The former master has become a laughingstock, devoid of worship, temples, or followers, while his two attendants have both survived the heavenly tribulation and ascended to become great war gods ruling over their respective regions. This situation is hard for anyone to avoid. If Xie Lian were asked to choose between Feng Xin and Mu Qing as the more embarrassing, he would say, "Both are okay!" But if others were asked to choose whether they would rather see Xie Lian and Feng Xin fight or Xie Lian and Mu Qing fight, everyone would have their own preferences. After all, both have sufficient reasons to fight, making it difficult to choose which one is better.
So, Feng Xin didn't respond for a long time. He simply disappeared without a word, leaving everyone disappointed. Xie Lian finished his conversation, slapped himself a few times, and said, "I didn't expect it to get this bad. I didn't mean to do that. I'm sorry for causing you all this trouble."
Mu Qing said with a chill, "Oh, that's really a coincidence."
What a coincidence! Xie Lian thought it was too much of a coincidence. How could he have just smashed Mu Qing and dismantled Feng Xin? To others, it looked like he was deliberately plotting revenge. But the truth was, he was the kind of person who, given a thousand cups of wine to choose from, would poison one, and no matter how he chose, it would definitely be the poisoned one. But there was nothing you could do about other people's feelings. Xie Lian could only say, "I will do my best to repair your Golden Palace and other losses. I hope you can give me some time."
Even though he was using the whisk’s tail, it was obvious that Mu Qing would continue to want to blow the cool breeze, but after all, his Golden Palace was intact, and he had already chopped off the bell that hit him. If he continued to press him, it would be embarrassing and beneath his dignity, so he kept silent. Xie Lian saw that the mess had been cleared up on its own, so he quickly ran away as well.
He was still thinking seriously about how to get the 8.88 million merits. The next day, Lingwen invited him to visit the Lingwen Palace.
Lingwen was the priest in charge of personnel affairs, his management of personnel matters prospering and his career rising rapidly. The entire palace, from floor to ceiling, was filled with official documents and scrolls. The sight was shocking and terrifying. As Xie Lian walked along, every priest emerging from Lingwen Hall was carrying documents towering over him, their faces pale, either devastated or numb. Entering the hall, Lingwen turned and spoke directly to the point: "Your Highness, the Emperor has a favor to ask of you. Are you willing to lend a hand?"
There are many True Lords and Primordial Lords in the heavens, but there is only one who can be called the Emperor. If this person wants to do something, he never needs to ask anyone for help. Therefore, Xie Lian was stunned for a moment before asking, "What is it?"
Lingwen handed him a scroll and said, "Recently, a group of big believers in the north have been praying frequently. I think it's not peaceful."
The so-called great believers generally refer to three categories: the first, the wealthy, who spend money on burning incense, performing rituals, and building temples; the second, the preachers who can preach the Dharma to others; and the third, those who thoroughly embrace their faith, body and soul. The first category is the most numerous; the richer the person, the more they revere the gods and spirits, and there are countless wealthy people in the world. The third category is the least numerous, because if one can truly achieve this, then the person must be at a very high level, not far from ascending. The people mentioned here are clearly the first category.
Ling Wen said, "The Emperor is currently unable to take care of the north. If you are willing to go on his behalf, then no matter how much merit these great believers offer when they fulfill their vows, I will offer it all on your altar. What do you think?"
Xie Lian took the scroll with both hands and said, "Thank you very much."
It was clearly Jun Wu doing him a favor, yet he was asking him if he was willing to do himself a favor. Xie Lian saw it, but he couldn't find any words to better express his feelings. Ling Wen said, "I'm only responsible for the work. If you want to thank me, you can wait for the Emperor to return and then thank him yourself. By the way, do you need any magic weapon I can lend you?"
Xie Lian said, “That’s not necessary. Even if you gave me a magic weapon, I wouldn’t have the power to use it once I get down there.”
Xie Lian was struck down twice, his magical powers completely drained. It was still easy in the Heaven Realm, where all the immortals gathered, and where spiritual energy was abundant and endless, so he could easily use it for his own benefit. But once he returned to the human world, he would be in a state of confusion. If he wanted to fight, he would have to make do with borrowing some from others, which was very inconvenient.
Lingwen thought for a moment and said, "Then it would be best to borrow a few military officers to help you."
Xie Lian was well aware that the current Martial Gods either didn't recognize him or didn't like him. He said, "That's not necessary. You can't borrow anyone."
Lingwen had his own considerations and said, "I'll give it a try."
It didn't matter whether she tried or not. Xie Lian neither agreed nor disagreed, so he let her try. Ling Wen then entered the spirit communication array and announced, "Everyone, the Emperor has important matters to attend to in the north and urgently needs men. Which Martial God could send two military officers from the palace?"
As soon as he finished speaking, Mu Qing's voice floated out: "I heard that the Emperor is not in the north now. I'm afraid he borrowed it for His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."
