CHAPTER 353: CHAPTER 24 DEPLOYING ANGEL YAN (SECOND UPDATE)_1

The true image of Buddha is not one of majesty or grandeur. Instead, upon seeing it, one feels as if this Buddha was oneself in a past life, radiating one’s inherent Buddha-nature and the heart’s true path.

"Thus have I heard..."

"The Divine Soul harbors thoughts in the Heavenly Court; the Heavenly Court is the convergence point of all gods, the Spiritual Platform of all Buddhas."

"Visualize the qi of the heavenly stars penetrating the crown of your head. Inch by inch, it delves deeper, merging with the Divine Soul. Illusions are reborn, and the Divine Soul may experience coolness, heat, or a piquant sensation!"

"One might see heavenly jeweled pavilions and maidens, Asura Evil Spirits, celestial maidens and Bodhisattvas, the multitude of gods of heaven and earth, and the Ancient Sages!"

"One might also realize the fall into Reincarnation, perceive the struggle and slaughter of battlefields, or sense the warmth and fragrance of soft jade..."

Each character seemed to come alive from the scriptures, leaping one by one into Hong Yi’s sea of consciousness.

At the same time, Hong Yi observed the Buddha statue with his thoughts, feeling the infinite mystery and profound principles it emanated.

This is indeed worthy of being one of the three great scriptures of the Great Zen Temple—a mysterious and supreme art for cultivating the Divine Soul!

After reading the scripture once, Hong Yi gained immense insight and couldn’t help but marvel.

The Great Zen Temple was a millenary ancient temple, bustling with worshippers, its experts as numerous as the clouds. Before its destruction, no sect in the world could deny that it was The Number One Temple in the World, a Holy Land for the highest achievements in Cultivation.

The ultimate secrets of the Great Zen Temple’s Cultivation are recorded within the three scriptures of the Past, Present, and Future.

The Past is the "Maitreya Sutra."

The Present is the "Tathagata Sutra."

The Future is the "Unborn Sutra."

The "Maitreya Sutra" is the supreme art of cultivating the Divine Soul.

The "Tathagata Sutra" concerns the martial path and that of the Human Immortal.

The "Unborn Sutra" is the most mystical and unpredictable of all!

It is rumored that if one comprehends all three scriptures in unity, one can transcend the worldly sea of suffering and truly reach the other shore.

The "Present Tathagata Sutra" is within the Tathagata Kasaya, and the "Future Unborn Sutra" is in the hands of Yang Pan, Emperor of the Great Qian Dynasty. When the time comes, I will find them both and offer them in sacrifice to the Lord of Hongmeng!

Hong Yi planned internally, feeling as if he possessed a God’s-eye view of the future, for which he truly had to thank Dog Son.

Hong Yi decided to give Dog Son a large red envelope in a few days. The reason for not giving it now was that he was currently as poor as a church mouse, with nothing valuable to offer.

Gathering his thoughts, Hong Yi continued his Cultivation.

Time trickled by, moment by moment.

With Prince Yu Yang Qian’s movements, undercurrents surged in Jade Capital City. Emperor Qian, Yang Pan; Marquis Wu Wen, Hong Xuanji; Crown Prince Yang Yuan, and others also vaguely sensed something. The great World Houses and those with sharp minds began to feel a palpable tension, as if a storm was brewing.

「In a blink, two days had passed.」

「Imperial Palace.」

「Imperial Study.」

Above the room was a desk, and behind it sat an elderly man wearing a nine-dragon Gold crown adorned with gourds and large nanmu beads, dressed in a bright yellow robe. This elder, with slightly graying temples and a face as fair as white jade, sat there with a vigorous aura, naturally exuding the demeanor of one in control of the world.

He was Yang Pan, Emperor of the Great Qian Dynasty!

Before Yang Pan stood a man of very similar bearing: Marquis Wu Wen, Hong Xuanji.

"Xuanji, I’ve heard Jade Capital City has been somewhat restless these past two days. Have you heard anything?" Yang Pan looked at Hong Xuanji, his expression friendly as if speaking with a trusted confidant, showcasing the close harmony between monarch and subject.

"Forgive my ignorance, Your Majesty, but I am unsure to what you are referring," Hong Xuanji replied, bowing respectfully.

