Honghuang: My understanding is beyond belief. I am the first immortal of Jiejiao.

The Moon Goddess appeared in the clouds at some unknown time, and said with a kind smile, "I am happy to see this marriage happen."

"Star Lord!" Chang'e exclaimed in surprise, so ashamed that she wanted to disappear. She turned around and transformed into a streak of silver light, flying away and leaving only a lingering fragrance of osmanthus.

Lin Zhu looked helplessly at the group of immortals who seemed to enjoy the drama, and said with a wry smile, "Gentlemen, you're deliberately causing trouble!"

The Barefoot Immortal patted Lin Zhu on the shoulder and said seriously, "Fellow Daoist Lin, please don't be offended. We were just worried about your safety during your tribulation. Now that we see you are safe and sound, we are finally relieved."

Lin Zhu's gaze lingered on the Barefoot Immortal for a moment, then he suddenly realized: "So that's how it is. The Immortal is a spy for the Jie Sect in Heaven?"

The Barefoot Immortal smiled without saying a word, but his eyes said it all.

Lin Zhu looked around and found that the gods who came were more or less related to the Investiture of the Gods war of that year.

Their visit was both to offer congratulations and to confirm whether Lin Zhu had truly survived this great calamity.

And now, standing here, the answer is self-evident.

"Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Lin, on attaining the Great Luo Venerable Position!" All the immortals bowed in unison, their faces full of sincere smiles.

Cao Zhou laughed heartily, his voice shaking the heavens: "Brother Lin, I owe you a favor! You must invite me to your wedding banquet!"

Having said that, he transformed into a golden light and vanished.

Soon, only Venus and the Barefoot Immortal remained in the clouds.

Venus stroked his long beard, his expression suddenly becoming serious: "Immortal Lord Lin, I have a question to ask you."

"Jin Xing, please speak." Lin Zhu suppressed her smile.

"Did you really kill those two Great Luo Golden Immortals of the Western Sect?" Lin Zhu's eyes flashed with sharpness, but a playful smile played on his lips.
"What, is the Heavenly Court going to punish me?"

"No, no!" Venus quickly waved his hand. "The Western Sect sent a Great Luo Golden Immortal to intercept you while you were undergoing your tribulation. This has violated the Heavenly Laws."

His Majesty the Jade Emperor has already questioned the Western Paradise about this matter. They are in the wrong, and would never dare to openly cause you further trouble.

Lin Zhu narrowed his eyes: "So that means... a sneak attack?"

Venus was speechless, and the Barefoot Immortal took over: "There's news that Vairocana Buddha has already set off, probably for you."

“Vairocana Buddha?” Lin Zhu raised an eyebrow. “The one who is known as ‘the one whose light shines everywhere’?”

Venus looked tense: "Exactly. Immortal Lord Lin, rest assured, the Heavenly Court will never sit idly by and watch the Western world be so rampant! If that Vairocana Buddha dares to come, he will surely not return!"

He spoke passionately, but noticed that Lin Zhu's eyes were strange. Instead of being afraid, he seemed somewhat excited.

"Jin Xing just said that this Vairocana Buddha is very powerful?" Lin Zhu suddenly asked.

Venus said solemnly, "This is no small matter! This Buddha is a top-tier fighter of the Western Sect, and he is accompanied by three protectors at the Taiyi Golden Immortal level. Even ordinary Daluo would have to give way to such a lineup!"

He thought this description would make Lin Zhu take it seriously, but to his surprise, the other party's eyes grew brighter and brighter, and finally they even emitted a terrifying glint.

"Three Taiyi Golden Immortals given away for free?" Lin Zhu licked his lips, his face full of excitement. "That's really too kind of you!"

Venus stared in disbelief, then turned to look at the Barefoot Immortal, asking with his eyes: "Was this kid struck by lightning and went mad during his tribulation?"

Outside the Lingxiao Palace, auspicious clouds swirled and thousands of auspicious wisps of air rose.

Lin Zhu straightened his clothes, a faint smile playing on his lips.

