Journey to the West: Signing in for 500 Years-Chapter 451 - 445 Don’t Show Off, They’ve Escaped from Prison [Subscriptions and Monthly Tickets Required]_1
The Jade Emperor said, "If such a matter arises again, inform me directly. This is an extremely important matter."
Heavenly Official Pang immediately bowed and said, "Yes."
The Jade Emperor then said, "Ao Lie was actually able to swallow a mid-stage Daluo Golden Immortal whole and also defeat the Nine-headed Dragon couple of Luanshi Island. His strength, I’m afraid, must have reached the peak of Da Luo."
"At the very least, he’s at the high-end of Da Luo, only stronger, not weaker."
Zhao Gongming, seated below, nodded and said, "The information I received concurs. Ao Lie exudes the presence of the ancient Yinglong with every move he makes."
"He is probably already at the peak of Daluo Golden Immortal. The Dragon Clan hasn’t seen such a figure for many, many years."
As he said this, his eyes were filled with profound meaning.
The Jade Emperor’s eyes flickered. Though he had been somewhat indifferent, he now became serious.
The Dragon Clan has always been a presence that those in higher positions have dreaded. Ever since Pangu created the world, the greatest hegemon of primordial chaos was the Dragon Clan!
They dominated for countless years, battling through the Dragon Han’s First Calamity, and only then did they gradually weaken.
However, even after the Dragon Han’s First Calamity, the Dragon Clan remained very strong. Only through the intentional and unintentional weakening by other great powers over subsequent ages did the Dragon Clan become nearly imperceptible.
Since the Great War of the Witches and Demons, the human race began to rise in power. During that time, the once-weak Dragon Clan saw a monstrously talented being named Yinglong. Following the Three Saints of Fire Cloud Palace, he fought for power and secured sufficient status and fate for the Dragon Clan.
This brought about signs of revival for the Dragon Clan, whose fortunes had been rapidly deteriorating. However, the good times did not last long. Yinglong went into hiding, his life and death unknown, leading to the Dragon Clan’s continued decline.
The Dragon Clan should continue to weaken.
After the Jade Emperor took power, he also adhered to this belief and worked hard for it.
He was even more resolute than many before him, suppressing the Dragon Clan, coercing them into serving as charioteers. He even recently considered revoking some of the Dragon Clan’s powers over the Realm of People.
The powers Yinglong had earned for the Dragon Clan—by assisting the Human Sovereign and achieving sanctity through merit, all to benefit the people—were being withdrawn by the Jade Emperor.
The Jinghe Dragon King and his offspring were thus weakened by the Jade Emperor one by one, who even went so far as to kill some members of the Dragon Clan.
Just moments ago, the Jade Emperor had even ordered Zhao Gongming to deal with the Jinghe Dragon King, which showed just how wary he was of the Dragon Clan.
Now, the once frail Dragon Clan had suddenly produced a being even more monstrous than Yinglong of old.
Ao Lie had quietly grown into a peak Daluo Golden Immortal True Dragon. Should his development continue, he would undeniably become a Quasi-Saint level True Dragon.
A Quasi-Saint True Dragon would possess world-destroying power, an invincible existence within their realm!
At the dawn of primordial chaos, the only Quasi-Saint True Dragons were Zulong and the First Dragon; those two alone ravaged the primordial chaos to the brink of ruin.
Later, as more Quasi-Saint True Dragons emerged within the Dragon Clan, they dominated everything, nearly shattering the primordial chaos.
The Jade Emperor, being Haotian and a former attendant of Daoist Ancestor Hongjun, had naturally witnessed how terrifyingly strong the Dragon Clan was during their heyday.
That was why he was so insistent on weakening the Dragon Clan.
Ao Lie’s remarkable strength is unforgivable.
The Jinghe Dragon King can be set aside; Ao Lie must die.
Even if Ao Lie does not die, he must submit! He must become a tool for the Heavenly Court and for me!
The Jade Emperor said, "For Ao Lie to have grown so strong, it seems he has received some great fortune. He was originally a divine general of my Heavenly Court and falls under its jurisdiction. We can invite him to Heaven. I want to have a meal with him and the Jinghe Dragon King."
