Chapter 1440

Without engaging in combat, one could never fathom just how terrifying this power was.

He thought Buddha could withstand it, but the man was instantly obliterated by a single strike.

Su Xiao: "Thank goodness no one has challenged Taixuan Brother to sparring lately—otherwise we'd be finished."

Hu Yifei: "Has anyone else sparred with your husband? Who's so bold?"

Xiong Ba: "I can't imagine."

Han Paopa: "Dare not think about it—does our chat group really have someone this bold?"

Sun Wukong: "Too bold. Even if the Dao Lord limited his power to the same realm, no one could survive more than a few strikes."

Ying Zheng: "Too many—we'd all be one-shot."

In the chaos.

Zhang Taixuan looked at Sun Wukong and said, "Let's go, see your world."

Sun Wukong's expression brightened: "Yes, Master. I'll guide you."

Saying this, he tucked away the Hunyuan Zhan Long Ji, rose into the air, and headed toward the Journey to the West world.

At this moment, the great beings of the Journey to the West world grew tense.

Even Buddha's strike, which gathered all the power of Lingshan, had been effortlessly shattered by this man.

Who among the other Pre-Saint great beings could possibly stand against him?

All eyes turned toward the Heavenly Court, toward the Jade Emperor.

Though five hundred years ago, when he wreaked havoc in Tiangong, the Jade Emperor was driven beyond the Lingxiao Palace, and only Buddha's intervention subdued the demon monkey.

But that was merely a performance.

Everyone knew the Jade Emperor was the number one expert in the Three Realms.

Pre-Saint experts, terrified, issued edicts summoning Buddha to subdue a Taiyi-level demon.

Anyone with cultivation experience knew this was a setup.

"If it's fortune, it won't be disaster; if it's disaster, you can't escape it."

The Jade Emperor felt a chill run down his scalp.

This was the first time since becoming a Pre-Saint that he felt true urgency.

His thoughts flashed rapidly, and he quickly formed a plan.

"Quickly issue an edict summoning the True Lord of Extended Life and Preservation to join us in welcoming the Immortal."

"Summon the True Lord of Extended Life and Preservation to court."

The Southern Dipper Six Offices.

The Tianliang Palace.

The Substitute Monkey was lying flat when suddenly he received the Jade Emperor's edict.

"That's odd—if the Jade Emperor meant to punish me, he'd send Heavenly Soldiers to arrest me. Why send an edict instead?"

With confusion, the Substitute Monkey arrived at Lingxiao Palace, then was led by the Jade Emperor to the Edge of Heaven.

Upon arriving, the Substitute Monkey sensed a presence—no, two familiar auras.

"It's Sun Wukong!"

"And my Master!"

At that moment, two figures slowly approached.

Seeing them, the Jade Emperor bowed deeply: "We humbly welcome the Immortal's arrival in this realm."

"We humbly welcome the Immortal."

Zhang Taixuan nodded lightly: "All of you, rise."

His gaze fell upon the Substitute Monkey, and a faint smile appeared: "Good. You have some Dao nature—you're destined to attain the Dao. From today onward, choose your own name and reclaim your freedom."

"Thank you, Master," the Substitute Monkey stepped forward, tears of joy streaming down his face. "Master, I seek freedom and ease—let me call myself Sun Zizai."

"Accepted."

Hearing this, Sun Zizai was overjoyed, shouting loudly: "I have a name! I'm Sun 173 Zizai, free and easy!"

As he spoke, his body began to change, transforming into a man in white robes.

Previously, to serve as Sun Wukong's substitute puppet, he could only take monkey form; now that he had regained his freedom, he naturally assumed human shape.

In nature, a living being's first sight upon opening its eyes is regarded as its parent.

In Sun Zizai's memory, he had been molded by a human.

He had always regarded himself as human.

"I bow before the Great Heavenly Emperor. For years of deception, I humbly accept your judgment under the law," Sun Zizai said to the Jade Emperor, his expression sincere.

The Jade Emperor smiled lightly: "Star Lord, you overthink. All of Heaven knows you've faithfully fulfilled your duty—how could you be guilty? As for the concealment, it was never your fault; no need to mention it again."

"Thank you, Heavenly Emperor."

Sun Wukong exclaimed in shock: "Master, this puppet had such cultivation potential? I never imagined! When you gave it to me, it was just an ordinary puppet."

The Jade Emperor sneered inwardly.

Though Sun Wukong had attained the Dao, he still had no clear grasp of the power of those above the Pre-Saint level.

Long ago, Nüwa molded humans to become the masters of heaven and earth.

This being before us, whose depth is unfathomable, created a puppet—and for it to reach such cultivation today, what's surprising?

Pre-Saint experts are called Great Divine Beings in the pinnacle Grand Worlds.

That word "Great" isn't empty flattery.