Chapter 631: Good Friends Forever!
The wind blew beside his ears, and spiritual energy surrounded him. There seemed to be a soft cus.h.i.+on under him, as if he was lying in the clouds.
Ling Zhuzi’s eyelids twitched. The seal around his essence soul slowly dissipated… and he lay on the clouds.
Beside him, an old Daoist priest was sitting quietly. He had a kind face, white eyebrows, and white hair. He was naturally familiar with the appearance of the old immortal.
“Uncle-Master…”
Ling Zhuzi shouted softly. His immortal power flowed and his fatigue disappeared. At that moment, he slowly sat up.
They seemed to be on the cloud path back to the Heavenly Courts from the Qianyuan Mountain.
It was the same as when he was brought to the Heavenly Courts by his Uncle-Master.
“How’s your mental state?”
Li Changshou asked warmly.
Ling Zhuzi was stunned. The gloomy emotions in his Dao heart surged again. He sighed dejectedly and sat upright with his legs crossed, but he could not focus.
He smiled bitterly and whispered, “Uncle-Master, I’ve disappointed you…”
“You actually didn’t disappoint anyone. There’s no need to say that,” Li Changshou said warmly. “What makes you feel disappointed is just yourself. Do you remember why I brought you to the Heavenly Courts?”
Ling Zhuzi pondered carefully for a while and answered, “It was invited by Master. Uncle-Master, please bring me to the Heavenly Courts to train and increase my masculinity.”
“Do you still lack the spirit of a man?”
Li Changshou smiled and asked. Ling Zhuzi could not help but fall into deep thought.
Li Changshou said warmly, “A few hundred years is very long yet also very short. This world has been here since ancient times. There are too many living beings who have walked through it. However, there are very few who left their marks in the Primordial World. Everyone admires those who sit high. The experts of the Primordial World are all victors of the ancient times. Therefore, when they are born in this world and looked down on by the victors of the ancient times, living beings would feel stifled. Therefore, you are not the only one with this mental state. All living beings have it. You are not the only one who is suffering because your Dao realm cannot grow. All living beings exist.”
Ling Zhuzi was stunned.
The horsetail whisk in Li Changshou’s hand swayed slightly, making the clouds move slower and giving Ling Zhuzi some time to digest.
If Ling Zhuzi were to reincarnate into Nezha with regret and loss, he would definitely leave behind regret. It would even affect his Dao realm growth and personality.
Li Changshou still thought that in the future, his disciple-nephew would be more cheerful regardless of whether he was called Ling Zhuzi or Nezha.
At the same time, in the Heavenly Essence Cave Abode.
The three Perfected Ones of Chan School sat around a chess table. On the table, they used the Cloud Mirror technique to show Li Changshou and Ling Zhuzi returning to the Heavenly Courts on a cloud. At that moment, Perfected Taiyi’s expression was abnormally awkward.
Without comparison, there would be no harm.
Perfected Yu Ding cursed softly, “Look, this is how you persuade me!”
Perfected Huang Long was also afraid that Taiyi would be embarra.s.sed. He chuckled and comforted him. “Junior Brother Taiyi, don’t take it to heart. We know Changgeng’s abilities. We can’t compare to him.”
Perfected Taiyi spread his hands and sighed. “Really… different professions are different.”
“Listen,” Perfected Yu Ding said. “Disciple-Nephew Ling Zhuzi has spoken.”
Perfected Taiyi held his breath and leaned forward, looking like he was humbly asking for guidance.
On the cloud, Ling Zhuzi asked softly, “Uncle-Master, if you don’t go to a high place and others can’t see your figure, how can you leave a mark in the world?”
Li Changshou smiled and said, “Then let me ask you. Do you work hard to cultivate and become stronger in order to become famous and be looked up to by others?”
“Master said that cultivation is to search for the truth and the Dao to find oneself. It is to understand the will of living beings…”
“I’m asking about you, not what Senior Brother Taiyi taught you.”
Li Changshou said warmly, “Why are you cultivating? At the moment when you are eager to welcome the Golden Immortal Tribulation and enter the Golden Immortal realm, what do you desire the most?”
Ling Zhuzi frowned.
Li Changshou was not in a hurry. He continued to wait with a gentle smile on his lips. The cloud slowly floated across the blue sky.
After a while, Ling Zhuzi whispered, “I… um… I don’t know.”
“Hahahaha.”
Li Changshou laughed happily. He flicked his horsetail whisk and hit Ling Zhuzi’s forehead.
