Chapter 18

The immortals each displayed their divine powers, and before long, the lotus platform and jade table were piled high with immortal brews and Spirit Fruits. Zhuang Yan said to the Fire Spirit True Immortal, "Come, sit and drink with us."

Dazzled by the Eight Immortals' techniques, the Fire Spirit True Immortal hurriedly replied, "With the Mountain Lord and all the Immortal Masters present, how would this minor immortal dare overstep her station?"

Lü Dongbin raised his cup and laughed. "You were not so restrained when we fought over the Buddhist faith offerings that day. Come, take a seat. Everyone here is a carefree wandering immortal. What distinction of rank is there?" He Xiangu also lifted her cup in invitation. "Please, fellow Daoist."

"Take a seat," Zhuang Yan said with a smile. The Fire Spirit True Immortal's cheeks flushed rosy, starlight gleaming in her eyes. After saluting everyone, she happily took her seat.

After the feast, the Eight Immortals returned to Heaven to report. Upon hearing that Zhuang Yan had captured Venerable Tianmiao and the Golden Maid of Jade Pool, Emperor Shaoyang urgently asked, "How was Venerable Tianmiao to be dealt with?"

The Eight Immortals froze. Tieguai Li then bowed and pleaded guilty. "We were negligent and failed to ask about the matter."

Emperor Shaoyang waved his sleeve and smiled. "No matter. You have all worked hard, so go rest." After the Eight Immortals withdrew, the Service Officer spoke up. "The Eight Immortals actually forgot to ask about Venerable Tianmiao. That truly was improper."

"Venerable Tianmiao is Dinguang Tathagata. It was not that they forgot; they simply could not ask." Emperor Shaoyang said meaningfully, "You and I should also pretend not to see and leave him to the Mountain God of Lingtai."

The Service Officer hesitated. "What if the Mountain God flies into a rage and..."

"Then let him kill him." Emperor Shaoyang's expression turned stern before easing again. "The two of them violated the Heavenly Rules in the first place. Even if he deals with the Golden Maid of Jade Pool as well, the Queen Mother of the West will have nothing to say. Keep an eye on the Mountain God's movements. If he truly executes Venerable Tianmiao, report to me at once."

Seeing the Service Officer's confusion, the Emperor explained, "The Department of the Mortal Realm originally borrowed the Mountain God's strength to capture them. If this causes enmity with the Buddha, I will personally go to Spirit Vulture Mountain and bear this karma. We already owe him. How can we make him shoulder the grudges between the Buddhist sect and others as well?"

The Service Officer solemnly bowed. "I respectfully obey your decree."

Within towering auspicious clouds, Buddhist light shone everywhere before descending directly upon the summit of Danchi Ridge. A woman in white arrived upon a lotus and smiled at the Fire Spirit True Immortal sitting on the temple eaves. "Are you Fellow Daoist Fire Spirit?"

The Fire Spirit True Immortal abruptly rose and looked at the woman before her in confusion. "That is me. May I ask who you are?"

"Amitabha Buddha." The woman smiled and pressed her palms together. "This humble monk is the abbot of Tianren Temple in the Western Paradise, known by the Dharma name Zhunti."

"Oh!" The Fire Spirit True Immortal hurriedly leaped down from the roof and respectfully saluted her. "So it is the Bodhisattva herself. This minor immortal failed to welcome you from afar."

Mother Zhunti gave a slight nod. "Is the Mountain God of Lingtai in residence?"

The Fire Spirit True Immortal pointed toward the magnificent tower atop the peak. "In reply to the Bodhisattva, the Mountain Lord is currently within the Eight Immortals Pavilion."

"The Eight Immortals Pavilion?" Mother Zhunti looked somewhat surprised and turned her gaze toward the mountaintop.

The Fire Spirit True Immortal explained, "The Eight Immortals of the Upper Cave visited the other day. Because the Mountain God Temple was too small, Immortal Li Xuan specially placed this Spirit Pavilion here. The Mountain Lord then named it the Eight Immortals Pavilion."

"Excellent." Mother Zhunti understood.

The Fire Spirit True Immortal stepped aside to show the way. "Please make yourself at home, Bodhisattva. The Mountain Lord is cultivating quietly in the pavilion."

Cundi Bodhisattva rode the clouds directly to the Eight Immortals Pavilion. Following the aura, she arrived at the outer corridor of the third floor and saw Zhuang Yan sitting cross-legged, gazing over the mountains.

"The Mountain God is in an elegant mood," Mother Zhunti said with a smile.

Zhuang Yan opened his eyes and rose. "The Bodhisattva has honored this place with her presence. This minor god failed to welcome you from afar."

Zhunti pressed her palms together in return. "I have presumptuously disturbed you. I hope you will forgive me."

The two entered the pavilion and took their seats. Zhuang Yan came straight to the point. "Did the Bodhisattva come because of Venerable Tianmiao?"

Zhunti nodded. "Precisely. Entrusted by Dinguang Tathagata, I came to discuss how he should be dealt with."

