I start by accepting Sun Wukong as my disciple and reshape the Journey to the West

Chapter 133 Jinghe Dragon King, what grievance do you have?

"Jing River Dragon King, receive the decree!"

On the Jing River, a golden-clad warrior, holding the Jade Emperor's decree, plunged straight into the water palace.

The Dragon King of the Jing River immediately straightened his clothes, burned incense, and accepted the imperial decree.

"By imperial decree, the commanders of the eight rivers shall command thunder and lightning to bring rain tomorrow, to universally benefit the city of Chang'an. Clouds will appear at dawn, thunder will fall at mid-morning, rain will begin at noon, and the rain will cease by late afternoon, with a total rainfall of three feet, three inches, and forty-eight points!"

Having received the imperial decree, the Jinghe Dragon King remained in a daze at the table for a long time, pondering Guanyin Bodhisattva's command. It was only after a long while that he finally calmed down and looked at the dragon pearl in his hand, which was gleaming faintly and covered with dense cracks.

“I had no choice but to join this battle. I would have been willing to do anything as long as my son could survive. But I never imagined that the Bodhisattva would want to sever all ties here and would not even spare my son. Since that’s the case, then let’s fight it out. What if we can fight our way to a brighter future?”

The next day, the Dragon King of the Jing River ordered the Wind God, the Thunder God, the Cloud Boy, and the Lightning Goddess to point directly to the sky above Chang'an City. The Dragon King of the Jing River then unfolded the decree.

"By the decree of the Jade Emperor! We shall command the clouds and rain!"

The time on the imperial edict was crystal clear. The generals received their orders and waited. They watched as clouds were drawn, rain was brought, and rain fell without the slightest error. Just as the rain had reached three feet and forty points, the Dragon King of the Jing River suddenly withdrew his supernatural powers and became motionless.

When he came to his senses, the Dragon King of the Jing River was filled with unconcealed horror. Looking at the empty white light, he finally spoke: "Bodhisattva!"

With just two words, Guanyin Bodhisattva and Huian Xingzhe appeared before him.

"It seems you do not desire this merit, but since I have already made a promise, how can I break my word? I can only imprison you in my Buddhist kingdom until the decree expires."

"I really want to serve the Bodhisattva, and I have already promised the Bodhisattva, but the Bodhisattva will not give me a way out! My son must have died at the hands of the Bodhisattva, right?"

The Dragon King of the Jing River took out the dragon pearl, which was already full of cracks, and looked at Guanyin Bodhisattva with a questioning expression.

The smile on Guanyin Bodhisattva's face vanished: "You dragons certainly have a lot of ways to transmit information, but it doesn't matter. If you don't want to get involved, I'll send you into the game!"

As soon as she finished speaking, Guanyin appeared above the Jinghe Dragon King. She pointed her willow branch at the Jinghe Dragon King, and three inches and eight drops of rain fell on the left and right sides of the Jinghe Dragon King.

The Jinghe Dragon King immediately transformed into a dragon and tried to break through the area, but the three-inch-eight-point rain seemed endless, binding him tightly and preventing him from escaping no matter how he moved.

"Is this how the Buddhist sect forcibly confines us, spouting all that benevolence and morality?" the Jinghe Dragon King roared angrily.

"I have shown you mercy, and in accordance with the benevolence of Heaven and Earth, I have granted you permission to enter the Great Kalpa! It is you who do not know what is good for you."

Guanyin lowered her eyelids, adding to her icy demeanor: "Deeply penetrating!"

As soon as the sound faded, the three feet and eight inches of rainwater were completely absorbed into the body of the Jing River Dragon King.

hum!
In an instant, the Dragon King of the Jing River lost his spirit, his eyes becoming completely dull.

"You have defied the will of Heaven and deserve to be executed by the officials tomorrow at noon. Tonight at midnight, you should go to the Tang Emperor's dream and plead with him for mercy. Do you understand?"

"As the Bodhisattva commands!" the Jinghe Dragon King replied stiffly.

hum!
A surge of energy caused the Jinghe Dragon King to finally regain consciousness.

At this moment, the Thunder God and Lightning Goddess stepped forward: "Dragon King, you have violated the heavenly rules! You have not fully complied with the decree to bring rain."

"This matter is none of your concern. Please disperse."

Upon hearing this, the Thunder God and Lightning Goddess exchanged glances, said nothing more, and dispersed.

