Eight Immortals Pavilion

She unwillingly activated the Kunlun Mirror again, the mirror's surface pointing directly at Zhuang Yan. Zhuang Yan, however, smiled calmly and lightly shouted, "One Thought Capture activated!" The Golden Maid of Jade Pool suddenly felt her palm go empty; the Kunlun Mirror had vanished without a trace. She looked around in panic, like a drowning person grasping for driftwood.

"Looking for this?" Zhuang Yan's voice came from nearby. The Golden Maid of Jade Pool looked up and saw the Kunlun Mirror swirling in his palm. Her face instantly turned ashen. Before she could react, the mirror's immortal light flared—Instantaneous Refinement was complete.

Zhuang Yan held the mirror and shone it at the two of them. Venerable Tianmiao quickly brought forth a golden alms bowl to shield them. The mirror's light struck, and the golden alms bowl exploded on the spot, shattering their protective immortal aura. The two figures fell like tattered rags, their blood staining the clouds.

Zhuang Yan flipped his sleeve and produced an earthen jar, then sternly commanded, "Profound Light Flash!" With a flash of profound light, Venerable Tianmiao and the Golden Maid of Jade Pool were sealed within the jar. He hid the jar in his sleeve and returned alone, carrying the sealed Golden Maid of Jade Pool.

Lan Caihe clapped his hands and laughed, "How was it? For the Mountain God of Lingtai to capture these two was as easy as turning his hand over." As the other Immortals marveled, Lü Dongbin laughed heartily, "Giving dog meat to a noble scholar, truly worth it!"

Zhuang Yan carried the jar to Immortal Lord Yaohua, who praised, "Mountain Lord, your divine abilities are vast!" Just as she was about to take the jar, she saw Zhuang Yan shift his wrist slightly. The Immortal Lord understood and handed back the meat, smiling, "Let us establish the contract now."

A golden edict, written in cinnabar, was presented. An immortal official's jade edict was lightly pressed upon it. The twelve characters of the Jade Emperor's personally decreed Imperial Seal for the Minister of the Jade Palace appeared, making the edict scroll shimmer with radiance.

Immortal Lord Yaohua affixed the treasure seal, put away the jade edict and cinnabar brush, held the golden edict in her left hand, and extended her right hand forward.

Zhuang Yan smiled knowingly and handed over the earthen jar. Immortal Lord Yaohua took the jar and, at the same time, gave the golden edict to Zhuang Yan.

Zhuang Yan examined the golden edict closely. Three lines of golden text shone brightly: "By order of the Queen Mother of the West, the Ministry of the Jade Palace sincerely invites the Mountain God of Lingtai, Lord Zhuang Yan, to the Peach Banquet at Jade Pool. As per the law."

This was clearly a formal invitation, not some kind of written agreement! Just as Zhuang Yan was about to ask, Lan Caihe suddenly spoke, "The Mountain God has not yet told the Immortal Lord the method to unseal them."

Immortal Lord Yaohua was startled and quickly checked the seal on the earthen jar. Indeed, she could not break it. She looked up at Zhuang Yan, "Mountain Lord, your actions are not entirely forthright."

"Haha," Zhuang Yan laughed, "A momentary oversight." As he spoke, he took out a sheet of yellow jade parchment and used his magic to imbue it with the necessary information.

"Paste this talisman on the seal. 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 and extended her hand again, "Please return the Kunlun Mirror as well."

Zhuang Yan took half a step back and smiled, "Earlier, I only agreed to capture the Golden Maid; I didn't mention the Kunlun Mirror."

"This is the Queen Mother's treasure; how can you keep it privately?"

"I obtained it from the Golden Maid. It was done openly; how can it be considered private possession?"

Immortal Lord Yaohua insisted, "This item was originally stolen by the Golden Maid and should be returned."

"I only know I got it from the Golden Maid; I am unaware of its origins." Zhuang Yan's smile did not diminish.

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

Immortal Lord Yaohua: "..."

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

Everyone bowed to each other. Zhuang Yan cupped his hands, "Safe travels, Immortal Lord."

Immortal Lord Yaohua transformed into a green rainbow and flew westward towards Western Kunlun.

As soon as the Immortal Lord left, the Eight Immortals immediately surrounded them.

Tieguai Li spoke first, "Mountain Lord, that movement technique was truly exquisite. May I ask where you learned it?"

"I realized it myself," Zhuang Yan replied.

"Good comprehension!" Tieguai Li praised.

Zhongli Quan interjected, "Old Tieguai, you believe him just because he said he realized it himself?"

"I'll take his word for it," Tieguai Li laughed.

He Xiangu said softly, "Since we are colleagues, why pry?"

