When Bian Zhuang changed into the brand-new silver armor and stood by the calm but vast riverside, waiting for the Sea God and General Dongmu to inspect it, he… had extremely complicated emotions.
Back then, he, Bian Zhuang, had gone to the Heavenly Courts for the sake of that fairy.
Although he still did not know her name and had already given up on her, he could not go against his rationale.
However, in such an environment, the Heavenly Courts had used merit and authority to make Bian Zhuang… have the ambition to advance and become career-minded!
How long had it been since he, Bian Zhuang, had become the deputy commander of the Heavenly River Navy!?!
It had only been a short while, but the amount of merit he had accumulated was already several times more than what he had accumulated over the years of running the World Edge Pavilion!
Of course, there were not many opportunities to accumulate merit by running such an outlet for ‘impromptu Love Tribulations’.
Now, in the Heavenly Courts, Bian Zhuang would address the Heavenly Generals as brothers and when he encountered Heavenly Soldiers while walking around the area where he was free to move about, he would be addressed as ‘General’ or ‘Marshal’.
The word ‘Marshal’ was a thousand times more comfortable to his years than being called ‘Young Master’ a hundred times!
More importantly, when he occasionally passed by groups of fairies, they would mostly cast curious and gazes of admiration at him. They did not dislike him or feel disgusted with him.
Those were only the benefits that he could see. He could not count the other benefits!
The most obvious example was that it was easier to increase his cultivation level. The bottleneck seemed to have disappeared…
He, Bian Zhuang, was now sincerely determined to become an outstanding general in the Heavenly Courts!
Therefore, when Bian Zhuang received the transfer order from the Hall of Enlightenment, he was so excited that his Dao heart almost suffered from an acute myocardial infarction!
However, when he saw the last sentence of the decree— “Lead the Heavenly Soldiers to provide the Amazing Flawless Sea God of The Four Seas with temperance”, Bian Zhuang’s vision darkened. He almost escaped from the Heavenly Courts overnight!
Why?
What he was most afraid of now was the Sea God!
Bian Zhuang was not a fool, other than in the aspect of romance.
How could he not understand that the reason he could receive so many rewards from the Heavenly Courts was that he had accidentally said something wrong after drinking? He had bragged that he had obtained the recognition of the Great Daoist Master Xuan Du and the Sea God of Ren School.
Fortunately, an extraordinary existence like the Great Daoist Master did not care about that small matter.
The Sea God was rather busy and did not bother about such a small matter.
But now…
Bian Zhuang was no longer an ignorant bean farmer. He completely understood how powerful the Sea God was in the Heavenly Courts.
It was said that General Dongmu had personally said that the Sea God was now in charge of more than 80% of the important matters in the Heavenly Courts. He was the most trusted servant of the Jade Emperor, and he was the only important minister of the Heavenly Courts who had the authority to mobilize troops, other than General Dongmu!
Of course, the strongest supporter of the Sea God was naturally the third elder of Ren School.
What about him, Bian Zhuang?
His family just had some assets. It was nothing in the Heavenly Courts.
With the help of the boasting that he had done and the harrow of the Tushita Palace that he had, he became the popular Heavenly General of the Heavenly Courts.
However, those were all just a frivolous facade. As long as the Sea God spoke, he would immediately reveal his true form…
In fact, he would be thrown to the ground in the next moment!
“I’m going to die!”
What should I do?
Bian Zhuang kept hesitating. He wanted to leave, but he could not bear to part with his current wealth.
In the end, Bian Zhuang decided to pay a visit to the Sea God in advance. No matter what price he had to pay, he had to ask the Sea God not to expose his bragging. However, just as Bian Zhuang was about to leave, a group of Heavenly Soldiers came to urge him to immediately go to the Heavenly River to restrain the troops.
How long had it been?
He had just received the order from the Hall of Enlightenment yesterday, and he was already going to take on the role today!
At that time, Bian Zhuang’s legs went weak and he almost collapsed in his own courtyard.
The Heavenly Soldiers immediately helped him up. Without another word, they carried him to the place and placed him in the position of Deputy Commander.
Looking at the ingratiating smiles on the faces of the Heavenly Soldiers, Bian Zhuang really wanted to send them to the World Edge Pavilion’s Ladies’ Court, to serve the female immortals who liked to torture others!
What should he do?
What else could he do?
Bian Zhuang was in a mess. His immortal senses captured the figures of General Dongmu and the Sea God arriving on a cloud.
