Journey to the West: Starting with the True Lord of the Pure Land

This silence did not last long.

"Your Majesty, Yaoming, the Director of Ceremonies, has a memorial to present!"

A voice, clearly filled with passion, suddenly rang out, breaking the silence.

A celestial official, dressed in a robe with crimson and gold cloud patterns, his face solemn but now slightly flushed with indignation, stepped forward quickly, holding a jade tablet.

It was none other than the Radiant Celestial Lord, who was in charge of some of the celestial rituals.

Yaoming, the Celestial Lord of Ceremonies, walked to the foot of the imperial steps, bowed deeply to the Great Celestial Venerable, then turned around, his gaze like lightning, shooting straight at Chen Jiao.

"What True Lord Jingfa just said, while seemingly detailed and logical, actually evaded the main points and concealed the fact that he enforced the law cruelly and abused his power!"

He stepped forward, his jade tablet pointing into the void, as if listing his crimes:

"Even if the four Hidden Star Lords are involved in the case or have committed crimes, they should still be escorted back to Heaven."

The judgment shall be made by the Great Heavenly Venerable, or handed over to the relevant officials to be punished according to the law, so as to clarify the law and punish accordingly, which is in accordance with the laws of Heaven!

However, when Jingfa Zhenjun was in the lower realm, he brazenly used the Thunderous Punishment to kill the Star Lord on the spot, annihilating both his body and soul!

Such actions are hardly the execution of a law; they are nothing but private punishment! They disregard the Heavenly Laws and the Great Heavenly Venerable!

This is one example; the methods used are cruel and violate the principles of Heaven, which emphasize benevolence and harmony!

Yao Mingjun spoke rapidly, each sentence forceful and clear, his gaze fixed intently on Chen Jiao:

"Furthermore, in the True Lord's report, he downplayed the so-called capture and extermination, but made no mention of the actual situation at the time!"

Your subject has heard that the two star lords, Ketu and Ziqi, were knocked down into the East Sea by the True Lord and lost their power to resist.

The Sun Emperor, out of compassion and consideration for the bonds between fellow beings, and mindful of the preciousness of the stars, summoned starlight to offer some protection, intending to temporarily quell the True Lord's thunder and escort him back to Heaven for further discussion.

This demonstrates the Emperor's benevolent heart in considering the greater good and preserving the dignity of the Heavenly Court! But how did the True Lord respond?

Yaoming, the Celestial Master of Ceremonies, spoke with increasing shrillness, his voice filled with heart-wrenching accusation:

"The True Lord actually commanded his personal divine weapon, soared into the sky, and beheaded the two Star Lords, Jidu and Ziqi, in their heavenly palace!"

The Star Lord's Palace was bestowed by the Heavenly Court, symbolizing the authority of the stars and the dignity of the righteous gods!

This act is tantamount to openly trampling on the majesty of the Heavenly Court and damaging the Heavenly Palace's structure! Their intentions are despicable!

This is the second offense: arrogance and overstepping of authority, destruction of the Heavenly Palace, and trampling on the celestial court's rules and regulations!

"Where does this behavior place the order of the Heavenly Court? What regard does it have for the discipline of the stars?"

Such cruelty and despotism—is this the way to uphold justice? It is truly horrifying and likely not a blessing for the Three Realms!

Yaoming, the Celestial Lord of Ceremonies, was clearly well-prepared, and his words were resounding and powerful.

Every sentence focused on the improper procedures, cruel methods, damage to government offices, and lack of decorum, pushing Chen Jiao's law enforcement actions to the brink of abuse of power and tyranny.

Upon hearing this, many immortals and gods in the hall nodded slightly, their faces showing deep thought.

In particular, some celestial officials in charge of etiquette and literature felt the same way, thinking that the actions of the True Lord of Pacifying Law were indeed too forceful and left little room for maneuver.

"I wholeheartedly agree with what Master Yaoming has said!"

Another deep voice rang out, and the Lord of Fire, the Fire Virtue Star Lord, stepped forward.

The red-faced deity, dressed in a crimson robe with cloud patterns, bowed solemnly to the throne and said in a deep voice:

"Your Majesty, I believe that while the law should be strictly enforced, it must also be done within limits."

