The Twenty-fourth Chapter

The Marshal actually wrote such an explicit love letter, which was then presented to Lord Taiyin. If this matter were brought up at court, you would be charged with the crime of being a female official. What would the consequences be?

Zhu Lie immediately broke out in a cold sweat and hastily snatched the jade silk. Lan Caihe let go and advised, "If the Marshal truly loves her, he should be even more cautious with his words and actions. Wouldn't it be better to achieve great merit first, and then ask the Great Celestial Venerable to grant the marriage?"

Zhu Lie hurriedly put away the jade silk, wiped off his cold sweat, and cupped his hands, saying, "Thank you, Daoist priest, for your help. Otherwise, I would have been in grave danger."

Lan Caihe smiled calmly, "We are colleagues, so we should look out for each other."

Zhu Lie nodded repeatedly, "If you need anything, Daoist priest, please don't hesitate to ask."

Lan Caihe pondered for a moment, "Actually, there is one thing. I recently heard some rumors about Guanghan Palace from the Immortal Maiden..."

Zhu Lie's spirits immediately lifted, "What rumors?"

"It concerns the Marshal," Lan Caihe hesitated slightly, saying that the Marshal was narrow-minded, took credit for others' work, and lacked the spirit of a true man.

"What?" Zhu Lie roared in anger, "Who dares to slander me like this?"

Lan Caihe said, "I don't know who specifically it was. I imagine it should be related to the rescue of Fairy Nishang last time..."

Zhu Lie suddenly woke up, flustered, "Could it be... Fairy Nishang who said that?"

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

He said with a hint of regret, "Marshal, no wonder she forwarded your letter to Lord Taiyin. It turns out this is how she sees you." He then sighed softly.

Zhu Lie's face turned pale, and he muttered to himself, "What should I do now..."

Lan Caihe comforted him, "Marshal, it's not difficult to clear up misunderstandings."

Zhu Lie's spirits immediately revived, and he cupped his hands, "Please enlighten me, True Immortal."

Lan Caihe pondered for a moment, "There's been a change in the West Sea, and the Heavenly Court will surely send the navy to conquer the Great Black Yaksha. Since the Marshal commands the Heavenly River Navy, he will undoubtedly be part of the expedition."

He looked at Zhu Lie, "If the Marshal recommends the Mountain God of Lingtai as his aide, he will earn merit after pacifying the demons and monsters. This will not only clear up the rumors but also showcase the Marshal's magnanimity."

"Brilliant plan!" Zhu Lie clapped his hands in admiration, "Truly a brilliant plan!"

He bowed solemnly, "Thank you, True Immortal, for resolving my doubts."

Lan Caihe waved his hand calmly, "We are officials in the same court; we should help each other."

Zhu Lie sighed with emotion, "I didn't interact much with you in the past, True Immortal, and I didn't expect you to be so warm-hearted. It truly makes me ashamed."

Lan Caihe cupped his hands with a smile, "Marshal, I shall take my leave now."

Zhu Lie quickly tried to persuade him, "Why don't you come into my residence for a brief chat?"

"I still have some mundane affairs at my residence. I will visit again another day," Lan Caihe said, floating away.

Returning to the True Palace of Great Mystery, He Xiangu asked with a smile, "How did it go?"

"It's done," Lan Caihe smiled, "Daoist friend Zhuang Yan's trip to the West Sea should be without incident."

He Xiangu gently stroked the immortal lotus, "That's good."

Lan Caihe sighed, "If not for your relationship with Lord Taiyin, this matter might not have been resolved."

"It was just a small favor," she said, her delicate hands waving, filling the room with the fragrance of lotuses.

Outside the Great Luo Heaven, immortal music lingered.

Lord Taibai, holding a jade whisk, his voice shaking the nine heavens, announced, "By imperial decree, King Guangze of the West Sea, Ao Run, is summoned to an audience--"

The Dragon King tidied his robes, held his tablet, and entered the hall, bowing respectfully, "Your subject Ao Run congratulates Your Majesty on your boundless longevity."

A decree came from the auspicious clouds, "You may rise."

Ao Run respectfully kowtowed, "Thank you, Your Majesty." He then rose, holding his tablet, and reported, "Reporting to Your Majesty, the West Sea is currently suffering from the rebellion of the Great Black Yaksha, who has occupied the Dragon Palace, harmed immortal officials, and declared himself Dragon King. This has caused turmoil in the sea and suffering to all living beings. Your subject implores Your Majesty to send troops to quell the rebellion and save the West Sea from dire straits. Your subject is filled with dread."

After speaking, Ao Run prostrated himself again, tears streaming down his face.