The moon was high in the sky, its cold light illuminating the palace with unparalleled clarity. The Dragon King of the Jing River emerged from the moonlight, glanced at the vast national destiny above the palace, and his eyes showed no emotion whatsoever.

He knelt directly in front of the palace and kowtowed three times heavily. Blood immediately appeared on his forehead, and the blood turned into a Tai Chi symbol on the ground.

Then the Jinghe Dragon King swiftly formed hand seals: "I will use my life to protect the fate of the nation."

Roar!
He let out a roar, and a golden dragon phantom flew out, crashing straight into the National Fortune Cauldron. Instantly, the golden light shone brightly, and the national fortune light slowly entered the cauldron.

puff!
The Dragon King of the Jing River spat out a mouthful of blood, which landed precisely on the Taiji diagram.

In an instant, the Tai Chi diagram began to expand, covering the entire palace in the blink of an eye.

"Your Majesty, save me! Save me!"

It is said that the Tang Emperor was fast asleep when he suddenly heard someone calling. He got up, glanced back at himself lying on the bed, and without any surprise, walked straight toward the source of the sound.

One step out of the deep palace, two steps to the outside of the palace walls.

Emperor Taizong, exuding righteousness, looked down at the Dragon King of the Jing River and asked, "Who are you? What brings you to me in the dead of night?"

"Your Majesty, I am the Dragon King of the Jing River. I was negligent in the order to bring rain and deducted some of the rain, which violated the heavenly law. Tomorrow at noon, Your Majesty's virtuous minister, Wei Zheng, will execute me. I have come to beg Your Majesty to spare my life."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Taizong narrowed his bright eyes slightly: "What benefit would I gain from saving you? What benefit would my Great Tang Dynasty gain?"

The Dragon King of the Jing River paused for a moment before replying, "I am the chief of the Eight Rivers, in charge of controlling the clouds and rain of the Great Tang. If Your Majesty can save my life this time, I will certainly ensure the safety of the fishermen on the Eight Rivers within my jurisdiction in the future. What does Your Majesty think?"

"It's a good deal, but since it's a divine law, and fate is hard to defy, how can I save you?"

The Dragon King of the Jing River was taken aback again. His dull eyes began to dart around, and after a long silence, he finally replied, "Your Majesty is a true dragon. As long as you send your official to stay by your side until noon, you can save me."

"So, you mean that as long as I do as you say and keep Wei Zheng by my side at noon, I'll save you? Is that really true?"

The Jinghe Dragon King fell silent again, and Emperor Taizong was not in a hurry, but simply waited quietly.

"Yes!" Finally, the Jinghe Dragon King's dull eyes flickered again before he replied.

"Very well, if that's the case, then I grant your permission!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty! Thank you, Your Majesty!" The Dragon King of the Jing River kowtowed repeatedly before leaving under Emperor Taizong's gaze.

However, Emperor Taizong did not return to the palace; instead, he looked up at the full moon in the sky.

"Is the Moon Goddess being watched by the Sage Xuan Tian?"

Huh?
A voice echoed from the void, and finally a person emerged from the full moon. It was none other than the Moon Goddess. The Moon Goddess landed in front of Emperor Taizong and looked at him for a long time, her eyes filled with astonishment.

Finally, the Moon Goddess bowed to Emperor Taizong and said, "Greetings, Great Emperor Ziwei!"

"The Moon Goddess has seen much better eyesight after a hundred years."

“If I had known that the Ziwei Emperor was hiding in the Emperor Star, I wouldn’t have come,” said the Taiyin Star Lord.

"If it weren't for the dream that the Bodhisattva sent me today, my wisp of will would not have been touched at all. The Star Lord has not yet answered me. Was it the instruction of the Sage of Xuantian?"

“That’s right! The Sage Xuantian said that Guanyin Bodhisattva never saw the Emperor Star through mortals, but would use metaphysical means to lure the Emperor Star into the Great Tribulation. Although the national fortune is protecting it, the Emperor Star has not yet become powerful enough. It is feared that the Bodhisattva will forcibly plant a method in its name. Therefore, he asked me to protect it in the dark of night.”

The Great Emperor nodded: "Sage Xuantian is very thoughtful. May I ask if Sage Xuantian has any instructions?"

"It is entirely up to the Emperor's will; the great calamity will inevitably begin. The Great Emperor need not interfere," the Moon Goddess replied respectfully.