"This isn’t the court, Xuanji. There’s no need for formalities." Yang Pan shook his head. "We’re just chatting. I’m getting old now, and I often reminisce about our youth. Twenty years ago at Qingsha Pass, when we were surrounded by a large army, you carried me on your back as we escaped into the mountains. Grand Tutor Yuwen Mu of Yunmeng pursued us alone!"

"You suffered over a hundred wounds from swords, spears, and arrows, yet you still fought Yuwen Mu with your personal troops. Ultimately, by allying with Dream Ice Cloud of the Taishang Path, you managed to drive him away. Every time I recall it, my heart stirs with excitement!"

"Back then, our bond as ruler and subject was one of complete trust, like brothers hunting and warming ourselves by the fire. Yet now, why does it feel as if a barrier has risen between us? Is an Emperor truly destined for loneliness?"

"Later, I heard you and Dream Ice Cloud had formed a lifelong bond. I initially wanted to bestow a noble title upon her, but you staunchly refused, so I had no choice but to abandon the idea."

"The rites between ruler and subject must be upheld, Your Majesty," Hong Xuanji said with another bow. "Dream Ice Cloud is a successor of the Taishang Path and, moreover, was registered to a brothel. Had I not refused the title for her, it would have indeed violated the established etiquette and drawn criticism from the court officials!"

"Speaking of Dream Ice Cloud, I’ve discovered that the bastard whelp she left behind has been frequenting Prince Yu’s residence these past few days. I am uncertain how this rebellious son managed to curry favor with Prince Yu. I am preparing to bring him back for confinement to prevent him from causing trouble outside."

The only anomaly in Jade Capital City these days seemed to be Prince Yu’s significant movements, with many of his trusted subordinates being summoned back. Hong Xuanji was naturally aware. He even suspected that people from the Taishang Path had found Hong Yi and were plotting something behind the scenes.

"It’s good for young people to be out and about!"

Yang Pan had intended to ask Hong Xuanji about Prince Yu Yang Qian. However, Hong Xuanji seemed reluctant to discuss it, merely deflecting. After a moment’s thought, Yang Pan decided against pressing further. Whatever Yang Qian was up to, it would surface sooner or later.

As for rebellion? Yang Pan had never considered it. Because it was simply impossible to succeed.

「Meanwhile.」

「Prince Yang Yuan’s Residence.」

Faithful powerhouses like Daoist Zhenkong of the Zhenkong Path and Mother of Nothingness of the Wusheng Path stood before Prince Yang Yuan, also discussing Yang Qian.

In fact, Prince Yang Yuan himself was the one most eager to rebel. He had been the crown prince for over a decade, while Emperor Yang Pan remained robust. Furthermore, Yang Pan had been secretly cultivating the "Future Unborn Sutra," reaching a very high Cultivation Level, greatly extending his lifespan. He did not wish to remain crown prince for life.

So, he had been recruiting soldiers and amassing forces over the years, expanding his influence. Emperor Qian, Yang Pan, knew the Crown Prince was discontent. Thus, he elevated Prince Yu and Prince Heqin, setting them up to challenge Prince Yang Yuan, allowing the Emperor to comfortably observe their contest from the sidelines.

「Meanwhile, as the Sun God World was in turmoil.」

「In God’s kingdom.」

Hongmeng was carefully savoring and experiencing the mountains traversed and the paths walked by Officer Xu. These weren’t the Little Qing and Bai Suzhen offered up by Fahai.

It was Medusa.

Medusa possessed a fiery, voluptuous figure, perfectly embodying the allure of a lamia. Her skin, white as jade, was smooth and tender. With full, rounded hips and a slender waist, her exquisitely curved physique seemed a masterpiece sculpted by the heavens.

Hongmeng looked down at the beauty beneath him. Her dark hair was disheveled, her eyes hazy. Her vivid red lips were incredibly sensual, holding the power to bewitch all living beings. The lingering tear tracks at the corners of her eyes and the red marks adorning her creamy skin added a unique allure, bringing Hongmeng immense inner satisfaction.

They were left by him.

My Lord is truly amazing!

Medusa lay in Hongmeng’s arms, still weak and feeble. After all, she was a God-King Level Hero.