Lan Caihe nodded in agreement and then asked, "Did the Immortal Lord make any written agreement just now?"

"Written agreement?" Han Xiangzi frowned slightly.

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

"Is that so?" All the Immortals' gazes shot towards Zhuang Yan.

Zhuang Yan took out the golden edict and asked doubtfully, "Esteemed sirs, please look at this. Can this object truly serve as proof?"

The Eight Immortals gathered around. Lü Dongbin took one look and laughed loudly, "This is no written agreement; it's clearly an invitation to the Peach Banquet. Holding this golden edict allows one to attend any Peach Banquet, but it can only be used once. After entering Jade Pool, it will be reclaimed."

Zhuang Yan was astonished, "An invitation? Doesn't this require the Queen Mother's approval?"

Lan Caihe patted his shoulder, "Immortal Lord Yaohua is the Minister of the Jade Palace. If she had to ask for permission for such a small matter, wouldn't that make her too incompetent?"

Zhuang Yan immediately understood. He put the golden edict into his robes, his smile widening, "It's a fine day today. I wonder if the Eight Immortals would do me the honor of visiting my humble mountain?"

Cao Guojiu clapped his hands in agreement, "The Mountain God's hospitality, how could we refuse?"

Lü Dongbin drew his sword, and the Pure Yang Sword behind him hummed as it unsheathed, nine sharp sword energies appearing in the air.

"Esteemed sirs, please step onto the sword energies and accompany me to Spirit Platform Mountain." Before he finished speaking, the sword energies had already lifted everyone.

Nine streams of light pierced the Firmament, carrying laughter and joy as they disappeared into the clouds.

Within the Western Kunlun Jade Pool, in Qingxue Hall, amidst Jade Palaces and Towers, fragrant mist swirled.

Immortal Lord Yaohua, holding a whisk, respectfully entered the grand hall.

The Queen Mother of the West sat on a cloud platform, her jade-white immortal robes shimmering with radiance. Her nine-heaven golden crown reflected the universal halo around her. She held a jade ruyi scepter of myriad colors, exuding immense majesty.

"Your subject has captured the Golden Maid of Jade Pool and has come to report." Yao Hua Xian Jun bowed and informed.

The Queen Mother of the West's phoenix eyes slightly opened, "Where is the person?"

Yao Hua immediately presented an earthen jar, "Fortunately, with the assistance of the Mountain God of Lingtai, Zhuang Yan, the Golden Maid is now sealed within this jar."

"Unseal it."

The moment the talisman paper was affixed to the earthen jar, white light erupted, the jar shattered, and the person appeared. The Golden Maid of Jade Pool stumbled to the ground, blood seeping from her lips. Upon seeing the situation within the hall, her face instantly turned ashen.

"Your Ladyship..." she collapsed to the ground, 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. Considering your past merits, I shall spare your life. However, the Heavenly Rules cannot be broken—"

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

Two Golden Armored Divine Generals entered with solemn expressions, cupping their fists in salute, "Your subject awaits your command."

The Queen Mother of the West's phoenix eyes flickered as she pointed to the Golden Maid of Jade Pool, "Destroy her immortal body, and her Primordial Spirit shall be cast into the Primordial Wonderful Golden Lotus to be reshaped."

"As you command." The divine generals immediately escorted the fairy out of the hall.

The Queen Mother of the West then turned to ask Yao Hua Xian Jun, "Has the Kunlun Mirror been recovered?"

The Immortal Lord hurriedly begged for forgiveness, "Your Ladyship, please permit me to explain..." He then recounted the whereabouts of the treasure mirror in detail.

The Queen Mother of the West's expression was calm, "This item was used by me in my early cultivation. If it falls into the hands of demons and monsters, it will surely cause disaster. Since it is with the Mountain God of Lingtai, it is fine. He is a righteous god of the Heavenly Court; possessing this treasure will help suppress malevolent spirits. There is no need to retrieve it."

"Your subject respectfully obeys your imperial decree." Yao Hua Xian Jun bowed in agreement.

He then reported on the matter of the Peach Banquet, confessing, "Your subject acted on his own accord. I request Your Ladyship's punishment."

The Queen Mother of the West gently stroked her jade ruyi, "This is your duty, what offense is there? This matter was handled perfectly, and you should be commended instead."

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

Yao Hua Xian Jun was overwhelmed with gratitude, "Your subject is unworthy."

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

The Immortal Lord bowed three times to express his thanks, respectfully accepted the magical treasure, and withdrew. A cold voice then echoed in the hall, "The Golden Core."

The immortal maids immediately presented a jade plate with a Golden Core and lined up to serve.

