Daojun, start from Penglai foundation building

"The Dharma Protector, the Eastern Yang Emperor, presents three pairs of white jade shimmering walls as a congratulatory gift!"

"The Radiant Emperor of the Mountains and Seas presents five ingots of gold and bright iron as a congratulatory gift!"

"The Pure Manifestation Moon Lord Jade Virtue Immortal Lord presents a congratulatory gift of three bushels of Moon Glazed Pearls!"

As celebratory chants resounded, ceremonial processions and cloud-borne chariots could be seen gathering east of the Seven Heavens Palace, stopping in front of a newly built mansion.

It was a brand new mansion, seemingly completed only recently, but it was extraordinary in its grandeur and magnificence. The palaces and buildings stretched out in a continuous line, the pavilions and terraces were elegant and the corridors were exquisite. Among the carved beams and painted rafters, one could see dragons standing on the eaves and fiery birds perched on the rooftops. Heavenly soldiers stood inside and outside, and divine generals patrolled in all directions. It was truly a celestial mansion, full of majesty.

At this moment, amidst the continuous chanting of congratulations, in the Heavenly Court, one after another, renowned immortals, emperors, and venerable demons entered the palace, some from the Eastern Heaven, some from the Southern Heaven, and some from the Northern Heaven, representing the Taoists of the Eastern Heaven, the gods and Buddhas of the Southern Heaven, and the demons of the Northern Heaven.

With so many Mahayana and Five Kalpa masters gathered here, and countless stars converging, the celestial constellations shone brightly, and the sun, moon, and stars shimmered with a rosy glow.

Such a grand commotion naturally attracted the attention of the gods and immortals of the Heavenly Court. Even the powerful beings of the Pure Yang realm in the Eighth Heaven Palace noticed the commotion below. In particular, the gathering of so many Mahayana cultivators from the East, South, and North Heaven Palaces in the Seventh Heaven Palace drew attention from all directions.

However, upon noticing the plaque hanging high above the mansion, even Dao Lords and Bodhisattvas in the Eighth Heaven Realm couldn't help but reveal knowing smiles.

This is because the plaque above the gate of that mansion is inscribed with five divine seal characters, silver-edged and gold-embroidered. The characters are so elegant and powerful that they exude an indescribable grandeur and magnificence. These five characters were personally bestowed by the Golden Palace Heavenly Emperor, and their true meaning is: Judicial Heavenly Lord's Mansion!

This place is none other than the newly renovated residence of the Heavenly Lord of the Three Realms, the Supreme Law Enforcer of the Dao, in the Heavenly Court. It is the residence personally ordered by His Majesty the Golden Palace Heavenly Emperor, the ruler of the Three Realms and the governor of all directions. It holds a position of the highest rank of Mahayana, second only to the Pure Yang.

The owner of this mansion is none other than the newly appointed Heavenly Lord of Justice, the Emperor of Law, the contemporary leader of the Eastern Heavenly Daoist School, the number one in all the heavens and myriad realms, the thirteenth generation true disciple of Penglai, the Jade Emperor Spirit Abyss True Lord, Jiang Sheng.

At this moment, in the main hall of the mansion, Jiang Sheng looked at the room full of fellow Daoists, relatives, and senior disciples, and his smile remained unchanged.

At this moment, the seven disciples, Tian Ming'an, Qiu Buyu, Li Jianchun, Huang Ping'an, Su Yutong, Zhuang Yi, and Zhang Xiaojiu, became the busiest people in the hall. Tian Ming'an and Qiu Buyu were Jiang Sheng's eldest and second disciples, respectively, and they were responsible for Jiang Sheng's reputation, etiquette, and rules.

Li Jianchun and Huang Ping'an, being lively and outgoing, moved around the hall, arranging seats and greeting their fellow disciples and serving them tea.

As for Su Yutong, Zhuang Yi, and Zhang Xiaojiu, they were the youngest in terms of both cultivation level and seniority. They couldn't do anything right now, so they just watched from the sidelines and ordered the waiters to serve them spiritual tea, immortal wine, and delicacies from land and sea.

If someone familiar with the vast universe were in this hall, they would surely be shocked at the sight.

