The Battle in Journey to the West
Chapter 252 - 233: Implementing a Clever Plan to Achieve Great Success_3

Chapter 252: Chapter 233: Implementing a Clever Plan to Achieve Great Success_3

The next day, Emperor Taizong summoned Wei Zheng and asked him to play a game of strategy with him in the palace.

The two of them went back and forth, fiercely battling each other. Wei Zheng was a man of extreme loyalty and straightforwardness; he played without holding back, which made Emperor Taizong sweat profusely with every perilous move. Soon, Wei Zheng, while holding a chess piece, fell asleep on the table.

Emperor Taizong had originally intended to keep Wei Zheng there to prevent him from executing the Jing River Dragon King, and seeing Wei Zheng asleep, he was overjoyed, knowing that his plan had succeeded and that the Dragon King might be spared. This was effortless for Emperor Taizong and also gave him a chance to win the favor of the Jing River Dragon King, killing two birds with one stone. Why would Emperor Taizong not be pleased?

While Wei Zheng lay asleep, he dreamt that he ascended to the Nine Heavens and reached the Dragon Slaying Platform, where he beheaded the Jing River Dragon King.

Guanyin secretly utilized her mana, allowing the soul of the Jing River Dragon King to escape so it could later seek out Emperor Taizong’s misfortune, giving her an opportunity to intervene secretly and then encourage Emperor Taizong to embrace the Buddhist sect, facilitating the Journey to the West.

Shortly, Wei Zheng awoke and said, "I am at fault, Your Majesty. I inadvertently fell asleep while playing against you. I beg for your forgiveness!"

At that moment, Qin Shubao and Xu Maogong came forward, exclaiming, "At the southern end of the Thousand-Step Corridor and at Cross Street Junction, a dragon’s head has fallen from the clouds. We knew this was a serious matter, and we dared not fail to report it to Your Majesty."

Emperor Taizong, puzzled, asked, "How could a dragon’s head fall from the clouds?"

Wei Zheng then explained, "Just now, while I was asleep, I dreamt of ascending to the Nine Heavens and beheading the Jing River Dragon King, which is why a dragon’s head has fallen from the sky."

Emperor Taizong, startled, asked, "What happened?"

Wei Zheng replied, "The Jing River Dragon King violated the heavenly laws and delayed the rain, just to gamble with Yuan Shoucheng. The Heavenly Emperor naturally could not tolerate the Jing River Dragon King’s actions, therefore, he commanded me to execute him. I told him: ’You violated the heavenly laws and deserve to die.’ The Dragon King wept upon hearing this, but I knew it was divine will, so I wielded the Divine Edge, and with a single strike, I beheaded the Jing River Dragon King."

After hearing this, Emperor Taizong felt a pang of sorrow, but he also refrained from criticizing Wei Zheng. He knew Wei Zheng to be upright and bold, even daring to contradict him in the Imperial Court, so he simply sighed and said, "It is the will of heaven!"

High above in the clouds, Mu Zha said joyfully, "Bodhisattva, the deed is done!"

Guanyin slightly nodded and smiled, saying, "This deed is done, and the resentful spirit of the Jing River Dragon King, unwilling to let go, will certainly seek out Emperor Taizong’s misfortune, then my task too will be accomplished!"

That night, in the second watch, Emperor Taizong was deep asleep when he suddenly heard someone wailing.

"Emperor Taizong, give me back my life! You clearly promised to save me, yet yesterday you allowed Wei Zheng to behead me instead! Emperor Taizong, I will drag you down with me to death!" The vengeful spirit of the Jing River Dragon King entered the palace, intending to take Emperor Taizong’s life.

He grabbed hold of Emperor Taizong, and immediately, Emperor Taizong felt a chill surge through his body, almost as if he were going to die, and involuntarily shivered, realizing he was covered in cold sweat.

"This matter is not my fault. I had already detained Wei Zheng, only to find that he even beheaded you after he fell asleep! You can’t blame me for this!" Emperor Taizong exclaimed in alarm.

The Jing River Dragon King, now boiling with rage, would not allow Emperor Taizong to argue, and decided to take his life. Just as the Jing River Dragon King opened his gaping maw to bite off Emperor Taizong’s head...

Emperor Taizong screamed for help, ready to surrender, when suddenly from the south a golden light rose up, within which chanting from Buddha reverberated. Amidst the golden light, a cloud appeared, upon which stood a Bodhisattva in flowing white robes, brandishing a willow branch in hand.

The Bodhisattva shouted, "Wretched beast, you dare harm the life of Emperor Taizong? Surrender at once!"

The willow branch scattered beams of green light, and the Dragon King of the Jing River immediately cried out in pain, "Mercy, Bodhisattva, mercy!"

The Bodhisattva said, "Seeing your plight, I feel pity. Why not join me in Western Heaven to cultivate your spirit properly and achieve True Fruition."

The Dragon King of the Jing River wept, "I am willing, I am willing! Please, Bodhisattva, guide me to Western Heaven!"

The Bodhisattva nodded, waved the willow branch, and green light enveloped the Dragon King. The headless soul wailed and then dashed towards the direction of Mount Meru.

Emperor Taizong, having been saved by Guanyin, couldn’t help but rejoice, "May I know which True Person this is?"

Guanyin replied, "This humble monk is Guanyin of the South Sea, at your service, Your Majesty! This vile creature knew no restraint and sought to endanger your life. I have captured him and taken him to Western Heaven for proper discipline. I hope Your Majesty will not take offense."

Emperor Taizong sighed in relief, his body covered in cold sweat, "Thank you, Bodhisattva, thank you!"

Guanyin waved her hand, "Your Majesty need not be overly courteous, this was but my duty."

After saying this, Guanyin had already departed on a cloud. Emperor Taizong woke from the dream, and couldn’t help but exclaim, "There are ghosts, there are ghosts!"

The guards, upon hearing this, hurriedly burst in, "Where are the ghosts? Where are the ghosts?"

Mu Zha, witnessing the scene below, couldn’t help but laugh, "Even for Emperor Taizong of Tang, isn’t he also caught in the Bodhisattva’s plan? This technique of Using the Opponent’s Force is truly brilliant! Indeed, rock from other mountains can be used to polish jade!"

Guanyin, enjoying her disciple’s flattery, responded, "My pupil, keep cultivating diligently, and you too will possess such transformative powers someday. There’s no need for envy."

Mu Zha bowed and said, "Yes! With Bodhisattva facilitating the Journey to the West, who knows how Buddha Ancestor will reward you?"

Guanyin simply smiled gently, "Spreading the Buddhist Law is our duty, we seek no reward. That wouldn’t be right."

Mu Zha said, "Yes!"

Guanyin, with Mu Zha, returned on a cloud to the Earth God Temple.

To find out what happens next, stay tuned for the following Chapter.(To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to cast a recommendation or Monthly Ticket at Starting Point (qidian.com). Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users please visit m.qidian.com to read.)