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

Lin Zhu didn't even lift an eyelid at the immortals on the roadside who were either infatuated, greedy, fearful, or gossiping.

Their reactions and their discussions were, to him, nothing more than a gentle breeze rustling across a hillside, utterly meaningless.

He felt a surge of anger that was building up and needed to be released! The prison break and the beating of his subordinates were the most direct challenges to his authority!
He adhered to the belief that "the more you endure, the angrier you get; the more you back down, the more you feel cheated," and refused to accept this injustice!
With a firm gaze and steady steps, he carried the mountain of elixirs, a symbol of power and resources, straight toward the Nine-Story Heavenly Prison.

He was going to seek justice, a justice that belonged to the enforcers of the Three Realms and was inviolable!

Lin Zhu carried the mountain-sized jar of pills, his face stern, radiating a low-pressure aura that kept strangers at bay, and strode along the path to immortality.

When the gods along the way saw his angry and menacing appearance, and recalling the news of the recent breakout from the Nine Heavens Prison, they understood exactly how this man was feeling.

Some self-proclaimed "wise immortals" or "people who consider the big picture" couldn't help but shake their heads and whisper among themselves, their words full of pessimism and admonition.

"Alas, Lin Yushen is probably so enraged that he has lost his composure..."

What kind of being is Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva?
That was a quasi-saint powerhouse, whom even the Styx Ancestor couldn't subdue, and whose strength was said to surpass even that of the Buddha! His influence had entrenched itself in the Netherworld for countless years, deeply rooted and unshakeable; how could a mere Great Luo Golden Immortal possibly shake it?

"It's like an ant trying to shake a tree, overestimating its own strength! Even if Lin Yushen's combat power is heaven-defying, the difference in their cultivation levels is ultimately an insurmountable chasm."

"Yes, peace in the Three Realms is hard-won, and we should value harmony above all else. Why provoke such a terrifying being for the sake of a moment's anger? It would be better to be patient for now and plan for the long term..."

"Lord Prison God, please heed my advice and give up on revenge! Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva is truly not someone you can afford to offend!"

These words of comfort, whether "well-intentioned" or "realistic," reached Lin Zhu's ears like mosquitoes, but he seemed not to hear them, not even lifting his eyelids.

His steps didn't falter for a moment, his gaze fixed firmly on the towering, imposing nine-story prison ahead, exuding an aura of solemnity. To endure? To plan for the long term? In his dictionary, faced with such blatant provocation, there was only an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth!

……

Before the nine-story prison, a chilling atmosphere prevailed.

Led by powerful demon kings such as Bifang, Taigu Tianying, and Liyuan Jingui, numerous law enforcers from the Three Realms have formed a neat square formation, ready for battle.

Their faces were solemn, their eyes burning with suppressed anger and deep humiliation.

The prison has been broken into! A serious criminal has escaped! Subordinates have been injured!

This was an unprecedented and humiliating disgrace for them!
Since Lord Prison God took charge of the Heavenly Prison and reformed the laws and regulations of the Three Realms, when has such a heinous incident ever occurred?

This was not only a slap in the face to the Heavenly Court, but also a resounding blow to all the law enforcers of the Three Realms! It made them feel ashamed before the Lord of Hell!
Although they knew in their hearts that there must be something very strange behind this matter, and even the Jade Emperor seemed to have an ambiguous attitude, so what? A disgrace is a disgrace!

When they saw Lord Prison God's calm yet imbued with boundless rage and unyielding will, all their doubts and fears were replaced by a surge of righteous indignation!

This grudge must be avenged, or I will be no gentleman! Whether he is Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva or Deva Bodhisattva, anyone who dares to violate heavenly laws and harm their colleagues must pay the price!
Unbeknownst to them, this group of law enforcement officers, trained by Lin Zhu, had been deeply imbued with his unyielding and vengeful spirit!

The atmosphere within the formation was heavy yet indignant.

Some people lowered their heads, clenched their fists, worried about the scolding that was about to come, and hated their own incompetence even more.

Some people pounded their chests, blaming themselves for not being strong enough to guard the Heavenly Prison.

Some people stared intently into the distance, their eyes burning with anticipation, wondering what earth-shattering things their leader, who always managed to create miracles, would lead them to do.

Some people even hissed in low voices.

"If the boss wants to fight, I'll be the first to charge! We don't care if they're bodhisattvas or arhats; if they dare mess with us, we'll fucking kill them!"

In this incredibly oppressive yet resolute atmosphere, the familiar white figure finally appeared at the edge of everyone's sight, walking step by step towards the prison.

All the law enforcement officers, regardless of their previous demeanor, suddenly straightened their backs as if drawing their swords!

