Dragon Lord's Identity

The Six Mountain God was helpless.

The [Shinto] slots for this event have already been given to the [City God].

That one was not some baseless wild god.

Are you suggesting we forcibly take it from him?

Seeing the Six Mountain God acting this way.

A fierce glint flashed in Zhao Wushang's eyes:

"Fellow Daoist."

"Please tell me, who exactly was given this [Shinto] spot?"

"I'll go and test his abilities."

"Let's see if he can seize this opportunity."

His words revealed a growing intent to kill and seize his life.

The Six Mountain God was shocked and stood up, quickly trying to calm him down:

"Dao Brother..."

"Dao Brother."

"That one is not someone to be trifled with."

"His master was also an emperor who ascended to heaven."

"He is a powerful being who holds the authority over the element of Earth in my [divine way]."

"Dao Brother has already offended [Buddhism and Daoism], must you also be ostracized by [the Divine Path]?"

"Please reconsider, Dao Brother!"

Zhao Wushang laughed heartily, rose, and pressed the Six Mountain God back into his seat, his golden eyes flashing with arrogance.

"Fellow Daoist."

"In your opinion, how does that one compare to me?"

The Mountain God of Liuyang felt inexplicably dry in his mouth.

"The Dragon Lord possesses immense supernatural powers, and his magical strength is as vast as mountains and as boundless as the sea. He is a peerless figure even in the entire universe."

"Although that one is also one of the most powerful beings in the universe, he is far inferior to the Dragon Lord."

Zhao Wushang chuckled, his narrow eyes slightly narrowed, and his tone carried a chilling undertone:

"Since that deity's strength is inferior to mine, the [Nine Mighty River Dragon Lord], shouldn't I be given a spot in the [Divine Path]?"

"Since he is inferior to me, why is the Six Mountain God unwilling to tell me his name?"

"Is there intentional favoritism?"

"Are you still worried that if I kill him, it will bring disaster upon the God?"

Liu Mountain God's eyelids twitched, and he cursed inwardly:

'Damn it, no wonder dragon bloodlines have such good tempers.'

'It was all an act all along.'

'Now that its true form has been revealed, it truly possesses some of the aura of an ancient dragon.'

'So arrogant and unruly...'

'No wonder the powerful figures of Zhuxiandao get a headache just hearing the words "true dragon."'

However, if he were to reveal the name of the City God, he might not be able to bear the wrath of the Emperor Taiyang in the future.

Therefore, even though he sensed the dangerous aura emanating from Zhao Wushang, the Six Mountain God still forced himself to explain:

"Dao Brother, it's not that I'm biased."

"In reality, that person has someone backing them."

"They are not people that either of us can afford to offend."

His tone was sincere, even pleading:

"I will use my supernatural powers through your Daoist Dao Cultivation, Dao Brother."

"During this great calamity of Human Dao, this quota is unnecessary; one can still accumulate enough merit and fortune as resources."

"Why bother doing this and offending an emperor-level figure?"

Zhao Wushang stood with his hands behind his back, completely unmoved.

"Not all good deeds are the same."

"The fortune and merit bestowed by the [divine way] are far greater and more profound than what I can painstakingly accumulate."

"I'll ask one last question."

"Does the Divine Lord truly refuse to tell me who holds that spot?"

A wisp of energy vibrated.

The deep blue water seemed to freeze time.

The moment Zhao Wushang finished speaking, a chill ran through him, causing the Six Mountain God to shiver involuntarily.

Cold sweat beaded on his forehead.

A spiritual warning was issued within the Primordial Spirit Consciousness Sea.

It seemed as if disaster was about to befall them at any moment, leading to their death and the annihilation of their souls.

'If I don't tell, I really will die.'

Just as a chill ran through the heart of the Six Mountain God.

The faint sounds of prayer could be heard in the Grand Void, with celestial maidens scattering flowers and strongmen holding handkerchiefs. Amidst the swirling purple mist, golden lotuses bloomed.

