On Xuanzhou Island, Bo Huang stood upon a broad beach, sunlight pouring over him and setting off his tall, imposing figure. He gripped the God-Slaying Spear tightly, its shaft radiating a mysterious glow as though it concealed endless power.
Si stood silently opposite Bo Huang, its massive body shrouded in an air of mystery. The black spear clenched in its grasp gave off unique ripples of energy, as dazzling and domineering as lightning in the night.
Bo Huang drew a deep breath, his gaze solemn and resolute. He suddenly strode forward, sending fine sand flying from beneath his feet in a beautiful arc. His arm swung in an instant, and the God-Slaying Spear became a streak of silver-white lightning, thrusting irresistibly toward Si.
Si showed not the slightest panic. Instead, it calmly met Bo Huang's attack. Its posture was elegant and steady, its spear like a black python that instantly coiled toward Bo Huang. Two immense waves of energy collided, erupting with a deafening roar.
Bo Huang and Si's figures crossed amid the beautiful scenery, their movements swift and precise. Every strike carried the force of a raging storm, making one feel an irresistible power.
Time seemed to have frozen, leaving only the duel between them to continue. Determined light flickered in their eyes, as if they could grit their teeth and persevere through any hardship.
After more than thirty exchanges, the God-Slaying Spear's killing intent became too overwhelming for Bo Huang to control. With no other choice, he put it away first and said, "Consider yourself lucky. I don't want to accidentally kill you. Hurry up and admit defeat."
Si burst into laughter. "We're both Taiyi Golden Immortals. My cultivation isn't weaker than yours, so why should I surrender?"
Bo Huang frowned and considered it. "That actually makes some sense. But so what? This is the Primordial Wilderness, and here we follow the greatest principle of all: I'm stronger than you, so I'm right."
Just as the tension between them thickened and they were about to fight again, a voice descended from the sky. "This fellow is fated with the West. I ask Crown Prince Bo Huang to yield him to us."
Bo Huang looked toward the voice and saw that Daoist Zhunti had arrived. Bo Huang mocked, "Fated? Who's fated with you?"
Zhunti said, "Both of you are fated with the West. Would you be willing to come to Mount Sumeru and become disciples of our Western Sect?"
That place of yours is poor and rundown. If I took you as my master, you probably wouldn't even have anything worthwhile for a greeting gift. I'm not going.
Still, Bo Huang remained relatively polite aloud. He laughed and said, "Si, would you rather come with me to Mount Kunlun and enjoy yourself, or go with Senior Zhunti to Mount Sumeru and cultivate in hardship?"
Si pondered upon hearing this. After a short while, it answered, "After thinking it over, Mount Kunlun seems better."
Zhunti was displeased as soon as those words left its mouth. "Are you sure you won't reconsider? If you follow him, you'll only become someone's mount. Following me is different. You'll be a personal disciple and a guardian divine beast. That status is quite respectable."
Bo Huang cut in, "Si, don't be fooled by how nicely Senior Zhunti puts it. His Mount Sumeru is poor beyond belief."
Zhunti said, "Watch your words. This is called having a pure heart and few desires, not relying on the power of Dharma treasures."
Bo Huang casually mocked, "Of course you don't rely on the power of Dharma treasures. After all, you don't have any! Hahaha!"
Zhunti's face darkened. He took out the Seven Treasures Wonderful Tree and said, "What a sharp-tongued brat. Today, I'll teach you a lesson in your elders' stead."
Bo Huang raised his chin. "You haven't even become a Saint, yet you dare think of lecturing me? You don't want Mount Sumeru anymore, do you? Believe it or not, I'll go home, call some people over, and smash your Mount Sumeru to pieces?"
Zhunti's face darkened. "I am, after all, a Heaven-Ordained Saint. Don't be so arrogant, brat." With a sweep of his sleeve, he left without taking anything with him.
After watching Zhunti leave, Bo Huang turned to Si and asked, "Well? You can come with me now, right?"
Si shook its head. "Zhunti has already left. Now that we're both Taiyi Golden Immortals, I've changed my mind. I'm not going with you."
Bo Huang simmered with anger and asked the system, "System, does this damned bull have any karma in the future? Will killing it cause any major trouble? I want beef."
Ding. This bull will still serve as one of the tribulations in the future Journey to the West. Killing it will affect merit. Try not to kill it.
Hearing that, Bo Huang thought, So I can't kill it, but I can't scare it a little either? Just watch me. With that thought, Bo Huang said, "Since you refuse to come with me, don't blame me for being ruthless. Solar True Fire!"
As he spoke, Solar True Fire gathered in his hand and condensed into a cover that trapped Si within it. "Don't think being a divine beast will save you. I've sealed your earth-escape with the great divine ability of turning the ground to steel, and I've trapped you with Solar True Fire. If you still refuse to submit to me, you'll become beef soon enough."
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