“This is the problem with your mental state! You don’t even know why you want to live forever and seek the Great Dao. Just because you feel that it’s good and correct, you embark on the path of cultivation. When his cultivation fell into a predicament, his good friends beside him had successfully broken through. He felt dejected. Ling Zhuzi, you are not actually tired because you can’t break through, nor are you disappointed because you are not as good as your good friend beside you. You are just worried that you are not strong enough or powerful enough to obtain the recognition of others previously. This involves a question. Why are you alive…”
On the cloud, Li Changshou slowly a.n.a.lyzed and guided Ling Zhuzi out of the predicament.
On Qianyuan Mountain, in the Golden Light Cave.
Perfected Taiyi sighed and stood up to pace back and forth. He waved his hand and took a red cloth to write a flag.
On the book:
“The Mentor of the Lost Youth, the Initiation of the Dao Cultivation Night.”
“How is it?”
Perfected Taiyi praised, “Junior Brother Changgeng’s ability to persuade others is balanced with my mystical abilities. How good would that be?”
Perfected Yu Ding shook his head and chuckled. He continued to observe the scene in the cloud mirror and pondered over everything Li Changshou had said to Ling Zhuzi.
When Li Changshou said, “…Because you can only take care of others when you become stronger. For example, if a few mortals walked and one of them fell into the water and called for help, you can only go into the water to save them if you are good at swimming. Otherwise, you would have sacrificed yourself for nothing. When developing your own ideals and creeds, you have to be careful. Be happy to help others but do what you can. Be kind to others but do not take care of everything. You don’t have to blame yourself for the predicament that others are not caused by you. However, you can protect the weak when you can. You have to remember that obtaining the approval of others and obtaining satisfaction from them is actually just a way to please yourself.”
Ling Zhuzi asked, “According to Uncle-Master, are the weak not qualified to help the other weaklings?”
“That’s another problem. What are the strong and the weak?”
Ling Zhuzi answered, “In the Primordial World, the strong and weak are naturally determined by mystical abilities and Dharma treasures.”
“This is the most unreasonable part of the Primordial World.”
Li Changshou looked up at the sky and asked slowly, “If there is a living being who is at the peak of the power of living beings but relies on his own Dharma powers to bully the weak, bully the mortals, squeeze the mental strength of mortals, and covet his reputation, would he be considered strong?”
Ling Zhuzi could not answer.
Li Changshou asked again,
“There is another living being. Although it is only half-conscious and eats raw meat and blood, for the sake of survival, why does it protect the few clansmen in its cave and dare to fight against beasts stronger than itself? Is it a weakling?”
“Well…”
“The true experts are self-reliant, independent, and self-disciplined. The flames in their hearts have never been extinguished. They are not afraid of difficulties, nor are they afraid of difficulties. They do not do good or evil. He could reach a higher position in the world and have the strength to protect the weak. He would use his own strength to draw the boundaries for other living beings with high Dharma powers. That is a true expert. Ling Zhuzi, I hope that you can become a true expert in the future.”
Li Changshou paused and rubbed Ling Zhuzi’s head.
“Senior Brother Taiyi has already helped you think of a solution to your cultivation problem. Later, I will help you modify your roots and help you ascend to the heavens step by step. However, you need a stronger Dao heart, not Dao Realm. The end of cultivation is just to cultivate one’s heart. At the end of one’s Dao, one would return to one’s morals. This is the Grand Pure True Intent. I hope you can comprehend it yourself.”
Ling Zhuzi stood up and bowed deeply to Li Changshou.
Li Changshou accepted it calmly and instructed him to bid farewell to his friends in the Heavenly Courts. He also explained the process that he was going to experience in detail and set a date to help him reincarnate and reconstruct his background.
Three months later…
When Ling Zhuzi stood up, Li Changshou was nowhere to be seen.
The Central Heaven Gate was in sight. Ling Zhuzi kowtowed to the gate a few times and stood up on the cloud. He was a little dazed as he digested Li Changshou’s words.
“Experts…”
Ling Zhuzi muttered softly, his eyes filled with thoughts.
In the Golden Light Cave of the Qianyuan Mountain, the three Perfected Ones were deep in thought. Perfected Yu Ding even realized something and fell into a state of Dao enlightenment.
The end of cultivation is just cultivating the heart. The end of cultivation is virtue.
Perfected Taiyi thought of something and the corners of his mouth twitched slightly. He sighed in his heart.
Grandmaster Taiqing’s two disciples…
Dao Realm monsters.
On the Little Qiong Peak, Li Changshou opened his eyes and took a deep breath.
He hoped that his dignified words could help Ling Zhuzi.
The definition of the strong and the weak was actually a little narrow. However, Li Changshou did not dare to spread the mentality of sacrificing himself for others in the Primordial World.
These immortals who pursued cultivation and transcendence were rather simple compared to the mortals in the mortal world.
He dared to say that Ling Zhuzi would really believe him!
