Journey to the West: Starting by becoming an apprentice of Emperor Donghua

In the past, Ji Sheng would have hesitated and considered these words. But things are different now.

Who is he? A disciple of the Eastern Emperor! The value of this identity has already been verified by Mu Cha.

You can't force me to submit, not even the Great Emperor of the Eastern Peak!

Becoming a mountain god is equivalent to being under the jurisdiction of the Great Emperor of the Eastern Peak.

To put it bluntly, this could even be considered as Ji Sheng betraying his master.

Let alone not wanting to, even if he did want to, he wouldn't have the guts.

Although it's unclear whether the other party is using the Eastern Peak Emperor to intimidate people, or whether this is truly the Eastern Peak Emperor's intention.

But no matter what, Ji Sheng could and had to refuse.

"I am already accustomed to a life of leisure and freedom, so please forgive me for not being able to comply."

Upon hearing this, everyone gasped in shock.

You still dare to argue when the Great Emperor of the Eastern Peak has been brought up? Are you tired of living?

However, some were secretly pleased. Especially the mountain god of Luanshi Ridge. Since Ji Sheng didn't want to be the mountain god of Chihuo Ridge, wasn't it his turn?

Originally, both in terms of seniority and ability, Yang Jun should have been the one to inherit it after his death.

This remark immediately created an awkward silence. Ji Sheng saw Sikong Xing's increasingly long face and knew he couldn't make the situation too tense.

If you really embarrass the other person, it will be bad for both of you.

After thinking about it, he understood the crux of the matter. Why he had to be made the mountain god.

The main reason is actually just one thing: Ji Sheng has now become the strongest person within a radius of hundreds of miles.

It could even be said that there is no other like it.

In terms of cultivation level, he wasn't particularly strong. But unfortunately, the Azure Dragon Sword Technique was simply too outrageous.

Therefore, if Ji Sheng were not to become the mountain god of Crimson Fire Ridge, a powerful force would naturally emerge around him.

This force exists independently of the land god system and may even cause conflict between monsters and land gods.

This is something that Taishan Prefecture absolutely does not want to see.

However, this is not without a solution.

Ji Sheng hesitated for a moment, then cupped his hands and said:

"Special Envoy, I apologize for my earlier rudeness. I have an idea in mind, and I wonder if you would be willing to hear it?"

Seeing this, Sikong Xing's expression softened somewhat, and he said:

"No matter what you say."

Ji Shengdao:

"Although I am unwilling to become the mountain god of Crimson Fire Ridge, I am willing to recommend someone."

Before Sikong Xing could say anything, the Mountain God of Luanshi Ridge laughed:

"Recommend? If you don't want to be one, fine, but to recommend someone? Who do you think you are? What do you take the orders of Taishan Prefecture and the local land chief for?"

The mountain god of Luanshi Ridge is truly desperate. If a new mountain god were to be chosen, it would most likely be him.

But if Ji Sheng were to recommend someone, then it wouldn't be his problem anymore.

Sikong Xing replied:

Who would you like to recommend?

Ji Shengdao:

"The Mountain God of Pig's Ear Mountain!"

The mountain god of Pig Ear Mountain was stunned. No matter what, he never thought that the mountain god of Crimson Fire Ridge would have any connection with him.

Sikong Xing said:

Why?

Ji Shengdao:

"The mountain god of Pig Ear Mountain is my dearest friend; we are like brothers. It makes no difference whether he or I take on the position of the mountain god of Crimson Fire Ridge."

Sikong Xing frowned, pondered for a moment, and looked at the mountain god of Pig Ear Mountain:

What do you mean?

The mountain god of Pig Ear Mountain was still in a daze and somewhat at a loss:

"Uh... me, the mountain god of Crimson Fire Ridge?"

The mountain god of Luanshiling protested:

"Special Envoy Sikong, this matter is no child's play. The position of Mountain God of Crimson Fire Ridge is of paramount importance; how can we allow an outsider to decide it?"

Ji Shengdao:

"Since ancient times, recommending the virtuous and capable has been a virtue of good people."

