From Joy of Life, the Tian Gang is reversed

Chapter 323 Bidding and Asking
Ao Qian is very calm now, even when he goes to see the Great Celestial Venerable.

When he first arrived in this world, he was unable to contact the underworld, so he was naturally very cautious and walked on thin ice, constantly doubting whether he could make it to the end.

At that time, in order to escape the calamity, he was terrified, fearing that if he made a mistake at any point, he would die and perish. He treated the Four Dragon Kings of the Seas with utmost courtesy, trying to win their favor.

But after visiting the Dongyue Emperor Temple, the situation changed.

While claiming to be finding a backer for the alligator dragon is tantamount to finding a backer for oneself.

Why put the alligator dragon into the Journey to the West team? Wasn't it just to lure out his backer in the underworld?
He knew very well that whether it was his own body, Jiang Chen, or even the mysterious leader in the underworld, they were all people who wouldn't act until they saw a clear benefit.

Throwing oneself into the world of Journey to the West is nothing more than a casual, ill-advised move; what effect it will have is anyone's guess.

Therefore, he naturally had to demonstrate his value and give a reason for Yin Shi's intervention.

The Journey to the West project, which involved the eastward transmission of Buddhist scriptures, marked the beginning of a period of great conflict in the world, involving many complexities.

So when he saw an opportunity, he didn't hesitate to call for the cards.

The Tang Emperor tore open a gap, like a stone thrown into the chessboard between Mount Ling and the Heavenly Court, giving the underworld an opportunity to intervene. So, are you in or not?

As expected, Yin Shi followed suit and went all in.

After seeing Jiang Chen again, he felt relieved, stood up straight, and his attitude towards the Four Seas Dragon Palace changed.

When I had no backing, I was meek and submissive; when I had a backer, I struck with full force.

This is Ao Qian's current mindset.

There's nothing I can do; we're just ordinary people, that's just our nature.

The Lingxiao Palace was so empty that one could hear the sound of flowing celestial mist.

The Jade Emperor's wide sleeves trailed like clouds, and his gaze behind his crown fell upon Ao Qian, devoid of joy or anger, only a deep and unfathomable aura.

After the Heavenly Official led Ao Qian to the Lingxiao Palace, he quietly retreated to the foot of the steps, leaving only the two of them in the palace—at least on the surface.

"Your humble servant, Ao Qian, the Dragon King of the Jing River, pays his respects..."

"Since you are from the underworld, you don't need to submit to me."

“I am not from the underworld. I was born in the underworld and came here as the Dragon King of the Jing River, Ao Qian, Your Majesty’s subject,” Ao Qian said calmly.

"People who have served as regents are different; they have all sorts of ways to talk," the Jade Emperor chuckled. "Alright, enough of this nonsense. Your asking price is too high."

"A price?" Ao Qian raised his head, looking astonished. "Your Majesty, I don't understand. I just want to arrange a future for my son."

"You want to create a new dragon clan? What's the difference between that and rebellion? Not to mention me, no one in the entire Three Realms would agree to it." The Jade Emperor looked at him and said, "As for your son, he became a disciple too early. He can go on the journey to the West, but he can't hold onto the position of the eldest disciple."

Ao Qian didn't speak, but simply lowered his head and remained silent.

"Name your price," the Jade Emperor said. "You seized the initiative in the pilgrimage, but an advantage is meaningless if it can't be converted into profit. A day in heaven is a year on earth. If we delay any longer, they might already be at the Five Elements Mountain. This whole game will be overturned. Do you think I care?" Indeed, if something goes wrong with the eastward transmission of Buddhism, it should be Mount Ling that's anxious, not the Lingxiao Palace. He didn't want to get involved in such trivial matters, but he had no choice. After all, he was in this position. Harmonizing the Three Realms and managing the flow of fortune were all within his responsibilities. It wasn't something he could simply ignore.

Now that this has happened, with Yin Shi involved, if he can use this opportunity to sabotage things, he will have a reason to shirk responsibility.

Of course, this is only the last choice. As I said before, he carries the weight of the Three Realms on his shoulders. As the head of the family, he needs stability, not turmoil.

