"All right, all right, Old Sun won't say anything. You speak."
Lord Laozi said, "Though you three are demons, it was no easy feat for you to cultivate to the Golden Immortal Realm. Moreover, you have never committed any wicked deeds. You merely served as National Teachers within Cart Slow Kingdom and enjoyed Incense Offerings."
"Furthermore, you once prayed for rain on behalf of Cart Slow Kingdom's people and protected the peace of the region. You bear Merit and no karmic sins. In that case, this daoist naturally cannot condemn you."
"On the contrary, this daoist should reward you."
The Cart Slow Kingdom Three Oddities had all assumed they were finished, yet they never expected to hear such words from Lord Laozi.
At once, the three of them lit up with excitement, their entire bodies trembling uncontrollably.
"Th-this... is this really true?!"
Tiger Strength Great Immortal could scarcely believe it. With a thud, he dropped to his knees.
Lord Laozi stroked his beard and slowly nodded. "Naturally, it is true. Why would this daoist deceive you?"
"Many thanks, Lord Laozi!"
"Many thanks, Lord Laozi!"
The Cart Slow Kingdom Three Oddities hurriedly thanked Lord Laozi.
Tang Sanzang frowned, as though he had something to say.
Lord Laozi glanced at him. "What is it, Xuanzang? Do you have something to say?"
Tang Sanzang nodded, pressed his palms together, recited a Buddhist invocation, then said, "This disciple does indeed have something to say."
"Then speak."
Tang Sanzang said fearlessly, "These three demons of Cart Slow Kingdom oppressed disciples of the Buddhist School and made them perform hard labor. Does that not count as oppressing the good and innocent?"
Lord Laozi said nothing, merely looking at him calmly.
For some reason, Tang Sanzang suddenly felt a trace of fear rise within him.
Lord Laozi's