Chapter 2184: Truth

"Is the third trial you?" Zu'an's expression was grave. The colossal statue was so enigmatic; he hadn't even seen its full form, leaving him feeling utterly bewildered and at a loss.

"No need to be nervous, for this trial, you just need to answer a few questions," the colossal statue seemed to chuckle softly.

"If I don't answer correctly, will you still let me pass the trial?" Zu'an asked.

The colossal statue paused, as if holding its breath: "Of course not. When I set up this trial, fairness and justice were paramount."

"Well, there you have it. If I can't win the trial, I'm destined to die. How can I not be nervous?" Zu'an retorted, annoyed.

"Since you knew this and still came to participate in the trial, it proves you are a person of great courage and wisdom. That's why I'm confident you can pass," the colossal statue said.

"Instead of these encouraging words, why don't you give me some practical help? Aren't we friends?" Zu'an grumbled.

"And how do you know I haven't given you practical help?" The colossal statue suddenly counter-questioned.

Zu'an was taken aback, wondering when it had ever given him practical help. He knew such an entity had no need to lie. Could it have been the reminder by the River of Oblivion earlier?

A few thoughts suddenly arose in Zu'an's mind. He didn't voice them but calmed himself down: "Then let's begin."

"Good," the colossal statue's voice filled the world, "In fact, the questions in this trial are closely related to the previous two."

"After experiencing the first two trials, what do you think is the truth hidden behind the 'Death of the Jing River Dragon King'?" The colossal statue's voice paused, then added, "You must think carefully before answering."

Zu'an's mind raced. Indeed, throughout this journey, he had been pondering this very question. First, he had experienced it firsthand from the perspective of the Jing River Dragon King, then from the viewpoint of Emperor Taizong Li Shimin. Many seemingly disparate pieces of information finally connected along a hidden thread.

He replied in a deep voice: "The Jing River Dragon King died because he was caught in a scheme by the Western Buddhist Sect's grand plan to spread eastward. The Buddhist sect wanted their scriptures to enter the Tang Dynasty. A Bodhisattva volunteered to find a scripture-seeker, and most likely, Yuan Shoucheng or someone close to him was a manifestation of that Bodhisattva. That's why he possessed such immense supernatural powers and could foresee heavenly secrets.

"The Jing River Dragon King, foolishly unaware of anything, had advisors like the Shad military strategist and Yakshas around him who might have been Buddhist adherents. Even his daughter-in-law was rescued in advance and placed by Li Shimin's side.

"After he defied the imperial decree and violated heavenly rules, he still thought of seeking help from Yuan Shoucheng. He was truly being sold out and still helping count the money for his exploiters.

"Next, he was executed and went to the Underworld to file a complaint. The Yama Kings of the Underworld summoned Li Shimin's soul for confrontation. This allowed the Buddhist sect to arrange for various vengeful spirits of his lifelong adversaries—such as Li Jiancheng, Yuanji, and the eighteen rebellious kings from the City of Wrongful Deaths—to seek revenge along the way. Furthermore, the harrowing and terrifying scenes in hell terrified Li Shimin, making him aware of reincarnation and compelling him to seek the profound Buddhist dharma to liberate the deceased souls and cleanse his sins, lest karmic obstacles bind him to hell after death. Thus, the journey of Tripitaka to the West for scriptures became a logical progression."

As Zu'an spoke, he suddenly frowned. He felt as if he had missed some crucial information, but he couldn't pinpoint what it was no matter how hard he thought.

"From what you're saying, is the Buddhist sect the one orchestrating everything behind the scenes?" The colossal statue's voice rang out.

Zu'an was about to answer "yes" when he suddenly froze. He finally realized what was wrong.

In the Underworld, why were both Judge Cui and the Ten Yama Kings so courteous and respectful towards Li Shimin? Initially, he thought it was due to the protection of the Human Emperor's destiny. But after passing through the Gate of Ghosts, he had also seen Li Yuan. Wasn't he also a Human Emperor back then? After his death, Judge Cui simply dispatched a small demon to scold him and take him away. There was no trace of the respect due to a Human Emperor.

There must have been something different about Li Shimin that caused such a disparity. Li Shimin's abilities were indeed much stronger than Li Yuan's, but did such differences in mortal capabilities truly matter to the gods and demons of the Underworld? Most likely, they needed Li Shimin's help with certain matters, and Li Yuan couldn't provide the same assistance.

