Journey to the West: Treasure Vase of the Great Dao

The old man with the heart of humility and an indigo complexion immediately showed an unhappy expression on his face, only to see him frowning as he said, "Elder Eighteen, why have you brought a stranger here, and a mortal at that!"

Elder Eighteen smiled and said, "I met this young friend who got lost on the way and thought that our discussion of the Dao should have a witness, so I brought him here."

"Since he is a witness, it's not a problem. We've discussed the Dao many times, and having an extra witness is good to prevent any future disputes," said the elder with green whiskers swirling.

"Master Skyward, don't talk nonsense. When have we ever reneged on our word?"

Elder Eighteen then pointed to the three people and introduced them to the Scholar, saying, "The one known as Shuang Zi is Gu Zhigong, the one with green whiskers is called Ling Kongzi, and the one with a heart of humility is known as Master Skyward, all of them famed cultivators of Thorn Ridge."

The Scholar quickly bowed respectfully to the three of them, saying respectfully, "I have seen several Immortal Masters!"

These words seemed to please them greatly, as they all stroked their beards and stood up straight, appearing even more like immortals and sages.

Only then did the four take their seats, while the Scholar stood to one side, listening intently to the old Immortal Masters explaining the Great Dao, hearing them talk about nurturing life, discussing longevity, and the ways of flourishing plant life.

After a while, Elder Eighteen turned to the Scholar and asked, "Do you understand what the four of us are discussing?"

The Scholar said, "I probably understand some of it; it's about how plants grow, how Spiritual Energy is transported, how ley lines are combed, and how to absorb the essence of the sun and moon."

The voices of the four discussing the Dao suddenly stopped, and they all looked at the Scholar with astonished expressions, as if seeking some revelation upon his face, but the Scholar still wore a sincerely fearful and cautious demeanor.

"No wonder your human race is called the most spiritually advanced among all living beings. Having only heard us briefly, you've articulated our Great Dao in full, truly frightening," Elder Eighteen sighed softly.

Just then, a Child Servant came to report that Xing Xian had come to visit.

The four quickly stood up to welcome her, and after a short while, a stunningly beautiful woman wearing a pink long dress, with a graceful figure, arrived, led by two green-dressed child servants.

"What kind of wind has blown you, this charming lady, over to us today?"

Xing Xian gave a curtsey before smiling and saying, "I have long heard that the four of you discuss the Dao from time to time. I, a humble girl, also have a heart that yearns for the Dao and naturally wish to hear your esteemed opinions."

Her voice was like the call of an oriole, pleasing and uplifting to one's spirits.

"Xing Xian, you're too modest. If we speak of the Dao, you're not inferior to any of us." The four smiled and waved their hands, swiftly inviting Xing Xian to take a seat.

After Xing Xian sat down, she noticed the Scholar standing to the side and then lightly covered her lips, saying, "I hadn't expected such an honored guest to visit."

Elder Eighteen said, "This is a young friend I encountered on the road, who has come to bear witness to our discussion of the Dao."

"We've lived here for so long, and it's rare for anyone to enter this place. I never expected such an honored guest today. Truly, we didn't go out to meet you far enough!" Xing Xian said to the Scholar with a smile, her beautiful eyes appraising him from head to toe, her face revealing a satisfied smile.

"Haha, could it be that this little miss has taken a fancy to my young friend here, his gallant and graceful appearance stirring some worldly desires?" Elder Eighteen joked with a laugh.

Xing Xian, however, spoke with graceful composure, "To be frank, precisely so. I see that this gentleman and I share a predestined connection from past lives, rightfully we should share the bond of husband and wife. I'm unsure if this guest agrees though."

Ling Kongzi at the side chimed in, egging them on, "The fairy is enchantingly beautiful, how could he, a mere mortal, find fault? Why not let us decide for you today, with Elder Eighteen officiating, you could marry here and now, making a fine tale."

Upon hearing this, Elder Eighteen nodded and said, "What Ling Kongzi proposes is fitting. Thorn Ridge has not had a festive occasion in a while, it's time we had one."

With just a few words, it seemed as if they had settled the Scholar's matrimonial matters without even inquiring about the personal wishes of the protagonist. Although their words were spoken lightly, they conveyed a certain assertiveness.

When they turned to look at the Scholar, they saw not a hint of delight on his face but rather a trace of panic as he said, "How could I, of all people, be so fortunate as to receive the fairy's favor? I'm truly already betrothed elsewhere, I cannot comply."

"What can a mortal offer compared to Xing Xian? Within a hundred years, you'll be but a pile of dry bones, how can that be better than our carefree immortality? Moreover, it's unknown what great virtue you accumulated in a former life that has earned you such grace from Xing Xian, how can you so casually reject it."

"My mind is made up, I implore you immortals not to trouble me further, and let me be on my way," the Scholar said, his expression suddenly resolute, firmly declining.

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The four individuals' expressions changed instantly, looking ominously at the Scholar, "A mere mortal dares to defy our decision, you truly do not know whether to live or die. Today, whether you wish to or not, you must marry."

"I am but a scholar, without any particular merit, why are you all so insistent on detaining me?" the Scholar asked, puzzled.

At this point, Xing Xian no longer wore her previous smile. Looking disdainfully at the Scholar, she said, "If it weren't for the need of your human race's Essence of Yang to rid myself of this corporeal form, would I bother to debase myself with a mortal? If you comply today, all is well, and I shall spare your life. If you do not, I will suck dry your Yang Energy and leave you to die a hemorrhagic death."

Xing Xian's features twisted hideously, her former beauty gone. Her once lovely face was now covered in wrinkled bark, with even some transparent sap sticking to it.

The Scholar was stunned by the sight; a woman of captivating beauty had turned into such a monstrosity in an instant – the shock was unimaginable. Elder Eighteen and the others were no different; their faces too had taken on the appearance of tree bark.

"Xing Xian, with this fellow's Yang Energy, you can break free of your shackles and transform into a human, can't you?" Elder Eighteen spoke, no longer as gentle as before but rather making a sound like two pieces of bark grinding together, which was very unpleasant to hear.

"It's almost certain. If it weren't for this place being riddled with thorns and rarely trodden by people, why would I have waited until now?" Xing Xian's voice echoed in response.

"Enough talk, let's move quickly and drain his Yang Energy. Remember, his flesh and blood are mine!" Master Skyward demanded, his words filled with cruelty.

Five demons surrounded the Scholar from all directions, but a faint white light shone from the Scholar's body, stopping their advance.

"The Fortune and Destiny of your human race and the Scholar's Cultural Aura are such a nuisance," Master Skyward complained, waving his hand lightly. A long branch struck through the air, and the white light around the Scholar disappeared without a trace.

"I always said that with our power, catching and killing should be easy; why bother with such trouble?" Ling Kongzi grumbled.

"I had intended, if only he would cooperate, to let him go afterwards so he might spread word of this place and lure more greedy souls here. Who knew he'd be so blockheaded, wasting the arrangement we'd made," Elder Eighteen lamented, clearly regretting that their plan hadn't succeeded.