Zhou Sheng's expression instantly turned wary after being intimidated by Ji Xiang.
A Heavenly Demon sitting on the emperor's throne? This was theoretically against the rules, but it wasn't unheard of during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. When powerful individuals personally intervened, the subsequent events were naturally extremely dire.
"Is that so? Then I hope you can bear the consequences of doing so. However, before you ascend the throne, we will have already brought about a change of dynasty."
"Our alliance ends here. Although I don't believe the Thunder King is dead, his physical body has been destroyed, and his dragon qi has been taken by me. Even if he reincarnates through soul possession, he will only be an insignificant ant, not worth mentioning. Don't forget the price our Palace Master paid to help you. I shall depart now and will not disturb you further."
Zhou Sheng fled quickly, grabbing Shen Kui and transforming into a black mist that ascended into the sky and disappeared. Ji Xiang, meanwhile, looked at the blue-robed missionary, whose expression was equally grim.
"Now, the Lord's divine oracle has been fulfilled. You have stolen my image. If it weren't for the Lord bestowing his blessings upon me to reshape my form, I would have already collapsed and vanished from this world."
"The Lord has informed me of part of the truth. You seized Saint Paul's Academy and enslaved those angels."
"The Lord wishes to release those angels in exchange for his assistance, allowing them to return to the Lord's embrace."
Ji Xiang revealed a surprised expression. "This is truly astonishing. I thought the Catholic Church would no longer accept these angels who have turned to the demonic path. However, the condition you mentioned is likely impossible."
"Once one enters the demonic path, there is no turning back. I know Christ possesses astonishing means to rescue these angels from the demonic path, but I am more interested in discussing missionary matters with you, or with God."
"Saint Paul's Academy colluded with the Dharma Sect, trafficked in firearms, bribed provincial governors, established private laws, annexed land and property, and offered high prices to encourage people to send their children to Saint Paul's Academy for Christian cultivation. They were also involved in the buying and selling of infants."
"I believe exchanging these for the favor of this intervention would be a good deal, wouldn't it?"
Ji Xiang displayed a dangerous smile of a Heavenly Demon. "I am very grateful for Christ's care. Through his magic, I have also escaped from dangerous situations many times. Therefore, I can guarantee that your past actions here will be overlooked."
"However, the charitable organizations you established must be closed, your private laws must be abolished, the firearms you trafficked must be confiscated, and the bribed provincial governors will be dealt with. Your connections with the Dharma Sect must also be severed."
"As for the children still at Saint Paul's Academy, they may remain. And any child who voluntarily wishes to leave must not be forced to stay."
The blue-robed missionary's face darkened considerably. "This is not fair!"
Ji Xiang replied, "This is very fair! You have already received what you gained, and what you have lost is merely long-term benefits. Moreover, this cooperation has been excellent. I can report to the imperial court to allow both sides to start anew."
"Isn't aligning with the imperial court better than associating with the Dharma Sect?"
The blue-robed missionary grumbled, "There are already people on that side. I know some of the situations here. One of our excellent missionaries has already entered your Ming Dynasty's court."
"You want him to become the spokesperson for Catholicism here?"
Ji Xiang said, "At least Matteo Ricci's character is quite good. As for you, I don't know much about you, but bringing such formidable ships and cannons here, I suspect you are not here to discuss legitimate matters."
"Blue-robed, you are quite high in your religious hierarchy. I felt you were not to be underestimated from the start. Someone as powerful as you must be taken seriously."
"That's why I dealt with you first, to prevent any problems. I didn't expect to receive your care in the end, which is rather embarrassing."
The blue-robed missionary's face turned from dark to ashen!
He was God's representative on Earth, a descended Son of God, the supreme Blue-robed, holding an unparalleled position within the Western Church, even higher than ordinary apostles.
And this black-robed Daoist in front of him, what absurdities was he spouting to show his regard for him?
Dealing with him first was showing him respect!
Did that not mean that in the other party's eyes, he was merely an ant that could cause trouble but could be instantly killed with a flick of the wrist!
"You shouldn't underestimate Christianity too much," the blue-robed missionary's anger was reaching its limit. "On the western continent, there are people stronger than me."
Ji Xiang chuckled, "That doesn't matter."
"I myself am quite curious about the existence of Sons of God. Although Christianity speaks of the Trinity, the position of the Son is in the human realm, not in heaven. You are the vessel of Christ, but not Christ himself. I believe you might be a 'beacon' of sorts."
"The strength of a beacon should depend on how much power God bestows upon you. Your existence itself might not even be 'human,' nor are you an angel. Christianity indeed has many mysteries yet to be unraveled..."
The blue-robed missionary remained silent. He took several deep breaths, avoiding the topic.
"Let us discuss the aftermath."
Ji Xiang nodded slowly with a smile. "Certainly. My conditions are unchangeable, but you may propose some additional conditions. If there are any points of conflict, we can continue to discuss them."
