The moment Guanyin Bodhisattva stepped into the Lingxiao Palace, the gazes of all the immortals and gods within the palace sharpened.
' The Western Sect is becoming increasingly unruly; they can come and go as they please in the Lingxiao Palace!'
'What kind of trouble are these guys up to at this hour?'
The gods and immortals all had different opinions, but none of them expressed their views.
Xu Xiao, however, turned his head in surprise upon hearing the Buddhist chant.
A monk dressed in white robes, holding Jade Purification Vase, and surrounded by radiant Buddhist light, entered.
' Guanyin? There's something strange about her; she's neither male nor female.'
Xu Xiao was still an ordinary person, and he immediately compared the person in front of him with the Guanyin Bodhisattva in his memory, and came to the above conclusion.
However, aside from Guanyin, many deities and gods have their appearances changed due to the incense offerings and prayers of believers.
After all, according to common sense, these immortals and gods, after merging with the Great Dao, no longer distinguish between yin and yang, male and female.
Due to missionary work and other reasons, the Western Sect initially Guanyin as a male figure, but gradually, due to the wishes of believers, she evolved into a female figure.
This behavior is common in many religions; male gods have their advantages, and female gods have their conveniences.
For the sake of spreading the faith and fulfilling the wishes of all beings, some changes in appearance are harmless.
As Xu Xiao silently Guanyin of Guanyin in his heart, the other party's gaze swept over the immortals in the hall and finally landed on Xu Xiao.
A smile played on his lips, but his eyes held a scrutinizing glint.
'This must be the enlightened being Buddha spoke of. Although he only possesses the cultivation of Heavenly Immortal, even I cannot fathom his karma and the principles of the Dao; he is an unpredictable figure!'
The moment she entered, Guanyin secretly made hand gestures, trying to ascertain Xu Xiao's background, but to no avail.
This was still the Heavenly Court, so He couldn't be presumptuous. According to the rules, He first bowed to the Jade Emperor above.
"This humble monk, acting on the Buddha's decree, has come to congratulate the Heavenly Court on the addition of another outstanding talent."
The voice was gentle, but lacked much formality.
Then, she turned her head and looked at Xu Xiao.
"Fellow Daoist, may I ask which region you cultivate in? Judging from your refined aura and abundant divine light, you must have received guidance from a prestigious lineage?"
Xu Xiao's expression remained unchanged; he merely cupped his hands slightly and said, "Bodhisattva flatters me. I am but a wandering cultivator from the lower realm, fortunate to have gained the appreciation of the Sovereign Lord Zhenwu. I dare not accept such praise."
'Lower realm? Rogue cultivator? Zhenwu!'
Guanyin's eyes flickered slightly, but she did not ask any further questions, as it would seem impolite to do so.
Although the Western Sect has gained the upper hand in its contact with the Heavenly Court due to the Journey to the Westward Calamity, this is the Lingxiao Palace, and it cannot tolerate any presumption.
'We should investigate this person's background later; he might be a spy planted by the Daoist Sect sect!'
The members of the Western Sect were absolutely certain that the Daoist sect would try to trip them up. After the Daoist Sect, at best, it was about dividing up the human destiny and incense offerings; at worst, it was a conflict between the two sects.
If Daoist Sect were to experience such a golden age, the Western Sect would certainly not stand idly by; even if they couldn't sabotage it, they would still try to get a share of the spoils.
"Since you have come from afar, why don't you take a seat?"
"Fellow Daoist Xu Xiao still needs to receive his ordination from the Heavenly Officials, so it's inconvenient for him to speak much with the Bodhisattva."
Taibai Jinxing, spoke up at the opportune moment, inviting Guanyin with a smile.
At the same time, it also conveys a message: you are just a guest, you've come all this way, what right do you have to question a Heavenly Court who is about to be ordained in the Lingxiao Palace?
Guanyin withdrew her gaze and smiled calmly, "This humble monk has come only to convey the Buddha's decree; it is inconvenient for me to stay any longer."
She turned to the Jade Emperor, clasped her hands in prayer, and said, "Your Majesty, the Buddha said that the Journey to the West Calamity is already determined. The Heavenly Court and Spirit Mountain should join hands and not let trivial matters cause discord."
