Chapter 717
Guanyin Forced to Go to Heaven
Then, he turned his gaze to Guanyin, who was about to leave, his tone carrying a hint of dissatisfaction and questioning.
"Great Bodhisattva Guanyin, the Buddha departed in haste. What crucial task did he entrust to you? Why did he not tell me? Did he perhaps think I was incapable of undertaking such a great responsibility?"
Guanyin stopped and glanced at him sideways, her gaze calm and unwavering, as if she were looking at a stubborn rock, and said indifferently.
“The Buddha did indeed give instructions, ordering this humble monk to go to the Heavenly Court to meet a certain person.”
"The Heavenly Court? Whom do I wish to see?"
The White Lotus Boy raised an eyebrow, his interest growing even stronger. He even took a step forward and patted his chest.
"But some ignorant celestial official in Heaven is making things difficult for my Western Paradise? Perfect! I have just obtained a physical body and need to establish my authority! Within the Three Realms, I am the protagonist, blessed with good fortune, and no one can stop me! Guanyin Bodhisattva, tell me, which little deity is this? I will go and meet him right now, and I will make him kneel down and beg for mercy, thus demonstrating the majesty of my Western Paradise!"
He became more and more excited as he spoke, as if he could already see himself stepping on celestial officials and being revered by thousands.
Looking at his reckless and ignorant appearance, Guanyin suddenly felt both amused and saddened.
She uttered four words softly, her voice not loud, yet they clearly reached the ears of the White Lotus Boy.
"Prison God, Lin Zhu."
"..."
Time seemed to stand still for the White Lotus Boy.
The excited, arrogant, and invincible expression on his face froze instantly, like a tide being frozen.
Immediately afterwards, the expression began to crumble and distort at a visible speed, first blank, then incredulous, and finally... turned into pure, deep-seated terror!
Lin Zhu! That name was like the most vicious curse, instantly shattering his newly rebuilt, fragile "protagonist confidence"! The scene outside Mount Ling, where he had his supernatural powers easily broken and was manipulated like a toy, uncontrollably surfaced in his mind;
The terrifying rumors that came to mind later surfaced: how the other party could come and go freely in Mount Ling and empty the treasure trove of all Buddhas, including the Pool of Merit; he also recalled the figure that might exist behind the silent "plundering" of the entire Western Paradise that he vaguely sensed after being defeated by the Dragon Clan...
It was a fear stemming from a biological instinct, a natural dread of "anomalies" and "power" that exceeded the realm of comprehension. What were the chosen ones, what were the protagonists of destiny? Compared to that real, terrifying being that could infuriate even the most saintly incarnation, they were like laughable bubbles, easily burst with a single prick.
"Uh... Lin, Lin Zhu..."
The White Lotus Boy's Adam's apple bobbed, his voice was dry and trembling, his face turned deathly pale, and even fine beads of cold sweat appeared on his forehead.
He instinctively took a step back, as if those four words carried an invisible plague.
"That... Guanyin Bodhisattva..."
His eyes darted away, no longer displaying his previous arrogance, and he stammered.
"Since it was Buddha who entrusted you with this task... then it must be a confidential and important matter, and I... I cannot participate. Hmm, the reconstruction of Mount Ling involves many affairs, and I still need to supervise and ensure progress... Farewell, farewell!"
After saying that, he didn't dare to look at Guanyin again, nor did he dare to imagine what a "wonderful" scene it would be to face Lin Zhu. Like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, he turned around and left, his steps hurried and even a little unsteady, quickly disappearing among the busy monks and ruins, as if he was afraid that Guanyin would call him back and really drag him to see that demon.
Guanyin stood there, watching the White Lotus Boy's hasty retreat, and then looked in the direction where he had just pointed to the sky and declared that "no one in the Three Realms can stop him." She couldn't help but shake her head slightly and let out a barely audible sigh.
"Such a temperament, such... alas."
She ultimately didn't utter the words "mentally retarded," but her eyes said it all. The Western Paradise is unfortunate to have such a lovable character, who happens to be a close attendant of the Sage. They can't scold or punish him, they can only appease and endure him—how tragic!
Composing herself, Guanyin looked towards the Heavenly Court, where the majestic palaces high above the heavens were faintly visible through the clouds.
This journey was destined to be anything but easy. Facing Lin Zhu, the prison god who even Buddha had to compromise with and whose name even the White Lotus Child trembled with fear, she felt a heavy sense of responsibility and trepidation, yet strangely, a growing, indescribable expectation also lingered in her heart.
Perhaps it is precisely because of such "anomalies" that the waters of the Three Realms have not become a completely stagnant, monotonous pool. Although the waves stirred up by these "anomalies" often leave people dizzy, bruised, and battered.
On the other side, in the side hall of the Star Palace
In stark contrast to the gloomy atmosphere and chaotic scene at the Western Paradise, the atmosphere here is relaxed, even somewhat joyful.