The blue-robed missionary thought to himself that continuing the discussion meant no discussion at all. Exchanging opinions fully was akin to each side speaking their own words. In such a situation, if the other party did not yield, and he still wished to gain benefits in this land, there were only two ways: either defeat the opponent and force them to sign an unequal treaty; or make concessions himself, giving up some benefits in exchange for long-term development.
"I fully agree with your conditions. However, we have two additional conditions to propose."
"Firstly, we need to establish another new Christian college."
Saint Paul's Academy was no longer Christian territory. The blue-robed missionary was not foolish; his primary concern was the safety of Christians. Otherwise, if that academy were filled with the children of demons, any Christian who entered would emerge believing in the Primordial Heavenly Demon. What kind of god were they worshipping?
"Regarding a new college, I can fully guarantee on behalf of the Roman Curia that it will be established under the supervision of your country's imperial court this time. Of course, all supplies and finances will be borne by us, and your country can inspect them at any time."
Ji Xiang laughed heartily. "No problem, I agree to this condition."
It was not the time to fall out with Christianity. The saying "Monks from afar chant better scriptures" was not baseless; at least Christ's magic was indeed very powerful.
"Secondly, I hope your country will return the Bugao Foundry to us. As for the assets acquired, we will exchange them with your country at double the price."
The blue-robed missionary had not forgotten the main reason for his visit, which was the Bugao Foundry. Without this, the largest cannon foundry in the world, the impact on missionary work would be immense.
"Oh? For missionary work, would a cannon foundry warrant such a significant undertaking?"
The forceful acquisition of the Bugao Foundry was carried out by the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and it began at the end of the Korean War. Although this foundry was the largest cannon foundry in the world, for Western Europeans who plundered wherever they went and then opened factories, losing a foundry, while painful, was unlikely to cause a Son of God to come and demand its return.
Were firearms that important to them?
Ji Xiang recalled his own revolving cannon. This weapon was no longer keeping pace with the combat tempo. If he could kill Tian Xin with a single shot, he wouldn't need to go through all this trouble.
However, although it couldn't kill Tian Xin, when imbued with the corresponding talismans, it was extremely effective against ordinary masters.
"I am truly sorry, but this foundry is of utmost importance to us. I implore your country to show leniency."
"I am also very sorry, but this condition cannot be agreed to. Your offer of double the price shows sincerity, but the acquisition of the foundry was handled entirely by the imperial court, and I have no authority to represent them."
The blue-robed missionary cursed the shamelessness in his heart.
He could represent the previous matters, but when it came to something he disagreed with, he directly pushed it onto the imperial court. If he was going to shirk responsibility to such an extent, what was there to discuss?
"Very well, I will personally travel to Shuntian Prefecture to report this matter to His Majesty the Emperor of your country!"
"Please do. Please do. I have important matters to attend to and cannot escort you."
*Whoosh* – A ray of immortal light permeated the air. Donghua Xian Nu opened her eyes, her aura recovering from the immense exhaustion. Seeing that no further benefits could be negotiated, the blue-robed missionary decisively departed. The direction he headed was naturally towards the large ships that were being searched.
Seeing this, Ji Xiang threw him a spiritual talisman.
"Tell the Ming Dynasty navy ships that are blockading your East India Company vessels to let you pass, and say it was ordered by the True Lord of the North Star."
The blue-robed missionary nodded and said no more, but his final glance fell upon Ji Xiang.
"My Lord will favor you."
He said this as if telling Ji Xiang that Christ would return, both as a warning and a prophecy. The implication was clear, and Ji Xiang naturally understood it.
Christ's favor, Christ was constantly watching him, wanting to assimilate him. No matter what methods were used, they were all gradually drawing him closer to it. Even allowing a demonic sect to grow was part of this intention.
"Therefore, suppressing Christianity is useless. Once the time is right, my demonic sect will also quickly transform into a monotheistic religion. Assimilation is truly an unsolvable skill. Perhaps only when I reach the Heavenly Heart realm will I be able to deal with it. However, at least until I grow stronger, he will not make a move."
"Why slaughter a lamb before it's fattened? Isn't it a pity to give up long-term benefits for insufficient gains?"
Just as Christ was indifferent to Ji Xiang's alteration of his doctrines,
Ji Xiang was also indifferent to Christ's "herding" behavior.
When the cart reaches the mountain, there will be a road. If there is no road, then drive an excavator.
"There is still the matter of the Dharma Sect to handle."
Ji Xiang took a deep breath, and then his body flickered, even feeling a sense of dizziness.
"All my essence, energy, and spirit have dissipated. It's strange, why hasn't your body collapsed yet?"
Donghua Xian Nu stared at Ji Xiang, feeling it was unusual.
