Chapter 67: The Home of the Water Turtle, Ren Water of the Five Elements

The roar of surging waves filled his ears as his eyes beheld the vast expanse of the Celestial River, stretching eight hundred miles. The mighty waters bathed in moonlight, their luminous reflections rippling into the sky. The spiritual current seemed to devour the grandeur of Mount Hua, its long flow linking a hundred rivers. Truly, it was a majestic and awe-inspiring scene.

Within these eight hundred miles of watery scenery, Cao Kong could sense the essence of Ren Water among the Five Elements. Ren Water—the water of the great seas, the ceaseless torrents of mighty rivers, always rushing onward—symbolized the hidden yang energy, the nurturing of all things, perfectly matching the Celestial River.

A thought arose within Cao Kong; he was tempted to enter the water. His “Method of Condensing the Primordial Five Elements into Form-Seeding Treasures” still lacked seven types. If fate allowed, perhaps he could find a current of pure Ren Water essence to claim as his own.

With a plan formed, he did not hesitate. He prepared to step into the roaring, tumultuous river, entering the churning waters of the Celestial River. In days past, Ao You had left him with a water-escape technique, which now proved useful. Activating the spell in his heart, he entered the river and felt as though he had become a fish in water, moving with ease. Guided by the faint trace of Ren Water essence, Cao Kong dived more than a hundred miles beneath the waves.

As he traveled deeper, the essence grew ever denser. Though he walked along the riverbed, it was not dark; corals blossomed in myriad forms and countless fish swam by—a wondrous sight indeed.

Pressing forward another hundred miles, he suddenly lifted his gaze and saw a pavilion with four words inscribed above: “Mansion of the Water Tortoise.”

Within lay the greatest concentration of Ren Water essence.

Cao Kong’s expression flickered with surprise. In an instant, he realized this must be the residence of the old tortoise of the Celestial River. Then came a flash of understanding, and he mused inwardly:

“No wonder there is Ren Water essence here. In Journey to the West, the old tortoise was described as ‘the water immortal, wise in ninefold aid.’ It seems the old tortoise gained his Dao through this Ren Water essence.”

Considering this, Cao Kong pondered silently. If the old tortoise relied on this essence for cultivation, it would likely be difficult to obtain. For a being of the water element, Ren Water essence was a supreme resource—hardly something he would part with lightly.

With these thoughts, Cao Kong resolved to knock and try his luck. The spiritual energy of the Five Elements was rare and precious; having encountered it, he must not let the chance slip by.

Knock, knock, knock.

As he rapped on the door, he immediately heard countless hidden currents stir within the pavilion—there was a sense of alarm. Cao Kong knocked again and waited patiently. After a while, the gates of the water mansion slowly opened. An old man appeared, with the face of a child and white hair, a tortoise shell upon his back, and a clear spiritual aura about him.

This was a demon who had not fully completed his transformation, hence the lingering bestial traits.

The old tortoise regarded Cao Kong with great seriousness. Among cultivators, all bore some spiritual aura—pure or turbid, righteous or wicked, but always present.

Yet looking at this Daoist, it was as if gazing upon an ordinary mortal, utterly devoid of spiritual energy. But since this Daoist could walk freely beneath the river, his seeming lack of spiritual energy might actually be a return to the original, uncarved state!

At this realization, the old tortoise grew even more cautious. Bowing deeply, he said, “I am but an old tortoise of the Celestial River. My ancestors have cultivated here for generations. I did not expect a true immortal to grace my humble abode—please forgive me for not welcoming you from afar.”

Cao Kong returned the bow with a smile. “I arrived uninvited and was remiss in formalities.”

Though he spoke thus, he had no intention of leaving. The old tortoise understood that Cao Kong must have come with a purpose and said, “Might the immortal honor my home a while?”

“Very well.”

Following the old tortoise into the water mansion, Cao Kong encountered dozens of spirits—crabs, shrimp, fish, and turtles—all transformed and peering curiously at him. The sights of the water mansion were wondrous and new. Though beneath the waves, there were cultivated flowers, grasses, and corals emitting multicolored lights; some radiated spiritual energy and were clearly no common things. Pavilions, towers, and terraces added to the splendor.

