Gou Zai Xi You Dao Chang Sheng

The golden-winged roc, after being rebuked by Sun Wukong,

They were blocked by the Yin-Yang Micro Dust Demon-Locking Array and could only watch helplessly as the Peng Demon King was annihilated, turning into ashes.

He was the maternal uncle of the Buddha, born at the beginning of chaos, and cultivated a golden body of sixteen feet tall. He possessed great supernatural powers, and even the Jade Emperor of Heaven had to give him some respect.

I have never been subjected to such filth before.

It left in a huff, spread its wings, and soared ninety thousand miles into the sky, flying straight towards the Western Paradise.

They sped along at breakneck speed, incredibly fast.

But all that could be seen was a sea of ​​clouds churning like silver waves, and a fierce wind tearing through the fabric of a garment.

The colors of Mount Sumeru can be seen from afar, while the waves of the Eight Virtues Pool can be tasted nearby.

With a single flap of its golden wings, it travels ninety thousand miles; the sacred mountain is just before its eyes.

In less than half an hour, auspicious clouds and rays of light appeared on the western horizon.

A sacred mountain stands tall and majestic.

It is evident that the top reaches the heavens and the root connects to the vein of Mount Sumeru.

Cleverly arranged peaks and strangely shaped rocks.

Jade-like herbs and rare flowers grow beneath the cliff, while fragrant orchids and purple fungus grow beside the winding path.

A black ape offers fruit, and a deer carries flowers in its beak.

The mythical bird, the black crane, dances gracefully; the celestial beast, the qilin, walks slowly.

This is the Western Paradise, the place where the Buddha preached.

The roc descended from the clouds, withdrew its supernatural powers, and landed at the foot of Mount Ling.

Vajra warriors stepped forward to greet him, clasping their hands in greeting, "Great Garuda King, why have you returned?"

The roc's face was ashen, and it did not answer. It simply strode towards the Great Thunderclap Temple.

King Kong dared not ask any more questions and could only lead the way.

As we traveled along, we saw the ground paved with gold and the steps made of seven treasures.

The water of the Eight Virtues is clear and its reflection is pure.

The four-colored lotus, its fragrance spreading far and wide.

The heavenly arhats and gods walked with banners and pennants.

The monks and nuns served with fragrant flowers.

It truly exudes the grandeur of a Buddhist kingdom, solemn and sublime.

The roc had no interest in observing; it simply strode straight into the Great Thunder Temple.

That Great Thunderclap Temple is majestic and magnificent, with ever-changing scenery.

Palaces and temples stand in rows, pagodas upon pagodas.

Bells and drums resounded, and Buddhist chants filled the air.

Inside the main hall, a large Buddha statue sits on a lotus throne.

Namo Amitabha Buddha, the Venerable Shakyamuni.

Thirty-two marks of a person, eighty minor marks of a person.

Golden light shines in all directions, and auspicious energy pervades the three realms.

The Tathagata was preaching the Dharma to the assembly of monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen.

Upon seeing the Garuda enter, Buddha stopped speaking and slightly raised his eyes.

"Where did your maternal uncle come from?"

The roc flew up to the seat, but did not bow; it only said angrily:

"Buddha! Do you know that your nephew has been bullied?"

Upon hearing this, the Buddha's expression remained unchanged; he simply said:

"My maternal uncle is incredibly powerful. In the Three Realms, there are very few who can bully him."

But who was this person who had angered my maternal uncle so much?

The roc snorted coldly and said, "It's not that you're bullying me, it's that you're bullying the descendants of my Golden-Winged Roc clan!"

"That Roc Demon King, do you still remember him?"

The Buddha nodded slightly: "I remember."

He committed a crime at Lingshan and was expelled from the mountain. His maternal uncle even pleaded for him.

The roc said, "It was him! He was beaten to death by two heavenly generals today!"

Upon hearing this, all the monks and arhats in the hall were deeply moved.

The Buddha simply said, "Brother-in-law, please explain in detail."

The roc then recounted the events of that day with embellishments.

They only said that Nezha was rude and that the Heavenly King of Growth was arrogant.

The formation trapped him, forcing him to watch helplessly as the Peng Demon King met his untimely death.

Finally, the Roc gritted its teeth and said, "Buddha! You are the master of Mount Sumeru, revered by all three realms!"

"Your nephew has been humiliated like this. If you don't stand up for me, I won't stay in Lingshan anymore!"

Upon hearing this, the Buddha pondered in silence.

After a long pause, he said, "Uncle, please calm down. I already know about this matter."

The roc said, "You know? Knowing is enough? Do you know what Nezha said before he left?"

The Buddha asked, "What did you say?"

The roc said, "He told me to come back and tell you to keep your own birds in check and not to fly around causing trouble!"

If there's a next time, he won't be so lenient!

As soon as he finished speaking, the expressions of all the Arhats changed.

Then the Arhat who subdued the dragon stepped forward, put his palms together and said, "World Honored One!"

Although Nezha is under the Jade Emperor's command, he has been far too rude! This trend must not be allowed to continue; we implore the World Honored One to intervene!

The Arhat Subduing Tiger also said, "That's right! Although the Roc Demon King has made mistakes, his crimes do not warrant death."

"Even if someone is to be killed, it should be handled by my Mount Ling; how dare the Heavenly Court interfere?"

