I am submissive in Journey to the West, I strike hard at the gods

Although it lacks the boundless power of the Desolate Heavenly Emperor's sword that could cleave through eternity, its profound and subtle nature surpasses it.

The eerie progenitor who had mastered the laws of space and time suddenly found that everything he had attacked had vanished; there was no past, no future, and even the present did not exist...

Time reversed, and Jiang Wang and his group stepped into the Eight Views Palace. Purple mist filled the air, and celestial music drifted in the distance. Flames leaped in the Eight Trigrams Furnace, reflecting the changing light and shadow within the palace, as if they were in the beginning of chaos.

Laozi, holding a whisk, stood beside the furnace, his gaze deep and unfathomable, yet with a hint of kindness, as if he had already seen through everything.

Jiang Wang's heart trembled slightly. He quickly stepped forward and bowed respectfully again: "Disciple Jiang Wang, along with Fellow Daoist Shi and others from the Shrouding the Heavens World, pays respects to Grandmaster and requests Grandmaster's guidance on the wondrous uses of the God-Slaying Whip Talisman."

Laozi smiled slightly, and with a flick of his whisk, the purple aura in the palace receded like a tide, revealing an ancient Taoist altar. On the altar was a Taoist book that shone with golden light, with talismans faintly flowing around it, echoing the Great Evolution Heavenly Book in Jiang Wang's hand.

The Supreme Lord Laozi's voice was clear and resonant, carrying a hint of remoteness: "Jiang Wang, in your previous life you were Jiang Taigong, who was in charge of the Investiture of the Gods and determined the positions of the gods in the Three Realms. In this life you cultivate the Primordial Chaos Dao and inherit the fortune of the Human Sect. You are truly extraordinary."

Although the God-Slaying Whip is decayed, the eighty-four innate talismans within it are the foundation of the Great Dao, originating from the same source as your Great Evolution Heavenly Book. You've come to the Eight Trigrams Palace today; is there something troubling you?"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Wang felt a chill run down his spine, knowing that his master's eyes were sharp and had already seen through his intentions.

He respectfully said, "Grandmaster, I am deeply grateful to the Goddess Pingxin for entrusting me with the important task of being the Lord of the Underworld. However, the God-Slaying Whip talisman is mysterious and I have not yet fully grasped its true meaning. I also fear that the Yin energy in the Underworld is too heavy and it will be difficult to win over the people. Therefore, I have come to ask Grandmaster for some guidance."

After hearing this, Laozi glanced at Huangtiandi and the others behind Jiang Wang and nodded slightly: "Fellow Daoists of the Shrouding the Heavens World, you are all broad-minded and have extraordinary fortune. With your help, Jiang Wang should be fine in the Underworld."

As for the God-Slaying Whip…

He paused, then waved his whisk, and the scroll of Taoist scripture flew up from the platform, hovering in mid-air. As the pages turned, eighty-four talismans transformed into stars, surrounding Jiang Wang and faintly outlining a Tai Chi Bagua diagram.

"Jiang Wang, do you know why this God-Slaying Whip can be used to confer godhood?"

Laozi spoke calmly, yet with a hint of profound meaning: "This whip is no ordinary weapon. It was forged by the Primordial Heavenly Venerable using innate spiritual treasures and contains the principles of cause and effect in the Three Realms."

The eighty-four talismans, which correspond to the Great Derivation Number, can determine the three realms of Heaven, Earth, and Man, suppress Yin and Yang, and control reincarnation.

In your past life, you used this whip to confer titles upon the gods, and your mind and spirit are already connected to theirs. In this life, you only need to refine it anew using the Primordial Chaos Dao to comprehend the Heavenly Dao and complete your Dao foundation.

Jiang Wang's heart trembled. He looked down at the Great Evolution Heavenly Book in his hand. The talismans flowed between the pages, reflecting the talismans of the suspended Daoist book. Faintly, golden light transformed into a galaxy, reflecting the number of lives in the Three Realms.

He tentatively asked, "Grandmaster, I cultivate the Primordial Chaos Dao, which emphasizes transcending cause and effect. Although this God-Slaying Whip is wonderful, it is entangled with the cause and effect of the Three Realms. I fear that after refining it, I will suffer from it instead. What should I do?"

Upon hearing this, Laozi laughed heartily and lightly tapped Jiang Wang's brow with his whisk: "Well done, Jiang Wang. You are indeed meticulous. No wonder Lady Pingxin favors you so much."

You think this God-Slaying Whip is a burden? You're wrong!

Although the cause and effect of the Three Realms is complex, it is the foundation of the Great Dao. If you can use talismans to comprehend the workings of cause and effect, you can transcend the Three Realms, be free from the Five Elements, and achieve the state of Wuji (limitless).