"May I ask what the Ancient Buddha intends?"

"This man is Dinguang Tathagata, yet he eloped with the Golden Maid of Jade Pool to the mortal realm and has violated the Buddhist precepts. Our Buddha's intention is for this humble monk to bring him back to the Western Paradise for judgment." As Zhunti spoke, she took out an emerald glazed lamp. "As a token of gratitude, I offer you this Dinguang Glazed Lamp."

Zhuang Yan accepted the treasure lamp. "It was only a small effort. How could I dare accept such a generous gift?"

Zhunti smiled. "The Mountain God deserves it. First, it resolves the dispute between Spirit Vulture Mountain and the Jade Palace. Second, it forges a good bond. This lamp can stabilize the flow of time and has extraordinary uses."

"Then this minor god will accept it with gratitude." Zhuang Yan solemnly put it away.

"Oh?" Zhuang Yan's expression sharpened as he stared at the Dinguang Glazed Lamp in his palm. He immediately used a technique to refine it in an instant, then stored it within infinite space.

Cundi Bodhisattva suddenly sensed the Buddhist Aura on the lamp vanish, replaced by Zhuang Yan's aura. A flicker of surprise passed through her eyes before they returned to calm.

This lamp had been Ancient Buddha Dipamkara's personal treasure before attaining the Dao and had undergone countless ages of refinement by the Buddha. That Zhuang Yan could erase its former owner's mark in an instant secretly alarmed Mother Zhunti.

Zhuang Yan smiled and cupped his hands. "Please thank Ancient Buddha Dinguang on my behalf, Bodhisattva."

Zhunti pressed her palms together. "The Mountain God's goodwill will certainly be conveyed."

Zhuang Yan then handed over the ceramic urn sealing Venerable Tianmiao. "He is inside."

Mother Buddha accepted the urn, swept it with her Dharma eyes, and tucked it into her sleeve. Zhuang Yan asked, "Do you need the sealing talisman?"

"No need." Mother Buddha politely declined and rose to take her leave. "Thank you, Mountain God. This humble monk will return to report."

Zhuang Yan tried to keep her. "Why not have a monastic meal before leaving? I have already ordered the Mountain Guard General to hunt some game. I was just about to invite the Bodhisattva to sample my roasted meat."

Mother Buddha smiled and chanted, "Amitabha Buddha. I appreciate the Mountain God's kind intentions." With that, she rode an auspicious cloud westward and vanished in an instant.

After Mother Buddha had gone far away, Zhuang Yan brought out the treasure lamp again. Just then, a goshawk swept through the sky. He immediately raised the lamp and shouted softly:

A dim Buddhist light flashed, and the flying eagle instantly froze amid the clouds. Even the drifting clouds came to a standstill. Zhuang Yan stepped closer to inspect it and saw that time around the hawk had frozen, eternally fixed in that instant.

With a soft laugh, he withdrew the technique. The goshawk noticed nothing and flapped its wings as it soared away again. Zhuang Yan put away the lamp and landed, seeing that the Fire Spirit True Immortal had returned with deer and pheasants.

"Mountain Lord, is this enough game?"

"Enough. It is a pity our guest has already left." Zhuang Yan waved his sleeve. "Come with me. Let us take these to Mount Fangcun to visit a friend."

The Fire Spirit True Immortal asked in confusion, "Where are we going?"

Zhuang Yan pointed toward the depths of the clouds. "The Cave of the Slanting Moon and Three Stars." Before his words had faded, the Thousand Light Cloud Talisman had already carried the two of them through the air.

When Zhuang Yan arrived at the mountain gate, those who had been practicing immediately stepped forward to salute him. "Greetings, Mountain God."

Holding the game in her hands, the Fire Spirit True Immortal smiled. "These are for you to have an extra meal."

They repeatedly waved their hands. "We cannot accept them, we cannot. The Patriarch strictly forbids killing."

The Fire Spirit True Immortal tossed the fawn and wild chickens over. "I hunted these. It has nothing to do with you. Take them quickly."

Everyone caught the game in a flurry and looked at one another. "Did the Patriarch ever say we were not allowed to eat meat?"

"He seemed not to have mentioned it?"

"Should we ask the Patriarch?"

Cloudy Boy appeared at just the right time. "The Patriarch permits you to eat meat, but after eating, you must fast for seven days and purify your hearts."

Their spirits immediately rose, and they answered in unison, "We respectfully obey the decree." After thanking Zhuang Yan, they happily carried off the game.

Cloudy Boy saluted Zhuang Yan. "The Patriarch ordered me to welcome the Mountain Lord. Please follow me."

Zhuang Yan nodded and entered the Cave of the Slanting Moon and Three Stars with the Fire Spirit True Immortal following Cloudy Boy.

Within the lecture hall of the Cave of the Slanting Moon and Three Stars, Patriarch Bodhi sat across from Zhuang Yan as they sipped tea, while the Fire Spirit True Immortal stood quietly behind him.

