What Bullshit Are You Spouting?

After a moment of deliberation, Jieyin spoke: "The situation in the Underworld is complex now, and I cannot send other cultivators to aid you. However, I have other arrangements. After you leave Mount Sumeru, do not go directly to the Underworld. Instead, head first to Mount Jiuhua, where there is a small cave heaven. Within that cave heaven dwells a strange beast named Diting. This beast has a tiger's head, a single horn, dog's ears, a dragon's body, a lion's tail, and qilin feet. It excels at listening to all kinds of secrets, discerning the good and evil of human hearts, and recognizing all things in the world. With this beast's help, though it will not allow you to act recklessly in the Underworld, it can at least ensure you stand firm without worry, and at the very least, prevent you from being schemed against for no reason. As for other matters, with me, a Saint, backing you, there will certainly be no danger to your life."

Hearing Jieyin's words, Ksitigarbha had no further doubts. He immediately replied: "Disciple has no more doubts! This journey shall uplift all beings and deliver them from the sea of suffering." Jieyin nodded at this and said: "Good! May you soon, with great compassion, ferry all beings across! Go!" "Disciple takes leave!" With that, Ksitigarbha slowly withdrew from the cave dwelling.

Leaving the cave, Ksitigarbha did not delay. He immediately used his divine powers to head toward Mount Jiuhua. After a long while, Ksitigarbha stood at the foot of Mount Jiuhua, glanced back at the hastily erected marker for his dojo, then lowered his head and said to Diting: "Let's go!" With that, Ksitigarbha led Diting straight toward the Underworld. As for Mount Jiuhua? For now, he had only built some structures, barely enough to mark it as claimed territory. After all, he would be stationed in the Underworld from now on and had no intention of cultivating here. Confirming ownership was enough.

Soon, Ksitigarbha arrived at the Underworld. Standing before the towering Ghost Gate Pass, he looked up at the massive gate tower, then strode toward the city gate. As he approached, he was stopped by the guarding Yin Soldiers. "Halt, cultivator ahead! This is the Underworld. Leave at once!" Hearing the Yin Soldier's command, Ksitigarbha made a bow. "Please announce me: Ksitigarbha of the Western Teachings has come to visit Empress Pingxin!" As Ksitigarbha's words fell, the Ghost General on the gate tower immediately frowned deeply. A Western Teachings cultivator? That was no easy customer. Stop him? Not reliable. This involved a Saint's Great Sect, not something he could decide on his own. After a moment's thought, the Ghost General manifested at the city gate. "Esteemed Daoist friend of the Western Teachings, please wait a moment. I have already sent a message to the Ghost Emperor. A response should come shortly." Just as the Ghost General spoke, a pleasant voice rang out at the city gate. "Bring Ksitigarbha to see This Seat!"

Upon hearing Empress Pingxin's voice transmission, the Ghost General looked at Ksitigarbha and said, "Her Majesty has agreed to see you, Daoist friend. Please follow me."

Led by the Ghost General, Ksitigarbha soon arrived at Pingxin Hall.

Stepping into the center of the great hall, Ksitigarbha made a formal bow.

"Ksitigarbha of the Western Teachings pays respects to Empress Pingxin!"

Hearing this, Empress Pingxin asked indifferently, "Have you come to the Underworld because the Western Sage has a message to deliver?"

Ksitigarbha shook his head at this and replied, "It is not a message from the Sage. This junior has come to deliver the beings of the Underworld from suffering.

I ask Her Majesty to grant this convenience!

Give the Lost Souls of the Underworld a chance to receive deliverance."

Upon hearing these words, Empress Pingxin immediately furrowed her delicate brows.

Hadn't Haotian just come not long ago, helping to set up the framework of Yin Si?

And now a disciple of the Western Teachings shows up?

If you had said this before Haotian arrived, This Seat might have agreed, considering the Lost Souls of the Underworld.

But now?

What use would you be?

The Underworld has its own laws and order.

What need is there for you to deliver them?

Isn't it just a matter of reciting a few scriptures?

Other things the Witch Clan might not know.

But reading scriptures aloud? The Witch Clan can manage that!

And besides, would a Western Teachings cultivator come just for this?

I'm afraid this Ksitigarbha is merely the vanguard for the Western Teachings to meddle in the Underworld.

Once I agree, the Western Teachings will flood in to occupy the Underworld.