Lin Zhu had just taken the upgraded, incredibly powerful Thirty-Sixth Grade Creation Lotus into his sea of consciousness to nurture it. He felt refreshed and clear-headed, and even the ordinary heavenly clouds outside the palace seemed exceptionally pleasing to the eye.
With a thought, he summoned the three brothers, Qiu Shou Xian, Ling Ya Xian, and Jin Guang Xian, who were temporarily housed there.
The three demon immortals, having been summoned, dared not delay and immediately rushed to the side hall.
They retained their shrunken size, but the ancient, malevolent aura originating from their bloodline could not be completely concealed. However, at this moment, this malevolent aura transformed entirely into utmost respect and gratitude when facing Lin Zhu.
Upon entering the hall and seeing Lin Zhu sitting upright on the cloud bed with a smile on his face, the three demon immortals knelt down without hesitation, their huge heads bowed deeply, their voices trembling with excitement.
"Immortal with the curled head greets my senior brother! I thank you for saving my life and for your kindness in giving me a second chance!"
His words were earnest and heartfelt. If Lin Zhu hadn't exchanged them for the endless humiliation and confinement in the Western Paradise, they might have been destined to remain as mounts for others for eternity, their cultivation stagnant and their dignity utterly lost.
Lin Zhu accepted the bow, then raised his hand in a gesture of support, his tone indifferent.
"Get up. There's no need for such formalities between fellow disciples. It was just a small gesture, a chance encounter."
The three demon immortals rose as instructed, but the gratitude and awe in their eyes remained undiminished. The dragon-headed immortal, being relatively straightforward, raised its head, its enormous lion eyes filled with undisguised worship and curiosity, and cautiously asked.
"May I ask...may I ask you, senior brother, who...who exactly are you...?"
It wanted to ask Lin Zhu about his true identity, why he possessed the aura of the Tongtian Saint's token, and why he could leap from the Heavenly Prison God to become their "senior brother," but when the words reached its lips, it felt abrupt and hesitated.
Lingya Fairy and Jinguang Fairy immediately perked up their ears, their eyes filled with the same anticipation.
Having been suppressed for too long and cut off from information, they have now regained their freedom and have seen what appears to be the true successors of the Jie Sect. The long-extinguished flame of the Jie Sect's revival in their hearts has been quietly rekindled.
Looking into their expectant yet apprehensive eyes, Lin Zhu knew exactly what they were thinking. He sighed softly, a slightly helpless smile appearing on his face, and spoke frankly, "My identity? You sensed it correctly; I am indeed a member of the Jie Sect. However..."
He paused, his tone becoming somewhat strange.
"My entry into the field was somewhat...unexpected."
Under the questioning gazes of the three demon immortals, Lin Zhu continued.
"It was probably a few hundred years ago. I was wandering around in the mortal realm when I happened to meet an old man... well, with a unique air about him. He insisted on sitting on the stool next to me, but I refused. Then he said that if I didn't let him sit, he would make me join his so-called 'cult,' or I would die."
Lin Zhu shrugged, his expression even more helpless.
"I couldn't beat him at the time, and he didn't seem to be joking, so I had no choice but to... give in. Later I learned that the old man was an incarnation of the Sage Tongtian. So, I became the 'closed disciple' of the Jie Sect without even realizing it."
The three demon immortals were dumbfounded upon hearing this story of how they entered the sect. Being "threatened" into becoming disciples by the incarnation of a sage? This… what kind of disciple-acceptance is this? But upon closer reflection, it seemed to fit the unconventional and free-spirited style of that Shangqing sage.
"As for the revival of the Jie Sect..."
Lin Zhu shook his head, his tone becoming clear and calm, shattering the flame of hope that had just ignited in the eyes of the three demon immortals.
"The tide has turned, and it is beyond human control. I saved you for two reasons: first, out of our shared sect, I could not bear to see you humiliated in the Western Paradise; second, your cultivation foundation is still intact, and you are promising talents. But saving you does not mean that I will take up the banner of reviving the Jie Sect."
He watched as the light in the eyes of the three demon immortals dimmed rapidly, yet he still spoke calmly.
"I will not restrict your decision to stay or leave. If you find the Nine Heavens Prison in Heaven to be a good place and are willing to stay and work with me, I welcome you. If you wish to leave and find a quiet place to cultivate in seclusion, I will not stop you. I acknowledge the bonds of camaraderie among fellow disciples, but reviving the Jie Sect... that is defying the heavens and changing the course of history, which is neither my ability nor my desire."
Lin Zhu made no attempt to hide his attitude towards the Jie Sect, and even made no attempt to mention the somewhat "tricky" methods used by the Tongtian Sect Leader in recruiting disciples.
He saw things clearly. The Jie Sect was once so prosperous with ten thousand immortals paying homage, yet it ultimately met such an end. This was the result of the great trend of Heaven and the power struggle among the saints, which could not be reversed by the power of one person alone.
