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

His words resonated powerfully, stirring the blood of all the civil and military officials, while also making them feel the weight of their responsibilities.

This is no longer just a war to defend our homeland, but a grand undertaking to expand our territory, reshape the human order, and challenge the old divine and Buddhist order!
The ever-changing battlefields of the human world could not escape the notice of Lin Zhu, who had been quietly observing from high above, aided by the Heaven-Covering Talisman.

He witnessed the astonishing skills of the Huaxia Taoists, the unity of the Tang army and people, the defeat of the Indian army, and the frustration and apprehension of the Buddhas and Arhats hidden deep within the Indian army formation, whose auras fluctuated several times, seemingly wanting to intervene but holding back.

Lin Zhu knew that what they feared was not only those "old monsters" below the city, but also him, the "God of Law Enforcement of the Three Realms" who had never shown his face but hung over their heads like the Sword of Damocles!
As long as he is still alive, those Buddhas and Arhats will not dare to bully the weak and directly attack the Tang Dynasty's mortal army, otherwise it would give him an excellent reason to intervene or even start a massacre.

"The overall situation is settled."

Lin Zhu remained silent. The defeat of the mortal army of Tianzhu was inevitable. If the Western Paradise did not want to completely break off relations and trigger a higher-level conflict, it could only accept this result, or... seek other methods, such as trying to force him to intervene again.

The day passed quickly amidst tense combat readiness and sporadic small-scale clashes.

Lin Zhu stood on the cloud, his gaze fixed on the direction of the Tianzhu camp, making calculations in his mind.

"That scoundrel Bai Lian Tong Zi has suffered heavy losses, including the loss of Li Jing, and Di Shi Tian has also exposed his true strength and the stain of 'accidentally killing a fellow disciple'... He doesn't have many cards left to play. Given his impatient and arrogant nature, I'm afraid... he'll send Di Shi Tian out to challenge me again. Does he want to use Di Shi Tian's half-step Quasi-Saint cultivation to force me to take action personally? And then play the mantis stalking the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind?"

A cold smile appeared on Lin Zhu's lips.

"Your thoughts are easy to guess, but you're a bit...naive. Fine, I'll play along."

He was about to summon Nezha and arrange for him to go into battle to test the strength of Indra.

Just then, the Golden Tortoise of the Abyss flew over with a strange yet somewhat urgent expression and bowed to report.

"Lord Prison God! The Great Sage Overturning the Seas... he's here! He's brought a young man with him, saying he's come specifically to join the battle and lend his support!"

"Oh? Fu Hai has arrived?"

Lin Zhu raised an eyebrow slightly; this old friend certainly knew how to pick his timing.

"Who is that young man?"

The strange expression on the face of the Golden Tortoise of the Abyss deepened, as if it did not know how to describe it accurately, and could only say...

"The young man introduced himself as... Be. His full name was Betsuryuuma."

Surname Bie? Bie Longma?

A hint of surprise flashed in Lin Zhu's eyes.

This surname is truly rare in the Three Realms. The Great Sage Overturning the Seas specially brought him here; this person must have something special about him.

Above the Snowstorm City, beneath the sky-covering runes hidden by clouds.

When Lin Zhu heard the Golden Tortoise of the Abyss report the name "Bie Longma", he was taken aback and his brows furrowed subconsciously. He wondered if he had misheard or if the Golden Tortoise of the Abyss had relayed the information incorrectly.

Betsu Ryoma? What a strange name! Although he didn't know all the dragon descendants in the Three Realms, he had never heard of a Ryoma with the surname "Betsu"... Wait a minute!
A thought flashed through his mind like lightning—the White Dragon Horse?! Could it be… Ao Lie, the third prince of the West Sea Dragon King?! The mount reserved for the Journey to the West team?!
He looked at the Golden Tortoise of the Abyss, his eyes filled with confirmation.

"Are you sure it's called 'Farewell Dragon Horse'? Did the Great Sage Overturning the Seas himself say it?"

The Golden Tortoise of the Abyss also looked puzzled and scratched its head.

"Reporting to Your Excellency, that's what the Great Sage Overturning the Seas said, and that young man also refers to himself as such. However... judging from his speech and aura, there is a faint hint of the Dragon Clan, though he is extremely reserved."

Lin Zhu was filled with doubts. Ao Lie? How could he be here? And with the Great Sage Overturning the Sea? Wasn't Guanyin Bodhisattva searching the whole world for him? And how did the Flood Dragon Demon King manage to bring him out of the heavily guarded Eagle's Sorrow Gorge?
As their thoughts raced, the two figures were already drawn close by the Golden Turtle of the Abyss.

The first figure was a towering giant with a resolute face that also carried a touch of the gentleness of aquatic creatures and the majesty of someone who had long held a high position. He was none other than the Great Sage Dragon Demon King of the Overturning Seas.

He was dressed in a dark blue battle robe, his aura as deep and unfathomable as the ocean. Compared to the last time we met, he seemed to have gained more composure and a certain indescribable sense of urgency.

Following closely behind was a young man who looked to be in his early twenties.