Taibai Jinxing secretly observed him from the side, becoming increasingly puzzled: "Fellow Immortal Lin, that Vairocana Buddha is one of the eight great Bodhisattvas of the Western Paradise, and his cultivation has reached the peak of the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm."

Venus couldn't help but remind him again.

Lin Zhu waved his hand, his eyes filled with excitement: "Jin Xing, don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

In his mind, the system notification had just sounded: [Ding! S-rank mission triggered. Hunt down Vairocana Buddha and his three Taiyi Golden Immortal followers. Reward: Peak Great Luo Golden Immortal cultivation, one innate spiritual treasure, 100,000 merit points]

"Isn't this a godsend?" Lin Zhu thought to himself with secret delight, but his face remained impassive.

The Barefoot Immortal rubbed his hands together and said, "Brother Lin, today's court assembly may not be peaceful. You'd better be careful."

Lin Zhu chuckled lightly: "Rest assured, Great Immortal, I, Lin Zhu, have always acted with integrity and uprightness."

The moment the three stepped into the Lingxiao Palace, the noisy discussions inside the palace abruptly ceased.

Hundreds of gazes shot towards them, some with awe, some with apprehension, and most with fear.

"That's Lin Zhu? I heard he just killed three Arhats from the Western Sect the other day."

"Shh, keep your voice down. Can't you see the murderous aura lingering on him?"

"He can kill even a Grand Luo Golden Immortal without hesitation, this guy..."

The whispers reached Lin Zhu's ears, but he seemed not to hear them, his gaze sweeping over the immortals in the hall.

When his gaze swept over the Queen Mother of the West, his heart skipped a beat. The elegant and noble female immortal was staring at him with an almost burning gaze, her red lips slightly parted, a smile that was neither a smile nor a frown.

Lin Zhu quickly lowered his head and strode to stand in the celestial assembly.

Venus and Barefoot Immortal exchanged a glance, both seeing helplessness in each other's eyes.

"His Majesty has arrived!" With a loud shout, the Jade Emperor slowly walked in, surrounded by celestial maidens.

All the immortals bowed in unison, and Lin Zhu followed suit, but he keenly noticed that the Jade Emperor's gaze lingered on him for a moment longer.

"Everyone loves you."

The Jade Emperor's voice was majestic: "I have summoned you all here today because I have a question to ask you."

The hall was completely silent; all the immortals held their breath in anticipation.

The Jade Emperor surveyed the world: "Has anything significant happened in the Three Realms recently?"

The celestial assembly was silent; no one answered.

Lin Zhu narrowed his eyes, knowing full well that this was the Jade Emperor giving him a chance to speak.

"Your Majesty," Lin Zhu stepped forward, his voice clear and resonant, "I have something to report."

In an instant, hundreds of gazes shot towards them like sharp arrows.

Lin Zhu seemed oblivious and continued, "Three days ago, when I broke through to the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm at the summit of Kunlun, I was ambushed by Vairocana Buddha of the Western Sect and his followers."

An uproar erupted inside the hall: "What? The Western Sect actually dares to...?" "This Lin Zhu is actually a Great Luo Golden Immortal?" "No wonder his aura is so terrifying."

The Jade Emperor raised his hand to signal for silence: "Minister Lin, is this really true?"

Lin Zhu sneered: "Absolutely true. If I hadn't been fortunate enough to break through, I would probably be dead by now."

He paused, his voice suddenly turning cold, "Your Majesty, I humbly request permission to personally settle this personal feud."

When these words were spoken, everyone in the hall was shocked.

Venus stamped his foot in frustration and whispered a reminder: "Fellow Immortal Lin, be careful what you say!"

Lin Zhu ignored him, his gaze fixed intently on the Jade Emperor.
He wanted to use this opportunity to establish his authority in front of the immortals and complete the system task at the same time.

The Jade Emperor frowned slightly: "Minister Lin, this matter is of utmost importance."

The Western religions are powerful; perhaps I should intervene and mediate.

"Your Majesty!" Lin Zhu interrupted, his voice firm and powerful, "The path of cultivation is inherently defying the heavens."

