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

Jiang Wang looked at the three clones and nodded in satisfaction, then turned his attention to the lottery opportunity.

He closed his eyes and concentrated, starting the lottery. Light flowed through his mind, finally settling on a mass of chaotic energy.

The system voice announced: "Congratulations, host, you have obtained a fragment of a Chaos Spiritual Treasure, which can be used to strengthen the Kongtong Seal!"

Jiang Wang was overjoyed. The Kongtong Seal was already mysterious, and if it were to be infused with fragments of Chaos Spiritual Treasure, its power would surely be enhanced to an even higher level.

He looked down at the small bronze seal in his palm, a hint of anticipation flashing in his eyes.

The waves of the Liusha River still surged, and Juanlian was still immersed in the cultivation of the Nine Revolutions Profound Technique at the bottom of the river, while Jiang Wang had already turned and left, his figure merging into the world, leaving behind a meaningful smile.

At the summit of Mount Futu, ancient Fusang trees reach for the sky, their branches and leaves faintly shimmering with flames, as if carrying the burning memories of countless years.

Jiang Wang sat cross-legged on a thick branch, his robes fluttering in the wind, his gaze fixed on the east, as if staring at the land swallowed by war and ambition.

His face remained strikingly handsome, almost eerily so, but a hint of coldness had crept into his eyes, as if he had sensed some unspeakable crisis.

Three years have passed in the blink of an eye. The bird's nest has long been rebuilt by the skillful hands of the demon craftsmen. It is as magnificent as a palace, and the glazed tiles reflect seven colors of light under the sun, highlighting the solemnity and mystery of the mountain peak.

The journey to the West has not stopped; they are now fully prepared to continue their westward journey.

Zhu Bajie stood under the Fusang tree, looking up at Jiang Wang with a complicated expression.

The effects of the Rejuvenation Pill in his body had long since dissipated, and the profound power of the Time Law had vanished without a trace, like a dream or a bubble. His cultivation level had plummeted to its lowest point.

Fortunately, Guanyin Bodhisattva went to the Heavenly Court and obtained a Nine-Turn Golden Elixir, which helped him recover to the early stage of the Golden Immortal realm.

At this moment, Pigsy has transformed into human form, shedding his tusked pig demon appearance and returning to the handsome appearance of Marshal Tianpeng in his prime, only with a hint of weariness and vicissitude in his eyes.

He wore a gray monk's robe and held a nine-toothed rake in his hand. The tip of the rake gleamed coldly in the sunlight, as if telling the story of his master's resentment.

"My master has instructed me to come and bid farewell to Daoist Lu Ya."

Bajie's voice was low and tinged with helplessness.

He looked up and saw a man wearing a long golden-red robe standing not far from Jiang Wang. It was none other than Lu Ya Daojun, the Great Sage of the Demon Clan.

Lu Ya stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze deep, as if he were pondering something. Upon hearing this, he simply nodded slightly and said calmly, "Go. The journey to the west is long. Take care of yourselves."

Bajie bowed respectfully and turned to leave, but then heard Jiang Wang chuckle lightly, his voice as cold as ice: "Bajie, it's been three years since we last met. Your cultivation has certainly plummeted. What a pity for the former glory of Marshal Tianpeng."

Bajie paused, turned around and glanced at Jiang Wang, a flash of anger in his eyes, but he suppressed it and said in a low voice, "Jiang Wang, you'd better watch yourself."

After saying that, he descended Mount Futu without looking back.

At the foot of the mountain, Tang Sanzang sat upright beside the white dragon horse, slowly moving the prayer beads in his hand, but his face could not hide his worry.

Sun Wukong squatted to one side, casually poking the ground with his golden cudgel, humming an unknown tune, while Sha Wujing silently packed his bags. The atmosphere was somber and oppressive.

Tang Sanzang's gaze would occasionally drift eastward, where the sounds of war drums and battle cries could be faintly heard, echoing through the valley.

Sun Wukong grinned, revealing a set of white teeth: "Master, judging from this situation, the Tang Dynasty's Western Expeditionary Army has probably captured another city. Tsk tsk, Li Shimin is really something. In just two or three years, he managed to wipe out those barbarians from the Abbasid Caliphate."

