Acquired Purple Qi

"Therefore..." Lan Caihe said in a deep voice, "we can only ask Akashagarbha Bodhisattva to come in person to retrieve the item."

Emperor Shaoyang exclaimed, "Is the seal that profound?"

When he tried to grab it with his magic power, his hand passed straight through the ceramic pot.

"Interesting," Emperor Shaoyang's eyes gleamed with curiosity. He cast various spells, but none could shake the pot in the slightest.

After his attempts failed, the Golden Immortal couldn't help but praise, "Truly profound and extraordinary! The Mountain God of Lingtai is indeed remarkable. It seems we must trouble the Bodhisattva to make a move."

With that, Emperor Shaoyang of the Purple Mansion calmly returned to his seat and penned a memorial to the Grand Profound Capital Province.

Inside the Hall of Grotto-Heavens, within the Department of the Mortal Realm of the True Palace of Great Mystery.

Akashagarbha Bodhisattva looked solemn, while Emperor Wenchang stood quietly to the side, his gaze serene.

Behind them stood the three main deities of the Department of the Mortal Realm: Grand Minister of Grotto-Heavens Emperor Shaoyang of the Purple Mansion, Lesser Minister of Grotto-Mysteries True Lord Xuandu, and Lesser Minister of Grotto-Heavens True Man Wenshi. Other immortals and gods, such as Lan Caihe, were scattered around, their eyes all focused on Akashagarbha Bodhisattva.

After a period of deduction, they arrived at two completely different conclusions.

The first was that the pot's reality was indistinguishable due to the seal's power, and only by casting the "Void-Reality Conversion" technique could it be touched. However, the second was that even if it could be touched, its seal could not be broken.

"Bodhisattva, is there a way to break this seal?" Emperor Wenchang asked.

Akashagarbha Bodhisattva pondered, "This seal is neither of the Dao nor Buddhism, nor the power of demons and monsters. Its origin is difficult to discern; it can only be forcibly broken."

He then raised the Wisdom Sword in his right hand and slashed it through the air. The sword's edge tore through the void, striking directly at the ceramic pot, but it was like a clay ox entering the sea – it didn't shake in the slightest.

The Bodhisattva sighed softly and sheathed his sword. He then took out a pearl, its radiance flowing and illuminating the hall.

"Could it be the Ruyi Pearl?" Emperor Wenchang's expression sharpened.

Akashagarbha Bodhisattva nodded, chanted a spell to guide the pearl, and the pearl, carrying thousands of auspicious lights, collided with the ceramic pot. In an instant, magical power surged, but it was contained by the Bodhisattva's palm, dissipating within a small area.

The ceramic pot trembled slightly, and everyone held their breath, only to realize it was merely the table shaking. The pearl's radiance gradually faded, and the seal remained as firm as ever.

"Even the Ruyi Pearl is powerless," Akashagarbha Bodhisattva shook his head and sighed.

Emperor Wenchang couldn't hide his astonishment: "Is this seal truly so troublesome?"

"Allow me to try," True Lord Xuandu stepped forward.

Emperor Wenchang agreed. True Lord Xuandu flipped his palm and summoned a long sword wreathed in purple flames, its sword energy chilling.

"The Eight Trigrams Purple Gold Sword!" Lan Caihe blurted out. This sword was bestowed by Grand Supreme Elder Lao, containing the profound mysteries of the Eight Trigrams and possessing immeasurable power.

True Lord Xuandu stood with the sword, forming a hand seal with his left hand, and shouted at the ceramic pot:

The Eight Trigrams Purple Gold Sword flew out in response, transforming into a purple rainbow that pierced the sky. This strike was astonishingly powerful, with the Eight Trigrams subtly appearing within the sword's light. A strong wind swept through the True Palace of Great Mystery, causing everyone's robes to flutter.

Did it break? The envoy of the Grand Profound Capital Province watched intently. After the sword light dissipated, the ceramic pot was completely intact.

