Investiture of the Gods: I am Bigan, the Master of Conspiracy

With a hint of worry in his expression, Tang Sanzang looked at Sun Wukong and asked, "Wukong, how should we plan to deal with the matter of Wuji Kingdom? In my opinion, we should be cautious in this matter."

Sun Wukong grinned and chuckled, "Master, don't worry. You still don't know my abilities? I've been traveling west, subduing countless demons and monsters. This matter in Wuji Kingdom, how could it possibly stump me? Tomorrow, just head straight to the palace. I, Sun Wukong, will see just how powerful these so-called monsters really are."

In the original Journey to the West, Sun Wukong was only a Taiyi, but in the current Journey to the West, Sun Wukong is a Daluo. How could a Daluo Golden Immortal possibly reach this level through any acquired means?

It can be said that the acquired Golden Immortal is already the peak, and only the innate Golden Immortal can enter the Great Luo realm.

A Great Immortal of the Golden Age coming to Journey to the West to become a monster? That's naturally impossible.

Therefore, Sun Wukong swept across the westward journey.

Tang Sanzang nodded slightly, still trusting Sun Wukong: "As your master, I naturally know your abilities, Wukong. You possess great supernatural powers, and subduing demons is a piece of cake for you. Since you are so confident, then tomorrow we will go to the palace to exchange for the travel permit. At that time, I can also take the opportunity to advise the king not to be bewitched by demons, to stay away from the troublesome monsters as soon as possible, and to value Buddhism again, for taking refuge in Buddhism is the right path."

Hearing the conversation between the master and disciple, the abbot was filled with emotion. He quickly stepped forward and bowed deeply to Tang Sanzang and his disciples: "The survival of Buddhism in Wuji Kingdom now rests entirely on the shoulders of you eminent monks of the Celestial Empire. On behalf of all those in Wuji Kingdom who are devoted to Buddhism, I thank you all for your great compassion."

Sun Wukong patted his chest and said in a carefree manner, "No problem, no problem. Abbot, rest assured, with me here, I will definitely make that monster reveal its true form, restore peace to Wuji Kingdom, and allow Buddhism to flourish again."

Originally, in the Kingdom of Wuji, it was Manjushri's lion that pushed the king into a well and came to cause trouble. But now, Yin Ziyu had made arrangements in advance, so Manjushri's lion did not come again, and the situation in the Kingdom of Wuji was naturally completely different.

The next day, as dawn broke, the four members of the Tang Monk's group, full of energy, headed straight for the capital of Wuji Kingdom.

Upon reaching the foot of the imperial city, the majestic city walls stretched out before us like a colossal beast, displaying the majesty of the imperial family.

The four men told the guards that they were monks from the Tang Dynasty in the East. The guards dared not neglect them and immediately reported this before leading them straight to the main hall of the palace.

Stepping into the main hall, one is greeted by a solemn and dignified atmosphere, with golden bricks paving the floor and jade pillars reaching for the sky.

The king sat high above on his dragon throne, his cold gaze watching the four people enter the hall.

Before long, someone presented the travel document to the king.

The king lowered his head slightly, his gaze sweeping over the four men, and asked, "Are you monks from the East?"

Tang Sanzang quickly put his hands together and said, "Amitabha, this humble monk comes from the Great Tang Dynasty in the East. I am here by order of the Emperor of the Great Tang Dynasty to go to the Western Paradise to worship Buddha and seek scriptures."

The king paused slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, and asked, "What are the benefits of the pilgrimage? I've long heard that the East is a celestial empire with many immortals and gods, so why do you favor that lesser path of the West?"

With a solemn expression, Tang Sanzang immediately said, "Your Majesty may not know this, but in the East today, many people are trapped in greed, lust, and pleasure, and the trend of killing and fighting is rampant, as if they are in a sea of ​​evil. This humble monk is going west to obtain the scriptures precisely to save all living beings and rescue people from suffering."

Upon hearing this, the king sneered and asked, "Oh? You actually say that the journey to the West can save all living beings?"

Seeing this, Tang Sanzang continued patiently, "This humble monk came to your esteemed country and heard that monks have vanished here, which truly pains me. Your Majesty, please do not stray from the right path. Believing in Buddhism can cultivate good intentions and keep one away from evil thoughts and conflicts. The Dharma can cleanse the defilements of all beings' hearts and guide them onto the right path. If a ruler of a country can promote Buddhism, and the people follow suit, the country will surely be peaceful and harmonious, the people will live in peace and prosperity, and the nation will flourish."

However, the king's sneer grew even more pronounced after hearing this, and he did not take Tang Sanzang's words to heart.

At this moment, Sun Wukong had no interest in listening to the conversation between the king and his master. His fiery eyes were searching for traces of monsters, and he couldn't help but look around the entire palace.

