eyes filled with terror.

Li Yan ignored its fear and simply examined it carefully.

After a moment, he withdrew his divine sense and seemed to be deep in thought.

The calamity within this little demon's body and the calamity within that monkey's body share the same origin but differ in nature.

The calamity within the monkey's body is a projection of the great calamity of heaven and earth; it is so dense and pure that it is almost tangible.

However, the calamity within this little demon's body was much thinner and mixed with its own demonic energy.

Li Yan investigated several more lesser demons, and they all showed the same result.

A sense of clarity gradually dawned on him.

These lesser demons were deliberately sent by the mastermind behind the scenes.

The impurities emanating from them were also deliberately infused.

The goal was to enable them to pass through the Zhou Tian Star Array, sneak into the mountains, and capture the baby monkey.

And the purpose of capturing the baby monkey...

Li Yan's eyes narrowed.

Perhaps it's to lure the monkeys out of the mountains.

Although Sun Wukong's mind is now at ease, how could he sit idly by if he knew that his own child had been captured?

Once he leaves the mountain, he will be playing right into the hands of the mastermind behind the scenes.

At that time, those powerful figures who have been lurking in the shadows will be able to take advantage of the situation and make their move.

Well thought out.

Thinking of this, Li Yan looked at the thousands of lesser demons in the Demon Imprisonment Valley.

These little guys, though accomplices, are also pawns, powerless to control their own destiny.

If they were all killed, it would be against the natural order.

But if we just let them go, they will definitely come back after they return.

Rather than...

With a slight thought, Li Yan made a plan.

With a flick of his finger, golden light shot out and fell into the Demon-Imprisoning Valley.

The golden light transformed into countless tiny threads, wrapping around each of the little demons.

The little demons struggled in terror, but they couldn't break free no matter what they did.

As the golden threads entered their bodies, they felt a strange power within them.

That power was hidden deep within the primordial spirit, seemingly there yet nowhere.

Li Yan's voice resonated in their minds.

"Listen carefully. I have placed a restriction within your bodies."

"This restriction is called the Heart-Locking Curse."

"Normally there will be no problem, but if you harbor any ill intentions towards Flower Fruit Mountain, the restriction will activate, causing you excruciating mental and physical pain, a fate worse than death."

"If you repent and stop aiding and abetting evil, the restrictions will naturally dissipate."

"When the time comes, whether you stay or leave is your own decision."

After saying that, the golden light dissipated.

The little demons looked at each other, their eyes filled with fear and confusion.

Some were on the ground, trembling with fear.

Some knelt on the ground, kowtowing repeatedly.

Others had a hint of relief flash in their eyes.

Li Yan ignored them and withdrew his attention.

The stone chamber was now in sight.

He pushed open the door and sat down cross-legged on the prayer mat.

Although setting up this formation to capture the demon was a simple task, it still took a lot of mental effort.

Close your eyes and concentrate, draw upon the power of the cave, and slowly regulate your breathing.

After a short while, he regained his composure.

His thoughts stirred slightly, then settled into his mind.

On the mirror surface, lines of small golden characters slowly emerged.

[A Yin-Yang Dust Demon-Locking Array was set up outside Flower Fruit Mountain, capturing 327 attacking lesser demons.]

[Aura of Fate +1200 (Capture enemies using formations without harming their lives)]

[A heart-locking curse was planted within the little demon, causing it to repent and cease its harmful influence.]

[Aura of Compassion +800 (Compassionate Heart, Intention to Guide and Transform)]

[Deducing the source of the calamity within the little demon's body, and glimpsing clues to the mastermind behind it all]

[Aura of Destiny +500 (Insightful and Deliberate)]

[Current Affinity/Dharma Energy: 18500/5120]

18,500 strands.

Li Yan nodded slightly.

These auspicious energies arrived at just the right time.

With this information, he could continue to deduce the identity of the mastermind and the whereabouts of the captured monkeys.

Just as he was about to activate the energy of destiny to continue his deduction, he suddenly frowned.

In the mirror of the mind, the number jumped again.