The myth begins with the Lotus Lantern

Chapter 348 Identity
Ding Lin glanced tenderly at Princess Jade Face, then turned his gaze back to the direction of the Southern Dipper Star Lord and the Northern Dipper Star Lord not far away.

He pondered silently.

Ding Lin's incomprehension was actually normal. He himself cultivated with great courage and diligence. After ascending to immortality, he relied on his foundation from his previous life to break through one after another. In just over a hundred years, he crossed the Golden Immortal realm and became Taiyi. Naturally, he subconsciously ignored the slow pace of other people's cultivation. How could others have such a cultivation speed as him? It is only natural that cultivation becomes more difficult as you go further. Breaking through to the Immortal realm often takes tens of thousands of years. Golden Immortal, or even Taiyi, is even more difficult to advance even a little bit in many eons.

In this world, the number of strong individuals is limited; they come and go, and there are only so many.

Reaching the Taiyi realm is even rarer. This level is considered the pinnacle of the Three Realms. Even if the principles they expound differ and their strengths vary, defeating them is easy, but killing them is extremely difficult.

Over time, the competition among those at the Taiyi Realm became a contest of pride and ambition.

This is the norm.

Of course, if the strength of the two sides in a fight is extremely disparate, exceeding the norm, then that's a different story.

"Your Majesty."

Wang E stepped forward to pay his respects to Ding Lin. Although Ding Lin's attack was only a fleeting glimpse, the purity of his fire technique, capable of burning through the Southern Dipper Star Lord's divine power, undoubtedly indicated that he was a Taiyi level expert. Wang E's form of address to Ding Lin naturally changed. He felt somewhat fortunate; under the pressure from the Southern and Northern Dipper Stars, he had almost collapsed, but ultimately persevered to the end.

The news of Ding Lin's attainment of Taiyi was not widely known. Whether intentional or unintentional, it is unknown. In the edict drafted by Emperor Wenchang, Ding Lin's official rank was only promoted without being explicitly stated. In addition, the Yellow River Water Lord was originally a third-rank official. Furthermore, since Ding Lin did not seek an official position for Qingyi, the third-rank official became a subordinate third-rank official. Therefore, when the Jade Emperor issued the decree, although the immortals were somewhat surprised, they only felt that Ding Lin's promotion was a bit too fast and assumed that he was favored by the Emperor. They did not feel that there was anything wrong with it.

Wang E dared to speak despite the pressure from the Star Lords of the Southern and Northern Dippers for several reasons. Firstly, he had many colleagues in the Five Elements Mountain realm, and as a dignified Heavenly God serving before the Emperor, he was not subject to their authority. While the Star Lords of the Southern and Northern Dippers could easily capture or even kill Princess Jade Face and Princess Iron Fan, they would not do so in front of everyone. Even if their positions were reversed in the future, these few words would not deter them from taking action. As for their dislike, since he served before the Emperor, he was naturally aligned with the Jade Emperor's lineage. The Star Lords of the Southern and Northern Dippers were staunch supporters of the Purple Star Emperor, and since the battle in the Heavenly Palace, they had become sworn enemies, if not bitter enemies, and were practically strangers. A few words were all it took to befriend Ding Lin, so why not? Unexpectedly, there was an additional benefit: Ding Lin had already reached the Taiyi level.

"Thank you for your help, Officer Ling," Ding Lin said.

"Your Majesty is too kind. Without Your Majesty's guidance, how could I have reached this level, nor could I have comprehended the laws so quickly? I only said a few words, which is all I should do. However, my strength is too weak, and in the end, Your Majesty will still need to take action," Wang E said.

"I will remember this favor," Ding Lin said.

“We are old acquaintances, so there’s no need to address me as ‘Your Majesty.’ Just call me ‘Brother Jin.’” Ding Lin paused for a moment, his gaze falling on Princess Iron Fan’s face. The latter felt a pang of unease. “Just call me Brother Jin.”

"I am deeply grateful for Your Majesty's kindness, but I cannot disregard propriety. In the future, if there are any benefits to be gained, I hope Your Majesty will think of me more often."

Wang sneered. He was very tactful. Ding Lin could say these words to show closeness, but since their statuses were different now, he absolutely could not agree to them.

"There is one more thing," Wang E seemed a little reluctant to say, but after hesitating for a moment, he still spoke up, "Thanks to Your Majesty's help, I have been fortunate enough to cultivate to the late stage of Golden Immortal."

“Official, you may speak frankly,” Ding Lin said, his expression unchanged.

“These words should not have been spoken at this time… As Your Majesty knows, I was able to descend to the mortal realm under the pretext of a mission. Now, several decades have passed in the blink of an eye. Unlike Your Majesty, I cannot enjoy such a carefree life and still have to toil away in the Heavenly Palace. It would be inappropriate to abandon the mission. If this had not happened, I would have intended to bid farewell to Your Majesty after comprehending the laws. Now, however, it seems that…” Wang E smiled bitterly.