Finally, Sun Wukong's gaze sharpened, and through the layers of palace walls, he saw a temple dedicated to the White Lady outside the palace.

All around the temple, an endless stream of pure faith surged into the temple like a raging torrent.

Under Sun Wukong's fiery eyes, all of this was exposed. At this moment, Sun Wukong immediately concluded that the White Lady Temple must be inextricably linked to that monster.

Tang Sanzang's words caused the king's face to darken, a hint of displeasure flashing in his eyes. He looked directly at Tang Sanzang and said coldly, "Monk, the affairs of Wuji Kingdom are none of your business as an outsider. Your travel permit has already been stamped. You should leave quickly and stop making a fuss here."

Tang Sanzang did not back down. His expression remained firm, and he clasped his hands together, saying, "Your Majesty, I came for the sake of the people of Wuji Kingdom. How can I leave now? It seems that Wuji Kingdom has been blinded by demons. If Your Majesty does not awaken, it may fall into an abyss of no return. I only hope that Your Majesty can stay away from demons and return to Buddhism. Only in this way can we save these millions of people and ensure the peace and prosperity of Wuji Kingdom."

Tang Sanzang's expression truly resembled that of an enlightened monk, filled with compassion for the people of Wuji Kingdom.

At this moment, Sun Wukong, hearing the king's insolent words, immediately turned his gaze to the king, his eyes filled with anger, and said angrily, "You, King, are truly ignorant of right and wrong! It is clearly that monster who is wreaking havoc in Wuji Kingdom, causing the Buddhist community to decline and the people to be misled. Yet you remain obstinate, listening to the monster's words. This is simply digging your own grave! Wait until I, Old Sun, drag that monster out, and let's see what you have to say then!"

Sun Wukong's eyes were wide open, his golden cudgel swaying slightly in his hand, and a powerful aura emanated from him. If the king said another word, Sun Wukong would immediately rush out to subdue the demons.

Just as the atmosphere was tense, a graceful figure stepped lightly into the hall.

In an instant, all the officials in the hall knelt down and shouted in unison, "Greetings, Lady White!"

The king, who was high above everyone else, also hurriedly stood up and respectfully bowed, saying, "Greetings, Lady White!"

Sun Wukong looked at the newcomer with suspicion, his fiery eyes flashing like two sharp beams of light, trying to see through what kind of monster this "White Lady" really was.

However, to Sun Wukong's great surprise, the person in front of him showed no trace of demonic aura and seemed to be a fairy.

Nevertheless, Sun Wukong remained convinced of his judgment and immediately roared, "Monster! Stop pretending and show your true form!"

The woman known as Lady White slowly turned her head, looked calmly at Sun Wukong, and asked softly, "Why did you shout and kill me the moment we met? Do you want to accuse me based on your baseless suspicions?"

The woman's voice was soft, yet it seemed to carry a hint of questioning.

Tang Sanzang quickly put his hands together, chanted "Amitabha," and said with a compassionate expression, "Female benefactor, Buddhism is all about compassion. Aren't you afraid of the cycle of karma and being sent to the hell of unjust death if you treat monks like this?"

Lady White Snake raised an eyebrow slightly, turning her gaze to Tang Sanzang with a hint of disdain. She said, "Don't advise others to be kind if you don't know their suffering. You monks from the East don't even know what happened in Wuji Kingdom, yet you insist on judging me with your so-called justice? And you monkey, you keep calling me a demon. Does that mean demons deserve to die? Your monkey face and thunder mouth make you look more like a demon!" The events in Wuji Kingdom immediately attracted the attention of the Three Realms, and even the Buddhist community. The Buddhist community had long known that Yin Ziyu had arranged a trial here, and naturally, they were also concerned about what mysteries this trial concealed.

After years of discussions at Wuzhuang Temple, they finally reached the first challenge set by Yin Ziyu, which naturally attracted the attention of the Three Realms and even the Buddhist community.

For a moment, everyone was watching the scene unfolding in the main hall of the Wuji Kingdom.

Seeing that Lady White Snake looked down on him and seemed to disregard him completely, Sun Wukong was immediately enraged and shouted, "You monster, do you know who I, Old Sun, am?"

Lady White remained calm and asked indifferently, "Who are you?"

Sun Wukong grinned and chuckled, "I, Old Sun, am none other than the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, Sun Wukong, who wreaked havoc in the Heavenly Palace five hundred years ago, turning the Lingxiao Palace upside down!"

Lady White remained unfazed and retorted, "So what? Do you intend to use your reputation to intimidate others?"

Sun Wukong laughed in anger, "You monster, how dare you be so arrogant and treat monks like this! Take this from my old Sun!"

As soon as Sun Wukong finished speaking, he immediately took action. His golden cudgel lashed out like a golden dragon, carrying the power to destroy the heavens and the earth, and smashed down on Lady White Snake.

