Under the Bodhi Tree, the Awakened slowly folded a document.

A vast network of causality lines connected to this document; if at this moment the world's secrecy had not been disturbed and a Yi Dao expert were to observe this document, they would see it linked to the fate of the Buddha Country, its contents capable of influencing the entire realm.

"You actually intend to hand over the Buddha Country on a silver platter."

The shadow of the Awakened cast on the ground suddenly extended one zhang beyond, with a pitch-black silhouette slowly emerging from it, speaking in an indifferent voice.

"To be precise, it's forming a brotherhood of nations, and this national letter has yet to be announced; for now, it's just allowing Jiang Tanyue to attract the national momentum of the Great Zhou." The Awakened was unsurprised by the arrival and simply patted the document in his hand, speaking in a calm tone.

It seemed he was discussing not a matter concerning Buddha Country of magnitude, but merely a trivial affair.

"This time, the Awakened has truly become a traitor colluding with outsiders."

Subtle ripples appeared, projecting an illusory image of a man wearing an Asura Ghost Mask, who chuckled softly, saying: "Those two will no longer worry about evidence."

Those two naturally referred to Guanyin and Tan Wuwei.

Initially, the pair accused the Awakened of colluding with outsiders and harming Manjusri, but lacked conclusive evidence. Now with Jiang Li appearing at Heavenly Dragon Eight Peaks, firmly repelling the enemy, and with the Awakened about to issue a national letter forming a brotherhood of nations with the Great Zhou, isn't this offering evidence directly to them?

This brotherhood of nations, in the eyes of those with ulterior motives, is merely a vassal state.

Thus, Guanyin and the pair could justifiably ask: "Why is the Chief rebelling?"

"Indeed, things will be so,"

The Awakened smiled faintly, saying: "But the Mazer is the Chief."

He is the Chief, also the Supreme.

The strength disparity between Buddha Country and Fire House Buddha Hell is significant, but due to the Supreme being at the forefront, they are able to counterbalance each other.

The Emperor can maintain supremacy and uphold the structure of the Great Zhou for eight hundred years due to his invincible power.

Thus, the trend of the world is also settled by the Supreme, and chaos arises due to the machinations of the Supreme.

All the larger situation, the grand scheme, is from the top down, rather than from the bottom up, because this is a world where mighty power lies within oneself.

"Two nations quelling the flames of war, Jiang Tanyue gains the support of Buddha Country's national momentum, and the Buddhist Law can spread in the Great Zhou, a win-win situation, why not?" The Awakened spoke unhurriedly.

"You've overlooked one point, which is after cleansing Buddha Country and handing it over to Jiang Li, you can then let go and advance without hindrance."

The figure in the shadow stated plainly.

At this, the man with the Ghost Mask, who was the Fourth King avatar of Fire House Buddha Hell and the Great Venerable, squinted slightly.

He knew that the shadow spoke truthfully.

Because this shadow was cast by the Fire House Buddha Hell Master, the Karma Tathagata who recently emerged, and could be said to know the Awakened most closely in this world.

Achieving three gains in one move, this is the Awakened's decision.

As an angel investor, the Awakened naturally understood how to obtain the most beneficial return, and as the invested, being profit-related, would also strive to assist the Awakened and then... obtain adequate benefits.

"You're truly generous," the Great Venerable remarked.

The Awakened smiled at this, saying: "To gain, one must let go. Sacrifice is indeed a key point of Buddhist Law, the Mazer certainly isn't unwilling to let go."

"Compared to the Mazer," the Awakened looked meaningfully at the Great Venerable, "The Great Venerable is a bit reluctant, wanting too much."

Wanting too much...

The Great Venerable was slightly startled, then smiled, "The Awakened is attempting to sow discord between me and Brother Jiang Xiandi."

Wanting too much?

Ridiculous!

Is there a more generous sworn brother than me in this world?

Bald donkey talks nonsense.

Although the Awakened actually had hair, this didn't prevent the Great Venerable from bestowing upon him the title of bald donkey.

"How things stand is as if one drinks water, knowing its warmth or coldness, the Mazer shall not speak further."

The Awakened said this, then lightly waved his sleeve, "Gentlemen, the time of the Mazer's advancement draws nearer, awaiting the moment to confront both of you head-on."

As the words fell, a gentle breeze passed, sweeping away both shadow and illusion completely, clearing their Qi Mechanism entirely.

Afterward, the Awakened tucked away the document in hand, seemingly murmuring to himself, "How's that?"

A gentle breeze rose, and the silhouette of a monkey suddenly appeared, leaping onto a large stone not far away, saying: "The Heavenly Monarch was heavily injured, Karma Tathagata and the Great Venerable haven't acted, yet the Nine Curves Yellow River Formation proved quite interesting, otherwise the Heavenly Monarch's life might have been claimed."

The Nine Curves Yellow River Formation was practically the body of the Heavenly Monarch, manipulated by his will; Jiang Li, though not fearing the corrosion of Dirt Evil, could not have directly dealt a heavy blow to the Heavenly Monarch without the opportunity created by Sun Wukong.

Additionally, with Karma Tathagata lurking and the Great Venerable observing, once Jiang Li struck successfully, he decisively retreated to avoid being trapped.

"Although the Heavenly Monarch lacks the Great Saint's Seventy-two Transformations, he's cunning and won't easily lose his life."

