Journey to the West: Demon Emperor: Beginning as a Little Toad

Chapter 438: Wang Lingguan Catches an Adulterer

skyline.

The garden behind Tongming Palace is shrouded in clouds and mist, with exotic flowers and plants competing for beauty and rich fragrance, like the sound of immortal music, which makes people feel relaxed and happy.

A golden pug with shiny fur all over its body was lying lazily on a warm bluestone, basking in the warm sun and wagging its tail from time to time, looking very comfortable.

A big rooster, with a sturdy figure and colorful feathers fluttering gently in the breeze, strides forward and backward in the garden with its head held high.

The rooster lowered its head from time to time and used its sharp beak to search carefully in the bushes. After a while, it caught a few fat insects. After catching the insects, it swaggered to the jade plate where the Jade Emperor placed the bait, and threw the insects into it without paying any attention to the eyes of others.

At this time, Zhang Tianshi, wearing a Taoist robe and holding a whisk, walked slowly towards them, leading the Taiyin Star Lord.

The Moon God is dressed in a fairy dress of plain gauze, and moves with light lotus steps, with a celestial figure and graceful manner.

See the arrival of Taiyin Star God.

"Taiyin Star Lord..."

General Juanlian held Thoreau's staff in his hand, glanced at the Moon Lord, then retracted his gaze, still maintaining a vigilant posture.

Taiyin Star God knew that the Jade Emperor was enjoying fishing at the moment and did not dare to disturb him rashly. He just stood aside with Zhang Tianshi and waited quietly.

When gods go fishing, they don’t need the help of magic power. If they use magic power, the fun will be greatly reduced and the true meaning of it will be lost.

Today, the Jade Emperor is in really good luck.

The Jade Emperor gently shook the fishing rod in his hand and caught several fish in succession. Each of them was lively and splashed with water in the fish basket.

The Jade Emperor smiled and turned to Taibai Jinxing and said:

"Taibai, your bait is well-made."

Taibai Jinxing bowed quickly and said humbly:

"Your Majesty is a master of fishing. How dare I take credit for it?"

The Jade Emperor was in a good mood and ordered:

"Pulling up the curtain, send these fish to the Pixiang Palace, and tell the fair maidens there that I want to eat fish soup tonight."

The Jade Emperor continued:

"Let Chang'e dress up carefully and serve well in Huayue Palace tonight."

"I want to watch the stunning dance tonight."

The general of the rolling curtain responded:
"According to the order."

Then, General Juanlian carefully picked up the fish basket and turned to leave.

"The Fairy of the Pixiang Palace, fish soup..."

"Chang'e in Guanghan Palace, dancing stunningly..."

General Juanlian had just walked a short distance when he called over two golden-armored heavenly soldiers and explained the tasks of delivering the fish and passing on the message in detail. He also reminded them again and again, fearing that there would be any mistakes.

At this time, Zhang Tianshi came to the side of the Jade Emperor, bowed slightly, and said respectfully:

"Your Majesty, the Taiyin Star Lord has something important to report."

The Jade Emperor then slowly turned his gaze away from fishing and looked towards the Moon God.

After paying homage, Taiyin Xingjun's expression was as solemn as frost, and he played:
"Your Majesty, the Emperor Donghua and Fairy Peony have committed adultery, which has violated the laws of heaven. I dare not make decisions on my own on such a major matter, so I have come to ask Your Majesty to make a decision."

When Taiyin Star Lord said this, it was like a huge rock weighing ten thousand pounds being thrown into a calm lake, shocking everyone.

Zhang Tianshi's imperial scepter almost slipped from his hand, and he was secretly shocked:

"Emperor Donghua is having an affair in heaven. This is a huge disaster..."

"No wonder Taiyin Xingjun doesn't dare to say it outside..."

As a close attendant of the Jade Emperor, Zhang Tianshi has some understanding of the complicated relationship between the Jade Emperor, Emperor Donghua and Queen Mother.

The Emperor Donghua is nicknamed "Mugong". He is the chief of the male immortals in heaven, with a revered status and boundless magical powers.

The Queen Mother is the "Golden Mother", the chief of the female fairies in heaven. She is dignified and elegant, and is the mother of heaven.

Mu Gong is Yang and Jin Mu is Yin. One yin and one yang, they complement each other. They are the masters of yin and yang in heaven, in charge of the order and balance of heaven.

All the immortals in the world know: "The various immortals come and go in great numbers, just like the Golden Mother paying homage to the Wood Father."

The fifteenth verse of Buxu Ci also says: "I bid farewell to the Golden Mother in the West Sea and pay homage to the Wooden Father in the East."

