After extinguishing the last shred of Fu Huajie's soul, Huang Tian looked around. Countless mortals knelt on the ground, kowtowing and praying.
"Please, immortal, bless my third son so he passes the imperial examination! Let him become a high official, bring glory to our family, and leave a name for generations to come!"
"I've served as an official for over ten years, yet at forty-two I'm still a mere county magistrate. Immortal Lord, bless my future career! Let me wear fine jade and crimson robes and govern all under heaven!"
"May I ask your name, Immortal Lord? Shengfa Temple wishes to erect a statue in your honor—"
"Immortals exist! They really exist! Then why study the books of sages? I studied bitterly for twenty years and couldn't even pass the imperial examination. I'll only ever be an assistant official. Even if I become a high official someday, I'll still have to obey orders from above, buzzing about like a fly and skulking like a dog, never free! Better to seek immortality—"
"Immortal Lord, please bless my little daughter with a good marriage, so she may live happily ever after and be spared the thousand torments of this world."
"We—no, I am willing to offer up ten thousand miles of rivers and mountains. Immortal, please take me as a boy servant. I'll sweep your dwelling and tend your herb garden—"
"Immortal Lord, let your eyes see all like lightning! Slay every treacherous minister at court and restore peace to Great Feng!"
"Immortal, is there truly a next life? If I do good deeds and accumulate Merit in this one, can I be born into a fortunate family in the next and enjoy wealth and splendor?"
Countless stray wishes clamored in Huang Tian's ears. He paid them no heed. Turning toward the