Yellow Court Daoist-Chapter 827 - 744: Report Again and Again! Report Again and Again! Report Again and Again!

Spirit Xiao Palace.

The Jade Emperor and all immortal ministers are in the midst of a discussion.

Suddenly, the two great deities, 'Thousand-Mile Eye' and 'Sharp-Hearing Ear', rush into the hall, urgently reporting: "Your Majesty, the Pagoda-Bearing King of the Northern Tianhe, together with Lingji Bodhisattva, the Sitting Arhat, and the Budai Arhat, leading nine million Buddha soldiers, have launched an attack on the Tianhe Water Army. They are now engaged in a fierce battle, sweeping through the Tianhe!"

"What?!"

"Could it be?!"

The immortal ministers in the hall are taken aback.

"Marshal of the Heavenly Canopy has only six million Heavenly Soldiers under his command, how can they stand a chance?"

"The Buddha soldiers are formidable, the Tianhe might fall, it's imperative for Your Majesty to reinforce quickly!"

"Marshal Tianpeng is incompetent, leading the Three Armies to defeat, causing our Heavenly Court to grievously lose the Tianhe, how lamentable!"

The immortal ministers are in turmoil.

Some are pessimistic.

Some respond with measures.

And some, as the war had just begun, are already placing all the blame on Marshal Tianpeng.

Upon closer look at the person speaking, it turns out to be Sa Heavenly Master, one of the Four Great Celestial Masters!

However, at this critical moment, no one speaks up for Marshal Tianpeng.

The Jade Emperor is also shocked.

If the Tianhe is lost, it would not only be difficult to control the Four Seas in the future, but the Heavenly Court would also lose a strategic location, which would bring about significant harm.

He quickly orders: "Investigate further and report back!"

He also commands the 'Four Saints Grand Marshals of the Spirit Xiao Palace' to quickly organize troops to be ready to support the Tianhe at any time.

Before long.

Thousand-Mile Eye and Sharp-Hearing Ear return once more.

The Jade Emperor and all immortal ministers direct their attention to the two of them.

But these two great deities have grim faces and report: "The nine million Buddha soldiers have launched a direct assault, and have now penetrated the Thirty-six Continents and Seventy-two Islands!"

"It's over!"

"This is the center of the Milky Way, where the Water Mansion is located. If breached, the Tianhe will fall into enemy hands!"

"Tianpeng! Tianpeng! A mere demon immortal, how laughable, truly a commoner unfit for the task!"

The immortal ministers below are in an uproar.

The Jade Emperor at the head of the hall is somber.

The Marshal of the Heavenly Canopy, whom he personally appointed, if it ends like this, the loss of the Tianhe would be minor compared to the broader damage and disgrace it would bring upon him and the entire Heavenly Court.

"Tianpeng!"

The Jade Emperor frowns, yet remains calm, solemnly saying: "Investigate further and report back!"

Thousand-Mile Eye and Sharp-Hearing Ear continue to investigate.

The hall is once again filled with waiting.

This time.

Small discussions begin to arise among them.

Some are gloating, some are curious with surprise.

Ge Xianweng advises: "Your Majesty, Marshal of the Heavenly Canopy has few forces and newly governs the Tianhe, it is understandable that his foundation is unstable. It might be prudent for the Four Saints Grand Marshals to quickly lead troops to support, to stabilize the situation first."

If indeed the Tianhe is lost.

Even if Marshal Tianpeng survives, it is a major crime.

Whether the Four Saints Grand Marshals arrive before the entire Tianhe falls or after the water army suffers a great defeat, though the result may be the same for the Heavenly Court.

For Marshal Tianpeng, who oversees the Tianhe, the outcome would be drastically different.

"Impossible!"

As soon as Ge Xianweng finishes his words, Sa Heavenly Master steps forward and loudly states: "Nine million Buddha soldiers are not easy to contend with, any rash dispatch of troops might lead to disaster, which would be unwise."

Dealing with the Tianhe Buddhist Soldiers is necessary.

But as long as this matter is 'deliberated over time', dragging until the Tianhe is defeated and the dust settles, then Marshal Tianpeng would have no hope of recovery, and even if he avoids walking the Immortal Slaying Stage, he would inevitably be held accountable.

Sa Heavenly Master naturally wants to obstruct.

Ge Xianweng shakes his head in response and silently steps back.

His relationship with Marshal Tianpeng is average, and offering an exculpatory word is the extent of his obligation.

It's unnecessary to argue with Sa Heavenly Master in this hall over the already-questionable Marshal Tianpeng.

"Both Heavenly Masters make valid points."

The Jade Emperor's thoughts are unfathomable, outwardly impartial, yet only orders the Four Saints Grand Marshals to expedite troop preparations, without commanding an immediate support mission.

Ge Xianweng senses a spark of understanding and falls silent.

Sa Heavenly Master is secretly pleased, quietly hoping the Four Saints delay for more hours.

The Four Saints prepare troops, discussions continue in the hall.

