Journey to the West: With a supernatural understanding, he entered Fangcun Mountain at the beginning
Chapter 23 - The Moon Goddess Taking a Bath

Chapter 23: The Moon Goddess Taking a Bath

The Moon Star, or the essence of the moon, is situated at the top of the starry sky. Its radiance is pure and clear, like jade or a mirror. The color is silver-white, cold and ice-like, illuminating the heavens and the earth, and shining upon all things.

Qin Chuan looked around and couldn’t help but sigh, “How desolate it is!” On the Moon Star, everything was barren—no grass, no trees, no life. The stars scattered like dust in the dark void. The light was cold and piercing, like ice, cutting deep into one’s heart.

Suddenly, Qin Chuan felt something and transformed into a streak of rainbow light, rushing forward and stopping in an instant. He saw a laurel tree standing tall, its branches lush and full of life. Beneath it stood a man, holding a large axe, chopping at the tree with all his might.

With each swing of the axe, the bark of the laurel tree cracked, but as soon as the axe left the tree, the crack healed immediately. The man was tired but seemed to enjoy the process. Every swing of the axe brought with it a crack in the bark, followed by immediate healing.

Qin Chuan thought, Wu Gang chopping the laurel tree? I’ve finally seen him in action. This person’s cultivation is only at the Taiyi Golden Immortal level, so he can’t possibly be just a woodcutter!

For years, Qin Chuan had suspected that the woodcutter at Fangcun Mountain was some god skilled with an axe, and Wu Gang was among the suspects.

Although he didn’t know the exact strength of the woodcutter, it was clear that they had already reached the Great Luo level, which meant that Wu Gang was not the one.

Qin Chuan’s gaze fell on the laurel tree.

[Observing the innate extreme water root of the Dao, comprehending the Water Moon Immortal Light.].

The Water Moon Immortal Light had endless mysterious uses. It could rapidly heal any injury.

By focusing the mind and calming the heart, with a single thought, the Water Moon Light would surge from within, transforming into a gentle light that enveloped the wounded. In an instant, the pain would vanish, and vitality would be restored.

“Such a pity, it can only heal physical injuries. It is ineffective against the soul or the primordial spirit!” Qin Chuan muttered to himself.

Just then, Wu Gang, who was chopping the tree, noticed Qin Chuan watching from afar. He shouted loudly, and a beam of axe light struck the surface of the Moon Star, creating a huge trench and heading straight for Qin Chuan.

Qin Chuan was speechless. He noticed that the immortals he encountered all seemed to like attacking first and asking questions later.

The Ice Snow Dragon Chanting Spear appeared instantly in his hand, glinting silver with an overwhelming chill. The spear was carved like crystal, with a sharp tip resembling a dragon’s fang—extremely sharp.

With one thrust, the spear cut through the air, dispersing the axe light.

“Good!” Wu Gang was overjoyed, and just as he was about to charge forward, Qin Chuan quickly waved his hand, “Immortal friend, please wait! I mean no harm!”

Wu Gang stopped, sized up Qin Chuan carefully, and said, “Endless years, countless people have had their eyes on my Star Lord. If you can’t pass my test, you won’t even qualify to step foot on the Moon Star.”

Qin Chuan smiled and said, “You’ve misunderstood, Immortal friend. I just arrived at the Heavenly Palace and happened to be passing through here. The Star Lord you speak of—is it the Fairy Chang’e?”

“Oh? You’re not from the Heavenly Palace?” Wu Gang looked at Qin Chuan suspiciously. Qin Chuan shook his head and smiled, “I do have a brother who holds an official position in heaven, but as for me, I’m just following along to have a look.”

“Ah, I see!” Wu Gang nodded, then grinned widely. “It’s the same, no matter if it’s a three-eyed man, a three-legged toad, or someone pretending to be upright… Anyway, once you meet my Star Lord, you’ll undoubtedly want to visit the Moon Palace. But first, take a blow from my axe!”

The massive axe shot through the air, aimed straight at Qin Chuan. Qin Chuan dodged with a flash of his body, narrowly avoiding the blow. At the same time, the Ice Snow Dragon Chanting Spear fiercely attacked Wu Gang.

The spear clashed with the giant axe, creating a sharp ringing sound as the two weapons met.