Chapter 35: Bonds Forged at Danchi Ridge, The Eight Immortals Pavilion is First Established

Sword light receded before the Mountain God Temple of Lingtai, and the Eight Immortals, along with Zhuang Yan, descended gracefully. True Lord Fire Spirit strode forward to greet them.

"Greetings, Mountain Lord." True Lord Fire Spirit performed the rites with great respect.

Zhuang Yan smiled and introduced, "These are the Eight Immortals from the Upper Grotto. Come and pay your respects quickly."

True Lord Fire Spirit was shocked upon hearing this—although these eight were not top-tier experts, they enjoyed immense incense and fire offerings in the mortal realm.

"Your subject, Fire Spirit, greets all the Immortal Elders." He bowed deeply.

Lan Caihe teased, "So this is the mountain guardian general who dared to seize the incense and fire offerings from the Buddhist Sect."

The Seven Immortals grew solemn upon hearing this. Tieguai Li leaned on his staff and sighed, "A mere Earth Immortal, yet so audacious..."

"Not so." Zhongli Quan stroked his beard and chuckled, "He should have waited until his Dao Cultivation had progressed further before making a move. Who would be able to stop him then?"

True Lord Fire Spirit remained silent.

He Xiangu chuckled lightly, "Why must you trouble a junior?"

Zhuang Yan said to True Lord Fire Spirit, "Go and tidy up the side rooms, then invite the esteemed Immortals to be seated."

Lü Dongbin, however, asked, "Mountain Lord, your Mountain God Temple doesn't just have a main hall and a side room, does it?"

Zhuang Yan nodded and smiled, "It is indeed a bit rudimentary, but it is sufficient to accommodate the nine of us."

"Since it's a gathering, it should be accompanied by beautiful scenery and flowing water," Lü Dongbin turned to Tieguai Li and said, "Brother Li, you've been looking for a suitable place to house your 'Spirit Pavilion,' haven't you? What do you think of Danchi Ridge?"

Tieguai Li surveyed the surroundings and nodded, "The mountains are beautiful, the water is clear, and the clouds and springs are secluded. It is indeed a blessed land for immortals."

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

Tieguai Li pondered for a moment and asked everyone, "I originally intended to use this pavilion as a meeting place for the Eight Immortals. What are your thoughts?"

Zhongli Quan agreed, "Fellow Daoist Chunyang speaks wisely. This place is excellent."

Zhang Guolao, Cao Guojiu, Han Xiangzi, He Xiangu, and Lan Caihe all had no objections. Tieguai Li nodded, flipped his hand, and conjured a exquisite pavilion shrouded in immortal light.

He asked Zhuang Yan, "Mountain Lord, if a pavilion is erected above your Mountain God Temple, do you have any objections?"

Zhuang Yan smiled, "True Master Li, please proceed."

Tieguai Li waved his hand and tossed it. The pavilion flew to the summit of the hundred-zhang peak on Danchi Ridge, emitting a radiant immortal light.

With a boom, a three-story pavilion with vermilion eaves and green tiles appeared on the peak. It was surrounded by cliffs, accessible only to immortals.

Tieguai Li said, "Please bestow a name upon this pavilion."

Lan Caihe suggested, "Lingyun Tower."

Tieguai Li shook his head, "Too common."

He Xiangu asked, "How about Fu Xia Pavilion?"

Tieguai Li was still displeased. "A bit too awkward to say."

Cao Guojiu loudly declared, "Lingxiao Treasure Pavilion!"

Everyone was stunned. Zhongli Quan pointed at him with his palm-leaf fan and laughed, "Guards, drag him out and execute him."

Cao Guojiu stroked his beard and laughed heartily. "Since it's a pavilion on Danchi Ridge, why don't we let the Mountain God of Lingtai name it?"

Lü Dongbin chimed in, "Mountain Lord, you decide."

Zhuang Yan pondered for a moment and said, "This pavilion was established because of the Eight Immortals, so let's call it the 'Eight Immortals Pavilion'."

Zhongli Quan clapped his hands in approval. "Brilliant! The Eight Immortals Pavilion is excellent!"

Tieguai Li asked, "What's so good about it?"

Zhongli Quan said meaningfully, "It's good because it's in the Western Ox Continent!"

Han Xiangzi chuckled, "The Eight Immortals Pavilion lives up to its name."

Tieguai Li understood and looked at Zhuang Yan. "The Mountain God truly knows how to name things. Fine, let's call it the Eight Immortals Pavilion!"

With that, everyone flew up and landed inside the Eight Immortals Pavilion.

He Xiangu waved her sleeve and cast a spell. Instantly, countless lotus flowers bloomed within the hall. The buds were full and round, emitting a faint immortal glow. As they opened, they revealed nectar and ambrosia, along with delicacies.