The myth begins with the Lotus Lantern

Chapter 301 Queen Mother
Are we going to the lower realm?
"I am deeply grateful for your kindness and promotion, General. Now that you are leaving, I will follow you," Xin Jia said respectfully to Ding Lin without the slightest hesitation.

“Very good.” Ding Lin nodded.

“General, according to past practice, a fourth-rank official should have a hundred personal guards. Of course, this is the minimum. Depending on the position, there will be some additional attendants and strongmen. In the army, a fourth-rank official has at least a thousand personal guards. However, you have been transferred to the position of Yellow River Water Lord, the master of a river. The Yellow River already has its own water soldiers, so it is impossible to give any additional attendants. Therefore, you can only bring a hundred personal guards to the mortal realm.”

"However, the Yellow River Navy is one of the Four Rivers Dragon Gods, and usually only a third-rank official can hold this position. If the general is appointed to this position, the emperor may also allow him to be equipped with personal guards of the third-rank standard. That is five hundred men."

Xin Jia continued, his voice somewhat uncertain.

Ding Lin listened quietly. Xin Jia was indeed clever; he understood without any prompting.

Since ascending to immortality, Ding Lin's cultivation has progressed by leaps and bounds, which is certainly a good thing. However, it has also made Ding Lin's foundation extremely shallow. Not to mention secrets, he doesn't even know many things that should be common knowledge. Although Xin Jia's cultivation is not high, he has been an immortal for tens of thousands of years and can answer his questions in this regard.

Otherwise, there would be no need for a separate audience. Xin Jia is his personal guard leader, and in the eyes of outsiders, he is already bound to him. When he descends to the mortal realm, Xin Jia will naturally follow him. There is no need for any further questions.

“In that case, you may go and make preparations. His Majesty has issued a decree, and we should be setting off in the next few days. Please finalize the list of attendants to avoid disrupting the itinerary,” Ding Lin said.

"Yes, sir." Xin Jia bowed.

Ding Lin waved his hand, dismissing Xin Jia, and went to the side hall next door. All seven female fairies were there. Apart from the fifth and seventh fairy maidens, Ding Lin was not familiar with the other five fairy maidens, so the atmosphere was inevitably a bit reserved. Everyone knew about the relationship between Ding Lin and the fifth fairy maiden, but knowing something is one thing, and revealing it is another.

After exchanging greetings and a few pleasantries, the Seven Fairies seized an opportunity to change the subject and left the room with the other five fairy maidens, leaving Ding Lin and the Five Fairies alone.

"Brother Jin, you're going down to the mortal realm again." The Fifth Fairy looked somewhat reluctant.

Ding Lin walked over and gently took her hand. His fingertips were a little cool. He organized his thoughts, omitting the parts about Qingyi and the fight with Beidou Xingjun, and described the whole story as lightly as possible.

“Brother Jin, you don’t really need to do this. Even if you don’t go to the starry sky to participate in the battle, you won’t be punished afterward because you have a reason to protect us sisters,” said the Fifth Fairy.

Ding Lin smiled but remained silent.

"However, the result is not bad. The Yellow River Water Lord is one of the Four River Dragon Gods. Among the water gods in the mortal world, his position is only second to the Four Sea Dragon Kings. Although the title is only temporary, it is only a matter of time before he is ranked as a third-rank official. Taking this step will make his status very different from now on. However, I don't know when I will be able to see you again."

A hint of melancholy appeared on the faces of the five fairies. Ding Lin had not concealed it; his conversation with Xin Jia in the next room was also meant for the fairies on this side to hear.

"With gain comes loss," Ding Lin said. He felt reluctant, but mostly relaxed. For some reason, although the spiritual energy was more abundant in the Heavenly Court, he always felt constrained. Of course, serving under others was not as enjoyable as controlling the lifeline of a river and manipulating millions of living beings in the mortal realm.

Moreover, now that he's away from the Heavenly Court, with Qingyi in the heavens and the Five Fairies on earth, he can be more at ease.

"When was the imperial decree issued?" the Fifth Fairy asked again.

"Just now in the Lingxiao Palace, the Great Heavenly Venerable rewarded those who had contributed, and Elder Taibai read out the decree. There shouldn't be any changes." As Ding Lin spoke, his expression suddenly changed. He had already dispersed the clouds and mist, which vaguely drifted out of the Peach Garden. At this moment, he sensed an unexpected figure. "The Heavenly Slave has arrived. I'll go and greet her," Ding Lin said softly, shaking the hand of the Fifth Fairy.

"Heavenly Slave?" The Fifth Fairy looked puzzled.

"Wait a moment." Ding Lin had already turned around and rushed out of the garden.

Outside the Peach Garden, Tiannu traveled lightly, a white cloud drifting down behind him. He was followed by only one attendant, the eunuch who had first escorted Ding Lin to the Peach Garden to take up his post as the Land God of Cold Pond.

