Western Three Bodhisattvas

On Western Penglai, on Golden Ao Island, Chen Shi recalled the time he had stretched his neck beneath the executioner's axe, and a wave of lingering fear washed over him.

When he lacked humanity, he had felt no fear.

Yet with humanity came dread and reluctance, the very understanding of fear.

His demonic nature and humanity had always coexisted, both forming parts of him, but in a state of absolute demonic nature he would have dared to wager that the Jade Emperor Great Heavenly Venerate would not dare to sever his head. Under the influence of humanity, however, he no longer dared to take that gamble.

Winning the wager would only bring a secret thrill of inward satisfaction, accompanied by a curse labeling the Great Heavenly Venerate a coward, but losing it would cost him his life.

"Did my husband truly leave no loopholes within the meta-talismans?"

Fairy Xiaoduan sought him out and asked, "Grandpa is deeply worried about this, afraid you might turn into another Mr. Huaiyi."

Chen Shi smiled. "Naturally not. Grandpa departed precisely because he knew I left no loopholes behind. You may rest entirely at ease as well, my wife; there are absolute zero loopholes within your meta-talisman."

Fairy Xiaoduan smiled. "You and I are fundamentally one, so of course I trust you. It is just that these past few days, as I observed the meta-talismans you bestowed upon your disciples, I noticed certain runes differed somewhat from the ones you imparted to me, which is why I grew concerned."

Chen Shi spoke in a soft and gentle tone, "My wife, this is something you need only know; do not speak of it outside."

Fairy Xiaoduan suddenly felt a sliver of chill seep outward from her bone marrow, making her hair stand on end as a