However, thinking of King Wukong the King of Demons' request, Emperor Li Shimin felt a headache coming on again. "Demon King, I am willing to promote the faith of the Upper God, but those myriad gods and Buddhas..."
As the Emperor, and in a world where Exorcists and demons existed, he was no stranger to gods and Buddhas.
He knew that the Heavenly Court and Mount Ling were real.
In his heart, he was very willing to worship the God of Hongmeng and eager to promote the "Meditation Method." This could improve the quality of the entire population and strengthen the power of the Tang Dynasty. But the Heavenly Court and Mount Ling would definitely not agree.
"Don't worry, those scoundrels in the Heavenly Court are no match for me at all. If Tathagata dares to come, I will deal with him the same!"
A murderous aura flashed in the eyes of King Wukong the King of Demons. If he really couldn't beat them, as a last resort, he would just ask for help from other members of the group. He had observed. His strength was evaluated as Ninth Level in the chat group, while Tathagata was slightly stronger, likely Tenth Level. There were two members in the chat group above the Tenth Level: Bibi Dong and Chong Lou. He had read the chat logs and had some understanding of them both. Bibi Dong was a devoted believer of the Upper God. As long as it benefited the Upper God, she would support it with all her might. If Tathagata hindered his mission to spread the faith and he sought her help, Bibi Dong would undoubtedly lend a hand. As for Chong Lou, he was usually quiet, rarely spoke, and seemed somewhat aloof. But from the few messages Chong Lou had sent, it was clear he was a battle maniac. If Bibi Dong was not a match for Tathagata, then Tathagata's strength would surely interest Chong Lou. When the time came to ask Chong Lou for help, the latter would probably not refuse.
"Since the Demon King is confident, then I will issue an imperial edict. The whole nation shall worship the God of Hongmeng," Emperor Li Shimin stated decisively.
In reality, he had no other choice. If he didn't agree, King Wukong the King of Demons might teach him a lesson on the spot.
Soon enough, Emperor Li Shimin took action. Under the immense divine grace of the "Meditation Method," all civil and military court officials were persuaded. The grand plan for the entire nation to worship the God of Hongmeng was thus implemented. Imperial edicts were dispatched to all prefectures of the Tang Dynasty.
Simultaneously, through a special communication channel for Exorcists, news that King Wukong the King of Demons had come to Chang'an to preach also spread among them.
Countless Exorcists were shocked to the core.
King Wukong the King of Demons was preaching? Had they misheard? Demons were terribly vicious and utterly irredeemable. Even if they occasionally appeared no different from ordinary people, it was merely a disguise to better enable them to devour humans. And now they were being told that King Wukong the King of Demons was preaching in Chang'an and even speaking of benefits?
Innumerable Exorcists found this unbelievable. Nevertheless, they still converged on Chang'an from all directions.
The realm was in turmoil. However, as the "Meditation Method" spread, the number of those who worshiped the God of Hongmeng snowballed, leaving innumerable Exorcists dumbfounded.
Once they understood the truth of the matter, they unhesitatingly embraced the faith of the God of Hongmeng.
They recited the "Meditation Method" daily, feeling their Mana gradually increase, and their spirits soared.
"So this is the correct way to cultivate!"
...
「Heavenly Court.」
Mists coiled and auspicious clouds billowed.
Within the vast and magnificent Lingxiao Palace, innumerable Immortal Gods were gathered, each bearing a dignified expression and a solemn countenance.
The Jade Emperor sat on the throne of Lingxiao Palace, looked at the gathered Immortal Gods, and said, "My beloved ministers, that demon monkey is brazenly preaching in the mortal realm. Do you know what his purpose is?"
The commotion stirred up by King Wukong the King of Demons was simply too significant. It was difficult for them to remain unaware. Moreover, they were Immortal Gods who had attained their status through the incense of worshippers; believers were of utmost importance to them and could not be lost.
The assembled Immortal Gods exchanged glances, their expressions grave.
Tota Heavenly King Li Jing pondered for a moment, then spoke:
"King Wukong the King of Demons was sealed under Five Finger Mountain. Now that he has emerged and gone to Chang'an to preach, his intentions are as clear as day."
The gods' expressions tensed; they knew Tota Heavenly King Li Jing was referring to Tathagata.
"Is Li Heavenly King suggesting that Tathagata deliberately released King Wukong the King of Demons, allowing Sun Wukong to spread faith on his behalf?"
"But wasn't it agreed that after the five-hundred-year term was up, Tathagata would select someone for a journey to Xitian to retrieve the scriptures?"
"That time has not yet arrived!"
The Immortal Gods were somewhat perplexed.
Nezha, with his fiery temper, stated bluntly, "Hmph, isn't that simple enough to understand? Clearly, Tathagata can't wait any longer!"
Taibai Jinxing questioned, "But if Tathagata is preaching, why use the name of the God of Hongmeng?"
The Barefoot Immortal interjected, "I believe it's merely obfuscation. Isn't that just Tathagata's way? Turning the Great Tathagata Sutra into 'Three Hundred Children's Songs' and their Buddhist scriptures into the 'Meditation Method'—it's hardly surprising!"
"That makes sense!"
The Immortal Gods nodded, concern evident in their eyes:
"Now that the 'Meditation Method' is spreading further and faster, if we don't intervene, I fear all the Heavenly Court's believers will be poached!"
The Jade Emperor nodded and inquired, "My beloved ministers, do you have any sound strategies?"
The gods lowered their heads, remaining silent. Tathagata's power surpassed all of theirs. They couldn't even defeat King Wukong the King of Demons, so a direct confrontation was certainly not an option. But without a direct confrontation, how could they possibly stop him?
Witnessing their reaction, the Jade Emperor sighed inwardly before changing the subject: "Are any of you aware of what is so profound about that 'Meditation Method,' and why it is capable of spreading with such rapidity?"
Each Immortal God possessed numerous believers and understood that propagating faith was no easy task; the efforts of Tathagata in the West to spread his teachings were similarly arduous.
Yet, this "Meditation Method" was spreading with unprecedented ferocity. Wherever it reached, it was like an autumn wind sweeping away fallen leaves, as countless believers converted en masse. This deeply perplexed him.
Could Tathagata have discovered a new secret to proselytizing?
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