Journey to the West: I am the fiercest bird under Bodhi's seat

Meanwhile, in the heavens, the True Martial Emperor ordered the troops to withdraw and return to the central command tent.

The immortals were seated in their respective positions, with Li Jing standing at the head.

One of the Nine Luminaries Star Lords was lost, only sixteen of the Twenty-Eight Mansions survived, and the rest were all injured; more than half of the stars in the east and west perished, and the Thirty-Six Heavenly Generals and Seventy-Two Earthly Fiends also suffered losses.

It can be said that they suffered a severe blow and ended in a crushing defeat.

As soon as Zhenwu sat down, he suddenly heard a commotion outside the tent.

Li Jing frowned and demanded, "What's all this commotion?"

The scout knelt and reported: "Your Majesty, the demons of Flower Fruit Mountain are celebrating their victory, drinking and making merry, their noise reaching the heavens."

Upon hearing this, Li Jing gritted his teeth, his anger barely contained.

Zhenwu waved his sleeve, ordering him to leave, and sighed, "This defeat is truly my fault."

Li Jing quickly advised, "Your Majesty, there is no need to blame yourself. Victory and defeat are common occurrences. It's just that we did not expect that the Golden Crow would possess such supernatural powers, capable of confronting Your Majesty head-on."

Zhenwu raised his hand to stop him, saying, "I have personally witnessed the power of the Thai Emperor, and he certainly has the qualities to become emperor. If that were all, he would not be a threat. What is truly unexpected is the monkey's ability, which far exceeds our expectations. Therefore, we should withdraw our troops for the time being."

Upon hearing this, everyone's gaze involuntarily turned to Zhao Gongming.

Li Jing suddenly realized what was happening and glared at him angrily: "True Lord Xuantan, don't you think you should explain this to the gods?"

Zhao Gongming shrugged, looking completely innocent: "I made a move, and then I got sent flying—what else is there to say?"

Li Jing nearly vomited blood, but dared not do so because of his status.

Wen Zhong glanced sideways. It was he who had invited Zhao Gongming to come out of seclusion during the Investiture of the Gods, and the two had a long-standing friendship.

He knew that Zhao Gongming was not such a dismissive person in the past.

Is it resentment? Or dissatisfaction with one's own priesthood?

Unlike him, Senior Brother Zhao is not the kind of person who is petty and calculating.

Could it be... because of the titles bestowed upon the Three Immortals?

He remained silent, offering no further comment. With Zhao Gongming's abilities, how could Li Jing possibly shake him so easily?

Zhenwu said in a deep voice, "This defeat was due to my negligence. That Great Sage Equaling Heaven is indeed capable; we have suffered heavy losses. We should report to the Jade Emperor and request reinforcements."

With the Emperor's decree in place, silence returned to the tent.

Wen Zhong slowly spoke: "I have watched the entire battle. Both the Thai Emperor and the Great Sage are extraordinary beings. There are very few in the Heavenly Court who can match them. It will be difficult to select reinforcements."

Zhenwu nodded: "Grand Tutor Wen is absolutely right. With our current fighting strength and having suffered heavy losses, it will be very difficult to subdue Huaguo Mountain. As for the selection of reinforcements, let the Great Heavenly Venerable decide."

After he finished speaking, he immediately summoned the celestial official in charge of documents in the army and ordered him to draft a memorial requesting assistance. He then sent an envoy to ascend to the heavens to deliver it.

After the event was over, the True Martial Emperor ordered all the gods to withdraw and recuperate.

He was the only one left standing quietly inside the tent.

He paced around twice, gaining a clearer understanding of the momentum of this campaign.

This battle is unlikely to be won.

It was not because the enemy was too strong and our own strength was insufficient, but because the people within the Heavenly Court were not united.

Even those like Zhao Gongming, who passively avoided battle, are not worth mentioning; the other gods may not have truly exerted their full strength either.

He had made preparations in advance, ordering the Thunder and Fire Departments to set up a grand formation to seal the void according to the array diagram. However, after only a short while, they all withdrew because they could not withstand the remaining force, and there was no sound from then on.

The heavenly lightning did not strike, nor did the heavenly fire ignite, leaving him alone to confront Ye Feng head-on.

Not only them, but even he himself, has he ever truly used all his means?

He had deep roots in Jambudvipa, commanding hundreds of thousands of heavenly soldiers, with marshals and celestial lords under his command. But this time, when he subdued the demon, he only brought the tortoise and snake generals with him.

These two generals, the tortoise and the snake, were originally formed from his own Dao fruit, condensed from his own essence, and were prepared for the future severing of his three corpses. In other words, this expedition was like going into battle alone.

He shook his head slightly, a bitter smile appearing on his lips.

Even gods cannot escape the calamity of "selfishness".

Meanwhile, the celestial official who was ordered to go to the Heavenly Court rode the clouds and mist all the way to the Lingxiao Palace, where he respectfully presented the memorial of the True Martial Emperor.

