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

Inside the Lingxiao Palace, auspicious light swirled, and celestial music gradually faded.

The bell rang again, its melodious and clear sound signaling the end of the court assembly.

As the Jade Emperor's ceremonial carriage, surrounded by celestial officials, slowly retreated into the rear hall, the previously solemn and dignified atmosphere immediately relaxed.

Immediately following was a chorus of congratulations that grew louder and louder as it approached, surging towards the newly appointed True Lord Huangtian Jingfa.

The first to arrive were his colleagues from the Thunder Department.

Although Lei Zu had already left, his marshals and celestial lords all wore smiles and spoke earnestly, their congratulations tinged with a sense of pride and closeness.

In the past, they might have had some thoughts of competing with their colleagues, but now they see Chen Jiao rise to the top in one step, be granted the title of True Lord, and obtain such overwhelming power.

Those initial thoughts had long since transformed into feelings of respect and a desire to befriend them.

The leading Thunder Gods and Marshals, such as the dazzling Silver Teeth Heavenly Lord Xin and the swiftly responding Marshal Zhang, all offered their congratulations with smiles, their voices booming like bells:

"Congratulations, True Lord! We, the Thunder Department, are honored!"

"Your promotion is truly well-deserved, and we hope you will continue to support and guide me in the future!"

Their words were sincere, and more or less carried a heartfelt joy.

After all, a powerful ruler with real authority emerged from this one, and his power was so great.

The status of the entire Thunder Department in the Heavenly Court will rise accordingly.

Next came the constellations of the Dou Department, led by those who had old friendships with Chen Jiao, such as Jiao Mu Jiao and Xin Yue Hu, who were particularly enthusiastic.

With a smile in her fox-like eyes, Xin Yue said softly, "Congratulations, True Lord!"

Jiao Mujiao bowed respectfully and said in a gentle yet firm voice, "If True Lord ever needs my assistance, Jiao Mujiao will serve you faithfully!"

The Dou and Lei tribes have always fought together and have a close relationship, so Chen Jiao's promotion is also a good thing for them.

However, the many who came forward to offer their congratulations were celestial officials, earth deities, and water gods with whom they had little prior acquaintance.

They smiled broadly and offered heartfelt congratulations, yet deep in their eyes lurked a sense of awe and apprehension.

There was no other reason than that Chen Jiao's position as "Presiding Officer of the Northern Exorcism Bureau" was like a sharp sword hanging over the heads of all the immortals and gods!

The Arctic Exorcism Institute investigates ghosts and spirits, wielding immense power.

No one can guarantee that their own team or themselves are without flaws.

It's always better to become a familiar face now and leave a lasting impression than to be caught off guard when someone comes knocking on your door later.

In an instant, Chen Jiao was surrounded by ethereal figures, and congratulations echoed endlessly.

"Your Excellency is young and promising; your future is limitless!"

"The Huangtian Pivot Thunder Palace has just been established. If there is anything we can do to help you, please don't hesitate to ask."

"In the future, when we serve as ministers in the same palace, I hope that Your Majesty will provide me with much guidance."

Chen Jiao stood still, his expression remaining calm.

He did not show much enthusiasm for these congratulations.

He would simply nod slightly or give a brief reply, his demeanor impeccable, yet exuding an air of aloofness and authority that made people hesitant to get too close.

His gaze swept over the faces, some sincere, some hypocritical, and his mind was perfectly clear.

On the other hand, Nezha, the great god of the Three Altars and Seas, did not join in the fun.

He stood at a distance, arms crossed, leaning against a golden pillar adorned with a coiled dragon, a playful smile on his lips as he watched the surging crowd.

Occasionally, when their eyes met, he would lazily raise his chin as a greeting, everything understood without words.

As for Yaoming Sili Tianjun and Baihu Jianbing Shenjun, their surroundings were deserted, and neither of them dared to go forward and make a fool of themselves. They slunk back to their respective offices.

The wave of congratulations lasted for about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn before gradually subsiding.

The immortals, knowing their place, gradually dispersed, each riding a cloud away from the Lingxiao Palace.

As they left, they couldn't help but whisper among themselves about the day's events, their eyes occasionally glancing at the figure in black robes standing alone in the hall.

Just as the crowd was gradually dispersing, Chen Jiao was about to turn and leave.

A gentle yet majestic voice, seemingly both near and far, reached his ears:

"Please wait a moment, True Lord."

