Chapter 352

After a long while.

Jieyin and Zhunti also gradually came to their senses.

"Hmm... Your words make sense, disciple!"

"And only this explanation can make sense of it."

Jieyin said thus.

Zhunti, meanwhile, pondered and spoke:

"But... just who could have done this?!"

"If our Buddhist sect were to fall out with the Wu Clan, who would benefit?!"

It must be said, Zhunti is also quick to react.

In this world, nothing happens without cause.

Since the other side went to such lengths to scheme, wanting to pit the Buddhist sect against the Wu Clan, even to the point of endless enmity, there must be some gain.

Yet even Jieyin and Zhunti, for a moment, could not think of who would benefit.

Before they could continue thinking further,

Chen Ku then spoke again:

"Rather than ponder who the other side is."

"It might be better to consider... aside from Xiangliu, whether the Wu Clan's other members might also have those Wu-slaying needles on them?!"

Upon these words, Zhunti was stunned.

Boom!

In that instant, the feeling of his divine sense trembling surged again.

"Hiss......"

"Your meaning, nephew, is that Zhu Rong, Xing Tian, and others might also possibly have Wu-slaying needles?!"

Zhunti suddenly recalled everything that had happened in the Underworld before.

That mysterious power could bury the Wu-slaying sword on Xiangliu.

Likewise, it could also be present on the bodies of the ancestral Wu like Zhu Rong and Xing Tian.

After all, the ancestral Wu are stronger, yet also less guarded.

Moreover, if that were the case, the inexplicable trembling of the divine sense would also make sense.

Earlier, in the Underworld, if I had once acted, Zhu Rong and others would have been detonated by the Wu-slaying fine needles, their bodies and Dao destroyed.

That......

Even if Emperor Jiang himself arrived, I fear I could not clear myself.

Even, speaking frankly, I would thus become an enemy of the West.

The more he thought, the more Zhunti felt alarmed, his lingering fear unabated.

"Fortunately... fortunately, when I was in the Underworld, I did not act."

"Otherwise, our Buddhist sect and the Wu Clan would truly be irreconcilable deadly enemies."

Zhunti muttered thus to himself.

Jieyin also flew into a rage, pounding his fist into his palm, and said indignantly:

"Damn it......"

"Step by step into traps, unbeknownst to gods or ghosts, truly a vicious and cruel scheme!"

It can be said that although they still have not uncovered who controls that mysterious mist,

the appearance of the Wu-slaying needles has also let Chen Ku and the others understand much, and realize a great conspiracy targeting the Buddhist sect.

Not having time to say more, Zhunti suddenly thought of something.

"In that case, we ought to inform the Wu Clan of this!"

"If Zhu Rong and others truly have Wu-slaying needles in their bodies, it would also prevent other strong ones of our Buddhist sect from being affected, and avoid gaining the crime of massacring the Wu Clan."

Zhunti proposed thus.

In his view, as long as we inform the Wu Clan members, have them all examined, and remove the Wu-slaying needles from others' bodies,

then the secret power's schemes and arrangements would naturally collapse without attack.

However, upon hearing this, Chen Ku shook his head.

"No!"

He refused without hesitation.

Thereafter, Chen Ku gazed deeply toward the Wu Clan's direction, his words heavy as he continued:

"Earlier, that Wu Clan also acted unkindly!"

"Imprisoning the human race, hunting down dragon-kind spirits, even expelling the Earth Store junior disciples."

"We need not overly consider their safety."

Chen Ku's words are not entirely out of revenge for the Wu Clan breaking their promise.

But rather, in the dark, there is cause and effect, and though all dharmas are empty, cause and effect is not empty.

When I initially proposed letting the Wu Clan protect the human race, it was actually to give the Wu Clan an opportunity to accumulate merit and eliminate karma.

But the Wu Clan, instead, voluntarily gave up that opportunity.

All this is their own doing.

Moreover.

Chen Ku looked at Jieyin and Zhunti, smiled meaningfully, and spoke again:

"Furthermore, this move would easily startle the snake, alerting the hidden power to anomalies."

"It would be better... to cast a long line to catch a big fish, only then might we truly uncover the truth."

In response, Jieyin and Zhunti were somewhat puzzled.

Casting a long line to catch a big fish—what does that mean?!

But after a moment's thought, Jieyin understood a little.

"Disciple, you mean... we need not inform Zhurong and the others?"

"But by secretly monitoring them, perhaps we could discover the traces of that mysterious power?!"

As the saying goes, knowing the disciple, none is better than the master!

Upon hearing this, Jieyin's words also made Chen Ku nod.