"Please taste this tea." Patriarch Bodhi personally served him fragrant tea.

Zhuang Yan accepted the teacup. "Thank you, Patriarch."

Patriarch Bodhi stroked his beard and smiled. "Since we address one another as fellow Daoists, simply call me that."

"Then I shall comply with respect." Zhuang Yan raised his cup in acknowledgment.

"You have already reached Refining Void into Dao. Your immortal path holds great promise." Patriarch Bodhi's gaze shone brightly.

Zhuang Yan said seriously, "I was just hoping to seek guidance on the key to becoming an immortal."

"The key lies in one's realm." Patriarch Bodhi lightly waved his whisk.

Seeing Zhuang Yan listen intently, the Patriarch explained in detail, "The immortal path is the Heavenly Dao. The foremost priority is cultivating the heart and comprehending the Dao. A realm is right enlightenment. Once one gains right enlightenment, all methods naturally come into being."

"How does one cultivate right enlightenment?"

After pondering for a moment, Patriarch Bodhi suggested, "If you do not mind, you may come listen to my lectures every day at dawn."

Zhuang Yan hesitated slightly. "I have not undergone the ceremony of becoming your disciple. I fear that would be inappropriate."

He knew full well that he possessed a cheat ability. Becoming a disciple would only add needless karma. He had come to seek the Dao solely to achieve the immortal path quickly. Even without the Patriarch's guidance, he could attain it by piling up medicinal pills, though it would take more time.

After hearing this, Patriarch Bodhi laughed heartily. "Our friendship is deep. Mere Daoist methods are not worth mentioning. There is no need for the formalities of master and disciple. Come listen to the Dao whenever you have time."

Zhuang Yan immediately rose and cupped his hands. "Then Zhuang Yan thanks you here, fellow Daoist."

Patriarch Bodhi lightly waved his sleeve and pointed with a smile. "Why be so polite, little friend? Please sit."

Zhuang Yan sat down again. Patriarch Bodhi shifted his gaze to the Fire Spirit True Immortal behind him. "Your Profound Yang True Fire is considered above average among ordinary Daoist methods, but it still lacks a few mysteries."

The Fire Spirit True Immortal first glanced at Zhuang Yan, then bowed to Patriarch Bodhi. "I sincerely request the Patriarch's guidance."

Patriarch Bodhi said leisurely, "I have a method that can help you enhance the power of your Profound Yang True Fire."

"Please teach us, fellow Daoist." Zhuang Yan hurriedly cupped his hands.

Patriarch Bodhi nodded with a smile and said to the Fire Spirit True Immortal, "Come closer."

The Fire Spirit True Immortal hurried forward. Guhe had already prepared himself, and she respectfully knelt upon him.

Patriarch Bodhi said, "This method is called the Fire Control Art. Extend your hand."

The Fire Spirit True Immortal quickly held out her right palm. Patriarch Bodhi used his finger as a brush and wrote characters in her palm. Golden light burst forth, and the characters turned into streams of light that entered her eyes.

In an instant, the formula had imprinted itself upon her divine consciousness. Patriarch Bodhi stroked his beard and smiled. "Practice diligently. When you achieve mastery, you will be able to control divine fire and enter the mysteries. At that time, the power of your Profound Yang True Fire will not be inferior to Samadhi True Fire."

Hearing this, the Fire Spirit True Immortal could barely contain her excitement. She prostrated herself and kowtowed. "Thank you, Patriarch, for the great grace of imparting this method!"

"No need for such courtesy. Return and study it well." Patriarch Bodhi raised a hand in dismissal.

The Fire Spirit True Immortal respectfully acknowledged him and retreated to stand behind Zhuang Yan.

After a while longer, Zhuang Yan rose to bid farewell. Patriarch Bodhi personally saw him outside the cave and did not return until he had watched the master and disciple ride away on the clouds.

From then on, Zhuang Yan went to the Cave of the Slanting Moon and Three Stars every dawn to listen to the Dao. Patriarch Bodhi treated him as a confidant and specially arranged a seat on his left for them to sit together. It seemed more like two fellow Daoists discussing the Dao than a master teaching a disciple.

The morning lectures lasted for one hour. After listening, Zhuang Yan returned to the Mountain God Temple to handle affairs. Time flowed like water, and ten years passed in the blink of an eye.

Spirit Platform Mountain looked much the same ten years later. At dawn that day, auspicious clouds suddenly gathered in the sky.

The Fire Spirit True Immortal, who was cultivating outside the temple, looked up and muttered, "Immortal light bestows auspicious signs. Is someone about to ascend to immortality?"

As her thoughts raced, she suddenly remembered—the patch of green clouds above Zhuang Yan's head that morning when he had gone to Mount Fangcun, which had once been mistaken for divine light...

Just as the Fire Spirit True Immortal's thoughts stirred, boundless rosy light suddenly bloomed from Mount Fangcun's summit, and a brilliant immortal rainbow pierced the nine heavens.