Chapter 5: The Transmission of the Demon Sovereign's Teachings (1)
Feeling the dynamic aura of the spiritual entity beneath them, the two brothers gazed at the city of Chaoge under the night sky, giving rise to a sentiment of being reborn as humans
Yao Yang and Yi Xian closely followed Chi Bo as they mounted the black tiger. Upon hearing the low call of the heavenly crow, the four-legged beast had already taken to the ground and unexpectedly leaped down from the high ridge, instantly appearing as if it had sprouted wings. The tiger's body soared through the air, racing towards the southeast direction of Chao Ge.
Since we became aware, we have not known who our parents are; we only have a jade token of different shapes on each person. The eldest has one inscribed with 'Yao Yang', while mine is inscribed with 'Yi Xian', so we have come to refer to each other by these names... Yi Xian gently touches the jade pendant hanging around her neck, reminiscing about the past, feeling a sense of melancholy.
Only a deep, rich, and somewhat antiquated voice resonated from behind them, echoing through the air
After hearing this, Chi Bo's expression changed in shock, but he quickly returned to normal and said: "Oh! Is there really such a thing? It seems that the diviner has some skills after all. In that case, why not let you all witness the power of this deity!"
"You rascal, it seems that while the mountains and rivers may change, one's nature is hard to alter." Yi Xian suddenly understood, and exchanged a glance with Yao Yang, bursting into hearty laughter. Along the way, they bought this and that, joking and playing around, as if they had completely forgotten the earlier feelings of dejection and despair
With a heart full of excitement, Yixian looked at Yaoyang and after a long while, nodded and said with emotion
Please do not misunderstand, I truly dare not hide this from you!" Yaoyang hurriedly recounted the matter of Jiang Ziya's appointment in full detail, and finally added: "We brothers have no enmity with him recently, nor any grievances in the past, and there is nothing else that could deceive him for his benefit... According to reason, he should not deceive us.
Yixian shook her head in confusion and replied, "I have heard Grandpa Huazi say before that everything there is good, but I don't know if it's true or not"
Do not be alarmed! The True Man Chi first spoke to calm their panic, then stepped up to the ridge to gaze far and wide, standing with his hands clasped behind his back, looking down upon the world with a disdainful gaze as he observed Chaoge, and began to narrate:
Yao Yang chuckled as he put his arm around Yi Xian's shoulder and said, "We, the twin treasures of the world, should quickly pack our bags and head west. Hey, thinking of Grandpa Huazi, I suddenly feel that the experience of fleeing from disaster isn't so bad after all. I've heard that the farthest west is a place called Xiqi. Great! Let's go there to 'make our mark'!"
The door was suddenly opened with a creak
Chi Bo Wei felt a sense of astonishment, suspecting that the two were once again evading responsibility. With an expression of displeasure, she sternly said: "At your young age, what do you know of calamities? If you are willing, then so be it; if you do not agree, then do not agree! Do not use excuses to evade; do you think this esteemed one has nothing better to do than to come and play with you?"
The two brothers listened with a sense of confusion, staring blankly at each other, unable to comprehend the true meaning behind the words spoken by the immortal Chi Bo. In the end, it was Yaoyang who could no longer hold back and asked, "What does this have to do with us brothers? You can't be suggesting that you have your eyes on us to take over some sect... some Dao, can you?"
This statement seems insincere! Since ancient times, nobles and generals have not been of a single lineage; those who achieve great things do not concern themselves with trivialities. Historically, many emperors have abdicated; what does it matter if one comes from humble beginnings?" Chi Bo looked up to the sky and laughed heartily, expressing deep regret as he said: "If you cannot even let go of this little matter, then no matter how I teach you the way to defy fate and change your destiny, it would be of no use and merely a waste of breath! Alas... I regret that yesterday, upon seeing your brotherly demeanor, like dragons coiling and phoenixes singing, I was immediately inspired to take you under my wing. But alas, if you cannot even let go of this little matter, then no matter how I teach you the way to defy fate and change your destiny, it would be of no use and merely a waste of breath! Alas... I regret that yesterday, upon seeing your brotherly demeanor, like dragons coiling and phoenixes singing, I was immediately inspired to take you under my wing. Enough, enough... Let it be considered that I misjudged you!"
We have no luggage at all; even these clothes were just given to us by Mr. Jiang! It's just that the journey is long, and we have no money for expenses! The mood of leaning on the strings has finally returned to normal
Chibo was slightly taken aback and asked, "Do you brothers not have a surname?"