The Jade Emperor said gently, "My dear minister, there is no need to worry. I will issue an edict to punish them immediately."

He then summoned, "The Emperor who governs the Divine Firmament Jade Palace, step forward to receive the order."

A divine being of extraordinary majesty stepped out from the ranks of immortals. It was the Nine Heavens Yingyuan Heavenly Venerable Puhua of Thunder. He was dressed in magnificent robes and held a jade tablet as he saluted, "Your subject is here."

The Jade Emperor inquired, "Which divine general in your palace is capable of undertaking this important task and leading troops to the mortal realm to exterminate the evil spirits?"

Ancestor of Thunder Heavenly Venerable bowed and replied, "Replying to Your Majesty, the Great God Nezha of the Three Altars of the Sea is capable of this great responsibility."

The Jade Emperor immediately issued an edict, "Hereby, Nezha is appointed as Marshal Who Subdues Demons, to lead the Heavenly Soldiers to campaign against the Great Black Yaksha."

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

The Jade Emperor then called out, "Nezha, receive your orders."

Nezha stepped forward, holding his tablet, and responded, "Your subject is here."

The Jade Emperor decreed, "You are ordered to muster your troops and set out immediately to quell the rebellion in the West Sea."

Nezha said loudly, "Your subject accepts the decree." He paused slightly and then added, "Your subject has a memorial to present."

The Jade Emperor granted permission, "Speak."

Nezha reported, "Your Majesty, the Great Black Yaksha is entrenched in the Dragon Palace. This battle will undoubtedly take place in the water. The Heavenly River Navy needs to be deployed to assist. I hope Your Majesty will grant approval."

The Jade Emperor agreed, "Permission granted. Marshal Tianpeng, step forward."

Zhu Lie quickly stepped out of the ranks, "Your subordinate is here."

The Jade Emperor ordered, "You are to lead the Heavenly River's eighty thousand troops and temporarily be under the command of the Marshal Who Subdues Demons to jointly suppress the rebellion."

Zhu Lie accepted the order, "Your subordinate obeys." He then added, "Your Majesty, I wish to recommend someone as a military advisor."

The Jade Emperor showed slight surprise, "Who?"

Zhu Lie replied, "The Mountain God of Lingtai possesses great magical power and exceptional wisdom. He can undertake this task. I implore Your Majesty to grant permission."

Upon hearing this, all the immortals in the hall showed surprise, and Nezha also turned his gaze.

The Jade Emperor did not question further and nodded, "Granted."

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

The Jade Emperor then summoned, "Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva, hear this decree."

The Bodhisattva clasped his hands and stepped forward, "This humble monk is here."

The Jade Emperor issued an edict, "Order the Buddhist Sect to dispatch Arhats and Vajras to cooperate with the Heavenly Soldiers, all under the command of the Marshal Who Subdues Demons, to go to the West Sea to eliminate the demons."

Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva respectfully accepted, "We strictly obey the Edict of the Great Celestial Venerable."

With all arrangements made, the Dragon King of the West Sea thanked the Jade Emperor for his grace before exiting the Supreme Harmony Palace with Nezha and Zhu Lie. Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva also bid farewell to the Jade Emperor and returned to Spirit Mountain.

Nezha assembled the Giant Spirit God, the Four Heavenly Kings, and the generals of the Thirty-six Heavenly Generals and Seventy-two Earthly Fiends. Zhu Lie, meanwhile, led the eighty thousand Heavenly River troops to rendezvous. The assembled generals and soldiers emerged from the West Heaven Gate and headed straight for the True Palace of Great Mystery, north of the First Heaven.

Nezha entered the palace to pay his respects to Emperor Shaoyang of the Purple Mansion, informing him of the mission to conquer the West Sea demons under the Jade Emperor's orders and mentioning Zhu Lie's recommendation of the Mountain God of Lingtai as a military advisor. Emperor Shaoyang immediately ordered a Service Officer to deliver an imperial decree.

The messenger, Zhao Qingsi, descended to Danchi Ridge on Spirit Platform Mountain. After receiving the decree, Zhuang Yan entrusted the Fire Spirit True Immortal to guard the Mountain God Temple and then ascended to the clouds with Zhao Qingsi.

On the First Heaven, rainbow light paved the ground, and immortal energy swirled. Zhu Lie welcomed them at the Heaven Gate, seeing Zhuang Yan with a smile. Zhuang Yan stepped forward to express his gratitude. Zhu Lie waved his hand, "This marshal promotes the worthy regardless of personal ties. Brother Zhuang, there's no need for such formality." He then led him to meet the commander-in-chief.

