"My shoes are torn, my hat is torn, and my robe is torn..."

The leisurely singing didn't really attract attention on the noisy street.

On the contrary, it was the monk who attracted frequent stares from the surrounding crowd.

"It's him!"

Cao Ya saw a ragged monk in a tattered hat, shoes, and clothes, walking down the bustling street, waving a worn-out fan. Passersby frowned and avoided the monk, showing some disdain.

But the monk was completely oblivious, still enjoying himself and singing happily.

"Ji Gong? The Arhat who subdues dragons has also descended to the mortal realm?"

Cao Ya's eyes flickered slightly. This familiar appearance... who else could it be but Ji Gong?

Furthermore, he can verify his guesses by doing a little divination.

Although Ji Gong was powerful and held the rank of Arhat who subdued dragons, he was still not capable enough to discern the deductions of a weak saint.

At the very least, he must be a peak Quasi-Saint!

Clearly, the Arhat who subdues dragons has not reached this level.

Of course, this is quite normal. In Buddhism, there is a saying that there are five hundred Arhats. These people are all Great Arhats, and among them, there are eighteen Arhats who are guaranteed to be at least high-level or peak Great Arhats, each of them being extremely powerful.

Subduing the Dragon and Taming the Tiger are the leaders of the Eighteen Arhats. In other words, they are the two strongest Arhats in Buddhism!

It is not surprising that they have reached the level of quasi-saints.

After all, in Buddhism, although the Buddha is the strongest, then comes the Bodhisattva and Arhat.

But powerful Arhats surpass Bodhisattvas, and powerful Bodhisattvas surpass Buddhas... This is actually quite common.

A typical example is the four great bodhisattvas of Mount Ling: Ksitigarbha, Avalokiteshvara, Manjushri, Samantabhadra, and Lingji. They are so great that many Buddhas cannot compare to them and can only look up to them.

Therefore, the Arhats who subdue dragons and tigers are also powerful beings that many Bodhisattvas cannot match.

However, although the Arhat who subdues dragons has reached the level of a quasi-saint, he is probably only at the third level of heaven.

They are still far from being high-level Quasi-Saints above the seventh level, or peak Quasi-Saints of the ninth level!

But that doesn't mean it's weak!

A quasi-saint is someone who, even in a sage's academy, is qualified to graduate and can be called a "great power" or "a person of great supernatural abilities."

There aren't many Quasi-Saints at the Third Heaven level in the entire Lingshan Great Thunder Temple.

"Why did Jianglong reincarnate as Ji Dian?" Cao Ya was also curious.

With the highest rank of Arhat, why did he descend to the mortal realm for no reason when he was doing well at the Great Thunderclap Temple?

Even if one wants to promote Mahayana Buddhism or subdue demons, there's no need to be reincarnated.

"Red-haired Spirit Official Shao Huafeng? Is he related to the Demon King Mara?"

Cao Ya manipulated the principles of cause and effect and destiny, and divined a great deal of information. Instantly, a murderous intent arose in his heart.

Ji Gong's visit must be to hunt down the Red-Haired Spirit Official, Shao Huafeng!

This man's men are stained with blood; they have slaughtered hundreds of households and thousands of people in the Southern Continent!

All for the purpose of refining the secret technique he obtained from the demon king Mara!

"In the original book of 'The Complete Biography of Ji Gong,' there is also a red-haired spirit official who belongs to the Ciyun Temple lineage. He also opposes Ji Gong and creates calamities."

"In that Ciyun Temple, there are many evil spirits who are cruel. In order to cultivate their magic, they kill living beings without cause, extract blood, refine bones, extract souls, and steal the placenta of unborn babies... These are all very common!"

"I never imagined that such a sect still exists in the [Primordial] Universe!"

Cao Ya knew that the demonic path was widespread, and how many people wouldn't be tempted by the magic of the Demon Ancestor Rahu?

Even if most people can only obtain what is not the Demon Ancestor's secret teachings, the opportunity itself is worth the price they pay.

