Chapter 47

The gentle breeze rustled like cotton, and the willow branches swayed like rain. In the early morning of Biquguo, a fine drizzle began to fall from the sky. Not far from the Biquguo royal palace, a grand hall was under construction. Around the hall, willow trees swayed in the wind, and the fine raindrops, like crystal jade beads, were green and clear, each one identical.

Since Yang Zhen successfully summoned the rain last time, he was revered as the national master by the king of Biquguo. A palace was specially built for Yang Zhen as his residence. Such treatment in Biquguo was unprecedented and unparalleled, with no one before or after him receiving such honor. But who could blame Yang Zhen, for he not only saved Biquguo from peril but also subdued the dragon with ease. Such a virtuous sage would be treated as a distinguished guest anywhere.

Although Yang Zhen lived comfortably in Biquguo and received unprecedented respect, he was well aware that Biquguo was one of the eighty-one tribulations in the Journey to the West. If he stayed here, he would inevitably be subdued.

However, it was still five hundred years before the Journey to the West began. This long period of time was more than enough for Yang Zhen to escape.

When the time came, he would just leave Xiniuhezhou, find a place to stay, and wait for the Journey to the West to pass. Then he would be a free man again.

One day, Yang Zhen awoke from his meditation, thinking that he had imprisoned the Biqu River Dragon King for three months. It was time to have a serious talk with him. With this in mind, Yang Zhen rode the clouds to the Biqu River, found a secluded spot, and gently waved his sleeve to release the Biqu River Dragon King.

"Roar!"

As soon as he regained his freedom, the Biqu River Dragon King roared, shook his head, and, once his eyes adjusted to the light, saw Yang Zhen standing on the shore.

"Please spare me, Immortal! Please spare me!" Upon seeing Yang Zhen, the Biqu River Dragon King transformed into human form and bowed, pleading for mercy: "This small dragon failed to recognize your greatness. If I have offended you in any way, please forgive me. Rest assured, I will never withhold the rain again and will ensure..."

"Enough talk!" Yang Zhen said coldly. "Those are your duties."

With no one else around, Yang Zhen saw no need to put on a show for the dragon. After all, it was just a defeated foe, incapable of escaping his control. With a light hum, Yang Zhen continued, "From now on, I will be responsible for the weather in Biquguo. You just stay in the river and don't cause any trouble, and I won't bother you."

"Yes! Yes! This small dragon will comply!" The Biqu River Dragon King quickly agreed, not daring to disobey.

Glancing at the Dragon King, Yang Zhen suddenly asked, "What will you say if someone from the Heavenly Court inquires?"

"Rest assured, Immortal. Biquguo is a small place, and the Heavenly Court rarely pays attention here. In the past, I was responsible for the rain, and the Rain Department of the Heavenly Court rarely issued orders." The Biqu River Dragon King, thinking Yang Zhen was worried about Heavenly Court scrutiny, hurriedly explained.

In fact, Yang Zhen taking charge of the weather in Biquguo was a great boon to the Dragon King. If not for seeking the Heavenly Court's protection, he wouldn't have taken on the role of rain god in this small place. Now that Yang Zhen was handling the clouds and rain, the Biqu River Dragon King was happy to let him do the work while he enjoyed the Heavenly Court's stipend.

Nodding, Yang Zhen smiled and said, "As long as you understand, go back!"

"Yes! If Immortal has any orders in the future, just send someone to call me by the river, and I will serve you faithfully." The Biqu River Dragon King finished speaking, transformed back into a dragon, and dove into the Biqu River.

After the Biqu River Dragon King left, Yang Zhen stood by the river for a long time before heading back to the capital of Biquguo.

As soon as Yang Zhen returned to his palace, he hadn't even sat down when dark clouds suddenly rolled across the sky, accompanied by thunder and lightning. Yet, amidst the gaps in the dark clouds, countless rays of golden light descended, illuminating the earth.

The dark clouds were so low that they brought an overwhelming pressure, making it hard to breathe, while the golden light was so sacred that it seemed to dispel the darkness, giving endless hope.

Such a celestial phenomenon was a once-in-a-thousand-years event. The common people of Biquguo, who had never seen anything like this apocalyptic scene, were terrified.

"National Master, what... what is happening?"

While Yang Zhen was observing the celestial phenomenon in the courtyard, the king of Biquguo led a group of civil and military officials to ask him.

Seeing everyone's panicked faces, Yang Zhen smiled and said, "Your Majesty, there's no need to worry. When the heavens show such signs, something significant must be happening. It seems there is a great battle taking place in the Heavenly Court."

"The Heavenly Court?"

"The gods are fighting?"

Hearing Yang Zhen's explanation, the civil and military officials of Biquguo expressed their disbelief. Although they had already confirmed the existence of cultivators with extraordinary powers after meeting Yang Zhen, they still found it hard to believe in the existence of gods.

People tend to see themselves as the center of the universe, and because their experiences are personal, they often think they are the main characters. Thus, when they suddenly heard that gods truly existed, they found it hard to accept.

After all, the Three Realms had been peaceful for several hundred years since the Battle of the Gods. In a country like Biquguo, which was close to Buddhism and had many temples, ordinary demons dared not cause trouble. Therefore, while the people of Biquguo might worship gods, they subconsciously did not believe in their existence.

"National Master?" The king of Biquguo called out softly.

Yang Zhen frowned, ignored the king, and flew into the sky, staring intently at the heavens as if waiting for something.

Before long, a massive hand descended from the sky, slowly transforming into five connected mountains as it fell, and with a "Boom!" landed on the Earthly Realm.

Floating in mid-air with sharp eyesight, Yang Zhen could clearly see the situation of the "Five Elements Mountain." Although the mountain had landed, it still swayed, as if it might collapse at any moment, clearly indicating that the monkey trapped beneath it was struggling with all his might.

But soon, a golden talisman descended from the sky, landing on the Five Elements Mountain and sealing it completely.

"This day has finally come!" Yang Zhen sighed softly, slowly withdrawing his gaze.

When the heavens returned to calm, Yang Zhen landed on the ground. By then, the people had recovered from their shock. Although they hadn't seen what happened afterward, they had clearly seen the Five Elements Mountain descend from the sky. At that moment, they finally believed what Yang Zhen had said.

The world truly has gods!

"National Master!" The king of Biquguo suddenly knelt before Yang Zhen and respectfully said, "Please take me as your disciple and teach me the way of immortality!"

"Please take us as your disciples!" The officials also knelt and said in unison.