The 27th Chapter

The three Dragon Princes thanked the heavens for their grace. Not long after receiving their rewards, the Dragon King of the West Sea descended from Great Luo Heaven to the First Heaven. The Dragon King hastily paid his respects to Emperor Shaoyang of the Purple Mansion, briefly pausing in the Hall of Grotto-Heavens before taking his leave to return to the sea. With the West Sea ravaged and in ruins, it was understandable that the Dragon King was eager to restore order to his domain.

Unlike the Dragon Clan's hurried departure, Zhuang Yan was specifically asked to stay by the Emperor. "Zhuang Yan," the Great Celestial Venerable bestowed upon him, "I grant you the authority to establish your own prefecture, and all the divine paths of Guangci Prefecture shall be under your command. Should you encounter any difficulties in the future, you may ascend to the First Heaven at any time and seek me out in the True Palace of Great Mystery." After the Emperor finished speaking, Zhuang Yan immediately bowed deeply in gratitude—this was clearly a privilege granting him free access to the Emperor, demonstrating the Emperor's high regard.

"Furthermore, I bestow upon you the divine title 'Lord of Lingtai Dongming,' and you shall establish your prefecture and manage affairs as the Mountain God of Lingtai. You may appoint one Eighth-Rank Immortal Official and two Ninth-Rank officials under your command. Once the candidates are chosen, submit their names to the Heavenly Court for enfeoffment." Hearing this, Zhuang Yan rejoiced inwardly: the divine positions of the Fire Spirit True Immortal and the others would finally be settled. Half a day later, he bid farewell to the Emperor and returned to Spirit Platform Mountain.

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

Zhuang Yan smiled, "Not only smoothly, but from now on, do not call me Mountain Lord anymore." Seeing the three exchange confused glances, he explained, "The Jade Emperor Great Celestial Venerable has enfeoffed me as the Lord of Lingtai Dongming and granted me the authority to establish my prefecture and command the divine paths of Guangci Prefecture."

While Vanguard Hu and Chi Ling were still bewildered, the Fire Spirit True Immortal's face lit up with joy. He immediately prostrated himself and exclaimed, "Greetings, Prefect of Lingtai Cave of Illumination!"

Three days later, Zhao Qingsi, a decree messenger, arrived at the Eight Immortals Pavilion with an Immortal Official Jade Edict. Before Zhuang Yan could even formally greet her, the Sixth-Rank Immortal Official smiled and cupped her hands, "Greetings, Prefect. I hope you are well."

Zhuang Yan returned the gesture, "You flatter this subordinate, Messenger."

Zhao Qingsi chuckled, "In the past, our ranks were clearly defined. Now that you are the Prefect, how can we still discuss seniority?"

Zhuang Yan smiled and invited Zhao Qingsi to take a seat. He then spoke, "In terms of official rank, you are one step above me. In terms of actual power, however, I have the upper hand. In that sense, we are equals."

"A fine notion, 'equals.' How interesting, truly interesting." Zhao Qingsi clapped her hands and laughed heartily.

After the guests and host were seated, Zhao Qingsi said seriously, "The candidates for assistant officials that the Prefect previously submitted have been approved by the Grand Profound Capital Province. The imperial decree and the Immortal Official Jade Edicts have now been issued. Please have the Fire Spirit True Immortal and the other two come forward to receive the decree."

Zhuang Yan nodded in acknowledgment and flicked his finger, sending a stream of light flying out of the pavilion. A short while later, three figures arrived, bathed in immortal light, and respectfully bowed outside the pavilion, "Greetings, Prefect."

"Come in and speak," Zhuang Yan said, gesturing for them to enter. As the three entered, he and Zhao Qingsi rose simultaneously. Zhuang Yan stepped aside, while Zhao Qingsi unrolled the gilded imperial decree and announced loudly, "The Grand Profound Capital Province's Edict is here. Fire Spirit True Immortal, Hu Da, Chi Ling, step forward to receive your enfeoffment."

A sharp glint appeared in the Fire Spirit True Immortal's eyes. He quickly stepped forward and bowed deeply, "This humble immortal awaits the imperial decree." Vanguard Hu and Chi Ling followed closely, standing respectfully to receive the command.

Zhao Qingsi loudly proclaimed, "By order of the Supreme Emperor of the Divine Firmament Jade Palace, and by the decree of the Grand Chief Envoy of the Grand Profound Capital Province: Upon the recommendation of the Lord of Lingtai Dongming and the endorsement of the True Palace of Great Mystery, it is found that Fire Spirit, Hu Da, and Chi Ling have achieved remarkable merit and are diligent in their service. Therefore, they are hereby enfeoffed. Fire Spirit is appointed Prefectural Assistant of the Lingtai Dongming Prefecture, holding the rank of an Eighth-Rank Immortal Official. Hu Da is appointed Left Vanguard, and Chi Ling is appointed Right Vanguard, both holding the rank of Ninth-Rank Immortal Official. Upon this decree, you shall assume your posts immediately. The Divine Firmament Jade Palace's decree is as the law."

