The Twenty-Sixth Chapter

Nezha nodded and issued an order: "Send the injured to the Thunder Cloud for treatment, and properly arrange for the fallen soldiers. Once everything is settled, he relaxed and flashed before Zhuang Yan.

"Zhuang Yan, bring me the Heavenly Sin Blade to take a look," Nezha said with a smile. Zhuang Yan feigned confusion, "Marshal, what Heavenly Sin Blade are you talking about?"

Nezha glared and shouted, "Stop pretending to be confused! The Heavenly Sin Blade is clearly in your hands!"

Zhuang Yan looked innocent, "Absolutely not! Who spread this rumor?"

"My six eyes saw it clearly!" Nezha said urgently, "Lend it to me for a couple of days, would I still default on it?"

Seeing that he couldn't hide it any longer, Zhuang Yan straightened his back, "So what if I did?"

Nezha was speechless for a moment, then became furious, "How dare you! Don't you want these bones and muscles anymore?"

Zhuang Yan feigned panic, "The Marshal Who Subdues Demons wants to pull out people's bones and muscles?"

From afar, the Dragon King of the West Sea and his son almost fell over upon hearing this, looking over in terror. The Heavenly Soldiers and Arhats also turned their heads. Nezha hurriedly reprimanded, "Mountain God of Lingtai, how dare you slander this Marshal!" He then pointed three times in the air as a warning and rode away on the clouds.

Seeing Nezha leave, the West Sea dragons finally breathed a sigh of relief. They tremblingly ascended the Thunder Cloud, deliberately keeping their distance from Nezha. After the Heavenly Soldiers cleared the battlefield, Zhuang Yan also returned to the cloud. Nezha waved his command flag, "Withdraw the troops and return to Heaven!" Instantly, the drums fell silent and the flags ceased to flutter, as the Thunder Cloud soared into the sky.

Three hours later, eighty thousand heavenly troops arrived at the First Heaven. Nezha summoned Zhuang Yan and the three Dragon Princes, "Your ranks are insufficient to enter the Great Luo Heaven. Wait for the edict in the True Palace of Great Mystery." The four accepted the order and descended from the cloud.

Watching them leave, Nezha muttered, "Fighting for an hour and traveling for half a day, it's too boring. Although he dislikes Zhuang Yan's low rank, he envies his freedom to descend to the mortal realm."

The Giant Spirit God echoed, "We haven't fought enough! When will more rebellious Bodhisattvas appear?"

The Eighteen Arhats glared angrily. The Arhat on a Deer said sternly, "Bodhisattvas have all attained enlightenment, how could they betray the Buddhist Sect!"

Nezha quickly stopped him, "Don't talk nonsense!" He then muttered quietly, "If anyone's going to rebel, it's the Asuras..." Seeing the Arhats glaring, he quickly changed the subject, "That Earthen Jar of the Mountain God of Lingtai is truly powerful, it can even seal a Garuda."

The Giant Spirit God interjected, "You couldn't break it open back then, could you, Marshal?"

Nezha pretended not to hear and continued on his own, "Just now, I saw him trying to seal the Great Black Yaksha. Although I don't know if it could suppress a Golden Immortal, why would this Marshal risk it? I can't have come all this way for nothing."

The Giant Spirit God sighed, "Indeed, the seal of the Mountain God of Lingtai is no small matter. Even the Marshal's Three Heads Six Arms and numerous immortal magic tools could hardly shake it."

Nezha gazed into the distance. The Thunder Cloud had already passed through the Thirty-Six Heavens, and the outline of the South Heavenly Gate was gradually becoming clear. He thoughtfully asked, "I wonder if the Earthen Jar itself contains the power of the seal, or if the Mountain God of Lingtai has mastered profound sealing techniques?"

The Giant Spirit God shook his head, "Who can say for sure? A seal that even the Marshal cannot break must have an extraordinary origin."

A light laugh came from the Eighteen Arhats. Nezha's face immediately turned red, and he glared at the Giant Spirit God, "Is your brain flooded?"

