Chapter 2

"Mountain God Grandpa has no shame at all, saying he's the strongest."

"Exactly. He's not even as strong as the Heavenly Soldiers and Generals who passed by a few days ago, yet he dares compare himself to True Lord Erlang and Third Prince Nezha."

The two brothers had made up, and at this moment, all that mattered to them was that True Lord Erlang and Third Prince Nezha were stronger than the Mountain God!

Having successfully resolved the family dispute, Zhuang Yan smiled faintly and was about to return to his meditation chamber to cultivate.

Suddenly, a beam of golden light descended from the sky and landed before the Mountain God Temple, followed by a booming voice:

"Mountain God of Lingtai Zhuang Yan, receive the decree! This official is Zhao Qingsi, imperial envoy of the Department of the Mortal Realm in the Western Ox Continent under the Divine Firmament Jade Palace. By order of the Jade Emperor, I have come to bestow rewards. Come forth at once!"

Zhuang Yan understood immediately. The reward for helping Marshal Deng subdue the demon had arrived. He promptly straightened his robes and strode toward the temple entrance.

Zhuang Yan arrived before the temple and saw an Immortal Official standing amid the clouds. He wore a Kirin-patterned Brocade Robe, a Green Jade Belt around his waist, and his long beard drifted in the wind as immortal aura swirled about him.

Judging by his official robes, he was a Sixth-Rank Immortal Official, two ranks above Zhuang Yan.

Zhuang Yan stepped forward and cupped his hands. "Mountain God of Lingtai Zhuang Yan greets the honored envoy."

Zhao Qingsi descended from her cloud and returned the greeting with a smile. Drawing out a decree from her sleeve, she said, "Mountain Lord, would you like to inspect this reward decree yourself, or shall I read it aloud?"

Zhuang Yan asked in confusion, "What is the difference?"

Stroking her beard, Zhao Qingsi smiled. "If it is read aloud, you must perform the full kneeling ceremony. If you inspect it yourself, those formalities can be waived. Though the Heavenly Rules are strict, matters in the mortal realm should be handled with some flexibility."

Zhuang Yan smiled knowingly. "Then I must trouble the honored envoy to come inside for tea while I inspect the decree myself."

Zhao Qingsi nodded slightly, and the two entered the main hall of the Mountain God Temple and took their seats.

Zhuang Yan poured tea and offered fruit to Zhao Qingsi. Zhao Qingsi then handed him the decree. "This is a routine commendation order from the Department of the Mortal Realm. You assisted Marshal Deng in capturing demons and monsters, and after the Thunder Department verified your merits, it was issued. Such departmental decrees sent to mortal divine residences are relatively informal, so long as the message is delivered clearly."

"If it were personally issued by the chief deity of a department, a special imperial edict from the Heavenly Court, or a decree from an Imperial Lord, then the proper procedures would have to be strictly followed." Zhao Qingsi explained as she sipped her tea.

Zhuang Yan unfolded the decree and examined it closely. The beginning listed the time and details of his achievement. The Divine Thunder Jade Mansion's Thunder Department had verified his merits, while the Divine Firmament Jade Palace's Department of the Mortal Realm was responsible for issuing the reward.

The Heavenly Court's power structure had three levels: the supreme Jade Emperor governed the workings of the Heavenly Dao and the laws of the Three Realms; beneath him were the Four Imperial Lords, each overseeing different affairs; below them were the Divine Firmament Jade Palace and Divine Thunder Jade Mansion, the civil and military centers.

The Divine Firmament Jade Palace was headed by Heavenly Venerable Taiyi of Salvation, assisted by the East Duke and Queen Mother of the West, and oversaw institutions such as the Grand Profound Capital Province, Dipper Department, Finance Department, and Department of the Mortal Realm. The Divine Thunder Jade Mansion was led by Heavenly Venerable Puhua of Thunder, with Emperor Zhenwu assisting, and governed the Thunder Department, Wind Department, Rain Department, Lightning Department, and other divisions.

As the Mountain God of Lingtai, Zhuang Yan fell under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Mortal Realm, so his reward was issued by that department as well.

"...Thirty thousand Purple Coins, one Greater Zhou Heavenly Origin Pill, one Lesser Zhou Heavenly Origin Pill, and one True Treasure Thousand Light Cloud Talisman." After reading the rewards, Zhuang Yan looked at Zhao Qingsi in confusion.

Zhao Qingsi smiled faintly and handed over a Green Embroidered Pouch. "Everything is inside. Please inspect it."

Zhuang Yan accepted the Storage Bag and infused it with mana. Inside, he saw jade coins glowing purple stacked neatly together, two pills wrapped in spiritual aura, and a jade talisman with swirling cloud patterns.

He was familiar with Purple Coins—they were the Heavenly Court's universal currency, refined from Outer Heaven Acquired Purple Qi. They could assist cultivation and nourish Magic Tools. Taking out the jade talisman, he asked, "This is the Thousand Light Cloud Talisman?"