As the imperial decree concluded, three streams of clear light burst forth from the scroll. Within the radiance, three jade talismans appeared, circled briefly above the heads of the three individuals, and then transformed into streaks of light that merged into their foreheads. Once inside, the jade talismans fused with their Primordial Spirits, becoming inseparable.

"Three Immortal Officials, please receive the imperial decree," Zhao Qingsi handed over the scroll. The Fire Spirit True Immortal's hands trembled slightly as he accepted the sacred edict, leading the other two in a solemn expression of gratitude.

Zhao Qingsi added with a smile, "Your Heavenly Court stipends, official robes, and all other necessary items are stored within the Immortal Official Jade Edicts. You may inspect them at your convenience."

"We shall obey the imperial decree," the three responded in unison.

Zhuang Yan invited his guest to sit again and ordered the newly appointed officials to serve fine wine and spiritual fruits. "Mundane items can hardly compare to the delicacies of the Heavenly Court. I hope the messenger will not find them lacking," he said, personally offering a spiritual fruit to Zhao Qingsi.

Zhao Qingsi accepted the fruit and smiled, "You are too modest, Prefect. After tasting it, she suddenly asked, "How does the Prefect plan to construct this Divine Prefecture of Lingtai Dongming?"

Zhuang Yan cupped his hands upon hearing this, "I was just about to ask the messenger for advice."

"Why would you need to do this yourself?" Zhao Qingsi laughed heartily. "Simply submit a memorial to the Grand Profound Capital Province, and the Heavenly Works Institute will dispatch personnel to construct the divine prefecture for you."

"Is there such a convenience?" Zhuang Yan appeared slightly surprised.

Zhao Qingsi nodded, "The Heavenly Laws clearly state that any Heavenly Court's true gods establishing their prefectures can request the Heavenly Works Institute to oversee the construction of their divine halls. This is standard procedure."

Zhuang Yan clasped his fists, "So that's how it is. Thank you for informing me, Messenger."

Zhao Qingsi waved her hand. As Zhuang Yan was about to pour wine, she gently held his wrist, "No, no, please don't."

"Why?" Zhuang Yan looked puzzled.

Zhao Qingsi smiled helplessly, "My mission is not yet complete. If I return with the scent of alcohol on me, I fear you won't see me again."

Zhuang Yan put down the wine pot and asked with a smile, "Where will you be going?"

"The Thunder Marsh Great Prison."

"Is it that strict?" Zhuang Yan was a little surprised.

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

Zhuang Yan nodded, "Then I shall not offer wine. Please enjoy some fresh fruit."

Zhao Qingsi stayed at the Eight Immortals Pavilion for half an hour, her stomach already full of spiritual fruits. Seeing Zhuang Yan about to send for more, she quickly rose to take her leave, "Prefect, this humble immortal needs to return to heaven to report. We shall meet again another day."

Watching the retreating figure, Zhuang Yan smiled, "I didn't expect this messenger to like spiritual fruits so much."

The three subordinates beside him exchanged glances. Vanguard Hu spoke up, "Prefect, the messenger might not necessarily like spiritual fruits."

"What do you mean?"

"You kept offering them, and she found it difficult to refuse. When she heard you were going to get more, that's when she hurried to leave."

Chi Ling chimed in, "That's exactly right."

Zhuang Yan froze for a moment, then chuckled, "This person is too honest. If she didn't want to eat them, she should have just said so. Why force herself?" He then said seriously, "Tomorrow, change into your official robes."

The three responded in unison. Vanguard Hu scratched his head and chuckled foolishly, "I, a tiger, never dreamed I'd become an Immortal Official." Chi Ling played with her jade edict, her eyes full of wonder. The Fire Spirit True Immortal, however, was filled with emotion, looking at Zhuang Yan with immense gratitude—if he hadn't surrendered back then, how could he have achieved this today?

Seeing this, Zhuang Yan smiled and left. He returned to the Mountain God Temple to write a memorial requesting the Heavenly Works Institute to build his divine prefecture. The memorial was placed into the shrine and instantly vanished in a flash of light.

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

Wukong took the jade slip, "As you command."

The Patriarch added with a smile, "Also, convey my congratulations to him for me."

Wukong asked curiously, "Master, what good news does that Mountain Lord have?"

Patriarch Bodhi smiled and said, "He made a contribution in the West Sea this time and was granted the title 'Lord of Lingtai Dongming.' He should now be addressed as Prefect."

Sun Wukong grinned upon hearing this, "Mountain God... no, Prefect, you are indeed quite capable. You will surely become a higher official in the future."

Patriarch Bodhi's gaze swept over Sun Wukong, and he said nothing more, merely waving his hand gently. "Go."

