The Sect Leader's Bizarre Recruitment Chapter 225: Journey to the West~! Barrett's Peak Battle - Monthly Ticket Bonus Chapter (Part 1) - Novel Cool

Chapter 225: Journey to the West~! Barrett's Peak Battle - Monthly Ticket Bonus Chapter (Part 1)

Chapter 225: Journey to the West~! Barrett's Peak Battle - Monthly Ticket Bonus Chapter (Part 1)

"Where should we go next?"

"Should we head straight for the Minor Western Heaven?"

After secretly reaching an agreement with Patriarch Barrett, Jiase no longer had any worries.

The Bodhimanda Patriarch had promised to take care of his enemy first in the event of a battle. With the power of Patriarch Barrett, Jiase was certain that his vengeance would be fulfilled. Now that he was sure of his revenge, he had nothing to fear.

Let's get to it!

No matter who came, they wouldn't be shown any mercy.

"What's the rush?"

"Not stable enough, keep shaking..."

This time, the shaking was surprisingly smooth.

To Lin Fan's surprise, the one they shook this time wasn't a powerful Buddhist figure, but a Demon Emperor! Or rather, a powerful temple's 'Guardian Sacred Beast'! A 'Fish Demon'!

Lin Fan had learned before that in the Western Region, demons had a hard time. Their territories were almost entirely occupied by the Buddhist Sect, which needed to establish its dominance and ensure the loyalty of its followers.

All sorts of demons and monsters were used to demonstrate the power of the Buddhist Sect.

As a result, in the Western Region, regardless of their strength, demons struggled to move freely.

However, there were exceptions to the rule!

Wild demons were considered demons, and they would be dealt with by the Buddhist Sect. But those with official positions weren't demons; they were 'Auspicious Beasts' or 'Sacred Beasts'.

Anyway, whatever the Buddhist Sect said, it was.

They would give them a title, saying that they were 'enlightened' by a certain high monk, becoming 'Sacred Beasts' or 'Guardian Beasts', or even the mount of some powerful figure.

With an official position, the Buddhist Sect wouldn't make things difficult for them.

This way, they could survive in the Western Region.

The price was the loss of freedom.

Compared to their lives, losing freedom didn't seem like much.

Although...

Most of them wanted to escape, but they couldn't.

There were also many who were captured from the other seven states and brought back.

So...

There were still quite a few demons with official positions in the Western Region.

And these, whether 'Guardian Beasts' or mounts, were generally quite powerful.

If they were weak, even the Buddhist figures wouldn't look at them.

Not to mention the powerful figures, even the weaker ones wouldn't give them a second glance.

This time, Patriarch Barrett was looking for a 'Guardian Beast' of Dharmaraja Temple.

"Dharmaraja Temple isn't ranked very high, but due to the existence of its 'Guardian Beast', its status isn't low." Jiase explained to Lin Fan with a smile, "Do you know why, Brother Tang?"

Lin Fan: "..."

"This 'Guardian Beast' is very strong, right?"

"Indeed!"

"Brother Tang, you're so clever, as cunning as a demon!" Jiase praised, "That's right!"

"This 'Guardian Beast' is a Blobhead Carp, and it's truly powerful, especially in water. If it comes to a fight, even San Dian and I might not be its match."

"It's only because of this Blobhead Carp that the monks of Dharmaraja Temple can act so arrogantly."

Lin Fan: "..."

Wow.

Is this being as cunning as a demon? Isn't this something that anyone with common sense could guess? Besides being powerful, is there any other explanation? You're really giving him face, but you're also really boasting!

But he's giving himself face, boasting about himself. It's not easy to expose him or not give him face, right? Lin Fan could only pretend that he hadn't guessed.

"So that's how it is!"

"In that case, this Fish Demon is indeed very formidable."

"Of course, but in the future, Brother Tang, you will surely be even more powerful than it."

Jiase continued his awkward boasting.

Actually, he was helpless too.

What kind of team is this!

The leader, Patriarch Barrett... This guy is crazy! It's best to avoid him if possible.

The 'Second-in-Command', San Dian?

He's not crazy, but he's a 'Crazy Old Man'.

You never know when he'll have another episode.

How can I talk to them?! Unfortunately, Jiase is also a chatterbox. In the team, Tang Wu is the most approachable and easiest to communicate with.

As for boasting...

It's a long-standing habit.

Can't change it.