"Exactly!"

"Although that mysterious power is unfathomable and elusive, we also possess a trump card unknown to it."

"The disciple controls the laws of time, and it is highly likely still unaware of this."

"Next time, as long as he appears again, the disciple will inevitably be able to lock onto him."

"Hmph, as long as it is not within the Scroll of Time, let's see how he can still escape?!"

Chen Ku's gaze was cold and sharp, deep and profound; his response showed full confidence.

Everything they are doing now is merely traced back through the Scroll of Time.

And as long as that mysterious power appears in the present, Chen Ku is confident he can directly halt time briefly, firmly lock it down, and uncover its true form.

"Good, just as the disciple said!"

"Only this method offers a chance of success."

Jieyin and Zhunti immediately spoke, agreeing with Chen Ku's idea.

Thereafter, without further words, the three immediately set out, returning to Mount Sumeru's Great Thunderclap Temple.

Upon returning, Jieyin immediately issued a Great Dao sound transmission, announcing to all Buddhist disciples.

"All disciples of my Western Buddhist sect, from today onward, cultivate in peace within the sect."

"Under no circumstances must you leave the sect or become entangled with worldly karma."

Jieyin's words boomed like thunder, entering the ears of every Buddhist disciple, causing their hearts to tremble violently.

For a moment, countless Buddhist disciples erupted in an uproar, utterly boiling over.

"Hiss... previously, the Buddha Mother Zhunti gave a warning, and now Jieyin the Buddha Ancestor issues a Great Dao sound transmission."

"This... could it be that some great calamity has descended?!"

"The two sages are so solemn and stern—clearly not a trivial matter."

"Hehe... no need to think so much; we merely need to obey the sages' decrees, and that will suffice."

"Even if there is some crisis, we, residing within the Buddhist sect, will not be affected."

"Exactly, exactly—don't forget, we also have the mighty Senior Chen Ku holding the fort."

The disciples discussed in a clamor, all talking at once.

They had not forgotten that Zhunti had previously spoken, warning all Buddhist beings not to emerge without authorization.

Adding today's Great Dao sound transmission from Jieyin, the gravity of this matter has suddenly surged.

Even without understanding the reason, all beings have faintly felt a sense of unease.

However, after the initial panic and worry passed, beings came to their senses and their hearts settled.

Buddhism, with the Four Saints holding the fort!

It is no exaggeration to say that even if heaven collapsed and earth split, such a catastrophe could not reach them.

Moreover, mentioning Chen Ku's name fills beings with boundless reverence.

After all, he is the formidable one who can, by his own power, strongly suppress the Three Pure Ones.

His presence also brings greater peace of mind to Western beings, freeing them from worry.

Regarding the beings' discussion, Jieyin and Zhunti, as well as Chen Ku, have now ceased to pay attention.

In the Great Thunderclap Temple, Hongyun has also manifested, and the Four Saints are gathered!

"For now, let us not inquire into worldly affairs."

"We shall only constantly monitor the movements of the Wu Clan's ancestral witches."

Jieyin said this, prompting the other three to nod in agreement.

At this moment, the greatness of these four is revealed.

Whether it is Jieyin and Zhunti's sage realm, or Hongyun's, or Chen Ku's Daluo Golden Immortal of the Mixed Yuan realm.

A single thought, and all is known!

Even seated in the Great Thunderclap Temple, they can constantly deduce and remain aware of any movement by Zhurong and the others, or rather, any anomaly.

Without further words, the four immediately released their divine sense, vast and mighty, yet undetectable, profoundly mysterious.

The vast Western Buddhist sect thereby regained its ancient tranquility and harmony.

On another side!

Within the Wu Clan!

Zhurong, Gonggong, Xingtian, and others have also returned.

At this moment, Zhurong wears an expression of arrogant pride.

"Haha, Elder Brother Emperor Jiang!"

"We previously forcefully entered the Underworld, driving even those like Dizang to retreat."

Zhurong looked toward the seated Emperor Jiang, Candle Nine Yin, and others, speaking thus.

His words were full of boastfulness.

The words had just fallen when Chi You also spoke up in agreement:

"Not bad, not bad!"

"Hehe, you all witnessed it before, our Wu Clan's prestige is unmatched."

"Even if Zhunti himself descended personally, he would ultimately have to yield."

"Now the underworld is under our Wu Clan's control, and has nothing to do with the Western Buddhist Sect."

Victory!

In the eyes of Zhurong and the others, everything before could be called a complete triumph.

Not only did we successfully replace the status of the Western Buddhist Sect's members.