It was really troublesome to arrange a junior disciple-nephew…
Yes, later, he could use the matter of helping Ling Zhuzi to refine his Dharma powers to stay on the Three-Immortal Island for a while.
I wonder how Brother Gongming is comprehending the Cosmic Ruler.”
Li Changshou stretched and stood up from the rocking chair. He changed into an indigo-blue robe, tied up his Dao hoop, and disguised his face. He quietly left the Little Qiong Peak.
Before he left, Li Changshou thought carefully and asked his teacher to give him the Floating Flame Flag to protect Ling’e.
There was no choice. Although Ling’e had already become the Dao Ancestor’s favorite child on the surface and no one would dare to plot against her in the Primordial World in the future, she still had to be safe.
Should I bring her out for a stroll?
Li Changshou muttered to himself.
Previously, he had been unwilling to let Ling’e get involved in the matter of G.o.d Conferment. He felt that it was too dangerous for her.
This was originally a calamity that she could avoid perfectly. Once she was involved, it would be an undeserved calamity.
However, the act of the Dao Ancestor’s grandfather taking care of his granddaughter had already caused Ling’e to have a weak connection with the Great G.o.d-Conferment Tribulation. She could not escape.
Li Changshou naturally knew that Ling’e was one with him. If he hid Ling’e again, it would be better for him to take her out for a stroll.
That would dispel some of the Dao Ancestors’ suspicions of him.
Let the Jade Emperor wait then.
Fortunately, he had not mentioned to the Jade Emperor about going out. Otherwise, the person in the Lingxiao Treasure Hall would probably be unable to control himself.
Hence, Li Changshou lay back down and s.h.i.+fted his attention back and forth between the world.
As soon as he thought about it, he was already outside the world.
He was excited and ran to play two rounds with Bai Ze.
During this period of time, when the footsteps of the Great Tribulation became more and more hurried, he really had some free time.
Hence, three months later.
…
“Ling Zhuzi, although this method is feasible, it has some drawbacks.”
“After you transform into a fetus spirit, you will not be able to preserve your current memories. You have to make your memories and Dharma powers into another pearl. When your essence soul stabilizes after reincarnation, I will return this memory to you.”
“Moreover, there would definitely be other risks here. There might be problems in any segment. Overall, there is only an sixty to eighty percent chance that it would allow you to reconstruct your feet safely.”
“However, my life will not be in danger.”
By the Heavenly River, Ling Zhuzi muttered the words that Uncle-Master Changgeng had said previously in his heart and was slightly lost in thought.
Not far behind him, Ao Yi, who had specially rushed over from the Dragon Palace to send him off, and Bian Zhuang, who had been grounded and could not leave the vicinity of the Heavenly River, were sighing.
Bian Zhuang wiped the corners of his eyes and forced a smile. He whispered, “Third Brother, don’t worry. Isn’t this because you can slowly recover your memories after reincarnation? You are still you. There are no changes.”
After saying that, Bian Zhuang secretly kicked Ao Yi, who was in a daze and staring at the fire.
Ao Yi understood and smiled. “This fellow is right. It’s just to transform your transformed body into a true Connate Dao Body of the human race. That’s a good thing.”
“Yes, I know.”
Ling Zhuzi turned around and smiled with a relaxed expression. “Brothers, thank you for taking care of me over the years. No matter what, Ling Zhuzi will still be Ling Zhuzi. Even if I lose some of my memories, I will still be your sworn brother! ”
“Look at what you’re saying.” Bian Zhuang wiped his tears and turned around to mutter, “You’re making me sad.”
“Come, drink.”
Ao Yi took out three jars of Dragon Palace special wine from his sleeve and threw one each. The three of them looked at each other and smiled. They opened the wine jars and raised their heads to drink.
Soon, there were three sounds.
“Ha…”
“Ah.” Ao Yi smiled and sighed. “A good man should have the ambition to be arrogant. I wonder what will happen when the three of us meet in the Heavenly Courts in the future.”
Bian Zhuang said, “Didn’t you say that it would only take about a hundred years to turn around and reincarnate? A hundred years is fast. It will pa.s.s in the blink of an eye.”
Ling Zhuzi smiled and said, “Uncle-Master will help with everything. There shouldn’t be any mistakes. Brother, don’t worry.”
“Third Brother, are you really not going to the Moon Palace to bid farewell?”
Ao Yi asked in a low voice, “A fairy from the Moon Palace previously said that Yu Tu’s eyes were swollen from crying. However, she was grounded by the Moon Lord and could not come to bid you farewell…”
“Well…” Ling Zhuzi scratched his head.” I don’t know…”
He suddenly felt the Dao runes circulating in his heart and smelled the shadow of the Yin-Yang Taiji Painting. He found his Uncle-Master Changgeng’s aura and condensed a huge word in his Dao heart.
