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

As expected, in the void, Jiang Wang's figure gradually blurred, eventually turning into a strand of black hair, which drifted to the ground and disappeared with the wind.

Zhunti's expression changed slightly, a hint of astonishment flashing in his eyes: "This...this Jiang Wang is actually so cunning?!"

In the Heavenly Court, inside the Lingxiao Palace, the Jade Emperor sat on the Nine-Dragon Throne, looking down below.

His lips curled up slightly, revealing a meaningful smile, as if he had expected this scene.

The Bodhi Patriarch beside him had a slight change in expression, his body trembled slightly, and a trace of annoyance flashed in his eyes. He muttered to himself, "We've been tricked again... This Jiang Wang is truly slippery!"

Jieyin slowly withdrew his gaze, glanced at Zhunti, and said in a calm tone: "Jiang Wang is a cautious and cunning man, not someone to be trifled with."

His true form is no longer in the Heavenly Realm; a forced pursuit would be futile.

Zhunti frowned, his anger still burning: "Then what should we do?"
Are we just going to let this brat continue to run rampant?

Jieyin smiled slightly, a calculating glint in his eyes: "No need to be impatient."

Although Jiang Wang was cunning, he was not without flaws.

Bodhi, you are proficient in formations. You can descend to the mortal realm and set up the Sumeru Immeasurable Formation to trap it, and then bring it back to the Heavenly Court.

Once he enters the Heavenly Realm, there will be no chance of escape.

Upon hearing this, Bodhi's eyes lit up, and he quickly cupped his hands and said, "A sage's plan is brilliant!"
"This humble Taoist priest will descend to the mortal realm immediately and capture that Jiang Wang!"

Having said that, he flashed and transformed into a golden light, heading down to the lower realm.

Before the South Gate of Heaven, the figures of Zhunti and Jieyin appeared out of thin air.

The South Heavenly Gate soared into the clouds, gleaming with golden light, where the Four Heavenly Kings and a host of heavenly soldiers and generals stood ready for battle.

The Jade Emperor stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze cold as he swept over the two sages, his tone carrying a hint of disdain: "What brings you two sages to my Heavenly Court?"

Zhunti stepped forward, his voice deep yet carrying an undeniable aura: "Haotian, I am acting on the orders of the Dao Ancestor to hunt down Jiang Wang."

Your Heavenly Court must provide full assistance and quickly open the Southern Heavenly Gate to let us in!

Upon hearing this, Haotian sneered, a hint of mockery flashing in his eyes: "The Dao Ancestor's command?"
Zhunti, do you really think that by using the name of the Dao Ancestor, you can make my Heavenly Court submit to your will?
What does Jiang Wang's affair have to do with my Heavenly Court?
If your Western religion tries to use this opportunity to cause trouble, don't blame me for showing no mercy!

Zhunti was furious upon hearing this. His eyes blazed with golden light, and he clasped his hands together. A golden body, ten thousand feet tall, appeared behind him, radiating Buddhist light and exuding an imposing aura: "Haotian, you are merely a Heavenly Emperor, yet you dare to be so presumptuous!"

Today I'll see what your Heavenly Court is all about!

Seeing this, Jieyin frowned slightly, reached out and pulled Zhunti back, whispering, "Junior brother, calm down!"

This is the Heavenly Court. The Jade Emperor is blessed by the Heavenly Dao and can fight the Three Sages. Do not act rashly!

Zhunti gritted his teeth, suppressing his anger, glared at Haotian, and turned to leave.

Haotian, however, did not take it seriously and turned to the heavenly soldiers and generals to order: "Reveal my decree: guard the South Heavenly Gate well. No one other than a member of the Heavenly Court is allowed to enter!"
Furthermore, I hereby order the Leiyin Temple on Mount Ling to obey my commands and assist in the capture of Jiang Wang!

Upon hearing this, both Jieyin and Zhunti were taken aback. Zhunti was furious, but Jieyin held him back tightly, and he had no choice but to leave in a huff.

Meanwhile, in the lower realm of Mount Hua, Yang Jian and Yang Chan were sitting facing each other on the mountaintop, drinking tea and discussing philosophy.

The figure of Patriarch Bodhi suddenly appeared, transforming into a golden light and landing in front of the two.