When you meet people, you say what they want to hear. Who doesn't like to hear good things about themselves? No matter who they are, as long as you flatter them enough, they'll naturally be easier to talk to afterward.

This is Jiase's experience...

"I understand the logic."

At this moment, Lin Fan pondered and said, "But since this 'Guardian Beast' is the guardian of Dharmaraja Temple, it shouldn't be easy for it to follow us, right?"

"Even if it agrees, won't Dharmaraja Temple stop it?"

"It's not up to Dharmaraja Temple to stop it." San Dian chuckled, "Many years ago, they had the qualifications to do so."

"But ever since the founding master of Dharmaraja Temple ascended, the temple has been without a successor, and its strength has been declining over the years. Now, there isn't even a Ninth Stage cultivator."

"If not for that fish guarding the temple, Dharmaraja Temple would have been swallowed up by other Buddhist sects long ago."

"And that fish isn't some kind and gentle creature. The reason it has been guarding Dharmaraja Temple all these years is because it's being suppressed by an enchantment."

"As long as Patriarch Barrett helps to destroy the enchantment, what about Dharmaraja Temple?"

"Perhaps it will be swallowed whole!"

"So that's how it is!"

Lin Fan understood.

This wasn't strange or uncommon.

It's easy to understand!

Dharmaraja Temple borrowing the power of a demon might very well be devoured by it.

If Dharmaraja Temple had successors and talented individuals, that fish wouldn't be able to stir up any trouble. Unfortunately...

But you can't say that the founding master of Dharmaraja Temple made the wrong choice.

After all, if not for him leaving that fish, Dharmaraja Temple might have perished long ago.

Although there's a risk of being devoured now, at least, over the years, Dharmaraja Temple has been living quite comfortably.

...

Inside Dharmaraja Temple, Patriarch Barrett strolled with ease, unseen by any of the temple's monks.

Only in the deepest part of the temple, where a pond was filled with spirit essence, a huge head emerged: "Who's there?!"

"It's me."

Patriarch Barrett approached without hesitation, facing the 'Weak Water' attack, and arrived at the pond's edge. He dug into the ground and said, "Eat shit!"

"I don't even recognize you?"

"Gatlin?!"

The fish demon was startled, quickly retreating until he reached the edge of the pond before exclaiming, "What are you doing here?!"

"I've already apologized for what happened back then!"

"The past is the past, and the present is the present!"

"I'll tell you..."

"I'm really angry right now!" Gatlin Patriarch popped out a booger.

"Er...!"

The fish demon was stunned. He had no choice but to transform into a human and quickly yield the pond to Gatlin Patriarch, allowing him to bathe and cool down his anger. He even had to put on a show.

Hmm...

The fish demon was female.

...

The night passed without incident.

The next morning, the fish demon's mouth was swollen.

Pouting, her eyes were red with tears.

How cruel!

No, how cruel to the fish!

Waaah!

It's just that I accidentally offended you back then, and I've already apologized. After so many years, you still come to bully me. If it weren't for your strength, which I can't beat, you'd see how I'd deal with you!

Damn it!

Her heart was filled with frustration.

Gatlin Patriarch, on the other hand, felt refreshed.

Then...

Gatlin Patriarch pressed the Gatlin against the fish demon's forehead.

"Patriarch?!"

The fish demon was almost scared to death.

Did he sense the curses she muttered in her heart?

He was going to blast her!

Before she could think further, Gatlin Patriarch opened fire...

Waaah!

The fish demon's head exploded, and the blast scattered everywhere.

But soon, it recovered.

Its face remained pale and terrified.

However, it was filled with disbelief and excitement!

"I..."

"My enchantment... it's gone?!"

"Whether it's in my brain or in the sea of consciousness, the enchantment has completely disappeared?!"

"Nonsense."

Gatlin Patriarch picked up the cigar again, "If I, the Patriarch, take action, how could I possibly fail?"

"That old man, Dharmaraja, was just born a few months earlier. Otherwise, I, the Patriarch, would have killed him."

"So what if he ascended to the Upper Realm?"

"His enchantments are nothing to me; I can break them with ease!"

"Thank you, Patriarch!"

The fish demon was overjoyed.

"Don't be so quick to thank me."

Gatlin Patriarch's expression turned cold, "I have a favor to ask of you, and you may have to repay it with your life!"

"Huh?!"

The fish demon was shocked.

Then, Gatlin Patriarch revealed his purpose.

