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

The Jade Emperor also spoke up, saying, "Jiang Wang, what the Buddha said is true. What happened back then was indeed a misunderstanding. It was our negligence that caused you great harm, and I apologize to you."

"As long as you let go of your hatred, turn back from the dead, release the restrictions on Wukong, let Guanyin Bodhisattva, Peacock King Bodhisattva, and Ling Chen leave, and stop disrupting the Journey to the West and overthrowing the Three Realms, I can forgive all your mistakes and allow you to start cultivating again. In the future, you may even have the opportunity to join the ranks of immortals and make up for the regrets of the past. I can even appoint you as a general of the Heavenly Court to govern the Three Realms with me. How about it?"

Jiang Wang looked at the Jade Emperor and the Buddha, and seeing their hypocritical expressions, his mockery deepened: "Apologize? Forgive my mistakes? Appoint me as a general of the Heavenly Court? Rule the Three Realms with you?"

"Jade Emperor, Buddha, do you think I, Jiang Wang, am a fool? Back then, you hurt me so deeply, my family was destroyed, and I suffered endless torment. Now, can a word of apology and a word of pardon erase all the harm? Can you make me let go of my hatred and turn back to the right path?"

"I'm telling you, it's impossible!"

Jiang Wang's tone was icy, his eyes filled with murderous intent, "What you owed me back then, I will collect it all back, bit by bit, with interest! You want me to let go of my hatred and turn back to the right path? Only if I die!"

"Since you insist on being so stubborn, then don't blame us for being impolite!"

The Jade Emperor roared in anger, "All immortals, heed my command! Seize Jiang Wang, cripple his cultivation, and imprison him for eternity!"

"Buddhist disciples, heed my command! Assist the celestial beings of Heaven in capturing Jiang Wang and prevent his escape!"

The Buddha also spoke, his tone firm.

As soon as he finished speaking, the celestial immortals and Buddhist monks rushed towards Jiang Wang, each unleashing their supernatural powers and magical treasures. Countless golden lights and celestial power swept towards Jiang Wang, enveloping the entire sky in golden light and celestial power, creating a magnificent and awe-inspiring spectacle that shook the heavens.

Jiang Wang looked at the celestial beings and Buddhist monks rushing towards him, his eyes showing no fear, but instead revealing a maniacal smile: "Well done! Since you're all here, then come at me all at once! Today, I'll show you how powerful I, Jiang Wang, am, and let you taste what it's like to be crushed!"

Jiang Wang raised his hand and waved it, and the demonic energy in his palm instantly erupted, transforming into a huge black storm that swept towards the celestial immortals and Buddhist monks.

Wherever the black storm passed, the golden light and immortal power were instantly swallowed up. Countless gods and Buddhist disciples were struck by the black storm, spitting out mouthfuls of blood.

Jiang Wang stuffed the Bloodthirst Pill and the Origin Dao Tablet into his robes, his fingertips gently tracing the patterns on the surface of the tablet. A half-smile played on his lips as he cupped his hands to the Supreme Elder and said, "Rest assured, Supreme Elder, I will definitely venture into the Secret Realm Tower. As for the Nine Extremes Primordial Chaos Technique, if fate allows, I will not miss it. It would be my honor if the One Heart Realm could benefit from it."

Upon hearing this, the Supreme Elder's face grew even more benevolent. He stroked his white beard and softened his voice, saying, "Little Grandma, it's good that you have this intention. The Secret Realm Tower is extremely dangerous, divided into nine levels. Each level has powerful secret realm guards and countless unknown traps. You must not be careless. Acting according to your ability is the most important thing. Don't lose your life for the sake of cultivation techniques."

Jiang Wang raised an eyebrow, his tone relaxed, seemingly casual yet revealing a hint of certainty: "Elder, you're overthinking it. I, Jiang Wang, may not have many other skills, but I do have a few ways to protect myself. Besides, the more dangerous the place, the more treasures it holds. If it were just an ordinary place, then the Nine Extremes Primordial Chaos Technique might not be worth the risk. Don't you think so?"

A middle-aged elder standing beside them, dressed in a blue Taoist robe, with a solemn expression, couldn't help but speak. His tone was serious yet expectant: "Little Grandmother, the Supreme Elder has high hopes for you. Since the establishment of the One Heart Realm, very few have been able to pass through more than three levels of the Secret Realm Tower. Although you are a genius, you must not be too arrogant. The guardians of the Secret Realm are not ordinary cultivators. The guardians of each level are several times stronger than the previous one. The first level is the peak of the first level of the Strength Realm, and the ninth level has even reached the Dharma Aspect Realm. You are only at the early stage of the first level of the Strength Realm. Even with the Blood Explosion Pill, you can only barely reach the second level of the Strength Realm. You must not fight head-on."

Jiang Wang turned to look at the middle-aged elder, his smile unchanged and his tone still relaxed: "Elder Li, I know you mean well, but don't worry, I never fight unprepared battles. I won't do something as foolish as a head-on fight."

