Chapter 710
Building a Grand Hall with Spiritual Agate
This is a formal declaration and a change of identity. From this day forward, Qiu Shou Xian, Ling Ya Xian, and Jin Guang Xian are no longer the mounts of the Three Great Bodhisattvas of the Western Paradise, but rather the enforcers of the Nine-Layer Heavenly Prison!
This official status is the best protection for them and also the most direct slap in the face to the Western Paradise—the “sinful demons” and “mounts” that you don’t want, my Heavenly Court will take them in and make good use of them!
The many immortals watching were all insightful individuals, and after a little thought, they understood Lin Zhu's intention.
Seeing Lin Zhu's calm and composed demeanor, as if he had just brought back a few ordinary new colleagues, and recalling the "bright" smiles of the three demon immortals and the law enforcers' unsurprised expressions, they became even more convinced that these three great demons of the Jie Sect had definitely been killed by Lin Yushen in some "special way".
He was "lured" into the Nine Heavens Prison! As for the specifics of how he was "lured"... that's not for outsiders to know. Anyway, Lin Yushen's methods are always so unexpected and effective.
In an instant, the immortals' admiration for Lin Zhu and their longing for the Nine-Story Heavenly Prison reached a new height.
Speaking of this nine-story prison, under Lin Zhu's leadership over the past five hundred years, it is no longer the gloomy and dark place where prisoners were imprisoned.
With its forests and bamboos, it has repeatedly made great achievements in the Three Realms, gaining a great reputation and becoming an extremely special and desirable "unit" in the Three Realms!
Especially for countless rogue cultivators and monsters born from the demon race or not from the orthodox Xuanmen sect, the Nine-Layer Heavenly Prison is simply a "utopia" of their dreams!
Less trouble? Uh, that depends on the situation. Following Boss Lin is definitely exciting, but the rewards are also high!
Lots of money? Absolutely! Boss Lin is generous with his money. He is never stingy with the treasures he has seized or the resources he has extorted. His soldiers are well-treated, far better than many of the celestial officials in the government offices who are not very influential.
A lot of face? Needless to say! Who in the Three Realms doesn't know the infamous Nine-Layer Heavenly Prison these days? Wherever they go, as long as they show off the Nine-Layer Heavenly Prison's signboard, they're the kind of people who can walk sideways.
Most importantly—no prejudice! With Lin Zhu, it doesn't matter if you're from a demon race, a ghost cultivator, or some other unorthodox sect, as long as your karma isn't too bad, your character isn't too twisted, and you're willing to follow the rules, you'll be treated equally and have a chance to join! Look at the current high-ranking members of the Nine-Layered Heavenly Prison, aren't powerful demon race figures like the Primordial Sky Eagle and the Abyss Golden Turtle all ranked below Nezha, the Third Prince, yet they are independent, trusted, and capable of handling their own affairs?
Moreover, the recruitment conditions for the Nine-Layer Heavenly Prison sound particularly "relaxed"—no questions are asked about background or origin, as long as one's karma and cause and effect are not obstructed and one's character is upright.
This is simply opening a door to "official status" and "future prospects" for countless demons and rogue cultivators who have difficulty getting ahead in the Xuanmen and Buddhist sects or who are unwilling to be bound by those strict rules and regulations!
However, it is precisely because these conditions seem lenient but actually require extremely high "mental character" that, coupled with the strict control over the number of places in the Nine Heavens Prison, the competition for entry has become so fierce that it is outrageous!
Even recently, the Gouchen Emperor, who nominally rules over all the demon races but has been living in seclusion for many years, issued a rare decree publicly praising the Nine-Layer Heavenly Prison for "strict enforcement of the law, impartial education, and setting an example for the stability of the Three Realms and the righteous path of the demon race."
It also called on "all righteous and kind-hearted demons and cultivators who are willing to contribute to the order of the Three Realms to actively strive to join the Nine-Layer Heavenly Prison and make great contributions together!"
This decree propelled the Nine-Layered Heavenly Prison to its zenith! Lin Zhu later realized that this was likely a premeditated scheme by Emperor Gouchen. Emperor Gouchen's duty was to govern all demons and find a righteous path for the demon race to establish themselves and integrate into the order of the Three Realms.
Seeing that the Nine-Layered Heavenly Prison was thriving under Lin Zhu's leadership, its influence growing ever stronger, and it had become an excellent platform and benchmark for absorbing, transforming, and making good use of the demon race's power, this Great Emperor was naturally pleased with the situation and even wanted to fully promote it, setting it as a model! This decree was to support and create momentum for Lin Zhu and the Nine-Layered Heavenly Prison!
In this way, the Nine-Story Heavenly Prison became a utopian existence comparable to a "top-tier state-owned enterprise within the Heavenly Court" in the eyes of all living beings in the Three Realms, especially countless low-level demons and rogue cultivators!
