Chapter 24

The marshal had written such an explicit love letter, and it had even been submitted to Lord Taiyin. If this matter were reported at court and you were charged with the crime of harassing a female official, what would the consequences be?

Cold sweat immediately streamed down Zhu Lie's face. He hurriedly snatched back the jade silk. Lan Caihe let go accordingly and advised, "If the marshal truly admires her, you should be even more careful with your words and actions. Wouldn't it be better to establish great merit first, then ask the Great Celestial Venerable to grant you a marriage?"

Zhu Lie hastily put away the jade silk, wiped off his cold sweat, and cupped his hands. "Thank you for your help, Daoist. Otherwise, disaster would have been upon me."

Lan Caihe smiled faintly. "As colleagues, we should look out for one another."

Zhu Lie nodded repeatedly. "If you need anything, Daoist, just say the word."

Lan Caihe pondered for a moment. "There is one matter. Recently, I heard some rumors about Guanghan Palace from the fairy..."

Zhu Lie immediately perked up. "What rumors?"

"They concern you, Marshal." Lan Caihe hesitated slightly. "They say you are narrow-minded, greedy for credit, and quick to shift blame—unbefitting a man's bearing."

"What?" Zhu Lie flew into a rage. "Who dares slander me like this?"

Lan Caihe said, "I do not know exactly who it was. I imagine it has something to do with the rescue of Fairy Nishang last time..."

Zhu Lie suddenly realized it, panic filling his face. "Could it be... Fairy Nishang said it?"

"Yes." Lan Caihe nodded. "She was there at the time. No one in Guanghan Palace knows the details better than she does."

With a trace of regret, he said, "Marshal, no wonder she passed your letter to Lord Taiyin. So this is how she sees you." With that, he sighed softly.

Zhu Lie's face turned pale as he muttered, "What should I do now...?"

Lan Caihe consoled him, "Marshal, clearing up this misunderstanding will not be difficult."

Zhu Lie immediately brightened, cupping his hands. "Please enlighten me, True Person."

Lan Caihe pondered briefly. "The West Sea has fallen into turmoil. The Heavenly Court will surely dispatch the navy to suppress the Great Black Yaksha. Since you command the Heavenly River Navy, you will certainly be among those sent out."

He looked at Zhu Lie. "If you recommend the Mountain God of Lingtai as a military advisor, then once the demons and monsters are subdued, he will naturally earn merit. It will both dispel the rumors and display your broad-mindedness, Marshal."

"Excellent plan!" Zhu Lie clapped his hands in praise. "A truly excellent plan!"

He solemnly bowed. "Thank you, True Person, for resolving my confusion."

Lan Caihe waved his hand casually. "We serve as ministers in the same hall. It is only right that we help each other."

Zhu Lie sighed. "I did not know the True Person well in the past, yet I never expected you to be so warmhearted and righteous. Zhu is truly ashamed."

Lan Caihe smiled and cupped his hands. "Marshal, I shall take my leave first."

Zhu Lie hurriedly tried to keep him. "Why not come into my residence for a chat?"

"There are still mundane affairs to attend to at my residence. I will visit another day." Lan Caihe drifted away.

After returning to the True Palace of Great Mystery, He Xiangu smiled and asked, "How did it go?"

"It is done." Lan Caihe smiled. "Fellow Daoist Zhuang Yan should have no trouble with his journey to the West Sea."

He Xiangu gently stroked the immortal lotus. "Very good."

Lan Caihe sighed. "Without your friendship with Lord Taiyin, this matter might not have succeeded."

"It was only a small effort." As her slender hand swayed lightly, the room filled with the fragrance of lotus flowers.

Beyond Great Luo Heaven, immortal music drifted through the air.

Lord Taibai held a jade whisk, his voice shaking the nine heavens. "Summon King Guangze of the West Sea, Ao Run, to audience—"

The Dragon King straightened his robes, held his tablet, and entered the hall. He kowtowed respectfully. "Your subject Ao Run wishes Your Majesty eternal longevity without bounds."

A divine decree came from atop the auspicious cloud. "Rise."

Ao Run respectfully kowtowed. "Thank you, Your Majesty." He then rose and reported with his tablet in hand, "Your Majesty, the West Sea has been struck by a rebellion of the Great Black Yaksha. He has forcibly occupied the Dragon Palace, slaughtered immortal officials, and proclaimed himself Dragon King, throwing the sea into chaos and bringing calamity upon its living beings. Your subject begs Your Majesty to dispatch troops to quell this rebellion and save the West Sea from peril. Your subject is overwhelmed with fear."

After finishing, Ao Run once again prostrated himself and kowtowed, tears streaming down his face.

The Jade Emperor said warmly, "Beloved minister, do not worry. I shall issue an edict to launch a campaign at once."

He then called out, "Supreme Emperor of the Divine Firmament Jade Palace, step forward and receive your orders."

