Journey to the West: Treasure Vase of the Great Dao

Lu Yu instantly understood Golden Cicada's choice, not only because the Buddha Light was natural at suppressing Demonic Qi, but also because the domineering Fortune and Destiny of the Human Path inherently repelled all other forces and could naturally dispel Demonic Qi.

"Aren't you meant to liberate all beings? Now, you abandon it for this one person. Is it worth it?" Lu Yu asked.

"If I can't save even one person, how can I liberate all beings, how can I face Tathagata?

It's fitting that a poor monk like me discards this useless body to feed the demons, this is the true meaning of Buddha Ancestors feeding his flesh to the eagle." At that moment, there was no more of Golden Cicada's usual irreverence, his demeanor solemn and from him emanated an aura of compassion for the world, truly showing his stature as a Buddhist Disciple.

He stepped forward with deliberate ease, and with each step, a Golden Lotus blossomed under his feet. As Golden Cicada walked, the turbulent Flowing Sand River beneath him stilled, and the sky seemed to resound with bursts of Buddha's chants.

"Golden Cicada, are you leaving me behind too? Sister Xiao Yao left, and now you too?" Little Black Bear cried, clinging to Golden Cicada's legs, not wanting to let him go to his death.

"Connections form and fade each in its own time; do not be sad. For this monk, life is but a journey. I am happy and fulfilled to have met you all on this brief journey," Golden Cicada said softly as he stroked Little Black Bear's head and smiled.

"Take good care of yourselves in the future, do not vie for bravery or strength," Golden Cicada advised one last time. Then, he gently pushed Little Black Bear away, taking firm steps towards the increasingly frenzied Sand Monk.

Soon he stood by the side of the Sand Monk, who was entwined in Demonic Qi, holding his head in his hands and crying helplessly, looking at the monster that General Juan Lian had become and gently reciting the Buddha's name.

Seemingly awakened by this invocation, Sand Monk looked up, his blood-red eyes intently fixed on Golden Cicada, his gaze complex. He finally managed to restrain his madness and said in a hoarse voice, "Buddhist Disciple, you should leave. I can barely control myself."

"There's no harm. I have come here to settle our karma!" Golden Cicada said smilingly with neither sadness nor fear visible in his expression.

With tears steaming down his face, Sand Monk knelt on the river surface, emulating Golden Cicada's palms pressed together and said, "The Buddha is merciful!"

Intense Demonic Qi surged forth from him, Sand Monk completely losing control. Looking at Golden Cicada before him, his eyes, now devoid of respect, displayed only primal desire as he wanted to devour the man before him alive.

Lu Yu turned his head away, unable to witness this bloody scene directly; mixed emotions filled his heart. The irreverent Golden Cicada, the slick talking Golden Cicada, was after all that Buddhist Disciple. Even though he knew this was his inevitable end and was his choice, there was still a feeling of injustice in his heart.

The sound of swallowing emanated from Flowing Sand River. Da Hei had long covered Little Black Bear's eyes, not wanting him to see this cruel scene.

The True Spirit of Golden Cicada emerged from his body, accompanied by immense Human Path Fortune and Destiny, imposing its might across the three realms. Lu Yu felt as if a mountain pressed down on his head, making it hard for him to breathe.

Sand Monk swallowing Golden Cicada's body was also enveloped by this immense Fortune and Destiny, with black Demonic Qi continuously disappearing from his body, yet it seemed endless, constantly emerging.

Golden Cicada's True Spirit slightly frowned; he didn't expect the Demonic Qi inside Sand Monk to be so tenacious. If he continued using Fortune and Destiny from the Human Path, it was likely it would be damaged, potentially jeopardizing the great mission to the West, which would be regrettable.

He sighed lightly and said, "Indeed, it's the handiwork of that Demon King. It seems I must come a few more times."

Having said this, he turned and said, "Lu layman, I beg your leave now."

"Xiao Hei, take good care of yourself," he instructed Little Black Bear again.

After speaking, he lightly pointed, and a pathway to the Underworld appeared in the void, carrying boundless Human Path Fortune and Destiny. Golden Cicada crossed the boundary between life and death.

At the other end of the pathway, the Ten Yama Kings were already in strict formation. Behind them loomed the figure of a goddess, with the Six Paths of Reincarnation emitting a dazzling radiance behind him. Beside them stood a figure in a black ceremonial robe with an indiscernible face. His presence was deep and terrifying, as if he were Death itself.

Golden Cicada stepped forward, and the pathway instantly closed, leaving only Lu Yu and the others standing in place.

Sand Monk had regained his senses, looking at his shattered body, tears streaming down his face.

Suddenly, Golden Cicada's body emitted golden light spots. Under everyone's gaze, the golden light transformed into a torrent that fell into Lu Yu's hands, becoming a small Jade Cicada with faint golden glimmers swirling within it.
Stay tuned to empire

His body transformed into the Jade Cicada, leaving behind a gold-tinted skull head floating on the river, bobbing uncertainly.

Sand Monk held the skull in his hands, bewildered. He turned his head toward Lu Yu, his eyes filled with confusion.

"This is what Golden Cicada left for you. It naturally has its purpose; just keep it safe," Lu Yu said softly.

"I understand, thank you, sir," replied Sand Monk, who though still not fully purged of demonic Qi, had regained his senses due to Golden Cicada's influence. However, as time passed, the seed of demon within him would again corrupt him.

At that moment, Sand Monk cradled the skull, his face calm and serene, no longer bearing the brutish expression he had before; he looked utterly different from when they had first met.

After giving a formal farewell to Lu Yu and the others, Sand Monk leapt into the Flowing Sand River and quickly disappeared without a trace.

"Xiao Hei, Golden Cicada is gone. What are your plans? Why not come with me? You get along well with Big Black Donkey," Lu Yu said gently, touching the tear-stained Little Black Bear.

"No, I've decided I want to become a Greater Demon, and when I meet Golden Cicada's reincarnation, I will steal his treasure. It's his fault for leaving me alone," Little Black Bear said in a babyish tone. Yet, his eyes brimmed with determination, stopping Lu Yu's intended consolation mid-sentence.

Lu Yu suddenly felt that Little Black Bear, still a child in his eyes, had grown up without him noticing. He seemed to see the shadow of a Demon King in his tender form.

However, such growth came at a price. Little Black Bear had lost his good friend Golden Cicada and also Bai Xiaoyao, who had doted on him the most. If he were given a choice, Lu Yu guessed Little Black Bear would not have wished for such growth.

Watching the departing figure of the young Little Black Bear, Lu Yu had an indescribable feeling in his heart, unsure whether it was relief or sorrow.

With a slight sigh, Lu Yu sat cross-legged on the banks of the Flowing Sand River, looking at the rolling river waters, gently summoned the Treasure Vase, and began the Ritual Refinement of his Life-bound Magical Treasure.

The endless waters of the Flowing Sand River were drawn into the vase, which also emitted light, and a mysterious aura began to permeate.