Chen Jiao looked in the direction of the sound and saw that Taiyi Jiuku Tianzun was still sitting on the nine-headed lion beside the Danbi steps, his gentle gaze fixed on him.

The surrounding noise seemed to be shut out instantly.

Chen Jiao dared not be negligent and quickly bowed, asking, "What teachings does the Heavenly Venerable have?"

The Heavenly Venerable of Salvation from Suffering had a serene expression, nodded slightly, and spoke in a voice as gentle as a spring breeze across a lotus pond:

"The True Lord is young and promising, with a solid foundation and a bright future."

The Eastern Celestial Realm is under my jurisdiction.

"This time, by vanquishing the demon, the True Lord has restored peace to this land, benefiting the common people and relieving this humble Taoist of his burdens. His merit is immeasurable."

He paused, then smiled and said:

"If you have free time in the future, you may visit the Dongji Miaoyan Palace often."

Although the palace was simple, it possessed a certain tranquility, making it a pleasant place to discuss philosophy and enjoy tea.

These words, though spoken softly, were like sweet dew sprinkling on the heart, causing Chen Jiao's mind to tremble slightly.

The Eastern Extreme Wonderful Palace is the sacred site of the Great One Salvation from Suffering. How could ordinary immortals and gods easily enter it?

The Celestial Venerable's invitation, though seemingly casual, is in fact of great significance.

After all, Chen Jiao's new appointment has given him too much power, which will inevitably make him enemies.

If a celestial being like the Venerable One were to offer guidance, the journey would be much smoother.

as predicted.

The immortals and gods who had not yet completely dispersed were all taken aback upon hearing this, and then their faces showed admiration.

Miaoyan Palace is the place where Taiyi Jiuku Tianzun (the Heavenly Venerable of Salvation from Suffering) cultivates in seclusion, and few people go there.

The Celestial Venerable himself extended an invitation; such an honor is no small matter!

Chen Jiao understood immediately, bowed deeply again, and spoke respectfully:

"Heavenly favor is deeply appreciated by Chen Jiao."

Once the government office is established, I will personally visit Miaoyan Palace to receive the Heavenly Venerable's teachings.

The Savior of Suffering said nothing more, but simply nodded with a smile.

The nine-headed lion roared and rose into the air on the clouds. Before leaving, it turned its head and stared intently at Chen Jiao with its eighteen eyes for a moment.

Amidst the swirling auspicious light, it has already vanished into the distance.

Chen Jiao straightened up, gazing in the direction where the Heavenly Venerable of Salvation had departed, lost in thought.

The Celestial Venerable's invitation undoubtedly gave him a solid foundation in the complex and intricate Heavenly Court system.

This feeling should be etched in our hearts.

Chen Jiao was about to ride the clouds to the newly bestowed residence.

Suddenly, a beam of auspicious white-gold light appeared, which was Venus returning after leaving.

Venus, holding a whisk and wearing a warm smile, first congratulated Chen Jiao on his appointment, then spoke gently:

"The Emperor's favor is immense upon the True Lord's bestowal of this title."

Among the list of rewards, the Thunder Yang Subduing Demon Sword was forged by the Supreme Dao Ancestor himself, incorporating pure Yang evil-slaying divine iron, making it exceptionally powerful.

However, when the Daoist Ancestor refines elixirs and weapons, he places the utmost importance on timing and opportunity. This sword still needs to be nurtured in the Eight Trigrams Furnace for some time before it can be perfected.

"Your Excellency will need to wait patiently for some time. I hope Your Excellency will not take offense."

Upon hearing this, Chen Jiao understood. The items refined by the Supreme Dao Ancestor were undoubtedly of the highest quality, making the wait worthwhile. He then said:

"Thank you for your trouble, Star Lord. The Dao Ancestor's personal intervention is already a great favor. I will simply await good news."

Seeing that Chen Jiao was so understanding, Venus smiled even more broadly.

As they were talking, they suddenly saw a golden figure of a child walking on the clouds in the distance, moving lightly and quickly, and arriving in front of them in the blink of an eye.

The newcomer had his hair tied in two buns, wore a Taoist boy's robe with gold trim, had a youthful face but clear eyes, and was surrounded by a faint fragrance of cinnabar and purple mist.

It was none other than Golden Horn, the furnace-watching boy before the Supreme Dao Ancestor.