At that moment, the scene playing in Bian Zhuang’s left eye was that of him drinking with the Heavenly Generals and being addressed as “Brother Marshal” by the fairies. In the scene in his right eye, he was pinned to the ground by a few Heavenly Soldiers and thrown into the Heavenly Punishment Pool. He was struck by lightning and turned into ashes. The eyes of the fairies were filled with contempt…
He could even imagine what the fairies were talking about!
“Eh, he forged the orders of the Ren School to cheat and duper everyone. He even received so many rewards from the Heavenly Courts. He’s really shameless.” “Scum! Shameless!”
“I thought he would be the future Marshal.”
No…
All of this cannot leave me. I, Bian Zhuang, must grasp my destiny!
“Sea God!”
The veins on Bian Zhuang’s neck bulged. His voice was hoarse as he roared and shouted from his essence soul.
“The Sea God is here! It’s the Sea God! Lord Sea God!”
Behind Bian Zhuang…
The 100,000 Heavenly Soldiers were lined up in three rows, one in the front, one in the middle, and one in the back. At that moment, all of them looked at Bian Zhuang, puzzled.
However, Bian Zhuang did not care anymore. With tears in his eyes, he rode the white cloud towards General Dongmu and Li Changshou.
A few hundred kilometers away, Bian Zhuang shouted, “Sea God! I, Bian Zhuang, am your deputy commander!”
General Dongmu was dumbfounded and dismayed. He looked at Li Changshou doubtfully and whispered, “Should I find another deputy commander? This one doesn’t seem… normal.”
“It’s fine.” Li Changshou squinted and smiled. His immortal senses captured Bian Zhuang’s expression. When he heard Bian Zhuang’s voice that was filled with immortal power, he understood why Bian Zhuang was like that.
Li Changshou was puzzled… What happened to this fellow’s pride when he was in front of the Dragon Palace?
However, Li Changshou did not want to make things difficult for his future “Second Senior Brother”.
Especially when he saw how handsome Bian Zhuang was now, he thought about the image of his future Second Senior Brother…
Yes, Li Changshou felt emotional.
Bian Zhuang hurriedly flew to Li Changshou. It was unknown if he was too excited, but he bent his legs and prostrated himself on the cloud. He lay on the cloud and flew thousands of feet away.
Crack!
Bian Zhuang buried his head in the clouds and pressed his palms together. He shouted, “I, Bian Zhuang, am willing to pursue the fairy for the Sea God. No, I’m willing to do anything for the Sea God! I will give my all!”
General Dongmu frowned and looked at Li Changshou. He asked seriously, “Is he really fine?”
Li Changshou smiled and said, “He’s still young. He can be of great use after some training.”
Bian Zhuang, who was lying in the clouds, could not help but be stunned. He raised his head slightly and secretly looked at the two powerful big shots of the Heavenly Courts in front of him. He frantically listened to the Sea God’s words…
What did that mean?
Is the Sea God really optimistic about me?
Is there something special about me that I didn’t notice, which attracted the attention of the Sea God?
Bian Zhuang was still in a daze when Li Changshou urged, “It’s cold on the clouds, Commander Bian, quickly get up. Commander Bian, please rush back first. Let the high-ranking generals come out. I have plans later.”
Bian Zhuang trembled and immediately jumped up. His eyes were blank, and so was his heart.
What is going on?
At that moment, Li Changshou smiled and said, “Commander Bian, you have to keep the harrow that the Great Daoist Master gave you. Don’t damage it.” “Hey, hey!” Bian Zhuang’s lips trembled. Then, he snapped out of his daze and shouted, “Thank you, Sea God, for your orders.” Then, he hugged the Nine-Toothed Harrow and turned around to rush towards the Heavenly River. He hurriedly shouted…
“General Dongmu, let’s go over.”
Li Changshou invited him with a smile. He and General Dongmu enjoyed the magnificent scenery of the Heavenly River. As they chatted and laughed, they headed towards the place where the Heavenly Soldiers were gathered.
Li Changshou suddenly recalled that his Second Senior Brother seemed to have a chain of immortal clubs called the World Edge Pavilion.
That was quite useful.
After General Dongmu handed over the Tiger Tally, the 100,000 Heavenly River Soldiers bowed to Li Changshou. Li Changshou officially took over the 100,000 Heavenly Soldiers.
Without delay, Li Changshou immediately summoned 300 Heavenly Generals of various sizes.
The first thing Li Changshou did was to promote the other two deputy commanders and let them and Bian Zhuang take charge of the Heavenly River Water Army.
