Chapter 93
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The young Daoist stepped aside and carefully took the bird egg from the soft cushion, bringing it closer to the [Round Light Manifestation Technique]. The Old Yellow Ox scrutinized it closely for a while, then had Qi Wuhuo pick up the egg and turn it over. After repeating the process several times, he asked Qi Wuhuo about his experiences. Suddenly, he let out a sigh of relief in his heart: ‘Hah, I see now! So that’s how it is. That monk had no eye for such things and misidentified it!’
That nearly scared this old ox to death—he thought that thing had appeared again!
But then again, if it were truly ‘that kind’ of bird, how could an ordinary monk have sealed it?
Moreover, if it really were ‘that’ bird, how could it be retrieved after only three hundred years?
Hah, if it were up to this Old Niu, I’d add three more zeros to that number. A minor medicine spirit wouldn’t be able to make this egg budge in the slightest.
It would’ve been crushed to death outright.
The Old Yellow Ox let out a long breath of relief and was about to speak when he noticed the eager expressions of the young boy and girl. They were chatting idly, their eyes brimming with curiosity. Yun Qin tugged at the Old Yellow Ox’s arm and shook it gently, saying: “Uncle Niu, Uncle Niu, what’s the origin of this egg? Is it something incredible? Even the Shangqing Library doesn’t have any records of it!”
The old ox grumbled inwardly.
Of course, there are no records.
But not because it’s too extraordinary, rather, because it’s too common.
It’s just an ordinary spirit bird. That old monk must have mistaken it for something else. Heh, if you think about it, this egg wasn’t actually sealed for over three hundred years—it just lived three hundred extra years thanks to that sarira…
The Old Yellow Ox had originally intended to say, “It’s just a common spirit bird egg. Why not fry it up and eat it?”
But Yun Qin’s gentle shake made him hesitate. He thought for a moment. This was once a great demon who had kicked over a lotus platform with a single strike, yet now, an inexplicable tenderness filled his heart. Seeing these children playing and laughing, he thought—reality is dull enough as it is, so why spoil their fun?
So, he simply made up something plausible, giving the egg a bit of an impressive background, saying that its origins were too lofty, making it extremely difficult to hatch.
Sooner or later, they’d find it too troublesome to raise, and once they realized it wouldn’t grant them divine abilities, they’d give up on their own.
Thus, he grinned and said: “This egg, ah, does have a remarkable origin.”
Yun Qin’s eyes sparkled as she leaned in closer. “What kind of egg is it? A Phoenix’s? A Luan Bird’s?”
“Or perhaps some unknown kind of celestial crane?”
“What is it? What is it?”
The Old Yellow Ox put on a simple and honest smile and said: “Neither, it’s a [peacock egg].”
“A peacock egg?”
“Yes, a peacock’s egg.”
“I see.”
Qi Wuhuo wasn’t particularly surprised. After all, based on his comparisons with the [Record of Ascension to Immortality], the result was indeed this. While peacocks weren’t known for possessing great divine abilities, it’s unwavering will to survive was undeniably real. He had already decided to raise it properly. The young Daoist thought of how peacocks could fan out their tails, imagining how beautiful it would be in the future, and his heart filled with anticipation.
Yun Qin also thought of a peacock’s dazzling display.
The Old Yellow Ox, however, chuckled and said: “This egg is no ordinary one.”
“Its lineage is exceptionally remarkable.”
Yun Qin asked: “But Uncle Niu, aren’t peacocks rarely considered powerful spirit birds?”
The Old Yellow Ox replied: “That’s because there exists a realm known as the [Peacock Realm], where all peacock spirit birds reside. In the Buddhist sect, there is a Great Ming King whose true form is none other than the [Five-Colored Golden-Winged Peacock]. In her manifested form, she wears flowing white silk, her black hair cascades like a waterfall, and she is adorned with a jeweled crown, five-colored pendants, earrings, and armlets. She rides upon a golden peacock. She assumes a compassionate aspect and possesses a four-armed Dharma Image.”
