[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-immortality-begins-with-slaying-demons":3,"chapter-immortality-begins-with-slaying-demons-immortality-begins-with-slaying-demons-chapter-780":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Immortality Begins with Slaying Demons",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2318668,4533,"Chapter 780: Who are you aligned with?","immortality-begins-with-slaying-demons-chapter-780",780,"\u003Cp>The dragon-lizard spirit lord glanced sideways at the hand resting on his shoulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He finally extinguished the last flicker of escape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression darkened as he slowly turned, clasping his palms together in a respectful bow: “Little spirit pays homage to Golden Toad Venerable.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No need for such formalities.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young monk wore a gentle smile; behind him, the several venerables who had once escorted the great demon to the Seven Saints Marsh—Wuxiang, Tianluo, and the Seven Treasures Bodhisattva—stood calmly in silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to the sect’s original edict, as Bodhisattvas, they were to avoid close contact with demons and monsters, merely stirring the waters from behind, lest the Three Immortal Teachings seize concrete evidence to use against them during disputes over incense offerings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet across the Four Divine Continents, where else could one encounter such bizarre circumstances as in Great South Continent?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had deployed demon armies far superior to the imperial garrisons, yet even now, not a single prefecture had fallen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Seven Treasures Bodhisattva had planned to return to Southern Sumeru and seek guidance from the Great Freedom Pure World Bodhisattva.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the Golden Toad Bodhisattva suddenly stepped forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was his first mission since ascending to the third rank; he would not allow such a grave failure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, invoking his status as the Future Buddha’s chosen disciple, he forcibly seized command and led the assembly of Bodhisattvas to lie in wait beyond the Divine Court.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To everyone’s surprise, the Southern Emperor, likely fearing the Bodhi Teachings, had deliberately concealed his whereabouts—but perhaps due to the Golden Toad’s true form bearing the Buddha-heart and immense fortune, he had actually found this dragon-lizard spirit lord.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at the spirit lord’s panicked flight, it was clear… even the Southern Emperor leading troops himself had failed to breach a single opening in the South.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Venerable, stop frightening the little spirit. I admit my mistake—I shouldn’t have fled the battlefield. Tell me how you wish to punish me, and I’ll accept it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Surrounded by this group of Bodhisattvas, the dragon-lizard spirit lord had completely abandoned the dignity of a third-rank powerhouse, appearing almost ready to surrender.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He exhaled deeply: “But to be fair, your sect has left us no room to live.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps due to proximity to the virtuous, the dragon-lizard spirit lord, having followed the Southern Emperor, had learned a thing or two—his mind had grown far clearer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The great demons once reserved for post-battle sacrifices had all been wiped out; only he and the Southern Emperor remained. At this point, what did it matter whether the continent was breached or not?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if they truly conquered the South, they themselves would be the first targets of the great sects’ purges—before they could even taste the spoils.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, the instant the Southern Emperor entered the prefectural office, the dragon-lizard spirit lord turned and fled without hesitation, determined to return swiftly to the Wilds and never again involve himself in Divine Continent affairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What of the Southern Emperor?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Golden Toad Bodhisattva gently twirled the beads between his fingers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t know.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dragon-lizard spirit lord turned his head aside, resigned to death or mercy—he would never return to the Divine Continent again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, the Golden Toad Bodhisattva’s smile turned cold, yet he said nothing more, merely raising his palm slowly and gripping the scaled face of the spirit lord, gradually forcing his head back upright.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I said you can breach the South.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“… ”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even at his lowest, the dragon-lizard spirit lord was still a Sixth-Six Transformation cultivator—he could easily shake off this insolent youngster with a flick of demonic power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But as their gazes met, staring into the monk’s slightly sinister eyes, he inexplicably felt a chill crawl up his spine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Never mind the Southern Emperor—those great demons your venerables brought last time all vanished without a trace in Great South Continent. Now, with only me… I simply… I simply…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t worry. After today, you’ll be the most infamous demon in the South.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Golden Toad Bodhisattva cut him off with a smiling interruption, his wide sleeve swaying as Buddhist light coalesced into a tight golden band around the dragon-lizard spirit lord’s neck, then sank into his body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You—!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dragon-lizard spirit lord finally sensed something wrong, struggling to break free—but his eyes instantly turned blood-red.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His arms swelled uncontrollably, then his entire body expanded, tearing through his armor, and before all eyes, he transformed into his true form—thousands of zhang tall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All were beings whose lifespans were measured in eons; the dragon-lizard understood perfectly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This monk… intended to use him as cover to personally breach the South!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet the golden band had entered his body, and now his throat felt choked, bursting—he could not utter a single coherent word. He stamped his hooves in fury, spittle flying, but could only let out a hoarse roar: “Roar!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tsk.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Golden Toad Bodhisattva stood calmly beneath the thrashing beast, nodding in satisfaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“… ”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other Bodhisattvas, including the Seven Treasures Bodhisattva, watched this scene, each raising an eyebrow slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That golden band was clearly a treasure bestowed by the Future Buddha, meant to subdue demons and monsters—yet the Golden Toad had repurposed it for this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Great Freedom Bodhisattva never ordered us to act directly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Shouldn’t we return and seek further guidance?