novelaction Chapter 357: Randeng Wants to Enter the Western Religion
Chapter 357: Randeng Wants to Enter the Western Religion
"Fellow Daoist Randeng, where are you going next?" Zhunti asked, with a barely perceptible concern in his words.
Upon hearing this, Randeng frowned slightly, and an unconcealable fatigue and helplessness emanated from his soul.
He thought to himself that if he left the Two Saints of the West at this time, it would be difficult for him to return to Kunlun Mountain with only his primordial spirit.
Even if he returned to Kunlun Mountain, if Yuanshi Tianzun knew that Manjusri Guangfa Tianzun was dead, he might even be angry with him, not to mention helping him rebuild his body.
After much thought, I realized that in such a vast world, there was no place for me to stay.
Thinking of this, an indescribable sadness emerged on Randeng's face.
Randeng lowered his head and his eyes fell on the void beneath his feet, as if the endless abyss was also telling of his loneliness and helplessness.
When Jie Yin and Zhunti saw this, they looked at each other and had already made up their minds.
Jie Yin sighed softly and said slowly:
"Fellow Daoist Randeng, you and I have known each other for many years. Now that you are in trouble, how can my junior brother and I just stand by and watch?"
Zhunti heard this, nodded, and agreed:
“Fellow Daoist Randeng, if you don’t mind the barrenness of our western land, why don’t you follow me and my senior brother back to Mount Xumi? By then, with my and my senior brother’s help, you can reshape your body soon.”
Hearing this, a warm feeling welled up in Randeng's heart. He looked up at Jie Yin and Zhunti, his eyes gleaming with gratitude.
He pondered for a moment, as if weighing all the pros and cons and possibilities in his mind.
However, when Randeng spoke again, his voice was soft but it was as heavy as a thousand pounds and extremely firm:
"It is hard to refuse the kindness of the two saints, so I will respectfully obey your orders. I will remember this kindness in my heart and will never forget it."
"After I have rebuilt my body, I hope that the two saints will not despise my stupidity and allow me to join the Western Religion, join us in the great cause, and contribute my humble efforts to the prosperity of the Western Religion."
Upon hearing this, Jie Yin and Zhunti looked at each other and smiled, their eyes filled with relief and joy.
They never thought that by rescuing Randeng they would receive such an unexpected surprise.
You know, no matter what, Randeng is still one of the three thousand guests of Zixiao Palace. Even if his physical body is gone, he is still a powerful being at the quasi-saint level.
If he joins Western religion, it will undoubtedly add a powerful force to Western religion.
"Daoyou, your words are too kind," Zhunti spoke first, his voice full of sincerity and expectation, "If Daoyou can join the Western Religion, your status will be second only to me and my senior brother, and you will be fully responsible for the affairs of the religion." Zhunti promised.
Upon hearing this, Jie Yin nodded slightly and added:
"Junior brother, what you said is absolutely right. Fellow Daoist Randeng, we all see your wisdom and strategy and admire them in our hearts. If you can join our Western Religion, why should we worry about the prosperity of the Western Religion?"
After hearing this, Randeng was deeply moved. He knew that what Jie Yin and Zhunti said was true, they really valued him and sincerely hoped that he could become a part of the Western religion.
This reminded him of his days in the Chan sect. Although he was the deputy leader of the Chan sect, he was never favored or valued by Yuanshi Tianzun. At times, he even suffered unfair treatment.
Thinking of this, Randeng couldn't help but sigh.
However, he quickly adjusted his mood, looking firmly at Jie Yin and Zhunti, with a bit of determination and expectation in his voice:
"It is my honor to be able to join the Western Religion thanks to the kindness of the two saints!" After saying this, he bowed slightly to show his respect.
"In that case, fellow Daoist Randeng, please come with us back to Mount Xumi!" There was an unquestionable firmness in Zhunti's words, and then he and Jie Yin looked at each other and smiled, and that smile was full of tacit understanding and trust.
