I am submissive in Journey to the West, I strike hard at the gods

Upon hearing this, Pigsy, chewing on an apple, mumbled, "Who cares whose hand it is? I just hope it ends soon so I can have a good meal."

As the three chatted, the two men on the cloud platform remained seated opposite each other. A fierce wind blew, and the banners fluttered in the wind. Three months of wind and rain had etched their figures into legend.

In the square, spectators thronged, and discussions arose: "Who will win between these monks and Taoists? Such composure! If they win, they'll be national treasures!"

The king was overjoyed, but also secretly anxious, for the longer the competition lasted, the more precarious the fate of the nation became.

Tiger Power Immortal was recuperating from his injuries in the temple, Sheep Power Immortal was living a life of debauchery, while the young Taoist priests were busy greeting guests.

The Sanqing Temple was bustling with visitors, and the Taoist priests were all smiles.

On the cloud platform, the contest between Tang Sanzang and Deer Power Immortal was as bottomless as an abyss.

The elder's golden light protected him from underhanded attacks; the immortal's azure aura enveloped him, dispelling any interference.

Although Sun Wukong's primordial spirit suffered repeated setbacks, he admired his opponent more and more; although Tiger Power Immortal's short hair technique failed, it awakened the elder's dragon scale divine power.

This meditation session is not just a battle of concentration, but also a silent clash between inner demons and the essence of Zen.

Three months later, the rain stopped and the sky cleared. The flowers were in full bloom below the cloud platform. Wukong jumped down from the tree, looked at his master, and murmured, "Master, hang in there, I believe in you!"

In the magnificent Lingxiao Palace, incense smoke swirls and celestial music faintly drifts.

The Jade Emperor sat high on his nine-dragon throne, his face as majestic as a mountain, his gaze sweeping over the kneeling immortals below.

This morning's court session was supposed to be a discussion of trivial matters of the Heavenly Court, but who knew that the Jade Emperor's words were like a thunderclap, shocking all the immortals and gods in the hall to turn their heads.

"My lords,"

The Jade Emperor's voice was loud and clear, carrying an unquestionable imperial aura: "By order of the Dao Ancestor, I hereby promulgate a new Heavenly Law today! The Heavenly Realm is sparsely populated and can hardly resist the growing prosperity of the human race. If it is not strengthened in time, I fear the fortunes of the Three Realms will decline."

Therefore, all beings in Heaven, regardless of their status, must marry and have children! Each immortal or deity must become a Daoist couple within three months and have at least one child within five years.

Those who refuse will be banished to the mortal realm and punished with divine lightning!

The hall fell silent for a moment, then a cacophony of whispers erupted like boiling water.

The immortals looked at each other, their eyes filled with astonishment and disbelief.

Taiyi Zhenren stroked his beard and murmured, "Your Majesty, what does this mean? The Heavenly Realm is a place for quiet cultivation, so how can there be talk of procreation?"

The giant spirit stared wide-eyed, his face flushed red: "This old minister...this old minister is already old, how could such a thing happen?"

Upon hearing this, the Jade Emperor smiled slightly, but his smile sent chills down everyone's spine: "My ministers, do not panic. This is the holy will of the Dao Ancestor, which concerns the overall situation of the Three Realms."

How dare I treat this lightly? The fact that there are more male immortals than female immortals in the celestial realm is an inherent flaw.

"After much deliberation, I hereby grant the privilege of polyandry, allowing female immortals to choose husbands without being limited to one!"

Upon hearing this, the immortals and gods in the hall were struck as if by lightning.

Manjushri Bodhisattva nearly slipped off his prayer mat, Samantabhadra Bodhisattva coughed lightly while covering his mouth, and the Thunder God and Lightning Goddess exchanged a glance and shivered in unison.

Although the immortals were inwardly turbulent, most of them kept their heads down and remained silent, only daring to exchange their dissatisfaction with their eyes.

Who dares to be presumptuous before the Jade Emperor? He is the ruler of the Three Realms, and his word is law; to offend him is to die.

Venus, leaning on his dragon-headed cane, stood up shakily, a smile forcing a smile onto his aged face: "Your Majesty, this old minister dares to ask, is this...this new Heavenly Law perhaps a joke between Your Majesty and your ministers? The Heavenly Realm is pure and tranquil; how can it tolerate such...such worldly affairs? Even the Dao Ancestor's holy will would not stoop to this level, would it?"