“She is a renowned and illustrious Ming King, but because she is simply too beautiful, she struggles to assume a [wrathful form]. For instance, when others clench their teeth and bite their lips, it conveys an intent like, ‘I’m about to beat you to a pulp’. But when she does it, it just seems like she’s pouting. So despite her noble status as a [True Venerable], and the fact that the teachings she passed down are one of the [Four Great Dharma Lineages of the Ming Kings], she still can’t really inspire fear.”
“She is the only Great Ming King to manifest solely in a compassionate form.”
“She established the Peacock Realm, making her origins extraordinarily profound.”
“She treads upon white lotus and green lotus flowers.”
“To be honest, both kinds of lotus flowers aren’t very palatable.”
The Old Yellow Ox offered his sharp critique of the taste of the Western Great Ming King’s sacred lotuses: “One is too soft, with no chewiness, and the other is too crisp, scratching the throat.”
“But one nurtures the true intent of [Compassionate Salvation], while the other embodies the true intent of [Subjugating Demons].”
“When the white lotus and green lotus overlap, they transform into the Green-White Lotus Platform, which in the Buddhist sect has a rather poetic name—it is called the [Peacock Throne].”
“This bird egg is one that was lost from the [Peacock Realm]. Do you see the golden patterns on it? That signifies that it carries the bloodline of the [Five-Colored Golden-Winged Peacock Great Wheel Ming King]. These green and white hues represent the Peacock Great Wheel Ming King’s [Peacock Throne]. And as for this purple color… let me think, let me think…”
“Yes, the purple represents the purple markings on a peacock’s tail feathers when it fans out!”
“That’s right, hahaha, exactly that, exactly that.”
The Old Yellow Ox relied on his greatest skill—
Honest and Simple Demeanor.
Even he was starting to believe his own nonsense.
Then, with a clap of his hands, he said: “See! Doesn’t it all match up perfectly?”
The young girl nodded, then asked with some confusion:
“But if this is something from the Buddhist sect, why would Wuhuo be worried about bald donkeys?”
The Old Yellow Ox reached out and lightly knocked her on the head, first admonishing: “No calling them ‘bald donkeys’. That’s rude.”
Then, he explained solemnly: “Because the Peacock Great Wheel Ming King, who established her own Dharma lineage, later also entered the Daoist sect.”
The young Daoist and Yun Qin both exclaimed in unison, “Ah?”
The Old Yellow Ox shook his head and earnestly lectured: “You two really ought to read more scriptures. The Daoist Canon doesn’t just contain Daoist divine abilities and techniques—it also records many historical anecdotes and legends. If you don’t read widely, you won’t recognize the origins of others.”
“If you don’t know their origins, you won’t know whether you can beat them up or how thoroughly you can beat them.”
“Cough cough. What Uncle Niu means is that this is essential knowledge for roaming the world.”
The Old Yellow Ox continued: “But it’s normal for you not to know much about this. In the Daoist Canon, only three volumes record this matter.”
“It’s a bit obscure.”
“The scripture is titled [Scripture of the Taishang Yuanshi Heavenly Venerate’s Discourse on the Peacock Ming King, the Jeweled Moonlight Empress Holy Mother Heavenly Venerate].”
“The meaning of ‘Taishang’ is ‘supreme and unparalleled’.”
“It’s not meant literally, but rather as a form of reverence. The scripture records how the Yuanshi Heavenly Venerable, within the Fuli Heaven, radiated great light and expounded the supreme and true wondrous Dharma, thereby guiding the Peacock Great Wheel Ming King onto the Daoist path. In the Buddhist sect, she is known as [Shitian Jiaozhu, Equal in Form to the Buddha], while in Daoism, she is titled [Jeweled Moonlight Empress Holy Mother].”
[TL_Note: Jiaozhu=Revered Figure]
The Old Yellow Ox continued: “Based on her strength and foundation, she ought to have been granted a title like Celestial Monarch or something like that.”
