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

In Baoxiang City, after Wukong finished telling a story, he put away his gavel, glanced at the sky, and vaguely felt an inexplicable pressure.

He muttered to himself, "The Buddhist sect is probably about to make a big move... Jiang Wang, what exactly are you plotting?"

Sha Wujing opened his eyes in the cave, his aura growing stronger, while Zhu Bajie put down his wine cup, gently waved his folding fan, and a glint of shrewdness flashed in his eyes.

Although the three brothers each had their own thoughts, they were all waiting, waiting for the moment that was destined to stir up a storm in the three realms.

In Jiang Wang's hidden realm, time continued to flow.

He sat cross-legged on the bluestone platform, a pill appearing in his hand, emanating the aura of a Great Luo Golden Immortal.

He whispered, "Four hundred Great Luos and nine thousand Taiyis are just the beginning."

The rise of humanity cannot be stopped by Buddhism.

His gaze was profound, as if he had already foreseen the future格局 of the Three Realms—humans would be supreme, and Jiang Wang would be the master.

Journey to the West was merely a pawn in his game; when it was played, the Three Realms trembled.

Jiang Wang's footsteps slowly emerged from the dim mist, the soles of his shoes making a soft "tap-tap" sound as they touched the ground.

The sound seemed to be whispering to the deathly silent underworld.

The surrounding air was icy cold, carrying a faint smell of decay, like the musty smell that hadn't dissipated for a thousand years.

He raised his head, his gaze piercing through the thick fog, and could vaguely see a huge stone gate standing in front of him, with ferocious demon faces carved on it, their fangs bared, as if roaring silently.

That is the Gate of Hell in the underworld, the legendary boundary between the mortal world and the underworld.

Jiang Wang's lips curled up slightly, revealing a meaningful smile. After traversing more than 1,500 years, he finally stepped into this legendary forbidden land.

The scene beyond the gates of hell was beyond his expectations.

As you pass through the heavy stone gate, the fog gradually dissipates, and a magnificent city comes into view.

The streets are wide, lined with shops on both sides, lanterns hanging high, their red glow swaying, resembling a bustling market in the mortal world.

The ghosts floated or walked, their faces blank. Some carried heavy shackles, while others dragged long chains that jingled.

Street vendors hawked their wares in hushed tones, selling paper money, incense, and even replicas of gold and silver jewelry for the ghosts to "enjoy."

Jiang Wang squinted, carefully examining everything. He thought to himself that the scene in the underworld was no different from that in the mortal world, except that it was more gloomy and deathly.

He walked forward with an air of nonchalance, and the ghosts that passed by all bowed their heads and gave way, as if they could feel the inexplicable pressure emanating from him.

Jiang Wang did not deliberately release his aura, but his very presence was enough to instill fear in these low-level ghosts.

At the end of the street, the outline of a tall palace gradually came into view, with the plaque reading "Hall of Senluo".

The three large characters gleamed in the dim light, exuding a chilling aura.

Jiang Wang stopped and looked up at the plaque, a hint of mockery flashing in his eyes.

He gently shook the gray robe on his body, and the next moment, his figure swayed, his face and aura changed drastically, and he transformed into the appearance of Sun Wukong.

With his hairy face and thunderous mouth, paired with a suit of glittering golden chainmail, and a golden staff that appeared out of nowhere in his hand, he was none other than the Monkey King.

Upon seeing this figure, the little demons guarding the Temple of the Underworld were terrified and scattered in all directions, screaming as their lanterns fell to the ground, their flames flickering wildly.

"Great Sage! The Great Sage has arrived!"

"Run! He's about to wreak havoc in the underworld again!"

Terrified cries echoed outside the hall, but Jiang Wang merely sneered and slowly stepped into the Senluo Hall.

The hall was brightly lit, with ten tall thrones lined up in a row, upon which sat the ten Kings of Hell, each with a solemn expression.

Jiang Wang's appearance instantly tensed the atmosphere in the hall, as if even the air itself had frozen.

"Sun Wukong, instead of enjoying your life on Flower Fruit Mountain, why are you causing trouble in my Underworld?"

King Chujiang spoke first, his voice low and probing.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Wang laughed heartily, his voice booming like a bell, echoing throughout the hall: "I, Old Sun, have heard that your underworld hides some good things, so I've come to take a look! Quickly bring out that Book of Life and Death, let me, Old Sun, have a look!"

With a gentle wave of his golden cudgel, a tiny crack appeared in the ground, causing the Ten Kings of Hell to change their expressions.

King Qin Guang frowned and stood up, saying in a deep voice, "Great Sage, do not be foolish. The Book of Life and Death is a treasure of the Underworld. How can it be shown to people so casually?"

Jiang Wang's gaze turned cold, and a ferocious smile appeared on his face, which was transformed into Sun Wukong: "You won't give it to me? Then I, Old Sun, will take it myself!"

Before he finished speaking, he flashed and appeared in front of King Qin Guang, slamming his golden cudgel down fiercely.

King Qin Guang was caught off guard and only managed to summon a shield that shimmered with black light, but it was smashed to pieces by a single blow. He was sent flying backward and crashed into a palace pillar.