Yao Yang was astonished to hear that it would take as long as five hundred years to cultivate, and he couldn't help but click his tongue in surprise. However, he kept murmuring "Huan Yuan Zhen Xiu Fa Jue," feeling an irresistible itch in his heart, already planning what spiritual creatures he should nurture by that time. The more he thought about it, the more thrilling it seemed, and he couldn't help but impatiently ask, "Chi Bo, when can we go to meet Master Wu Wei and learn the spells?"
The two brothers responded in unison.
Yao Yang lay on the outer side of the bed, impatiently poking his head out from under the covers, squinting his sleepy eyes to see who was calling them to get up. He hazily guessed that it must be the beautiful maid named Tao'er who had led them to the guest room last night
"No need for excessive courtesy!" Chi Bo, with a majestic presence, descended from the tiger, gracefully alighting from its back. He extended his arms to assist the two individuals, offering them comfort as he said, "As for the person with the surname Jiang that you mentioned, they are certainly not a wandering immortal or a true immortal; otherwise, with my experience spanning thousands of years across the three realms, I would have certainly heard of them." He then spoke with pride, "You need not worry; as long as you follow me, I ask you, how many in the three realms and six paths could possibly harm you?"
Leaning on the strings, my thoughts whirled in my mind, and I cautiously asked: "Since we brothers have been foolish as pigs since childhood, of little use, often taken away to serve as slaves, doing nothing but menial and degrading tasks, we should be quite distant from what the predecessors referred to as individuals of superior talent and disposition!"
As night falls, the vast sky is devoid of any starlight, and the distant city of Chaoge appears hazy, resembling a dark silhouette standing before one, imparting an intangible sense of pressure. The early autumn evening breeze sweeps over the bare hills, and the night is cool as water
After leaving the building, the two brothers, Yaoyang and Yixian, wandered aimlessly down the street. Since they had already fallen into such a tragic fate, they were no longer afraid of being captured by Fei Zhong's men. Suddenly, they both felt a sense of being in a vast world yet having no place to belong. No one spoke a word, and they did not know where to go. They walked in silence for a long stretch of road.
Upon hearing these words, not only did Chi Bo remain stunned for a moment, but even Yi Xian began to regard this brother, with whom he shared life and death, in a new light
Through the thin, swirling morning mist, one can faintly see the plaque outside the manor inscribed with the four characters "Dong Xuan Bie Yuan", which complements the pleasant surroundings and accentuates the profound tranquility.
Standing before the bed is not a beautiful and charming maid, but rather a creature approximately five feet tall!
Chibo nodded repeatedly in approval and waved his hand, saying, "Alright, you all can temporarily accompany me back to the nearby 'Dongxuan Bieyuan' to settle down!" After saying this, he waved his large robe, and the black tiger "Tianwu" immediately crouched down on the ground.
When have the two of them ever slept on such a soft bed from childhood to now? At this moment, they are deep in sweet dreams, completely oblivious to the knocking at the door, both covering their heads with the blankets and continuing to sleep soundly in bed
Who are you? Yao Yang and Yi Xian were both startled and rose in surprise almost simultaneously
Yao Yang was also sad for quite a while, before finally wiping away the tears from the corners of his eyes. With his innate stubbornness kicking in, he looked at Yi Xian and said in a strange tone: "Hehe! If heaven were fair, it should let us fill our stomachs before the execution... Then do you think it would allow us two poor boys to marry a wife?"
I don't feel anything! Yao Yang tightened his collar and, with great interest, pointed towards the western horizon behind the heavy mountains, saying, "I just don't know what the West Qi will be like."
Avoiding the scrutiny of the city guards, Yaoyang and Yixian stealthily slipped out of Chaoge City, carrying provisions as they embarked on their journey westward
As they spoke, the black robe of Chi Bo began to move on its own without any wind, and an inexplicable force suddenly surged forth, compelling the two brothers to retreat several steps. When they focused their gaze again, Chi Bo's tall and enchanting figure had inexplicably vanished.
Gazing at the city of Chaoge, where the lights have just begun to shine, Yi Xian suddenly sighed and said: "I don't know why, although we have been enduring hunger, cold, and humiliation here these days, today, as we are about to leave, I unexpectedly feel a bit reluctant to part with this place."
At this moment, Yaoyang and Yixian were no longer in doubt. Coupled with such extraordinary encounters, their hearts were filled with both joy and emotion, and they simultaneously bowed in reverence at the feet of Chibo, respectfully knocking their heads and saying: "Disciple pays respects to Master!"
Yao Yang and Yi Xian finally saw the appearance of the old man clearly, and they couldn't help but gasp in shock, momentarily speechless. This old man in black was none other than the real person who had been invited by Fei Zhong to subdue demons, the Master Chi. At this moment, he exuded an aura of mysterious and eerie strength, and although he wore a smile on his face, it gave an exceptionally profound and unfathomable impression.
