I am submissive in Journey to the West, I strike hard at the gods

"Humanity's fortune has been exhausted, triggering a special mechanism."

The system's cold voice rang out, "The sixth ball will determine the final reward: one-in-four chance of gaining eight million experience points, otherwise the experience will be reset to zero."

Should we draw the seventh ball?

Jiang Wang's pupils contracted slightly. This gamble came too suddenly. The temptation of eight million experience points was enough to make him a top expert in one leap, but the price of failure was equally terrible.

He stared at the dark orb of light, countless images flashing through his mind—the hardships of improving grain varieties, Chang'e's tenderness, Qingpingzi's profound meaning, and the heavy burden of humanity's future.

Under the moonlight, his figure appeared exceptionally lonely, yet exuded a resolute air.

He slowly extended his hand and said in a deep voice, "Draw."

As the seventh ball began to spin, its light flickered, and Jiang Wang's heart raced.

Jiang Wang stood atop the mountain, the wind whipping at the hem of his clothes, making them flutter. The night was as dark as ink, with sparse stars in the distance, like a few faint lights dotting the sky.

He looked down at his palm; the die lay there quietly, six points up, as if mocking his earlier arrogance.

Eight million spirit stones, plus an extra eight hundred thousand, were gone just like that. The system's cold notification still echoed in my ears: "Return is invalid, the judgment has taken effect."

Jiang Wang gritted his teeth, feeling a heavy weight pressing down on his chest, unable to spit it out or swallow it down.

He wanted to curse a few more times, but then he thought, what's the point of cursing now that I've already lost? So he simply waved his hand, as if shaking off the bad luck, and muttered, "Forget it, money is just an external thing, it's gone now. I'm going to have a good time tonight and have some fun."

His eyes darted around, and the image of a dead dog appeared in his mind. It was a demon dog that he had casually slaughtered a few days ago. Its fur was shiny, and the meat looked like it would be of good quality.

He grinned and muttered to himself, "Grilled dog meat skewers, hey, they might taste pretty good."

The thought immediately made him feel a burning hunger in his stomach, and he wished he could immediately start a fire and roast the dog meat until it sizzled and smelled delicious.

Meanwhile, on their journey to the West, thousands of miles away, Tang Sanzang and his companions found themselves in another predicament.

The white horse was thin and bony, its steps unsteady. Every step it took seemed to exhaust all its strength. Before it had even covered ten miles, its limbs gave way and it collapsed to the ground, letting out a low, mournful wail.

Tang Sanzang stood to the side, his brows furrowed, the prayer beads in his hands rattling, his face full of worry.

Sun Wukong squatted by the roadside, drawing circles on the ground with a dry twig in his hand, and muttered impatiently, "This broken horse is utterly useless. It can't even go ten miles. I, Old Sun, can somersault all the way to the Heavenly Court!"

Pigsy, fanning himself with a palm-leaf fan, lazily said, "Brother Monkey, you can't say that. This white dragon horse was inspired by Guanyin Bodhisattva. If we throw it away, we might displease the Bodhisattva."

Although he said that, his eyes glanced at the white dragon horse with a hint of schadenfreude.

Sha Wujing carried the load obediently, remaining silent, only occasionally glancing up at Tang Sanzang, as if waiting for his master to speak.

Upon hearing this, the white dragon horse seemed to have been struck on a sore spot. It struggled to its feet and knelt down in front of Tang Sanzang with a thud. Its head was lowered and its eyes were filled with tears, as if it were begging.

Tang Sanzang sighed, reached out and gently stroked its mane, and said softly, "Dragon Horse, do not be alarmed. Since I have been entrusted by Guanyin Bodhisattva, I will not abandon you."

He turned to look at Sun Wukong, his tone firm: "Wukong, stop talking about giving up. Let's find a place to rest first, and then figure out a way to remove this weakness spell."

Sun Wukong scratched his cheek, snorted, and ultimately didn't argue back.