The Arhats echoed their agreement, and for a moment the hall was filled with a buzzing sound.

The Buddha raised his hand to stop the crowd.

He looked at the roc, a deep look flashing in his eyes.

"Uncle, there is something I don't understand."

The roc asked, "What is it?"

The Buddha said, "My maternal uncle just said that Nezha and the Heavenly King of Growth were sent by the Jade Emperor to capture the Lion Camel and the Roc Demon King."

Is this true?

The roc was taken aback and said, "How could it be false if Nezha said it himself?"

The Buddha shook his head: "I have heard that Nezha and the Heavenly King of Growth were still on duty at the South Heavenly Gate this morning."

The Four Heavenly Kings entered and exited together, while the Third Prince discussed matters with his father and brothers in the Lingxiao Palace.

This matter was witnessed by everyone; how could it be false?

Upon hearing this, the roc's expression changed.

"This...how is this possible?"

The Buddha said, "Just now, with my wisdom eye, I saw that there was indeed a great battle on the East Sea, in front of Lion Camel Ridge."

However, the person who made the move, though transformed into Nezha and possessing the appearance of a Heavenly King, was fundamentally someone else entirely.

The roc's face turned ashen: "Someone else? Who is it?"

The Buddha said, "Heavenly secrets cannot be fully revealed."

I could only glimpse that the two were shrouded in a chaotic mist, making it impossible to discern their origins.

Upon hearing this, the roc's expression changed slightly.

"Could it be...?"

The Buddha remained noncommittal, only saying, "Uncle, don't be anxious. I have already made a plan for this matter."

Having said that, he summoned Venerable Kasyapa.

"Kasyapa, go and visit the Heavenly Court."

Kasyapa clasped his hands in acceptance and turned to leave.

Upon seeing this, the Garuda said, "Buddha, what are you doing...?"

The Buddha said, "Uncle, please sit down. Soon, everything will be clear."

Although the roc was indignant, it could only patiently sit down to the side.

Venerable Kasyapa received the Buddha's decree, left the Great Thunderclap Temple, rode a lucky cloud, and headed straight for the Heavenly Court.

He was one of the Buddha's ten great disciples, the foremost ascetic, the foremost in ascetic practices, possessed profound virtue, and had great supernatural powers.

Speechless all the way.

In less than half an hour, they arrived at the South Heavenly Gate.

The Four Heavenly Kings were standing guard at the gate.

The Heavenly King of Growth holds the Azure Cloud Sword, the Heavenly King of Abundance holds the Primordial Umbrella, the Heavenly King of Holding the Nation plucks the strings of the pipa, and the Heavenly King of Wide Vision slightly opens the eyes of the sable fox in his palm.

Four pairs of eyes gazed in unison at the auspicious cloud that was approaching from afar.

Kasyapa descended from the clouds and landed in front of the Southern Heavenly Gate, where he clasped his hands in reverence.

"This humble monk, Kasyapa, is acting on the orders of the Buddha Tathagata and wishes to enter the Lingxiao Palace to pay homage to the Jade Emperor, as I have important matters to discuss. I request that the four Heavenly Kings announce my arrival."

Upon hearing this, the Heavenly King of Growth frowned slightly.

The hand holding the sword tightened.

A glance swept over Nakasyapa and saw that the old monk was wearing a rag made of rags, holding a tin staff, with a thin face and slightly closed eyes.

It appears ordinary, yet a faint golden light flows around it.

That was the unique "Buddha's light" of Buddhism, clear and transparent, untouched by dust.

However, when the Buddha's light fell into the eyes of the Heavenly King of Growth, it inexplicably felt somewhat dazzling.

He recalled those days, when undercurrents were surging within the Heavenly Court.

Hmph, the Buddhist sect is really starting to disregard the Heavenly Court more and more.

The Heavenly King of Growth was lost in thought, but his face remained impassive.

He nodded slightly and said, "Please wait a moment, Your Excellency. I will go and inform you immediately."

Having said that, he turned and entered the South Heavenly Gate.

Kasyapa stood outside the door, his expression unchanged.

The other three kings did not speak to him, but simply performed their duties.

But that gaze would occasionally sweep over him.

Kasyapa sensed those gazes and was secretly puzzled.

Although the Heavenly Court and Mount Ling are not from the same family, they have always kept to themselves and their respective spheres of influence.

In the past, when he came to the Heavenly Court on the Buddha's decree, the Four Heavenly Kings, though not particularly enthusiastic, still treated him with utmost courtesy.

What's going on today?

He lifted his eyelids and looked at the three Heavenly Kings.

The Heavenly King Dhritarashtra was plucking the strings of his pipa, and the sound of the strings faintly conveyed a sense of solemnity.

Vaisravana held the Hunyuan Umbrella in his arms, and precious light flowed from time to time on the surface of the umbrella.

The little fox-like ferret in the palm of the Heavenly King Virupaksha's hand stared intently at Kasyapa with its tiny eyes, not blinking.

Kasyapa felt a slight chill in his heart. He closed his eyes, focused his mind, and silently activated his Buddhist wisdom eye to observe carefully.

On the South Heavenly Gate, a faint golden light could be seen flowing.

The golden light was as vast as the sea, yet it was also elusive.

This is the lingering effect of the Heavenly Court's grand formation.

Kasyapa had a vague idea of ​​what to do.