Besides, there should be plenty of opportunities inside the Secret Realm Tower, besides the guards and traps, right? Like elixirs to restore cultivation, or treasures to enhance combat power. If you can find a few of those, even if you can't pass the ninth level, it won't be a complete loss.”

The Supreme Elder waved his hand, interrupting their conversation, and said, "Alright, Elder Li is just worried about you. Little Grandma, you know what's going on."

The Secret Realm Tower opens at noon today. You have one more hour. Go back and prepare, take a moment to rest and recuperate. Remember, no matter which level you reach, if you feel you are not up to the task, quit immediately. Don't push yourself.

Jiang Wang nodded and cupped his hands again: "Thank you, Supreme Elder, and thank you, Elder Li, for the reminder. I will go back and prepare now, and head to the Secret Realm Tower at noon sharp."

After saying that, Jiang Wang turned to leave, but after taking only a few steps, the Supreme Elder suddenly called out to him, "Little Grandmother, wait!"

Jiang Wang stopped and turned to look at the Supreme Elder, asking in confusion, "Supreme Elder, is there anything else?"

The Supreme Elder raised his hand, and a wisp of golden light condensed at his fingertips, slowly drifting towards Jiang Wang and landing on his brow. The golden light flashed and disappeared, merging into his body. He said, "This is the Heart Protection Mantra of my One Heart Sect. It can automatically activate a defensive barrier when you encounter fatal danger. Although it cannot withstand the full force of a Dharma Aspect Realm cultivator, it can buy you a little time to leave the Secret Realm Tower. Keep it safe."

Feeling the warmth emanating from between his brows, Jiang Wang's heart stirred slightly, and his smile became more genuine. He bowed again and said, "Thank you for your kindness, Elder. I will remember it and will certainly live up to your expectations."

The Supreme Elder waved his hand and said, "Go, don't waste time."

Jiang Wang responded and turned to leave quickly. As soon as he stepped out of the main hall of the Yixin Sect, he encountered a young man dressed in white. The young man had a handsome face and clear eyes. Upon seeing Jiang Wang, he immediately rushed over and asked in a somewhat urgent tone, "Little Brother, you've finally come out. What did the Supreme Elder say to you? Was it about the Secret Realm Tower?"

Jiang Wang looked at the young man in front of him, who was his good friend Lin Xiaoyou, whom he had made in the Yixin Sect. Lin Xiaoyou was also a cultivator in the Yixin Realm, but his cultivation was slightly weaker than his, only at the peak of the ninth level of Body Tempering. He smiled and said, "That's right. The Supreme Elder gave me the Blood Explosion Pill and the Origin Dao Tablet, and also bestowed upon me the Heart Protection Mantra, telling me to go and challenge the Secret Realm Tower at noon."

Lin Xiaoyou's eyes lit up. He moved closer to Jiang Wang, lowered his voice, and said with a hint of envy, "My god, Blood Explosion Pill! And Origin Dao Tablet, those are really good things! The Supreme Elder is too good to you! Little Milk Brother, you must do your best in this Secret Realm Tower challenge and try to get the Nine Extremes Primordial Technique. Don't forget to take me with you when you get there."

Jiang Wang patted Lin Xiaoyou on the shoulder and laughed, "Don't worry, if we really get the Nine Extremes Primordial Technique, you'll naturally get your share of the benefits. But you also need to work hard and break through to the Strength Realm as soon as possible. Then we can explore the secret realm together and become stronger together." Lin Xiaoyou nodded vigorously, his eyes firm, "I know! I've been working hard to cultivate and strive to break through to the Strength Realm as soon as possible. But Little Milk Brother, the Secret Realm Tower is really dangerous. You must be careful. I heard that last time, a cultivator at the mid-stage of the Strength Realm First Heaven was severely injured by the secret realm guards when he tried to enter the first level and almost didn't make it out alive."

Jiang Wang smiled and said in a relaxed tone, "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing and I won't risk my life. Besides, I have the treasure given to me by the Supreme Elder. Even if I can't win, I can still escape."

"By the way, why aren't you cultivating today? What are you doing waiting for me here?"

Lin Xiaoyou scratched his head, somewhat embarrassed, and said, "I just wanted to ask you about the Secret Realm Tower. Also, I prepared this for you."

As he spoke, Lin Xiaoyou took out a small jade bottle from his pocket and handed it to Jiang Wang. "These are spirit stones I've saved up for a long time. There are fifty of them in total, all of them are low-grade spirit stones. Although it's not much, it can still help you restore your spiritual power when you cultivate. Take them."

Jiang Wang looked at the jade bottle and felt a warmth in his heart. He did not refuse and reached out to take it, saying, "Thank you, young friend. I will accept this gift. When I come out of the Secret Realm Tower, I will bring you something nice."

Lin Xiaoyou's eyes lit up, and he quickly said, "No need, no need, I just wanted to help you out a little. I just hope you can get out safely."

By the way, Little Milk Bro, go back and rest and recuperate. I'll go with you to the Secret Realm Tower at noon to cheer you on.

