Journey to the West: Starting with the True Lord of the Pure Land

All gods held their breath, for the might of Heaven still lingered. The severity of the punishment had not yet dissipated.

On the throne, amidst boundless auspicious light.

The Jade Emperor's calm gaze finally fell once more upon the tall, black-robed figure standing before the Thunder Department.

While the gods were still in a daze, Venus had already fully unfolded the heavenly decree in his hand.

The celestial purple aura that swirled above it suddenly intensified, with auspicious light flowing and a mysterious sound resonating within its Daoist rhyme, a stark contrast to its previous somber and awe-inspiring appearance.

Venus proclaimed in a loud voice: "The case of the Weak Water caused chaos in the Three Realms. Fortunately, loyal and virtuous people fought bravely, and capable people worked together to finally quell the calamity and uphold the moral order."

"The Divine Lord of Heavenly Purification, Chen Jiao—"

At the eye of the storm, a pillar in the middle of the storm, now is the time to judge its merits and demerits.

Chen Jiao straightened his clothes and composed himself, his eyes calm. He steadily stepped out from the ranks, walked to the foot of the imperial steps, and bowed to await the imperial decree.

Venus's voice was solemn and majestic, with celestial music and imperial pronouncements in harmony.

"You have received the profound teachings of the Daoist Ancestor and the trust and respect of me. You are loyal, diligent, and cautious, and are determined to serve the public."

The case of Ruoshui demonstrates the ability to discern the true nature of the matter amidst complexity and confusion, and to ascertain the facts.

He accepted the mission in a time of crisis, braving danger and personally facing the perilous situation.

Finally, the mastermind was captured in the East China Sea, the demonic star was destroyed in the heavens, the tide was turned, a great disaster was prevented from taking root, and living beings were protected from imminent danger.

His achievements were truly remarkable, and Heaven and Earth bear witness to them!

The Jade Emperor's decree affirmed his achievements, praising them as contributions to the nation and the well-being of all people, and he was lavish in his praise.

All the gods in the hall know this; it is a settled matter.

"Regarding the conflict in the Thunder Department, the God General disregarded the law, trespassed into confidential areas, and seriously injured his colleague. The God of War, unaware of right and wrong, interfered with law enforcement and even uttered blasphemous words."

To uphold the strictness of the law, safeguard the majesty of the Heavenly Court, and protect the dignity of your superiors, you had no choice but to take this action on the spot.

Although ruthless methods were employed, they stemmed from a public-spirited desire to protect the righteous path and uphold the law, and from a fundamental commitment to eradicating evil and falsehood.

Venus paused slightly, then raised his voice and proclaimed the most crucial part:

"Therefore, we are deeply grateful for your extraordinary achievements, commend your loyalty and integrity, and consider your talent and virtue. We hereby bestow this special reward to acknowledge your meritorious service and to demonstrate our authority."

"He bestows ten jars of the Nine Heavens Pure Jade Liquid, one hundred bushels each of the Sun's Golden Essence and the Moon's Profound Soul, and the Heavenly Court produces ten million strings of Profound Vault Coins to support cultivation and alchemy."

"Bestow upon you a Xuan Tian Bi Jie Yun brocade cloak, to display your majesty and protect your Dharma body."

"Bestow upon you one ancient mythical beast, the Xie Zhi."

This beast can distinguish right from wrong, loyalty from treachery; its eyes are like clear mirrors; it can fight against evil and injustice; it can ride clouds and control thunder; it can illuminate the dark and illuminating the gloom; its nature is upright and its majesty arises naturally.

The Xie Zhi is a mythical beast symbolizing judicial justice. Using it as a mount is a perfect match for Chen Jiao's role as the True Lord of the Law, and it adds to the majesty of his journey.

Venus paused slightly, his voice growing increasingly solemn:

"Further conferring upon him the title of High Minister of the Jade Palace in the Nine Heavens!"

Upon hearing this title, a faint gasp could be heard in the Lingxiao Palace.