At that moment, the Heavenly King of Growth emerged from the South Heavenly Gate.

He approached Kasyapa, cupped his hands, and said, "Venerable One, the Jade Emperor has decreed that you be summoned to the Lingxiao Palace for an audience."

Kasyapa returned the greeting with his palms together, saying, "Thank you, Heavenly King."

Having said that, he strode into the South Heavenly Gate.

As soon as I stepped through the gate, the scene before me suddenly changed.

The majestic South Heavenly Gate and the imposing Four Heavenly Kings have all vanished.

What comes into view is a vast starry sky.

Countless stars, suspended in the void, slowly rotate.

The stars shone brightly, illuminating this world.

Rays of starlight descended from the stars, like a celestial river pouring down, converging in one place.

That gathering place is the Lingxiao Palace.

Kasyapa felt a slight chill run down his spine.

This formation is based on the celestial bodies and draws upon the spiritual energy of heaven and earth.

Once it operates at full power, even a Great Luo Golden Immortal would find it difficult to escape unscathed.

In the past, when he came to the Heavenly Court, this formation would still operate, but it was just a normal routine.

Today, the power of this formation is more than twice as strong as it has been in the past.

Kasyapa took a deep breath, steadied his mind, and strode towards the Lingxiao Palace.

As we traveled along, we saw that the heavenly court was solemn and imposing.

Countless heavenly soldiers and generals occupied strategic locations.

Golden armor gleamed in the sun, and spears and halberds stood like a forest.

When the heavenly soldiers and generals saw Kasyapa, their eyes all fell on him.

Kasyapa looked at the heavenly soldiers and generals.

The heavenly soldiers and generals all had solemn expressions, and their auras surged.

Before Kasyapa could think any further, the Lingxiao Palace was already in sight.

The Lingxiao Palace stands majestically, a thousand feet high.

The entire piece is made of gold and jade, and is engraved with countless auspicious cloud patterns and dragon and phoenix designs.

Above the palace gate hangs a huge plaque.

The plaque bears three large characters: Lingxiao Palace.

On either side of the palace gate stood two rows of golden-armored divine generals.

Each of them was over ten feet tall, clad in golden helmets and armor, wielding golden spears, exuding a majestic and murderous aura.

Kasyapa walked to the front of the hall and bowed with his palms together.

"This humble monk, Kasyapa, has come to pay homage to the Jade Emperor by order of the Buddha. Please grant me your audience."

A golden-armored general stepped forward, sized him up, and said in a deep voice:

"Please wait a moment, Your Excellency."

Having said that, he turned and entered the hall.

A moment later, he came out and said in a deep voice, "The Jade Emperor has decreed that the envoy from Mount Ling, Kasyapa, be summoned to an audience."

Kasyapa nodded slightly and stepped into the hall.

Stepping into the Lingxiao Palace, one immediately feels an overwhelming aura of majesty.

That aura, like the might of heaven, pressed down on people, making it hard to breathe.

Kasyapa steadied himself and slightly raised his eyes.

Inside the Lingxiao Palace, everything was resplendent in gold and jade.

Kasyapa steadied himself and slightly raised his eyes.

Inside the Lingxiao Palace, everything was resplendent in gold and jade.

The Jade Emperor sat high on his throne, wearing a flat-topped crown, a nine-dragon robe, and holding a jade tablet.

His body radiated golden light and auspicious energy, exuding majesty.

On either side, civil and military officials stood in rows.

There are Li Jing, the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King; Nezha, the Third Prince; the Four Heavenly Masters; the Twenty-Eight Mansions; the Nine Luminaries; the Twelve Earthly Branches; the Five Directions Protectors; the Four Duty Officers; the Eastern and Western Stars; the Two Gods of the North and South; and so on.

Each of them possessed an air of otherworldly grace and divine might.

Kasyapa walked into the hall and bowed with his palms together.

"This humble monk, Kasyapa, pays his respects to the Great Heavenly Venerable."

The Jade Emperor nodded slightly and raised his hand in a gesture of support.

"Your Excellency, there's no need for such formalities. Rise."

Kasyapa rose and stood with his hands at his sides.

The Jade Emperor asked, "What brings you here, Your Excellency?"

Just as Kasyapa was about to speak, he suddenly felt a gaze as sharp as lightning fall upon him.

Kasyapa felt a chill run down his spine and glanced sideways.

Among the civil and military officials, there was a figure staring intently at him.

The figure wore a golden crown and a dragon robe, with water vapor swirling around him, and the sound of waves could be faintly heard.

This person is Ao Shuo, the third prince of the North Sea Dragon Palace.

Kasyapa was slightly taken aback.

Why is the dragon prince looking at him?

Just as he was wondering, he noticed that Ao Shuo's gaze was becoming increasingly sharp.

In that gaze, there was anger, resentment, and a hint of madness.

Kasyapa's heart sank.

At that moment, Ao Shuo suddenly stepped forward, knelt down, and kowtowed, saying:

"Your Majesty, I have an important matter to report!"

Before the words were even finished, all the immortals in the hall were moved.

The Jade Emperor raised an eyebrow slightly.

"Ao Shuo, what do you want?"

Ao Shuo raised his head, his gaze sharp as lightning, and pointed directly at Kasyapa.

"I, your subject, wish to sue this messenger from Mount Ling!"

Kasyapa's expression changed slightly.