True Lord Xuandu sheathed his sword and sighed: This seal is difficult to break.

Emperor Wenchang frowned: Is there truly no solution?

True Man Wenshi suggested: Why not invite the generals of the Thunder Department to try?

Before long, a messenger led the gods of the Thunder Department into the hall. True Lords Tianpeng, Tianyou, and Yisheng shone with divine light, Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King's golden armor gleamed, the Four Great Marshals looked formidable, and Third Prince Nezha led the group.

After the gods paid their respects, Emperor Wenchang showed them the ceramic pot: Whoever can break this seal will receive a great reward.

Suddenly, a crisp sound was heard: "A mere mortal object, hardly worth mentioning!" Nezha stepped out from the crowd, all his magical treasures appearing around him. The Demon Slaying Sword flashed with cold light, but it only managed to shatter the table beneath the pot.

True Lord Xuandu said: "This seal possesses both reality and unreality, ordinary means can't touch it at all."

Nezha suddenly realized and immediately formed a void-reality hand seal, slashing fiercely with his sword. However, although the sword's edge touched the ceramic pot, the seal remained unmoved.

His brow furrowed, he wielded the Demon Chopping Saber and the Demon Subduing Pestle in succession, but still couldn't shake it in the slightest. With a furious roar, Nezha manifested his three-headed, six-armed form, each head wielding a divine weapon and striking madly. After a long while, he was panting like an ox, yet the ceramic pot remained unharmed.

"Damn it!" Nezha roared, intending to attack again, but was stopped by the smiling Marshals Ma, Zhao, Wen, and Guan. At this moment, True Lord Tianpeng stepped forward and summoned an ancient divine bell. He held the bell in his left hand and formed the Seven Stars Dharma Seal with his right, his oppressive aura instantly surpassing Nezha's previous might.

"If Tianpeng's Emperor Shaking Bell and Seven Stars Seal are ineffective, then there's no need for us to try," said True Lord Tianyou. As the bell's roar echoed, the entire First Heaven trembled. The ceramic pot vibrated slightly, but Marshal Guan pointed out: "It's only the pot vibrating slightly; the seal is intact."

Nezha turned to Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King: "Father, lend me the pagoda!" The Heavenly King defensively shielded the pagoda: "Even Tianpeng failed, what use would the pagoda be?"

Just as everyone was at a loss, Lord Taibai arrived on an auspicious cloud. He lightly waved his whisk and proclaimed an imperial decree: "By the Jade Emperor's command, the Grand Chief Envoy of the Grand Profound Capital Province, the Grand Minister of Grotto-Heavens of the Department of the Mortal Realm, and Akashagarbha Bodhisattva of the West are summoned to Lingxiao Hall for an audience." Those summoned immediately bowed and accepted the order.

After Lord Taibai departed, Emperor Wenchang said to the gods of the Thunder Department, "Thank you for your efforts, esteemed Immortal Officials. Please return to your residences for now."

The gods of the Thunder Department bowed and took their leave, only Nezha still had the ceramic pot on his mind and wanted to take it with him as he left.

Akashagarbha Bodhisattva's eyes moved swiftly, and he immediately used the Void-Reality Conversion technique, snatching the ceramic pot into his hand a step ahead. Seeing this, Nezha had no choice but to leave with the others, dejected.

Emperor Wenchang and his entourage arrived outside the Supreme Harmony Palace, and Lord Taibai entered to report. A moment later, Lord Taibai emerged and announced, "His Majesty summons you."

Everyone tidied their robes and followed Lord Taibai into the hall. There were few Immortal Officials in the hall at this time. After the group paid their respects, they saw Grand Supreme Elder Lao and Great Empress Houtu present, so they bowed to each of them separately.

The Jade Emperor spoke first: "Bodhisattva, has your mount, Garuda, returned to the mountain?"

