Chapter 96

【Just now, I saw someone in the book review section mention the issue with 'mi'. This is mainly for the convenience of the readers. If I were to say how many zhang or whatnot, I'm afraid those who haven't studied this aspect would have no idea how far it is.】

After leaving the nameless small island, Yang Zhen first returned to the Northern Sea. He only set off for the Heavenly Court after the celestial officials, along with the two deities Qianliyan and Shunfeng'er, arrived.

Leaving the Northern Sea, Yang Zhen flew toward the Heavenly Court, weaving through the white clouds and vast seas. As he felt the wondrous sensation of speed, he casually watched the clouds rapidly recede behind him, his mood vastly different from when he left the Heavenly Court.

After obtaining the Golden Python Shears, Yang Zhen's mindset also changed.

In the past, although Yang Zhen had some strength, he was still at a disadvantage when facing true experts within the Three Realms. For example, in the battle with Guanyin Bodhisattva, Guanyin had an overwhelming advantage and captured Yang Zhen. Despite Yang Zhen's best efforts, he could not escape Guanyin's grasp. Even before obtaining the Golden Python Shears, Yang Zhen was no match for Guanyin.

But now, with the Golden Python Shears in hand, although he still cannot match Guanyin, if he were to launch a surprise attack, there is a significant chance he could defeat her.

With strength comes confidence.

After arriving at the South Gate of Heaven, Yang Zhen descended from the clouds and entered the Heavenly Court.

This trip to the mortal world, although it took nearly a month, was only a few hours in the Heavenly Court. Yang Zhen flew all the way to the Lingxiao Hall, first sending a celestial official to report to the Jade Emperor. After the Jade Emperor summoned him, Yang Zhen followed the celestial official into the Lingxiao Hall and reported the events of his trip to the Northern Sea.

Of course, he did not mention obtaining the Golden Python Shears to the Jade Emperor. It's best to keep such matters hidden for as long as possible. The later others find out about this, the later the trouble will come. As for the Bull Demon King and others, although they know that Yang Zhen possesses the Golden Python Shears, Yang Zhen believes they are not the type to spread this information. They will keep it secret until they can no longer resist the Golden Python Shears.

However, if the Bull Demon King and others really start spreading the news about Yang Zhen's possession of the Golden Python Shears in the Three Realms, Yang Zhen will not hesitate to eliminate them. Yang Zhen believes the Bull Demon King and others can also foresee this, so they will keep the secret until they can no longer resist the Golden Python Shears.

Moreover, Yang Zhen has resolved that if he uses the Golden Python Shears again, he will ensure the complete annihilation of his opponents. Otherwise, once the Golden Python Shears are known to the Buddhist and Taoist sects, they will likely claim it. Yang Zhen is well aware of the principle that possessing a valuable item can bring disaster.

At this moment, Tai Bai Jin Xing was also in the Lingxiao Hall. After listening to Yang Zhen, Tai Bai Jin Xing smiled and said, "Jade Emperor, today, the Great Sage of the Northern Dipper returned empty-handed and is severely injured. Yang Zhen not only resolved the crisis in the Northern Sea but also severely injured the Dragon King. For at least a few hundred years, the Dragon King will not cause trouble in the Northern Sea. This time, the Great Emperor of the Purple Microcosm has lost face and will likely no longer compete with us for the position of Marshal Tianpeng."

The higher one's status, the more they value their reputation. As the saying goes, people need a face, and trees need bark. Especially for these immortals who do not need to fight, the most important thing to them is their reputation. However, unlike the face-saving disputes between sages, for high-ranking officials like the Jade Emperor and the Great Emperor of the Purple Microcosm, although reputation is important, they can still die.

However, generally speaking, battles do not fall on their heads, so over time, they have become complacent.

Subsequently, the Jade Emperor and Tai Bai Jin Xing discussed some matters, mainly about how Yang Zhen should control the Heavenly River Army and how to exclude other deities once he becomes Marshal Tianpeng.

However, Yang Zhen had no interest in these matters. He only cared about merit.

The position of Marshal Tianpeng is not just about controlling the Heavenly River Army; it also involves governing the Heavenly River and commanding the Nine Stars of the Northern Dipper, making it a position of great power. Although the Fire Department's chief deity is also a good position, the Heavenly Court's Fire Department has many members, and since Yang Zhen is not the leader, he receives much less merit.

As for helping the Jade Emperor in his power struggles, Yang Zhen has no interest at all. He even plans to hide in the Marshal's residence after taking office, never to meddle in worldly affairs again, and focus on cultivation. Once the mall is upgraded and his strength reaches a level that can shake the Three Realms, he will re-emerge and leave the Heavenly Court.

However, Yang Zhen's plans must never be known by the Jade Emperor. If the Jade Emperor knew Yang Zhen's intentions, he would likely send Yang Zhen back to the mortal world, even if it meant the position of Marshal Tianpeng returning to the Great Emperor of the Purple Microcosm.

Liars are always the most detestable.

In the following half-hour, the Jade Emperor and Tai Bai Jin Xing discussed some more matters. At this time, a celestial official came in to report that Guanyin Bodhisattva was seeking an audience.

Oh no! Why is Guanyin Bodhisattva here?

Upon hearing Guanyin's name, Yang Zhen felt like a mouse seeing a cat and immediately wanted to find a place to hide, even though he himself is a cat. In reality, Yang Zhen is not afraid of Guanyin Bodhisattva. Even when he was in Luojia Mountain, he spoke to Guanyin as an equal.

However, since Yang Zhen fled from Luojia Mountain and still owes Guanyin forty years of punishment, he feels extremely awkward. It's like a child caught eating candy, not a big deal, but he still wants to run away.

"Um... Jade Emperor, I suddenly feel a severe pain in my stomach, so I'll go back first. If there's anything, send someone to notify me! Bye!" Yang Zhen said and quickly tried to leave the Lingxiao Hall.

However, before he could reach the door, he suddenly remembered that Guanyin was right outside. If he left now, he would meet her. Biting his lower lip, Yang Zhen quickly walked to the Jade Emperor and whispered, "Jade Emperor, do you have a back door here?"

"..."

"Minister Yang, what is the matter?" the Jade Emperor asked.

"Oh, don't ask, do you have a back door or not..." Before Yang Zhen could finish, Guanyin Bodhisattva, led by a celestial official, entered the Lingxiao Hall. Seeing Guanyin again, Yang Zhen's face turned ashen, truly a narrow escape!

"You, cat demon, are you so afraid of seeing me that you have to leave through the back door? Do you not want to see me?" Guanyin Bodhisattva looked at Yang Zhen and said calmly.

Yang Zhen laughed and said, "Bodhisattva, how could that be? Seeing you, I am overjoyed. How could I not want to see you?"

"I didn't expect you to have become a deity in the Heavenly Court and achieved your goal!" Guanyin Bodhisattva said.

"Bodhisattva, don't tease me. I wonder why you have come to the Heavenly Court?" Yang Zhen did not want to continue the private conversation and immediately shifted the topic to official business.