Misery: There is a pawn shop here

Chapter 220 Epilogue
"The Celestial Master..."

"Um……"

The gentle call was like a pebble thrown into still water, creating ripples in the chaotic thoughts that lingered in the dream.

The bizarre transaction from earlier kept flashing through his mind: the mysterious pawnshop, the mysterious owner of the pawnshop, and that mysterious and enigmatic deal. If it weren't for the tangible feeling of the cold, black pawn token under his fingertips, he would almost have thought it was just an overly realistic dream.

Meng Bujue slowly raised her head, her gaze shifting from the pawnbroker on the table. With a hint of lingering bewilderment, she looked at Bao An, who stood bowing to the side. The sandalwood incense in the study wafted up, blurring the complex emotions deep in her eyes.

Zi Ze... This name, like a poisoned needle, quietly pierced his heart, stirring up years of pent-up hatred and scheming.

"How is it?" Meng Bujue composed himself, his voice regaining its usual calmness, though the last syllable still carried a barely perceptible hoarseness.

Bao An sensed the calmness in Si Tian's tone and simply reported the truth: "The kitchen staff of Daji Palace replied that, as Si Tian predicted, a banquet has been prepared to entertain the distinguished guest. However... neither the kitchen staff nor the guards at the palace gate have any recollection of the guest's identity, nor do they remember when such a guest arrived."

"Oh? Even they have no recollection of it?" Meng Bujue tapped the table lightly with his fingertips, his gaze returning to the pawn card.

The pitch-black cards reflected no light or shadow, seemingly capable of swallowing up all vision. The methods of this pawnshop were indeed unfathomable.

Zize, Zize, you've been hiding in the shadows for so many years, did you think no one knew your whereabouts? It's time to settle this old grudge with the Wind Witch Clan.

Once the direction became clear, Meng Bujue's years of planning seemed to find an outlet, and the flames of revenge quietly ignited in his eyes.

Zi Ze, do you think you can escape the debts of the past? This reckoning is not your choice!

……

"Indeed, the air outside is much more pleasant."

Inside the pawnshop, after seeing Meng Bujue off, Li Xuanxiao slowly walked to the window, feeling the unique tranquility of the alternate dimension.

The deal with Meng Bujue was expected, but it is undeniably an interesting seed. Now, we'll see what kind of flower this seed will bloom into.

"Greetings, Manager." Bei Chenyin's voice came from behind. He bowed respectfully, his expression remaining as calm as ever.

The recent reunion with his "beloved son" did not stir any ripples in the heart of this former king who stood shoulder to shoulder with him. Or rather, it was already destined that kinship would drift away from him when he made the transaction with the pawnshop.

"Go." Li Xuanxiao simply waved his hand. He didn't bother to ask Bei Chenyin about his feelings upon seeing his former beloved son again. Such an inquiry was neither interesting nor meaningful. As long as Bei Chenyin didn't want to be free, he was destined to never be free. Bei Chenyin bowed and then turned to leave.

"With the manager's abilities, making Youjian Pawnshop appear in the Bitter Realm shouldn't be too difficult, right?" Yan Qingcheng asked softly from the side, her gaze fixed on the shifting light and shadow of the otherworldly space outside the window, her tone tinged with curiosity. Although her martial arts skills were mediocre, the legacy of the Eye that once illuminated the future gave her a perception of power far exceeding that of ordinary people. In her view, Li Xuanxiao's abilities were unfathomable; even if he opened a pawnshop in the martial world, no one could shake his position.

Li Xuanxiao turned his head to look at Yan Qingcheng, a faint smile playing on his lips: "It's not difficult, but there's no need for it."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the dazzling array of items in the pawnshop, and slowly said, "Instead of constantly worrying about the risk of my home being destroyed, it's better to stay in this alternate dimension, where I can at least find some peace."

The conflicts in the Bitter Realm are like a whirlpool; once you're drawn in, endless troubles will follow. Those so-called martial arts figures, for the sake of profit and grudges, will readily turn on each other with swords. If a pawnshop were to be exposed to the world, it would inevitably be affected by these conflicts. He runs a pawnshop to observe the myriad aspects of life, not to become the center of conflict.

Upon hearing this, Yan Qingcheng didn't ask any further questions. She was incredibly intelligent and naturally understood Li Xuanxiao's considerations. With his abilities, he might indeed be fearless against any force in the Bitter Realm, but "unwillingness" and "inability" are two different things. This shopkeeper, seemingly carefree, actually had his own principles and bottom line, and naturally, his own calculations and plans.

"Now, let's see how they perform." Li Xuanxiao's voice broke the brief silence. He raised his hand and waved, and a water mirror appeared out of thin air before him. The mirror surface shimmered with a soft light, like the purest crystal, and soon reflected the scene of the Central Plains of the Bitter Realm. A good show was about to begin, and he was the best audience.

