The Fourth Chapter

He was still disoriented, having been affected by the demonic sound. Zhuang Yan rolled up his sleeves and stepped forward, raising his hand as if to slap him.

Before the slap could land, Zhu Lie suddenly regained his senses and grabbed his wrist. "This general is unharmed," he said. He turned to Fairy Nishang and spoke gently, "The demon has been vanquished. I request the Fairy accompany me back to Heaven."

Zhuang Yan's eyes widened—this man spoke as if...

Fairy Nishang turned her back. "Returning past the deadline requires an apology to the Star Lord."

"Don't worry, little sister!" Zhu Lie patted his chest. "This general has a good relationship with Lord Taiyin; I will surely put in a good word for you."

Only after the thunderclouds had risen did Zhu Lie remember Zhuang Yan. "The mountain god's mission is complete. Please return."

Zhuang Yan looked up at the sky and gave a wry smile. He had long seen through this fellow's unwillingness to share credit.

Inside Lingxiao Hall, Zhu Lie, clad in clanking armor, knelt and reported, "Your subject has vanquished the demon and rescued Fairy Nishang, reporting for duty."

The Jade Emperor nodded with a smile. "The Grand Chief Emissary of the Grand Province of Taixuan?"

Emperor Wenchang stepped forward, holding his tablet. "Your subject is here."

"Zhu Lie is diligent and loyal. He has merit in suppressing demons and rescuing immortals," the Jade Emperor said. "Are there any vacant positions in the Heavenly Court?"

Emperor Wenchang stepped forward and bowed. "Your Majesty, there is a vacant deputy position in the Water Division of the Thunder Department. This post oversees the Heavenly River Navy and is a mid-tier fifth-rank Immortal Official. Given Zhu Lie's achievements, he is perfectly suited for promotion to this position."

The Jade Emperor nodded. "Let a decree be issued immediately: Zhu Lie is diligent and upright, loyal and steadfast, with outstanding talent and numerous achievements. He is hereby promoted to a fifth-rank Immortal Official, enfeoffed as Marshal Tianpeng, and given command of the Heavenly River Navy. This is the imperial will."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Lie was overjoyed. He immediately kowtowed to express his gratitude. "Your subject Zhu Lie thanks the Supreme Emperor of Jade, Heavenly Venerable, Xuanqiong, High God, for his grace."

The Jade Emperor smiled. "Marshal Tianpeng, you must be even more dedicated and diligent in the future, and not fail my expectations."

Zhu Lie replied respectfully, "Your subject will certainly do his utmost to repay Your Majesty's recognition with loyalty and diligence."

The Jade Emperor stroked his beard and smiled. "Very good. Rise and return to your position."

Zhu Lie kowtowed again in thanks, then rose and flew into the fifth-rank Immortal Official's formation. The assembled immortals offered their congratulations, and Zhu Lie, beaming, returned their greetings one by one.

Emperor Wenchang also returned to the immortal ranks after receiving the decree.

At this moment, a majestic deity in the Five Thunder Divine Armor, a thunderous robe, and a golden crown stepped forward. It was the True Lord Pili, the Divine Might, Demon Queller, Commander of the Divine Thunder Mansion and Thunder Department.

True Lord Pili held his tablet and reported, "Your subject ventures to report, though it be at the cost of his life, that the title of Marshal Tianpeng seems inappropriate."

The Jade Emperor asked, "What is inappropriate about it?"

True Lord Pili replied, "The main deity of the Thunder Department, the Grand Commander of the Five Thunder Courts, True Lord Tianpeng, already has two characters in his title. Now to also enfeoff Marshal Tianpeng would seem redundant. Your subject presumes to speak out, and deserves death for his transgression."

The Jade Emperor laughed. "The two are different. One is the third-rank Immortal Official, True Lord Tianpeng Yu Shouyuan; the other is the fifth-rank Immortal Official, Marshal Tianpeng. Their official ranks and positions are distinct, and there is no conflict."

