Everlasting Immortal Firmament

Book 5: Chapter 36: Jie Dong’s Taunt

Gu Hai wanted Ensnaring Performance to sing for Bodhisattva Jie Dong.

The monks could not understand why. Gu Hai is not helping this time? Only letting Ensnaring Performance sing? He can only bring out that “Sonata Pathétique,” right? Is Gu Hai taking the initiative to admit defeat?

While the monks did not understand, there were some who knew what was going on.

The expressions of Mu Chenfeng and Ao Shun changed, as they suddenly recalled how incredible Ensnaring Performance’s singing was. Back then, Mu Chenfeng even bled from his seven facial orifices when he listened.

If Ensnaring Performance had not used “Sonata Pathétique” to deal with the Demon Purifying Scripture and just directly sang, he would have defeated the arhats long ago. Of course, that was assuming he did not get beaten to death first.

It was not just Mu Chenfeng and Ao Shun; the expressions of Long Shenwu, Sima Changkong, and the generals on the flying ship all stiffened.

These people had heard Ensnaring Performance sing before. That singing was like a demonic tune, still echoing in their minds. Let this evil thing sing? Sima Changkong and the others could not help shivering inwardly.

“Huh? Third Uncle, why are you making such a face? If that Ensnaring Performance sings, won’t he lose for sure?” Long Aotian asked with a frown.

Long Shenwu, Sima Changkong, and the generals turned their heads and gave Long Aotian a strange look.

“Is there a problem?” Long Aotian felt slightly startled.

They all shook their heads, then turned back, continuing to show a strange expression as they looked to the center of the plaza.

“Gu Hai, let’s begin!” Bodhisattva Jie Dong walked to the center of the plaza while a spokesman spoke for him.

“Sing songs to him?” Ensnaring Performance was slightly startled.

“That’s right. The Qian Heavenly Emperor decreed a music Dao duel. That means that no one is to use martial force. You don’t have to worry about any danger to your life.” Gu Hai nodded.

“Humph! Gu Hai, are you trying to slander us? A music Dao duel is a music Dao duel. No one will interfere!” the nearby Bodhisattva Zi Zhu snorted coldly as she coughed blood.

Gu Hai glanced at her coldly, then ignored her. I did not say anything about your sneak-attacking Ensnaring Performance. I’m just worried that nonparticipants might beat Ensnaring Performance up.

“Mister Gu, get Ensnaring Performance to set up a sound barrier,” Long Shenwu said as he looked at Ensnaring Performance.

“That will work.” Gu Hai nodded.

“Master, aren’t you letting him hear my nice songs too cheaply like this?” Ensnaring Performance looked at Bodhisattva Jie Dong with an unwilling expression.

“What do you want to do, then?” Gu Hai demanded while glaring.

“Alright, alright. Never mind, that is letting him off too lightly. Oh! That’s right. I’ll bring Zhengfa Ming. He likes my song,” Ensnaring Performance immediately said.

Gu Hai looked at the beggar curled up on the ground. Then, he nodded in silence.

Ensnaring Performance brought the beggar to the center of the plaza. Everyone in the surroundings goggled.

Now, the citizens were siding with Gu Hai. They watched coldly as Bodhisattva Jie Dong acted shamelessly.

“Gu Hai, are you really not going to pass on a new piece to Bodhisattva Jie Dong?” Someone behind Bodhisattva Jie Dong spoke on his behalf.

“Ensnaring Performance alone is sufficient to deal with you,” Gu Hai sneered.

“That’s fine. Since that is the case, let’s begin!” Bodhisattva Jie Dong’s spokesman said.

After speaking, Bodhisattva Jie Dong held his palms together and sat cross-legged, releasing golden light from his body. Many small Buddha figures manifested around him, chanting some sort of Buddhist scripture.

“The Unmoving Vow of Silence Meditation has started. Ensnaring Performance, be careful,” Ao Shun called out.

“It’s fine. I’m going to start singing,” Ensnaring Performance said.

“Sound barrier!” Mu Chenfeng immediately reminded him.

“Oh! I nearly forgot!” Ensnaring Performance waved.

Buzz!

A sound barrier encased Ensnaring Performance, the beggar, and Bodhisattva Jie Dong.

