Journey to the West: Signing in for 500 Years-Chapter 244 - 238: Thousands of Immortals pass through, Divine Power envelops the body [First update, ask for subscription]_1

Chapter 244: Chapter 238: Thousands of Immortals pass through, Divine Power envelops the body [First update, ask for subscription]_1

Jinzha left the command tent and went back to heal his wounds, but he didn’t stay long before coming out again.

When Jinzha came out again, he headed alone to the area near the Buddhist Pagoda, where the White Horse Camp Store was located. This heavily guarded place was one of the three major granaries for the million heavenly soldiers and generals, storing the essential resources for their Cultivation. Although the stock was small, the grade was very high. Ordinarily, outsiders were barred entry.

Upon his arrival, Jinzha was also stopped. The one who stopped him was not an outsider but Fish Belly General, along with General Fish Spear and Jin Douxian, all household troops of Li Jing and, naturally, Jinzha’s men. In addition, deputies from various departments were stationed there, including Luo Xuan from the Fire Department, Lu Xiong from the Water Department, and Lei Zhenzi from the Thunder Department, all with their subordinates on guard. However, for the most part, they were just for show. The main commanders were still Li Jing’s people; they were just observers, ensuring Li Jing’s men distributed the resources fairly.

Fish Belly General asked, "Young master, what brings you here in the dead of night?"

Jinzha replied, "I’ve been wounded. My Father Marshal commanded me to choose some Elixirs to heal, so take me inside."

Fish Belly General didn’t suspect anything amiss and was about to open the Formation’s seal to let him in; after all, he was the young master.

But then, the deputies—Luo Cheng from the Fire Department, Lu Da from the Water Department, and Taoist Master Chen from the Thunder Department—all stepped forward in opposition.

They frowned and said, "Fish Belly General, this doesn’t seem right, does it?"

Luo Cheng said, "Bodhisattva Hongfa is a Buddhist; if he’s wounded, he should be asking for Elixirs from Lingjiu Mountain, not reaching out for our Heavenly Court’s resources."

Lu Da nodded in agreement. "Exactly, and he doesn’t have any written approval or orders. We can’t just open the door for him."

Taoist Master Chen said, "According to the rules, we choose the Elixirs ourselves and distribute them uniformly. How can we let just anyone in to choose for themselves?"

One word after another from them, and it seemed they were on the verge of causing a disturbance. Fish Belly General and his men initially felt they were in the wrong. However, when these others united to target Jinzha, it immediately irritated Li Jing’s contingent, making them feel isolated and targeted by everyone. This led them to curse loudly at the opposition, showing no courtesy.

"You want to talk about rules? Let me tell you, in the military, our Grand Marshal is the rule!"

"Although the young master is now a follower of Buddhism, he also holds an office in our Heavenly Court. As the Grand Marshal’s deputy, he has shed blood for the Heavenly Court. Why wouldn’t he be entitled to take some Elixirs for healing?"

"If you so love to reason, go talk to the Grand Marshal, or better yet, tell your commanding officers to take it up with the Grand Marshal!"

Although representatives of the three departments were present, when it came to numbers and strength, Li Jing’s side had the majority. After Fish Belly General’s outburst, the other deputies and those guarding the place also joined in the verbal onslaught, nearly drowning the three departments’ representatives in saliva.

Taoist Master Chen and the others were so furious they were beside themselves, but they were simply disgruntled about Jinzha getting special treatment. If Jinzha truly wanted to go inside, they couldn’t stop him. Putting aside the fact that Jinzha was Li Jing’s son, in Buddhism he was a Bodhisattva, and the Jade Emperor was on close terms with Buddhism. Besides, Jinzha was a Daluo Golden Immortal and had been injured capturing the Black Bear Demon, which meant he had bled for the Heavenly Court. Li Jing had said in broad daylight that Jinzha should heal properly, stating resources were ample and there was nothing to worry about. Now, with Jinzha’s Healing Pills running out and him coming to fetch more, any delay on their part could aggravate his injuries.

In truth, they didn’t dare to stop him. But the aggressive stance of Fish Belly General and the others angered them.

Just as an argument seemed inevitable, the lights in Li Jing’s command tent were still bright, and soon someone came over to inquire about the commotion. It was Jin Douxian, also one of Li Jing’s men. Fish Belly General exaggerated the story as he told it, and Jin Douxian quickly joined the ranks of those cursing the people of the three departments.

