Journey to the West: Tang Monk Conquers Everything

"Your Majesty, the problem has been thoroughly investigated!"

The divine skills of the Thousand-Mile Eye and Wind-Listening Ear are indeed powerful. Moments later, the two returned and reported to the Jade Emperor.

"Oh? From whence comes this qi that rushes to the stars?" the Jade Emperor inquired.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, I saw that this sky-reaching rainbow light originates from the Great Tang Imperial Palace in the Lower Realm!" Upon hearing this, the Thousand-Mile Eye responded.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, I heard that Tang Emperor Li Shimin obtained the Kongtong Seal, a divine artifact of the Human Clan, which is why this anomaly occurred!" Following the Thousand-Mile Eye, Wind-Listening Ear also spoke.

"The Kongtong Seal!"

Upon hearing this, the faces of everyone in the Lingxiao Hall changed involuntarily.

They all knew what the Kongtong Seal was, and precisely because of this, they understood all the more what it meant for the Kongtong Seal to return to the hands of the Human Clan.

"The Kongtong Seal, is it?" The Jade Emperor's expression was rather unpleasant.

Although a single Kongtong Seal is not enough to reestablish the Human Emperor to contend with him, if the Kongtong Seal falls into the hands of the Human Clan, his destiny would surely take a hit — this was an undeniable fact.

Seeing the Jade Emperor's displeased expression, the immortals in the Lingxiao Hall fell even more silent, not daring to speak randomly.

Originally, the Jade Emperor was in a bad mood due to his severe injuries. Now that the Human Clan has gained the Kongtong Seal, his expression must be even more unpleasant, so it's best not to provoke him.

"Go and investigate how this Kongtong Seal suddenly appeared and fell into the hands of the Tang Emperor..."

Although extremely distressed, the Jade Emperor was not someone who couldn't control his emotions. Taking a deep breath to calm himself, he spoke.

With the Jade Emperor's command, naturally, the immortals in the Lingxiao Hall promptly began their investigation.

Silently sitting back in the Lingxiao Hall, the Jade Emperor mulled over the consequences of the Kongtong Seal returning to the Human Clan.

…

"Your Majesty, this humble monk is still tasked with seeking scriptures, and now that the Kongtong Seal is in your hands, I bid farewell..."

Regardless of the situation in the Heavenly Court, in the mortal Imperial Palace, after handing the Kongtong Seal to Li Shimin, Jiang Liu showed no intention of lingering, bidding farewell to Li Shimin.

"Imperial Brother, don't be in such a hurry to leave. We haven't met for years. There are some things we should talk about..." However, seeing Jiang Liu about to turn and leave, Li Shimin called out to him.

Hearing Li Shimin's invitation, Jiang Liu naturally stayed, showing no intentions of leaving.

"Alright then, let's end today's matters here. Court is dismissed!" Li Shimin, not in the mood to discuss matters in the main hall with Jiang Liu, waved and said.

After the court was dismissed, Li Shimin naturally went to a side hall with Jiang Liu. After dismissing those around, only Jiang Liu and Li Shimin were left in the hall.

"Jiang Liu, let me ask you, are you now fighting against immortals and buddhas?" Once alone, Li Shimin cut to the chase without wasting words.

Li Shimin's question startled Jiang Liu slightly. Did he already guess?

After briefly pondering, Jiang Liu saw no reason to hide, so he nodded and said, "In fact, it's not just now. From the very beginning, I have been battling wits and courage with immortals and buddhas!"

Jiang Liu's words were the truth. Although their struggle had intensified, he had been contending against immortals and buddhas long before he embarked on the Journey to the West.

It was merely that, after spending seven or eight years in the world of Journey to the West, his strength had grown significantly, allowing him to achieve much more.

What Jiang Liu meant was clear to Li Shimin.

After a moment of silent contemplation, Li Shimin sighed lightly and patted Jiang Liu on the shoulder.

He said no more, yet everything was understood without further words.

The side hall became incredibly tranquil for a moment.

After a brief silence, Li Shimin followed up with, "How about Gaoyang? How has she been lately?"

"Rest assured, Your Majesty, she is doing very well!" Hearing Li Shimin's question, Jiang Liu replied with a gentle smile.

Indeed, Gaoyang's situation was far better than his own, given that she wielded the Green Duckweed Sword and had the support of a powerful figure like Sect Master Tongtian—few in the world dared challenge her.

"Hmm, that's good!" After Jiang Liu shared details about Gaoyang, a smile appeared on Li Shimin's face as he nodded with satisfaction.

After chatting about several topics in the side hall, noting the hour growing late, Jiang Liu bid farewell to Li Shimin.

After parting with Li Shimin, Jiang Liu exited the Imperial Palace. Looking toward the Great Buddha Temple and Jinshan Temple, he paused to think but decided against heading there.

At this moment, going over there is merely a formality, a chance to reminisce. Now is not the time to rest.

