Chapter 741: The Fate of 'Empty Bodhi'

“Ah, this Oblique Moon Three Stars Cave…”

Standing before the main hall's door, Li Changshou’s gaze swept across the Daoist temple, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. As his sleeves fell, vines sprouted throughout the Daoist temple, and it was as if sand and wind had swept over, burying much of the ground and creating a weathered, ancient feel.

He summoned his twenty-seven disciples to the front of the hall, informing them of their impending relocation. The disciples were naturally somewhat confused. Li Changshou, however, explained that he had divined that Wukong would soon cause immense trouble, and so, with a heavy heart, he had made Wukong leave, necessitating their own migration as well.

Many disciples expressed concern, questioning if abandoning their junior brother in such a manner was unethical and contrary to their teacher’s instructions. Li Changshou sternly set his face, remaining silent. The disciples dared not speak further.

Following this, Li Changshou performed the 'Universe in a Sleeve' technique, drawing the twenty-seven disciples into his sleeve, and then flew on clouds towards the West Sea.

These events, in fact, were also staged for the observation of the Heavenly Dao. The disciples' doubts were within his expectations. The normally gentle teacher suddenly becoming resolute, choosing not to protect or advise Wukong but instead simply leaving… This contradiction and sense of incongruity were also part of the performance for the Heavenly Dao.

Simply put, ‘Subhuti’ would act this way. The difference was that Li Changshou had no designs on the monkey, nor had he ever considered using the monkey for personal gain.

“Alas.” Aboard the cloud, ‘Subhuti’ sighed, a relieved smile gracing his aged face. These past few centuries had passed remarkably quickly. Would the coming years be the same? No, they shouldn't. With beloved beings and many friends by his side, he wouldn't be lonely. The Primordial World is vast, the Chaos Sea so magnificent; once this small task of erasing the Dao Ancestor is complete, traveling everywhere would be a good idea…

Li Changshou suddenly felt a poetic urge. He hesitated briefly, then recited in his mind: “Confused by scattered flowers…”

Just then! A familiar Dao resonance suddenly descended upon him—the very Heavenly Dao pressure he knew best. Li Changshou instantly extinguished the thoughts in his mind, his Dao heart revealing a hint of vigilance.

“Subhuti, come to the ends of the West Sea.”

Li Changshou immediately performed a Daoist bow, then swiftly flew forward on his cloud. He was already heading to the ends of the West Sea, so why had the Dao Ancestor suddenly called out to him? Could it be that the Dao Ancestor’s desire for control had reached such an extent that everything had to appear to follow his commands? No, that wasn’t right. The Dao Ancestor’s schemes usually hid behind the grand trends of the world. That left only one reasonable explanation: the Dao Ancestor hadn’t paid attention to him, Old Ancestor Subhuti, before.

After the monkey returned to Mount Huaguo, he would surely fight the demons occupying it to rescue his long-abused original monkey kin. The Dao Ancestor was likely observing that area to prevent any ancient demons from emerging and destroying Mount Huaguo outright.

No sooner had these thoughts settled in his mind than ten thousand miles of blue waves had passed. Behind the stone tablet at the ends of the sea, the robust Daoist stood with his hands behind his back, his back turned to the sentient beings of the Five Continents. The Dao Ancestor. He stood there, seemingly a world unto himself. The Qi Refiners coming and going at the ends of the sea wouldn’t even turn their heads towards the Dao Ancestor’s direction. Even if a gaze occasionally fell upon where the Dao Ancestor stood, they would only see brilliant starlight and think nothing more of it.

‘Subhuti’ landed before the stone tablet, quickly moved behind it, and subtly stepped into a barrier. The Dao Ancestor stood right before him.

“Greetings, Dao Ancestor.”

“Hmm,” Dao Ancestor Hongjun turned around, a benevolent smile in his eyes. “You handled Wukong’s matter well.”