The immortals in the hall were slightly agitated.

Li Jing, the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King, frowned and said, "Ao Shuo, stop your rudeness! This is the Lingxiao Palace; how dare you make baseless accusations here?"

Ao Shuo ignored everything and simply kowtowed, saying:

"May the Jade Emperor bear witness!"

"I hereby report that this messenger from Mount Ling instructed the Lion Camel King and the Roc Demon King to murder my in-law, the Flood Dragon Demon King, from the North Sea Dragon Palace!"

Upon hearing this, everyone in the hall was slightly surprised.

Kasyapa's expression darkened, and he clasped his hands together, saying:

"Amitabha! Prince Shuo is mistaken!"

I have just arrived from Mount Ling today, and I know nothing about the Lion Camel King and the Roc Demon King!

How can you say he instructed them?

Ao Shuo sneered, "Why are you pretending to be confused!"

"That Lion Camel King is a descendant of the Green Lion, the mount of Manjushri Bodhisattva, and has countless connections with Mount Ling!"

"That Peng Demon King is a descendant of the Golden-Winged Roc, with an even deeper connection to Mount Ling!"

"Those two, one relying on the backing of Mount Ling, and the other on the protection of your Buddhist sect, dared to act so lawlessly and murder my in-laws from the North Sea Dragon Palace!"

"Do you dare say that this matter has nothing to do with your Lingshan?"

Upon hearing this, Kasyapa's expression changed repeatedly.

He was one of the Buddha's ten great disciples and had lived for tens of thousands of years. How could he have suffered such an injustice?

But unfortunately, he couldn't refute it.

Because the Lion Camel King and the Roc Demon King are indeed related to Mount Ling.

Although they are distant relatives and former subordinates, they are still connected in a real way.

Kasyapa could only suppress his anger and said in a deep voice:

"Your Highness, I will repeat myself. I know nothing about the Lion Camel King and the Roc Demon King."

"As for whether the two of them are related to Mount Ling, that's their own business. Mount Ling can't and has no say in it."

Ao Shuo laughed heartily: "What a convenient excuse!"

"Your Buddhist community has always emphasized compassion and the salvation of all sentient beings."

What, now that something's happened, you're trying to wash your hands of it all?

Kasyapa's expression darkened, and he was about to speak again.

Suddenly, a strange aura emanated from Ao Shuo.

That aura was faint yet unsettling.

Kasyapa was slightly taken aback, opened his Buddhist wisdom eye, and observed carefully.

A layer of gray-black mist swirled around Ao Shuo.

The mist, incongruous with the Buddha's light, clung to him relentlessly.

Calamity and turbidity?

Kasyapa felt a chill run down his spine.

How could the Third Prince of the Dragon Clan have calamity on his body?

Moreover, how could this turbid energy be so active?

At that moment, Ao Shuo's figure swayed slightly.

He instinctively covered his head and growled:

"You...you...you monks..."

"I remember now... I remember now..."

"That day, when the Lion Camel King and the Roc Demon King fought, there was... there was Buddhist light emanating from his body!"

"It was you! It was you from Lingshan who instigated this!"

Upon hearing this, the entire hall was slightly startled.

Kasyapa's expression changed drastically.

"Crown Prince Shuo! Don't you dare make false accusations!"

Ao Shuo ignored him, covering his head and trembling all over.

The gray-black mist churned around him, growing thicker and thicker.

His eyes gradually turned bloodshot.

"I...I want...I want to avenge the Demon King Jiao!"

Before he could finish speaking, Ao Shuo suddenly stood up, his aura surging.

That aura contained boundless rage and a hint of madness.

He reached out and grabbed a trident, which appeared out of thin air and was held in his hand.

The halberd tip points directly at Kasyapa.

"Monk! Prepare to die!"

Having said that, he thrust out with his halberd.

This strike contained a torrent of rage, as well as the catalytic power of calamity.

Its power far exceeds that of ordinary things.

Where the halberd tip passed, the void distorted slightly, accompanied by a whooshing sound.

Whoosh!

All the immortals in the hall paled.

Li Jing, the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King, shouted, "Ao Shuo! Stop!"

No sooner had he finished speaking than the pagoda in his hand flew out to meet the trident.

when!

Ao Shuo felt a numbness in his tiger's mouth and staggered back several steps before regaining his balance.

But the madness in his eyes grew even more intense.

"No one can stop me! I'm going to kill this monk!"

The golden light was as vast as the sea, majestic and solemn.

When Ao Shuo was enveloped in that golden light, he felt his whole body stiffen and he couldn't move.

He struggled desperately, but he couldn't break free.

The Jade Emperor's voice slowly rang out.

"Ao Shuo, you've been corrupted by the calamity and lost your mind. Wake up!"

The sound, like a morning bell and evening drum, penetrated straight into the soul.

Ao Shuo felt a clear stream flow into his mind from between his eyebrows, cleansing his spirit.

The gray-black mist was washed away by the clear stream, and most of it dissipated instantly.

The madness in his eyes gradually faded, revealing clarity.

Ao Shuo stood there blankly, staring at the trident in his hand, then at Kasyapa.

"I...I just now..."

He muttered to himself, his face deathly pale.

The Jade Emperor shook his head and waved his hand.

The golden light receded from Ao Shuo's body.

Ao Shuo felt a sudden relaxation throughout his body, but his legs went weak, and he knelt on the ground.

