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

He recalled Laozi's unusually solemn attitude outside the South Heavenly Gate, and his resolute agreement to "add money" to five million merits without hesitation.

Five million merits… even for a sage, that's no small sum. The thing that could make Laozi so anxious, even willing to pay such a huge price to retrieve, must be worth far more than ten times, or even more, five million merits!

Otherwise, given Laozi's shrewdness, knowing I might be trying to extort money, how could he have been so agreeable?

He'd rather suffer huge losses than not get that thing!
Lin Zhu thought about it more and more and felt that there was probably a huge secret hidden behind this matter, which might even involve some core plans at the level of saints.

Damn... it seems like we've gone a bit too far this time.

Lin Zhu rubbed his temples, a bad feeling rising in his heart. He originally thought it was just a matter of taking advantage of someone and extorting some benefits, but now it seems that he may have accidentally been drawn into a bottomless vortex... These 5.2 million merits are a bit too hot to handle, and he feels like he has lost out?

But then Lin Zhu thought again. The 200,000 merit deposit was already safely lying in his storage space, like a cooked duck. How could he possibly spit it out? Why would he let go of a piece of meat that was already in his mouth?

As for the potentially massive vortex... let's take it one step at a time. Anyway, if the sky falls, someone tall will hold it up.

His expression shifted strangely a few times before finally settling on a magnanimous "since I'm here, I might as well make the best of it" attitude. He shook his head, temporarily suppressing his chaotic thoughts, and began to ponder.

What kind of earth-shattering treasure could possibly cause Laozi to lose his composure like this, even going to great lengths to retrieve it? It certainly isn't an ordinary ingredient for elixirs…

At this moment, Laozi returned to the desolate ruins of the Tushita Palace, and looking at the broken walls and rubble, his heart felt icy cold.

He didn't actually have much hope that Lin Zhu could find the item; it was more of a desperate attempt with a sense of hope.

That thing was too important, too crucial, and he was willing to pay a huge price to try, even if there was only a sliver of a chance.

……

Lin Zhu returned to the core area of ​​the Nine-Story Heavenly Prison and summoned several trusted core members once again.

With a wave of his hand, dozens of shimmering jade bottles appeared before him, containing mid-grade and high-grade Tai Chi Pills that were of better quality and more potent than those that had been circulated before!

There were even two specially made jade boxes. When opened, two supreme Taiji pills, with a chaotic color flowing through them and a natural Daoist charm, lay quietly inside!

"hiss--!"

"Boss, this...so much? And some of them are top-quality?!"

Everyone was once again shocked by Lin Zhu's extravagant spending.

Seeing the surprised expressions on everyone's faces, Lin Zhu lectured them with a hint of disdain.

"Look at all the useless people you are!"
This is called strategic reserves! Understand? Good things should be kept for future use; you can't sell them all off. We need to understand monopolies! Only by holding scarce resources can we control the narrative!

He cleared his throat and began to impart his "business acumen".

"Remember this! There are only a few key points to doing business, especially monopolistic business."

First, create demand! Make people feel that they can't survive without your product, like how the pilgrims would perish without the Tai Chi elixir! Second, sell anxiety!

second,

Third, they need to realize that if they don't buy now, they might not have any left later, or the price might skyrocket! Third, act swiftly and decisively! Seize the opportunity, strike decisively, and withdraw immediately after securing the maximum benefit—no hesitation whatsoever!

He spoke with great enthusiasm, as if he were a business genius.

However, Nezha and the others below were completely confused and looked utterly bewildered.

"Boss, what does monopoly mean?"

"Creating demand? Selling anxiety?"

What...what does this have to do with fighting?

"I understand the importance of a quick battle; fighting is all about speed!"

Looking at his muscular but seemingly simple-minded subordinates, Lin Zhu rubbed his forehead, feeling a deep sense of powerlessness. Forget it, it's like talking to a brick wall; these guys are better suited for a fight.

He waved his hand helplessly.

"Alright, alright, if you don't understand, that's fine. Anyway, apart from these two top-grade pills which I have other uses for, put the rest into the Heavenly Prison Treasury! Brothers, whoever needs them can exchange them with contribution points, or be rewarded directly for their merits! We can't mistreat our own people!"

"The boss is brilliant!!"

Everyone understood now, and cheers erupted. They were even more devoted to Lin Zhu.

Then, Lin Zhu changed the subject, a sly smile appearing on his face.

"In addition, I have a task for you."

Starting today, you'll take turns on leave, under the guise of 'tracking down the true culprit in the Tushita Palace,' to go sightseeing and gather information! Make a big fuss, let the entire Three Realms know that our Nine-Layered Heavenly Prison is doing everything in its power to help Laozi solve the case!"