Moreover, the Lord of the Underworld needs to balance Yin and Yang and suppress the Nine Netherworlds. If you don't refine this whip, how can you command respect?"

Jiang Wang was enlightened by this guidance and immediately understood something. He quickly cupped his hands and said, "Thank you for your guidance, Grandmaster!"
The disciple understands and will certainly refine the God-Slaying Whip to comprehend the Dao of Cause and Effect.

However, I have no clue who will be the Underworld Marshal and the Five Kings of Hell. Although Lady Pingxin has suggested the Golden Shackles and Silver Locks, the Emperor of Fengdu, and Huang Feihu, these two are cunning and shrewd, and I fear I will be unable to persuade them. I humbly request guidance from my Grandmaster.

The Supreme Lord Laozi shifted his gaze slightly, landing on Ao Yuwei, a hint of a smile flashing in his eyes: "Your disciple has obtained the Ancestral Dragon's inner core, her fortune is extraordinary, and she may be able to lend you a helping hand in the future."

As for the candidates for the Underworld…

He paused, then said leisurely, "Golden shackles and silver chains signify unwavering loyalty and remarkable ability; they are indeed a good choice."

Although the Emperor of Fengdu and Huang Feihu each have their own agendas, they both revere the Way of Heaven. With the Great Evolution Book and the God-Slaying Whip in your hands, you can certainly intimidate all heroes.

However, the affairs of the Underworld cannot be accomplished by one person alone. You need to leverage the power of the Heavenly Court and Mount Ling to balance the various factions in order to secure your position as the ruler of the Underworld.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Wang felt a slight stirring in his heart, realizing that his master's words contained a hidden meaning.

He respectfully replied, "This disciple will remember the teachings of my master and will certainly act with caution."

However, Lady Pingxin once said that Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva of Mount Ling covets power in the underworld, and this disciple fears that he might interfere. Does Grandmaster have a way to deal with this?

Laozi stroked his long beard and laughed, "Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva is compassionate, but he is also quite ambitious."

Lingshan has long coveted the Underworld, but under the laws of Heaven, the balance of Yin and Yang cannot be broken.

If you can refine the God-Slaying Whip and use the Great Evolution Heavenly Book to determine the cause and effect of the Three Realms, even if Ksitigarbha has a thousand means, it will be difficult to shake your foundation.

Moreover, the underworld is filled with yin energy, and although the Buddha's light shines brightly on Mount Ling, it may not be able to remain in the Nine Netherworlds for long.

You only need to stay true to yourself and rely on the guidance and fortune of others, and you will be able to turn danger into safety.

The Desolate Heavenly Emperor, growing impatient, couldn't help but interject, "Moral Heavenly Venerable, although Fellow Daoist Jiang possesses great supernatural powers, the duties of the Lord of the Underworld are heavy and complicated, and Mount Ling is also eyeing us covetously. Why don't we, the Immortal Emperors of the Shrouding the Heavens world, lend him a hand and temporarily assume the positions of the Five Kings of Hell to share his burdens?"

The Supreme Lord Laozi's gaze swept over the Desolate Emperor, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes: "Fellow Daoist Shi is magnanimous, truly worthy of the name of the Heavenly Emperor."

Although the world of Shrouding the Heavens does not have the Six Paths of Reincarnation, it does have methods to suppress evil spirits. If you are willing to help, it will be a blessing for Jiang Wang.

However, the yin energy of the underworld invades the soul; you must protect your bodies with a Daoist heart and not be disturbed by the energy of the nine netherworlds.

The Desolate Emperor laughed heartily, his heroic spirit soaring to the heavens: "Rest assured, Heavenly Venerable, we have been battling the strange progenitor in the world of Shrouding the Heavens for many years. What is a mere Yin Qi worth mentioning? If Fellow Daoist Jiang has any needs, we will certainly do our utmost to assist you!"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Wang felt a warmth in his heart and quickly cupped his hands, saying, "Fellow Daoist Shi is so righteous, I am deeply grateful!"

With everyone's help, the matter of the underworld will surely be resolved smoothly.

"Grandmaster, there is still one thing I don't understand. How does one refine this God-Slaying Whip talisman? I humbly request Grandmaster to bestow upon me the wondrous method."

Laozi nodded, waved his whisk, and the suspended Daoist book slowly fell and merged into the Great Evolution Heavenly Book in Jiang Wang's hand.

In an instant, the eighty-four talismans shone brightly, transforming into beams of golden light that entered Jiang Wang's brow.

Jiang Wang felt a jolt in his mind as countless mysterious runes swirled within him, faintly outlining the causal relationships of the Three Realms.

He was overjoyed, knowing that this was the method for refining the God-Slaying Whip talisman.

