Chapter 27

The three dragon princes kowtowed in thanks for the heavenly grace. Not long after accepting their rewards, the Dragon King of the West Sea descended from Great Luo Heaven to the First Heaven. The Dragon King hurriedly paid his respects to Emperor Shaoyang of the Purple Mansion, stayed only briefly in the Hall of Grotto-Heavens, then took his leave and returned to the sea. The West Sea had been devastated by calamity, so it was only natural that the Dragon King was eager to restore order to its waters.

Unlike the dragon clan, who had left in haste, Zhuang Yan was deliberately kept behind by the Emperor. "Zhuang Yan, the Great Celestial Venerable has granted you the authority to establish your own office. The divine affairs of Guangci Prefecture shall fall entirely under your command. Should you encounter any difficulties in the future, you may ascend to the First Heaven and seek me at the True Palace of Great Mystery at any time." After the Emperor finished speaking, Zhuang Yan immediately offered a grand salute of thanks—this was clearly the privilege of free audience, showing just how highly the Emperor regarded him.

"You are further bestowed the divine title Lord of Lingtai Dongming. Establish your prefecture under the position of Mountain God of Lingtai and govern its affairs. You may appoint one Eighth-Rank Immortal Official and two Ninth-Rank Immortal Officials. Once the candidates are decided, submit a memorial to the Heavenly Court and they may be granted an Imperial Edict." Hearing this, Zhuang Yan secretly rejoiced. The divine positions of Fire Spirit True Immortal and the others had finally been settled. Half a day later, he bade farewell to the Emperor and returned to Spirit Platform Mountain.

Within the Mountain God Temple, Fire Spirit True Immortal and the other two sensed his divine presence and came to pay their respects. After the formalities, Fire Spirit True Immortal asked, "Did the journey go smoothly?"

Zhuang Yan smiled. "Not merely smoothly. From now on, do not call me Mountain Lord anymore." Seeing the three exchange puzzled looks, he explained, "The Jade Emperor Great Celestial Venerable has granted me the title Lord of Lingtai Dongming and bestowed upon me the authority to establish a prefecture and oversee the divine affairs of Guangci Prefecture."

Vanguard Hu and Chi Ling were still bewildered, but Fire Spirit True Immortal's face lit up with joy. He immediately dropped to the ground and cried, "Greetings, Prefect of Lingtai Cave of Illumination!"

Three days later, Zhao Qingsi, a Scribe Envoy, arrived at Eight Immortals Pavilion carrying the Immortal Official Jade Edict. Before Zhuang Yan could salute, this Sixth-Rank Immortal Official smiled and clasped her hands. "Greetings, Prefect."

Zhuang Yan returned the gesture. "Scribe Envoy, you flatter this subordinate."

Zhao Qingsi smiled. "Rank may once have been clearly defined, but now that you are a Prefect, how can we still speak of superiority and inferiority?"

Zhuang Yan smiled and invited Zhao Qingsi to sit. "By official rank, you are one grade above me. By actual authority, however, I surpass you somewhat. By that reasoning, we are equals."

"Equals—how interesting. Truly interesting." Zhao Qingsi clapped and laughed.

Once host and guest were seated, Zhao Qingsi grew serious. "The candidates for assistant immortal officials that you previously submitted have already been approved by the Grand Profound Capital Province. The edict of appointment and the Immortal Official Jade Edicts have now been issued. Please summon Fire Spirit True Immortal and the other two to receive the decree."

Zhuang Yan nodded. With a flick of his finger, he sent a streak of light flying out of the pavilion. Before long, three figures followed the immortal light over and respectfully saluted outside. "Greetings, Prefect."

"Come in and speak." Zhuang Yan raised a hand in invitation. After the three entered, he and Zhao Qingsi rose at the same time. Zhuang Yan stepped aside while Zhao Qingsi unfurled the gilded decree and announced, "The decree of the Grand Profound Capital Province is here. Fire Spirit True Immortal, Hu Da, Chi Ling, step forward and receive your appointments."

Fire Spirit True Immortal's eyes flashed as he hurried forward and bowed deeply. "This minor immortal respectfully receives the decree." Vanguard Hu and Chi Ling followed close behind, standing solemnly to await their orders.

Zhao Qingsi proclaimed in a clear voice, "By the edict of the Supreme Emperor of the Divine Firmament Jade Palace and the command of the Chief Envoy of the Grand Profound Capital Province: Lord of Lingtai Dongming has recommended these individuals, and the True Palace of Great Mystery has endorsed them. Upon review, Fire Spirit, Hu Da, and Chi Ling have rendered outstanding merit and shown commendable diligence. Therefore, they are hereby granted appointments. Fire Spirit is appointed Assistant Prefect of the Manor of Lingtai Dongming, holding the rank of Eighth-Rank Immortal Official. Hu Da is appointed Left Vanguard, and Chi Ling Right Vanguard, both holding the rank of Ninth-Rank Immortal Official. The edict having been issued, assume your posts at once. By order of the Divine Firmament Jade Palace, let it be carried out in accordance with the law."