Even the Heavenly Demon King would be greatly exhausted after participating in a battle of that magnitude. Compared to that, she had only fought with the Thunder King possessed by thunderous spirits and stalemated with those half-baked immortals from Biyou Palace. Her immortal magic power had significantly decreased, while Ji Xiang's current state was even worse.
"You can still use magic?"
"I can't anymore," Ji Xiang smiled and spread his arms. "My body is hollowed out; I am just an empty shell now."
"But I... am different from ordinary cultivators."
Ji Xiang formed a hand seal, and all the elemental energy in heaven and earth roared towards him. The wind and clouds churned, astonishing Donghua Xian Nu.
"Nine qi coexisting? All qi can be used to restore magic power. Isn't this the legendary Penglai Immortal Method?"
"It's not the Penglai Immortal Method," Ji Xiang explained, then thought for a moment and added, "But it's similar."
Two rays of Buddhist light descended. Ksitigarbha and Guanyin arrived. Guanyin nodded to Ji Xiang in greeting but said nothing more. She merely handed Ji Xiang a willow branch and then vanished in a cloud of Buddhist smoke.
Only Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva remained.
"Little friend, you helped me escape the cycle of reincarnation, fought against Mahavairocana, and enabled me to comprehend the Nirvana Sacred Realm. Now, I have a premonition that I will ascend to the Heavenly Heart realm, and we may not see each other for a long time."
Ksitigarbha's expression was relaxed. Now, in this area, only two Dharma Sect immortals remained, their magic power weak, not even worth his notice as an Equal-Consciousness Bodhisattva. Moreover, he was about to ascend to the Wonderful-Consciousness realm. He would then cultivate the Arhat path, and once all nine forms were complete, he would transform into a true Buddha.
The Hungry Ghost Hell had been disturbed several times, emptying and then filling, filling and then emptying. Thanks to the battles of these Buddhas, Heavenly Gods, and Heavenly Demons, his great vow was almost fulfilled.
Ordinary Buddhas could only cultivate eight realms of true form. Ksitigarbha, after fighting in the Heavenly Heart realm, had gained insights into the Arhat path. Once he cultivated an Arhat body, he would become a Buddha on the spot, and his strength within the Heavenly Heart realm would undoubtedly be supreme.
"Congratulations, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva."
Ji Xiang also felt grateful towards Ksitigarbha. Ksitigarbha also cautioned Ji Xiang that Guanyin wished to guide Ji Xiang into Buddhism and restore the Thousand-Light King Tathagata. Whether to enter Buddhism or not, and the gains and losses involved, he did not elaborate. Experiencing the cycle of reincarnation had deepened his comprehension of Buddhist teachings, moving it beyond mere words or self-deception.
"Also, when I fell into the cycle of reincarnation..."
Ksitigarbha spoke of the time when the Dharma Realm was in chaos and he entered the cycle of reincarnation. This happened a long time ago, orchestrated by Yuan Huang. Ji Xiang had already learned this when he examined Yuan Huang's avatar. However, Ksitigarbha revealed something even more astonishing:
"Before, when the Vajra of Great Vows was outside, my true form remained in a state of confusion within the cycle of reincarnation, with incomplete memories. Now that I have recovered, I recall some important matters that I need to tell you."
"I saw something..."
"I'm not sure what it was."
"Perhaps... that is the so-called 'Yuqing Evil Object.' At least, I heard Yuan Huang shout that. He seized my Dharma Realm but was then driven away by that thing, something that could terrify a Heavenly Heart... a gray mist, with countless mouths within it."
Ji Xiang replied, "I have learned from some channels that the Yuqing Evil Object might be a conglomeration of escaped Heavenly Dao power from previous generations, born from the resentment of failed dynasties. However, its appearance was triggered by a certain catalyst, which remains unclear to this day."
"However, I have also never seen the true form of such a thing."
Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva warned, "You must be careful. Before I fell into the cycle of reincarnation, I heard some names from the countless mouths of that evil object. Those were likely the names of Yuqing cultivators."
"It called out six names consecutively before finally calling Yuan Huang's name. Yuan Huang fled all the way without looking back, but I still saw something being sucked out of him..."
"It will probably come looking for you too. You need to recite this name, five times in succession... Yuan Huang recited it like that and escaped from its calls."
As Ksitigarbha spoke, he transmitted a name, called "Qing Luo."
The name had no inherent magical power; it was merely repeating the name Yuan Huang had spoken. But when Ji Xiang attempted to recite it silently, a great tremor suddenly arose in his heart.
The tremor surfaced in his heart, originated from his spirit, and expanded into the vast heavens and the myriad Dharma Realms, as if connecting with something.
A connection, unseen and unknown, suddenly appeared.
But Ji Xiang perceived it and instantly sealed it within the Sea of Suffering world!
The sudden change startled both Donghua and Ksitigarbha, while Ji Xiang remained silent, his brow furrowed.
This connection, he knew not from where it came, but it appeared abruptly after uttering that name.
It was definitely not a good thing.
(End of Chapter)