Even the children's song about the lower world goes: "Wearing a green cape, entering the gate of heaven, bowing to the Golden Mother, and worshipping the Wooden Father."

...There are countless such words.

It can be seen that the names of Mu Gong and Jin Mu have long been deeply rooted in people's hearts, and even women and children in the underworld know that Mu Gong is paired with Jin Mu.

To a certain extent, "Mugong" and "Jinmu" are a pair, and they used to be a pair. They once jointly ruled the heavens...

Then what is the Jade Emperor now?
Is the Queen Mother of Heaven now the "old friend" of Emperor Donghua, or the "bedmate" of the Jade Emperor?
This implies a past unknown grudge...

Zhang Tianshi was not very clear about this either.

However, Zhang Tianshi knew that there was a close relationship between the current "Emperor Donghua" and the former "Dong Wanggong", the master of heaven.

At the beginning, the Lord of Heaven was not the Jade Emperor, but the King of the East.

Dong Wanggong is the chief of the male immortals in the ancient times. He is an ancient being that existed when the world was first created. He has a very high status and can even be said to be the "first lord of heaven."

The King of East (Mugong) and the Queen Mother of West (Jinmu) are a pair of Taoist lovers made in heaven and earth. The King of East is the emperor of heaven, and the Queen Mother of West is the empress of heaven, managing all the immortals in the world.

But later, in the ancient times, Dong Wanggong was killed by the demon tribe Donghuang Taiyi and Di Jun. It was a thrilling battle, the sky and the earth changed color, and the sun and the moon lost their light.

Donghuang Taiyi and Di Jun, relying on their powerful strength and magic weapons, killed Dong Wangong, seized the position of the Lord of Heaven, established the ancient demon heaven, and replaced Dong Wangong.

His two brothers are known as the "Second Generation Lords of Heaven".

At that time, the demon court was so powerful that no one could defeat it, so the Queen Mother of the West had no choice but to retreat to Kunlun Mountain and stay away from the world.

However, after killing the Taoist partner of the Queen Mother of the West, "Dong Wang Gong", the brothers Donghuang Taiyi and Di Jun did not make things too difficult for the widowed Queen Mother of the West.

From then on, the prehistoric world entered the era of the Demonic Heaven.

The Jade Emperor is actually a latecomer and the one who takes over.

In the war between wizards and liches, the heaven was destroyed and gone.

The Jade Emperor took over this mess in Heaven, took charge of it again, conferred a new title on the Queen Mother, started the Battle of Conferred Gods, expanded the power of Heaven, and still commands all the immortals in the three realms to this day, thus becoming the "Third Lord of Heaven."

The dispute between "Dong Wanggong" and "Xi Wangmu".

The identity conflict between "Queen Mother of the West" and "Golden Mother of the Jade Pool".

The entanglement between "Yao Chi Jinmu" and "Jade Emperor".

The Jade Emperor and the Queen Mother, one is the master of heaven and the other is the leader of the female fairies. Is their union a "political marriage" that "complies with the will of heaven" or is there a sincere love between them?
Maybe only they themselves know.

……

If Emperor Donghua fails to handle this matter properly, it may cause an uproar in the heaven.

That would be an unprecedented disaster, with all the immortals in panic and the order between heaven and earth in chaos.

The heaven is about to be in chaos, and a bloody storm seems to be about to sweep across the sky.

"Emperor Donghua, Fairy Peony..."

A gleam of light flashed across Taibai Jinxing's deep eyes, and a thoughtful expression appeared on his face.

Since ancient times, "serving the emperor is like serving a tiger". Although the emperor's close ministers enjoy wealth and glory, they are also in danger of being killed at any time.

As a close minister of the Jade Emperor, Taibai Jinxing is always trying to figure out what the Jade Emperor is thinking.

In this ever-changing heaven, only by accurately grasping the will of God can one survive and find a place to rest.

"Rolling curtains..."

The Jade Emperor waved his hand gently, his voice low and majestic.

Upon receiving the order, the general in charge of the curtain hurried forward and led away the chickens and dogs playing in the courtyard one by one. His movements were quick and decisive, and he did not dare to be negligent in the slightest.

Without waiting for the Jade Emperor to ask for further details, Taibai Jinxing quickly turned his gaze to Taiyin Xingjun, breaking the slightly solemn silence and slowly speaking:

"Did the Star Lord ever verify this matter, Emperor Donghua?"

Taiyin Xingjun nodded slightly and said, "Emperor Donghua is of high status and prestige in the Heavenly Court. We dare not investigate it rashly."

