Chapter 62 of 100
Chapter 62
16 min read3,976 words
In the early morning, the pleasant chirping of birds echoed over the Imperial Preceptor's residence. In the east, the sky was tinged with a faint red glow, and soon the sun rose, bringing all things to life. Early the next morning, Yang Zhen and Tai Bai Jin Xing left the Kingdom of Biqu and ascended to the Heavenly Court together.
This was Yang Zhen's third visit to the Heavenly Court. Unlike the previous two times when he had to sneak around, this time he followed Tai Bai Jin Xing and walked through the South Heavenly Gate with confidence. The gatekeepers, upon seeing that Tai Bai Jin Xing had brought someone, did not even ask questions. They merely greeted Tai Bai Jin Xing and acted as if Yang Zhen was invisible.
This made Yang Zhen particularly annoyed.
In the past, whenever Yang Zhen came to the Heavenly Court, he always rushed in and out. Although he always thought the scenery of the Heavenly Court was beautiful, he had never really taken the time to appreciate it.
This time, following Tai Bai Jin Xing into the Heavenly Court, Yang Zhen finally had the chance to fully enjoy the scenery. He saw:
Golden light and red rainbows rolled in waves, and auspicious clouds sprayed purple mist. Bright red clouds shimmered in the sky, and greenish-blue fog enveloped the entrance. Truly, everywhere was exquisitely crafted, with layers of dragons and phoenixes soaring. The Heavenly Palace was filled with wondrous objects, none of which could be found in the mortal world. Golden pavilions, silver halls, and purple palaces were adorned with jade flowers, precious grass, and exquisite blossoms. Jade rabbits passed by the altar, and golden crows flew around the holy places.
Tai Bai Jin Xing led Yang Zhen, admiring the beauty of the Heavenly Palace, as they walked towards the Lingxiao Hall. It took them several hours to reach the Lingxiao Hall, and without waiting for an announcement, they directly entered and approached the Jade Emperor.
Tai Bai Jin Xing bowed to the Jade Emperor and reported, "Your Majesty, I have brought the demon immortal as ordered."
The Jade Emperor had already experienced Sun Wukong's rudeness. After learning that Yang Zhen was Sun Wukong's friend, the Jade Emperor became cautious. During the first audience with Yang Zhen, he did not summon the other immortals to avoid another embarrassing situation if Yang Zhen behaved like Sun Wukong.
Upon seeing Yang Zhen, the Jade Emperor felt that he had indeed made a wise decision. The cat demon and the monkey were of the same ilk, lacking in manners. Not only did Yang Zhen not bow to the Jade Emperor, but he also stared at him intently. Did I have a flower on my face?
"Hmph! If not for your usefulness, how could someone with no manners be allowed to ascend to heaven and receive an appointment?" The Jade Emperor looked at Yang Zhen, feeling very displeased, but his expression remained calm. Having spent most of his life in the Heavenly Court, the Jade Emperor, though lacking in cultivation, was a competent ruler.
"Are you the Imperial Preceptor of the Kingdom of Biqu, Yang Zhen?" the Jade Emperor asked.
"Indeed!" Yang Zhen bowed slightly.
The Jade Emperor nodded and said, "A hundred years ago, you rebelled against heaven with Sun Wukong, committing heinous crimes. However, due to Guanyin Bodhisattva's intercession, I allowed you to follow her to the Southern Sea of Mount Luohua for cultivation. Decades later, you began to benefit the people, accumulating great merit. I am a fair ruler, rewarding the meritorious and punishing the guilty. Since you have reformed and possess great abilities, you should serve in the Heavenly Court. What do you think?"
"Staying in the Heavenly Court and becoming a carefree immortal is indeed a wonderful thing," Yang Zhen smiled.
"Earlier, I heard that you have mastered the Three Pure Fires to a divine level, and in the past battle, a million heavenly soldiers could not stop you. The Fire Department is currently short of officials. You can start by serving in the Fire Department. If you establish great merit in the future, I will consider promoting you. What do you think?" the Jade Emperor said with a smile.
These matters had already been discussed with Tai Bai Jin Xing, so Yang Zhen had no objections. However, he was puzzled about how Tai Bai Jin Xing had informed the Jade Emperor of these matters while they were together. But then he recalled that Tai Bai Jin Xing had been showing him the scenery of the Heavenly Court, and he guessed that Tai Bai Jin Xing must have informed the Jade Emperor during that time, which is why the Jade Emperor could make such a 'reasonable' arrangement for him.
At this moment, a celestial official reported that the Fire Deity was requesting an audience.
The Jade Emperor immediately said, "Admit him!"
As soon as the Fire Deity entered the Lingxiao Hall, he saw Yang Zhen, who seemed out of place. Recalling his memory, the Fire Deity immediately recognized Yang Zhen. After all, in the past few hundred years, there had been few major battles in the Heavenly Court, and the battle of Sun Wukong's 'Rampage in Heaven' a hundred years ago was particularly memorable. It was not surprising that the Fire Deity remembered Yang Zhen, whom he had met once.
Moreover, Yang Zhen had been a formidable opponent at the time, with his mastery of the Three Pure Fires, even the Pagoda-Bearing Li Tianwang was at a loss for a while.
However, it seemed that the cat demon had been taken away by Guanyin Bodhisattva back then. Why was he here in the Lingxiao Hall today? The Fire Deity had a vague feeling that this matter was related to him; otherwise, the Jade Emperor would not have summoned him at this time.
"Your humble servant greets the Jade Emperor," the Fire Deity bowed.
"Fire Deity, I heard that your department is short of a few officials?" the Jade Emperor asked.
"Indeed!" the Fire Deity replied.
Here it comes. It seems the Jade Emperor wants me to take in this cat demon. But this cat demon is so unruly; if he joins the Fire Department, won't he cause chaos? I need to find a reason to refuse, but what reason should I give?
Before the Fire Deity could think of a reason to refuse, the Jade Emperor began to speak, "I have now summoned Yang Zhen to serve in the Heavenly Court. You know him, and his fire control skills are among the best in the three realms. With Yang Zhen joining the Fire Department, the pressure on your department will be greatly reduced."
"Your Majesty, this person's fire control skills are indeed beyond my reach, but his abilities are not limited to that. If he stays in the Fire Department, it would be a waste of his talents. I suggest..."
Before the Fire Deity could finish, the Jade Emperor waved his hand to stop him. He gave the Fire Deity a subtle look and said, "How could I not know? I am well aware of Yang Zhen's abilities. However, since he is new, if he is immediately given a high position, some may be不服 (dissatisfied). Once Yang Zhen establishes great merit, I will naturally reward him."
The Jade Emperor understood the Fire Deity's concerns. If not for the Jade Emperor's urgent need for a powerful enforcer, he would not have brought Yang Zhen to heaven.
The Jade Emperor's words were a subtle hint to the Fire Deity, meaning that Yang Zhen would not stay in the Fire Department for long, just a temporary assignment, and he might leave at any time.
The Fire Deity, hearing the Jade Emperor's words and not wanting to lose face, agreed. After a few more pleasantries, the Fire Deity took Yang Zhen to report to the Fire Department.
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