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

Lin Zhu.

"..."

He looked at the list of precious materials in his mind, each one of which was enough to make the great powers of the Three Realms fight tooth and nail, and his eyelids couldn't help but twitch.

Five hundred thousand merits of divine water? That's almost several times his current entire fortune! Golden light relic? And it has to be obtained voluntarily or with perfect merit? This thing is even rarer than the merits of divine water! Three Lights Divine Water? That's a legendary healing elixir, long extinct! Twelve-grade Pure World White Lotus seeds? And they need to be nurtured using the essence of the Chaos Green Lotus? The Chaos Green Lotus shattered into countless pieces eight lifetimes ago!
This level of difficulty is absolutely hellish!

However, just as Lin Zhu felt that the task was almost impossible to complete and a sense of frustration was rising in his heart, a thought suddenly flashed through his mind like lightning!
Golden Relic... Three Lights Divine Water... even the 100,000 Merit Divine Water needed to nurture the lotus seed from the Chaos Green Lotus Origin... These things are naturally not found in ordinary places, but for certain forces that have existed for countless years and whose foundations are unimaginably deep...

Tathagata Buddha!

Lin Zhu's eyes suddenly lit up! How could he have forgotten about this great Buddha? The Western Paradise, a place inherited from the Western Religion, has been managed by the two saints, Jieyin and Zhunti, for countless eons. What treasures doesn't it have?
Golden relics—surely some would have been left behind by eminent monks throughout history after their passing? The Three Lights Divine Water, though rare, might not be uncollectible for a sage! As for the Primordial Chaos Lotus… while precious, a sage's methods are unpredictable; perhaps they could find a way to obtain it!

Most importantly—Lin Zhu stroked his chin, a strange smile creeping onto his lips—he felt that his relationship with the Buddha was… actually quite “good”? At least, they had “interacted” quite a few times and knew each other fairly well.

Now that he has the Nine-Turn Great Rejuvenation Pill that they desperately need, and is even "helping" look after Sun Wukong, isn't this a perfect opportunity to deepen their "friendship" and promote "cooperation"? As for the white lotus seeds... he can "borrow" them for now! With Tathagata's "generosity" and "big picture" perspective, he surely won't be stingy with this "small favor"!
"Yes! That's what we'll do!"

Lin Zhu thought about it more and more and felt that the plan was feasible. He couldn't help but mutter to himself, a smug smile on his face.

"I'm so clever! This solves the material problem perfectly! I just need to find a suitable opportunity to 'have a good talk' with Buddha..."

He was happily planning how to "beg for alms" when there was a gentle knock on the door of the quiet room. It was then pushed open a crack, and a small head peeked in—it was Nezha.

But at this moment, Nezha's face no longer showed his usual carefree and unruly nature; instead, it carried a rare solemnity.

He strode in, glanced at the two damaged magical artifacts floating in the air, frowned slightly, and then whispered to Lin Zhu.

"Brother Prison God, something's happened."

Lin Zhu composed herself and looked at him.

"What's the matter?"

“Li Jing…my father…”

Nezha paused for a moment, seemingly a little awkward about the title, but still spoke.

"As the Western Envoy, he has arrived at the Lingxiao Palace and is negotiating with His Majesty the Jade Emperor."

"Li Jing?"

Lin Zhu was stunned for a moment, then his brows furrowed.

He anticipated that the Western Paradise, having suffered such a great loss, would not let it go easily and would definitely take further action.

He was even prepared for the sage to exert direct pressure, or for the Western Paradise to resort to some extreme measures. But... send Li Jing? Or as a negotiating envoy?
This move was somewhat baffling to him. Lin Zhu wasn't entirely clear on Li Jing's status and abilities in the Western Paradise, but he knew he was certainly not a core decision-maker, much less a diplomatic talent skilled in maneuvering. What could he possibly achieve by sending him?
"He came alone? He didn't bring any 'generous gifts,' or... any 'heavy troops'?"

Lin Zhu pressed for an answer.

Nezha shook his head, a complex expression on his face. His expression held disdain for Li Jing's past actions, but even more so, a sorrow bordering on pity. "He's all alone, all by himself. Judging from his appearance... he doesn't seem to be here to negotiate, but rather... to die."

Upon hearing this, Lin Zhu's gaze sharpened slightly.

He instantly understood the Western Paradise's intention—to sacrifice a pawn! Li Jing was being pushed forward to test the Heavenly Court's reaction, and might even be used to bear the first wave of the Jade Emperor's wrath! The so-called negotiations were nothing more than a formality, or rather, an excuse for an impending breakdown!

"The Western Paradise... is truly shameless and ruthless."

Lin Zhu sneered.

Even from his perspective, he found it despicable to treat subordinates like disposable items.

He pondered for a moment, then said to Nezha.

