Chapter 10

"Therefore..." Lan Caihe said gravely, "we can only ask Akashagarbha Bodhisattva to come in person and retrieve it."

Emperor Shaoyang looked astonished. "Such a mysterious seal exists?"

When he reached out with his divine power, his hand passed straight through the clay jar.

"Interesting." Emperor Shaoyang's eyes gleamed as he cast spell after spell, yet he could not shake the clay jar in the slightest.

After failing in his attempts, the Golden Immortal could not help but praise it. "Truly profound! The Mountain God of Lingtai is indeed extraordinary. It seems we can only trouble the Bodhisattva to make the journey."

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, Department of the Mortal Realm, True Palace of Great Mystery.

Akashagarbha Bodhisattva wore a solemn expression, while Emperor Wenchang stood quietly at one side, his gaze calm.

Behind them stood the three principal gods 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. The other immortals and gods, including Lan Caihe, stood scattered around them, all eyes fixed upon Akashagarbha Bodhisattva.

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

First, the seal on the clay jar made void and reality indistinguishable, and only the art of Void-Reality Conversion could touch it. Second, even if it could be touched, the seal upon it could not be broken.

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

Akashagarbha Bodhisattva pondered for a moment. "This seal is neither Daoist nor Buddhist, nor does it carry the power of demons and monsters. Its origin is impossible to determine. It can only be broken by force."

As he spoke, he held the Wisdom Sword in his right hand and slashed through the air. The blade tore through space and fell directly onto the clay jar, yet it vanished like a mud ox entering the sea, unable to move it in the slightest.

The Bodhisattva sighed softly and sheathed his sword, then took out a precious pearl. Its radiance flowed and illuminated the hall.

"Could that be the Ruyi Pearl?" Emperor Wenchang's expression tightened.

Akashagarbha Bodhisattva nodded. Forming a hand seal, he guided the pearl as it crashed toward the clay jar with countless auspicious rays. In an instant, divine power surged violently, only to be confined by the Bodhisattva's palm and extinguished within a tiny space.

The clay jar trembled slightly. Everyone held their breath, only to discover that it was merely the table shaking. The pearl's radiance gradually faded, while the seal remained firm.

"Even the Ruyi Pearl can do nothing." Akashagarbha Bodhisattva shook his head with a sigh.

Emperor Wenchang could not conceal his astonishment. "This seal is truly so troublesome?"

"Allow this official to try." True Lord Xuandu stepped forward.

Emperor Wenchang agreed. With a flip of his palm, True Lord Xuandu produced a longsword wreathed in violet flames, its sword aura chilling.

"The Eight Trigrams Purple Gold Sword!" Lan Caihe blurted out. This sword had been bestowed by Grand Supreme Elder Lao and contained the mysteries of the Eight Trigrams. Its power was unfathomable.

True Lord Xuandu stood with sword in hand. Forming a seal with his left hand, he shouted at the clay jar:

The Eight Trigrams Purple Gold Sword shot forth at his command, transforming into a violet rainbow that pierced down through the sky. The sword strike was terrifying, and within its light, the image of the Eight Trigrams seemed to circulate. Fierce winds swept through the True Palace of Great Mystery, sending everyone's robes fluttering wildly.

Had it broken through? The Profound Envoy watched intently. Once the sword light faded, the clay jar was still completely intact.

True Lord Xuandu withdrew his sword and sighed. "This seal cannot be broken."

Emperor Wenchang frowned. "Is there truly nothing we can do?"

True Man Wenshi offered, "Why not ask the generals of the Thunder Department to try?"

Before long, a herald led the Gods of the Thunder Department into the hall. True Lords Tianpeng, Tian You, and Yi Sheng shone with divine light. The Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King's golden armor gleamed, the Four Great Marshals were imposing, and Third Prince Nezha arrived with his followers.

After the gods finished paying their respects, Emperor Wenchang indicated the clay jar. "Whoever can break this seal shall be handsomely rewarded."

A crisp voice suddenly rang out. "It is merely a mortal object. What is there to speak of?" Nezha stepped out from the crowd, his magical treasures appearing all around him. The Demon Slaying Sword flashed with cold light, yet it only split the table beneath the jar.

True Lord Xuandu said, "This seal gives rise to void and reality together. Ordinary methods cannot touch it at all."

Nezha suddenly understood and immediately formed the Void-Reality Conversion seal, swinging his sword down with all his strength. Yet though the blade touched the clay jar, the seal did not budge.

His brows furrowed as he repeatedly swung the Demon Chopping Saber and the Demon Subduing Pestle, but neither could shake it. With a furious roar, Nezha revealed his Three Heads Six Arms form, each hand wielding a divine weapon as he hacked away madly. After a long while, he was panting like an ox, while the clay jar remained unharmed.