When the decree was finished, three streams of clear light burst from the scroll. Within the radiance appeared three jade edicts. They circled briefly above the three's crowns before transforming into streaks of light and entering their brows. Once the jade edicts entered their bodies, they fused with their primordial spirits, becoming inseparable.

"Three immortal officials, please receive the decree." Zhao Qingsi handed over the scroll. Fire Spirit True Immortal accepted the imperial decree with trembling hands, then led the other two in solemn thanks.

Zhao Qingsi added with a smile, "The Heavenly Court's stipends, official robes, and all necessary articles are stored within the Immortal Official Jade Edicts. You may inspect them yourselves."

"We shall obey the decree." The three answered in unison.

Zhuang Yan invited his guest to sit again and ordered the newly appointed immortal officials to bring out fine wine and Spirit Fruit. "Mortal fare cannot compare to the Imperial Family's delicacies. I hope the Scribe Envoy will not laugh at us." As he spoke, he personally offered Zhao Qingsi a Spirit Fruit.

Zhao Qingsi accepted the fruit with a smile. "You are too modest, Prefect." After savoring it carefully, she suddenly asked, "How does the Prefect intend to construct this divine manor of Lingtai Dongming?"

Zhuang Yan clasped his hands. "I was just about to seek the Scribe Envoy's advice."

"Why handle such a matter personally?" Zhao Qingsi laughed. "You need only submit a memorial to the Grand Profound Capital Province. The Heavenly Works Institute will naturally send someone to construct the divine manor for you."

"Such convenience exists?" Zhuang Yan looked mildly surprised.

Zhao Qingsi nodded. "The heavenly laws clearly state that any orthodox deity of the Heavenly Court who Establishes Prefecture and Sets Up Banners may request the Heavenly Works Institute to supervise the construction of a divine hall. This is standard practice."

Zhuang Yan cupped his fists. "So that is how it is. Thank you for informing me, Envoy."

Zhao Qingsi waved a hand. Just as Zhuang Yan was about to pour wine, she caught his wrist. "That will not do. It truly will not do."

"Why?" Zhuang Yan asked in confusion.

Zhao Qingsi gave a helpless smile. "My assignment is not yet complete. If I return reeking of wine to report back, I fear the Prefect may never see me again."

Zhuang Yan set down the wine jug and asked with a smile, "Where would you go?"

"Lei Ze Great Prison."

"So severe?" Zhuang Yan looked somewhat surprised.

Zhao Qingsi sighed. "The Heavenly Court's laws are strict."

Zhuang Yan nodded. "Then we shall not drink. Please have some fresh fruit instead."

Zhao Qingsi remained at Eight Immortals Pavilion for half an hour, by which point her stomach was stuffed full of Spirit Fruit. When she saw Zhuang Yan about to send someone for more, she hurriedly rose to take her leave. "Prefect, this minor immortal must return to Heaven and report. Let us speak again another day."

Watching her retreating figure leave in haste, Zhuang Yan smiled. "I did not expect this envoy to enjoy Spirit Fruit so much."

The three subordinates beside him exchanged looks. Vanguard Hu spoke up. "Prefect, the envoy may not necessarily like eating Spirit Fruit."

"What do you mean?"

"You kept offering her fruit just now, and she found it hard to refuse. When she heard that you planned to fetch more, she hurriedly took her leave."

Chi Ling chimed in, "That is indeed the case."

Zhuang Yan froze for a moment, then laughed. "That woman is far too honest. If she did not want to eat, she could have simply said so. Why force herself?"

He then turned serious. "Tomorrow, we shall change into our immortal official robes."

The three answered in unison. Vanguard Hu scratched his head and chuckled foolishly. "This tiger never dreamed I could become an immortal official." Chi Ling played with her jade edict, her eyes full of wonder. Fire Spirit True Immortal, meanwhile, was filled with emotion as he looked at Zhuang Yan with gratitude—if he had not submitted back then, how could he have attained such rewards today?

Zhuang Yan smiled at the sight and left. Returning to the Mountain God Temple, he drafted a memorial requesting that the Heavenly Works Institute construct a divine manor. Once the memorial was placed into the shrine, it transformed into a streak of light and vanished in an instant.

Inside the Cave of the Slanting Moon and Three Stars on Mount Fangcun, Patriarch Bodhi summoned Sun Wukong. "Deliver this jade slip to an old acquaintance at Danchi Ridge."

Wukong accepted the jade slip. "As you command."

Patriarch Bodhi added with a smile, "Offer congratulations on my behalf as well."

Wukong asked curiously, "Master, what joyous occasion has that Mountain Lord encountered now?"

Patriarch Bodhi smiled. "He rendered merit in the West Sea this time and was granted the honored title of 'Lord of Lingtai Dongming.' He should now be called Prefect."

Sun Wukong grinned. "That mountain god... no, that Prefect is indeed quite capable. He will surely become an even greater official someday."

Patriarch Bodhi glanced at Sun Wukong without saying more. He simply waved a hand lightly. "Go."

Sun Wukong respectfully answered, "As you command. I take my leave." With that, he put away the jade slip, withdrew from the hall, rode the wind, and sped toward Danchi Ridge.