Jiang Wang nodded: "Okay, then I'll see you at the entrance of the Secret Realm Tower at noon."

"okay!"

Lin Xiaoyou smiled and replied, watching Jiang Wang's departing figure, muttering to himself, "Little Milk Brother, you must do your best and get the Nine Extremes Primordial Technique!"

Jiang Wang returned to his residence, a simple wooden house with only a bed, a table, and a cabinet for storing things. Although simple, it was very clean.

He walked to the bedside and sat down cross-legged. He took out the Bloodthirst Pill, the Origin Dao Tablet, and the jade bottle from his arms and placed them on the table.

He picked up the Origin Dao Tablet and examined it carefully. The tablet was grayish-white in color, with intricate patterns engraved on it. A faint spiritual light flowed around it. When he touched it with his fingertips, he could feel a powerful primal force and a subtle spatial fluctuation.

Jiang Wang's lips curled up slightly as he muttered to himself, "The Great Substitute Death Technique is indeed a good way to save my life, but I probably won't need it. After all, I'm not that easy to kill."

As he spoke, he carefully put away the Origin Dao Tablet, then picked up the bottle of Blood Burst Pills, opened the stopper, and a rich medicinal fragrance wafted out. The pills were blood red, round and full, with a faint aura of blood swirling within them.

Jiang Wang glanced at it, then put the stopper back on and said, "The strength is at the second level, ten breaths. Although the time is short and you will be weak for three days after the effect wears off, it can indeed come in handy at critical moments. However, it is best not to use it unless absolutely necessary, as the period of weakness is too dangerous."

Finally, he picked up the jade bottle given to him by Lin Xiaoyou, opened it, and saw fifty low-grade spirit stones neatly placed inside. The spirit stones were crystal clear and emitted faint spiritual energy fluctuations.

Jiang Wang smiled, put away the jade bottle, sat cross-legged to regulate his breathing, and began to circulate the spiritual energy in his body to replenish his energy and prepare for the midday challenge of the Secret Realm Tower.

Meanwhile, in the Heavenly Court, inside the Lingxiao Palace, the Jade Emperor sat on his dragon throne, his face majestic, looking down at the assembled celestial officials, and said, "My lords, recently there have been demons causing trouble in the mortal realm, harming living beings and disrupting the order of the mortal world. Do you have any countermeasures?"

Venus stepped forward, bowed, and said in a gentle voice, “Your Majesty, the trouble caused by the demons in the mortal realm is due to a slight loosening of the order of the Three Realms. The demon is a black bear spirit that has cultivated for a thousand years in the mortal realm. It occupies Black Wind Mountain, robs mortals of their property, and harms living beings. Its strength is not too great. We only need to send a Golden Immortal to subdue it and quell the turmoil in the mortal realm.”

The Jade Emperor nodded and said, "Venus is absolutely right, but which Golden Immortal should we send?"

Li Jing, the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King, stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, “Your Majesty, I am willing to go! I will lead Nezha, the Third Prince, to Black Wind Mountain to subdue the Black Bear Spirit, quell the turmoil in the mortal realm, and I guarantee that I will not fail in my mission.”

The Jade Emperor pondered for a moment and said, "Very well. Li Jing, the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King, and Nezha, the Third Prince, you two will go to the mortal realm immediately to subdue the Black Bear Spirit. You must protect the safety of the mortal people and not harm the innocent. Go and return quickly."

Li Jing, the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King, and Nezha responded in unison, "Your Majesty, we obey!"

The two turned and left. As soon as they stepped out of the Lingxiao Palace, Nezha spoke up, "Father, that black bear demon is just a minor demon who has cultivated for a thousand years. Why do we need to go there ourselves? Sending an ordinary celestial general would be enough to subdue it. Isn't Your Majesty making a mountain out of a molehill?"

Li Jing, the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King, sighed and said, "Nezha, you don't know this, but His Majesty has been restless lately because there are some strange movements in the Three Realms. Pangu has been missing for many years, and the Dragon, Phoenix, and Qilin clans are also making moves. His Majesty is worried that there is some powerful force backing this Black Bear Spirit. If we send ordinary celestial generals, the consequences would be unimaginable if something goes wrong. That's why he sent the two of us to ensure that we are safe."

Nezha frowned and said, "The Dragon, Phoenix, and Qilin clans? Weren't they suppressed long ago? How dare they still make trouble? And what about Pangu? Didn't he perish long ago? Why would he make any moves?"

Li Jing, the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King, shook his head and said, "This matter is complicated. When the Great God Pangu created the world, after his death, his primordial power scattered throughout the Three Realms. Some say he didn't truly perish, but merely fell into a deep slumber, currently brewing some plan within the chaos. As for the Dragon, Phoenix, and Qilin clans, although they were suppressed, their foundations were not destroyed. In recent years, they have been secretly accumulating power, wanting to rise again and control the Three Realms. That's why Your Majesty is so cautious." (End of Chapter)