"Very well!" After saying that, the Emperor walked towards the palace wall and landed in front of the bed. Looking at Emperor Taizong's sleeping face, the Emperor Ziwei studied him for a long time and couldn't help but laugh.

"Phoenix eyes and dragon pupils, quite a handsome appearance!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the Ziwei Emperor entered Emperor Taizong's body.

With a wave of his sleeve, the Taiyin Star Lord outside the palace walls directly absorbed the golden dragon on the Great Cauldron of National Fortune!
Instantly, the Tang Dynasty fell, and dragon roars resounded everywhere, its national fortune shining even brighter. The Moon Goddess glanced again in the direction the Jing River Dragon King had left: "Bodhisattva, your methods are ultimately a bit weak. If it were truly just a mortal emperor star, perhaps success would have been achieved, but have you considered that the current emperor star hides the Great Emperor Ziwei?"

The Moon Goddess glanced at the Great Cauldron of National Fortune one last time, her figure slowly dissipating, and a faint murmur could be heard: "The Sage of Xuantian truly has great affection for the human race!"

……

At the Jing River, the Dragon King of the Jing River was extremely weak. He staggered to the front of Guanyin Bodhisattva and slowly knelt down: "Reporting to the Bodhisattva, I have pleaded with the Tang King as you instructed, and the Tang King has promised to delay the officials of the Ministry of Personnel by noon tomorrow."

Guanyin Bodhisattva's eyes flashed like lightning: "How could your destiny be completely devoured? Did concealing the nation's fate consume all your destiny?"

The Dragon King of the Jing River tilted his head, seemingly in thought: "Reporting to the Bodhisattva, the cauldron's fortune is too strong, and my destiny cannot break free."

"Useless trash, return to the Dragon Palace now, devour the Jinghe River aquatic creatures to replenish your vital energy, and make sure you survive until noon tomorrow!"

"Follow the law!"

The Dragon King of the Jing River did not hesitate at all in response to the order. He immediately flew into the Jing River, summoned all the shrimp soldiers and crab generals, and devoured them without saying a word.

Instantly, the Jing River flowed with blood, spreading its crimson hue.

That night, the Jing River Dragon King continuously devoured aquatic creatures to maintain his life force. By the time the sun rose and purple clouds filled the air, there was not a single aquatic creature left in the Jing River.

Huian Xingzhe, feeling the karmic consequences of his actions, looked at the Bodhisattva and said, "Master, isn't the karmic consequence of Jinghe's actions not good for Buddhism?"

"The Dragon King of the Jing River defied the Heavenly Laws first, devouring all the living beings in the river in order to resist them. What does this have to do with me? What does it have to do with Buddhism?" Guanyin Bodhisattva replied.

Upon hearing this, Huian Xingzhe's face turned even paler.

"Disciple understands!"

That dream was created under the watchful eyes of the Thunder God and Lightning Goddess, but apart from the Jing River Dragon King, no one knew that it was Guanyin Bodhisattva who intervened. As long as Guanyin did not admit it, then it was the Jing River Dragon King who made the mistake first and then developed his own desires.

Having figured this out, Huian Xingzhe couldn't help but look up at the sky. As if knowing what Huian Xingzhe was thinking, Guanyin Bodhisattva said again: "The Heavenly Way is not complete now, and there is also the Xuan Tian Sage playing a game with it. He does not have the energy to take care of every detail."

At this point, Guanyin Bodhisattva paused before continuing, "Therefore, you can act more recklessly in the future. As long as your words of compassion continue, the karmic consequences will not easily affect the Western Paradise. Do you understand?"

Upon hearing this, Huian Xingzhe immediately bowed and said, "Disciple understands."

"Remember, we are doing all this to advance the Great Tribulation, for the sake of the entire Western Tribulation. Some measures are necessary."

"Yes!" Huian Xingzhe bowed again.

"Master, I have a question. The Jinghe Dragon King's plea for mercy was successful. Will he die?"

Guanyin Bodhisattva looked at Huian Xingzhe: "You've already asked about this matter."

Under Guanyin's gaze, Huian Xingzhe slowly lowered his head: "I understand, disciple will no longer have misplaced compassion."

"Ok!"

……

After the Tang King awoke from his dream, he only remembered that the Jing River Dragon King had begged him to save his life and that he had agreed to do so. Other than that, he gained nothing.

Upon waking up, Emperor Taizong immediately ordered someone to deliver a decree, summoning Wei Zheng to the palace for a discussion.