The Giant Spirit God was baffled and confused, "What's wrong with the Marshal?"

Nezha said sternly, "Get to the back, don't loiter in front of me."

"Yes, Your Majesty." The Giant Spirit God retreated behind the Four Heavenly Kings with a look of bewilderment. The Four Heavenly Kings exchanged smiles; such simple-minded immortals are rare nowadays.

The Thunder Cloud arrived at the Great Luo Heaven and dissipated outside the South Heavenly Gate. All immortals and gods had to enter on foot. Nezha first ordered the Seventy-two Earthly Fiend Generals to lead the Heavenly River Navy back to camp to await orders. He then sent someone to escort Marshal Tianpeng Zhu Lie and the Thirty-six Heavenly General to the Heavenly Hospital for treatment. Afterward, he led the Giant Spirit God, the Four Heavenly Kings, the Eighteen Arhats, and the Dragon King of the West Sea to the Supreme Harmony Palace.

The Heavenly Generals outside the palace entered to report, "Reporting to Your Majesty, the High Official of the Heavenly Court's Department of Justice, the Great God of the Three Altars Sea Assembly, Nezha, has returned victorious from suppressing demons as ordered. He is now waiting outside the palace with his generals, the Dragon King of the West Sea, and the Eighteen Arhats for your decree."

"So swift?"

"It hasn't even been a full day in the mortal realm, has it?"

"As expected of the Third Prince!"

The immortals discussed amongst themselves. The Jade Emperor smiled and issued a decree:

A solemn divine voice immediately resounded, "The Great Celestial Venerable has decreed that Nezha and the others be summoned into the palace to pay their respects."

Nezha and his party straightened their robes and entered the palace, bowing respectfully, "Your Subject and others pay respects to the Supreme Emperor of Jade, Heavenly Venerable, Xuanqiong, High God."

The Jade Emperor said warmly, "Rise."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Everyone stood up.

Nezha presented the edict and reported, "Your Subject was ordered to quell the rebellion. Today, the Great Black Yaksha has been slain, and the Four Great Demon Sages have been captured alive. I have come to report." He then stepped aside, and the Giant Spirit God stepped forward with a box, "Reporting to Your Majesty, this is the head of the rebel leader, the Great Black Yaksha. His Primordial Spirit has been scattered by this subject."

Nezha opened the wooden box, and the demon's head was revealed to the assembled immortals. The Jade Emperor said with satisfaction, "My loyal minister is truly a pillar of the Heavenly Court." Nezha stepped forward to receive his reward.

Nezha approached and bowed. The Jade Emperor proclaimed, "Nezha has pacified the demons and secured the seas with outstanding merit. He is hereby granted one million Purple Coins, twenty pots of Imperial Wine, thirty Golden Flowers, ten Disaster Averting and Longevity Golden Cores, and ten Golden Cores of Dharma Body."

Nezha's face lit up with joy, and he kowtowed to express his gratitude, "Your Subject thanks Your Majesty for your grace."

Nezha reported the battle achievements and casualties of the Giant Spirit God, the Four Heavenly Kings, and other gods to the Jade Emperor.

The Jade Emperor decreed that the wounded soldiers be compensated and ordered the Underworld to send the fallen Heavenly Soldiers into the Path of the Gods for reincarnation, allowing them to ascend to immortality in their next lives.

Afterward, the Jade Emperor bestowed upon the gods Purple Coins, Imperial Wine, Golden Flowers, and five each of the Disaster Averting and Longevity Golden Cores and Golden Cores of Dharma Body. The gods rejoiced and offered their thanks.

These two types of Golden Cores were particularly precious. The Disaster Averting and Longevity Golden Core could avert calamities and extend life for a thousand years, while the Golden Core of Dharma Body could strengthen the immortal body. Both were products of the Grand Supreme Elder Lao. The Imperial Wine was also extraordinary, brewed from Nine-Turn Golden Elixirs. Mortals who drank it could become immortals, and immortals who drank it would increase their cultivation.