It was perfectly acceptable for True Lord Jingfa to act swiftly and decisively to apprehend the ringleader.

However, Rahu, Ketu, and the other two star deities are ranked among the eleven luminaries, holding prominent positions in the Heavenly Court.

Even if there were some minor crimes, to execute them without a public trial in Heaven would certainly be against the law.

Damaging the Star Lord's Palace sets a terrible precedent.

If this continues, where will the authority and dignity of the Heavenly Court be? Won't everyone in the various departments and offices live in fear?

The True Lord was young and vigorous, perhaps determined to eradicate evil completely, but being too rigid made him prone to breaking, and being too discerning left him with no followers.

Such actions will not only fail to quell the law, but will also easily breed new chaos and resentment.

Your Majesty, I humbly beseech you to investigate this matter thoroughly and, in order to rectify the situation, punish such transgressions of the law!

The Fire God, holding a high position and wielding great power, commands a department, and his words carry significant weight.

These words also revealed the hidden worries of many immortals and gods in the palace who, though not directly involved, were wary of Chen Jiao's rapid rise in recent years and his ruthless actions.

"I second that opinion!"

"The Fire God is absolutely right! Enforcing the law should be done with a compassionate heart!"

"The position of Star Lord is a divinely ordained duty. Even if guilty, one should be spared punishment with dignity and brought to justice. To perish on the spot, body and soul, would truly violate the virtue of Heaven's benevolence towards life!"

"As the True Lord holds multiple positions and wields increasing power each day, he should be even more cautious in his words and actions, setting an example for all the gods. Such conduct is hardly the way to set a good example!"

Following that, several more immortals and deities of considerable rank, belonging to different departments, stepped forward.

A celestial official in charge of the celestial registers said that the residence was public property of the celestial court and that the damage was inappropriate.

There was a celestial official of noble birth, whose duty was to offer advice and remonstrance, who vehemently criticized the excessive severity of punishments, arguing that they harmed the virtue of Heaven and Earth in cherishing life.

A divine ruler, though not directly pointing out Chen Jiao's fault, spoke at length about how law enforcement should follow established practices and procedures, and that rituals and laws should not be abandoned due to urgency...

Although they did not attack Chen Jiao for making false claims about the case, they all directed their criticism at his law enforcement process.

They were labeled with a series of serious accusations, such as cruelty, despotism, destruction of systems, and abuse of power.

The speaker appeared to be speaking out of impartiality and concern for the law, but his stance and the subtle connections behind it were clear to all discerning people in the hall.

This sudden surge of doubts clearly demonstrates that Chen Jiao's drastic measures have indeed touched a nerve in many areas.

Some feared his power, some wanted to curry favor with the Sun Emperor and the Great Emperor Gouchen, and some simply disagreed with his style of doing things.

Many more wicked immortals and gods, out of fear of the Dao Ancestor's lineage, dared not speak out, but only silently supported their colleagues who dared to speak out.

For a moment, it seemed as if a group of people were launching an attack within the Lingxiao Palace.

A cold smile crept across the face of the Sun Emperor, hidden behind his radiance.

This is exactly the effect he wanted.

When the evidence is hard to refute, they try to muddy the waters by focusing on the word "law enforcement."

Faced with the growing murmur of doubt in the hall, the boundless auspicious light on the throne rippled slightly.

The Jade Emperor's gaze seemed to pierce through the layers of auspicious mist and land on Chen Jiao.

A calm, serene, yet authoritative voice rang out, instantly silencing all other noises in the hall:

"Minister Chen, what is your response to what these immortals have said?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Jiao stepped out of the ranks again and walked into the hall.

He did not look at the gods and immortals who were attacking him, but simply bowed to the throne.

"Your Majesty, I have only one question."

Rahu, Ketu, Ziqi, and Yuebo, the four spirits, manipulate the stars and draw in the Weak Water, intending to sweep across the four seas and shake the very foundation of the water element in the Three Realms.

Such actions—are they those of an immortal? Or a god?

All the gods in the hall looked thoughtful.