Upon hearing this, everyone was taken aback at first, and then looked at each other in bewilderment.

"Boss... this... this is using the merits given by Laozi, using his name, to go on... publicly funded trips?"
Isn't this just mocking the saints?

One of the bolder Golden Immortals swallowed hard and asked cautiously.

Lin Zhu's eyes widened.

"What do you mean by 'playing tricks'? We're investigating a case! We're going deep into the grassroots, understanding the people's sentiments, and gathering clues! A relaxed approach during the process can help spark inspiration, understand? Besides, he's the one begging us for a favor. What methods we use is none of his business."

Everyone was stunned by Lin Zhu's sophistry, but upon closer inspection, it seemed... there was nothing wrong with it? Anyway, the boss was there to back it up!

They all smiled knowingly, rubbing their hands together, ready to begin this wonderful "business trip." Lin Zhu looked at their finally enlightened expressions and nodded in satisfaction.

……

Meanwhile, in the human realm, in the Southern Continent, inside the Imperial Study of the Tang Dynasty Palace.

Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, was sitting opposite a white-robed immortal lord who had quietly descended—an avatar of Lin Zhu—sipping fragrant tea.

"Master, so does that mean Chen Xuanzang... is mostly out of danger?"

The Tang emperor took a sip of tea and asked with concern.

Lin Zhu's clone nodded, then shook his head.

"His life was saved, but the Water and Land Ceremony can no longer be held."

Upon hearing this, the Tang King revealed a knowing yet mocking smile. "That's natural."

Who in the world doesn't know that the highly selected monks of Buddhism are actually ruthless killers? At the grand Buddhist assembly, in full view of everyone, they used the most 'simple' method to 'physically liberate' the Buddha and Arhats guarding the sidelines? Ha! Buddhism has now become the biggest laughingstock in the entire world!

He paused, his expression returning to solemnity, and bowed to Lin Zhu.

"However, please rest assured, Your Excellency. Since I have promised you, I will never go back on my word. I have already ordered people to prepare the travel documents, personal clothing, travel expenses, and horses. We will send Chen Xuanzang on his journey to the West when the time is right."

Lin Zhu's clone smiled slightly.

"I naturally trust Brother Tang to handle things."

……

Meanwhile, Chen Xuanzang, who had been carefully brought back to the human world by Guanyin Bodhisattva and temporarily placed in a quiet meditation room, finally awoke from his long coma and confusion.

He opened his eyes, his gaze somewhat dazed and empty. His memories were like shattered glass, leaving only some blurry fragments.

He only vaguely remembered that he seemed to have grown up in Jinshan Temple, was a monk, and then... it seemed he was going to a very far place to obtain some scriptures? But why was he going to obtain scriptures? What scriptures were they going to obtain?

He couldn't remember at all.

However, deep within his mind, some more blurred and fragmented images flashed by untimely.

—He seemed to be riding on the back of a woman dressed in white whose face was obscured?
Is that woman still crying?
—It was as if he had fallen into a terrifying hell filled with boiling oil? The burning pain felt so real!
Finally, it seemed that a peerless, white-robed immortal lord rescued him from endless pain and darkness...

These chaotic, absurd fragments of memory, so different from his usual understanding, made Chen Xuanzang feel a strong sense of unease and something was wrong.

He always felt that he had forgotten something very important, or that he was not his complete self.

Just then, the door to the meditation room was gently pushed open, and Guanyin Bodhisattva, dressed in simple white robes, holding a jade vase, and with a forced, compassionate smile on her face, slowly walked in.

"Xuanzang, you're awake? How are you feeling?"

The voice of Guanyin Bodhisattva should be made as gentle as possible.

As Chen Xuanzang looked at the seemingly compassionate and peaceful face before him, the chaotic fragments in his mind suddenly churned violently, seemingly having some connection with this face!

A nameless fear and resistance welled up inside him, and he blurted it out almost without thinking, his eyes filled with a hint of confusion and wariness.

"You...you're not the one...the one I rode and beat...uh, no, the one...who fell into the boiling oil...no..."

He was halfway through his sentence when he suddenly realized he had misspoke. Seeing the Guanyin Bodhisattva's expression freeze for a moment, and even flash with a hint of fear, Chen Xuanzang was terrified. He quickly put his hands together, lowered his head, and swiftly resumed his usual refined, gentle, and harmless demeanor, explaining in a hurried tone.

"Amitabha! Bodhisattva, please forgive me! This disciple...this disciple has just woken up, and in a daze, I spoke incoherently and offended the Bodhisattva! This disciple knows nothing and remembers nothing! Please, Bodhisattva, be merciful!"

