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Journey to the West: Treasure Vase of the Great Dao-Chapter 346 - 123 The Mountain Gate
The bell rang out across Mount Xieyang, cleansing the souls of all those who heard it, and brought even greater peace to Lu Yu’s heart.
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He looked at the old Taoist who was ringing the bell with surprise. Only someone naturally attuned could produce such a sound. In that moment, Lu Yu seemed to understand why this old man, on the brink of death, had managed to achieve Foundation Establishment at the Heavenly Gate.
The old Taoist felt somewhat embarrassed and said, "I’ve disturbed the Immortal Master’s quiet cultivation!"
Lu Yu shook his head slightly and said, "Not at all, on the contrary, your bell ringing is quite extraordinary, capable of cleansing the spirit."
"Ever since I let go of my obsessions and lost the fear of gain and loss, I’ve been able to understand the true meaning of the scriptures and my mind has become even more tranquil. Later, my Honored Master asked me to ring the bell every day to signal the other disciples to start their work. I grew fond of this duty, and no matter the wind or rain, I never stopped. Eventually, I found that each time I rang the bell, my mindset became even more tranquil, and I fell in love with the task," the old Taoist revealed.
"The Gathering Immortals’ Retreat was damaged during the great battle between the Immortal Master and the Honored Master. However, this Bronze Bell was preserved intact. I recovered it and resumed the daily bell ringing, not expecting to disturb the Immortal Master."
Lu Yu heaved a long sigh and said, "With such an insight, it’s no wonder that you’ve been able to cross that threshold. I will be quietly cultivating here for the next few days; come to me if you have any questions."
The old Taoist was immediately overjoyed and said, "Thank you, Immortal Master, for your mercy!"
The Ruyi True Immortal standing to the side just pursed her lips slightly, secretly wondering why she had not noticed anything special in the sound of the bell.
Before long, everyone in the Kingdom of Women knew that the Ruyi True Immortal of the Gathering Immortals’ Retreat had been defeated and the retreat itself destroyed. However, the precious Abortion Spring had ended up in the hands of a Scholar in a green robe.
Strangely, although the Scholar possessed the Abortion Spring, he did not demand offerings like the Ruyi True Immortal did. Instead, he often showed displeasure to those who came seeking the spring’s water, persuading them of the value of life and advising them not to harm it lightly, asking them to think it over before returning.
Even more surprising was that after hearing about this, the King actually dispatched a high-ranking official, along with a generous tribute of wealth and labor, to Mount Xieyang.
The large entourage headed tirelessly towards Mount Xieyang, led by an elderly female official. Dismounting her horse, she straightened her attire and said to her attendants, "When we go up there, be extra respectful. This Immortal is no ordinary being. With his profound mana and vast Divine Skills, not to mention his favor in saving our King’s life, not the slightest disrespect must be shown!"
The attendants all nodded. In fact, the female officer was being overly cautious; who would dare to disrespect the Immortal on the mountain? After all, the image of the towering Giant was still vivid in their minds.
Climbing the steps, the ruins of what was once the Gathering Immortals’ Retreat came into view, which stunned the crowd. The once-glorious Taoist Temple was now nothing but rubble, with collapsed buildings piled upon one another and remnants of the fierce battle engraved on the ground. The traces cut by Sword Qi were still sharp and chilling, making them shudder.
All of them couldn’t help but swallow hard, sharply alert to the fact that the power of Immortals far exceeded their imaginations.
Yet, they saw no sign of the Immortal Master. The female official had inquired beforehand and knew that this Immortal was reclusive and devoted to cultivation all day long. Usually, an old Taoist would lead them to him after they reported their arrival.
"Immortal Master Lu, Hong Mian presents a tribute by order of His Majesty!" The female officer called out respectfully toward the distance, her clear and penetrating voice echoing through the mountains.
Before long, an old Taoist appeared before them. With white hair and youthful complexion, and a tall and straight figure, he even made the female officer blush at the sight, captivated by his unusual mature charm.
"Please wait here, I will go and report your arrival," said the Taoist, his voice soft yet somehow reminding those around him of a sturdy pine tree standing tall and exuding a faint fragrance.
Seeing a part and perceiving the whole, the Old Taoist was extraordinary, so one could imagine the strength of the Immortal Master within.
Lu Yu, upon hearing the report, slowly opened his eyes and asked in confusion, "What business does the King send people here for?"
After a period of spiritual practice, the injuries to his Primordial Spirit had gradually healed, and the pallor of his face began to turn rosy, completely erasing any signs of previous injuries.
Stepping out of his cave residence, he saw the massive crowd outside and grew even more puzzled.
The female official, upon seeing Lu Yu, promptly knelt down and said respectfully, "I have seen the Immortal Master!"
"What brings you here today?"
"The King has learned of the Immortal Master’s temporary stay here and has specially ordered me to bring some materials for the renovation of your residence, hoping the Immortal Master will accept them with a smile," the female official said with a sincere smile.
Lu Yu looked up and indeed saw construction materials, followed by artisans. After thinking it over, he decided to let them stay.
Seeing Lu Yu nod his head, the female official was naturally overjoyed. With this, her mission was accomplished, and what made it even more precious was that she had formed a good bond with such a powerful Immortal Master.
"What are you planning to do, Immortal Master?" the Old Taoist asked, somewhat perplexed and confused.
In these days, he often consulted Lu Yu on the methods of cultivation and the path to immortality. Although they shared no formal title of master and apprentice, they had a substantive relationship. Naturally, he knew that his teacher did not intend to stay in this place for long.
"Since they have gone to the trouble of sending these, how could I disappoint their kindness? Furthermore, although I don’t need these, you plan to stay here for long. It just so happens that I can take this opportunity to build a proper Taoist Temple for you, providing you a place to live and practice," Lu Yu said with a smile. Discover hidden stories at novelbuddy
These words brought the Old Taoist to tears, his eyes turning red as tears circled within. He knelt down respectfully and kowtowed to Lu Yu, "Thank you for your great kindness, Immortal Master!"
Lu Yu shook his head slightly and replied, "I have helped you because I see your sincere heart and your inherently good nature in your practice. Your way is not in the dust of the world but in these mountains and forests. Having such a place is enough for you to secure your life and your practice."
Thus, the once-quiet mountains and forests suddenly bustled with noise, as numerous craftsmen shouted and called. They were building a residence for the Immortal Master, and no one dared to be the least bit negligent.
Lu Yu watched the busy artisans. The terrain of Mount Xieyang was rugged, making it difficult to transport construction materials up the mountain, usually requiring the workers to carry everything by hand and shoulder, slowly bringing everything up bit by bit.
Moved by compassion, he employed a Divine Skill and summoned the Treasure Vase. The vase hovered in the air, and a mighty wind swept up, lifting everything at the foot of the mountain. Then, as if shrinking in size, everything was sucked into the vase under the astonished gazes of the onlookers.
With a slight gesture of his hand, the Treasure Vase floated down from the sky and gently landed in Lu Yu’s palm. Tilting the Vase slightly over the ground, all the materials spilled out onto the earth.
The surrounding craftsmen immediately erupted in a huge cheer, saving them an untold amount of labor with this miraculous feat.