The monks showed sullen expressions. “Humph! It is just the singing of a heaven-grade zither. Is it really that precious, not even willing to let us hear it?”

The seated Bodhisattva Jie Dong showed a cold smile. No matter how incredible your music Dao is, I will remain unmoving like a mountain. No one can affect me. Humph!

Bodhisattva Jie Dong circulated the Unmoving Vow of Silence Meditation. Buddhist chanting surrounded him, protecting him and preventing anything from coming in.

“Ensnaring Performance is starting!” Mu Chenfeng yelled while goggling.

In the sound barrier, Ensnaring Performance opened his mouth and started singing that Little Radish song.

When Ensnaring Performance sang, it was just an ordinary song. No illusions appeared from the music Dao’s artistic conception. There was no warrior, no Bodhisattva Guanyin, no seven-colored lotus flower—just an ordinary song.

“That is it? Hahaha! This Ensnaring Performance is just so-so. We will win for sure!” Bodhisattva Zi Zhu said excitedly.

However, the moment the song rang out, the seated Bodhisattva Jie Dong’s face suddenly stiffened. His eyes moved in different directions—one up and one down—and the corner of his lips twitched.

This…what is this singing?

Bodhisattva Jie Dong immediately arched his back, looking like he faced a powerful enemy. A cold sweat broke out on his forehead, and he pushed his Unmoving Vow of Silence Meditation to the limit.

Ensnaring Performance slowly became engrossed in his singing. When the distressed Zhengfa Ming heard the singing, he stopped feeling the pain. It seemed like this singing eased his pain.

Zhengfa Ming slowly woke up and got to his feet, looking at Ensnaring Performance.

When Ensnaring Performance saw Zhengfa Ming wake up, his eyes lit up, and he put in more effort into singing.

Zhengfa Ming started clapping happily, apparently enjoying Ensnaring Performance’s singing a lot. He seemed intoxicated by the singing, continuously clapping in delight like the crazy fans of superstars back on Earth, Gu Hai’s original world.

“This Zhengfa Ming has unique tastes. Look at him…” Mu Chenfeng felt stunned.

It was not just Mu Chenfeng; Long Shenwu also felt stunned, as did Sima Changkong and the generals on the flying ship.

“Just how heavy is his taste?” Gu Hai felt stunned as well.

“No wonder. No wonder Ensnaring Performance risked himself to protect Zhengfa Ming. Look at him; he is so engrossed in Ensnaring Performance’s singing,” Ao Shun said in shock.

Zhengfa Ming clapped happily, feeling very excited. When the people saw this, they nodded.

“Indeed. Even though there are no manifestations from the music Dao, Ensnaring Performance’s singing should be incredible.”

“That beggar is clapping so excitedly. It must be delightful!”

“Too bad Prince Shenwu refuses to let us hear it. I want to hear it too. How unfortunate!”

“Indeed. What a pity!”

“What pleasant music! Bodhisattva Jie Dong got off easy!”

“Indeed. He lucked out!”

The citizens murmured among themselves, feeling very disappointed.

The singing is good? Then, all the more it won’t affect Bodhisattva Jie Dong. The monks appeared confident. Ensnaring Performance is finished.

The beggar clapped endlessly, encouraging Ensnaring Performance to immerse himself even more in his singing and to sing louder.

All the monks revealed happy smiles. However, no one could understand Bodhisattva Jie Dong’s current feelings.

What is this? What is this song? It’s killing my ears!

An evil demon! An evil demon! This must be a test from the Lord Buddha!

I have the Unmoving Vow of Silence Meditation. I am unmoving. I am unmoving. I can resist this!

It cannot affect me! It cannot affect me!

Bodhisattva Jie Dong continuously tried to convince himself, hypnotizing himself. However, that singing drilled relentlessly into his ears. He shivered inwardly, disgusted by the singing; his mind crumbled. He now felt utterly stupefied. This is the music Dao?

When Bodhisattva Jie Dong saw the beggar clapping and dancing, looking like a crazy fan watching his idol, it gave him an intense headache.

From the moment the singing started, Bodhisattva Jie Dong felt off.

Right now, all he wanted to do was gag Ensnaring Performance and silence that mouth that inspired despair.

