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Chapter 228 Not going
The voice of the Antarctic Longevity Emperor echoed in the solemn Lingxiao Palace, carrying an unquestionable majesty, awaiting a response.

The hall was so quiet you could hear a pin drop; all eyes were fixed on the figure at the very end of the celestial procession.

Chen Guangrui stood there, his eyelids drooping, his chest rising and falling slightly, emitting soft and even breathing sounds; he was asleep.

The surrounding celestial officials displayed a variety of expressions. Some looked worried, frequently gesturing with their eyes. Others curled their lips into a barely perceptible sneer, waiting to see the spectacle unfold. Most, however, were astonished, unable to believe that someone would dare to sleep soundly in the Lingxiao Palace while the Great Emperor was questioning them.

An old immortal official with white hair and beard, standing next to Chen Guangrui, couldn't bear to watch any longer and quietly stretched out his withered finger and poked his waist hard.

"Huh?" Chen Guangrui jolted awake, opening his eyes blankly and instinctively rubbing them, his face still showing the dazed look of someone just waking up. He looked around and found that all the immortals and gods in the hall were looking at him. Instead of feeling ashamed, they seemed a little impatient at being disturbed, and he muttered under his breath, "What's wrong? Are you all gone?"

The Antarctic Longevity Emperor, seated high beside the throne, frowned sharply, and a vein seemed to throb on his forehead. He said nothing more, but simply pointed a finger lightly in the direction of Chen Guangrui.

A barely perceptible stream of light instantly disappeared into Chen Guangrui's brow.

Chen Guangrui's body trembled slightly as countless images and sounds flooded into his mind. These included the heated debate in the hall about his appointment as Marshal Tianpeng, the resounding question posed by the Antarctic Longevity Emperor, and the awkward scene where all the generals fell silent in fear.

After the memories finished flooding in, Chen Guangrui shook his head, his eyes regained their clarity, and he looked at the Antarctic Longevity Emperor.

The Antarctic Immortal Emperor remained expressionless, his gaze piercing.
"Well? Can you handle the 100,000 Heavenly River Navy? Can you shoulder the responsibility of Marshal Tianpeng? Do you dare to accept the order to conquer Little Thunder Temple?"

Chen Guangrui smacked his lips, as if carefully weighing his options. After a moment, he raised his head and said loudly,
"Your Majesty, I am capable of holding the position of Marshal Tianpeng. I also accept the duty of subduing demons and monsters in the mortal realm. However..."

He paused, and under the breathless gaze of all the immortals and gods in the hall, clearly uttered the second half of the sentence:
"But I will not go to this Little Thunderclap Temple."

Upon hearing this, a suppressed gasp filled the hall. The barely maintained composure on the Antarctic Longevity Emperor's majestic face shattered completely, replaced by a thin layer of anger. He opened his mouth to rebuke him; such covetousness for official position coupled with refusal to serve was utterly unheard of!

"Ha ha……"

A deep, clear laugh came out without warning from the figure who sat high on the throne, enveloped in auspicious light.

The Great Celestial Venerable laughed?
The soft laughter, like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, stirred up shockwaves in the Lingxiao Palace far stronger than any previous argument. All the celestial officials, including the Antarctic Longevity Emperor who was about to erupt in anger, stared in astonishment at the supreme figure, their faces filled with disbelief.

The Jade Emperor, the Great Heavenly Venerable, always spoke only when issuing decrees, his emotions hidden behind auspicious light, as unfathomable as the very nature of Heaven. Had he ever before laughed at a subject's almost absurd excuse? What exactly did Chen Guangrui say that offended this supreme being?
The Antarctic Longevity Emperor swallowed back the rebuke that was about to come out of his mouth, and stood with his head bowed, awaiting the Jade Emperor's decree.

Within the auspicious light, the indistinct yet majestic voice, carrying a peculiar interest, rang out clearly, as if echoing in an empty valley:

"Chen Guangrui, you are willing to be Marshal Tianpeng and take on the responsibility of subduing demons, yet you are unwilling to go to this Little Thunderclap Temple. Why?"

This question is the biggest doubt in the hearts of all the gods and immortals.