Then one could see the vast divine light emanating from Mount Liuyang, illuminating the boundless heavens.

"Why should the Dragon Lord make things difficult for him?"

"How dare the Six Mountain God answer if this involves the karma of cultivation?"

Amidst the divine light, a divine emperor in a green robe and jade crown emerged from the void. Though it was an illusory scene, it reflected profound Great Dao imagery, as if all things were returning to spring, and a hundred flowers were blooming. The aura of the Wood element permeated the mysterious creation.

The Six Mountain God was startled upon seeing this and hurriedly bowed:

"This humble deity pays respects to Emperor Changqing."

Emperor Changqing nodded slightly and gracefully entered the hall, sitting cross-legged.

"Mountain God, no need for such formalities."

Having said that, he flicked his sleeve and smiled at Zhao Wushang:

"Dragon Lord, please have a seat."

Zhao Wushang bowed slightly to show his respect, and then sat down opposite Emperor Changqing without any hesitation.

Upon seeing this, the Six Mountain God hesitated, his lips twitching slightly.

'How rude! How incredibly rude!'

Is this the attitude of someone of lower cultivation seeing someone of higher cultivation?

Where is your manners? Where is your reverence?

He wanted to say something, but he hesitated in front of the Emperor.

Emperor Changqing glanced at Zhao Wushang in surprise, then smiled nonchalantly.

This dragon species is truly unruly.

However, under the great trend of Heavenly Dao, this child inherits the fortune of the ancient [demon path], and should have a position of power within him.

This is ordained by Heaven, and even Dao Lord of great power cannot change it.

'Sooner or later we will all be among us, yet we cannot treat each other as such.'

Thinking this, Emperor Changqing slightly reduced the aura emanating from him.

He spoke with a smile, which was as refreshing as a spring breeze:

"Why must the Dragon Lord be so fixated on the [Divine Path] quota?"

"That thing is nothing more than icing on the cake for Dragon Lord."

"Even without this item, the Dragon Lord can still ascend to heaven on a cloud, attain the Dao Fruit, and create Worldly Heaven."

Seeing Zhao Wushang's indifferent expression, Emperor Changqing's heart sank. He paused for a moment, then continued:

"I might as well tell you."

"That spot has already been given to the eldest son of the Eastern Yang Emperor, who is now the [City God] of the Great Yu Divine Dynasty."

"They asked me to act as an intermediary in Dongyang."

"If the Dragon Lord does not want that spot, his lineage can cede a certain amount of benefits to the Dragon Lord until the Dragon Lord is satisfied."

Zhao Wushang chuckled, his eyes deep and unfathomable.

"Does the Emperor really think I'm some ignorant, wild god trying to fool me?"

"This [Shinto] spot isn't just one spot."

"A new dynasty rises, and the six realms vie for supremacy."

"One act ends, another begins."

"But in this world, amidst the hustle Mortal World, the fortunes of Human Dao transformation are finite."

"The amount of fortune and merit that each Dao Lord can obtain is limited, except for the true seeds of the Dao, whose places are filled by those who are not subject to this limitation."

"Even if the next divine dynasty is Devil Dao dynasty or a martial dynasty, as long as I am a true seed of the [divine path] and participate in the Dragon Support Court, I may still gain the greatest fortune and luck from this Human Dao struggle for the dragon."

"After all, the transmission of the Daoist lineage was the plan of our ancestors, but everyone's merits must be earned through their own efforts!"

The so-called "Human Dao struggle for the dragon" refers to the various paths that come together, with many people from the common folk placing their bets to participate in the struggle for the dragon.

Disciples and followers of various Daoist sects are free to choose, either by finding a spokesperson or by participating themselves.

Those who successfully bet on the true dragon will naturally have the merit of supporting the dragon's court.

Those who fail to pinpoint the true dragon, but whose entanglement with it is not deep, can also switch sides at any time.

