The Heavenly Sin Blade

The Asura Tribe's crafted Immortal Artifact, the Heavenly Sin Blade. Zhuang Yan said lightly, "The one in your hand is tailor-made for this blade."

Vanguard Hu's face drained of color: "An Immortal Artifact? This... how could this subordinate be worthy of such a divine weapon? I beg the Prefecture Lord to take it back."

"Magic Treasures are of no use to me," Zhuang Yan said, tossing the blade over. Then...

Vanguard Hu hastily caught it, feeling the blade's weight. As he shouldered the weapon, its sharp aura instantly spread out. Just this presence alone was enough to know it was a peerless divine weapon, making him reluctant to part with it.

Zhuang Yan instructed, "This blade is an Immortal Artifact. At your current cultivation level, you cannot fully wield it. I grant you three days of leave to return and diligently cultivate, to nurture the precious blade."

Vanguard Hu immediately placed the blade on the ground and solemnly kowtowed thrice: "Thank you, Prefecture Lord, for bestowing this blade. Hu Da will never forget this kindness."

"Spare me these pleasantries, go now," Zhuang Yan waved his hand with a smile.

Vanguard Hu bowed thankfully once more, shouldered the precious blade, and left with his head held high. Sun Wukong watched from the side, his heart filled with longing, wondering when he would get a suitable weapon.

Seeing this, Zhuang Yan smiled and asked, "Wukong, what are you thinking about?"

The monkey scratched his head: "The Prefecture Lord is so generous to his subordinates, even willing to bestow an Immortal Artifact. If it were me, Old Sun, I'd be heartbroken."

Zhuang Yan burst into laughter: "You rascal, when did you learn to flatter people?"

Sun Wukong waved his hands repeatedly: "No, no, these are absolutely not words of flattery. Prefecture Lord, Old Sun speaks from the bottom of his heart."

"Good," Zhuang Yan nodded slightly, then said, "But don't be envious of Vanguard Hu. You will naturally receive a Magic Treasure that surpasses the Heavenly Sin Blade."

"Really?" Sun Wukong's eyes lit up, and he quickly cupped his fists: "Please, Prefecture Lord, enlighten me?"

Zhuang Yan shook his head: "The time is not yet right, it cannot be spoken of. When the opportunity ripens, you will naturally know."

Sun Wukong scratched his ears and cheeks, then suddenly asked, "Prefecture Lord, compared to my master, who is stronger?"

Zhuang Yan smiled without speaking. After a moment, he said, "Wukong, the depth of one's Dao Cultivation is not the sole measure of everything. An Earth Immortal is not necessarily inferior to a Celestial Immortal, nor is a Celestial Immortal necessarily weaker than a Golden Immortal. Divine abilities, Magic Treasures, spells, and incantations each have their own mysteries. If used properly, an Earth Immortal can defeat a Celestial Immortal."

Sun Wukong became even more confused: "If that's the case, then what is the use of Dao Cultivation and realm?"

Zhuang Yan countered, "Why did you leave the mountain to seek the Dao in the first place?"

Sun Wukong blurted out: "Naturally, to seek eternal life."

Zhuang Yan nodded: "Precisely. Although Dao Cultivation and realm do not directly determine strength, they truly signify an immortal's position in the world and reflect their understanding of the Heavenly Dao. The higher one's Dao Cultivation, the more they can avoid the three calamities and nine difficulties. In other words, the deeper the Dao Cultivation, the longer the lifespan, the greater the fortune, and the less likely one is to perish."

Zhuang Yan continued, "Immortality and indestructibility have nothing to do with magical power; it all depends on Dao Cultivation and realm. Those great beings whose Dao Cultivation has reached its peak have comprehended the mysteries of the Heavenly Dao, evolved the laws of heaven and earth, and truly transcended life and death, and Reincarnation. They have also entrusted themselves to the Heavenly Dao, condensing themselves into manifestations in the world. That noble, boundless, and fruit of Buddhahood that grants eternal life and avoids tribulations comes from this. Do you understand?"

Sun Wukong was deeply shaken: "Master never mentioned these things."

Zhuang Yan gently patted his shoulder and smiled, "If you don't ask, how would he bring it up voluntarily?"

"Remember," Zhuang Yan said seriously, "Without cultivating divine abilities, one cannot protect oneself; without cultivating Dao Cultivation, it is difficult to achieve eternal life."

A wisp of auspicious cloud descended from the heavens, stopping in the peach forest outside the Mountain God Temple on Danchi Ridge.

Lu Ban descended on the clouds amidst a guard of Heavenly Soldiers. Seeing the vibrant peach blossoms, he couldn't help but exclaim, "What a beautiful peach forest! If it's nurtured for a few more years, the wood can be used to make peach wood implements."

"Who dares to touch my peach forest?" Before the words even fell, a ball of fire shot from the treetops.

The Fire Spirit True Immortal, clad in a golden-embroidered cloud-patterned robe and a white jade belt, appeared radiant.