The fish demon smiled.

"I thought so."

"So that's what this is about!"

"Hmph!"

"I've never liked the Buddhist Sect, or should I say, the Western Demon Clan and even the entire Immortal Martial Continent's Demon Clan, who likes the Buddhist Sect?"

"If it were any other matter, I might hesitate, but why fear this?"

"I'd rather die than regret it!"

"Count me in!"

"Good!"

Gatlin Patriarch nodded, "I didn't misjudge you."

"But there's no need to be overly pessimistic. This journey may not end in death."

"Let's talk first."

"If talking doesn't work, we'll fight!"

"But fighting doesn't guarantee defeat..."

"Yes, Patriarch."

"But before that..."

The fish demon turned back, looking at the seemingly peaceful Dharmaraja Temple, and his eyes revealed a sinister light, "I need to fill my stomach."

"Amitabha."

"My Buddha is merciful, and I, the Patriarch, cannot bear to see such things."

Gatlin Patriarch chanted the Buddha's name, closed his eyes, and disappeared.

Hmm...

If you can't bear to see it, then don't see it.

...

"Roar~!"

A gigantic fish head appeared, blocking out the sky and sun, its eyes like blazing suns!

With just one bite.

The entire Dharmaraja Temple vanished.

All the monks, along with the Buddha statues and buildings, disappeared without a trace.

Only a huge pit remained, like a dried-up ocean.

This scene made Lin Fan's scalp tingle, and he almost developed a phobia of giant objects!

It was truly fierce! He suddenly regretted coming here with Xiao Ling'er.

This was truly eye-opening.

But having too much insight wasn't necessarily a good thing.

These Ninth Stage elders were all more outrageous than the last, damn it! Like this 'heavenly-sized' fish demon, Lin Fan had no doubt that if it grew any larger, it could swallow the Earth in one bite!

It was completely unreasonable.

"I suddenly understood a principle."

"Now I know why in those novels, many 'seniors' like to keep secrets, and even when juniors haven't reached a certain realm, they don't tell them the names of the subsequent realms or their abilities."

"Knowing too much isn't necessarily a good thing."

"It's scary, but it's mainly demoralizing."

"Damn it, I thought my original body's strength was already quite good. With full power and determination, I could even fight with that old guy who temporarily entered the Ninth Stage, and I secretly felt that I could handle the Ninth Stage..."

"Whether I win or not is another matter, but at least I can give it a try."

"But now it seems, I can't do a thing."

"It's better not to face these guys; I'll just get insta-killed."

"Can't provoke, can't provoke~!"

Lin Fan was secretly terrified.

The big fish turned and transformed into a... woman with slightly reddish skin, her entire body shimmering with water, as if she had an abundance of it, her skin so tender it was almost too much.

She landed, first greeting San Dian and Jiase, then turned to Lin Fan with curiosity in her eyes.

"Are you the Tang Divine King, Tang Wu, that the Patriarch mentioned?"

"..."

"This..."

Lin Fan's mind raced, and as he thought about Gatlin Patriarch's style, he suddenly became interested. Clearing his throat, he said with a forceful tone, "I am Tang Sanzang."

Gatlin Patriarch was stunned, "???!"

Tang Sanzang? How did we end up in Journey to the West?

In the vast world of cultivation, a peculiar conversation unfolds as a group of powerful cultivators discuss an audacious plan.

"It's like those young folks playing... Oh, what's it called? Oh yes, Go-Stop?"

Just as curiosity peaked, Lin Fan spoke, "Burying Heaven, Burying Earth, and Burying all living beings."

"!!!," Barrett Patriarch's mouth twitched, stunned.

San Dian and Jiase were equally shocked, their mouths agape.

They were all taken aback.

San Dian, in particular, felt like his eyes had been opened to a whole new world, and he had learned something new!

Why am I called San Dian?

How much cooler would it be to be called San Zang?

If there's an opportunity in the future... I should change my name!

But not now, it would be too embarrassing to change it in front of them.

The beautiful woman with red skin and watery eyes was shocked, "What a grand ambition!"

"I am Duo Yu."

"???"

"What's your name, miss?"

"Duo Yu."

Lin Fan nodded with difficulty, "Good name!"

Duo Yu...

As long as it's not redundant, it's fine.

Regardless, although these powerful cultivators were intimidating, having them confront the enemy head-on while he handled the stealth and pilfering would undoubtedly be much safer.