More importantly, even the venerable Zhunti Saint had to yield three points.

How could Zhurong and the others not be overjoyed and lose themselves?!

However, seeing them in such a state.

On the other side, Emperor Jiang was filled with black lines, showing some displeasure.

"Several brothers, you..."

"Alas, I have already said, temporarily avoid their sharpness, do not provoke the Western Buddhist Sect too much."

"You dare to hide from me and act on your own?!"

Indeed!

As soon as Emperor Jiang spoke, he questioned their attitude.

Before, in the underworld, Emperor Jiang and others had been mindful of Zhurong and the others' face, and had not said much.

But now that we have returned, Emperor Jiang could no longer suppress the anger in his heart.

Reckless!

Truly too reckless!

Acting rashly against the Western Buddhist Sect, disregarding myself as the chief ancestor witch.

Emperor Jiang could not help but worry in his heart, what disaster this would bring to the Wu Clan.

And upon hearing Emperor Jiang's questioning, Zhurong retorted with some indignation:

"Brother!"

"That Buddhist Sect bullies people too much, Chiyou brother died unjustly."

"We are merely making them pay a small price."

Upon saying this.

Emperor Jiang's eyebrows shot up again.

Being loyal and righteous, repaying grudges, is certainly correct.

This also fits the nature of the Wu Clan.

But... Zhurong does not consider the price at all.

The Demon Race is not yet destroyed, having such a great enemy ahead already gives Emperor Jiang a headache.

If we then oppose the Buddhist Sect head-on, is that not asking for trouble?!

Emperor Jiang still wanted to say something.

However, at this moment, Zhujiuyin beside him spoke up.

"Brother Emperor Jiang, Zhurong and the others acting on their own is certainly wrong!"

"But now everything is settled, cannot be changed."

"Brother also need not blame them further."

Zhujiuyin is rather more clear-headed and wise.

Everything has already happened, even if we punish Zhurong and the others, what use is it?!

They also have no choice but to helplessly accept this result.

After the words paused, Zhujiuyin continued:

"Now, the Western Dizang, the Ten Yama Kings, etc., have all retreated."

"However, if only Houyi and Kuafu, the two brothers, manage the underworld, it will inevitably be beyond their strength."

"I have faintly sensed that the karma of our Wu Clan has suddenly increased."

"Therefore, the urgent matter now is to discuss, continue to dispatch our Wu Clan's strong ones to assist Lady Pingxin, managing the underworld is the way."

Zhujiuyin's words finally eased Emperor Jiang's expression somewhat.

He also knew that what Zhujiuyin said was correct.

Managing the underworld can be said to be a double-edged sword.

If done well, it can naturally accumulate endless merit, fortune, etc., for the Wu Clan.

And it is an extremely vast cycle of merit.

But conversely, if it is merely in name, virtue not matching position, then karma will inevitably backfire on the Wu Clan, making their burden of karma greatly increase.

Emperor Jiang nodded.

After pondering for a moment, he turned to look at the ancestor witch Chi You and the great witch Chiyou.

"If so, then let Chi You and Chiyou, the two brothers, bear the hardship!"

"You shall lead some Wu Clan strong ones to go to the underworld."

Upon hearing this, Chi You and Chiyou naturally dared not refuse, and immediately bowed in agreement.

Then, each went their own way, gathered Wu Clan strong ones, and set off for the underworld.

At the same time!

In the underworld.

As far as the eye can see, everything here has become even more chaotic and disordered.

In the void, vast expanses of karmic obstructions stretch across, difficult to dissipate.

Within them, countless resentful souls are concealed, emitting mournful wails, yet unwilling to enter the cycle of reincarnation.

In the Ten Courts, countless souls awaiting judgment and verdict are even more ferocious and violent, rampaging without cease.

In the River of Forgetfulness, the river waters surge and erode endless souls.

Witnessing these scenes, Houyi and Kuafu stare at each other, their brows furrowed in deep worry, utterly distressed.

"This..."

"O Lady Pingxin above, please enlighten us—how should we manage the underworld?!"

Houyi spoke, seeking guidance from Pingxin.

Seeing all this before them, the two were utterly at a loss, with no idea what to do.

Perhaps only Lady Pingxin could teach them what to do.

As they spoke, the two gazed devoutly toward the deepest part of the underworld.

There lies where Lady Pingxin is in seclusion.

However, after the words were spoken.

After a long while.

Pingxin made no movement, yet her voice drifted out faintly.

"As for... managing the underworld, even this palace is not entirely clear!"

Upon hearing this response.

Houyi and Kuafu exchanged glances, becoming even more bewildered.