Buzhou Mountain, Pangu Hall.
A massive water mirror hovered in midair, and reflected within it was none other than the scene of the Heavenly Court reopening the Peach Banquet.
Immortal music drifted ethereally, celestial maidens danced, and Haotian and Tathagata exchanged cups, the picture of perfect harmony and delight.
"Tsk, tsk."
"This Heavenly Court and Buddhism really are a fine pair of partners."
Dijiang was the first to speak, letting out a sneer.
"What a beautiful opera they're singing."
"How did I never notice before that Haotian and that bunch from Buddhism were so good at acting?"
Zhurong grinned, laughing without the slightest attempt to hide it.
"Isn't that the truth!"
"Look at Haotian's face—angry one moment, pleased the next, then pretending to be all profound. He changes expressions faster than we do when we fight."
"And that Tathagata too, putting on that merciful-hearted act, as if he really came to rescue the suffering and deliver the afflicted."
"In reality, when Five-Finger Mountain came crashing down, I didn't see his hand go soft."
Gonggong, rarely, also spoke up, his tone carrying a trace of mockery.
"It's all for merit, all for Fortune. What's acting out one play worth?"
"Look at all the gods and Buddhas across the sky—every last one of them knows it perfectly well, yet they all insist on playing the fool along with it."
"Only that Monkey, silly as can be, getting sold off and still helping count the money."
Dijiang burst out laughing as he listened.
"That's true enough. That Monkey really is stupid to a fault."
"Played in circles from beginning to end, and only after he was pinned under the mountain did he finally figure out what was going on."
"Hahahahaha, he's probably regretting it right now."
The atmosphere inside the hall eased, and