Chen Guangrui, personally summoned by the Jade Emperor, showed no fear. Instead, his eyes lit up, thinking his opportunity had arrived. He seemed to have found a chance to voice his grievances, immediately bowing, his voice tinged with helplessness and self-righteousness.

"Your Excellency, with my meager cultivation, I am already filled with trepidation at having the honor of becoming Marshal Tianpeng. Subduing demons in the mortal realm is even more strenuous and difficult, for fear of tarnishing the prestige of the Heavenly Court."

He raised his head, his face showing an expression that said, "I know my own limitations."

"As for that Little Thunderclap Temple... Although I am not very knowledgeable, I know the weight of the name Thunderclap. A place that dares to use this name in the mortal realm must have karmic ties that are greater than the heavens. With my weak arms and legs, I really cannot bear the burden. If I go, I might go and not come back. So, I will be the marshal and I will subdue the demons, but this Little Thunderclap Temple, I... dare not go, and cannot go."

His reasoning was simple and straightforward, boiled down to one word: weakness. My abilities are meager; being Marshal Tianpeng is already my limit. As for the Little Thunderclap Temple, a hot potato that's already too much to handle, I can't manage it.

They want the benefits of being in a high position, but don't want to bear the huge risks that come with it.

This almost shameless attitude, however, was uttered under the Jade Emperor's question, plunging the entire Lingxiao Palace into an eerie silence. The immortals exchanged bewildered glances, unsure how to react.

The Jade Emperor's laughter seemed to still linger faintly in the palace beams, while Chen Guangrui's "honest" excuse landed heavily on everyone's hearts like a stone. What would follow? A thunderous rage, or...?
Chen Guangrui stood on the Lingxiao Palace, confident and as if everything was under his control.

The white-haired old immortal official beside him couldn't help but glance at him sideways, thinking to himself, "Why are you putting on such a show for something so trivial? Do you really think people are begging you to be Marshal Tianpeng? Such a refusal of the job, and such an act..."

In this delicate silence, the Jade Emperor, the Great Heavenly Venerable, shrouded in auspicious light, spoke once more. His voice remained majestic and grand, yet he posed a specific question that caught all the immortals and gods off guard:

"Chen Guangrui, if you don't want to go to Xiaoleiyin Temple, where do you intend to go?"

Upon hearing this, all the celestial officials in the hall were startled, exchanging bewildered glances. The Great Celestial Venerable, always residing high in the Nine Heavens, only issued decrees; how could he have ever inquired about such specific travel arrangements for his subjects? What virtue or ability did this Chen Guangrui possess?
However, upon hearing this question, Chen Guangrui felt a great weight lifted from his heart and breathed a long sigh of relief. He had succeeded! These past few days he had racked his brains, desperately searching for a way to break free from the invisible control of Laozi.

To directly surrender to Buddha would be like escaping one tiger's den only to fall into another. After much deliberation, the safest "triangle" arrangement is to establish some kind of connection with this supreme ruler of Heaven, forming a three-way balance of power.

Above the Heavenly Court, undercurrents surged, and many things could only be understood implicitly, not explained verbally. His feigned madness in the Lingxiao Palace today, openly refusing the Little Thunderclap Temple's order to attack, was precisely to attract the Great Heavenly Venerable's attention and convey a crucial message in an almost rogue manner:
He knew that the Little Thunderclap Temple was part of a scheme orchestrated by Laozi against Buddha, and he was unwilling to be a pawn in it. The Jade Emperor, as expected, understood this, and this question was his response.

Faced with the Great Celestial Venerable's inquiry, Chen Guangrui did not directly reveal his destination. Instead, he straightened his back and answered in a clear and loud voice.
"Your Excellency, as Marshal Tianpeng, it is my duty to patrol the four directions and cleanse the demonic forces. I will go to see the Southern Continent and the Western Continent. Wherever demons cause trouble in the mortal realm, that is where my duty lies. Wherever demons are causing trouble and heavenly soldiers are needed to subdue them, that is where I will go."

These words, while not explicitly stating a destination, conveyed an air of "anywhere under heaven is at your disposal." To the celestial beings of Heaven, this was utter arrogance! How dare a mere newly appointed Marshal Tianpeng utter such boastful words, claiming to shoulder the heavy responsibility of patrolling the four directions of demons? As if he were the only one in the entire Heavenly Court capable of vanquishing demons.