True Lord Pili said no more and bowed as he retreated.

The Jade Emperor then asked, "Where is Fairy Nishang's attendant?"

Lord Taibai reported, "Replying to Your Majesty, Fairy Nishang is waiting outside the hall for the imperial decree."

The Jade Emperor waved his hand. "Order her to return to Guanghan Palace immediately. Considering she was captured by demons, her offense of returning late will be pardoned."

Lord Taibai received the decree and left the hall. Lord Taiyin bowed in thanks. "I thank Your Majesty on behalf of Nishang for your merciful forgiveness."

Shortly after, Lord Taibai returned with his report. Fairy Nishang had already returned to her palace as ordered.

The Jade Emperor nodded and then asked, "Where is the main deity of the Rain Department?"

The Rain Master stepped forward and responded, "Your subject is here."

The Jade Emperor said, "The rainfall for the Three Realms and Four Continents for the next ten years has been determined. It will be delivered to the Rain Department by the Grand Province of Taixuan tomorrow. Within three days, it shall be distributed to the Dragon Gods of all heavens. You must rain according to the set quantities; violators will be severely punished."

The Rain Master bowed and accepted the command.

The Jade Emperor then called out, "Where are Lord Taiyang and Lord Taiyin?"

Lord Taiyang and Lord Taiyin stepped forward and bowed. "Your subject is here."

The Jade Emperor's majestic voice echoed throughout the hall. "I have decreed the celestial movements of the Three Realms for the next ten years. Tomorrow, the Grand Province of Taixuan will deliver the decree to the Dipper Department. For the next decade, all celestial bodies must strictly adhere to their predetermined orbits. Winter and summer shall not change, day and night shall not increase or decrease, and places with constant seasons shall not be altered without permission. Any who violate the heavenly rules will be severely punished without mercy."

The two Star Lords respectfully acknowledged, "Your subject receives the decree."

After dealing with matters concerning the Rain Department and the Dipper Department, the Jade Emperor surveyed the assembled immortals. "Does any minister have a memorial to present?"

The immortals in the hall responded in unison, "Your subjects have nothing to report."

The Jade Emperor was about to dismiss the court when he suddenly saw two golden lights shoot up from the lower realm, piercing the thirty-six heavens and reaching the Ziwei Enclosure. The entire Heavenly Realm trembled, the stars flickered, and the immortals were filled with surprise and uncertainty.

The Jade Emperor immediately issued an imperial decree for Thousand-Mile Eye and Fair-Wind Ear to investigate. The two generals quickly arrived at the South Heavenly Gate to observe, then returned to report, "Reporting to Your Majesty, the golden light originates from Flower-Fruit Mountain in Aolai Country, Eastern Continent of Victory. A stone there, conceived by a celestial stone, weathered into a stone egg, which hatched into a stone monkey. When it bowed to the four directions, its eyes shot out golden light. It is currently drinking and eating, and the golden light is gradually subsiding."

The Jade Emperor said calmly, "This is a spiritual being of heaven and earth; it is nothing to be surprised about."

The immortals chanted in unison, "Your Majesty is wise."

After the court session dispersed, Lord Taiyin was about to return to his palace in the Moonflower Golden Chariot when he was stopped by Marshal Tianpeng, Zhu Lie. Zhu Lie performed a respectful salute. "This subordinate requests an audience with Lord Taiyin. While battling demons the other day, this general inadvertently caused Fairy Nishang to be injured by the Eight Ghost Sounds. I beg permission to visit Guanghan Palace."

A cold voice came from behind the pearl curtain. "The Marshal rendered meritorious service in saving lives; how can there be talk of dereliction of duty? Guanghan Palace prohibits male immortals from entering. The Marshal should prioritize his duties with the Heavenly River Army." With that, she ordered the chariot to depart.

Zhu Lie stood frozen in place. Only after the golden chariot had gone far away did he salute with a sigh.