When that happens, will the Underworld still be mine to command?

After pondering for a moment, Empress Pingxin said coolly, "The Underworld has already been placed under the jurisdiction of the Heavenly Court.

All affairs are handled according to its laws, with no need for outside interference.

This is the key to ensuring the orderly operation of the Underworld.

This Seat cannot agree to this matter. You should return."

Seeing that Empress Pingxin had directly refused his request, and even invoked the Heavenly Court's backing, Ksitigarbha immediately began to scheme in his heart.

It seemed that occupying the Underworld this time would not be easily achieved.

But returning empty-handed was clearly impossible.

Since I, Ksitigarbha, have set my mind on saving and delivering all beings, how could I retreat in the face of present difficulties?

Can't reach an agreement?

If we can't reach an agreement, then I'll have to force my way through.

As long as I obtain the recognition of the Heavenly Dao, Empress Pingxin will have no choice but to swallow her anger and endure it.

Thereupon, Ksitigarbha declared loudly, "I, the Daoist Ksitigarbha of the Western Teachings!

Now take up residence in the Underworld to deliver all Lost Souls. Until the hells are empty, I vow not to become a Sage..."

Before Ksitigarbha could utter "May the Heavenly Dao witness this,"

Empress Pingxin had already swept her wide sleeve and snapped sharply, "Get lost!"

As her words fell, Ksitigarbha had already been sent to the edge of the Sea of Blood.

Staring at the vast Sea of Blood, Ksitigarbha's eyes were filled with bewilderment.

I've been kicked out just like that?

I only wanted to save all beings—why is it so difficult?

Glancing at the spot where Ksitigarbha had vanished, Empress Pingxin's anger subsided slightly.

The Western Teachings go too far!

I had already clearly refused, yet this Ksitigarbha still tried to force his way into the Underworld with a vow.

He clearly had no regard for her, Pingxin.

And "Until the hells are empty, I vow not to become a Sage"?

What a load of nonsense!

This Seat transformed into the Underworld, yet with such vast Merit still failed to attain sainthood.

You, Ksitigarbha, with what little weight you carry, actually dare to use sainthood as a bargaining chip?

The Two Sages of the West swore Dao vows and borrowed Merit from the Heavenly Dao to become saints—that much can be tolerated.

But you, Ksitigarbha, actually try to follow their example, forcing your way into the Underworld with a Dao vow.

Should I say you've truly inherited the full legacy of the Western Teachings?

If you were to succeed, how would This Seat answer to Haotian?

What authority would remain for me to govern the Underworld?

And on Mount Sumeru.

Jieyin, seeing Ksitigarbha driven out, immediately swayed his form slightly.

When he reappeared, he had already brought Ksitigarbha with him, once again standing outside Pingxin Hall.

As for why not inside Pingxin Hall?

It was because even Jieyin, in his status as a sage, could not accomplish that.

All because Pingxin Hall has a great origin.

The former Pangu Divine Hall of the Witch Clan is now Pingxin Hall.

This great hall cannot be forcibly entered even by a sage.

Coincidentally, this is also one of the sources of Empress Pingxin's confidence in daring to refuse a sage.

Glancing at the plaque above the door, Jieyin declared loudly, "Dao-friend Pingxin!

Jieyin of the Western Teachings has come to call!"

Hearing Jieyin's voice, Empress Pingxin felt a surge of vexation in her heart.

Is this Western Teachings unwilling to stop until they achieve their goal?

This Seat has already refused so clearly.

Yet Jieyin still comes.

But facing him alone, I truly struggle to hold my ground.

Given this situation, I must ask Haotian to come to my aid.

It's fortunate I formed an alliance with Haotian earlier.

Otherwise, facing a sage alone, I would inevitably find it hard to stand firm.

With that thought, Empress Pingxin immediately sent a voice transmission to Haotian.

As for Jieyin?

Let him wait at the door and stand guard for now!

What about a sage's dignity?

What does that have to do with me, Pingxin?

It's not as if This Seat invited him here.

A short while later.

Haotian arrived.

Glancing at Jieyin and Ksitigarbha waiting at the entrance.

Haotian said flatly, "The sage still hasn't left?

If I may say so, since the other party doesn't wish to see you, why must the sage force the issue?

Leave early, and spare yourself the trouble of troubling others and embarrassing yourself."