Journey to the West: Treasure Vase of the Great Dao-Chapter 540 - 300: Meeting

Wang Ling looked at the determination in Lu Xun's eyes and said with some regret, "It's a pity, I'll go prepare a vessel for you." Having said that, he left the residence of Lu Xun and the others.

"How did you know that just by asking, they would have to send us away?" Lady Qing asked, somewhat puzzled.

Lu Xun, however, revealed a mysterious smile and said, "Because of the rules, all of this is fated."

"Rules." Lady Qing murmured to herself, still confused and unclear about what Lu Xun meant.

Lu Xun did not explain further, as too much talk could lead to error. He simply smiled softly and sighed, "Books really are wonderful things."

While they talked, the villagers had already prepared the boat for their departure. The group boarded the vessel, heading in the direction of the Peach Blossom Forest. The peach blossoms on both sides were brilliantly in bloom. A gentle breeze carried petals that fell onto the clear stream. Wang Ling, poling the boat, said to them, "The exit is not far ahead. This is as far as I will take you. Follow the river and you will see the exit. Remember, if you hear someone calling out to you along the way, do not, under any circumstances, look back."

Seeing the seriousness in Wang Ling's statement, Lu Xun and the others solemnly nodded their heads.

The group drifted downstream and saw a tall building hidden within the Peach Blossom Forest. According to the villagers, that was where the terrifying man-eating monster resided. The dreadful roars seemed to reach their ears, extinguishing any curiosity they might have had to explore further.

The exit of Peach Blossom Spring was now within sight, a luminous cave entrance before them. Just then, everyone simultaneously heard someone calling their names. However, they remembered Wang Ling's instructions and chose not to look back. After passing through the cave mouth, a dense fog seemed to envelop their surroundings. It was then that Lu Xun and the others turned back to find the distant village had changed completely—it was now a spooky, derelict hamlet.

It seemed as if endless skulls were raising their heads from within, green flames burning fiercely in their eye sockets. A sensation known as fear spread swiftly among their hearts, causing them to shiver involuntarily.

The endless mist enveloped them, and they felt the world collapsing and flattening. Peach Blossom Spring, now a two-dimensional plane, took flight into the air, flickering in the void, until it gradually transformed into an ancient book with four large characters on the cover: "The Tale of the Peach Blossom Spring."

Suddenly, a pale hand emerged from the sky, grasping the book that fluttered in midair. The surrounding fog swiftly dissipated, and soon a man appeared beside them, clad in a feathered garment and a golden crown, a face bright as the moon and eyes like stars. "The Tale of the Peach Blossom Spring" was firmly in his hand as he looked at them all with a smile.

"Congratulations, you have passed the test."

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Lu Xun looked at the man before him, excitement and anticipation in his voice as he asked, "Could you be the esteemed ancestor Lu Yu?"

The man gently shook his head and replied, "The master is in seclusion, cultivating. I am Liu Qingyun, the chief disciple of Mountain Luoxia."

A glimpse of disappointment flashed across Lu Xun's face, barely detectable. He hadn't expected that after enduring so many hardships and trials, he still hadn't met his esteemed ancestor.

However, upon hearing Liu Qingyun's self-introduction, he suddenly felt that the name Liu Qingyun seemed very familiar.

At that moment, Chen Xiong, laughing, said, "That name is exactly the same as that of the famous founding Military General."

The speaker was casual, but the listener was intent. Lu Xun's mind was struck by lightning; he knew the identity of the man before him. He was the confidant and close friend of Emperor Taizong, the nephew of Emperor Taizu, the direct disciple of his own esteemed ancestor, a legendary Military General who had once shone brightly in Great Chu, the creator of military formations. For over eight hundred years since the foundation of Great Chu, no Military General had ever reached his status. It was said that he was a fierce warrior who took heads and seized banners, charged into the fray alone, and was renowned for turning the tide against overwhelming odds—indeed, a living legend.

"Junior Lu Xun pays his respects to Marquis of Champion!" Lu Xun said excitedly as he bowed to Liu Qingyun.

Liu Qingyun had originally been conferred the title of Marquis of Champion, later promoted to King of Han, although that was after he had retired from official duties. Thus, most people still referred to him as Marquis of Champion.

Liu Qingyun, looking at the excited Lu Xun, showed a wistful expression. Even after so many generations, he could still faintly recognize the faces of his old friends, eliciting memories of the past. Those old friends had all left the world one by one, perhaps the price of immortality. Watching familiar companions gradually depart from this world brought a profound loneliness that settled deep into his bones.

"Very well, you have not dishonored the Lu Family. I even heard Cheng Qian mentioning you recently with great pride. Seeing you now, you truly are a promising young hero," said Liu Qingyun warmly, patting Lu Xun on the shoulder and smiling.

It took a while for Lu Xun to register who Cheng Qian was, as referred to by Liu Qingyun. Only after some time did he realize that Liu Qingyun was speaking of Emperor Taizong.

"You've met our ancestor?" Lu Xun asked, astonished.

Liu Qingyun smiled and nodded, "Some days ago, when Great Chu was overthrown, the master awoke from his quiet cultivation. Therefore, he descended to the Underworld to see his uncle and Cheng Qian to inquire about the situation. I had the honor of accompanying him, and so I met Cheng Qian. He spoke highly of you, believing that you could certainly revive Great Chu and continue our nation's destiny."

Lu Xun had not expected his ancestors to hold him in such high regard; he humbly replied, "That's the ancestor's favor. Lu Xun has neither the virtue nor the ability to be worthy of such praise."