In the western region of the Buddha Country, outside a city known as "Guangmu," the True Void Home appeared from thin air, with white lotuses blooming and Buddhist chanting echoing.

A spatial fluctuation occurred, and Tan Wuwei, along with Daoist Shen Hou, emerged from within, followed by Shen Hou's disciple, the Dragon Whisker Tiger.

"Daoist Master Shen Hou, please reside here temporarily. In three days, there will be a merchants' caravan departing from Guangmu City, heading to Shanle City, located southwest of the Buddha Country, near the Great Wilderness. You will join this caravan and later venture into the desert to bypass to Liangzhou Province of Great Zhou, then secretly proceed to Yangzhou in the south."

Tan Wuwei spoke slowly, "Now that destiny is in chaos, even Jiang Li and Tianxuan cannot discern your whereabouts. With your skills in disguise, you should smoothly reach Yangzhou."

It's just a bit tiring.

To the southwest of the Buddha Country lies an endless desert, its vastness immeasurable, with various dangerous natural disasters along the way, said to be devoid of all living creatures.

Shen Hou, however, is unafraid of natural disasters, but for him to travel this route would require considerable time, even for a fourth-rank.

However, this path is quite safe. Now that destiny is in chaos, without such advantageous methods, even a Great Venerable would have to use the cumbersome method of searching with their eyes and divine thought.

As long as Shen Hou enters the desert, he should safely reach Yangzhou with some caution.

After hearing this, Shen Hou estimated that his position in the mind of the Heavenly Monarch may have elevated several levels, nearly comparable to third-rank strong people.

This is precisely why the Heavenly Monarch would have Shen Hou leave the Buddha Country early, to avoid the subsequent perilous battles.

Otherwise, holding the God-beating Whip, Shen Hou could potentially play a significant role against individuals like Jiang Li or Gongsun Qingyue, who possess Divine Fruits, but the safety after contributing would be uncertain.

Shen Hou pondered, showing hesitation on his face, and asked, "Great Master, did the Heavenly Monarch mention what I need to do upon reaching Yangzhou?"

He couldn't believe the Heavenly Monarch would favor him without reason.

Surely, it wasn't because the Daoist Master Shen Hou was a true Daoist, and the Heavenly Monarch couldn't bear to see such a virtuous person take risks?

"Nothing else, you just need to use the God-beating Whip well."

Tan Wuwei's gaze fell on the long cloth bag over Shen Hou's back, where the top part just peeked over his shoulder, "To bring down the Earth Deities and assist King Yue, Ji Wen, in subduing local officials, this is your task. Feel free to seek aid from the Upper Pure Sect or King Yue if needed."

Upon hearing this, Shen Hou first showed surprise, then gave a wry smile, "Alright, I will do my best."

His face carried a sense of helplessness, knowing that such actions would make him a thorn in the side of his Family Head. Whether as an undercover agent or truly obeying the Heavenly Monarch, Shen Hou must act with reluctance.

For once he acts, he will be hunted by the future Emperor of Great Zhou.

'When I return later, won't the Family Head send me to the Heavenly Prison? Or will the Family Head's power greatly diminish due to my actions, leading to defeat by the Heavenly Monarch?'

'Perhaps I should just return directly; I don't want to be a spy anymore.'

Shen Hou thought, figuring that returning alone to Great Zhou, even if secretly back to the Divine Capital, the Heavenly Monarch would be unaware for some time.

Of course, on the surface, he still acted according to instructions, making a respectful bow to Tan Wuwei before riding on the Dragon Whisker Tiger towards Guangmu City.

Since Tan Wuwei possessed the divine skill of observing the future, it was best not to reveal any flaws in front of her, and wait until out of her sight before making any moves.

Feeling the distance gradually widening, Shen Hou's emotions eased, grateful not to constantly tread lightly, fearing exposure of his identity.

Yet at that moment—

"Shen Hou."

A gentle voice reached his ear, nearly causing Shen Hou to lose his composure.

"No need to worry, as destiny is chaotic, the Heavenly Monarch finds it hard to sense fortune or misfortune. As for Tan Wuwei, I now have some confidence in hiding from her. Now, respond using your divine thought."

"Family Head?" Shen Hou cautiously sent out a divine thought.

