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

"Indra, release him. I will pretend this never happened and allow you to leave in peace."

Lin Zhu's tone was very serious.

That was indeed what he thought. Ao Lie had gone into battle without permission, and suffering a little was his own fault, but he absolutely could not die, much less be captured by Di Shitian.

He stepped forward to demand Ao Lie's release, partly out of a slight reluctance to forgive him, but more importantly, because he didn't want Ao Lie's death or capture to prematurely ignite the powder keg between the Dragon Clan and the Western Paradise, or even the Heavenly Court, disrupting his own plans. As for the "playing hard to get" required by the system mission... he'd deal with that first.

However, Lin Zhu's "sincere" advice was interpreted in a completely different way by Di Shitian, who had become somewhat sensitive and suspicious after accidentally killing Li Jing and was eager to make a name for himself.

Let him go? Allow me to leave safely?
Di Shitian was stunned at first, then overjoyed! What did he see? The Prison God Lin Zhu actually came forward personally for this Golden Immortal boy whom he had easily captured, and even used a tone that was almost "negotiating"? He even offered to let him go?
What does this mean? It means that this kid named Ao Lie is extremely important to Lin Zhu! So important that even this infamous Prison God had to temporarily set aside his pride and "negotiate" with him!
Di Shitian felt he had finally grasped Lin Zhu's "weak point"! The frustration of accidentally killing Li Jing earlier and the anger from being provoked by Ao Lie's lewd tricks were instantly replaced by a twisted excitement and triumph! If he could use this to blackmail Lin Zhu, or even force him to submit, what an incredible achievement that would be! Enough to completely wash away his previous stains and elevate his status in the Western Paradise!
"Hahaha!!!"

Di Shitian couldn't help but let out a deafening laugh, his laughter filled with ferocity and triumph. Instead of letting go of Ao Lie, he tightened his grip on the Thunder Giant, causing Ao Lie to groan in even more pain.

"Lin Zhu, the God of Hell! You've finally decided to come out?"

With a sinister grin, Di Shitian lifted the struggling Ao Lie in front of him, as if displaying a precious trophy.

"Want this little bug? Sure!"

He abruptly changed his tone, becoming extremely arrogant and humiliating.

"However, you can't take him away with just a few words! I've changed my mind! Want to save him? Simple!"

Di Shitian stretched out his other hand, and the "Soul-Devouring Jade Crystal Dagger," which had once been used to torture and kill Li Jing and shimmered with a ghostly green light, reappeared at his fingertips.

He pressed the cold dagger lightly, yet menacingly, against Ao Lie's fair neck. The blade had already cut a bit of skin, and a trace of pale golden dragon blood seeped out.

"You, Lin Zhu!"

Di Shitian stared at Lin Zhu, speaking slowly and deliberately, his voice filled with malicious pleasure.

"Now, immediately, kneel down before me! Facing this army and my Western Heaven Banner, shout 'Father, I was wrong' a hundred times!"
Then, I command all the soldiers and generals under your so-called Nine-Story Heavenly Prison to lay down their weapons, kneel down, surrender, and become slaves and servants under my Western Heavenly Gate! Perhaps then, in a better mood, I might consider returning this piece of trash to you!

He became more and more excited as he spoke, as if he could already see Lin Zhu kneeling in humiliation, his subordinates turning against him. What a shocking victory that would be! Enough to make the name of Emperor Shitian resound throughout the world!

"otherwise……"

Di Shitian licked his lips, his eyes flashing with ferocity, and the dagger drew even closer.

"Right before your eyes, I will dismember this little worm, just like Li Jing before! I will skin it alive and tear its tendons out! I will subject it to the most extreme tortures imaginable, annihilating its soul in endless agony! I will make you watch helplessly as it perishes! Hahahaha!!"

He believed he had grasped Lin Zhu's Achilles' heel and held the prison god's life in his grasp. He smiled with extreme ferocity and smugness, as if victory was already assured.

That arrogant laughter echoed across the bloody battlefield, filled with the smugness and malice of a petty person who had achieved his goal.

Grasped tightly by Di Shitian's thunderous giant hand and with the cold, jade-green dagger pressed against his neck, Ao Lie felt his entire body's magical power sealed, his meridians burned with unbearable pain by the power of lightning, and even breathing became difficult. But there was no sign of submission in his eyes; instead, his extreme anger and humiliation ignited an even more intense light.

He twisted his body desperately, even if it was in vain, he still stared intently at Di Shitian's hideous giant face, his voice hoarse from the pressure, but still clearly squeezed out from between his teeth.

"Bah! Bald monk! Stop your arrogance! Lord Prison God... don't worry about me! Kill this wicked beast who aided and abetted evil! If I, Ao Lie, can atone for my sins with my death today, then I will die a worthy death!!"

He was truly prepared to die, only hoping that Lin Zhu would not be coerced into submission and that they could eliminate the scourge of Emperor Shitian in one fell swoop.

