Chapter 741: The fate of 'Xu Bodhi'

In the Xie Yue San Xing Dong...

Standing before the gate of the rear hall, Li Changshou swept his gaze over the various parts of the Taoist temple, his eyes tinged with a hint of nostalgia.

He let his sleeve robe fall, and vines sprouted throughout the temple, as if a windstorm of sand had swept through, burying the place in layers of soil and creating an air of erosion and decay.

He summoned the twenty-seven disciples to the front of the hall and explained that they needed to relocate.

Naturally, the disciples were puzzled, but Li Changshou told them that he had foreseen Sun Wukong causing enormous trouble soon, so he had reluctantly let Sun Wukong go and decided they must all migrate together.

Many disciples voiced their concerns, wondering if abandoning their junior brother like this went against righteousness and contradicted their teacher's teachings.

Li Changshou put on a stern face and said nothing, and the disciples dared not speak further.

Then, he used the Sleeve Universe technique to take the twenty-seven disciples into his sleeve and rode the clouds from there toward the West Sea.

These events were actually staged for the Heavenly Way to observe.

The disciples' doubts were well within his expectations.

The usually gentle teacher suddenly becoming unyielding, choosing not to protect or advise Sun Wukong but simply leaving... this contradiction and awkwardness were also meant for the Heavenly Way to see.

It was simply because "Xu Bodhi" would act that way.

The difference was that Li Changshou had no ulterior motives toward the monkey and never intended to gain any benefits from him.

"Ah."

On the cloud, "Xu Bodhi" sighed, his aged face showing a touch of relieved smile.

These past few hundred years had truly flown by.

Would the years ahead be the same?

No, they wouldn't. With beloved creatures and many friends as companions, life wouldn't feel lonely.

The Great Wilderness was so vast, the Chaos Sea so full of wonder. After finishing the minor task of erasing the Dao Ancestor, traveling everywhere would be quite enjoyable...

Li Changshou suddenly felt inspired and poetic. He hesitated for a moment before reciting in his heart:

"Flowers in disarray confuse me..."

Right then!

A familiar Dao rhythm suddenly descended upon him—it was the pressure of the Heavenly Way, which he knew all too well.

Li Changshou instantly suppressed the thoughts in his heart, his Dao heart revealing a hint of vigilance.

"Bodhi, come to the edge of the West Sea, at Tianya Haijiao."

Li Changshou immediately performed a Dao salute and then rode the clouds at full speed ahead.

He was already heading to the West Sea's Tianya Haijiao, so why was the Dao Ancestor summoning him like this?

Perhaps the Dao Ancestor had an overwhelming desire for control, insisting that everything appear to follow his directives?

No, the Dao Ancestor's schemes were often concealed behind the greater trends.

The only logical reason was that the Dao Ancestor had not been paying attention to him as Bodhi Old Ancestor until now.

After the monkey returned to Huaguoshan, he was bound to clash with the demons who had occupied it, fighting to rescue his long-bullied descendants.

The Dao Ancestor must be watching there to prevent any ancient demons from emerging and destroying Huaguoshan outright.

As soon as the thought crossed his mind, the expanse of 100,000 li of blue waves was behind him.

Beyond the Tianya Haijiao stele, a burly Daoist stood with hands clasped behind his back, facing away from the beings of the Five Parts Continents.

It was the Dao Ancestor.

Merely standing there, he seemed to form his own realm. The Qi refiners passing through Tianya Haijiao never turned their heads toward the Dao Ancestor.

Even if a gaze happened to fall in that direction, it would only see brilliant starlight and prompt no further thought.

"Xu Bodhi" landed in front of the stele, quickly moved behind it, and unwittingly stepped into a boundary, where the Dao Ancestor stood directly before him.

"Greetings to the Dao Ancestor."

"Mm," Hong Jun Dao Ancestor turned around, his eyes carrying a kindly smile. "The matter of Sun Wukong—you handled it well."

Li Changshou: ...

Was the reward going to be the scattering of his soul?

"Thank you for the praise, master. I merely did what was required."

"Xu Bodhi" had two drops of cold sweat on his forehead as he looked up at Hong Jun Dao Ancestor, his eyes showing slight unease.

"Ha ha ha ha," the Dao Ancestor stroked his beard and chuckled. "You needn't worry. I am no unreasonable villain. Since you have merit, I won't treat you unfairly.

Step forward and take a look."

"Thank you, Dao Ancestor."

Li Changshou spoke softly, letting out a slight breath of relief in his heart, and walked forward with some stiffness.

Before the Dao Ancestor was the virtual shadow of the Creation Jade Disc.

More precisely, the Dao Ancestor here was also a virtual shadow, yet he felt entirely real.

The Dao Ancestor raised his hand and pointed lightly, and the Creation Jade Disc projected the scene at Huaguoshan.

There, Sun Wukong wore a long robe and wielded two knives and swords he had seized from somewhere, battling against the demon shadows swarming the sky.

