In the quiet chamber, the Ancestor and Jiang Yuan sat down to discuss, mentioning the 'Law of Annihilation.' Both master and disciple felt that this law would inevitably lead to annihilation in the future.
The Ancestor said, "Child, your wisdom is vast. What you have learned today encompasses the Dao of the Golden Core, the rites of Confucianism, the release of Annihilation, and the Zen of awakened nature. What do you think of these various paths?"
Jiang Yuan bowed and replied, "Master, within the Dao, there are three hundred and sixty side paths, yet the true Dao is singular. The reason is that all side paths, upon achieving their fruits, reveal their deficiencies. Only the Golden Core's true path is without flaw; once the Immortal Body is formed, heaven and earth are also formed."
The Ancestor smiled and asked, "What does the Golden Core mean?"
Jiang Yuan explained, "The Golden Core represents the numbers of heaven and earth. It is the cauldron, the great medicine, and the timing of fire—these three are crucial. This cauldron is the mechanism of heaven and earth, the qi of the universe.
Without the qi of the universe, the cauldron cannot be formed. It is located one inch and three-tenths below the navel, with qi drawn from the heavenly spirit and the earthly spring, thus forming the Golden Cauldron and Jade Furnace. Gathering medicine is to manifest the pre-heavenly spirit.
The timing of fire is a secret not to be passed down; each school of thought has its own differences. When all three are complete, one walks seven steps to infuse the Immortal Body."
The Ancestor said, "You understand the Golden Core method well. Since you can articulate it, you have indeed walked deep into this path and possess the ability."
It is indeed 'easy to cultivate, difficult to expound.' If one teaches the Dao, unless they are an old cultivator, they must be quite eloquent.
Jiang Yuan said, "Disciple has followed Master in cultivation for nearly a thousand years, diligently practicing the Golden Core. In times of difficulty, I dare not forget the countless instances between life and death. If I did not know the Golden Core, what path would I cultivate?"
The Ancestor said, "You say it is difficult to walk this path. If you succeed, in this current time, you will not be born or extinguished, achieving longevity and tranquility, guarding your spirit, and gaining great freedom. Like Wukong, when heaven and earth were formed, his nature became unruly. He gained divine powers but forgot his original heart, becoming dual-minded, with master and guest reversed, leading to disaster sooner or later."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Yuan's heart was like a clear mirror, vividly recalling that mischievous monkey.
However, he had already advised him; if he did not listen, disaster would come, and he could not assist him.
He said, "Master, if disaster arises, perhaps I can teach Brother Wukong to stabilize his heart."
The Ancestor replied, "When disaster strikes, there may be no time for stabilization. Wukong's Immortal Body has already been infused, and his law nature is quite adept, yet his foundation is unstable. His Immortal Body is flawless but not complete."
Jiang Yuan said, "Master, Brother Wukong's nature still possesses goodness. In the future, when his heart is calm, he will surely become a great being of divine powers."
The Ancestor said, "Wukong has a dual-minded nature, and his heart's demonic obstacles are rising. In the future, he may face great calamity. Enough, enough, enough! Let us not speak of this. Child, have you refined your divine powers?"
Jiang Yuan replied, "I have been refining them day by day, yet I am not fully refined."
The Ancestor smiled and said, "Since that is the case, I will pass on another method to you. You should learn more divine powers and gradually refine them."
Jiang Yuan said, "Master, it would be better to teach me some martial arts. My martial skills are lacking. Although I am not adept at gambling or fighting techniques, I still need some martial arts for self-protection. In the past, my heart was often reckless and fierce, but it was not martial arts."
The Ancestor said, "You are not a good fighter; it is difficult to learn. I will teach you some techniques of the Dust Brush. Although you may not be able to gamble or fight with it, it is sufficient for defense and protection."
Jiang Yuan stood and bowed, saying, "Disciple thanks Master for your deep kindness."
The Ancestor said, "Child, you have not been home for long. Go rest before learning this martial art."
Jiang Yuan replied, "Yes, Master."
The Ancestor continued, "Child, you are not skilled in martial matters or gambling. I have also considered this. In the future, if you have the opportunity, find a guardian deity. When you go out, the guardian deity will accompany you and ensure your safety."
Jiang Yuan said, "Master, Guanyin Bodhisattva has also mentioned this, but guardian deities are hard to find."
A guardian deity is not merely someone with vast divine powers; they must possess the Dao heart and other qualities to be a true guardian deity.
