Chapter 12: The Twin Arts of Wine and Sword

The "Limitless Origin Marvelous Scripture of the Supreme Golden Elixir" is much like the Supreme Golden Light Mantra—concise yet profound, with every word a precious gem. Without mastery over the many Daoist canons, the ability to observe the workings of yin and yang in heaven and earth, and a grasp of the cycles and interactions of the five elements through the four seasons, it is utterly impossible to comprehend its meaning.

Even the monkey whose roots reached the source of all things and who, once enlightened, understood all mysteries—before learning extraordinary arts from the Patriarch Bodhi—spent six or seven years first studying language, etiquette, and scripture.

If the Cao Kongru of yesterday had come across this scripture, he could only have gazed longingly at a mountain of treasure, sighing in frustration.

But today is different. Jiuling Yuansheng drew Cao Kong into a dream, which, though a trial, was also a rare opportunity. In that dream, Cao Kong lived a whole life, recalling it vividly; while performing acts of mercy and salvation, he also gained a thorough understanding of the Daoist canon.

Thus, Cao Kong could now discern dragons and tigers, pair Kan and Li, distinguish the four images, identify the five movements, define the six qi. As it happened to be the hour of the hare, he gathered the radiant metal qi and began its gradual refinement.

In less than half a quarter of an hour, Cao Kong opened his eyes again, finding a strand of radiant metal qi now dwelling in the Mud Pill Palace.

It was not that he could not continue cultivating, but rather that the path of the Dao abhors excess; half a quarter was enough for now.

He need only wait for the changing seasons, then gather the six qi, invert the five elements, circulate the qi from parent to child, the fluids from husband to wife, harmonize yin and yang, then repeatedly refine in the three fields until the elixir is achieved.

This is a labor of patience, yet also a dignified, orthodox path.

Cao Kong could not help but sigh, “In the past, day and night I breathed in the essence of moonlight, and only after much cultivation did I dare to swallow even a wisp of the newly risen sun’s energy.

I once thought I would eventually become a Sword Immortal of the Ten-League Domain, but now I see there are other, more proper paths. No wonder so few demons attain immortality; most who enter the Heavenly Court either possess innate foundations or serve as mounts for deities.

No wonder my master told me: cultivation is not merely about sitting in meditation and breathing exercises.”

The practice at the hour of the hare was now complete. Cao Kong faithfully remembered every word spoken by the Supreme Rescuer of Suffering and gazed down at the two booklets in his arms.

Each bore a simple, unassuming title: one was "Sword Classic," the other "Wine Classic."

Cao Kong’s mind drifted afar. If he remembered correctly, within the Azure Splendor Joyous Realm, there was a hall named the Great Thousand Nectar Hall.

In the original tale, the lion slave became drunk there, collapsing in a stupor, which led to Jiuling Yuansheng descending to the mortal world and the four pilgrims meeting with disaster.

As for whether the drunkenness was genuine or feigned, and whether the Supreme Rescuer of Suffering was aware or not, such matters are open to interpretation.

After all, in the Palace of Doushuai, there were only four living beings. When the two boy attendants and the Azure Ox went down to face tribulations, only the Supreme Elder was left behind. Yet even he would say, "I know nothing about it," with a straight face.

Cao Kong smiled at the thought and turned his attention back to the two scriptures in his arms. Looking at the Sword Classic, he remembered seeing his master, the Supreme Rescuer of Suffering, with a treasured sword on his back upon entering the Azure Splendor Joyous Realm.

He could not help but muse, "Tsk, I wonder who in this world is worthy of my master drawing his sword."

He decided to read the Wine Classic first—not for lack of love for the Sword Classic, but simply because he had no sword at hand.

Opening the booklet, he found that the Wine Classic not only recounted the stories of many famous wines, but also listed their recipes, brewing methods, and even their effects.

There was Dukang wine, Honey Song wine, Pure Spirit wine, True Unity wine, Cassia wine, Tiger Whip wine—a veritable compendium of all the wines under heaven.

Mortal wines such as Dukang were brewed from earthly grains: selecting ingredients, making yeast, fermenting, distilling, and aging.