Looking at Ao Lie's resolute eyes and listening to his almost tragic roar, Lin Zhu sighed slightly in her heart.

This kid does have some guts. Unfortunately, guts alone aren't enough.

The arrogant shouts of Emperor Shitian still echoed in his ears. Those humiliating conditions and undisguised killing intent made Lin Zhu's eyes turn completely cold.

He was silent for a moment.

To Di Shitian, this moment of silence seemed as if Lin Zhu was humiliatingly weighing the pros and cons and struggling painfully, which made him even more smug.

However, the next moment——

"boom--!!"

A killing intent, more violent and pure than before, erupted from Lin Zhu's body without warning, like a slumbering ancient beast suddenly awakening! The spiritual energy in the world seemed to be frozen and shattered by this killing intent!
"Noisy!"

Lin Zhu uttered only two words before his figure vanished from the spot! When he reappeared, he had transformed into a white lightning bolt that tore through the sky, and in his hand, he had somehow grasped the pitch-black God-Slaying Spear that terrified the Three Realms!
A dark light gathered at the tip of the spear, seemingly capable of piercing through eternity, carrying an unwavering determination and icy killing intent, aimed directly at the vital point of Di Shitian's wrist, which held Ao Lie's thunderous giant hand!
He genuinely wanted to save Ao Lie, not just because of the system mission and the potential merit rewards, nor simply because he was afraid of getting into trouble with the dragon clan.

He truly felt it was a pity that such a young man, who sincerely repented and dared to atone for his sins with his death, had died here.

Moreover, he simply couldn't stand it anymore—this bastard Di Shitian first brutally murdered his fellow disciples without any explanation, and now he's gloating over this hot potato. He's utterly muddle-headed and incredibly stupid! Although Lin Zhu isn't exactly a good person, he can't stand seeing this stupid and wicked guy continue to be so arrogant!

This shot was fast, ruthless, and accurate! It contained his half-step Quasi-Saint Perfection cultivation and the destructive power of the God-Slaying Spear's origin. Although he did not use the Heavenly Origin Demon Stone, its power was still terrifying and unparalleled, enough to threaten the very foundation of Emperor Shitian's Dharma form!
Just as Di Shitian was immersed in the fantasy of having grasped Lin Zhu's "weak point" and about to make an unparalleled contribution, he was caught off guard when Lin Zhu dared to disregard Ao Lie's life and launch a sudden attack! The sharp and unmatched spear intent instantly locked onto him, making alarm bells ring in his heart, and a shadow of death suddenly loomed over him!

"You...you dare?!"

Indra was both shocked and furious. He had thought Lin Zhu was hesitant to act rashly, but he hadn't expected the other party to be so decisive and ruthless! However, he was, after all, an Asura warrior who had fought his way through seas of blood and mountains of corpses, possessing extremely strong combat instincts. In a flash, his thunderous giant hand gripping Ao Lie suddenly retracted, while his other hand conjured a phantom of a vajra, attempting to block the fatal spear strike. Just at this critical moment—

A sudden change has occurred!

"laugh--!"

A cold, refined, silent yet incredibly fast blade of light appeared out of nowhere, seemingly springing from the void, and appeared beside Lin Zhu without warning, aiming straight for his temple! The timing of this strike was flawless, precisely at the instant when Lin Zhu was launching a full-force attack on Di Shitian, his old power already unleashed but his new power yet to arise!

Moreover, within the blade's light lay a familiar, serene, and destructive intent belonging to the Quasi-Saint level, as well as a trace of the eerie fluctuations left by the Azure Lotus Banner, untouched by cause and effect!

White Lotus Boy!

Lin Zhu's pupils suddenly contracted, and a warning bell rang in his heart! Although he had been on guard against the possibility that the White Lotus Child might be lurking nearby, waiting for an opportunity to launch a sneak attack, he had not expected the other party to be so cunning and ruthless!
"Om-!"

At the critical moment, Lin Zhu didn't even have time to fully retract the God-Slaying Spear to block.

His mind raced, his magical power surged wildly within him, and with a soft shout, a brilliant, warm, yet indestructible golden light of merit suddenly shone from the void above his head!

The Thirteen-Petaled Golden Lotus of Merit appeared out of thin air at the last possible moment, firmly protecting his entire body! The golden lotus spun rapidly, with countless golden runes flowing through it, radiating boundless power of merit and an aura of absolute defense!

"clang--!!!"

The icy blade of light slashed fiercely at the golden lotus of merit's protective barrier, producing a deafening roar that seemed to tear apart the very soul! The golden light rippled violently, and the lotus's illusory image flickered, but ultimately... it blocked the attack!

As the blade's light dissipated, it revealed a pale, cold, and sickly child's face with a hint of morbid excitement and a ferocious smile—it was none other than the White Lotus Child, who should have been seriously injured and weak!