Yang Jian raised an eyebrow, stood up, and asked, "Ancestor Bodhi, what brings you here?"

Bodhi smiled slightly, cupped his hands and said, "Erlang Zhenjun, I have come here only to find the whereabouts of Jiang Wang."

Do either of you have any leads?

Yang Chan snorted lightly, her tone carrying a hint of disdain: "Jiang Wang's whereabouts are elusive, how could he easily let others know about them?"

but……"

She paused, a sly glint in her eyes, "I heard the other day that he appeared in a Taoist temple in the Southern Continent, seemingly in seclusion for cultivation."

Upon hearing this, Bodhi's eyes flashed with a sharp light, and he cupped his hands in thanks, saying, "Thank you both for your guidance!"

Having said that, he flashed away and headed towards the Southern Continent.

In the Southern Continent, an ancient Taoist temple sits nestled among mountains, surrounded by clouds and mist, exuding a spiritual aura.

Bodhi Patriarch appeared outside the Taoist temple in a flash.

He clasped his hands together and chanted incantations. The Sumeru Boundless Array quietly unfolded, with golden light flowing within it and space distorting, enveloping an area of ​​hundreds of miles.

Inside the Taoist temple, Jiang Wang sat cross-legged, his breathing deep and long, as if he were comprehending the Great Dao.

Suddenly, he frowned slightly, opened his eyes, and a hint of wariness flashed in them: "This aura... Patriarch Bodhi?"

He got up, pushed open the gate of the Taoist temple, and walked out slowly.

Upon seeing this, Bodhi burst into laughter, his voice tinged with smugness: "Jiang Wang!"
This time, you won't escape!
"The immeasurable Sumeru Array is complete, and the Sage himself has arrived. What other methods do you have?!"

Jiang Wang narrowed his eyes, surveying the surrounding formations, but a meaningful smile appeared on his lips: "Ancestor Bodhi, you seem so confident, could it be that you have a sage backing you up?"

"Tell me, have the two Western Saints returned?"

Bodhi was taken aback, then sneered: "Jiang Wang, you're quite quick-witted!"

Indeed, the two Western Saints have already returned, but due to the Dao Ancestor's strict decree, they are forbidden from setting foot in the mortal realm or the underworld; otherwise, you would have already been beheaded!

Upon hearing this, Jiang Wang felt a chill run down his spine, but remained outwardly calm, tentatively asking, "Oh?"

If that's the case, why doesn't the sage take action himself?
Could it be... there's some hidden story behind this?

Provoked by Jiang Wang, Bodhi, in a moment of triumph, blurted out: "Hidden truth?"
Hmph, it's just that the Dao Ancestor doesn't want the sages to interfere in mortal affairs!
But now that you've fallen into my hands, even with extraordinary abilities, you cannot escape death!

A glint of light flashed in Jiang Wang's eyes, but he secretly wondered, "Bodhi is so fearless; there must be a trap."

It seems that hiding one's talents is no longer meaningful...

He took a deep breath and decided to hold back.

Just then, a streak of silver light flashed across the sky, and the fairy Chang'e, draped in moonlight, gracefully arrived.

She noticed the unusual movement of the formation in the mountains, her brows furrowed slightly, and she said to Jiang Wang, "Jiang Wang, this formation is not simple. Do you need my help?"

Jiang Wang smiled slightly and waved his hand, saying, "Fairy, there is no need to worry. Although this formation is strong, it cannot trap me."

With that, he flipped his hand, and a golden light flew out from his sleeve—it was the Hunyuan Golden Cauldron!
The golden goblet swelled in the wind, transforming into a gigantic object hundreds of feet tall, suspended in the air, radiating golden light and faintly exuding an aura of suppressing heaven and earth.

Upon seeing this, Bodhi's pupils constricted sharply, and he exclaimed, "The Primordial Golden Cauldron?"
!

"You...how could you possess such a treasure?!"

His voice carried a hint of panic, as if he hadn't expected Jiang Wang to possess such a treasure.

Jiang Wang did not answer. He made a hand seal, and the Hunyuan Golden Cauldron suddenly trembled. Golden light in the air surged and transformed into countless golden light blades, which slashed towards the Sumeru Boundless Array!
The golden light of the array collided with the golden light blade, producing a deafening roar that shook the space, making it seem as if it was about to shatter.

