Journey to the West: Tang Monk Conquers Everything-Chapter 452: Master Zhenyuan’s Important Matter
The mysterious black figure, in the presence of Master Zhenyuan, exuded an air of supreme arrogance, but it couldn't be denied that with a Level 100 blue UI, this enigma had every right to be proud.
After all, from the perspective of level, unless a Saint personally intervened, there was truly no one confident enough to defeat him.
"You and I have known each other since the Ancient Desolation, and though we hold no deep friendship nor grievance, understanding each other's methods all too well, indeed, if you wish to kill someone, I cannot protect them. But don't forget, with my abilities, I am more than capable of holding you off. Do you really think the Buddhist Sect will turn a blind eye to your murderous intent?"
Master Zhenyuan raised his hand, and a horsetail whisk appeared in it as he calmly looked at the figure before him and spoke.
These words caused the black figure to lapse into silence, clearly Master Zhenyuan had made a point; to stall him was well within his powers.
At that time, the people of the Buddhist Sect would certainly not stand by idly.
After a moment of silence, the black figure laughed aloud, "Hahaha, who would have thought that a sworn brother could make you so eager to help!"
"What is your purpose, exactly? You have concealed your presence for so long, as if you vanished from the world, why suddenly reveal yourself now? What is your ultimate goal?" Master Zhenyuan's gaze fell on the mysterious black figure, asking.
"Purpose? Does 'quiet contemplation spurs action' count? Or perhaps wanting to see the state of my clan today? Hmm, while I'm at it, how about observing this person of destiny?" The black figure responded casually to Master Zhenyuan's query.
It seemed like the truth, yet also seemed like utter nonsense, blurring the lines between fact and fabrication, making it difficult to discern.
As these words ended, the black figure then addressed Master Zhenyuan, "Who would have thought, the Buddhist Sect's influence has grown so vast, huh? Have even you become a lapdog of the Buddha? Something happens here and you arrive even faster than those Buddha's guys!"
Master Zhenyuan, unangered by the black shadow's scathing sarcasm, simply replied calmly, "As sworn brothers, it is naturally my duty to come!"
...
While the two Quasi-Saint-level big shots were trading verbal blows, Jiang Liu had no intention of interrupting. In any case, with Master Zhenyuan's arrival, he knew his safety was not an issue.
Looking at Sun Wukong and the others, who all bore some injuries, Jiang Liu raised his hand and the Skill, Hand of Healing, appeared.
As the waves of the Hand of Healing swept over them, the injuries on Sun Wukong and the others were significantly healed.
Although their wounds were still severe, at least their lives were no longer in danger.
After using the Hand of Healing skill, Jiang Liu cast the Guanyin Mantra skill on Zhu Bajie, further healing his wounds.
One must admit, Zhu Bajie usually embodies laziness and gluttony, but when it mattered most, he had thrown himself forward and volunteered to face the Quasi-Saint's flame attack. This act moved Jiang Liu deeply.
The cooldown time for Guanyin Mantra was 600 seconds; not too long but not too short. While listening to the verbal sparring between Master Zhenyuan and the mysterious figure, the 600 seconds quickly elapsed, and Jiang Liu cast another Guanyin Mantra skill on Sha Wujing, bringing his health bar well over half.
Taking advantage of the two Quasi-Saints' verbal sparring, Jiang Liu had more or less guessed the identity of the mysterious figure shrouded in a black robe.
When it comes to impressive individuals within the Demon Clan, it's Eastern Emperor Taiyi, Demon Emperor Dijun, Nvwa, and Demon Master Kunpeng who are the most formidable.
And judging by the conversation between the two Quasi-Saints, this mysterious figure seemed to be a peer of Master Zhenyuan, which suggested that only one of these four would have the status to converse as an equal with Master Zhenyuan.
After all, in terms of seniority, even if they were all Quasi-Saints, Tathagata would still be a generation below them.
Since Nvwa had attained Saintliness, she could be ruled out, and it seemed unlikely that Eastern Emperor Taiyi and Demon Emperor Dijun, who probably perished in the great Shaman-Demon war, could be the figure, leaving Kunpeng as the most likely candidate in Jiang Liu's view.
Though Kunpeng wielding flame might seem odd, who knew what reasons there might be behind it?
So, after some thought, Jiang Liu could tentatively conclude the identity of the other party.
If Taiyi and Dijun had not perished, it would likely be one of them; if indeed they had died, then apart from Kunpeng, there was no other choice.
If not for being a Listener at the Zixiao Palace and holding the privilege to converse with Master Zhenyuan as an equal, who else could it be?
Moreover, considering how the figure acted, showing admiration for Sun Wukong, holding back against Zhu Bajie, and not sparing Sha Wujing, it was apparent that the figure was acting from the stance of the whole Demon Clan, not merely a personal position.
Seemingly, only a few such impressive figures would consider things from this standpoint, right?