To stir up the world's Mortal World and experience the flow of Human Dao fortune is of great benefit.

Once the true dragon is determined, the patriarchs of various schools will decide from beyond the universe which school will be the one to greatly prosper in the next era.

Then, naturally, one of the six paths can be chosen as the state religion of the newly established divine dynasty, enjoying the fortune of the Central Divine Land.

"Your Majesty believes that, based on my status..."

"If one were to personally participate in the Human Dao for power and support the Dragon Court..."

Is there anyone in the universe who can stop him?

Zhao Wushang noticed that Emperor Changqing's expression darkened slightly, but he didn't seem to care.

"Then how much merit, fortune, and resources for cultivation I will gain will be!"

"Can the Emperor of Dongyang afford it?"

"Is he willing to give it?"

Having said that, Zhao Wushang looked directly at Emperor Changqing, his tone resolute:

"In short, I'm determined to have this one spot in [Shinto]."

"If you gentlemen do not permit it..."

He gave a cold laugh, a crimson glint in his eyes:

"Then don't blame me for going to get it myself!"

"How dare you!"

Emperor Changqing's face was ashen, as if a surge of anger was rising within him:

"Who are you talking to?"

"In the entire Nine Heavens Realm, there has never been such an arrogant and unrestrained individual."

As the Evergreen Emperor spoke, the divine light that filled the sky suddenly trembled, with thunderous serpents seemingly dancing within it, as if the heavens were enraged.

The Six Mountain God, standing to the side, was already trembling with fear, kneeling on the ground, not daring to raise his head.

"Your Majesty, please calm your anger! Your Majesty, please calm your anger!"

"The entire Liuyang Mountain cannot withstand the Emperor's wrath!"

Zhao Wushang showed no fear upon seeing this. He gazed intently at Emperor Changqing, his golden pupils seemingly burning with gilded flames, so intense that the emperor dared not look directly at him.

"In the past, the Six Paths vanquished [the demonic path]."

"As a descendant of the [Demon Path] Emperor, I received a lower-level title from the Great Evolution Ancestor, which is why I carried the [Demon Path]'s fortune into the [Divine Path]."

At this point, Zhao Wushang snorted coldly:

"Those people, having benefited from my [demonic] destiny, have been able to claim the title of ancestor and rise high in the Worldly Heavens."

"But I was tricked by the Buddhist and Daoist sects, and I was forced to exchange hands with that great Bodhisattva whom no one knew who put forward, and we both perished."

"The reasons behind this, the calculations involved, are truly chilling!"

"The Emperor only attained his merits after the [Demon Path] merged into the [Divine Path]."

"Does he not feel even the slightest bit of gratitude?"

Even without gratitude, how will you repay the karmic debts incurred?

"How has Your Majesty treated me today? Don't you feel even the slightest unease or shame?"

Emperor Changqing was taken aback upon hearing this.

For a moment, I didn't know how to answer.

'Dongyang, oh Dongyang.'

None of the Shinto lords wished to participate.

'Considering our million-year-long bond, I intervened to dissuade the Dragon King.'

Now that he has revealed the cause and effect, how am I supposed to face him?

Upon hearing this secret, the Six Mountain God was terrified.

'No wonder, no wonder this prince is so fearless.'

'He is the 'Emperor' personally promised by the Great Ancestor of the Divine Path.'

'All the ancient and subsequent Dao Ancestor who attained enlightenment owe him, to varying degrees, a debt of karma.'

'If a person dies and their life ends, then so be it.'

'But he actually came back to life.'

'Such a status, such strength.'

'They certainly have every reason to be arrogant.'

Even the Six Mountain God felt that this Dragon Lord was far too humble.

As long as you don't go against the grain, in this paradise of [the Divine Path], while you can't exactly walk around like a madman, everyone in the world will have to give you some respect.

Emperor Changqing smiled wryly:

"Fellow Daoist, I have pushed you too far this time."

