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Chapter 126 Yellow Wind Monster: You Come to Help Me
Huang Fengguai gripped the letter with his iron-like knuckles, his gaze burning through it. He stared intently at Chen Guangrui's face, his voice low and suppressed: "Whose is this?"

The air in the entire cave was like solidified lead, so heavy it was hard to breathe. Yuan Shoucheng watched from the side, his heart pounding with fear, a chill running down his spine.

The Yellow Wind Monster was radiating a more terrifying demon king aura than ever before, and it could erupt at any moment to tear everything in its path apart.

Yuan Shoucheng swallowed hard, instinctively taking a small step behind Chen Guangrui, wishing he could shrink into a ball. This mission was truly fraught with danger.

Facing that predatory gaze, Chen Guangrui's face only held a condescending sneer, "Our department patrols all directions and has its own intelligence channels. Does it matter who delivers the message?"

His tone was calm, yet it conveyed a sense of detachment and unquestionable authority: "The key is what's written on it, what the writer wants you to see, and what they want those who shouldn't see it to see."

Yellow Wind Monster's chest heaved violently, as if he were forcibly suppressing a grudge.

His gaze swept over the words on the letter again, his expression somber. The so-called "evidence" of his brutal murders, forced abductions of women, and extortion of offerings were like poisoned needles, piercing his pride and resolve.

This is completely different from his earlier self-proclaimed "upright conduct and proper conduct."

"Nonsense!" Huang Feng slammed his hand on the stone table, and a spiderweb-like crack appeared on the solid rock surface.

The golden jade cup, brimming with fine wine, was jolted and jumped, spilling the nectar and reflecting on his ashen face.
"This is a complete distortion of the truth. I, Huang Feng, am an upright man. When have I ever done such a despicable thing? Who dares to tarnish my reputation like this?"

His hand holding the letter trembled slightly, not from fear, but from extreme anger, as well as from bewilderment and frustration at being hurt by despicable means.

He looked up at Chen Guangrui, his eyes filled with not only raging anger but also an urgent question, "Immortal Chen! Where did these letters come from? I want to find out who is behind this despicable lie!"

His confidence was severely shaken, and he was eager to find the mastermind behind it all to prove his innocence. He believed he had done the best, so why was he the one being maliciously slandered?

Chen Guangrui sat as still as a mountain, his fingertips lightly tracing the smooth rim of the stone cup, but he did not utter a single word.

Yellow Wind Monster turned around and said to the various monsters in the cave, "You all step back."

After leading all the demon soldiers and generals to withdraw, Huang Fengguai stood up, walked to Chen Guangrui, and respectfully bowed, saying, "Please give your instructions, Immortal Envoy."

Chen Guangrui nodded, seeing the Yellow Wind Monster's appearance.
"King Huangfeng, do you know why I've ignored those people from Liusha River and Yingchou Stream, but instead came to you first to inquire about the affairs of the Sihali Kingdom?"

His question was abrupt, and Huang Feng was taken aback. His thick brows furrowed, and his confusion deepened. Yes, the Patrol Division should treat everyone equally, so why was he being approached first? Was there some hidden reason behind it?

Before Huang Feng could figure out the details, Chen Guangrui slowly took out several letters from his sleeve, all of which were from Elder Jinchi.

He pushed the letters in front of Huang Fengguai, "You might as well take a look at these too, there are some from Gao Laozhuang, some from Yingchoujian, and... some from Black Wind Mountain."

Filled with doubt and anger, Yellow Wind Monster grabbed the letters. He had already guessed most of their contents, but seeing other people's letters next to the ones that slandered him made the contrast even more stark and jarring.

The letter from Gao Laozhuang reads, "The Pig Hermit is diligent and hardworking, and has a kind and pure heart."
The letter from Yingchoujian praises "Dragon Lord is of pure and good nature, guarding this land and water";
Black Wind Mountain's letter was also written in a peaceful style...