"Your Majesty, I...I have lost my composure...Please forgive me..."

The Jade Emperor nodded slightly, looked at Kasyapa, and said calmly:

"Your Excellency is frightened."

Kasyapa clasped his hands and said, "This humble monk is fine. It's just that..."

He looked at Ao Shuo, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes.

"The calamity that befell Prince Shuo came about in a strange way."

The Jade Emperor's gaze narrowed slightly.

"What does the Venerable One mean?"

Kasyapa pondered for a moment, then slowly said:

"This humble monk dares to ask, Prince Shuo, where have you been recently? And whom have you met?"

Ao Shuo knelt on the ground, trembling all over.

Although most of the gray-black mist was dispersed, wisps of it still lingered around the mind, refusing to leave.

At this moment, his eyes were filled with confusion.

"This king...this king that day..."

Kasyapa asked, "Prince Shuo, how was that day?"

Ao Shuo suppressed the turmoil in his heart and said:

"That day, I was in the Dragon Palace of the North Sea when I suddenly received a message from the Flood Dragon Demon King, saying that the Lion Camel King and the Roc Demon King wanted to take his life."

"I will immediately go with Xu Zhenjun to assist the Jiao Demon King."

"That battle was so fierce that the sky and earth were darkened."

The Lion Camel King and the Roc Demon King, for some unknown reason, joined forces and came with unstoppable momentum.

"I fought desperately, but I could only watch helplessly as that Flood Dragon Demon King... just watch that Flood Dragon Demon King..."

At this point, anger welled up in his eyes again.

Kasyapa asked, "Prince Shuo, have you felt restless since that day?"

Ao Shuo nodded: "Yes."

After that day, I felt restless and uneasy.

I could see the Demon King's screams before his death from time to time.

She's also prone to daydreaming and easily angered.

"I assumed it was just because I was still upset, so I didn't pay much attention. Who knew..."

Upon hearing this, Kasyapa's expression grew even more solemn.

He said slowly, "Your Highness, this humble monk has something to say, but I don't know if I should."

Ao Shuo said, "Please speak, Venerable One."

Kasyapa said, "Has Prince Shuo ever considered that the people who besieged the Flood Dragon Demon King that day were not the real Lion Camel King and Roc Demon King?"

Ao Shuo was taken aback.

"Not the real one? Then, who is it?"

Kasyapa clasped his hands together and chanted a Buddhist prayer.

"Amitabha. Third Prince, you may not know this, but the Lion Camel King and the Roc Demon King are already dead."

Upon hearing this, the entire hall was astonished.

Ao Shuo's expression changed drastically.

"Dead? How could that be? I saw them with my own eyes that day..."

Kasyapa shook his head and said, "What Prince Shuo saw was just someone else in disguise."

"This humble monk comes from Mount Ling. Before I left, I, the Bright King of Mount Ling, had already foreseen that the Lion Camel King and the Roc Demon King would be annihilated and disappear into the world."

As he spoke, he displayed a picture of what the Golden-Winged Roc had seen.

"And those who killed them..."

At this point, Kasyapa looked towards the civil and military officials.

Ao Shuo followed his gaze.

"You...you mean..."

Kasyapa said in a deep voice, "The ones who killed the Lion Camel King and the Roc Demon King were none other than the Heavenly King of Growth and the Third Prince Nezha!"

hum!

The hall erupted in uproar.

The civil and military officials looked at each other and whispered among themselves.

The Heavenly King of Growth, who had appeared unnoticed, stepped forward and said sternly:

"Kasyapa! Stop talking nonsense!"

These past few days, I have been on duty at the South Heavenly Gate and have never left my post!

How can we kill the Lion Camel King and the Roc Demon King?

Nezha's expression also turned ashen. He paused with his Fire-Tipped Spear and said:

"These days, I have been accompanying my father to discuss matters in the Lingxiao Palace, every single day!"

What makes you think I, the Crown Prince, killed those two demon kings?

Upon hearing this, Kasyapa simply clasped his hands together and said:

"Please do not be hasty, gentlemen. This humble monk is merely stating the facts and has no intention of making false accusations."

"As for whether the two of you truly killed the Lion Camel King and the Roc Demon King, this humble monk does not know."

This humble monk only knows that the Buddha, with his all-seeing eye, saw that the one who attacked was none other than the two of you.

Upon hearing this, the Heavenly King of Growth snorted coldly.

"Even though the Buddha is the master of Mount Sumeru, he cannot slander someone's innocence out of thin air!"

"These days, I have been guarding the South Heavenly Gate every day, with the Four Heavenly Kings as my witness and countless heavenly soldiers and generals as my witness!"

How can I be in two places at once to kill the Lion Camel King and the Roc Demon King?

Nezha also said, "I, the prince, have countless testimonies! Kasyapa, do not speak recklessly!"

Kasyapa was about to speak again.

Just then, a voice rang out.

"Please hold your arguments, everyone. I have something to say, but I'm not sure if I should."

The crowd looked in the direction of the sound and saw Venus, holding a whisk, slowly walking out of the ranks.

He walked into the hall, first bowed to the Jade Emperor, and then cupped his hands to the other immortals.

The Jade Emperor nodded slightly and said, "Venus, please speak freely."