What Lin Zhu sought was nothing more than to become unrestrained and powerful, and incidentally, to expand and strengthen the Nine-Layered Heavenly Prison, thus securing a more stable foothold in the complex and treacherous Three Realms. The past glories and grudges of the Jie Sect were, to him, more the lingering thoughts of "others." He respected them, but was unwilling and unable to expend energy on them.
“Perhaps I can use the name of ‘reviving the Jie Sect’ to trick you into staying and working for me,” Lin Zhu even joked, but his eyes were clear.
"But that's not how I do things. Deceiving my fellow disciples is pointless. It's more fun to trick people into working..."
He suddenly smiled, thinking of some unlucky guy far away, and his tone carried a hint of genuine teasing.
"Only that guy Gu Yang would be fooled by me so easily that he would even help me count the money."
After hearing Lin Zhu's words, the three demon immortals were initially disappointed, but upon closer reflection, they felt a different kind of complex emotion.
This senior brother was surprisingly frank and awe-inspiringly clear-headed.
He didn't make empty promises or talk about ideals; he only offered the most practical choices and commitments. Reviving the Jie Sect was indeed their deepest desire, but after experiencing hardships, they also understood how difficult that would be.
Now that he has regained his freedom, his cultivation is expected to recover, and he has a powerful and reliable senior brother to rely on, it seems... to be a thousand times better than his previous dark and hopeless life as a mount.
After a moment of silence, Qiu Shou Xian was the first to raise his head, and a light rekindled in his lion eyes—a resolute focus on the present moment after letting go of unrealistic fantasies.
"Senior Brother, you are so open and honest, we understand! Qiu Shou Xian is willing to follow you and serve in the Nine-Layered Heavenly Prison, at your behest!"
A brief silence fell over the side hall of the Star Palace.
After the three demon immortals rose from their knees, they did not immediately retreat, but stood still, their huge beast eyes flashing with light, clearly indicating that their hearts were not at peace.
Before they arrived, while they were "standing as punishment" in the corner waiting for Lin Zhu to summon them, they had already mentally rehearsed countless possibilities.
They already knew that this newly recognized "senior brother" was a newly initiated disciple of the Jie Sect, and also a powerful and infamous law enforcement god of the Three Realms, whose authority in the Heavenly Court was growing daily.
In their minds, the most likely scenario was that this senior brother would, in his dual capacity as both a "fellow disciple" and a "lifesaver," request, or at least expect, them to join the Heavenly Court and become part of the Nine-Layer Heavenly Prison, serving him. After all, three Great Luo Golden Immortals were invaluable backbone forces in any faction.
They had even mentally prepared themselves, considering how to repay this kindness without going against their conscience, or how to bargain for some freedom and respect.
However, Lin Zhu's words just now were completely unexpected by them.
Were they "threatened" to join the Jie Sect by the incarnation of a saint? Was saving them mainly to repay a favor to the Tongtian Sect Leader? They even... bluntly stated that they would not revive the Jie Sect and gave them complete freedom to come and go as they pleased?
This...this doesn't match any of the scenarios they envisioned!
The Jie Sect is extinct; that is a fact. The fact that our teacher, the Sage Tongtian, was confined to the Zixiao Palace by the Dao Ancestor is also known to all the high-ranking officials of the Three Realms.
Their feelings towards Lin Zhu, their unexpected "senior brother," were complex and contradictory. They were genuinely grateful for his rescue; without him, they didn't know how much longer they would have remained mounts in the Western Paradise.
But confusion is also real. This senior brother's attitude towards the Jie Sect was too "indifferent," even somewhat "aloof," which seemed incompatible with their fervent feelings of "fellow disciples are brothers, and the sect is home."
The three demon immortals exchanged glances, and then a highly subtle telepathic communication, conducted using their unique demon bloodline secrets, quickly unfolded between them.
The transmission fluctuations were extremely weak and deliberately confined to a very small area, so much so that even ordinary Grand Luo Golden Immortals and ordinary Quasi-Saints would find it difficult to detect.
"Big brother, second brother, what do you think?"
Jin Guangxian's divine sense was filled with deep doubt.
"This Senior Brother Lin... doesn't seem to have much of a sense of belonging to our Jie Sect? He said he was forced to join, and that saving us was to repay a favor to our teacher... this..."
"Hmph, no matter how he joined the sect, since he has gained the teacher's approval, he is now a disciple of the Jie Sect!"
Qiu Shou Xian's divine sense was rough and stubborn.
"But... he's an official in the Heavenly Court now. If we were to surrender to him and join the Heavenly Court, wouldn't that... wouldn't that be siding with our former enemy instead of our friend? Although the defeat of the Jie Sect wasn't solely the Heavenly Court's fault, ultimately... our teacher..." (End of Chapter)