vstars Chapter 40 The Duties of the Beasts, Hongjun's Perception
Chapter 40 The Duties of the Beasts, Hongjun's Perception
This sermon for beginners was not something that happened overnight, but rather something that lasted for hundreds of years.
During this time, the demons would sometimes fall into deep thought after receiving a single insightful comment, and at other times rise to practice their supernatural powers upon gaining some understanding. Daoist energy would flow around them, and their aura would rise and fall. The entire courtyard was filled with the essence of Daoism, and spiritual energy surged like a tide.
The most obvious changes were seen in the cranes. Their originally pure white wings, besides the swirling water vapor and mist, gradually developed mysterious patterns resembling auspicious clouds. When they flew, patches of rosy clouds accompanied them, clearly indicating that they had begun to grasp the essence of the Way of Clouds and Water.
Even the Four Symbols Banana Tree seemed to be affected, its four-colored leaves swirling faster and emitting a richer aura of the Four Symbols' essence.
On this day, Zhen Yuanzi and Hongyun fell silent, bringing their centuries-long sermon to a temporary end. The Daoist chanting in the courtyard gradually subsided, but the profound aura lingered for a long time.
Zhen Yuanzi's gaze swept over the beings before him, whose auras had all increased to varying degrees and whose eyes were now clearer and brighter, and he solemnly said:
"The path of cultivation is like rowing against the current; the key lies in perseverance and a down-to-earth approach. Now that you have entered the Wuzhuang Temple, you must always remember the essence of cultivation: to understand your true nature and elevate yourself, rather than blindly pursuing supernatural powers and magical abilities. Do not put the cart before the horse."
"We will heed your teachings, Master!" the demons responded in unison, their voices loud and clear, filled with determination for the future. After hundreds of years of listening to the Dao and cultivating, not only had their cultivation improved, but their state of mind had also undergone subtle changes, becoming less impetuous and more composed.
At this moment, the black Qilin stepped forward. It no longer felt any inferiority about its mutated bloodline; instead, it spoke with a calm confidence, saying respectfully:
"Master, we have received a great favor, being granted the opportunity to cultivate in this precious mountain. We have no way to repay this kindness. We wish to do our utmost for the temple. Please give us your instructions."
Zhen Yuanzi looked at it, then glanced at the other creatures that also showed expectant expressions, nodded slightly, pondered for a moment, and then said:
"In that case, let us assign duties according to your individual characteristics. The crane clan will be responsible for welcoming and seeing off guests and delivering messages;"
The four mythical beasts—Azure Dragon, Vermilion Bird, White Tiger, and Black Tortoise—can take turns patrolling the surrounding mountains and forests of Longevity Mountain, monitoring for any unusual activity, and maintaining peace and tranquility.
The nine-headed lion is majestic and powerful, capable of guarding the mountain gate and deterring villains;
Mo Qilin, you are thoughtful and perceptive, with a keen sense of the essence of plants. You can assist Mingyue in managing the herb garden and spirit garden within the temple.
"We obey the decree!" the demons responded in unison, their faces showing a sense of security and responsibility as they found their place. They dispersed and began to familiarize themselves with their future duties.
The cranes spread their wings and flew into the clouds, beginning to familiarize themselves with the patrol route; the four sacred beasts each chose their positions and began to explore the mountains and forests;
The nine-headed lion strode majestically toward the mountain gate; the black unicorn followed the bright moon toward the herb garden in the backyard.
Only the largest of the black tortoises remained quietly in place, its enormous eyes, as deep as a lake, gazing at Zhen Yuanzi with a hint of barely perceptible urgency and anticipation.
Zhen Yuanzi naturally understood its thoughts and said gently:
"Your situation is special. The opportunity for transformation is related to the fundamental principles. It cannot be forced or rushed."
For now, focus on your cultivation here, solidify your foundation, and carefully comprehend the connection between the earth's support and the soul's transcendence, as explained earlier. When the time is right, the opportunity will arise, and everything will fall into place naturally.
Upon hearing this, a look of understanding flashed in the eyes of the Xuan Turtle, and it slowly and solemnly nodded its massive head.
It moved its mountain-like body and slowly lay down in a corner of the courtyard, near the Four Symbols Banana Tree, where the essence of Earth was particularly rich. It closed its eyes and began to try to guide the vast, sea-like, yet still difficult-to-fully-control magical power within its body, according to its new insights. Its expression was serene and firm.
It believed that under the tutelage of this unfathomable and profoundly knowledgeable teacher, it would one day be able to break free from the shackles that had troubled it for countless years.
Hongyun saw all of this and couldn't help but clap his hands and laugh:
"Fellow Daoist Zhen Yuanzi, your Wuzhuang Temple, now with the Golden Dragon suppressing its fortune, adorned with spiritual roots, and with these disciples and followers each fulfilling their duties with their own unique characteristics, has finally shed some of its former desolation and is showing signs of prosperity and flourishing."
Zhen Yuanzi's gaze slowly swept across the entire courtyard once more: the nine-clawed golden dragon coiled in the center, breathing in and out the primordial energy of merit; the banana tree swaying gracefully, evolving the origin of the four elements; and the gourd vine full of vitality, nurturing seven innate spiritual objects.
And those cranes, sacred beasts, lions, and unicorns that were getting used to their duties and full of energy... On his ancient face, a rare, almost imperceptible, gentle expression appeared.
Indeed, after this lecture and absorption, the Wuzhuang Temple lineage of Longevity Mountain has truly laid its foundation and is quietly but firmly growing stronger in this vast and desolate world.
A lineage rooted in the Way of the Earth, encompassing all things and bringing blessings to all living beings, seems to be beginning to take shape.
Meanwhile, countless miles away in the primordial east, atop the towering and endless Jade Capital Mountain, lies an ancient Daoist palace shrouded in chaotic energy and innate Daoist charm.
An old man dressed in a black Taoist robe, with an ancient face and an aura that seemed to blend into the entire primordial world, slowly opened his eyes that had seen through endless years and cause and effect.
His gaze was calm yet profound, as if it could pierce through endless void and cross layers of dimensions, landing precisely on the not particularly conspicuous Longevity Mountain in the west, and on the vibrant courtyard within the Wuzhuang Temple.
"The ancestor of the Earth Immortals... taught all living beings the Way of the Earth and gathered fortune, which was a different path from the three races and from us."
The old man muttered to himself, his voice barely audible, yet it seemed to resonate slightly with the laws of the universe.
A subtle, indescribable meaning flashed in his eyes, as if he were admiring something, or perhaps deducing and perceiving it. After a moment, he slowly closed his eyes again, and his aura returned to stillness, as if he had transformed into an ancient, existing rock, continuing to immerse himself in his endless pursuit of the Great Dao.
Inside the Wuzhuang Temple, everything was in perfect order. Qingfeng and Mingyue were enthusiastically leading their new companions to familiarize themselves with the various halls, herb gardens, and meditation areas within the temple, chattering away as they explained the rules.
At the mountain gate, the nine heads of the nine lions turned alertly, their eighteen gazes scanning the surroundings like searchlights. No movement could escape their perception; they stood majestic and dutifully at their posts.
Above the clouds, several cranes spread their newly grown cloud-patterned wings, dancing gracefully and tracing beautiful paths. Their clear and melodious calls echoed through the mountain streams, adding a touch of ethereal beauty to this sacred Taoist temple.
Everything, in a seemingly calm yet turbulent state, is steadily moving towards a direction that is both unknown and seemingly predetermined in some grand destiny.
The primordial panorama is slowly unfolding, with Longevity Mountain as one of its key nodes.