He was tall and handsome, with striking features and sharp eyebrows, but a faint sense of vicissitude and composure, incongruous with his age, shrouded his brows.

He wore a plain white long gown, made of ordinary material, but it was washed very clean, and his demeanor exuded a composed air of someone who had received a good upbringing.

What is most striking is that his aura is extremely restrained and peaceful, almost indistinguishable from that of an ordinary person. However, with Lin Zhu's keen eyesight, he could still perceive from that calm appearance a trace of the nobility of a true dragon bloodline and a tenacious will honed through long trials.

This young man was none other than Ao Lie, the White Dragon. However, he seemed quite different from the legendary mischievous dragon prince who was accused of disobedience by his father and nearly executed for setting fire to the palace's pearl.

The Flood Dragon King and Ao Lie stopped a few feet away from Lin Zhu.

The Demon King Jiao looked at Lin Zhu with a complex mix of emotions. There was the joy of a long-awaited reunion, a deep sense of awe, and an undisguised excitement and nervousness, like a fan finally meeting their idol.

He had not faced Lin Zhu directly for a long time, but over the years, the legends about this God of Law Enforcement in the Three Realms had been spread to the point of being almost mythical in the human world, especially among the demon race, even overshadowing the Jade Emperor's prestige!

Scaring away the Buddha's incarnation, single-handedly storming Mount Ling to demand the Dharma, and embarking on an expedition to the underworld to confront Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva... To the demon race, each of these deeds was simply the ultimate example of defying the heavens and seeking revenge with gusto!

Lin Zhu's reputation among the demon race has long surpassed that of many ancient demon saints, making him an object of secret admiration and even longing in the hearts of countless unruly demon powerhouses.

Although he, the Demon King Jiao, was a demon king who ruled over the aquatic races, he was truly convinced of Lin Zhu's abilities.

At this moment, witnessing Lin Zhu standing guard on the border of Jambudvipa, facing immense pressure from the Western Paradise and the Buddhist kingdom of India, not only remaining unscathed but also gathering so many extraordinary individuals under his command, even attracting the intervention of those legendary old monsters, who forcefully turned the tide and routed the Indian army...

The anxiety and resentment in the heart of the Flood Dragon Demon King, stemming from his prolonged confinement and stagnant cultivation, grew even stronger. He could no longer afford to live a life of aimless wandering, clinging to his meager possessions! The Three Realms were about to change, and a great calamity was brewing. Only by following the strong and throwing himself into the torrent could he find a glimmer of hope for a breakthrough!
Thinking of this, the Flood Dragon Demon King took a deep breath, stepped forward, and bowed deeply to Lin Zhu, his voice loud and sincere.

"Fu Hai pays his respects to Lord Prison God! It has been a long time since we last met. Your esteemed presence is even more impressive than before, and your power shakes the Three Realms. Fu Hai has long admired you!"

Lin Zhu nodded slightly in return, but her gaze lingered more on Ao Lie.

The Demon King straightened up and continued.

"Fu Hai has come here with two matters on his own. First, he has heard of the great war between the Tang Dynasty and the Buddhist Kingdom of Tianzhu. Tianzhu has betrayed its promise and slaughtered innocent people. Its cruel actions have aroused the wrath of both gods and men! Although Fu Hai is a demon, he knows where the righteousness lies and respects the great man's heroic act of protecting the order of the human world."

Therefore, I have gathered some like-minded demon brothers to assist me, willing to follow under your command and contribute my humble strength! I earnestly request that you allow Fu Hai and others to fight alongside you! Fu Hai no longer wishes to waste time and wishes to use this battle as a pretext to seek an opportunity to become stronger!

His words were forceful, his eyes burning with determination, filled with a yearning for change.

Lin Zhu listened without comment, but turned her inquiring gaze to Ao Lie.

When Ao Lie saw Lin Zhu looking at him, his expression straightened, and he stepped forward, bowing deeply to Lin Zhu as well, his posture even more respectful than that of the Flood Dragon Demon King.

He raised his head, his handsome face showing clear remorse and a calm acceptance born of experience, his voice clear and sincere.

"Ao Lie of the Western Sea pays his respects to Lord Prison God."

He paused, as if gathering his thoughts, and then spoke slowly.

"Five hundred years ago, Ao Lie was young and reckless, and made a grave mistake that implicated his family and failed his father and the elders of his clan. For the past five hundred years, he has been confined to Eagle Sorrow Gorge, reflecting on his actions every day. He has also received guidance from his elder brother, the Flood Dragon King, who taught him morality and etiquette. Only now does he realize how foolish, unfilial, and unjust he was when he did what he did back then!"

Deep regret was evident in his eyes.

“Past sins cannot be redeemed with a single apology. Ao Lie dares not ask for forgiveness. I have come here today not for any other reason than to atone for my sins.”

His gaze shifted to the battlefield below, still faintly visible and permeated with the lingering scent of blood, and his tone became resolute.