Taoist Master Chen and the others found themselves speechless. This was their opponent’s turf, where they were outnumbered and overpowered, so they had no choice but to admit defeat. Grinding their teeth, they cleared the way and let Jinzha through.

However, they still left with biting remarks, "We will definitely report this to the Jade Emperor and inform him of your abuse of power."

Fish Belly General and his group were indifferent, aware that Luo Cheng, Lu Da, and the others were just blowing off steam, as their complaints wouldn’t reach the ears of the Jade Emperor anyway.

Jinzha quickly entered the White Horse Camp Store, accompanied by several people, including Fish Belly General and Taoist Master Chen. Their presence was required to oversee the withdrawal, though their intentions differed. Taoist Master Chen was there to prevent Jinzha from taking more than his share for personal gain. Fish Belly General was there to stop Taoist Master Chen from interfering with Jinzha taking more than his share for personal gain.

Once inside the White Horse Camp Store, Jinzha’s eyes immediately went wide, and just smelling the aromas caused his entire body to tremble. The variety of fragrances from the Elixirs in the store could make every pore of his body open. He was almost about to reveal his bear fur. Fortunately, his 72 Polymorphic Transformations had reached the Small Achievement Realm, and with additional guidance from Sha Chen, he managed not to blow his cover.

He walked ahead, asking Fish Belly General to introduce the various Immortal Pills. Aside from special Healing Pills and those for poison avoidance, Fish Belly General also introduced the essential Elixirs for Cultivation. These Elixirs could increase one’s cultivation base, enhance the Primordial Spirit, and strengthen the body.

Taoist Master Chen listened with a dubious expression. Coughing, he said, "Bodhisattva Hongfa is wounded. He should be concerned with Healing Pills, so why ask about so many Creation Pills?"

There was no need for Jinzha to retort; Fish Belly General did it for him, saying, "The young master asked me, not you. Why are you so talkative?"

Taoist Master Chen was livid, but since he had already entered, all he needed to do was watch and ensure that Jinzha didn’t take more than his share. Anyway, if Jinzha took a few extra Elixirs, Taoist Master Chen knew he would just have to turn a blind eye; even if he objected, it would be useless. As long as they were within the grand army, the commander was Li Jing, which meant he was also Jinzha’s father. Whatever they wished to do, even if it were lawless and unruly, it wouldn’t matter.

Jinzha, who was actually the Black Bear Demon, was quite satisfied with this attitude and didn’t even want to revert to his true form. It’s comfortable to have power in my hands, with so many people speaking up for me, the Black Bear Demon thought. He began to envy the life of immortals, especially those with high rank and great authority.

An hour later, the Black Bear Demon had completely familiarized himself with the situation inside the White Horse Camp Store and then started to scheme. He had Fish Belly General distract Taoist Master Chen, indicating he needed to take some Elixirs, but it would be inconvenient for Taoist Master Chen to witness this. Fish Belly General was only too happy to oblige, finding ways to pull Taoist Master Chen to one side. And Taoist Master Chen also knew what the pair intended to do. Though furious, he was helpless and could only step aside, repeatedly insisting he would not be responsible if anything went wrong. Fish Belly General, on the other hand, responded with a hearty laugh and a noncommittal attitude.

As the two of them stood waiting to the side, Jinzha suddenly blew a breath at them, releasing hundreds of sleep-inducing insects that crept into their noses and made them drowsily collapse to the ground.

The Black Bear Demon then confidently bypassed the various Formations in the area. He emptied the White Horse Camp Store, scooping up all the different Elixirs. He had brought hundreds of Qiankun Bags to store his spoils. He systematically arranged everything, packing and taking everything away, without leaving a scrap behind. He even took the shelves and stealthily snatched Taoist Master Chen’s and Fish Belly General’s personal savings.

Having settled everything, "Jinzha" tapped his chest nonchalantly. My master said this mission would be perilous, and if I couldn’t succeed, to set the camp ablaze. Now it seems there’s no need for that, he chuckled to himself. He plucked a few bear hairs, blew on them, and turned them into the likeness of Taoist Master Chen and Fish Belly General, who then followed him as he swaggered out of the White Horse Camp Store.

