The Mountain God's Jade Scroll

"Grandpa Mountain God, you're so shameless, claiming to be the most powerful."

"Exactly! Even the Heavenly Soldiers and Generals who passed by a few days ago are better than him. He dares to compare himself to True Lord Erlang and Third Prince Nezha."

The brothers reconciled. At this moment, as long as True Lord Erlang and Third Prince Nezha were stronger than the Mountain God, they were satisfied!

Having successfully mediated the family conflict, Zhuang Yan smiled slightly and was about to return to his quiet room to cultivate.

Suddenly, a golden light descended from the sky and landed in front of the Mountain God Temple. A loud voice immediately followed:

"Mountain God of Lingtai, Zhuang Yan, receive the edict! I am Zhao Qingsi, an Emissary from the Department of the Mortal Realm of the Divine Firmament Jade Palace, from the Western Ox Continent. I am here by order of the Jade Emperor to bestow rewards. Come out and greet me quickly."

Zhuang Yan understood. This must be the reward for assisting Marshal Deng in subduing demons. He immediately tidied his clothes and strode out of the temple.

...Zhuang Yan arrived in front of the temple and saw an Immortal Official standing in the clouds. This person wore a Kirin-patterned Brocade Robe, a Green Jade Belt around his waist, his long beard fluttered, and immortal energy surrounded him.

Judging by his official attire, he was a Sixth-Rank Immortal Official, two ranks higher than Zhuang Yan.

Zhuang Yan stepped forward and cupped his hands: "Mountain God of Lingtai, Zhuang Yan, respectfully welcomes the Emissary."

Zhao Qingsi descended from the clouds, returned the greeting with a smile, and took out an edict from her sleeve: "Mountain Lord, would you like to examine this reward edict yourself, or shall I read it aloud?"

Zhuang Yan asked curiously: "What's the difference?"

Zhao Qingsi stroked her beard and smiled: "If I read it aloud, you will need to perform a kowtow ceremony. If you examine it yourself, these formalities will be waived. Although the Heavenly Rules are strict, things should be handled more flexibly in the mortal realm."

Zhuang Yan smiled in understanding: "Then I will trouble the Emissary to come inside for tea, and I will examine the edict myself."

Zhao Qingsi nodded slightly, and the two entered the main hall of the Mountain God Temple and sat down.

Zhuang Yan poured tea and offered fruit to Zhao Qingsi. Zhao Qingsi took out an edict and handed it to Zhuang Yan: "This is a routine commendation order from the Department of the Mortal Realm. It was issued after the Thunder Department verified your merits for assisting Marshal Deng in capturing demons. Such departmental edicts transmitted to mortal divine palaces are relatively informal; clarity of communication is sufficient.

If it were a personal decree issued by the main god of a department, or a special imperial decree or edict from an Emperor, then strict procedures would need to be followed," Zhao Qingsi explained to Zhuang Yan as she sipped her tea.

Zhuang Yan unfolded the edict and read it carefully. The beginning detailed the time and deeds of his accomplishment. The merit verification was completed by the Thunder Department of the Divine Thunder Jade Mansion, and the reward was executed by the Department of the Mortal Realm of the Divine Firmament Jade Palace.

The Heavenly power structure is divided into three layers: the supreme Jade Emperor governs the operation of the Heavenly Dao and the laws of the Three Realms; below him are the Four Great Emperors who manage various affairs; and further down are the Divine Firmament Jade Palace and the Divine Thunder Jade Mansion, serving as the administrative and military centers.

The Divine Firmament Jade Palace is led by the Heavenly Venerable Taiyi of Salvation, assisted by the East Duke and Queen Mother of the West, and manages institutions such as the Grand Profound Capital Province, the Dipper Department, the Finance Department, and the Department of the Mortal Realm. The Divine Thunder Jade Mansion is headed by the Heavenly Venerable Puhua of Thunder, assisted by Emperor Zhenwu, and is in charge of departments such as the Thunder Department, Wind Department, Rain Department, and Lightning Department.