After reading the document, the Jade Emperor immediately summoned his ministers to discuss countermeasures.

All the immortals gathered before the palace, and the Jade Emperor spoke: "The True Martial Emperor reports that the initial battle at Flower Fruit Mountain resulted in heavy losses, and even his personal presence failed to capture the Golden Crow. He now requests reinforcements. Among my beloved ministers, is there a suitable candidate?"

Upon hearing this, the ministers' expressions subtly changed.

Zhang Tianshi stepped forward from the crowd, cupped his hands, and asked, "Your Majesty, even the True Martial Emperor was helpless against this mere Flower Fruit Mountain. Could it truly possess extraordinary abilities?"

The Jade Emperor then ordered his close attendant celestial officials to deliver the memorial to Zhang Tianshi and others for review.

After everyone finished reading, Zhang Tianshi frowned and said, "It is truly unexpected that the Golden Crow can contend with the True Martial Emperor. Moreover, the Monkey King is exceptionally ferocious, and even the Twenty-Eight Mansions and the Eastern and Western Star Officials cannot subdue him. He is indeed a great calamity."

Master Ge then stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, in my opinion, the battle between the True Martial Emperor and the Tai Emperor is still undecided, a stalemate. Only the demon monkey is rampant and no one can control it. If Your Majesty could send a peerless master to assist the True Martial Emperor and appoint another person specifically to subdue the demon monkey, then the chaos in Flower Fruit Mountain might be quelled."

Before the Jade Emperor could respond, Venus, with a smile, interjected, "I wonder if Celestial Master Ge has someone in mind?"

"This..." Master Ge was speechless for a moment.

Although the Heavenly Court is vast, it is no easy task to suddenly produce two powerful beings at the level of Great Luo Golden Immortals.

It's not that there are no people, but rather that they are either of high status and difficult to command, or their whereabouts are elusive and they do not reside permanently in the Heavenly Court.

After all, the Great Luo is already the pinnacle of the immortal path; one more step and they would be among the Quasi-Saints. Such figures are transcendent and independent even in the Heavenly Court, and are not subject to ordinary constraints.

At this moment, Master Xu stepped forward and asked, "Could the Great Emperor Huaguang of the Dipper Department be up to the task?"

Venus stroked his beard and remained silent.

The surrounding celestial officials whispered among themselves, quite agreeing with the assessment.

As previously mentioned, the Doubu is the group with the most deities in the Heavenly Court.

Although it is ruled by Doumu Yuanjun, she has always been indifferent to worldly affairs, and daily matters are mostly handled by Tiankui Xing Gaoyan.

However, this does not mean that the fighting force lacks combat power.

Emperor Huaguang was the most outstanding among them, with the title "Emperor" indicating his extraordinary status.

This person has an extraordinary origin—originally a wisp of innate fire essence, inspired by heaven and earth, entered the world, was reborn as a human, and later cultivated the Tao to become an immortal.

He was arrogant and reckless. As soon as he attained enlightenment, he dared to steal the Demon-Subduing Spear of the Purple Star Emperor, and killed the disciple of the Fire King Buddha, causing a disturbance before the Jade Emperor.

Instead of admitting his guilt, he brazenly attacked, fighting his way out of the Southern Heavenly Gate and descending to the mortal realm as a demon.

However, his fortune was extremely strong, and after falling to the mortal realm, he had one extraordinary encounter after another, and his cultivation level increased dramatically. Furthermore, due to his deepening enmity with the Buddhist sect, they fought continuously.

Later, he received guidance from a reclusive Taoist priest, cultivated unparalleled magical techniques, and was even bestowed with an elixir of immortality.

The Flaming King Buddha and the Dragon King Buddha joined forces to attack, but they were defeated by him alone and nearly killed.

Still feeling unsatisfied, he seized the opportunity when Shakyamuni was summoning all the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas to preach at Vulture Peak to forcibly take over the sacred site of Manjushri Bodhisattva.

Even the Bodhisattvas Manjushri and Samantabhadra personally fought against him, but he still managed to destroy Manjushri's monastery and escape into the void.

The two saints, enraged, reported this to the Jade Emperor, who then dispatched heavenly troops to surround and suppress them. They used several precious treasures to finally trap them and bring them back to justice.

As they were being escorted to the execution platform, a Taoist priest suddenly appeared and reported that he was the very person who had taught them the Tao in the past.

Only then did everyone realize his identity—he was a disciple personally taught by Laozi, the Grand Master Xuandu.

The Heavenly Court, considering Xuandu's reputation, ultimately pardoned his crime.

Xuandu accepted him as a disciple, ordered him to serve the Heavenly Court, incorporated him into the Dou Department, and bestowed upon him the honorary title of "Great Emperor" to show his favor.