Good benefits, high pay, prestige, a powerful boss who doesn't discriminate based on background, and even a personal recommendation from the Great Emperor Gouchen... This attraction is simply irresistible!
At this moment, the noisy scene outside the South Heavenly Gate, besides welcoming Lin Zhu's triumphant return and watching the excitement, is also a concentrated manifestation of the influence of the Nine-Layered Heavenly Prison.
Many well-informed and quick-witted cultivators and demons had already gathered here, hoping to find an opportunity, even if it was just to become familiar with the place or to find out about the next recruitment drive.
"Lord Lin! Lord Lin! I have cultivated diligently for thirty million years, single-mindedly pursuing the Dao, and my karma is pure. Could you please grant me a chance to participate in the Heavenly Prison assessment?!"
An elderly man with a white beard and an air of otherworldly wisdom squeezed to the front of the crowd and shouted at the top of his lungs.
"Go away! Old man, get in line! Didn't you see that Brother Xiaotian Dog has been queuing for three days? Several Taiyi Golden Immortals have already been eliminated!"
A little demon with deer antlers on its head shouted from the side.
"Exactly! I heard that last time there was a powerful demon from Beiju Luzhou who went through more than ten years of interviews and assessments, but in the end, he was eliminated because he had stolen a spiritual fruit from the neighboring mountain when he was young, which caused a slight flaw in his karma! The competition is too fierce!"
Another demon cultivator with a bird's head and a human body added, his tone a mixture of longing and helplessness.
The scene was incredibly noisy, even more bustling than a typical vegetable market.
These beings, who are usually prominent figures or dedicated to cultivation, have now abandoned all their pride for the chance to join the Nine-Layer Heavenly Prison.
The Jade Emperor and Lin Zhu stood side by side, looking at the lively, even somewhat chaotic scene before them. The Jade Emperor still wore that unfathomable smile on his face. He stroked his long beard and said to Lin Zhu.
"Minister Lin, it seems that your Nine-Layer Heavenly Prison is now the most sought-after in the Three Realms, coveted by all beings. Let them disperse for now. Later, come to the Lingxiao Palace; I have something to discuss with you."
Before the Jade Emperor departed, he turned to Lin Zhu and cast a meaningful glance that seemed to contain a thousand unspoken words.
The gaze lingered on Lin Zhu, especially on his waist, for a fleeting moment, a mixture of undisguised admiration, a knowing "you've struck it rich again," and... a hidden longing for the legendary "merit water."
Even before Lin Zhu went out to "take care of business," the Jade Emperor had vaguely guessed that this fellow would definitely stir up trouble in the Western Paradise and gain some benefits along the way. The merit water was also a very useful treasure for him, the ruler of the Three Realms.
He had originally planned to find an excuse to "buy" or "exchange" some things from Lin Zhu later, but now was clearly not the time to talk about it. Seeing Lin Zhu's travel-worn and eager-to-"divide the spoils," he was not in a hurry and simply put the idea aside for the future.
As the Jade Emperor's imperial carriage disappeared behind layers of auspicious clouds, surrounded by celestial officials and generals, the already noisy crowd outside the South Heavenly Gate lost its greatest "shock" and instantly surged towards Lin Zhu like a flood bursting its banks!
"Lin Yushen! Give me a chance!"
"My lord! I am willing to serve the prison guards at all costs, even through fire and water!"
"Lord of the Prison! Look at me! Look at me! My cultivation is solid, and I know seventy-two transformations... no, I mean thirty-six minor supernatural abilities!"
"Boss Lin! Take me in! I eat little and work a lot!"
Countless arms waved, and a cacophony of pleas, self-recommendations, and declarations of loyalty mingled together, forming a terrifying wave of people that nearly engulfed Lin Zhu! Among them were some powerful Golden Immortals and True Immortals, and even a few Taiyi Loose Immortals, who disregarded their image and only wanted to squeeze in front of Lin Zhu to make themselves known.
Just as Lin Zhu was about to be swallowed up by the frenzied crowd, a clear shout rang out at the critical moment.
"Silence! Step back! Law enforcement officers, line up!"
Suddenly, Nezha stepped forward, slamming his Fire-Tipped Spear into the ground with a muffled thud that made the ground tremble slightly.
Behind him, the nine-story prison enforcers who had followed Lin Zhu back from the Western Paradise immediately sprang into action with remarkable discipline! They quickly split into two lines, forming a solid human wall that separated the surging crowd from Lin Zhu.
These law enforcers were all imposing and sharp-eyed. Having experienced the baptism of war in the Western Paradise, their mere presence exuded a chilling aura that kept strangers at bay, instantly halting the frenzied crowd and preventing them from charging forward any further.
"Step back! Step back! Can't you see that Lord Hell God has just returned and needs to rest?! Recruitment matters have their own rules, how can you make a fuss here and decide them?!" Nezha shouted at the crowd, one hand on his hip and the other holding his Fire-Tipped Spear, his little face full of helplessness and headache.
