443: Chapter 216: The Return of the Jade Emperor_3 443: Chapter 216: The Return of the Jade Emperor_3 Yet the result disappointed many, as they were defeated by Huaguo Mountain.
How could such strength be a match for the Heavenly Court?
Some Ancient Gods who had originally intended to join the Court of Ancient Gods also calmed down, no longer restless.
And some Immortals and Buddhas who had wanted to find a powerful backer now also cooled down.
They continued to wait and watch, to see if there would be any subsequent developments.
As it stands, the Court of Ancient Gods indeed disappointed everyone.
This battle had diminished the prestige of the Court of Ancient Gods, and the entire Three Realms fell silent.
However, Sun Wukong knew this was just the beginning; the Court of Ancient Gods would surely take action, they would not be content.
Boom.
Within the Three Realms, an immense authority exploded, its magnificent might immeasurable.
Everyone was shocked, looking towards the direction of the Great Sage’s Mansion.
There, a figure clad in imperial robes, sat upon the throne, looking down upon the vast multitude of living beings.
“Today, I, the Jade Emperor, have returned from the Jie trials.
Those of the Heavenly Court, come and pay your respects immediately.”
The figure spoke, and his booming voice spread throughout the Three Realms.
All the living beings in the Three Realms were shocked, staring incredulously at the figure.
The Jade Emperor had returned, suddenly appearing and astonishing everyone.
The next moment, countless figures rushed towards the direction of the Great Sage’s Mansion.
“The Jade Emperor is really not dead, we have hope now.”
“Yes, now to go and pay respects to the Jade Emperor, to follow the Jade Emperor in restoring the true Heavenly Court, no more need to endure the indignity of the Ziwei Heavenly Court.”
“Ah, my Jade Emperor, your loyal servant has finally waited for you, congratulations on your return.”
Some Immortals were overjoyed, weeping tears of happiness.
These were the most loyal servants of the Jade Emperor, or Immortals in the Three Realms who had not achieved their aspirations.
Now that they knew the Jade Emperor had not died, they were immediately stirred.
They rushed over at the first opportunity, aiming to be the first to arrive before the Jade Emperor.
These Immortal Sages believed that as long as they were the first to arrive before the Jade Emperor, he would surely remember them.
Once the Jade Emperor reclaimed his power and became the Great Heavenly Venerate again, they would become his most trusted officials.
Some Ancient Gods, too, rushed over in surprise.
In Mount Ling, Tathagata Buddha sat as immovable as a mountain.
Jin Chan opened his eyes in astonishment and said, “The Jade Emperor has finally made his move.
Master, why don’t you go see the Jade Emperor?”
Tathagata Buddha glanced at Jin Chan and said in a deep voice, “The Jade Emperor intends to release the Ancient Gods from beyond the heavens.
I have to protect the living beings of the world, so naturally, I cannot join him.
Naturally, I will not go and pay homage.
Moreover, a loyal subject does not serve two masters.
Having already pledged loyalty to the Great Emperor Ziwei, I will not go to pay respects to the Jade Emperor, otherwise, wouldn’t I be called a double-serving servant?”
After giving Tathagata Buddha a surprised look, Jin Chan said disdainfully, “You’re just banking on Great Emperor Ziwei’s current power; hence you won’t defect to the Jade Emperor.
You manage to frame self-interest in such a refined and unconcerned manner, no wonder you are the Buddha.”
The corners of Tathagata Buddha’s mouth twitched; he really felt like slapping Jin Chan to death.
This guy had no filter; even if he had figured out Tathagata’s thoughts, there was no need to speak them out loud in front of so many people.
Doesn’t he care about face at all?
As for the Buddha and Bodhisattvas aside, they appeared quite calm.
They had already grown accustomed to the bickering between these two.
If there were a day when Jin Chan didn’t tease Tathagata Buddha a bit, they would actually feel uncomfortable.
“How could this old stick-in-the-mud come out?
That’s right, the Ziwei Heavenly Court is expanding, close to controlling the Three Realms.
Now with the Ancient Gods Alliance not making headway, if he doesn’t stand up now, by the time the Ziwei Heavenly Court grows stronger, even if he comes out, he won’t be able to stir up trouble in the Three Realms anymore,” said Sun Wukong, frowning, as he sensed the Jade Emperor’s aura from atop Huaguo Mountain.
As for the Great Sage’s Mansion being reclaimed by the Jade Emperor, he didn’t care at all.
After all, he didn’t like that place to begin with; Huaguo Mountain was more comfortable for him.
Now that the Jade Emperor took it back, it bothered him not one bit.
“The Jade Emperor has returned; the Three Realms will be all the more lively,” said Ksitigarbha in a solemn voice.
Glancing at Ksitigarbha, Sun Wukong grinned, “The livelier, the better; it’s like training.
If we can’t even resolve the troubles within the Three Realms, how can we handle the troubles beyond?
I actually think the current pressure isn’t enough; the strength of the future generations of living beings still holds an advantage.”
Glancing at Sun Wukong, Ksitigarbha gave a bitter smile.
Most fear the challenges being too tough, yet he said the pressure was too small.
Indeed, beings differ from one being to the next.
“Are you going to go, Great Saint?” asked Ksitigarbha.
Shaking his head, Sun Wukong laughed, “Why should I go?
Even if he’s returned, what can he do?
The Ziwei Heavenly Court now represents the living beings of future generations, and this is the real trend of heaven and earth.
Even with the Jade Emperor’s return, he cannot change it.
He has miscalculated.”
Ksitigarbha nodded; he agreed with Sun Wukong’s words.
Nonetheless, Ksitigarbha still had some worries in his heart.
“Great Saint, don’t be too careless.
After all, he is the Jade Emperor, once the Great Heavenly Venerate of the Three Realms.
He’s not as easy to deal with as you think,” he said.
“Old Sun is aware,” Sun Wukong replied with a slight nod.
He gazed quietly at the Vault of Heaven, lost in thought.
Nobody disturbed Sun Wukong, for they all knew that his mood could not be very calm right now.
The eyes of the Great Emperor Ziwei were icy, as he observed many of the Immortal Gods who had sworn allegiance to him rushing over, among them the Martial Virtue Star Lord.
The Great Emperor Ziwei did not stop them, only watching everything before him with cold eyes.
Yang Jian hurried over, his expression grave, and said, “Your Majesty, should we strike and surround him?”
Looking at Yang Jian, the Great Emperor Ziwei shook his head slightly and said in a deep voice, “Since the Jade Emperor dares to make an appearance, it means he’s made his preparations.
Even if we do strike, it’s unlikely we could hold him.”