Zhao Gongming and Heavenly Official Pang immediately understood the Jade Emperor’s thoughts: he intended to win over Ao Lie’s loyalty.
But Zhao Gongming then said, "Your Majesty, although Ao Lie is strong, there is something odd about him. He may be connected to Sha Chen. According to rumors, he has been to Flowing Sand River several times!"
"What!?" The Jade Emperor was stunned for a moment. He then stared intently at Zhao Gongming and then at Heavenly Official Pang, his eyes glinting sharply.
Then, gritting his teeth, he said, "Damn it! To be associated with Sha Chen again! How is it that everyone connected to him grows to such a degree?"
He must possess the key secret that allows for rapid growth, and this secret, I must acquire!
Any ruler desires their followers to be powerful, or at least for their confidants to be so, as it makes them feel secure.
It was the same for the Jade Emperor. Although Zhao Gongming was his confidant, the Jade Emperor would rather Zhao Gongming were not so strong.
Even if Zhao Gongming could be that strong, the Jade Emperor would prefer to have confidants more powerful than Zhao Gongming around him, to keep Zhao Gongming in check.
For example, Heavenly Official Pang was utterly loyal to him and would never disregard his orders, thus preserving his dignity both publicly and privately.
Such confidants were the Jade Emperor’s favorite, and naturally, he wished for them to become as strong as possible, capable of accomplishing many things.
Zhao Gongming’s gaze flickered. I too desire to uncover Sha Chen’s secret! With it, I could even establish my own top-tier power!
He was once a disciple of Tongtian Hierarch, albeit an outer disciple.
With his strength, he could have easily become a direct disciple; indeed, several direct disciples were weaker than him, yet his status was simply not acknowledged.
Tongtian Hierarch, for some unknown reason, never granted Zhao Gongming the status of a direct disciple.
Zhao Gongming had always harbored resentment over this. Therefore, when San Xiao approached him to return to Tongtian Hierarch’s side and rebuild the Sect of Interpretation, he refused.
He even influenced other former members of the Sect of Interpretation, who had already undergone Divine Enthronement, to decline the reconstruction of the sect. They preferred to stand by his side, forming a force that could not be ignored.
If I held Sha Chen’s secret and knew the method to become stronger, I too would cultivate my own trusted subordinates and establish my own sect!
Zhao Gongming said, "Your Majesty, there must be a connection between Ao Lie and Sha Chen. It seems the Dragon Clan is also related to Sha Chen. It appears the Dragon Clan is not content with their lot!"
The Jade Emperor’s eyes flickered as he said, "The Dragon Clan has always been restless. I have shown them extraordinary favor, yet they always dream of dominating the Three Realms. This is not good."
"Heavenly Official Pang, continue gathering information. Also, dispatch men to find some of the Dragon Clan’s failings and mistakes. I intend to make an example of one to warn the others."
Heavenly Official Pang clasped his fist, accepted the order, and departed. Although His Majesty speaks of making an example, he actually intends to annihilate the Dragon Clan. Even if he can’t wipe them out completely, he wants to get them firmly under control.
The Jade Emperor added, "Remember, first collect evidence of their wrongdoing. There’s no rush to act. I plan to invite the Dragon Clan elites and the Jinghe Dragon King to Heaven for a banquet."
"By the way, Li Jing’s birthday is approaching. Let them all go and congratulate Li Jing. I shall also attend."
As he spoke, a complex, inscrutable expression flashed in his eyes, while the corners of his mouth held a hint of indifference.
Zhao Gongming swept his gaze over the Jade Emperor with a complex and profound look. His Majesty’s actions likely aim to kill three birds with one stone. Not only is he planning to move against the Dragon Clan, but he probably also has plans for Li Jing, and even the ministers attending the birthday celebration.
「Just then,」
A subordinate came to report, kneeling outside and trembling with fear.
"Reporting to Your Majesty! Divine Official Yao Shaosi from The Mysterious Altar Department is outside. He requests an audience with Your Majesty and Lord Zhao to report an urgent matter."
"Yao Shaosi!?" Zhao Gongming’s heart stirred. That’s my disciple! He should be supervising Red Boy and the Six-Eared Macaque in the Heavenly Prison. Why has he come here?
