Zhenyuanzi and Hong Yun

"The concerns you two have raised are precisely what Xuande has been thinking."

Xuande smoothly took up the conversation, his tone mild yet subtly guiding.

"Since we know our own strengths and weaknesses, we should seek those who can make up for those weaknesses.

Repairing the West's Earth Veins is a supreme act of merit that will benefit all living beings and bring blessings for eternity.

Using this merit as an invitation, we may ask fellow cultivators skilled in the Earth Dao and compassionate at heart to lend their aid.

Surely... no one would refuse?"

He had spoken tactfully, but his meaning was perfectly clear:

We could not handle this technical work, but we could provide the "project" and the "reward."

The immense merit of repairing the Earth Veins.

No one in the Primordial Wilderness was unaware of how precious merit was.

It was a supreme treasure for improving cultivation, offsetting karmic debts, and comprehending the Heavenly Dao.

"Invite fellow cultivators to help?"

Zhunti's eyes lit up. He immediately grasped Xuande's meaning, his mind racing.

"Invite them with merit... an excellent method!

It will compensate for our shortcomings while allowing us to form more good ties and strengthen the West's influence.

But as for a fellow cultivator skilled in the Earth Dao, trustworthy, and sufficiently accomplished..."

As he pondered, his gaze naturally turned toward Jieyin.

Jieyin had also fallen into thought. His fingers moved unconsciously, and beneath the sorrow on his face was a look of deep concentration.

The Bodhi Tree leaves rustled as time slowly passed.

Suddenly, Jieyin raised his head. A flash of realization gleamed in his eyes as he slowly said,

"Brother Xuande's proposal is indeed a sound one.

Speaking of those proficient in the Earth Dao... this poor Daoist happens to recall one fellow cultivator."

"Oh? You mean..." Zhunti pressed.

"Fellow cultivator Zhenyuanzi, who resides at Wuzhuang Temple on Longevity Mountain, at the border between East and West."

Jieyin spoke each word distinctly.

"Zhenyuanzi!"

Zhunti clapped his hands sharply, his face showing sudden realization and agreement.

"Yes, yes, yes! How could we forget him!

Fellow cultivator Zhenyuanzi was formed from the Essence of Innate Wutu.

He controls the supreme spiritual treasure Heaven and Earth Mirror, formed from the fetal membrane of heaven and earth. It can be said that he holds the key to the Earth Veins of the Primordial Wilderness!

When it comes to his understanding of the Earth Dao, perhaps no one in the Primordial Wilderness can surpass him!

With his assistance, sorting out the West's chaotic Earth Veins and grasping the core of its Earth Qi will surely yield twice the result with half the effort!"

Jieyin nodded and added,

"And that is not all.

Fellow cultivator Zhenyuanzi is honest and upright, values friendship, and keeps his word.

Furthermore, his abode, Longevity Mountain, lies at the border between East and West. He must surely hold some concern for matters concerning the West.

He also has an Innate Spiritual Root under his care—the Ginseng Fruit Tree—which is likewise intimately connected to the vitality of the earth."

The more Zhunti considered it, the more suitable it seemed. Excited, he continued,

"Moreover, Zhenyuanzi has a close friend. He attained the Dao from the first red cloud between heaven and earth and is known as Ancestor Hong Yun.

Fellow cultivator Hong Yun is innately kind and benevolent, always willing to help others, and possesses immense merit.

In particular, he has profound attainments in the Four Images of Creation: earth, water, wind, and fire.

Repairing the Earth Veins does not merely involve the earth element.

It also requires regulating water veins, soothing wind vents, and calming fire veins. Fellow cultivator Hong Yun can contribute greatly in these areas!"

The two spoke back and forth, their discussion growing smoother and smoother as they analyzed Zhenyuanzi and Hong Yun's strengths with complete clarity.

Xuande listened quietly at the side, inwardly satisfied.

This was exactly the result he had wished to guide them toward. He knew of this "fated connection."

But having Jieyin and Zhunti think of it and voice it themselves

was far more natural than having him, someone who had only recently undergone Form Transformation, name them directly.

Seeing that the time was right, Xuande showed an appropriately approving yet decisive expression. Clapping his hands, he said,

"You two have considered everything thoroughly! Fellow cultivators Zhenyuanzi and Hong Yun are indeed excellent choices.

One controls the Earth Scroll and deeply understands the foundations of the earth;

the other possesses profound merit and is skilled in harmonizing the Four Images. With their help, we will have a seventy percent chance of repairing the Earth Veins.

Furthermore, both enjoy fine reputations. They are no cunning villains and may be counted among our fellow Daoists."

