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

Zhang Qingyang's heart tightened, but his face remained calm. He raised the jade talisman in his hand and said loudly:

"So it was Commander Yang."

"I am acting on orders from the Ministry of Water Resources. I have urgent business to conduct an investigation into anomalies in the East China Sea. This matter is of great importance and cannot be delayed. I request your assistance."

Upon hearing this, Yang Feng did not make way. Instead, he took a step forward with his celestial horse, and the lightning-patterned armor emitted a slight clanging sound, while the lightning intent around him intensified.

His gaze was sharp as a knife, piercing straight to the heart:

"Exploration of the lower boundary?"

Do you have any official documents from the Tian Shu Academy? Or any formal documents signed by a superior official of the Ministry of Water Resources?

Zhang Qingyang's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly, a hint of displeasure flashing through his mind, but he remained outwardly composed.

"Commander Yang, I have urgent official business to attend to."

This is a temporary jade token for the Bureau of Investigation; why are you blocking it?

Yang Feng nodded, but his gaze sharpened further as he continued to ask:

"Since it is an urgent official business, according to Article 3 of Chapter 7 of the 'Celestial Laws for Descending to the Mortal Realm,' any celestial official from any department who needs to descend to the mortal realm in person due to an urgent official business shall be subject to this rule."

Apart from the temporary jade token of the Surveying and Inspection Department, it is necessary to notify the general guarding the Heavenly Gate by the head of the relevant department or the star officer on duty to register it, so as to prevent treacherous people from impersonating others.

This is called the system for urgent communication.

"I wonder if the Ministry of Water has informed the celestial official of this journey?"

The scene froze instantly.

Zhang Qingyang's expression changed slightly, and he inwardly cried out that something was wrong. He forced himself to remain calm and explained:

"This matter... the chief official has other important matters to attend to and is unable to communicate it in time. I will definitely submit the warrant for record-keeping later. I hope the cavalry commander will be lenient."

How can we allow procedures to cause delays...?

Yang Feng remained unmoved, and his Thunder Horse snorted, spitting out two streams of white vapor with tiny electric snakes.

His gaze was piercing as he stared at Zhang Qingyang, and he said calmly:

"Immortal Official, this is the rule of Heaven; it is not that I am trying to make things difficult for you."

Without prior notification, even if one possesses a temporary jade token, it cannot be treated as urgent official business.

His words were clear and logical, clearly indicating that he was handling business strictly by the book and had no intention of making exceptions.

A surge of anger and anxiety welled up in Zhang Qingyang's heart.

Normally, he might have been able to manage the situation, but at this moment, with ulterior motives and an eagerness to descend to the mortal realm, being obstructed like this made him feel a surge of evil fire rushing to his head.

"Commander Yang! You..."

Zhang Qingyang's tone involuntarily took on a stern tinge:

"I am a celestial official of the Water Department, on important business in the mortal realm. How dare you arbitrarily stop and investigate me?"

If important matters are delayed, resulting in widespread suffering and death among the people, can you bear the responsibility?

Yang Feng's eyes turned cold, lightning crackled around him, and his hawk-like gaze locked onto Zhang Qingyang as he slowly said:

"Celestial Official, do not jeopardize your life. The laws of Heaven are as strict as iron. Even the Water Star Lords must verify the talismans before traveling. Moreover..."

He paused slightly, his voice not loud, yet it resounded like a thunderclap from the heavens in Zhang Qingyang's ears:

"I am here by order of the Heavenly Lord Yilie to guard this cloud path. As it is my duty to patrol the heavens, I may inquire about any matters of doubt!"

"If the celestial official has not issued a formal order, please return! If you attempt to force your way in, do not blame me for acting according to the law!"

The last four words were spoken with a resounding force, carrying the chilling killing intent unique to the Thunder Department!

The Thunder Riders behind Yang Feng were all exuding a fierce aura, clearly elite warriors who had fought countless battles.

At that moment, they all stopped their mounts and their eyes fell on Zhang Qingyang.

Although no swords or halberds were drawn, the chilling aura of someone who had been through countless battles was already tangible, causing the surrounding clouds to stagnate.

The moment the words "Yilie Tianjun" were uttered, it was like Mount Tai pressing down on him, causing Zhang Qingyang to tremble all over and his face to turn as white as paper.

A chill ran from my tailbone straight up to the top of my head, and all my sliver of hope and forced composure crumbled instantly.

Fine beads of cold sweat appeared on his forehead and temples.

His fingers, which held the jade slip, trembled slightly.

That was a powerful figure in the Thunder Department in recent years, known for his decisiveness and outstanding military achievements.

Although a newcomer, he was highly valued by Lei Zu and was in charge of vanquishing demons and evil spirits. He was ruthless and had a notorious reputation.

His throat felt dry, and when he opened his mouth, he found himself speechless for a moment.

After a long pause, he managed to force out an extremely awkward smile, his tone instantly softening, even carrying a hint of barely perceptible fear:

"So...it was the decree of the Heavenly Lord Yilie...This humble immortal will obey, will obey..."