Upon hearing this, the Jade Emperor's face darkened, and a golden light flashed in his dragon eyes: "Taibai! You are an elder of the Heavenly Court, how dare you question my decree? I am the ruler of the Three Realms, and the Dao Ancestor personally bestowed upon me the Heavenly Laws. You are only required to obey them! Do you think I am playing games? Guards, have Taibai flogged twenty times as a warning!"

Upon hearing this, Jin Xing knelt down with a thud, cold sweat pouring down his forehead: "Your Majesty, please calm your anger! This old minister misspoke, misspoke!"

Heavenly soldiers stepped forward, and although the punishment was light, it made the atmosphere in the hall even more somber.

The immortals fell silent, as if trembling with fear; none dared to utter another sound.

That absurd new divine law, like a thorn, is deeply embedded in everyone's heart, yet no one dares to pull it out.

Just then, a clear voice rang out, resolute and firm: "Uncle, this decree is absurd! The Heavenly Court is a sacred place of the immortals, how can it imitate the mortal world? Forced marriages and forced procreation are against the natural order and the way of Heaven! Please, Uncle, withdraw your decree to avoid uproar in the Three Realms!"

All eyes in the hall turned to him, and there he was, dressed in silver armor, his brows furrowed with heroic spirit, kneeling before the hall.

He was the God of Justice, the Jade Emperor's nephew, and was known for his uprightness and incorruptibility. At this moment, his eyes were like torches as he stared directly at the Jade Emperor.

The immortals were startled, and some secretly praised, "Erlang is truly a hero!"

However, some people shook their heads and sighed: "Offending the Jade Emperor, my future is probably bleak."

Upon hearing this, the Jade Emperor's face turned ashen, and he slammed his fist on the table, exclaiming, "Yang Jian! How dare you! My decree was personally passed down by the Dao Ancestor, and you dare to openly oppose it? As a celestial being, how dare you defy your superior? I think you've forgotten your place!"

With a flick of his finger, a golden light flashed, and the Immortal Binding Rope shot out like a live snake, instantly wrapping around Yang Jian's limbs and binding him firmly to the palace pillar.

As Yang Jian struggled, he clenched his teeth, but he couldn't move.

That rope was a treasure of the Heavenly Court, used to bind unruly demons. Even with Yang Jian's boundless divine power, he could not break free.

Yang Jian sneered and said loudly, "Since Uncle will not tolerate any objections, Yang Jian is willing to resign from his position as the God of Justice and return to Guanjiang Estuary to live in seclusion in the mountains, so as not to offend the wrath of Heaven!"

Upon hearing this, the immortals were in an uproar.

To everyone's surprise, the Jade Emperor, instead of being angry, grinned maliciously: "Resign? Fine! I won't allow it! Since you oppose the new Heavenly Laws, I'll make you an example so that the Three Realms will know the consequences of disobeying my decree! Guards, prepare the wedding ceremony immediately! I want Yang Jian to get married today, as a warning to others!"

Yang Jian was taken aback upon hearing this: "Marriage? What do you mean, Uncle?"

The Jade Emperor turned his gaze and it landed on a young man in the corner of the palace.

The young man was exceptionally handsome, with a head of red hair, riding on wheels of fire and wielding a fire-tipped spear—it was none other than Nezha! He had come to the palace for a meeting, but had unexpectedly been caught up in this absurd farce. Upon hearing this, he was instantly enraged: "Jade Emperor! What did you say? Marriage? With whom?"

The Jade Emperor laughed heartily: "Nezha, you and Yang Jian are sworn brothers, with a deep and abiding friendship. Why not become Daoist partners and embark on the great undertaking of procreation together? I see that you two are a perfect match, a match made in heaven! Today, in the Lingxiao Palace, we will complete the wedding ceremony, with all the immortals as witnesses!"

Upon hearing this, Nezha's handsome face flushed crimson. He trembled his Fire-Tipped Spear and shouted fiercely, "Jade Emperor! You tyrant! I am a disciple of the Chan Sect, the reincarnation of the Spirit Pearl. How can I marry Erlang... marry Erlang? Your new Heavenly Laws are simply outrageous! You are a tyrant, worse than pigs and dogs!"

He spun his Wind-Fire Wheels and was about to rush forward when the Jade Emperor waved his sleeve, and another Immortal-Binding Rope flew out, binding Nezha tightly.

As Nezha struggled, he cursed incessantly: "Let me go! Jade Emperor, you old scoundrel, you'll get your retribution sooner or later!"

