Heavenly Palace Buddha Lord, Western Territory Demon Emperor

Deep within the myriad mountains of Great Sheng's Eastern Territory.

The Eastern Territory branch of the Great Brahma Palace was located here.

Golden roofs dazzled the eye, jade pillars held up the heavens.

The entire temple rose in layers along the mountain's contours, its morning bells and evening drums sounding without cease day and night.

Though the Eastern Territory was presently engulfed in the flames of rebellion, worshippers still came and went in an unbroken stream, and the incense offerings were exceedingly prosperous.

Yet at this moment.

In a side hall at the deepest part of the Buddhist temple, sealed beneath layer upon layer of soundproofing barriers.

The atmosphere was so stagnant it was suffocating.

"Reporting to the Buddha Lord."

Divine Tiger Bodhisattva wore an embroidered kasaya and sat in the seat below, his face carrying its usual gentle smile.

He lowered his head slightly and respectfully reported to the figure seated above, "Everything has been arranged properly. All key passes across the seven prefectures of the Eastern Territory are now manned by our Heavenly Palace disciples, ready to receive them."

"Within the Capital City, we also have agents who can relay news regarding Ye Li at any time. At a single command from you, we may act in an instant."

On the main seat sat an enormous figure enveloped in hazy Buddha Light.

He was extremely fat, with kindly brows and benevolent eyes. His massive earlobes nearly reached his shoulders. He was the Buddha Lord, ruler of the Great Brahma Palace and one of the figures standing at the pinnacle of Great Sheng's power.

He slowly nodded, a muffled sound emerging from his throat. "Mm."

However, Second Prince Li Xuanyu, seated in a guest seat below, was nowhere near as calm and composed.

His fingers had turned white from