Lu Ban cupped his fists and bowed, smiling as he asked, "Does this peach forest belong to you, fellow Daoist?"

The Fire Spirit True Immortal sized up the newcomer. Seeing he wore a sixth-rank qilin auspicious aura robe and a green sash with a white jade belt, his rank was even higher than Zhuang Yan's. Especially the Heavenly Soldiers behind him, each clad in armor and wielding weapons, wearing thunder-patterned battle robes, exuding an imposing aura.

The Fire Spirit True Immortal immediately returned the bow: "I am the Assistant Prefect of the Manor of Lingtai Dongming, Fire Spirit. May I know the esteemed one's title?"

Lu Ban chuckled: "I am Lu Ban, a Master Craftsman from the Heavenly Works Bureau of the Grand Mystery Division. I have been ordered to descend to the mortal realm to construct a divine manor for the Lord of Lingtai Prefecture."

Upon hearing this, the Fire Spirit True Immortal's face lit up with joy, and he quickly said, "So it's a Master Craftsman from the Heavenly Works Bureau! Please, please come in."

He immediately led Lu Ban and his retinue to the peach forest outside the Mountain God Temple and seated them at a stone table. Fortunately, the Fire Spirit True Immortal had prepared six stone tables and thirty-six stone stools in the peach forest for guests, which were now put to good use.

Lu Ban and the Heavenly Soldiers took their seats. The Fire Spirit True Immortal urgently ordered Sun Wukong to fetch wine vessels from the temple and asked Chi Ling to prepare spiritual fruits and delicacies. Just as he was about to head to the Eight Immortals Pavilion to inform Zhuang Yan, a beam of immortal light shot out from the pavilion, heading straight for the peach forest.

"Prefecture Lord," the Fire Spirit True Immortal quickly bowed. Lu Ban also slowly rose upon seeing this, and the Heavenly Soldiers immediately cupped their fists and bowed: "Greetings, Lord of Lingtai Prefecture."

Zhuang Yan smiled and gestured: "Everyone, no need for formalities, please sit." He then stepped forward and bowed to Lu Ban: "Zhuang Yan greets Master Craftsman Lu Ban."

Lu Ban returned the bow with a smile and asked curiously, "Prefecture Lord of Lingtai, have you met me before?"

"We have not met," Zhuang Yan replied.

Lu Ban became even more puzzled: "Then how did you recognize me?"

Zhuang Yan chuckled: "Because I already knew that a Master Craftsman from the Heavenly Works Bureau would be arriving."

"Indeed, but how did you know it was me?" Lu Ban pressed.

Zhuang Yan laughed it off: "A colleague from the True Palace of Great Mystery informed me." I can't exactly say I saw it on a Heavenly Secrets scanning cheat, can I?

Lu Ban nodded with a hint of confusion. Zhuang Yan then invited everyone to be seated. By this time, Sun Wukong had already brought several jars of fine wine and arranged the wine bowls; Chi Ling had also presented spiritual fruits and delicacies, arranging them one by one.

A Heavenly Soldier looked at the busy Sun Wukong and praised, "What a clever monkey, so handsome and extraordinary."

Sun Wukong beamed upon hearing this: "This elder has sharp eyes. I am known as the Handsome Monkey King in the mountains."

"Handsome Monkey King? Truly lives up to his name!" the Heavenly Soldier exclaimed.

Sun Wukong became even more delighted and picked up a wine jar, about to pour. The Heavenly Soldier quickly declined: "No, no, we are on duty and it is not appropriate to drink."

Sun Wukong chuckled: "Elder, you are a High Immortal, how could mortal wine cause trouble?"

Although the Heavenly Soldiers were tempted, they politely declined. Seeing this, Lu Ban chuckled, "No matter, it's a good chance to relax."

The Heavenly Soldiers' eyes lit up, but someone hesitated, "But our duty is to guard the Immortal Master..."

Lu Ban waved his hand and laughed, "Since we are at Danchi Ridge, under the jurisdiction of the Lord of Lingtai Manor, what is there to worry about? Drink to your heart's content. Are you afraid I'll go back and report you?"

As a Master Craftsman who didn't adhere to strict rules, Lu Ban was not bound by the Heavenly Court's regulations. With his approval, the Heavenly Soldiers thanked him one after another and eagerly opened the wine jars to pour drinks. The Heavenly Soldier from before pulled Sun Wukong aside and said, "Handsome Monkey King, come have a few drinks with us."

"Absolutely not," Sun Wukong quickly refused, "I am currently cultivating with my master and dare not drink without permission."

These Heavenly Soldiers were all cultivators who had ascended from the mortal realm and were selected by the Heavenly Court for their positions, so they naturally understood the Heavenly Rules and commandments.

Seeing Sun Wukong's refusal, the Heavenly Soldiers didn't press the issue.

Zhuang Yan, however, smiled gently, "Wukong, feel free to drink. If Master asks, just say I gave my permission."

Sun Wukong's face lit up with joy upon hearing this. He thanked Zhuang Yan repeatedly and then drank heartily with the Heavenly Soldiers.