“I see. Spirit Officer, there’s no need to overthink it. I also serve in the Heavenly Court and know your character well. Of course, I’m concerned about orders from above,” Ding Lin said. He understood Wang E’s meaning. The excuse that he was busy with official duties and had no choice was just that—an excuse. The other party was afraid that if he stayed any longer, he would get even more entangled in the conflict between him and the Southern and Northern Dippers.

"This place is brimming with spiritual energy, truly a treasure trove for comprehending the laws of the Five Elements. It's just a pity that my aptitude is inferior. I originally planned to cultivate to the late stage of Golden Immortal and then strike while the iron is hot to comprehend a few more laws. Now it seems that I overestimated myself. If it weren't for the help of the Sovereign, I would probably have returned empty-handed. Although I am still unwilling, I have also come to realize my limitations. Just this one law has exhausted the accumulation of more than ten eons. Human strength has its limits. Even if I continue to hone it, it will not be of much use. I am not as gifted as the Sovereign. The late stage of Golden Immortal is my limit." Wang E's voice was somewhat desolate, yet also had a hint of explanation.

"Life's opportunities are fleeting, and who can predict what the future holds? Lingguan is too pessimistic."

Ding Lin's smile faded, and he casually offered a word of comfort. He could understand Wang E; it was human nature to seek advantage and avoid harm. Moreover, Wang E was much stronger than most people. At least before he appeared, he had held off the Big Dipper and the Southern Dipper for a while, which was morally sound.

"I, Wang, take my leave." Wang E bowed, then turned and quickly flew away from the boundary of the Five Elements Mountain.

Ding Lin watched Wang E leave until his figure disappeared from sight before turning his gaze away. Of course, he wouldn't resent Wang E for leaving at this time, but it was inevitable that he felt a little displeased. Some of his previous thoughts had faded. If they met again in the Heavenly Court in the future, they would be colleagues, and if they met in private, they would at most be ordinary friends.

Princess Jade Face had somehow walked up to Ding Lin's side. She grasped Ding Lin's right hand briefly, then, as if realizing something, gently let go.

The conversation between Ding Lin, Nan Dou, Bei Dou, and Wang E just now revealed too much information, leaving her somewhat at a loss. Her younger brother in front of her hadn't changed in appearance, but he inexplicably looked a bit unfamiliar.

"Let's go inside first," Ding Lin said, turning around and entering the thatched hut first.

Just as Princess Jade Face was about to follow her inside, she caught a glimpse of Princess Iron Fan out of the corner of her eye. The latter's complexion was relatively normal, but her expression revealed a sinister look, and it was unclear what she was thinking.

"Sister Iron Fan..." Princess Jade Face called out.

"I'm fine. Since it's Your Excellency who summoned you, please go in first." Princess Iron Fan tried to soften her expression.

"Come in together," Ding Lin's voice came from the thatched hut.

“Sister Iron Fan.” Princess Jade Face glanced at Princess Iron Fan and pulled her into the thatched hut.

With restrictions in place, some things can be said.

Inside the thatched hut, Ding Lin sat high up. He glanced at Princess Jade Face. With Princess Iron Fan present, although they both knew what was going on, he did not make their relationship too obvious. Princess Jade Face, out of consideration for Princess Iron Fan's feelings, stood with her.

Ding Lin slightly closed his eyes: "As you have heard, I am no ordinary demon, but a celestial being, listed in the Heavenly Register. By His Majesty's grace, I have been appointed as the Yellow River Water Lord." The Yellow River is one of the Four Great Rivers.

Although his rank was only third grade.

But among all the waterways in the world, only the Dragon Kings of the Four Seas can truly surpass it.

Ding Lin opened his eyes, his gaze as usual, but now, with the added weight of his status, it became even more captivating.

Princess Jade Face looked at Ding Lin and was slightly dazed. She was a little annoyed at being kept in the dark, but she was mostly happy for Ding Lin. After all, in her simple understanding, a wild demon, no matter how powerful he was or how much prestige he had in a province, was just a name. In the current situation, he could at most occupy a few more mountains. If he dared to establish a country and become emperor, heavenly troops would immediately come to suppress him.

Although the title of Water Lord may not be as resounding as that of the Demon King, the power he wields is hundreds of times greater. The Yellow River flows through almost the entire territory of Jambudvipa, making him a veritable high-ranking official of the Heavenly Court and a regional lord.

Princess Jade Face is now dependent on Ding Lin. The stronger Ding Lin becomes, the better it is for her. She recalled the past and realized that Ding Lin had readily agreed to choose a sacred site for her within the Yellow River basin and protect her. She had been moved for a long time back then, but now it seemed that it was just a small favor for Ding Lin.

"You kept this from me for so long," Princess Jade Face said, her voice more like a coquettish plea, tinged with joy.