But for many cultivators, the demonic path, the esoteric path, and the Buddhist path are just different paths. What they think and seek is to become a saint and be indestructible for all eternity!

If given the opportunity to break through to a higher realm with the help of external forces, such as luck, treasures, or the origin of the world, without damaging their foundation, they would not refuse.

However, some demonic cultivators still disdain the act of sacrificing all spirits with blood, believing that it would tarnish their own foundation and hinder their path to sainthood.

However, with the demonic path spreading so widely and the number of practitioners being countless, there are naturally some unscrupulous individuals.

This is also the target of attacks from various forces, including the Humanitarian Dynasty!

Of course, that's how it appears on the surface, but what's actually going on behind the scenes is anyone's guess.

This red-haired spirit official, Shao Huafeng, was originally a high-ranking Great Luo Immortal who roamed freely in the Southern Continent. However, he was also cautious and avoided many calamities, growing stronger with each passing day.

Even after Ji Gong was reincarnated, though he lived a life of "wine and meat passing through his intestines, but Buddha remaining in his heart," he never slacked off in his work of subduing demons and monsters.

The Ciyun Temple lineage was dealt with by Ji Gong. Those who committed heinous crimes were killed outright, while a few who had not yet committed serious crimes were spared and allowed to repent and reform.

Of all the people in Ciyun Temple, only the Red-Haired Spirit Official escaped Ji Gong's judgment and fled to Dongsheng Shenzhou!

Even with Ji Gong's abilities, he couldn't figure out the truth, which greatly surprised him. In addition, he was determined to eradicate evil completely, so he followed the trail all the way to Dongsheng Shenzhou.

However, the whereabouts of the Red-Haired Spirit Official are shrouded in boundless demonic energy, making it difficult even for Ji Gong to ascertain.

I could only vaguely sense that the red-haired spirit official had infiltrated the capital city of the Great Shen Kingdom.

Thus, Ji Gong also arrived at this bustling capital city.

"The red-haired spirit official was favored by the Demon King Mara, who bestowed upon him demonic secret techniques, helping him advance to the quasi-saint level..."

"It seems that the transformation of the Dragon Subduing and Tiger Taming rituals is about to be disrupted, causing a great loss to the fortune of the Arhats in Buddhism."

“Even Bodhisattvas and Buddhas, Mara, the demon king, must be plotting in secret.”

Cao Ya couldn't calculate anything too specific, as it would be easily detected by Mara.

But the results of the divination so far are sufficient.

"The Ciyun Temple has been completely destroyed by Ji Gong's exorcism, and can no longer harm any living beings."

"The remaining red-haired spirit officials... and the Demon King Mara..."

A flash of malice appeared in Cao Ya's eyes.

These two men committed countless crimes and deserve to die!

However, Mara, the Demon King, is a powerful figure in the demonic path, a direct descendant of the Demon Ancestor Rahu, and a top-tier weak saint himself. Killing him will not be easy; careful planning is required. —With the powerful divine abilities directly passed down from the Demon Ancestor, Mara broke through to the weak saint realm. To be honest, his strength is indeed formidable!

Therefore, due to Mara's intervention, it was difficult for others to find the whereabouts of the Red-Haired Spirit Official.

After all, in terms of rank alone, Mara and Cao Ya are both weak saints, and are at the same level.

In terms of overall combat strength, Cao Ya is superior to the Demon King Bo Xun.

But that involved calculating numerous extraordinary systems.

In terms of cultivation level in the Primordial Universe alone, no matter how solid Cao Ya's foundation is, he is still only at the initial stage of breaking through to the next realm, which puts him on the same level as the Demon King Bo Xun.

Other extraordinary powers are fine for combat, but if it's used to calculate the fate of this world... without a doubt, it won't get a response from the primordial Heavenly Dao, and it's practically useless in that regard.

The reason why Cao Ya was able to figure out the situation of Ji Gong, the Red-Haired Spirit Official, and others with just a few calculations was thanks to the "Cosmic Alchemy Classic".

