Heaven-Defying Rebel Sage
Chapter 204 - 197: Nether River Requests Gifts, Obtains the Eight Banners

Chapter 204: Chapter 197: Nether River Requests Gifts, Obtains the Eight Banners

The Mosquito Protector informed the Tathagata of his purpose and then, alone, left the Mahavira Hall. He employed an escape technique, transforming into a black wind, and headed toward the Asura Blood Sea.

In no time, the Mosquito Protector arrived above the Asura Blood Sea. Having originated from the Blood Sea, he naturally did not fear the bloodthirsty energy within it. Diving in, he reverted to his six-winged black mosquito form. With a flutter of his wings, he pierced through the Blood Sea and entered the territory of the Asura Clan.

"Who goes there?" An Asura disciple spotted the Mosquito Protector and couldn’t help but shout out in challenge.

"I am the Mosquito Protector from the Western Heaven, an old acquaintance of the Nether River Patriarch. I’ve come today for a visit, seeking his help," the Mosquito Protector said with a smile.

"Oh!" The Asura, upon hearing this, dared not speak loudly to the Mosquito Protector anymore, "Please wait a moment, Master; I’ll go and call our elder ancestor."

As soon as Nether River heard that the Mosquito Protector had come to seek him, he carefully calculated and immediately understood his purpose. However, this was an excellent opportunity to gain benefits. Although he himself wished to dispose of that Sun Wukong, since the Buddhist Sect had sought him out, it would be unacceptable not to ask for some benefits in return.

Nether River said, "Please invite the Mosquito Protector to come in for a chat."

The disciple went out to invite the Mosquito Protector, who then strolled grandly into the great hall.

Seated high in the hall, the Nether River Patriarch watched the Mosquito Protector bring his hands together in a salute and sing out a hearty greeting, "Nether River Patriarch, it’s been a long time since we last met. How do you fare these days?"

Nether River nodded and replied, "I’ve been living peacefully, Mosquito Protector. Please, take a seat."

After inviting the Mosquito Protector to sit, the disciples brought forth blood tea brewed from leaves grown in the most shadowy and malevolent part of the Blood Sea. Although the leaves were the same pale green as ordinary tea leaves, once brewed with the water of the Blood Sea, the tea turned red and had a scent of blood. Commoners surely wouldn’t prefer it, but for the Asuras, it was a favorite. Though the Mosquito Protector, having originated from the Blood Sea, had never tasted this tea, he was eager to try it. After all, since his conversion to Amitabha Buddha, he had not indulged in flesh and blood anymore. This was only tea, so perhaps it wouldn’t count as breaking his vows.

Lifting the teacup, the Mosquito Protector took a sip and let the sweet, pungent taste of blood spread in his mouth, relishing it with eyes half-closed, as if he were ascending to immortality.

Nether River chatted idly with the Mosquito Protector, who saw that he was steering clear of the main issue. It would be impolite to bring it up abruptly himself.

Thus, both men, each with their own ulterior motives, bantered about topics from every corner of the world. Just as the Mosquito Protector steered the conversation toward the Demon Tribe, Nether River cleverly shifted it to strange tales from far and wide. The Mosquito Protector then realized that Nether River was not unaware of his intentions; he simply had no desire to mention them!

The Mosquito Protector had no choice but to put down his teacup and ask, "Does the Nether River Patriarch know why I have come?"

Nether River leisurely set down his teacup as well and inquired, "I wonder, what is the purpose of the Mosquito Protector’s visit? Please tell me."

The Mosquito Protector said, "Now, the Demon Tribe’s power is great. There was a battle between my sect and the Demons atop Mount Putuo. Deceptively, their ancestors employed the Corporeal Disintegration Primordial Spirit technique and, with Di Jun’s protection, ascended the Deification Platform. Our sect was left fragmented by the Demons in that battle. Now, the Demon Tribe is poised to launch a major offensive against the Buddhist Sect, and I fear we cannot hold out. I have heard that the Patriarch bears a grudge against the Green Emperor of the Demons, so I have come to request your help."

