Chapter 624: Entering the Divine Kingdom, You Ascend to the Immortal Court

Chapter 624: Entering the Divine Kingdom, You Ascend to the Immortal Court

After all, Hongze had been isolated from the outside world for so many years. Even without the blockade, re-establishing contact with the outside world wouldn't be something that could be accomplished in just a few days.

Fortunately, the elder from the Eastern Dragon Palace had left a path for the creatures of Hongze.

And he had verified the reliability of this path with his life.

Even though his plan had ultimately failed, the Jade Seal had been successfully delivered to the heavens.

If a letter could be delivered, so could a person.

"Perhaps my father's methods aren't strong enough, but he's a decent person."

Zi Yang descended from the sky and landed on a yellow dirt path, where an oddly dressed old man had been waiting for a long time, leading a horse-drawn carriage.

He was described as oddly dressed because, despite his apparent age, with white hair and beard, he wore a bright red robe, had two buns in his hair, and even had rouge on his cheeks, looking every bit like a child.

"This senior is a child attendant under the Earth God, and he had a life-and-death friendship with my father."

Zi Yang first exchanged pleasantries with the old man for a long time before turning to introduce Shen Yi, saying, "This is my old friend, who intends to find a job in the Divine Kingdom."

The old attendant managed a smile and nodded, not asking about Hongze.

There wasn't much to ask about; if the plan had failed, the one coming to see him now should have been a soldier sent by Shi Ren to settle accounts, not the son of Master Zixuan.

He tugged on the reins in his hand, signaling for the two to get on the carriage.

"Thank you, senior."

Shen Yi politely nodded in return, then looked at the simple carriage in front of him, pausing slightly.

Ever since leaving Qingzhou, he hadn't used a carriage for transportation in a long time. Even in Qingzhou, the carriage was pulled by demon horses, not the short, dirty, and donkey-like horse in front of him.

Relying on this thing to travel, the time it would take to reach the Divine Kingdom might be longer than the time it took him to advance from a mortal to the Dao Realm.

Zi Yang smiled and, without explaining, pulled Shen Yi onto the carriage, then watched as the old attendant slowly disappeared into the ground, bowing in farewell.

Only then did Zi Yang turn around and lower his voice, saying, "The Earth God may not be able to ascend to the Immortal Court, but he's a proper ninth-rank Immortal Official, and his jurisdiction is no smaller than that of the Eastern Flood. This senior, with his Earth Realm cultivation, serves as a child attendant to the Earth God, holding the ninth rank, and is considered to have one foot in the Immortal Sect."

"His appearance may be a bit comical, not as dignified as the sect masters in Hongze, but to secure this position, he must have a decent family background."

"To speak unfilially, my father's Dao Realm strength, if he were to fight with the Earth God, would surely not be a match. But to befriend the child attendant under the Earth God is truly my father's good fortune."

Zi Yang couldn't help but smile bitterly, "To be honest, I don't quite understand either, but based on my father's notes, the outside world is like this. It's just a matter of getting used to it."

Shen Yi listened quietly, silently processing this information.

Even from Shi Ren, it was evident that the Immortal Register had the effect of controlling the world's energy, providing a foundation for the local Immortals, so they wouldn't lose control over the creatures in their jurisdiction.

But in cases like Hongze, where an Earth Realm cultivator possessed the Seventh-Rank White Rhino Seal and had the authority to casually kill Dao Realm cultivators, it should still be a minority, a clear case of nepotism.

Most cultivators should have strength exceeding that of the Immortal Register.

Based on Zi Yang's words, it could be inferred that the Ninth-Rank Immortal Register was likely equivalent to the Heaven Realm, at most a complete Heaven Realm, while the Eighth Rank should be on par with the Dao Realm.

In other words, with his own strength, in principle, becoming an Eighth-Rank Immortal Official would be more than sufficient.

But the problem was that Master Zixuan's predecessor also had considerable strength, and after wandering for so many years, even if he hadn't reached the Dao Realm when he was younger, he wouldn't have been far off. Yet, in the end, he hadn't managed to obtain even a minor official position.

This indicated that one's cultivation was not the only criterion.

"Don't be too anxious."