This scripture, created by Cao Ya, involves far more than just one or two rules and principles.

By applying the principles of time, fate, and cause and effect, one can still achieve a certain level of expertise.

Based on his weak Primordial Chaos status, he can deduce anything below the peak Quasi-Saint level.

Unless, a powerful figure of the same level, or a giant of the Hunyuan Realm, intervenes to help them conceal the secrets of heaven.

Just like Cao Ya's actions, it was as if Sun Wukong was helping him.

"Huh, is the Red-Haired Spirit Official's target the Grand View Garden?"

Cao Ya couldn't pinpoint the exact location of the Crimson-Haired Spirit Official, only knowing that he was in the capital city. However, Cao Ya's circulation of the causal principles within the "Cosmic Alchemy Scripture" stirred something within him regarding the Spirit Official's purpose.

"Was this the work of the Red-Haired Spirit Official alone, or... was it Mara plotting something in secret?"

Because the overwhelming demonic energy had obscured the causal threads of the Crimson-Haired Spirit Official, even Cao Ya could not accurately ascertain this.

"It doesn't matter anymore. Anyway, once we kill the Crimson-Haired Spirit Official and then take down Mara, there won't be any problems! We'll also avenge the innocent people who died tragically!"

Cao Ya did not go to see Ji Gong; his whereabouts could not be revealed for the time being.

Even though Ji Gong was a Quasi-Saint of the Third Heaven, he did not sense his concealment.

Cao Ya did not rush to sneak into the Grand View Garden.

With his power, he could take in not only a garden, but the entire capital city.

Although Cao Ya's existence went unnoticed by anyone, he secretly traveled around and occasionally guided fate, punishing corrupt officials, villains, and bad people.

Later on, Cao Ya could only sigh with regret.

A capital city may appear magnificent and prosperous, but behind it lies a great deal of filth.

There are some things that even the well-informed Cao Ya finds unacceptable!

Cao Ya showed no mercy and used ruthless methods against the masterminds and accomplices who caused those disasters.

He didn't need to lift a finger; by understanding the secrets of heaven and the flow of fate, he naturally caused the other to fall and die a gruesome death.

This is what makes practitioners of the Way of Destiny and the Way of Cause and Effect unique.

Silently and stealthily, they can kill their target.

As long as you don't try to show off in front of others, no one will be able to detect anything amiss!

Many victims, having achieved their revenge and received compensation, have had their entire lives transformed, going from bleak to bright and clear!

Cao Ya then left without a trace, concealing his merits and fame.

******

Meanwhile, on Ji Gong's side, he stayed in the capital city for a long time but still couldn't find the Red-Haired Spirit Official.

However, he severely punished other evildoers and corrupt officials.

During this process, Ji Gong did not feel anything unusual, but how intelligent was this monk who played in the mortal world?

Something unusual was discovered from some subtle clues.

"It seems someone has been secretly helping us?"

Who could it be?

Ji Gong pondered silently, but still had no clue.

After all, there are far too many powerful beings in the primordial world!

“Holy Monk, as you said, I have already reported to the authorities. The evidence is conclusive, and those villains will surely face execution in the autumn!”

A simply dressed man, with utmost respect, reported to Ji Gong.

"The evidence is conclusive, but to convict them all..." Ji Gong smiled faintly.

"Perhaps I should also inform the Second Master?" the man said again.

"No need, this humble monk has his own way of taking them all down." Ji Gong waved his fan, already having made up his mind.

Even if officials protect each other, or have powerful backgrounds or protective umbrellas, they are all insignificant in front of Ji Gong.

"Moreover, the person lurking in the shadows... is definitely more powerful than me!"

"I was completely unaware of it because of a series of coincidences that suddenly jolted me awake. Reflecting on the past, I made some deductions, but still felt no emotional impact..."

"This person's cultivation level is at least at the peak of Quasi-Saint level!"

"Even if it's a weak saint, it wouldn't be surprising."