On the Moon Star, their figures moved rapidly, sometimes intersecting, sometimes separating. The clash between the giant axe and the Ice Snow Dragon Chanting Spear created a dazzling display.

“It seems… a bit weak!” Qin Chuan was surprised as he watched Wu Gang. His movements had no real strategy. Despite having the cultivation of a Taiyi Golden Immortal, he was relying solely on brute force.

Qin Chuan thrust his spear like a dragon emerging from the sea, deflecting Wu Gang’s giant axe. His body was like the wind, quickly opening the distance between them. He shouted, “Call the wind and summon the rain!” Immediately, a fierce wind began to howl, and torrential rain poured down.

Wu Gang was caught in a fierce storm, swaying like a lone boat tossed in a vast sea. Holding a massive axe, he struggled desperately to break through the encircling chaos, but he was unable to overcome the relentless wind and rain.

Qin Chuan sheathed his Ice Dragon Yinying Spear, looked at Wu Gang, and smiled. “Since you’re so confident in your star lord, today I must witness firsthand what makes the ‘most beautiful in the Three Realms’ so charming.”

After speaking, Qin Chuan transformed into a long rainbow, descending from the heavens like a deity, flying towards the Moon Palace.

The Moon Palace was desolate, as deep as the sea. The cold jade light shimmered, the palace was made of fine jade, magnificent and brilliant, dazzling in splendor.

The Jade Rabbit pounded medicine, its rhythmic sound filling the air; Chang’e danced with flowing sleeves, gracefully spinning; the celestial cranes spread their wings, and auspicious beasts frolicked, bringing a touch of vitality to the lonely atmosphere. Yet, the sense of solitude here was even stronger, evoking a deep melancholy.

Qin Chuan stepped into the vast Moon Palace, which seemed like an empty realm. There were countless legends about Chang’e from both past and present. To say he wasn’t curious would be a lie.

As he wandered through the Moon Palace, Qin Chuan had a strange feeling deep inside. After a while, he came upon a mist-filled area. He stopped and saw a clear pond reflecting the moon, its rippling reflection resembling a fairyland.

Qin Chuan walked closer to the pond’s edge, seeing the clear water that was transparent to the bottom.

Just as he was about to lean over and observe more closely, a voice suddenly came from the mist: “Who are you? How dare you intrude upon the Moon Palace?”

Turning towards the sound, Qin Chuan saw a graceful figure emerging from the mist. Dressed in white as snow, she looked like an immortal descending to the mortal realm. Her flowing garments danced like clouds in the sky. Her beauty was like a painting, with a subtle divine aura flowing through her eyes. Her figure was graceful, and her steps seemed to brush against the willow-like wind, flowing like a song.

As she looked around, her eyes sparkled like water. Her red lips parted slightly, and her voice was as beautiful as celestial music, capturing one’s heart. Her beauty was beyond description.

This Taiyin Star… Perhaps I could come here often in the future?

As Qin Chuan thought to himself, he cupped his hands and said, “I am Qin Chuan, a wanderer from the lower realm. I apologize for intruding if the immortal is bathing. May I ask, are you the Taiyin Star Lord?”

The woman responded, “Indeed, I am. This Moon Palace has many restrictions. How did you enter?”

Qin Chuan was taken aback. He had entered by flying in with his escape technique and hadn’t felt any restrictions.

Before Qin Chuan could answer, the Taiyin Star Lord waved her hand and continued, “Forget it, once I capture you, I’ll know the answer. A mere Taiyi Golden Immortal dares to trespass the Moon Palace? Your courage is quite large!”

A vast force surged from her body, spreading throughout the surrounding space.

The scenery around them was instantly distorted, and Qin Chuan’s face changed dramatically. His spiritual senses went into overdrive, warning him that this woman was a Great Luo Golden Immortal, and one far more powerful than Vishnu.

With no time to think, Qin Chuan activated his Dragon and Tiger Binding Magic and transformed into a long rainbow, breaking through the air and fleeing from the Moon Palace.

The Taiyin Star Lord’s stunning beauty revealed a hint of surprise, and she murmured to herself, “The Golden Crow’s Rainbow Technique?”

She then took a step forward, and the space rippled slightly, causing the Taiyin Star Lord to disappear from sight.