The hesitation, shame, and unease in their eyes were instantly replaced by determination and resolve. They all turned to look at that figure, ready to welcome their master, their leader—Lin Zhu!
……

Lin Zhu walked to the spacious square in front of the Nine-Story Heavenly Prison. With a thought, he put the huge pill jar into his storage space.

He stood with his hands behind his back, his expression as cold and stern as ice. The violent and arrogant aura that he had deliberately restrained in the Lingxiao Palace was now completely unleashed, spreading out like a tangible substance, making the surrounding space seem to freeze.

All the law enforcement officers held their breath, stood with their heads bowed, and the air was thick with the oppressive feeling and overwhelming guilt brought about by the humiliation of the prison break.

They sensed that a momentous event, one that would shake the entire Three Realms, was about to be initiated by the white-robed immortal before them.

Lin Zhu's indifferent gaze swept across the entire scene, and every law enforcement officer whose gaze touched him felt a chill rise from the bottom of their heart, causing them to lower their heads even further.

"The Heavenly Prison was broken into, and Dantuo Dizang escaped."

Lin Zhu's voice was not loud, but it clearly reached the ears of every law enforcement officer, like ice beads falling on a jade plate, without the slightest emotion.

"Who will tell me what's going on?"

The leader, Bi Fang, took a deep breath, stepped forward, knelt on one knee, and spoke with immense shame and sorrow.

"Reporting to Master! It is our incompetence that led to the escape of this serious criminal with the help of others, damaging the dignity of the prison and disgracing Your Majesty! We... deserve to die a thousand deaths for this crime!"

"Your subordinates are incompetent! Please punish us, sir!"

Behind him, all the law enforcement officers knelt down in unison, their voices booming with self-reproach.

However, Lin Zhu did not fly into a rage as they had expected.

He remained silent for a moment before slowly speaking, his voice still indifferent, but seemingly carrying a hint of...reassurance?
"Losing face is certainly embarrassing."

Lin Zhu's gaze swept over the crowd.

"But at least, your lives are safe."

You can regain face if you lose it. But if you lose your life, you lose everything.

This simple sentence, however, was like a warm current that instantly flowed into the hearts of many law enforcement officers!
They had expected to face a barrage of reprimands and even severe punishment, but to their surprise, their boss's first concern was their safety!
An indescribable sense of gratitude spread through everyone's hearts. To be able to follow such a ruthless yet genuinely caring leader was the greatest fortune of their lives!

But then, Lin Zhu abruptly changed his tone, becoming incredibly sharp and chilling, like a peerless, deadly weapon unsheathed!
"But!" His voice suddenly rose, carrying a murderous aura that seemed to soar to the heavens.

"Our Heavenly Prison stands firm on ironclad rules and absolute authority! How dare we allow others to trample upon it at will?!"

His gaze swept across the room with lightning speed, each word spoken with conviction.

As the ancients said.

"Is it not delightful to have friends coming from afar? However, as law enforcers of the Three Realms, those who dare to violate my Heavenly Prison—"

Lin Zhu's voice was like a thunderclap from the heavens, booming loudly.

"No matter how far away, they will be punished!!!"

"That celestial maiden dared to break into my Heavenly Prison, abduct my most wanted criminals, and injure my colleagues! It would be ungentlemanly not to avenge this! I hereby swear that I will make her, and the forces of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, pay for this blood debt! I will make all beings in the Three Realms know that those who violate my Heavenly Prison will pay an unforgettable price!"

When Lin Zhu resolutely declared "We will punish them no matter how far away they are" and announced his expedition to the underworld to seek revenge against Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, the entire formation of law enforcers fell into a deathly silence!
All the law enforcement officers were stunned, almost thinking they had misheard.

Should we go directly to cause trouble for Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva?

That was a Netherworld behemoth that even the Heavenly Court feared, and which suppressed even the ferocious Asura race to the point of being unable to raise its head! Its power and killing power were even more terrifying than the Western Sect in some aspects!
They clearly remembered that many years ago, a Great Luo Golden Immortal from the Heavenly Court had sneaked into their territory to seek revenge due to personal grudges. As a result, he was directly killed by thunderous means, and his soul was not even able to escape. His soul was completely scattered!

Afterwards, the Heavenly Court merely reiterated the rule that "no one may trespass outside the Underworld" without taking any further action.

Why go looking for trouble with someone like that?

This is simply... insane!
However, this deathly silence lasted for less than a breath!

Immediately, like a powder keg that had been ignited, the entire formation erupted in a tremendous and enthusiastic response!

"Roar!!!"

"Even if you are far away, you will be killed!!"

"Revenge! Revenge! Revenge!!"

"Damn Ksitigarbha! They dared to break into our prison! Kill them!"