"presumptuous!"

"Insanity!"

"Chen Guangrui, do you even know the immensity of heaven and earth?"

Several celestial officials couldn't help but rebuke him, and low murmurs arose in the hall, all feeling that this person was far too arrogant and ignorant.

However, to the astonishment of all the immortals and gods, including the Antarctic Longevity Emperor who was about to rebuke Chen Guangrui, the Great Celestial Venerable, who sat high on his throne and was shrouded in auspicious light, actually clapped his hands.

"it is good!"

A clear and powerful "Good!" emanated from the auspicious light, booming like thunder in the silent Lingxiao Palace. The immortals were so astonished they almost forgot their etiquette, staring in disbelief at the Jade Emperor's throne. The Jade Emperor… actually applauded a subject's almost absurd excuse and arrogant declaration? What kind of magic did Chen Guangrui possess?
Immediately afterwards, the Jade Emperor's voice, tinged with a peculiar interest, rang out again, posing the most crucial question, which was also the answer to the doubts in the hearts of all the immortals and gods:

"Chen Guangrui, who do you want?"

The Jade Emperor's question, "Who do you want?" echoed exceptionally clearly in the quiet Lingxiao Palace, as if carrying some strange resonance.

Some military officers' eyes instantly turned red, their hearts churning with intense jealousy and regret. Had they known that the position of Marshal Tianpeng came with the privilege of appointing generals, they should have gritted their teeth and accepted this hot potato in the first place.

If one could freely choose any of the Heavenly Court's fierce generals, wouldn't subduing demons in the mortal realm be a piece of cake? Who wouldn't want to select a few powerful warriors to serve as their wings?

However, Chen Guangrui stood in the hall, facing this sudden favor, and did not immediately answer. He simply lowered his head slightly, seemingly deep in thought. His fingers unconsciously twisted the hem of his robe. He knew that the Great Celestial Venerable was not asking who he wanted, but rather who he would deal with first after descending to the mortal realm.

Since they have chosen to break free from Laozi's control and establish some kind of connection with the Jade Emperor, they must offer something in return.

This is the Jade Emperor asking him, "What benefits can you offer me?"

After a moment, Chen Guangrui raised his head and announced a name in a clear and steady voice. "Reporting to the Great Heavenly Venerable, this humble official requests the assistance of the Star Official of the Rabbit Day."

"The star official of the Rabbit day?"

"Who?"

"That big rooster?"

A suppressed uproar and whispers rose within the hall. The celestial officials exchanged bewildered glances, almost thinking they had misheard.

The Rabbit Day Star Official? The one who crows at dawn? Among the many gods and star lords in Heaven, the Rabbit Day Star Official's magical powers are hardly top-tier, and he's not particularly skilled in direct combat. Why choose this one over so many renowned and powerful gods?
Many celestial officials wore undisguised expressions of amusement.

Well, this is even more interesting. The Great Celestial Venerable clearly intended for Chen Guangrui to be Marshal Tianpeng, but instead, he found himself... well, such a special helper.

With this combination, if they encountered even slightly tougher demons in the mortal realm, wouldn't they make a huge fool of themselves? Some people even secretly glanced at Li Jing's ashen face, wondering if he was gloating.

The Jade Emperor, the Great Heavenly Venerable, who sat regally on his throne, enveloped in auspicious light, seemed to soften slightly upon hearing this name, even the hazy auspicious light seemed to soften a little.

"Approved." The Jade Emperor's voice carried a hint of barely perceptible approval, and then he added, "In that case, you may also command the Twenty-Eight Constellations to help you subdue the demons."

Upon hearing this, even the Antarctic Longevity Emperor glanced at him slightly. The appearance of all twenty-eight constellations was quite a spectacle.

Chen Guangrui quickly bowed and politely declined.