He must be looking for me.
Since it’s an urgent matter, it probably concerns Red Boy and the Six-Eared Macaque; perhaps there’s been some development.
He wore a calm and composed smile, as if everything was under control.
It seems the Six-Eared Macaque and Red Boy can no longer restrain themselves, he mused. They’re about to show their true colors and start their escape. This Lord is quite curious to find out who is coordinating with them from the inside out.
After hearing Zhao Gongming’s words, the Jade Emperor chuckled and said, "Let Yao Shaosi come in."
Yao Shaosi stumbled and crawled in, kneeling on the ground. He kowtowed to the Jade Emperor, then clasped his fist in salute to Zhao Gongming.
He exclaimed, "Reporting to Your Majesty! Informing Lord Zhao! There’s been an incident in the Heavenly Prison!"
As expected, it was the Heavenly Prison. The Jade Emperor chuckled, and Zhao Gongming also smiled slightly, standing with his hands behind his back, even more composed and tranquil.
He said with a light smile, "Seeing how anxious you are, let this Lord guess what has happened."
Yao Shaosi was stunned. How can he still be guessing when such a grave incident has occurred? They’ve all run away!
But he dared not defy.
And seeing how undisturbed Zhao Gongming was, he suddenly realized, Perhaps Master already prepared for this. He became a bit more composed.
Zhao Gongming continued, "This Lord guesses that, most likely, the Six-Eared Macaque, Red Boy, and the others met. They’ve already discussed their escape, and perhaps they’ve even finalized their plans and are preparing to escape, or have already fled."
Incredible! As expected of my Master! In awe, Yao Shaosi kowtowed to Zhao Gongming, saying, "Master—no, Lord Zhao—you are truly strategic! It is indeed so."
Zhao Gongming stroked his beard and smiled, even more serene and calm. I’ve been waiting for this to happen, and as expected, it has.
He looked at the Jade Emperor and said, "Your Majesty, my prediction was not the slightest bit wrong. They truly are a group, and they were preparing to break out of prison."
"However, I still haven’t figured out who is coordinating with them, acting as an inside agent. I couldn’t understand it for some time, but now it makes sense."
The Jade Emperor said, "Who do you think it is, beloved minister?"
Zhao Gongming said, "I arranged for several people to guard the Heavenly Prison, with Xiao Sheng as their leader. Now that trouble has occurred and he hasn’t come to report, it must be him colluding with them."
The Jade Emperor slammed the table and rose to his feet, exclaiming, "Xiao Sheng? I have not treated him poorly!"
Zhao Gongming said, "Your Majesty, some people will never appreciate kindness, no matter how well you treat them."
The Jade Emperor grew angry and commanded, "Men! Go and capture Xiao Sheng! Bring him to the Immortal Slaying Stage for execution!"
Zhao Gongming smiled faintly, offering no comment.
Yao Shaosi, at the side, was almost in tears.
Master, can we stop with the act?! You’ve got it wrong! Terribly wrong!
Yao Shaosi hurriedly said, "Your Majesty! Lord Zhao! You’re mistaken! You’re mistaken!"
Zhao Gongming frowned. "What’s mistaken? Are you saying His Majesty’s decree is mistaken!?"
The Jade Emperor immediately glared.
Yao Shaosi nearly died of fright and stammered, "No, no, no! That’s not what your servant means! Rather... rather, Lord Xiao Sheng did not desert his post, nor did he collude with the enemy! He has been in the Heavenly Prison all along, searching for people and pursuing the escaped convicts!"
Zhao Gongming was taken aback, then snorted. "A thief crying ’stop thief!’ Naturally, he wouldn’t admit it."
Yao Shaosi was on the verge of tears. "Lord Zhao, it’s true! This subordinate has been by Lord Xiao Sheng’s side the whole time, looking for his faults! Then, news came that Red Boy, the Six-Eared Macaque, and the others had escaped from prison and vanished without a trace!"
"Afterward, we all searched the Heavenly Prison together but still found no sign of them. So I rushed here to report to you, Lord Zhao, and His Majesty!!"