As the Mountain God of Lingtai, Zhuang Yan falls under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Mortal Realm, hence the reward is also issued by that department.

...A reward of thirty thousand Purple Coins, one Greater Zhou Heavenly Origin Pill, and one Lesser Zhou Heavenly Origin Pill, and one True Treasure Thousand Light Cloud Talisman. After reading the commendation content, Zhuang Yan looked at Zhao Qingsi with confusion.

Zhao Qingsi smiled and handed him a Green Embroidered Pouch: "The items are all in here, please verify."

Zhuang Yan took the storage bag and, after injecting spiritual power, saw neatly stacked jade coins emitting purple light, two pills radiating spiritual energy, and a jade talisman with swirling cloud patterns.

He was familiar with Purple Coins—the universal currency of the Heavenly Court, refined from Outer Heaven Acquired Purple Qi, which could both aid cultivation and nourish magical artifacts. He took out the jade talisman and asked: "Is this the Thousand Light Cloud Talisman?"

"Injecting spiritual power can summon cloud light that travels a thousand miles a day," Zhao Qingsi explained. "It only consumes spiritual power when activated; continuous supply is not needed during flight."

Zhuang Yan raised an eyebrow: "Meaning I can sleep soundly on the cloud light and still travel a thousand miles a day?"

Zhao Qingsi smiled slightly: "Of course, but don't lose your way."

Zhuang Yan gently stroked the warm and smooth Thousand Light Cloud Talisman, exclaiming: "This is truly a treasure."

He then inquired about the two pills. Zhao Qingsi explained: "These are bestowed based on your current cultivation level. The Greater Zhou Heavenly Origin Pill can help you inhale and exhale the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, circulate the Greater Zhou Heavenly cycle 108 times, and increase your cultivation by thirty years. The Lesser Zhou Heavenly Origin Pill can circulate the Lesser Zhou Heavenly cycle 72 times, increasing your cultivation by ten years."

"If you take both pills simultaneously, they can help you condense the Five Qi and form a Golden Core, allowing you to enter the realm of Qi Refining to Godhood," Zhao Qingsi added.

Zhuang Yan finally understood that he was currently in the stage of Refining Essence into Qi, which was the introductory stage of cultivation. This meant that as long as he took these two pills, he could directly break through to Qi Refining to Godhood.

Zhao Qingsi finished her tea and stood up: "The edict and rewards have been delivered, I must return to the Heavenly Court to report."

Zhuang Yan quickly stood up: "Please wait a moment, let me take out the items from the embroidered pouch to return them."

Zhao Qingsi waved her hand: "It's just a mere storage pouch, it's a gift for you."

"How can I accept this? I cannot accept rewards without merit," Zhuang Yan declined.

Zhao Qingsi turned and smiled: "You have just performed a great service, how can you say you have no merit? Accept it, I bid farewell." Before her voice faded, she had already ridden the clouds away, disappearing into the sky in an instant.

Zhuang Yan watched her leave, put the embroidered pouch into his infinite space, and returned to his residence.

"Since I have the Greater and Lesser Zhou Heavenly Origin Pills, I might as well break through my cultivation first," Zhuang Yan muttered to himself.

Just as he was preparing to go into seclusion, a sound of prostration came from outside the hall. He saw a burly man with a tiger's head and human body, along with a beautiful woman, offering sacrifices before the statue and repeatedly begging for forgiveness.

It turned out these were the parents of the little tiger demon. Upon hearing that their child had disrespected the Mountain God, this tiger demon couple, who had already reached the realm of Refining Void into Dao, were terrified. They immediately brought their best offerings to apologize.

Zhuang Yan said in a stern voice: "Children's words are innocent, this god will not hold it against you. Leave the offerings and go back. Cultivate good deeds diligently in the future, and the heavens will naturally bless you."