"I am deeply grateful for the Great Celestial Venerable's favor. However, as I have just assumed command, my duties are numerous, and my primary task is to familiarize myself with the military affairs of the Heavenly River and to secure the defense zone. The assistance of the Mao-ri Star Official is already like adding wings to a tiger, sufficient to deal with ordinary demonic forces. The Twenty-Eight Constellations guard the Heavenly Court's star domain, a weighty responsibility that cannot be easily taken lightly. I only need the Mao-ri Star Official; I dare not ask for more."

His words were perfectly tactful, showing both gratitude and consideration for the greater good, and demonstrating his unwillingness to excessively mobilize the Heavenly Army's forces for his own sake.

Upon hearing this, the Jade Emperor seemed even more pleased; auspicious light flickered around him, and his voice carried a hint of delight.

"Hmm, your consideration is thorough, very good. The position of Marshal Tianpeng is your duty. However, your previous descent to the mortal realm where you wiped out 200,000 demons from Lion Camel Ridge and slew three giant demons was a great achievement, and I have not yet rewarded you."

He paused briefly, then his majestic voice echoed throughout the hall: "I hereby bestow upon you two peaches of immortality, each nine thousand years old, to help you strengthen your foundation and cultivate your vitality. I also bestow upon you a suit of Heavenly River Guardian Armor and a Water-Splitting Halberd, hoping that you will wield these divine weapons and armor to make new contributions to the Heavenly Court."

A golden-armored warrior stepped forward carrying a jade tray, on which shimmered with radiant light and emitted a fragrant aroma.

Two nine-thousand-year-old peaches as large as bowls, a heavy suit of armor as dark as ink with hidden swirling stars, and a gleaming silver halberd with a tip that seems capable of parting water.

Chen Guangrui bowed and accepted it, his voice calm.

"Your subject Chen Guangrui kowtows to thank the Great Heavenly Venerable for his grace."

He knew perfectly well that the two peaches and the divine armor were the Jade Emperor's recognition and support for his "unwillingness to go to Xiaoleiyin Temple" but his willingness to "inspect the four directions".

This marks the initial establishment of contact with the supreme ruler of Heaven, signifying that he is no longer a pawn to be manipulated at will by Laozi.

However, this reward, like a stone thrown into a deep pool, instantly created ripples throughout the palace.

At the forefront of the celestial ranks, Li Jing, the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King, supported the remaining base of the pagoda, his fingertips turning white from the effort. He looked at the radiant peaches of immortality, then at the imposing armor that guarded the mountains and the halberd that divided the waters, and then at his own losses of soldiers and the destruction of his pagoda. A strong sense of resentment and jealousy almost burst from his chest.

He kept his head down, not daring to let any emotion in his eyes show, and felt his face burning.

In the Ministry of War's ranks, the Fire God's face changed from white to red, and then from red to green.

He had just been mocking Chen Guangrui for his low cultivation level and unworthiness of the position of commander, but now not only had the other party secured his position, he had also obtained such a precious treasure! A nine-thousand-year-old peach! That was a rare treat even for veteran star lords like them. This was clearly the Jade Emperor supporting Chen Guangrui and silencing his opponents. He felt a tightness in his chest and had to take a deep breath to suppress it.

Some neutral civil and imperial officials gasped in astonishment. Nine-thousand-year-old peaches of immortality! The Jade Emperor had bestowed two of these top-tier immortal fruits, which prolonged life and enhanced one's abilities, at once. And the Mountain-Suppressing Armor and the Wave-Stabilizing Halberd were clearly priceless treasures.

This reward was far greater than the normal bestowal for a newly promoted Marshal Tianpeng. Recalling Chen Guangrui's almost shameless refusals and the Jade Emperor's unusual praise, many celestial officials were filled with suspicion and uncertainty, their gazes towards Chen Guangrui filled with scrutiny and deep apprehension. What abilities did this young man possess to earn such favor from the Jade Emperor?

Chen Guangrui seemed oblivious to the various gazes directed at him throughout the hall. Holding the heavy peaches and the cold armored halberd in his hands, the sense of peace he had just felt was replaced by a deeper sense of solemnity.

With the Jade Emperor's support secured and communication established, this first step has been taken successfully. The next step is to find a way to truly escape this grand scheme and stop being a pawn to be manipulated.

This trip down to the mortal realm will surely be fraught with danger.

(End of this chapter)