Chang'e stood in the distance, surrounded by moonlight, her eyes filled with worry, yet also with anticipation: "Jiang Wang, just how many more trump cards do you have up your sleeve?"

Jiang Wang's lips curled up slightly, and his eyes blazed with fighting spirit: "Ancestor Bodhi, today I will show you my true abilities, Jiang Wang's true power!"

Having said that, he flashed and transformed into a streak of light, heading straight for the core of the formation! The night was as dark as ink, and a mountain breeze was blowing gently. Jiang Wang sat cross-legged on the blue stone in front of the Taoist temple, holding a golden treasure in his hand—the Hunyuan Golden Bucket.

This treasure may appear small, but it seems to contain an endless galaxy within, radiating a chilling aura.

The surrounding Sumeru Boundless Array was originally magnificent, with spiritual energy surging like tides within it, and faint Buddhist chants echoing around it.

However, at this moment, the formation was already on the verge of collapse, and the six pure bamboos at the formation's core were swept away by golden light and disappeared without a trace.

"Bodhi Patriarch, your Sumeru Boundless Array is nothing more than this."

Jiang Wang's voice was cold and mocking, but his gaze was sharp as a knife, piercing the white-robed figure sitting cross-legged on the cloud not far away.

The Bodhi Patriarch's face was calm, but a hint of panic was revealed between his brows.

He gripped the whisk tightly, his gaze fixed on the Hunyuan Golden Cauldron in Jiang Wang's hand, as if recalling a distant memory.

That was during the Investiture of the Gods. The Three Fairies of Sanxiao, wielding this treasure, swept through the immortals of the Chan Sect, and even the Twelve Golden Immortals could not withstand its power.

The golden light is so powerful that it can capture anything!

"The Primordial Golden Cauldron... how did it end up in your hands?"

Bodhi's voice was low and deep, tinged with disbelief, and a hint of apprehension flashed in his eyes.

Jiang Wang chuckled, and with a slight turn of the golden dou in his hand, the golden light surged, transforming into a huge vortex that swept straight toward Bodhi.

A terrifying suction force emanated from the air, as if even the spiritual energy of heaven and earth would be completely devoured.

Bodhi's body shone with a great Buddhist light. He tried to resist, but felt his own magical power being drawn away like flowing water. His robes fluttered, and he was almost sucked into the golden goblet.

"not good!"

Bodhicitta was startled, realizing that this treasure was beyond his ability to contend with.

He gritted his teeth, waved his whisk, which transformed into a golden light, and instantly vanished into the void without a trace.

Seeing this, Jiang Wang snorted coldly, flipped his hand, the golden light dissipated, and the Hunyuan Golden Cauldron returned to the size of a palm and fell back into his hand.

He looked down at the six pure bamboo stalks in his hand. They were all green and faintly emitted a serene Buddhist light, as if endless Zen wisdom was flowing through them.

"System, how many experience points are needed to refine this item?"

As soon as Jiang Wang had a thought, a cold, mechanical voice rang in his mind.

"Refining the Six Roots of Purity Bamboo requires 100,000 experience points. Confirm?"

The system's voice remained completely flat.

"One hundred thousand?"

Jiang Wang frowned and pursed his lips, "It's too expensive, let's leave it for now."

He casually put the Six Pure Bamboos into his storage ring, glanced around to make sure Bodhi had completely escaped, and then breathed a sigh of relief.

Just then, a soft moonlight shone down from the horizon, accompanied by a delicate fragrance, and a graceful figure slowly descended.

The newcomer was dressed in white gauze, with an exquisitely beautiful face and a touch of aloofness in her eyes; it was none other than Chang'e.

She landed lightly in front of Jiang Wang, a hint of concern in her eyes.

"Jiang Wang, are you alright?"

I just saw a golden light shooting into the sky from afar; I'm afraid you've been fighting with that Bodhi Patriarch.

Chang'e's voice was soft and gentle, as warm as moonlight.

Jiang Wang waved his hand, a smile playing on his lips: "It's nothing. That old bald monk overestimated himself and tried to trap me with the Sumeru Boundless Formation, but I used the Hunyuan Golden Cauldron to capture his Six Roots Pure Bamboo, scaring him so much that he ran away in a panic."

