Journey to the West: Treasure Vase of the Great Dao

Those were scenes he had treasured in his heart for many years, he had once thought that time would gradually erase these memories, but it was not until today that he realized this was merely his own wishful thinking.

Time only preserves these memories, polishing them into something even more beautiful and storing them deep within the heart, so that when the right moment arrives, they suddenly spring forth, unsettling the mind, stirring emotions, bringing both joy and sorrow.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Sheng Hong, holding his cup of wine, drank merrily amidst the flattery of those around him, a rosy flush spreading across his originally fair face.

Without intending to, he caught sight of the desolate Taoist amongst the crowd, sitting in the midst of everyone yet seeming to be distant from the worldly affairs. Sheng Hong sighed to himself, recognizing the demeanor of a true sage. Experience more tales on empire

Speaking of the Golden Cauldron Taoist, he had come to visit his family residence a while ago, seeking a woman surnamed Zhao. However, after asking everyone around, not a single person had knowledge of this woman's whereabouts.

For some reason, the Golden Cauldron Taoist seemed to have thought of something, his face fell, and after that, he asked Sheng Hong if he could stay for a few days.

Sheng Hong had intended to refuse, but for reasons he couldn't explain, looking at the elderly man before him with his head full of white hair, he felt an indescribable fondness, and the words of refusal he had at the tip of his tongue somehow wouldn't come out.

Ever since the Golden Cauldron Taoist had moved into the residence, he had mostly kept to himself, occasionally strolling around the property and often inquiring the servants about how the old master of the house used to live.

The Sheng family's mansion had been passed down to Sheng Hong, making him the third generation. His grandfather, after making his fortune, had bought this residence, with every blade of grass and every flower and stone carefully selected by him and his wife.

Although the descendants had renovated it a few times, the major aspects remained unchanged.

One day, the Golden Cauldron Taoist was caressing a tall orange tree in the house and asked those nearby, "What a thriving orange tree. I wonder who planted it; it's well taken care of."

"I heard it was the old master who planted it because the old madam liked it. The whole family treasures this tree as if it were a gem, which is why it has grown so well. Despite not dying over so many years and becoming even more prosperous, what's odd is that this old tree hadn't flowered or fruited for many years, but this year, it's flowering abundantly.

People of Shencheng say this is a sign our lord will soon rise to great fortune."

Hearing this, the Golden Cauldron Taoist was stunned, lost in thought, and then he heavily sighed, "If a tree can thus flourish, what then of human beings?"

This time, Lu Zhang's army was formidable and fearsome, frightening many into a panic-stricken flight. Sheng Hong also knew that he could not possibly defend the small city of Shencheng, yet as the guardian of the city, how could he dare to abandon his post? His upbringing since childhood would not allow him to hesitate in battle, much less surrender.

In these times of fear and uncertainty, the Golden Cauldron Taoist suddenly stood up and said, "The old Taoist has been staying at the lord's residence, which might have been intrusive. The lord has not despised my shabbiness, so today, with the enemy army approaching, although I have no other skills, I will set a formation for the lord to block the enemy forces."

The words of the Golden Cauldron Taoist were spoken softly, but in Sheng Hong's ears, they rang like thunder, stunning and awakening him.

"Taoist Priest, this is no joking matter. Ever since Lu Zhang began his military campaign, he has won every battle. You needn't lose your life for such a trivial favor," for he did not believe in a formation that could halt an army of a hundred thousand.

Yet the Golden Cauldron Taoist slowly took out a Treasure Mirror, aimed it at a rockery in the distance, and with a flash of light, the solid stones burst apart, leaving the onlookers wide-eyed and slack-jawed.

"To think I have met an immortal in person, Sheng Hong has been oblivious to the mountain before his eyes, neglecting the Immortal. I beg your forgiveness for my oversight."

Seeing the Golden Cauldron Taoist wield such methods, Sheng Hong was both shocked and elated. He was shocked because the Taoist's skills were so advanced, and yet his appearance did not betray the slightest hint of it. He was happy because if the Taoist had such abilities, then what he had said before was likely no idle talk, and hope was suddenly ignited in his heart.

After that, the Golden Cauldron Taoist set up the Golden Light Formation, and indeed, it caused Lu Zhang's army to be unable to move an inch.

Sheng Hong reminisced about the past and sighed to himself. If it weren't for the Taoist in front of him, his own life and property would probably be hard to safeguard now.

"Why is the Taoist Priest so downcast?" Sheng Hong asked the desolate Taoist.

"Perhaps the Taoist has grown old and can't help but reminisce about the past. You young people need not mind an old man like me." The Golden Cauldron Taoist replied with a smile, but the desolation in his eyes remained.

Sheng Hong couldn't figure out what the Golden Cauldron Taoist was thinking, but he knew that old people liked to be nostalgic. Maybe this scene reminded the Taoist of the past. He was actually very curious about what kind of past and stories a person like the Taoist could have.

"The Taoist Priest is surely a cultivator. Who knows, by the time we all become old men, the Taoist Priest might still look the same."

"Exactly, exactly. The Taoist Priest is someone who seeks to live a long and healthy life!" The people around laughed and complimented the Golden Cauldron Taoist, dispelling the moment of desolation and coldness, and the banquet once again filled with laughter and cheerful voices.

Meanwhile, Lu Zhang and several others were discussing strategies inside the main tent. They were somewhat reluctant to return home in such a defeated manner.

"What if I go into the Formation tomorrow to see for myself? Just leaving like this may deal too great a blow to the morale of our soldiers. Moreover, if they set up the formation again next time we come, what then?" Chang Chunzi said.

"No, we saw the power of the Formation just now. Without absolute certainty, entering would only add to the number of Lost Souls!" Lu Zhang instantly rejected the suggestion.

"Now we're really in a dilemma. If we really have no other way, we can only ask Mr. Lu for help!" Hu Shengliang thought of Lu Yu, convinced that such an expert could easily break the Formation.

"That said, asking my uncle to take action so readily might invite ridicule from everyone," Lu Zhang now understood that his uncle, a person of such stature, seldom intervened. If they asked him to step in for such a trivial difficulty, it would damage his uncle's reputation. However, he didn't dismiss the idea completely.

If it really came to a point where battle was unavoidable, he wouldn't be stingy about leveraging the strong support he had behind him.

Just as they were unable to make a decision, a report suddenly came from outside the main tent. A man in a white robe was requesting an audience, claiming to be a relative of Hu Shengliang and had come to resolve the army's predicament.

Upon hearing this, Lu Zhang quickly stood up and said, "Then don't delay in inviting him in!"

He then turned to Hu Shengliang with a smile and said, "We were just worrying, and now someone comes seeking an audience. I wonder which branch of your relatives he is from!"

"There are many in the Qingqiu clan, and without his name, I do not know who it is. But since he claims he can relieve our trouble, I guess he must be credible. After all, there are several esteemed ancestors behind us; Qingqiu's reputation cannot be lost."

Shortly after, a White-Robed Scholar entered the tent from outside. He was holding a folding fan, looking handsome, with a pair of captivating peach blossom eyes.