The Heavenly Sin Blade

The King of Ming bowed again. Seeing the Spirit Tea and Mountain Peach on the table, he cupped his hands and reported, "The precious blade the Mountain Lord requires will arrive in about two to three days."

Zhuang Yan waved his hand and chuckled, "There's no need to trouble yourself preparing a precious blade; I've already found a good one."

The Peacock King of Ming raised an eyebrow and asked, "May I ask which precious blade the Mountain Lord has taken a fancy to?"

"The Heavenly Sin Blade," Zhuang Yan replied.

The Peacock King of Ming's expression shifted slightly. "The Heavenly Sin Blade?!". She forced herself to calm down, but a storm raged within her—how could the Mountain God of Lingtai know about this blade?

Although the Heavenly Sin Blade had appeared in the world for a thousand years, it had always been sealed in the Asura Tribe's treasury. The Asura Tribe lived deep within the Spirit Mountain's pristine realm and rarely interacted with the outside world. Apart from the Buddhas of Spirit Mountain, few outsiders knew of this blade.

Zhuang Yan looked at her with great interest. "Fairy, do you recognize this blade?"

The Peacock King of Ming smiled faintly and nodded. "I know a little. I heard a fellow Daoist from the Buddhist Sect mention it in the past." Her tone shifted, "However, this blade is a supreme treasure of the Asura Tribe, so I'm afraid..."

Before she could finish, Zhuang Yan and Lan Caihe exchanged smiles. The Peacock King of Ming was puzzled. "Why are you two laughing?"

Lan Caihe stroked his beard. "Fellow Daoist Golden Sparrow, you may not know, but the Heavenly Sin Blade hasn't been with the Asura Tribe for a long time."

"That's impossible!" The Peacock King of Ming's pupils contracted sharply. "Who could steal an Immortal Artifact from Spirit Mountain?"

"It was indeed not stolen by an outsider," Lan Caihe said. "It was personally given away by the Asura's Fifteenth Prince, Jie Hanli."

The Peacock King of Ming's expression turned stern. "Jie Hanli?" She was secretly alarmed—if the prince in charge of the treasury had truly done this...

"Where did True Person Lan learn this?" she asked.

Lan Caihe spoke slowly. "The Ninth Prince of the West Sea Dragon King, Ao Kun, was killed by the Great Black Yaksha. The Dragon King led his troops to seek revenge but was defeated. Now, the Dragon Palace has fallen into the hands of the Great Black Yaksha. That demon, relying on the fearsome power of the Heavenly Sin Blade, has even declared himself the King of the Great Black Yaksha."

"The Dragon King of the West Sea has fled to the Heavenly Court, requesting the Jade Emperor to dispatch troops to suppress the demon."

The Peacock King of Ming frowned. "What does this have to do with Jie Hanli?"

Lan Caihe smiled meaningfully. "This matter also involves the Mahamayuri Bodhisattva."

Seeing the Peacock King of Ming's surprised expression, he continued, "I heard that the Bodhisattva sent her mount, the Golden Peacock King Kong Ling, to the Asura Tribe to retrieve the blade. Jie Hanli, having privately lent the Heavenly Sin Blade to the Great Black Yaksha, feared exposure and has already fled to the mortal realm with his clan."

After hearing Lan Caihe's account, the Peacock King of Ming suddenly understood. Rage surged within her—it was her own mount's greed that had caused such a disaster.

At this moment, Zhuang Yan scoffed, "A dignified Western Mother Buddha Bodhisattva can't even control her own mount and subordinates, causing such a mess. Her title is likely just for show."

The Peacock King of Ming suddenly looked up at the sound of his words, her sharp gaze piercing Zhuang Yan.

"More than that," Lan Caihe chimed in. "Her title was obtained through opportunism, not true cultivation and realization."

Zhuang Yan said with interest, "I'd love to hear more."

Lan Caihe recounted, "This peacock has phoenix blood and is naturally arrogant. Back then, when Tathagata was traveling, she actually swallowed the Buddha's golden body into her belly. The Buddha emerged from her belly intending to kill her, but he was dissuaded by the Bodhisattvas—they feared angering the phoenix, and also argued that since the Buddha emerged from her, she should be treated as a mother. The Buddha had no choice but to confer upon her the title of Western Mother Buddha Bodhisattva."

Zhuang Yan burst into laughter. "These Bodhisattvas are truly absurd, using such twisted logic to coerce the Buddha. If it were me, I would have cooked and roasted this peacock, and shared it with everyone. Let's see how arrogant she'd be then!"

He then turned to the Peacock King of Ming. "What do you think, Fellow Daoist Golden Sparrow? Hmm? Why does your face look so bad?"

"I..." The Peacock King of Ming's face was like cold iron. She managed to utter a single word through gritted teeth before she could say anything more.

She abruptly stood up and bowed. "Mountain Lord, please forgive me. This humble immortal had a qi deviation while practicing yesterday and needs to take my leave."

Zhuang Yan said sternly, "A qi deviation in cultivation is no small matter. You should return quickly and recuperate."

