Chapter 17

She unwillingly activated the Kunlun Mirror again, aiming its surface directly at Zhuang Yan. Yet Zhuang Yan merely smiled calmly and gave a soft shout. One Thought Capture activated. Golden Maid of Jade Pool suddenly felt her palm empty; the Kunlun Mirror had vanished without a trace. She looked around in panic, like a drowning person futilely grasping for driftwood.

"Looking for this?" Zhuang Yan's voice came from above. Golden Maid of Jade Pool looked up and saw the Kunlun Mirror spinning in his palm. Her face instantly turned ashen. Before she could react, immortal light burst from the mirror—Instantaneous Refinement had been completed.

Zhuang Yan raised the mirror toward the two of them. Venerable Tianmiao hurriedly spread his golden bowl to shield them. The mirror light crashed down, and the golden bowl exploded on impact, shattering their protective immortal aura. The two figures fell through the air like scraps of torn cloth, their blood staining the clouds.

Zhuang Yan flicked his sleeve and produced a clay jar, then shouted sharply. Mystical light flashed, and Venerable Tianmiao and Golden Maid of Jade Pool were each sealed inside a jar. He tucked away the jar containing Tianmiao and returned alone, holding Golden Maid of Jade Pool's sealed jar.

Lan Caihe clapped and laughed. "Well? The Mountain God of Lingtai captured those two as easily as turning his hand." As the seven immortals marveled, Lü Dongbin laughed aloud. "Dog meat for a worthy gentleman—truly worth it!"

Zhuang Yan carried the jar over to Immortal Lord Yaohua. She praised him warmly, "Mountain Lord, your divine abilities are extraordinary!" She was about to take the jar when Zhuang Yan subtly moved his wrist. Understanding at once, she handed back the chunk of meat and smiled. "Then let this serve as our contract."

Vermilion ink wrote upon the Golden Edict, and the Immortal Official Jade Edict pressed lightly upon it. Twelve words of the Jade Emperor's imperial decree, granting the Treasure Seal of the Minister of the Jade Palace, appeared clearly, casting flowing radiance across the document.

Immortal Lord Yaohua stamped the Treasure Seal, put away the Jade Edict and vermilion brush, held the Golden Edict in her left hand, and extended her right hand.

Zhuang Yan smiled knowingly and handed over the clay jar. Immortal Lord Yaohua accepted it while passing the Golden Edict to Zhuang Yan.

Zhuang Yan examined the Golden Edict closely and saw three lines of gleaming golden characters: "By decree of the Queen Mother of the West, the Office of the Minister of the Jade Palace sincerely invites Lord Zhuang Yan, Mountain God of Lingtai, to attend the Peach Banquet at Jade Pool. By this order."

This was plainly a formal invitation. How was it any kind of contract? Just as Zhuang Yan was about to ask, Lan Caihe suddenly spoke. "The Mountain God has not yet told Immortal Lord Yaohua how to remove the seal."

Immortal Lord Yaohua froze at those words and hurriedly inspected the seal on the clay jar. Sure enough, she could not undo it. She raised her eyes toward Zhuang Yan. "Mountain God, this is rather lacking in candor."

"Haha," Zhuang Yan said with a laugh. "A momentary oversight, that is all." As he spoke, he took out a sheet of yellow jade-backed paper and used a spell to attach the status to it.

"Paste this talisman onto the seal, and it will work. Remember, it can only be used once." Zhuang Yan handed the Talisman Paper to Immortal Lord Yaohua.

The Immortal Lord put away the Talisman Paper, then extended her hand again. "Please return the Kunlun Mirror as well."

Zhuang Yan took half a step back and smiled. "Earlier, you only spoke of capturing the Golden Maid. You said nothing about the Kunlun Mirror."

"That is the treasure of the Queen Mother of the West. How can you keep it for yourself?"

"I obtained it openly from the Golden Maid. How is that keeping it for myself?"

Immortal Lord Yaohua insisted, "The Golden Maid originally stole this item. It should naturally be returned."

"I only know that I received it from the Golden Maid. I know nothing of its origins." Zhuang Yan's smile did not fade.

Seeing that Zhuang Yan was determined not to return it, Immortal Lord Yaohua turned to the Eight Immortals for help. Yet the Eight Immortals had already turned away, pointing at the sea of clouds as though they had heard nothing.

Immortal Lord Yaohua: ...

In the end, she could only sigh. "Since the Mountain God is unwilling to return it, I shall report the matter truthfully to Your Ladyship. Farewell."

Everyone exchanged salutes. Zhuang Yan cupped his hands. "Travel safely, Immortal Lord."

Immortal Lord Yaohua turned into a green rainbow and rode the clouds toward Western Kunlun.

The moment she left, the Eight Immortals immediately crowded around Zhuang Yan.

Tieguai Li spoke first. "That movement technique of yours is truly exquisite, Mountain God. May I ask who taught it to you?"

"I comprehended it myself," Zhuang Yan answered.

"What fine comprehension!" Tieguai Li praised.

Zhongli Quan cut in, "Old Cripple, he says he figured it out himself, and you believe him?"