Venus flicked his whisk lightly and said slowly:

"What Venerable Kasyapa meant just now was that the person who killed the Jiao Demon King was not the same group as the person who killed the Lion Camel and the Roc Demon Kings."

"The one who killed the Jiao Demon King disguised himself as the Lion Camel and the Peng Demon King and framed them."

"The one who killed the Jiao Demon King disguised himself as the Lion Camel and the Peng Demon King and framed them."

"They killed the Lion Camel King and the Roc Demon King, and then impersonated the Heavenly King of Growth and the Third Prince to frame the Heavenly Court."

"These two groups, one framing Mount Ling and the other framing the Heavenly Court, are utterly despicable."

Upon hearing this, the immortals gradually came to agree with it.

Li Jing, the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King, stepped forward and cupped his hands in greeting:

"Jin Xing is right! These two groups are clearly trying to sow discord and alienate the Heavenly Court from Mount Ling!"

The Fire God also said, "That's right! If the Heavenly Court and Mount Ling clash over this matter, wouldn't that play right into the hands of the person behind the scenes?"

Water Deity frowned slightly and said slowly:

"But who exactly is the person behind it all?"

"How could someone possess such a skill, capable of impersonating a Taiyi Golden Immortal without revealing their identity?"

Upon hearing this, all the immortals fell into deep thought.

Just then, a cold laugh rang out.

"Ha! In my opinion, the person behind this is right before our eyes!"

Everyone looked over and saw Ao Shuo, the third prince of the North Sea Dragon Palace, with a gloomy face and eyes like lightning, pointing directly at Kasyapa.

Kasyapa's eyebrows twitched.

"Crown Prince Shuo, what do you mean by this?"

Ao Shuo, however, asked, "I ask you, is the Lion Camel King a descendant of the Green Lion, the mount of Manjushri Bodhisattva?"

Kasyapa replied, "Yes."

Ao Shuo then asked, "Is that Peng Demon King a descendant of the Golden-Winged Roc, and related to Mount Ling?"

Kasyapa replied, "Yes."

Ao Shuo said, "That's right!"

One of them is the descendant of a Buddhist mount, and the other is a relative of a Buddhist protector. Both of them have countless connections with your Mount Ling!

Now that they are dead, killed by Heavenly generals, your Mount Ling can use this as an excuse to cause trouble and hold the Heavenly Court accountable!

"And my in-law, the Flood Dragon Demon King, also died at their hands!"

Even though it's an impersonation, why did the person impersonating them specifically choose to impersonate the two of them?

"It's all because of the immense power of Mount Ling; even if something goes wrong, no one dares to investigate!"

"With this back and forth, Lingshan can both find grounds for accusation and clear itself of any involvement. It's truly a clever scheme!"

Although Kasyapa was angry, he still patiently said:

"Our Lingshan sect acts with integrity and uprightness; how could we possibly do such a despicable thing?"

"If your Buddhist sect is truly upright and honest, why did the Golden-Winged Roc appear when the Roc Demon King was killed?"

Why did he watch helplessly as the Peng Demon King died a violent death, yet only leave in anger and dare not make a move?

It's because he knows that the imposter is someone sent by his Lingshan Sect!

If he makes a move, he will reveal a weakness!

Kasyapa's expression changed drastically.

"You...you're talking nonsense!"

Ao Shuo ignored him, and instead knelt on the ground, kowtowing and saying:

"May the Jade Emperor bear witness!"

"Though I am young, I know that in this world, those who can impersonate a Taiyi Golden Immortal without revealing their true nature are few and far between!"

"And Mount Ling has this ability! And the Buddha has even more of this ability!"

"Your Majesty, I humbly request that you thoroughly investigate Mount Ling and bring justice to my relative by marriage!"

These words caused an uproar throughout the hall.

Then the Wenqu Star Official stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said:

"Your Majesty, please be wise! While Prince Shuo's words may be excessive, they are not entirely without merit!"

"The Lion Camel King and the Roc Demon King are indeed related to Mount Ling."

Now that they are dead, killed by Heavenly generals, if Mount Ling uses this as an excuse to cause trouble, wouldn't Heaven be in a passive position?

The Martial Star Official also said, "Exactly! In my opinion, it would be better to strike first and send someone to Mount Ling to find out the truth!"

Lord Huode shook his head and said, "No. If we rashly send people there, wouldn't that play right into the hands of the person behind it all?"

The Water Deity asked, "Then, in your opinion, what should be done?"

The Fire God pondered for a moment before saying:

"In my opinion, we should first investigate the inner workings of the Heavenly Court."

Look around these days, has anyone been acting suspiciously? Has anyone deserted their post?

Upon hearing this, the expression on the face of the Heavenly King of Growth changed slightly.

He stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Fire God, what do you mean by that?"

The Fire God said indifferently, "It doesn't mean anything."

It's just a routine inquiry. If the Heavenly King has nothing to hide, why is he so nervous?

The King of Growth was about to speak.

Nezha stepped forward and laughed:

"Fire God, I, the Crown Prince, do not like to hear your words."

"These past few days, I have accompanied my father to the Lingxiao Palace for daily discussions, and there are countless witnesses to this. If you don't believe me, go and investigate!"

The Fire God smiled slightly and said, "Third Prince, don't be anxious. I am merely inquiring according to procedure, and it is not directed at anyone."

Nezha snorted coldly, about to make a move.

