Chapter 26

Nezha nodded and gave the order: "Send the wounded to the thundercloud for treatment, and properly lay the fallen soldiers to rest." Once everything had been arranged, his expression relaxed, and he flashed over to Zhuang Yan.

"Zhuang Yan, hand over the Heavenly Sin Blade and let me have a look," Nezha said with a smile. Zhuang Yan feigned confusion. "What Heavenly Sin Blade is the Marshal talking about?"

Nezha glared and shouted, "Stop playing dumb! The Heavenly Sin Blade is clearly in your hands!"

Zhuang Yan wore an innocent expression. "Nothing of the sort! Who started that rumor?"

"My six eyes saw it perfectly clearly!" Nezha said anxiously. "Let me play with it for two days. You're not going to go back on your word, are you?"

Seeing that he could not hide it any longer, Zhuang Yan simply straightened his back. "So what if it is?"

Nezha was momentarily speechless, then flew into a rage. "What nerve! You don't want these bones and sinews anymore?"

Zhuang Yan pretended to panic. "Marshal Who Subdues Demons is going to tear out someone's bones and sinews?"

The Dragon King of the West Sea and his sons nearly toppled over at those words, staring over in alarm. The heavenly soldiers and arhats also glanced their way. Nezha hurriedly rebuked him, "Mountain God of Lingtai, do not slander this Marshal!" With that, he pointed into the air three times as a warning before riding away on a cloud.

Only after Nezha had gone far away did the dragons of the West Sea breathe a sigh of relief. Trembling, they boarded the thundercloud and deliberately kept their distance from Nezha. Once the heavenly soldiers had cleared the battlefield, Zhuang Yan returned to the cloud as well. Nezha waved his command flag. "Withdraw the troops and return to Heaven!" At once, the drums fell silent, the banners lowered, and the thundercloud soared into the sky.

Three hours later, the eighty thousand Heavenly Army reached the First Heaven. Nezha summoned Zhuang Yan and the three Dragon Princes. "Your ranks are too low to enter Great Luo Heaven. Wait for the decree at the True Palace of Great Mystery." The four accepted the order and descended from the cloud.

Watching them depart, Nezha muttered, "Fighting for an hour and traveling for half a day—what a bore. Though Zhuang Yan's rank is low, I do envy him for being able to descend to the mortal realm freely."

Giant Spirit God chimed in, "I still haven't had my fill of fighting! When will a few more Buddhist traitor bodhisattvas appear?"

The Eighteen Arhats glared at him. Arhat on a Deer sternly said, "All bodhisattvas have attained perfect enlightenment. How could they betray the Buddhist path?"

Nezha hurriedly stopped him. "Do not speak nonsense!" Then he turned away and muttered in a low voice, "If anyone were to rebel, it would be the Asuras..." Seeing the arhats glare at him, he quickly changed the subject. "That clay jar of the Mountain God of Lingtai is truly formidable. It could even seal Garuda."

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

Nezha pretended not to hear him and continued, "Just now, I saw him trying to seal Great Black Yaksha. I do not know whether it could suppress a Golden Immortal, but how could this Marshal take such a risk? We couldn't have come all this way for nothing."

Giant Spirit God sighed. "Indeed. The Mountain God of Lingtai's seal is no small matter. Even the Marshal's Three Heads Six Arms and so many immortal treasures found it difficult to shake."

Nezha gazed into the distance. The thundercloud had already passed through the Thirty-Six Heavens, and the outline of the South Heavenly Gate gradually came into view. Thoughtfully, he asked, "I wonder whether that clay jar itself contains sealing power, or whether the Mountain God of Lingtai has mastered some profound sealing art?"

Giant Spirit God shook his head. "Who could say for sure? A seal even the Marshal could not break must have an extraordinary origin."

A snicker came from the Eighteen Arhats. Nezha's face immediately reddened, and he turned to glare furiously at Giant Spirit God. "Has water gotten into your brain?"

Giant Spirit God was completely baffled. "What is wrong with the Marshal?"

Nezha shouted, "Get to the back. Stop wandering around in front of me."

"Yes, Marshal." Giant Spirit God retreated in bewilderment behind the Four Heavenly Kings. The Four Heavenly Kings exchanged amused looks. There were not many immortals this guileless these days.

The thundercloud arrived at Great Luo Heaven and dispersed 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 and await orders. He then sent men to escort Marshal Tianpeng Zhu Lie and the Thirty-six Heavenly Generals to the Heavenly Hospital for treatment. Afterward, he led Giant Spirit God, the Four Heavenly Kings, the Eighteen Arhats, and the Dragon King of the West Sea toward the Supreme Harmony Palace.

The heavenly general before the hall entered to report, "Your Majesty, Nezha, Chief Minister of the Heavenly Ministry Court and Great God of the Third Lotus Sea Assembly, was commanded to descend and subdue demons. He has now returned victorious and awaits Your Majesty's decree outside the hall with his generals, the Dragon King of the West Sea, and the Eighteen Arhats."