"So be it, so be it."

"Then I'll give you the [Shinto] spot."

Having said that, he waved his hand, and the stone table shimmered with dazzling light.

A small, emerald-green tree, its entire body a sky-blue hue, appeared before Zhao Wushang.

"When I was wandering through the Worldly Heaven, I encountered an Innate Jia Wood spirit root that had suffered a calamity, and I casually put it away."

"Nourished for hundreds of thousands of years, it has gained some vitality, but ultimately it is difficult to survive."

"If the Dragon Lord does not mind, then refine it to refine your Innate Spiritual Energy and perfect your strength."

"Consider this my way of apologizing."

"The apology from that scoundrel Dongyang will be delivered later."

"Please, Dragon Lord, do not hold any grudges."

Having said that, the emperor shook his head slightly and vanished from Mount Liuyang in an instant.

Upon sensing its aura, the Six Mountain God seemed to hastily emerge and flee in disarray.

Zhao Wushang stroked his chin and put away his Innate Jia Wood spirit root.

The fact that the Evergreen Emperor couldn't save this spiritual root doesn't mean he can't save it.

A single Innate Spiritual Root can do quite a lot.

'This emperor still has some pride, and he does have a kind heart.'

'If it were like that Zhunti...'

'I'm afraid we'll have to tear off the mask of civility.'

Seeing that Zhao Wushang's aura had subsided, the Six Mountain God's expression softened.

He then put on a smile, cupped his hands in greeting, and stepped forward.

"Dragon Lord."

"Congratulations, Dragon Lord, on the fulfillment of your wish."

"If I ever need your help in the future, I will go through fire and water for you."

"Please forgive me, Dragon Lord."

Zhao Wushang gave him a half-smile:

"What, you don't need Emperor Dongyang to suppress me now?"

The Six Mountain God smiled wryly, cupped his hands, and said sincerely:

"Although I have some ulterior motives about not wanting to get myself into trouble."

"But even before knowing the Dragon Lord's identity, I still had the thought of reminding him not to anger those powerful figures."

"After all, he was a king who had attained the highest position and established Worldly Heaven."

Zhao Wushang's original intention was to force the person behind this god to take action and engage in dialogue with him.

Having achieved his goal, he had no other thoughts.

He waved his hand:

"No problem."

That's enough for today.

"If you have the time, you are welcome to visit my Jiuwei River Dragon Palace in the future."

Seeing Zhao Wushang like this, the Six Mountain God was filled with regret.

It was so hard to finally form a good relationship with this person.

This is truly a case of trying to get water in a bamboo basket but ending up with nothing.

He quickly stated:

"Dragon Lord."

"If you have any orders, I will come immediately."

"Both the people along these two rivers are awaiting the Dragon King's decree."

"I am willing to be driven by the Dragon Lord."

They're even using minor deities?

Zhao Wushang smiled faintly:

"You don't need to do that, Lord."

"We do have some kind of karmic connection."

"Unusual."

"Be loyal and dutiful."

"Your destiny will unfold in the future."

Before he finished speaking, he had already mounted a white jade demon elephant and was riding the clouds towards the Marquis of Jiujiang's residence.

Upon seeing this, the Six Mountain God pondered to himself.

'Although I am a divine official under the command of Emperor Changqing.'

'But they are not direct descendants of the Emperor.'

'Aspiring to elevate the Worldly Heaven to its highest level seems a distant dream.'

'This Dragon King is blessed with good fortune; a hidden dragon lurking in the abyss, he may very well be an enlightened ruler.'

'If we join him, we might have a bright future.'

After thinking it over, the Mountain God gritted his teeth and stamped his foot.

It actually transformed into a beam of divine light and arrived before the white jade demon elephant.

He conjured a set of reins to tie the demonic elephant, then led it from the front, respectfully saying:

"Your Highness wishes to project your authority over the two rivers."

"Please allow me, Your Highness, to lead the elephant for you!"