The Eastern Heavenly Daoist School includes the Mahayana Immortal Lords, Five Tribulations True Lords, and contemporary true disciples of the Penglai Daoist School, Qinghua Daoist School, and Tianhe Daoist School, which belong to the lineage of the Three Heavenly Venerables; the Immortal Lords and Fairies of the Chixiao Daoist School and Yaochi Holy Land, which belong to the lineage of the Cangwu King and the Yaochi Queen Mother; the Demon Venerables and Demon Lords of the Northern Demon Clan's Demon Emperor Palace; the Venerables and Bright Kings of the Southern Golden Zen Temple, Tianlong Temple, and Mingguang Temple; and the Venerables of the Western Pure Lotus Temple and Futu Temple, as well as the Dragon Lords and Dragon Kings of the Four Seas.
There are also the immortal lords and emperors of the Five Continents of the East, the demon lords of the Zhu Ming Realm and Ju Rong Realm, the demon lords of the Great Wilderness Realm, the asuras of the Rakshasa Realm, and the underworld lords and rulers of the netherworld.
Immortals, gods, demons, Buddhas, spirits, ghosts, and monsters can all be found here.

The gathering of so many important figures was not solely for congratulating Jiang Sheng. There were also other reasons why they needed a place to socialize. People from all directions within the Three Realms and from all corners of the world outside the Three Realms took the opportunity to chat together, given that Jiang Sheng had obtained the position of the Heavenly Lord of Justice.

Therefore, it has become such a large-scale and impressive event.

Jiang Sheng looked up and saw that the three immortals, namely Chi Yun Xianjun of Chixiao Dao Sect, Xuan Jing Xianjun of Tianhe Dao Sect, and Jun Xiao Xianjun of Qinghua Dao Sect, were drinking and exchanging cups with Xiang Yu Xianjun and Hua Guang Xianjun; on the other side, Yu Zhen Xianjun of Yaochi was having a low discussion with Qing Yu Yaozun of Tushan Holy Land in the Great Wilderness Realm.

Elsewhere, the Demon Lord Yingtian of the Kuocang Realm and the Demon Lord Kuifang of the Jurong Realm were drinking together, while Kong Zhen and Jin Qiong of the Demon Emperor Palace were chatting and laughing with Jin Ni and Bai Jia of the Great Wilderness Realm.

Venerable Xingyue of Jinchan Temple, Venerable Wangsheng of Tianlong Temple, and Venerable Napushe of Jinglian Temple were enjoying immortal tea, while Venerable Miyin of Futu Temple, Venerable Puhua of Mingguang Temple, and Venerable Putai of Jinglian Temple were pointing something at several demon lords from the Demon Emperor's Palace and the Great Wilderness Realm.

Emperor Tianyun and Emperor Liuyuan have also arrived, but they are drinking and chatting with Immortal Lord Fuyun; Venerable Zhidu, Daoist Duoming, Fairy Zhenguang, Divine Lord Chunqiu, and others are huddled together with Immortal Lord Anping, Star Lord Zhenyue, and others for warmth.
Within the main hall of the Judicial Heavenly Lord's Palace, several circles have been subtly divided, each with its own distinct boundaries, free from conflict and contradiction. Yet, there is an invisible but real moat between them.

Looking at the various expressions of the people in the hall, Jiang Sheng casually picked up the wine cup and took a sip.

"The True Lord's power surpasses all the heavens, and his fame spreads throughout the myriad realms. Now that he has obtained the position of the Heavenly Lord of Justice and been granted the honor of the Purple Edict, why do you not seem happy?"

A familiar voice rang out, and Jiang Sheng looked up to see a person with a green hairpin, a black robe, a jade belt, and a bright gauze. The person had thick eyebrows and phoenix eyes and an extraordinary air of heroism.

In all the myriad realms, there are quite a few women with masculine features, but when it comes to someone whose bone structure and appearance are so extraordinary that they can be described as having the appearance of a celestial being, Jiang Sheng only knows one: the Heavenly Mysterious Maiden, Ye Wenshu.

Jiang Sheng was caught off guard when Ye Wenshu arrived without being announced: "Why didn't Your Highness Xuan Nu send someone to inform us beforehand?"

Ye Wenshu smiled and said, "No need, I just came to give you a congratulatory gift."

As she spoke, Ye Wenshu took out a brocade box from her bosom: "It can't compare to the rare and precious materials carefully selected from all sides, but I think you don't lack these, so I simply chose this one. You can use it."

Jiang Sheng took the brocade box and opened it. Inside, he found a sword sheath that was entirely dark blue.

The scabbard is decorated with patterns of flying phoenixes and blue lotuses, inlaid with seven gemstones and adorned with fragments of jade like a galaxy. It shimmers with divine brilliance, yet Jiang Sheng can sense that this scabbard is no ordinary item, not even a common magical treasure.

Seeing Jiang Sheng's somewhat surprised expression, Ye Wenshu smiled and said, "Judging from your expression, you must like it. I have something to do, so I'll be leaving now."