“Let’s go, let’s go take a look at the Lingxiao Palace. Also,” his eyes sharpened.

"Immediately send more men to closely monitor the movements of Western Heavenly Mountain, especially the border and the direction of the Buddhist Kingdom of India! Li Jing is drawing attention here, but there's no guarantee they won't make trouble elsewhere!"

Nezha was taken aback.

"Brother Prison God, are you saying... the Western Paradise might be using a feint to secretly advance their own forces? Would they really be so... underhanded?"

Although he disliked Buddhism, he felt that such behavior was far too unscrupulous.

Lin Zhu glanced at him, her eyes cold.

"Bottom line? They're capable of launching surprise attacks and wiping out thousands of lives, sending expendable pawns to their deaths. What else wouldn't they do? You can't be too careful, especially with a bunch of bald monks who've lost everything."

Nezha's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly nodded.

"I'll arrange it right away!"

After saying that, he turned around and was about to leave to make the arrangements.

"and many more."

Lin Zhu called out to him, stood up from the futon, and casually waved his hand to put away the two magical treasures that were still slowly being repaired, revealing a half-smile on his face.

"Don't rush to make arrangements. Come on, come with me to see that 'old friend,' Heavenly King Li. It's been a long time, it's time to... say hello."

He spoke, stepping out of the quiet room, his tone calm, but Nezha clearly saw a chilling glint in the depths of his tranquil eyes. He suddenly felt a pang of sympathy for Li Jing, who was about to face the double "greetings" of the Jade Emperor and the God of Hell. At the same time, he secretly became wary. The God of Hell was right; the Western Paradise wouldn't simply send Li Jing to his death. There must be a scheme behind it all! He had to keep a close eye on him!

Inside the Lingxiao Palace, the solemnity and ethereal atmosphere of the past were completely gone. Instead, it was filled with a kind of... extremely down-to-earth, lively atmosphere, similar to a street brawl in the mortal world.

In the center of the main hall, the Barefoot Immortal, who usually had a solemn and amiable appearance, was now firmly standing on a person's head with one foot. As if he wasn't satisfied, he ground the head down with his bare sole while cursing under his breath.

"I'll let you come! I'll let you be my envoy! I'll crush you, you traitor who betrays my own people!"

The one he trampled underfoot was none other than the solitary and miserable Western angel—Li Jing, the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King.

His official robes were torn to shreds, covered in footprints and dust. His iconic pagoda was nowhere to be seen. His face was pressed against the cold, smooth jade floor, his mouth crooked, and he could only make muffled "woo-woo" sounds.

That's not all! Beside him, the Great Emperor Zhaosheng, known for his uprightness and majesty and in charge of some of the Heavenly Court's judicial punishments, completely disregarded his image at this moment. He rolled up his wide robe sleeves, revealing a section of his strong arms, and held aloft a heavy square stool made of sandalwood with a coiled dragon pattern, which he had apparently casually picked up from some side hall!
His face turned red, his eyes blazing with fury, and he aimed his arm at Li Jing's protruding buttocks and lower back, swinging it around and slamming it down hard, solidly, and repeatedly!
"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

The dull thuds echoed through the hall, accompanied by Emperor Zhaosheng's powerful shouts and curses.

"Traitor! Lackey! Lackey of the Western Paradise! How dare you spout such nonsense in the Heavenly Court! I'll smash you to death!"

Li Jing screamed in pain as he was struck, his limbs flailing helplessly on the ground, unable to break free from the seemingly casual yet powerful kick of the Barefoot Immortal.

Surrounding him was a circle of deities who were usually kind-faced or otherworldly, but now all wore angry expressions, pointing and gesturing at Li Jing, their spittle nearly drowning him. Several martial arts practitioners with fiery tempers, like the Giant Spirit God, were even more eager to join this one-sided "exchange," seemingly ready to rub their hands together.

The whole scene was nothing like a solemn and majestic place for deliberation in the Heavenly Court; it was clearly a replica of a street brawl between hooligans!

Lin Zhu and Nezha entered the hall, only to be met with this absurd yet somewhat satisfying scene. Even with Lin Zhu's extensive experience, his eye couldn't help but twitch slightly.

Nezha's mouth dropped open as he watched his nominal father being "warmly received." He was overwhelmed with mixed feelings, unsure whether to applaud or feel...ashamed.
Lin Zhu coughed softly, the sound not loud, but with a strange penetrating power, instantly suppressing the shouts and banging sounds inside the hall.

"Alright, that's enough."

Five simple words, yet they are like a spell to freeze someone in place.

The Emperor Zhaosheng, who had been vigorously smashing the stool a moment ago, suddenly froze, the stool he had been holding high hanging in mid-air. The barefoot immortal, who had been pressing hard with his foot, also subconsciously relaxed his grip, moved his foot off Li Jing's head, and even "thoughtfully" wiped non-existent dust off his official robe.

