Gods of the Nation: You worship the God of Longevity, I worship the King of Hell!

Chapter 78 Today, his name resounds throughout the Heavenly Court!
Heavenly Court, the Temple of the God of Wealth.

Today is a day of extraordinary joy!
Countless incense sticks flew into the hall like raindrops.

The once silent and simple ancient furnace is now illuminated with shimmering light.

The cauldron was surrounded by divine light, which transformed into auspicious five-colored clouds that shimmered and enveloped the entire temple!

The bleak atmosphere of the past has long been swept away.

It presents a glorious scene of renewal and flourishing incense offerings.

At this moment, dozens of auspicious clouds and mists drifted from the direction of the various celestial abodes.

It turned out to be a group of immortals riding the clouds and mist, arriving together.

"Lord Juncai, the incense offerings are so prosperous today, it is truly a cause for celebration!"

Above the clouds, the Thunder God and Lightning Goddess were the first to descend from their cloud-like feet, cupping their hands in greeting and laughing loudly, their voices booming like a bell.

"You two are too kind."

The God of Wealth was surrounded by divine light and dazzling colors, and his smile was almost impossible to hide.

He gestured for them to enter, saying, "A little wine has been prepared inside. Please come in and enjoy yourselves."

"In that case, I will not refuse."

The Thunder God and Lightning Goddess were then led into the palace by celestial attendants.

"Lord Juncai!"

Another call came, and a large group of immortals arrived on clouds and slowly descended in front of the hall.

"So it's Fellow Daoist Twenty-Eight Constellations who has arrived!"

The God of Wealth greeted him with a beaming smile.

The two sides bowed to each other.

Kui Mulang pointed to the incense-filled cauldron in the courtyard and said, "Lord Juncai, you've really changed a lot in just three days. Look at the incense in your hall, it must be worth hundreds of thousands or even millions. We are truly envious."

Jun Caishen smiled and said, "Fellow Daoist Kui, you flatter me. Although the incense offerings are more prosperous now, they are still far behind those of you fellow Daoists."

Kui Mulang waved his hands repeatedly: "Lord Juncai is too modest. Who in the Heavenly Court doesn't know that eight or nine out of ten incense offerings go to those few high-ranking immortals? What we can get is nothing but scraps. In my opinion, at least half of our twenty-eight brothers combined are not as prosperous as you are today!"

"Exactly, exactly!"

Behind them, the constellations such as Jiao Mu Jiao, Kang Jin Long, and Di Tu Hao echoed their sentiments.

"By the way, Lord Juncai." The Pleiades Star Lord stepped forward, cupped his hands, and asked, "I heard that you recently swore brotherhood in the mortal realm. I wonder if the flourishing incense offerings today are related to this brother?"

Jun Caishen nodded frankly: "That's right. My virtuous brother is indeed quite capable. Today's situation is entirely due to his great help."

"Oh? Such a capable person exists in the mortal realm. He must be someone who builds temples and ceremonies. May I ask, Lord Juncai, is your virtuous brother from any noble family or of royal lineage?"

The Pleiades star official asked again.

Jun Caishen shook his head and laughed, "No, no. My virtuous brother comes from an ordinary background. He is neither a young master from a noble family nor has he established a mansion or temple. However, he is quick-witted and intelligent, and has a strategy that can rival ten thousand men!"

Upon hearing this, the Twenty-Eight Constellations were in an uproar, all showing expressions of disbelief: "There are actually such people in the mortal world!"

"In that case, it seems Lord Juncai has gotten a good opportunity."

"How come we never met such a good brother?"

They admired the Twenty-Eight Mansions.

Jun Caishen couldn't help but feel smug. Suddenly, he thought of something and clasped his hands in a fist and said, "By the way, everyone, my brother here is quite mischievous. If he ever needs to trouble you in the future, I hope you won't hesitate to give him some pointers."

These twenty-eight constellations are core members of the Heavenly Court's "Fighting Department." Although their positions are not top-tier, each of them possesses extraordinary abilities.