Li Changshou paused, thinking, *And the reward for that would be utter annihilation?*

“Thank you for your praise, honored master. Your disciple merely did what was necessary.” Two beads of cold sweat appeared on ‘Subhuti’s’ forehead as he looked up at Dao Ancestor Hongjun, his eyes a little uneasy.

“Hahahaha,” the Dao Ancestor chuckled, stroking his beard. “You needn’t worry. I am not an unreasonable villain. Since you have rendered meritorious service, I will not treat you unfairly. Come closer, and look at this place.”

“Thank you, Dao Ancestor.” Li Changshou whispered, letting out a small breath inwardly, and cautiously stepped forward.

Before the Dao Ancestor was a phantom image of the Plate of Fate. To be precise, the Dao Ancestor here was also a phantom, though he felt undeniably real. The Dao Ancestor lightly raised a hand, and the Plate of Fate projected the scene at Mount Huaguo. There, Sun Wukong, clad in a long robe, wielded two swords of unknown origin, battling against countless swirling demonic shadows. Though Wukong appeared disheveled, he was actually chasing and striking at the demonic shadows, with no one capable of standing against him for even a single round.

“Well taught.” The Dao Ancestor chuckled, saying this.

Subhuti bowed his head, saying, “It is due to the profound mysteries of the mystical arts granted by the Dao Ancestor.”

“After more than two hundred years together, you should know Wukong quite well,” the Dao Ancestor smiled. “Do you think he is capable of great things?”

Li Changshou pondered for a moment, then gravely replied, “Whether Wukong can shoulder great responsibilities is for the Dao Ancestor to judge. Your disciple merely imparted Daoist arts to him; I cannot dictate his future path.”

The Dao Ancestor nodded, appearing to have not heard the answer he desired, and lost some interest in conversation. A period of silence followed.

Sun Wukong shattered more than a dozen demonic shadows consecutively, standing on the mountaintop with a fierce expression, yet his eyes were remarkably clear, clearly indicating that his ferocity was merely for show, to intimidate his opponents. Myriad swirling demonic shadows rushed forth, containing several Golden Immortal-level demons, yet none dared to approach Wukong. This was Sun Wukong’s first battle, yet the calm composure he displayed, even the ruthless severity of his strikes, gave one the impression that he was a ‘skilled warrior’ seasoned by many battles.

Born for battle, the Great Sage Equal to Heaven. This was the monkey.

Li Changshou, however, had no time to admire Sun Wukong’s art of combat. With the Dao Ancestor by his side, he had to ponder how to act to safely depart from the Dao Ancestor’s presence. This false identity of Subhuti had been remarkably convenient for him. Though its loss wouldn’t be significant, he ultimately didn’t want to lose even a half-bout to the Dao Ancestor again.

Thus, Li Changshou’s eyes showed a hint of emotion as he praised, “Wukong is truly a born War God!”

“Indeed, a born War God.” The Dao Ancestor chuckled softly, “However, the destiny I have set for him is to ultimately join Buddhism and become the Victorious Fighting Buddha. Subhuti, you are a disciple of the Western Sect. What are your thoughts on this?”

‘Subhuti’ immediately felt awkward, lowering his head and saying, “Today’s Spirit Mountain is no longer the Spirit Mountain of old. Since your disciple left Spirit Mountain that day, I have never thought of returning. But… why shouldn’t Wukong join the Heavenly Court? Doesn’t the Heavenly Court need such fighting prowess?”

The Dao Ancestor smiled, “The Heavenly Court’s combat power is sufficient now. The Heavenly Court can invoke the power of the Heavenly Dao. Though Wukong is strong, his courage is merely that of a common man; he lacks the strategy to command troops. Subhuti, do you know why I nurtured Wukong?”