Upon seeing this, the other nine princes all took action, and a chilling wind instantly swept through the hall, accompanied by ghostly wails and howls.

A series of jet-black chains emerged from the void, named "Soul-Hooking Chains".
They headed straight for Jiang Wang.

These chains are treasures of the underworld, specifically designed to restrain souls; even a Great Immortal would find it difficult to break free.

Jiang Wang merely snorted coldly, his body radiating golden light like a blazing sun. Before the chains even got close, they were shattered inch by inch by the golden light.

The Ten Kings of Hell were startled, sensing something amiss. This Sun Wukong seemed even stronger than the legends suggested! "You little devils, how dare you stop me?"

Jiang Wang laughed loudly, wielding his golden cudgel with impenetrable speed, the shadow of the cudgel like a dragon sweeping across the entire Senluo Palace.

King Qin Guang was the first to be hit, struck in the chest with a club, screamed in agony, and vanished into a cloud of black mist.

The Wheel King attempted a sneak attack, but Jiang Wang slapped him away with a palm strike, shattering half of his body and scattering his soul.

In the blink of an eye, the six Yama Kings fell one after another, leaving the remaining four kings pale-faced and trembling.

"stop!"

King Yama finally couldn't hold back any longer, stood up, and said in a trembling voice, "Great Sage, please calm your anger! We are willing to hand over the Book of Life and Death!"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Wang withdrew his staff, glanced sideways at Yama, and said coldly, "If you had known this would happen, why bother with all this trouble? Tell me quickly, where is the Book of Life and Death?"

King Yama hesitated for a moment and said in a low voice, "What Your Highness seeks is a copy of the Book of Man. As for the original... it was taken away by Emperor Huang Feihu of Mount Tai, the Heavenly Emperor of the Eastern Peak, 1,500 years ago."

Jiang Wang's eyes flashed as he sensed the probing in Yama's words.

He sneered, and his figure suddenly returned to its original form, revealing his handsome yet somewhat sinister face once again.

The four remaining Kings of Hell were immediately alarmed. King Yama stammered, "You...you are not Sun Wukong!"

Jiang Wang, too lazy to waste words, flipped his hand, and a pill emitting a faint golden light appeared in his palm, exuding a chilling aura. "Quasi-Saint Divine Pill, taking it will help you break through to the early stage of Quasi-Saint."

He said calmly, "Submit to me, and I will keep you alive and give you this elixir."

A struggle flashed in Yama's eyes, but faced with Jiang Wang's almost overwhelming aura, he finally lowered his head and knelt on one knee: "Your subordinate... is willing to surrender."

Jiang Wang nodded in satisfaction and tossed the divine pill over.

King Yama took the pill and swallowed it without hesitation. A moment later, his aura surged, and he actually stepped into the early stage of Quasi-Saint.

A fervent glint flashed in his eyes as he respectfully replied, "My lord, I will certainly be loyal!"

Jiang Wang waved his hand, his tone indifferent: "Since the original book is in Huang Feihu's hands, I will go and retrieve it myself."

You will remain in the Hall of the Underworld for three months to help my human race take control of the netherworld, understand?

King Yama nodded hurriedly. Jiang Wang glanced at the other three King Yama and said coldly, "If you have any disloyal intentions, King Qin Guang will suffer the same fate."

The three Kings of Hell agreed repeatedly, and dared not have the slightest thought of resistance.

Jiang Wang said no more, turned and left the Senluo Palace with a leisurely gait, as if taking a stroll in a garden.

The eerie winds of the underworld howled behind him, yet they could not shake him in the slightest.

He already had a plan in mind; Huang Feihu of Mount Tai, who already possessed the original book, was his next target.

As he left the underworld, he glanced back at the Yama Palace, a slight smile playing on his lips, and murmured, "The underworld... is just a corner of a game."

Meanwhile, far away in the mortal realm, near Mount Luojia, the three brothers Sun Wukong, Zhu Bajie, and Sha Wujing were walking along a winding mountain path.

Venerable Ananda and Venerable Kasyapa led the way, carrying a gleaming golden Buddha statue in their hands—the golden body of Jin Chanzi.

Sun Wukong scratched his head, stared at the golden statue, and muttered, "Can this thing really find my master? I hope it's not just some trick by that bald monk Tathagata."

Upon hearing this, Ananda smiled gently: "Great Sage, rest assured, the golden body is connected to Elder Tang's soul, and its guidance will be absolutely accurate."

Pigsy, carrying his nine-toothed rake, grunted, "Old Pig, I think this road is the same one that Howling Celestial Dog led? Could it be that we've gone back to the same place again?"

Sha Wujing said in a deep voice, "Second Brother, don't be anxious. The golden body's reaction is becoming stronger, which means that Master is nearby."

Sun Wukong narrowed his eyes and glanced at Luojia Mountain in the distance. The mountaintop was shrouded in clouds and mist, faintly exuding a demonic aura.

He sneered, "There's a tiger causing trouble on Luojia Mountain. I, Old Sun, want to see if it's related to my master!"

