In the immortal realm of the Celestial Maidens, mist and vapor floated ethereally, exuding an aura of transcendence and detachment.
Within a delicately crafted room filled with an atmosphere of sensual delight, lotus petals bloomed, greedily absorbing hues of pink. The current Bodhisattva of Joy lay lazily upon a lotus platform, one hand propping up her cheek. Her white gauze clung tightly to her body, revealing tantalizing contours, a vision of unmatched beauty.
“This is the use of the All-Worlds Universal Symbol…” Before her, the Bodhisattva of Compassionate Desire, who had creatively introduced the concept of “snacks,” held a small, somewhat crude metal tablet about the size of a palm.
The Bodhisattva of Joy drew her long legs inward and lazily shifted into a sitting position. Her white gauze shifted, occasionally revealing glimpses of allure, captivating the male attendants nearby, their breaths quickening, longing to leap forward.
“Ah, this is quite good,” the Bodhisattva of Joy said with a smile, picking up the simple All-Worlds Universal Symbol and flipping through it. “As the verse says, ‘Though oceans apart, close as neighbors; within the sea, true friends abound.’ It feels as though these poetic descriptions have suddenly come to life. We no longer need to resort to brothels or wander aimlessly, waiting idly. With this symbol, we can actively strike from the comfort of our homes, capturing the allure of men across the world.”
Although the Bodhisattva of Compassionate Desire acknowledged the usefulness of the All-Worlds Universal Symbol, she still questioned, “What difference does it make? Aren’t we still the ones who must make the first move?”
“Of course there’s a difference. Any man with experience or guidance from elders who enters a brothel will always be cautious. Even amidst jealousy and rivalry, he will hesitate at the final moment, often needing the aid of incense or drugs, which easily exposes us. Now, with the All-Worlds Universal Symbol, the connection is made by fate itself, creating a sense of mysterious destiny. When emotions deepen, things will naturally progress.”
Though she had never used the All-Worlds Universal Symbol, the Bodhisattva of Joy spoke as though she had mastered its intricacies. Covering her mouth with a chuckle, she continued, “Moreover, we can meet someone thousands of miles away while sitting at home, far more convenient than visiting brothels. Living beings naturally dislike inconvenience and laziness. More importantly, who is more appealing—a seasoned courtesan shared by hundreds or a shy maiden admiring a chivalrous hero? No man can resist the allure of a secret encounter that satisfies his vanity and pride, thrilling and fulfilling his desires.”
The Bodhisattva of Compassionate Desire’s eyes lit up. “If we use the simplest All-Worlds Universal Symbol without leaving a trace of aura or number, I could be a pure maiden, a seductive noblewoman, or even a holy nun. Hehe, even if the husband desires a fox spirit, I could pretend to be one. Truly a wonderful item!”
Yet she furrowed her brow. “However, the All-Worlds Universal Symbol was created by Su Meng, and it’s said to be intricately linked to his ‘Chain of All Consequences.’ If we use it, won’t we be walking straight into his trap?”
“No worries,” the Bodhisattva of Joy replied. “The Chain of All Consequences connects all causality, but Su Meng lacks the ability to observe everything in detail. At most, he can perceive a few key points. As long as we use the simplest version of the symbol, which only has a number and no aura imprint, how could he possibly track us among billions of people? Although the basic symbol has limited functions, we can enhance it ourselves. Who knows, we might even showcase the essence of the ‘Heavenly Maiden’s Enchanting Dance.'”
The Bodhisattva of Compassionate Desire became excited. “Then let’s focus on perfecting the ‘Bodhisattva’s Soul-Stealing Voice’!”
The Bodhisattva of Joy played with the crude symbol, her thoughts drifting toward grand ambitions.
…
In the Western Continent of Niuhe, atop the Eagle-Defying Mountains.
King Huangjing was a true demon king whose reputation spanned thousands of miles. He commanded thirty-six demon lords and seventy-two demon generals, reigning as the local tyrant.
It was nearly noon. King Huangjing was gnawing on the thigh of another demon, his mouth smeared with blood, his eyes gleaming as he watched female demons dance, occasionally letting out lewd laughter.
Suddenly, a mountain patrol demon reported, “Your Majesty, a Taoist named ‘He Who Exists in His Own Realm’ seeks an audience.”
“He Who Exists in His Own Realm?” King Huangjing was puzzled. “Which mountain or cave does this demon king belong to?”
“It seems… he’s a human,” the patrol demon stammered.
King Huangjing’s eyes lit up. “A human? No, wait—if he dares to come here seeking an audience, he must be an immortal! I haven’t tasted an immortal in ages! Bring him in, bring him in!”
Demons had ravaged the land for years, leaving only a few surviving humans, with some demon gods keeping them as livestock. Immortals were even rarer. King Huangjing had tasted one only in his youth and had long resorted to devouring other demons.
The female demons scattered. Before King Huangjing, a fire pit and a large cauldron were prepared. He waited solemnly for “He Who Exists in His Own Realm.” If the visitor came with ill intent or had nothing important to say, he would make a delicious meal.
Soon, King Huangjing saw a refined Taoist dressed in a flowing robe and wearing a fan-shaped crown. His temples were streaked with gray, his eyes deep and unfathomable. He carried a brocade box tied with silk ribbons, appearing quite valuable.
“A humble cultivator greets Your Majesty,” Meng Qi smiled and bowed.
King Huangjing coughed. “What business do you have at my Eagle-Defying Ridge?”
His tone rose on the word “ah,” displaying his authority. If the answer displeased him, he would open his monstrous jaws.
Meng Qi smiled. “This humble one comes from the Eastern Sea, once part of the Dragon King’s clan.”