Leaning against the strings, I found it quite interesting. I walked over and curiously stroked the glossy fur of the black tiger, feeling a deep affection in my heart
This statement was articulated with clarity and reason, leaving Yixian speechless, nodding repeatedly in silence, and significantly altering his view of Chibo. Yaoyang, further inspired, thumped his chest and declared proudly: "Who says we are bound by trivialities? A true man stands tall and firm, acts justly and sits steadily; why would he care about birth or rank? I hold those nobles and emperors in disdain! In this vast world, I seek my own freedom and ease; is that not more gratifying?"
Absolutely not! Chibo hurriedly stopped them, and with a sudden shake of his body, a tremendous force gently supported the two brothers as they knelt in worship. Observing their puzzled expressions, Chibo chuckled and explained, "In my 'Eastern Sacred Path', we pay homage to the founding master, the Sage of Non-Action, rather than to my true self! Since all disciples address each other as peers, you may continue to call me Chibo in the future! By the way, I still do not know your surnames and given names?"
Leaning on the strings and gazing at the sky, memories of past scenes came to mind, and tears flowed down uncontrollably
The two brothers readily agreed.
Chibo laughed heartily as he helped the two up, and said solemnly: "From now on, you shall be my direct disciples under the 'Eastern Sacred Path'. You must no longer act recklessly and must obey the commands of the sect in all matters, do you understand"
The old man in the black robe let out a sinister laugh, his piercing gaze fixed on the two individuals. He slowly walked to a short distance in front of them and said, "You two young brothers truly have a tendency to forget important matters!"
Do not be anxious!" Chi Bo shook his head with a smile, then said solemnly, "I have important matters to attend to. You all should stay with me for the time being. I can teach you some quick spells for self-defense. Once the matters are settled, we will return to the Holy Gate immediately to perform the entrance ceremony for you all!"
Wow..." Yaoyang screamed as if he had been electrocuted, already frightened to the point of retreating into the quilt, crawling from one side to the other, shaking Yiqin awake with force, and incoherently calling out, "Xiao Yi, get up quickly, there is a monster here! Hurry up—"
Yixian was aware of his habit of finding joy amidst suffering; he wanted to say something but did not know what to say. Looking up at the still bright sunlight, he let out a long, dazed sigh
Yao Yang first broke the deadlock of gloom, forcing a smile as he joked, "I didn't expect that our brotherhood would come to an end so soon"
Yixian turned over and sat up helplessly, rubbing her still-closed eyes with difficulty, and shouted irritably: "Where? Where is the monster?"
Upon seeing the massive creature following Chibo—the black tiger—Yaoyang could not contain his excitement and attempted to approach it. Noticing that the black tiger remained calm and unperturbed, he could not resist gently stroking it a couple of times. The black tiger, understanding his intent, squinted its bright eyes and appeared as docile as a cat, allowing him to pet it. Yaoyang's interest grew even more, and he could not help but exclaim, "Wow, when can we also have such a obedient tiger as a pet?"
This is my brother Yaoyang!" Yixian respectfully introduced, "My name is Yixian
With a furrowed brow, leaning on the strings, she speculated on the intentions of the immortal Chi. She couldn't help but recall what Jiang Ziya had said about fate, pondering whether this immortal would kill them for no reason. Looking around at the surroundings, it indeed seemed to align with the saying "exposing corpses in the wilderness," which made her feel even more anxious.
Chi Bo patted the shoulders of the two and comforted them, saying: "Do not think too much; the past is like a fleeting cloud, everything has passed! What is most important now is how to strive for your present self—through diligent practice and improvement, achieving divinity in the Three Realms! I only want to ask you, do you have confidence?"
Yao Yang and Yi Xian were overjoyed, and hurriedly knelt down to pay their respects again
Ha! Xiao Yi, why can't you change your sentimental nature? Don't worry! Perhaps those words were just a trick by the old ginger man to fool us..." As Yaoyang spoke, he found it hard to continue, but like before, he patted Yi Xian's shoulder twice, choked up for a while, and then said, "Princess Youyun is right, so what if it is? We brothers will die together if we must, and if we live, we will live well together! Why think so much? It's the heavens' confusion and unfairness, that's their own business, what does it have to do with us brothers!"
Chi Bo smiled knowingly and said: "It is easy to say, but do you know that this tiger is not an ordinary creature? It has been raised by me since childhood and has been taught the 'Illusory Primordial True Cultivation Method' of my sect, allowing it to share meals and practice alongside me. Only those who have attained the equivalent cultivation level of an ordinary true person who has practiced for nearly 500 years can possess the same mysterious and spiritual qualities as my 'Tian Wu'!"