However, Bodhisattva Jie Dong could not do that. Everyone was watching this duel. Even the Future Buddha and the Qian Heavenly Emperor were watching. Could he resort to force? Not to mention using force on Ensnaring Performance, if he so much as looked like he would, the Qian Heavenly Emperor could instantly destroy him.

This is too harsh on the ears! It was so harsh that Bodhisattva Jie Dong felt like committing suicide.

Buzz!

Bodhisattva Jie Dong sealed off his hearing, but it was useless. That singing seemed to reach the depths of his soul. It was one thing if it did not sound nice, but the singing was not even in key. Furthermore, Ensnaring Performance’s voice cracked while singing. Are you really a heaven-grade zither? Demons sent you here to torture me, right?

I can’t block it? I can’t block his voice?

How can it be like this?

Bodhisattva Jie Dong looked at Ensnaring Performance with a stupefied expression. Now, he realized how terrifying the person before him was. It was truly something to be able to sing so horribly.

Stop singing!

As Bodhisattva Jie Dong looked at Ensnaring Performance, he felt like crying.

“Quick, look! Look at Bodhisattva Jie Dong’s expression! He is taunting Ensnaring Performance!” a monk said excitedly.

The sound barrier prevented sound from leaking out. However, the outside sounds could come in.

Taunt, my ass! I’m about to go crazy from this! Which fool read my expression as a taunt?

If not for the beggar, everyone would think, from Bodhisattva Jie Dong’s constipated expression, that he was in pain. However, given the beggar’s dancing and clapping, he should not be in pain. Hence, they could only take it as Bodhisattva Jie Dong taunting Ensnaring Performance.

Only Gu Hai, Mu Chenfeng, Ao Shun, Long Shenwu, and others aboard the flying ships understood what was happening.

“This Bodhisattva Jie Dong possesses a strong will,” a general behind Long Shenwu sighed.

“Strong will, my ass! He is making faces in such a situation. He is clearly nothing good.” Long Aotian scowled disdainfully, not knowing the situation.

“Huh?” The generals felt slightly startled, but they did not argue. Only they understood the situation.

However, the surrounding citizens could no longer watch in silence.

“The Spirit Mountain Holy Land is really vile. What is the meaning of Bodhisattva Jie Dong’s actions, making faces?”

“Humph! Look at how happy that beggar is. Ensnaring Performance’s singing must be excellent. Why is that Bodhisattva Jie Dong so cocky? It can’t harm him, so he is making faces to taunt Ensnaring Performance?”

“To think that I used to venerate the Spirit Mountain Holy Land. It turns out that they are such people.”

“What are you being so cocky for? It is just that Mister Gu did not pass a piece to Ensnaring Performance. Is there a need to underestimate him like this?”

“Ptooey! Some Spirit Mountain Holy Land!”

The surrounding citizens showed disdain.

——

In a large palace hall, Heavenly Court City:

“The Unmoving Vow of Silence Meditation? This Jie Dong does not seem very skilled in it. I recall that the Present Buddha’s Unmoving Vow of Silence Meditation allowed him to be as immovable as mountains. Despite being the Present Buddha’s disciple, Jie Dong is making faces like that. How rude,” the Qian Heavenly Emperor commented indifferently.

“Perhaps he is just venting his frustration,” the Future Buddha sighed.

“Frustration? We think that he looked delighted. The Unmoving Vow of Silence Meditation is meant to nurture and cultivate the mind. He is only so-so. Hah!” the Qian Heavenly Emperor retorted indifferently.

“The Unmoving Vow of Silence Meditation is a supreme technique of my Spirit Mountain Holy Land. How can this be all? Jie Dong just lost his composure for a moment. Seeing that Ensnaring Performance’s singing had no effect on him, he felt cocky,” the Future Buddha argued without understanding the situation.

“Supreme technique? Then, why is Jie Dong bleeding from his seven facial orifices,” the Qian Heavenly Emperor asked with a faint smile.

“Huh?” The Future Buddha sent his consciousness over.

Indeed, Bodhisattva Jie Dong sat before Ensnaring Performance with blood leaking from his eyes and foaming at his mouth. He held on bitterly because if he gave up, he would lose. I have to endure! I have to endure!