A deity of extraordinary majesty stepped out from the immortal ranks. It was none other than Nine Heavens Yingyuan Heavenly Venerable Puhua of Thunder. Dressed in splendid robes and holding a jade tablet, he bowed. "Your subject is here."

The Jade Emperor asked, "Which divine general in your palace can shoulder this important duty and lead troops to the lower realm to eradicate these demons?"

Ancestor of Thunder Heavenly Venerable bowed and replied, "In answer to Your Majesty, Great God of the Three Altars Sea Assembly Nezha is equal to this task."

The Jade Emperor immediately issued an edict. "I hereby appoint Nezha as Marshal Who Subdues Demons, commanding the heavenly troops in their campaign against the Great Black Yaksha."

"Your subject obeys the decree." Ancestor of Thunder Heavenly Venerable accepted the order and withdrew.

The Jade Emperor called again, "Nezha, receive your orders."

Nezha stepped out from the ranks, holding his tablet. "Your subject is here."

The Jade Emperor decreed, "I order you to muster troops and depart immediately to quell the turmoil in the West Sea."

Nezha answered loudly, "Your subject accepts the decree." After a brief hesitation, he added, "Your subject has a memorial to present."

The Jade Emperor granted permission. "Speak."

Nezha reported, "Your Majesty, the Great Black Yaksha occupies the Dragon Palace. This battle will certainly take place in the waters, and we will need the Heavenly River Navy to support us. I beg Your Majesty to approve this."

The Jade Emperor agreed. "Granted. Marshal Tianpeng, step forward."

Zhu Lie quickly stepped out from the ranks. "Your subject is here."

The Jade Emperor ordered, "You are to lead the eighty thousand Heavenly River naval troops and temporarily submit to Marshal Who Subdues Demons's command. Together, you will suppress the rebellion."

Zhu Lie accepted the order. "Your subject obeys the decree." He then added, "Your Majesty, your subject wishes to recommend someone as an advisor accompanying the army."

The Jade Emperor looked slightly surprised. "Who?"

Zhu Lie answered, "The Mountain God of Lingtai possesses formidable magical power and exceptional wisdom. He can take on this duty. Your subject begs Your Majesty to permit it."

At these words, all the immortals in the hall revealed looks of surprise, and even Nezha turned to look at him.

The Jade Emperor did not ask further, merely nodding. "Granted."

Zhu Lie thanked him joyfully. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

The Jade Emperor then summoned, "Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva, receive the decree."

The Bodhisattva stepped out with his palms pressed together. "This poor monk is here."

The Jade Emperor issued his decree. "I order the Buddhist sect to dispatch Arhats and Vajras to coordinate with the heavenly troops. All shall be under Marshal Who Subdues Demons's command as they proceed to the West Sea to eliminate demons."

Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva respectfully accepted the order. "This poor monk shall obey the Great Celestial Venerable's divine decree."

Once all arrangements had been made, the Dragon King of the West Sea thanked the Jade Emperor for his grace, then left the Supreme Harmony Palace with Nezha and Zhu Lie. Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva also took his leave of the Jade Emperor and returned to Spirit Platform Mountain.

Nezha assembled the Giant Spirit God, the Four Heavenly Kings, the Thirty-six Heavenly Generals, and the Seventy-two Earthly Fiend Generals, while Zhu Lie led eighty thousand Heavenly River naval troops to join them. The troops passed through the West Heaven Gate and arrived outside the True Palace of Great Mystery, north of the First Heaven.

Nezha entered the palace to pay respects to Emperor Shaoyang of the Purple Mansion. He reported that he had received the Jade Emperor's order to campaign against the demons and monsters of the West Sea, and also mentioned Zhu Lie's recommendation of the Mountain God of Lingtai as a military advisor. Emperor Shaoyang immediately ordered the Service Officer to deliver an edict summoning him.

The edict bearer Zhao Qingsi descended to Danchi Ridge on Spirit Platform Mountain. After receiving the decree, Zhuang Yan instructed Fire Spirit True Immortal to remain behind and guard the Mountain God Temple, then departed on a cloud with Zhao Qingsi.

Above the First Heaven, rainbow light spread across the ground as immortal qi curled through the air. Zhu Lie waited at the heavenly gate and smiled when he saw Zhuang Yan. Zhuang Yan stepped forward to offer his thanks, but Zhu Lie waved his hand. "This marshal recommends worthy men without regard for personal ties. Brother Zhuang, there is no need for such courtesy." With that, he took him to meet the commander-in-chief.