Before the army, banners obscured the sky, Heavenly Soldiers stood in formation, exuding divine might. Wherever Zhuang Yan's gaze fell, he saw the solemn visages and imposing auras of the generals. At the very front of the formation, a fiery figure radiated power throughout the universe—it was none other than the Great God Nezha of the Three Altars of the Sea.

Zhuang Yan stepped forward and bowed, "Mountain God of Lingtai, Zhuang Yan, pays respects to the Marshal." Nezha scrutinized him for a moment, then raised his hand, "You are dismissed." Zhuang Yan rose and met the eyes of the renowned Third Prince.

—The youth was exceptionally handsome, his build agile. His face was like the moon reflecting clear light, his lips vermilion and teeth white, displaying heroic spirit. His eyes shone like lightning, his forehead full, and his hair tied up. Colorful ribbons danced like flames in the wind, his battle robe reflecting the sun with golden light. His jade belt hung like a bright mirror, and his armor gleamed, complementing his battle boots. Though small in stature, his voice boomed like a great bell, truly the Nezha Third Prince who shook the Three Realms.

Marshal Tianpeng returned to the ranks with the Mountain God of Lingtai, and the great army immediately set off. Nezha said to Zhu Lie.

Zhu Lie cupped his fist in response, "As you command." He then led Zhuang Yan into the military formation.

Upon entering the formation, Zhu Lie pointed to 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 up. The Giant Spirit God was as sturdy as a mountain, and the Four Heavenly Kings also exuded an imposing aura, commanding respect without anger.

He then looked at the generals in the ranks, clad in golden armor and divine robes, and asked, "Are these also Heavenly Generals?"

"Correct," Zhu Lie nodded. "These are the Thirty-six Heavenly Generals and the Seventy-two Earthly Fiend Generals, commanding various divisions of Heavenly Soldiers."

Zhuang Yan nodded slightly. Most Heavenly Court generals were like this; those who could command vast armies were ultimately few.

At this moment, Nezha raised his command flag high and shouted, "Unfurl the flags!"

Instantly, the flags of Wind, Cloud, Thunder, and Lightning, along with the Divine Flags of the Twenty-eight Mansions, fluttered in the wind, rustling loudly.

As the flags unfurled, dark clouds surged beneath the feet of the eighty thousand Heavenly Army, lightning flashed, and starlight shone brilliantly.

Nezha waved his flag again and shouted, "Beat the drums!"

The thunderous war drums shook the heavens and echoed across the firmament.

Then, Nezha, stepping on his Wind Fire Wheels, inspected the entire army with the Giant Spirit God and the Four Heavenly Kings before returning to his position, waving his flag and shouting, "Advance!"

With a single command, thunderclouds rose, war drums roared, banners flew, and the eighty thousand Heavenly Soldiers rode the clouds straight towards the West Sea.

As the army approached the West Sea border, they suddenly saw auspicious clouds swirling in the distance, filling the sky with golden light, heading directly towards the Heavenly Army.

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

The golden light dispersed, revealing several thousand immortals. At the forefront, eighteen Arhats clasped their hands in greeting, "We are sent by Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva to lead five thousand Vajras to assist in subduing demons. We await the Marshal's command."

Nezha returned the greeting, "Please join the ranks."

The eighteen Arhats accepted the order, led their contingent into the army formation, forming their own distinct unit.

Nezha waved his flag again, stirring the thunderclouds, and entered the West Sea.

As soon as they entered the sea, the Dragon King of the West Sea, Ao Run, met them with his three dragon princes.

Nezha halted the army and asked, "Old Dragon King, are there any movements from the Yaksha tribe?"

Ao Run replied, "The demon has occupied the Dragon Palace, declared himself the Yaksha King of the West Sea, and is actively recruiting demon soldiers. He has already set up a grand formation around the Dragon Palace and is waiting in full readiness."

Ao Run continued, "Prince Jie Hanli of the Asura tribe has also betrayed Spirit Mountain, bringing three thousand Asura Warriors to join forces with the Great Black Yaksha. Currently, the Great Black Yaksha commands fifty thousand Yaksha ghost soldiers, three thousand Asura Warriors, and twenty to thirty thousand West Sea aquatic soldiers."

Nezha nodded slightly and asked, "How many of your Dragon Palace soldiers are left?"

Ao Run sighed, "They are all gone. Either they died in battle or surrendered to the Great Black Yaksha. That's why I can only bring my three sons to assist in the battle."

After speaking, Ao Run turned to his three dragon princes, "Quickly, pay your respects to the Marshal Who Subdues Demons."

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

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

Nezha said calmly, "No need for formalities. Rise."

"Thank you, Marshal," the three princes bowed again before standing upright.

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