“But according to legend—just a legend, mind you—the Yuqing Yuanshi Heavenly Venerable has a different temperament compared to the Taiqing and Shangqing Venerables.
“If Taiqing had guided her, he probably would have bestowed the title of Celestial Monarch.”
“As for Shangqing? Hah! What a joke.”
“Shangqing couldn’t even be bothered to find her!”
“The Yuqing Great Heavenly Venerable was willing to personally act and guide her, but after doing so, he only granted her the honorific title of [Holy Mother]. In Daoism, such titles are often bestowed upon those from heterodox paths who submit to the Orthodox Daoist Sect—a recognition of their difficult cultivation journey. That’s why she was given the title of [Holy Mother]. As for her being addressed as a Heavenly Venerable in the scriptures, that was an additional honorific granted by the Southern Pole Longevity Great Emperor, one of the Four Sovereigns, to encourage the Buddhist sect to align with the Daoist orthodoxy.”
Yun Qin curiously asked: “Then why is she called an Empress?”
The Old Yellow Ox explained: “It’s actually [Jeweled Moonlight Emperor], followed by [Holy Mother], then [Heavenly Venerable], and finally [Peacock Ming King].”
“Mhm, ‘Jeweled Moonlight Emperor’ refers to her status as the ruler of the Peacock Realm. Then she was honored as ‘Holy Mother’, afterward elevated to ‘Heavenly Venerable’, and finally, for good measure, was also given the title of ‘Ming King’.”
“That’s just the Yuqing Great Heavenly Venerable’s way of doing things.”
The Old Yellow Ox sighed and said: “It is said, but only as a legend.”
“Among the Three Purities, the Taishang is the most aligned with non-action; while the Shangqing is the most carefree and unrestrained.”
“As for the Yuqing Great Heavenly Venerable, his nature is stern, like the operation of the Great Dao—meticulous and unwavering. The Dao remains constant, moving the sun and moon.”
“And he is extremely domineering!”
Yun Qin asked curiously: “Domineering?”
The Old Yellow Ox said: “Indeed. Do you know how that Great Wheel King became a Daoist?”
The young girl naturally asked: “How?”
The Old Ox said: “The scriptures describe it thus: [Through countless tribulations, he attained the True Dao].”
“Do you understand how weighty the words ‘countless tribulations’ are?”
“Do you know that incredibly renowned [Golden Light Incantation] of the Daoist sects? That was written by the Yuqing Yuanshi Great Heavenly Venerable himself. The Taishang preaches the Dao, and the Lingbao texts spread it, yet this Heaven and Earth’s Qi—who was it that first established it? It was none other than the Yuqing Yuanshi Great Heavenly Venerable. That is why the Three Purities are revered as the Dao Ancestors. No doubt about it. Go ahead, recite the opening lines of the Golden Light Incantation.”
The young Daoist instinctively recited:
“Mysterious origin of Heaven and Earth, the root of all Qi.
Through countless kalpas, I cultivate and attain divine powers.
Within and beyond the Three Realms, the Dao alone reigns supreme…”
The Old Yellow Ox couldn’t help but clap his hooves in admiration. “Exactly! Damn, how domineering! Within and beyond the Three Realms, the Dao alone reigns supreme!”
“And it is one of the Eight Fundamental Divine Incantations of Daoism—every Daoist knows it by heart.”
“What an awe-inspiring declaration to the world!”
“It is said that once, a venerable elder of the Buddhist sect attained enlightenment beneath the Bodhi tree, founding one of the thirteen branches of Buddhist Dharma. He wielded the Eight-Treasure Jade Tree of Buddhism and sought to enter the Fuli Heaven to discuss the concept of Qi Yun (fate and fortune) with the Great Heavenly Venerable, hoping to find an opportunity for the Western teachings. He spoke of [Eastern Dao, Western Teachings]. Yet, before he could even step through the gates, he was struck out by a single sweep of a horsetail whisk. The Twelve True Sages interceded on his behalf, but all were punished. The Great Heavenly Venerable left behind only a single line in response—
“Within the Three Realms, only my Dao reigns supreme. How dare mere ants seek to stand as equals?”