"So quickly?"

"It has not even been a day in the lower realm, has it?"

"As expected of the Third Prince!"

The immortals discussed it among themselves as the Jade Emperor issued a decree with a smile.

A solemn divine voice soon rang out: "By decree of the Great Celestial Venerable, summon Nezha and the others into the hall for audience."

Nezha and his group straightened their robes and entered the hall, bowing respectfully. "Your servants pay respects to Jade Emperor Great Celestial Venerable, Supreme Emperor of the Profound Heavens."

The Jade Emperor said warmly, "Rise."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Everyone rose.

Nezha presented the decree and reported, "Your servant was commanded to suppress the rebellion. Great Black Yaksha has now been slain, and the Four Great Demon Sages have been captured alive. I have come to report completion of the mission." He stepped aside, and Giant Spirit God came forward carrying a box. "Your Majesty, this is the head of Great Black Yaksha, leader of the rebels. His primordial spirit has already been scattered by this servant."

Nezha opened the wooden box, revealing the demon's head before the gathered immortals. The Jade Emperor said approvingly, "My beloved minister, you are truly a pillar of the Heavenly Court." Nezha stepped forward to receive his reward.

Nezha approached and bowed. Then he heard the Jade Emperor proclaim, "Nezha purged demons and secured the seas, earning outstanding merit. Bestow upon him one million Purple Coins, twenty jars of Imperial Wine, thirty Golden Flowers, ten Disaster Averting and Longevity Golden Cores, and ten Golden Cores of Dharma Body."

Delight showed on Nezha's face as he kowtowed in thanks. "This servant thanks Your Majesty for your grace."

Nezha then reported the battle merits of Giant Spirit God, the Four Heavenly Kings, and the other gods, as well as the casualties.

The Jade Emperor issued a decree to compensate the wounded soldiers and ordered the underworld to send the fallen heavenly soldiers into reincarnation through the Path of the Gods, so they could ascend the immortal path again in their next lives.

The Jade Emperor then bestowed Purple Coins, Imperial Wine, Golden Flowers, and five Disaster Averting and Longevity Golden Cores and five Golden Cores of Dharma Body upon each of the gods. The gods joyfully bowed in thanks.

These two kinds of golden cores were especially precious. The Disaster Averting and Longevity Golden Core could ward off calamity and extend one's life by a thousand years, while the Golden Core of Dharma Body could strengthen an immortal body. Both were personally refined by Grand Supreme Elder Lao. The Imperial Wine was no ordinary brew either; it was made from Nine-Turn Golden Elixirs. Mortals who drank it could become immortals, while immortals who drank it could increase their cultivation.

Once the rewards had been distributed, Nezha further reported, "Mountain God of Lingtai Zhuang Yan and the three princes of the West Sea Dragon Palace have rendered great merit. Zhuang Yan in particular assisted this servant in slaying Great Black Yaksha, and his contribution cannot be overlooked."

The Jade Emperor asked for the details, and Nezha truthfully reported, "Had Zhuang Yan not taken away the Heavenly Sin Blade, this servant would have found it difficult to slay that demon."

The Jade Emperor smiled and asked, "Is this man's ability comparable to yours?"

Nezha replied, "His divine abilities are extraordinary. As for his other martial skills, this servant has not seen them."

Grand Supreme Elder Lao stepped forward and said, "Zhuang Yan is an Innate Being with exceptional natural gifts. This servant saw his extraordinary talent and thus recommended him to Your Majesty. Most of his divine abilities stem from his innate body, so they are naturally powerful."

The Jade Emperor nodded. "Laojun cherishes talent, and I am greatly pleased." He then pondered aloud. "Such an outstanding talent holds only the post of a seventh-rank mountain god. Is that not beneath him?"

After hearing this, Grand Supreme Elder Lao said calmly, "It is by no means a waste of talent, Your Majesty. The Heavenly Court's system differs from mortal sects. Promotion and demotion must follow the Heavenly Laws and Decrees, with rewards granted according to merit. Though Zhuang Yan took form as an Innate Being, that is precisely why he should first serve in the mortal realm and advance step by step. On one hand, it will temper his character; on the other, it will allow him to accumulate the ability to govern. If he is suddenly elevated to a high position before establishing merit, it may harm his Dao Heart."

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

Grand Supreme Elder Lao considered briefly, then said, "Your Majesty, merchants value profit, officials value power."

The Jade Emperor smiled in understanding and immediately issued a decree. "Invest Zhuang Yan with the title Lord of Lingtai Dongming. He shall retain his post as Mountain God of Lingtai and be granted the authority to establish a manor, overseeing the divine affairs of Guangci Prefecture. Additionally, bestow upon him five hundred thousand Purple Coins, ten Golden Flowers, and ten jars of Imperial Wine."

Emperor Wenchang bowed and accepted the decree. "This servant obeys."