"Our leader is mighty! We swear to follow him to the death!"

All the law enforcers, whether they were Great Luo Golden Immortals or Golden Immortals, were like madmen at this moment. Their eyes were bloodshot, they were trembling with excitement, rubbing their fists together, and bursting out with an unprecedentedly fanatical fighting spirit!
Fear? Worry? In the face of that overwhelming humiliation and the boss's unquestionable decisiveness, they had long been thrown to the winds!
At this moment, they had only one thought in mind.

Follow the boss, charge into the Netherworld, drag out that damned Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva and the Treasure Goddess, and trample the face of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva underfoot!

Let all realms know that the authority of the enforcers of the Three Realms is inviolable!
Therefore, in the past, although the enforcers of the Three Realms were brave and fierce, they held great awe, or even fear, in their hearts for Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, a giant who stood at the top of the netherworld and whom even the Heavenly Court and the Asura race could not do anything about.

To become their enemy?

That's something I wouldn't even dare to dream of!

However, at this moment, they heard that Lin Zhu was going to lead them directly to seek revenge against the forces of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva.

These law enforcement officers showed no sign of backing down. Instead, they seemed to have their bloodlust unleashed, their eyes flashing with bloodthirsty excitement, revealing their ferocious faces, like a group of primordial beasts whose scales had been touched and who were eager to devour their prey!
Shame must be washed away with blood! Dignity must be rebuilt with the cries of the enemy!

They felt an unprecedented surge of passion rushing to their heads, filled with a morbid desire for this seemingly crazy yet incredibly anticipated battle of revenge!

The Nine-Story Heavenly Prison has been silent for too long. This time, it seems they are about to make a move that will shock the Three Realms!

In stark contrast to the fervent righteous indignation of the law enforcers was the uproar caused by the ever-growing crowd of onlookers!
Exclamations of surprise, doubts, and gasps of astonishment filled the air.

"He's gone mad! He's absolutely mad! Lin Yushen is actually going to cause trouble for Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva?"

"This...this is utterly reckless! Like a mayfly trying to shake a giant tree, how laughable and presumptuous!"

How powerful is the influence of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva?
That's a being that even the Styx Ancestor finds troublesome!

These law enforcers, though elite, are no different from lambs to the slaughter if they go to the underworld—it's a dead end for them!

"Don't forget the lessons of the past! That Great Luo Golden Immortal was killed on the spot and his soul was scattered because he sneaked in for personal reasons! In the end, didn't the Heavenly Court just set aside a small area for the Underworld to operate? Even a Great Luo Golden Immortal couldn't escape unscathed, let alone them?"

"Outside the underworld, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva possesses the tacitly approved power of execution of 'murder without guilt' in the three realms!"
What terrifying power this is! Lin Yushen is leading them there; this isn't revenge, it's sending them to their doom!

Amidst the murmurs, a celestial official who was familiar with Lin Zhu or genuinely worried about the heavy losses suffered by the Heavenly Court finally couldn't hold back any longer and anxiously jumped out to loudly advise him.

"Lord Prison God! Think it over! Please think it over!"

"The strength of the Nine-Layer Heavenly Prison is evident to all, and its enforcers are also elite."

But if I may be so bold, this is still far inferior to the power of the netherworld cultivated by Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva over countless years!

"My lord! Do not act rashly! This matter requires careful consideration. It is best to inform His Majesty and have the Heavenly Court mediate. Why put yourself in danger?"

Upon hearing this, Lin Zhu turned his head sharply, his icy gaze fixed on the admonishing celestial official, his tone carrying a hint of suppressed anger and unquestionable arrogance.

"Oh? In your opinion, I... am not as good as Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva?"

The celestial official felt his scalp tingle under Lin Zhu's gaze, but he still forced himself to explain.

"Lord Prison God, please calm down! It's not that you are inferior to him, but... it's just that times have changed! Within the Three Realms, wherever the Heavenly Court extends, you are naturally the undisputed ruler!"
However, once you leave the jurisdiction of the Three Realms and venture into the Netherworld, where Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva is the main force, the rules of Heaven are different. Your strength will inevitably be limited, and your actions will be more inconvenient!

Law enforcement officers naturally excel within their authority, and there's nothing shameful about that…

"Restricted? Inconvenient?"

Lin Zhu seemed to have heard something extremely ridiculous. He laughed in anger, his voice suddenly rising, filled with a sense of humiliation and indignation.

"According to you, I, Lin Zhu, and the dignity of the Nine Heavens Prison, can only cower within the circle drawn by the Heavenly Court? Once outside this circle, I have to keep a low profile? If someone slaps my left cheek, do I have to offer my right cheek?"
Living like this is pathetic! Utterly pathetic! (End of Chapter)