Volume 1: The True Purple Dragon – Chapter 1: The Dragon Veins and Dragon Realm

There are countless legends about dragons and various derivatives related to them. For example, we often hear of the well-known concept of “dragon veins” in feng shui!
The so-called “dragon veins” refer to mountain ranges. They gather the spiritual energy of the sun, moon, mountains, and rivers, and are regarded as auspicious dragons. Mountains are like families, passed down from generation to generation. Thus, there is a “founding mountain,” which is the place where the parents of the mountain range reside—the extremely tall mountain at its origin. This is called the ancestral mountain, or simply the “ancestral hill” by practitioners. The highest part of this ancestral mountain forms a sharp peak, known as the dragon tower; if it is flat, it is called the treasure hall. Mist and clouds often swirl around it. Such ancestral mountains often complement each other with the surrounding peaks, a phenomenon also known as being “surrounded by mountains.”
How can one identify a dragon? A true dragon must be located among mountains, with supporting mountains behind it, welcoming mountains on either side, protective mountains nearby, and mountains that wrap around it. The nobility of a dragon—whether great, medium, or minor—is determined by the number and beauty of these supporting, welcoming, protective, and surrounding mountains. The more beautiful these mountains are, the nobler the dragon. Those that reach the highest level of purity and excellence are called “realms”—the dragon’s realm. The formation of such a realm is formless, capable of being large or small, square or round, with endless variations.
Ancient texts describe the mysteries of the dragon realm: “A dragon realm must have a natural origin, and this natural trend must be guided by water. When a dragon realm ends, there must be natural water to mark its boundary. If there is unity without separation, the origin is unclear; if there is separation without unity, its end is not genuine. It is through the separation and unity of water that one can discern the beginning and end of a dragon realm. If there is unity without separation, its nature remains unclear.”
In a certain area of the Guoluo Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Qinghai Province, there are towering mountains. The main mountain range descends from heights to flat lands, stretching out in undulating waves, just like a dragon unfolding its wings. By “unfolding wings,” it refers to the mountain range extending continuously from high to low. “Only when a dragon unfolds its wings does it become truly noble; only when its veins penetrate through the heart veins does it gain true respect”—this is what it means. For thousands of years, it has been regarded as the birthplace of the Guoluo Tibetan people, who have called it the “sacred mountain” for generations. With its remote and pristine landscape, unpredictable climate, magnificent lakes and mountains, rare high-altitude wildlife, and rich, beautiful folk legends, this mountain is shrouded in a thick veil of mystery…

One night in September 2012, deep in the night and during a full moon, the usually silent primeval forest was suddenly filled with the flapping of birds. Three dark figures flew across the sky at a speed impossible to discern with the naked eye, approaching almost simultaneously from three directions a mountain peak surrounded by a radiant glow, with its summit raised like a dragon’s head. From a distance, under the night sky, this radiant mass appeared hazy and circular, seemingly echoing the bright moon in the sky.

Just as the three figures were about to reach it, something unexpected happened. The radiant mass, as if drawn by the energy of the full moon, detached itself from the mountain and began rising rapidly, reaching the sky in an instant. After a brief pause in its ascent, it suddenly flew eastward like a meteor, disappearing in an instant, leaving behind the three people who had failed to catch it, standing there at a loss.

After that radiant mass ascended, under the bright moonlight, the once vibrant mountain peak suddenly lost its luster and became lifeless. Although no obvious specific changes could be identified, the three people standing there deeply felt the entire transformation from “life” to “nothingness.”

After a long while, one of the dark figures could be made out in the moonlight as an old man in plain clothes, around sixty years old. Strangely, he wore a Taoist topknot, setting him apart from ordinary people. Among the other two figures, one was actually a monk in short robes, with two white eyebrows hanging over his eyes, two rows of scar marks on his head, and a rosy complexion, giving him the appearance of a high-ranking monk. The last figure had a normal appearance, dressed in casual Zhongshan-style clothing. His fair skin seemed to emit a faint glow under the moonlight, and combined with his tall figure and his hands behind his back, he exuded an air of elegance.