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing their hesitant words, the Golden Toad suddenly turned, his gaze sharpening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He swept his eyes over them one by one: “Guidance?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the words were fully out, he let out a derisive laugh, fixing his gaze on the Seven Treasures Bodhisattva: “You mean like you? Following the sect’s orders to breach the South, then preaching at Crane Mountain, only to have your divine radiance stripped away—and still, not a single advancement since?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Addressing this elder, superior in both seniority and realm, his tone dripped with mockery, showing not a shred of respect: “If I entrusted you with this task, by the time the other three continents have devoured all the incense offerings, Great South Continent will still be peaceful, prosperous, untouched.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Born to be a footnote!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Golden Toad!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several Bodhisattvas could no longer hold back their low rebukes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet the Seven Treasures Bodhisattva, nearly insulted to his face, remained calm; after a long pause, he slowly raised his palm: “You’re right. I have indeed failed the sect’s trust. From now on, I’ll follow your lead.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was truly weary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Golden Toad spoke sense—this great calamity was no longer what it once was. Judging by the current situation, disciples like him, favored by the Buddha, were the true ones destined to bear the calamity; as for himself and the rest… merely footnotes. Better to finish the task quickly and return to Southern Sumeru to cultivate in peace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, the Golden Toad looked at the restless dragon-lizard with quiet satisfaction: “The Southern Emperor holds the Divine Court’s attention—we strike from another direction.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“In seven days, I will break nine prefectures. Leave three-tenths alive. The mission succeeds.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though countless lives were at stake, to him, it was merely a few numbers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“… ”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other Bodhisattvas fell silent for a long while, offering no rebuttal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Golden Toad said, the progress in Great South Continent was far too slow compared to the other three continents. If things continued this way, by the time the Three Immortal Teachings turned their attention here, this patch of land might no longer be under Southern Sumeru’s control.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course, before we act…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Golden Toad Bodhisattva slowly stepped forward, suddenly punching the empty sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even without manifesting his Dharma body, a thick golden river surged skyward, roaring across the heavens.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We must first deal with these treacherous little worms.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked up at the spot where he had punched, his eyes filled with scorn as he fixed them on the two figures forced out of their concealment array: “Thinking to sneak behind the Buddha and pick up scraps? Your Three Immortal Teachings have truly regressed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two men hastily dodged the golden river and stabilized their stances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were the Jade Pool Patriarch and the Shen Mountain Patriarch of the Three Immortal Teachings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmph. Last time I saw you, you were still a Great-Pin Arhat. Never thought you’d become a Bodhisattva now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jade Pool Patriarch waved his wide sleeve, feigning jest, but his eyes flickered with deep wariness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among Southern Sumeru, Golden Toad’s name surpassed many Bodhisattvas.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, he was a direct disciple of the Future Buddha—in the Three Immortal Teachings, that was equivalent to being a true disciple of the Three Pure Ones. That position was always reserved for Great Freedom-level figures; only this man, bearing the Buddha-heart, had been chosen from the moment he became a novice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He cultivated one of the two great Dao paths held by the Future Buddha.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Golden Toad’s path, having just ascended to the third rank, had already revealed its profundity—though their cultivation was far superior, these two had been forced into the open by a single punch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he truly attained Great Freedom, no one below the Emperor or True Buddha would be able to restrain him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Congratulations, Golden Toad Dao friend, on your great advancement, but your words are rather harsh.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Mountain Patriarch narrowed his eyes: “We are both of the two sects. I’ve often attended teachings at Southern Sumeru—we’re at least half-brothers in the Dharma. To speak of ‘picking up scraps’ is to underestimate us. We merely sensed unusual phenomena here and came to investigate.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If we’ve offended you, we’ll leave at once.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The North’s plan was to wait until chaos erupted here, then carve out a share from Southern Sumeru’s spoils.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But nothing had happened in the South for so long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After mastering the use of that artifact, Shen Mountain Patriarch had grown anxious, prompting him to contact Jade Pool Patriarch and come to the Divine Court to investigate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His reasoning was simple: better to follow these monks than to track the demons. With the artifact, he held the advantage in single combat—he needn’t fear being outmatched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hadn’t expected these monks to suddenly converge—and find them so easily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For now, withdrawal was the wisest course.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Farewell.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Shen Mountain Patriarch signaled the Jade Pool Patriarch, then turned to summon a lucky cloud for escape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, the Golden Toad Bodhisattva’s face twisted into a cruel grin as he lightly flicked his sleeve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next instant, the Seven Treasures Bodhisattva sighed, clasped his palms, and behind him, the seven radiant rings shot out, encircling the two men completely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What is the meaning of this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Mountain Patriarch’s eyelid twitched as he looked back down, forcing a smile: “You’re not seriously planning to keep us?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I never intended to keep you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Golden Toad Bodhisattva curled his lips, slowly raising both palms: “I intend to kill you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At these words, Shen Mountain Patriarch’s face turned utterly grim.