Chapter 57

Under the scorching sun, not a single cloud could be seen in the sky, and there was not a breath of wind. The trees stood listlessly, motionless, as if they were in a painting. The only signs of life were the intermittent chirping sounds coming from the woods, telling of the presence of living creatures.

In a place more than five thousand miles east of Biquguo, a little girl of about ten years old was fighting a strange creature that resembled a lobster.

This was a giant black shrimp, over ten meters long, with two massive claws. With a casual swipe, it could leave a long mark on the ground, and its powerful claws could easily cut through rock. If a normal person were to guess, they would surely think that this giant shrimp monster was bullying the little girl who was only about ten years old.

However, the truth was quite the opposite. The little girl held a wooden stick and jumped nimbly in the air. Although the giant shrimp's attacks were powerful, its clumsy movements could not hit the agile little girl. Every time the little girl swung her wooden stick, it would strike the giant shrimp, making a loud "thud."

However, the little girl's attacks seemed insufficient. Despite hitting the giant shrimp several times, it appeared to be unharmed, still fighting with vigor.

"No more, no more. You big shrimp, your skin is so tough. I hit you, and you don't even feel it," the little girl complained, her young voice echoing by the river.

After complaining, the little girl ignored the giant shrimp and plopped down on the ground, refusing to get up.

Seeing his beloved disciple resort to such tactics, Yang Zhen had no choice but to reveal himself and come to the little girl's side, scolding her, "Jiayao, you never take your training seriously. Now that someone is willing to practice with you, why are you acting like this and disappointing their good intentions?"

"Master~" The little girl, Jiayao, shook Yang Zhen's arm, trying her best to act cute, hoping to get Yang Zhen to let it go.

Yang Zhen, being a first-time teacher with little experience, and considering that Jiayao was only ten years old, decided not to criticize her further.

Turning to look at the giant shrimp, Yang Zhen smiled and said, "Go back and practice. If there's anything, I'll come and call you."

The giant shrimp nodded, then turned and dived into the river, disappearing.

Ten years had passed, and the little girl had grown up. Although she was still a child, she had started following Yang Zhen in her cultivation. From the age of seven to now, in three years, the little girl had progressed from nothing to the First Rank of Human Immortal. Of course, this was just the beginning, and it would take many more years to reach the Second Rank of Human Immortal.

After all, this little girl was not like Yang Zhen or Sun Wukong. Even with some talent, she was far from reaching the level of a heavenly being.

Yang Zhen had given her the name Jiayao, which means "beautiful and graceful, carefree and happy." As for her surname, Yang Zhen had no idea who her father was. However, when the little girl grew up and understood things, she decided to take Yang Zhen's surname, Yang.

Yang Zhen did not let the little girl call him father but instead took her as a disciple.

However, children generally dislike studying, and the little girl was no exception. She only went through the motions of cultivation, and whenever Yang Zhen was not around, she would sneak out to play.

Yang Zhen did not have high hopes for the little girl, but since he had raised her from a young age, he still hoped that she would have some self-defense skills. This way, when she eventually left his protection, she would not be helpless in the face of danger.

The giant shrimp that had just fought with the little girl was one Yang Zhen had encountered by chance. The giant shrimp had received some benefits from Yang Zhen and thus became the little girl's sparring partner. However, the little girl did not like fighting or practicing, leading to the scene just now.

"Since you don't like practicing, from now on, you only need to meditate for one hour each day. The rest of the time, you don't need to practice," Yang Zhen said, patting Jiayao's head and smiling.

"Master, do you not like Jiayao anymore?" Jiayao looked at Yang Zhen, her voice trembling.

Yang Zhen stroked her cheek and smiled, "Of course I like you. That's why I'm letting you do what you like. But Jiayao, as a girl, you should learn more about girls' things from the older sisters at home, okay?"

Jiayao nodded, "I understand. Don't worry, Master, Jiayao will be good."

They chatted and laughed as Yang Zhen took Jiayao on a tour of the mountains and rivers, traveling for over half a month before flying back to Biquguo.

As soon as they entered the State Preceptor's residence, a servant reported, "State Preceptor, you're back. A few days ago, an old man with white hair came to see you, saying... saying he had a matter of great importance to discuss with you. I didn't know the reason, so I didn't dare to ask more and left him here waiting for you to return."

Yang Zhen nodded, "Good job. Where is the old man? Please bring him to the main hall to see me."

Yang Zhen had only taken half a cup of tea in the main hall when the servant brought in an old man with white hair. As soon as Yang Zhen saw him, he felt a pure and refined aura of immortality, full of vitality.

Instantly, Yang Zhen knew that this person was not an ordinary cultivator but someone who had come from heaven.

"Is this the State Preceptor of Biquguo, Yang Zhen?" Indeed, before Yang Zhen could speak, the old man spoke first, "I am Tai Bai Jin Xing. I have come by the order of the Jade Emperor to summon the State Preceptor to heaven to receive an appointment."

"To heaven? To receive an appointment?" Yang Zhen was puzzled and asked, "How does the Jade Emperor know me? And why does he want to summon me to heaven?"

Tai Bai Jin Xing smiled faintly and said, "State Preceptor, you haven't forgotten the battle at Huaguo Mountain over a hundred years ago, have you? After that battle, the Jade Emperor heard of your name. It's been a hundred years, and I didn't expect that the one who once opposed the Heavenly Court would become the State Preceptor of Biquguo and lead Biquguo to prosperity. The Jade Emperor, upon seeing this, recognized you as a rare talent and thus wants to summon you to heaven to serve as an official, to better benefit the people of the world."

Yang Zhen sneered, "Is the Jade Emperor summoning me to heaven to make me a stable master?"

Tai Bai Jin Xing laughed awkwardly and said, "Of course not. How can someone like Sun Wukong, who is brave but lacks strategy, be compared to the State Preceptor?"

"Then what position does the Jade Emperor want to give me?" Yang Zhen asked.

"I've heard that the State Preceptor's Three Flavored True Fire is used with great skill. The Jade Emperor plans to appoint you as the Chief Fire Deity, a position second only to the Fire Virtue Star Lord," Tai Bai Jin Xing said.

"Hmph!" Yang Zhen snorted, his tone dismissive, "Those Nine Luminaries are not even worthy to carry my shoes. Making me their subordinate, hah! Let them cultivate for another ten thousand years."

"State Preceptor..."

"If there's nothing else, please return. The Jade Emperor is waiting for your report," Yang Zhen waved his hand, indicating that it was time for the guest to leave.

Tai Bai Jin Xing sighed, "State Preceptor, please consider this carefully. The Three Realms are now under the rule of the Heavenly Court. Even if there are some dissenting voices, they will be quickly suppressed. Being a State Preceptor in the mortal world may be carefree, but it is not a long-term plan. State Preceptor, take good care of yourself!"