Chen Jiao paused briefly, his gaze sharp as lightning, sweeping over the assembled immortals and gods who had spoken earlier, before finally returning to the throne. He spoke each word with a voice that resonated throughout the hall:

The online sensation "Journey to the West: Starting with the True Lord Jingfa," a heartfelt work by author Hengyang Yanqu, is available on Kele Novels.

"This is an act that defies the laws of Heaven and will bring disaster to all living beings!"

"By following this demonic path, they have already severed themselves from the ranks of the immortals!"

Chen Jiao's gaze swept over the displeased Yaoming Sili Tianjun and Huode Xingjun, and he said coldly:

What is benevolence and harmony?

How can we talk about benevolence and harmony when dealing with demons who cause chaos and disorder? When they commit these acts of annihilating living beings and wreaking havoc on the world, do they ever have even a shred of benevolence and harmony?

Have you ever considered the laws of Heaven or the dignity of the immortals and gods?

When someone holds the position of a star lord but acts like a demon, their divine nature is lost and their demonic nature is revealed.

Exorcising demons is the fundamental duty of the Jingfa sect; how can it be considered cruel?

"Your subject is deeply grateful for the grace of the Great Heavenly Venerable, who personally bestowed upon him the title of 'Radiant Heavenly Pacifying Law,' ordering him to uphold the Heavenly Law, vanquish evil spirits, and protect the fundamental principles of morality."

The actions of the Four Hidden Star Lords were not merely the faults of immortals and gods, but truly heinous acts of demons.

When we encounter such depraved and evil people who harm living beings, what is wrong with punishing them according to the law?

If they are allowed to return to heaven, and given the opportunity to use their clever words and flattery to escape punishment and live a carefree life, they may cause even more trouble.

Then, who can we turn to for justice for the suffering of millions of people on the banks of the Weak Water, and the difficulties in cleaning up the mess in the Dragon Palace of the East Sea and the Ten Kings of Hell?

The majesty of the law lies not in its elaborate formalities, but in punishing evil and promoting good, and protecting all living beings!

"My actions have been solely in accordance with Heaven's laws and to fulfill my duties. Whether they have been appropriate is left to the judgment of the Great Heavenly Venerable."

After saying this, he bowed again and said no more.

Chen Jiao's words did not dwell on details such as destroying the mansion and seizing the sword, but directly pointed out the nature of the Four Hidden Star Lords' actions.

To define such an act as rebellious and demonic is to consider one's own act of killing as slaying demons and upholding the law, which is one's duty.

It is also a manifestation of upholding the title and authority bestowed by the Jade Emperor.

The hall fell silent once more.

Many originally neutral deities nodded in agreement upon hearing this. Chen Jiao's words indeed occupied the high ground of law and reason.

Chen Jiao had barely finished speaking.

A deep, thunderous voice, filled with a chilling aura of killing intent, suddenly resounded:

"Your subject seconds the words of the True Lord of Pacifying Law!"

Then, the Great True Lord Tianpeng, who was ranked first among the Four Saints of the North Pole and in charge of the North Pole Exorcism Academy, stepped out from the front of the Dou Department.

He did not look at the immortals and gods who spoke in rebuttal, but only bowed towards the direction of the throne, and said:

"A demon is a demon, even if he wears a god's robe!"

Those who commit acts of world destruction and chaos are enemies of the three realms! Hesitation will only lead to further chaos!

Jingfa Zhenjun wielded his sword to slay the demons who caused chaos, truly fulfilling his duty and swiftly cutting through the mess!

What do you mean by "excessive"? Do you mean we should invite this rebellious demon back to heaven, offer him fragrant tea, and then slowly discuss his crimes?

absurd!"

The Great True Lord Tianpeng was renowned for his prestige, and his words were like a heavy hammer blow to seal the deal.

Behind him, the three Arctic Saints—Deputy Marshal Tianyou, Grand Marshal Heisha, and True Lord Yisheng Baode—stepped forward almost simultaneously and said in unison:

"We second that opinion! To punish demons and uphold justice is the right time; what fault is there in doing so!"

The four saints of the Arctic are of the same lineage, and their statements carry great weight.

"We, your humble servants, second Your Majesty!"

The Thunder Department ranks, including all the Thunder Emperors, Thunder Kings, Marshals, Heavenly Lords, Thunder Gods, and even generals like Fei Peng under Chen Jiao's command, along with hundreds of immortals and gods, all bowed in unison!