Beings like the Wooden Fork are few and far between.
The Ancestor laughed and said, "One day, you will surely find one. Child, go now, go."
Jiang Yuan bowed and withdrew.
...
Jiang Zhenren returned to the quiet chamber, took off his purple robe, and placed the Dust Brush down.
Having not returned home for a long time, he was about to sit in meditation to align his Dao heart.
Suddenly, he heard a sound at the door.
He knew it was Zhen Jian coming.
The Three Stars Immortal Cave's crowd dared to seek him, so it must be Zhen Jian.
Jiang Yuan opened the door and focused his gaze.
Outside the room was indeed Zhen Jian, holding a fan and smiling brightly.
Jiang Zhenren welcomed Zhen Jian in and prepared for him to take a seat.
Jiang Yuan said, "Junior Brother, your Dao is deepening."
Zhen Jian bowed and said, "How can I bear such praise from Senior Brother? My Dao is still shallow, and I have yet to achieve the true fruit."
Jiang Yuan looked closely and could sense that Zhen Jian had a hidden spiritual insight, and the true fruit was not far off.
This step, once crossed, would lead to the true fruit.
When would this step be taken? It was uncertain—perhaps in a hundred years, perhaps in ten years, perhaps in one year, or perhaps at this very moment.
He asked, "Junior Brother, are you in a hurry?"
Zhen Jian understood immediately and said, "Not in a hurry. In the past, I received the Tai Xuan Qing Sheng talisman from Master. As long as I do not leave the cave, I have no worries about longevity. Since that is the case, what is there to rush?"
Jiang Yuan clasped his hands and smiled, "Junior Brother, your success is imminent."
When the heart is not anxious, even if there are two divine beings blocking the way, how can there be a method, how can there be a key? The true fruit will be attained, no matter the time.
Zhen Jian said, "Indeed, this is the principle."
Jiang Yuan asked, "Junior Brother, you have come to seek me today for what purpose?"
Zhen Jian said, "Senior Brother, one reason is to pay my respects to you, and the other is to discuss the Dao with you."
Jiang Yuan smiled and said, "How shall we discuss the Dao? Discussing heights is also discussing depths?"
Zhen Jian bowed and said, "Not heights, not depths, not true, not false, but discussing the Dao."
Jiang Yuan said, "Good."
...
Time flew by swiftly, and before long, half a year had passed.
Jiang Yuan returned to the mountain to cultivate, no longer going out.
Sometimes he discussed the Dao with Zhen Jian, sometimes he quietly refined his divine powers, and sometimes he practiced the Dust Brush martial arts with the Ancestor.
It was peaceful as water, yet he found joy in it, believing that 'cultivation is inherently tranquil.'
Meanwhile, that Monkey King was restless.
Ultimately, he stirred up the underworld, striking through the death ledger to erase the monkeys, ensuring that the Flower and Fruit Mountain would always have immortal monkeys.
Such events prompted the Dragon King and the Ten Kings to submit a report to the heavenly realm, requesting the subjugation of the demon monkey, alarming the Jade Emperor.
He then ascended to the Lingxiao Treasure Hall and summoned the celestial officials.
The Jade Emperor said, "I have heard that there is a demon monkey causing chaos in the lower realm, bullying the Dragon King and disturbing the underworld. I wonder from which generation this demon monkey hails, to possess such Dao?"
The celestial officials were all unaware.
Among them, the Thousand-Mile Eye and the Wind-Listening Ear emerged and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, this monkey is a stone monkey born from heaven hundreds of years ago. At that time, it was illuminated by golden light, which once startled Your Majesty. Afterward, we do not know where it attained the Dao, but it possesses the ability to subdue dragons and tigers."
The Jade Emperor said, "If that is the case, which divine general will descend to the lower realm to subdue this demon?"
As he finished speaking, the Taibai Jinxing stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, this demon monkey has already become an immortal and possesses the ability to subdue dragons and tigers.
It is said that the demon monkey was born from the generation of heaven and earth, and it is likely that it has attained the Dao but has not cultivated its heart. Thus, the heart monkey cannot be settled, and the intention horse cannot be restrained.
Your Majesty, why not issue a decree to pacify it, completing its creation and helping this demon monkey to settle its heart? This will allow it to appreciate Your Majesty's compassion and also to attain the Dao."