Time slowly passes by.

Saying it's slow, also feels slow.

Saying it's fast, it also feels fast.

Approximately two hours later.

Thousand-Mile Eye and Sharp-Hearing Ear report back once more, this time with a completely different expression, full of joy.

The immortal ministers are puzzled.

Sa Heavenly Master's heart skips a beat.

They quickly speak: "Marshal of the Heavenly Canopy used his military genius, having been well-prepared, laying a trap. The Pagoda-Bearing King, greedy for achievements and reckless, rushed headlong into the trap set by Marshal Tianpeng, surrounded by six million water troops, trapped in the thirty-six continents and seventy-two islands."

Six million against nine million.

It was meant to be a swift and decisive strike against the heart.

How could this be—

The immortal ministers are far more astonished than before, with Sa Heavenly Master exclaiming: "How is this possible? Li Jing has experienced hundreds of battles, how could he be so careless, so foolish?!"

Though the immortals say nothing, they harbor similar doubts.

"Investigate further and report back!"

The Jade Emperor is equally perplexed, but at least relieved.

Instructing Thousand-Mile Eye and Sharp-Hearing Ear to investigate further, while also ordering the Four Saints Grand Marshals to hold their position.

Thousand-Mile Eye and Sharp-Hearing Ear report back battle conditions every quarter-hour—

"Facing off."

...

"In a deadlock."

...

"No movement detected."

...

"Yet to engage."

...

"A fight has broken out!"

...

"No, it hasn't broken out! Only the Tianhe Water Army is on the move! The great array is shrouded, banners flutter, and the movements of the Buddhist soldiers inside are unclear."

...

"Marshal of the Heavenly Canopy has left the array."

...

"Marshal of the Heavenly Canopy is on his way to Spirit Xiao Palace!"

...

With each report from Thousand-Mile Eye and Sharp-Hearing Ear, the atmosphere in the hall grows more peculiar.

Everyone is both shocked and uncertain.

Each remains silent.

The situation at Tianhe is, without a doubt, strange.

Nine million Buddha soldiers against six million Heavenly troops, it ought to have been an earth-shattering battle, so how can it be in such a stalemate.

Moreover.

On the brink of a great battle.

Marshal of the Heavenly Canopy unexpectedly left Tianhe and is coming to the Spirit Xiao Palace.

What is the rationale behind this?

"Desertion?!"

Sa Heavenly Master seized the opportunity, questioning, "Two armies are still in battle. As the commander of Tianhe, Marshal Tianpeng leaves now, does he intend to disregard the life and death of six million Heavenly Soldiers?!"

No one among All Immortals in the hall spoke.

Each was curious.

Just at that moment.

A Spirit Official reported from outside the hall, "Your Majesty, Marshal of the Heavenly Canopy requests an audience outside Tongming Hall!"

"Summon!"

The Jade Emperor, filled with doubts, hastily summoned him.

In a moment.

A great general appeared, dressed in black robe, mysterious crown, and golden armor, with a commanding presence as a dragon, standing in the hall.

It was the Great Marshal of the Heavenly Canopy managing Tianhe.

Lu Qingfeng bowed to the Jade Emperor at the head, speaking loudly, "Your humble servant, Tianpeng, greets Your Majesty!"

"The True Monarch is not at the main battle of Tianhe, is there an urgent matter for your coming?"

The Jade Emperor inquired.

Sa Heavenly Master and all the immortal ministers focused their gaze on Lu Qingfeng.

They had been puzzled for a long time and wanted to know what the battle at Tianhe was really about. Sa Heavenly Master was even already poised, waiting for Lu Qingfeng to reveal a flaw so he could accuse him of 'dereliction of duty' or even 'desertion'.

All Immortals paid attention.

Lu Qingfeng, calm and unhurried, spoke loudly, "Your Majesty, the Pagoda-Bearing King had ill intentions, inviting Lingji Bodhisattva, Sitting Arhat, and Budai Arhat to assist, intending to usurp the authority of Tianhe. Fortunately, I anticipated the enemy's move, lured them into a trap, then mobilized six million Heavenly Soldiers to encircle them inside and out, trapping the nine million chaotic troops led by the Pagoda-Bearing King within the Thirty-six Continents and Seventy-two Islands."

Lu Qingfeng's voice resonated throughout the hall.

All Immortals, hearing this.

Became even more confused, shocked, and doubtful.

Six million Heavenly Soldiers trapping nine million Buddha Soldiers, especially under the command of experts like the Pagoda-Bearing King Buddha and Lingji Bodhisattva, Sitting Arhat, Budai Arhat, seemed utterly implausible.

Sa Heavenly Master raised his voice, "Marshal Tianpeng, do not confuse concepts. Was it that the islands were directly captured, or was the enemy lured into a trap to be annihilated? The Marshal should explain in detail."

"Annihilate the enemy?"

Lu Qingfeng shook his head at the words, addressing the Jade Emperor at the head, "Not a single soldier was harmed, and all the enemy forces have surrendered, with armor and weapons thoroughly confiscated."