He squinted, looking around with keen eyes that swept over the mountains and rivers, and suddenly slapped his thigh: "Master, there is a Guanyin Temple fifty miles ahead. It looks like a good place to stay."

"I, Old Sun, will carry this broken horse on my back, and you carry the luggage; let's go right now!"

Tang Sanzang waved his hand, his gaze calm: "Wukong, you carry the luggage. I will carry the white dragon horse myself."

After saying that, he bent down and actually carried the white dragon horse on his shoulder. Although his steps were slow, they were steady and reliable.

This scene was captured in the distant clouds, and Guanyin Bodhisattva, who was secretly observing, frowned slightly.

She sat regally on the lotus platform, surrounded by auspicious light, yet she could not conceal the worry in her eyes.

Tang Sanzang's actions seemed ordinary, but they subtly revealed the foundation of his Golden Immortal cultivation. How could an ordinary monk carry a dragon horse so easily? She thought to herself, "This boy has profound cultivation. If he can handle all eighty-one tribulations so lightly, he may not be able to fulfill the will of Heaven."

She lightly tapped the lotus platform with her fingers, pondered for a moment, and decided to reduce Tang Sanzang's cultivation to ensure the authenticity of the hardships on his journey to the West.

Meanwhile, inside the Slanting Moon and Three Stars Cave on Fangcun Mountain, the Bodhi Patriarch sat cross-legged on a futon, his brows furrowed.

A water mirror floated in front of him, reflecting the weak and exhausted appearance of the white dragon horse.

The Law of Weakness is no small matter; it is a decree of Heaven and cannot be broken by ordinary means.

Bodhi calculated with his fingers and sighed, "If this tribulation is not resolved, the journey to obtain the scriptures may be difficult to continue."

Just as he was deep in thought, he suddenly heard the deep voice of the Sage Zhunti: "There is an elixir in the possession of Laozi that can undo this law, but the Heavenly Court is heavily guarded, and someone needs to go and obtain it."

Upon hearing this, Bodhi's eyes flashed and fell on the image of Sun Wukong in the water mirror.

He smiled slightly, closed his eyes and concentrated, then used magic to send a dream to Sun Wukong, informing him of his journey to the Heavenly Court to seek the elixir.

Jiang Wang, on the other hand, had already put aside his frustration from losing the bet, and the new task from the system cheered him up.

In the darkness of night, he sat cross-legged atop the mountain, a screen of light appearing before him, displaying three tasks, all related to delaying the journey to the West.

The first task is to kill the Black Bear Demon, steal the cassock, and hide it at the bottom of the lotus pond on Luojia Mountain in the South China Sea. The reward is the seventh level of the Nine Revolutions Profound Skill. The second task is to destroy the Sutra Repository of Guanyin Temple. The reward is a book of human books. The third task is to secretly disturb Tang Sanzang's mind. The reward is a Heavenly Emperor Talisman.

Jiang Wang's gaze swept across the light screen, and he chose the first task without hesitation.

The allure of the Nine Revolutions Profound Technique was too great; he had long coveted the mysteries of the seventh revolution. As for the Book of Man and talismans, how could they compare to the hope of achieving physical sainthood? Just then, in Chang'an, Li Shimin sent someone late at night to invite him, speaking earnestly, saying that he had important matters to discuss.

Jiang Wang didn't even lift his eyelids, casually waving away the spiritual light that transmitted the message, and coldly snorted, "Li Shimin? Who cares about being an emperor? I'm busy!"

He moved swiftly, using his teleportation ability, and appeared outside the Guanyin Temple in the blink of an eye.

The night air was cool and refreshing. The lights in the temple flickered, and the faint chanting of monks could be heard.

Jiang Wang squinted, his senses sweeping across the entire Zen temple, and quickly pinpointed Tang Sanzang's location.

He was sitting with the monks in the main hall, seemingly discussing the matter of the White Dragon Horse, while Sun Wukong had already transformed into a golden light and headed straight for the Heavenly Court.

Jiang Wang's lips curled slightly as he murmured, "A good opportunity."