The Mosquito Protector did not beat around the bush, fearing that Nether River might again diverge from the topic with just a few words.

After listening, Nether River nodded slightly and said with a smile, "I do have some grudges with that monkey, but they are not to the extent of a fight to the death, haha."

Upon hearing this, rage ignited in the Mosquito Protector, and his samadhi burned up his throat as blood rushed backward with the Three Corpse Gods raging furiously inside him. He thought, "I earnestly came all the way down from Mount Sumeru to seek your assistance, and this is how you treat me, disregarding our past bonds! But the Buddhist Sect is now in a sorry state, and I must be patient and plead for Nether River’s help. Losing some face is a small price to pay."

Seeing Nether River still taking his time, the Mosquito Protector, though boiling with rage, dared not show it and forced a smile instead, saying, "Patriarch, your words are mistaken! Your grand aspiration is to kill Heaven, Earth, and all beings, while the monkey’s ambition is to revolutionize the world, making all things equal."

After glancing at Nether River, he continued, "If you kill all beings, what would there be left for the monkey to revolutionize? Therefore, your paths are in direct conflict, with significant contradiction that will inevitably erupt. By the time you realize, it will be too late!"

Nether River spoke indifferently, "If that’s the case, then I’ll wait for him to revolutionize the world before killing Heaven, Earth, and all beings."

This statement infuriated the Mosquito Protector so much he felt like throwing his cup at Nether River’s face. But where would he dare do such a thing? Not only would it certainly prevent Nether River from taking action, but whether he could even leave the Asura Blood Sea became a big question! With patience, the Mosquito Protector said, "Do you think the monkey would allow it? Once he fulfills his grand ambition, surely his mana will have further improved!"

Nether River remained silent, merely smiling and saying, "Everyone has their own calculations. You are not me; how could you know what’s in my heart?"

The Mosquito Protector cursed inwardly and internally berated Nether River’s ancestors. He thought, "Damn it, you just want to extract some benefits from me, circling around so much! So be it. I, your grandfather Mosquito, will give you some benefits. There really is no such thing as a free lunch in this world."

Having figured out what the Nether River Patriarch was after, the Mosquito Protector realized that it was only natural for someone to want some benefits in exchange for their help. If you sought assistance without offering gifts or benefits, who would be willing to help you? And given the Nether River Patriarch’s status, ordinary things would surely not catch his eye. At that thought, the Mosquito Protector couldn’t help but feel a pang of loss.

"If that’s the case, I’ll offer some sincerity to the Nether River Patriarch and hope you can help our Buddhist Sect through this crisis. If there is a future, I will surely repay your kindness with a spring of gratitude!" Protector Mosquito said with a smile.

"Oh?" Nether River’s eyes turned slightly as he gave Protector Mosquito a sidelong glance.

Protector Mosquito waved his large sleeve and produced eight great banners. These banners were the Eight Divisions of Heavenly Dragons Banners. In the Ancient Era, dragon folk and celestial beings caused chaos in the world. Hong Jun Taoist Patriarch captured them using his mana and refined them into eight banners. After the Ancient Times, he placed them on the Treasure-Dividing Cliff and presented them to Amitabha Buddha.

The Buddhist Sect had the Eight Divisions, but these divisions could no longer be compared to the eight beings of the Ancient Era. Now the Eight Divisions had collapsed and disbanded, with several killed by the Demon Tribe, and the rest could no longer form the divisions, only able to remain as idle Bodhisattvas.

The banners were incredibly formidable. Amitabha Buddha had re-enchanted them before handing them to Protector Mosquito. Once activated, they could create a great formation, transforming into illusions in all directions, causing one to lose their way, and also drawing upon the power of the Heavenly Dragons from the Ancient Times. Protector Mosquito was heartbroken to present these magical treasures, but he had nothing else that Nether River would value, so he reluctantly gave him the banners.