“The Four Great Emperors may have believed that Buddhist cultivators seeking refuge in the Dao was not a bad thing, as the Great Dao ought to encompass all paths. But the attitude of the Yuqing Great Heavenly Venerable was something like—come if you wish, but don’t expect to be welcomed. Even if you do come, don’t think too highly of yourself. Thus, even when Buddhist cultivators did submit to the Dao, at most, they were given the title of ‘Holy Mother’. He didn’t think much of them at all… Speaking of which, do you think the Yuqing Great Heavenly Venerable is perhaps a bit too strict?”
Yun Qin tugged at the Old Yellow Ox’s sleeve with her fingers. Regarding this member of the Three Purities who occasionally concerned himself with worldly affairs, she seemed to feel a sense of reverence. She hesitantly said: “Uncle Niu, speaking about the Yuqing Great Heavenly Venerable like this, isn’t it a bit too much?”
The Old Yellow Ox burst into laughter and said: “Hah! Given the Great Heavenly Venerable’s status, do you really think he’d bother with a little ox like me?”
“If he really took offense, that would be far too unbefitting of a Heavenly Venerable…”
“Don’t worry, don’t worry.”
“As for this bird egg…”
The Old Yellow Ox examined it carefully before affirming: “It’s definitely from the Peacock Great Wheel King’s lineage!”
“Trust me!”
“But hatching it will be difficult—extremely difficult. Its bloodline is too noble, which means raising it will also be troublesome.”
“It’ll probably be quite picky with food, but that’s no issue. No doubt about it, just follow the path of the Peacock Great Wheel King in raising it. However—do not recite Buddhist scriptures to it. Instead, recite the Daoist Canon. Do not teach it the flowing brilliance of Buddhism, but instead instruct it in the Daoist principles of the Two Modes and Five Elements, encompassing all things. Let’s see what it turns into then.”
“After all, it is a descendant of the demon race.”
“If it can enter Buddhism, then naturally, it can enter the Dao as well.”
Yun Qin’s eyes shimmered brightly. “Then when will it grow up?”
“When it does, I want to give it a beautiful name.”
The young Daoist gently touched the bird egg with his fingers, sensing the faint stirrings of life within its thin shell. He smiled slightly and said: “I hope so too.”
On the surface, the Old Yellow Ox remained composed, but inwardly, he was filled with distress.
This bird egg had been dormant for three hundred years—how could it possibly hatch?
But then again, even if it were just an ordinary peacock’s egg, how could it have survived for three hundred years? Could it have something to do with that Medicine Spirit as well?
However, when the Old Yellow Ox saw the two children’s expressions of joy and excitement—especially the usually composed young Daoist, whose normally impassive face now bore a trace of a smile at the corners of his eyes—he found himself unwilling to let them down too much.
After some thought, he could only sigh and, with a slight smile, look at the two children while making plans in his heart. If things didn’t work out, he would just have to seek out some of his old acquaintances.
Faking things, was something he was quite experienced in.
If he could acquire some fierce tiger’s blood, finely ground dragon horn powder from an Azure Dragon, the eggshell of a Black Tortoise, and the essence of a Phoenix…
If all these were refined together, at the very least, the peacock’s foundation could be somewhat strengthened. If that still wasn’t enough, he could always pull in the Nine-Headed Lion Primordial Lord, Big Brother Qingniu, and the others to figure something out.
The Old Yellow Ox was a great demon—countless powerful figures of the demon race had suffered losses at his hands.
But when it came to his own children, he still couldn’t bear to let them face disappointment too early in life.
He was willing to humor them and play along for a while.
Suddenly, the young Daoist spoke. “Uncle Niu, could I trouble you to find some celestial pills suited for avian beasts? Its foundation seems a bit weak.”