From this perspective, Li Shimin, as the current Human Emperor, could influence the Tang Dynasty's national policies, thus providing the greatest convenience and countless believers for the Buddhist sect's eastward journey.

So, the question arises: why would the beings in the Underworld, who were clearly subordinates of the Heavenly Court, cooperate with the Buddhist sect's eastward spread into their territory? This didn't make sense! One must know that the Heavenly Court's system at that time was primarily Daoist. How could they possibly cooperate with the Buddhist sect encroaching upon their territory?

And Wei Zheng was also strange. The colossal statue's voice had just mentioned that he was chosen as a judge because he had studied immortal arts since childhood, and he could clearly slay the Dragon King in his dream, showing his powerful abilities. Yet, when Zu'an was troubled by the Jing River Dragon King's ghost, why did Wei Zheng claim he hadn't officially taken up his post and couldn't use his powers? With his abilities as an Underworld judge, could he truly not have noticed that the Dragon Lady was impersonating a deity and playing tricks the whole time? Why would he deceive Li Shimin? Surely it wasn't to avenge his former master, Li Jiancheng? Recalling Li Jiancheng being scolded by a small demon, he immediately dismissed that possibility.

That left only one possibility: he and the Dragon Lady were in cahoots? The thought instantly sent a shiver down Zu'an's spine. Had the Buddhist sect infiltrated the Heavenly Court to this extent? But if they were so powerful, why would they go to such great lengths to set up such an elaborate scheme?

For a moment, Zu'an's mind was in turmoil. One moment he thought it was one possibility, then another, but each possibility had inconsistencies.

Wait, why would Yuan Shoucheng know the Jade Emperor's decree in advance? The timing of the rain might be predictable through other divine powers, but not even the precise amount. He previously thought the Bodhisattva was immensely powerful and there were insiders in the Heavenly Court's upper echelons. But now, thinking about it, that was an imperial decree from the Heavenly Emperor himself. What kind of high-ranking official would even know about that? And risk universal condemnation to participate in the Buddhist sect's eastward expansion plan?

Zu'an felt annoyed, realizing he must have overlooked some crucial information. He closed his eyes, and his mind began replaying every detail from the two trials. Now that his cultivation had recovered, his powerful spirit could support his brain operating at hyper-speed. First, the Jing River Dragon Palace, then Chang'an City, followed by the Tang Imperial Palace, the Underworld...

Wait, a painting in the imperial palace flashed through his mind. Zu'an's eyes snapped open. He knew what he had overlooked! Li Shimin was the Tang Emperor! The Tang Emperors were named Li, and they worshipped Laozi, Li Er, as their ancestor. That was one of the Three Pure Ones, the leader of Daoism, the Grand Pure One! Daoism was the national religion of the Tang Dynasty! No wonder the Buddhist sect meticulously laid out their plans. No wonder the Yama Kings and judges in the Underworld behaved so strangely. No wonder the Heavenly Court... No wonder the colossal statue had said it already helped him!

At this moment, the colossal statue's voice rang out: "Have you thought of your answer?"

Zu'an nodded, then slowly stated, "All of this was indeed primarily arranged by the Buddhist sect, but in reality, they were merely pawns."

"Oh? And who is the player?" The colossal statue's voice seemed to hold a hint of amusement.

Zu'an hesitated: "I know there are formidable beings whose names, if spoken, can easily attract their gaze and bring forth unknowable destructive power."

"You needn't worry about that. In this realm, I can temporarily shield everything; no external forces will be able to pry," the colossal statue's voice came.

Only then did Zu'an relax: "The true player behind all this is the Heavenly Emperor. He collaborated with the Buddhist sect to orchestrate everything."

"Oh, why do you think that? Isn't the Heavenly Court predominantly Daoist? Why would he, as the Heavenly Emperor, work with the Buddhist sect?" the colossal statue asked.

"Precisely because the Heavenly Court is predominantly Daoist. The Heavenly Emperor doesn't want one faction to dominate, lest the Heavenly Court only revere the Dao Ancestor and not the Heavenly Emperor. Therefore, he introduced the Buddhist sect to balance the Daoist faction." Zu'an finally connected all the threads. Why could Yuan Shoucheng know the Heavenly Emperor's decree in advance? Even with their immense divine powers, Buddhist Bodhisattvas couldn't possibly know about decrees of this level. Then there's only one reason: the Heavenly Emperor told the Bodhisattva!