Upon hearing this, Tang Sanzang frowned even more deeply and sighed, "The Tang army is so powerful that its territory has expanded to the borders of Tibet. If we continue our westward expedition, I'm afraid my travel permit will become nothing but a piece of paper."

He paused, his voice tinged with anxiety: "Wukong, Bajie, Sha Wujing, you must quicken your pace and not let the journey to the West be delayed any further."

The border region of Ü-Tsang is located at the junction of Jambudvipa and Aparagodaniya, characterized by rugged mountains and sandstorms.

This place has been a strategic location fought over by military strategists since ancient times, but now it has become the latest front line for the Tang Dynasty's western expeditionary army.

For three years, the Western Expeditionary Army has been unstoppable, conquering dozens of countries, and wherever its iron hooves have gone, all have submitted.

However, taking over is easy, governing is difficult, and winning people's hearts is even more difficult.

Every time the Tang army conquered a city, it had to spend time pacifying the local people, building city defenses, and establishing government offices in order to ensure stability in the rear.

The pace of the campaign slowed down as a result, but it also allowed the Tang army's reputation to spread far and wide.

Although Tang Sanzang was a monk, he understood the meaning behind it—the ambition of the Tang Dynasty was no longer satisfied with just one corner of Jambudvipa, but to recreate the glory of the ancient emperor who unified the world.

He felt a vague unease, worried that his mission to travel west to obtain Buddhist scriptures would be hindered by the wars in the mortal world.

Meanwhile, deep within Mount Ling, Guanyin Bodhisattva sat serenely on a lotus throne, her countenance solemn and dignified. Her vase tilted slightly, and a drop of sweet dew fell from the willow branch, transforming into a ripple that spread through the air.

Opposite him, Bodhi Patriarch sat cross-legged on a futon, with white hair and a youthful face, his eyes deep and unfathomable.

He sighed softly, his voice low: "Old troubles have not yet subsided, and new troubles are about to arrive. Jiang Wang is indeed the biggest variable on the journey to the west."

Guanyin smiled slightly, but a hint of coldness flashed in her eyes: "Master, there is no need to worry. This humble monk has a plan to eliminate this calamity."

Upon hearing this, Bodhi raised an eyebrow and asked, "Oh? What plan?"

Guanyin slowly said, "The Abyss of Darkness contains the extremely Yin Weak Water. This water is extremely poisonous; even a Quasi-Saint will die if he touches it. Even a Primordial Saint would not dare to approach it lightly."

If we can lure Jiang Wang into the abyss and kill him with the Weak Water, we can solve the problem once and for all.

Upon hearing this, Bodhi frowned slightly and pondered, "Although the Yin Weak Water is poisonous, Jiang Wang is not a fool. How could he get close so easily? This plan seems thorough, but it is actually not easy."

Guanyin, however, was confident and said with a smile: "Master, you may not know this, but Zhu Bajie was once Marshal Tianpeng. When the Heavenly Court was conquering the Southern Yi Wu tribe, Bajie personally crossed the Weak Water and made great contributions, and was awarded the title of Marshal."

Its body is not afraid of the erosion of weak water, making it a natural nemesis.

If we use Pigsy as bait to lure Jiang Wang into the abyss, the plan can succeed.

Upon hearing this, Bodhi's eyes flashed with a glint of light, and he clapped his hands, saying, "Wonderful! Since Bajie has this ability, Jiang Wang's death is not far off."

Guanyin nodded, stood up and said, "This humble monk will now summon Bajie to temporarily leave the Journey to the West team to carry out this plan."

After saying this, she flashed and transformed into a golden light, disappearing into Mount Ling.

At the summit of Mount Futu, Daoist Lu Ya stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze piercing through the vast sea of ​​clouds and landing on the war-torn land to the east.

A hint of worry flashed in his eyes, and he said in a low voice, "The Great Tang's Western Expeditionary Army is indeed extraordinary. A mere mortal army has dozens of immortal-level experts in charge. Tsk tsk, the luck of the human race is probably going to surpass that of my demon race."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Wang, who was standing beside him, sneered: "Lu Ya, you, a great saint of the demon race, are afraid of a mere human?"