The immortals in the hall stared in disbelief, some whispering among themselves, "The Jade Emperor is making an example of someone..."

Venus was sweating profusely, but could only lower his head and remain silent.

Seeing this, Yang Jian's eyes flashed with a trace of guilt, and he said in a low voice, "Third Prince, this matter was caused by me. Yang Jian is sorry."

Upon hearing this, Nezha, panting, said, "Second Brother, enough nonsense! Let's fight this tyrant together! I don't believe he would dare to really..."

Upon hearing this, the Jade Emperor flew into a rage: "Insolence! How dare you threaten me? Yang Jian, you mention the Goddess Nuwa? Nezha, you mention the Chan Sect? Hmph, this is the Dao Ancestor's personal decree, who dares to obstruct it? This matter was personally decided by the Dao Ancestor, I am merely carrying it out! Nuwa owes the Heavenly Court a favor, the Chan Sect owes the grace of bestowing gods, neither is worth fearing! Guards, quickly prepare for the wedding!"

As soon as the words were spoken, heavenly soldiers and generals swarmed forward, decorating the Lingxiao Palace with lanterns and colorful streamers. Red candles burned brightly, festive banners hung high, and the celestial music in the palace turned into a joyous melody.

With a wave of his hand, the Jade Emperor conjured two red robes out of thin air and forcibly draped them over Yang Jian and Nezha.

The red robe was exceptionally gorgeous, yet it made the two of them feel uneasy.

The immortals were forced to form two rows to serve as wedding guests; some bowed their heads in embarrassment, while others shook their heads and sighed in secret.

Yang Jian gritted his teeth and said, "Uncle, if this gets out, it will be a laughing stock in the Three Realms!"

Nezha cursed loudly, "Jade Emperor, you perverted old bastard! I'd rather die than submit!"

The Jade Emperor turned a deaf ear and personally officiated at the wedding, loudly proclaiming, "Bowing to Heaven and Earth! Yang Jian and Nezha, quickly comply!"

The binding rope tightened, and the two were forced to kneel and kowtow against their will.

Yang Jian felt as if his heart was being torn apart. He had always been fierce and unyielding; he had never suffered such humiliation. Nezha, even more enraged, his eyes blazing with fury, muttered, "The Twelve Golden Immortals of the Chan Sect, come quickly to save me..."

The hall was bathed in red light, and the wedding candles flickered, yet an eerie chill permeated the air.

The immortals forced smiles, and someone whispered, "Poor Erlang and the Third Prince..."

The Jade Emperor reached into his sleeve and took out two pink pills, which were the Love-Happiness Pills! This pill was a secret treasure of the Heavenly Court. After taking it, even immortals would find it difficult to control their desires. It was specially made for the great cause of procreation.

The Jade Emperor grinned maliciously: "After taking this elixir, you will naturally become lovers."

"Guards, take him to the side hall and finish the deed!"

Upon hearing this, Yang Jian's face turned deathly pale: "Uncle, you...you really want to do this?"

Nezha struggled even more frantically: "Jade Emperor! You beast! I'll kill you!"

Upon hearing this, one of the immortals in the hall couldn't help but whisper, "Your Majesty, this is too much..."

But the Jade Emperor glared at him and shut him down.

Just as the Hehuan Pill was about to be ingested, hurried footsteps suddenly came from outside the hall.

A heavenly general rushed into the hall, panting, and knelt down to kowtow: "Your Majesty! Great news! Jiang Ziya in the Heavenly Prison... Jiang Ziya has relented! He said... he said he agrees to complete the Investiture of the Gods! He only needs the Heavenly Court to grant a few conditions, and he will personally write them down to complete the last few divine positions!"

These words struck like a thunderclap, and the hall fell silent instantly.

Upon hearing this, the Jade Emperor's hand trembled, and the pill of lovemaking nearly fell to the ground: "What? Jiang Ziya agreed? Speak quickly!"

The heavenly general kowtowed and said, "Your Majesty, Jiang Ziya has been pondering in the heavenly prison for many days. Only now, with his will weakened, did he finally speak up and say, 'If the Heavenly Court grants me a few favors, I will complete the Investiture of the Gods and settle the karma of the Three Realms.'"

"This old minister heard it with his own ears; there is no doubt about it!"

Upon hearing this, the immortals all breathed a sigh of relief.

