An Errant Fall into Pansi Cave (VII)

Meanwhile, the Many-Eyed Monster tidied his appearance and left the main hall. Arriving at the east corridor, he saw Ao Tu and immediately bowed to greet him, saying, "This humble Daoist did not recognize Mount Tai. I have failed to welcome this esteemed person who has come to visit. My apologies! My apologies!"

Ao Tu laughed and said, "No need for that!" Many-Eyed Monster to get up. After looking him over a few times, he saw that the strange man had a face as hard as iron, as bright as a star; a straight nose and lips that turned outwards. He wore a red and gold Daoist crown and a black Daoist Robes. He was indeed a very Demon, but he was also a proper Daoist.

The Many-Eyed Monster then invited Ao Tu into the hall, serving him tea with great courtesy, daring not to be negligent.

The two then discussed alchemy.

The Many-Eyed Monster respectfully inquired about how Ao Tu had refined ordinary herbs into divine pills.

Ao Tu said, "The key lies not in the medicinal materials, but in refining the Supreme Yang Fire into Supreme Yang Object."

The Many-Eyed Monster then asked how another Supreme Yin Pill was refined in a single batch.

Ao Tu said, "The extreme of Yang is the extreme of Yin; when Yang is at its Supreme Yin, Yin is born."

The fastest

Upon hearing this, the Many-Eyed Monster suddenly understood and was filled with admiration. He then brought out the Poison he had concocted and asked Ao Tu for guidance.

That Poison was extremely potent; it was:

Bird droppings from hundreds of birds in the mountains accumulate to over a thousand pounds.

It is cooked in a copper pot, and the heat is kept even.

A thousand pounds of oil boiled down to a single ladleful; that single ladleful refined to three-tenths of its original value.

Three parts need to be stir-fried, then simmered and smoked again.

This Poison, once made, is as precious as a treasure.

If you taste it, you'll meet your maker!

Upon seeing this, Ao Tu couldn't help but laugh and said, "Good! Good! Good! But it still lacks some skill!"

The Many-Eyed Monster hurriedly asked, "What methods are you lacking?"

Ao Tu said, "Your Poison is obvious. Although it has been refined over a long period of time, it is colorless and odorless, yet it emits a foul odor. Anyone with discerning eyes will be able to tell."

The Many-Eyed Monster asked, "Then how should this be resolved?"

Ao Tu said, "Easy! Easy! There are two methods! One is to use the Talisman Water dipped in the Three Pure Ones Ones' essence. When using it, just pour a spoonful on, and the Daoist aura will cover it up, making it difficult for people to detect; the other is to use the Sandalwood Incense root from before the Buddha. Just fumigate it with Buddhist Dharma teachings, and it will also be difficult to see."

Upon hearing this, the Many-Eyed Monster said, "I am a Daoist, so I will use the Talisman Water from previous years' rituals."

Ao Tu laughed and said, "No, it's precisely because you're a Daoist that you can't use Talisman Water; you must use Sandalwood Incense!"

Upon hearing this, the Many-Eyed Monster thought for a moment and then understood.

The two exchanged a smile and made peace, holding hands.

Thus, Ao Tu stayed in the temple for several days.

Besides alchemy, Ao Tu also demonstrated some Formation.

The Many-Eyed Monster was even more delighted upon seeing him and asked, "Brother Daoist, you are also skilled in array formations?"

Ao Tu said, "I have a slight understanding."

The Many-Eyed Monster asked, "Brother, may I observe?"

Ao Tu said, "It's alright, no need to avoid it."

The Many-Eyed Monster then watched from the sidelines every day, completely absorbed and mesmerized.

Half a month passed like this.

On this day, Ao Tu neither Alchemy nor practiced formations. Instead, he found the Little Spider Demon and said to her, "Go and change into a Daoist robe."

For the past two weeks, Ao Tu Alchemy pills and practicing formations every day, and hasn't spoken much to the Little Spider Demon Little Spider Demon spirit. Even when the little spider spirit takes the initiative to talk to him, Ao Tu doesn't pay much attention to her. As a result, the Little Spider Demon spirit feels lost and dejected.

Now that Ao Tu had come to find her, the Little Spider Demon was overjoyed. Ao Tu told her to change into her Daoist robes, and she immediately changed into a clean set of robes and came back.

The martial arts uniform was simple and loose-fitting, and because she was young, it didn't quite fit her arms and legs properly. Fortunately, she had a full bust and curves in her waist and hips, so she managed to put the uniform on neatly.

Ao Tu said, "I'm going to invite a few friends, but it would be impolite and not formal enough to visit alone. So I'll have you change into your Daoist robes and accompany me."

The Little Spider Demon nodded repeatedly in agreement.