Bian Zhuang did not have any complaints about that. He even felt that the Sea God knew that his abilities were limited and had made some “considerate arrangements”. Bian Zhuang went from feeling great sorrow to great joy.
In just one day, Bian Zhuang had experienced the ups and downs of life.
When Li Changshou dismissed the Heavenly Generals and only left the three deputy commanders to discuss the matter, Bian Zhuang was the first to step forward. He held the allowance that he had saved for many years — two storage Dharma treasures that looked like rings.
“Sea God, this is a gift from me!”
The two Heavenly Generals looked at each other and quickly touched their own pockets. “Rascal!”
Li Changshou suddenly shouted, exuding a shocking aura and dominance.
Bian Zhuang’s legs trembled as he hurriedly knelt on one knee.
Li Changshou raised his horsetail whisk and shouted,
“Those on the left and right! Pull Deputy Commander Bian Zhuang down and use the Heavenly Thunder Whip to whip him thirty-six times!
How dare you bribe me so brazenly? If you continue to be so arrogant, you will be in trouble!”
Bian Zhuang opened his mouth. Before he could speak, a few Heavenly Soldiers rushed over and carried him to the side.
Not long after, lightning flashed by the riverside, and Bian Zhuang’s screams echoed.
The other two deputy commanders were also a little worried. Fortunately, Li Changshou did not flare up again and restored his amiable expression.
After Bian Zhuang was punished and returned, Li Changshou gave him a healing pill. After Bian Zhuang consumed it, he began to discuss important matters with the three of them.
Li Changshou naturally would not use the 100,000 Heavenly Soldiers to attack the Four Seas’ rebel army.
He made arrangements for three matters.
Firstly, he would choose the place where the 100,000 Heavenly Soldiers were trained in the South Ocean and East Ocean. He would train at least 20 times a month in front of the dragon race. The two deputy commanders would be in charge of that.
Secondly, he would choose a group of clever Heavenly Generals and let Bian Zhuang bring them to the South Ocean, North Ocean, and East Ocean Dragon Palaces to seek financial help. He would also let Bian Zhuang appear and talk about how good the Heavenly Courts were.
Li Changshou would arrange for a few Divine Envoys of the Sea God Sect to be in charge of guiding Bian Zhuang.
However, at the same time, Li Changshou had also given Bian Zhuang a strict order. He could eat and drink with the dragon race, but he could not touch the sea maidens or the female dragons. He could ruin the dignity of the Heavenly Courts.
“Otherwise, hmph!”
“I will definitely not dare. Otherwise, I will be at your mercy!”
Li Changshou said calmly, “Let me say this first. If you really commit such a crime, I will strip you of your Deity Position and make you throw yourself into the Heaven Punishing Well to become a mortal. You will turn into a state where all women are afraid of you!”
Bian Zhuang’s legs trembled uncontrollably. He hurriedly said that he did not dare.
During his days in the Heavenly Courts, he had actually figured it out…
He did not like a specific woman. He only liked women for their beauty. After making these arrangements, Li Changshou took out a book called “The Military Training Plan” and asked the three deputy commanders to study it carefully. In half a month, he would begin the first military drill of the four seas.
The three deputy commanders cupped their fists and agreed. They respectfully sent Li Changshou away from the Heavenly River.
As soon as Li Changshou left, the other two deputy commanders cupped their hands at the same time. One of them smiled and said, “Brother Bian, I’m an impatient person. If I ever offend you in the future, please forgive me.”
Bian Zhuang was stunned at first. Then, he endured the pain in his back and straightened it. He smiled and replied, “Sure, sure.”
The crisis had temporarily passed. At that moment, Bian Zhuang understood that he…
He had already become the Sea God’s person!
To put it nicely, he was a trusted aide!
This happiness came too quickly, and he was caught off guard. He was eager to send some local specialties from his hometown to the Sea God.
After leaving the Heavenly River, Li Changshou rode a cloud and rushed to the Lingxiao Treasure Hall.
Letting the soldiers of the Heavenly River descend to the sea to train was just a part of his plan.
I have to report the matter to the Jade Emperor in advance and borrow the power of the Heavenly Courts.
When he arrived at the Lingxiao Hall, the Heavenly Soldiers guarding the door did not dare to stop him. The Heavenly Generals in front of the hall hurriedly bowed to him. Li Changshou rode a cloud and landed in front of the hall. He carried his horsetail whisk and white robe into the Lingxiao Treasure Hall.
