Chapter 4

He had yet to wake from the demonic music's bewitchment. Zhuang Yan rolled up his sleeves and stepped forward, raising his hand to slap him.

Before the slap could land, Zhu Lie suddenly came to his senses and grabbed his wrist. "I'm fine." He then turned to Fairy Nishang and said gently, "The demons and monsters have been executed. Please return to the Heavenly Court with me, Fairy."

Zhuang Yan stared wide-eyed—this man actually made it sound as though...

Fairy Nishang turned away. "I returned late and must answer to Lord Taiyin."

"Do not worry, little sister!" Zhu Lie thumped his chest. "I am on excellent terms with Lord Taiyin. I will surely put in a good word for you."

Only after the thunderclouds rose into the sky did Zhu Lie remember Zhuang Yan. "Mountain God, your mission is complete. Please return."

Zhuang Yan looked to the heavens with a bitter smile. He had long seen through the fact that this man would never share the credit.

Within Lingxiao Hall, Zhu Lie knelt in clattering armor and reported, "This subject slew the demons and monsters, rescued Fairy Nishang, and has returned to report."

The Jade Emperor nodded with a smile. "Chief Administrator of the Grand Profound Capital Province?"

Emperor Wenchang stepped forth with his tablet in hand. "This subject is here."

"Zhu Lie has been diligent, loyal, and prudent. He has rendered merit by suppressing demons and rescuing an immortal. Are there any vacant posts in the Heavenly Court?"

Emperor Wenchang stepped forward and bowed. "Your Majesty, the Water Division of the Thunder Department currently has a vacant deputy post. This office commands the Heavenly River's aquatic forces and is a Fifth-Rank Immortal Official position of the Middle Yuan. Given Zhu Lie's achievements, he is well suited to be promoted to this post."

The Jade Emperor nodded. "Let an edict be issued at once: Zhu Lie is diligent and upright, utterly loyal, and outstandingly capable, having repeatedly established meritorious deeds. He is hereby promoted to Fifth-Rank Immortal Official and granted the title Marshal Tianpeng, commanding the Heavenly River navy. So decreed."

Hearing this, Zhu Lie was overjoyed and immediately kowtowed in gratitude. "This subject Zhu Lie thanks the Jade Emperor Great Celestial Venerable, Supreme Emperor of the Profound Heavens, for his grace."

The Jade Emperor smiled. "Marshal Tianpeng, you must serve with even greater devotion from this day forward. Do not disappoint my expectations."

Zhu Lie answered respectfully, "This subject will certainly give his all and repay Your Majesty's recognition with loyalty, righteousness, and diligence."

The Jade Emperor stroked his beard and laughed. "Very good. Rise and return to your place."

Zhu Lie kowtowed his thanks once more, rose, and flew into the ranks of the Fifth-Rank Immortal Officials. The immortals offered their congratulations one after another, and Zhu Lie returned every salute with a beaming smile.

After receiving the decree, Emperor Wenchang also returned to the Immortal Rank.

At that moment, a dignified deity clad in Five Thunder divine armor, draped in a thunder robe, and crowned in gold stepped forth. He was none other than True Lord Pi Li, Divine Might Subduing Demons, Chief Thunder Envoy of the Divine Thunder Jade Mansion.

True Lord Pi Li held up his tablet and memorialized, "This subject risks death to report that the title Marshal Tianpeng seems somewhat inappropriate."

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

True Lord Pi Li replied, "The title of True Lord Tianpeng, Grand Commissioner of the Five Thunder Institute and chief deity of the Thunder Department, already contains the two characters Tianpeng. Bestowing the title Marshal Tianpeng now may invite accusations of duplication. This subject has presumptuously spoken and deserves ten thousand deaths."

The Jade Emperor smiled. "The two are different. One is Tianpeng Jade True Longevity Origin True Lord, a Third-Rank Immortal Official, while the other is Marshal Tianpeng, a Fifth-Rank Immortal Official. Their offices and ranks differ, so there is no conflict."

True Lord Pi Li said no more and withdrew with a bow.

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

Lord Taibai memorialized, "In reply to Your Majesty, Fairy Nishang is waiting outside the hall for an edict."

The Jade Emperor waved his hand. "Order her to return to Guanghan Palace at once. Since she was abducted by demons and monsters, her offense of returning late shall not be pursued."

Lord Taibai accepted the edict and left the hall. Lord Taiyin bowed in thanks. "This subject thanks Your Majesty on Nishang's behalf for your mercy."

Before long, Lord Taibai returned to report that Fairy Nishang had already obeyed the order and returned to her palace.

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

The Rain Master stepped forth and answered, "This subject is here."

The Jade Emperor said, "Rainfall across the Three Realms and Four Continents for the next ten years has been determined. Tomorrow, the Grand Profound Capital Province will deliver the decree to the Rain Department. Within three days, distribute it to the Dragon Gods of all heavens. Rain must be administered according to the allotted amounts. Violators will be severely punished."