The tiger demon couple were overjoyed and kowtowed repeatedly: "Thank you, Mountain God, for your forgiveness. We will strictly follow your teachings." They then respectfully withdrew from the Mountain God Temple.

Zhuang Yan put away the fruits and pastries, took out the Greater and Lesser Zhou Heavenly Origin Pills, sat cross-legged, and began to cultivate.

Beyond the Nine Heavens, within the Lingxiao Hall, auspicious energy flowed in streams.

The Jade Emperor sat on his dragon throne, with the assembled immortals lined up on both sides.

Lord Taiyin stepped forward and reported: "Fairy Nishang of the Guanghan Palace has gone down to the mortal realm to visit relatives and has exceeded her permitted time for return."

The Jade Emperor inquired about her whereabouts and immediately ordered Thousand-Mile Eye and Fair-Wind Ear to investigate. The two generals reported that they had discovered the fairy trapped in a demon cave at the northern foot of Lingtai Mountain.

Zhao Gongming speculated that the fairy might have met with misfortune. Lord Taiyin explained that the fairy carried the Cold Soul Divine Pearl for protection.

Nezha was tasked with subduing the demon, but Lord Taibai recommended the Palace Front General Zhu Lie instead. The Jade Emperor approved the proposal and summoned Zhu Lie into the hall.

Zhu Lie arrived at the grand hall and bowed respectfully, saying, "Palace Front General Zhu Lie of the Lingxiao Hall, I pay respects to the Supreme Emperor of the Profound Heavens."

The Jade Emperor said calmly, "Rise."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Zhu Lie rose and stood with his hands clasped at his sides.

The Jade Emperor spoke, "Zhu Lie, Lord Taiyin has reported that a maid from the Guanghan Palace, 'Nishang,' was abducted by demons while visiting the mortal realm. This woman is a personal attendant of Chang'e and is registered in the Heavenly Court's immortal registry. Now that she is in danger, the Heavenly Court cannot ignore it. I order you to lead three thousand Heavenly Soldiers down to the mortal realm to subdue the demons and rescue Nishang."

Zhu Lie was secretly delighted upon hearing this, recognizing it as a prime opportunity to earn merit. He immediately responded, "Your subordinate obeys the decree."

Inside the Mountain God Temple on Danchi Ridge, Lingtai Mountain, Zhuang Yan was concentrating on his cultivation. The Five Elements Qi gathered in his chest, circulating endlessly through his body.

Spiritual energy surged through his meridians, and his magical power swelled like a tide. Soon, with the aid of the Greater and Lesser Zhou Heavenly Origin Pills, he finally condensed the Five Qi into a Golden Core, which settled in his dantian.

Instantly, spiritual light emanated from his body, illuminating all his acupoints. His skin became radiant, and a faint fragrance wafted around him.

"Hoo—"

Zhuang Yan exhaled a breath of turbid air, feeling refreshed and invigorated. His magical power had advanced another level. Looking inward, he saw a Golden Core suspended in his dantian, shining brilliantly.

After breaking through to the Qi Refining to Godhood realm, he tidied his robes and emerged from seclusion, coming into the temple. Seeing fresh fruit offered on the altar, he picked up a mountain peach and took a bite.

He had only taken two bites when he suddenly saw nine-colored rosy clouds descending outside the temple, followed by a clear child's voice: "Is the Mountain God here?"

Zhuang Yan, holding the peach, went outside and saw three people standing in front of the temple. The elder leading them had white hair and a white beard, wore a flowing daoist robe, held a jade whisk, and possessed an ethereal immortal demeanor. The two young boys behind him were both handsome and adorable; the one who had spoken was on the left.

The elder raised his whisk and bowed, "Greetings, Mountain Lord. This humble Taoist offers his respects."

Zhuang Yan returned the bow, "Immortal Elder, your arrival is unexpected. May I ask what brings you here?"