To save the Good Dharma Emperor and to keep the Tongtian Pillar Formation enticing martial artists to fall into its trap, Yibu Lianhua and Lian Emei invited Yanmo Hanba, Beichen Yuanhuang, and Kuanglong Yishengxiao to break the illusion on the Tongtian Pillar. Yanmo Hanba and Beichen Yuanhuang, both coveting the divine artifact, naturally wouldn't refuse such an opportunity. Although there were some setbacks, Kuanglong Yishengxiao also agreed.

The coincidence lies in the fact that Lian Emei, Kuanglong Yishengxiao, Beichen Yuanhuang, and Yanmo Hanba all still possess a gold coin for entering the illusion. Only Yibu Lianhua, after failing to break through the illusion by encountering Quezhou Yifandu, had already used up the gold coin she had exchanged with the Seven Buddhas' Exorcising Technique. Therefore, as the initiator of this trip, Yibu Lianhua had to pawn it again to enter the illusion.

Having already received instructions from Li Xuanxiao, Xiao stood before Yibu Lianhua and calmly stated the required price: "A Fateful Bond".

Yi Bu Lianhua was taken aback upon hearing this, a hint of doubt flashing in her eyes: "What fate?"

"A thread of salvation, a thread of good and evil returning to oneness." Xiao's voice was clear and cold, devoid of any emotion.

After receiving the result from Xiao, Yibu Lianhua remained silent for a long time, but finally chose to agree.

He knew what that one thread of fate meant, but compared to the benevolent Emperor, it seemed so insignificant.

"For the sake of the benevolent Dharma Emperor, Yibu Lianhua has truly made a great sacrifice."

In the conflict between Xi Mie Tian Lai and Shan Fa Tian Zi, Yi Bu Lian Hua was destined to choose Shan Fa Tian Zi. Or rather, in the hearts of most people, how could a demon be compared to an existence like Shan Fa Tian Zi?

As the appointed time draws near, all factions will prepare to meet again on the Heavenly Pillar!

……

Within the Flame Demon City, the atmosphere was oppressive and chilling. Raging flames burned on the dark red stone walls, illuminating three faces, each harboring their own thoughts—

Yama, the drought demon, the nine calamities, and the heavenly annihilation came.

Yama, the Drought Demon, clad in a black robe and radiating a chilling demonic aura, surveyed the two men, his voice carrying an undeniable authority: "While I was entangled with Lian Emei and the others in the illusion, it was the perfect opportunity to wipe out the righteous path in one fell swoop." He paused, a fierce glint flashing in his eyes, "I will also plot within the illusion to eliminate Yibu Lianhua and Lian Emei in one fell swoop."

Upon hearing this, Jiu Huo frowned slightly. She knew Yanmo Hanba's temperament; once she set her sights on a goal, she would stop at nothing. She stepped forward, her voice gentle yet firm: "Death within the illusion means no return to the mortal world. Demon Lord, you must be careful. Even if you cannot find an opportunity, you must ensure your own safety. Whether you succeed or fail in the end, it will benefit our Demon Realm. There is no need to be obsessed with the outcome of the illusion." Jiu Huo knew all too well Yanmo Hanba's obsession with Lian Emei and couldn't help but advise her again. All along, she had valued the overall interests of the Demon Realm more. As the Demon Lord, Yanmo Hanba's safety was of paramount importance, and she must not put herself in danger because of momentary impulse.

Yama Hanba snorted coldly, clearly disapproving of Jiu Huo's advice, but did not directly refute it. He turned to Xi Mie Tianlai beside him, his gaze filled with scrutiny and provocation: "As for you, Xi Mie Tianlai, the opportunity to make a name for yourself is right in front of you. Can you seize it?"

Most people in the Otherworld held a skeptical and disdainful attitude towards Xi Mie Tian Lai, this outsider demon. This naturally included Yama Hanba. Even though Yama Hanba thought Xi Mie Tian Lai's strength was indeed admirable, his background meant that he could not be truly trusted in the Otherworld.

"There's no need for the Demon Lord to worry about this. Focus on the battle in the illusion realm. I will assist the Empress in dealing with matters in the mortal world." Xi Mie Tianlai didn't care about Yanmo Hanba's gaze, but he was quite interested in accomplishing the task of eradicating the righteous path, which even he himself had failed to do.

"Heh." Faced with Xi Mie Tianlai's provocation, Yanmo Hanba simply chuckled softly.

"In that case, I will head to the Heavenly Pillar!" Yama Hanba turned around, flicked his sleeves, and strode away from the Flame Demon City with a sharp aura.

……

The atmosphere was equally heavy inside the stronghold of the Yiliu Black Cult.

"The matter of Yiliu is entirely entrusted to the strategist."

Bei Chen Yuanhuang's voice was low, carrying a hint of barely perceptible worry. He was about to attend the appointment at the Heavenly Pillar, but the Heavenly Eye and the Hibiscus Bone were still missing. He had previously gone to the Youjian Pawnshop to inquire about their whereabouts, but to no avail. Although he had ordered the Yiliu disciples to search everywhere, there was still no news. These two enemies familiar with Yiliu, though their fates were unknown, were still a hidden threat.