"However, recently, the Red Luan Star of the Peony God has been moving strangely, and it is pointing to the Fangzhang Immortal Mountain where Emperor Donghua lives."

"Moreover, the Peony God has been leaving the Peony Garden frequently recently, often going to Fangzhang Immortal Mountain alone, and never coming back all night. This is really puzzling."

Upon hearing this, a complicated look flashed across the Jade Emperor's eyes.

He slowly put down the fishing rod carved with auspicious cloud patterns in his hand. The fishing rod lightly touched the ground, making a slight sound, which was particularly clear in this silent palace.

Afterwards, the Jade Emperor gently raised his hand and tapped the armrests of the dragon throne with his fingertips rhythmically. The "thump thump" sound seemed like the drumbeat of his mind weighing the pros and cons.

Then, the Jade Emperor raised his head, his eyes like torches, and looked straight at Taiyin Star Lord. His eyes were filled with unquestionable majesty, and he asked again for confirmation:
"Have Emperor Donghua and Fairy Peony reported this matter to the Queen Mother?"

Taiyin Xingjun bowed slightly and said respectfully:

"Your Majesty, I have not reported this to the Queen Mother yet."

Upon hearing this, the Jade Emperor sighed softly, and his sigh was full of helplessness and regret, as if he was deeply disappointed with this thing that went against the rules of heaven.

He slowly stood up, his posture was straight, exuding an inviolable majesty, and said:

"In this case, the law of heaven is merciless."

"The rules of Heaven are the cornerstone of maintaining order in the Three Realms. No one should violate them lightly."

"Master Zhang, summon the 'Great Spiritual Officer of the Capital Heaven' to come to see you."

The Jade Emperor's voice was deep and majestic, echoing in the palace.

……

When Zhang Tianshi heard the Jade Emperor's order, he did not dare to delay at all. He looked hurried and walked quickly, trotting all the way to the outside of Tongming Hall to find Wang Lingguan.

At this moment.

Wang Lingguan was on duty outside the Tongming Hall.

……

Wang Lingguan is also a famous figure in the heaven where many gods gather, and his strength should not be underestimated.

As the leader of the five hundred spiritual officials in heaven, Wang Lingguan guards the Tongming Palace all year round. He is like a towering and indestructible barrier, firmly guarding the gate of the Lingxiao Palace. He can be called the "strongest shield" outside the Lingxiao Palace.

In the original plot, Sun Wukong was evenly matched with the other two. He used his iron rod to hit enemies everywhere and made a big fuss in the Heavenly Palace. No god could stop him and he fought his way out of the Lingxiao Palace.

It was Sun Wukong who was stopped by Wang Lingguan. That battle could be described as:

"One is trying to seize the Bullfighting Palace with a wicked heart, while the other is trying his best to support the Mysterious Saint Realm. They fight hard to show their magical powers, and neither of them wins or loses. The two of them fight in one place, but the winner is still unknown."

However, Wang Lingguan is not just a guardian of heaven.

Wang Lingguan holds several positions, including "protecting the law", "subduing demons" and "supervising".

He is like a tireless guard of heaven, always supervising the actions of the immortals and ensuring that they strictly abide by the rules of heaven. He is the true "guardian god" of heaven.

The original poem says:
"He rushed into Guanghan Palace with his bravery, and a charming fairy came to meet him. He had no respect for hierarchy, and he grabbed Chang'e to accompany him to rest... The supervising spirit official reported to the Jade Emperor that I was unlucky that day."

After getting drunk at the Peach Banquet, Marshal Tianpeng became so bold that he dared to break into the Guanghan Palace, tease the fairy Chang'e, and even make sexual advances on her, completely disregarding the rules of hierarchy in heaven.

This act that went against the rules of heaven was keenly noticed and caught by the "Spiritual Officer in Charge", and was subsequently escorted to the Lingxiao Palace for questioning.

……

To a certain extent.

If we compare "Heaven" to "Ming Dynasty Imperial Court".

Those spiritual officials are undoubtedly the elite guards of heaven. Wearing armor and holding sharp blades, they guard the peace of heaven at all times.

At the same time, they are like the "Jinyiwei" of heaven, possessing unique powers and responsibilities, responsible for monitoring the immortals in heaven and maintaining order and justice in heaven.

And Wang Lingguan is the leader of the "Heavenly Embroidered Guards".

……

Not long after.

A sharp gust of wind suddenly blew into the hall, and a divine general with a burly and strong figure and an aura as majestic as a mountain walked in with steady and powerful steps.

As soon as this divine general appeared, the air in the entire palace seemed to be oppressed by his aura and became solemn.

