Chapter 517: Chapter 336: Heaven-Peng’s Remaining Grudge, Douluo Palace Revealed (Part 2)

"We, the Sutra Takers, receive vast divine merit, stored within our essence, energy, and spirit. Consuming our flesh will grant one such merit."

"Yet, under the weight of this merit, we... cannot die."

Zhang Fusheng remained silent, thinking of the braised meats he had devoured earlier, rich with Merit Purple Qi, transforming him into an Innate Spiritual Being!

But... what suffering must these Sutra Takers endure?

Flayed and boiled day and night, consumed by countless Earth Deities and Yin Spirits, laden with merit, seeking death but finding none.

Merit, merit.

"The third question."

The female Bodhisattva inquired finally:

"The World-Honored One Buddha wants you to lead the way. The merit gained from taking the sutras will not take a penny from you, nor will you be harmed after the journey."

"You are granted divinity and sanctity, following your true heart."

"You are allowed to counterattack the Immortals and Buddhas, to avenge old grievances."

"So, do you wish it, or not?"

Li Xiuyuan suddenly raised his head, staring at the female Bodhisattva before him, remained silent for a long time, then spoke dryly:

"How can I dare to believe?"

The female Bodhisattva said calmly:

"The World-Honored One does not seek merit."

Li Xiuyuan was dazed and lost in thought, suddenly chuckled:

"Where in the world is there anyone who does not seek merit... But I’ll trust you this time."

Zhang Fusheng didn’t know if this Marshal Tianpeng truly believed or just pretended, but it didn’t matter; everything would naturally become clear with time.

"Go, go."

The female Bodhisattva pressed her hands together and praised the World-Honored One Buddha, then turned and left.

As she departed, she said peacefully:

"The Five Finger Mountain has appeared in the mortal realm. Three days later, you must set out, leaving the Other Shore World—by then, the event marking the start of the westward journey will be completely over."

"Go, go."

The Bodhisattva thus disappeared into Yin Chang’an, leaving only the residual Brahma Sound, echoing endlessly.

.........

"The North Pole, here to pay respects and meet."

"For past events, wish the Great Celestial Venerable to forgive."

The Northern Emperor folded his hands together, bowed, performed his ritual greetings, and worshipped.

Thus.

At the end of the white jade steps outside the Eight Sceneries Palace.

Li Jing used the High Heaven Order given by the female Bodhisattva to ascend in consciousness to this place, and what he saw first.

"It’s the Emperor..." 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

He quivered slightly, gazing at the form of the Emperor shrouded in darkness, and then looked at the three large characters on the board of the Taoist Palace.

Eight Sceneries Palace.

Taoist Friend Taiqing summoned... it truly was a summon by Taiqing!

Li Jing’s breathing became rapid,

it was at this very moment.

Inside the Eight Sceneries Palace.

Zhang Fusheng’s face flashed a faint smile, and he slowly spoke:

"Such a grand ceremony, how can I possibly deserve it? Northern Emperor Taoist Friend, please rise."

The Northern Emperor remained bowed, motionless—though, Taiqing should not manifest at this point in time,

but he dared not wager.

Even if it’s just a projection of Taiqing, if truly targeted at him, his path to enlightenment would be utterly severed.

Now, he could only implore for this Taoist Friend Taiqing’s ’understanding,’ implore for their non-interference nature.

The Supreme acts without action, hence almost never intervenes in the worldly affairs, only an incarnation sits in the Douluo Palace, as for the true body in the Eight Sceneries Palace?

Since the Divine Enthronement, it has never shown itself to the living.

Time ticked away little by little, every seat felt anxious and frightened, the Northern Emperor was drenched in sweat, and the observing Li Jing was completely speechless, in a daze.

Unaware of how much time had passed.

The Great Celestial Venerable brought two fingers together, tapping the void three times.

Accompanied by three ’tock’ sounds echoing all around,

Zhang Fusheng maintained a calm tone, narrating:

"Northern Emperor Taoist Friend, come inside."

The Emperor Ziwei’s heart relaxed, he solemnized his etiquette, saw the Chaos Light veiling before him dissipate, only then attempted to step forward, quietly entering the Eight Sceneries Palace.

He did not glance around—this was a place he had visited many times, nor did he attempt to perceive, gaze into the mist-covered figure,

for that would be a truly disrespectful act.

Now is unlike before, at present, all the Supremes are missing, unable to manifest in this era,

which means there’s no one who can balance Taiqing.

These Daluos beneath the Supremes, survive in the cracks relying on the mutual play and balance of the Supremes.

Meanwhile, Li Jing, standing at the bottom of the white jade steps, also walked into the Eight Sceneries Palace with trepidation,

with all seats gazing towards him, as for the Celestial Venerate amidst the mist?

No longer spoke.

As for Li Jing, he did not declare his true name—being summoned by the Supreme Tao Ancestor, combined with the scene of the Emperor worshipping just now, apparently explained a lot.

"I... have been chosen to become a pawn??"

Such thought flashed in Li Jing’s mind, instead of being angry, he was delighted!

Not everyone has the privilege to become a pawn of the Supremes.

In a dead silence.

"Cough, cough."

The True Man standing beside the Chaos Mist coughed twice, speaking calmly:

"The sixth and ninth seats have perished, no longer exist... proceed, as usual, let the seats first engage in discussion among themselves."

The Eight Sceneries Palace fell into silence once more.

The sixth and ninth seats... are gone?

A sense of unreality emerged in the minds of the seats, an unreal feeling, Kong Shentong stood silently in the corner, quietly observing everything.

He was pondering whether this so-called ’Northern Emperor’ was truly an extraordinary ancient existence?

This person has not displayed great power, everything spoken between this person and the Great Celestial Venerable...

This so-called Great Celestial Venerable did not penalize him.

This implies the other party might not have perceived his actions, also implies... the Great Celestial Venerable might not be that strong.

Kong Shentong’s mind churned with thoughts, the more he doubted about this so-called High Heaven.

At the same time, besides him, the Northern Emperor and Li Jing, the rest of the seats have already begun to discuss fervently.

They spoke of some recent special news, Chen Nuanyu and the Buddha Son both hinted that there seemed to be special Supreme Treasures in the Capital,