Chapter 1251: The Jade Emperor Disrupts the Situation
The scene made Jiang Liu's brows furrow tightly.
Jiang Liu's knowledge is undoubtedly remarkable, and he naturally understands the significance of such a scene.
As expected, a sedan chair in the sky, pulled by nine dragons, slowly descended toward the Imperial Palace.
Along with the appearance of the sedan chair, celestial music echoed, and the spiritual energy transformed into raindrops.
The citizens of Chang'an City felt these raindrop-shaped spiritual energies fall upon them, lightening their spirits considerably.
Especially for the elderly, many hidden ailments within their bodies completely vanished at this time.
"The Jade Emperor, His Majesty the Jade Emperor has personally descended!" Someone in the crowd shouted upon seeing the sedan chair descend.
Suddenly, all the commoners knelt down, prostrating themselves and offering reverence toward the Jade Emperor.
The Jade Emperor inside the sedan chair slightly lifted the curtain on the window, looking down from above.
Seeing these members of the Human Clan all kneeling before him, a satisfied smile appeared on his face.
"The Jade Emperor has arrived?" Li Shimin's face also turned solemn as he watched the sedan chair descend.
Though unwilling in his heart, Li Shimin still knelt and saluted the Jade Emperor's sedan chair!
There was no choice; he was not yet the Human Emperor, and naturally, his status was not qualified to challenge the authority of the Jade Emperor. Thus, upon seeing the Jade Emperor, he had to kneel and saluting!
However, fortunately, Li Shimin is now considered the Clan Leader of the Human Clan. Even when meeting ordinary Immortals and Buddhas, he need not perform a salutation!
"Why has the Jade Emperor come here at this time?" Jiang Liu's brows furrowed tightly again as he watched the Jade Emperor's sedan chair descend.
Although the purpose of the Jade Emperor's appearance this time was unclear, just by seeing him, Jiang Liu could guess with certainty, even from intuition, that the Jade Emperor's visit would not hold any benevolent intention.
Regardless of people's thoughts, under the pull of nine dragons, the sedan chair slowly landed on the palace square.
Originally, Li Shimin, the Emperor of Tang, should have been the focal point on the square, but now with the appearance of the Jade Emperor, naturally, he became the center of attention on the square.
"Greetings to His Majesty the Jade Emperor!" Despite almost tearing off faces with the Jade Emperor by this day, necessary decorum needs to be maintained in public. Jiang Liu walked up to the Jade Emperor, slightly bowed, and greeted respectfully.
"Hmm, isn't Master Xuanzang supposed to be on the Journey to the West seeking scriptures? Why have you returned to Chang'an City? Has the great undertaking of the Journey to the West been completed?" Asked the Jade Emperor, slightly nodding to Jiang Liu who was saluting him.
Although he had achieved Buddhahood, the Jade Emperor still addressed him as Master Xuanzang, deliberately avoiding his current Buddha status. Jiang Liu inwardly pursed his lips.
Nonetheless, he didn't dwell too much on this issue, and simply answered, "The Journey to the West has not yet ended. However, besides being a monk on the scripture-seeking journey, I am also the Jade Emperor of the Great Tang. Now that the Great Tang has important tasks to accomplish, I naturally come to assist in them!"
Upon hearing Jiang Liu's answer, the Jade Emperor's eyes narrowed slightly and in a tone of earnest sincerity, said, "Xuanzang, embarking on the Journey to the West is for the sake of all beings. Abruptly returning midway, as you have done, isn't it somewhat improper?"
"What His Majesty said is naturally reasonable, but my assistance here today is also for the benefit of all beings! With hundreds of Kings visiting, if there is even the slightest mishap, would it not plunge countless commoners into chaos?"
Facing the Jade Emperor, Jiang Liu spoke with neither humility nor arrogance. He didn't refute the Jade Emperor's words, but explained his own reasoning.
In front of so many people, was he almost contradicted by Xuanzang? The Jade Emperor's face naturally became even more unpleasant, with his eyes flashing as he glared at Jiang Liu, showing a displeased expression.
Fortunately, Li Shimin, who was beside them, seeing the situation becoming slightly awkward, took the initiative to step forward and asked the Jade Emperor, "May I ask His Majesty the Jade Emperor, what brings you to our Chang'an City with your sacred presence today?"
Li Shimin's inquiry offered an opportunity to ease the situation for him, and the Jade Emperor naturally took it, saying, "Although what Master Xuanzang said is reasonable, unfortunately, your ability is somewhat insufficient despite your good intentions!"
After speaking, the Jade Emperor signaled with his eyes to a Divine General beside his sedan chair.
The Divine General nodded and brought out the severely injured Tiger Immortal.
"What is this!?" Seeing Tiger Immortal's miserable state, Jiang Liu's expression slightly darkened.
In Jiang Liu's eyes, he could clearly see that the health bar on Tiger Immortal's head was almost completely emptied; only a sliver of health remained.
Seeing this scene, Jiang Liu wasted no time and first raised his hand, casting a Guanyin Mantra skill on the Tiger Immortal, instantly recovering 30% of his health.