This strike seemed to overwhelm even the space itself, causing it to groan and crackle like a spiderweb appearing in the void.

Seeing this, Lady White remained calm. Suddenly, a gourd appeared above her head, and a green banner instantly emerged from within it. As soon as the banner was unfurled, it shone brightly, and a powerful aura spread out.

The banner was covered with flashing runes, and countless demonic figures roared out from within it, as if they wanted to break free of their restraints and descend upon the world.

The power emanating from the Demon-Summoning Banner was like a towering mountain, firmly blocking Sun Wukong's earth-shattering attack.

At this moment, Sun Wukong was filled with shock and horror, a feeling that was difficult to describe in words.

Sun Wukong's fiery eyes widened as he stared intently at the demon-summoning banner above Lady White's head, and he blurted out, "What a powerful treasure!"

This was the first time Sun Wukong had suffered a setback on his journey. He never expected to encounter such a formidable enemy in Wuji Kingdom.

Before Sun Wukong could finish speaking, Lady White Snake raised her eyebrows and waved her demon-summoning banner.

In an instant, the Demon-Summoning Banner shone brightly, its dazzling light illuminating the entire world, like a newborn sun hanging high in the sky.

Within this divine light, the phantom of a demon saint slowly coalesced into form.

This demon saint had a dragon's head and a human body, his figure was as majestic as a mountain, and he exuded a fierce and menacing aura.

On its dragon head, the dragon whiskers danced, each one seemingly containing the power to destroy the world. Its dragon eyes shone with a ghostly light, and beneath its human body, its four claws were like hooks, undoubtedly capable of tearing through space and time.

This was none other than Ji Meng, the Demon Saint who died in the Great War between the Lich King and the Demon God!

After Ji Meng's phantom took shape, it suddenly extended its dragon claw, like a black lightning bolt, and instantly grabbed Sun Wukong in front of him.

Sun Wukong was unable to dodge in time, and the dragon's claw struck him heavily. In an instant, a tremendous force surged forth.

Sun Wukong felt as if he had been struck by an ancient divine mountain, and his whole body flew backward uncontrollably like a kite with a broken string, flying for countless miles.

Sun Wukong was filled with shock and astonishment. He never expected that the White Lady could summon such a terrifying being, which smashed countless mountains into dust along the way.

After seeing Sun Wukong being knocked away, Lady White Snake turned her gaze to Tang Sanzang and said, "His Majesty ordered him to travel west, but this monk has dared to disrupt state affairs and has arrested and imprisoned all of them, master and disciples!"

Seeing that Sun Wukong was defeated so decisively, Tang Sanzang was stunned, and the three of them were captured in an instant.

On a mountaintop in the Kingdom of Wuji, shrouded in mist, it seemed as if the world had been cut off.

Yin Ziyu and Luo Shen stood side by side, talking softly.

Luo Shen smiled slightly, her beautiful eyes sparkling as she looked at Yin Ziyu and said, "Ziyu, the demon-summoning banner that Suzhen has unleashed will probably deal a significant blow to this monkey. He was so astonished just now, he must be feeling defeated now. But in that case, I really don't know how the Buddhist sect will explain this to Wukong."

At this point, Sun Wukong had an internal ranking of his combat strength, but now he was suddenly defeated by a minor demon, which was unbearable for his pride.

Yin Ziyu remained calm and said indifferently, "Let the Buddhist sect figure out and explain these things themselves. We don't need to interfere too much; it's all their own doing."

Luo Shen nodded slightly and said, "The cause and effect of this Wuji Kingdom is complete. Everything is formed naturally, so no one will say that we deliberately arranged it."

Yin Ziyu nodded and said, "A well-thought-out plan is ultimately inferior and easily exposed. The most suitable and ingenious approach is to make everything seem as if it has always existed, and we only need to guide it slightly."

The Goddess of Luo governs the laws of cause and effect, and is intimately familiar with the cause and effect of the events surrounding the Kingdom of Wuji.

With Yin Ziyu's guidance, Luo Shen's plans are progressing rapidly. In any case, Luo Shen is the daughter of Fuxi and belongs to the human race.

After pondering for a moment, Luo Shen asked, "Given this situation, shouldn't we just wait for Wukong to go and ask someone to come and rescue his master?"

Yin Ziyu looked up at the sky: "Indeed. Now the Heart Realm is ready. This matter in Wuji Kingdom is the time for the Heart Realm to show the Three Realms the boundless power of my heart."

In the grand scheme of things in the primordial world, whoever controls the path to advancement for all living beings controls the future. The grand scheme of Journey to the West hinges on one thing: opening a new path to advancement. Yin Ziyu also needs to open his own path to advancement; only then can there be a fundamental basis for rivalry! (End of Chapter)