Li Changshou thought: *Here it comes, the Dao Ancestor’s strong desire to confide.* However, he could also understand. From his previous encounters with the Dao Ancestor, it was clear that the Dao Ancestor was quite lonely. After all, it's cold at the top, and there were no normal beings around to converse with. But this shouldn’t be mistaken for any ‘benevolence’ or ‘soft-heartedness’ remaining in the Dao Ancestor’s heart. Quite the opposite. The fact that the Dao Ancestor would say all this indicated that he harbored killing intent towards him, for only the dead could keep secrets. Thus, Li Changshou grew increasingly tense inwardly.

Then, he heard the Dao Ancestor slowly say: “I wish for Wukong to become a symbol, whose story is destined to spread throughout heaven and earth, serving as both an example and a warning to living beings. Subhuti, you should know how strong Wukong’s potential is, and how arrogant his nature is at its core. Didn’t I tell you before that Wukong is to represent and provoke the demon race, leading them to another war with the Heavenly Court, thereby depleting all of the demon race’s foundations? This is just the initial layer. To give Wukong a mission, to make him the most distinct symbol in heaven and earth, so that other beings, when contemplating rebellion against the Heavenly Court, can have a comparison. Even such a powerful and arrogant being was casually suppressed by the Heavenly Court. Thus, the unrealistic dream of rebelling against Heaven need not be pursued further. This is the deeper layer.”

‘Subhuti’ gravely asked, “Wukong is destined to fail?”

“Otherwise?” The Dao Ancestor glanced at ‘Subhuti,’ who immediately lowered his head.

The Dao Ancestor smiled, “This is destined to be merely a calculation, not a game of chess; since Chang Geng left this world, I have no opponent worthy of such a game. Subhuti, do you perhaps feel some pity in your heart for your disciple’s fate?”

As he spoke, the Dao Ancestor raised his left hand and patted ‘Subhuti’s’ right shoulder. Li Changshou’s tension at this moment was not feigned. His entire body tensed, cold sweat streamed down his forehead, his posture became somewhat rigid, and even his breath was disordered, oscillating between fleeing and begging for mercy.

But… with a soft pat, the Dao Ancestor’s large hand gently landed on Li Changshou’s shoulder, without any force.

The Dao Ancestor smiled, “You need not worry. I will place Wukong in a high position, making him a legend in the Primordial World. The things Chang Geng orchestrated in the Heavenly Court back then gave me considerable inspiration. From the perspective of Heaven and Earth, one merely needs to cultivate a hero who rebels against Heaven, and then have this hero become a deity who protects Heaven. Everything then becomes much simpler.”

“Dao Ancestor’s wisdom is profound,” ‘Subhuti’ replied, bowing his head, and then offered, “Should the Dao Ancestor have any further commands, your disciple is willing to serve to the best of his ability.”

However, Li Changshou’s true Dao heart was on the verge of erupting in curses. *This old scoundrel’s manipulation of human hearts was too potent.*

“There isn’t much more to do,” the Dao Ancestor said. “Subhuti, where did you intend to go before?”

“To the Three Thousand Worlds, to find a place to live in seclusion,” Li Changshou replied. “Your disciple also knows that Wukong carries immense karma, and thus dares not linger in the Primordial World, lest it interfere with the Dao Ancestor’s grand plan.”

The Dao Ancestor smiled, “You merely wish to no longer be involved, to hide if you can.” Li Changshou deliberately showed a somewhat awkward expression. “Very well, go. Opening a Daoist temple in the Three Thousand Worlds and teaching disciples is also a beautiful thing. Do you require any merit or treasures?”

“No, no, thank you,” Li Changshou said, bowing his head. “May your disciple hang your esteemed portrait in my place of dwelling, and arrange for disciples to offer incense daily, to reflect your disciple’s devotion?”

Hanging a portrait for worship wasn’t just an active declaration of ‘allegiance’; it had a deeper meaning: a willingness to accept the Dao Ancestor’s constant supervision.

A faint light flickered in the Dao Ancestor’s eyes. He said, “There’s no need for that. I have already retired behind the scenes. Worshipping Heaven and Earth will suffice.”

“Your disciple obeys.”