Although Tiger Immortal now has only around 35% of his health, is still severely injured, at least he no longer faces any life-threatening danger.
"Thank you, Holy Monk, for your aid!" With part of his injuries recovered, Tiger Immortal struggled to rise and clasped his hands to salute Jiang Liu.
"You're welcome!"
After responding, Jiang Liu's gaze fell upon the Jade Emperor and asked, "May I ask the Jade Emperor, what has happened?"
"What? Just now Master Xuanzang, weren't you speaking with such strength and conviction? And now you're unsure what has happened? Why not ask him?" The Jade Emperor glanced at Jiang Liu, then pointed towards Tiger Immortal beside him.
The Jade Emperor's words left everyone present secretly shocked, many even looked at each other in dismay.
It seems, between Master Xuanzang and the Jade Emperor, the situation seems quite unfriendly!
Otherwise, the Jade Emperor wouldn't be speaking with such cold sarcasm, right?
Setting aside the emotions of those around, Jiang Liu focused his gaze on Tiger Immortal at that moment.
"Holy Monk, originally Princess Gaoyang arranged for me to guard the King of Tiansha Nation, but..." Seeing Jiang Liu's inquisitive look, Tiger Immortal began to explain the events thoroughly.
Upon hearing Tiger Immortal's words, the surrounding kings had changed expressions, a guarded king was actually killed!?
If that's the case, when they return, can these people really ensure their own safety?
Listening to Tiger Immortal's description, Jiang Liu's expression turned grim as well. The King of Tiansha Nation was actually dead? Even directly devoured?
Such being the case, wanting resurrection is exceedingly difficult!
Tiger Immortal's cultivation level is in the middle stage of Taiyi, level 76, coupled with the enhanced equipment, logically speaking, having Gaoyang arrange him to guard the King of Tiansha Nation at North Julu State was quite reasonable, the arrangement seemed proper.
Yet, such events transpired?
"So, is this all manipulated by the Jade Emperor?" Understanding the truth of the situation, Jiang Liu's gaze instantly shifted to the Jade Emperor.
Was it really such a coincidence? The Jade Emperor happened to witness this event and intervened for rescue?
In Jiang Liu's view, this possibility is exceedingly low!
On the contrary, everything being pre-planned by the Jade Emperor seems a stronger likelihood!
Of course, these are merely conjectures within Jiang Liu's heart, having no confirmation, thus, such things cannot be spoken aloud.
On the contrary, since the Jade Emperor rescued someone, courtesy demands expressing gratitude.
"Thank your majesty, Jade Emperor, for intervening! Although the King of Tiansha Nation wasn't saved, rescuing Tiger Immortal amidst adversity truly is fortunate!" Li Shimin beside him showed gratitude on his face, as he thanked the Jade Emperor.
"I am the ruler of the Three Realms, witnessing such events within, how could I stand by idly?" The Jade Emperor waved his sleeve, speaking as if it were a matter of course.
"Thank your majesty, Jade Emperor, for the rescue!" Following Li Shimin's grateful acknowledgement, the surrounding kings chimed in unison in thanks.
The Jade Emperor surveyed around, observing these kings kneeling in gratitude towards him, a satisfied expression emerged on his face.
"Emperor of Tang…" After scanning the area, the Jade Emperor withdrew his gaze, directing attention to Li Shimin.
"What instructions does your majesty, Jade Emperor, impart?" Li Shimin's attitude was exceedingly respectful, bowing his head to inquire.
"Originally, a gathering of a hundred kings in Great Tang is a grand event, I am glad for you all; yet, amidst such a grand occasion, I hope you can ensure these kings' safety!" The Jade Emperor spoke, advising Li Shimin with a coaching demeanor.
"I fully adhere to the teachings of your majesty, Jade Emperor!" Li Shimin bowed his head, devoid of any sign of dissent, respectfully answering.
"Hmm, not bad…" Observing Li Shimin's compliant manner, the Jade Emperor nodded satisfactorily.
Swiftly, looking at the surrounding kings, he spoke: "I am the ruler of the Three Realms, it is only proper to offer aid during such a gathering of nearly all Human Clan!"
Upon saying this, the Jade Emperor paused slightly, then continued: "The Emperor of Tang's arrangement has minor oversights, therefore, as this gathering concludes, the return of these kings will be personally escorted by Heavenly Soldiers and Generals!"
This declaration changed Jiang Liu's expression; the Jade Emperor's intervention in the kings' return matters, should it succeed, would it not impact Li Shimin's reputation?
What is the purpose of this gathering? It's to bolster Li Shimin's standing!
Yet, in the end, it appears he can't ensure these kings' safety, necessitating the Jade Emperor's intervention to dispatch Heavenly Soldiers and Generals for protection; doesn't this make Li Shimin appear incompetent?
Then this attempt at garnering support becomes a mere joke?
"The Jade Emperor's kindness is acknowledged by Great Tang; Heavenly Soldiers and Generals have important duties and cannot be wasted here. I believe the kings' return arrangements will surely be flawless!" Jiang Liu objected, immediately expressing opposition, confronting the Jade Emperor with a combative stance.