After the Peacock King of Ming transformed into immortal light and fled, Lan Caihe mused, "This fellow Daoist has an extraordinary bearing."

Zhuang Yan chuckled. "Indeed, she is absolutely stunning."

Lan Caihe pondered, "What's even stranger is that there's a familiar aura about her."

Zhuang Yan changed the subject. "Regarding the demon-subduing matter in the West Sea, I hope True Person Lan can help mediate."

Lan Caihe withdrew his thoughts and smiled. "Rest assured, Mountain Lord, it's as good as done."

The Peacock King of Ming returned to her dojo. Just as she was about to suppress her anger and question Kong Ling, she had a sudden premonition and immediately entered meditation to observe.

Buddhist light surged before her eyes, revealing the Dharma form of Cundi Bodhisattva: "Fellow Daoist, quickly return to Spirit Mountain. The Asura Tribe has undergone changes, and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva has already gone to the Heavenly Court to handle it."

The King of Ming asked, "Have all the Buddhas and World-Honored Ones been alarmed?"

Cundi replied, "Since Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva has stepped forward, it represents the attitude of all Buddhas."

The Peacock King of Ming felt slightly at ease and then said, "I still have important matters at hand and cannot return to the mountain for the time being."

Cundi looked surprised. "What obstacles do you face?"

The Peacock King of Ming's expression turned slightly awkward. After a moment of hesitation, she revealed the matter of the contract of sale to Cundi Bodhisattva.

Upon hearing this, Cundi Bodhisattva couldn't help but burst into hearty laughter. The Peacock King of Ming said softly, "Please, Venerable, do not mock me."

"You have developed worldly desires," Cundi Bodhisattva said with a smile.

"Worldly desires" does not solely refer to romantic love, but rather to the delusions of ordinary people that arise in divine beings and Buddhas who have transcended the mortal world. The seven emotions and six desires are all manifestations of a mortal heart.

"I have developed worldly desires?" The Peacock King of Ming was stunned.

Cundi Bodhisattva nodded slightly. "The Mountain God of Lingtai was originally unremarkable, yet you insisted on investigating his background. This is a sign of obsession. The events concerning the Asura Tribe this time are all because you had already developed worldly desires in your heart, and thus could not foresee the heavenly secrets."

The Peacock King of Ming suddenly felt a chill run down her spine, and cold sweat broke out. She suddenly realized: If the Mountain God of Lingtai hadn't asked for the blade, why would Kong Ling have become greedy because of my decree? Nor would he have discovered that the Heavenly Sin Blade had already been gifted to the Great Black Yaksha by Jie Hanli.

If Zhuang Yan hadn't asked for the blade, the Great Black Yaksha would still have attacked the West Sea, but the matter of the Heavenly Sin Blade would not have been exposed. At that time, neither Spirit Mountain nor the Heavenly Court would have paid attention to this matter, and Heavenly Soldiers would have been dispatched to quell it.

If the Heavenly Court had eliminated the Great Black Yaksha then, and investigated the origin of the Heavenly Sin Blade, she would have been put in a passive position, and it might have even triggered a karmic tribulation. Although the incident happened early now, it gave Spirit Mountain an opportunity to respond. As long as it was handled properly, the impact would be limited.

Cundi Bodhisattva continued, "This humble monk has a guess."

"I'm eager to hear it," Mahamayuri Bodhisattva wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.

"I suspect the Mountain God of Lingtai has seen through your true form. Otherwise, why would a mere rogue cultivator make things so difficult for you?"

"This..." Mahamayuri Bodhisattva hesitated. "How could he see through my identity? Even if he knew, how would he dare to be so presumptuous?"

Cundi Bodhisattva shook his head and gave a wry smile, "Do you think he would restrain himself after knowing your identity? When it came to Garuda, did he give Void Treasure any face? Even this humble monk... was once openly teased by him."

Mahamayuri Bodhisattva recalled the scene in the Eight Immortals Pavilion. The anger in his heart completely vanished, and instead, a sense of enlightenment arose. A moment later, as if struck by divine revelation, he clasped his hands in prayer, "Thank you, Venerable, for your guidance. I was almost trapped by mortal thoughts and fell into tribulation."

Cundi Bodhisattva smiled, "Daoist friend, you should quickly return to Spirit Mountain to deal with the Asura Tribe's affairs."

At this moment, Mahamayuri Bodhisattva had already seen through his own mind, dispelled his mortal thoughts, and restored his solemn Dharma form, his heart as still as water.

"After I bid farewell to the Mountain God of Lingtai, I will return to Spirit Mountain immediately," Mahamayuri Bodhisattva replied.

Cundi Bodhisattva nodded and then dispersed his Dharma form.

Mahamayuri Bodhisattva left the hermitage and went to Danchi Ridge's Eight Immortals Pavilion to meet Zhuang Yan.

Seeing her return, Zhuang Yan smiled and asked, "Daoist Golden Sparrow, are you feeling better?"