Only his letter was filled with bloodshed and slander!

Did no one see what Huang Feng did? He painstakingly managed the eight hundred li of Huang Feng Ridge, only to receive slanderous comments in the end?
Moreover, these letters were all placed together. The Yellow Wind Monster had realized the importance of these letters. Who would hear these false accusations?
It’s scary to think about it.

Yellow Wind Monster's face turned from bluish to black, veins bulging on his forehead. He suddenly looked up, his tiger-like eyes wide open, almost forcing out words through clenched teeth.
"What is this? Why are those who write about me all slanderous, while they are all whitewashing the truth? What exactly is going on?"

His anger reached its peak. The greatest harm in the world is not physical violence, but the destruction of hard work by a single casual remark or action from someone else.

Those demons framed me in every way, but I had no evidence to prove my innocence.

Chen Guangrui looked calmly at the enraged Yellow Wind Monster, his tone still indifferent, yet full of meaning.

"Some things are better left unsaid. Whether it's a secret of heaven or a matter of human relationships, let's leave it at that. King Yellow Wind, I'm afraid you don't know that a few days ago, someone from Black Wind Mountain gave two precious pearls to Bodhisattva Lingji."

He paused, observing the subtle changes in the Yellow Wind Monster's expression, and continued...

"Those two precious pearls were nothing more than dispensable trinket to Bodhisattva Lingji; losing them was no big deal. What's interesting is that the Black Wind Mountain disciples who were escorting the pearls were robbed, yet they're still alive... Guess what?"

Chen Guangrui leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice, but each word was clear.
"In less than half a day, Bodhisattva Lingji found the trail of those two audacious robbers. He only kidnapped one of them, while the other was unharmed. You tell me, how come Bodhisattva Lingji is so useless, only managing to capture one person?"

At this point, Chen Guangrui stopped talking. He had already made his point. He said nothing more, his fingertips unconsciously stroking the newly acquired gold-threaded rope in his sleeve, the gold thread leaving a cool, slightly tingling sensation on his fingertips.

A brief, deathly silence filled the cave, broken only by the crackling of firewood popping in the campfire.

The angry expression on Huang Fengguai's face froze. In an instant, his sharp golden eyes flashed with extremely complex emotions, like a whirlwind.

Surprise, realization, contemplation, and even a hint of indescribable heaviness and chill.

Chen Guangrui didn't need to say another word; he had already figured some things out.

The black bear spirit offered gifts to curry favor, but the gifts were stolen. His subordinates returned alive to report the incident, and Lingji immediately took action.

Wasn't Lingji's movement a little too fast?

Looking at these letters together, everyone else speaks well of him, but he, Huang Fengguai, is singled out as extremely wicked. Why? Because Huang Fengguai is stubborn and not "sensible" enough?
Or is it because he is Lingji's nominal prisoner, while others like Black Wind Monster might be his own people?

All these threads suddenly connected in Huang Fengguai's upright mind, pointing to a vortex of interests that he was both angry about and had to confront.

It turns out that it wasn't that he didn't do well enough, but that he was too independent, blocking some people's way, or getting in the way of some people.

Huang Fengguai's burly body suddenly straightened up. All the rage, confusion, and shock on his angular face subsided, leaving only a deep sense of solemnity and determination.

Without the slightest hesitation, he clasped his hands together and bowed deeply to Chen Guangrui. The gesture was full of the gratitude and righteousness of a chivalrous man, and was by no means a servile bow.

"Immortal Envoy Chen, I am deeply grateful for your kindness. I, Huang Feng, will remember your guidance today."

His voice was deep and powerful, carrying a hint of suppressed bitterness, but also a resolute determination to find his way. At this moment, he had no more doubts about Chen Guangrui's identity and abilities.

Chen Guangrui accepted the bow calmly, without any hint of pride on his face, merely nodding slightly. He put away the letter on the table, stood up,
"Since there is no hidden illness in the King's Cave, the inspection is now over. I have official duties to attend to and cannot stay any longer."