Master Xu continued, "Although Hua Guang has not reached the Great Luo realm, he possesses the perfected body of a Taiyi Golden Immortal, and his combat power is astonishing. Furthermore, he has a magic treasure personally bestowed upon him by Grand Master Xuandu, making him capable of competing with Great Luo Golden Immortals."

If he were to assist the True Martial Emperor, this matter might be accomplished.

In the midst of the discussion, suddenly heavenly music was heard, and golden light surged outside the Lingxiao Palace, where lotus flowers appeared.

The messenger rushed in and knelt to report, "Your Majesty, Guanyin Bodhisattva of the South Sea has arrived with Messenger Huian."

Why would a Buddhist monk appear at this time?

Below, a celestial official frowned slightly, his expression enigmatic.

The Jade Emperor's voice came from his high seat: "Summon."

A moment later, Guanyin entered on auspicious clouds, accompanied by a young man.

This child is none other than Huian, who is also Nezha's second elder brother, Muzha.

The two bowed and kowtowed in reverence to the Heavenly Venerable.

The Jade Emperor asked, "Bodhisattva has long resided in the South Sea, detached from worldly affairs. Why has he personally come to the Heavenly Palace today?"

Guanyin clasped her hands in prayer and replied, "I was invited to the Peach Banquet, but upon arriving at the Jade Pool, I found the cups and plates overturned and the feast unfinished. Upon further inquiry, I learned that something had happened at Flower Fruit Mountain, so I came to investigate, hoping to be of some assistance."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Tianshi's eyes lit up, and he clapped his hands and laughed, "Bodhisattva has come at the right time; there is indeed a problem to be solved."

Within the Heavenly Court, factions intertwine. Although they outwardly belong to the Taoist and Buddhist schools, in reality, there is a distinction between the Chan and Jie schools within Taoism, leading to conflict between them; and although the Buddhist school is small, there are also distinctions of closeness and distance.

The various forces are entangled like a web, making the situation chaotic and difficult to manage.

Zhang Tianshi had a connection with the Western Paradise in his early years, and even after his ascension, he remained connected to Ling Mountain, thus being considered a follower of Buddhism.

The same applies to Li Jing.

After recounting the battle to Guanyin, the Bodhisattva appeared slightly surprised: "Even the True Martial Emperor couldn't subdue that demon monkey reincarnated from the Golden Crow?"

She pondered for a moment, then smiled and said, "Your Majesty, this humble monk does have someone who may be able to take on this task."

The Jade Emperor lowered his eyes: "What is it?"

Guanyin said, "It is indeed His Majesty's nephew—Erlang Xiansheng Zhenjun Yang Jian. He once slew six monsters in the wilderness, possesses great supernatural powers, and resides in the Guanjiang Estuary in the lower realm. He commands 1,200 grass-headed gods, has attained enlightenment in his physical body, and is unpredictable in his transformations. He is truly the nemesis of that demon monkey."

"Because of his proud nature, he only obeys orders and refuses summons. Only a personal imperial decree from His Majesty can order him to leave the mountain to assist in the defense of Flower Fruit Mountain and help the True Martial Emperor achieve his goals."

……

Upon hearing this, the immortals reacted with varying expressions.

Even Zhang Tianshi looked slightly embarrassed.

The name Yang Jian is not uncommon, but everyone avoids mentioning it.

This is because the matter involves the private affairs of the imperial family and involves old grudges within the Jade Emperor's family.

Even worse, some secretly sneered, wanting to see how the Bodhisattva would end up.

This is a classic example of "reopening old wounds".

Unexpectedly, the Jade Emperor remained calm and simply said, "Good."

He then ordered an official to draft an edict and dispatched an envoy directly to the mouth of the Guanjiang River.

Then another decree was issued, ordering Doubu Huaguang to go to Huaguo Mountain to assist Yang Jian in the service of Zhenwu the Great.

With the deployment finalized, the Jade Emperor did not leave the court. Instead, he said, "Now that the troops have been dispatched and the battle formation is complete, why don't I and my ministers personally go to the South Heavenly Gate to observe the actual battle?"

Who dares disobey the initiative set forth by the Heavenly Emperor? All the immortals responded in unison.

The reason why we must go to the South Heavenly Gate is because the Heavenly Court has set up a spacetime barrier: one day in heaven is equivalent to one year on earth.

If one were to look from inside the hall, the timeline would be disrupted, making it difficult to witness the progress of the battle simultaneously.

So the Jade Emperor set off in his imperial carriage, with Guanyin Bodhisattva and all the immortals following closely behind, and they marched out of the Southern Heavenly Gate in a grand procession.

Just as they crossed the gate, a purple aura suddenly appeared from the east, filling the sky with mist, accompanied by faint celestial music, as if they could hear the wondrous sounds of the Supreme Being.

Everyone stared intently, and Guanyin was suddenly startled to see that the Jade Emperor had already left his carriage to greet her.