With a flash, he used his supernatural ability of standing upright and invisible, blending into the night and disappearing without a trace, silently sneaking into the Zen temple.

Just then, a dark figure darted out from the backyard, carrying a golden robe in his arms; it was none other than the Black Bear Spirit.

Jiang Wang's eyes turned cold. He lightly touched the ground with his toes, transforming into a streak of light, and followed closely behind.

The black bear spirit was clumsy but incredibly fast, disappearing into a dense forest in the blink of an eye. Jiang Wang remained unhurried, his hands forming a hand seal, and an invisible sword aura quietly condensed.

He moved swiftly, appearing behind the black bear spirit. His sword energy was like a rainbow, carrying a sharp killing intent, and he thrust it straight at the black bear spirit's back.

The black bear spirit seemed to sense something and suddenly turned around, only to see a flash of cold light, and its chest was already pierced through.

His eyes widened, a low growl escaped his throat, the robe in his arms fell to the ground, and his body crashed to the ground.

Jiang Wang landed, bent down to pick up the cassock, and casually waved his hand to put the black bear demon's paw into his storage ring. He grinned and said, "This bear paw would probably make a top-quality soup."

Without looking any further, he turned around and used teleportation to head straight for Luojia Mountain in the South China Sea.

As night deepened, auspicious clouds swirled around Luojia Mountain, where Guanyin sat sermon on a lotus throne, preaching to a group of Arhats and Bodhisattvas.

Jiang Wang concealed himself and quietly slipped into the lotus pond.

The pond water was clear, the lotus flowers were in full bloom, and the moonlight reflected off the water, creating a scene like a fairyland.

He took a deep breath, formed hand seals, and unleashed the spatial confinement technique.

An invisible wave spread out, and a huge rock at the bottom of the pool trembled slightly. Jiang Wang carefully pressed the cassock under the rock, and after confirming that everything was in order, he flashed and disappeared completely into the night.

With the mission accomplished, the frustration in his heart finally dissipated, a smile appearing on his lips as he murmured, "The seventh stage of the Nine Revolutions Profound Technique, here I come!"

In the distance, Guanyin's voice remained clear and melodious as she continued her sermon, completely unaware that a new robe had appeared at the bottom of the lotus pond, quietly waiting to stir up new waves.

Jiang Wang sat upright in the main hall of Zhonghua Manor. The hall was dimly lit, with sandalwood incense wafting through the air, and wisps of smoke rising slowly among the carved beams and painted rafters, creating a tranquil and solemn atmosphere.

His gaze passed through the beaded curtain hanging in front of the hall and landed on the open ground outside the manor.

Emperor Li Shimin of the Tang Dynasty was kneeling there, his robes covered in dust, his forehead drenched in a mixture of sweat and dirt, looking disheveled, yet still maintaining an air of imperial stubbornness and majesty.

Jiang Wang's eyes were deep and unfathomable, as if he were pondering something. His slender fingers tapped lightly on the armrest, producing a low, rhythmic "tap-tap."

The sound was slow and rhythmic, as if it were a conversation with one's own thoughts.

The air inside the hall was somewhat heavy. Chang'e stood to one side, her moon-white dress gleaming softly in the dim light. Her voice was clear and long, carrying a touch of celestial transcendence: "Jiang Wang, the human race's fortune has been scattered for a long time. If it is to be gathered together, a human king must be born to rule the four directions."

Li Shimin, who is now kneeling outside the manor, may have killed his brother and imprisoned his father, and his ascension to the throne was illegitimate. Moreover, he has Hu (non-Han) ancestry. However, he is good at governing the country and has won the hearts of the people.

If you elect him as king and help him unify the human race, the destiny will naturally fall into your hands.

Her words were soft, yet carried an undeniable firmness. Her gaze was fixed on Jiang Wang, as if awaiting his decision.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Wang frowned slightly, as if weighing the pros and cons.

His fingers stopped tapping, he slowly lifted them, rubbed his temples, and sighed: "Li Shimin... his ascension to the throne was illegitimate, which is indeed flawed, but the fate of the human race is of paramount importance to me. Without the blessing of fate, I fear I would find it difficult to make any progress on this journey to the West."