For a time, the Lingxiao Palace was filled with lively debate, with people exchanging sharp words back and forth.

As the saying goes, the conflict between Buddhism and Taoism stirs up trouble, and the Dragon Palace adds to the chaos and raises many questions.

Therefore, two flowers bloom, each representing a different aspect.

At this very moment, auspicious clouds and countless streams of lucky energy surround Flower and Fruit Mountain.

Li Yan and Sun Wukong returned, descended from the clouds, and landed in front of the Water Curtain Cave.

But the atmosphere in the mountains was quite different from before.

The Bewildering Array slowly operated, filtering the remaining hazy, turbid air into the cave.

The plants and trees in the mountains, nourished by the fresh air, grow even more lush and vibrant.

The monkeys, waking from their daze, gathered in twos and threes by the stream and under the trees.

They combed their fur, caught lice, and played and frolicked.

Although it's not as lively as before, it's gradually regaining its vitality.

General Beng, leaning on his cane, was standing at the cave entrance, looking around.

Upon seeing the two figures, tears welled up in his old eyes, and he tremblingly stepped forward to greet them.

"Your Majesty! Taoist Priest! You've finally returned!"

Sun Wukong descended from the clouds.

He grabbed General Beng and grinned, saying, "Old Beng, I, Old Sun, am back!"

"How are the children? Are they all alright?"

General Beng wiped away his tears and nodded repeatedly: "Good, good, good! Everything is fine!"

Thanks to the Taoist priest's bewildering array, there have been no more minor demons bothering us these past few days.

Those who had previously been blinded by the defilement of the world gradually came to their senses.

only……"

Sun Wukong asked, "But what?"

General Beng said, "Those little monkeys that were captured, although rescued by the Taoist priest, were frightened and have been hiding in their caves for the past few days, afraid to come out."

Upon hearing this, a hint of pity flashed in Sun Wukong's golden eyes.

He patted General Beng on the shoulder and said, "Don't be afraid. I, Old Sun, have brought them some good things this time!"

Having said that, he raised his hand and waved it.

A golden light emerged from the sleeve and landed on the open ground in front of the cave.

The golden light faded, revealing something the size of a small mountain.

General Beng stared wide-eyed, his mouth agape, speechless for a long time.

General Ba, Marshal Ma, and Marshal Liu rushed over upon hearing the news. When they saw the treasures scattered all over the ground, they were dumbfounded and almost fell to the ground.

"Your Majesty...this...this is..."

Sun Wukong put his hands on his hips, beaming with pride: "Hehe! This is all the wealth accumulated by those three old demons over tens of thousands of years!"

Now it all belongs to me, Old Sun!

General Beng stammered, "Your Majesty...you...you took all three of them..."

Sun Wukong nodded, but made a shushing gesture.

The four generals exchanged a glance, then knelt down in unison, shouting, "Your Majesty is mighty! Your Majesty is mighty!"

Hearing the noise, the little monkeys hiding in the cave also poked their heads out.

Upon seeing the treasures scattered on the ground, their eyes lit up, and they squeaked as they poured out of the cave.

Little Drill ran ahead, its round body bouncing up and down, until it reached Li Yan's feet. It tilted its little head up and squeaked twice.

Li Yan squatted down and rubbed its little head.

Little Drill rubbed his palm before turning around and running towards the pile of treasures.

Upon seeing this, Sun Wukong laughed heartily: "Come on, come on!"

"Today, I, Old Sun, am hosting a feast; everyone will get a share of these treasures!"

Upon hearing this, the monkeys cheered and rushed forward.

Sun Wukong was in no hurry to distribute the treasures. He simply raised his hand and waved it, and a golden light fell, covering the pile of treasures.

"Don't rush, don't rush! I, Old Sun, will divide it up for you first!"

He squatted down, picked out some to strengthen the body and nourish the vital energy from the pile of elixirs, and handed them to General Beng.

"Old Beng, take these pills and distribute them to the children who have been frightened. One pill a day for seven days, and they will calm their minds and settle their spirits."

General Beng accepted the gift, tears streaming down his face, and repeatedly kowtowed, saying, "Thank you, Your Majesty! Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Sun Wukong then picked out some handy swords, spears, and halberds from the pile of divine weapons and handed them to General Ba, Marshal Ma, and Marshal Liu.

"You three have worked hard on the mountain all these years. These weapons are all good stuff that the Flood Dragon Demon King plundered. Pick a few that you like, so you can protect the mountain in the future!"

The three generals accepted it, overjoyed, and kowtowed in unison.

Sun Wukong then picked out some simple and easy-to-understand Taoist scriptures and techniques from the pile and handed them to a few of his older monkey followers.

"Take these Taoist scriptures and study them. If you don't understand anything, go and ask Master Li."

The monkeys took it, held it in their arms, and treated it like a priceless treasure.

Sun Wukong then grabbed handfuls of pearls, agates, jade, and coral from the pile of gold and silver treasures and scattered them among the monkeys.

"Come on, come on! These are all yours! Take them and play with them!"

The monkeys cheered and jumped for joy, vying to catch the pearls and gems.

For a time, laughter and joy filled the area in front of the Water Curtain Cave.

Li Yan stood to the side, watching this scene, a slight smile playing on his lips.

His mind stirred slightly, and he sank into the mirror of his heart.

On the mirror, lines of small golden characters slowly emerged.