The five quickened their pace and headed towards Luojia Mountain. The golden body shone even brighter, as if guiding something.

Jiang Wang had already transformed into a streak of light and sped towards Mount Tai, while the eerie winds of the underworld still murmured behind him.

The breeze carrying a faint dampness wafted from the foothills of Luojia Mountain through the purple bamboo forest, rustling softly through the clumps of verdant bamboo, as if whispering some ancient secret.

Jiang Wang stood at the back of the group, his hands tucked into his sleeves, his eyes calm and deep, like a lake that remained undisturbed yet concealed an abyss unfathomable to anyone.

His gaze occasionally swept over the tiger in front of him—its body was golden, its fur as dazzling as gilded gold, yet its gait was as steady as that of an ordinary creature.

It let out a low growl, a deep, resonant whine that startled the surrounding birds, which fluttered and scattered into the woods.

Sun Wukong, leaning on his golden cudgel, frowned and scanned the tiger's body with his fiery eyes, as if trying to dig out some truth from under its fur.

Pigsy, carrying his nine-toothed rake, muttered, "This isn't my master, it's clearly a tiger! This forest looks so eerie, could it be that I've stumbled upon some monster's lair?"

Sha Wujing silently carried his bag, but his eyes kept falling on Jiang Wang, with a hint of inquiry and wariness.

The white dragon horse lowered its head, exhaling faint white breath, as if it too was pondering this strange situation.

As the group ventured into the depths of the purple bamboo forest, amidst the swaying bamboo shadows, an ancient Zen temple could be vaguely seen. Standing before the temple were two old monks, draped in robes and holding staffs; they were none other than Ananda and Kasyapa.

When they saw the golden tiger, a strange light flashed in their eyes. They then put their hands together and murmured a Buddhist chant: "Amitabha, it is indeed the true spirit of Jin Chanzi that remains unchanged."

Ananda's voice was deep and resonant, carrying an undeniable certainty.

Upon hearing this, Wukong frowned even more deeply, and couldn't help but step forward, shouting, "Hey, you two old monks, stop talking nonsense! My master is a high-ranking monk from the Tang Dynasty, how could he look like this beast? You must be seeing things!"

His voice carried a hint of anger, and his golden cudgel pounded the ground with a loud thud, causing the fallen leaves on the ground to tremble slightly.

Kasyapa smiled slightly, but his gaze fell on Jiang Wang, and he said slowly, "Sun Wukong, don't be in a hurry."

This tiger is no ordinary tiger; it is the reincarnation of Jin Chanzi.

Long ago, Jin Chanzi was abducted, his soul scattered, his body reconstructed, and he was placed in a tiger's womb. Yet his true spirit remains, and his golden body guides us, allowing us to recognize him.”

His tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable authority, as if he already knew everything.

As soon as this statement came out, everyone was stunned.

Pigsy nearly dropped his rake. His eyes widened, and he stammered, "What? Master is this tiger? I, Old Pig, don't believe it! Our master is a clean-cut monk, how could he be covered in hair!"

Sha Wujing's expression also turned serious, and he murmured in a low voice, "If it really is Master... this matter is a bit strange."

Only Jiang Wang stood to the side, a meaningful smile playing on his lips, but he remained silent.

Wukong's fiery eyes scanned the tiger again and again, as if trying to find the shadow of Tang Sanzang in those amber-like tiger eyes.

He gritted his teeth, stomped his foot, and shouted, "In that case, I, Old Sun, will give it a try and see if this tiger is really strange!"

Having said that, he flashed away, made a hand seal, and his seventy-two transformations of immortal energy turned into a golden light, rushing straight towards the golden tiger.

Under the golden light, the tiger let out a low roar, its fur trembling slightly, yet it remained a tiger, unchanged in the slightest.

Wukong was taken aback and frowned, saying, "That's strange, why is my Seventy-Two Transformations failing?"

He refused to believe in superstition and made another hand seal. The golden light shone even brighter, enveloping the tiger as it rolled around. The bamboo forest was filled with celestial energy, causing the bamboo leaves to rustle and fall.

However, the tiger remained motionless, merely flicking its tail and lazily lying on the ground, its amber eyes fixed on Wukong with a hint of mockery.

Upon seeing this, Pigsy burst into laughter, patting his belly and saying, "Brother Monkey, your supernatural powers have probably regressed! You can't even transform back into a giant insect. Could it be that you've been lazy and haven't practiced your skills all these years?"

He laughed so hard he almost fell over, his nine-toothed rake scraping across the ground, kicking up a trail of dirt.

Sun Wukong was furious. He glared at Bajie and sneered, "Fool, stop talking nonsense! Do you think my magical powers can't deal with you?"

After saying that, he waved his hand, and a wisp of immortal energy rushed straight to Bajie. In the blink of an eye, Bajie's body shrank and turned into a three-year-old girl, exquisitely beautiful, wearing a floral dress, standing there crying loudly.

Pigsy's voice came from that small body, tinged with a hint of comicality: "Brother Monkey! You're bullying me again! Quickly turn me back!" (End of Chapter)