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

Inside the commander's tent, the incense in the golden censer had gone cold.

Li Jing sat alone behind the desk. Admiring the exquisite golden pagoda adorned with relics, his gaze fell into the void, but his thoughts had already drifted far away.

He was pondering the events of the day repeatedly in his mind.

Today's matter may seem like just capturing a rat spirit that stole incense and candles, but it actually involves both the Buddha of Mount Ling and the Great Heavenly Venerable of the Heavenly Court.

If we can handle this well, capture the rat demon, and level the demon mountain, it will not only save face for the Buddha, but also demonstrate the majesty of the Heavenly Court.

This contribution, while not huge, is certainly not insignificant.

Then, a brilliant report of victory will be presented, explaining how he remained calm under pressure, skillfully coordinated his efforts, and ultimately triumphed over the enemy...

This is not merely making amends for past mistakes, but rather turning a crisis into an opportunity, which carries a different weight.

"What a contribution..." Li Jing felt a surge of warmth in his heart.

He was nominally the Marshal of the Heavenly Army, but in reality, he only commanded the troops of the Cloud Tower Palace. He was far from having the true authority of a Grand Marshal.

What he sought was never just military merit.

Possessing both literary and military talents, and holding high positions in government, is my greatest aspiration.

Just like the True Lord of the Pure Law, besides his official position, he also had the honorary title of the Jade Emperor of the Nine Heavens Golden Palace.

Li Jing smiled inwardly, but couldn't help feeling envious.

If only I could do that... no, not just Shangqing.

Although a high-ranking official is noble and respected, he may not necessarily be to his liking.

What he wanted was a position that would better demonstrate his power and allow him to advise on confidential matters.

Li Jing has commanded troops for many years and has made outstanding contributions. If he can use these two achievements to secure a position as prime minister, he will not fail to live up to his lifelong ambition.

The prime minister assists the ruler, regulates yin and yang, pacifies the barbarians, and befriends all people.

Once this thought arose, it spread like wild grass, causing Li Jing's emotions to surge uncontrollably.

The title of "Prime Minister" sounds more like a prime minister than "Minister of State," which is more fitting for his status as the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King.

"The Golden Palace of the Nine Heavens... the radiant and majestic Prime Minister..."

Li Jing felt a surge of excitement.

Guanglie signifies his loyalty and courage, Weiwu demonstrates his leadership ability, and Shangxiang signifies his high status and honor.

Wonderful!

Li Jing couldn't help but think of Chen Jiao, who was about to arrive.

He stroked his long beard, his mind racing.

This young Jingfa Zhenjun is of noble birth, possesses profound Taoist cultivation, and commands the Thunder Department for killing and destruction, making him a great asset.

but……

Li Jing felt somewhat relieved, having heard that the man was upright and even somewhat aloof.

He has always taken it upon himself to vanquish demons and monsters, and does not seem to be the kind of person who is keen on fighting for power and profit or engaging in petty scheming.

Perhaps he doesn't care how the credit for this trip is distributed, as long as he can eliminate the evil spirits.

Such a temperament, if used properly, could become a great asset.

At that time, as the head coach, I will have made excellent overall arrangements and successfully requested reinforcements; the credit will go to me...

"Naturally still..." Li Jing narrowed his eyes slightly.

Since the True Lord Jingfa is unwilling to compete for credit, wouldn't it be more convenient for both of them to appease him a little and share some of the fame with him?

When the time comes, he will be promoted to the position of prime minister, and he will gain some practical benefits and merits, which can be considered a win-win situation.

The more Li Jing thought about it, the more relieved he felt, and the frustration he felt from the initial defeat dissipated considerably.

He was deep in thought.

A guard outside the tent announced that the Yaksha general who had requested reinforcements had returned and was waiting to see him.

Li Jing suppressed the subtle joy on his face, regaining his usual dignified composure, and said in a deep voice, "Summon them."

But then the Yaksha approached, his expression revealing a hint of undisguised hesitation and trepidation. He bowed and said:

"This subordinate reports back."

Li Jing was in a good mood at the moment and did not pay close attention to the Yaksha General's unusual behavior. He simply raised his hand slightly and asked:

"How is the True Lord Jingfa doing? Has he had time to come and help exorcise the demon?"