"Damn it!" Nezha roared, ready to attack again, but Marshals Ma, Zhao, Wen, and Guan laughed as they stopped him. At that moment, True Lord Tianpeng stepped forward and brought forth an ancient divine bell. He held the bell in his left hand and formed the Seven Stars Dharma Seal with his right, his pressure instantly surpassing Nezha's earlier momentum.

"If Tianpeng's Emperor Shaking Bell and Seven Stars Seal fail, there is no need for the rest of us to try," True Lord Tianyou said. As the bell thundered, the entire First Heaven trembled. The clay jar swayed faintly, but Marshal Guan pointed out, "Only the jar moved slightly. The seal is intact."

Nezha turned to the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King. "Father, lend me the pagoda!" The Heavenly King guarded the pagoda vigilantly. "Even Tianpeng could not succeed. What use would the pagoda be?"

Just as everyone was at a loss, Lord Taibai arrived on a stream of immortal light. With a light flick of his whisk, he proclaimed, "By decree of the Jade Emperor: the 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 to proceed immediately to Lingxiao Hall for an audience." Those summoned immediately bowed and accepted the order.

After Lord Taibai departed, Emperor Wenchang said to the Thunder Department immortals, "Thank you for your efforts, immortal officials. Please return to your residences first."

The Thunder Department immortals saluted and withdrew. Only Nezha remained fixated on the clay jar, still wanting to take it away as he left.

Akashagarbha Bodhisattva reacted quickly and immediately used Void-Reality Conversion, taking the clay jar into his hand before Nezha could. Seeing this, Nezha could only leave resentfully with the others.

Emperor Wenchang's group arrived outside the Supreme Harmony Palace, and Lord Taibai entered to report. A moment later, Lord Taibai came out and announced, "His Majesty summons you."

Everyone adjusted their robes and followed Lord Taibai into the hall. There were few immortal officials within. After paying their respects, they saw Grand Supreme Elder Lao and Great Empress Houtu present, and they saluted them as well.

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

Upon hearing this, Akashagarbha Bodhisattva immediately stepped forward with his palms pressed together. "This humble monk was just about to plead guilty before the Great Celestial Venerable." He continued, "This humble monk failed in his discipline, allowing that evil creature to descend into the mortal realm, wreak havoc, and slaughter living beings. Though he has already been sealed within this jar by the Mountain God of Lingtai, his sins are grave. As his master, this humble monk cannot escape blame. I beg the Great Celestial Venerable to pass judgment."

The Jade Emperor nodded. "Great Emperor Houtu has already reported Garuda's evil deeds to Us. His crimes are indeed unforgivable. Though the Bodhisattva's mistake was unintentional, you were still negligent in oversight. The Heavenly Dao is utterly impartial, and merit and fault are clearly distinguished. In consideration of the Bodhisattva's salvation of all beings and boundless merit, one hundred thousand points of merit shall be removed and dedicated to the harmed living beings, to atone for this crime."

The moment his words fell, the golden light of Akashagarbha Bodhisattva's Merit Wheel visibly weakened. The Bodhisattva bowed respectfully. "This humble monk thanks the Great Celestial Venerable for his mercy."

The Jade Emperor continued, "As for Garuda, he shall immediately be escorted to the Demon Slaying Platform of the Thunder Department for execution. His primordial spirit shall enter reincarnation, and only after ten lifetimes and a thousand years of cultivation may he return to the Bodhisattva's side."

None of the immortals in the hall found this judgment surprising. The Jade Emperor Great Celestial Venerable governed the Heavenly Dao and ruled the Three Realms; his word was the Heavenly Rules. If immortals committed crimes that did not reach the Jade Emperor's ears, they might receive lenient punishment. But once the matter reached him, they would certainly be punished strictly according to Heavenly Law. Fortunately, a thousand years was but the flick of a finger to the Bodhisattva.

Emperor Wenchang stepped forward and reported, "Your Majesty, Garuda was sealed within the clay jar by the Mountain God of Lingtai. The seal is exceptionally powerful. Neither the Bodhisattva, the immortals, nor the generals of the Thunder Department can break it. I fear it will be difficult to escort him to the Demon Slaying Platform for execution."

Hearing this, the Jade Emperor smiled at Grand Supreme Elder Lao. "Laojun's discerning eye is truly remarkable. A person you recommended so casually possesses such divine abilities."

Grand Supreme Elder Lao bowed and replied, "It is entirely thanks to the Great Celestial Venerable's wise governance. With the Three Realms flourishing, talented people emerge in abundance to aid a sagely ruler. This poor Daoist has merely followed Heaven and answered the will of the people."

The Jade Emperor laughed heartily. "My ministers need only send this clay jar to the Demon Slaying Platform. There will naturally be a way to deal with it."

He then issued a decree: "Grand Minister of Grotto-Heavens, you and Akashagarbha Bodhisattva shall escort Garuda to the Demon Slaying Platform. Emperor Wenchang shall remain and await orders."

"This official obeys the decree." "This humble monk obeys the decree." Emperor Shaoyang and the Bodhisattva saluted and withdrew.