The matter of the Investiture of the Gods was a major concern for the Heavenly Court. During the great war, several gods were missing from the list, causing instability in the Heavenly Court's fortunes, which made the Jade Emperor restless and unable to eat or sleep.

Upon hearing this, Venus's eyes darted around, and he hurriedly stepped forward and kowtowed: "Your Majesty! This is a golden opportunity! The Investiture of the Gods is related to the fortune of the Heavenly Court and the foundation of the Three Realms! Jiang Ziya's will is weak now, so this is the time to strike while the iron is hot! If we delay, something unexpected may happen."

"Your Majesty, why not postpone everything else and quickly bring Jiang Ziya to the Investiture of the Gods Hall to personally preside over the completion ceremony? This old minister is willing to accompany you and witness it!"

Upon hearing this, the Jade Emperor pondered for a moment, a hint of reluctance flashing in his dragon eyes, but he ultimately nodded: "Yes, what Taibai said makes sense."

"The investiture of the gods must come first; the marriage... will be put on hold for now!"

He waved his hand and said, "Guards, quickly untie Jiang Ziya's chains and bring him to the Investiture of the Gods Hall! All of you, let us go together and witness this grand event!"

He turned and glanced at Yang Jian and Nezha, then sneered, "You two should reflect on your actions in this hall."

"After the investiture of the gods is complete, I will come again to witness the joy of Moore and the others creating humans! Heavenly soldiers, guard them closely and do not let the two escape!"

Upon hearing this, Yang Jian and Nezha felt a little relieved, but they were still bound to the palace pillars by the Immortal Binding Rope and could not move.

Nezha, panting, muttered, "That old bastard, he'll get his comeuppance sooner or later!"

Yang Jian smiled wryly: "Third Prince, just bear with it for now."

If the Investiture of the Gods is completed, perhaps a turning point can be found.

The immortals filed out of the hall, with the Jade Emperor in front and Venus following closely behind. The wedding banners and red candles had not yet been removed, but they were already covered in dust.

The Lingxiao Palace was empty, with lingering celestial music echoing in the air. The absurd new Heavenly Laws hung like a sword over the Three Realms.

The Jade Emperor strode forward, leading his entourage straight to the Hall of Investiture of the Gods.

Outside the palace stood a forest of heavenly soldiers. Jiang Ziya was escorted in, his hair and beard disheveled, but his eyes gleamed with cunning.

Seeing this, the Jade Emperor hurriedly said, "Ziya, this completion of the Investiture of the Gods is a great fortune for the Heavenly Court! Please speak frankly about your conditions!"

Jiang Ziya coughed twice, cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, I only ask for three things: First, release a few of my disciples from prison; second, allow the Chan Sect to occupy a larger place in the Investiture of the Gods; third, after this matter is over, allow me to retire to Kunlun and no longer interfere in the affairs of the Heavenly Court."

Upon hearing this, the Jade Emperor pondered for a moment, then nodded in agreement: "Granted! Write it down immediately!"

Inside the Investiture of the Gods Hall, incense smoke curled upwards, and the golden inscription shone brightly.

Jiang Ziya picked up his brush, dipped it in ink, and stroked it carefully to fill in the vacant divine position.

The immortals watched, each holding their breath in awe.

Venus secretly wiped away sweat, thinking to himself, "Thank goodness, we've managed to escape this calamity."

Yang Jian and Nezha, far away in Lingxiao, felt somewhat relieved upon hearing the good news, but they knew that the marriage was like a dark cloud, ready to return at any moment.

The calligraphy in the hall flowed like dragons and snakes, its energy surging, subtly shaking the three realms.

The absurdity of the new Heavenly Laws has been temporarily suspended, but the grace of being enfeoffed as a god has become a glimmer of hope.

The Jade Emperor laughed heartily: "The Heavenly Court is fortunate! Ziya, your merits are immeasurable!"

Jiang Ziya lowered his head and remained silent, a hint of triumph flashing in his eyes.

Before the Temple of Gods, the wind and clouds changed color.

The dome of the Heavenly Court, which should have been magnificent, was now shrouded in gloom.

Outside the hall, more than a hundred souls and true spirits floated in the void, like eerie blue lights, flickering uncertainly.

They are the heroic souls of the past battlefield: Bai Jian, Wen Zhong, the four generals of the Mo family... each of them should have been immortalized on the Investiture of the Gods, but at this moment, their eyes reveal a hidden unease.

Surrounded by immortals, their robes fluttering, all eyes were fixed on the palace gate. (End of Chapter)