He remained composed, as if he had merely completed a routine official duty. "Immortal Envoy, please take care!" Huang Fengguai immediately rose, his expression solemn, and clasped his hands in greeting to Yuan Shoucheng, who was still lost in thought beside him. "Please forgive any shortcomings in our hospitality!"

"Of course, of course!" Yuan Shoucheng seemed to wake from a dream and quickly returned the greeting, only to feel the cold sweat on his back finally slowly disappear.

The Yellow Wind Monster personally led the way, respectfully escorting Chen Guangrui and Yuan Shoucheng out of the Yellow Wind Cave. All the lesser demons remained silent, lined up neatly to see them off, and the atmosphere was solemn.

Even after the two figures completely disappeared around the bend in the mountain valley, the solemnity on Huang Fengguai's face did not ease in the slightest. He stood with his hands behind his back in front of the cave, gazing at the dark mountains and fields with deep eyes, as if he were brewing something.

After pondering for the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the Yellow Wind Monster finally turned around slowly, a sharp glint in his eyes, and commanded in a deep voice:

"Tiger Vanguard!"

The burly man with the tiger-like head, who had just been beaten up, immediately rushed over, rubbing his backside, and replied in a deep voice, "I'm here!"

Yellow Wind Monster lowered his voice, his tone decisive and stern.
"Listen up! That scoundrel from Black Wind Mountain now only has one demon left roaming outside the mountain. Quickly go and find out where this fiend is, where he is now, and what he is doing. If you see anyone, do not cause trouble, and do not disturb him. Just keep an eye on him secretly and bring back to me exactly what you saw. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Your Majesty! I promise I'll watch carefully and won't lay a hand on you!"

Tiger Vanguard patted his chest, his tiger-like face full of solemnity. Although he was a bit slow-witted, he knew that the king was giving him a very important task. He responded and turned to rush down the mountain, his imposing figure quickly disappearing into the dense forest of night.

Sparse, pale golden clouds swirled above Little Sumeru Mountain. Though not particularly steep, the mountain possessed a solemn air. Faint chanting drifted from the forest, further emphasizing the tranquility of the place.

Inside the meditation room of the temple, the Golden Furnace Boy was bound by a pale golden rope of magical power. Although he could not move, there was no fear on his face, only stubbornness.

Lingji Bodhisattva sat serenely on his lotus throne, his face calm, even bearing the gentle compassion befitting a Bodhisattva. He asked again, "Little boy, who are you, and why did you take those two precious pearls?"

The Golden Furnace Boy kept his mouth tightly shut, his little face taut, refusing to utter a sound or even glance at Lingji. He knew in his heart that this Bodhisattva appeared gentle on the surface, but in reality, he was extremely cunning and not someone to be trifled with.

Seeing that he was unyielding, Bodhisattva Lingji did not get angry, but the gentleness on his face faded and his tone became colder.

"Very well. Since you are unwilling to speak, this humble monk will not ask any further questions."

I only asked once, and then Bodhisattva Lingji stopped asking. This is something you didn't want to say, not something I didn't ask. If there are any misunderstandings later, you can't blame me.

Just then, a long and resounding Buddhist chant suddenly pierced the tranquility of the meditation room, echoing throughout the entire Lesser Mount Sumeru.

"Namo Amitabha."

The voice was deep and compassionate, carrying an undeniable air of authority.

Lingji Bodhisattva's expression changed slightly, and his heart tightened. "Why is he here?"

The thought had barely crossed his mind when he reacted with lightning speed, his wide robe sleeves billowing out. A soft yet incredibly swift golden light instantly enveloped the Golden Furnace Boy on the ground, and as if by magic, the Golden Furnace Boy, along with the ropes binding him, vanished without a trace in the blink of an eye, as if he had never existed.

