Lu Yu’s arrival brought not a few changes to the Jing River Dragon Palace, the most notable of which was the transformation of the once unruly and lawless Seventh Prince.
He became polite, and those unaware of his past could hardly associate him with the firecracker-like Dragon Son he once was.
Therefore, the denizens of the Dragon Palace felt an increased reverence for the affable and well-mannered Mr. Lu, with many from the Aquatic Tribes so intimidated that they dared not speak in his presence.
As days passed, the Dragon Sons of the Jing River Dragon Palace grew significantly. Lu Yu devotedly not only taught them reading and writing, but occasionally discussed the ways of spiritual cultivation.
Being a disciple of the Bodhi Patriarch and having achieved an excellent level of understanding, Lu Yu’s insights in the triple realms were exceptional.
Thus, when explaining the ways of cultivation, his methods were clear and straightforward, enhanced by practical examples, making the Dragon Sons feel as if they had suddenly achieved enlightenment, simplifying what they had previously not understood.
Even the Jing River Dragon King attended a few sessions and felt considerably enriched, increasing his respects towards Lu Yu.
Lu Yu also took this opportunity to thoroughly reflect on his recent insights, experiencing a refreshing of old knowledge.
One day, the weather was fair and the sky cloudless. A light breeze swept across the clear waters of the Jing River, carrying the seeds of dandelions that floated on the surface, swaying with the waves.
Suddenly, an Auspicious Cloud approached from the west, upon which stood a Bodhisattva. She stood on a lotus pedestal, dressed in white, with a halo of merit radiating brightly behind her head, holding a Jade Vase from which hung a willow branch, her face displaying great compassion, none other than the greatly merciful Bodhisattva Guanyin.
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Following her was a young man with a rosy complexion and bright spirit, wielding an Iron Rod, his presence commanding, indeed it was Muzha the Traveler.
As Guanyin approached the water’s surface, she pointed, and the Jing River instantly parted, creating a path for the Bodhisattva to enter slowly.
In the Crystal Palace, a patrolling Yaksha had already rushed in to report, causing the Jing River Dragon King to hastily come outside, hurriedly instructing his servants to prepare an incense table to welcome the Bodhisattva’s arrival. Your next chapter is on freewebnovel
By the time Guanyin arrived at the Crystal Palace, the Jing River Dragon King had prepared everything, leading his children in waiting respectfully for the Bodhisattva’s arrival.
"Jing River Dragon King pays his respects to the greatly compassionate Bodhisattva Guanyin," the Jing River Dragon King said, bowing to Guanyin.
Guanyin’s face showed a compassionate smile as she said, "Dragon King, there is no need for such formalities. I am here as agreed."
Upon hearing this, the Dragon King had yet to react, but his wife already showed a look of reluctance.
"Please enjoy some tea while you wait, Bodhisattva. Our young daughter has never been far from home, and we will prepare her traveling pack at once," she said, then led Guanyin inside.
Guanyin walked into the Crystal Palace with a smile, and upon seeing Lu Yu standing beside the Dragon Sons, she nodded and said, "It’s good to see you, Daoist Lu."
Lu Yu was somewhat startled by the honor, given that this was Bodhisattva Guanyin. While she might be known as a Bodhisattva, when it came to her level of power and realm, probably most Buddhas would not match her. Such a figure calling him a Daoist indeed made him somewhat astonished.
"I dare not presume to be called a Daoist by the Bodhisattva," Lu Yu said humbly, knowing that maintaining humility was certainly no mistake in the presence of such a being.
"We are both seekers of the Dao. How could you not deserve to be called a Daoist? You worry too much, Daoist Lu," Bodhisattva Guanyin gently said.
This phrase was like divine enlightenment for Lu Yu, for he indeed tended to be overly cautious and paid too much attention to these details. It was a mental barrier, which if not cleared, would turn into a heart demon.
"Thank you, Daoist friend. I am endlessly grateful," Lu Yu said, bowing to Guanyin in thanks. That single sentence had cleansed the dust in his heart, allowing the once dust-covered soul to shine brightly again.
Others were bewildered by their conversation, yet they, too, witnessed Lu Yu’s transformation. At that moment, Lu Yu seemed to exude an aura of carefree liberation, akin to a dusty pearl that shone brightly after being polished.
Long caged in confinement, now returning to nature.
When Bodhisattva approached the Dragon Princess, she halted and stared intently at the girl before her, smiling and asking, "Is this the child?"
"Reporting to the Bodhisattva, she is the old dragon’s young daughter, the most delicate in nature. I hope the Bodhisattva will look after her in the future. The old dragon is deeply grateful."
Xiao Longnu immediately widened her eyes, staring at her father with confusion, realizing from his words that she was to leave with the Bodhisattva.
Tears began to form in her large eyes, as her brothers quickly surrounded her, comforting their youngest sister.
Tears also welled up in the eyes of the Jing River Dragon King as he awkwardly said to Guanyin, "You must find this laughable."
"This is the way of Heavenly Dao and human ethics, what is there to laugh at? The human race is born amongst Heaven and Earth and called the most intelligent of all creatures, precisely because of this," Guanyin remarked with rare sighs.
Inside the grand hall of the Crystal Palace, Lu Yu sat with Bodhisattva Guanyin, discussing the Dao over tea, while the Jing River Dragon King’s family was bidding farewell.
"Father, must I go to Mount Luojia? I can’t bear to leave you," the Dragon Princess pleaded.
The Jing River Dragon King looked at his young daughter’s reluctant expression, his heart breaking even more, but he still said, "Father can’t bear to let you go either, but to follow the Bodhisattva in cultivation is a tremendous blessing. Father lacks the means, and this is all he can do for you. When you’re at Mount Luojia, you must be obedient and not wilful.
Practice well, and once your cultivation succeeds, you can come back and visit me at the Dragon Palace."
"Is it true? Then I can really come back to see you?"
"Of course it’s true. When has your father ever lied to you? If you cultivate diligently, you will surely see me again," Jing River Dragon King gently reassured his daughter, eyeing his youngest child with a gaze full of reluctance. He knew in his heart that this was probably the last time he would see his daughter in this life.
"Forgive me, this time your father has lied to you." Jing River Dragon King silently said in his heart.
His wife, in silence, packed her young daughter’s luggage, but the tears she tried to hold back fell onto the luggage, leaving one mark after another.
Hearing the Jing River Dragon King’s words, Lu Yu sighed and remarked, "The love of parents for their children leads them to plan deeply for the future. The Jing River Dragon King is a truly good father!"
The Bodhisattva also put down her teacup and said, "Courage to face death is bravery, achieving success on all fronts is wisdom, and a heart of compassion is love. That the Dragon Clan has such a person, unknown to the world, is no surprise. From ancient times till now, despite the changes in Heaven and Earth, the Dragon Clan has been able to stand firm."
Upon hearing this, Lu Yu was also filled with emotion. It was indeed true that a lean camel was bigger than a horse. After all, they were once the protagonists of Heaven and Earth. The clan had many talents, no wonder they could maintain their reputation over so many years, which was not an easy feat.
He looked up at the river surface above, sensing that the tide of the era was about to roll in.