“Go.” The Dao Ancestor spoke softly. ‘Subhuti’ bowed, maintaining his usual demeanor and movements, stepped into the void beside the Dao Ancestor, and flew away on a cloud.

He felt the Dao Ancestor’s gaze on him, like thorns in his back. Li Changshou understood that the Dao Ancestor was currently contemplating whether to eliminate Subhuti entirely or keep him for a while longer, to see if he had any further use. His ‘performance’ over the past several centuries, meticulously demonstrating Subhuti’s cautiousness and aversion to risk, was all for the sake of escaping safely today. The best fate for a used puppet was the furnace.

A hundred feet, a thousand feet… Li Changshou’s true body almost held its breath, controlling the speed of ‘Subhuti’s’ departure, daring neither to be too fast nor too slow. The pressure had his fingers trembling constantly. The Dao Ancestor was still watching, still gazing at ‘Subhuti’s’ retreating figure. This was the oppressive power of an absolute peak existence, the pressure of having one’s life and death in another’s hands. It seemed the Dao Ancestor was waiting, waiting for a thought of killing, waiting for an expression of regret.

Flying a thousand miles… Finally! Suddenly, purple-black lightning bloomed in the void, striking directly at ‘Subhuti’!

Li Changshou’s thoughts raced through his mind. Based on his understanding of heavenly tribulation power, this purple-black lightning seemed to be a sealing rather than a destructive heavenly punishment. ‘Subhuti’ could die, but the Heavenly Dao backdoor he had opened using the path of the Outer Heavenly Demons could not be exposed now. What to do?

A hint of sternness flashed across Li Changshou’s eyes. His true body sat quietly, forcing his mind to remain calm, yet overlaying that calm with an appearance of panic. ‘Subhuti’ made to resist the lightning, an instinctive reaction. But just as he was about to act, he seemed to glimpse the Dao Ancestor’s figure. He then chose to tightly close his eyes, only deploying a layer of immortal power barrier, allowing the lightning to engulf him!

“Your disciple harbors no dissatisfaction, nor any intention of rebelling against Heaven, why!”

The void trembled. The purple-black lightning flashed past, and ‘Subhuti’s’ figure stumbled back half a step, having sustained a neither light nor heavy injury. His Dao realm… his Dao realm had been sealed. ‘Subhuti’ stood in the void, crestfallen, like a puppet, seemingly replaying all that had happened, before finally letting out a self-deprecating laugh. He cupped his hands towards the Five Continents, glanced at the safe and sound disciples in his sleeve, then turned and vanished.

Li Changshou sat thoughtfully in the main hall of the Kunpeng Secret Realm, the corner of his mouth twitching slightly. This was the Dao Ancestor.

Farewell for now, Wukong. The monkey’s foundation was laid. The rest of his path would be entirely overseen by the Heavenly Dao, with no one having the chance to interfere. Li Changshou calculated that the monkey would need some more time to grow and establish sufficient prestige among the demon race. The Dao Ancestor would also need time to complete the ‘plans’ he had just spoken of. This stage, Li Changshou called the Handsome Monkey King. When the monkey truly led the demon race to assault the Heavenly Court, that’s when variables would easily arise, and he could then seize the opportunity to act, maximizing his chances of success.

Feeling the Heavenly Dao’s gaze on him subtly fade, Li Changshou couldn’t help but feel a poetic urge once more. “Iron staff in hand, what need for a Victorious Buddha’s name?”

First, he would find a place with beautiful scenery and abundant spiritual energy to live in anonymity for a few peaceful years. Then, when the Five Continents became lively, he would execute his ‘steal home’ grand plan, all while being prepared to show his hand at any moment.

Thus, thirty more years passed. Beyond the Five Continents, the name ‘Handsome Monkey King’ also began to spread, though this fame was connected to the Dragon race. That year, the monkey went to the East Sea Dragon Palace and absconded with the Sea-Stabilizing Needle…