Lingji Bodhisattva then straightened his robes, his face regaining its gentle and compassionate expression, and quickly rose to greet him.

As soon as I stepped out of the meditation room, I saw a plump, smiling monk walking through the air, his body radiating a faint golden light. He was none other than Maitreya Buddha, the Buddha who came from the West to the East.

"I was unaware of the arrival of the World Honored One, and I have failed to greet you properly. Please forgive me!"

Lingji Bodhisattva lowered his posture and looked respectful, quickly putting his palms together in a gesture of respect.

Maitreya Buddha laughed heartily, his laughter loud and cheerful, the smile never fading from his chubby face. He casually waved his hand, "No need for formalities, Lingji, this humble monk was just passing by and thought your Little Mount Sumeru has a nice view, so I came to take a look. It's nothing special."

"The World Honored One's favor upon Hanshan is truly a blessing for this place." Bodhisattva Lingji, with a respectful smile on his face, carefully led Maitreya Buddha into the hall. The two exchanged pleasantries, talking about interesting anecdotes from Buddhism, and the atmosphere seemed harmonious.

After exchanging pleasantries for a while, seeing that Maitreya Buddha seemed to have lost interest and was preparing to take his leave, Lingji Bodhisattva secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Just then, Maitreya Buddha suddenly stopped, his smiling eyes glancing casually at Lingji, as if he had mentioned it casually.

"By the way, Lingji, I recently heard something interesting, though I don't know if it's true. I heard that the servant boy who tends the fire under the lord of the Tushita Palace is a guest here?"

The smile on Lingji Bodhisattva's face froze for a moment, and the muscles at the corners of his eyes twitched almost imperceptibly. His mind raced, and he immediately shook his head decisively, his tone carrying just the right amount of doubt and confusion.

"Where did the World Honored One hear such rumors? They are utterly absurd. The celestial children of Tushita Palace are so noble, how could they come to my small, desolate mountain for no reason? This humble monk has many daily tasks to attend to, and is barely able to receive pilgrims from all directions, how could he have time to keep outsiders here? Such nonsense must be spread by some petty villains."

He spoke with absolute certainty, as if he had truly been greatly slandered.

The smile on Maitreya Buddha's face remained warm and gentle, even more radiant than before. He chuckled softly, patting his round belly as if he had merely heard an insignificant joke.

"Hehe, I see. This humble monk also thought it was nonsense. But..."

He changed the subject seemingly casually, but his gaze deepened slightly as he looked at Bodhisattva Lingji.

"Since it's just a rumor, it's fine to just listen to it. But everyone knows that Laozi is always protective of his own, and he values ​​those young servants who attend him more than anything else. Let alone if they get hurt, or even if they bump into something and suffer some injustice, I'm afraid... that wouldn't be good!"

He looked into the eyes of Lingji Bodhisattva, his smile seemingly unchanged, but his voice carried an undeniable reminder and a deeper meaning:

"Moreover, as far as I know, that boy's younger brother is also a sensible man. He has promised not to say another word, only wishing for his brother's safe return. This promise is trustworthy. Lingji, did you hear me clearly?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Maitreya Buddha nodded slightly to Lingji Bodhisattva, whose expression was shifting, and said no more. Without waiting for Lingji Bodhisattva to say anything more polite, lotus flowers bloomed beneath his feet, and his figure transformed into a soft golden light, instantly disappearing into the sea of ​​clouds in the sky. It was as if they had really just chatted for a few moments on the way.

Only Lingji Bodhisattva remained standing alone before the hall. The respectful smile on his face had vanished, replaced by a somber expression, his hands clenched into fists within his wide monk's sleeves.

Maitreya Buddha's last few seemingly plain words actually made everything clear.

He promised not to say another word, only asking to return safely.

He didn't say anything, though he was already somewhat tempted, but he held back.

Let's see what the monster from Black Wind Mountain has to say about this.

(End of this chapter)