He was clearly quite experienced in this kind of situation.
The crowd was blocked by a human wall of law enforcement officers, and after hearing what Nezha said, although they were still unwilling, the commotion subsided for the time being. However, countless eager eyes were still fixed on Lin Zhu, who was being protected in the middle.
Lin Zhu was finally freed from the crisis of almost being "buried alive." He straightened his somewhat disheveled robes and gave Nezha an approving look.
The two walked side by side along the narrow passage enclosed by the law enforcers, heading towards the Nine-Story Heavenly Prison.
As they walked, Nezha couldn't help but complain to Lin Zhu, his little face full of "Boss, do you know how hard things are for us?"
"Boss, you have no idea how much we've been doing while you've been gone! Countless demons and rogue cultivators have been coming every day, crying and begging to join. Our current space is already overflowing, and Li Yuan and I have been discussing it and are working hard to expand it. We've even drawn up several versions of the blueprints..."
Lin Zhu nodded upon hearing this; he had anticipated this situation.
The Nine-Story Heavenly Prison is renowned and extremely attractive, so its expansion is inevitable.
Nezha continued speaking with a bitter face.
"But... but here's the problem! The area of our Nine-Story Heavenly Prison is limited in the Heavenly Court. Although His Majesty the Jade Emperor has been kind enough to allow us to expand outwards a bit, the coverage area is still ultimately limited."
Expanding further outwards would mean encroaching on the territory of other celestial palaces or mansions, or involving areas with inherent restrictions and formations of the Heavenly Court—it would be extremely troublesome! Moreover…”
He paused, his voice lowered, tinged with grievance.
"The most critical issue is manpower! We're already stretched thin just maintaining daily law enforcement, training new recruits, and handling miscellaneous matters reported from all over the Three Realms! It's difficult to even find a reliable craftsman who understands the architectural regulations and formation arrangements of the Heavenly Court, let alone the large number of laborers needed for 'bricklaying' and 'wall building' for the expansion!"
We can't possibly have all of us law enforcers, or the newly recruited demon brothers, working as construction workers, can we? That would be too beneath us, and inefficient too. So… the expansion plan has actually been stalled for quite some time now.”
Hearing Nezha's complaints, Lin Zhu paused slightly, a knowing glint in his eyes, before a smile played on his lips. Shortage of manpower? Insufficient labor? Limited building materials?
He suddenly remembered some "good things" he had just "brought back" from the Western Paradise.
"Nezha, don't worry."
Lin Zhu patted Nezha on the shoulder, his tone relaxed.
"We will not expand."
"Huh? No more expansion?"
Nezha was taken aback, then became anxious.
"How can that be? What about all the brothers who want to come and join us? We really don't have enough space!"
“No expansion,” Lin Zhu smiled slightly, a sly glint in his eyes.
“Let’s build a new one right next to it—the ‘Law Enforcement Hall’! It’ll be used specifically for offices, meetings, receptions, and… settling in our new brothers!”
"The Hall of Law Enforcement?"
Nezha blinked.
"But...doesn't that still require land and materials? And it's more time-consuming, isn't it?"
"As for the land... it's right next to the Nine-Story Heavenly Prison. I think that vacant lot is pretty good. Although it's close to the edge of the Peach Garden, if we talk to the local earth god who guards the garden, it shouldn't be a problem to share some of it."
Lin Zhu stroked his chin, seemingly making plans.
"As for the materials..."
He stopped and, under the watchful eyes of countless people, slowly raised his right hand, palm facing upward.
The next moment, to everyone's astonishment, the spatial portal in Lin Zhu's palm, representing the "Buddha Kingdom in the Palm," opened once again!
There was no earth-shattering fanfare, only a heart-pounding premonition, as if an infinite treasure was about to appear in the world.
Then--
"Rumble..."
Like a torrent of water, or a giant dumping its treasure trove! There were strange jade stones of varying sizes, the smallest as big as a washbasin and the largest as big as a house, shimmering with a warm and pure light that seemed to cleanse the soul, radiating extremely pure spiritual energy. They surged out of the spatial portal like a tide and quickly piled up on the open ground next to it!
These jade stones display a variety of colors, including pale gold, milky white, and light purple. Inside, a liquid, ethereal light seems to flow slowly, and their surfaces are naturally engraved with mysterious patterns resembling blooming lotus flowers. Even just being exposed to the air, the spiritual energy they exude invigorates the surrounding immortals, making them feel a slight increase in their cultivation!
"This...this is?!"
The seasoned experts who knew their stuff exclaimed in surprise, their eyes nearly popping out of their sockets.
"Spiritual agate?! And such high-quality spiritual agate in such a huge size?!"
"My God! It really is Spirit Source Agate! I've seen records of it in ancient books. It's a rare treasure formed from the earth's spiritual essence after at least ten thousand years of sedimentation and compression under extremely high pressure and a special environment! (End of Chapter)"