Moreover, the mountain god of Pig Ear Mountain is kind, benevolent, and highly respected, enjoying a good reputation within the surrounding area.

My action is not to transfer the position of the Crimson Fire Ridge Mountain God to him, but rather, he was rightfully meant to be the Crimson Fire Ridge Mountain God!

After such a barrage of praise, even the mountain god of Pig Ear Mountain was somewhat bewildered.

He is kind, virtuous, and highly respected, and has a good reputation. Is this really him?

The mountain god of Luanshi Ridge wanted to say something more, but Sikong Xing waved his hand to stop him.

Sikong Xing pondered for a moment, then finally nodded:

"I think this is feasible. I wonder what the other local deities think?"

After saying this, he glanced at the gods.

The mountain god of Luanshi Ridge originally wanted to incite some of his companions to protest, but at Sikong Xing's glance, they all shut their mouths.

Sikong Xing, of course, understood the situation. Since Ji Sheng was unwilling to be the mountain god, then introducing the pig-eared mountain god was a viable alternative.

Ji Sheng's guess was correct. The reason why Sikong Xing wanted to suppress Ji Sheng was because he was worried that Ji Sheng would start his own faction.

Since Ji Sheng has now put forward the position of the Pig Ear Mountain God, Ji Sheng can't very well refuse to give the Pig Ear Mountain God any face.

This way, the surrounding area can remain stable.

"Since no one objects, I will report this matter to the local chieftain and the Taishan Prefecture."

Oppose? The gods looked at each other, who dared to object?

The mountain god of Pig Ear Mountain was speechless; happiness had come too suddenly.

Ji Sheng was even more satisfied. He wouldn't have to serve as the mountain god, and if he cultivated fire-type techniques in the future, he could still take advantage of the underground fire veins in Crimson Fire Ridge.

It really kills two birds with one stone.

"Alright, let's leave it at that. There's one more thing, which is the reward for Ji Sheng. Ji Sheng killed the Fire Toad, avenged the Sheep King, and maintained peace in the region, so he deserves a reward."

He took out a talisman from his pocket.

"This is the Imperial Edict for Ghosts from Mount Tai. With this talisman, you can command all ghosts and even summon spirits from the underworld to command them. Keep it!"

As he spoke, the talisman flew into Ji Sheng's hand.

The talisman vanished the moment it touched Ji Sheng. The next instant, it reappeared in Ji Sheng's Niwan Palace.

This……

Goodness, it's like a talisman of merit, once you get it on, you can't get rid of it, right?

"The matter here is settled. I will depart for now. If the Taishan Prefecture and the Land Chief agree to Ji Sheng's proposal, I will return in a few days. Farewell!"

After saying this, dark clouds rose again beneath Sikong Xing's feet, carrying him away in a rolling mass.

"Congratulations, Pig Ear Mountain God! In a few days, we'll probably have to call you Crimson Fire Ridge Mountain God!"

As soon as Sikong Xing left, several local deities immediately came forward to congratulate the mountain god of Pig Ear Mountain.

Zhu Shanshen was still immersed in this sudden joy, so happy that snot bubbles were about to come out of his nose.

The mountain god of Luanshi Ridge stood alone to one side, watching this scene, his thoughts unknown.

A moment later, however, he stepped forward and began to congratulate the other party.

These people hadn't forgotten to congratulate Ji Sheng. After all, everyone knew that without Ji Sheng, even if Zhu Shanshen waited another five hundred years, he wouldn't be able to sit in this position.

Ji Sheng returned the greetings one by one, showing great humility.

After Zhu Shanshen saw off the other local gods, Ji Sheng was about to take his leave as well. But Zhu Shanshen grabbed his hand.

"Brother Ji, what's the rush? You're the one who bestowed this position of mountain god upon me today; I must thank you!"

Without giving Ji Sheng a chance to refuse, the mountain god pulled Ji Sheng up into the air.

The two flew all the way to the top of Crimson Fire Ridge, which is the crater, before landing.

Standing on the edge of the crater, Ji Sheng felt a wave of heat hitting him, as if his face was being roasted.

Looking down, streams of magma flowed beneath the crater, a vibrant red expanse.