Primordial Era: Starting by overwhelming the Sages, Hongjun was stunned!

Beyond Hidden Mist Mountain lies a plain.

At the edge of the plain, a city can be vaguely seen.

Xuanzang's eyes lit up:

"There is a city."

"Let's go beg for alms and ask for lodging for the night."

Sun Wukong nodded and followed.

After walking for a while, suddenly, the sound of horses' hooves came from ahead.

Dozens of fast horses, kicking up dust, galloped in.

The person sitting on horseback is dressed in official robes, with a sword hanging at his waist.

The leader was a middle-aged scholar with a refined appearance, but his eyes revealed a sinister glint.

He reined in his horse and looked at Xuanzang:

"Monk, where do you come from?"

Xuanzang put his hands together in prayer:

"This humble monk is Tang Xuanzang, who comes from the Great Tang Dynasty in the East, and is on his way to the Western Paradise to seek Buddhist scriptures."

The scholar looked him up and down, then suddenly laughed:

"Seeking scriptures? What scriptures?"

Xuanzang said:

"Seek a scripture that can liberate all sentient beings."

The scribe laughed heartily:

"Save all sentient beings? Why do sentient beings need your salvation?"

With a wave of his hand, dozens of people behind him drew their swords in unison.

"Monk, someone wants your life."

Xuanzang's expression remained unchanged:

"Who?"

The scholar laughed and said:

"You don't need to know."

He waved his hand:

"kill!"

Dozens of men charged in on horseback, their swords flashing.

Sun Wukong sighed.

"Monk, we can't let him go this time."

Xuanzang nodded:

"I won't let go."

Sun Wukong raised his golden cudgel and took a step forward.

A burst of golden light erupted.

Moments later, dozens of people collapsed to the ground.

Some died, some were injured.

The scholar was pulled off his horse by Sun Wukong and thrown to the ground.

Sun Wukong stepped on his chest:

"Tell me, who sent you?"

The scholar's face turned pale, but he gritted his teeth and remained silent.

Sun Wukong stomped his foot, and the scholar screamed in agony:

"I'll talk! I'll talk!"

"It's...it's Guanyin!"

Sun Wukong was taken aback.

Another Guanyin?

Xuanzang stepped forward and looked down at the scholar:

"Why did Guanyin want to kill me?"

The scholar trembled as he said:

"She...she said that you betrayed Buddhism and did not follow the path to the West, so you are a traitor to Buddhism."

"Traitor, you should die."

Xuanzang closed his eyes.

traitor.

He simply didn't want to be a pawn, and that's why he became a traitor.

He just wanted to find his own path, so he deserved to be killed.

What a Buddhist sect!

What a wonderful Guanyin!

What a Buddha!

Xuanzang opened his eyes, which were now filled with coldness:

"Go back now."

"Tell Guanyin that this humble monk is on this road."

"If she wants to kill, she'll do it herself."

"There's no need to send these people to their deaths."

The scholar scrambled and fled for his life.

Sun Wukong watched his retreating figure and scratched his head:

"Monk, you've changed."

Xuanzang said:

"What has changed?"

Sun Wukong said:

"You used to say, let him go, he was being ordered around."

"Now you tell him to go back and report the news."

"Is this a challenge to Guanyin?"

Xuanzang nodded:

"Yes."

"She wanted to kill me, so I let her come."

"There's no way to escape it."

"Why don't we just stand here and wait for her to come?"

Sun Wukong laughed heartily:

"Good! That's more like it!"

"I'll stand here with you, Old Sun!"

The two continued on their way.

On the plains, the wind blows the grass low.

The city was getting closer and closer.

The city was called "Zhenxiguan".

It is the last pass on the westward journey.

Once you pass this pass, you will enter the Western Regions, which is the territory of Buddhism.

Xuanzang stood before the pass, gazing at the towering city gate.

A complex mix of emotions welled up inside me.

He had imagined countless times what he would feel when he stood before this pass.

Excitement? Thrill? Relief?

neither.

It is calm.

It is the calm that comes after seeing everything clearly.

He turned around and glanced at the road he had come from.

Chang'an, Wuxing Mountain, Gao Laozhuang, Liusha River, Yinwu Mountain.

Every step I took was stained with blood.

Now, he stands here.