Ao Tu then said, "It's just that you don't understand Daoist School etiquette. If you come to someone's door indiscriminately, you might offend them. I'll teach you a few manners. Study them carefully, and then you can come with me."

The Little Spider Demon listened and took it very seriously, agreeing to the agreement.

Ao Tu then began to teach her manners.

The Little Spider Demon dared not miss a single detail and studied diligently, fearing that she might be impolite and offend her Senior's friends, or embarrass her Senior.

Soon after, the Many-Eyed Monster arrived, saw Ao Tu, greeted him, and asked, "Brother Dao, why haven't you been Alchemy or practicing formations today? Where is my junior sister?"

Ao Tu laughed and said, "To be honest, I have two friends in the Heavenly Realm who are Heaven Star Lodges Heavenly Lords. I want to invite them to the Lower Realm to hold a Daoist Daoist Assembly, but I'm afraid that it wouldn't be proper or grand enough for just one person to go and make the invitation. Unfortunately, I have no one else with me, so I thought I'd bring the Abbot's junior sister along to keep me company. However, there are many rules in the Heavenly Realm, and I'm afraid she won't understand Daoist School etiquette and might offend them. Therefore, I'm teaching her a few rules beforehand so that she'll be prepared."

Upon hearing this, the Many-Eyed Monster was overjoyed and exclaimed, "Brother Dao, you have friends in the Heavenly Realm?"

Ao Tu said, "A little."

Upon hearing this, the Many-Eyed Monster couldn't help but pace back and forth a few steps. He glanced at his junior sister, who was diligently practicing her manners, and silently apologized. He then turned to Ao Tu and said, "Brother Daoist, our Daoist School has strict rules of etiquette, and many rituals cannot be mastered in a short time. I fear that once we reach the Heavenly Realm, my junior sister's manners will be incomplete, thus hindering your important matters!"

Upon hearing this, Ao Tu feigned some anxiety and said, "What, what should we do?"

The Many-Eyed Monster said, "To be honest, fellow Daoist, I have been cultivating my nature and practicing the Taoist Technique for many years since childhood. I have already broken through the Earthly Palace and Heavenly Pass, and my cultivation has reached perfection. I have long wished to travel to the Heavenly Realm, but I have no way to do so. Since you know the Heavenly Lords Star Lodges, if you could introduce me, I would never forget your great kindness!" After saying this, the Many-Eyed Monster bowed deeply.

Upon seeing this, Ao Tu smiled and helped the Many-Eyed Monster to his feet, saying, "It's just a simple introduction, why make such a big deal out of it? Please rise, let's go together."

The Many-Eyed Monster was overjoyed upon hearing this.

The Little Spider Demon beside her grew anxious and hurriedly ran over, saying, "Senior, what about me?"

Ao Tu gently patted her head and said, "Focus on your cultivation. I'll take you next time."

The Little Spider Demon had no choice but to lower her head and say, "Alright."

Ao Tu then took the Many-Eyed Monster to the heavens.

Before long, the two arrived at the South Heaven Gate.

There are many Heavenly Soldiers Divine General guarding the gate; no ordinary person is allowed to enter.

The Many-Eyed Monster asked, "Brother Daoist, how do we get in?"

Ao Tu said, "Watch me."

Ao Tu grabbed the Many-Eyed Monster, took a step, and in the blink of an eye, he was inside.

The Many-Eyed Monster asked in surprise, "How did you get in?"

Ao Tu said, "Because I walked quickly, none of the Heavenly Soldiers Divine General saw me, so they walked in."

The Many-Eyed Monster was terrified. He looked around and asked, "Then I don't know which palace or hall your friend is in, so how can I go and invite him?"

Ao Tu asked, "Does the Abbot recognize this path to the Heavenly Realm?"

The Many-Eyed Monster said with shame, "I am truly ashamed. This is my first time ascending to heaven. I only know a little about it from Daoist Registry and do not know the way to the Heavenly Realm."

Ao Tu said, "Then come with me."

The two rode on clouds and soared through the mist, traveling along the way. They encountered some fairies and Immortal Official. The Many-Eyed Monster was so frightened that it covered its face and dared not look directly at them, but Ao Tu remained calm and composed, not considering himself Demon at all.

Upon seeing the Many-Eyed Monster, he felt both respect and admiration.

Before long, the two arrived at a Divine Palace. Looking into the distance, they saw Golden Watchtower and Jade Hall, Gongxing Bridge, and Stars stretching across the sky. The immortal path was magnificent, and Host of Stars the stars paid homage to the emperor.

In front of the Palace Tower, there is a plaque with the three characters "Douniu Palace" written on it.

Even though the Many-Eyed Monster had never been to the Heavenly Realm again, he knew where the Douniu Palace was.

Seeing that Ao Tu was about to go in regardless of the consequences, he was so frightened that he quickly stopped him.

(And there's more!)