However, this also allowed Lin Fan to indirectly gauge the true extent of the threat posed by the Minor Western Heaven.

"Rather than saying the Minor Western Heaven is terrifying, it's more accurate to say that all these Buddhist sects are terrifying."

"But then again, there's nothing wrong with that."

"It's almost like facing all the powerful forces in the Western Region. It would be strange if it weren't terrifying."

"What's this called?"

"..."

"Is Barrett Patriarch only fighting at the peak of the tournament?"

Lin Fan was still pondering.

Suddenly, Barrett Patriarch had a flash of inspiration, "Why don't we go on a journey to the Western Heaven?"

"Tang Sanzang, you'll be our master, and we'll crush our way there!"

"After all, for this journey to be legitimate, we must follow the rules, or we'll easily be surrounded and killed."

"But if it's legitimate, they won't be able to save face and go all out to kill us. Our chances of victory will be much higher!" The more he spoke, the more sense it made, and he continued, "Let's say you're compassionate and merciful, and you're the living Buddha, the reincarnation of the Buddha, in this world!"

"Your purpose in reincarnating is to go to the Minor Western Heaven to seek the sutras, and then spread them throughout the world, guiding people, and creating a world where everyone is like the Buddha!"

"But the Minor Western Heaven is stubborn and refuses to hand over the sutras, and you've just reincarnated, so your strength is insufficient."

"So, the Buddha guided us to gather around you, pay homage to you as our master, and go to the Western Heaven to seek the sutras..."

"Even to stop us from going to the Minor Western Heaven, they secretly set up numerous tribulations along the way and attacked us. Out of desperation, we had no choice but to fight our way through."

"After experiencing eighty-one tribulations, we finally arrived at the foot of the Minor Western Heaven..."

San Dian: "(⊙o⊙)???"

What nonsense are you spouting!

This is too outrageous!

Jiase: "Wow! Truly worthy of a Bodhimanda, to come up with such a perfect plan in such a short time. It's truly indescribable!"

"Although there are many loopholes, it's not entirely illogical. Using this as a reason for our actions is more than sufficient."

"Seeking the sutras for the sake of all living beings."

"Eighty-one tribulations..."

"Wow!"

"It's a grand plan!"

Duo Yu: "Er, this?"

"Ahem."

"For a moment, I couldn't distinguish right from wrong. But if this story were more complete, and each tribulation was fascinating, I believe it would become the most colorful, beloved, and widely circulated tale in the Western Region, without a doubt."

After years of cultivation, most of the Western Region's populace had become devout followers of Buddhism.

Their faith was fanatical.

If Buddhism asked them to kill their own parents, wives, and children, they would do so without hesitation.

If such an exciting Buddhist tale were to spread, it would undoubtedly cause a huge stir and captivate countless people.

"But, Bodhimanda, can you do this?"

"Ahem."

Barrett Patriarch coughed, feeling a tinge of embarrassment.

What do you mean, can I do this?

Who hasn't heard of the Journey to the West?

Even if you haven't read it, you've surely heard of it.

However, at this moment, he couldn't explain, so he could only acknowledge it for now. Simultaneously, he showed no sign of weakness, "It's just a fleeting idea, not worth mentioning."

"Moreover, Brother Tang, you should know some secret techniques for creating physical clones, right?"

"Indeed, your true self can travel with us, transforming into the appearance of your enemy, and pretending to be Tang Sanzang."

"The clone can go and retrieve the items."

"Not only can this clear your name, but it can also cause trouble for your enemy. Why not?"

Lin Fan: "(ΩДΩ)???"

No, Bodhimanda, are you serious?

You're sending me to my death!

He couldn't help but laugh bitterly, "As a man born between heaven and earth, how can I be so... Ah, no, I must have my principles. How can I do this?"

"Furthermore, what virtues or abilities do I possess to be the master of Bodhimanda and the three seniors? Even pretending is out of the question. I fear divine retribution."

"In my opinion, it's better for Bodhimanda to be the master."

"Just announce that Bodhimanda had a dream, and with your identity, status, and strength, it will undoubtedly spread this news far and wide."

"Moreover, with four disciples and me, won't there be five of us?"

"There's one more thing," San Dian reminded, "Tang Sanzang, Burying Heaven, Burying Earth, and Burying all living beings—is this the name of the reincarnation of the treasure?

(End of Chapter)

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