After the bestowal of rewards, Nezha reported again, "The Mountain God of Lingtai, Zhuang Yan, and the three Dragon Princes of the West Sea Dragon Palace made great contributions. Especially Zhuang Yan, who assisted me in slaying the Great Black Yaksha; his merits are undeniable."

The Jade Emperor inquired about the details. Nezha reported truthfully, "If not for Zhuang Yan taking away the Heavenly Sin Blade, it would have been difficult for me to slay this demon."

The Jade Emperor asked with a smile, "Is this person's ability comparable to yours?"

Nezha replied, "His divine abilities are extraordinary. I have not witnessed his other martial arts."

The Grand Supreme Elder Lao stepped forward and said, "Zhuang Yan is an Innate Being with extraordinary talent. I have seen his exceptional aptitude and therefore recommended him to Your Majesty. His divine abilities mostly stem from his innate body, naturally making them powerful."

The Jade Emperor nodded, "Laojun's appreciation for talent pleases me greatly." He then pondered, "Such a talented individual, only serving as a Seventh-Rank Mountain God, is it not beneath his capabilities?"

"This is hardly a waste of talent," Grand Supreme Elder Lao said calmly after listening. "Your Majesty, the Heavenly Court's regulations differ from mortal sects. Promotions and demotions are all based on heavenly laws and decrees. While Zhuang Yan is an Innate Being who took human form, it is precisely for this reason that he should first serve in the mortal realm and progress step by step. This will temper his character and allow him to accumulate experience in governing the world. If he were to be promoted to a high position without achieving merit, it might damage his Dao Heart."

The Jade Emperor nodded slightly and then asked, "According to Laojun's opinion, how should the Mountain God of Lingtai be rewarded?"

Grand Supreme Elder Lao pondered for a moment and said, "Your Majesty, merchants value profit, and officials value power."

The Jade Emperor smiled in understanding and immediately issued an edict: "I hereby confer upon Zhuang Yan the title of 'Lord of Lingtai Dongming,' retaining his position as the Mountain God of Lingtai. He is granted the authority to establish a prefecture and govern the divine path of Guangci Prefecture. Furthermore, he shall be rewarded with five hundred thousand Purple Coins, ten Golden Flowers, and ten pots of Imperial Wine."

Emperor Wenchang bowed and accepted the decree: "Your subject obeys."

The Jade Emperor then said, "Ao Rong, Ao Lie, and Ao Wang of the West Sea Dragon Palace have made meritorious contributions in subduing demons. They are promoted to Eighth-Rank Dragon Gods, each to be rewarded with three hundred thousand Purple Coins, five Golden Flowers, and five pots of Imperial Wine."

It should be known that although the Four Seas Dragon Kings are called "Kings," they are actually Fifth-Rank Immortal Officials, equivalent in rank to Nezha. Dragon Princes and Dragon Princesses initially begin as Rogue Immortals, and only by achieving merit or serving as Water Gods can they receive appointments from the Heavenly Court. This promotion of the three Dragon Princes of the West Sea from Ninth Rank to Eighth Rank is already a significant reward.

The Dragon King of the West Sea prostrated himself and kowtowed: "Your subject thanks the Great Celestial Venerable on behalf of his unworthy sons. The beings of the West Sea will forever be grateful for your heavenly grace."

The Jade Emperor waved his hand: "I do not require the gratitude of all beings. As the ruler of the West Sea, you should constantly implement benevolent policies and bestow blessings upon all spirits."

The Dragon King of the West Sea bowed again: "Your subject will certainly govern diligently and widely dispense benevolence, not failing your heavenly grace."

Afterward, the Jade Emperor also rewarded eighty thousand Heavenly River Navy soldiers and five thousand Vajras from the Buddhist Sect. Once the rewards were complete, all the immortals respectfully escorted the Jade Emperor back to his palace, exiting the Supreme Harmony Palace in order.