Ji Gong thought to himself, unaware that the person was none other than the famous Ji Du Star Lord, renowned throughout the Three Realms.

However, Ji Gong could also understand from his own deduction that the person's position should be on the side of the working class, just like him, and they could be said to be like-minded.

"Second Master Yun... the Holy Monk is also here."

Suddenly, a middle-aged man with a full beard and an air of chivalry found Jia Yun and saw Ji Gong, and quickly bowed.

Ji Gong didn't care about these things, but he couldn't be disrespectful.

"Second Brother Ni, what's wrong?"

The man who spoke with Ji Gong earlier was Jia Yun, a member of a collateral branch of the Rongguo Mansion. He lived a miserable life, lacking resources for his spiritual practice. His father died early, and he was raised entirely by his mother.

Within the Ning and Rong mansions, Jia Yun was utterly inconspicuous.

Despite possessing considerable talent, excellent comprehension, and an exceptional Dao heart, he lacked sufficient resources and thus could not rise to prominence or achieve great success until he reached the Great Luo realm.

Ni Er, nicknamed "Drunken Vajra," was Jia Yun's neighbor. He was known for his chivalry and righteousness. Although he was not favored by the two masters of the mansion, he was quite famous in the city.

After passing Ji Gong's test, both of them passed and received Ji Gong's praise.

Even though he didn't take on any disciples, Ji Gong still provided guidance and could be considered his teacher.

"Second Master Yun, the master of the manor seems to be looking for you. The situation doesn't look good," Ni Er warned.

"What?" Jia Yun was surprised. What qualifications did he, a nobody in the Jia family, have to be summoned by the proper masters of the two mansions?

Ni Er glanced at Ji Gong, and decided to speak the truth, saying:

"It seems someone has filed a complaint, saying that you've been associating with us and tarnishing the Jia family's reputation, so..."

Ji Gong chuckled.

Jia Yun sneered and said, "Ruined reputation? Ha, the Holy Monk and Brother Ni are far more chivalrous than all sorts of people inside and outside the two mansions!"

The Jia family has a history spanning tens of thousands of years. It once enjoyed unparalleled glory, but now it has declined. Yet, it still surpasses many other wealthy and noble families.

They were still considered a wealthy and influential family.

How could such a large family be free of internal corruption?

Just what Jia Yun heard was a whole lot that made people blush, even feel ashamed!

And there is much more he doesn't know!

After all, Jia Yun did not hold any position within the two mansions, so many secrets remained unknown to him.

However, the master of the house is also an elder, so Jia Yun couldn't very well not go.

"Go ahead, go ahead," Ji Gong waved his hand casually.

"Holy Monk, please come to the restaurant for a chat." Ni Er invited Ji Gong to the restaurant for meat and wine.

Ji Gong did not shy away from these things.

When Jia Yun arrived at the mansion, a servant led him directly to the study, where he met Jia Zheng.

Jia She from the Rongguo Mansion's eldest branch and Jia Zhen from the Ningguo Mansion were also present.

Upon seeing Jia Yun, the expressions of all three of them darkened.

"Kneel down!" Jia She roared, his entire being exuding an aura of lewdness.

Although this man was the eldest son of Grandmother Jia of the Rongguo Mansion, he indulged in all sorts of vices, including drinking, gambling, and whoring, and had no real abilities, thus failing to win Grandmother Jia's favor.

Although he inherited the title of Rongguo Mansion, he was driven out and lived only in the East Courtyard. The main courtyard of Rongguo Mansion was occupied by Jia Zheng and his wife from the second branch.

Unless absolutely necessary, Jia She was unwilling to come to the Rongguo Mansion. After all, seeing that the courtyard that should have belonged to him had been taken over by his second brother's family was both annoying and resentful.

This time, however, he not only returned to the main courtyard of the Rong Mansion, but also went to his second brother Jia Zheng's study...

This clearly shows that Jia She's anger towards Jia Yun has surpassed his resentment towards his second brother's family!