Journey to the West: Treasure Vase of the Great Dao

"Sir, you've returned." A familiar voice reached Lu Yu's ears, making him feel a deep sense of affection. Perhaps this was the benefit of taking a disciple, at least after traversing through the dust and wind, there would still be someone waiting at the cave dwelling, even if it was just to say you're back, it was enough to comfort the soul.

"Yes, I'm back." Lu Yu's tone carried a hint of sigh, he had been through much recently, met many people, and experienced partings from life and death, which greatly enriched his spiritual cultivation and would greatly benefit his future practice.

This is why Immortals occasionally descend to the mortal world, after all, only by experiencing the baptism of the mortal dust can one forge a resilient heart, and only with a resilient heart can one stay true to one's original self through the endless years, always perceiving the true nature of the mind and thereby glimpse the Great Dao.

Walking into the cave dwelling, he saw it had changed completely, no longer the small cave it once was, but rather another realm altogether. The small Spiritual Spring had turned into a small lake, with a small tea tree on its bank, playfully waving its tender branches to greet Lu Yu.

Not far from the tea tree, a neatly and elegantly built wooden hut had been constructed, its design ancient and quaint, with raised eaves flying upwards. It was clear someone had meticulously built it, complete with stone benches and a table outside, quite charming indeed.

Lu Yu looked around in surprise at the drastic change in his surroundings during his absence, and turning his head to see Liu Qingyun's smiling face, he knew it was the handiwork of his disciple, and could guess the effort that had gone into achieving this effect.

"Qingyun, you've worked hard." Lu Yu said with a slight sigh, truly feeling fortunate in having accepted such a disciple, who was not only exceptionally talented but also deeply respectful of his teacher, and what's more rare was his pure-hearted devotion.

"Sir, I'm glad you like it." Lu Yu said to Liu Qingyun with a smile.

Liu Qingyun's face instantly lit up with joy, receiving his master's approval was indeed a matter of great happiness for him.

Lu Yu walked a few steps forward, coming close to the Enlightenment Tea Tree, he took out a tea branch and with a light wave, several strands of Spiritual Charm appeared, filling the cave dwelling with the fragrance of tea instantly.

The moment the Spiritual Charm encountered the Enlightenment Tea Tree, it seemed to find its home, instantly surging into the small tree. The Enlightenment Tea Tree began to grow instantly, its tender branches grew wildly, and its small leaves expanded. In no time, it grew over a meter tall, lush and full, the clean fragrance of tea leaves wafting around, refreshing both master and disciple.

"Haha, Qingyun, it seems you're in for a treat. Let's pick some tea leaves and taste them." Lu Yu laughed and clapped his hands, previously, the Enlightenment Tea Tree had been too young, and plucking leaves might have harmed its roots, but now, with some of the Spiritual Charm absorbed, there was no need to be as cautious as before.

Before long, a pot of hot tea appeared before the master and disciple, with green tea leaves floating in the water, a sight for sore eyes. Lu Yu skillfully made the tea, the whole process smooth and elegant, without a hint of mundanity, leaving Liu Qingyun almost starry-eyed.

Lu Yu smiled slightly, it seemed his practice over time was effective; such hospitality could definitely enhance his image in the future.

Drinking the hot tea, Spiritual Energy instantly filled their bodies, gentle and not harming the body in the slightest. Lu Yu could clearly feel his Mana had advanced a bit, and his understanding of the role of the Innate Spirit Root became even clearer.

As the Spiritual Energy was absorbed by their bodies, an endless enlightenment followed, and both master and disciple entered a state of sudden insight, instantly resolving many of their previous cultivation dilemmas.

This moment was brief, but for Lu Yu and his disciple, it was incredibly significant, as this state of sudden insight was something many cultivators sought desperately but seldom achieved, and they had managed it with just a cup of tea.

"No wonder it incites envy from the heavens, this effect is indeed contrary to the natural order, especially in this era, where the laws are fading and the powerful hide from the world. Where would one find so many opportunities for sudden enlightenment?" Lu Yu sighed softly.

Liu Qingyun had already been shocked by the effects of the tea. He stared dumbfounded at the cup in his hands, knowing that this small cup of tea, if brought into the Cultivation Realm of Great Chu today, would likely cause a frenzy so intense that heads would break.

"This tree is called the Enlightenment Tea Tree, it is an Innate Spirit Root, and its effects are only natural," Lu Yu said, noting the shocked expression on his disciple's face.
Your journey continues with empire

He took the opportunity to define what an Innate Spirit Root was and introduced some of the famous spirit roots in the three realms today to Liu Qingyun. Liu Qingyun's eyes sparkled as he learned. It was the first time he realized the world was so vast.

Although his exposure had greatly increased after meeting his master, Lu Yu had not shared some of the top knowledge with him at the time for fear he would aim too high before he was ready.

Now, Liu Qingyun had reached the Heavenly Gate Foundation Establishment, advancing thousands of miles a day in his cultivation. He was about to reach the edge of the Yang God stage, and within a few years, he would surely achieve great success as a Yang God. It was time to broaden his horizons and witness the greatness of the universe and the abundance of all things.

"This is a good time, as I need to travel to the Celestial River to refine the Treasure Vase. I will take you with me to give you some exposure to the world," Lu Yu said, looking at Liu Qingyun, whose eyes were filled with longing.

"Really? That's wonderful!" Liu Qingyun exclaimed, almost jumping with joy. This was the legendary Celestial River he had heard about since he was a child! His story teacher had told him that there was a magnificent Celestial River crossing the sky, resplendent and spectacular. He never imagined he would have the chance to see it with his own eyes.

The night sky was sparsely starry with a bright moon, and by looking up one could see a resplendent Celestial River stretching across the heavens.

Lu Yu stood in front of the cave dwelling and smiled at Liu Qing, "Are you ready?"

Liu Qingyun nodded excitedly. Of course, he was ready. He had been looking forward to this moment for days, feeling like the myths and legends were now closer to him than ever before.

"Stick close, and don't fall behind," Lu Yu said with a smile. His own disciple's talent in combat was indeed full, but his skill in cloud-riding and wind-sailing was rather poor—practically hopeless in one area out of many. Not to mention comparing him to the Monkey, even compared to Lu Yu himself he was far behind.

The master and disciple rode the clouds and commanded the wind. Soon, they flew above the Nine Heavens and saw the tumultuous waves of the Celestial River.

At that moment, the Celestial River churned tumultuously, its waters sparkling with dazzling starlight, and faint shadows of people could be seen flashing across the river.

"Master, who are those people?" Liu Qingyun asked curiously.

"Oh! They are just some stowaways, secretly coming to the Celestial River to refine magical treasures," Lu Yu answered his disciple's question with a smile, noticing that he was looking at him with a strange expression.