The earth shook outside the gate, and Sand Monk caught up.

He returned to his normal size in front of the temple, bowed and saluted the two monks, pointing at the master and said, "I have offended the two holy monks. I don't know if I can hand this person over to me?"

"Why? Do you have any unresolved grievances?"

"If it weren't for him badmouthing me in front of the Jade Emperor, how could I have been demoted to the mortal realm and suffered day and night?" Sand Monk gritted his teeth and said, "I wish I could dig out his heart and eat his liver! Let him taste the bitterness of a broken heart and intestines!"

"Are you kidding me?" the master said, "I could only speak ill of the Jade Emperor in front of you. How could I speak ill of you in front of the Jade Emperor?"

"Are you still trying to argue? I used to be the Great General of the Heavenly Court. If it wasn't for... if it wasn't for..." He seemed to have forgotten everything and stood still for a long time.

The master shook his head and sighed, "This child has been deceived and made a fool."

"You used to be a Great General, but you were demoted to the mortal realm just because you broke the Queen Mother's glass lamp..." the master said.

"You're talking nonsense! Nonsense! Just a small glass lamp, how could I end up like this?!" Sand Monk became angry and the swastika symbol on his forehead emitted a black light. He swung his staff towards the master.

I quickly intervened and joined the fight.

After fighting with Sand Monk for a few rounds, I suddenly heard the master shouting for help.

The villagers had already surrounded the master, and it seemed that a few impatient ones were about to attack.

I shouted anxiously, "Monkey!"

The Monkey ignored me and remained perched on a tree branch, holding his head and murmuring, "Buddha bless, Buddha bless..."

I was helpless and had to quickly withdraw from the battle to save the master. However, unexpectedly, Sand Monk relentlessly pursued me and took the opportunity to strike my back fiercely.

Everything went black before my eyes, and I felt several bones breaking.

"Run!"

I grabbed the master and flew away on clouds and mist. I couldn't defeat Sand Monk now, but I could still outrun him.

We were about to escape from this demonic place.

But we ran into an invisible wall.

"What's going on? Who's there?!"

No one answered me, and the sky suddenly darkened.

Dark clouds rolled, lightning flashed, and thunder roared.

The gods descended.

Unintentionally, we all stopped and looked up at them.

Countless heavenly soldiers and generals stood on the dark rolling clouds, and above them were higher-ranked celestial officials.

Jade Emperor sat on the back of the Dragon King of the Eastern Sea, looking down on us from a high position.

No one spoke, and the howling wind filled the air.

The Monkey jumped down from the tree and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, it's been a long time. I hope you're well."

The Jade Emperor ignored him and just grunted in response.

The Monkey was instantly at a loss, and his smile froze on his face.

"Are you the Jade Emperor?" the master said with a smile, "You really look like a scoundrel."

Jade Emperor's face immediately turned sour. "You, bald donkey, never learn your lesson!"

"Is it me who never learns, or is it you who keeps committing evil deeds?" the master sneered, "Look at the mortal realm. Starvation and desolation are everywhere. Mortals resort to cannibalism, and demons kill their own kind. As the ruler of the Three Realms, all you do is seek pleasure and sit securely on your dragon throne!"

"So what? It's their fate! Life is meant to be suffering. Only by enduring the harshest suffering can one cultivate the great path and enjoy happiness in the afterlife!"

"Hah! You're talking nonsense!" the master spat harshly, "Nonsense about the afterlife, nonsense about the great path. It sounds nice, but it's just a trick you use to control sentient beings. Life is short, only a few decades long, and you expect people to suffer and endure for the promise of something that may or may not exist? What kind of justice is that? What kind of compassion is that? You're nothing more than a tyrant!"

The Jade Emperor's eyes narrowed, and his voice turned cold, "You dare to insult me? Do you know the consequences?"

The master laughed fearlessly, "Consequences? What consequences can you bring upon me? I have transcended life and death. I have seen through the illusions of the world. Your threats mean nothing to me."

The Jade Emperor's face twisted with anger, and he raised his hand to strike the master down with a bolt of lightning.

But before he could release his attack, a voice echoed through the air, "Stop!"

The voice was calm yet powerful, resonating with an ancient authority.

Everyone turned to look, and a figure descended from the sky.

It was the Buddha.

He floated down, his golden robes flowing gently, and a serene smile on his face. His presence filled the air with a sense of peace and tranquility.

The Jade Emperor's anger dissipated, and he bowed respectfully, "Buddha."

The Buddha nodded and turned to the master, "Venerable One, your words are filled with truth and righteousness. The suffering in the mortal realm cannot be ignored, and the actions of the Jade Emperor have caused great harm. However, anger and conflict will not lead to a resolution."

"Then what should we do, Buddha?" the master asked.

The Buddha's smile deepened, "Compassion and understanding are the paths to true enlightenment. We must strive to bring compassion and wisdom to the Three Realms. Let us work together to alleviate suffering and bring harmony to all beings."

The master bowed deeply, "I am willing to follow your teachings, Buddha."

The Jade Emperor also bowed, "I too will reflect on my actions and seek to rectify the wrongs I have caused."

The Buddha nodded, his compassionate gaze encompassing them all, "May all beings find peace and liberation."

And in that moment, a profound change began to take place. The heavens and the earth seemed to shift, and a new era of understanding and compassion dawned.

The Monkey, Sand Monk, and I looked at each other, uncertain of what the future held. But one thing was certain—nothing would be the same again.