Within the True Palace of Great Mystery in the First Heaven, Zhuang Yan and the Third Prince of the West Sea were quietly awaiting the imperial decree for their rewards. By chance, Lan Caihe, Lü Dongbin, and Han Xiangzi came to visit. The group then set up wine and a chessboard in a side hall to pass the time.

Zhuang Yan's chess skills were not refined, and he was defeated after just one game with Han Xiangzi, so he could only watch from the sidelines. Lü Dongbin took his place and consecutively defeated Han Xiangzi, the Dragon Princes, and the three Dragon Princes. No one dared to challenge him further.

Lan Caihe pouted: "Old Lü, you show off your prowess as soon as you sit at the chessboard. It's one thing to bully us, but you don't even spare the Mountain God and the Dragon Princes. That's too unkind!"

Lü Dongbin laughed heartily: "If I don't show my skills, how can I earn the name of 'Saint of Chess'?"

Han Xiangzi raised an eyebrow: "Do you dare to compete in something else?"

Lü Dongbin smiled: "How about a sword fight?"

Han Xiangzi pouted: "Your swordsmanship is naturally superior."

Zhuang Yan interjected: "Why don't we compare magic tools? Let's all show off our respective magic items."

As soon as he said this, the side hall fell silent. Lan Caihe quietly put away his flower basket, Han Xiangzi hid his Jade Flute in his sleeve, and Lü Dongbin also put his Pure Yang Sword into his immortal sleeve. The three Dragon Princes also restrained their magical auras. The atmosphere immediately became tense.

Zhuang Yan was puzzled: "Is this suggestion inappropriate?"

"It only benefits you," Lan Caihe said directly.

Zhuang Yan spread his hands and gave a wry smile: "Alas, you've seen through me."

Just then, a Service Officer from the Hall of Grotto-Heavens entered the side hall. Everyone quickly stood up. The Service Officer announced loudly: "The Mountain God of Lingtai and the three Dragon Princes, the Heavenly Court's rewards have arrived. Please follow me to the Hall of Grotto-Heavens to receive the decree."

Zhuang Yan and the Dragon Princes responded in unison, bid farewell to Lan Caihe and the others, and followed the Service Officer to the Hall of Grotto-Heavens.

Inside the hall, the four bowed: "Your subject Zhuang Yan (Ao Rong/Ao Lie/Ao Wang) pays respects to Emperor Shaoyang of the Purple Mansion."

The Emperor smiled and raised his hand: "Rise."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." The four stood respectfully.

Emperor Shaoyang gestured to the decree envoy of the Grand Profound Capital Province: "Read the edict."

The decree envoy held the imperial edict and loudly read the rewards for Zhuang Yan. Upon hearing that he was conferred the title of 'Lord of Lingtai Dongming' and granted the authority to establish a prefecture and govern the divine path of Guangci Prefecture, Zhuang Yan could not hide his surprise. The five hundred thousand Purple Coins, ten Golden Flowers, and ten pots of Imperial Wine were merely supplementary.

This title and authority meant that Zhuang Yan would become the de facto ruler of Guangci Prefecture, with all the gods within its jurisdiction reporting to him, and all divine affairs needing to be submitted through the Manor of Lingtai Dongming. Even Emperor Shaoyang of the Purple Mansion could not help but look at him with surprise—a Seventh-Rank Immortal Official being granted the authority to establish a prefecture showed how highly the Heavenly Court valued him.

After the decree envoy finished reading, three Immortal Officials presented the rewards: a storage bag filled with Purple Coins, brilliant Golden Flowers, and exquisite Imperial Wine. Zhuang Yan respectfully thanked them and accepted the rewards before stepping aside.

Afterward, although the three Dragon Princes received a promotion in rank, their rewards were far less than Zhuang Yan's. However, they knew their military contributions were limited and were therefore content.

Zhuang Yan's wielding of the Heavenly Sin Blade had turned the tide of the battle, assisting Nezha in slaying the Great Black Yaksha, making his second-class merit well-deserved.