Heaven-Defying Rebel Sage

The Mosquito Protector informed the Tathagata of his purpose and then, alone, left the Mahavira Hall. He employed an escape technique, transforming into a black wind, and headed toward the Asura Blood Sea.

In no time, the Mosquito Protector arrived above the Asura Blood Sea. Having originated from the Blood Sea, he naturally did not fear the bloodthirsty energy within it. Diving in, he reverted to his six-winged black mosquito form. With a flutter of his wings, he pierced through the Blood Sea and entered the territory of the Asura Clan.

"Who goes there?" An Asura disciple spotted the Mosquito Protector and couldn’t help but shout out in challenge.

"I am the Mosquito Protector from the Western Heaven, an old acquaintance of the Nether River Patriarch. I’ve come today for a visit, seeking his help," the Mosquito Protector said with a smile.

"Oh!" The Asura, upon hearing this, dared not speak loudly to the Mosquito Protector anymore, "Please wait a moment, Master; I’ll go and call our elder ancestor."

As soon as Nether River heard that the Mosquito Protector had come to seek him, he carefully calculated and immediately understood his purpose. However, this was an excellent opportunity to gain benefits. Although he himself wished to dispose of that Sun Wukong, since the Buddhist Sect had sought him out, it would be unacceptable not to ask for some benefits in return.

Nether River said, "Please invite the Mosquito Protector to come in for a chat."

The disciple went out to invite the Mosquito Protector, who then strolled grandly into the great hall.

Seated high in the hall, the Nether River Patriarch watched the Mosquito Protector bring his hands together in a salute and sing out a hearty greeting, "Nether River Patriarch, it’s been a long time since we last met. How do you fare these days?"

Nether River nodded and replied, "I’ve been living peacefully, Mosquito Protector. Please, take a seat."

After inviting the Mosquito Protector to sit, the disciples brought forth blood tea brewed from leaves grown in the most shadowy and malevolent part of the Blood Sea. Although the leaves were the same pale green as ordinary tea leaves, once brewed with the water of the Blood Sea, the tea turned red and had a scent of blood. Commoners surely wouldn’t prefer it, but for the Asuras, it was a favorite. Though the Mosquito Protector, having originated from the Blood Sea, had never tasted this tea, he was eager to try it. After all, since his conversion to Amitabha Buddha, he had not indulged in flesh and blood anymore. This was only tea, so perhaps it wouldn’t count as breaking his vows.