Upon hearing this, Akashagarbha Bodhisattva immediately clasped his hands together and stepped forward: "This humble monk was just about to ask Your Great Celestial Venerable for punishment." He continued, "My discipline was lax, leading this wicked beast to descend and wreak havoc, harming living beings. Although it has been sealed in this pot by the Mountain God of Lingtai, its sins are heavy. As its master, I cannot shirk responsibility and humbly request Your Great Celestial Venerable to mete out punishment."

The Jade Emperor nodded: "Great Empress Houtu has already informed me of Garuda's evil deeds. Its crimes are indeed unforgivable. While the Bodhisattva's mistake was unintentional, he was also negligent in his oversight. The Heavenly Dao is just and impartial, clearly distinguishing merits and demerits. Considering the Bodhisattva's efforts in universal salvation and his immeasurable good deeds, ten thousand units of merit will be deducted and returned to the harmed sentient beings to atone for his sin."

As soon as he finished speaking, the golden light of the Merit Wheel behind Akashagarbha Bodhisattva noticeably weakened. The Bodhisattva respectfully bowed and thanked him: "This humble monk thanks Your Great Celestial Venerable for your compassion."

The Jade Emperor then said, "As for Garuda, it shall be immediately escorted to the Demon Slaying Platform of the Thunder Department for execution. Its Primordial Spirit will be cast into Reincarnation, and only after enduring ten lifetimes of a thousand years of cultivation may it return to the Bodhisattva's side."

The immortals in the hall were not surprised by this judgment. The Jade Heavenly Great Celestial Venerable governed the Heavenly Dao and ruled the Three Realms; his word was Heavenly Law. If an immortal committed an offense that did not alarm the Jade Emperor, they might be lightly punished; once it reached the Heavenly Ear, they would be severely punished according to Heavenly Law. Fortunately, a thousand years of time was but a fleeting moment for the Bodhisattva.

Emperor Wenchang stepped forward and reported: "Your Majesty, Garuda has been sealed in a pottery jar by the Mountain God of Lingtai. This seal is extremely powerful; neither the Bodhisattva, the assembled immortals, nor the Thunder Department's generals could break it. It is feared he cannot be brought to the Demon Slaying Platform for execution."

Upon hearing this, the Jade Emperor smiled and said to Grand Supreme Elder Lao: "Laojun's insight is truly sharp. The person you casually recommended possesses such divine abilities."

Grand Supreme Elder Lao bowed and replied: "It is all thanks to the Great Celestial Venerable ruling the world with virtue, and the prosperity of the Three Realms, that outstanding talents emerge to assist your sagacity. I merely followed the will of heaven and the desires of the people."

The Jade Emperor laughed heartily: "All my loyal ministers need to do is deliver this pottery jar to the Demon Slaying Platform; there will be a way to deal with him."

He immediately issued an edict: "Grand Minister of Grotto-Heavens, you and Akashagarbha Bodhisattva shall escort Garuda to the Demon Slaying Platform. Emperor Wenchang, remain here to receive further orders."

"This minister (poor monk) obeys the decree." Emperor Shaoyang and the Bodhisattva bowed and took their leave.

After the two departed, the Jade Emperor ordered Lord Taibai to present a stack of memorials: "These are submitted by Great Empress Houtu, memorials from the various local deities of Spirit Platform Mountain requesting commendations for the Mountain God."

Emperor Wenchang respectfully accepted them. After carefully reading, he advised: "Your Majesty, although the Mountain God of Lingtai possesses great magical power, capturing Garuda has likely offended the Buddhist Sect. If he is further rewarded, it may incite jealousy. It would be better to temporarily record his merits and bestow rewards together at a later date."

The Jade Emperor said sternly: "Merit must be rewarded; how can we abandon rewards and punishments due to fear of slander? Since I punish the guilty, I will certainly not mistreat the meritorious. The Immortal Officials of the Heavenly Court are my wings; if we wrong the capable, how can we soar to great heights?"

Emperor Wenchang bowed in shame and submission: "This minister has learned his lesson."

