Purple qi comes from the east for thirty thousand miles!
Today, Jiang Yuan witnessed a great change in the east, as purple qi flowed in from that direction, leaving him at a loss for words.
He summoned his primordial spirit to assist him and peered towards the east.
It was then that he heard the mournful howls of the old bear, realizing that the Zhou royal family was on the brink of collapse, their lifespan exhausted.
The bear was the totem of the Zhou dynasty, and the Zhou royal family bore the surname Ji, tracing their lineage back to the Yellow Emperor.
The Yellow Emperor, surnamed Ji, resided on Xuanyuan Hill, known as the Xuanyuan clan, and later established the capital of Youxiong, also referred to as the Youxiong clan.
This bear represented the totem of the Zhou royal family, symbolizing their lifespan.
The old bear's age signified that the Zhou royal family's time was drawing to a close.
Since the time when "the Son of Heaven lost his office, and learning spread among the four barbarians," the demise of the Zhou royal family had been predetermined.
Yet, what was the reason for this purple qi coming from the east?
Jiang Yuan had previously seen purple qi when he was in Luoyi, where Laozi resided in purple qi.
"Child, come here."
The voice of the master rose with the wind, reaching his ears.
Jiang Yuan did not dare to be negligent; he sprang up and returned to the cave dwelling.
Before long.
Jiang Tong'er returned to the cave dwelling and approached the Yao Platform, where he saw the master seated high.
He stepped forward to pay his respects.
The master personally helped him up and asked, "Child, can you glimpse the heavenly signs?"
Jiang Yuan nodded, assisting the master to sit on the mat, and said, "Master, I saw purple qi coming from the east, vanishing into the West Niu Hezhou."
The master replied, "This is the way of Boyang. Boyang entered the world years ago to seek a chance for the Zhou royal family. Little did he expect the Zhou royal family to be so incapable, allowing Boyang to seek a chance but unable to obtain it. This morning, the Zhou royal family has decayed, and Boyang has abandoned them."
Jiang Yuan was enlightened.
He understood why Laozi entered the world, acting as a "guardian of the hidden chamber" in Luoyi, seeking a chance for the Zhou royal family.
However, the Zhou royal family was like those who do not advance in understanding the Dao, missing the opportunity.
This morning, their demise was destined by heaven.
Jiang Tong'er asked again, "Master, what does this have to do with the purple qi coming from the east?"
The master said, "Boyang will emerge from the world and return to heaven. Boyang still has a title, known as Taishang. When Boyang emerges, he will leave a chance in the world. This chance is both the opportunity of the South Zhanbu Continent and the opportunity of the West Niu Hezhou. The purple qi comes from the east for thirty thousand miles, and Boyang will travel west through the West Niu Hezhou. After thirty-three years, he will return to the heavens, and the purple qi will disperse."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Yuan was greatly astonished.
In a dream, he had once heard a mythological story titled "Laozi Exits the Pass," which spoke of Laozi traveling west from Hangu Pass, with purple qi coming from the east for thirty thousand miles.
He never imagined this to be true; the Zhou royal family was about to perish, and Laozi's departure westward would grant a chance to the West Niu Hezhou and the South Zhanbu Continent.
Jiang Yuan asked, "Master, will there be any change in the suffering sea of the West Niu Hezhou?"
He knew that the inhabitants of the West Niu Hezhou had long dwelled in the sea of suffering, finding it difficult to escape.
The master replied, "Change or no change is not up to you and me, but rather the sentient beings."
Jiang Yuan understood, "Master, is it akin to the saying 'the Dao is always present'?"
The master nodded and said, "Indeed, the purple qi coming from the east teaches people to lighten their primordial spirits. Those with intention will hear the Dao, while those without intention will not be taught."
Jiang Yuan asked, "Master, what should we do?"
The master pointed to Jiang Tong'er and smiled, "Years ago, Boyang bestowed treasures. Although you have paid your respects and played chess, the favor is not yet repaid. Tong'er, you should make a journey to assist Boyang in protecting the law and repay the favor."
Jiang Yuan bowed and said, "Disciple understands, but if I am not present, who will serve the master? How can this be done?"
The master replied, "No worries, it is merely a matter of thirty-three."
Jiang Yuan could only agree.
The master continued, "Tong'er, three days from now, go to the place where Hangu was located years ago. Boyang will surely pass by, and you just need to wait here."
Jiang Yuan responded affirmatively, saying "yes."
