Journey to the West: Treasure Vase of the Great Dao-Chapter 511 - 282: To the Banquet

Chen Xiong and his sister exchanged glances, both seeing the astonishment in each other's eyes. What kind of nobility were they?

It was Lu Xun who spoke, "The Duke Chu you mentioned, is it the River God Chu Feng of Qinghe?"

The old man turned his head in surprise and glanced at Lu Xun, "I'm not aware of his title as Duke Chu. I only know he is the River God of Qinghe, and has been blessing the people on both banks for over five hundred years."

Lu Xun nodded gently, then continued, "Grandfather, I see the surroundings are desolate and with your age, how do you manage your meals?"

The old man, however, raised his head and looked at the slightly dilapidated temple, "My old life has been able to last until now. It's all thanks to the protection of Duke Chu. When the world was peaceful, this place wasn't so desolate. After the disasters and wars came, the young people ran away. I was old so I decided to die here. After all, leaves return to their roots. But Duke Chu saw my pitiable state and sends fish and shrimp to me every day, and it's with these that I have survived until now."

As the old man spoke, his gratitude was evident, not pretending, and Lu Xun nodded slightly again.

The three of them entered the temple and saw steaming dishes already laid out on the table. Lu Xun invited the old man to join them for the meal, but the old man shook his head slightly, politely declining, saying he had already eaten as elderly people don't eat much.

At this moment, having trekked a long distance, the three were very hungry. Seeing the hot meals, they couldn't hold back and began to wolf down the food. Chen Xiong, in particular, with his Divine Power and astonishing appetite, swept through the table like a whirlwind, leaving the table of dishes completely empty.

Looking at the messy table, Lu Xun couldn't help but blush. He wasn't someone who hadn't tasted exotic delicacies, but eating so unrestrainedly was a first in his life. He felt as if he had opened up a new world.

After cleaning up, the three began to fall into sleep. Lu Xun looked out the window at the bright moonlight, feeling somehow that something might happen that night.

And sure enough, not long after he had lain down, he heard someone calling his name from not far away. Curiously, he got up and walked to the entrance of the temple, where he saw two fish monsters with ugly faces standing outside the door, respectfully. Seeing Lu Xun emerge, they immediately saluted, "Your Highness, the Crown Prince, my master requests your presence!"

With that, they handed over a red invitation with two gold-bordered characters: Invitation.

Upon opening it, the gist was that the River God Chu Feng of Qinghe knew Crown Prince Lu Xun was passing by Qinghe and specially invited the Crown Prince to a banquet, hoping for the honor of his visit to extend his hospitality.

Lu Xun thought for a while, feeling that the River God likely bore no malice. He had also read about Duke Chu in historical records; he was a truly upright, people-pleading good man.

So, extending his finger, he said, "Please lead the way!"

At this moment, Lu Xun truly displayed his real demeanor. The bearing and majesty cultivated over many years now made the two fish monsters feel a heavy pressure, and their attitude became even more humble.

He had only walked a few steps outside when he saw four giant river shrimps carrying a green palanquin, already waiting for some time. Having made up his mind, Lu Xun had not a hint of fear in his heart. He slowly stepped onto the palanquin and let the spiritual beasts carry him forward.

Unexpectedly, the palanquin carried by the four river shrimp was surprisingly steady; Lu Xun didn't feel any bumps at all on the way, which was no less comfortable than being served by the eunuchs in the palace.

The sound of the wind whooshed past his ears, and soon, Lu Xun lifted the curtain of the palanquin only to see the tumultuous Qinghe waters. He saw two fish monsters leading four river shrimp dive into the water, which gave Lu Xun quite a start. After all, he couldn't swim, and entering the water for him was akin to taking a path to certain death.

However, he quickly realized that he didn't feel suffocated in the river at all. It seemed like the surrounding waters had become as breathable as air, causing no discomfort whatsoever, which allowed him to relax and, instead, become quite interested in observing the scenery at the riverbottom.

Having never explored the riverbottom before, Lu Xun felt his eyes were truly being opened on this occasion. Beneath the roiling waves was an incredibly rich water world, where countless aquatic creatures grew freely among the waves, and fish species that were rarely seen before were now common sights.

Even fish and turtles larger than a person slowly swam by him, and judging by their size, Lu Xun reckoned they were definitely spiritual beasts. However, they seemed to recognize the green palanquin, and a look of fear appeared in their eyes. With only a quick glance, they swiftly departed.

The riverbottom was a bit gloomy; even with the moonlight shining down from the surface, visibility decreased with depth. After traveling in the darkness for an unknown amount of time, a white light suddenly shone from the distance, stinging Lu Xun's eyes. Once he adapted to the brightness, Lu Xun realized there lay a magnificent Crystal Palace before him, glowing with light.

It was the light from the Crystal Palace, a place that only existed in legends, yet now it truly appeared before Lu Xun. Despite being mentally prepared, he was still astounded by the spectacular sight.

The green palanquin gently descended before the Crystal Palace, and soon, a demon with the body of a human and the head of a turtle, wearing an official hat, hurried out and immediately asked, "Have the esteemed guests been brought here?"

Two fish monsters quickly nodded and said, "Turtle Minister, the esteemed guest has arrived."

A look of joy immediately spread across Lao Gui's face, and he hurried to Lu Xun, bowing deeply and saying, "Lao Gui, a subordinate of the Qinghe River God, pays respects to the Crown Prince."

Lu Xun waved his hand lightly and said, "A person who has lost his country and family, how can he dare to be addressed with the title of Crown Prince? Turtle Minister, you are too ceremonious, just call me Lu Xun."

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However, Turtle Minister shook his head and said, "In this world, you naturally have the right to be called Crown Prince. Not to mention how many Divine Spirits Great Chu has enshrined over the past few centuries, with the Dragon Court flourishing in the Underworld. And considering your ancestor is the Tea Saint Lu Yu, that alone places you among the most revered."

Lu Xun's interest was piqued by Turtle Minister's words; although he had always heard about his ancestor, he had only known that his forefather was an Immortal, oblivious to his name and actual strength. Now, through Turtle Minister's words, he learned that his ancestor was named Lu Yu, and that he bore the title of Tea Saint.

"I have never heard the elders mention anything about my ancestor; could the Turtle Minister tell me more?" Lu Xun asked with interest.

"Of course, the Tea Saint is regarded as a reincarnated Sage of the human race. When he ascended to the position of Sage, countless living beings benefitted from his grace. Nowadays, even across all three realms, his is a name that is easily recognized. To him, the whole of Great Chu was merely a speck of dust," Turtle Minister said, his face full of admiration.

What he didn't say was, though this Sage was born in the human race, he taught without discrimination, and many spiritual beasts had benefited from his kindness.