The Awakened held little hope of claiming the Heavenly Monarch's life, saying: "His Yin Talisman Scripture is grand with the Righteous Path yet also mysterious with the Evil Path; attempting to kill him is extremely difficult. If not for the world's secrecy being disrupted now, perhaps even this sword strike wouldn't have succeeded."

If the heavenly mechanism hadn't been disrupted, the Heavenly Monarch would have immediately discerned the changes in the Buddha Country's qi fortune, deducing the actions of the Awakened. Jiang Li would never have succeeded in such a scheme against the Heavenly Monarch.

"By the way, where is Jiang Tanyue?"

"He went to find his fellow disciples. I, old Sun, see this lad as having a cursed love life, always surrounded by women, just like that foolish junior brother of mine."

The monkey unreservedly gossiped, comparing Jiang Li to a certain second senior brother, avenging the earlier grudge of "Horses' Fortune".

Of course, it couldn't be ruled out that he was indeed uninterested in matters between men and women, perhaps even disdainful. After all, he was a monkey who managed to stop seven fairies only to go eat peaches afterward.

······

······

Amidst the Nine Curves Yellow River Formation.

The twisted sky dome transformed into a human shape again, but now bore a fierce sword scar across its chest, from which blood flowed profusely.

"Heavenly Monarch."

Guanyin, Tan Wuwei, and Shen Hou stepped forward to pay their respects.

"Master Uncle."

Lingxuzi performed the junior's rites, addressing as "Master Uncle", revealing their connection as fellow disciples.

After paying respects, Lingxuzi reported, "Luo Hou and Lou Shuangying did not enter the formation, and that Da Kun vanished into thin air, seemingly the handiwork of the Great Venerable. Master Uncle, what should we do next?"

Speaking of this, Lingxuzi still felt a lingering sense of shock.

That Jiang Li was able to wound the Heavenly Monarch with a single sword, which meant he was...

The word 'Supreme' spun in his mind, foreboding that Great Zhou might stand up once more.

"Continue maintaining the Nine Curves Yellow River Formation, and go on converting the populace of the Buddha Country; then await their actions."

The Heavenly Monarch, expressionless, glanced at the wound on his chest. His form appeared faint and blurry, giving a sense of unreality, as if some invisible power was forcibly mending the fierce sword scar together.

In the blink of an eye, no trace of injury could be seen on the Heavenly Monarch.

"This is the matter of Karma Tathagata and the Awakened. I have already paid enough, and I've done my utmost in kindness and righteousness."

Evidently, the Heavenly Monarch held significant grievances toward the inaction of those two observers.

However, on further thought, all parties came with a sort of tacit understanding; to truly advance and retreat together would be rather absurd. The Heavenly Monarch intervened for the sake of Tan Wuwei and Guanyin, due to Jiang Li, not necessarily to relieve Karma Tathagata's troubles.

Now that the Heavenly Monarch had suffered a setback, Karma Tathagata and the Great Venerable also witnessed each other's strengths, with the latter maintaining an ambiguous stance. A brief period of calm was to follow.

To make a move, one must wait for the Daoist Lord to enter the scene.

This individual was the true nemesis of the Awakened. In a sense, only he and Karma Tathagata would go to any lengths to stop the Awakened.

And the time for action would undoubtedly be the upcoming Dharma Assembly.

"And, Fellow Daoist Shen Hou."

The Heavenly Monarch looked at Shen Hou and stated, "As a Daoist, it may be inappropriate to walk in the Buddha Country; how about joining the Upper Pure Sect under the title of Elder? What do you think?"

Shen Hou was suddenly mentioned, catching him completely off guard.

Upon hearing the Heavenly Monarch's proposal, he wanted to say "I don't think much of it," but regrettably, he lacked the ability to refuse.

'I was thinking of returning to the Jiang family as Deputy Family Head, and to the Sect as Deputy Temple Master. How did I end up in the Upper Pure Sect?'

Pondering this in his heart, Shen Hou grumbled inwardly, highly reluctant, but eventually responded gladly, "Such is very good."

Saying this, he then made a bow of thanks towards Lingxuzi, saying, "Thank you, Sect Leader Lingxuzi, for providing this poor Daoist with a refuge."

"Fellow Daoist Shen Hou, you're too polite."

Seeing the Heavenly Monarch treating Shen Hou so well, Lingxuzi dared not be neglectful and responded courteously, "It's the fortune of our sect to have Fellow Daoist Shen Hou join us."

In truth, given Shen Hou's infamous reputation, even as fourth-rank, Lingxuzi was reluctant to engage, but the Heavenly Monarch valued him.

Lingxuzi still trusted the judgment of the Heavenly Monarch, believing Shen Hou might have other unknown merits.

As for Tan Wuwei, a thought flickered in his mind, 'The Heavenly Monarch is wary of Jiang Sikong...'

Regardless of what happens next in the Buddha Country, Shen Hou will likely be safeguarded by the Heavenly Monarch and dispatched to the southern Great Zhou to deal with various officials.

This aims to use the God-beating Whip to defeat the Dao Fruit of the Earth Deities, thereby weakening the divine powers of the Emperor Dao Fruit.

Clearly, the Heavenly Monarch suffered considerable losses this time, regarding Jiang Li as an equal adversary.

'A Supreme, huh...'

Tan Wuwei pondered, thoughts churning fleetingly through his mind.

She had a premonition that the battle just experienced was only the beginning, and the ensuing conflicts would likely become even more perilous.

Jiang Li already possessed enough strength to threaten a Supreme, treating him as half a Supreme wasn't inappropriate. Thus, all the Supremes of this world have gathered at the Buddha Country.

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