As the Black Bear Demon emerged, he chuckled smugly. Who could have imagined it would be so simple? The people of the Heavenly Court are really too weak, he thought.

He had just come out when he saw Li Jing, accompanied by a host of deputy commanders and the guardians of the various departments, all waiting for him. The Black Bear Demon turned pale and nearly revealed his true form. After composing himself, he hastened forward and asked, "Father Marshal, why have you taken the trouble to come here in person?"

Li Jing roared, "You wretch! Without an imperial edict, how dare you enter the White Horse Camp Store?"

Jinzha’s face turned pale as he replied, "Father Marshal, you asked your son to heal. I’ve used up all my Elixirs and didn’t wish to trouble others, so I came to fetch some myself."

Li Jing was furious as he retorted, "Nonsense and lies! You have no right. How could you enter?" Then he pointed at the ’Fish Belly General’ behind him, berating, "Who allowed you to let him in? You are pushing me to disregard military law; are you aware of your crime?"

The ’Fish Belly General’ knelt down with a THUD, bowing his head in apology and admitting his guilt. The officers and soldiers pleaded with Li Jing to calm his anger, but those who did were all his trusted family generals and lieutenants. Others from the three departments simply sneered and enjoyed the spectacle. ’Taoist Master Chen’ also sneered, performing his role to perfection, leaving not a single flaw.

Even if I couldn’t become the Jade Emperor, I could still be an Oscar winner, the Black Bear Demon mused. Master said if I encountered such a situation, I should use the chaos as a chance to escape. Heh, my master’s cunning doesn’t compare to mine! How can one escape in such chaos? It all relies on acting skills!

In the end, Li Jing was unwilling to punish Jinzha severely; after all, he was his favorite son. A few scolding words would suffice before he planned to head back, letting Jinzha return to his Cultivation. He would take responsibility for the incident himself.

But then, still fuming, Li Jing saw the ’Fish Belly General’ still kowtowing and kicked him, cursing, "Useless creature!"

And then, disaster struck. ’Jinzha’ was frightened out of his wits.

Li Jing’s kick directly killed the ’Fish Belly General.’ Li Jing himself was stunned, and the officers and soldiers were stupefied. Dying was one thing, but for the body to then transform into a few chest hairs truly shocked everyone present. The crowd instantly realized what had happened.

As they were about to react, ’Jinzha’ suddenly exuded a strong demonic aura and reverted to his original form, revealing the true Black Bear Demon. Snatching up the Dragon Piling stakes, he struck out, releasing thirty-six fire dragons that scorched the sky and sea, engulfing the million-strong camp in a sea of flames.

Li Jing and the others then realized that Jinzha was an impostor, transformed by the Black Bear Demon, and they were almost furious enough to die.

"Damn demon!" Li Jing announced. "Whoever kills the Black Bear Demon will be greatly rewarded by me, and I will recommend them to the Jade Emperor for an appointment as a Sky King!"

With the promise of a generous reward, many brave souls emerged, and the Black Bear Demon quickly found himself surrounded, desperately trying to break free. It’s over! With so many against me, I’m doomed, he thought in panic and despair.

In his frenzied attempt to escape, he abandoned one of his bear paws to break free from the encirclement and fled to the ruins of Huanghua Temple west of the Flowing Sand River. After landing, he laughed heartily, saying, "Li Jing is truly an incompetent fool! Surrounded by heavy troops, he failed to block all the key routes. If it had been up to me, I would have deployed heavy forces there, and he would have surely prevented my escape."

But then, above Huanghua Temple, fierce thunder roared. Lei Zhenzi and his men ambushed the Black Bear Demon, bombarding him with thunderbolts. The Black Bear Demon was caught off guard and beaten back into the encirclement. Then, in a desperate struggle to break free, he headed east towards the Flowing Sand River once more.

Upon reaching the boundaries of Fuling Mountain, standing before Yunzhan Cave, he caught his breath. He laughed again, saying, "Old fool Li Jing, utterly incompetent! He didn’t even think to lay an ambush here with heavy troops; otherwise, I would surely be dead."

Hardly had he finished speaking when inescapable nets descended densely from all directions, and heavenly soldiers and generals surrounded him tightly, forming an impenetrable siege. The Water God Lu Xiong, leading his forces, cornered him with a cold laugh, saying, "Demon, your end has come."