"Infuse it with mana, and it will summon cloud-light that can travel a thousand li in a day," Zhao Qingsi explained. "It only consumes mana upon activation. You need not keep supplying it during flight."

Zhuang Yan raised a brow. "So I can lie on the cloud-light and sleep soundly while still traveling a thousand li in a day?"

Zhao Qingsi smiled slightly. "Of course, though do not lose your way."

Zhuang Yan gently stroked the warm, jade-like Thousand Light Cloud Talisman and praised, "What a treasure."

He then asked about the two pills. Zhao Qingsi explained, "They were bestowed according to your current cultivation. The Greater Zhou Heavenly Origin Pill can help you draw in the spiritual energy of heaven and earth and circulate it through one hundred and eight Greater Heavenly Cycles, increasing your cultivation by thirty years. The Lesser Zhou Heavenly Origin Pill can circulate seventy-two Lesser Heavenly Cycles, increasing your cultivation by ten years."

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

Only then did Zhuang Yan understand. He was currently at the Refining Essence into Qi stage, the entry-level realm of cultivation. This meant that as long as he took the two pills, he could directly break through to Qi Refining to Godhood.

Zhao Qingsi drained her tea, rose, and said, "The decree and rewards have both been delivered. It is time for me to return to the Heavenly Court and report."

Zhuang Yan hurriedly stood. "Please wait. Let me take the items out of the embroidered pouch and return it to you."

Zhao Qingsi waved her hand. "It is merely a storage pouch. Keep it as a gift."

"How could I accept that?" Zhuang Yan declined. "I cannot accept reward without merit."

Zhao Qingsi turned and smiled. "You have just rendered great service. How can you say you have no merit? Keep it. Farewell." Before her words had even faded, she had already ridden away on a cloud, vanishing beyond the horizon in an instant.

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

"Now that I have the Greater and Lesser Zhou Heavenly Origin Pills, I may as well break through first," Zhuang Yan murmured.

Just as he was preparing to enter seclusion, the sound of kowtowing came from outside the hall. A burly man with a tiger's head and a human body and a beautiful woman were offering sacrifices before the divine statue, repeatedly begging forgiveness.

They were the little tiger demon's parents. Upon hearing that their child had shown disrespect toward the Mountain God, the tiger demon couple, who possessed cultivation at the Refining Void into Dao stage, had been terrified. They immediately brought the finest offerings from their home to apologize.

Zhuang Yan said sternly, "Children speak without restraint. This deity will not hold it against him. Leave the offerings and return home. In the future, diligently perform good deeds, and heaven will surely bless you."

The tiger demon couple was overjoyed and kowtowed again and again. "Thank you, Mountain God, for your forgiveness. We shall obey your teachings." They then respectfully withdrew from the Mountain God Temple.

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

Beyond the Nine Heavens, auspicious radiance filled Lingxiao Hall.

The Jade Emperor sat upon his dragon throne while the immortals stood in ranks along both sides.

Lord Taiyin stepped forward and reported, "Fairy Nishang of Guanghan Palace descended to the mortal realm to visit relatives but has not returned even though her leave has expired."

The Jade Emperor asked of 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 foothills of Spirit Platform Mountain.

Zhao Gongming guessed that the Fairy might have met with misfortune. Lord Taiyin explained that she carried a Cold Soul Divine Pearl for protection.

Nezha volunteered to subdue the demon, but Taibai Jinxing instead recommended Palace Front General Zhu Lie. The Jade Emperor approved and summoned Zhu Lie into the hall.

Zhu Lie walked into the main hall and respectfully saluted. "Heavenly General Zhu Lie of 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 lowered at his sides.

The Jade Emperor said, "Zhu Lie, Lord Taiyin reports that Nishang, a maidservant of Guanghan Palace, was abducted by demons and monsters while descending to the mortal realm to visit family. She is Chang'e's personal attendant and belongs to the Heavenly Court's immortal registry. Since she is in danger, the Heavenly Court cannot ignore it. I order you to lead Three Thousand Heavenly Soldiers to the mortal realm, subdue the demons, and rescue Nishang."

Zhu Lie was secretly delighted after hearing this. It was a fine opportunity to earn merit, and he immediately answered, "This subject obeys the decree."

Within the Mountain God Temple on Danchi Ridge of Spirit Platform Mountain, Zhuang Yan was cultivating with full concentration. The Five Elements Qi gathered in his chest and circulated endlessly through his heavenly cycles.

Spiritual energy surged through his meridians, and mana churned like raging tides. Before long, with the help of the Greater and Lesser Zhou Heavenly Origin Pills, he finally condensed the Five Qi into a Golden Core and sank it into his dantian.

In an instant, Spiritual Light shone through his body, illuminating every acupoint. His skin became lustrous, and a faint fragrance drifted around him.