The general's face was as red as a date and his cheeks were as red as fire. It seemed that there was a raging flame surging wildly under his skin, which would burst out at any time.

His three eyes were wide open, and the divine eyes on his forehead were like lightning streaking through the sky, with a dazzling light. His eyebrows were like sharp swords, slanting into his temples, making him look even more fierce and majestic. His beard and hair were like steel needles, standing upright, with a murderous aura that made people dare not look directly at him.

He wears a golden crown on his head and a golden chain mail armor, the armor plates are tightly connected, flashing a cold light, and a red robe, the corners of which rustle in the wind, like a burning flame, showing his fiery and upright spirit. He steps on a wind-fire wheel, the flames on the wheel are blazing, and when he walks in the air, he leaves a trail of fiery tracks, looking majestic.

In his left hand he held a square golden seal, which was engraved with complex and mysterious Taoist talismans, emitting an ancient and powerful aura.

In his right hand, he tightly grasped a "God-Slaying Golden Whip". The "God-Slaying Golden Whip" was flashing with cold light and contained endless power. When it was swung, it could stir up the wind and clouds and shock the immortals!

He is the leader of the five hundred spiritual officials, the great spiritual official Wang Lingguan, also known as "Lingguan Wang Yuanshuai", "Long En Zhenjun", "Xiantian Chief General, Loyal Guardian of the Way, Three Five Fire Train King, Heavenly Lord of Might and Power."

As the saying goes, "Before you go up the mountain, you must first pay homage to Wang Lingguan."

There is usually such a great god guarding in front of Taoist temples in the mortal world.

Wang Lingguan bowed respectfully and said:

"Greetings to Your Majesty."

The Jade Emperor looked at Wang Lingguan with a serious expression and said:

"The reason why I summoned you here today is because of Emperor Donghua's business."

After saying this, the Jade Emperor slightly turned sideways and looked towards the Moon God.

Taiyin Xingjun hurriedly stepped forward, bowed slightly, and explained to Wang Lingguan:

"Emperor Donghua and Fairy Peony have been having an affair in the fairy world, which has defiled the holy land of the Heavenly Palace and violated the Heavenly Law. I hope that Officer Wang Ling will investigate this matter."

When Wang Lingguan heard this, his eyes flickered and light flowed in them, as if he was thinking about something.

After a moment, he looked determined and said:

"The law of heaven is merciless."

"I am the chief spiritual officer of the Capital Heaven, and it is my duty to arrest those who violate the Heavenly Law."

"If it is verified to be true, I will arrest Emperor Donghua and Fairy Peony and bring them to justice to rectify the laws of heaven!"

After saying this, Wang Lingguan turned his head slightly, looked at Taiyin Xingjun with sharp eyes and said:
"Investigation depends on evidence."

"Are there any witnesses or physical evidence regarding the matter between Taiyin Xingjun, Emperor Donghua, and Fairy Peony?"

Taiyin Xingjun responded:
"Emperor Donghua is a man of high status and prestige. I cannot conduct a search without authorization, but Fairy Peony has already provided some information."

After that, Taiyin Star Lord told Wang Lingguan in detail everything he had found out from the Peony Fairy, such as the time and place of the secret meeting between the Peony Fairy and Emperor Donghua, as well as some of the Peony Fairy's recent signs and whereabouts.

Wang Lingguan heard this, thought for a moment, and said:

"As the saying goes: catch a thief, take the stolen goods; catch an adulterer, catch both of them."

"If we only judge that Emperor Donghua and Fairy had an affair based on the signs of Fairy Peony, we may have missed something and it will be hard to convince everyone."

"After all, Emperor Donghua holds a high position in the Heavenly Court, and this matter is of great importance."

Taiyin Xingjun nodded slightly and asked with a little doubt:
"What do you think, Spirit Officer?"

Wang Lingguan raised his chin slightly and said seriously:

"Since ancient times, to catch an adulterer, you need to catch him in bed, only then can you have irrefutable evidence."

"Otherwise, if Emperor Donghua 'pull up his pants and deny' and says that the Peony Fairy was not his doing, how should we deal with it?"

"For such a major event, there must be irrefutable evidence in order to convince the immortals and demonstrate the fairness and strictness of the Heavenly Rules."

"Caught in bed?"

After hearing this, Taiyin Xingjun was slightly stunned at first, then he couldn't help but raise the corners of his mouth and couldn't help laughing. In the end, he still forced himself to smile and said:

"The spiritual official is rigorous and thoughtful, and what he said is absolutely right."

(End of this chapter)