The Jade Emperor immediately issued an edict: "The Mountain God of Lingtai, loyal and diligent in his duties, captured a demon and saved the people. He is hereby promoted to Seventh-Rank Immortal Official of the Lower Yuan, still in charge of Spirit Platform Mountain, and concurrently manages the three thousand li of mountains and rivers in Guangci Prefecture of the Western Ox Continent."

At the same time, on the Demon Slaying Platform.

The pottery jar sealing Garuda was placed on the execution platform. As Emperor Shaoyang read the edict, the seal inexplicably dissipated on its own. The jar shattered, and Garuda, his feathered robes stained with blood, broke free.

"Bodhisattva!" Garuda saw Akashagarbha Bodhisattva and knelt in joy: "Thank you, Bodhisattva, for rescuing me!"

The Bodhisattva rebuked him sternly: "Wicked creature! You have harmed living beings. The Jade Emperor has decreed ten lifetimes of reincarnation before you can return to the immortal path. If you harbor good intentions and diligently cultivate Buddhist dharma, I will guide you."

Garuda was shocked to find himself on the execution platform and struggled, crying out his innocence. The Bodhisattva flicked his sleeve, emitting Buddhist light to restrain him: "Stop your sophistry! Behave yourself!"

The divine generals of the Thunder Department activated Heavenly Lightning and fire blades. With a flash of steel, Garuda was decapitated. A divine light enveloped his Primordial Spirit and descended directly into the underworld.

Akashagarbha Bodhisattva gazed at the beheaded Garuda, cupped his palms, lowered his brow, and recited with a compassionate expression: "Amitabha."

Zhuang Yan stood respectfully outside the Mountain God Temple, listening to Zhao Qingsi, the envoy from the Department of the Mortal Realm's Western Ox Continent, read the imperial edict of commendation from the Grand Profound Capital Province.

As the last word fell, the Immortal Official Jade Edict within his spiritual platform bloomed with golden light, promoting him from Eighth-Rank to Seventh-Rank Mountain God Jade Edict. The range of his divine power also expanded from the three hundred li of Spirit Platform Mountain to the entire three thousand li of Guangci Prefecture.

The Jade Edict simultaneously displayed a brand-new set of immortal official attire—the Seventh-Rank Lower Yuan Nine Heavens Cloud Crane Robe with a green sash and white jade belt. Although still a Spirit Treasure-grade magic robe, its function was limited to repelling dust and dirt.

"...I hope you will diligently cultivate and adhere to the Heavenly Dao. When your merits are complete, we shall govern together in Lingxiao Hall as sovereign and subject, a tale that will be told for eternity." Zhao Qingsi finally conveyed the Jade Emperor's oral decree.

Zhuang Yan bowed in response: "This humble minister remembers the imperial decree and will not fail Your Majesty's nurturing grace."

"Congratulations, Mountain God of Lingtai." Zhao Qingsi handed over the edict, unable to conceal her envy: "Whether mortal or immortal, strength is the foundation. The Mountain God has now earned the Emperor's favor."

Zhuang Yan smiled without answering, then invited: "Envoy, you have traveled far and must be tired. Would you like to rest in the temple?"

"No need." Zhao Qingsi waved her hand: "This is a special edict from the Jade Emperor, and I must report back immediately." With that, she rode a cloud and departed.

Returning to his residence, Zhuang Yan changed into his Seventh-Rank official robes and examined his Jade Edict. His monthly stipend had increased to eight thousand Purple Coins, and his incense and fire offerings had doubled—ever since subduing Garuda, his followers had become even more devout.

What is called merit and virtue: good deeds are called merit, and a good heart is called virtue. Gods and Buddhas save the world and teach all beings to do good, naturally leading to flourishing incense and fire offerings.

For the next three months, Zhuang Yan devoted himself to cultivation. His monthly salary was all converted into Acquired Purple Qi for him to absorb. Although the temple's incense and fire offerings were abundant, no trivial matters disturbed his pure cultivation.