Seeing Shen Yi lost in thought, Zi Yang couldn't help but console him, "Their so-called connections are also accumulated over generations. If you're recognized by a high-ranking figure of the Three Teachings or make outstanding achievements in the Divine Kingdom, crossing this threshold will be as simple as a word from those people."

"Then why are we taking a carriage?"

Shen Yi wasn't particularly anxious, as he didn't yet know the situation. It was better to gather more information first.

"Because we've already reached the Divine Kingdom."

Zi Yang lifted the carriage curtain and pointed towards the sky.

Shen Yi was startled by the yellow dirt road in front of him, then he looked up at the empty sky. The next moment, he finally noticed something amiss. As he narrowed his eyes, the clear sky was filled with a faint yellow mist.

"This is the land of Shenzhou, all under the jurisdiction of the Heavenly Emperor."

Zi Yang sighed, "When moving energy in the Divine Kingdom, it will be suppressed by the Imperial Qi. Of course, using teleportation spells is still fine, but it's best to carry a travel permit issued by the court, or it will alert the local officials and Immortals. If one is too reckless, they might be branded as a demon or evil spirit... Tch, that would be troublesome."

"Moreover, this horse has impressive speed. It's the Earth God's backup carriage. Let's enjoy the treatment of the Immortals."

Zi Yang joked about the short horse, but only received a white-eyed glance in return.

The short horse lightly lifted its leg, and in the instant its front hoof touched the ground, the yellow dirt road beneath it began to distort.

Shrinking Earth Technique!

"..."

Shen Yi instinctively raised his eyebrows, not because of the speed but because, before the horse took a step, with his current eyesight, he hadn't noticed any abnormalities in the horse, which seemed like an ordinary mortal horse.

"You can rest now. Leave the rest to me."

Zi Yang took out his father's notes and began to study carefully how to navigate this path. If this route worked, the remaining people in Hongze could follow the same method.

It was known that many of the sect leaders in South Hongze had the strength to compete for the Immortal Register. Who would willingly remain in a corner?

Apart from these Heavenly Realm experts, there are also the disciples of various sects. As long as their aptitude is good enough, they also have the opportunity to join the Three Teachings and obtain supreme cultivation techniques.

For example, Xuanqing. Losing his body was a troublesome matter in Hongze, but outside, there are many immortals who can recreate a physical form. This half-brother-in-law, besides his astonishing talent, mainly has a sharp mind. Otherwise, how could he master myriad techniques?

A slight wander outside, and who knows, an opportunity might come.

Becoming an immortal and a patriarch is no longer a luxury.

Nowadays, it’s very difficult for Hongze to descend into chaos again. After all, most cultivators have personally witnessed the blood-stained peach blossom and heard the laments of the Northern Flood’s living beings.

At least before this generation dies, all the living beings in Hongze will know the dire consequences of offending the Lord of Hongze.

Sect Master Shen is indeed no ordinary person. He actually gave Hongze a peaceful atmosphere in a way the Eastern Dragon Palace had never thought of.

The rest is up to me.

“Sigh.”

Prince Ziyang’s gaze grew even more resolute. He wasn’t entirely selfless.

He knew that relying on his own strength alone, it would be extremely difficult to save his Father King from that despicable woman’s hands.

Only by bringing all the talents with supreme aptitude and character from Hongze to the vast land of Shenzhou, and having them interact with various great figures and gain various opportunities, could there be a glimmer of hope.

What he needed to do was to use the connections left by his Father King to create a temporary place for these people to stay.

By then, let alone Heavenly Realm or Earth Realm, even ordinary mortals without any cultivation, as long as they have the heart, can also come to Shenzhou.

…

The Human Emperor sits in Shenzhou.

But above Shenzhou, there are boundless immortal palaces, like countless stars, illuminating the mortal world.

Amidst the swirling white clouds, the grand heavenly gate is faintly visible.

Under the guidance of two heavenly soldiers, the towering Golden Body Incarnation stepped into the clouds.

Inside the towering and majestic immortal palace, a Heavenly Official who had already received the message slowly stood up from behind his desk and smiled at the Golden Body. “Immortal friend, please take a seat.”

The mortal cultivators waiting humbly around, each holding their hard-earned recommendation letters, all raised their heads in surprise.