Though Sun Wukong appeared disheveled, he was actually chasing and overwhelming those demon shadows, with no opponent able to withstand even a single exchange.

"Taught well."

The Dao Ancestor chuckled.

Xu Bodhi lowered his head and said:

"It is due to the profound methods bestowed by the Dao Ancestor."

"After over two hundred years of interaction, you should understand Sun Wukong quite deeply," the Dao Ancestor smiled. "Do you think he can be of great use?"

Li Changshou pondered for a moment before replying seriously:

"Whether Sun Wukong can shoulder heavy responsibilities depends on the Dao Ancestor's judgment. I only taught him the Dao methods and cannot decide the path he will take."

The Dao Ancestor nodded, as if not hearing the answer he sought, and his interest faded slightly.

A silence fell.

Sun Wukong shattered more than a dozen demon shadows in succession, standing atop the mountain peak with a ferocious expression, though his gaze remained clear—this ferocity was merely for show to intimidate his enemies.

The demon shadows howled through the air and charged forward, including several at the Golden Immortal realm, yet none dared approach Sun Wukong.

This was Sun Wukong's first battle, but the composure and calm he displayed, along with the ruthless precision of his strikes, made him seem like a seasoned warrior.

Born for battle, the Great Sage Equal to Heaven.

That was the essence of the monkey.

Li Changshou had no leisure to appreciate Sun Wukong's artistry in combat; with the Dao Ancestor at his side, he needed to consider how to conduct himself to safely depart.

The false identity of Xu Bodhi had served him too well.

Though losing it wouldn't matter much, he didn't want to concede another round to the Dao Ancestor.

Thus, Li Changshou let a touch of emotion show in his eyes and sighed:

"Sun Wukong is simply a natural war god."

"Not bad, a natural war god."

The Dao Ancestor chuckled:

"However, the destiny I have set for him is to ultimately join the Buddhist sect and become the Victorious Fighting Buddha.

Bodhi, as a disciple of the Western Teachings, what are your thoughts on this?"

"Xu Bodhi" felt a bit embarrassed and lowered his head:

"Today's Spirit Mountain is not the Spirit Mountain of old. When I left that day, I never considered returning.

But... why isn't Sun Wukong assigned to the Heavenly Court? Doesn't the Heavenly Court need such power?"

The Dao Ancestor said:

"The Heavenly Court's power is sufficient now. It can mobilize the forces of the Heavenly Way. Though Sun Wukong is strong, he is merely a lone warrior without the strategy to lead troops.

Bodhi, do you know why I chose to cultivate Sun Wukong?"

Li Changshou: Here it comes—the Dao Ancestor's strong urge to confide has surfaced!

He could understand it, though.

From their previous encounters, it was clear the Dao Ancestor was quite lonely, isolated at the heights where few could converse as equals.

But that didn't imply any "benevolence" or "soft-heartedness" in the Dao Ancestor.

Quite the opposite.

The fact that the Dao Ancestor was sharing this meant he harbored killing intent, for only the dead could keep secrets.

Thus, Li Changshou's heart grew even more tense.

He listened as the Dao Ancestor spoke slowly:

"I want to make Sun Wukong a symbol, his story destined to spread across the world as both an example and a warning to living beings.

Bodhi, you know how immense Sun Wukong's potential is and how deeply arrogant his nature runs.

Didn't I tell you before? I want him to represent the demon clan, incite them, and spark another war with the Heavenly Court, thereby exhausting the demon clan's foundations.

That is merely the surface level.

By giving Sun Wukong a mission, making him the most vivid symbol in the world, other beings who might rebel against the Heavenly Court will have a point of comparison.

Even someone as powerful and bold as he is casually suppressed by the Heavenly Court, so foolish dreams of rebellion need not be entertained.

That is the deeper level."

"Xu Bodhi" said in a deep voice:

"Sun Wukong is destined to fail?"

"Otherwise?"

The Dao Ancestor glanced at "Xu Bodhi," who immediately lowered his head.

The Dao Ancestor smiled:

"This is fated to be merely a scheme, not a contest. After Chang Geng left the world, I have no worthy opponents left for such games.

Bodhi, do you feel any reluctance in your heart for your disciple's fate?"

As he spoke, the Dao Ancestor raised his left hand and patted "Xu Bodhi's" right shoulder.

Li Changshou's tension in that instant was genuine—his whole body tensed, cold sweat beaded on his forehead, his stance stiffened, his breath faltered, and he wavered between fleeing and pleading.

But...

With a light pat, the Dao Ancestor's hand gently touched Li Changshou's shoulder, carrying no force.

The Dao Ancestor smiled:

"Don't worry. I will elevate Sun Wukong to a high position and make him a legend in the Great Wilderness.

The things Chang Geng stirred up in the Heavenly Court back then gave me quite a bit of inspiration.

From the world's perspective, it's enough to cultivate a hero who rebels against heaven and then turn that hero into a guardian deity.

Everything becomes much simpler that way."

