The Heavenly Dao

The immortals each displayed their divine abilities, and in an instant, the jade table on the lotus platform was filled with immortal brews and spiritual fruits. Zhuang Yan said to the Fire Spirit True Immortal, "Come, sit and drink with us."

The Fire Spirit True Immortal, dazed by the Eight Immortals' magic, hastily replied, "The Mountain Lord and the esteemed elders are here; how dare I overstep."

Lü Dongbin raised his cup and chuckled, "When we were vying for incense and fire for the Buddhist Sect back then, you weren't this formal. Hurry and take your seat; these are all carefree rogue immortals, there's no hierarchy here." He Xiangu also raised her cup to invite him, "Fellow Daoist, please sit."

"Take a seat," Zhuang Yan said with a smile. The Fire Spirit True Immortal's face flushed, his eyes sparkled with starlight, and after bowing to everyone, he happily took his seat.

After the banquet, 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 should Venerable Tianmiao be dealt with?"

The Eight Immortals were stunned. Tieguai Li finally bowed and pleaded guilty, "Your subject was negligent and did not inquire about this matter."

Emperor Shaoyang waved his sleeve and chuckled, "It's alright. You have all worked hard; go and rest." After the Eight Immortals withdrew, the Service Officer stepped forward and said, "The Eight Immortals actually forgot to ask about Venerable Tianmiao; it is truly inexcusable."

"Venerable Tianmiao is Dinguang Tathagata; it's not that they forgot, but that they couldn't ask." Emperor Shaoyang said meaningfully, "You and I should also pretend not to see it and let the Mountain God of Lingtai handle it."

The Service Officer hesitated, "If the Mountain God becomes enraged..."

"If he kills him, he kills him." Emperor Shaoyang's expression turned stern, then he relaxed, "This matter was originally a violation of Heavenly Rules by those two. Even if the Golden Maid of Jade Pool is dealt with together, the Queen Mother of the West will have nothing to say." He then instructed, "Keep an eye on the Mountain God's movements. If he truly executes Venerable Tianmiao, report to me quickly."

Seeing the Service Officer's confusion, the Emperor explained, "This time, it was the Department of the Mortal Realm borrowing the Mountain God's power to capture them. If this leads to enmity with the Buddha, I will personally go to Spirit Vulture Mountain to bear this karma. Since we already owe him, how can we make him bear the grudges of the Buddhist Sect as well?"

The Service Officer respectfully bowed, "Your decree shall be followed."

Amidst ten thousand feet of auspicious clouds, Buddhist light shone down, directly landing on the peak of Danchi Ridge. A woman in white arrived treading on lotuses, and looking at the Fire Spirit True Immortal on the temple eaves, she smiled and said, "Is that Fellow Daoist Fire Spirit?"

The Fire Spirit True Immortal suddenly stood up and looked at the woman before him in confusion, "It is I, but may I ask who you are?"

"Amitabha." The woman smiled and clasped her hands together, "This humble monk is the abbot of Tianren Temple in the Western Paradise, my dharma name is Zhunti."

"Oh my!" The Fire Spirit True Immortal hastily leaped down from the eaves and respectfully bowed, "So it is the Bodhisattva who has arrived; this humble immortal has failed to welcome you properly."

Mother Zhunti nodded slightly, "Is the Mountain God of Lingtai within the manor?"

The Fire Spirit True Immortal pointed to the jade pavilion on the summit, "Reporting to the Bodhisattva, the Mountain Lord is currently in the Eight Immortals Pavilion."

"Eight Immortals Pavilion?" Mother Zhunti appeared slightly surprised and looked towards the summit.

The Fire Spirit True Immortal explained, "A few days ago, the Eight Immortals from the upper cave visited. As the Mountain God Temple was small, True Master Li Xuan specially placed this spiritual pavilion here, and the Mountain Lord named it the Eight Immortals Pavilion."

"Well said." Mother Zhunti understood.

The Fire Spirit True Immortal stepped aside to lead the way, "Bodhisattva, please make yourself at home. The Mountain Lord is currently in seclusion in the pavilion."

Cundi Bodhisattva ascended to the Eight Immortals Pavilion on clouds, following the aura to the outer corridor of the third floor. He saw Zhuang Yan sitting and observing the mountains.

"Mountain God has refined taste." Mother Zhunti said with a smile.

Zhuang Yan opened his eyes and stood up, "The Bodhisattva's arrival, this minor deity has failed to welcome you properly."

Zhunti clasped his hands in return, "I apologize for the intrusion; I hope you will forgive me."

The two entered the pavilion and sat down. Zhuang Yan got straight to the point, "Bodhisattva, are you here regarding Venerable Tianmiao?"