They are neither pawns of the Buddha nor servants of Buddhism.

It was him.

Xuanzang turned around and walked towards the city gate.

Sun Wukong followed behind.

The two entered the city.

The city was bustling with people, a mix of Han and non-Han people.

Xuanzang found an inn and asked for a room.

When the shopkeeper saw that he was a monk and the monkey behind him, he was so frightened that his legs went weak.

Xuanzang comforted him:

"Don't be afraid, innkeeper. This humble monk only needs to stay for one night."

The shopkeeper reluctantly nodded, accepted the money, and gave him a superior room.

Xuanzang entered the room, sat cross-legged on the couch, and closed his eyes to recite scriptures.

Sun Wukong sat by the window, watching the people coming and going on the street.

Suddenly, his ears twitched.

There are people talking downstairs.

The voice was very soft, but he heard it clearly.

"The monk went into the city."

"Okay, keep a close eye on it."

"When will you make your move?"

"No rush, wait until it gets dark."

"Is he alone?"

"There's a monkey nearby, I've heard it's very powerful."

"No matter how powerful they are, they can't stop us from having too many people."

Sun Wukong grinned.

A lot of people?

He wanted to see just how many people there were.

Night was falling.

The city quieted down.

Inside the inn, the lights were turned off.

Only in Xuanzang's room was a solitary lamp still lit.

suddenly.

A faint sound came from outside the window.

Sun Wukong opened his eyes.

Outside the window, dozens of dark figures silently climbed up the wall.

He held a knife in his hand, his eyes filled with murderous intent.

Sun Wukong did not move.

He just waited.

Wait for them to come in.

The window was gently pushed open.

A dark figure flipped over and entered.

The moment his foot touched the ground, the golden cudgel arrived.

boom!

The dark figure was sent flying backward, crashing into the opposite wall and dying instantly.

The shadowy figures outside were startled for a moment, then pounced on them all at once.

Sun Wukong leaped out of the window, his golden cudgel sweeping across.

A burst of golden light erupted, and a group of dark figures collapsed.

Someone shouted:

"The wind's getting strong! Let's get out of here!"

The remaining shadowy figures scattered and fled.

Sun Wukong did not chase after him.

He landed back on the windowsill and put away his golden cudgel.

Turn around and look into the room.

Xuanzang remained seated cross-legged on the couch, reciting scriptures with his eyes closed.

It was as if nothing had happened.

Sun Wukong grinned:

"Monk, you're quite composed."

Xuanzang opened his eyes:

"With you here, what do I have to be afraid of?"

Sun Wukong laughed heartily:

"I love hearing that!"

He leaned against the window and continued to keep watch.

night, deeper.

Somewhere in the city, in a dark and secluded mansion.

The scribe knelt on the ground, trembling all over.

Before them stood a figure in white robes with his hands behind his back.

Guanyin.

She stared at the scholar with icy eyes.

"It failed?"

The scholar trembled as he said:

"Bodhisattva, that monkey is too powerful. My men have suffered heavy casualties."

Guanyin remained silent.

She had known all along that sending mortals to kill Xuanzang was merely a test.

To test the monkey's strength and to test Xuanzang's resolve.

The result disappointed her and alarmed her.

That monkey was indeed at the peak of the Hunyuan Golden Immortal realm.

Xuanzang was indeed no longer a pawn to be manipulated.

Guanyin turned around and looked out the window.

Outside the window, the night was deep, and no stars could be seen.

She suddenly remembered the man in the black robe.

He recalled the method that shattered the Five Elements Mountain with that single strike.

He recalled the oppressive aura that had terrified even the Buddha.

Guanyin closed her eyes.

Xuanzang could not stay.

He is a traitor to Buddhism and a disgrace to the Buddha.

If we don't kill him, where will the dignity of Mount Ling be?

But with that monkey around, she couldn't kill it.

With the man in the black robe still there, she dared not move.

Guanyin opened her eyes, a resolute glint in them.

This matter must be reported to the World-Honored One.

She turned around, transformed into a streak of light, and disappeared into the night.

In the inn.

Sun Wukong suddenly looked up.

He felt that the uncomfortable aura had disappeared.

"I'm gone."

he murmured.

Xuanzang opened his eyes:

"Who left?"

Sun Wukong said:

"Guanyin".