The Jade Emperor nodded slightly. "Buddha is very thoughtful."
Guanyin then looked at Xu Xiao, a half-smile on her face, "Since this celestial official has taken on the duty of patrolling the heavens, a turbulent time is about to begin. I hope you will patrol the world diligently and lest any malicious individuals cause trouble."
Xu Xiao calmly replied, "It's my duty; I will do my best."
Guanyin gave him a deep look, said nothing more, and turned to leave.
The atmosphere Lingxiao Palace eased slightly after Guanyin left.
"Hmph, the Buddhist Sect is in a hurry. The Journey to the Journey to the West hasn't even started yet, and they're already rushing to test the Heavenly Court." Nezha, the Great God of the Three Altars and Seas beside Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King Li- Bearing Heavenly Nezha, snorted coldly, clearly quite dissatisfied with the Buddhist Sect's actions.
" Third Prince, be careful what you say," Taibai Jinxing chuckled, reminding him. "The Journey to the Journey to the West is ordained by Heavenly Dao, and the flourishing of the Buddhist Sect is also a prophecy of the Sage. We should refrain from making rash comments."
The Great Emperor Zhenwu spoke calmly, "Although the Journey to the Journey to the West is settled, variables still exist. Now that Xu Xiao has taken on the duty of patrolling the heavens, he should be cautious when traveling through the Three Realms in the future."
"Especially during these turbulent times, with the emergence of all living things in the world soon to be born, we must be extra careful."
Xu Xiao cupped his hands in respect. "I will humbly obey Your Majesty's teachings."
The Jade Emperor's gaze swept over the assembled immortals, finally settling on Xu Xiao: "Minister Xu, now that you have assumed your post, you have three days to arrive at your residence and prepare. Thereafter, you will tour the Three Realms, monitoring any unforeseen events."
"Your subject obeys the decree."
After Xu Xiao received his ordination and was granted his divine seal, he bid farewell to the Jade Emperor, and the Heavenly Court assembly ended.
After leaving Lingxiao Palace, Zhenwu and Xu Xiao walked side by side.
"Junior brother, with Guanyin's arrival, the Western Sect is probably already eyeing you," Zhenwu whispered.
Xu Xiao nodded. "It's alright, she won't be able to find out my background."
"Even so, you must be careful," Zhenwu said solemnly. " Buddhist Sect methods are unpredictable; they may not act openly."
"Although you possess this Power of Variables, as a new god, lacking supernatural abilities and magical treasures, you may encounter friction with others during your travels."
"In that case, I will first take you to the palace of the Sky-Patrolling Bureau, and then I will take you to the Divine Ability Pavilion of the Northern Hub of the Heavens to request two divine powers to protect the Great Emperor."
'He even has supernatural powers? This... Senior Brother is too kind!'
Xu Xiao's eyes flickered slightly. "Senior brother, is this in accordance with the rules?"
"What's wrong with the rules?"
"As a newly appointed deity by the Heavenly Court, you are naturally qualified to learn two supernatural powers and Daoist protective arts. However, ordinary Heavenly Immortal can only receive them from the Heavenly Officials. Although it may seem a bit biased for me to take you to see the Great Emperor, it is still reasonable."
No one has the right to comment.
Zhenwu, however, didn't take it to heart; these were all benefits written in the Heavenly Rules.
If it weren't for the allure of these supernatural powers, rare and precious materials, and various rare elixirs, why would cultivators in the lower realms bother to join the Heavenly Court after achieving Immortal Ascension through arduous cultivation?
No one can escape the system, and the Heavenly Court is the system that all cultivators dream of.
There are cultivators who don't join the Heavenly Court, but they are few in number, and most of them are those whom the Heavenly Court won't accept, so they have to find their own places to hide.
Don't be fooled by the fact that there are hundreds of thousands of Heavenly Soldiers and Generals; they still do the dirty work of guarding gates and hunting demons and monsters. Countless people would kill for this opportunity.
"Alright, then I'll follow your instructions, senior brother." Xu Xiao nodded.
Since it's legal and compliant, I should take a look. I'll see how the supernatural powers in Journey to the West differ from the magic of other worlds.