As he spoke, golden scales emerged from his exposed skin, unyielding and impervious. A terrifying aura, surpassing all beings, swept through the cave, making demon lords and generals tremble and nearly kneel. The smaller demons outside were even more terrified, their faces pale with fear. Even King Huangjing felt a bolt of lightning surge from his spine, his pores closing and every hair standing on end.
After a long while, King Huangjing forced a smile. “So you’re also a demon.”
A true Dragon Demon God, rarely seen nowadays!
“This humble one has traveled from the Eastern Continent and the Southern Continent to the Western Continent in search of old friends. But this land is unfamiliar, so I came to ask for directions,” Meng Qi said deliberately in an elegant tone to highlight the Dragon Clan’s prestige. “This humble one has brought a small gift to thank Your Majesty for your guidance.”
Initially annoyed, King Huangjing’s eyes lit up at the mention of a gift. “What is this gift? And where are you headed?”
The Dragon Clan was ancient and wealthy, known for its generosity. Even a “small gift” would be valuable!
“This treasure?” Meng Qi caressed the brocade box with a smile. “It’s an heirloom from my lineage, ‘He Who Exists in His Own Realm.’ More intoxicating than wine, more fragrant than delicacies. Immortals dream of it at night, sneaking into the mortal world. Demons forget their bloodlust and destruction, even ceasing to tempt others into corruption, so entranced are they. Your Majesty, isn’t this a treasure?”
King Huangjing’s heart leaped with joy. He nodded enthusiastically. “Yes! Of course it is!”
A treasure so captivating that even immortals and demons can’t resist!
“This humble one came to Eagle-Defying Ridge to inquire about the Five Tranquility Monastery,” Meng Qi said, subtly shifting the topic after hooking King Huangjing’s interest.
“Five Tranquility Monastery?” King Huangjing’s eyes showed genuine confusion.
“You don’t know of it?” Meng Qi pressed.
King Huangjing shook his head. “Never heard of it.”
“Centuries ago, before the Celestial Court fell, a mighty cultivator established the Five Tranquility Monastery in the Western Continent. This humble one wishes to know its location or if any descendants remain,” Meng Qi explained.
“I’ve only lived three hundred years. How could I know about events eight hundred years ago?” King Huangjing’s eyes remained fixed on the brocade box, fearing he might miss out on the treasure.
Meng Qi pondered briefly. “Your Majesty, do you know any great demon or demon god who might know of such matters?”
King Huangjing’s expression changed, tinged with fear. “The ‘Undying Demon God’ of Pillar Mountain might know.”
He answered briefly, as if afraid of saying more.
Meng Qi’s heart stirred. “May I ask why the ‘Undying Demon God’ would know such things?”
To his surprise, King Huangjing found Meng Qi quite approachable and instinctively spoke from the heart. “The ‘Undying Demon God’ is no young demon like us. It often boasts of having witnessed the Investiture of the Gods and the events of Journey to the West, even the fall of the Celestial Court. It is unimaginably ancient, hence the name ‘Undying.’ Having lived for so long, it likely knows of the Five Tranquility Monastery.”
“I see,” Meng Qi nodded slightly.
If the tale held truth, this was indeed an ancient demon—perhaps one of the formidable beings from the eras of Fengshen and Journey to the West, now concealed within Pillar Mountain…
“Your Majesty, may I ask how to reach Pillar Mountain?” Meng Qi inquired.
King Huangjing inhaled sharply. “The ‘Undying Demon God’ dislikes outsiders approaching Pillar Mountain. It rarely appears, only occasionally demanding tributes from true demon kings and gods like myself. You mustn’t be reckless!”
Ironically, the reckless demon was warning Meng Qi against recklessness.
“Your Majesty, rest assured. This humble one has a plan,” Meng Qi nodded with a smile.
King Huangjing, tired of talking, revealed the location of Pillar Mountain to “He Who Exists in His Own Realm.” Finally, he lowered his voice. “One more thing, you must be cautious. There are rumors that the ‘Undying Demon God’ participated in the Ling Mountain battle, the only demon to escape besides the Demoness Queen…”
Participated in the Ling Mountain battle? Meng Qi was startled.
In the ancient Ling Mountain battle, only two were known to have escaped safely—the Demoness and A-nan. Although Meng Qi suspected a few Buddhas or Bodhisattvas might have survived, there had been no clues. Now, another survivor of the Ling Mountain battle had surfaced?
Master Lu Ya’s mission was no simple task either…
As Meng Qi pondered, King Huangjing smiled. “Taoist, this treasure… the gift…”
Meng Qi laughed and handed over the brocade box. “Please accept it with pleasure.”
With that, he turned and vanished in a single step from Eagle-Defying Ridge.
King Huangjing inhaled deeply and opened the box. Inside was a metal tablet, its patterns and design indeed exquisite, but he couldn’t see what made it so captivating to immortals, gods, and demons.
Suddenly, the tablet vibrated, emitting a crimson glow. King Huangjing, a true demon, had some knowledge. He pressed his claw onto the center.
“Hello…” A voice, enchanting and seductive, emerged.
At the sound of the voice, King Huangjing felt an electric thrill surge through his body, his legs weakening, his soul soaring.
Truly, a wonderful treasure!
…
As Meng Qi flew toward Pillar Mountain, he chuckled. The Bodhisattva of Joy’s sect truly lacked insight. Did they think using the All-Worlds Universal Symbol in the Celestial Maidens’ Realm could escape his notice?
Didn’t they know that places like the Celestial Maidens’ Realm and the Void Home were “special groups,” where all messages from or to these realms would be automatically filtered?
With a somersault cloud, Meng Qi vanished into the horizon.
Who could the “Undying Demon God” be?
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