"Phew—"

Zhuang Yan exhaled a breath of turbid air and felt refreshed in both body and spirit, his mana rising to a new level. Looking inward, he saw a Golden Core suspended in his dantian, radiant and brilliant.

After breaking through to the Qi Refining to Godhood realm, he adjusted his robes and emerged from seclusion. Arriving in the temple, he saw fresh fruit newly offered on the altar and picked up a Mountain Peach to eat.

He had taken only two bites when Nine-Colored Rosy Clouds descended outside the temple, followed by a clear child's voice. "Is the Mountain God here?"

Holding the peach, Zhuang Yan stepped outside and saw three people standing before the temple. The elder in front had white hair and beard, flowing Daoist robes, and a jade whisk in hand. He possessed an extraordinary immortal bearing. Behind him stood two clever and adorable Daoist Children. The one who had spoken was the child on the left.

The elder raised his whisk in greeting. "Greetings, Mountain Lord. This humble Daoist salutes you."

Zhuang Yan returned the salute. "Immortal Master, what brings you here? How may I assist you?"

The elder answered, "This humble Daoist is a Roving Immortal from Overseas, known as Subhuti. I am traveling through the Western Ox Continent and wish to choose a place on Spirit Platform Mountain for secluded cultivation. I have come specifically to pay respects to the Mountain Lord."

Zhuang Yan's brows twitched slightly as he feigned surprise. "There is a Venerable Subhuti at the Great Thunderclap Temple on Spirit Mountain, a disciple of Tathagata. Immortal Master, you and he..."

The child on the right quickly continued, "My Patriarch is versed in the Three Teachings. He merely shares the same name as that Buddhist Venerable."

Zhuang Yan nodded, then asked, "Has Immortal Master chosen a Blessed Land?"

Patriarch Bodhi pointed toward the western peak. "This mountain is naturally rich in spiritual beauty and can truly be called a Blessed Land. If the Mountain Lord permits it, this humble Daoist wishes to establish a Daoist sanctuary there."

Zhuang Yan looked over and smiled. "That is Mount Fangcun, an ownerless land. Since Immortal Master has taken a liking to it, it must be heaven's will. Please do as you wish."

Patriarch Bodhi thanked him with a smile, and he and the Daoist Children bowed together. "Thank you, Mountain Lord, for granting this."

Patriarch Bodhi turned to leave, but after taking two steps, he looked back at Zhuang Yan. "When this humble Daoist's cave mansion is complete, I will host a vegetarian feast within. I hope the Mountain Lord will honor me with your presence."

Zhuang Yan cupped his hands. "I am honored by the old Immortal's invitation. I will certainly attend on time."

Before his words had faded, Patriarch Bodhi and the two Daoist Children had already ridden nine-colored auspicious clouds into Mount Fangcun. Zhuang Yan watched as their figures vanished into the mountains, only to see auspicious clouds and radiant mist suddenly rise from Mount Fangcun's summit, lingering without dispersing.

True Sage of the Three Teachings, Patriarch Bodhi—you have finally come.

Zhuang Yan rode cloud-light as he patrolled Spirit Platform Mountain. In the past, a mountain patrol took at least a full day, sometimes two. But since acquiring the Thousand Light Cloud Talisman, traveling a thousand li in a day was effortless. Today, he had surveyed the entire mountain in only half a day.

After returning from his patrol, Zhuang Yan put away the cloud talisman and was about to enter the temple when he heard a sharp shout from above. "Divine official below, receive the order at once!"

He looked up to see layers of thunderclouds descending with flashes of lightning. In the blink of an eye, they had landed before the temple. Two ranks of golden-armored Heavenly Soldiers emerged from the thunderclouds and lined up on either side of the temple gates.

Then a mighty Heavenly General emerged, clad in Golden Chainmail Armor and wearing a Purple Cloud Helmet. It was Zhu Lie. His gaze swept over Zhuang Yan like lightning. "You are the Mountain God of Lingtai?"

Zhuang Yan cupped his hands and replied, "That is this minor deity. May I know the general's honored name?"

Zhu Lie said arrogantly, "I am Zhu Lie, Palace Front Heavenly General of the Supreme Harmony Palace. By order of the Jade Emperor, I have descended to the mortal realm to subdue demons. I heard that you once assisted Marshal Deng in capturing the Demonic Dragon Ao Qu?"

Zhuang Yan answered modestly, "It was entirely thanks to Marshal Deng's guidance. This minor deity only contributed a little strength."

Zhu Lie impatiently waved his hand. "Enough idle talk. Sixty li north of Spirit Platform Mountain lies a mountain ravine concealing a demon. Use the Mountain God Jade Scroll to investigate its origins."

Zhuang Yan asked in confusion, "General, please forgive me, but that place is no longer under this minor deity's jurisdiction."

Zhu Lie barked, "Who asked you to govern it? Just find out that demon's background!"

Zhuang Yan could only agree. "In that case, please wait a moment, General, while this minor deity consults it."