Huan Yu Qi Cang bowed deeply, his tone resolute: "Huan Yu Qi Cang will certainly do his utmost to live up to the Pope's trust." He knew in his heart how much trust Bei Chen Yuan Huang had placed in him, entrusting Yi Liu's safety to him. He would never forget this kindness and would naturally give his all.

Bei Chen Yuanhuang looked at Huan Yu Qizang, a hint of relief flashing in her eyes. Huan Yu Qizang was exceptionally intelligent and composed; with him around, she could indeed feel much more at ease. "The whereabouts of the Hibiscus Bone and the Eye of Heaven still need to be searched for intensified; we cannot slacken our efforts."

"Understood, Your Majesty," Huanyu Qizang replied. "Your Majesty must also be careful on your journey to Tongtianzhu. Yama Hanba, Kuanglong Yishengxiao, and others are not benevolent and may plot against you in secret."

Bei Chen Yuanhuang's lips curled into a cold smile: "Scheme? I had the same intention. This trip to the Heavenly Pillar is both a crisis and an opportunity. If we can seize the divine artifact, Yi Liu will be able to reach a higher level."

"The Pope is wise," praised the Universe Wonders, though he was already pondering a countermeasure.

Then, Bei Chen Yuan Huang looked at the Yi Liu people under his tent and said loudly, "You must do your best to assist the strategist in stabilizing Yi Liu. When I return, you will all be generously rewarded."

"We obey the Pope's command!" the crowd responded in unison, their voices loud and clear, brimming with fighting spirit.

Bei Chen Yuanhuang nodded in satisfaction, then turned and strode away.

Huan Yu Qi Cang watched as Bei Chen Yuan Huang's figure disappeared from sight, then slowly straightened his body. His gaze sharpened as he swept over the disciples of Yi Liu present, and he said in a deep voice, "Everyone, the Pope has entrusted us with a great responsibility. We should work together to protect Yi Liu and await the Pope's triumphant return!"

"Yes!" the crowd responded again, their morale high.

……

Inside Wansheng Rock, the sound of chanting lingers, and the Buddha's light shines everywhere.

The Good Dharma Emperor has lost his mind and is in grave danger. The Lotus Step is about to depart, and the Myriad Saints Cliff can only entrust its fate to one person—

"After I leave, I will entrust the Ten Thousand Saints Rock to the Preceptor. If you encounter any danger, you can seek help from Brahma and the Holy Practitioner."

Inside Wansheng Rock, Yibu Lianhua was also making her final entrustment.

Placing themselves in such a perilous situation to fight for the life of the Good Dharma Emperor was a gamble that naturally drew opposition from many monks within Wansheng Rock, but they were all persuaded by Yibu Lianhua. However, although the internal situation was stable, the external Otherworld still possessed powerful forces, and the Pit of Sin served as external support. If one were truly determined to commit evil, Wansheng Rock would remain extremely dangerous, not to mention the three criminals who had previously escaped.

“I will do my utmost to protect the Ten Thousand Saints Rock. However, the Holy Venerable and the Cloud Man must be careful within the illusion.” Maha Jiezhe bowed and spoke with a firm tone.

Yibu Lianhua disregarded his own life to save Shanfa Tianzi. Maha Jiezhe understood and admired this sentiment. He also knew that the only thing he could do at the moment was to protect Wanshengyan and relieve Yibu Lianhua of any worries.

"Amitabha, Yibu Lianhua understands. Take care, fellow Buddhist." Yibu Lianhua put her hands together and bowed.

“Amitabha.” The Mahāsabhāṣṭra also returned the greeting.

Yibu Lianhua turned around, her gaze sweeping over the halls and pavilions of Wansheng Rock. After bowing to the monks, she also headed towards Tongtian Pillar.

……

……

Just as all forces were actively preparing to embark on the journey to the Heavenly Pillar and break through the illusionary barrier, another mysterious place in the martial world—the Three Realms Rock—presented a completely different scene.

Auspicious clouds drifted among the mountains, as if draping this land in a sacred veil. Lotus blossoms bloomed, their fragrance filling the air, refreshing and invigorating. Four flags fluttered in the wind, each symbolizing one of the four religions: Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, and Legalism, clearly indicating that a grand event was about to begin.

At this moment, a figure descended from the sea of ​​clouds, his poetic chant resounding through the heavens, awe-inspiring and deeply moving:
"The wise and the foolish have their way, wandering without waves; returning to my true nature, the bridge to the six extremes."

As the poem ended, a magnificent celestial bridge emerged from the sea of ​​clouds, spanning heaven and earth with overwhelming grandeur. Above the bridge, shimmering light shone, seemingly connecting the three realms, mysterious and solemn.

As the figures appear, it symbolizes the start of a grand event!
(End of this chapter)