The yaksha inwardly groaned, but dared not refuse to answer, and could only bite the bullet and say:

"Reporting to the Marshal, True Lord Jingfa has already agreed and is currently leading the troops of Shulei Prefecture towards Wujin Mountain. They should arrive shortly."

"Excellent! Very good!"

Upon hearing this, Li Jing's eyes flashed with a sharp light, a great weight was lifted from his heart, and he felt even more joyful.

This Chen Jiao truly understands the bigger picture and prioritizes the overall situation!

Yaksha moved his lips slightly, pondering how to relay Jingfa Zhenjun's words in a way that wouldn't provoke the marshal.

"Marshal, the True Lord has a few more words he wants me to convey back..."

Before he could even gather his thoughts, Li Jing was already overjoyed and waved his hand, saying:

"It's good that you've agreed! We can discuss the rest of the details when the True Lord arrives."

"The True Lord has arrived in person; how can we be disrespectful? Guards!"

Li Jing abruptly stood up, straightened his Heavenly King Armor, and a confident smile appeared on his face. He said loudly:

"Send the order: the entire army must straighten their uniforms and line up to welcome you! I, the commander, will personally go out of the camp to greet True Lord Jingfa!"

He was already calculating in his mind that since Chen Jiao had agreed so readily, he, as the commander-in-chief and the Heavenly King, could not be impolite.

In his mind, as the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King and the commander-in-chief of an army, he was personally going out to greet them.

The True Lord Jingfa is still young, and seeing such a grand display, he must be deeply moved, perhaps even overwhelmed with gratitude.

In this way, they will surely work even harder, and their chances of capturing the demon will naturally increase.

At that time, with myself in charge of the central army and making skillful deployments, and with strong reinforcements like Chen Jiao charging into battle, how could we not achieve great success?

Li Jing waved his hand triumphantly, instructing his personal guards to make arrangements quickly, while he himself walked out of the tent first.

Upon seeing this, the Yaksha general turned pale and hurriedly stepped forward, disregarding everything else, and whispered:

"Marshal! The True Lord has more to say..."

Just now.

Outside the tent, the clear and powerful voice of the heavenly soldiers guarding the camp could be heard from afar, penetrating the fortifications and reaching the commander's tent:

"The Divine Lord of Heavenly Purification has arrived!"

Thunderclouds rolled across the horizon, gradually parting.

First, a sharp, clear light pierced through the clouds, and then a divine steed, a Xie Zhi, emerged slowly from the clouds, its body treading on streaks of lightning.

Atop the mythical beast sat a young True Lord clad in a black cloak, his face serene; this was Chen Jiao.

Behind him, three thousand thunder generals and thunder cavalry stood solemnly in formation, their banners waving.

Although their numbers were fewer than those of the Heavenly Army camp led by Li Jing, their armor was gleaming, their weapons reflected the light of lightning, and their imposing aura of killing intent was palpable.

The large entourage arrived at the camp of Li Jing's heavenly soldiers.

But ahead, all I could see was...

A makeshift camp for the Heavenly Army was erected, with imposing fences and numerous watchtowers. The banner bearing the character "Li" (李) fluttered high in the center of the camp.

Outside the camp gate.

Although the heavenly soldiers had just suffered another defeat, they were ordered to muster their spirits, raise their banners again, tidy up their armor, and form a battle formation.

From a distance, it did have the air of a heavily armed army, which masked much of the defeat and dejection of the defeated troops.

The camp gates were wide open, and a group of people were already waiting there.

The leader was dressed in a purple robe and golden armor, with three long wisps of beard, holding an exquisite pagoda in his hand and a sword hanging at his waist.

It was none other than Li Jing, the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King.

At this moment, he wore a rather gentle smile, his demeanor was composed, and his gaze was fixed on Chen Jiao and his group.

It seems they are not seeking reinforcements after a recent defeat, but rather welcoming allied forces who are coming to join them.

Behind him, Nezha and his generals and followers were all solemn.

Chen Jiao's gaze swept across the camp's atmosphere, finally landing on Li Jing's smiling face, and a sense of surprise swept through his heart.

Li Jing... actually greeted me with such a smile?