"I learned from my elder brother that the Buddhist Kingdom of Tianzhu broke the alliance and brazenly raised an army to slaughter tens of thousands of innocent people in the border city of the Tang Dynasty. Their actions were no different from those of demons! Although Ao Lie was a criminal, he felt the same way and was filled with righteous indignation!"
Therefore, I humbly beseech Your Majesty, to allow Ao Lie to join this battle, so that with his sword he may do his utmost for the innocent victims! This battle is not for fame or fortune, nor to clear his name, but solely for the undying sense of justice in his heart, to atone for even a fraction of what has been done in the past!

His words were sincere, his expression honest, and his eyes clear; there was no trace of pretense in them.

Lin Zhu used his half-step quasi-saint perception to carefully investigate and could clearly feel that Ao Lie's words came from the bottom of his heart. His soul fluctuations were filled with regret, determination, and a strong desire to do something.

However, the more this was the case, the stronger Lin Zhu's doubts became. This matter was too bizarre, and also too...sensitive.

Who is Ao Lie? He is the third prince of the West Sea Dragon King, a key link in the "cooperation" between the Dragon Clan and the Western Paradise Buddhist sect, and the "hope of the entire Dragon Clan"!
In order to incorporate him into the grand plan of Journey to the West and secure a sliver of fortune and merit for the future revival of the Dragon Clan, the entire Dragon Clan invested countless efforts and resources, and may even have made some unknown compromises and concessions. Meanwhile, the Western Paradise, due to the special status of him as a "member" of the Journey to the West team, maintained a certain degree of "special relationship" and caution towards the Dragon Clan.

If Ao Lie were to suffer a mishap in this battle, especially if he were to fight on his side, which is clearly opposed to the Western Paradise, what kind of chain reaction would it trigger? How would the enraged Dragon Clan view this?
How will the already delicate relationship between the Western Paradise exploit this situation? The underlying causes and effects are likely far more complex and profound than the current mortal war itself.

Moreover, the Jade Emperor once vaguely mentioned that the true and ancient power of the dragon race was far more than just the Four Dragon Kings of the Seas. They were hidden deep within the secret realms of the heavens or beneath the boundless sea eye, with ancient bloodlines and unfathomable depths.

Although Lin Zhu was not afraid of trouble, he was unwilling to invite such potential and huge trouble for no reason.

Thinking of this, Lin Zhu showed obvious hesitation. He looked at Ao Lie, slowly shook his head, and spoke in a calm tone but with an undeniable refusal.

"I have sensed Prince Ao Lie's intentions and believe in your sincerity. However, this matter is of great importance and is not just your concern alone. You are the one on whom the Dragon Clan places high hopes, and you bear the weight of the clan's destiny and the delicate balance of the Western Paradise. If anything goes wrong here, the consequences will be far-reaching, and I fear that you cannot bear the responsibility, nor is it what I wish to see."

He paused, pointed towards the Indian camp outside the city, and said in a low voice.

"Moreover, the enemy camp has a guardian deity, Emperor Shitian, whose cultivation has reached the half-step quasi-saint level and is extremely fierce."
Furthermore, there is the White Lotus Child, who, though still injured, is a newly arrived Quasi-Saint, lurking menacingly and could strike at any moment. The battlefield is treacherous and unpredictable; if you go into battle, your safety is uncertain. I cannot, because of your momentary indignation, place you in danger, nor can I jeopardize the relationship between the Dragon Clan and the Heavenly Court.

Upon hearing this, a hint of sadness flashed in Ao Lie's eyes, but there was no resentment.

He understood Lin Zhu's concerns, and he himself was well aware of those concerns. It was just that the urge to do something, to make amends, and to break free from the shackles of the past was too strong to suppress.

He was silent for a moment, then suddenly took a step back, knelt on one knee, looked up at Lin Zhu, his gaze clear and firm.

“Ao Lie understands your concerns, my lord. I hereby swear that this request to fight is purely my own will, driven by a sense of duty and a desire to atone for my sins. I will bear all the consequences myself and will not implicate you, my lord, in the slightest! If this causes any trouble, I am willing to kill myself before the Dragon Clan and you, my lord, to atone for my sins!”

These words were extremely serious, as if the speaker was betting their life and all future possibilities on the matter.

Lin Zhu frowned even more as she looked at Ao Lie kneeling on the ground.

He could sense Ao Lie's almost obstinate determination, but that didn't dispel his concerns. Some risks couldn't be completely avoided by a personal oath.

He shook his head again, his tone still calm, but with a resolute air.

"Crown Prince Ao Lie, please rise. There's no need to mention this matter again. I've remembered your kindness. But the battlefield is dangerous, not a place for you to hone your skills. Go back and wait patiently for arrangements regarding the Journey to the West."

Ao Lie's body trembled slightly, and the light in his eyes gradually dimmed.

He understood that Lin Zhu's refusal was not heartless, but based on a deeper consideration and a "big picture" that he could not yet fully comprehend.

He slowly stood up, a bittersweet yet relieved smile on his face, and bowed deeply to Lin Zhu once again.

"Ao Lie... I understand. Thank you for your frank advice, Lord Prison God. It was I who was impetuous and did not consider things carefully, causing you trouble. Your Excellency has the well-being of the Three Realms in mind and considers matters thoroughly; I admire you greatly." (End of Chapter)