"Lord Tiannu!" Ding Lin emerged from the Peach Garden with a smile on his face. "I was unaware of your arrival, my lord. I am deeply sorry for not greeting you properly."

"Our arrival was sudden, and Lord Jin was unaware of it beforehand, so how can you say it was impolite?" Tiannu's lips curled up, revealing a faint smile.

Behind Tiannu was the young eunuch who had already received the news. Upon seeing Ding Lin again, he couldn't help but show shock in his eyes. He still remembered the scene when he sent Ding Lin to his post. Only a few years had passed, and he had already become a Golden Immortal? Moreover, he had become the Yellow River Water Lord, the strongest among the Golden Immortals. He only needed to accumulate some more experience to wear a purple robe, and even the ancestor would have to come in person to deliver the imperial decree.

The small-time local resident has now become a truly important figure.

Ding Lin recognized the eunuch, his gaze lingered for a moment, and he gave a barely perceptible nod in acknowledgment.

“Water Lord recognizes our grandson,” Tiannu said with a smile.

“Of course, young master is a benefactor to me. It was young master who escorted me to my post back then,” Ding Lin said. He knew this was a good point. Tiannu didn’t bring anyone else but this young eunuch, so he knew what it meant.

"Lord Jin, Her Majesty has decreed that I take you to Yaochi for an audience. Shall we go now?" Tiannu said again, having just established a slight relationship, he immediately put on a businesslike demeanor.

Ding Lin's eyes flickered, and he immediately realized that this guy was just being mysterious and playing the role of someone profound and unfathomable.

White clouds rise, and Ding Lin appears above them.

It was quiet for a little while.

"May I ask, sir, what brings Her Majesty to summon this humble immortal?"

Ding Lin's palm flashed with inspiration, and he took out a peach and stuffed it into Tiannu's hand. After saving Qingyi, his stock of peaches had become increasingly scarce, with only eight left. After handing this one over, he would only have seven left.

This peach is a handle, but it can't really be considered a handle.

If Ding Lin were still in the Immortal Realm, this scandal would have been enough to kill him. When he first became a Golden Immortal, it would have been enough to demote him and leave him with a sinecure for tens of thousands of years. But now it can only be considered a major stain.

This peach was less of a gift to Tiannu and more of an expression of his attitude.

Tiannu glanced at Ding Lin, his face cold, but then a chilling smile appeared on his lips: "Lord Jin, what is the meaning of this?" He gently pushed the peach aside.

"It's just a small token of my appreciation, please don't refuse, sir," Ding Lin said.

Tiannu accepted the gift but did not keep it. Instead, he handed it to the eunuch beside him, saying, "Why don't you thank Lord Jin for his gift?"

"Thank you so much, Lord Jin." The young eunuch was caught off guard, but quickly recovered and thanked Ding Lin.

Ding Lin's eyes flashed.

"We have a bond forged in life and death, so this gift is unnecessary. However, since Lord Jin has offered it, I cannot refuse. Therefore, I will presume to bestow it upon this humble servant," Tiannu said, smiling at Ding Lin. Ding Lin understood. Tiannu held the position of Grand Steward of Yaochi and was close to the Queen Mother. Naturally, he had to act as a loyal and devoted subject. However, on that day, Ding Lin had joined forces with him against an enemy, and a bond had naturally formed between them. Moreover, Ding Lin seemed to have a promising future, and he did not want to bury this bond. The implication of this gesture was that anything that came into their lives would belong to this young eunuch, not to their friendship.

Not only Ding Lin understood, but the young eunuch also understood.

"Don't worry, Lord Jin, this summons from the Empress is not a bad thing." The young eunuch accepted the peaches, stepped forward, and whispered, "I am 'Chao'an' and hope that Lord Jin will take good care of me in the future."

"Thank you, young master." Ding Lin smiled slightly.

And so, the clouds returned to calm.

……

Yaochi.

The sweet spring gurgles, but one green lotus is missing from the pond.

With Tiannu leading the way, they had no trouble passing through. Outside the three gates, the eunuch named Chao'an stopped. Tiannu led Ding Lin further in. The path was complicated, and Ding Lin initially remembered it, but later he just let it go.

After passing through countless courtyards and corridors, Tiannu finally stopped.

Standing before me was a magnificent palace.

"Your Majesty, the Yellow River Water Lord requests an audience," Tiannu said.

It was quiet for a while.

"Send it in!" A somewhat familiar voice came from inside the palace.

The palace door opened a crack, and Tiannu led Ding Lin inside. Ding Lin stole a glance and realized why the name sounded familiar. The servants in the palace were also familiar faces. It was Hong Gu, the former manager of the Peach Garden. At this moment, she had lost the elegance she had in the Peach Garden. She was dressed in plain clothes, and her makeup had become simple and elegant. If it weren't for the fact that they were in the Queen Mother's palace, Ding Lin would have really thought she was just an ordinary maid.