Mahamayuri Bodhisattva sat down directly, smiled faintly at Zhuang Yan, formed a Dharma seal, and a sacred immortal light emanated from her body.

As the immortal light flickered, the life of "Fairy Golden Sparrow" rapidly drained away, her originally radiant face turning pale as paper in an instant.

When the last trace of life dissipated, the immortal radiance enveloping the fairy also faded. She lowered her head, remaining in place, having already perished.

Zhuang Yan was not surprised by this. As he calmly rose, brilliant Buddhist light suddenly appeared above the Eight Immortals Pavilion. The golden light poured down, revealing a Bodhisattva dressed in a white silk robe, wearing a five-colored crown, adorned with necklaces and pendants that jingled, and a solemn Buddha wheel behind his head.

Zhuang Yan glanced at the remains of Fairy Golden Sparrow and cupped his hands towards the Bodhisattva with a smile, "The Bodhisattva is finally willing to reveal your true form."

Mahamayuri Bodhisattva said faintly, "You saw through my identity long ago."

"The Bodhisattva's avatar infiltrated Lingtai, but for what purpose?"

"I just wanted to meet the legendary Mountain God of Lingtai," Mahamayuri Bodhisattva's eyes flickered. "As expected, you live up to your reputation. Your scheme was seamless, and even I fell for it."

Zhuang Yan clapped his hands and chuckled, "Does the Bodhisattva refer to that Dharma seal jade slip? Since a contract has been made, I hope the Bodhisattva will keep your word."

"May I take out the jade slip for a look?"

As soon as Zhuang Yan took out the jade slip, it, along with Fairy Golden Sparrow's corpse, turned into blue smoke and vanished.

"Haha!" Mahamayuri Bodhisattva laughed heartily, "I severed my Dharma body, so the Dharma seal naturally vanished with it."

"The Bodhisattva's divine abilities are truly admirable."

"Mere tricks cannot trap me," Mahamayuri Bodhisattva said proudly. "I cannot return the precious blade, and I will overlook today's jest for now. I will return to Spirit Mountain now, farewell."

Seeing the Bodhisattva about to leave, Zhuang Yan suddenly called out, "If you have any grievances, come at me. Don't involve the innocent True Person Lan Caihe."

Mahamayuri Bodhisattva turned back and laughed loudly, "How could I bother with a junior? However, since this cause has been sown, there will be consequences in the future. Today you played a trick on me, but don't blame me for returning it in kind tomorrow!"

With a light flick of her cloud-like sleeves, the Buddhist light appeared and disappeared, and the Bodhisattva's figure had already vanished.

Zhuang Yan rubbed his chin, looking at the receding Buddhist light, "To be so ostentatious even after suffering a loss. I must scheme against her again another day."

Inside the Heavenly River Water Mansion, stars flowed and the sun and moon alternated. The starry sky above was brilliant, and the Heavenly River below was magnificent. It was indeed a heavenly realm.

Zhu Lie, clad in the Golden Crow Divine Robe and riding the Dark Brocade Heavenly Steed, was leading his men on patrol of the Heavenly River. Suddenly, he heard immortal music, "Marshal Tianpeng, please wait."

He reined in his horse and looked back, seeing Lan Caihe. Zhu Lie quickly dismounted and paid his respects, "True Person, your arrival, may I know what guidance you have?"

Lan Caihe glanced at the accompanying immortal officials and cupped his hands with a smile, "Let's talk in private."

Zhu Lie smiled faintly and said, "Why bother? It's unnecessary." Before he finished speaking, he casually waved his hand.

The immortal officials in the water mansion immediately bowed, "Your subordinates shall take their leave." In an instant, they turned into streams of light and fled a hundred miles away.

Zhu Lie turned to Lan Caihe, "Daoist, please speak your mind."

Lan Caihe took out a jade scroll from his sleeve, "Marshal Tianpeng, do you recognize this?"

Zhu Lie's expression was initially confused, then his expression changed drastically. He quickly stepped forward and grabbed the jade scroll, "How did this come into your hands, Daoist?"

Lan Caihe replied with a smile, "Among the Eight Immortals, only the Fairy has a close relationship with Lord Taiyin."

Zhu Lie suddenly understood, a look of embarrassment appearing on his face. He stammered, "This... this is a love letter I wrote to Fairy Nishang..."

Lan Caihe shook his head and laughed, "Marshal, that's where you're mistaken. This is clearly your evidence of guilt."

"Evidence of guilt?" Zhu Lie was confused. "A mere letter, what crime is there?"

Lan Caihe said solemnly, "Marshal, you have been by the Emperor's side for a long time, don't you know Fairy Nishang's identity?"

"Isn't she Chang'e's Immortal Attendant?" Zhu Lie retorted.

"She is indeed an Immortal Attendant, that is true," Lan Caihe explained. "But she is also a Seventh-Rank Immortal Official of the Heavenly Court, and a candidate attendant for the Taiwei Yuqing Palace. In other words, she will serve the Great Celestial Venerable Jade Emperor in the future."