"They've been watching us from the shadows."

"They're leaving now."

Xuanzang was silent for a moment:

"She will come back."

Sun Wukong nodded:

"Know."

"If she comes again, she won't leave alive."

Xuanzang looked at him and suddenly smiled:

"Old Sun, aren't you afraid?"

Sun Wukong was taken aback:

"What are you afraid of?"

Xuanzang said:

"Afraid of offending Buddhism, afraid of offending the Buddha, afraid of eternal damnation."

Sun Wukong laughed heartily:

"Who have I, Old Sun, ever feared?"

"When I wreaked havoc in the Heavenly Palace, I wasn't afraid of even 100,000 heavenly soldiers."

"Now that I have a senior figure backing me up and you leading the way, what am I afraid of?"

Xuanzang looked at him, his eyes slightly red:

Thank you.

Sun Wukong waved his hand:

"You're welcome."

"I, Old Sun, have said I'd protect you to the end."

"Even if the Buddha himself came, I would strike him back with a stick."

Outside the window, the night was gradually fading.

A faint glimmer of dawn appeared on the horizon.

A new day is about to begin.

Xuanzang got up and opened the window.

The morning breeze blows in, carrying the scent of earth.

He took a deep breath.

"Let's go, Old Sun."

"The road ahead is still long."

Sun Wukong nodded and jumped down from the windowsill.

The two left the inn and headed towards the west gate.

In the city, early risers have already begun their busy work.

Breakfast vendors, porters, cart drivers.

No one noticed the two passersby.

Once you leave the city, you'll be in the Western Regions.

That is the territory of the Buddhist community.

That's the end of that road.

Xuanzang stood outside the city gate and glanced back.

Zhenxiguan.

He remembered the name.

He turned around and walked west.

Sun Wukong followed behind, the small white flower by his ear still swaying in the wind.

In the distance, on the horizon.

A figure in a black robe stood with his hands behind his back.

Kong Xuan watched the two figures gradually disappear into the distance, a slight smile playing on his lips.

This monk is really interesting.

This monkey is interesting too.

The path they took is the true path.

That road that doesn't require kneeling to walk.

That path belonged to them.

Kong Xuan turned around and looked towards the west.

Buddha, how much longer can you continue this game of chess?

How many more people can your Guanyin send?

How long can your Buddhist community last?

He smiled.

His smile was faint, yet it carried a chilling undertone.

With one step, it disappeared into the horizon.

Outside Zhenxi Pass.

Xuanzang and Sun Wukong were walking on the official road.

Ahead, yellow sand filled the sky.

That was the Western Regions, that was the desert, that was the territory of Buddhism.

That's their path too.

Xuanzang walked slowly, but he never stopped.

Sun Wukong followed behind, neither too fast nor too slow.

We walked for a long time.

Sun Wukong suddenly spoke:

"Monk, what do you think lies at the end of that road?"

Xuanzang thought for a moment:

"have no idea."

"Maybe there's nothing at all."

"Maybe he has seen through everything."

Sun Wukong grinned:

"That's not bad either."

Xuanzang nodded:

"It's good."

The two continued walking.

Yellow sand stretches endlessly, the world is vast and desolate.

Two figures, one in front of the other.

A monk, a monkey.

Walking on that road that has no end.

The wind blew, and sand rose.

The little white flower drifted down from Sun Wukong's ear and went with the wind.

Drifting into the distance, drifting towards the horizon.

Drifting towards the end of that road.

far away.

Kong Xuan stood in the void, gazing at the small flower that drifted by.

Reach out and catch it.

The petals are as white as snow, and the stamens are golden yellow.

There was no demonic aura, only purity.

He looked at the flower and suddenly smiled.

This time, the smile was more genuine.

He pinned the flower to his lapel, turned around, and headed towards Jin'ao Island.

Behind them, the two figures grew farther and farther away.

But he knew.

They won't stop.

He wouldn't either.

This game has only just begun.

This game has only just begun.

The world has just changed.

......

Jin'ao Island.

The palace doors opened, and chaotic energy surged in.

Kong Xuan stood in the hall, the small white flower on his robe swaying slightly.

Tongtian sat on the high platform, looking at him with a questioning gaze.

"What happened to the monk and the monkey?"