"It's me. This is a divine thought I secretly left when I cut you with a sword earlier. Now I'm transmitting a message through it."

The voice seemed near and far, elusive as it continued, "It looks like the Heavenly Monarch intends to send you back to Great Zhou. He regards me as a formidable enemy now."

Hearing the voice, Jiang Li seemed aware that Shen Hou would garner the Heavenly Monarch's attention.

"Family Head, the Heavenly Monarch wants me to subdue the Earth Deities, aiming to divide Great Zhou," Shen Hou immediately said upon confirming it was Jiang Li, "Family Head, perhaps I should return, lest it weakens your power."

The Nine Provinces already faced catastrophe due to the Heavenly Monarch's maneuvers, leaving Jiang Li with a mess. If Shen Hou acts to subdue the Earth Deities, the divine support Jiang Li, as the Emperor, can receive will diminish.

To avoid inadvertently leading to the Family Head's defeat, Shen Hou thought it necessary to abandon the dark side and return to his beloved family and Sect.

"No worries, the Nine Provinces have already fragmented, losing a bit of strength doesn't matter,"

Surprisingly, Jiang Li seemed indifferent or perhaps even intent on this outcome.

"That sword of mine made the Heavenly Monarch wary... That's good; follow the Heavenly Monarch's plan and go to Yangzhou."

After Jiang Li's voice entered his ear, Shen Hou felt the Family Head might be a bit flawed, being willing to sacrifice strength just to gain the Heavenly Monarch's trust. According to Jiang Li's reasoning, he predicted Shen Hou would become a tool for the Heavenly Monarch to suppress his strength when he delivered the sword strike.

Yet Jiang Li knowingly allowed this, even letting Shen Hou go to subdue and suppress the Dao Fruits of local officials.

Why is this?

After pondering, Shen Hou concluded his own misfortune might play a role.

"Family Head, you aren't expecting me to ruin the Heavenly Monarch's fortune, are you?" Shen Hou tentatively asked, "That's impossible. If I could damage his fortune, he wouldn't allow me to join the Upper Pure Sect?"

It's known that the Heavenly Monarch is also skilled in Yi Dao, his accomplishments comparable to Tianxuan, though likely not far behind the Great Venerable.

If Shen Hou truly could sabotage matters, why would the Heavenly Monarch tolerate him?

"Family Head, now is the End of Dharma, the Five Turbid Evil World, so-called fortune merely blocks curses, plots, and divination, involving nothing else." Shen Hou advised earnestly, trying to dissuade the Family Head from superstition.

A future Emperor should not focus on ghosts and gods instead of the people.

However, Jiang Li's confidence remained firm, "Shen Hou, you must have faith in yourself."

Shen Hou understood, realizing the Family Head had more faith in him than he did himself.

Finally, Shen Hou gave up trying to persuade him.

'Forget it, the agreement was for three years, and nearly two remain, no matter where I stay.' Shen Hou sighed, "May the Family Head achieve victory and slay the Heavenly Monarch."

"If we can slay the Heavenly Monarch, Shen Hou, you could return. Without the Heavenly Monarch, the rest are mere paper tigers," Jiang Li laughed.

But if the Heavenly Monarch survives, Shen Hou must remain by his side.

This was a measure to prepare for any eventualities.

In dealing with the Heavenly Monarch, no effort was excessive, everything was essential. Jiang Li strove for perfection against his enemies, especially the Heavenly Monarch.

As they spoke, the distance to Guangmu City decreased, and the voice became increasingly faint, clearly approaching its limit. After all, this was merely a divine thought, and to avoid detection, Jiang Li attached only a very weak sliver.

Even amidst the chaos of destiny, the Heavenly Monarch's perception ranks among the strongest, with the Yin Talisman Scripture's opening Heavenly Dharma automatically regulating the five senses.

Finally, that voice inquired, "Shen Hou, having been around Tan Wuwei so long, have you seen Elder Kaixiang?"

"The Kaiyang Martial Arts of Dinghu Sect..."

Shen Hou frowned, "Since arriving in the Buddha Country, he vanished. It's said the Heavenly Monarch reassigned him. Before he left, I sensed a trace of evil qi, faint but extremely ominous and fiendish. He might have taken the Annihilation Spear from Tan Wuwei."

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