Before the army formation, banners blocked out the sky. Heavenly soldiers stood in formation, their divine might awe-inspiring. As Zhuang Yan looked around, he saw solemn manifestations and overwhelming auras among the generals. At the very front stood a crimson figure whose presence shook heaven and earth—it was Great God of the Three Altars Sea Assembly Nezha. The youth was remarkably handsome and agile, his jade-like face reflecting moonlit brilliance, his red lips and white teeth displaying heroic grace. His eyes shone like lightning, his broad forehead framed by a high topknot. Streamers danced like flames in the wind, and his battle robe gleamed gold beneath the sun. A lustrous jade belt hung with a bright mirror, while shining armor set off his war boots. Though small in stature, his voice boomed like a great bell. He was Third Prince Nezha, whose fame shook the Three Realms.

Zhuang Yan stepped forward and bowed. "Zhuang Yan, Mountain God of Lingtai, pays respects to the Marshal." Nezha studied him for a moment, then raised a hand. "Rise." Zhuang Yan stood and met the eyes of the renowned Third Prince.

"Marshal Tianpeng, return to the ranks with the Mountain God of Lingtai. The army departs at once," Nezha said to Zhu Lie.

Zhu Lie cupped his fists. "As you command." He then led Zhuang Yan into the army formation.

Once inside, Zhu Lie pointed at five imposing heavenly generals at the front and introduced them to Zhuang Yan. "These are the Giant Spirit God and the Four Heavenly Kings."

Zhuang Yan looked over. The Giant Spirit God was as massive as a mountain, while the Four Heavenly Kings were equally imposing, commanding awe without anger.

He then looked toward the generals in the formation, clad in golden armor beneath divine robes, and asked, "Are these also heavenly generals?"

"That is right." Zhu Lie nodded. "These are the Thirty-six Heavenly Generals and the Seventy-two Earthly Fiend Generals. They command the various divisions of heavenly soldiers."

Zhuang Yan nodded slightly. Most Heavenly Court generals were like this; after all, those capable of commanding thousands upon thousands of troops were few.

At that moment, Nezha raised his command flag and shouted, "Unfurl the banners!"

In an instant, the banners of wind, cloud, thunder, lightning, and the twenty-eight constellations unfurled in the wind, snapping loudly.

As the flags waved, dark clouds rolled beneath the feet of the eighty thousand Heavenly Army, lightning flashed, and starlight glittered.

Nezha waved his flag again and shouted, "Beat the drums!" The booming war drums shook the nine heavens and echoed across the sky.

Next, Nezha rode the Wind Fire Wheels as he inspected the entire army with the Giant Spirit God and the Four Heavenly Kings. After returning to his position, he waved his flag and cried, "Advance!"

At his command, thunderclouds surged upward, war drums roared, banners flew, and eighty thousand heavenly soldiers rode clouds straight down toward the West Sea.

When the army reached the border of the West Sea, they suddenly saw auspicious clouds swirling in the distance and golden light filling the sky as it rushed toward the Heavenly Army.

Nezha waved his flag to halt the army, then led the generals forward to meet them.

As the golden light scattered, several thousand immortals appeared. The Eighteen Arhats at their head pressed their palms together and bowed. "By Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva's order, we have led five thousand Vajras here to assist in suppressing demons. We await the Marshal's command."

Nezha returned the salute. "Join the formation."

The Eighteen Arhats accepted the order and led their forces into the army formation, forming a division of their own.

Nezha waved his flag again, driving the thunderclouds forward as they entered the West Sea.

They had only just entered the waters when Ao Run, Dragon King of the West Sea, approached with his three dragon princes.

Nezha halted the army and asked, "Old Dragon King, do you have any news of the Yaksha forces?"

Ao Run answered, "That fiend has occupied the Dragon Palace and proclaimed himself Yaksha King of the West Sea. He has recruited demon soldiers far and wide and set up a great formation around the Dragon Palace. They are fully prepared for battle."

Ao Run continued, "Fifteenth Prince Jie Hanli of the Asura Tribe has also betrayed Spirit Platform Mountain. He brought three thousand Asura Warriors and defected to the Great Black Yaksha. The Great Black Yaksha now commands fifty thousand Yaksha ghost soldiers, three thousand Asura Warriors, and another twenty to thirty thousand warriors of the West Sea Aquatic Races."

Nezha nodded slightly and asked, "How many Dragon Palace soldiers remain under your command?"

Ao Run sighed. "None remain. They either died in battle or surrendered to the Great Black Yaksha. That is why this king can only bring his three sons to assist in battle."

After saying this, Ao Run turned to the three dragon princes. "Come quickly and pay respects to Marshal Who Subdues Demons."

Second Prince Ao Rong, Third Prince Ao Lie, and Fourth Prince Ao Wang immediately stepped forward and bowed respectfully. "Ao Rong, Ao Lie, and Ao Wang pay respects to Marshal Who Subdues Demons."

The dragon race had always held Nezha in great awe, and the three princes were no exception.

Nezha said calmly, "No need for excessive ceremony. Rise."

"Thank you, Marshal." The three princes bowed once more before straightening up.

Nezha looked at Ao Run and asked, "Old Dragon King, why is your Prince Mo Ang not in the West Sea?"