"I'll choose to believe him," Tieguai Li said with a laugh.

He Xiangu said gently, "Since we are colleagues, why pry into everything?"

Lan Caihe nodded in agreement, then asked, "Did Immortal Lord Yaohua establish any written proof just now?"

"Written proof?" Han Xiangzi frowned slightly.

Lan Caihe smiled. "Immortal Lord Yaohua promised that if the Mountain God of Lingtai helped her capture Golden Maid of Jade Pool, she would reserve a seat for him at the next Peach Banquet."

"Did such a thing truly happen?" The immortals all turned their gazes toward Zhuang Yan.

Zhuang Yan took out the Golden Edict and asked doubtfully, "Please take a look. Can this truly serve as proof?"

The Eight Immortals gathered around. Lü Dongbin took one look and laughed loudly. "How is this written proof? It is clearly an invitation to the Peach Banquet. With this Golden Edict, you may attend any Peach Banquet, though it can only be used once. It will be collected once you enter Jade Pool."

Zhuang Yan was astonished. "An invitation? Does this not require the Queen Mother of the West's approval?"

Lan Caihe patted his shoulder lightly. "Immortal Lord Yaohua is the Minister of the Jade Palace. If she had to seek approval for even such a small matter, would she not be far too incompetent?"

Zhuang Yan immediately understood. He tucked the Golden Edict into his robes and smiled brightly. "On such a lovely day, would the Eight Immortals honor me with a small gathering at Cold Mountain?"

Cao Guojiu clapped his hands in agreement. "How could we refuse the Mountain God's generous invitation?"

Lü Dongbin made a sword gesture. The Pure Yang Sword on his back rang as it flew from its sheath, and nine frigid sword energies appeared in the air.

"Please step onto the sword energies, everyone. Let us visit Spirit Platform Mountain together." Before his words had faded, the sword energies had already lifted everyone up.

Nine streaks of light tore across the sky, carrying laughter and cheerful voices into the clouds.

Within Jade Pool of Western Kunlun, Jade Palaces and Towers filled Qingxue Hall, where fragrant mist curled through the air.

Immortal Lord Yaohua held a whisk and entered the great hall with respectful steps.

The Queen Mother of the West sat upright upon a cloud platform, her jade-white immortal robes shimmering with flowing light. Her golden crown of the Ninth Heavens reflected a halo that illuminated all around her, and she held a multicolored jade ruyi, radiating immense majesty.

"I have captured Golden Maid of Jade Pool and come to report back," Immortal Lord Yaohua said as she bowed deeply.

The Queen Mother of the West slightly opened her phoenix eyes. "Where is she?"

Immortal Lord Yaohua immediately presented the clay jar. "Thanks to the aid of Zhuang Yan, Mountain God of Lingtai, the Golden Maid is presently sealed inside this jar."

"Release her."

The instant the Talisman Paper was pasted onto the clay jar, white light burst forth. The jar shattered, and the person within appeared. Golden Maid of Jade Pool stumbled to the ground, blood seeping from the corner of her mouth. When she clearly saw the scene inside the hall, her face turned pale as death.

"Your Ladyship..." She collapsed limply to the floor, her voice trembling.

The Queen Mother of the West said sternly, "You stole a precious treasure and left the immortal realm without permission. You should have been executed. In consideration of your past merits, I spare your life. But the Heavenly Rules cannot be discarded—"

"Divine officers, heed my command!" The Queen Mother of the West's voice shook the hall.

Two Golden Armored Divine Generals entered solemnly and saluted with cupped fists. "We await Your Ladyship's command."

The Queen Mother of the West shifted her phoenix gaze and pointed at the Fairy of Jade Pool. "Strip her of her immortal body. Cast her primordial spirit into the Primordial Wonderful Golden Lotus for reforging."

"By your command." The divine generals immediately escorted the Fairy out of the hall.

The Queen Mother of the West then asked Immortal Lord Yaohua, "Was the Kunlun Mirror recovered?"

Immortal Lord Yaohua hurriedly pleaded guilty. "Your Ladyship, please hear my explanation..." She then recounted the whereabouts of the precious mirror in detail.

The Queen Mother of the West remained calm. "This item was once used in my cultivation long ago. Should it fall into the hands of demons and monsters, disaster would surely follow. Since it is with the Mountain God of Lingtai, there is no concern. He is a righteous god of the Heavenly Court. With this treasure, he may suppress evil forces. There is no need to recover it."

"I shall obey Your Ladyship's decree." Immortal Lord Yaohua bowed in acceptance.

She then reported the matter of the Peach Banquet and pleaded guilty. "I acted on my own initiative. I ask Your Ladyship to punish me."

The Queen Mother of the West gently stroked her jade ruyi. "This falls within your duties. What crime is there? Since the matter was handled perfectly, you should instead be rewarded."

As she spoke, she sent the ruyi floating through the air to Immortal Lord Yaohua. "This treasure has accompanied me for ten thousand years. I now bestow it upon you."

