"Your Majesty, Queen Mother, the Demon-Slaying Divine General requests an audience."

  At this moment, a celestial servant approached the Jade Emperor and spoke respectfully.

  "Oh? Xu Fang has returned so quickly?"

  The Jade Emperor nodded, then turned to the Queen Mother. "Qing Nü, wait here for me. I will return to accompany you in the gardens after I finish handling this matter."

  With that, the Jade Emperor released the Queen Mother's hand and walked toward the front of the Jade Pool.

  Xu Fang stood quietly in front of the Jade Pool, gazing at the celestial scenery. He took a deep breath, calming his emotions.

  To protect Sun Wukong's monkeys, he needed to convince the Jade Emperor that he had fully submitted to him and was willing to serve under him. Only then would the Jade Emperor grant him this favor.

  Xu Fang had much to do, and he had to proceed step by step, ensuring that not a single detail was overlooked. One wrong move, and the entire plan could collapse.

  After waiting for a while, the Jade Emperor arrived at the Jade Pool, surrounded by celestial servants and female immortals. Seeing Xu Fang's calm expression, the Jade Emperor asked indifferently, "Xu Fang, how did it go?"

  The Buddha had already assured him that Laozi wouldn't kill Sun Wukong, so this question was merely to reassure Xu Fang.

  To win over this prodigious talent, the Jade Emperor didn't mind employing a gentle approach.

  Seeing the Jade Emperor's act, Xu Fang smiled inwardly. When it came to acting, the Jade Emperor was undoubtedly unmatched in the Heavenly Court.

  Since the boss wanted to put on a show, Xu Fang naturally had to play along.

  "Your Majesty, the matter has been settled. Please rest assured."

  Xu Fang clasped his hands and bowed respectfully. The Jade Emperor nodded. "Very good."

  As expected, the Buddha was right. Laozi wouldn't kill Sun Wukong!

  But this also suggested that there might be significant connections between the Buddhist and Daoist sects!

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  A sense of caution rose in the Jade Emperor's heart.

  The Buddha had said that Laozi wouldn't kill Sun Wukong because of one person. Now, it seemed that person was none other than Master Bodhi!

  Sun Wukong was, after all, a key piece in the Buddhist sect's plan to spread Buddhism eastward.

  From the beginning of the plan, Master Bodhi had played a minor role, but his position was indispensable!

  Because the Jade Emperor knew some things, he had a certain understanding of Master Bodhi, which only heightened his vigilance.

  The Buddhist and Daoist sects might not be as hostile as he had thought!

  This realization filled him with a sense of crisis.

  "Your Majesty, I have one more request. I beg Your Majesty to grant it."

  As the Jade Emperor was lost in thought, Xu Fang spoke up.

  The Jade Emperor snapped out of his reverie and asked curiously, "What is it? I will grant your request!"

  Since Xu Fang had ascended to become a god, he had never actively sought anything from the Jade Emperor. This made the Emperor curious about what could prompt Xu Fang to make such a request.

  If the matter didn't interfere with the grand plan, he could grant it. After all, to win someone's loyalty, one had to show some sincerity.

  Hearing this, Xu Fang immediately said, "To be honest with Your Majesty, I wish to ask for the release of Sun Wukong's monkeys. All the blame lies with Sun Wukong alone. Now that the mischievous monkey has been subdued and will follow the plan to spread Buddhism eastward, these monkeys are innocent. As Sun Wukong's sworn brother, I wish to do one last thing for him out of sentiment."

  Xu Fang's voice grew somber and choked with emotion, his appearance pitiful and desolate, as if he had lost his soul.

  Even the Jade Emperor felt a pang of sympathy.

  "Your words are truly moving. You are a man of deep feeling. This request, I grant!"

  The Jade Emperor's acting skills, worthy of an Oscar, made him appear magnanimous.

  "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your great kindness. I am overwhelmed with gratitude and moved to tears!"

  Xu Fang spoke with heartfelt gratitude, his expression one of deep emotion. The celestial maidens and servants around them were stunned, their admiration for Xu Fang skyrocketing.

  Who would have thought that the brave and mighty Divine General Xu had such a soft and emotional heart?

  Xu Fang, who had already captured their hearts, now seemed even more noble in their eyes.

  "Such a small matter is insignificant. I only hope that Divine General Xu will continue to serve the Heavenly Court diligently, unburdened by worldly concerns. Serve the heavens well, and I will ensure you are rewarded with high positions and great wealth!"

  The Jade Emperor clasped his hands behind his back, his words carrying a deeper meaning.

  Both were intelligent men, and the Jade Emperor's words were essentially laying his cards on the table.

  Naturally, Xu Fang understood. The Jade Emperor's meaning was clear: as long as Xu Fang remained loyal to the Heavenly Court, such small requests could be easily granted. But the prerequisite was that Xu Fang truly became his trusted confidant.

  In the Heavenly Court, surrounded by threats on all sides, the Jade Emperor, who could almost be described as a "bare-bones commander," urgently needed loyal followers to strengthen his ranks.

  Only then could he break free from the current predicament, defeat his enemies, and gain control over the Three Realms.

  And Xu Fang was undoubtedly a promising confidant. With proper nurturing, he might one day fight for the Jade Emperor's cause!