Lu Ya shook his head, his voice low: "It's not fear, but worry."

The rise of the human race will inevitably squeeze the living space of the demon race.

The Tibetan border is the end of the Tang army's westward expedition. If we go any further, it will be the territory of my demon race.

At that time, the demon race will surely retaliate.

He paused, turned his gaze to the sky, and murmured, "But why is the Heavenly Court making no move? Could it be that Haotian is also observing?"

In the Heavenly Court, inside the Lingxiao Palace, the Jade Emperor sat on his dragon throne, his face ashen.

Your Highness, the four gods of wind, thunder, lightning, and rain knelt down and reported with trepidation: "Your Majesty, the Tang Dynasty's territory is expanding too rapidly. We believe that divine punishment should be sent down to curb its advance."

The Jade Emperor snorted coldly and waved his hand, saying, "Granted! From this day forward, the entire Tang Dynasty will be subject to torrential rains and floods for one month, followed by a three-year drought, thus weakening its national strength!" Upon hearing this, Tianxi Xing hurriedly stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Your Majesty, such a severe punishment may harm innocent people. We humbly request that it be reduced."

Upon hearing this, the Jade Emperor's gaze turned cold, and he sneered, "Heavenly Star, you, the last human king, still think of pleading for the sake of humanity? Hmph, my mind is made up, step down!"

Tianxixing had no choice but to retreat.

Just then, Jiang Wang's figure suddenly appeared above the clouds.

He was dressed in a black robe that fluttered in the wind. His gaze was like a knife as he swept over the four gods and shouted, "Wind, thunder, lightning, and rain, how dare you cause trouble on the head of my Great Tang?"

He raised his hand and waved it, and an invisible force swept out, causing the four gods to be blown back to the South Heavenly Gate like kites with broken strings.

Jiang Wang sneered and said loudly, "Haotian, you so-called Heavenly Emperor and Earthly Emperor, you're too petty! I just didn't like you and embarrassed you a bit, and now you want to take it out on my Great Tang? Humph, I, Jiang Wang, will not let you have your way!"

Having said that, he raised his middle finger towards the Lingxiao Palace high in the sky, his provocation evident.

Inside the Lingxiao Palace, the Jade Emperor was furious, and the dragon desk was smashed to pieces.

He abruptly stood up and gritted his teeth, saying, "How dare you, Jiang Wang, insult me ​​like this!"

He even imitated Jiang Wang, raising his middle finger and shouting angrily, "One day I will make sure you die and your soul is extinguished!"

The immortals inside the hall fell silent, heads bowed, not daring to utter a word.

The conflict between the Jade Emperor and Jiang Wang has escalated completely.

Meanwhile, at Guanyin's invitation, Zhu Bajie quietly left the Journey to the West team and embarked on a journey to the Abyss of Darkness.

He felt uneasy, yet also secretly hopeful.

Guanyin's plan echoed in his ears: "Bajie, you are not afraid of the Weak Water, this is a golden opportunity."

Jiang Wang has been rampant for a long time; only you can lure him into the abyss and help us eliminate this great scourge.

Pigsy gripped his nine-toothed rake tightly, muttering to himself, "I just wanted to peacefully go on my journey to the West, how did I end up in such a mess? Oh well, since it's the Bodhisattva's command, I'll give it my all!"

His figure gradually faded into the distance, disappearing into the vast sandstorm.

The scorching sun baked the vast plains of the Tang Dynasty. The once surging rivers were now only cracked riverbeds, and the exposed soil looked ashen and pale under the sunlight.

In the fields, the crops had long since withered, and the shriveled seedlings drooped their heads, as if silently telling a story of despair.

In the villages outside Chang'an, sparse smoke rises from chimneys, and occasionally the cries of children drift from the low earthen houses, mingled with the low sighs of women.

Three months of severe drought turned this once fertile land into a living hell.

Jiang Wang stood on a high hill outside Chang'an City, looking down at the land that had been swallowed by drought.

His figure was tall and slender, his blue robe swaying slightly in the hot wind, but his brows held a hint of solemnity.

The Kongtong Seal hung beside him, emitting a faint golden light, as if responding to the suffering of this land.

