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Chapter 79 Imperial Conferment
"Fellow Daoist's words..." Taibai Jinxing's usual amiable smile faded slightly. Although he still held his whisk, his tone carried an undeniable sharpness. He turned to the Green Ox and pointed out the key point.

"Even if he is the furnace-tending Taoist under Laozi, he is still a proper deity in the Heavenly Court, and only with the decree of the Jade Emperor can he be considered valid. You just say it like that, where is the document? Where is the official seal? Without the decree, Chen Guangrui is still just an ordinary mortal."

He paused, his voice still steady, but with increased emphasis.

“Since he is a mortal and carries a heavy karmic burden from Buddhism, I, an old Daoist, have come to deal with him on the orders of the Great Heavenly Venerable. Even if he is under the eaves of Laozi Temple, he should be handed over to me to take away. Fellow Daoist Qingniu, have you considered whether your forceful detention is in accordance with the rules?”

These words, though seemingly gentle, were firm and directly addressed the rules and regulations.

“That is indeed the case!” Manjushri Bodhisattva immediately replied, his countenance solemn and his tone carrying the unique certainty and authority of Buddhism.

"Divine positions and titles are not ordinary; they all require the Jade Emperor's decree to be considered legitimate. It is common knowledge that the Tushita Palace is quiet and inactive, but the laws of the Heavenly Court are also followed by all three realms. Fellow Daoist Qingniu's eagerness to protect his master is understandable, but he must not overstep the law and disrupt the Heavenly Rules because of it."

His tone was calm, yet every word was as firm as a rock, clearly indicating that Buddhism held the moral high ground.

The blue-maned lion, which had just been struck by the Vajra Bracelet and had a large bump on its head, dared not roar anymore, but couldn't help but let out a low groan. A smug smile appeared on its face. Although it had suffered a great loss, it felt very relieved to see the blue ox being humiliated by the rules and reason.

The green ox's face darkened further, his large, copper-bell-shaped eyes glaring at Venus and Manjushri. He knew in his heart that what the two old men said made sense.

The divine positions in the Heavenly Court were indeed not given to whomever Laozi decided; they were subject to the decree of the Jade Emperor.

Laozi was a man of tranquility and never concerned himself with such mundane affairs. The green ox, of course, did not possess the imperial decree to bestow titles upon Chen Guangrui.

But to admit defeat and release them? Absolutely not!
The blue ox, its thick neck stiff and its blue face flushed red, roared angrily.

“If my master says so, then so be it! So what if there’s no decree? If you want people, you’ll have to step over my old ox.”

He clenched his fists again, adopting a stance ready to fight back desperately. If reasoning fails, then he can only resort to force.

A hint of helplessness flashed across Venus's face as he lightly waved his whisk.
“Alas, fellow Daoist, you are mistaken. We are both cultivators. Fighting and killing may damage our harmony, but disturbing the mortal world is a big deal. Besides, Chen Guangrui is involved in a major Buddhist plan. Why not take him back to the Heavenly Court to meet the Great Heavenly Venerable? Right and wrong will be judged fairly. This way, we can uphold the rules and not damage the reputation of either of our families.”

He proposed a seemingly fair compromise. However, Qingniu knew how complicated things were. Once they went to the Heavenly Court, the Jade Emperor would balance the power of Buddhism and Taoism, and with pressure from Buddhism, it would be extremely difficult for Chen Guangrui to escape.

The green ox wasn't stupid; it instantly understood Venus's intention and shook its head vigorously.
"Don't give me that. No, the person must stay here and wait for Laozi's arrangements."

He resolutely refused to relinquish Chen Guangrui, a key figure in the case.

Seeing that the situation was deadlocked, a hint of imperceptible annoyance flashed across Manjushri Bodhisattva's eyes.

This ox is unyielding; if this situation drags on, something unexpected might happen.

He stepped forward, his voice calm yet carrying an immense pressure.

“Fellow Daoist Qingniu, we are acting on the orders of the Great Heavenly Venerable. By forcibly keeping Chen Guangrui here, you are openly defying the imperial decree. If the Jade Emperor's decree is obstructed in your temple, can your Tushita Palace bear the consequences? Or do you really dare to represent Laozi and take the blame for this ‘defying the imperial decree’?”