The Jade Emperor put down the scroll in his hand and smiled.
“Changgeng, did you come up with another brilliant plan?”
Li Changshou bowed first before explaining some of his plans in detail.
When the Jade Emperor heard that…
“Your Majesty, you have already given your decree. The Immortal Peach Banquet will determine the survival of the dragon race. I will use this as a pretext to take in the dragon. I feel that there is still a possibility of completing the best plan. If the dragon race takes the initiative to submit, the power of the Heavenly Courts will be maximized.”
The Jade Emperor smiled and said, “Changgeng, if you feel that time is running out, we can postpone the Immortal Peach Banquet.”
“Your Majesty, you can’t do that!”
Li Changshou said seriously, “Your Majesty, it’s a taboo to change your orders all the time. Your Majesty, your decree will affect the Heavenly Dao’s operation and affect countless living beings in the world. If you change it easily, wouldn’t the world be in chaos? Don’t worry, Your Majesty. I’m just trying my best. It would be best if I succeed. If not, I can reduce some resistance after the Heavenly Courts accept the dragon race.”
“Sure!”
The Jade Emperor sighed and said, “Changgeng, what do I have to worry about? Is there anything that the Heavenly Courts can do?”
Li Changshou pondered for a while and said, “Pardon my brazenness, but I need three things.”
The Jade Emperor perked up. “Tell me!”
Li Changshou said, “I need a blank letter from Your Majesty. There’s no need to seal it with the Heavenly Emperor’s Seal. Your Majesty, you can leave a wisp of Dao runes on it.”
“Okay.”
“I need some immortal peaches. Later, I will go to the Jade Void Palace, Golden Ao Island, and other places that the Saint is in charge of. I will meet the people who are in charge of the sect affairs of Chan School and Jie School. With the Heavenly Courts wanting to take the dragon race into the Heavenly Courts, I will ask the experts of the two sects to voice their support and pressure the dragon race.”
“Sure!”
“I still need some merit and an order from Your Majesty.”
Li Changshou took out a scroll from his sleeve. It was the Hydrology Diagram from Da Yu. He said calmly, “When I went to the Fire Cloud Cave, I was bestowed with this item by Emperor Da Yu. There are annotations of the rivers, lakes, streams, and pools of the South Continent.”
In the next twelve years, I would like to bring this diagram with me and travel to the South Continent.
Your Majesty, although the four seas are huge, there is a limit to the Deity Positions. We can confer titles of low-level water gods for rivers and lakes in the South Continent.
As for the Water Gods that have been conferred, they can be in positions for a few thousand years or even a few hundred years.
Then, this batch of deities can allow the dragon race to quickly clear their negative karma. How can the dragon race not be tempted?
Suppressing, showing kindness, and giving the dragon race hope, I am not afraid that the dragon race will not take the initiative to ask for permission. Moreover, by putting the matters of the South Continent under the direct control of the Heavenly Courts, we can make up for the lack of the Heavenly Courts’ Deities.”
“Amazing, amazing!”
The Jade Emperor clapped and laughed. He stood up behind the jade table and looked at Li Changshou with a burning gaze.
“Changgeng, how many more surprises can you give me?!
With Da Yu’s Diagram, we would be able to develop the Deity Positions for the rivers and lakes in the South Continent. With such Deity Positions, why would he have to worry about not being able to make the dragon race take the initiative to pledge their loyalty?
Changgeng, you had to come up with such a brilliant plan!
Changgeng, listen to me!”
Li Changshou bowed with a Dao salute and said, “I’m here.”
The Jade Emperor paced back and forth behind the jade table. He was full of energy and his eyes were shining!
Then, he drew the power of the Heavenly Dao and spoke. “Today, I order the Sea God Changgeng to hold the Da Yu Hydrology Diagram and wield the Demon-Slaying Sword. He will patrol the waters of the South Continent, stabilizing the Deity Positions of the rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds!”
“I accept your orders!”
As soon as Li Changshou finished speaking, golden light flickered all over the Lingxiao Treasure Hall. Waves of power of merit surged towards the diagram in Li Changshou’s hand. In the blink of an eye, the diagram turned golden.
Following that, another sheathed sword slowly condensed in front of Li Changshou. It was wrapped in rich Heavenly Dao power and was comparable to a top-grade Postnatal Merit Numinous treasure!
The Heavenly Emperor Demon-Slaying Sword!
Well… although it was basically useless, it looked quite nice in his hands.