The sound waves converged, like muffled thunder rolling across the palace beams.

Everyone in Lei's unit shares the same stance.

"Nezha agrees!"

A clear and unruly voice rang out; it was Nezha, draped in the Hun Tian Ling and riding on the Wind Fire Wheels.

He curled his lip slightly, his gaze toward the Sun Emperor filled with disdain.

"Your Majesty, I second that proposal!"

Among the twenty-eight constellations of the Dipper constellation, the Horned Dragon Star Lord stands out from the crowd with his sharp gaze.

"In the Eastern Extremity, the True Lord fought alongside us in a bloody battle, and he knows the ferocity of the demonic scourge!"

To be merciful to demons is to be cruel to all living beings!

"The True Lord slew the Four Hidden Demons, averting an even greater calamity. I believe his merit should be recognized!"

"I second that opinion!"

Xin Yuehu Xingjun stepped forward, his voice clear yet firm.

Following that, eight or nine more Star Gods from the Dou Department expressed their opinions, all of whom had a past relationship with Chen Jiao or admired his sense of responsibility.

"This humble general also seconds it!" Marshal Zhu Lie of Tianhe shouted from behind the crowd.

The True Lord of Jingfa acted decisively, and although his methods were swift and ruthless, they did indeed prevent a great disaster from happening.

Yu Shuiyuan's efforts in stabilizing the situation are invaluable.

The symbolic significance and persuasive power of the speech of this ancient sage king, the Water Official Emperor, are immeasurable.

In an instant, voices echoing the praises of the True Lord of the Heavenly Purification Law came from all walks of life, from the Four Saints of the North Pole to the Thunder Department, from the fierce general Nezha to the ancient holy kings, from the constellations of the Dipper Department to the carefree immortals, from the Dragon Lord of the Water Palace to the King of Hell...

Although it does not encompass all immortals and gods, it has already formed an overwhelming and unstoppable momentum.

The wave of doubts previously raised by Yaoming Sili Tianjun, Huode Xingjun, and others was instantly swept away and almost completely submerged.

Inside the Lingxiao Palace, the situation reversed in an instant.

Many originally neutral gods and immortals had their eyes flickering as they weighed their options.

The smug look that had been on the Sun Emperor's face had vanished, replaced by a gloomy expression and an uncontrollable rage.

This brat! What merit does he possess to be worthy of such a title!

"Amitabha."

A Buddhist chant suddenly rang out.

In an instant, the invisible heat and chilling atmosphere that permeated the Lingxiao Palace was swept away as if gently brushed by a compassionate, invisible hand.

All the immortals and gods in the hall, regardless of their stance, couldn't help but calm their minds and turn their eyes to look.

On the throne, boundless auspicious light also flowed slightly, as if a gaze was looking down upon it.

But on the lotus platform to the west, one can see...

One of the Five Elders of the Five Directions, Guanyin Bodhisattva of the South Sea, wearing a plain gauze crown, slowly raised her eyes.

Her gaze, clear and compassionate, swept across the palace, devoid of joy or anger, pure and unblemished, as she slowly spoke:

"Jade Emperor, Great Heavenly Venerable, all immortals."

When this humble monk heard the True Lord's report, he felt deeply moved.

The Buddha said, "The Vajra's wrathful gaze subdues the four demons; the Bodhisattva's gentle brows show compassion for the six realms."

The Bodhisattva spoke gently and continued:

"Demons are self-inflicted; cause and effect are infallible."

The Four Star Lords, by drawing the Weak Water into chaos, have severed their own path to immortality and willingly fallen into demonic ways. The True Lord, wielding the Sword of Purification, slays demons and protects the Way.

When the flames of karma are about to ignite and all living beings are in dire straits, the Vajra's angry gaze is the Bodhisattva's gentle brow.

To vanquish demons is to uphold justice.

As soon as Guanyin Bodhisattva finished speaking, the lingering fragrance of lotus still lingered, but the hall fell into an even deeper silence than before.

All the gods and immortals, regardless of their rank or how close they were to each other, showed a hint of undisguised surprise on their faces.