Chapter 146: Watch Me Strip It of Its Power

"Quick, quick! Go fetch the Great Sage!"

The aggressive arrival of Qingcheng sent the beasts below into a panic. They scrambled back to the immortal mountain, desperate to bring out the Monkey to restore order.

Before long, a pig flew out from the mountain, strutting with an air of supreme arrogance, acting as if he were the most important being in the world.

"Be careful, Great Immortal! This beast is the sworn brother of the Monkey, and his strength is formidable!"

Seeing the Pig, those trapped within the painting shouted a warning. Qingcheng cast a disdainful glance at the Pig, completely unimpressed.

The Pig hovered in the sky, locking eyes with Qingcheng. With a look of utter contempt, he roared, "Where did this wild brat come from, daring to cause trouble here? Do you not know this is my Brother Monkey’s territory?"

"Ha! A mere wild pig, daring to act so brazenly before me! I came specifically to capture that monkey. If you know what’s good for you, call him out immediately..." Qingcheng sneered.

The Pig’s heart sank. He was naturally timid; had it not been for the Monkey being busy, he would never have stepped up to hold the line.

*Damn it, who is this kid, and why is he so full of himself?* The Pig wondered, his confidence wavering as he glanced at the surrounding beasts.

A five-colored divine bird whispered to him, "Elder Pig, this man claims to be the True Lord Erlang. The title sounds imposing, but I know not what tricks he has up his sleeve..."

"True Lord Erlang? My goodness, that is a thunderous name. He doesn't look like an easy mark..." The Pig began to retreat, looking for an escape route. *It’s over! Brother Monkey is in seclusion and can’t be disturbed. If this kid pushes, won't I be the first one slaughtered? No, no! I must pin my hopes on our allies!*

The Pig cleared his throat and shouted to Qingcheng, "Brat, don't get cocky! Your cultivation isn't even worth my Brother Monkey’s effort. Just you wait..." He turned to the other great beasts and ordered, "Go, fetch the elders of the Peacock Clan! Let them deal with this punk!"

"Hmm? Calling for backup?" Qingcheng sensed something was wrong. While he loved to show off, he had no desire to bite off more than he could chew. He turned to look at the void behind him and said coldly, "What are you all waiting for?"

"There are more of them?" Everyone turned, only to see a brilliant crimson light bloom in the celestial abyss behind them. A colossal bird of heaven spread its wings and soared toward them.

"Hiss... It’s the Heaven-Swallowing Sparrow! The Elder's mount! Could it be that the Elder himself has descended?"

The crowd erupted in excitement. Who among them didn't know the Heaven-Swallowing Sparrow was Ye Qiu’s mount? It was common knowledge; where the sparrow flew, Ye Qiu followed. Yet, this time... no one was sure if Ye Qiu was present.

The Heaven-Swallowing Sparrow descended, its flames scorching the sky red. The full might of the Celestial Realm erupted, causing the very heavens and earth to boil. Everyone watched the figure atop the sparrow with bated breath, but the familiar white-robed silhouette did not appear. Instead, there were only a few women and a man in black.

Someone recognized him and cried out in shock, "Isn't that the waiter from the Elder's tavern? Why is he here..."

Disappointment washed over the crowd. A mere waiter—what power could he possibly possess? He wasn't qualified for this!

However, Daoist Ciyun suddenly gasped, his voice trembling with disbelief, "A terrestrial immortal! Heavens, he is a powerhouse of the Terrestrial Immortal Realm!"

"What?"

"A waiter is a Terrestrial Immortal? My god, what kind of divine tavern is this..."

The entire field was in an uproar. The revelation of Cao He’s identity left everyone stunned. How could a mere waiter possess such terrifying strength? It was preposterous! Everyone present was a prodigy, a born supreme being who looked down upon the masses. Yet, they were outclassed by a mediocre-looking waiter. It was a crushing blow to their pride.

"Good heavens, do you need to be a Terrestrial Immortal just to be a waiter these days? If you aren't that strong, you don't even make the cut!"

"I have a feeling that being a waiter has just become the most popular profession..."

Ignoring the murmurs, Cao He rode the Heaven-Swallowing Sparrow, keeping his distance from the immortal mountain. He was terrified that the Pig might recognize him. He had raised both the Pig and the Monkey; they would recognize him even if he were turned to ash. If he were exposed, would that not reveal Ye Qiu? That was impossible. Ye Qiu was surely monitoring the battlefield, and if Cao He performed poorly, he would be stripped of his skin upon returning.

"Elder, why aren't we moving closer?" Huazhu asked, noticing Cao He’s hesitation.

Cao He feigned calm, "Uh... no rush! For such a trivial matter, there is no need for me to act. Little Qingcheng is enough, or at worst, Little Red can help him..." He dared not admit his fear of being recognized!

"But our people are still trapped inside. Shouldn't we do something?" Huazhu pressed. Cao He broke into a cold sweat, silently cursing, *I know! But what can I do? That pig is right there! If I go over, I'm done for... sigh, showing off is harder than it looks.*

Despite his internal panic, Cao He said, "True, true! Very well, let me put an end to this spell..."

Upon arriving, Cao He realized the painting was a work of Ye Qiu. If it had been anything else, he would have been lost, but Ye Qiu’s work? That was easy.

*Hehe... looks like I can show off in style!* Cao He grew excited. If he broke the seal, these people would be eternally grateful, and his image would instantly become grand and legendary. He would be worshipped by ten thousand, full of prestige. It was perfect—a flawless plan to show off.

Cao He adopted a poised, indifferent expression and waved his hand. The painting below suddenly trembled.

"Look! The seal is loosening!"

"What is he doing?"

"My heavens, a seal that tens of thousands of us couldn't budge, he breaks with a mere wave of his hand?"

The crowd was stunned, mesmerized by Cao He’s brilliant display. With a second gesture, Cao He chanted the mantra Ye Qiu had taught him:

"White Jade Capital in the heavens, twelve towers and five cities. The Immortal touches my crown, knotting my hair to receive eternal life! Dispel!"

As the chant finished, the painting responded, transforming into a beam of light that flew rapidly toward Cao He.

The sudden change shocked the beasts below. "Elder Pig, look! The Great Sage’s painting has been taken!"

"What?" The Pig was frantic. Those trapped inside hated them to the bone; if they were released, the beasts were doomed! "It’s over, a real expert has arrived! And that figure... he looks so familiar..."

From this distance, the Pig couldn't see clearly, but the silhouette felt hauntingly familiar. Had the situation not been so dire, he would have rushed forward to see who on earth could break the Monkey’s seal.