Upon seeing the eight banners, Nether River’s eyes brightened, thinking, "If these eight banners are set in formation, and combined with my Mystic Primordial Controlling Water Banner, wouldn’t that be even more formidable? Ha-ha, this Taoist Mosquito truly is my lucky star, delivering such a gift to me, and now I won’t worry about failing to kill that Sun Wukong."

Protector Mosquito asked, "Does the Nether River Patriarch find the Eight Divisions of Heavenly Dragons Banners to your liking?"

Nether River smiled slightly and said, "Since Protector Mosquito is so sincere, it would be inappropriate for me to continue declining. Therefore, I shall accept Protector Mosquito’s gift. Should the Demon Tribe fault the Buddhist Sect, my Asura Blood Sea will certainly not stand idly by."

Protector Mosquito inwardly breathed a sigh of relief, fearing that Nether River would demand more gifts.

Now, with the Buddhist Sect in dire straits, he had no choice but to seek Nether River’s help, otherwise, who would willingly endure such aggravation! Moreover, having assuredly pledged to solicit Nether River Patriarch’s aid on behalf of the Asura Blood Sea, how could he return and tell Tathagata that Nether River refused, without losing face?

Nether River thus accepted the eight banners from Protector Mosquito, overjoyed, while seeing Nether River tuck the banners into his sleeve, Protector Mosquito’s heart bled as if it were being pricked by needles. He inwardly cursed: "Damn it all, I’ve barely used that banner myself, and now I have to pass it on. But for the sake of our Buddhist Sect, I have no choice but to give it away!"

Heavy-hearted, he knew Nether River’s strength was unparalleled, and there was no way to forcibly reclaim it in the future.

"In that case, I thank Nether River Patriarch for your help," Protector Mosquito said.

"Heh, think nothing of it. I have some old scores to settle with that monkey, so I must make a move," Nether River chuckled.

Protector Mosquito nearly choked on his blood. That was not what you were saying earlier, you can’t be so scheming! He truly wanted to cry out: "This is cheating!"

Having obtained Nether River’s promise, Protector Mosquito had no desire to linger any longer and took his leave.

Protector Mosquito was afraid that if he stayed any longer, he might not be able to resist slapping Nether River’s sneaky face. This trip to the Blood Sea might not have been smooth, but in the end, he did get Nether River Patriarch to come down from the mountain to aid the Buddhist Sect through its troubles!

"Back when our Buddhist Sect was in its prime, you, Nether River, hid in the Asura Blood Sea like a shrinking turtle and wouldn’t come out. Now that our Sect is waning, you show your face. Demanding favors from me today! If our Buddhist Sect ever regains its former glory, I will ensure the Asura Blood Sea is left without a single complete being!" Protector Mosquito harbored deep resentment against Nether River while lamenting over the lost banners.

Protector Mosquito flew back to the Western Heavenly Mountain, entering the Mahavira Hall to see Tathagata.

Seeing Protector Mosquito return so quickly, Tathagata’s heart skipped a beat, wondering if he had failed to invite Nether River Patriarch. Tathagata asked, "Protector Mosquito, how did it go?"

With palms pressed together, though burning with rage on the inside, Protector Mosquito appeared completely calm on the outside and said, "Amitabha Buddha! This monk has successfully invited Nether River Patriarch. He has stated that if the Demon Tribe dares to challenge our Buddhist Sect, the Asura Blood Sea will decidedly not overlook it."

Tathagata was elated and said, "That is very good, very good!"

"Amitabha Buddha!"

All the Buddhas spontaneously pressed their palms together, chanting the Buddha’s name, filled with joy.

Tathagata instructed a novice monk to lead Protector Mosquito away and provided him with a lotus platform laden with Eight Treasures Merit. Protector Mosquito, feeling slightly better with the platform in hand, less stifled with frustration, took the platform and went into seclusion to absorb the merit.

The great battle between Buddha and Demon was looming near, and Wukong had finally made all the necessary arrangements over the year, ready to obtain the Eastern Emperor Bell.

To find out what happens next, please stay tuned for the following episode. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, you are welcome to vote with your recommendation tickets and monthly tickets at Qidian (qidian.com). Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read at m.qidian.com.)