The Nine Heavens Golden Palace is the residence of the Jade Emperor; the Jade Palace symbolizes the supreme status of the Heavenly Emperor; and the title of Shangqing is an incomparably noble and prestigious title for a close minister.

This honorary position has no specific duties, but it represents the status of a close and trusted minister who is always available to see the Great Heavenly Venerable and consult with him, thus showing favor and intimacy, and a superior status.

"The position of Grand General of Divine Thunder is responsible for managing all matters concerning the three realms of Heaven, Earth, and Water, the state, mountains and rivers, and the five directions and five thunders, and has the power to supervise, dispatch, and regulate."

In case of emergency, you may act first and report later!

Governor Thunder God!

Moreover, their authority and responsibilities cover the five thunders of the Heaven, Earth, Water, and Gods Shrines. This is not only about managing the executions of one part of the Thunder Department, but also involves the power to regulate Yin and Yang and supervise the three realms.

The right to act first and report later is an immense sign of trust and reliance.

This is no longer a simple reward, but an entrustment of real power and a heavy responsibility.

"However, although there were prior causes for the conflict in Lei's department, their actions were also excessively forceful, which damaged the harmony among colleagues and slightly compromised the integrity of the law."

He was punished with a one-hundred-year salary deduction as a warning to others.

Furthermore, although the Great Calamity of the Weak Water has subsided, its aftershocks have not yet subsided. There is a fear that demons in the lower realm may take advantage of the calamity's energy to arise and disturb living beings.

By special decree, you are to travel across the four continents on behalf of Heaven. Firstly, to eliminate the remaining rebels and quell their resentment; secondly, to understand the plight of the people and proclaim Heaven's grace.

To pacify the four directions and atone for past transgressions.

"You shall take heed! I hope you will think carefully and act prudently, maintain integrity in your conduct, govern your subordinates with strictness, understand the will of Heaven above, have compassion for all living beings below, and live up to my expectations."

After the decree was proclaimed, a clear light shone around.

Venus smiled and nodded slightly to Chen Jiao.

Inside the Lingxiao Palace, there was a moment of silence, followed by a silent spread of complex emotions.

Envy, awe, relief... the list goes on.

Emperor Gouchen remained calm and composed, showing neither joy nor anger at the punishment of his subordinates or the rise of Chen Jiao.

Only a hint of coldness flashed in the depths of his eyes.

Haotian's generous reward and severe punishment clearly serve as a warning, and he, as one of the Four Emperors, is being subtly restrained in this silent power struggle.

However, Emperor Gouchen's expression remained unchanged, as if everything was as expected, or perhaps nothing was worth worrying about.

The Sun Emperor hid behind the crimson golden divine light, his heart burning with intense heat.

Confinement, decentralization, and fines... the emperor's authority has been completely shattered.

The Jade Emperor is clearly using this as an excuse to carry out his suppression!

What's even more hateful is that Chen Jiao, who not only escaped unscathed, but also gained immense power and received great rewards and honors!

The titles "General Governor of Divine Thunder" and "Minister of the Jade Palace" were like needles, piercing the eyes and stabbing the heart.

However, the power of the Grand Master Xuandu's glance still lingered in his mind, and he had no choice but to suppress the humiliation and murderous intent surging within him.

Supporters such as the Four Saints of the North Pole and the Star Lords showed a softened expression, with a hint of delight.

The neutral party was secretly awestruck, and their evaluation of this Jingfa Zhenjun, who was favored by the emperor and had a deep foundation, rose even higher.

This is not a punishment, but clearly a sign of divine favor and grace!

Those immortals and gods who had previously spoken out in doubt and attack now bowed their heads low, their last shred of hope gone, and a chill ran through them.

The Great Celestial Venerable's reward and punishment this time can be described as extreme.

Punishment is swift and merciless, like thunder; rewards are generous and lavish.

The bestowal of titles upon Jingfa Zhenjun, especially the additional titles of "Jade Minister of the Nine Heavens Golden Palace" and "General Governor of Divine Thunder".