“What a marvelous sight—so different from the world above,” Cao Kong remarked.

The old tortoise, guiding the way, turned and smiled. “Indeed, my ancestors all cultivated here in the Celestial River and passed this residence down to me. When I awakened my original nature and gained spiritual power, I rebuilt the ancestral home, creating this Mansion of the Water Tortoise. Everything here is the result of many years of care.”

Soon, they arrived at a pavilion with a jade table of crystalline sheen. The old tortoise summoned a shrimp-maid, who brought a tray of spiritual fruit—round and blue, with a shimmering, wave-like pattern on their skins.

“These are unique to the riverbed here. Their flavor is most peculiar. Please, immortal, have a taste.”

Cao Kong smiled and took a bite; at the slightest touch, the fruit’s flesh melted like water into his mouth—crisp and refreshing.

“An excellent spiritual fruit,” he praised.

The old tortoise stroked his beard and smiled. “May I ask what brings the immortal to my home?”

Cao Kong replied, “To be frank, my cultivation requires Ren Water essence. I sensed it on the riverbank and thus came to visit.”

The old tortoise’s heart skipped, his eyes flickered, but then he forced a smile, his gaze deep as the abyss.

“You honor me as a guest. If a guest has need, how can I refuse?”

“Please, immortal, follow me,” he said, rising and turning westward, his face hidden.

Cao Kong immediately protested, “There is a misunderstanding. I wish to exchange something for it, not take by force or empty promise.”

Regardless of the old tortoise’s sincerity, as a disciple of the Great Merciful Heavenly Venerable, he could not resort to theft or coercion.

Such actions would shame his own heart and his master’s name.

The old tortoise halted, turned back, and asked in surprise, “You wish to exchange?”

“Of course. Please, be seated. See if what I offer pleases you.”

The old tortoise’s eyes brightened with delight as he sat down again.

Cao Kong considered his possessions, then conjured a cup from water, shook his sleeve, and produced a cold jade gourd, containing nearly a hundred catties of Icefire Brew. He poured two cups and used his water-escape art to keep the surrounding river at bay.

“Please.”

The old tortoise raised the cup and drank. The liquor entered his belly and he immediately felt the rotation of ice and fire within, strengthening his spirit and body with wondrous effects, and a benefit too profound to describe.

“There remains nearly a hundred catties of this brew. I wonder if it might suffice in exchange for the Ren Water essence?”

The old tortoise was moved, astonished by the spiritual liquor’s efficacy, yet hesitated a moment longer.

Thinking the old one dissatisfied, Cao Kong quietly produced fifteen drops of Innate Nectar. This nectar was irresistible to spirits and demons, always a potent bargaining chip. Since cultivating Yellow Sprout, producing twenty drops a day was simple; previously, he kept half for brewing or his own cultivation, or gifted it to the Golden Panther.

Fifteen drops of Innate Nectar floated in the water, untouched by the river.

“This is a rare treasure, its effects extraordinary. Would you accept it in exchange?”

The old tortoise’s longing was plain to see. Though he had cultivated for over three hundred years, relying on Ren Water essence for considerable progress, he still lacked a final opportunity to fully assume human form. Sensing the power of this item, he knew it would greatly aid his further cultivation.

He eagerly replied, “I am willing to exchange with the immortal.”

Cao Kong smiled, and with a wave of his sleeve, the fifteen drops of Innate Nectar flew to the old tortoise. Delighted, the old tortoise clutched the nectar, but his face soon clouded with difficulty.

“Please, immortal, come with me to see for yourself,” he said, rising and heading east.

“Weren’t you going west just now?” Cao Kong inquired.

The old tortoise laughed awkwardly, “Ah, I was mistaken. The Ren Water essence lies in the east.”

Cao Kong grew thoughtful. This old tortoise, though seeming affable, was certainly not altogether honest.