Sun Wukong distributed treasures on Flower Fruit Mountain, benefiting all the monkeys, who were overjoyed and deeply grateful.

[Aura of Karma +800 (You have received a share of the good karma for facilitating this act of kindness)]

Nourished by the miraculous medicine, the monkeys gradually regained their vitality and returned to life.

[Aura of Compassion +500 (Compassionate Heart, Righteousness of Protection)]

The monkeys, now protected by powerful weapons, felt much safer and their confidence gradually returned.

[Aura of Dharma +500 (A benevolent act of protection, benefiting all sentient beings)]

The monkeys, having comprehended the Daoist scriptures and practices, are gradually gaining intelligence and have hope for further cultivation.

[Aura of Destiny +800 (Passing on the Dharma and imparting knowledge, immeasurable merit)]

[Current Affinity/Dharma Energy: 24800/10240]

Li Yan nodded slightly.

This is the wonder of the power of karma; every good deed that arises because of you contributes a share of your merit.

He withdrew his focus and looked at Sun Wukong.

The monkey was squatting on the ground, holding Little Drill and feeding it fruit.

Little Drill squatted in his palm, holding the fruit, taking small bites, his face covered in juice.

Li Yan smiled slightly and turned to walk towards his stone chamber.

Upon seeing this, General Beng hurriedly stepped forward and said, "Daoist Master, what's wrong with you...?"

Li Yan said, "This humble Taoist needs to go into seclusion for a few days to refine some things. I will trouble the general to look after me during these days."

General Beng nodded repeatedly: "Rest assured, Daoist! We'll guard you! You just need to go into seclusion!"

Li Yan nodded slightly and stepped into the stone chamber.

As he reached the door, he glanced back.

The monkey was surrounded by a group of baby monkeys, chattering and making a ruckus.

Sun Wukong sensed his gaze, raised his head, and grinned.

Li Yan nodded slightly, then turned and went inside.

The stone gate closed.

He stood in the stone chamber, looking around.

The stone chamber remained exactly as it had always been.

Stone bed, stone table, stone bench, futon.

Simple and clean.

Li Yan walked to the prayer mat and sat down cross-legged.

Close your eyes and concentrate, letting your mind sink into the grotto.

Within that grotto-heaven, the sun and moon revolved, and the stars flowed.

A twelve-petaled golden lotus flower hangs quietly in the center.

On the petals, the mysterious symbols and characters flowed endlessly, scattering rays of golden light.

Beside the lotus flower, two orbs of light floated.

A mass of blood-red color—that was the primordial spirit of the Lion Camel King.

The cyan mass was the primordial spirit of the Roc Demon King.

Both of these beams of light were now enveloped by the power of the lotus and unable to move.

Li Yan gazed at the two primordial spirits, secretly calculating in his heart.

Both the Lion Camel King and the Roc Demon King are at the Taiyi Golden Immortal level.

Although he was killed by him and Sun Wukong in a joint attack and his primordial spirit was damaged, he was still a rare and highly nourishing substance.

If it can be refined and integrated into the cave, it will surely be able to advance to the next level.

However, refining the primordial spirit of a Taiyi Golden Immortal is no small matter.

One must pay attention to the timing, method, and method.

If one is not careful, one may suffer a backlash, which may result in mental or physical damage or even demonic possession.

Li Yan pondered for a moment, and then he had already made up his mind.

He immediately activated the twelve-petaled golden lotus, drawing upon its vast power.

The lotus flower was activated and immediately shone brightly.

On the petals, the mysterious symbols and characters flowed together, scattering golden light that enveloped the two primordial spirits.

Li Yan's mind stirred slightly, triggering the Confucian virtue of benevolence.

A boundless love welled up from his heart and mind, permeating the entire cave.

That love is warm, peaceful, and all-encompassing.

The two primordial spirits trembled slightly, enveloped by this love.

Faint sounds of lion's roar and roc's cry drifted over, carrying a sense of sorrow and grief.

Li Yan remained expressionless and continued to manipulate the Daoist void.

Within the grotto, the sun, moon, stars, mountains, rivers, and vegetation gradually became transparent.

It's as if it's transforming from a small world into a void.

Within that nothingness lies boundless vitality.

The two primordial spirits sensed this power of nothingness and struggled even more violently.

But those twelve golden lotuses are the fusion of the true meanings of the three religions, containing supreme mysteries.

No matter how much they struggled, they could not escape the golden light.

Li Yan once again invoked the Buddhist concept of emptiness.

Those vague and elusive visions of paradise gradually lose their true nature in one's heart.

Mountains and rivers are not mountains and rivers, grass and trees are not grass and trees, sun and moon are not sun and moon.

Everything is a product of causes and conditions coming together and transforming into something else.

Since it is an illusion, it can be transformed.

The two primordial spirits were enveloped by this principle of emptiness and gradually calmed down.

The roar of the lion and the cry of the roc gradually faded away.

Seeing this, Li Yan nodded inwardly.

The true meaning of these three teachings is indeed the supreme method for refining the primordial spirit.

The Confucian concept of benevolence aims to resolve resentment through compassion.

The Taoist concept of emptiness aims to dissolve attachment through nothingness.

The Buddhist concept of emptiness involves transforming one's true nature through emptiness.

With these three methods combined, even the primordial spirit of a Taiyi Golden Immortal would have no choice but to submit.