"Dao Ancestor's plan is brilliant," "Xu Bodhi" replied with his head bowed, adding proactively, "If the Dao Ancestor has any further tasks, I am willing to serve."

However, in his true Dao heart, Li Changshou was on the verge of cursing aloud.

This old schemer's mastery of manipulating hearts was unparalleled.

"There's not much left to do," the Dao Ancestor said. "Bodhi, where did you plan to go before?"

"To find a place in the Three Thousand Worlds to retire," Li Changshou replied. "I know Sun Wukong carries great karma, so I dare not linger in the Great Wilderness, lest I disrupt the Dao Ancestor's grand plan."

The Dao Ancestor smiled:

"You just don't want to get involved and prefer to hide away."

Li Changshou deliberately showed a hint of embarrassment.

"That's fine. Go ahead.

Open a Taoist temple in the Three Thousand Worlds and teach some disciples—that's a fine pursuit.

Do you need any merit or treasures?"

"No need, no need," Li Changshou said with his head lowered. "May I, in my dwelling, hang the Dao Ancestor's portrait and have my disciples offer incense daily to reflect my loyalty?"

Hanging the portrait for worship was not only a way to declare allegiance but also signified willingness to accept the Dao Ancestor's constant oversight.

A faint light flickered in the Dao Ancestor's eyes as he said:

"No need. I have withdrawn behind the scenes—just worship heaven."

"I obey."

"Go."

The Dao Ancestor spoke lightly, and "Xu Bodhi" bowed in salute, maintaining the demeanor and gestures typical of Xu Bodhi, before stepping into the void and riding the clouds away.

Feeling the Dao Ancestor's gaze upon him, like thorns piercing his back, Li Changshou understood that the Dao Ancestor was now deliberating whether to eliminate Xu Bodhi or keep him awhile longer for potential use.

He had performed for centuries, always portraying Xu Bodhi as cautious and risk-averse, precisely to ensure a safe escape today.

A used puppet's best fate was the furnace.

A hundred zhang, a thousand zhang...

Li Changshou's true form nearly held its breath, controlling "Xu Bodhi's" speed—neither too fast nor too slow.

The pressure made his fingers tremble slightly.

The Dao Ancestor was still watching, fixated on "Xu Bodhi's" back.

This was the weight of absolute power, the burden of life and death in another's hands, as if the Dao Ancestor waited for a single killing thought or a regretful expression.

Flying out a thousand li...

Finally!

Suddenly, purple-black lightning erupted in the void, striking straight at "Xu Bodhi"!

Li Changshou's mind raced through a hundred thoughts in an instant. Based on his knowledge of heavenly tribulations, this lightning seemed to be a sealing punishment rather than one of destruction.

"Xu Bodhi" could perish, but the backdoor he had opened via the outer heavenly demon path could not be exposed.

What to do?

A glint of resolve flashed in Li Changshou's eyes. His true form sat quietly, his mind forcibly maintaining calm while overlaying a facade of panic.

"Xu Bodhi" made a motion to resist the lightning—an instinctive reaction.

But as he was about to act, it was as if he glimpsed the Dao Ancestor's figure, so he chose to tightly close his eyes, merely erecting a barrier of immortal power, and let the lightning engulf him!

"I have no dissatisfaction, no rebellious heart—why?"

The void trembled, the purple-black lightning flashed past, and "Xu Bodhi's" figure staggered back half a step, now bearing significant injuries.

His Dao realm... his Dao realm was sealed.

"Xu Bodhi" stood disheartened in the void, like a puppet, seemingly recalling past events before offering a self-deprecating smile.

He cupped his hands toward the direction of the Five Parts Continents, glanced at the disciples in his sleeve who remained unharmed, and then turned to flee.

In the grand hall of the Kunpeng secret realm, Li Changshou sat deep in thought, the corner of his mouth twitching slightly.

That was the Dao Ancestor.

Farewell for now, Sun Wukong.

The monkey's foundation was now solid; the path ahead would be fully overseen by the Heavenly Way, leaving no room for interference.

Li Changshou calculated that the monkey needed time to grow and build sufficient prestige among the demon clan.

The Dao Ancestor would also require time to execute the plans he had outlined.

This stage, Li Changshou termed the Beautiful Monkey King. Only when the monkey truly led the demon clan against the Heavenly Court would variables arise, allowing him to act and maximize his chances of success.

Sensing the Heavenly Way's gaze upon him fade away, Li Changshou felt poetic inspiration stir once more.

Iron rod in hand, no need for the title of Victorious Fighting Buddha.

First, he would find a scenic spot with abundant spiritual energy to live incognito, enjoy a few peaceful years, then seize the opportunity amid the Five Parts Continents' chaos to execute his "stealing home" scheme, while always preparing for a final confrontation.

Thus, thirty years later.

Even beyond the Five Parts Continents, the name "Beautiful Monkey King" began to spread, tied to the Dragon Clan.

That year, the monkey went to the East Sea Dragon Palace and swindled away the Dinghai God Needle...

(End of this chapter)