They had never seen such a gentle smile on the face of this high-ranking Heavenly Official.

The Heavenly Official had a huge chair brought in, inlaid with gold and jade, exquisitely luxurious.

The Orthodox Deity Sect is one of the Three Teachings, and its members are all deities and demons born when the heavens and earth first opened. Many of them are even taller than the Golden Body, so he is quite used to it.

“...”

At the same time, the Heavenly Official silently scanned the mortal cultivators, finding nothing wrong with his actions.

These wild cultivators who have cultivated through killing and pull strings everywhere, how could they be compared to the Golden Body in front of him, who has ascended through ascetic practices and has connections with the Immortal Court?

It’s one thing to make others wait, but there’s no need to give himself trouble with a Virtuous Immortal.

“Thank you.”

Qinghua Lady sat down on the chair somewhat awkwardly.

The next moment, the mortal cultivators who had heard the phrase “there are no vacancies” so many times that their ears were almost calloused, all looked greedily at the desk.

Their eyes were fixed on the White Rhino Seal that the Heavenly Official took out.

“Get out!”

The Heavenly Official frowned slightly, and with a single command, the heavenly soldiers pushed these at least Heavenly Realm cultivators out of the hall.

“Unruly things.”

He scolded lightly, then put on a smile and shook his head at Qinghua Lady, somewhat embarrassed. “I’m sorry, Immortal friend.”

Then he gently pushed the White Rhino Seal over. “You have good luck. According to the rules, you should be given a Seventh Rank Immortal Register, but there are no vacancies. Only this Seventh Rank Seal is available. Please take a look...”

“This job doesn’t sound too good, but it’s relatively free. Of course, if you don’t like it, you can wait for some time. When a more suitable position is available, I will arrange it for you first.”

Hearing this, Qinghua Lady was somewhat stunned, then reached out and took the White Rhino Seal in her hand.

Instantly, several lines of golden text appeared in her mind.

“Stable Superintendent of the Imperial Stable Office, Stable Superintendent.”

“Oversees the authority of the southern gate’s celestial chariots.”

“Has a Deputy Supervisor at the Seventh Rank, an Assistant Supervisor at the Eighth Rank, a Record Keeper at the Eighth Rank, and several Ninth Rank Laborers.”

Qinghua Lady knew time was pressing, and she couldn’t wait around like others.

If she waited for ten thousand years, the yellow chrysanthemums would have withered.

Moreover, she was not familiar with these immortal positions and almost without hesitation, she nodded lightly.

“Then I will register you, Immortal friend.”

The Heavenly Official took out a pen and register, dipped it in golden ink, and wrote with a flourish.

The White Rhino Seal glowed with light, tightly connecting with the towering Golden Body.

“A Seventh Rank Seal, with the power of a true immortal, far surpassing a Fusion Daoist. Familiarize yourself with it, Stable Superintendent, and don’t cause any trouble.”

The Heavenly Official kindly reminded her, then closed the register and sent Qinghua out.

Immediately after, seeing the group of cultivators flooding back into the hall, his smile quickly faded, turning into a look of indifference.

…

In the Immortal Court, the Southern Gate Imperial Stable Office.

Amidst swirling clouds, majestic and powerful white horses galloped through the sky like a river of stars, quickly returning to their stables under the guidance of the laborers.

Besides the celestial horses, there were also various rare and exotic beasts, which returned to their own stalls. Among them were many supreme demons that had once wreaked havoc, but under their fierce or auspicious appearances, they were all quiet and well-behaved, not daring to cause any trouble.

The Deputy Supervisor and Assistant Supervisor held the immortal register, warmly greeting the newly appointed official.

“Sir, please check, see if there’s any problem.”

“...”

Qinghua Lady slowly walked through this palace more luxurious than any mortal emperor’s, looking at the supreme demons obediently lying down.

Before her stood a horde of demons, among which were beings capable of ravaging half of Hongze with their sheer power.

Yet, with the White Rhino Seal in hand, they didn't dare glance at her directly.

She slowly exhaled, suddenly overcome with nostalgia.

Whenever a vacancy arose in the stables, the two attendants beside her could effortlessly recall the whereabouts of each mount without so much as a glance.