The Rain Master bowed and accepted the command.

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

Lord Taiyang and Lord Taiyin stepped forward and saluted. "This subject is here."

The Jade Emperor's majestic voice echoed through the great hall. "I have determined the movements of the stars for the Three Realms over the next ten years. Tomorrow, the Grand Profound Capital Province will deliver the decree to the Dipper Department. For the following ten years, all celestial constellations must strictly follow their designated paths. Cold and heat may not be altered, day and night may not be increased or reduced, and lands with regular seasons may not be changed without authorization. Any who violate the Heavenly Rules shall be punished without mercy."

The two Star Lords respectfully replied, "This subject accepts the edict."

After settling the affairs of the Rain Department and Dipper Department, the Jade Emperor looked over the immortals. "Do any of you have matters to present?"

The immortals in the hall answered in unison, "This subject has nothing to present."

Just as the Jade Emperor was about to dismiss court, two streams of golden light suddenly rose from the mortal realm, pierced through the Thirty-Six Heavens, and reached the Purple Tenuity Enclosure. The entire heavenly realm shook, the stars swayed, and the immortals were filled with alarm and uncertainty.

The Jade Emperor immediately ordered Thousand-Mile Eye and Fair-Wind Ear to investigate. The two generals hastened to the South Heavenly Gate to observe, then quickly reported, "Your Majesty, the golden light originated from Flower-Fruit Mountain in Aolai Country of the Eastern Continent of Victory. An immortal stone there conceived a stone egg, which weathered into a Stone Monkey. When it paid homage in all four directions just now, golden light shot from its eyes. It has now drunk water and eaten, and the golden light is gradually fading."

The Jade Emperor said calmly, "It is merely a spiritual creature born of heaven and earth. There is nothing strange about it."

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

After court dispersed, Lord Taiyin was about to return to her palace in her moonlight golden carriage when Marshal Tianpeng Zhu Lie stopped her. His manner was exceedingly respectful. "This subordinate requests an audience with Lord Taiyin. During the battle against the demons and monsters some days ago, this subordinate inadvertently allowed Fairy Nishang to be injured by the Eight Ghost Sounds. I beg permission to visit her at Guanghan Palace."

A cool voice came from behind the beaded curtain. "Marshal, you earned merit by saving her. How can this be called negligence? Guanghan Palace forbids male immortals from entering. You should focus on the Heavenly River's military affairs." With that, she ordered the carriage to depart.

Zhu Lie stood frozen in place. Only after the golden carriage had gone far away did he offer a wistful salute.

Within Qinghua Pavilion of the Moon Palace, Fairy Nishang bowed gracefully. Lord Taiyin gazed at her and asked, "Other than saving your life, does Zhu Lie have any further entanglements with you?"

Fairy Nishang was momentarily speechless and lowered her head without speaking.

Lord Taiyin's expression darkened slightly as she said sternly, "Nishang, you are Chang'e's Immortal Attendant and a female official of Taiwei Yuqing Palace. You must never indulge in romantic feelings."

Taiwei Yuqing Palace was the Jade Emperor's sacred grounds. Fairy Nishang and the others were in truth female officials who served closely beside the Jade Emperor and would one day enter the palace to attend him. Though Guanghan Palace stood within the Moon Palace, it was managed on Lord Taiyin's behalf. Lord Taiyin herself was a chief deity of the Heavenly Court's Dipper Department, holding an exalted position.

Hearing this, Nishang hurriedly knelt and prostrated herself. "Your Ladyship, please discern the truth. Nishang has absolutely no feelings for him. Though Zhu Lie has repeatedly shown interest, Nishang has rejected him every time."

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

"It is absolutely true. Nishang would never dare deceive Your Ladyship." Nishang pressed her forehead to the ground.

Lord Taiyin nodded slightly. "I heard that you were injured?"

"In reply to Your Ladyship, I did sustain minor injuries when I encountered danger in the mortal realm. Fortunately, the Mountain God rescued me, and I have now fully recovered."

"Wait." Lord Taiyin interrupted her. "Was it not Marshal Tianpeng who saved you?"

Fairy Nishang hurriedly recounted in detail how the heavenly soldiers had been defeated and how Zhuang Yan had rescued her. After listening, Lord Taiyin sneered. "So Zhu Lie falsely claimed the credit."

Anger flashed through Fairy Nishang's eyes. "That man is so despicable. Why not report him to the Jade Emperor?"

"You must not." Lord Taiyin flicked her sleeve. "Zhu Lie is one of His Majesty's trusted men. He was specially sent to the mortal realm this time to earn merit. Such military merit should never have gone to a mere palace-front general like him."

She stared at Nishang. "Let the matter end here. It must not be mentioned again."

Though unwilling, Fairy Nishang still answered respectfully, "Nishang obeys Your Ladyship's decree."

After Fairy Nishang left Qinghua Pavilion, Lord Taiyin recalled the details of her rescue, and a smile suddenly appeared on her icy jade face. "Using a slap to awaken Nishang... this Mountain God of Lingtai certainly has an unusual way of doing things."