Zhunti nodded, "Precisely. Entrusted by Dinguang Tathagata, I have come to discuss the matter of his disposal with the Mountain God."

"What are the Ancient Buddha's plans?"

"This child, as Dinguang Tathagata, eloped with the Golden Maid of Jade Pool to the mortal realm, violating Buddhist precepts. My Buddha's intention is for this humble monk to bring him back to the Western Heaven for judgment." As Zhunti spoke, he took out a jade glazed lamp and presented the Dinguang Glazed Lamp as a token of gratitude.

Zhuang Yan accepted the precious lamp, "It was merely a small effort, how could I accept such a generous gift?"

Zhunti chuckled, "The Mountain God is worthy of it. Firstly, it resolves the dispute between Spirit Vulture Mountain and the Jade Palace; secondly, it fosters good karma. This lamp can stabilize the flow of time and has extraordinary uses."

"If that is the case, this humble deity accepts it with shame." Zhuang Yan solemnly accepted it.

"Oh?" Zhuang Yan's expression tensed as he gazed at the Dinguang Glazed Lamp in his palm. He immediately used the Instant Refinement technique to subdue it and then stored it in the Infinite Space.

Cundi Bodhisattva suddenly sensed that the Buddhist Aura on the lamp had completely vanished, replaced by Zhuang Yan's aura. A flicker of astonishment crossed his eyes, which then returned to calmness.

This lamp was the personal treasure of Ancient Buddha Dipamkara before he attained enlightenment, tempered by the Buddha over billions of years. Zhuang Yan's ability to instantly erase the original owner's imprint caused Cundi Bodhisattva to be secretly alarmed.

Zhuang Yan cupped his hands with a smile, "Please trouble the Bodhisattva to convey my thanks to Ancient Buddha Dinguang."

Zhunti clasped his hands in response, "The Mountain God's kind intentions, this humble monk will surely convey."

Zhuang Yan then handed over the ceramic urn sealing Venerable Tianmiao, "This person is within."

The Mother accepted the ceramic urn, her dharma eyes swept over it before she placed it in her sleeve. Zhuang Yan asked, "Do you require a seal-breaking talisman?"

"No need." The Mother politely declined, stood up, and took her leave, "Thank you, Mountain God. This humble monk will now return."

Zhuang Yan tried to persuade her, "Why not stay for a vegetarian meal before leaving? I have already ordered the mountain guard general to hunt some game, and I was about to invite the Bodhisattva to sample my roasted meat skills."

The Mother chanted Buddha with a smile, "Amitabha, the Mountain God's hospitality is appreciated." With that, she rode auspicious clouds westward and vanished in an instant.

After the Mother departed, Zhuang Yan brought out the precious lamp again. Just then, he saw a goshawk soaring through the sky. He immediately summoned the lamp and shouted lightly:

A dim golden Buddhist light flashed, and the flying hawk instantly froze in the clouds; even the flowing clouds seemed to stop. Zhuang Yan approached to examine it and saw that time around the hawk was frozen, eternally fixed in an instant.

He chuckled and withdrew the technique. The goshawk, as if unaware, flapped its wings and soared 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 the game sufficient?"

"It is, but alas, the guest has already departed." Zhuang Yan said, waving his sleeve. "Come with me and these to Mount Fangcun to visit a friend."

Fire Spirit True Immortal asked, "Where are you going?"

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

When Zhuang Yan arrived at the mountain gate, the disciples who were practicing immediately stepped forward to bow, "Greetings, Mountain God."

Fire Spirit True Immortal, holding prey in his hand, Zhuang Yan smiled, "This is for you to have an extra meal."

The disciples repeatedly waved their hands, "We dare not, we dare not! The Patriarch strictly forbids killing."

Fire Spirit True Immortal tossed the fawn and pheasant over, "I hunted these, they have nothing to do with you. Hurry and take them."

The crowd scrambled to catch the prey, looking at each other in confusion, "Did the Patriarch ever say we couldn't eat meat?"

"He doesn't seem to have mentioned it?"

"Should we ask the Patriarch for instructions?"

Cloudy Boy appeared at the opportune moment, "The Patriarch permits eating meat, but you must fast for seven days to purify your heart after consumption."

The disciples' spirits lifted, and they responded in unison, "We respectfully obey the edict." After thanking Zhuang Yan, they happily left with the prey.

Cloudy Boy bowed to Zhuang Yan, "The Patriarch ordered me to await the Mountain Lord. Please follow me."

Zhuang Yan nodded, and together with Fire Spirit True Immortal, followed the boy into the Cave of the Slanting Moon and Three Stars.