“Go.”
“Alright.” Ling Zhuzi heaved a sigh of relief and said softly, “I’ll go take a look at Yu Tu and bid her farewell.”
Ao Yi and Bian Zhuang’s eyes lit up and they were shocked.
An ordinary minister of the Heavenly Courts, who was trying out the Dao runes for the first time, smiled faintly.
Um…
It is indeed quite satisfying.
Hence, four hours later.
Ao Yi transformed into an azure dragon and carried Ling Zhuzi to the front of the Glacial Palace.
In front of the Glacial Palace, hundreds of Chang’e were scattered on the moon laurel tree like leaves, waiting for the situation.
A few female immortals picked up the bronze mirror. Everyone in the Heavenly Courts knew what had happened.
Ling Zhuzi jumped off the azure dragon’s back and cupped his hands to thank Ao Yi. Then, he quickly walked to the front of the Glacial Palace’s gate.
His green and white Daoist robe covered his strong muscles. The headband that he had specially changed into made his face look even more delicate.
Many fairies’ eyes lit up.
Ling Zhuzi arrived at the steps of the palace gate and took a step forward. His movements were a little stiff.
Behind him, Bian Zhuang, who was hiding in Ao Yi’s mane, shouted softly, “Don’t hesitate. Attack! It’s over!”
Ling Zhuzi pursed her lips and stomped her feet. She jumped in front of the palace gate and knocked on the door.
“Are there immortals?”
Around the laurel tree, the hundreds of Chang’e covered their mouths and chuckled.
In the Glacial Palace, Li Changshou had brought Ling Zhuzi to the pavilion by the pool. Yu Tu was kneeling on a cus.h.i.+on. When she heard the small shout, her shoulders trembled and she immediately jumped up.
“Master, Ling Zhuzi is here!”
“Sit down.”
Fairy Heng’e, who was at the side, said slowly, “Did you forget what I told you previously?”
“B-But, oh.”
The corners of Yu Tu’s mouth twitched. She knelt down and returned to her original position.
“You’re just too stupid.”
Heng’e munched on some melon seeds. Under her thin dress, she crossed her legs and sighed. “This Ling Zhuzi is just a stupid pearl. You are also a timid little rabbit. Do you want to keep being his good friend?”
“Yes… Well… Master, we’re having fun.”
Heng’e said, “Then think about it. If Ling Zhuzi reincarnates and reconstructs his background this time, he will have feelings for the b.u.t.terfly Fairy and the Hundred Flowers Fairy. He will be enlightened and taken away by someone. What do you think? You can either settle the matter this time and give him a status. Or, you sever your relations.h.i.+p this time to prevent yourself from suffering in the future.”
Yu Tu was stunned. She knelt there and pondered. Tears welled up in her eyes.
At that moment, Ling Zhuzi suddenly shouted from outside the Glacial Palace…
“Yu Tu! Are you inside!? I’m here to bid you farewell! I want to cultivate again. I can only return after more than a hundred years! I still have to reincarnate. I don’t know if I will still be the current me in the future! I! I… I don’t know what I want to say. I want to become stronger and become a true expert! I want to protect the weak and set boundaries for the reckless living beings! I want to be recognized by all living beings! Thank you for taking care of me all these years! I’m very happy in the Heavenly Courts! I will definitely leave our memories behind. I will bring them to become stronger! I will definitely…”
Ling Zhuzi choked. He felt his state of mind in shock and used his arm to wipe away the tears on his face.
The door of the Glacial Palace was tightly closed. The light of the array formation flowed quietly.
Ling Zhuzi took a deep breath and allowed himself to smile. He bowed to the door and turned around to jump back onto the azure dragon’s back.
“Brother, let’s go back and say goodbye.”
Bian Zhuang said, “Let’s wait a while more…”
“Let’s go.”
Ling Zhuzi lowered his head and said, “She must be angry at me.”
The azure dragon’s body slowly swayed. Its body slowly swam under the laurel tree. In the blink of an eye, it was about to fly out of the range of the moon.
“Ao Yi! Ao Yi, stop!” Bian Zhuang suddenly shouted, “It’s out! The Jade Rabbit, Yu Tu, is out!”
“Ling Zhuzi…”
In front of the Glacial Palace, the young girl, who had forgotten to wear her rabbit ear accessory, shouted loudly, “I won’t forget you! We! We are good friends for life!”
Ling Zhuzi turned around and raised his left fist at the Glacial Palace.
The young girl held back her tears and waved her fist at Ling Zhuzi…
In the Hall of Marriage, Li Changshou’s paper effigy carried a horsetail whisk and rode a white cloud over calmly. He engaged in a friendly battle with Elder Moon…
Work guidance meeting.