It was the old man with the Taoist topknot who spoke first: “Haha, I never expected to meet Master Xuanchan of Shaolin and the radical scholar Leng Jianfeng here. How fascinating—these of us old folks meet again. Master Xuanchan, do you still remember my old friend Xianyun? Haha, it’s been over a hundred years since we parted at Qingcheng Mountain…”

A loud voice also broke the silence of the wilderness, coming from the so-called Master Xuanchan: “Haha, you old rascal! You even stole a jar of fine wine from me before leaving last time and never gave any news. I’ve been thinking about it ever since. Haha, but old rascal, stop calling me Master Xuanchan of Shaolin. I’ve left Shaolin. My Dharma name is Bu Chan. Now I’m just a free-roaming monk wandering the lands!”

Upon hearing this, Priest Idle Cloud asked in surprise, “What happened, Master? Why did you leave Shaolin all of a sudden?”
Buchan replied calmly, “Actually, it’s nothing. I volunteered to leave. When my senior brother passed away, he insisted on passing on the position of leader to me. Given my personality, how could I be interested in such a thing? It’s not only rigid but also requires adhering to many rules. Moreover, I have to set a good example for my disciples and grandchildren. Isn’t that asking for my death? Ah, forget it. Rather than staying in Shaolin, I’d rather drink and eat alone, traveling around and enjoying life, haha…”
“As expected, a monk who loves wine and meat. Once we’re outside, let’s find a place to have a good drink and catch up…”
“Haha, that’s exactly what I had in mind!”
While the priest and the monk were chatting happily, the reclusive scholar Leng Jianfeng remained silent, standing with his hands behind his back, expressionless, listening quietly…
Obviously, the two talking people noticed this unusual situation. Priest Idle Cloud spoke awkwardly, “Hehe, see? We’ve been talking nonstop and neglected Brother Leng Jianfeng. Please forgive us…”
Buchan also quickly joined hands in prayer, saying, “Yes, Amitabha. We’re guilty, truly guilty…”
The reclusive scholar didn’t pick up on the conversation. Instead, he spoke coldly in his usual aloof manner, “I’m not here to catch up. I didn’t expect to meet you two here. The Dragon Realm has ascended. Recently, the celestial patterns have been unpredictable—both auspicious and inauspicious. If the Dragon Realm falls into the hands of evil forces, the world will be in chaos. You two continue your chat. I’ll be leaving first…” Before he finished speaking, a dark figure shot into the air like lightning, its faint silhouette disappearing quickly into the darkness. It was air travel! Could there really be legends of immortals in this world?
The monk and the priest were left staring at each other in shock. But fortunately, both of them were free-spirited outsiders, so they quickly smiled at each other. Priest Idle Cloud spoke first, “The reclusive scholar still has that impatient temper!”
Buchan replied, “Hehe, with his temper, even if he waits until we finish talking and greets us before leaving, that’s already showing us respect.”
Idle Cloud said, “That makes sense. He always does as he pleases. Despite his refined appearance, his temper is even more fiery than mine. Back in the day, with his Qingfeng Tianjue in hand, not only did evil forces tremble at the sight of him, but even those from the righteous path avoided him and refused to associate with him.”

Bu Chan Dao said, “Each person’s fate is determined by the laws of fate; force cannot change it. Though that mad scholar donor acts in a unique way, his deeds are filled with integrity—his heart is as pure as the moon!”
Xian Yun quickly interjected upon hearing this, “The master’s wise words…”
“Hehe, let’s not talk about him. By the way, Old Ox-Nose, how did you also come to this Dragon Realm?”
“Sigh, it’s a long story. Not long ago, when I emerged from seclusion, I found the world had changed drastically. This so-called ‘technology’ is everywhere now, leaving me with no choice but to travel again. After much effort, I found another wonderful hidden place, ready to retreat and absorb the energy of heaven and earth. But when I observed the stars at night, I noticed something strange in the southwest. After casting a divination spell, I discovered that dragon energy was stirring, indicating a time for a dragon to choose its master. Fearing that this energy might be exploited by evil forces, I rushed here. To my surprise, this wasn’t just ordinary dragon energy—it was the realm of a true dragon capable of giving birth to a supreme being. Unfortunately, I arrived too late; it had already ascended to choose its master. It seems fate is hard to defy! Master, let’s keep talking as we walk. There’s no rush. This Dragon Realm can’t fly far. It can’t move during the day and will surely find a place to hide. It will only continue its ascent at night to choose its master. We just need to follow its direction…”
“Oh, I see. Very well. Let’s talk as we walk. I too…” As their voices faded, two swift figures disappeared into the night. The bright moonlight shone down, and the forest returned to its usual silence…