Then she thought further, This man was recommended by Laojun. Though Zhu Lie stole his credit, he helped Marshal Deng capture Ao Qu and rescued Nishang. His cultivation is far from ordinary. He will surely not remain insignificant in the future.

"Zhuang Yan..." Lord Taiyin murmured his name. She then composed herself, formed hand seals, and entered meditation.

Zhuang Yan stood before an ancient cave mansion and recited the couplet: "Cave of the Slanting Moon and Three Stars, Mount Lingtai Fangcun. What a fine Blessed Land."

Patriarch Bodhi stroked his beard and smiled. "Mountain God, you flatter me."

Upon seeing Patriarch Bodhi, Zhuang Yan hurried forward and bowed. "This minor deity greets Patriarch."

Patriarch Bodhi held a whisk and smiled as he grasped Zhuang Yan's wrist. "Why be so formal, Mountain God? Come inside with me, and let us talk."

The two entered the cave mansion hand in hand, and the view before them suddenly opened up. Jade palaces and towers stood hidden among ancient pines and emerald cypresses, their flying eaves and interlocking brackets arranged in elegant layers. The clear cries of immortal cranes echoed through Yunxiao, creating an atmosphere worthy of an immortal abode.

The main hall held only a hanging calligraphic inscription and no worshipped divine statues. Two seats stood on either side of a table. Patriarch Bodhi swept his sleeve and gestured. "Mountain God, please sit."

Once they were seated, a young attendant served Spirit Tea and immortal fruits. Patriarch Bodhi pointed to a fruit on the platter wreathed in crimson radiance. "This is a Ten-Thousand-Year Vermilion Fruit of Yingzhou. Mountain God, you may as well taste it."

Zhuang Yan picked up the fruit and took a bite. In an instant, a pure fragrance surged to the crown of his head, while blazing spiritual power exploded between his lips and teeth. His face flushed bright red, and white mist streamed from his seven orifices. The attendant cried anxiously, "Patriarch, the Mountain Lord's cultivation is still shallow..."

Patriarch Bodhi waved a hand and smiled. "It is nothing." Zhuang Yan suddenly swallowed the entire vermilion fruit, formed hand seals, and entered meditation. In truth, he secretly activated Instantaneous Refinement. Boundless immortal power instantly filled his limbs and bones, and the Essence of Purity Meditation Method began circulating on its own.

"He can refine it so quickly?!" As the attendant stared in stunned disbelief, Zhuang Yan's aura had already reached the threshold of a breakthrough. Patriarch Bodhi lightly swept his whisk and chanted a true incantation. "The golden core transforms into Ao Lai Peak..."

Golden light suddenly appeared within Zhuang Yan's spirit platform. The golden core in his body leaped to his brow and became a golden Ao Lai Peak, while his three dantians transformed into brilliant stars suspended above it. Surging magical power rushed together, and then thunder exploded as three beams of starlight struck down, splitting Ao Lai Peak apart.

At the instant the golden core's Ao Lai Peak shattered, heaven and earth fell into chaos. In the blink of an eye, a glimmer of golden light was born within the darkness.

This strand of golden light illuminated the universe as vast magical power surged in like a tide, supporting and stabilizing this newborn world.

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

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

"Congratulations, Mountain God, on your advancement in cultivation," Patriarch Bodhi said with a smile.

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

Patriarch Bodhi waved his hand. "This was your own fortunate destiny. If an ordinary cultivator at Qi Refining to Godhood consumed this vermilion fruit, they would turn to ash in an instant."

Zhuang Yan looked puzzled.

"Please sit, Mountain God." Patriarch Bodhi gestured. "This Ten-Thousand-Year Vermilion Fruit contains immense fire-element immortal qi. Those without a deep foundation cannot possibly endure it."

As he spoke, he fixed his gaze on Zhuang Yan. "Seeing that the Mountain God's foundation was flawless, this old Daoist dared offer you this fruit."

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

"Patriarch has keen eyes." Zhuang Yan cupped his hands.

Patriarch Bodhi smiled. "May this old Daoist address you as little friend?"

"As Patriarch commands."

"Little friend, do you have a master?"

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

Patriarch Bodhi was moved when he heard this and wished to accept him as a disciple. However, because of Zhuang Yan's status as a Heavenly Court immortal official, he could only say tactfully, "Little friend, you may come often to Mount Fangcun when you have leisure. This old Daoist has recently begun giving lectures. Should you have any doubts, feel free to ask."

"This junior will follow Patriarch's teachings." Zhuang Yan answered respectfully.

Seeing that he remained unmoved by favor or disgrace, Patriarch Bodhi silently praised him. His temperament is steady. That is truly rare.

In truth, Zhuang Yan thought, What spell could compare to the convenience of my cheat?

"The golden light that soared into the sky in the east the other day—what omen was that?" Zhuang Yan changed the subject and asked.