“Although Xiniu Hezhou is under the jurisdiction of the Great Thunderclap Temple in the Western Heaven, there are many demons and monsters within its borders, and many demon kings roam there. It is best to use an alias when traveling there,” Ding Lin said.

Princess Iron Fan remained silent. Princess Jade Face and Ding Lin had already developed a very intimate relationship. This wasn't some core secret, so it wouldn't matter if it were known. Unlike Princess Jade Face, she clearly preferred to know as little as possible about such matters. Originally, she could pretend not to know, but now Ding Lin had completely exposed everything to her. What was his intention?
After comforting Princess Jade Face, Ding Lin turned his gaze to Princess Iron Fan.

"Greetings, Your Majesty." Princess Iron Fan's eyes flickered as she finally made her choice, bowing deeply to Ding Lin. This bow signified her submission to Ding Lin. In truth, she had little choice. With the Bull Demon King, the two sides had already broken off relations. She knew the Bull Demon King's personality; once he recovered from his injuries and returned, there would likely be no place for her in Xiniu Hezhou. That bull would only make others bear his guilt and unspeakable suffering, never admitting his own mistakes. Her previous aligning herself with Ding Lin was already motivated by a desire for protection. Now, having been saved by Ding Lin once again, there was no need for hesitation. Making this choice was a matter of course.

Ding Lin's expression softened. A flash of inspiration appeared in his palm as he took out the banana leaf fan: "I borrowed the princess's precious fan before. Now that this fan is useless to me, I will return it to its rightful owner."

Princess Iron Fan's eyes flashed with surprise. She had just witnessed Ding Lin's Samadhi True Fire, which clearly showed that he had grasped its essence. Now, hearing the implication of these words, she realized that he had also mastered the Samadhi Divine Wind. How many years had passed? She had held the treasure fan for many years and had only managed to comprehend the fire technique. The last trace of resentment in her heart faded away. People naturally admire the strong, and at this moment, she was finally completely convinced.

The banana leaf fan flew down.

"Your Majesty has saved me greatly. Now I have nothing of value but this fan. If it can be of any help to Your Majesty, I will feel at ease." Princess Iron Fan reached out and took the fan, subtly changing her form of address.

“In that case, you may leave. With me here, you can focus on your cultivation,” Ding Lin said, waving his hand to dismiss Princess Iron Fan.

In the thatched hut, only Ding Lin and Princess Jade Face remained.

"Your Majesty..." Princess Jade Face called out. She looked at Ding Lin, her eyes filled with relief at surviving the ordeal, joy at seeing Ding Lin unharmed, and a hint of reproach, as if blaming Ding Lin for keeping it from her. Her voice was soft and gentle, more like flirting.

“Sister.” Ding Lin stepped forward and naturally embraced Princess Jade Face. “You’ve missed me these past decades.”

"I often think of you, but you keep your secret from me perfectly," Princess Jade Face said reproachfully. "Golden Scale, besides this name, how much else do you know that I don't know?"

In Princess Jade Face's view, the names listed in the Heavenly Register were naturally real.

This name is fake too.

Ding Lin's eyes flickered, but he didn't correct her. Instead, he said in a compensatory tone, "Alright, now that I have this identity, aren't you happy for me, sister? If you cultivate here for a while longer, I'll find a reason to give you a place to live. Occupying a mountain without a name or status is not a long-term solution."

"Good brother." Princess Jade Face did not see the fleeting glint in Ding Lin's eyes as his anger turned to joy. She was not truly angry with Ding Lin to begin with, and now that she had received this promise, coupled with the fact that they had not seen each other for a long time, she could not help but feel a little moved.

……

Princess Iron Fan stepped out of the thatched hut. She glanced back one last time, then paused. In the sunlight, she looked down at her shadow, her expression complex. She envied Princess Jade Face. Ding Lin, of noble birth, was still willing to treat her this way. Aside from a formal title, Princess Jade Face had finally found a good man after escaping the Bull Demon King. Her feelings for Princess Jade Face were no longer what they once were. She was happy for Princess Jade Face, but thinking of the Bull Demon King, her expression turned somewhat melancholy and lost. What should she do next…?

Soon, Princess Iron Fan's expression hardened again.

For tens of thousands of years, I lived in a daze.

But he only misplaced his true feelings.

Princess Iron Fan raised her head. The blazing sun stung her eyes, yet the path ahead was illuminated with crystal clarity. Princess Jade Face had her own choices, and she deserved her own way of living. For tens of thousands of years, she had focused her attention on the Bull Demon King, which now seemed utterly laughable. Relying on others was not as good as relying on herself. This place was rich in spiritual energy and the five elements, and her injuries had now fully healed. If she could cultivate diligently, with her talent, she might very well have a chance to glimpse the Taiyi realm.

Until then...

Bull Demon King.

Word by word.

Princess Iron Fan thought to herself.

(End of this chapter)