The elder replied, "This humble Taoist is a Roving Immortal from Overseas, with the Taoist name 'Subhuti.' I am currently traveling through the Western Ox Continent and wish to find a place in Lingtai Mountain for secluded cultivation. I have come to pay my respects to the Mountain Lord."

Zhuang Yan's eyebrows twitched slightly, and he feigned surprise, "There is a Venerable Subhuti in the Great Thunderclap Temple on Spirit Mountain, a direct disciple of Tathagata. Could it be that Immortal Elder and he..."

The boy on the right interjected crisply, "Our master is versed in all three teachings. The name is merely a coincidence with the Buddhist Venerable."

Zhuang Yan nodded and then asked, "Has Immortal Elder chosen a blessed land?"

Patriarch Bodhi pointed to a mountain peak to the west, "This mountain is naturally endowed with spiritual essence, truly a blessed land. If the Mountain Lord permits, I wish to establish my dojo here."

Zhuang Yan looked over and smiled, "This is Mount Fangcun. It is originally unowned land. Since Immortal Elder fancies it, it must be destiny. Please, proceed."

Patriarch Bodhi smiled and expressed his gratitude, bowing with the boys, "Thank you, Mountain Lord, for your accommodation."

Patriarch Bodhi turned to leave, but after taking two steps, he looked back at Zhuang Yan and said, "When my cave dwelling is completed, I will hold a vegetarian banquet within. I hope the Mountain Lord will grace us with his presence."

Zhuang Yan cupped his hands in response, "I am honored by the invitation from the esteemed immortal. I will certainly be there on time."

Before his words had even faded, Patriarch Bodhi, along with the two boys, ascended nine-colored auspicious clouds and floated into Mount Fangcun. Zhuang Yan watched their figures disappear into the mountain, and saw auspicious clouds and radiant mist rise from the summit of Mount Fangcun, lingering for a long time.

The True Sage of the Three Teachings, Patriarch Bodhi, you have finally come. Zhuang Yan murmured in his heart.

Zhuang Yan flew on his cloud, patrolling Lingtai Mountain. Normally, this patrol would take at least a day, sometimes two. Since obtaining the Thousand Light Cloud Talisman, traveling a thousand miles a day was no longer an issue. Today, he completed the entire mountain's patrol in just half a day.

Upon returning after his patrol, Zhuang Yan put away the cloud talisman and was about to enter the temple when he suddenly heard a clear shout from above: "Divine Official below, receive the order quickly!"

Looking up, he saw layers of thunderclouds, crackling with lightning, descending with a roar. In an instant, they reached the front of the temple. Two teams of golden-armored Heavenly Soldiers emerged in formation from the thunderclouds, lining up on either side of the temple gate.

Following them was a mighty Heavenly General clad in golden chainmail armor and wearing a purple cloud helmet. It was Zhu Lie. His eyes, sharp as lightning, swept over Zhuang Yan: "Are you the Mountain God of Lingtai?"

Zhuang Yan cupped his hands in response, "It is I, your humble deity. May I ask the General's honorable name?"

Zhu Lie said proudly, "This general is Zhu Lie, a Palace Front General of the Supreme Harmony Palace, sent by the Jade Emperor's decree to subdue demons. I heard you once assisted Marshal Deng in capturing the demon dragon Ao Qu?"

Zhuang Yan replied humbly, "It was all thanks to Marshal Deng's guidance. Your humble deity merely lent a small effort."

Zhu Lie waved his hand impatiently, "Enough idle talk. Sixty li north of Lingtai Mountain, there is a mountain stream where a demon is hiding. Use the Mountain God Jade Scroll to investigate its origins."

Zhuang Yan asked doubtfully, "General, please understand, that area is no longer under my jurisdiction."

Zhu Lie shouted, "Who asked you to manage it? Just clarify the demon's background!"

Zhuang Yan had no choice but to agree, "In that case, please wait, General. Allow your humble deity to investigate."