Past, present, future.

When Xu Qing heard this, he instinctively thought of the Triadic Buddha.

The so-called Triadic Buddha refers to the three main Buddhas divided by time dimensions, corresponding to the past, present, and future: the Past Buddha Dipankara, the Present Buddha Shakyamuni, and the Future Maitreya.

Even now, the Western Buddha Shakyamuni is only the Present Buddha; although he may comprehend the past and present and foresee the future, he does not possess the power that transcends the laws of time to control the past and future.

However, the Nine Netherworlds Dharma Master already possesses the ability to influence the past and future.

In other words, the Celestial Emperor also possesses the mighty force to control the laws of time.

No wonder the Western Buddha always obeys the Celestial Emperor’s edicts. Besides the differences in their ranks, there are also disparities in their cultivation and experience.

"We are not yet sure if we can eliminate the Dharma Master now, how can we simultaneously arrange the past and future to remove the Celestial Emperor’s Three Corpses?"

While Xu Qing and the Great Sage and Sea Meeting Great God were pondering these issues with furrowed brows, a familiar voice suddenly came from not far away.

Turning their heads, they saw True Monarch Xiansheng, holding a folding fan and dressed in a simple black robe, strolling over from a distance.

"Hey! Brother Three-Eyes!"

"Second Brother!"

"Brother Yang."

True Monarch Xiansheng glanced at the monkey speaking unrestrainedly and then nodded toward Xu Qing and Sea Meeting Great God:

"I have adopted the name Yang Zhao this time, and I ask that you, brothers, do not reveal my true identity in the lower realm."

After speaking, True Monarch Xiansheng deliberately looked at the Great Sage, the meaning self-evident.

When this monkey had requests, he would call him Brother Xiansheng, or refer to him as an elder brother.

But when there was nothing to request, he would revert to his true nature, addressing him casually.

Such as Brother Three-Eyes, Brother Erlang, or at worst, he would still call him Little Sage. Though in others’ mouths, Little Sage might sound like praise, but from this monkey’s mouth...

One Little Sage and one Great Sage — what kind of compliment could that possibly be?

Though it’s still better than being called Dear Nephew.

Seeing True Monarch Xiansheng’s gaze, the Great Sage chuckled shamelessly, saying, "Ah, it’s Brother Yang Zhao. I, speaking of myself, am not a famous god or buddha. I am originally from Guanjiangkou, Surname Shi, with a single character, Sun."

"..."

Beside them, Sea Meeting Great God’s eyes flickered, imitating, "I’m not any god or immortal either; I hail from Aolai Country in the Eastern Victory Divine Continent, known as Daoist Lianpeng by others."

"..."

Xu Qing blinked and followed suit, "I am Xu Xuan, the Sect Leader of Daluo. My cultivation abode is at Chen Tang Pass by the Nine Bays River in the East Sea, no stranger to you all."

Sea Meeting Great God looked at Xu Qing with a raised eyebrow, but before he could speak, he saw True Monarch Xiansheng folding his fan and bowing, "Yang Zhao from Jinmen Prefecture, I ask for your guidance, brothers."

"..."

Listening to the mutual declarations of origins, Di Ting appeared bewildered.

There is hardly anything in heaven and earth that he does not know, yet he is clueless about a stone monkey in Guanjiangkou, some lotus roots in Aolai Country, a Daluo Sect Leader in Chen Tang Pass, or a Little Sage in Jinmen Prefecture.

Their entry into the worldly realm under false names, borrowing each other’s origins, left Di Ting unable to fathom their intentions.

Xu Qing, however, understood the reasoning. Before him, True Monarch Xiansheng and the others each held their positions; openly defying imperial orders would certainly invite unnecessary trouble.

But by adopting false names, these concerns vanished.

Their adoption of false names was not meant to deceive the Celestial Emperor or the Western Buddha deliberately; borrowing each other’s origins to change their names was merely a way to offer a subtle concession.

As long as they don’t cause too much trouble in the lower realm, the Celestial Emperor and Western Buddha might turn a blind eye.

If a bunch of troublemakers were to act under their true flags and cause chaos everywhere, they’d be summoned apart within days.

As for Xu Qing, he wished to sever the connection between Cat Immortal Hall and ’Xu Xuan’ in public perception. Hence, he took on the identity of the Daluo Sect Leader.

The hidden Bao Sheng Temple, the refuge of Cat Immortal Hall, and the worldly pursuits of the Daluo Sect.

Such an approach adheres to the path of change, always leaving himself room for maneuver, which is the core of Xu Qing’s cultivation.

"How do you plan to deal with this beast, Brother Xu?" True Monarch Xiansheng asked casually.

Without hesitation, Xu Qing raised his Dagger-Axe and revealed a grim expression.

"This beast has harmed many and knows too much; naturally, to eradicate future troubles, permanently!"

Beside him, the Great Sage instinctively raised his Iron Bar, blocking Di Ting’s way.

Sea Meeting Great God nodded in satisfaction, clearly agreeing with Xu Qing’s response.

Although Di Ting holds a special status in the Underworld, with him present, even a strange beast like Nine Unlike who cannot say a word, would dare get his hands dirty against the Heavenly Kings.

Clearly, Di Ting’s status in Sea Meeting Great God’s eyes is far inferior to that of the Heavenly Kings!

Di Ting never expected Xu Qing and the others to be so ruthless; what happened to those being honest allowed leniency?

"Sect Leader Xu, we who study the mysteries and cultivate the Dao cannot be dishonest with words..."

Xu Qing replied, full of sinister intent, "I never said I would let you off!"

From start to finish, Xu Qing was unilaterally interrogating, never agreeing to conditions of leniency upon confession.

Di Ting resides in the Underworld, with Ksitigarbha backing him, rarely witnessing pure villainy; today, it saw true villainy!

These fellows are assuredly even more evil than the Nine Netherworlds Dharma Master!

Just as Xu Qing was about to strike, True Monarch Xiansheng suddenly said, "Brother Xu, hold on!"

"I know Brother Xu harbors deep resentment towards this beast, but it still holds significance now. If Brother Xu trusts me, you can leave it to my disposal."

"Of course, if Brother Xu firmly wishes to alleviate his hatred, I will not object."