His divine sense swept across the surroundings, clearly perceiving the people's resentment gathering like dark clouds, faintly pointing towards Li Shimin in the palace.

Jiang Wang's gaze was profound, seemingly able to pierce through the clouds and reach the magnificent Lingxiao Palace in the Heavenly Court.

He had anticipated the Heavenly Court's actions.

Unable to confront him directly, the Jade Emperor punished the Tang Dynasty with a severe drought, attempting to force Li Shimin to submit or even abdicate by inciting unrest among the people.

These methods are insidious and precise, like an invisible knife piercing the spine of humanity.

Jiang Wang's lips curled up slightly, revealing a cold smile.

He knew that the Jade Emperor's move was not only aimed at the Tang Dynasty, but also a test of him—testing whether he, Jiang Wang, truly had the courage to confront the Heavenly Court head-on.

Inside the imperial study of the palace in Chang'an, Li Shimin sat on the dragon throne, his face haggard and his eyes bloodshot.

The desk was piled high with urgent reports from all over the country, each word filled with anguish, all saying that the people were suffering terribly from the severe drought. Some local officials even reported that rumors were circulating among the people that "the Emperor's military campaign has angered Heaven, causing this great drought."

The rumors.

Some even went so far as to claim that Li Shimin's aggressive military campaigns should lead to his abdication and apology to appease the wrath of Heaven.

Li Shimin's fingers gripped the memorial tightly, his knuckles turning white, but his eyes burned with an indomitable flame.

Jiang Wang pushed open the door and entered with a composed gait. His robes fluttered without wind, exuding an invisible pressure.

The eunuchs and officials inside the room all lowered their heads and retreated, not daring to look him in the eye.

Li Shimin looked up and saw it was him. A complex light flashed in his eyes. He then stood up and knelt down on the ground. He said in a deep voice, "Grand Preceptor, the people of the Tang Dynasty have suffered because of me. I am deeply guilty."

If the Heavenly Court demands that I abdicate and be punished, I, Shimin, am willing to bear it all, only asking that the Imperial Preceptor save the people from their suffering!

Jiang Wang was slightly taken aback, then stepped forward and personally helped Li Shimin up. His voice was low but firm: "Your Majesty, why do you say such a thing? The Jade Emperor's actions are nothing more than killing the chicken to scare the monkey, trying to use the drought to crush the courage and hope of the human race."

Abdication? Apology? It's all a trap set by the Heavenly Court, trying to force humanity to sever its own foundation.

Your Majesty only needs to focus on unifying the realm and pacifying the people; I will handle this matter.

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin's eyes flashed with emotion, but he still said with concern, "Grand Preceptor, the people's hearts are in turmoil, and rumors are spreading. If the drought is not quelled, I fear there will be great chaos."

Although Shimin was not afraid of death, he did not want to see the people suffer because of him.

Jiang Wang patted Li Shimin on the shoulder, his eyes blazing: "Your Majesty, rest assured, within three months, the Great Tang will surely be blessed with abundant rain again."

The Jade Emperor's scheme will ultimately fail.

After saying this, Jiang Wang turned and left, disappearing from the Imperial Study in a flash.

His goal was clear—the Dragon Palace of the East Sea.

The root cause of this severe drought lies in the Jade Emperor's strict order for the dragon clans of the four seas to stay indoors and not allow rain to fall.

The only way to break this deadlock is for the dragon race to rebel against the heavens and cooperate with the human race.

On the shores of the East China Sea, the waves surged, yet the sea surface remained eerily calm, as if suppressed by an invisible force.

Jiang Wang walked on the waves, his blue robes remaining completely dry, and his body exuding a faint aura of chaos.

He stood on the sea, the Ancestral Dragon Pearl in his hand glowing faintly, radiating an ancient and majestic aura.

He shouted in a low voice, "Where is the patrolling yaksha? Quickly go and report to Ao Guang that the Ancient Yue Ancestor has arrived!"

The sound was like thunder, rolling towards the seabed.

A moment later, the sea churned, and a yaksha covered in scales emerged from the waves, his steel fork trembling as if intimidated by Jiang Wang's aura.

He bowed and said, "This humble demon greets the Holy Ancestor. The Dragon King is already waiting in the palace!" (End of Chapter)