As the tension escalated, Jieyin and Zhunti began to doubt. Could it really be that Prime Celestial Sovereign wasn't involved? Yet with Yuanshi already poised for battle, retreat was no longer an option. Jieyin and Zhunti exchanged a glance. "Strike first!"
"Oh? Planning on taking me two-on-one?"
A calm voice reverberated through the chaos, followed by a faint figure appearing beside Prime Celestial Sovereign.
"Elder Brother!"
Prime Celestial Sovereign was overjoyed. If Laozi joined him, then the Western duo wouldn't leave unscathed.
Laozi stood there without unleashing his saintly aura, his mere presence commanded reverence. He had little choice but to intervene—this incident indirectly implicated him, and it seemed that his younger brother was being scapegoated. He had to address the Western duo.
With Laozi's arrival, Prime Celestial Sovereign regained his composure, adopting a calm stance opposite the Western Saints.
Unlike the earlier skirmish, which bore no karmic consequence, another clash now could impose dire karmic burdens. Even saints tread carefully when it came to karma.
Jieyin and Zhunti were equally cautious; after all, they had attacked Yuanshi based solely on speculation. Now, with Laozi here, their resolve wavered. Yet, they remained plagued by the mystery of who had plotted against the Western Sect. If a saint hadn't orchestrated this scheme, they wouldn't believe it.
They carefully reviewed their suspicions: while Prime Celestial Sovereign was known for his pride, he wouldn't stoop to lying. And though he was a spectator, he seemed truly uninvolved.
The imprisoned Tongtian could be ruled out, given his current state, as his solitary Quasi-Saint manifestation on Jin'ao Island couldn't possibly deceive the Western Saints. Laozi, as a candidate, didn't seem likely either; despite leading the Human Sect, the flourishing of Buddhism impacted him minimally.
The only possibility left, as bizarre as it seemed, pointed back to Laozi.
Yet without firm assurance, provoking Laozi—an immensely powerful saint—would bring grave trouble. At this crucial juncture in the rise of Buddhism, needlessly antagonizing him would be unwise.
The four saints stood locked in a silent standoff, each one unyielding. Immortal, undying, they feared no confrontation. But with karmic repercussions at stake, no one dared make the first move.
For a while, the tense atmosphere persisted.
Suddenly, a figure materialized at the heart of the standoff.
If any mighty being from the Three Realms had witnessed this, they would have been shocked beyond belief: Hongjun, long since one with the Dao, had manifested!
"Teacher!" The four saints bowed.
Hongjun gave a slight nod, his stance casual, as though he belonged there from the beginning.
"This matter ends here. Withdraw."
His tone was cold, repelling any further discussion.
"Teacher, an Eastern saint has disrupted the Journey to the West and threatens the foundation of our Buddhist order. How can we let this go?" Jieyin objected.
"There was no interference from any saint," Hongjun replied icily, cutting off any retort from Yuanshi and Laozi.
"Impossible!" Jieyin and Zhunti exclaimed in shock. "If no saint intervened, why were we unable to deduce the cause? Could Teacher be biased toward the Eastern saints and see us as mere outsiders?"
"Impudent!"
Hongjun's fury was immediate. He raised his hand, instantly subduing the Western Saints, who found themselves powerless under his crushing force.
Laozi and Prime Celestial Sovereign watched silently, maintaining slight smiles.
After briefly subduing them, Hongjun released Jieyin and Zhunti from his grip.
"Thank you, Teacher, for your mercy," they murmured, suppressing any further protests. They dared not test Hongjun further, knowing he now embodied the will of the Dao. He might indeed have the means to annihilate them.
"With the Dao's fifty principles, heaven evolves forty-nine times, and one instance eludes deduction. The Journey to the West has been altered. Be vigilant."
Though reprimanding them, Hongjun still disclosed a hint of insight.
Jieyin and Zhunti perked up. At least they had gained some valuable information.
"Let it be known as of now, Tongtian's confinement is lifted."
With a wave, Hongjun summoned the Tongtian from Zixiao Palace.
"Thank you, Teacher!"
Upon his release, Tongtian bowed gratefully, savoring his newfound freedom.
The Western Saints' expressions turned sour; they had worked hard to sideline Tongtian, and now he was back. Prime Celestial Sovereign looked equally displeased.
As Tongtian appeared in the chaotic realm, a subtle sense reached Tathagata in the Great Thunderclap Monastery. His expression grew complex as he gazed toward the depths of the chaos.
"There may be changes, but the grand course of the Journey to the West is immutable. Be mindful of your actions."
Hongjun's voice was cold as he surveyed the five saints. His gaze lingered on Laozi before he gradually faded from sight.
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