Chapter 514: Side Story Five: Western Travel Group

Side Story Five: Western Travel Group

When, in the Human World, Liu Xiu seized the moment that Wang Mang's great army was terrified and thrown into chaos by the Divine Mountain that descended from the heavens, he decisively led his troops to strike, launching a counterattack that completely reversed the Kunyang battle situation—

Heavenly Court, inside the Lingxiao Bao Dian.

Yu Lin rose from his chair, stretched a big lazy yawn, his face bearing the satisfied feeling of having watched the whole drama.

He casually waved his hand toward the Jade Emperor, who remained seated, and the Lao Jun, who idly stroked his beard beside him:

"Alright, the show's over, I've got some other business, so I'm leaving now, ha."

Having said that, he turned and was about to slip away.

"Hey, hold on a moment." Tai Shang Lao Jun's voice rang out at just the right time, and a hand gently grasped Yu Lin's sleeve.

Yu Lin's steps halted; he turned his head aside and raised an eyebrow:

"Lao Jun, you still have business?"

Lao Jun wore a faint smile, nodded, and raised his hand to point toward the West:

"You now intend to go over there?"

Yu Lin nodded calmly: "Of course."

"What's this, Lao Jun… you want to come along for the fun?"

"Well…" Lao Jun stroked his long beard, his smile deepening, and continued in a matter‑of‑fact tone, following Yu Lin's words:

"Since it's your invitation, it's hard to decline such hospitality; I, too, find it difficult to refuse."

"Perfect, let's go for a walk, let's go."

Yu Lin: "…………"

He blinked.

It wasn't—I just asked casually, how did it become my "invitation"??

Fine, it doesn't really matter.

Since it's already like this…

His gaze swept over the other immortals and deities still lingering in the hall, ears perked to eavesdrop, then he glanced at the Jade Emperor, seated calmly on the fishing platform, smiling at the spectacle, and a thought suddenly arose.

Yu Lin cleared his throat, raised his voice a notch, and addressed the Jade Emperor and the assembled immortals:

"Um… Jade Emperor, and everyone, would you like to join?"

He paused, then added:

"I'll form a 'travel group'; it won't wait for the right time."

The words fell, and the hall fell silent.

The expressions of the immortals and deities instantly became a riot of colors.

The Jade Emperor, seated on his throne, was slightly startled by the remark, then a flash of rapid light flickered in his eyes, as if the proposal had struck a ticklish spot.

He gave a light cough, cleared his throat, the smile on his face widening as he slowly rose:

"Since… it's your gracious invitation, Yu Lin, I… seem unable to decline either."

"Esteemed ministers, would you accompany me to behold the wondrous scenery of the West?"

The Jade Emperor has spoken; what else is there to say?

Let's go! After lingering in this Heavenly Court for countless ten‑thousands of years, the days are almost fading away; to be able to use imperial funds for a neighboring "tourism" trip, with Yu Lin leading, such a once‑in‑a‑millennium chance—who wouldn't want to go?

Immediately, the hall resonated with a uniform, enthusiastic response:

"We are willing to go!"

"All will obey Your Majesty's will!"

"I wish to follow Your Majesty and Yu… Yu the True One, to behold the splendid scenery of the Buddha Kingdom!"

"Fine, it's settled then." Yu Lin clapped his hands, looking just like an unreliable tour guide:

"Keep up, okay? Don't fall behind; if you get lost, I'm not responsible for finding you."

As his words faded, his figure, like a reflection in water shattered by a pebble, rippled briefly, then completely dissolved within the Lingxiao Bao Dian, leading the departure.

Tai Shang Lao Jun smiled faintly, waved his dust‑sweeping fan, and auspicious clouds sprouted beneath his feet, following at an unhurried pace, his figure gradually fading as well.

The Jade Emperor, seeing this, no longer delayed; the Nine Dragons Incense Throne naturally materialized, and he sat upon it, amid a crowd of immortals and ceremonial guards, departing in a grand yet swift manner.

In the blink of an eye, the Lingxiao Bao Dian, which moments ago was filled with numerous solemn deities, became empty and desolate, the sound of a falling needle audible.

Only the lingering celestial aura and auspicious light remained, not yet fully dispersed.

………

A moment later.

Having dealt with Sun Wukong and arranged subsequent matters, the Tathagata Buddha, accompanied by the venerable A Nuo and Kasyapa, rode auspicious clouds to the Lingxiao Bao Dian.

Then, he was stunned.

The vast Lingxiao Hall was, at this moment, completely empty!

The Jade Emperor's throne was bare, the divine seat of the celestial ministers silent, even the attendant celestial maidens and warriors were nowhere to be seen, only a few lingering wisps of celestial qi indicated that many deities had indeed been here moments ago.

A subtle, slightly chilly breeze drifted through the hall.

The Tathagata Buddha's smile on his face slowly solidified as he turned his gaze toward the equally silent Heavenly Court palace beyond the hall.

After a half‑minute of silence, he could no longer hold back, letting out a gentle sigh, tinged with faint melancholy:

"Why didn't you bring me? Am I such a villain…"