Hmm? Meng Yao is looking for me? Have we reached the Central Province?

Suddenly, Hongmeng sensed something. He leaned down and affectionately kissed Medusa’s tempting red lips. "Rest well. I must go!"

Hongmeng withdrew and instantly disappeared from the main hall of the Heavenly Dao Divine Palace.

"Farewell, My Lord!" Medusa knelt on the couch, speaking respectfully.

Once Hongmeng left, she immediately felt an emptiness inside, as if something vital was missing.

「The Wind Spirit Vessel.」

In a side hall, Hongmeng’s figure appeared. He opened the door.

"Brother Hongmeng!" Nangong Mengyao cried out, opening her arms wide and giving Hongmeng a big hug.

"It’s only been two days. Did you miss me already?" Hongmeng wrapped his arms around her slim, smooth waist, spinning her in the air as he smiled.

"Who misses you, you big scoundrel!" Nangong Mengyao sniffed, her face full of disdain. "Hmph! You reek of another woman. Did I interrupt something?"

"Indeed!" Hongmeng nodded, eyeing Nangong Mengyao’s beautiful face mischievously. "So, you’ll have to compensate me!"

As he spoke, Hongmeng’s hand made a move.

"Ah! Brother Hongmeng, stop fooling around! I have something serious to tell you!" Nangong Mengyao’s cheeks flushed crimson. She shot Hongmeng a glare, enduring his ’torment’ before saying helplessly, "We’ve arrived in the Central Province. I just received news that major powers like the Temple of Heavenly Dao, the Divine Path Sect, the Ziwei Holy Land, and others will jointly hold a Demon Slaying Conference in half a month, on the fifteenth of August. Experts from all over the Eternal Continent are invited to discuss strategies against the Abyssal Dimension!"

Oh, now that does sound interesting. Are you going? Hongmeng’s interest was piqued as he looked at Nangong Mengyao.

"Yes, the Sacred Grounds of Yaochi has a branch in the Central Province, and we’ve received an invitation. Brother Hongmeng, will you go?" Nangong Mengyao nodded, her eyes filled with anticipation as she looked at Hongmeng.

"That depends on your performance," Hongmeng said with a wicked grin, sweeping her into a princess carry.

Since Nangong Mengyao was going, he would naturally go too. It wasn’t just because of Nangong Mengyao; he also wanted to see the experts of the Eternal Continent for himself. Moreover, such a grand gathering of the continent’s strongest was an event not to be missed. Wouldn’t it be a wasted trip otherwise? Besides, attending the Demon Slaying Conference didn’t obligate one to fight the powerhouses of the Abyssal Dimension.

"You scoundrel! Do you even have any stamina left?" Nangong Mengyao wrapped her delicate, fair arms around Hongmeng’s neck, glaring at him.

"I definitely have enough to satisfy you!" Hongmeng chuckled softly, quickly sealing her small mouth with a kiss amidst her startled cries.

Time flew by. Happy moments always pass so quickly.

「One day later.」

Hongmeng suddenly sensed something and opened his eyes, his gaze met by an expanse of creamy whiteness.

Hong Yi is requesting a Divine Nation Heroic Warrior to descend?

Lifting his head from that warm, fragrant softness, a faint smile touched Hongmeng’s lips. He wasn’t surprised that Hong Yi was the first to use the "Invocation Technique." Hong Yi needed it the most.

The Sun God World isn’t weak. Although there weren’t any truly formidable experts at the start of the plot, the hero I send can’t be too weak. They must at least be able to hold their own and command the situation. Otherwise, not only would the hero lose face, but I’d be disgraced too!

Besides, this is the first time I’m dispatching a hero. If any mishap occurs and the situation isn’t handled well, wouldn’t that cause the other believers to lose faith?

As Hongmeng pondered, he had already made a decision. He had to dispatch at least a God-King Level Hero. Only a God-King Level Hero could navigate the treacherous depths of the Sun God World with ease.

Gu Xun’er, Medusa, Gu Yuena, Kasha, Hexi, Angel Yan...

Images of God-King Level Heroes flashed through Hongmeng’s mind. Finally, he settled on a tall, statuesque hero with magnificent golden wings.

Angel Yan!!