Xie Lian thought to himself, “Are you staying inside the spirit communication array all day and night?”
Lingwen thought the same thing as him. She wanted to slap Mu Qing out of the formation for getting in her way, but she smiled and said, "Xuanzhen, why do I keep seeing you in the formation these past few days? It seems like you've been able to take a break recently. Congratulations."
Mu Qing said calmly: "My hand is injured and I'm recovering."
The priests thought to themselves, "Your hand could split mountains and seas in the past, so what can you do to a stupid bell?"
Lingben originally wanted to trick two people into coming over to work first, but Mu Qing knew it immediately, and then she even said it out loud. Now she was definitely going to be unable to find them. Sure enough, no one bothered her for a long while, and Xie Lian didn't think anything of it. He said to her, "See, I told you I can't borrow anyone."
Lingwen said: "If Xuanzhen didn't say anything, you could borrow it."
Xie Lian smiled and said, "Your words are like a half-concealed lute, a flower in the mist only three times more beautiful. People think you're doing work for the Emperor, so of course they can call you. But if they find out you're working with me, I'm afraid there'll be a commotion. How can we work together? I'm used to being alone anyway, and I don't seem to be missing any limbs. So that's it. Thank you for your help. I'll be on my way now."
Ling Wen was at his wit's end, so he bowed and said, "Alright. I wish Your Highness a smooth journey. May the Heavenly Official bless you."
Xie Lian replied, “No taboos!” He waved his hand and walked away gracefully.
Three days later, in the human world, in the north.
There is a small tea shop on the side of the main road. It is not big and the staff are simple, but the most important thing is the beautiful scenery. There are mountains, water, people and the city. It has everything, but not too much; not too little, just right. If you meet someone here while you are in this scenery, it will surely become a wonderful memory. The tea master in the shop is very idle. When there are no customers, he pulls a stool and sits at the door, looking at the mountains, water, people and the city, and he is very happy to watch. Then he sees a Taoist monk in white clothes walking on the road in the distance. He is covered in dust and seems to have walked for a long time. As he gets closer, he passes by the shop, suddenly stops, and slowly walks back. He adjusts his bamboo hat, looks up at the wine sign, and says with a smile: "'Xiangfeng Xiaodian', what an interesting name."
Although he looked a little tired, he had a broad smile on his face, which made the corners of his mouth curl upwards. He asked again, "Excuse me, is Yujun Mountain near here?"
Dr. Tea pointed him in the direction and said, "It's in this area."
The man exhaled, finally managing not to spit out his soul, and thought to himself, "I'm finally here."
It was Xie Lian.
The day he left Xianjing, he had originally planned his descent to the mortal realm, aiming for a landing near Yujun Mountain. But as he gracefully departed, his sleeve got caught on a cloud as he gracefully leaped down. Yes, it got caught on a cloud. He had no idea how it got caught, but he tumbled through the air, tumbling down without a trace of where he was. After three days of hiking, he finally reached his planned landing spot, a wave of emotion filling him.
After entering the shop, Xie Lian picked a table by the window and ordered some tea and snacks. After finally sitting down, he suddenly heard the sounds of crying and gongs and drums coming from outside.
He looked toward the street and saw a group of men, women, old and young, surrounding a big red sedan chair, walking down the road.
This procession exuded a strange aura. At first glance, it looked like a wedding procession, but a closer look revealed expressions of solemnity, sorrow, anger, fear, and no joy at all on their faces. It didn't look like a wedding at all, yet they were all dressed in red, wearing flowers, and playing music. The scene was truly bizarre. The tea master, holding a copper kettle high in the air, nodded and observed the scene, but simply shook his head and left.
Xie Lian watched the strange group go away, then pondered for a moment. Just as he was about to take out the scroll Ling Wen had given him to look at it again, he suddenly noticed a dazzling object flash by.
When he looked up, a silver butterfly flew past him.
The silver butterfly, shimmering and translucent, flew through the air, leaving a trail of brilliance. Xie Lian couldn't help but reach out his hand toward it. The butterfly, remarkably intelligent, remained undeterred. Instead, it alighted on his fingertips, its wings gleaming in a ethereal beauty. In the sunlight, it seemed like a dreamlike bubble, shattered at the mere touch. After a moment, it flew away.
Xie Lian waved goodbye, and when he looked back, there were two more people sitting at his table.
The table was square, with two men occupying one side, one on the left and one on the right. Both were young men, around eighteen or nineteen years old. The one on the left was taller, with deep, bright features, and a rebellious gaze. The one on the right was extremely pale, handsome and refined, though his expression was a little too cold and indifferent, as if he were unhappy. In fact, both of them looked unhappy.
Xie Lian blinked and asked, “Who are you two?”
The left side said: "South wind."
The one on the right said, "Fuyao."
