Outside Mi’luo Palace, Master Taiyi and his group surged skyward, their momentum fierce as they descended toward the mortal realm.
On the terrace, Lord Genesis and Lord Skygate stood side by side, watching silently.
“You’re not going to stop them?”
“Can I even stop them?” Lord Genesis gave a bitter smile. “That incident over six hundred years ago... so many disciples died. Even though it’s been many years, it’s impossible to simply let it go. From the very start of the Westward Quest, they’ve been itching to act. Now, with such a perfect excuse handed to them, how could I possibly restrain them? Besides, they’re not entirely wrong. If we ignore this, it’s like a dagger stabbed into the heart of our Daoist sect. In the future, anyone with a bit of sense will flock to the Buddhist Order instead.”
Casting a faint glance at Lord Genesis, Lord Skygate said, “So what now? Are we really going to break with that demon monkey?”
“There’s nothing much to do—just take it one step at a time...” Lord Genesis shook out his sleeves and sighed. “That demon monkey may be arrogant, but he’s not stupid. He’s about to reach Spirit Mountain, so committing such an act now makes no sense. Clearly, something is happening that we’re not aware of. Perhaps the Buddhist Order has laid a trap for him.”
After a brief pause, Lord Genesis continued, “Come with me to Tusita Palace later. For matters like these, it’s best to consult the one who’s best at calculations.”
With that, Lord Genesis turned and walked into the inner hall.
On the terrace, Lord Skygate quietly watched the seven departing figures, scoffing, “He talks as if none of those are his own disciples—how remarkable.”
......
When Master Taiyi landed firmly at South Heaven Gate, he immediately spotted General Lee and Nathan Young waiting at the entrance. He spun around to look at the hastily arriving King Northmore.
As their eyes met, King Northmore could only offer an awkward smile, still clutching a jade slip in his hand.
The situation could not be clearer.
General Lee, accompanied by Nathan Young, strode quickly toward the seven elders, bowing and clasping his hands. “General Lee greets Master Taiyi and all honored elders. When you arrived earlier, I was busy with official duties and could not come to welcome you. I hope you will forgive me.”
At this, Master Taiyi merely snorted, replying coldly, “Formal welcomes are just empty rituals. Your duties are important, so it’s no matter. But now that you’ve come over, I doubt it’s just to see us off, is it?”
The other six among the Twelve Golden Immortals present all gazed at General Lee with measured calm.
Nathan Young, standing aside, pursed his lips and looked up at the sky, pretending not to know anything.
Under the scrutiny of all those eyes, General Lee could only force a sheepish smile and say, “Are you elders heading to the Dharma-Quest Kingdom on the Western Isle to seek the demon monkey?”
“Oh?” At this, Master Taiyi’s icy demeanor melted into a grin. “He’s in the Dharma-Quest Kingdom seeking the Way? I wouldn’t have known if you hadn’t said so. Well, that saves us the trouble of searching.”
With that, Master Taiyi’s face darkened. Gripping his fly-whisk, he shouldered past General Lee and strode ahead.