The Jade Emperor continued, "Ao Rong, Ao Lie, and Ao Wang of the West Sea Dragon Palace have rendered merit in suppressing demons. Promote them to eighth-rank Dragon Gods, and bestow upon each three hundred thousand Purple Coins, five Golden Flowers, and five jars of Imperial Wine."

Though the Dragon Kings of the Four Seas were called "kings," they were in truth fifth-rank immortal officials, equal in rank to Nezha. Dragon princes and dragon princesses began as wandering immortals and could only receive an investiture from the Heavenly Court after earning merit or serving as water gods. This time, the three princes of the West Sea had risen from ninth rank to eighth rank, which was already a generous reward.

The Dragon King of the West Sea prostrated himself and kowtowed. "This servant thanks the Great Celestial Venerable on behalf of his sons for this grace. All living beings of the West Sea shall forever remember Heaven's favor."

The Jade Emperor waved his hand. "I do not need the gratitude of all living beings. As lord of the West Sea, you must often enact benevolent policies and bring blessings to all creatures."

The Dragon King of the West Sea bowed again. "This servant shall diligently govern and spread kindness far and wide, never failing Heaven's grace."

The Jade Emperor then rewarded the eighty thousand Heavenly River sailors and the five thousand Buddhist vajras. Once the rewards had been distributed, the immortals respectfully saw the Jade Emperor back to his palace and withdrew from the Supreme Harmony Palace in turn.

Within the True Palace of Great Mystery on the First Heaven, Zhuang Yan and the three princes of the West Sea waited quietly for the decree regarding their rewards. Lan Caihe, Lü Dongbin, and Han Xiangzi happened to pay them a visit, so everyone set out wine and a chessboard in a side hall to pass the time.

Zhuang Yan was not skilled at chess. After losing a game to Han Xiangzi, he could only watch from the side. Once Lü Dongbin took over, he defeated Han Xiangzi, Lan Caihe, and the three Dragon Princes in succession. No one else dared challenge him.

Lan Caihe curled his lip. "Old Lü, the moment you touch a chessboard, you start showing off. It is one thing to bully us, but you will not even spare the Mountain God and the Dragon Princes. That is really too much!"

Lü Dongbin laughed heartily. "If I do not show a few moves, how can I live up to my title as a chess sage?"

Han Xiangzi raised a brow. "Do you dare compete in something else?"

Lü Dongbin smiled. "How about swordsmanship?"

Han Xiangzi curled his lip. "Your swordsmanship is naturally superior."

Zhuang Yan interjected, "How about comparing Magic Tools instead? Let everyone show what they have."

The moment he said that, the side hall fell silent. Lan Caihe silently put away his flower basket, Han Xiangzi tucked his Jade Flute into his sleeve, and Lü Dongbin stored his Pure Yang Sword in his immortal sleeve. The three Dragon Princes also concealed the Magic Tools around them, and the atmosphere immediately stiffened.

Zhuang Yan was puzzled. "Was that a bad suggestion?"

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

Zhuang Yan spread his hands and gave a wry smile. "Sigh, you saw through me."

Just then, a Service Officer from the Hall of Grotto-Heavens entered the side hall. Everyone hurriedly rose. The Service Officer announced loudly, "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 answered in unison. After bidding farewell to Lan Caihe and the others, they followed the Service Officer to the Hall of Grotto-Heavens.

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

Emperor Shaoyang raised a hand with a smile. "Rise."

"Thank you, Emperor." The four rose and stood solemnly.

Emperor Shaoyang gestured to the decree envoy from the Grand Profound Capital Province. "Read the decree."

Holding the decree, the envoy loudly announced Zhuang Yan's rewards. Upon hearing that he had been invested as Lord of Lingtai Dongming, granted the authority to establish a manor and govern affairs, and given jurisdiction over the divine affairs of Guangci Prefecture, Zhuang Yan could not hide his surprise. The five hundred thousand Purple Coins, ten Golden Flowers, and ten jars of Imperial Wine became mere trimmings instead.

This title and authority meant that Zhuang Yan would become the actual ruler of Guangci Prefecture. All gods within its territory would fall under his command, and all reports on divine affairs would have to be submitted through the Manor of Lingtai Dongming. Even Emperor Shaoyang of the Purple Mansion could not help glancing sideways—an seventh-rank immortal official being granted authority to establish a manor showed just how highly the Heavenly Court valued him.

Once the decree envoy finished reading, three immortal officials came forward carrying the rewards: a Storage Bag filled with Purple Coins, dazzling Golden Flowers, and fine Imperial Wine. After respectfully giving thanks, Zhuang Yan accepted the rewards and stepped to the side of the hall.

The three Dragon Princes were then promoted in rank, but their rewards were far inferior to Zhuang Yan's. Still, they knew that their battle merit was limited, so they accepted it without complaint.

Zhuang Yan had wielded the Heavenly Sin Blade to turn the tide of battle and assisted Nezha in slaying Great Black Yaksha. His achievement of such merit fully justified the reward.