Seeing Chen Xuanzang's eagerness to distance himself and his feigned composure, Guanyin Bodhisattva felt both angry and helpless, and a chill ran through her.

This Golden Cicada's memories were clearly not completely erased, leaving hidden dangers! But things had come to this point, and the westward journey could not be delayed any longer. She could only forcefully suppress her unease and manage a weak smile.

"It's alright, it's good that you're awake. You should rest well, as the journey to the West to obtain the scriptures still needs you to set off as soon as possible."

……

The day after the grand water and land assembly, Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, held court and convened a meeting of civil and military officials.

In the Golden Palace, the Tang Emperor publicly wrote down the document for the pilgrimage to the West and affixed the imperial seal of the Tang Empire.

Just then, officials from the Imperial Astronomical Bureau stepped forward to report.

"Your Majesty, I observed the celestial phenomena last night and calculated the calendar. Today is a day when the auspicious star 'Ren Zhuan' shines brightly, which is favorable for travel, especially long journeys. It is an auspicious time according to the Yellow Calendar!"

Upon hearing this, the Tang Emperor was overjoyed and laughed heartily.

"Excellent! Heaven is on our side, and auspicious stars are shining brightly! This is the will of Heaven, destined for the spread of Buddhism in our Great Tang to the east, to save all sentient beings! Issue my decree: immediately send my younger brother, the Venerable Xuanzang, on his journey to the west!"

Upon receiving the imperial decree, the monks and servants of Hongfu Temple, who were already prepared, quickly packed up Chen Xuanzang's personal belongings, including his clothes, staff, and alms bowl, and sent them to the outskirts of Chang'an.

Outside the city gate, Chen Xuanzang, dressed in a brocade cassock and holding a nine-ringed staff, and Guanyin Bodhisattva, still dressed in white but with a complex expression, were already quietly waiting there.

Outside Chang'an, a refreshing autumn breeze blew, and banners fluttered in the wind. Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, and Lin Zhu leisurely arrived at the border to see off Chen Xuanzang, who was about to embark on his journey west.

The Tang Emperor was fulfilling his promise and demonstrating his imperial favor, while Lin Zhu's main purpose in coming here was to observe Chen Xuanzang's condition up close. After all, the effects of that low-grade Taiji Pill were limited, and he was a little worried that the effects might be too strong or leave some uncontrollable aftereffects.

The farewell ceremony was quite grand.

At the Emperor's command, attendants brought over the packed luggage and a magnificent silver-maned horse.

The Tang emperor personally picked up the golden pot, filled a cup with imperial wine, and slowly walked to Chen Xuanzang, who was wearing a brand-new brocade cassock.

"Royal brother."

The Tang Emperor spoke, his voice gentle yet carrying an undeniable authority. He handed the travel permit and the golden alms bowl to Chen Xuanzang, then pointed to the two capable attendants beside him and the fine horse.

"The journey to the Western Paradise is long and fraught with danger."

These travel documents, the golden alms bowl, these two long-distance attendants, and this silver-horse are the small amount of travel expenses and assistance I have prepared for you, hoping they will help you on your safe journey.”

Although Chen Xuanzang's memory was hazy and he was no longer clear about many of the causes and consequences, the sense of awe he felt for the emperor of the mortal world, which came from the depths of his soul, remained when the emperor of the Tang Dynasty personally bestowed gifts upon him.

He immediately knelt down with a thud, raised his hands above his head, and respectfully accepted the item, his voice choked with emotion.

"Your Majesty! What virtue or ability do I possess to deserve such great favor from you! Rest assured, Your Majesty, retrieving the true scriptures, propagating Buddhism, and saving all sentient beings is my duty to the country and its people. I... would gladly die for it!"

He spoke with a powerful and resounding voice, full of a sense of mission, as if "serving the country and the people" was the only motivation for his westward journey.

Looking at Chen Xuanzang kneeling before him, the Tang Emperor couldn't help but feel a pang of emotion as he thought about the eighty-one tribulations he would have to endure on his journey.

He bent down and personally helped Chen Xuanzang up, speaking in a heavy tone.

"My dear brother, your journey is fraught with peril, with mountains high and roads long, and demons roaming freely. It is a perilous one with only a slim chance of survival. I... am truly uneasy about it."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the standing civil and military officials and the numerous onlookers. His voice suddenly rose, carrying an unquestionable decisiveness.

"Today, outside Chang'an, I hereby swear an oath of brotherhood with you! From this day forward, you shall be my younger brother, the holy monk of my Great Tang! I urge you, out of brotherly affection, to surely obtain the sacred scriptures and return! Let the people of the world witness that the emperor and his ministers of the Great Tang are of one mind, working together for this great undertaking!" (End of Chapter)