Jiang Yuan knew it was the Recognition Spirit and the Desire Spirit causing trouble.
He had no way to deal with it.
He still did not know where the Recognition Spirit and the Desire Spirit were.
The Master said, "Bai Yang, since you have seen it, why not guide this child of mine, so that he may enter the Dao early? This child will surely remember your kindness."
As he finished speaking, the Master glanced at Jiang Yuan.
Jiang Yuan understood and walked in front of the Old One, performing a 'salutation' to show his respect.
The Old One was both surprised and puzzled by Jiang Yuan's request.
He stuck out his tongue, looked at the Master, extended his palm, pointed at the two, and laughed while scolding, "I thought you called me here to play chess, but it turns out you are plotting something here."
The Master clasped his hands and said, "The courtesy has been accepted, why not resolve the matter before leaving?"
Jiang Yuan could not help but chuckle; he realized that his Master and the Supreme Old Lord were friends.
His Master knew of his arduous cultivation and was waiting for the Supreme Old Lord here, intending for him to resolve this matter.
He was aware of the Old Lord's prowess from his dreams.
Not to mention the legends of 'Supreme Opening of Heaven,' even in the Journey to the West, when the Monkey King caused havoc in Heaven and no one could capture him, it was the Old Lord who lightly took a Golden Cudgel and knocked the Monkey King down, leading to his capture.
If the Old Lord were to assist him, he would surely be able to resolve the troubles caused by the two spirits.
The Old One said helplessly, "Had I known Bodhi was like this, I would not have come."
The Master replied, "You came, so why not stay?"
The Old One could only say, "Alright, alright, alright! Just teach a method."
The Master said, "Child, you must pay attention. Bai Yang has nine hundred and thirty volumes of Dao techniques, seventy volumes of talismans, nine types of pills, and eight types of medicines. If you learn a wonderful method or talisman, you will surely be able to resolve the troubles caused by the two spirits."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Yuan was moved.
He realized that the Bodhi Master intended to coax the Old One into teaching him some unprecedented techniques.
He bowed in gratitude to the Master and then saluted the Old One, saying, "I ask for the teachings of Mr. Bai Yang."
The Old One said, "You and your Master have calculated that I have a kind heart. Guangxin is a person of affection and filial piety; my talismans and Dao techniques are not very suitable."
After saying this, he took a small round cauldron, about the size of a fist, that was hanging from a small rope at his waist.
The Old One untied the rope, took the small round cauldron, placed it on the stone table, and said, "This item was given to me by a friend, forged from divine metal. After I refined it, it nurtured spiritual energy, impervious to water and fire. It possesses great efficacy and can be said to be the best for self-defense. Guangxin, you should keep it and store Yin-Yang Water within it; it can break the barriers of the two spirit demons."
Jiang Yuan was puzzled, not knowing what this item was.
He thought, 'A gift from an elder, I cannot refuse,' and was about to accept it.
Before he could take it, the Master stopped him, saying, "Bai Yang, this item is of great importance; can you truly give it to this child?"
The Old One replied, "This item is of no use to me. I wish to venture into the world, and carrying this item would be inconvenient. It is better to do a favor and give it to Guangxin."
Upon hearing this, the Master no longer obstructed him.
Jiang Yuan, understanding from their conversation that this cauldron was rare, expressed his gratitude repeatedly before finally accepting it.
The small cauldron felt warm in his hand, with various intricate patterns carved on it, bizarre and wondrous.
He felt a faint ringing in his spiritual platform, closely guarding his mind.
The Master waved his sleeve and said, "Child, store some Yin-Yang Water in it. It has not rained recently; you can use boiled water. Will you go later, or would you like to observe the chess game first? If you choose to watch, do not speak."
After a moment's thought, Jiang Yuan stood by the stone table, serving the Master and the Old One.
The Old One praised him endlessly, continuing to place his pieces while saying, "You are a thoughtful child. Bodhi, did you not have a Daoist temple in the past? Why have you stayed here for so long? Could it be that you intend to establish a Daoist temple here?"