Zhuang Yan's memorial requesting the construction of a divine manor was submitted through the True Palace of Great Mystery to Tongcheng Academy, then directly forwarded to Jingming Hall of the Grand Profound Capital Province.

This was the domain overseen by Cangjie, the Profound Envoy. After the Scribe Envoy of Tongcheng Academy delivered the memorial, the Scribe Envoy of Jingming Hall signed for it and then presented it to Cangjie for review.

After Cangjie finished reading it, he picked up a vermilion brush and wrote his approval, then handed it to the Scribe Envoy. "Send it to the Heavenly Works Institute immediately."

"As you command." The Scribe Envoy accepted the memorial and departed at once.

Before long, the memorial was placed on the desk of Xu Shen, director of the Heavenly Works Institute. Xu Shen skimmed through it, then turned to ask Lu Xun, the administrator, "The Lord of Lingtai Dongming newly appointed by the Great Celestial Venerable wishes to construct a divine manor. Which immortal craftsman is currently available for assignment?"

Lu Xun replied, "Director, only Immortal Craftsman Lu Ban is presently waiting at the institute."

Xu Shen immediately ordered, "Then invite Immortal Craftsman Lu Ban here."

Lu Xun bowed to accept the order and summoned Lu Ban to the main hall for discussion.

A moment later, an immortal craftsman wearing the robes of a Sixth-Rank Immortal Official and carrying all manner of Magic Tools entered the hall.

"Why has the Director summoned me?" Lu Ban asked after saluting Xu Shen and Lu Xun.

Xu Shen explained with a smile, "A Prefect in the lower realm wishes to construct a divine manor. Would Immortal Craftsman be willing to make the journey?"

Lu Ban readily agreed. "I have nothing to do at present anyway. Where is this Prefect's immortal domain?"

Lu Xun answered, "Danchi Ridge on Spirit Platform Mountain, Guangci Prefecture, Western Ox Continent. He currently holds the post of Mountain God of Lingtai."

"Understood." Lu Ban nodded. "I shall depart at once. Please issue me a travel permit."

Xu Shen nodded in agreement and immediately prepared the credentials for passage to the lower realm along with the official documents.

Once the paperwork was complete, Lu Xun personally handed it to Lu Ban and reminded him, "I hope Immortal Craftsman will leave early and return early."

Lu Ban replied, "Rest assured, Administrator. I will not linger in the lower realm."

Lu Xun smiled. "That is not what I am worried about. The lower realm is not as peaceful as Heaven. Immortal Craftsman possesses extraordinary skills, so please take care."

Lu Ban answered calmly, "Heavenly soldiers will accompany me. There is no cause for concern."

Lu Xun still urged, "It would be best to return as soon as possible."

"I certainly will." Lu Ban clasped his hands and took his leave.

Though Xu Shen and Lu Xun were officials of the Heavenly Works Institute, neither dared put on airs here. The institute was filled with gifted experts like Lu Ban, artisans of astonishing skill who never cared for the rules of officialdom. Those who respected others would earn respect in return; if they flaunted their authority, no one would pay them any mind.

After bidding farewell, Lu Ban left through the West Heaven Gate with his documents, descending to the lower realm under the escort of a squad of heavenly soldiers.

By then, Sun Wukong had arrived at Danchi Ridge and handed the jade slip to Zhuang Yan.

"Fellow Daoist Bodhi asked you to deliver this jade slip to me?" Zhuang Yan asked with a smile.

Sun Wukong nodded. "That is correct. Master also instructed me to congratulate the Prefect on being granted the title Lord of Lingtai Dongming."

Zhuang Yan broke into a smile. "Many thanks." He then opened the jade slip and examined it closely. Six large characters glittering with golden light leaped into view—<True Formula of Refining Methods to Dissolve Sinful Karma>.

The moment he saw the name, Zhuang Yan understood what it contained and could not help sighing. "Fellow Daoist Bodhi truly knows all things."

He closed the jade slip and called toward the front, "Vanguard Hu, come here."

Hearing him, Vanguard Hu immediately rose and hurried over. "What are your orders, Prefect?"

Zhuang Yan used his magic power to send the jade slip floating before him. "This was bestowed by Patriarch Bodhi of the Cave of the Slanting Moon and Three Stars. Take it and cultivate diligently."

Vanguard Hu hurriedly accepted it with both hands. He had always revered Patriarch Bodhi. Thinking of how Fire Spirit True Immortal had greatly increased the power of his true fire with only a Fire Control Art, he found the jade slip in his hands even more precious and immediately opened it to read.

Yet before long, confusion appeared on his face. "Prefect, I fear I cannot cultivate this."

Zhuang Yan raised a brow. "Why not?"

Vanguard Hu explained, "This technique requires the power of Sinful Karma as its catalyst, but I have little Sinful Karma upon me that can be refined."

Zhuang Yan chuckled and produced a long blade with a flip of his hand. In an instant, sinful aura surged into the sky. Dark clouds gathered over Danchi Ridge, and chilling winds howled.

"This..." Vanguard Hu's pupils contracted sharply. "Prefect, what is this thing?"