By combining the real and the illusory, they elevated his status and power to new heights!

This was undoubtedly a clear declaration to all the gods and immortals: This child is my right-hand man, my weapon, and someone I absolutely trust!

Its position is already secure, and its authority cannot be easily shaken.

The overwhelming storm of the Ruoshui case and the conflict with Leibu failed to shake him in the slightest.

Instead, it became a stepping stone for him to go further, forging his reputation as the True Lord of the Pure Law and the High Minister of the Imperial Palace!

As for the penalty of a hundred years' salary, it is utterly insignificant compared to his immense merit and generous rewards.

It's more like a formality, giving those two emperors a way out...

"To patrol on behalf of Heaven, traversing the four continents" is ostensibly a punishment for those who have committed crimes, but in reality, it grants them greater power to patrol and apprehend demons, and further demonstrates the might of the law to the Three Realms.

This punishment, rather than being a reprimand, was more of a form of trust and tempering, allowing his prestige and authority to radiate from the central Heavenly Court to all directions.

Chen Jiao bowed respectfully, his voice steady and clear:

"Your subject receives the imperial decree and expresses gratitude. I will certainly do my utmost to uphold the law and protect the Way, in order to repay the Great Heavenly Venerable's grace."

Its sound was clear and melodious, echoing throughout the hall.

The face of the Jade Emperor, shrouded in boundless auspicious light, twitched slightly.

Immediately, a calm and majestic voice resounded throughout the heavens:

"Very well. I hope you will live up to this duty and my expectations."

The case of the raging torrent of weak water, the fierce struggle within the Thunder Department, all under the unpredictable and enigmatic decree of the Heavenly Emperor.

Some were punished, some were rewarded, some gained more power, and some lost face.

The structure of the Heavenly Court has quietly changed after this battle.

The Radiant Heavenly Pacifying Law True Lord, who was bestowed the titles of "Jade Emperor's High Minister" and "Divine Thunder Grand Marshal," was about to tour the four continents.

Undoubtedly, it has become one of the most undeniable and enigmatic figures in this new landscape.

Chen Jiao straightened up after finishing his greetings.

Wearing a black robe and jade belt, he exuded a refined and aloof aura, standing tall and imposing.

A bright white thunder seal, symbolizing the status of the True Lord of the Radiant Heaven and Pacifying Law, quietly circulates between the eyebrows.

The aura of his newly acquired divine positions, the Jade Emperor of the Nine Heavens Golden Palace and the Governor of Divine Thunder, blends with his own, making him appear even more majestic and imposing.

All the gods and immortals, whether they were supporters, skeptics, or neutral observers.

At this moment, everything in my mind is as clear as a mirror.

After this reign, the Radiant Heavenly Pacifying Law True Lord was no longer merely a newly powerful figure who had suddenly gained authority.

He is the sharpest sword in the hands of the Jade Emperor, a direct disciple of the Supreme Dao Ancestor, and a figure recognized, either openly or secretly, by the Four Saints of the North Pole, the Three Officials, and even the Bodhisattvas of Buddhism.

The Supreme Lord of Heavenly Purification, the Marshal of Illuminating Demon Slayers, the Envoy of Subduing Demons in the Nine Heavens, the Grand Minister of the Golden Palace of the Nine Heavens, the Governor-General of Divine Thunder...

The five honorary titles bestowed upon him were like a golden seal hanging above his head, signifying both nobility and real power, a testament to the boundless grace of the Emperor.

The magnificent Heavenly Authority is no longer something that ordinary immortals can look directly at.

The black robe remained, and its power was already established.

The weight of his power, the depth of his favor, and the brilliance of his influence were enough to make the Three Realms take notice and even gods and ghosts tremble in fear.

From then on, the sword of heavenly law and the eye that patrols the four directions, its sharpness and brightness, all belong to this person.

Outside the palace, the sea of ​​clouds churned, much like the sudden change in the situation.