The Supreme Lord Laozi slowly said, "Jiang Wang, this God-Slaying Whip talisman needs to be refined with Primordial True Qi and comprehended with the Great Evolution Heavenly Book in order to be completely mastered."

You need to retreat into seclusion for forty-nine days, connecting your mind and spirit with the talisman to comprehend the cause and effect of the three realms.

During this time, do not be disturbed by external things, otherwise all your previous efforts will be in vain.

Jiang Wang respectfully replied, "Disciple will humbly obey the Grandmaster's decree!"
However, matters concerning the underworld are of utmost urgency. While I am in seclusion, I fear that Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva might take advantage of the situation to cause trouble. What should I do?

Laozi laughed and said, "It's alright. With Lady Pingxin in charge of the underworld, even if Ksitigarbha has the means, he wouldn't dare to act rashly."

When you go into seclusion, you may appoint your disciple Ao Yuwei and the other Daoists of the Shrouding Heaven to temporarily manage the affairs of the Underworld. They are loyal and capable of assisting you.

Once you refine the God-Slaying Whip, your position as Lord of the Underworld will be unshakeable.

Upon hearing this, Ao Yuwei stepped forward and respectfully said, "Grandmaster, although my cultivation is shallow, I am grateful for the great kindness of Master and the Goddess. I am willing to serve the Underworld and will never fail Master's expectations!" The Supreme Lord Laozi's gaze softened, and he nodded, "What a fine descendant of the Ancestral Dragon! Your fortune is extraordinary, and your future achievements will be no less than your master's."

"While you are training in the underworld with Jiang Wang, you must guard your Dao heart and not be corrupted by Yin energy."

Ao Yuwei quickly replied, "Disciple will remember Master's teachings!"

Seeing this, Jiang Wang felt somewhat relieved and turned to look at Huang Tiandi and the others: "Fellow Daoist Shi, I entrust the matter of the Underworld to you all."

"If anything unexpected happens during my seclusion, please all take good care of me."

The Desolate Emperor waved his hand and said, "Fellow Daoist Jiang, why be so polite? Although the Underworld is filled with Yin energy, it also holds many mysteries, which we are eager to explore."

"You can go into seclusion with peace of mind. With us here, there will be no trouble in the underworld!"

Jiang Wang nodded, his gaze sweeping over Yun Xi, Wang Teng, and the others. Seeing their resolute expressions, he felt a warmth in his heart.

He took a deep breath and said to Laozi, "Grandmaster, I will immediately go into seclusion to refine the God-Slaying Whip. As for the matter of the Underworld, I will make a decision after I emerge from seclusion!"

With a gentle wave of his whisk, Laozi caused the purple aura within the palace to surge once more, transforming into a quiet room. The room was filled with spiritual energy, and talismans could be faintly seen flowing within it, making it an ideal place for seclusion.

He said calmly, "Jiang Wang, go to the meditation room to refine the talisman."

"Forty-nine days later, I will explain the principles of Yin and Yang in the underworld to you."

Jiang Wang bowed respectfully, entered the quiet room, sat cross-legged, and slowly unfurled the Great Evolution Heavenly Book in his hand. Eighty-four talismans swirled around him, transforming into starlight that reflected the destiny of the Three Realms.

He focused his mind, circulating his primordial energy to slowly refine the talisman, and the cause-and-effect relationships in his sea of ​​consciousness became increasingly clear.

Meanwhile, the Desolate Emperor and others returned to the Underworld with golden shackles and silver chains, with Ao Yuwei following closely behind, her eyes full of determination.

With golden shackles and silver chains leading the way, he whispered, "True Lord Jiang is in seclusion. The affairs of the Underworld will be temporarily managed by you fellow Daoists and Miss Ao."

The Underworld Marshal has received the Empress's decree and will certainly do everything in his power to assist.

The Desolate Emperor nodded and said in a deep voice, "Golden shackles and silver chains, are there any people in the Underworld who do not submit to Fellow Daoist Jiang? If so, speak freely, and we will have the means to deter them!"

Jin Jia respectfully said, "Emperor Shi, rest assured. Although the gods of the underworld each have their own thoughts, they all revere the Heavenly Dao. With the Great Evolution Heavenly Book and the God-Slaying Whip in hand, True Lord Jiang will not dare to harbor any disloyal thoughts."

However, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva has recently been frequently appearing in the Netherworld, which may indicate he has ulterior motives. Everyone should be extra cautious.

Upon hearing this, Ao Yuwei's heart skipped a beat, and she asked, "Senior Jin Jia, does Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva truly covet the power of the Underworld? Since he has Mount Ling as his backing, why would he still interfere in the Underworld?"

Jin Jia sighed, “Miss Ao, you may not know this, but the Underworld is in charge of reincarnation and is the hub of the Three Realms. Although Mount Ling is prosperous, it has no power over reincarnation.”

Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva desires to control the underworld in the name of compassion, thereby expanding the fortune of Mount Sumeru.

The Goddess Pingxin had already foreseen this matter, and therefore entrusted the important task of ruling the Underworld to True Lord Jiang, using the power of the Human Sect to suppress the ambitions of Mount Ling.

The Desolate Emperor snorted coldly: "Whether it's Mount Ling or Ksitigarbha, if they dare to cause trouble, we have our own ways to deal with them!"
"Miss Ao, you have obtained the Ancestral Dragon's inner core, your fortune is extraordinary. What are your thoughts on the matters of the Underworld?"

After a moment of contemplation, Ao Yuwei said, "Senior Shi, the Yin energy in the Underworld is heavy and the Yin and Yang are out of balance. Although my cultivation is shallow, I am willing to use the power of the Ancestral Dragon's Inner Core to help my master balance the fortune of the Underworld."

As for Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, this disciple will be extremely careful and will absolutely not allow him to ruin Master's grand plan!

Yunxi whispered from the side, "Miss Ao is indeed extraordinary, with a firm will."

We will do our utmost to assist in matters concerning the underworld.

However, neither the Emperor of Fengdu nor Huang Feihu has yet expressed their opinion, so preparations need to be made as soon as possible.

Jin Jia nodded and said, "What Fairy Yun said is absolutely right."

Both the Emperor of Fengdu and Huang Feihu are important officials in the underworld. Although they are loyal to the Empress, they each have their own agendas.

If Jiang Zhenjun wants to win over the people, he needs to demonstrate genuine ability to gain their sincere respect.

The Desolate Emperor laughed heartily: "What's so difficult about that? Fellow Daoist Jiang has the Great Evolution Heavenly Book and the God-Slaying Whip. Once he emerges from seclusion, he will surely be able to awe all the heroes!"

"Golden shackles and silver chains, you two must immediately summon the Underworld Marshals. We will discuss the selection of the Five Kings of Hell, and we must finalize the matter before Fellow Daoist Jiang emerges from seclusion!"

The golden shackles and silver chains cried out in unison, "We humbly obey the Heavenly Emperor's decree!"

As they talked, the group returned to the main hall of the underworld.

The hall was filled with eerie atmosphere and flickering ghostly flames. Lady Pingxin had long since departed, and only Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva sat serenely on his lotus throne, his gaze deep and unfathomable, as if waiting for something.

Upon seeing this, the Desolate Emperor frowned slightly and said in a low voice, "This Ksitigarbha King's arrival is quite timely; he must have come prepared."

Ao Yuwei's heart tightened, and she stepped forward, saying respectfully, "Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, True Lord Jiang is in seclusion refining the God-Slaying Whip, and we will temporarily take charge of the affairs of the Underworld."

"I wonder what guidance the Bodhisattva has bestowed upon us?"

Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva smiled slightly, his tone gentle yet carrying a hint of profound meaning: "Miss Ao is too polite."

I, a humble monk, have come to offer my congratulations upon hearing that Lord Jiang will be in charge of the Underworld.

The cycle of reincarnation in the underworld concerns the three realms. Although Lord Jiang possesses great supernatural powers, the principles of Yin and Yang are no small matter. This humble monk is willing to lend a helping hand and share Lord Jiang's burdens.

The Desolate Emperor sneered, "We appreciate the Bodhisattva's kindness."

"Fellow Daoist Jiang possesses the Great Evolution Heavenly Book and the God-Slaying Whip; he can certainly handle the affairs of the Underworld properly. Bodhisattva, you should return to Mount Ling for quiet cultivation."

Upon hearing this, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva's eyes flickered slightly, but he was not angry. He smiled and said, "Emperor Shi speaks frankly and directly. This humble monk admires him."

However, the underworld is filled with yin energy, and since Jiang Zhenjun has not yet become a saint, he may not be able to fully control reincarnation.

"This humble monk, though unworthy, wishes to use the wondrous methods of Buddhism to help True Lord Jiang balance Yin and Yang. What do you all think?"

Ao Yuwei felt a chill run down her spine, realizing that Ksitigarbha's words were a test.

She said in a deep voice, "The Bodhisattva is compassionate and kind; I am deeply grateful."

However, Master has already made arrangements for matters concerning the underworld, and will decide on them once Master emerges from seclusion.

If the Bodhisattva is willing to help, they might as well wait patiently for the Master's return to discuss important matters together.

Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva glanced at everyone, nodded, and stood up, saying, "In that case, this humble monk will not disturb you any longer."

When Master Jiang emerges from seclusion, this humble monk will come to pay my respects again.

Having said that, the mythical beast beneath him let out a low roar, transformed into golden light, and vanished from the hall. (End of Chapter)