The God of Wealth intends to make friends with Lu Chen so that if Lu Chen needs help in the future, He can ask for his assistance.

"Lord Jun Cai, you are too kind! If you need anything, please just say the word! We brothers will never refuse."

"Thank you, fellow Daoists! Please come inside for a chat. We've prepared some wine and drinks; let's have a good time!"

Just as the immortals were about to step into the hall, they suddenly heard another divine voice coming from beyond the heavens:

"Brother Juncai!!"

The gods turned to look and saw three hundred-foot-long azure dragons pulling a golden chariot through the clouds in the distance. Golden rain fell all around the chariot, and in the blink of an eye, they arrived in front of the palace.

The gods' expressions tightened, and they quickly straightened their clothes, stepped forward, and bowed in respect: "So it is the Star Lord's descent!"

On the dragon carriage, the guardian attendant lifted the curtain, and the Water Deity smiled, instantly appearing before the gods.

Jun Caishen hurried to greet him: "Brother Shui De, what fragrant breeze has brought you here today?"

Water Deity laughed loudly: "Brother Juncai, I can detect a hint of reproach in your words."

Jun Caishen waved his hands repeatedly: "How dare I, how dare I!"

The Water Deity turned his gaze to the Twenty-Eight Constellations behind him: "You all go into the hall and drink first. I have a few words to say to Lord Juncai."

Upon hearing this, the Twenty-Eight Constellations respectfully bowed and entered the hall in turn.

In the blink of an eye, only two deities remained in the courtyard.

Water Deity took the hand of God of Wealth and walked to the side: "God of Wealth, please don't blame me for what happened last time."

"Brother Shui De, you are overthinking it. Although there were some twists and turns in the matter of Longhu County, the outcome was ultimately satisfactory. How could I possibly harbor any resentment?"

"That's good, that's good." Water Deity stroked his beard and smiled, then his smile suddenly darkened:

"Brother Juncai, rest assured. As for the Four Dragon Kings, I have ordered them to stay in their palaces and reflect on their mistakes, and they are not allowed to go out for a year."

The duty of rainmaking has been temporarily handed over to other rain masters.

Although the four old dragons acted arrogantly, they ultimately did not cross the line.

"It's not convenient for me to impose a heavy punishment. But rest assured, this matter is settled, and I have already given them a stern warning: if they dare to misbehave again, they will be severely punished!"

The God of Wealth gave the Water Deity a meaningful look.

Since the other party had already put it this way, he naturally couldn't say anything more, and immediately clasped his hands and said, "Then I thank you very much, brother."

Water Deity Star Lord nodded, looking at the countless incense sticks in the sky, and said with emotion, "Brother Juncai, your mortal brother is indeed quite capable. Putting aside the magical procession that day, he was able to gather such a massive amount of incense sticks for you in such a short time. He is truly a rare talent. If there is an opportunity in the future, you might as well introduce him to me."

"Very well! I am honored by your favor, elder brother, and it is also a stroke of good fortune for my mischievous younger brother. I will find an opportunity in the future!"

"Alright, it's settled then. Let's go to your palace and have a few drinks!"

Just as the two deities were about to take a step, a stick of incense with an exceptionally bright light flew into the hall.

Jun Caishen's gaze sharpened, and he stopped, cupping his hands in greeting: "Brother, please take your seat first. My virtuous brother has suddenly summoned me, so please allow me to go and return shortly."

"It's alright, I'll be waiting for you in the palace."

The God of Wealth nodded slightly, and his figure vanished from the hall in an instant.

……

Inside a villa at Yunding Mountain Villa.

Lu Chen inserted the incense sticks into the incense burner and began to wait quietly...

After a while.

The statue of the God of Wealth shimmered with golden light.

"My dear brother."

"Brother!"

Lu Chen responded, but noticed that Jun Caishen's words today carried an unusual joy: "Judging from your voice, brother, is there some good news?"

"You little rascal, how could you not know?"

"Could it be..." Lu Chen immediately guessed, "that it's an offering from the people of Longhu County?"