"Enough talk! I've taken a liking to this Flame Mountain and find it a decent place for a Taoist Arena. Thus, I wish to settle here. You are on your Journey to the West for Scriptures, I won't stop you. If you have the ability, extinguish the flames of Flame Mountain; if not, better take a detour," said the figure, seemingly out of patience after the sharp-tongued debate, waving a hand dismissively.
As his voice faded, the figure moved and returned to the Flame Mountain, blending into the flames and vanishing from sight.
Watching the figure disappear, Master Zhenyuan fell into a brief silence before shaking his head.
The reason he had engaged in a war of words for so long was merely to probe the other's sudden emergence. As for whether the Journey to the West Pilgrimage Team could safely cross the Flame Mountain? Master Zhenyuan felt there was no need for him to worry; after all, this was a headache for the Buddhist Sect to deal with.
His only goal was to protect Xuanzang's life; that much would fulfill his brotherly duty.
"Thank you, sworn brother, for saving my life!" As soon as the mysterious figure turned and returned to the Flame Mountain, Jiang Liu stepped forward a few paces and thanked Master Zhenyuan.
"No need for thanks; it's all part of the duty. Besides, that guy didn't show too much of a killing intent; otherwise, he wouldn't have given up so easily," said Master Zhenyuan, shaking his head at Jiang Liu's words.
"Yes, I noticed that too," Jiang Liu nodded in agreement with Master Zhenyuan.
Indeed, if the other party had wanted to kill him, it seemed more like a test, or perhaps an impulsive thought—kill if possible and decisively give up if not.
Otherwise, a level 100 powerhouse, if truly murderous, could instantly kill everyone in the Scripture Seeking Team, which wouldn't be strange at all.
After a moment of silence from both parties, Jiang Liu broke the silence, "Sworn brother! What should I do next? They've said to treat the Flame Mountain as their own Taoist arena, and they seem very unwelcoming of me. Do we have to fight our way through?"
At that, Jiang Liu paused, then added, "Sigh, it seems there's no choice. If that's the case, we'll just have to find a way around Flame Mountain!"
If they really bypassed Flame Mountain, he could delay for quite a while, but, if the passive task was not completed, he would lose 130 million Experience Points.
130 million Experience Points? It would take him more than a month to earn that much. So, it seemed he would need to delay for at least two or three additional months to make a profit?
"Speaking of detouring, it's too early to discuss that now!" Without mentioning Jiang Liu's internal calculations about failing the Divine Level Quest, losing Experience Points, and the Experience Points gained from taking a detour, Master Zhenyuan shook his head.
"Our recent conversation can be considered as setting ground rules. We will not interfere with the flames of Flame Mountain, and that guy won't make a move against your younger generation anymore. If you can find a way to extinguish it by yourself, then passing it will be credited to your own ability," Master Zhenyuan advised Jiang Liu.
"The opponent is at the Quasi-Saint Peak. If he makes a move, the Buddhist Sect would not stand idly by; he wouldn't gain an advantage, so we both stand aside? Relying on our own methods?" Master Zhenyuan's words gave Jiang Liu a rough understanding, and he pondered quietly.
A Divine Level Quest, if completed, would reward 130 million Experience Points without the worry of deductions for failure. With the rewards versus the deductions, it was a 260 million Experience Points difference, not to mention a Divine Level Treasure Chest!
A Divine Level Treasure Chest! One that could contain Divine Level Equipment and items!
After much thought, Jiang Liu decided that completing the Divine Level Quest was the most profitable option.
And Jiang Liu was somewhat looking forward to it; what could he get from the second opening of the Divine Level Treasure Chest?
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"Alright, that's all there is to say! Find a way on your own. If possible, try to extinguish the flames of Flame Mountain. If it's not possible, you'd better take the detour," having explained everything, Master Zhenyuan seemed in no mood to linger and stood up, ready to leave.
"Wait a moment, sworn brother, it's been some time since we last met. As thanks for saving my life today, let me cook a meal for you. You can leave after eating," Jiang Liu called out, seeing Master Zhenyuan decisively ready to depart.
"No need, I had to put down some important matters to hurry over and save you! Now that it's done, I should return," Master Zhenyuan waved his hand and replied.
"Important matters?" Hearing these words, Jiang Liu felt grateful and didn't try to detain him any further.
If Master Zhenyuan said it was important, it must have been significant indeed.
With a wave of his hand, Master Zhenyuan quickly took his leave.
Back in Wuzhuang Temple, Master Zhenyuan returned promptly.
"Master, hurry up, we've been waiting for a long time!" In the Wuzhuang Temple, disciples Qingfeng and Mingyue sat at the Mahjong table, just one player short.
After Master Zhenyuan sat down, he looked at the half-played game and said, "Who made the last play? Oh, Mingyue, what did you play? Nine of dots? Ha, I call..."
...
As for what Master Zhenyuan's important matter was, Jiang Liu had no idea. With Master Zhenyuan gone, Jiang Liu's gaze returned to the Flame Mountain, his brows knitted in contemplation.
How could he put out such flames without the aid of the Buddhist Sect?