Sun Wukong respectfully replied, "As you command, I take my leave." With that, he put away the jade slip, exited the hall, and rode a clear breeze straight towards Danchi Ridge.

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

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

After Cangjie finished his review, he picked up his vermilion brush, wrote down his approval, and handed it to the Scribe Envoy, saying, "Deliver this to the Heavenly Works Institute posthaste."

"As you command." The Scribe Envoy took the memorial and immediately set off.

Before long, the memorial was presented to the desk of Xu Shen, the Master of the Heavenly Works Institute. Xu Shen skimmed through it briefly and then asked the official in charge, Lu Xun, "The newly enfeoffed Lord of Lingtai Dongming by the Great Celestial Venerable wishes to build a divine mansion. Which immortal master is available for assignment?"

Lu Xun replied, "Master, currently only Immortal Master Lu Ban is in the institute awaiting orders."

Xu Shen immediately instructed, "Then please summon Immortal Master Lu Ban."

Lu Xun bowed, accepted the order, and summoned Lu Ban to the main hall for a discussion.

A moment later, an immortal master, dressed in the robes of a Sixth-Rank Immortal Official and adorned with various magic tools, entered the grand hall.

"Master, what is the matter you seek me for?" Lu Ban asked after bowing to Xu Shen and Lu Xun.

Xu Shen explained with a smile, "A prefect from the lower realm wishes to construct a divine mansion. Would you be willing to make a trip?"

Lu Ban readily replied, "I happen to be free. May I ask where this prefect resides?"

Lu Xun interjected, "He is in Danchi Ridge, Lingtai Mountain, Guangci Prefecture, Western Ox Continent, currently serving as the Mountain God of Lingtai."

"I understand," Lu Ban nodded. "I will depart immediately. Please issue me a travel document."

Xu Shen nodded in agreement and immediately prepared the necessary credentials for passage to the lower realm and official correspondence.

Once the documents were ready, Lu Xun personally handed them to Lu Ban, instructing him, "I hope you will go and return soon, Immortal Master."

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

Lu Xun smiled, "It's not that I'm worried about that. The lower realm is not as peaceful as the heavens. You possess extraordinary skills, Immortal Master, please take care."

Lu Ban responded calmly, "I will have Heavenly Soldiers accompanying me, so it will be fine."

Lu Xun still advised, "It is best to return as soon as possible."

"Certainly." Lu Ban cupped his hands in farewell.

Although Xu Shen and Lu Xun were high-ranking officials in the Heavenly Works Institute, they dared not put on airs here. This was because the institute was filled with talented individuals like Lu Ban, who were renowned for their unparalleled craftsmanship and did not adhere to bureaucratic norms. They believed in mutual respect; if one acted arrogantly, no one would pay them any mind.

Meanwhile, after bidding farewell, Lu Ban, escorted by a troop of Heavenly Soldiers, departed through the West Heaven Gate with his credentials to descend to the lower realm.

At this time, Sun Wukong had already arrived at Danchi Ridge and handed the jade slip to Zhuang Yan.

"Did Patriarch Bodhi ask you to deliver this jade slip to me?" Zhuang Yan asked with a smile.

Sun Wukong nodded, "Indeed. Master also instructed me to congratulate you, Prefect, on your enfeoffment as the Lord of Lingtai Dongming."

Zhuang Yan's expression brightened, "Thank you." He then unfolded the jade slip and read the six golden characters that leaped into view: True Art of Refining Dharma and Eliminating Sinful Karma.

Upon seeing the title, Zhuang Yan understood its contents and couldn't help but sigh, "Patriarch Bodhi truly knows everything."

He closed the jade slip and called out ahead, "Vanguard Hu, come here."

Vanguard Hu immediately got up upon hearing the call and hurried over, "What are your orders, Prefect?"

Zhuang Yan channeled his magical power and sent the jade slip before him. "This is a gift from Patriarch Bodhi of the Cave of the Slanting Moon and Three Stars. Take it and cultivate it diligently."

Vanguard Hu quickly took it with both hands. He had always revered Patriarch Bodhi. Thinking of how the Fire Spirit True Immortal's true fire had greatly increased in power with just one Fire Control Art, he felt the jade slip in his hands was even more precious and immediately unfolded it to examine it.

However, he soon looked puzzled. "Prefect, this... I'm afraid I will have difficulty cultivating it."

Zhuang Yan raised an eyebrow, "Why?"

Vanguard Hu explained, "This technique requires the power of sinful karma as a catalyst. However, I do not have much sinful karma on me to refine."

Zhuang Yan chuckled lightly and conjured a long saber with a flip of his hand. Instantly, a dense, sinful aura surged, and dark clouds gathered above Danchi Ridge, accompanied by howling winds.

"What is this...?" Vanguard Hu's pupils constricted. "Prefect, what is this thing?"