Just as Qing Hua was growing accustomed to this, she discovered something amiss.

The previous stall had been empty, but the Stable Supervisor and Deputy acted as if they hadn't noticed, leading her past it without a word.

Having just ascended to her position, bearing the weight of her master's trust, Qing Hua, the Blue Porcelain Lady, dared not be complacent. She halted, pointing at the stable: "What about this one? Why wasn't it mentioned?"

The attendants' faces flushed as they struggled to respond, their eyes darting towards Qing Hua's back.

Though Qing Hua was new to such duties, she was no novice; she swiftly realized her faux pas.

As she prepared to move on, a warm, melodious voice echoed from behind:

"Reporting to Sir, I am here."

Qing Hua turned to face the speaker, her gaze meeting a woman in a snow-white, purple-flowered gown. The woman's beauty was captivating, like a painting of a celestial maiden, with no discernible flaws. Her eyes shone like clear springs, evoking sympathy.

The woman smiled, her slender, pale fingers grasping an Immortal Command.

The Warrior selecting celestial steeds for her froze, sensing the unease.

Could it be... that no one had informed this Stablemaster of the circumstances surrounding the vacancy?

Unbeknownst to the others, Qing Hua's heart racing wildly, she dared not meet the woman's gaze directly.

Based on the woman's attire and words, Qing Hua had already inferred her identity.

However, she must not let the woman discover her true origins.

Qing Hua's fleeting unease went unnoticed by the others, but the woman's eyes narrowed slightly.

With a gentle smile, the woman approached Qing Hua, looking up at the towering Golden Body with an air of innocence: "Sir seems familiar with Zileng; perhaps an old acquaintance from the mortal realm?"

As the woman spoke, Qing Hua's apprehension deepened.

She closed her eyes, calming her spirit, and summoned the one person she trusted.

When she reopened her eyes, her gaze had become more profound.

Her voice was serene: "I was wondering, is this position yours?"

"Indeed."

Zileng's eyes sparkled as she nodded, pondering the earlier unease she had sensed.

Her thoughts were abruptly interrupted.

The Golden Body extended a hand, opening the stable door, and gazed down at Zileng: "Since so, enter."

The simple command left everyone stunned.

This newly appointed Stablemaster dared to order Zileng, the Celestial into the Imperial Stable.

Including Zileng, all present were incredulous.

Zileng forced a smile: "I am here under the orders of Phoenix Proclaiming Valiant General. I need to attend to matters outside. The Handwritten Order will be sent to you shortly."

She believed she had been sufficiently diplomatic and had given the Stablemaster ample face.

However, the Golden Body remained fixated on the empty stable: "We'll discuss it when the order arrives."

In the next instant, the White Rhino Seal on the Golden Body radiated intense energy, enveloping Zileng.

As she attempted to counter the force, Zileng swiftly realized her situation and restrained herself. The Golden Body grasped her with an invisible hand and flung her into the stable.

Seated on the ground, her elegant gown disheveled, Zileng's slender body trembled slightly, her palms digging into the earth.

Since her ascension, she had never suffered such indignity!

The Golden Body closed the door, expressionless, and proceeded to the next stall.

Qing Hua's heart still racing, she couldn't let Zileng's attention shift towards Hongze.

The Stable Supervisor and Deputy cowered, speechless, acknowledging that the Stablemaster was indeed following protocol.

But... that was Zileng, the Celestial!

Just as the Golden Body was about to depart, Zileng stood up, bowed graciously towards the receding figure, and spoke with a hint of innocence: "This time, Zileng erred. In the future, Zileng will ensure to submit the Handwritten Order before attending to matters outside. Please, Sir, forgive my transgression."

With her gown readjusted, Zileng sat calmly on the ground, embracing her knees, her small gourd at her waist swaying gently. She appeared almost pitiful, awaiting Phoenix Proclaiming Valiant General's arrival.

The Golden Body's stride faltered, then continued as if oblivious to Zileng's words.

However, the golden eyes now burned with intensified killing intent.

Shen Yi sensed that if he didn't eliminate the opponent soon, he and all of Hongze would be the ones slaughtered.

The time left to him might be shorter than he imagined.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end