The Jade Emperor said, "As you have suggested. Let the Wenqu Star Lord draft a decree to pacify it. Since the demon monkey's heart is unsettled, let it serve as a horse attendant, hoping it will soon settle its heart and rein in its intention horse."
The celestial officials praised the compassion.
...
Meanwhile, the Monkey King continued to cause chaos in the underworld, inciting a war and claiming dominance over a region, with countless soldiers and horses, enjoying himself during the day, living quite freely.
On this day, the Taibai Changsheng Star descended, arriving at the Water Curtain Cave in Flower and Fruit Mountain, and called out, "The heavenly realm's celestial emissary has come to invite the Great King to ascend to the heavens. Quickly, please come out, Great King!"
Hearing this, the Monkey King was overjoyed, not knowing where to display his good abilities.
Now that he heard the heavenly emissary had come, how could he not be happy?
The Monkey King adjusted his attire and welcomed Taibai Jinxing inside.
Taibai Jinxing said, "I am the Western Taibai Jinxing, sent by the Jade Emperor with a decree to invite you to ascend to the heavens and receive the immortal talisman."
The Monkey King laughed and said, "Thank you, old star, thank you, old star."
After saying this, the Monkey King was about to host a banquet to treat Taibai Jinxing, but the Jinxing stopped him, saying, "Great King, the decree is in hand; we cannot delay. Quickly ascend to the heavens with me."
The Monkey King had no choice but to agree, secretly delighted, saying, "This time, I will ascend to the heavens to become an official. My divine powers and abilities cannot compare to my senior brother, but this opportunity is something my senior brother does not have."
The Monkey King could not shake off his feelings of inferiority towards his senior brother.
At this moment, the Monkey King was ascending to the heavens, destined for 'high promotion to the celestial position, listed among the ranks of the heavenly talismans.'
...
Ling Tai Fangcun Mountain, Xie Yue Sanxing Cave.
By the mossy stone, the Ancestor personally taught Jiang Tong'er martial arts.
Jiang Tong'er was quite wise and had already mastered it in half a year.
One day, after the Ancestor spoke of the great Dao, he left Jiang Yuan alone on the Yao Platform.
The Ancestor said, "Child, you have learned some martial arts. What further teachings do you seek? Speak, and I will pass them on to you."
Jiang Yuan sat among them, and upon hearing this, he stood and bowed, saying, "I only wish to receive Master’s teachings; I do not know what divine powers there are."
The Ancestor said, "Since you do not know, I will tell you."
Jiang Yuan said, "Please speak, Master."
The Ancestor looked at Jiang Tong'er, pondered for a long time, and said, "Child, you now possess one hundred and eight transformations, eternal life without aging, true fire of the three mysteries, the universe in your sleeve, the Law of Auspicious Clouds, and you have gained martial arts as a complement. Your law is not weak. I shall pass on to you a great divine power, which is the Law of Heaven and Earth. What do you think?"
Jiang Yuan then bowed and said, "Disciple thanks Master for the deep kindness in passing on the law."
The Ancestor said, "This is also considered a great divine power, but it should not be passed lightly. If you learn it, in the future, if you open a cave, be cautious in passing this law. Now, come closer and do not let the six ears hear this divine power."
Jiang Yuan responded and moved closer to the Ancestor, listening attentively.
The Ancestor leaned down and whispered the mysteries of the divine power to Jiang Yuan.
Jiang Yuan, wise as he was, listened and memorized it, having a clear understanding in his heart.
This law is similar to the Golden Core, as it harmonizes the inner and outer worlds.
Therefore, the Law of Heaven and Earth requires all acupoints to be opened, the Immortal Body to have a Golden Core, and to comprehend the numbers of heaven and earth before it can be practiced.
Jiang Zhenren thought to himself, "Is this law not the creation of heaven and earth? It is the easiest to learn. The creation of heaven and earth is inherently connected to heaven and earth; this law can be comprehended in an instant."
Seeing Jiang Yuan lost in thought, the Ancestor asked, "Child, what is on your mind?"
Jiang Yuan replied, "Master, I was thinking, if this kind of law were taught to those who have created heaven and earth, would they not be able to achieve it in a day or night?"
The Ancestor said, "Those who have created heaven and earth can learn this divine power by themselves under the right conditions."
Jiang Yuan said, "Master, those who have created heaven and earth are indeed capable. This kind of great divine power can be learned on their own."
