Chapter 202 - 195: Pointing the Sword at Kunlun to Seize the Bell
Wukong had emerged from the Reincarnation Netherworld and was now traveling alone to Water Curtain Cave.
Midway through the journey, a thought struck him. He decided to make a detour to the Western Heavenly Buddha Land to assess the battle situation before making comprehensive plans. He wondered about Xue Rengui’s cultivation level; with his talent, he feared that Xue might have already reached the High Immortal Realm.
With a somersault, he mounted his Somersault Cloud and headed towards the Western Heavenly Buddha Land.
Along the way, he saw that every city he passed had Great Tang’s banners waving. Buddhist temples were demolished, replaced by Taoist Temples, cutting off the Buddhist Sect’s Incense Willpower—truly pulling the rug out from under their feet. In no time, he arrived at White Elephant City. Before the city was a sea of people, shimmering with spears, swords, maces, and halberds. A dazzling display that blinded the eyes.
How valiant was the Tang army? A poem exemplifies their bravery:
"The general fierce as a tiger, battle steeds that soar with clouds.
Iron armor gleaming radiantly, black robes adorned with dragon patterns.
With a heart of valor conquering Tianzhu, loyal spirits wrap the fallen.
Swords that startle Buddha’s heart, sabers that claim the souls of Bodhisattvas."
Xue Rengui was seen leading the troops at the front lines, locked in fierce battle: "Billowing killing intent pierces the Nine Heavens, looming war clouds obscure the earth." A ferocious fight ensued, leaving the Tianzhu army in disarray, helmets and armor cast aside as they fled into White Elephant City, with as many as eight thousand captured. This victory greatly bolstered the Tang army’s momentum, who repeatedly challenged Tianzhu to send more troops for battle. This battle indeed froze the hearts of Tianzhu people, no longer daring to fight, and they hung up a truce sign.
Nezha and Xu Fu were unable to join the fray; slaying these ordinary soldiers would only accumulate karma, yet the high-level experts in the city, those above Taiyi Golden Immortal, cowardly refused to come out. The only one taking delight in battle was Bai Qi. In these ten years alongside the Tang army, they had amassed considerable military achievements. Bai Qi cultivated the path of slaughter, so having killed for ten years, his cultivation level had climbed, stepping into the Great Luo Golden Immortal Realm.