Journey to the West: Treasure Vase of the Great Dao

Ever since rain had begun to descend from the heavens, their hearts, once anxious and troubled, had started to settle. Some began to dig wells, while others, led by the government office, engaged in water conservations projects, changing the landscape's water flow with their own hands.

Enthusiasm and hope once again blossomed on everyone's face. Those gifted in singing couldn't help but burst into folk songs. Although their singing was not necessarily pleasant to the ear, it was imbued with a joyful spirit, a reflection of their anticipation for the future.

The sound of singing spread through the air, reaching Lu Yu's ears from afar, prompting him to show a smile.

He could see that, through the continual efforts of the people, the water vapor flow in the Kingdom of Tarrycat was becoming more regular and solid. If someone were to try manipulating the stream of vapor again, it would prove much more difficult.

"It's just a pity that the Patriarch of the Nether River is too cautious to determine the location of his condensation rules based on the vapor flow," Lu Yu said to himself with some regret.

However, Lu Yu had ample patience. As long as the Patriarch of the Nether River was ready to allow the Sea of Blood to embrace the rules and authority, Lu Yu would be unable to miss such disturbances and would then be able to act accordingly. By now, he had already stepped into the threshold of the Five Qi Direction to Origin, and together with Monkey, he could well wrestle with this character.

All of a sudden, he saw a cloud of Auspicious Clouds rushing towards him from not far away, landing in front of Lu Yu. Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be Monkey.

"What brings you here, don't tell me you're worried about me," Lu Yu teased.

"With you around, how could I be worried? It's just that I've run into some trouble on the Journey to the West and am looking everywhere for help."

"There's something even you, Monkey, can't handle?" The fact that Monkey admitted such thing indicated the Demon encountered was no ordinary foe. Lu Yu pondered for a moment before realizing it must be the encounter with the Green Ox Demon.

"That Demon's strength isn't bad, but it's no match for me. It's just the ring it holds that's formidable. No matter how powerful a Magical Treasure, once encircled, it gets snatched away, which is a real nuisance," Monkey explained.

"Then what use do you have for me? Such a formidable being must surely not be of this ordinary world. It could be a ploy by some powerful entity."

"I've figured it out, this challenge of Journey to the West, all the Immortal Gods in the Three Realms can hardly wait to get involved, surely for some gain. A good opportunity like this, brother, how could I let you miss out?" Monkey said.

"Haha, it's good you still have some conscience. Now that things in the Kingdom of Tarrycat are mostly settled, I will go and see this troublesome ring you speak of," replied Lu Yu with a laugh.

Having said that, he rose into the clouds with Monkey and headed west. Soon, they saw a lush forested mountain. Tall and deep with woods, the sounds of various wild animals echoed back and forth, clearly not a place of good omens.

Upon reaching the place, Lu Yu saw, already crowded with countless Immortal Gods, figures whose names were well-known in the Three Realms.

Lu Yu inwardly admired, "Goodness, it has been years since such a display was seen, perhaps only during the capture of Monkey before."

The Immortal Gods also noticed Lu Yu accompanying Monkey and promptly greeted him: "Tea Saint, we salute you."

Lu Yu hastily returned their salutations. Though they honored him with the title 'Tea Saint,' he dared not display any arrogance. These were famous figures of old, not to be underestimated.

Among them, Nezha burst forth, saying, "Scholar Lu, it's been a long time. I didn't expect the Great Saint to have invited you too."

Lu Yu responded with a smile, "Third Prince, long time no see."

"Have you reached the Five Qi Realm?" Nezha scrutinized Lu Yu and asked in surprise.

"By a fortunate coincidence, I finally touched the threshold." Lu Yu responded with a smile. He hadn't expected Nezha to be so astute. During this time, he had successfully stabilized his realm, and without close observation, no one could notice that he had reached the Five Qi Realm.

"I never imagined you had already reached the Five Qi Realm, while I am still painstakingly refining myself in the Five Qi Boundary, not knowing when I will be able to push open that grand door," Nezha said with envy in his tone. He himself, being a Lotus Incarnation, had inherent deficiencies which had caused him to be stuck in the Five Qi Boundary for years, unable to advance. Seeing Lu Yu enter the gateway he had long dreamed of, the admiration in his voice was more than evident.

The other sages were also quick to congratulate him. They knew that entering the Five Qi Realm meant one was a reserve power among the mighty of the three realms, now capable of participating in major events of the three realms.

Many immortals present were listed on the Investiture of the Gods, bound beyond their control, with their power limited by the list, unable to progress. Knowing that both Lu Yu and Monkey had entered the Five Qi Realm, one could imagine their profound sentiments.

"Gentlemen, please wait. I'll meet this Demon King." Lu Yu didn't want to expose others' wounds and quickly spoke up to avoid further provoking these immortal gods.

Having spoken, he then landed in front of the entrance to the Golden Helmet Cave and called out to battle.

Already, the little demon guarding the cave entrance had run into the cave and knelt at the feet of the Green Ox Spirit to report, "Great King, a man dressed as a Scholar just descended from the sky and is now challenging us at the gate."

The Green Ox Spirit slightly furrowed his brow and asked, "Tell me more."

"Reporting, Great King, that person is clad in a green robe, with a Treasured Sword hanging at his waist, appearing very scholarly, not like those who came before. Instead, he resembles a teaching Scholar," the little demon truthfully replied.

"Dressed as a Scholar in a green robe? Heavenly Court doesn't seem to have such a person. I also wonder where this Monkey has found such a divine being," the Green Ox Spirit mused doubtfully to himself.

"Enough of that, it doesn't matter who he is. Since he has come, I must meet him properly. Minions, bring me my armor!" At the Green Ox Spirit's command, little demons immediately presented his armor. He donned the armor regally and strode out of the cave.

Upon exiting, he saw Lu Yu standing in front of the gate, his robes fluttering, looking nothing like someone who had come to challenge others, but rather like a Scholar touring a scenic spot.

However, for some reason, when the Green Ox Spirit saw Lu Yu, all the fur on his body stood on end because he seemed to recognize a familiar figure in Lu Yu—the shadow of his own master.

"The Tea Saint?" the Green Ox Spirit wondered aloud.

"It is indeed I, Lu Yu," Lu Yu said with a smile.

Relieved at hearing Lu Yu's response, the Green Ox Spirit breathed a sigh of relief. He was terrified just moments before. Now, he realized that the aura similar to his master's probably represented the unique demeanor of a Human Sage, invisible to others. From long association, he could feel it.

"Why would a Human Sage stir in these muddy waters for no reason?"

"A friend entrusted me. How could I not come?"

"I had forgotten your connection with that wretched Monkey. Since you're here, let's have a good fight," the Green Ox Spirit said with a laugh, but his hands were quick and decisive, grabbing his Long Spear and charging at Lu Yu.

Not to be outdone, Lu Yu drew his sword and clashed fiercely with the Green Ox Spirit.