Hong Gu looked at Ding Lin expressionlessly, as if he were a stranger.

High above, there were layers of curtains and beaded veils. There was no divine light surrounding them, but they exuded a vast aura that inspired awe even when revealed unintentionally.

"This humble deity, the newly appointed Yellow River Water Lord Jinlin, pays respects to Your Majesty!"

Ding Lin bowed deeply. On the way here, Chao An had briefly explained the etiquette and procedures for the audience to him. In the world of immortals, there are no such complicated things. With his status as a Golden Immortal, bowing is enough. Cultivators do not respect heaven and earth, nor are they afraid of ghosts and gods. His bowing is to pay tribute to the predecessors. If he were to kneel down, he would be crushing his dignity to the ground, and there would be no possibility of advancing any further.

"Get up," said the Queen Mother.

There was another silence.

"Are the lotus leaves in my yard to your liking?" A voice rang out from behind the curtain, neither too loud nor too soft.

Ding Lin felt his magical power suddenly falter. The next moment, he realized what had happened and, remembering Tiannu's earlier warning, he slowly exhaled and carefully said, "Your Majesty, please forgive me. I was struck by the Big Dipper and accidentally fell into the Sweet Pool, inadvertently damaging Qinghe. It was not intentional."

"Accidental damage? If it was accidental damage, why not only did you not remedy it afterward, but you also let it go, instead of completely devouring the lotus flowers and leaves?" The Queen Mother's voice was devoid of emotion.

"You've accomplished something truly remarkable in the Peach Garden."

"Your humble servant," Ding Lin was startled. He had never realized how inept he was at speaking. He could only bow again and say, "This humble god knows his sins and begs Your Majesty for punishment."

Another silence fell over the platform.

Ding Lin remained bent over, his face showing increasing tension, but after a few breaths he realized that this was a warning to him, and his heart calmed down again.

“If I wanted to punish you, I wouldn’t have summoned you here,” said the Queen Mother. “But with your audacity, you really deserve a lesson. What, just because Fifth Sister is covering for you, do you think everyone else is a fool and won’t notice?”

"Not content with stealing the peaches of immortality, they've even set their sights on my Jade Pool!"

"Your Majesty, please forgive me!" Ding Lin could only continue to beg for forgiveness.

"Alright, you are Wu Yatou's people, so you are also my people, and the Great Celestial Venerable's people. So many good things you ate have improved your cultivation, so it's not a waste. Now that the chaos has subsided, I will forgive you this time. But you must remember this lesson and never do it again. Get up," said the Queen Mother.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Ding Lin said, straightening his back.

"Your Majesty, regarding the matter of the peaches of immortality, it was indeed my audacity that led me astray. However, that green lotus was an item from your palace, how could I dare to touch it lightly? It was truly that I suddenly acted involuntarily at the time, and I dared not deceive Your Majesty. When my primordial spirit was inhabiting Your Majesty, my earth soul was residing in a fragment of a precious lotus lantern. At that time, I felt that there was another consciousness manipulating my sea of ​​consciousness, and I was truly unable to control myself, which is why I made such a grave mistake."

Ding Lin's eyes flashed as he spoke, this was both an explanation and an attempt to get some help from the Queen Mother.

"Lotus Lantern, you're being so clever and honest now. I thought you were going to hide your relationship with my dear niece," the Queen Mother said coldly. "Don't be nervous. We're family after all. There's no such thing as a grudge that lasts overnight. We elders won't hold grudges against the younger generation. Do you really think it's something strange about the Lotus Lantern?"

"ridiculous!"

"The Lotus Lantern is a treasure bestowed upon the world by the goddess Nuwa to save it. Not to mention that it has not yet fully developed its will, even if it did, it would never have resorted to such trickery and plunder," the Queen Mother's voice stopped, she waved her hand to dismiss Tiannu and Honggu, and then continued, "I ask you, which chapter of the 'Spiritual Treasure Manual' are you practicing smoothly, and which spatial law are you mastering with ease?"

The words rang in my ears like a thunderclap.

A chill ran through Ding Lin's heart. Even though there were countless layers of veils between them, he felt as if he had been torn naked and completely exposed to the Queen Mother's gaze.

"Aside from the fearlessness of the ignorant, you do have some luck. The foundation of Ziwei's path to enlightenment is the law of space. If it were about cause and effect, time, or destiny, he only needed to calculate with his fingers and you would have nowhere to hide. For now, you don't need to worry. After that great battle, the secrets of heaven have been thrown into chaos."

"Before Ziwei left, she wanted to borrow the Divine Mirror of Time to trace the source, but the Great Celestial Venerable did not agree. He would not know that you stole a spatial law from his Nine-Bend Pearl."

"Thank you, Great Heavenly Venerable, thank you, Your Majesty..."

(End of this chapter)