If I don't even dare to avenge a personal grudge, how can I have the face to stand in the Heavenly Court?

The immortals inside the hall gasped in shock.

Lin Zhu is incredibly audacious to dare to defy the Jade Emperor in the Lingxiao Palace!
Just as the atmosphere was about to become tense, a languid and charming voice suddenly rang out: "Your Majesty, I think what Fellow Immortal Lin said is quite right."

Everyone looked in the direction of the voice and saw the Queen Mother of the West leaning on her phoenix throne, her slender hands playing with a peach, her beautiful eyes full of charm: "For cultivators, the right path is to seek revenge and repay kindness. The Western Sect overstepped its bounds first, and Fellow Immortal Lin sought revenge afterward, which is only reasonable."

The Jade Emperor was visibly taken aback.

"What Your Majesty means is..."

The Queen Mother put down the peaches and stood up.

With each step she took, the fragrance in the hall increased.

When she stopped in front of Lin Zhu, the fragrance almost suffocated him.

"Friend Lin."

The Queen Mother parted her red lips slightly, her voice audible only to the two of them.

"I can persuade the higher-ups of the Western Religion not to interfere in this matter, but you mustn't disappoint me."

Her words had a hidden meaning, and Lin Zhu felt a chill run down her spine, but she remained calm and respectfully bowed.

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty."

The Queen Mother chuckled softly and turned to the Jade Emperor, saying, "Your Majesty, let's agree to Fellow Immortal Lin's request. If the Western Sect has any objections, I will handle them myself."

The Jade Emperor's eyes held a complex expression, but he quickly regained his composure.

"Since Her Majesty has said so, Minister Lin, I grant your request. If there are any problems, I will take responsibility for you."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Lin Zhu bowed deeply, his eyes gleaming.

After the court assembly ended, Lin Zhu had just stepped out of the Lingxiao Palace when Taibai Jinxing and the Barefoot Immortal caught up with him.

"Fellow Daoist Lin, you were too impulsive!"

Venus said urgently.

"That Vairocana Buddha is not someone to be trifled with!"

Even the Barefoot Immortal was deeply worried.

"Yes, and the Queen Mother's attitude today is strange; I have a feeling that..."

Lin Zhu waved his hand, interrupting the two.

"I appreciate your kindness, but my mind is made up."

His eyes were filled with a fierce look.

"Since the Western religion dares to attack me, they should be prepared to pay the price."

Inside the Lingxiao Palace, celestial energy swirled, and nine-clawed golden dragons coiled around the magnificent golden pillars, their eyes piercing and seemingly able to see through all illusions.

Lin Zhu stood in the center of the hall, a dangerous smile playing on his lips, his gaze sweeping over the immortals who cast either awe or envy at him.

"Thank you, Queen Mother of the West, and thank you, Jade Emperor, for your permission."

Lin Zhu bowed respectfully, his voice clear yet carrying an undeniable sharpness.

"With the permission of the two saints, this disciple may proceed with his actions without restraint."

Upon hearing this, all the immortals in the hall gasped in astonishment.

Venus trembled slightly with his whisk and whispered to the barefoot immortal beside him.

"Since the Investiture of the Gods, no one has ever dared to hunt down a Grand Luo Golden Immortal so openly."

The Barefoot Immortal squinted, scrutinizing the young man standing in the center of the hall.

"This child is exceptionally blessed, to the point that he is favored by both the Jade Emperor and the Queen Mother. There must be something fishy going on behind this."

The Jade Emperor sat high on his nine-dragon throne, wearing a twelve-tassel crown, his face hidden behind a beaded curtain, his expression obscured.

He slightly raised his hand, and the hall immediately fell silent.

"Do any of my beloved ministers have anything else to report?"

The Jade Emperor's voice, like a resounding bell, echoed throughout the Lingxiao Palace.

The immortals looked at each other, none daring to speak.

Just kidding. If the emperor has already approved such a momentous event as hunting down a Great Luo Golden Immortal, who would dare to bother his ears with trivial matters?
"In that case, court is adjourned."

The Jade Emperor waved his sleeve.

"Lin Zhu, stay."