Ao Qian was silent for a moment, then said, "Regarding the pilgrimage, it was my oversight. I should have told him that once we reached the Five Elements Mountain, we could have taken the opportunity of the Great Sage Equaling Heaven becoming disciples together, and this problem wouldn't have occurred. Unfortunately, my son was too impatient, which caused things to get a bit stuck. But, it's not without a solution..."

"Name your price." The Jade Emperor seemed a little impatient.

"I am thinking that there are many demons on this journey to the west. Although my son's supernatural powers are not as great as those of the Great Sage Equaling Heaven, he has a fierce and unyielding character and will never be second to anyone. He will surely strive to be the first and overcome all obstacles along the way. His efforts and hardships will surely be rewarded."

"True fruition? What true fruition?" The Jade Emperor raised his head, his eyes behind his crown flickering slightly.

Even the attainment of enlightenment varies, with different levels.

Moreover, everything had already been assigned. Tang Sanzang and the Monkey King were to attain the Buddhahood, while the Second Brother and Sha Wujing were far inferior, not even becoming Bodhisattvas, but only Arhats. In the end, it was a horse that got the position of Bodhisattva.

From this perspective, if Tuojie had replaced the White Dragon Horse, achieving the status of a Bodhisattva would not have been a problem.

Ao Qian, who has the backing of Yin Shi, could not possibly be unaware of this. Therefore, if it is for the Bodhisattva position, he would not be asking for a price. Does he also want the position of Buddha?
That's Tuojie, a reckless fool who made a trip to the Western Paradise and thinks he can become a Buddha in just over a decade? Does he really believe the Buddhist propaganda?

Lay down the butcher's knife and become a Buddha on the spot?
What's the difference between this and a blond guy who's been screwing screws in a factory for over ten years and then wants to become mayor?
Want to eat shit?

However, Ao Qian's answer was beyond his expectations. He did not ask for the Buddha's status, but instead said, "Bodhisattva status, two."

"two?"

“My son, Fu Laolong, has worked diligently as the bell-ringer on Mount Ling. The job of bell-ringer is austere and lonely, so being promoted to Bodhisattva is a reward for his hard work. Don’t you think so?”

"Futile Dragon?"

The Jade Emperor raised an eyebrow and involuntarily looked towards the outside of the palace. He could vaguely see a magnificent pillar standing amidst the clouds outside the South Heavenly Gate, with a giant dragon coiled on top of it. That was Jing Zhonglong, the seventh son of Ao Qian.

The dragon has nine sons, each different from the other. Ao Qian also had nine sons. Apart from Tuo Jie, the other eight sons each had their own duties. Among them, the fifth son was in the Heavenly Court and the seventh son was in Mount Ling.

The dragon, who was in a lowly position as the bell ringer at the Great Thunder Temple in Lingshan, was practically invisible. Apart from ringing the bell, he did nothing. Yet, he still wanted a Bodhisattva position. Did he think that the Bodhisattva position in Lingshan was as easy as cabbage?

But what does this have to do with him?

Thinking of this, he lowered his gaze slightly. "The Buddhist path to enlightenment is ultimately determined by the Buddhist community. I cannot decide this matter, nor do I wish to."

"My son, Jing Zhonglong, is currently guarding the Heavenly Pillar outside the South Heavenly Gate, thanks to His Majesty's grace," Ao Qian said earnestly. "This position is crucial to the majesty of the Heavenly Court's gates and carries great responsibility. However, the pillar is majestic, lonely, and desolate. My son has been in this position for a long time, and although he is diligent, he has made little progress. As his father, I cannot bear to see his talents buried in this insignificant place. I humbly beg Your Majesty to grant him the favor of transferring him to a position where he can better utilize his talents, such as serving in the Heavenly River or the Dipper Department, so that he can devote more effort to Your Majesty and the Heavenly Court!"

"It seems you really want to create a new dragon clan." The Jade Emperor gave him a deep look. "However, what you said makes sense. Over the years, Jing Zhonglong has indeed been loyal to his duties and has made no mistakes. I grant your permission."

(End of this chapter)