The Master pointed at Jiang Yuan and said helplessly, "I traveled here to admire the wonderful scenery of the mountains and stayed for a year or two. I did not expect this child to block me here; once blocked, it has been over a decade. I have no choice but to take in a child, teach him a bit, and then travel together."
Jiang Yuan felt his face flush with embarrassment.
He had thought this mountain was the Bodhi Master's cave dwelling, hence he earnestly sought to become his disciple, not realizing that the Bodhi Master was merely temporarily residing here for a year or two.
In this case, he had truly obstructed the Master's path.
The Old One laughed and said, "This is the law of fate!"
The Master shook his head and said, "I hope this child enters the Dao, finds a place, establishes a cave dwelling, sets up a Daoist temple, and settles down. I just do not know where to go."
Upon hearing this, the Old One pointed westward and said, "There is a mountain in the West Niu Hezhou called Ling Tai Fang Cun Mountain. This mountain is a blessed land for immortals, yet it is unclaimed. Bodhi, you can go to this mountain."
Jiang Yuan followed the Old One's direction and saw the golden light shining brightly in the west.
He was slightly surprised in his heart.
In his dreams, it was said in the Journey to the West that the Bodhi Master resided in the Xie Yue San Xing Cave of Ling Tai Fang Cun Mountain in the West Niu Hezhou.
He speculated that the reason for his residence had nothing to do with his dreams; it was because the Bodhi Master had not yet gone to the West Niu Hezhou, so how could there be the Xie Yue San Xing Cave?
The Master pondered for a moment, a smile appearing on his face, and said, "It is a good place. Once this child enters the Dao, he can go there. However, the journey to the West Niu Hezhou is fraught with many demons and monsters, and the place is filled with danger. If the child does not enter the Dao and guard his mind, he will inevitably enter the world and attract calamity."
Jiang Yuan bowed in gratitude to the Master, knowing that the Master was compassionate towards him, hence willing to stay here for a long time to wait for him.
The Master helped him up and shook his head.
Master, Master.
The former is like a teacher and father, while the latter imparts teachings and knowledge.
"Master," Jiang Yuan called out.
The Master accepted it, naturally cherishing the child and willing to stay to wait for him to enter the Dao.
The Old One watched this scene with a smile and said, "Indeed, this is the law of fate! I knew Bodhi was protective; I told you years ago, but you did not believe it. Today, you have gained a child, and you should believe it now."
The Master smiled without speaking, pointing at the chessboard.
The Old One extended his hand from his sleeve, picked up a piece, and placed it down.
The two sides continued to launch attacks on the chessboard, exchanging piece after piece.
Jiang Yuan stood beside the Master, observing the chess game in silence.
...
This game concluded under the blazing sun.
The Master won by a slight margin.
After finishing a game, the Old One prepared to leave.
"As for this departure, I do not know when we will meet again. Guangxin, cultivate well, and I hope to see you again in the future, when you have entered the Dao."
The Old One pointed at Jiang Yuan.
Jiang Yuan bent down and bowed.
The Master said, "Take care."
The Old One smiled, said no more, waved his hand towards the distance, and a large blue ox slowly walked over.
Moo!!
The large blue ox let out a sound, its eyes full of spirit.
It glanced at Jiang Yuan, especially surprised to see the small cauldron in Jiang Yuan's hand.
"What are you staring at?" The Old One laughed and scolded, then mounted the ox's back.
The large blue ox withdrew its gaze and headed down the mountain.
The Master and Jiang Yuan watched the Old One leave.
Jiang Yuan suddenly asked, "Master, who is stronger between you and Mr. Bai Yang?"
The Master glared at Jiang Yuan, and he suddenly found a ruler in his hand, lightly tapping Jiang Yuan's head, saying, "Why not go find some Yin-Yang Water?"
Jiang Yuan exclaimed, "Ouch!" and walked away holding the small cauldron.
The Master shook his head and smiled, walking into the cave dwelling...
(End of Chapter)