After leaving the Penglai Three Mountains, Li Jing went to Southern Mausoleum City in the Northern Jambu Continent and found Taibai Venus.
Taibai Venus was living quite well in Southern Mausoleum City. Every day, he spent time with the local people—sometimes offering prayers for their blessings, sometimes farming alongside them.
Taibai Venus no longer seemed like an immortal. Instead, he looked like an utterly ordinary commoner.
When Li Jing arrived and saw Taibai Venus, he did not dare approach him right away. Was this really the Taibai Venus he knew, the foremost civil official of the Heavenly Court?
"Heavenly King, it's been a long time," Taibai Venus said with a smile.
Li Jing walked over with a smile as well. "Taibai Venus, why are you doing this sort of thing?"
"An official entrusted with a post should benefit the people under his care. Since I have become the Earth God of Southern Mausoleum City, I must naturally protect its people. Not only must I protect them, I must also help them live better lives—for example, by teaching them more effective ways to farm," Taibai Venus said with a smile.
Li Jing smiled but said nothing more.
"Heavenly King, you did not come all this way merely to chat with me, did you? What is it?" Taibai Venus asked.
Li Jing said, "Taibai Venus, you surely know very well what is happening in the Three Realms. Great Sage Equaling Heaven Goku has turned against the Heavenly Court. Do you have no thoughts on the matter?"
Taibai Venus smiled faintly. "I am already a sinner. I am here in Southern Mausoleum City to atone for my sins. As for the affairs of the Heavenly Court, His Majesty will naturally handle them."
Li Jing said, "If His Majesty ordered you to return to