Immortal Lord Yaohua was overwhelmed by the favor. "I am unworthy of such a gift."

"Take it." The Queen Mother of the West closed her eyes and formed a hand seal.

Immortal Lord Yaohua kowtowed three times in gratitude, respectfully accepted the magical treasure, and withdrew. A cool voice then rang out through the hall. "Bring the elixirs."

The fairies immediately carried trays of golden elixirs and jade dishes, lining up to attend her.

Danchi Ridge Forms a Bond, Eight Immortals Pavilion Is First Established

Before the Mountain God Temple of Lingtai, the sword light faded, and the Eight Immortals descended gracefully with Zhuang Yan. True Lord Fire Spirit hurried forward to greet them.

"Greetings, Mountain Lord." True Lord Fire Spirit bowed with great respect.

Zhuang Yan smiled as he introduced them. "These are the Eight Immortals of the Upper Cavern. Hurry and pay your respects."

True Lord Fire Spirit was shaken upon hearing this. Though these eight were not peerless experts, their incense offerings among mortals were flourishing.

"I am Fire Spirit, and I pay respects to you, Immortal Masters." He bowed deeply.

Lan Caihe teased, "So this is the Mountain Guard General who dared seize the Buddhist sect's incense offerings."

The seven immortals grew solemn at once. Leaning on his cane, Tieguai Li sighed. "A mere earthly immortal, yet he has such audacity..."

"Not so." Zhongli Quan stroked his beard and smiled. "He should wait until his cultivation improves before acting. By then, who could restrain him?"

Fire Spirit True Immortal remained silent.

He Xiangu laughed softly. "Why are you making things difficult for a junior?"

Zhuang Yan said to Fire Spirit True Immortal, "Go tidy up the side room, then invite the immortals inside to sit."

Yet Lü Dongbin asked, "Mountain Lord, surely your Mountain God Temple does not consist of only the main hall and a side room?"

Zhuang Yan nodded with a smile. "It is indeed somewhat simple, but it is enough to accommodate the nine of us."

"Since it is a gathering, there should be scenery and beauty to accompany it." Lü Dongbin turned to Tieguai Li. "Brother Li, has your Spirit Pavilion not always lacked a suitable place to be set down? What do you think of Danchi Ridge?"

Tieguai Li looked around and nodded. "Clear mountains, lovely waters, cloud springs, and secluded valleys. It is indeed a blessed land for immortals."

"Why not establish the Spirit Pavilion here?" Lü Dongbin suggested.

Tieguai Li considered briefly, then asked everyone, "I had intended to make this pavilion a place for the Eight Immortals to gather. What do you all think?"

Zhongli Quan agreed. "Fellow Daoist Pure Yang speaks reasonably. This place is excellent."

Zhang Guolao, Cao Guojiu, Han Xiangzi, He Xiangu, and Lan Caihe had no objections. Tieguai Li nodded and flipped his hand, presenting an exquisite pavilion wreathed in immortal light.

He asked Zhuang Yan, "Mountain Lord, do you object to placing a pavilion above your Mountain God Temple?"

Zhuang Yan smiled. "Real Man Li, please proceed as you wish."

Tieguai Li waved and tossed it out. The pavilion flew to the summit of Danchi Ridge, a hundred zhang high, and immortal light suddenly blazed forth.

With a thunderous boom, a three-story pavilion of vermilion eaves and green tiles appeared atop the peak. Cliffs surrounded it on every side, and only immortals could ascend.

Tieguai Li said, "Please grant this pavilion a name."

Lan Caihe suggested, "Soaring Cloud Tower."

Tieguai Li shook his head. "Too common."

He Xiangu said, "What about Caressing Sunset Pavilion?"

Tieguai Li was still dissatisfied. "A little awkward."

Cao Guojiu called out, "High Heaven Treasure Pavilion!"

Everyone was stunned. Zhongli Quan pointed his Palm-leaf Fan at him and laughed. "Someone, drag him out and execute him."

Cao Guojiu stroked his beard and laughed loudly. "Since this is a pavilion on Danchi Ridge, why not let the Mountain God of Lingtai name it?"

Lü Dongbin agreed. "Mountain Lord, you decide."

After considering for a moment, Zhuang Yan said, "This pavilion was built because of the Eight Immortals. Let it be called Eight Immortals Pavilion."

Zhongli Quan clapped and praised, "Wonderful! Eight Immortals Pavilion is an excellent name!"

Tieguai Li asked, "What is so good about it?"

Zhongli Quan said meaningfully, "The best part is that this is the Western Ox Continent!"

Han Xiangzi laughed. "Eight Immortals Pavilion truly lives up to its name."

Tieguai Li understood and looked at Zhuang Yan. "The Mountain God truly knows how to name things. Very well, it shall be called Eight Immortals Pavilion!"

With that, everyone flew up and entered Eight Immortals Pavilion.

He Xiangu waved her sleeve and cast a spell. Countless lotus flowers instantly bloomed throughout the hall. Their buds were plump and round, glowing with soft immortal light. When they opened, they revealed jade nectar, fine wine, and exquisite delicacies.