The countdown to the Journey to the West has already begun, and each step I take from now on is crucial. If I really want to revisit old ties, I should wait until my objectives are achieved, right?

Retracting his gaze, Jiang Liu continued to use the Cloud Ascending Leaps spell, soaring into the sky towards the horizon.

"Master Xuanzang, hold your Zen Step!"

Just as Jiang Liu flew to mid-air heading westward, suddenly a voice sounded and simultaneously a figure appeared before him.

Jiang Liu steadied himself among the clouds, halted in mid-air, focused his gaze on the figure, then a smile appeared on his face as he spoke, "Well, who is it? Turns out it's the Thousand-Mile Eye. Why are you here?"

"I am here specifically to wait for Master Xuanzang!"

Thousand-Mile Eye spoke, explaining his purpose, "As far as I know, Xuanzang turned back during his Journey to the West to deliver the Kongdong Seal to the Great Tang. I wonder where this Kongdong Seal came from? And why deliver it to Emperor of Tang?"

"Amitabha, this Kongdong Seal is the supreme treasure of the Human Clan, but it was hidden by Emperor Ziwei. On the day of our battle, Emperor Ziwei perished, and this Kongdong Seal was obtained from him!" Jiang Liu responded.

After speaking, Jiang Liu paused slightly, the corner of his mouth lifted imperceptibly, and continued, "As for why I delivered it to Emperor of Tang? I have to thank the Lapis Lazuli King Buddha for his guidance!"

"Guidance?" Thousand-Mile Eye's face was filled with astonishment and inquiry, staring at Jiang Liu, clearly waiting for his next answer.

"That day, after obtaining the Kongdong Seal from Emperor Ziwei, although I thought of returning it to the Human Clan, the trivial matters of the Journey to the West delayed it. If not for the Lapis Lazuli King Buddha pointing out that the Kongdong Seal would bring fatal disaster, I truly wouldn't know when I would remember!"

Jiang Liu spoke kindly, but fundamentally, it was the Lapis Lazuli King Buddha wanting to seize his Kongdong Seal, forcing him to hand it over to Emperor of Tang.

This matter, Jiang Liu clearly expressed to the Thousand-Mile Eye.

After explaining clearly, Jiang Liu turned around and returned to the Journey to the West scripture-seeking team.

As for Thousand-Mile Eye, having learned what he wanted, he also turned to report back to the Heavenly Court.

In the Heavenly Court, within the Lingxiao Hall.

"What? It's the Lapis Lazuli King Buddha?"

Receiving Thousand-Mile Eye's second report, Jade Emperor couldn't help but slap the table, standing up angrily.

How was the Kongdong Seal always hidden within Emperor Ziwei's possession? Jade Emperor expressed confusion.

Moreover, what Jade Emperor didn't expect is that Xuanzang delivered the Kongdong Seal to Emperor of Tang Li Shimin due to Lapis Lazuli King Buddha wanting to seize it, forcing Xuanzang to make such a choice?

"Your Majesty, there are some peculiarities in this matter!" As Jade Emperor's face showed anger, The Golden Star of Venus holding a horsetail whisk suddenly stepped forward and spoke to Jade Emperor.

However, before The Golden Star of Venus could finish speaking, Jade Emperor raised his hand, gesturing for silence, "No need to say more, I understand!"

After a brief pause, Jade Emperor continued, "Although the Lapis Lazuli King Buddha holds the honor of being among the three King Buddhas, he isn't capable enough to seize the Kongdong Seal from Xuanzang?"

Jade Emperor's words caused the Immortals in the Lingxiao Hall to pause momentarily, then quietly nod in discussion.

Although the Lapis Lazuli King Buddha is high-ranking and prestigious, he isn't more esteemed than Emperor Ziwei, is he?

Even Emperor Ziwei could be killed, why not the Lapis Lazuli King Buddha?

Don't mention Xuanzang's group considering their Buddhist Sect identity, hence refraining from action. Otherwise, how did Manjushri and Samantabhadra perish?

Hearing Jade Emperor's words, since he understood this point, The Golden Star of Venus naturally said no more.

However, after contemplation, The Golden Star of Venus followed up by asking, "Then, what does Your Majesty mean?"

"Surely, Lapis Lazuli King Buddha wouldn't dare to seek Xuanzang's Kongdong Seal. This matter indeed has mysteries!" Jade Emperor spoke, his expression determined.

With a solemn expression, after pondering for a moment, Jade Emperor ordered further investigation.

Who sought to seize the Kongdong Seal, forcing Xuanzang to deliver it to Emperor of Tang Li Shimin, must be discovered.

Moreover, why did they do this?

This matter must be thoroughly understood.

Delivery of the Kongdong Seal to the Human Clan, this matter could be significant or trivial, depending on the perspective.

With Jade Emperor's command, the Immortal Gods of the Heavenly Court naturally took action, beginning their investigation.

(PS: Since yesterday, I've caught a cold, feeling dazed and weak, sigh…)