He paused, his gaze passing through the beaded curtain and landing on Li Shimin again, a complex light flashing in his eyes. "Very well, then we shall do as you say and make him king."

He rose, his robes fluttering slightly, stirring a gentle breeze, and slowly walked to the palace gate, pushing open the heavy wooden door.

Sunlight streamed in from outside the door, making him squint slightly.

Li Shimin, who was outside the manor, seemed to sense something, raised his head, and met Jiang Wang's gaze.

Those eyes held both the fortitude of an emperor and awe for the unknown.

Jiang Wang stood with his hands behind his back, his voice deep yet carrying an undeniable authority: "Li Shimin, do you know why I summoned you?"

Li Shimin bowed his head, his voice respectful yet composed: "This humble subject is unaware; please enlighten me, Immortal."

Jiang Wang's lips curled up slightly, revealing a meaningful smile, and he slowly said, "Do you know about Tang Sanzang's flesh? Eating it can grant immortality and instantly make one a celestial being."

He paused deliberately, observing Li Shimin's expression.

Sure enough, a flicker of excitement crossed that weathered face, and a greedy glint ignited in his eyes, but he quickly suppressed it.

Jiang Wang nodded in satisfaction and continued, "I can help you obtain this opportunity, but you need to accomplish one thing—attack all nations, unify the human race, and bring the destiny into my hands."

Would you be willing?

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin trembled slightly, as if weighing the weight of these words.

After a long silence, he raised his head, his gaze resolute: "This humble subject is willing to serve the immortals, to unify the human race, and to seize the destiny!"

Jiang Wang nodded, his tone still calm: "Tomorrow, you will select three hundred young people of good character and quick thinking, and I will personally enhance their strength to help you become the vanguard."

Go for it. "

He waved his hand, signaling Li Shimin to step down.

Li Shimin kowtowed to express his gratitude, then slowly rose. His steps were steady, but heavy, as if he were digesting this sudden burden.

The palace doors slowly closed, and Jiang Wang turned around, his gaze falling on Chang'e with a hint of inquiry: "Why do you think so highly of Li Shimin?"

Chang'e smiled faintly, her eyes sparkling like stars: "Although he has flaws, he has great ambitions and knows when to advance and retreat."

Those who can kneel before you are wise and sensible.

The struggle for destiny requires people like this.

After listening, Jiang Wang remained silent for a moment, then nodded slightly, as if he agreed with her judgment.

Meanwhile, in the Heavenly Court, inside the Tushita Palace, a completely different scene unfolded.

Laozi sat upright on a futon. The Eight Trigrams Furnace in front of him had long since disappeared. A few pieces of charred medicine residue were scattered around the furnace, and a faint smell of burnt medicine lingered in the air.

His face was gloomy, his brows furrowed, as if he was suppressing his anger.

Sun Wukong stood in the hall, holding his golden cudgel, scratching his head with an impatient expression: "Laojun, your Tushita Palace has been robbed, and your Eight Trigrams Furnace is gone. I, Old Sun, will not hold it against you. Hurry up and give me a few of those Divine Power Pills. I have important business to attend to!"

Upon hearing this, Laozi's lips twitched, seemingly quite annoyed by Sun Wukong's carefree tone.

He took out a small jade bottle from his sleeve, containing only one golden pill. When he handed it to Sun Wukong, his eyes were full of reluctance: "This pill is the result of my many years of refining and countless efforts. There is only one. You can take it."

Sun Wukong took the jade bottle, opened it, and immediately flew into a rage: "Laojun, are you trying to fob me off? Just one pill? When I, Old Sun, wreaked havoc in the Heavenly Palace, didn't you dump out baskets of pills?"

Laozi snorted coldly and flicked his sleeve, saying, "If the Eight Trigrams Furnace hadn't been stolen, would I be in such a shabby state? Take it, and stop making a fuss!" (End of Chapter)