Jiang Sheng asked, "Won't you stay for a drink?"

Ye Wenshu shook her head: "You're making too much noise here. So many people in the Heavenly Court are watching; the Great Emperors and Sovereigns of the Divine Path can't stand this."

"Wait a while, then you can invite me for drinks again, and I will definitely be there."

Seeing this, Jiang Sheng did not insist on keeping her any longer. He got up and saw Ye Wenshu off. Lin Fan, who was standing to the side, secretly said to Ling Qiu, "Did you see that? If nothing unexpected happens, that will be your Senior Brother Ling Yuan's Daoist partner."

Ling Qiu, who was munching on the immortal fruit, was greatly shocked. She stopped chewing the fruit that was stuffed in her mouth and stared at Ye Wenshu's back in disbelief: "Isn't that the Heavenly Court Mystic Maiden? Does she really like Senior Brother Ling Yuan? Although Senior Brother Ling Yuan is handsome and has extraordinary strength, he is just a stone."

Before she could finish speaking, Lingqiu was hit hard on the head. Lingyu laughed and scolded, "What are you talking about? Go eat your fruit and don't think nonsense. You actually believed Lingzhao's lies."

Hearing this, Lingqiu was stunned for a moment, then looked at Lin Fan with dissatisfaction, only to see that Lin Fan had already leisurely walked away.

Jiang Sheng didn't miss the playful fight between the fellow disciples, but since one of them was Lin Fan and the other was his junior sister, he could only pretend not to know and brush it off.

Inside the Palace of the Heavenly Ruler of Justice, music and dance filled the air, and everyone drank and reveled.

Meanwhile, in the south, which is also part of the Seven Heavens Palace, the once bustling and crowded Divine Firmament Imperial Palace has become desolate and cold.

Apart from the heavenly soldiers on duty, not a single deity or immortal came to visit the tall and majestic palace gates; the phrase "deserted and deserted" was an understatement to describe the desolation.

Inside the imperial palace, atop the towering heavenly pavilion, the Divine Emperor stood with his hands behind his back, gazing eastward, where the seven heavenly palaces also converged. He looked at the place where the stars gathered and listened to the bustling crowds. His face was gloomy, and the oppressive atmosphere made the entire imperial palace fall silent.

His power has been usurped, his divine authority divided among others. Now his enemies are celebrating there, and gods from all directions are gathering there, while he can only watch helplessly in this cold, silent imperial palace!
This feeling filled Shenxiao Emperor with hatred for Jiang Sheng. He dared not hate Jinque Heavenly Emperor, nor did he have the courage to confront the behemoth that was the Eastern Heavenly Daoist Clan. He only dared to resent Jiang Sheng.

But no matter how much he resented him, he was powerless to do anything about it, because he was no match for Jiang Sheng.

Having wielded power for twelve thousand years, from the once spirited Fifth Tribulation God-King to the current Mahayana Emperor, the Divine Firmament Emperor was accustomed to manipulating everything with his authority and power. Faced with Jiang Sheng's style of speaking entirely with strength, the Divine Firmament Emperor was somewhat unaccustomed to it!
A Mahayana Emperor who represents the Heavenly Court and wields the authority of laws and regulations is a joke in the Heavenly Court and in all the myriad realms if he is not accustomed to communicating with others through strength.

What's the use of holding a high position if you don't have the ability?

The mighty Divine Emperor of the Great Ascension Realm was defeated by the Eastern Heaven True Lord, who only had three tribulations of cultivation. From that moment on, the Divine Emperor of the Great Ascension Realm had lost everything.

The defeated Divine Emperor of the Nine Heavens lost his lofty and majestic demeanor, and naturally had no power left.

Even though the Divine Emperor understood all of this, he was still unwilling to accept it!

"Your Majesty."

The official stepped forward with his head bowed and eyes lowered. If he could, he would not want to offend the Divine Emperor at this time. Even if the Divine Emperor failed, he was still a Mahayana Emperor, not someone a mere palace official like himself could provoke.

But for now, the subordinates have no choice but to come.

"Didn't I tell you not to bother me?!"

"What are you all doing here?!"

The Emperor Shenxiao questioned him irritably, but the official still lowered his head and said softly, "Your Majesty, it is not that I am deliberately disturbing you, but I had no choice but to come."

"Your Majesty, a message has arrived from above, requesting that Your Majesty..."

At this point, the subordinate dared not continue.

The Divine Firmament Emperor angrily said, "Speak! You've already come to disturb me, why are you still hesitating?"