Upon hearing this, Chang'e covered her mouth and chuckled, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes: "The Primordial Golden Cauldron?"
That's a priceless treasure of the Jie Sect! How could you have such an opportunity?

"Opportunity?"

Jiang Wang raised an eyebrow. He didn't want to talk about the 10 experience points, so he casually said, "It was just good luck that I got a treasure."

Chang'e nodded, looking at him gently: "The moon is beautiful tonight. Why don't you come to my little courtyard, and we can have a meal together and chat about our experiences over the years?"

Jiang Wang was taken aback, scratched his head, and smiled somewhat awkwardly, "Thank you for your kindness, fairy, but I have recently reached a critical stage in my cultivation and am really unable to spare the time. I will definitely visit you another day to express my gratitude."

A hint of disappointment flashed in Chang'e's eyes, but she quickly recovered and said gently, "Then I won't force you. Focus on your cultivation. If you need anything, come to me anytime."

Her figure flickered, transforming into a ray of moonlight, and she quietly departed.

Jiang Wang watched her leave, shook his head, sat down cross-legged, closed his eyes and entered meditation. His breathing gradually became steady, and spiritual energy circulated around his body like the tide.

Meanwhile, at Mount Ling in the Western Paradise, Patriarch Bodhi returned in a sorry state, his face grim. Standing before the Sage Zhunti, he bowed and reported, "Your Majesty, Jiang Wang obtained the Hunyuan Golden Cauldron from somewhere and took away the Six Roots Pure Bamboo. The Sumeru Immeasurable Array collapsed on its own. Your disciple is incompetent and failed to capture him."

Upon hearing this, Zhunti's expression changed slightly, and he said in a deep voice, "The Primordial Golden Cauldron?"
That was the most precious treasure of the Three Immortal Maidens of the Jie Sect, how could it have fallen into Jiang Wang's hands?

Bodhi frowned and guessed, "This disciple suspects that the Three Immortals of Sanxiao secretly lent this treasure to Jiang Wang."

If that's the case, the Jie Sect will likely cause trouble again. This disciple is willing to go to Biyou Palace and reason with the Three Immortals!

Zhunti waved his hand, his gaze deep: "The matter of the Three Immortals is not urgent for now. The most urgent task is to eliminate Jiang Wang and rescue Jin Chanzi."

Since this fellow possesses the Hunyuan Golden Bucket, a direct confrontation would likely be difficult to win against him. It would be better to devise a way to lure him into a trap.

Did you know he's on good terms with Chang'e? Why not capture Chang'e and force him to show himself!

Upon hearing this, Bodhi's eyes lit up, and he clapped his hands and laughed, "A sage's brilliant plan!"
Chang'e is merely a Great Luo Golden Immortal, far from being a match for me. When Jiang Wang is not present, I can capture her!"

Zhunti nodded and said in a deep voice, "We must be careful in this matter. Jiang Wang is cunning; we must not fall into his trap."

Bodhi respectfully agreed, then transformed into a golden ray of light and headed straight for the mortal realm.

In the stillness of the night, in a small mountain village, the moonlight, like water, spills between the green tiles and white walls.

Bodhi Patriarch concealed his form, stood on the clouds, and looked down upon the village.

With a sweep of his divine sense, he discovered that Jiang Wang and Chang'e were living in two separate places. Jiang Wang was in seclusion in a Taoist temple, while Chang'e was living alone in a small courtyard at the end of the village.

Bodhi smirked, thinking to himself, "Heaven is on my side!"

He flashed and landed silently outside the Chang'e Courtyard.

Inside the courtyard, Chang'e was leaning against the window admiring the moon, gently waving a jade fan in her hand, her eyes and brows carrying a hint of aloofness and arrogance.

Bodhi no longer hesitated. With a flick of his whisk, he transformed it into thousands of white threads, which coiled around Chang'e like serpents.

Chang'e noticed the unusual movement, lightly touched the ground with her jade feet, and her figure swayed like moonlight as she tried to dodge.

However, Bodhi was a quasi-saint, and his whisk enveloped all around, his spiritual power forming a net that instantly trapped Chang'e.

The white silk tightened, rendering Chang'e unable to move. Yet, her beautiful face showed no panic; instead, she sneered, "The Western Sect is indeed despicable and shameless, resorting to such vile means!" (End of Chapter)