Zhuang Yan, the Fire Spirit True Immortal, Chi Ling, and Lu Ban sat together at the same table. Lu Ban tasted the spiritual fruits served by Chi Ling, then took out a stack of blueprints from his sleeve and spread them on the table.

"Please, Lord of the Manor, choose the style of the divine manor from these," Lu Ban said.

Zhuang Yan carefully examined the blueprints, which were drawn with immortal techniques. With just three breaths of concentration, the buildings in the drawings came to life, and every detail could be inspected at will.

After Zhuang Yan made his selection, he placed one blueprint on top: "Thank you, Immortal Master. Let's go with this one."

Lu Ban swallowed his pastry, examined the blueprint, and smiled, "Lord of the Manor has a discerning eye. This Moon Reflection Jade Pavilion is primarily composed of one main hall and eight courtyards, complemented by three reception halls and ten corridors, arranged in a crescent moon shape. It incorporates a moon-attracting formation that can draw in seven parts of the moonlight to illuminate the manor, hence its name."

"Truly marvelous," the Fire Spirit True Immortal exclaimed.

Zhuang Yan immediately decided, "Then let's build this Moon Reflection Jade Pavilion."

Lu Ban put away the remaining blueprints, picked up the chosen design, and stood up, ready to begin construction immediately.

Zhuang Yan was surprised, "Why doesn't Immortal Master rest for a night?"

"What can be done today should be finished today," Lu Ban had already risen into the air.

Zhuang Yan pointed at the Heavenly Soldiers who were drinking, "But them..."

"Building a manor doesn't require the help of Heavenly Soldiers," Lu Ban waved his hand, and divine light flashed from his waist. His golden hammer, golden axe, and golden rope, three divine artifacts, spun out.

The divine artifacts transformed into streaks of light and descended. The golden rope encircled the Mountain God Temple, and as the axe and hammer flew, dust and smoke billowed. In less than the time it takes an incense stick to burn, the temple was completely removed, leaving only the divine statue and the simple dwelling intact.

Lu Ban incorporated the divine statue and dwelling into the blueprint, then tossed it into the air. The blueprint expanded in the wind and instantly transformed into a radiant divine manor that hung in the air. With a gentle point of Lu Ban's sword finger, the divine manor settled firmly onto the foundation.

The divine manor descended from the sky, transforming into a brilliant phantom of immortal light. Lu Ban activated the golden rope, golden hammer, and golden axe. The magic treasures flew above the phantom, and sounds of their work were incessant.

Time flowed, and the outline of the divine manor gradually took shape. Three hours later, a magnificent manor stood on Danchi Ridge, replacing the old Mountain God Temple. The buildings within were arranged in a crescent shape, demonstrating ingenious craftsmanship.

Lu Ban put away his three magic treasures and said to Zhuang Yan with a smile, "Lord of the Manor, please come inside and take a look."

Zhuang Yan nodded and descended with Lu Ban. The Fire Spirit True Immortal and Chi Ling were already waiting at the manor gate. Gazing at the magnificent and solemn building before them, they could not hide their astonishment.

A vermilion gate was adorned with golden eaves and jade tiles. Above the gate hung a black ebony plaque inscribed with seven gilded characters: "Imperial Decree to Establish the Manor of Lingtai Dongming." The couplet on either side read: "Lingtai Dongming, a pure world of glazed tiles for three thousand realms; the divine manor is grand, with ten directions and myriad energies purified." The four characters "Divine Might Radiant" shone brightly.

"Magnificent!" Zhuang Yan exclaimed and clasped his hands in thanks to Lu Ban.

Stepping into the manor, one could see the exquisite layout of one main hall, eight courtyards, three reception halls, and ten corridors. The main hall, the Mountain God Hall, enshrined Zhuang Yan's statue. The eight cloud rooms were arranged with meticulous care, with Zhuang Yan's residence located in the north. The three reception halls were for receiving visitors, entertaining guests, and enjoying flowers, while the ten corridors connected the various buildings like a crescent moon.

Zhuang Yan was very pleased and thanked Lu Ban again, then instructed the Fire Spirit True Immortal to prepare a banquet to entertain him. During the feast, as wine cups clinked, Lu Ban raised his cup to congratulate Zhuang Yan on his housewarming. Sun Wukong and the Heavenly Soldiers and Generals also came forward to toast.

The banquet lasted for three hours, until the last drop of the Fire Spirit True Immortal's prized fruit wine was consumed. Lu Ban and his entourage stayed for one night and departed the next morning to return to heaven.

Zhuang Yan arranged for the Fire Spirit True Immortal and Chi Ling to move into the divine manor and prepared a courtyard for Vanguard Hu. Sun Wukong, still drunk and asleep, was settled in a cloud room to rest.

From then on, Zhuang Yan officially took charge of the Manor of Lingtai Dongming. His first priority was to audit the various gods under Guangci Prefecture. He issued orders through the local land temples, registering the Well God, Water God, Kitchen God, and others to facilitate future governance.