The official had no choice but to bite the bullet and say, "Your Majesty, the higher authorities have requested that Your Majesty transfer all the documents and records stored in the Imperial Palace to the Judicial Heavenly Lord's Palace."

"It also requires the Emperor to cooperate with the Judicial Heavenly Lord's Palace in all matters, and to transfer the Heavenly Court's troops and generals under the Emperor's command, as well as the Daoist military leaders and other related personnel."

Hearing his subordinate's words, the Divine Firmament Emperor laughed: "Hahahaha."

"Transfer the imperial palace's documents and records to that junior, Ling Yuan? And you want me to assist in handling the affairs, including handing over the troops?"

"Why don't you let me compile all the information on the thirty-six departments, seventy-two courts, and one hundred and eight bureaus of the Heavenly Court and hand it over to that junior, Ling Yuan?!"

Seeing the Divine Emperor of Shenxiao's furious yet mocking laughter, the subordinate lowered his head in fear and dared not say a word. How could he not know how much anger these words would provoke in the Divine Emperor?

However, he simply had no right to refuse that Princess Xuan Nu.

He was just a minor official in the imperial palace. If the Divine Emperor of Shenxiao still held power, he could still show off his authority outside. But now that the Divine Emperor of Shenxiao has been defeated, what does he have left?
Moreover, even when the Divine Emperor of the Firmament was at the height of his power, that Mystic Maiden was someone he couldn't afford to offend. She was not only the Mystic Maiden incarnate in the Heavenly Court, but also the Envoy of the Dou Niu Palace and the Imperial Body of the Lingxiao Palace. Such a status was practically an incarnation of His Majesty the Heavenly Emperor, and her every word and action represented the Lingxiao Palace.

Hearing his emperor's anger, the official felt a deep sorrow. Even if the Divine Firmament Emperor was furious, could he really refuse the Lingxiao Palace's offer?
As expected, after venting his anger, the Divine Emperor of the Nine Heavens helplessly chose to compromise: "Never mind, never mind."

However, before the Divine Emperor could finish speaking, laughter rang out: "What do you mean, 'just'?"

"Is the Emperor planning to compromise with the Penglai Spirit Abyss?"

Upon hearing this, Emperor Shenxiao couldn't help but frown: "What can I do if I don't compromise?"

"The Lingxiao Palace has already sent a message; do you expect me to disobey the imperial decree?"

The voice laughed and asked, "Is the letter from Lingxiao Palace His Majesty's doing, or is it the doing of that Mysterious Maiden?"

"Your Majesty, please don't forget that Princess Xuan Nu just left the Palace of the Heavenly Lord of Justice, and then you received the decree from the Lingxiao Palace. Is there really no problem with this?"

"I'm not saying anything bad about Her Highness Xuan Nu, but everyone in the Three Realms can clearly see Her Highness Xuan Nu's intentions regarding the Penglai Spirit Abyss."

The Divine Emperor of Shenxiao remained silent.

A voice said softly, "It's not that we're asking the Emperor to disobey the imperial decree, but it's not too late to wait until we get definite news."

"Your Majesty, whether Penglai Lingyuan belongs to the Eastern Heaven Daoist school or whether it follows the laws of the Heavenly Court or obeys the decrees of the Eastern Heaven, no one can guarantee. I'm afraid even Your Majesty may not truly trust it."

"At this time, if the Emperor hands over all the documents and records of the Imperial Palace, and also hands over the troops, what will the Emperor have left? What will happen if he really refuses to obey the imperial edict?"

Inside the imperial palace, the atmosphere grew increasingly somber.

The Divine Emperor remained silent for a long time, and when he spoke again, his voice was hoarse: "So, what do you think?"

"Do not hand over documents and records, do not transfer military supplies, pretend you know nothing, and let things develop as they may. If they are truly capable, they can do it without the Heavenly Court's assistance; if they are not capable, they will eventually have to ask the Emperor for help."

"In any case, we should at least test this newly appointed Heavenly Ruler of Justice and see what he is capable of, shouldn't we?"

The Divine Emperor was moved. He slowly raised his head and looked towards the Judicial Heavenly Lord's Palace in the east, which was bathed in the glow of the sunset. As he watched the immortals, gods, demons, and Buddhas coming and going, his expression gradually became indifferent.

Unbeknownst to anyone, the once meek and obedient officials had vanished, leaving only a pool of pus, blood, and filth behind the Divine Emperor. Yet, the Divine Emperor remained oblivious, still muttering in a low voice:

"You're right, that's how it should be done."

"I want to see just how capable Penglai Lingyuan really is." (End of Chapter)