Yao Yang sighed and said with a bitter smile, "It is indeed good, but my brothers and I have recently been entangled in calamities, and I fear it may implicate you, esteemed Elder Chi."
Deep in the southeastern part of Yangming Mountain, outside the city of Chaoge, there lies a vast estate built into the belly of a rocky cliff. It is backed by lush green mountains and stones, while in front, a cascading waterfall flows, creating a pool of emerald water that is constantly stirred by the rushing currents.
This esteemed being is the Mihe Venerable of the 'Eastern Sacred Path' in the Eastern Region, known as Chibo. Our sect has been passed down for thousands of years, and the disciples under our guidance have never stepped into the mundane world. All of them live in seclusion, diligently studying the profound arts and techniques, aspiring to attain the path of celestial beings and true cultivation. However, every sixty years, we send individuals to travel the world in search of those with exceptional innate talents and qualities, to cultivate and instruct them, preparing them to inherit the teachings of our sect.
After walking for nearly an hour and a half, the sky began to darken. The two of them had just reached "Chisong Hill," located twenty li outside of Chaoge City, and could no longer continue. Exhausted, they sat back to back on the hillside, gazing into the distance.
Rumors from the outside world should not be fully trusted
The two individuals were suddenly startled, turning their heads to see that the speaker was an old man in a black robe, standing alone on the bald hill. Despite the gentle mountain breeze, he remained completely still, wrapped in his black robe, giving the impression that he had merged with the night. If it were not for the old man's pair of piercing, electrifying eyes that were truly terrifying, an ordinary person would likely be unable to perceive his presence at all.
At this moment, Yaoyang and Yixian were lying on the bed in the south wing of the manor, sleeping soundly with soft snores. Suddenly, a strange sound of "squeaking" was heard, followed by a rapid knocking at the door.
Chi Bo nodded lightly and said with a hint of approval, "You are indeed clever! This is exactly what I intended!"
Look at this! Yao Yang miraculously pulled out a gold ingot from his bosom, waved it in front of Yi Xian, and smiled slyly.
At this moment, both individuals were in extremely good spirits, no longer concerned with discussions of life and death. They cast aside all worries and focused solely on resisting fate, fully enjoying this period of evading calamity.
"If we are to die, let us die together; if we are to live, let us live together! Why think so much? Heaven is actually very fair. Although it made us orphans from a young age, suffering humiliation every day just to survive, and never having a full meal, it allowed us to be as close as brothers, relying on each other for survival. Just now, I recalled the days we spent together over the years... I remember how you have countless times shielded me from the punches and kicks of others. It allowed us to be as close as brothers, relying on each other for survival. Just now, I recalled the days we spent together over the years... I remember how you have countless times shielded me from the punches and kicks of others... I think of your stubbornness, kneeling for a long time to beg the doctor to treat me... I think of how we would rather endure the beatings from those bastards together than escape alone... I think of sharing a bowl of thin rice porridge between the two of us..."
The creature was covered in golden fur, with long arms and short legs, a round face and a long tail. Although its face resembled that of a human, it bared its teeth in a grin towards Yaoyang, revealing its fierce and menacing nature.
Go to hell! Although I was left in a state of mixed emotions after listening to the music, my mood has finally improved
What a man of great stature! Well said!" Chi Bo clapped his hands in praise several times, laughing heartily, and said, "If that is the case, I wonder if you are willing to take refuge under my sect, the 'Eastern Sacred Path'?
Yao Yang suppressed the fear in his heart and said with a smile, "So it is the True Man Chi. May I ask what brings you to seek us brothers?"
Immediately, a beam of rainbow light swept over the heads of the two, rushing straight towards the bullfight. The blinding brightness caused them to squint and dare not look directly. After a while, when they looked up again, they saw Chi Bo seated on the back of a black tiger with a white forehead and hanging eyes, holding a square golden mace. A halo of light surrounded his head, and his dignified appearance was unparalleled, making one suspect he was a celestial being descended to earth, which frightened the two brothers into hastily kneeling and bowing in worship. After a while, when they looked up again, they saw Chi Bo seated on the back of a black tiger with a white forehead and hanging eyes, holding a square golden mace. A halo of light surrounded his head, and his dignified appearance was unparalleled, making one suspect he was a celestial being descended to earth, which frightened the two brothers into hastily kneeling and bowing in worship.
It is truly a burden to have such high expectations from my seniors! As soon as the topic of fate and calamity arises, the mood of Yixian immediately becomes exceptionally heavy
As the moon sets and the sun rises, the sky gradually brightens