He subconsciously tucked the jade slip in his hand into his sleeve, as if it were a hot potato.

"Since...since that's the case, I'm sorry for being so presumptuous. Although official business is urgent, we cannot violate the heavenly rules."

I'll go back now... I'll go back and complete the formalities before coming back."

Having said that, he dared not look at Yang Feng again, nor dared to mention the matter of the lower realm again.

He turned around hastily, almost fleeing in panic, and hurried towards the direction of the water department, his back view showing a somewhat flustered and disheveled appearance.

Yang Feng coldly watched his departing figure until it disappeared into the depths of the clouds before turning his gaze away and continuing to lead his team on patrol.

His face remained cold and expressionless, yet a barely perceptible trace of melancholy flickered deep within his sharp, hawk-like eyes.

He tilted his head slightly, his gaze fixed on the east, towards the direction of the Eastern Celestial Realm.

His gaze seemed to pierce through layers of clouds, looking towards the distant battlefield that was now shrouded in a cacophony of raging demonic energy and dazzling divine lightning.

"The Heavenly Lord has now vanquished the demons in the Eastern Pole. I wonder when he will return in triumph?"

He silently murmured to himself, a faint sigh fading into his chest, never escaping his lips.

This campaign to quell the demons in the Eastern Pole is a major expedition rarely seen by the Heavenly Court in nearly a thousand years, with its target being the ancient demon descendants who have been entrenched in the desolate eastern borderlands.

Led by the True Lord Tianyou, and commanding the generals and officers of the Thunder Department, the gods of the Dipper Department, and all the immortals of the heavens and the Milky Way, they were determined to sweep away the enemy's stronghold and eliminate any future troubles.

Yang Feng was supposed to serve the Heavenly Emperor, charging into battle, slaying generals and cutting down banners for him, and cleansing away the demonic influence.

However, it happened that the South Heavenly Gate Cloud Passage was on duty for guarding, and someone was needed to stay and oversee it. The Heavenly Emperor decreed that he stay and command the Thunder Cavalry of his own troops to patrol the clouds and ensure the safety of the Heavenly Gate.

Military orders are absolute, and he must obey them with utmost respect.

only……

Whenever I think of my comrades who are now following the Heavenly Lord, fighting against the ancient demons in the eastern wilderness, with thunderous force, they are able to cleanse the demonic atmosphere.

He felt a fire burning in his chest, and his fingers gripping the halberd tightened involuntarily.

It's not that I'm greedy for credit, but rather... it's a deep regret that I couldn't follow the Heavenly Emperor, or stand shoulder to shoulder with my comrades, to experience such a great battle together.

In his heart, Yilie Tianjun was different.

Other deities and marshals were either dignified and composed, or fierce and upright.

However, the Heavenly Lord possessed a unique air about him.

He is usually calm and taciturn, but when facing an enemy, his power is like thunder from the heavens, domineering and unparalleled, yet precise and ruthless, never hesitant or indecisive.

The Heavenly Emperor dislikes empty talk, is clear about rewards and punishments, and although he is strict with his subordinates, he is never harsh.

Yang Feng still vividly remembers a small-scale skirmish a hundred years ago during the extermination of extraterrestrial demons.

A colleague is trapped in a villain's scheme and faces imminent danger.

It was the Heavenly Lord who single-handedly plunged into the demonic formation, tearing through the ranks of demons with a blazing white lightning halberd. Wherever the lightning passed, the demons scattered, forcefully snatching him back from a seemingly certain death.

At that moment, the image of the Heavenly Lord, his black armor stained with blood, standing with his halberd, was deeply imprinted in the hearts of his soldiers.

This time, in the campaign to vanquish the demons of the Eastern Pole, the Heavenly Lord will surely once again personally brave arrows and stones, charging ahead at the forefront.

I wonder if that ancient demon descendant can withstand the mighty power of the Heavenly Monarch's thunderous lightning.

Yang Feng took a deep breath, suppressing the turmoil in his heart, and his gaze became firm and cold again.

The Heavenly Emperor's order for him to remain in the capital had a profound meaning; patrolling the Heavenly Gate and the Cloud Path was also an important task.

How can we become lax because of personal likes or dislikes?

Thinking of this, he straightened his back, and the thunder-patterned black armor emitted a faint clanging sound.

Turning around, his gaze sharp as lightning, he swept over the elite Thunder Cavalry standing solemnly behind him and shouted in a deep voice:

"Continue patrolling! Keep a close eye on them; anyone attempting to violate the rules will be dealt with severely according to the Heavenly Emperor's decree!"

"Yes, sir!"

The Thunder Riders responded in unison, their voices shaking the heavens and carrying an aura of iron-blooded killing intent.

Rows of Xuanjia Thunder Cavalry, swords in hand and halberds in hand, marched solemnly, with only the occasional clinking of their armor plates against the flowing clouds producing a crisp, cold sound.

The path through the clouds was deserted, and the howling wind whipped the general's black cloak, making it flutter loudly.