The indignant and restless gods around them were instantly silenced, as if their throats had been grabbed. Their angry expressions quickly disappeared, replaced by respectful, solemn, or somewhat guilty expressions.

Almost instinctively, everyone quickly separated, straightened their slightly disheveled clothes, and then stood obediently on both sides of the main hall. Their movements were so synchronized and their attitude so submissive that they were completely different from their previous "hooligan brawl" demeanor.

The reason was simple: it was Lin Zhu who entered—the God of Law Enforcement of the Three Realms! His fearsome reputation and power had long been deeply ingrained in people's minds.

More importantly, the reason why the envoy from the Western Paradise came today, whether it was Sun Wukong or the Nine-Turn Great Rejuvenating Pill, is directly related to him! In a sense, he is the real protagonist and the aggrieved party in today's "reception".

It's an open secret that His Majesty the Jade Emperor entrusted this matter to him. Who would dare to continue acting "insolently" under his nose at this time? Wouldn't that be disrespectful to the God of Hell?

When Venus, who was standing beside the Jade Emperor's throne, saw Lin Zhu, he quickly walked down with small steps, a smile on his face, and respectfully bowed.

"Lord of the Prison God, you have arrived."

Lin Zhu nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the immortals who had instantly regained their "sanctimonious" demeanor, before finally landing on Li Jing, who was lying on the ground, groaning and unable to get up for a while, and asked.

"What about Your Majesty?"

Venus leaned closer, lowered his voice, and spoke almost into Lin Zhu's ear.

"Reporting to Lord Prison God, after His Majesty returned from the Southern Heavenly Gate, he ordered that the palace be closed for quiet cultivation and that no visitors be received for the time being. His Majesty has issued an oral decree. The matter of the envoy from the Western Heaven today is entirely entrusted to Lord Prison God. You may... act freely without any reservations. His Majesty also said..."

He lowered his voice even further, with a hint of meaning in it.

"If Your Excellency deems it necessary, even if it means fighting all the way to the Western Paradise, His Majesty... will accompany you."

Lin Zhu's eyes flickered slightly, and he understood. The Jade Emperor had completely handed over the stage to him, even going so far as to grant him the greatest authority and support in such a way that bordered on "indulgence."

This trust and protection is of utmost importance.

More importantly, the Jade Emperor seemed to be using this opportunity to let him establish his authority, or even... accumulate some kind of "momentum"? Recalling that he had just broken through to the peak of the half-step Quasi-Saint realm, only lacking the massive amount of merit needed to reach Quasi-Saint status, Lin Zhu vaguely understood. The Jade Emperor was paving the way for him, helping him to reach an even higher realm!

"I understand."

Lin Zhu responded calmly, already having made up his mind.

He asked no more questions, and with Nezha in tow, slowly walked toward the center of the hall, to Li Jing, who was slumped over like mud.

Li Jing was dizzy and in excruciating pain all over his body, especially his lower back and head, which were burning with pain.

He barely managed to open his swollen eyelids, and through his blurry vision, he could only see two pairs of boots stopped in front of him.

He struggled to lift his head, mumbling pleas for mercy.

"Stop...stop hitting me...if you keep hitting me...I'm really going to die...Immortals...please...please spare my life...just consider me a fart...let me go..."

However, when he struggled to focus his vision and see who was standing in front of him, his pleas for mercy came to an abrupt halt. He seemed to have all his strength drained away in an instant, his pupils suddenly contracted to the size of pinpoints, and all the color drained from his face, leaving only a deathly ashen complexion!
Lin...Lin Zhu?! The God of Law Enforcement in the Three Realms!
For Li Jing, the terror of this prison god was even greater than that of the barefoot immortal and the Zhaosheng Emperor who had just beaten him!
That was a peerless villain who had single-handedly stormed the Great Thunderclap Temple on Mount Ling several times, causing chaos and chaos, and yet always managed to escape unscathed, even causing the Buddha to suffer in silence! He was a ruthless star who could kill even a Dharma protector like Immovable King without hesitation, annihilating both body and soul!

He would rather face the enraged Jade Emperor or even the group of gods who had just beaten him than face this seemingly calm but actually fierce and restrained prison god alone!

Because the Jade Emperor might still have to consider his status and the laws of Heaven, and it would be fine if other gods beat him up to vent their anger, but this God of Hell... he really knows how to kill! And he kills swiftly and mercilessly!

Overwhelming fear, like icy seawater, instantly engulfed Li Jing. His vision blurred, he struggled to breathe, his heart pounded as if it would explode, and a wave of intense dizziness surged to his head—he was truly about to faint! (End of Chapter)