Inside the Scripture Lecture Pavilion of the Cave of the Slanting Moon and Three Stars, Patriarch Bodhi and Zhuang Yan sat opposite each other, sipping tea, with Fire Spirit True Immortal standing quietly behind him.

"Please taste this tea," Patriarch Bodhi personally offered the fragrant tea.

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

Patriarch Bodhi stroked his beard and smiled, "Since we address each other as fellow Daoists, you may simply call me by name."

"Respect is not as good as obedience," Zhuang Yan raised his cup in a toast.

"Young friend has already reached Refining Void into Dao. Your immortal path is promising," Patriarch Bodhi's gaze was sharp.

Zhuang Yan said seriously, "I wish to seek guidance on the essentials of becoming an immortal."

"It lies in one's state of being," Patriarch Bodhi gently waved his whisk.

Seeing Zhuang Yan listening intently, the Patriarch elaborated, "The immortal path is the Heavenly Dao. The foremost priority is cultivating the heart and comprehending the Dao. State of being is enlightenment. Once enlightenment is attained, all methods will naturally be achieved."

"How can I cultivate enlightenment?"

After a moment of contemplation, Patriarch Bodhi suggested, "If you do not mind, young friend, you may come listen to my lectures every day at the Mao hour."

Zhuang Yan hesitated slightly, "I have not performed the ceremony of becoming a disciple. I fear it may be improper."

He knew clearly: he possessed a cheat system. Becoming a disciple would only add to his karma. His current quest for knowledge was only to quickly achieve immortality. Even without the Patriarch's guidance, he could achieve it by relying on elixirs, though it would take longer.

Patriarch Bodhi laughed heartily upon hearing this, "The friendship between us is deep. Such trivial Daoist methods are not worth mentioning. There is no need for the ceremony of master and disciple. Feel free to come and listen to the Dao when you have time."

Zhuang Yan immediately stood up and cupped his fists, "Then Zhuang Yan thanks fellow Daoist here."

Patriarch Bodhi lightly waved his sleeve and pointed, laughing, "Why must young friend be so formal? Please sit down quickly."

Zhuang Yan reseated himself. Patriarch Bodhi's gaze shifted to Fire Spirit True Immortal behind him, "Your Profound Yang True Fire, while considered upper-middle tier among ordinary Daoist methods, still lacks a certain mystique."

Fire Spirit True Immortal glanced at Zhuang Yan first, then bowed respectfully to Patriarch Bodhi, "I implore the Patriarch for guidance."

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

"Please, fellow Daoist, impart your teachings," Zhuang Yan quickly clasped his hands.

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

Fire Spirit True Immortal quickly stepped forward. The Cloudy Boy had already prepared a mat, and she respectfully knelt upon it.

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

Fire Spirit True Immortal hurriedly extended her right palm. Patriarch Bodhi used his finger as a brush and wrote a character on her palm. Golden light flashed, and the inscription transformed into a stream of light that entered her eyes.

In an instant, the technique was imprinted into her consciousness. Patriarch Bodhi stroked his beard and smiled, "Practice diligently. When you achieve great mastery, you will be able to control divine fire and enter the profound mysteries. At that time, the power of your Profound Yang True Fire will be no less than Samadhi True Fire."

Hearing this, Fire Spirit True Immortal was overcome with emotion and prostrated herself, kowtowing, "Thank you, Patriarch, for the great grace of transmitting this Dharma!"

"No need for such formalities. Go back and comprehend it well," Patriarch Bodhi gestured with his hand.

Fire Spirit True Immortal responded respectfully and retreated behind Zhuang Yan to stand.

After a while longer, Zhuang Yan rose to take his leave. Patriarch Bodhi personally escorted them to the cave entrance and watched the master and disciple ascend into the clouds and depart before returning.

From then on, every day at the Mao hour, Zhuang Yan would go to the Cave of the Slanting Moon and Three Stars to listen to the Dao. Patriarch Bodhi treated him as a confidant, specially setting aside a seat to his left for them to sit together. This situation resembled two fellow Daoists discussing the Dao rather than a master instructing a disciple.

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

Ten years later, the scenery of Spirit Platform Mountain remained as it was. On this day, at dawn, auspicious clouds suddenly appeared in the sky.

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

In a flash of thought, she suddenly remembered—when Zhuang Yan went to Mount Fangcun this morning, the patch of green cloud above his head that she had mistaken for divine light...

Just as Fire Spirit True Immortal's thoughts stirred, the peak of Mount Fangcun suddenly erupted with ten thousand rays of radiant light, and a brilliant immortal rainbow pierced through the nine heavens.