The two saints from the West activated their spiritual power at the same time, and the light around them became bright. It turned into a stream of light, cutting through the sky and disappearing from the spot in an instant, leaving only brilliant trails that lingered between heaven and earth for a long time.
……
In the Zhou army camp, night fell and the flickering candlelight inside the big tent illuminated the solemn expressions of the generals.
The air was filled with depression and uneasiness, as if even breathing had become heavy.
In the center of the big tent, a huge map was spread out, on which the progress and layout of the war were densely marked. However, at the location of Jiepai Pass, it seemed as if it was pressed down by an invisible boulder, and no progress was made.
The generals surrounding him all had worried looks on their faces, and the atmosphere was so depressing that it was almost suffocating.
"Prime Minister, look at this..." A general in armor said with a worried look on his face. He spoke anxiously, "My army has been stationed here for many days. Although we are not running out of food and grass, our morale is declining. If this continues, I am afraid..."
"Yes, Prime Minister, our army cannot keep wasting time here. Now, Master Wen is stationed at Jiepai Pass, and we have been unable to capture it for a long time. The soldiers are in a state of depression, and it is impossible to calm the morale of the army." Another deputy general took over the conversation and said in a deep voice.
"Yes, I wonder if the Prime Minister has any solution? If this goes on, when will our army be able to capture the Jiepai Pass and attack Chaoge directly?" a young general shouted anxiously.
"We'll have to trouble the Prime Minister to come up with some advice to resolve this situation." An old general spoke slowly. Although his voice was light, it carried a weight that could not be ignored. "We all know that the Prime Minister is very wise and will definitely come up with a plan to defeat the enemy."
Everyone spoke one after another, some anxious, some worried, some expectantly, all kinds of emotions intertwined together, making the atmosphere in the big tent even more complex and changeable.
Jiang Ziya felt helpless when he saw this. He had never expected that the road to attacking Shang would be so difficult.
Even along the way from Xiqi to Jiepai Pass, the disciples of the Chan sect suffered heavy losses. Senior Brother Samantabhadra, Senior Brother Manjusri, Junior Brother Qingmu, Junior Brother Mulei... all died on the way to attack Shang.
Thinking of this, Jiang Ziya didn't know how to explain to his master Yuanshi Tianzun.
After a while, Jiang Ziya slowly stood up, walked to the front of the tent, stared at the dark night sky outside, and said in a low and firm voice:
"Don't worry, everyone. Since I, Jiang Ziya, have been ordered by the king, I will live up to your expectations. Although the Jiepai Pass is difficult, it is not impossible to break through."
He paused and continued:
"For now, I would like to trouble you generals to stabilize the morale of the army. Anyone who disturbs the morale of the army will be severely punished according to military law. The next morning, I, the Prime Minister, will go to Kunlun Mountain to seek support."
"During this period, all military affairs will be handed over to His Highness." Jiang Ziya turned his head to look at Bo Yikao, who was sitting beside him with a calm face, and a trace of praise flashed in his eyes. "Your Highness is brave and good at fighting, and has extraordinary wisdom. With him here, this Prime Minister can rest assured."
"I hope all the generals will fully cooperate with His Highness to jointly maintain order in the army, train the troops, and wait for the opportunity."
Upon hearing this, Bo Yikao stood up and bowed, saying, "Don't worry, father-in-law. Yikao will live up to your trust and will do his best to stabilize the morale of the army and wait for your return."
After hearing this, all the generals stood up and shouted in unison:
"I am willing to follow the Prime Minister, overcome the difficulties together, attack Chaoge directly, and save the people!"
Jiang Ziya nodded in satisfaction upon seeing this. After that, everyone discussed military strategies for a while and then dispersed.
By the next morning, when the sky was just beginning to turn pale, Jiang Ziya was already ready and riding his Sibu Xiang to Kunlun Mountain.
Note: Since they were still on the way to attack Shang, even after Ji Chang passed away, Bo Yikao still called himself "Grand Prince".