As the master and disciple were conversing, they heard Da Hui approaching.
Jiang Yuan saw Da Hui's condition and was secretly alarmed.
This junior brother truly did not cultivate his heart, allowing his heart to run wild, completely unlike a practitioner.
In just thirteen years, how could his heart be so unruly?
Da Hui bowed and said, "Master!"
The master asked, "Da Hui, why do you come to seek me instead of quietly cultivating in your chamber?"
Da Hui replied, "Disciple feels that my cultivation is complete, and my achievements are sufficient. I wish to descend the mountain to teach and enlighten the world. I hope for the master's approval!"
The master said, "Is your cultivation truly complete?"
Da Hui replied, "Disciple has now perfected my sleeping technique, and I have been fasting for ten years without issue. I should attain longevity and have comprehended the mysteries of the longevity Dao."
The master nodded, "If that is the case, you may descend the mountain."
Da Hui was overjoyed upon hearing this, bowing deeply to the master.
Suddenly, he saw Jiang Yuan and asked, "Why does brother not accompany me? I have the mysteries of the longevity Dao to share with brother."
Jiang Yuan remained silent for a long time, shaking his head and saying, "I am not blessed enough to receive it. Junior brother, travel safely."
Da Hui sighed and had no choice but to leave.
The two masters watched as Da Hui departed the cave dwelling.
The master sat on the mat and asked, "Child, who else is in the cave dwelling today?"
Jiang Yuan replied, "Master, besides me, there are five other disciples in the cave dwelling, but I do not know their names."
The master nodded, "All five are cultivating minor paths. When they descend the mountain in the future, they will surely bring calamity, just like Da Hui."
Jiang Yuan shook his head, "Master, the Dao is always present! Those who do not hear are not the master's fault!"
The master smiled and nodded, merely instructing Jiang Yuan to prepare early and go to Hangu in three days.
Jiang Yuan responded and walked out of the cave dwelling.
Three days later, he would set out on a long journey.
During these three days, he must not cease his cultivation.
The Golden Sovereign's forging must continue day and night; otherwise, the fire would extinguish, and his arduous cultivation would be in vain.
...
Three days later.
Jiang Yuan received the master's instructions and prepared to descend the mountain, heading towards the South Zhanbu Continent.
As he descended the mountain, Zuo Shizi, knowing he was embarking on a long journey, came to see him off.
Zuo Shizi trembled as he walked to the front of the cave dwelling, carrying a bundle, and said, "Master, these are prepared by me personally. They are berries from the mountain and dry rations from the field. Master, please take some, so you won’t go hungry. That hunger burns like fire in the belly, which is quite unbearable!"
Jiang Yuan looked at Zuo Shizi, who had grown old, and sighed deeply.
He remembered when he first saw Zuo Shizi born, blessing him to be free from illness and disaster.
Now, the youth had aged, and the world had changed.
He had long ceased to consume grains, but out of respect for Zuo Shizi's goodwill, he could not refuse.
He accepted the bundle and said, "Young one is grateful. If Brother Zuo knows, he will surely be comforted. I will accept this."
Zuo Shizi smiled happily and said, "This is what I should do. I often see tigers and leopards in the mountains, calling out 'Guangxin' to survive. I owe my life to the master many times over."
Jiang Yuan asked, "You are now old, and your mother is no longer here. Do you regret that I called you to cultivate in the past? If you had cultivated, you might have attained longevity."
Zuo Shizi shook his head, "I am a clumsy man without sufficient food and clothing. How could I cultivate? Life has an end, and I seek nothing beyond that."
Jiang Yuan lamented that Da Hui's heart was not as good as Zuo Shizi's.
If Da Hui had Zuo Shizi's heart, how could his heart run so wild?
He continued, "Live peacefully in the mountains. The master has said that the Zuo family is safe and will not be harmed by anyone."
Having said that.
Jiang Yuan took the bundle and descended the mountain, leaping ten zhang and pulling his figure.
Before long, he reached the foot of the mountain.
As he descended, the path beneath his feet shimmered with golden light, dazzling and bright, leading straight to the east.
This must be the master's magical power.
On the golden path, despite the many demons and monsters of the West Niu Hezhou, they did not dare to approach.
This was the master's protection!
Jiang Yuan turned towards the Spirit Platform and Fangcun Mountain, bowed down, and knocked his head in gratitude before stepping onto the golden light and setting off towards the east, to Hangu...
(End of Chapter)