Kong Xuan turned around and looked outside the hall:

"very good."

"It's better than I expected."

Tongtian nodded without asking any further questions.

He believed in Kong Xuan.

Trust his vision, trust his judgment.

If he says it's good, then it's good.

Inside the hall, the disciples sat on either side.

Jinling, Wudang, and Wuyunxian sat at the front, followed by Zhao Gongming and the Three Immortals, with the Ten Heavenly Lords and the Three Thousand Mortals in order.

In recent days, everyone's cultivation has recovered considerably.

Although it has not yet reached its peak, it already possesses some of the grandeur of the ancient times when ten thousand immortals came to pay homage.

Kong Xuan glanced at it and said indifferently:

"Master, the disciples have almost recovered."

Tongtian nodded:

"It's time."

He stood up, his green robe fluttering slightly.

"Today, the Jie Sect has one thing to do."

The disciples all looked up.

Tongtian's gaze swept over every face in the hall, each word spoken clearly:

"Collecting debts."

As soon as the two words were uttered, a murderous aura suddenly arose in the hall.

Zhao Gongming clenched his fists, the Three Immortals' faces turned ashen, and the Ten Heavenly Kings gritted their teeth.

This debt has been owed for far too long.

Tongtian looked towards Kong Xuan:

"Fellow Daoist, who shall we begin?"

Kong Xuan stood with his hands behind his back and said calmly:

"Start with the weakest one."

"The Heavenly Court".

Tongtian raised an eyebrow slightly:

"Is the Heavenly Court the weakest?"

Kong Xuan nodded:

"The Jade Emperor is only at the peak of Quasi-Saint level. Although he has many subordinates, none of them are capable of fighting him."

"To attack the Heavenly Court is to establish our authority."

"It's also to show Mount Ling that the Jie Sect has returned."

Tongtian pondered for a moment, then slowly nodded:

"it is good."

"Then let's start with the Heavenly Court."

He turned and looked at his disciples:

"Jin Ling, Wu Dang, Wu Yun Xian."

The three stood up: "Disciples are here."

"Gather three thousand disciples and follow me to the Heavenly Court."

"yes!"

The three turned and strode away.

Inside the hall, the other disciples looked on with envy.

They wanted to go too, but their cultivation hadn't recovered, so going would only be a burden.

Kong Xuan looked at them:

"No need to rush."

"The Heavenly Court is just the beginning."

"There will be plenty of opportunities ahead."

The disciples replied in unison, "We obey the Vice Master's decree!"

......

heaven.

The Lingxiao Palace.

The Jade Emperor sat upright on his dragon throne, his expression shifting between light and shadow.

These days, he is unable to eat or sleep properly.

The Investiture of the Gods was shattered, the Intercepting Sect was rebuilt, and Tongtian emerged.

The格局 (geju, a concept encompassing the three realms and their surroundings) was completely overturned overnight.

Venus hurriedly entered the palace:

"Your Majesty! Something terrible has happened!"

The Jade Emperor's heart tightened:

"What is it?"

Venus's face was deathly pale.

"The Tongtian Sect Leader, leading three thousand disciples, is heading towards the Heavenly Court!"

The Jade Emperor suddenly stood up.

coming.

finally come.

He took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down:

"By imperial decree, close the Southern Heavenly Gate! The Four Heavenly Kings, the Nine Luminaries, and the Twenty-Eight Constellations, all shall be deployed!"

Venus smiled wryly:

"Your Majesty, the Southern Heavenly Gate was shattered by Tongtian last time and has not yet been repaired..."

The Jade Emperor was speechless.

Yes, the Southern Heavenly Gate was shattered, and the Investiture of the Gods was shattered.

What else is in Heaven?

He slumped on the dragon throne, his face ashen.

"deliver an imperial order......"

His voice was hoarse:

"Open the Heavenly Gate to welcome guests."

Venus was taken aback:

"His Majesty?"

The Jade Emperor closed his eyes:

If you can't stop them, then don't.

"Whatever Tongtian wants, he will give it to him."

"As long as...the Heavenly Court isn't destroyed."

Venus bowed deeply, then turned and left.

Inside the hall, the Jade Emperor sat alone.

He gazed into the void and murmured to himself:

"I've been the Jade Emperor for so many years, and in the end, I'm nothing but a joke."