This was the most pointed question, directly raising the focus of the conflict to the level of whether or not to "disobey the imperial decree," forcing Qingniu to comply.

The green ox was speechless at the phrase "disobeying the imperial decree".

His eyes widened, he panted heavily, his face turning from red to green, then back to red. He was fearless, but the weight of the label "representing Laozi in defying the imperial decree" was immense. Even if Laozi didn't care, he absolutely dared not take the blame for him! For a moment, his imposing manner faltered, he stammered, and stood frozen in place. It was at this critical moment...

"The decree is here!"

A clear and steady shout came from the sky, and a figure, accompanied by golden light, stood firmly in front of Qingniu and Chen Guangrui. The newcomer wore a gleaming golden helmet, golden armor that seemed to freeze in the cold, a lion-mane belt tightly around his waist, and precious boots that stomped on the ground with an imposing air. He was truly a man of extraordinary heroism.

Chen Guangrui recognized this person; it was Kui Mulang, whom he had met a few days ago.

Kui Mulang stood still, ignoring the astonished gazes around him, raised the scroll in his hand, which shimmered with precious light, and proclaimed loudly:

"By imperial decree of the Jade Emperor: It has been discovered that Chen Guangrui in the mortal realm possesses extraordinary talents and a pure and virtuous heart. Given this opportune moment, he is hereby promoted to 'Taoist Master of Furnace Making and Fire Stirring' under the command of Laozi in the Tushita Palace of the Thirty-Three Heavens. He shall assume his post immediately. This is the imperial decree!"

His decree immediately stirred up a huge wave of controversy.

"Hahahaha!" The pent-up frustration of the Green Ox exploded instantly, unleashing a deafening laugh.
"Did you hear that? Did you hear that? It's the Jade Emperor's decree! This kid is now one of my Tushita Palace's people!"

He proudly raised his enormous chin at Venus and Manjushri.

For the first time, Venus's ever-present kind smile froze.

He was first taken aback, then a deep look of confusion appeared in his eyes, and he murmured,
"When...when was this decree issued? How could I not know of it?"

He was always meticulous in his calculations, but he hadn't anticipated this move. Laozi actually went to the Jade Emperor himself to request permission, and he did so so quickly, just in time for this crucial moment.

Manjushri Bodhisattva's face also changed slightly, and his brows furrowed.

The appearance of Kui Mulang and this imperial decree completely disrupted his plans.

When the Earth God heard the words "Great Heavenly Venerable's decree," his legs went weak. Taking advantage of the fact that no one was paying attention, he quietly shrank underground and disappeared.

Manjushri Bodhisattva took a deep breath and forcefully suppressed the surging anger in his heart.

With things as they were, and the Jade Emperor having personally bestowed the title, the divine positions were already set in stone, and he could no longer forcibly bring anyone along. But if the reincarnation of Jin Chanzi failed, how could he explain himself to Buddha?
His gaze sharpened, and he abruptly turned to Kui Mulang, demanding an explanation.
"What a cunning and meddlesome Taoist! Lord Kui, you Heavenly Court's decree is swift and decisive, but Chen Guangrui contains the spirit of Jin Chanzi, the second disciple of Buddha Tathagata. Your taking him to the Tushita Palace is a grave offense, disrupting the grand plan of Buddhism. Even if you appeal to the Great Heavenly Venerable, you will still be in the wrong."

Manjushri Bodhisattva no longer possessed the composure he once had.

"I came here on the orders of the Buddha, and now I am leaving empty-handed. Where does this leave the Buddha? If you do not give me an explanation, I will give up this golden Bodhisattva statue today to get an explanation!"

His words were earnest, and a faint Buddhist aura emanated from him; he was truly going all out.

Despite facing Manjushri Bodhisattva's overwhelming rage and accusations, Kui Mulang remained remarkably calm, as if he had anticipated it.

He looked at Manjushri Bodhisattva and slowly said, "Bodhisattva, please calm down. The Tushita Palace has already made plans for this matter, and Laozi has also made arrangements. How could we let the Bodhisattva be in a difficult position?"

His tone was firm, carrying a unique elegance and composure.

(End of this chapter)