Xie Lian thought to himself, “I’m not asking for your names…”
At this moment, Lingwen suddenly called over. She said, "Your Highness, there are two young military officers from the Central Heaven Court who are willing to come and assist you. They have already gone down to look for you and should be here by now."
The so-called Middle Heaven Court is naturally the opposite of the Upper Heaven Court. The priests of the celestial realm can be roughly divided into two categories: those who have ascended, and those who have not. Those in the Upper Heaven Court are all priests who have ascended on their own initiative, with only a hundred of them in the entire celestial realm, and they are extremely precious. Those in the Middle Heaven Court, on the other hand, are chosen by "generals." Technically, the full title should be "Tong Priests," but the "Tong" is often omitted when referring to them.
So, there is the upper heaven and the middle heaven, but is there a lower heaven?
No.
Actually, when Xie Lian ascended for the first time, there really were some. At that time, it was still divided into the Upper Heaven and the Lower Heaven. But later, everyone discovered a problem: when introducing themselves, saying "I am so-and-so from the Lower Heaven" was really unpleasant. The word "lower" made them feel particularly inferior. You have to know that there are many outstanding people with extraordinary talents and strong magical powers among them. They are only one heavenly tribulation away from becoming a real priest. Who knows, one day they will become one? So someone suggested changing a word to "I am so-and-so from the Middle Heaven", which sounded much better. Although it actually means the same thing. In short, after the change, Xie Lian couldn't get used to it for a while.
Xie Lian looked at the two young military officers, each one uglier than the other. They didn't look like they were willing to help at all. He couldn't help but ask, "Lingwen, it doesn't look like they're here to help me. They look more like they're here to take my head. Don't tell them you're tricking them into coming here."
Unfortunately, his words didn't seem to get through, and Ling Wen's voice was no longer in his ears. Perhaps he'd been so far from Xianjing for so long that his magic power had been exhausted. Xie Lian had no choice but to smile at the two young military officers and say, "Nanfeng and Fuyao, huh? I thank you for coming to my aid."
They both nodded, quite impressively, clearly serving under the lord of the renowned Martial God. Xie Lian asked the Tea Master to bring two more cups, picked up the tea, scraped the leaves, and casually asked, "Which prince do you serve under?"
Nan Feng said, "Nanyang Palace."
Fuyao said, "Xuanzhen Palace."
“…”
This is truly horrifying.
Xie Lian swallowed his tea in one gulp and asked, “Did your general ask you to come here?”
They both said, "Our general doesn't know I'm coming."
Xie Lian thought for a moment, then asked, "Then, do you know who I am?"
If these two young military officers were deceived by Lingwen and helped him, they would be scolded by their own general when they returned. It would not be worth it.
Nan Feng said, "You are His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."
Fuyao said: "You are the righteous path in the world, you are the center of the world."
Xie Lian choked and asked Nan Feng uncertainly, "Did he just roll his eyes?"
Nan Feng said, "Yes. Let him go."
Nanyang and Xuanzhen don't get along well. This is no secret. Xie Lian wasn't too surprised when he heard about it, because Fengxin and Muqing didn't have a good relationship before. It was just that he was the master and they were the servants. The prince said you guys shouldn't quarrel, you guys should be good friends, so everyone endured it and didn't quarrel. If they were really unhappy, they would just say something to poke each other. Now that they have made it this far, there is no need to be hypocritical. Therefore, even the civilian believers of the two priests in the southeast and southwest don't look down on each other. Nanyang Hall and Xuanzhen Hall have been hostile to each other for many years. The two in front of him are typical examples. Fuyao sneered, "Master Lingwen said that anyone who voluntarily comes can come, so why should I go back?"
The word "voluntary" wasn't convincing enough when he said it with that expression. Xie Lian said, "Let me confirm. Are you truly doing this voluntarily? Don't force yourself if you don't want to."
Both of them said, "I volunteer."
Looking at those two dejected faces, Xie Lian thought to himself, what you really want to say is "I'm committing suicide."
"all in all--"
Xie Lian said, “Let’s get down to business first. You all know why I came to the north this time, so I won’t start from the beginning…”
Both of them said, "I don't know."
“…”
Xie Lian had no choice but to take out the scroll and said, "Then I'll tell you from the beginning."
It is said that many years ago, a couple got married in Junshan.
The newlyweds were deeply in love, and the groom waited for the wedding procession to arrive, but after a long wait, the bride still didn't show up. Worried, the groom went to the bride's parents' home, only to be told by her in-laws that she had already left. Both families reported the matter to the authorities, and a search was underway, but the bride was nowhere to be found. Even if she had been eaten by wild animals in the mountains, at least she'd have left a few arms and legs. How could she simply vanish out of thin air? Unavoidably, some suspected the bride herself had colluded with the wedding procession to escape and avoid the marriage. Unexpectedly, a few years later, the nightmare scenario repeated itself when another couple got married.
The bride was gone again. But this time, not everything was left. On a small path, they found a foot that had been eaten by something.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com