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even after receiving the North’s orders, he had only ever considered competing for incense offerings—he had never imagined killing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Golden Toad Venerable, you jest. The Three Immortal Teachings and the Bodhi Teachings have always been friendly…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve slain True Gods. What are you two? Lowly disciples who can’t even get a seat at the Master’s teachings?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment the Golden Toad’s contemptuous words rang out,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jade Pool Patriarch, who had remained silent, abandoned all hope. His hand moved, a spell already formed at his fingertips as he sneered: “You think you can really hold us?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though outnumbered, and with the Seven Treasures Bodhisattva—a Sixth-Six cultivator—standing guard, they must not forget: the artifact granted by the North was no mere trinket.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Winning may be hopeless—these monks have deep reserves too—but escaping should not be difficult.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Attack.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Golden Toad Bodhisattva erased his smile, standing motionless, and in the next instant, amidst ten thousand zhang of radiant light, a majestic divine form appeared in the heavens and earth—a figure seated cross-legged atop a toad.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before it, the agitated dragon-lizard seemed tiny in comparison.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I doubt anyone in the entire Southern Sumeru dares be as bold as you, true Buddha disciple!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The opponent has already manifested his divine form; further talk is meaningless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Shen Shan roared in fury, chanting the same spell, preparing for a life-or-death struggle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this, the remaining Bodhisattvas wore strange expressions, clearly disapproving.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They all simultaneously recalled a certain figure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unfortunately, the Golden Toad clearly disliked this person, and since it involved the struggle over the Tribulation, he deliberately ignored him in every matter, as if deliberately isolating him among the other Bodhisattvas.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Otherwise, today we could have let these two Grand Elders of the Three Immortals Sect witness something truly extraordinary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, the Bodhisattvas set aside their thoughts and prepared to manifest their own divine forms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet just as the radiant light surged, illuminating mountains and rivers, a calm, unhurried step echoed clearly into everyone’s ears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among the mountains and woods.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A tall, slender youth walked slowly, crushed dry leaves beneath his boots, producing a crisp crackling sound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wore a brand-new ink-black robe, walked quietly into the midst of the scene, then stood still with hands hanging at his sides.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Bodhisattva Who Subdues the Dragon and Tames the Tiger?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This sudden appearance left the two Grand Elders of the Three Immortals Sect stunned; upon hearing the Nameless Bodhisattva’s cry, Master Yu Chi’s face darkened considerably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Never mind that the opponent had just added another third-rank powerhouse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This one was no obscure nobody.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had seen him once beyond the Northern Flow River—he was then merely a Great Rank Arhat, yet he had slain many prodigies of the Three Immortals Sect in a single battle, becoming famous across the Southern Continent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She never imagined that upon meeting him again, he had soared in realm, just like the Golden Toad.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such a violent, ruthless cultivator, once armed with formidable power, could not be compared to ordinary peers of the same realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is troublesome!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Golden Toad Bodhisattva instinctively frowned, muttering in annoyance: “Why are you here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had labored and schemed for everything, and now, at the moment of reaping the fruit, this man had the audacity to tag along—truly a stubborn patch of dogskin plaster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Enough, enough.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Golden Toad snorted. As a true Buddha disciple, he could be eccentric and violent, but he could never appear petty or intolerant toward fellow disciples—otherwise, his master would surely punish him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Since you are of the same path, since you've come, I'll credit you with a contribution.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, the two Grand Elders slowly drew closer, one watching ahead, the other behind, both sensing the other’s tension.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet under the gaze of all present,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Yi showed no gratitude or joy—only lowered his eyes to his shoe tips and said coolly: “Who said I’m on your path?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this, the other Bodhisattvas paused slightly, glancing over in confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two Grand Elders of the Three Immortals Sect stood frozen in the sky—could there still be a turn of events? This Bodhisattva Who Subdues the Dragon and Tames the Tiger clearly had no rapport with the Golden Toad—was he here to aid them?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Golden Toad laughed bitterly: “What do you mean? You’re refusing my generosity?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had already shown magnanimity—if this brute still refuses to recognize grace, then don’t blame me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tsk.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Yi adjusted his ink-black robe, unable to suppress a soft sigh—as if facing a group of incomprehensible fools.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What is this Tribulation for?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If I understand correctly, it’s to select the so-called Immortal Emperor.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He paused, then finally raised his gaze to the figures before him, a mocking smile tugging at his lips: “Does the Immortal Emperor require more than one?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before his words had fully faded,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the gaze of those clear, dark eyes, nearly everyone felt a chilling dread.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Immortal Emperor, sovereign of heaven and earth, needs only one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2644,"2026-06-20T15:00:39.179Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","c9323b6d750a81f603fa9168144d2974470d72d1d42b3058e98e7ac8e36d11eb","immortality-begins-with-slaying-demons-chapter-781","immortality-begins-with-slaying-demons-chapter-779",840,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fimmortality-begins-with-slaying-demons-cover.jpg"]