Inside Qinghua Pavilion of the Moon Palace, Fairy Nishang bowed gracefully. Lord Taiyin gazed at her and asked, "Besides saving your life, does that Zhu Lie have any other connection with you?"

Fairy Nishang was momentarily speechless, lowering her head in silence.

Lord Taiyin's expression darkened slightly, and she said solemnly, "Nishang, as Chang'e's Immortal Attendant and an official of Taiwei Yuqing Palace, you must not entertain any personal affections."

Taiwei Yuqing Palace is the Jade Emperor's dojo. Fairy Nishang and others are actually close personal attendants of the Jade Emperor, and will enter the palace to serve in the future. Although Guanghan Palace is located in the Moon Palace, it is managed by Lord Taiyin. She herself is a principal deity of the Dipper Department in the Heavenly Court, holding a respected position.

Upon hearing this, Nishang hurriedly knelt down, "Your Ladyship, please see clearly, Nishang has absolutely no feelings. Although Zhu Lie has repeatedly shown favor, Nishang has refused him every time."

"Is that so?" Lord Taiyin narrowed her phoenix eyes slightly.

"It is absolutely true, Nishang would not dare to deceive you." Nishang's forehead touched the ground.

Lord Taiyin nodded slightly, "I heard you were injured?"

"Replying to Your Ladyship, I did sustain a minor injury when I encountered danger in the lower realm. Fortunately, the Mountain God rescued me, and I have since recovered."

"Wait a moment." Lord Taiyin interrupted, "Wasn't it Marshal Tianpeng who rescued you?"

Nishang quickly explained in detail the defeat of the Heavenly soldiers and how Zhuang Yan rescued her. Lord Taiyin sneered after listening, "So Zhu Lie claimed the credit for himself."

Anger flashed in Nishang's eyes, "This person is so despicable, why not report him to the Jade Emperor?"

"You cannot." Lord Taiyin waved her sleeve, "Zhu Lie is a confidant of His Majesty, and he was specially sent to the lower realm to earn merit. This kind of military achievement should not have been obtained by such a minor general before the throne."

She gazed at Nishang, "Let this matter rest here and do not mention it again."

Although Nishang was unwilling, she still respectfully agreed, "I will obey Your Ladyship's decree."

After Nishang withdrew from Qinghua Pavilion, Lord Taiyin recalled the details of the rescue and a smile appeared on her frosty, jade-like face, "To wake Nishang with a slap, this Mountain God of Lingtai is quite ingenious."

She then thought, "This person was recommended by Laojun. Although Zhu Lie stole his credit, he was able to help Marshal Deng capture Ao Qu and rescue Nishang. His cultivation is extraordinary, and he will surely be someone significant in the future."

"Zhuang Yan..." Lord Taiyin silently repeated the name, then composed herself, focused her mind, formed a hand seal, and entered meditation.

Zhuang Yan stood before an ancient cave dwelling and recited the couplet on the pillars, "Cave of the Slanting Moon and Three Stars, Mount Lingtai Fangcun. What a blessed land."

Patriarch Bodhi stroked his beard and smiled, "The Mountain God flatters me."

Seeing Patriarch Bodhi, Zhuang Yan quickly stepped forward and bowed, "This humble god pays his respects to the Patriarch."

Patriarch Bodhi held a whisk, smiled, and took Zhuang Yan's wrist, "Mountain God, there's no need for such formalities. Come inside and we'll talk."

The two walked hand in hand into the cave dwelling, and the scene before them suddenly opened up. They saw jade palaces and towers nestled among ancient pines and cypresses, with eaves and brackets intricately arranged. The clear cries of immortal cranes echoed through the clouds, presenting a true immortal aura.

The main hall had only a calligraphy scroll hanging, with no divine statues for worship. Two seats were placed on either side of the table. Patriarch Bodhi waved his sleeve and gestured, "Mountain God, please be seated."