The Ancestor pointed at Jiang Yuan and laughed, scolding, "You child, can Wukong, who has created heaven and earth, contend with you? In two or three moves, he would be captured. Even if he has the Law of Heaven and Earth, it would be useless. Why do you sigh?"
Jiang Yuan laughed and said, "Master, I know I was wrong."
The Ancestor said, "You should diligently practice this divine power. As for such great divine powers, I have many. You have only just begun to learn."
Jiang Yuan replied, "Master, this divine power will take me several years to master. I cannot rush it."
This divine power is somewhat easier than the universe in the sleeve, as it involves the numbers of heaven and earth.
Although he has already attained the Immortal Body, it will still take him several years to learn.
The Ancestor said, "Focus on your studies. When you have mastered it, you may go to a place where you will find your destined law."
Jiang Yuan asked, "Master, what kind of destined law?"
The Ancestor said, "Guardian deity."
Jiang Yuan asked again, "Master, where is it?"
The Ancestor said, "In the Western Bull Hezhou, on the Cuiyun Mountain, there is a powerful demon with whom you have some destined law. Once you have mastered your abilities, you may go to subdue it."
Jiang Yuan responded and did not mention it again.
The Ancestor allowed him to learn the Law of Heaven and Earth before going, for the Ancestor's truth would guide him, and he listened attentively.
The Ancestor did not speak further.
Jiang Tong'er accompanied the Ancestor back to the chamber, just as he was about to quietly refine his divine powers when he suddenly saw Zhen Jian approaching.
Jiang Yuan waited for him to come closer and asked, "Junior Brother, three days ago we discussed the Dao. Have you come to speak of the Dao again?"
Zhen Jian shook his head and said, "No, how could I have such thick skin? It is because there is someone from the left family outside the mountain who wishes to see Senior Brother."
Jiang Yuan, upon hearing this, thanked Zhen Jian and went outside the cave.
The left family had deep ties with him; in the past, he had said that if the left family were harmed by demons, they could come to seek him.
Now that they had come to find him, he would certainly meet with them.
After a while, Jiang Yuan arrived at the front of the Three Stars Immortal Cave and opened the door.
He saw a man standing outside, looking uneasy.
When the man saw Jiang Yuan come out, he bowed and said, "Master, Master!"
Jiang Yuan supported him and asked, "Are you the current head of the left family?"
The man replied, "Indeed! I am now the head of the left family."
Jiang Yuan asked again, "Has anything happened in your family?"
The man shook his head and said, "Nothing has happened."
Jiang Yuan smiled and said, "If that is the case, what troubles or confusions do you seek me for? If there are such matters, you may speak to me, and I will resolve your doubts."
The head of the left family said, "It is not that I have any troubles or confusions. Since my ancestor received Master’s grace, I have a piece of Dao De Jing, which has allowed me to have no more troubles. I now seek Master because I am about to leave the mountain and return home. I have received Master’s great grace, so I come to bid farewell. If I have disturbed Master’s cultivation, please do not hold it against me!"
Jiang Yuan said, "What do you mean by returning home?"
The head of the left family replied, "To speak frankly, I have served my mother for a long time. Recently, my mother passed away, so I have no heart to remain in the mountain and wish to go outside. My father said that our old home is to the east, so I have gathered firewood and am returning home, intending to become a wealthy man."
Jiang Yuan asked, "If that is the case, are you leaving the mountain to become a wealthy man?"
The head of the left family shook his head and said, "Master, how can one become a wealthy man? Our family has accumulated firewood for generations, one for use and the other for decay. I have not brought back any firewood."
Jiang Yuan said, "If that is the case, why are you returning to your old home in the Southern Zhanbu Continent?"
The head of the left family said, "Master, our family has long wished to return home for generations. If I do not return, my son will surely return. If my son does not return, my grandson will surely return. Generations upon generations, how can I say? It is better for me to return home."
Jiang Yuan, upon hearing this, pondered for a long time and said, "Now that you have no attachments, do you wish to follow me in cultivation?"
The head of the left family said, "Without life, how can I dare to cultivate? This time, I come to thank Master for your kindness. I will go now."
After saying this, the head of the left family bowed three times to Jiang Yuan and then stood up to leave for home.
Jiang Yuan watched him go and sighed, saying nothing more...
Requesting monthly tickets.
Seeing in the comments that some friends are asking about the female lead, it seems she is gone.
How can one break the Yuan Yang while cultivating the Golden Core? (^▽^)
(End of Chapter)