The immortals bowed and took their leave, but before leaving, they couldn't help but steal glances at the young man who had been left alone.

Lin Zhu stood with his hands behind his back, looking calm and composed, as if he had expected this scene.

After the last immortal left the hall, the gates of the Lingxiao Palace slammed shut, leaving only Lin Zhu and the Jade Emperor, who sat high on the Nine Heavens Steps, inside.

Do you know why I kept you here?

The Jade Emperor's voice suddenly became calm, even carrying a barely perceptible hint of weariness.

A glint of light flashed in Lin Zhu's eyes.

"Is it about the Journey to the West?"

The Jade Emperor chuckled softly, and his face behind the beaded curtain seemed to relax a little.

"Clever. Do you know who the most important character is in Journey to the West?"

"Sun Wukong?"

Lin Zhu tentatively asked.

"No."

The Jade Emperor shook his head, and the beaded curtain swayed gently.

"That monkey is just a pawn. The truly important one is the one who can manipulate the secrets of heaven."

The Jade Emperor paused, then suddenly lowered his voice.

"That person is you."

Lin Zhu's pupils suddenly contracted, and his heart felt as if it were being squeezed by an invisible hand.

Although he guessed that the Jade Emperor must have something important to discuss with him, he never expected to hear such astonishing remarks.

"I?"

Lin Zhu's voice was slightly hoarse.

"What do you mean by your Majesty's words?"

The Jade Emperor sighed, rose from his throne, and slowly walked down the heavenly steps.

As he walked, the scene inside the hall changed abruptly, with the surrounding walls rippling like water, revealing a vast starry sky.

"The journey to the West is actually the cause and effect sown by the Investiture of the Gods, and it is the inevitable trend of the Heavenly Way that cannot be reversed."

The Jade Emperor stood three feet in front of Lin Zhu, reached out and pointed in the air, and instantly the starry river swirled, displaying a series of images.

"In the war of the Investiture of the Gods, the Western Sect helped the Chan Sect destroy the Jie Sect and set up the Investiture of the Gods, but it also incurred a great karmic debt to the Chan Sect."

Lin Zhu stared intently at the images.

The Tongtian Sect Leader, enraged, unleashed the Four Immortal-Slaying Swords; the Primordial Heavenly Lord and the Supreme Lord Laozi joined forces to break the formation; and the two Western Saints, Jieyin and Zhunti, secretly intervened.
"After the Investiture of the Gods, the Three Pure Ones were fed the Pill of Destruction, and no saints were born."

The Jade Emperor continued, his voice tinged with coldness.

"The Western Sect seized the opportunity to grow stronger and became the most powerful force in the world. In order to end this calamity, they arranged the Journey to the West, allowing the Western Sect to enter the Southern Continent."

Lin Zhu's breathing quickened slightly. These secrets of heaven and earth were something even a Great Immortal might not know.

He suddenly recalled the overwhelming Buddhist light that had enveloped the sky when he was undergoing his tribulation, and the fatal blow that had nearly caused his soul to be scattered.

"So, when I was undergoing my tribulation, the Western Sect went all out to kill me?"

Lin Zhu's voice was low, his eyes filled with murderous intent.

The Jade Emperor nodded.

"That's right. Because you are an anomaly, an anomaly in this great calamity that can change the world."

"Anomaly?"

Lin Zhu frowned.

What is an anomaly?

The Jade Emperor gave him a deep look.

"The workings of Heaven follow a set pattern. But every countless eons, an existence that breaks the rules will appear, known as an anomaly. The last anomaly was the Tongtian Sect Master."

Lin Zhu was struck by lightning. What kind of person was the Tongtian Sect Leader? The leader of the Jie Sect, who fought against four saints single-handedly. Although he was defeated, he was still glorious!

"How could I be an anomaly?"

Lin Zhu found it hard to believe.

The Jade Emperor suddenly smiled.

Do you remember how you embarked on your path to immortality?

Lin Zhu was startled, and the image of the mysterious Taoist priest he had encountered in the mountains when he was a child flashed through his mind. (End of Chapter)