After the two were seated, a young attendant served spiritual tea and immortal fruits. Patriarch Bodhi pointed to the fruit with flowing crimson mist on the plate, "This is the Ten-Thousand-Year Vermilion Fruit of Yingzhou. Mountain God, please try it."

Zhuang Yan took a bite of the fruit, and instantly a clear fragrance surged to the top of his head. A fierce spiritual energy exploded between his lips and teeth. His cheeks turned red, and white mist steamed from his seven orifices. The attendant anxiously said, "Patriarch, the Mountain Lord's cultivation is still shallow..."

Patriarch Bodhi waved his hand and smiled, "It's alright." Zhuang Yan suddenly swallowed the entire vermilion fruit and entered meditation, forming a hand seal. He secretly activated his instant refinement ability, and immense immortal power instantly filled his limbs and bones. The Essence of Purity Meditation Method began to circulate on its own.

"To be able to refine it so quickly!" As the attendant stared in astonishment, Zhuang Yan's aura had already reached the verge of a breakthrough. Patriarch Bodhi lightly waved his whisk and recited a true word, "The Golden Core transforms into Ao Feng..."

Golden light suddenly appeared in Zhuang Yan's spiritual platform. The Golden Core within his body leaped to his brow and transformed into a golden Ao Feng. His three dantian transformed into brilliant stars suspended above. Surging magical power converged, and suddenly a thunderous roar was heard. Three beams of starlight struck down, and the Ao Feng cracked open.

The moment the Golden Core Ao Feng shattered, heaven and earth fell into chaos. In a moment, a ray of golden light was born from the darkness.

This ray of golden light illuminated the universe, and immense magical power surged in like a tide, supporting and shaping this newly born world.

The Niwan Palace was thus formed, marking Zhuang Yan's official entry into the Spirit Refinement and Return to Void realm. All the magical power and cultivation within his body flowed into the Niwan Palace, taking root there.

After his realm stabilized, Zhuang Yan slowly exhaled and opened his eyes.

"Congratulations to the Mountain God on your improved cultivation," Patriarch Bodhi said with a smile.

Zhuang Yan immediately rose and bowed, "It is all thanks to the immortal fruit bestowed by the Patriarch."

Patriarch Bodhi waved his hand, "This is the Mountain God's own good fortune. Ordinary cultivators who refine Qi to transform into spirit would turn to ash in an instant if they consumed this vermilion fruit."

Zhuang Yan looked confused.

"Mountain God, please sit." Patriarch Bodhi gestured, "This Ten-Thousand-Year Vermilion Fruit contains immense Fire Spirit Immortal Qi. If one's foundation is not deep enough, they would be unable to bear it."

He then gazed at Zhuang Yan, "Seeing that the Mountain God's foundation is flawless, this old Daoist dared to offer this fruit."

Zhuang Yan understood. As an Innate Being, he was naturally different. Besides Grand Supreme Elder Lao, Patriarch Bodhi was the second person to see through his origins.

"The Patriarch has discerning eyes." Zhuang Yan cupped his hands.

Patriarch Bodhi smiled, "May I call you 'little friend'?"

"As the Patriarch commands."

"Does little friend have a teacher?"

"I have only received the Essence of Purity Meditation Method from Grand Supreme Elder Lao."

Patriarch Bodhi's heart stirred, wanting to take him as a disciple. However, due to his status as an Immortal Official of the Heavenly Court, he could only indirectly say, "Little friend may visit Fangcun Mountain often when you are free. This old Daoist is recently holding lectures, and you may ask any questions you have."

"I will obey the Patriarch's teachings." Zhuang Yan respectfully replied.

Seeing his composure, Patriarch Bodhi secretly praised, "His disposition is steady, truly rare."

In reality, Zhuang Yan thought, What magic can compare to the convenience of my cheat?

"The golden light that shot up into the sky the other day, what omen was that?" Zhuang Yan then asked.