The Old Yellow Ox was startled. He hadn’t expected this boy’s perception to be so sharp. He could only laugh and say:
“Ah, that’s a small matter. That spell you made before—there were plenty of people eager to learn it, and they were quite generous. They even took the initiative to pay quite a bit.”
The young Daoist gently stroked the bird egg and said: “Then spend it all.”
The Old Yellow Ox nearly jumped in surprise. “You’re not even going to ask how much it is?”
Qi Wuhuo looked puzzled. “It was just a simple incantation. There shouldn’t be that much, right? Is it not enough?”
The Old Yellow Ox grinned, the corners of his mouth twitching. “Oh, it’s enough, it’s enough. So you really want to spend all of it, huh?”
“Well, I won’t take advantage of you. I’ll exchange all the money from that incantation for resources to strengthen your spiritual beast’s foundation.”
After another round of small talk, the session of [Round Light Manifestation Technique] came to an end.
The Old Yellow Ox couldn’t help but sigh: “So many Heavenly Emperor Coins, all spent. My goodness, this peacock must have stumbled upon an incredible stroke of fortune.”
Meanwhile, Yun Qin was holding a plate of osmanthus cakes while flipping through the scroll Qi Wuhuo had given her.
The Old Yellow Ox casually asked: “What’s written on that?”
The young girl answered: “It’s something Wuhuo created himself. He said it’s a gift for me. He mentioned that it can make one’s [skin tender and youthful].”
“This is just the first scroll—there are several more parts to it.”
The Old Yellow Ox burst into laughter. “Hah! Tender skin? Plenty of female cultivators would envy such a technique. Of course, once one’s cultivation reaches a certain level, achieving it naturally isn’t difficult. There are also specialized techniques for it, but those require diligent practice. It’s not easy at all—it consumes one’s focus and even causes the Innate Qi to lose some of its purity. That’s why the celestial palace ladies all use [Beauty Nourishing Pills] instead.”
The girl tilted her head in confusion. “Really? But Wuhuo said this doesn’t require cultivation.”
“It also doesn’t develop any special divine abilities. It’s just a simple trick.”
The Old Yellow Ox had already walked away.
Upon hearing this, however, his steps suddenly halted. As if realizing something, he spun around and hurried back in a few strides. “What?! It doesn’t affect Innate Qi?!”
“That’s right. If you don’t believe me, Uncle Niu, take a look.” Yun Qin handed him the scroll.
The Old Yellow Ox scanned through it. His eyes widened. “This is… this is… It really works! And it doesn’t interfere with cultivation, nor does it consume one’s focus. Only someone like Wuhuo—who has never undergone a systematic Daoist inheritance yet has studied the highest-level scriptures—could have come up with such a novel method of guiding Qi.”
“Hmm, it carries the essence of the Daoist Profound Sect, along with a faint trace of the dragon clan’s method of manipulating qi like cloud currents.”
“Unrestrained and boundless—like a celestial steed soaring across the heavens, like an antelope hanging its horns, leaving no trace to follow… This… this… If that’s the case… Who would still buy Beauty Nourishing Pills?!”
“Let me think… How many female cultivators in the celestial realm lack sufficient cultivation…”
“…And how many of them have disciples…”
The Old Yellow Ox stood there, dazed. Then, all of a sudden, he clutched the mirror in his hands and shouted at the top of his lungs:
“Wuhuo!”
“Come back! Come back here! Let’s have a good talk!”
“Uncle Niu has a huge fortune to make with you!”
“Come back!”
PS:
The [Buddha’s Discourse on the Great Peacock Ming King’s Portrait and Altar Rituals] – Tang Dynasty, translated by Tripitaka Master Amoghavajra.
The [Scripture of the Supreme Primeval Heavenly Venerate’s Discourse on the Peacock Ming King, the Treasured Moonlight Empress, and the Holy Mother Heavenly Venerate], in three scrolls, sourced from the ‘Wanli Continuation of the Daoist Canon.’
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