Then there were spiritual and immortal wines, whose effects could extend life, enhance cultivation, or increase insight, each with their own extraordinary methods.

Slightly more common ones, such as Pure Spirit wine, were made from earthly grains and the pure energies of heaven and earth, and could cleanse the body and refine the marrow.

More potent still was Mystic Star Thunder-Tempered Dew, created by gathering starlight, mixing it with the waters of immortal springs, and tempering it with heavenly thunder. Once brewed, drinking it could temper the body and enhance thunder arts.

Even more extravagant, Cao Kong found, were wines made from ginseng fruit and peaches of immortality—a display of opulence beyond compare.

Should one down such a cup in a single gulp, becoming an immortal on the spot would be a trifling matter.

Cao Kong could not help but show a longing in his eyes, though he knew well how rare such treasures were.

The ginseng fruit blossomed only every three thousand years, bore fruit after another three thousand, and ripened after yet three thousand more. In nearly ten thousand years, only thirty fruits could be harvested, and they were the spiritual root of Zhenyuanzi, the ancestor of earth immortals—immeasurably difficult to attain.

As for the peaches of immortality, the finest ripened every nine thousand years, the poorest every three thousand, and they were reserved for the Queen Mother of the West’s banquets for the immortals; without sufficient status, one could not even taste them.

Either delicacy was beyond the reach of a humble little demon like Cao Kong.

He thought to himself: “If in the future I could befriend the Monkey, I’d ask him, when he wreaks havoc in the Heavenly Palace, to bring me a peach or two. If I could brew them into wine and share it with him later, that would be perfect.

After all, the Great Sage Equal to Heaven has already settled accounts with so many immortals and gods—my tiny debt would hardly matter. And if he’s ever pressed beneath the Five Elements Mountain, I could always find a way to bring him some peaches.”

With these thoughts, Cao Kong’s desire to befriend the Monkey grew ever stronger.

Having read through the Wine Classic, Cao Kong resolved to try brewing wine himself, starting with the mortal variety.

Yet there were few earthly grains on Leopard Head Mountain, so he would have to pay a visit to the mortal kingdom. Conveniently, there was a Jade Splendor City nearby, so it would not be too much trouble.

Thus resolved, Cao Kong prepared to go out and purchase some grain.

But as soon as he stepped outside, he noticed a young woman sitting cross-legged with her eyes closed. At the sound of his movements, she suddenly opened her eyes, which shone with the cold light of an autumn pool and glared at him with indignation.

Cao Kong thought to himself, “Uh-oh.”

Yesterday, after meeting Jiuling Yuansheng and receiving a new method, he had hurried back to his cave and forgotten all about the young lady.

Though a dragon’s body fears neither heat nor cold and could endure a night outdoors, it was still poor hospitality to neglect her after having just learned her wind-and-rain summoning arts.

“You—!” Ao You’s elegant brows shot up as she prepared to scold Cao Kong.

“My apologies, Lady Ao You, for neglecting you last night,” he quickly said. “As it happens, I am about to go to a mortal city to buy a few things. Would you care to join me? There are many delicacies and amusements there. Allow me to show you around as my way of making amends.”

Ao You’s eyes brightened a little; it seemed a tempting proposal.

“But Mother told me to avoid contact with mortals and to entangle myself less in their affairs. Yet all the shrimp soldiers and crab generals in the Water Palace say that human cities are full of wonders…”

For a moment, the girl was lost in dilemma.

Seeing this, Cao Kong said, “Lady Ao You, if you’d rather not go, I’ll just go ahead on my own. When I return, I’ll bring you a few things.”

Ao You immediately declared, “I’ll go. It’s only proper.”

Cao Kong smiled, “Then let us be off. But once we reach the mortal city, remember not to use any magic.”

Ao You waved her hand dismissively. “Got it, got it! Mortals are always making a fuss. Don’t worry, I understand.”

Seeing her confidence, Cao Kong said no more and went straight down the mountain, the girl hurrying after him.

At last, they arrived at the city gates, where crowds came and went without end.

Yet to Cao Kong’s surprise, Ao You, looking somewhat nervous, tugged at his robe. “What should I say or do when meeting mortals? I have no experience. Teach me!”