In this moment, everything fell into a rare, profound silence.
Both Monkeys turned to look at the bedraggled King Brightcourt as he fled.
For an instant, it was as if all of heaven and earth held its breath. Every Ghost Messenger and wandering soul quietly watched.
The two Monkeys simultaneously glanced at each other out of the corners of their eyes.
In the next moment, Damon Six-Ears struck first—not at Monkey, but tearing open the void and heading straight for the mortal realm. Monkey gritted his teeth and followed, ripping open the void and chasing after him.
With both Monkeys gone, King Brightcourt finally breathed a little easier. Gazing at the devastated Netherworld, he could only smile wryly: "Let them wreak havoc in the Western Ox Continent—better there than in my Netherworld. Fight on, fight on. The Netherworld will always be the weakest of all realms."
Saying this, he flicked his sleeve, collapsed to the ground, and slowly caught his breath.
......
In the sky, points of golden light flickered—those were the Buddhas suspended above.
Across the vast earth, Tripitaka walked ahead, leaning on his staff. Barry Bear followed behind, carrying the travel pack. Step by step, they headed west.
"Master, you still haven't given your disciple a dharma name yet."
"A dharma name?" Tripitaka smiled faintly. "I recall you once tried to become a disciple under Elder Jinchi at Guanyin Meditation Hall."
"Eh." Barry Bear scratched his head. "Back then, the group had scattered, so I was just looking for some protection... But don't worry, Master—this time, Black Fur truly seeks the Buddha's path and the Way you pursue on your journey west!"
Tripitaka nodded and continued, "Though you are a demon, living wild and eating raw, your devotion to Buddhism is truly rare. I have only you as my disciple, and I hope you will inherit my robe and bowl one day. Your dharma name shall be... Awakened Heir."
"Awakened Heir... Awakened to the Way, heir to the master." Barry Bear repeated the name several times, grinning from ear to ear. "Thank you, Master, for bestowing the name!"
......
At Guang River Estuary, Anna Yang supported the wounded Erik Yang step by step into the main hall, followed by the Seven Sages of Mount Mei and the other local generals. Each one looked at Erik Yang's pale face in shock and concern.
Once Erik Yang was seated securely in the hall, Anna Yang gently let go of his arm. "Brother, rest and recover at home. I need to go out for a bit."
"Go... where?" Erik Yang slowly raised his head to look at her.
Anna Yang replied calmly, "The outcome is still undecided. Among his ranks, someone is needed who can keep the demon hordes in line."
Hearing this, Erik Yang could only force a bitter smile. "Can you really keep them in line?"
Anna Yang answered without hesitation, "I can."
At that, Erik Yang fell silent. He stared quietly at the empty floor ahead, saying nothing for a long, long time.
Suddenly, memories from over six hundred years ago resurfaced. Back then, that Monkey had stormed Heaven for another woman, fighting to the death. And his only sister had planned, in that moment, to return to his side...
Pitiful, this brother—he didn't even have the strength to stand up for his own sister. He'd been left so battered by just one avatar of his enemy.
Thinking of this, Erik Yang slowly clenched his fist.
"Brother, I'll be back as soon as I can." With that, Anna Yang took two steps back.
Just as she was about to turn away, Erik Yang suddenly shouted, "Stop!"
At his roar, everyone inside and outside the hall froze, including Anna Yang herself.
Erik Yang slammed his palm down on the tea table and barked, "Seize her!"
"Seize her?" At those words, the Seven Sages of Mount Mei were completely stunned.
Anna Yang spun around to escape, but Warren Wu was already blocking her with a swift step. Instantly, the other generals reacted and surrounded Anna Yang tightly.
Every one of Erik Yang's top generals who could enter this room possessed at least Spirit-Transformation cultivation. Anna Yang, on the other hand, was only at the Spirit-Refinement Stage. Given the scene before her, there was no way she could leave Guang River Estuary without Erik Yang's permission.
"Brother..." Anna Yang turned back in shock, meeting Erik Yang's unwavering gaze.
Clenching his teeth, Erik Yang said in a low voice, "I won't let you act recklessly."
At that moment, Anna Yang was truly frightened.
Just then, a soldier burst in from outside, shouting, "Report! Many-Eyes the Centipede has arrived at the gate with King Roc and King Liontusk!"
"What?"
The generals present were visibly panicked at these words. Everyone knew what it meant for those three to appear at Guang River Estuary while Erik Yang was wounded. Even Erik Yang's expression twitched.
"Why... have they come?"
"They... they said... they said they're here to take back their Holy Mother."
"Outrageous!" At this, Erik Yang swept the plates and pastries off the table with a furious gesture, shouting, "Who is their Holy Mother? Who is their Holy Mother!"
His outburst was followed by a violent fit of coughing, leaving his face pale and blue. A few drops of blood splattered into his palm.
Anna Yang was startled and quickly pushed past the generals to rush to his side.
......
Outside the main gate of Guang River Estuary, Many-Eyes the Centipede, King Liontusk, and King Roc stood silently. Behind them were dozens of fully armed demon generals.
In front of them, hundreds of Guang River Estuary soldiers stood with drawn blades. Every bow was fully drawn, aimed straight at King Roc's head.
The two sides faced off in a tense standoff.
"This whole affair is truly unexpected. Who would've thought the Buddhist sect would intervene? And even the dead have a chance to overturn their fate." King Roc glanced nonchalantly at Many-Eyes the Centipede and lowered his voice, "The two Great Sages must be raising havoc now—it's too dangerous for us to go near. One misstep and it's death. But no matter who survives, they'll still acknowledge the Third Saintess. All we need to do is guard the Third Saintess. When this is over, there will be plenty of rewards. At the very least... they won't hold old grudges against us."
This chapter isn't finished yet~.~ Please click next page to continue reading the exciting story!