Journey to the West: Treasure Vase of the Great Dao

"However, this guy is not a simple character, whether you can subdue him depends on your own ability," Lu Yu said with a smile to Liu Qingyun. Although he said this, he was very confident in his eldest disciple.

The younger brothers also hurriedly congratulated their eldest brother, knowing that Lu Yu often went out, and many cultivation problems were solved by Liu Qingyun; thus, there was no hint of jealousy among the brothers, but rather great joy.

Seeing the harmonious relationship between his disciples, Lu Yu also showed a relieved smile, as no one wished to see their disciples scheming against each other and neglecting their cultivation.

Ruyi True Immortal, watching coldly from the side, had already made up his mind that Lu Yu was not easy to deceive. He didn't believe that Liu Qingyun, as a disciple, would be that difficult to cope with. Once Lu Yu left, he would have the chance to escape and would surely summon his friends to seek revenge.

Lu Yu watched Liu Qingyun lead away Ruyi True Immortal and a barely discernible smile appeared on his face. If Ruyi True Immortal really targeted his eldest disciple, there would probably be a good show to watch.

"Master, the Jade Talisman you left here suddenly lit up a few days ago, as if conveying some message!" Liu Qingyun suddenly said.

Upon hearing this, Lu Yu frowned. This Jade Talisman was his link to Huaguo Mountain, but since the Monkey had returned, Huaguo Mountain was naturally very safe, so it had already become redundant.

Stepping into Cave Heaven, he opened the Jade Talisman and found a message from Marshal Ma, saying that the stone Lu Yu had asked them to watch had undergone a change.

Only then did Lu Yu remember that he had taken the Monkey's placenta and a Golden Relic Pill gifted by Kui Mulang, and modeled after an old layout, hoping to refine an external incarnation for the Monkey.

Such a matter was about capturing the essence of heaven and earth and delving into the secrets of the sun and moon, and Lu Yu could not be absent; thus, he gave a few instructions to Liu Qingyun and quickly mounted the clouds, flying directly to Huaguo Mountain.

Ruyi True Immortal, watching Lu Yu's departing figure, felt secretly delighted, thinking that his chance had finally come. However, at that moment, he still restrained his eagerness to prevent Lu Yu from returning unexpectedly.

Lu Yu riding the clouds arrived at Huaguo Mountain, finding it unchanged from before, with eternal spring, lush vegetation, and countless little monkeys frolicking—a perfect utopia.

The monkeys on lookout quickly informed Marshals Ma and Liu about Lu Yu's arrival, and a large crowd of respectful monkeys came to greet him.

Seeing this, Lu Yu said with a smile, "It's not my first visit; is such a grand welcome necessary?"

However, Marshal Ma replied, "Master, you have granted us immense kindness. Without your care, Huaguo Mountain would still be in ruins. Although we bear the bodies of beasts, we understand the principle of repaying even a drop of kindness with a spring of gratitude."

At this, Lu Yu shook his head with a smile and said, "Reading can clarify and enlighten, but it should not be about cramming or becoming pedantic, which would go against the original intentions of the Sages."

Among these crafty monkeys, only Marshal Ma was fond of reading, and now to Lu Yu, this crafty monkey did not have any of the liveliness typical of monkeys, but rather seemed as rigid as those pedantic scholars he had seen, prompting him to speak out.

Marshal Ma still meticulously performed the rites and said, "Master, your words are etched in my heart. I read the books of Sages to pursue the path of the Sages, not to mimic. Please be assured, Master."

Lu Yu saw his natural tone and clear eyes and knew that this was not a mere imitation but a genuine absorption of the teachings into his heart, truly aspiring to live up to the sage's guidance. He sighed deeply and said, "I had not expected a scholar like you to emerge among these monkeys, truly a rare gem."

"Now tell me exactly what caused the change in the message!" Lu Yu asked in a deep voice.

"Master, ever since you commanded, we have been diligently monitoring day and night. During this time, each time we observe the stone, we can faintly sense a heartbeat, scaring some of the little monkeys away from coming close," Marshal Ma carefully explained the recent changes to Lu Yu.

After listening to the description, Lu Yu thought to himself that perhaps this stone placenta was about to be born. Hence, he said, "I now understand, it seems to be nothing serious. Rest assured, I will be staying at Huaguo Mountain for a while. Live your lives without worry, and do not be disturbed by such minor matters."

Upon hearing Lu Yu's words, Marshal Ma immediately felt relieved; during this period, the changes had caused panic among the monkeys, with all sorts of rumors flying around. With his limited mana and understanding, he could not judge the situation well, but with Mr. Lu's vast Divine Skills and superior wisdom, having him preside over was immensely reassuring.

A grin of delight appeared on his face as he said, "With Master here, we can indeed rest easy!"

Lu Yu smiled and nodded, instructing Marshal Ma to spread the news that he would be presiding over Huaguo Mountain to calm the recent restless monkeys. He then headed to the summit of Huaguo Mountain, where he decided to meditate quietly for a while.

Mmeanwhile, in Mountain Luoxia, Ruyi True Immortal was shifting his eyes. Having not seen Lu Yu return for a long time and knowing from the two little fellows that Lu Yu might need some time, wild ambitions began to stir in his heart.

As usual, Liu Qingyun placed the Spirit Fruit in front of Ruyi True Immortal, hoping to curry favor and soon have his own mount.

"Liu Qingyun, do you not wish for great power?" Ruyi True Immortal's seductive words reached his ears.

Surprised by the uncharacteristic behavior of Ruyi True Immortal, Liu Qingyun realized that he had shown his true colors not long after the Master had left. No wonder the Master had said he was not a simple character. Clearly, Ruyi True Immortal saw him as an easy target.
Your next journey awaits at My Virtual Library Empire

With this thought, a sly smile appeared on Liu Qingyun's face as he smilingly said, "I do wish it; who doesn't want great power? Otherwise, what would be the point of our cultivation?"

Upon hearing this, Ruyi True Immortal immediately displayed a joyous smile, his eyes deep and dark, like a hunter watching his prey step closer and closer into his trap.

"If you truly wish to become stronger, I have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for you, it depends on whether you can seize it," he continued to entice Liu Qingyun.

"What opportunity? Where is it?" Liu Qingyun immediately showed a curious expression, asking eagerly.

"Unfortunately, this opportunity is not here. It's in a place called Green Screen Mountain."

"Green Screen Mountain?" Liu Qingyun murmured to himself, clearly having never heard of such a place.

"It's not a well-known mountain, it's normal that you've not heard of it. It's located in Xiniu Hezhou, and without guidance, it would be hard for anyone to find," Ruyi True Immortal explained.