Upon saying this.

Silence reigned in the hall.

All Immortals could not believe what they heard, even the Jade Emperor doubted his ears.

Ge Xianweng couldn't help but break the silence, hurriedly questioning, "Is the Marshal saying that all nine million Buddha Soldiers were captured?!"

"Not Buddha Soldiers."

"They are troops that wanted to cause chaos in Tianhe and usurp authority!"

After correcting, Lu Qingfeng continued, "Indeed, the nine million chaotic troops that rebelled have been captured."

Buddha Soldiers.

Chaotic Soldiers.

No one argued.

All Immortals, hearing the latter part of the sentence, were shocked.

"How is it possible?!"

"Six million capturing nine million? Ridiculous!"

"Marshal Tianpeng, don't boast!"

"Impossible!"

All Immortals clamored, none believing it.

Lu Qingfeng chuckled lightly, producing a Golden Pagoda.

The hall fell silent.

Someone recognized, "This is Li Jing's Linglong Treasure Tower."

With the Linglong Treasure Tower in hand.

At this point.

Voices of doubt vanished; for the Pagoda-Bearing King, whose name is synonymous with 'Pagoda', for even the Treasure Tower to fall into the hands of this Marshal Tianpeng, a complete capture of the army seemed more plausible.

In a moment's turn.

The Marshal of the Heavenly Canopy in the hall spoke loudly, "Among the chaotic troops, led by the Pagoda-Bearing King Buddha, Li Jing, Lingji Bodhisattva, Sitting Arhat, and Budai Arhat were all captured by me. Additionally, twelve heavens, Eight Divisions Tribes, eight hundred Arhats, one thousand five hundred Jiedi, and three thousand Vajras were all seized and detained within this 'Linglong Treasure Tower', awaiting Your Majesty's disposition."

With these words.

Other than shock, no one doubted further.

The esteemed Tianpeng certainly had no need to concoct such an easily disproved lie to mock All Immortals and the Jade Emperor.

It's just—

"Why?"

"How?!?!"

Who would have thought!

Who could comprehend!

With only six million Heavenly Soldiers, the Marshal of the Heavenly Canopy achieved such a remarkable victory—

Not a single soldier was lost.

Captured nine million Buddha Soldiers!

Even leading figures like the Pagoda-Bearing King Buddha and Lingji Bodhisattva were captured alive.

A victory of unprecedented proportions.

Once this spreads, it will certainly send shockwaves through the Three Realms.

In this swoop.

The Heavenly Court's prestige soared, and henceforth, perhaps no one would dare underestimate this newly appointed Marshal of the Heavenly Canopy.

It's just.

This battle, however examined, seemed to reveal many oddities.

All Immortals' gaze focused on the Linglong Treasure Tower in Lu Qingfeng's hand.

Sa Heavenly Master felt the urge to question.

But given the current situation, speaking out against it now would seem unwise.

Thus, he kept his mouth shut.

Said nothing.

Ge Xianweng, however, curiously asked, "The Tianhe Buddhist Soldiers were originally commanded together by the Pagoda-Bearing King Buddha, Guang Power Bodhisattva, and Eight Treasures Bodhisattva. Where are the latter two Bodhisattvas?"

Earlier in Lu Qingfeng's statement.

Only the Pagoda-Bearing King Buddha and his allies such as Lingji Bodhisattva were mentioned, but not Guang Power Bodhisattva or Eight Treasures Bodhisattva, sparking Ge Xianweng's curiosity.

Not only Ge Xianweng.

Other immortal ministers were also intrigued.

Most of them knew these two Bodhisattvas had considerable ties to Huaguo Mountain; could there be some undisclosed trick in this?

Just as they pondered.

Lu Qingfeng spoke solemnly, "Guang Power Bodhisattva interfered with Tianhe Military Affairs, attempting to shield a disastrous Evil Flood Dragon, and even attempted to assassinate me, so I captured him. Eight Treasures Bodhisattva, unable to discern right from wrong, also attacked me, leaving me no choice but to capture him too. Now, they're all in this Linglong Treasure Tower."

His voice echoed through the hall.

Though spoken plainly, it sounded like thunder to All Immortals' ears.

Ge Xianweng couldn't hold back, moving close to Lu Qingfeng to peer into the Linglong Treasure Tower.

At this sight.

Indeed.

The Pagoda-Bearing King Buddha, Lingji Bodhisattva, Guang Power Bodhisattva, Eight Treasures Bodhisattva, Sitting Arhat, Budai Arhat were all sitting dejectedly inside.

Along with other Buddha followers.

A closer count.

Twelve Heavens, Eight Divisions Tribes, eight hundred Arhats, one thousand five hundred Jiedi, and three thousand Vajras, over five thousand individuals in total, were each trapped inside, overwhelmed by blazing flames, unable to move.

Not only Ge Xianweng.

Other immortal ministers also peered in.

For a moment, all were astonished!