At this moment, however, he held in his hand a uniquely shaped, pure white, and moon-like, cool-looking longsword, replacing the White Lotus Blue Flower Sword that had been shattered by the God-Slaying Spear.

His injuries seemed to be forcibly suppressed by some secret technique, but the madness and resentment in his eyes were even stronger than before!
Having missed his first attack, the White Lotus Child didn't hesitate. Using the recoil, he flipped over like a ghost, instantly passing by Di Shitian, who was slightly distracted by Lin Zhu's sudden attack, at an incredible angle. His free hand moved with lightning speed, snatching Ao Lie from Di Shitian's thunderous giant palm and firmly grasping him in his own hand!
"Hahaha!! Lin Zhu! You've been tricked!!"

The White Lotus Child held a knife in one hand and grabbed Ao Lie by the neck with the other, lifting him up like a chick. His face was full of a ferocious and triumphant smile, as if his conspiracy had succeeded and he was about to avenge his great grudge.

"I sent this fool out to challenge you, just to force you to show yourself! Do you really care whether he can capture Nezha or kill a few henchmen? My target from beginning to end has always been you!! Now, your 'weak point' has fallen into my hands!"

He looked down at Ao Lie, who was pale from struggling and injuries but still glaring angrily. A hint of inquiry and realization flashed in his eyes, followed by even greater smugness.

"Let me guess... This kid, who makes you, Lin Zhu, so nervous, even risking everything to snatch him... Is he one of your most important and trusted generals? Or your sworn brother? Or... a descendant of a race closely connected to the Heavenly Court, perhaps even one that entrusts its important offspring to the Heavenly Court? For example... a Qilin? A Phoenix? Or... a Dragon?"

The more the White Lotus Boy spoke, the brighter his eyes became, as if he had discovered some earth-shattering secret.

"Yes! That must be it! You're afraid that killing him will trigger that race's furious revenge against the Heavenly Court, or even against you personally! That's why you're so nervous! Hahaha, this boy is indeed clever!"

Lin Zhu.

"..."

His expression instantly became extremely strange, showing surprise, helplessness, and even a hint of wanting to laugh.

This White Lotus Child... suddenly had an epiphany? He actually thought of this? Although his guess was a bit off-target—he linked Ao Lie to the Heavenly Court, not the Western Paradise—being able to connect it to the idea of ​​the race relying on offspring is already an "extraordinary performance" for this saintly child who is known for his ruthlessness and recklessness.

Seeing the "frozen" and "regretful" expression on Lin Zhu's face, the White Lotus Child became even more certain that his "intelligence" had guessed the truth! He felt extremely pleased, thinking that he had finally grasped Lin Zhu's real weakness! The frustration of losing his physical body and face before seemed to have dissipated considerably.

"You've been exposed, Lin Zhu!"

The White Lotus Child grinned maliciously, gently sliding the snow-white longsword in his hand across Ao Lie's body. The cold blade sliced ​​through his white clothes, and finally, like a venomous snake, it climbed up Ao Lie's slender, fair neck, overlapping the wound left by Di Shitian's Azure Crystal Dagger.

"Although my birth sword is destroyed, this 'Cold Moon Immortal-Slaying Blade' is also an acquired spiritual treasure bestowed upon me by Master Jieyin in my early years. It is more than enough to kill a mere Golden Immortal Dragon... no, whatever he may be!"

The White Lotus Child's eyes became extremely dangerous and cruel, a pure, murderous intent that regarded life as worthless, a quality etched into his bones, the "scavenger" or "executioner" in the hands of a saint.

Back then, the Sage of Guidance sent him to "deal with" the Holy Mother of the Tortoise Spirit. Although the accident involving the Mosquito Taoist happened later, resulting in the loss of three of the twelve-grade Golden Lotus of Merit, the White Lotus Boy's characteristics of being "ruthless and having strong execution ability" were recognized by the Sage of Guidance.

Lin Zhu looked at Bai Lian Tong Zi's self-righteousness and his immersion in his own "clever" reasoning, and the strange look on his face deepened.

He sighed softly, his tone carrying an indescribable...sincere helplessness?

"White Lotus Boy, could you... possibly heed my advice?"

Lin Zhu's tone even carried a hint of earnest advice.

"Let him go, and there's still room for maneuver. If you remain so stubborn, you'll likely be the one who suffers in the end, along with the Western Paradise behind you."

He recalled the arrogant and smug look on Di Shitian's face when he mistakenly killed Li Jing, and then looked at the White Lotus Boy's arrogant attitude of "I have your weakness" in front of him, and couldn't help but feel a sense of absurdity.

What was the Buddha thinking? Why would he send such a pair of... a muddle-headed and reckless duo, and a stubborn, ruthless, and self-righteously clever "hotheads," to handle such an important and sensitive matter? Or was this not the Buddha's intention at all, but rather an arrangement by other ignorant Buddhas and Bodhisattvas? (End of Chapter)