It is said that Wei Zheng did not sleep well last night. In his dream, heavenly soldiers delivered an order for him to kill the Jing River Dragon King, who had violated the heavenly rules, in his dream at noon today. Just as he was wielding the Wisdom Sword, Emperor Taizong's decree was delivered.

On one hand, there was the imperial decree from his dream; on the other, there was Emperor Taizong's order. Wei Zheng was somewhat conflicted, but this conflict only lasted a short while before Wei Zheng said, "The emperor has given an order; I dare not disobey!"

When Emperor Taizong met Wei Zheng, he was all smiles. He immediately took Wei Zheng's hand and led him into the study: "My dear minister, you may not know, but I have recently gained some insights and come up with many strategies for governing the country and ensuring its stability. I would like to ask you to take a look at them."

Wei Zheng was overjoyed to see Emperor Taizong so diligent, and immediately began to discuss it with him. They got so engrossed in the conversation that they forgot the time.

After discussing all the strategies for governing the country and ensuring its stability, Emperor Taizong, still some time away from noon, pulled Wei Zheng aside to play chess.

"It's rare that you and I, as ruler and subject, are in such high spirits. How about you play another game of chess with me, my dear minister?"

"We will obey Your Majesty!"

The emperor and his minister were completely absorbed in their game of chess. Wei Zheng even forgot about the matter of beheading the Dragon King of the Jing River. Just as the game reached the third quarter of noon, it was time for Wei Zheng to make his move, but he did not make a move for a long time.

When Emperor Taizong looked over, he discovered that Wei Zheng had fallen asleep with his head propped up on his hand.

"Hahaha! My dear minister, you are truly dedicated to serving the country; you even manage to fall asleep while playing chess!"

Emperor Taizong did not call him, after all, in the dream, he only promised the other party to keep Wei Zheng by his side at noon, and Emperor Taizong believed that he had done so.

Little did Emperor Taizong know that Wei Zheng's soul had left his body, auspicious clouds rose beneath his feet, and in the blink of an eye, he had arrived at the Dragon-Slaying Platform.

At this moment, the Jinghe Dragon King was bound above. The instant he saw Wei Zheng, the dull look in his eyes returned to its original brightness.

"Are you Wei Zheng, the official in charge of personnel?"

Wei Zheng, sword in hand and eyes focused, looked at the Jing River Dragon King: "You withheld the rainfall quota and failed to bring rain as ordered. Do you admit to this?"

Upon hearing this, the Dragon King of the Jing River, whose aura had been weakening, suddenly regained its strength: "Such a thing has never happened before, it is..."

Wei Zheng frowned deeply. At this moment, the Dragon King of the Jing River kept touching his lips together, but he didn't say a word.

Wei Zheng suddenly looked into the void, brandished his long sword, and a silver light appeared in the void.

Click!

With a crisp sound, a willow branch fell from the void.

"Hmph! What kind of monster dares to commit such atrocities and control the dragon race!"

The heavenly soldiers and generals also looked into the void, but saw nothing.

"Jing River Dragon King, if you have any grievances, please speak frankly, and I will certainly do my best to avenge you!" Wei Zheng turned his gaze to the Jing River Dragon King.

This sight was alarming. The Jinghe Dragon King was now completely lifeless, his lifespan was over, and his body began to rot, turning into the corpses of aquatic creatures.

Only the dragon head remained, its angry eyes concealing tears.

The heavenly soldiers and generals were even more horrified, and their gazes toward Wei Zheng were filled with fear. At one point, the executioner stepped forward and said, "Lord Wei's methods are impressive. This evil dragon that defied the heavenly laws has been slain. You may return now."

“This Jinghe Dragon King is clearly wronged!” Wei Zheng frowned even more.

The executioner glanced at the Dragon King of the Jing River, then at the official in charge of personnel.

"You should go back now!" As soon as the executioner finished speaking, Wei Zheng felt as if he had fallen from the clouds, his vision instantly gone, and all he could see was a vast expanse of white.

On the execution platform, the supervising official looked at the group of heavenly soldiers: "You may all return to report."

"Yes!" The heavenly soldier dared not say more and flew straight to the Heavenly Palace.

The executioner trembled slightly and transformed into Huian Xingzhe, looking at the Jinghe Dragon King: "If the Bodhisattva had not for foreseen that you would turn around and bite back, I'm afraid you would have really thrown mud at Mount Ling today."

(End of this chapter)