"Indeed, I was wondering why so many incense offerings had suddenly appeared. I couldn't find you, so I asked Huai Lie, who told me that you had Longhu County build a temple for me, sculpt gold, and offer incense. I just didn't expect the incense offerings to arrive so quickly; it was truly unexpected!"

Lu Chen cupped his hands and smiled, "Then I congratulate you, elder brother!"

Jun Caishen sighed softly, "It's all thanks to you, my brother. To be honest, I'm truly ashamed. I should have intimidated the Four Seas Dragon Kings so they wouldn't dare to act rashly, but in the end, things went wrong. Fortunately, they were sensible enough not to show themselves. It's just a pity that you suffered some injuries, my brother. Are you alright now?"

"Since you have already asked the old Dragon King Huai Lie, you should know that He gave me the dragon seed of the Four Rivers. I am now incredibly strong!"

Jun Caishen laughed loudly: "I dare not conceal this matter from Huai Lie. These four dragon seeds of the Four Rivers have extraordinary potential and can indeed be nurtured. Guiding them to cultivate the [Sea Dragon King Throne] in the future will surely be a great help to you, my worthy brother. By the way, just now, when Shui De Xingjun was drinking in my palace, he mentioned the punishment of the Four Sea Dragon Kings. His exact words were that they should be confined to their palaces for a year to reflect on their mistakes, and that he would not seek trouble with you again in the future."

However, in my opinion, the Four Seas Dragon Kings are arrogant and vindictive. You should be careful and stay away from the water as much as possible.

A year later, if the four dragons emerge from seclusion, I, as their brother, will send servants to watch them day and night. If they dare to harbor any evil intentions, I, as their brother, will certainly not spare them!

As Jun Caishen spoke, the chill in his words sent a shiver down Lu Chen's spine.

"Brother, your divine power seems to have increased considerably?!"

The God of Wealth laughed and said, "You are indeed stronger. With your previous merits and the incense offerings now, I feel your divine power has recovered very quickly."

Lu Chen clapped his hands: "That's wonderful! Brother's divine power has been restored, this is a great joy! My business of making underworld money is becoming more and more promising!"

Jun Caishen also laughed and said, "Don't worry, my good brother. With me here, you can do whatever you want! I will definitely ensure your wealth flows in! However... you should also recruit talents in time. As a merchant, you can't go it alone. Even if you have great fortune, without the help of others, I'm afraid you will not be able to handle it."

Lu Chen nodded emphatically: "I understand, of course. Once this busy period is over, I will definitely find some talent to expand our business!"

Jun Caishen hummed in agreement: "By the way, is there anything else you need me for today?"

Lu Chen's expression immediately turned serious: "Brother, there is indeed something I would like to ask for your assistance with once again!"

"Why be so polite with your brother? Just tell me everything."

Lu Chen then recounted in detail the incident in which Madam Zheng encountered Tianfa's murderous intent.

When the phrase "Heaven has laid a trap" is mentioned.

Lu Chen suddenly felt an extreme chill creep over him.

This startled him!
I felt as if the connection between myself and the God of Wealth had been suddenly frozen, as if it had been instantly severed in two.

This feeling is something I've never experienced before, even after making offerings so many times!
Extremely abnormal!

"not good!"

Lu Chen felt a chill run down his spine, a vague sense of foreboding creeping in.

Sure enough, after a short while, that familiar sense of connection returned.

Lu Chen asked tentatively, "Brother, what's wrong?"

It wasn't until much later that Jun Caishen's voice came again.

However, the joy in his tone was gone, replaced by an unprecedented solemnity.

“Brother, you just said that these two are both great philanthropists who have brought blessings to the region?”

"That's right! At least that's what I've heard. Brother, is there any way to break this?"

"No!!"

To Lu Chen's utter surprise, Jun Caishen's answer this time was resolute.

"There is no way to break this! It is the will of Heaven; it cannot be done without you, for Heaven will not allow it!"

The God of Wealth was more solemn than ever before: "Brother, listen to me, you must not concern yourself with this matter anymore!"

　Two chapters, totaling 7,000 words, need data!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)