After the two had left, the Jade Emperor ordered Lord Taibai to present a stack of memorials. "These were forwarded by Great Emperor Houtu, petitions from the local earth gods of Spirit Platform Mountain requesting merit for their mountain god."

Emperor Wenchang accepted them respectfully. After reading them carefully, he offered, "Your Majesty, though the Mountain God of Lingtai possesses great power, capturing Garuda may already have offended the Buddhist sect. If he is rewarded further, it may invite resentment. Better to record his merit for now and reward him together with future achievements."

The Jade Emperor's expression turned serious. "Those with merit must be rewarded. How can We abandon rewards and punishments out of fear of slander? Since We punish the guilty, We shall not mistreat the meritorious. The immortal officials of the Heavenly Court are Our wings. If We wrong the worthy, how are We to soar high?"

Emperor Wenchang bowed in shame and acceptance. "This official has been instructed."

The Jade Emperor immediately decreed, "The Mountain God of Lingtai has faithfully fulfilled his duties, captured a demon, and saved the people. He is specially promoted to Seventh-Rank Immortal Official of the Lower Yuan. He shall continue to govern Spirit Platform Mountain and shall additionally oversee the mountains and rivers within three thousand li of Guangci Prefecture on the Western Ox Continent."

At the same time, atop the Demon Slaying Platform.

The clay jar containing the sealed Garuda was placed upon the execution platform. As Emperor Shaoyang read the decree, the seal unexpectedly dissipated on its own. The jar shattered, and Garuda, his feathered robes stained with blood, broke free.

"Bodhisattva!" Seeing Akashagarbha Bodhisattva, Garuda knelt joyfully. "Thank you, Bodhisattva, for saving me!"

The Bodhisattva rebuked him harshly. "Evil creature! You slaughtered living beings, and the Jade Emperor has sentenced you to ten lifetimes of reincarnation before you may return to the immortal path. If you retain a good heart and diligently cultivate Buddhist teachings, this humble monk shall naturally save you."

Garuda suddenly realized he stood upon an execution platform and hurriedly struggled as he cried his innocence. The Bodhisattva flicked his sleeve, sending out Buddhist light to imprison him. "Do not argue! Conduct yourself well!"

The divine generals of the Thunder Department activated heavenly lightning and fire blades. A flash of blade light passed, and Garuda's head separated from his body. A beam of divine light wrapped his primordial spirit and carried it straight into the underworld.

Akashagarbha Bodhisattva gazed at Garuda's beheaded body. Joining his palms and lowering his eyes, he softly recited with a sorrowful expression, "Amitabha Buddha."

Zhuang Yan stood respectfully outside the Mountain God Temple, listening as Zhao Qingsi, the herald from the Western Ox Continent of the Department of the Mortal Realm, read aloud the Grand Profound Capital Province's decree of reward.

When the final word fell, the Immortal Official Jade Edict within his spirit platform burst with golden light, advancing from an eighth-rank to a seventh-rank mountain god jade edict. The range covered by his divine power also expanded from the three hundred li of Spirit Platform Mountain to the entirety of Guangci Prefecture, spanning three thousand li.

At the same time, the jade edict displayed a brand-new set of immortal official robes—the Nine Heavens Cloud Crane Robe of a Seventh-Rank Immortal Official of the Lower Yuan, with a green cord and white jade belt. Though still a spirit treasure-grade robe, its effects were limited to repelling dust and resisting stains.

"...May you cultivate diligently and uphold the Heavenly Dao. When your achievements are complete, sovereign and minister shall govern together in Lingxiao Hall, creating a glorious tale for all ages." Zhao Qingsi conveyed the Jade Emperor's final verbal instruction.

Zhuang Yan bowed and replied, "This humble official shall remember Your Majesty's sacred instruction and will not disappoint His Majesty's grace in nurturing me."

"Congratulations, Mountain God of Lingtai." Zhao Qingsi handed him the decree, unable to conceal her envy. "Whether mortal or immortal, strength is the foundation. The mountain god has now gained His Majesty's favor."

Zhuang Yan smiled without answering and instead invited her. "The envoy has traveled far and must be weary. Would you care to enter the temple and rest awhile?"

"No need." Zhao Qingsi waved her hand. "This is a decree personally issued by the Jade Emperor, and I must report back at once." With that, she mounted a cloud and departed.

Upon returning to his quiet chamber, Zhuang Yan changed into his seventh-rank official robes and examined his jade edict. His monthly salary had risen to eight thousand Purple Coins, while the temple's incense offerings had doubled. Since he had subdued Garuda, the believers had become ever more devout.

As for merit, good deeds were called achievement, while a good heart was called virtue. When gods and Buddhas saved the world and guided all beings toward goodness, incense offerings naturally flourished.

For the next three months, Zhuang Yan devoted himself to cultivation. Every month's salary was converted into Acquired Purple Qi and absorbed. Though the temple's incense offerings thrived, no trivial matters disturbed his secluded practice.