He rose to his feet, his gaze sweeping over Jieyin and Zhunti as his tone became resolute.

"Time is of the essence. The longer the Earth Veins remain damaged, the deeper the West's decline will become.

Since we have settled upon a plan, we should take the initiative and demonstrate our sincerity.

Xuande proposes that the three of us

set out at once for Wuzhuang Temple on Longevity Mountain, visit fellow cultivators Zhenyuanzi and Hong Yun, explain the stakes, and discuss the grand plan of restoration together! What do you think?"

Jieyin and Zhunti exchanged glances, each seeing agreement and determination in the other's eyes.

"Good!" Jieyin nodded firmly. "Brother Xuande speaks truly.

This matter concerns the very foundations of the West. The sooner, the better. The three of us should go together to show our sincerity."

Zhunti rubbed his hands together and laughed.

"Exactly so!

I have passed through Longevity Mountain before. Though it is not as majestic as Mount Sumeru, it is still a rare blessed land and heavenly grotto.

This is a fine opportunity to pay them a visit. If we can persuade fellow cultivators Zhenyuanzi and Hong Yun, it will be a tremendous joy!"

With their plan decided, the three delayed no longer.

After making a few simple preparations, they mounted their Escape Lights, left Mount Sumeru, and flew toward Longevity Mountain at the border between East and West.

Three streaks of light cut across the somewhat gloomy skies of the West.

Along the way, Xuande silently observed the land below.

Just as Jieyin and Zhunti had said, in many places throughout the West, mountains had split apart, while rivers had changed course or run dry.

The earth bore an unhealthy grayish-yellow hue, and its Spiritual Energy was thin and chaotic.

Even the occasional living creature appeared weak and frail.

This sight only strengthened his resolve to participate in repairing the Earth Veins.

This was not merely to settle karma and accumulate merit. It was also truly a practical undertaking that would greatly benefit heaven, earth, and all living beings.

Jieyin and Zhunti were clearly long accustomed to such sights, but whenever their gazes passed over the scarred earth, the sorrow on Jieyin's face deepened.

The fervor in Zhunti's eyes intensified as well. Both of them fell much quieter, focusing solely on their journey.

After flying for an unknown length of time, the scene upon the horizon gradually began to change.

Patches of green began appearing upon the barren gray-yellow earth, while the chaotic Spiritual Energy seemed to be sorted and neutralized by a dense, steady current of Earth Qi.

A divine mountain came into view. It was neither perilously steep nor strange in shape, yet it exuded an especially stable, weighty, and vibrant aura.

Clouds and mist coiled around the mountain, and faint rosy light shimmered about it, utterly different from the scenery of the West's many other peaks.

"Longevity Mountain lies ahead." Jieyin pointed toward the divine mountain and spoke to Xuande.

Zhunti also perked up.

"Wuzhuang Temple is within the mountain.

Fellow cultivator Zhenyuanzi dislikes ostentation, so his abode is arranged with refined simplicity and restraint."

Xuande focused his gaze and indeed sensed the vast yet gentle Wutu Essence Qi contained within the mountain.

He also sensed a special aura, linked closely to the earth's veins like a central hub. That must have been the aura of the Earth Scroll.

Clear mountain air drifted through the surroundings. A faint fragrance of cassia mingled with an unusual fruity scent, refreshing the mind and spirit.

"What a blessed land and heavenly grotto, a place where Wutu essence gathers." Xuande praised, "Fellow cultivator Zhenyuanzi is indeed extraordinary."

The three descended from the clouds and landed before Longevity Mountain.

The mountain gate was ancient and plain, lacking elaborate decoration. Only a pair of couplets hung there:

"Immortal's Mansion of Eternal Life, Daoist House of Longevity Equal to Heaven." The brushwork was vigorous and powerful, its Dao intent restrained within.

Before they could knock, the mountain gate opened on its own with a creak.

A clear and gentle voice drifted leisurely from within the mountain.

"Honored guests have come from afar, yet this poor Daoist has failed to welcome you properly.

Fellow cultivators Jieyin and Zhunti, I trust you have been well? And who is this fellow cultivator accompanying you?"

Before the voice had faded, a Daoist wearing a purple-gold crown, a carefree crane-feather robe, cloth shoes, and a silk sash at his waist

had already emerged slowly from the clouds and mist with another Daoist clad in red, with red hair, a kind face, and a warm smile.

They were none other than Zhenyuanzi and Hong Yun.

Jieyin and Zhunti hurried forward to offer their greetings.

Xuande also stepped forward calmly and greeted them with proper courtesy.