I am a fairy in Journey to the West

As the golden setting sun shone on the five peaks of Mount Hua, Erlang Shen finally arrived with the Six Sages of Meishan.

The Western Mountain Divine Palace hurriedly hosted a banquet to welcome Erlang Shen and his entourage, and then arranged a celestial palace for Erlang Shen to rest.

As dusk settles, the West Mountain Divine Palace is brightly lit inside and out, and from the perspective of the mortal world, the twinkling lights resemble the stars in the sky.

Inside the Cloud Cliff Palace, True Immortal Fire Spirit led the people of the Mortal Jade Palace to pay homage to Zhuang Yan. Zhuang Yan told them to rise and offered them seats.

Huo Ling Zhenxian sat to Zhuang Yan's lower left, which was the second-highest position after Zhuang Yan. Chi Ling, Hu Xianfeng, Liu Yan, and Ju Lingshen sat in the first two rows, followed by Bi Huo, Bi Zhen, Tian Wu, Jiang Han, and Ren Xiaoyao, among others.

Zhuang Yan turned to the Fire Spirit Immortal and asked, "Who was assigned to capture the Third Holy Mother?"

Fire Spirit Immortal leaned forward slightly and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, it is Grand Commandant Chi Ling."

Upon hearing this, Zhuang Yan immediately smiled and looked at Chi Ling, "It seems I'm sending you to take revenge."

Chi Ling rose and stepped forward to bow, saying, "Your Majesty, revenge is uncertain; I'm afraid I'll be beaten by the Lotus Lantern again."

Fire Spirit Immortal's gaze turned cold as he looked at Chi Ling and said sternly, "Speak properly in front of His Majesty!"

"It's alright," Zhuang Yan said with a smile. "She harbors resentment, so it's understandable that she says some strange things."

Fire Spirit Immortal stared intently at Chi Ling and asked, "Do you harbor resentment towards His Majesty?"

Chi Ling's hair stood on end in an instant. The power of the Fire Spirit True Immortal had materialized, and his gaze was like a sharp sword, seemingly about to pierce through her.

With a thud, Chi Ling knelt on the ground and kowtowed, saying, "I, Chi Ling, owe everything I have today to His Majesty's kindness. How could I be an ungrateful person? If I truly had such a heart, may I be struck down by heaven and earth."

"Alright, alright," Zhuang Yan quickly stepped in and said with a smile, "They're all my subordinates, it's not wrong for them to vent their frustrations a little."

Huo Ling Zhenxian said to Zhuang Yan, "Your Majesty is magnanimous and does not hold it against them, but since I am here, I will not allow them to act recklessly."

Zhuang Yan waved his hand and said, "It's alright, it's alright."

After saying that, Zhuang Yan said to Chi Ling, who was kneeling below, "Get up. Complaining is not illegal, and I know you are loyal."

Chi Ling quickly kowtowed and said, "Thank you for your mercy, Your Majesty."

After saying that, he quickly stood up from the ground, secretly glanced at Huo Ling Zhenxian, and saw that she was still very serious, which made him feel a little uneasy.

At this moment, True Immortal Huo Ling spoke up: "Your Majesty, let's send someone else. Chi Ling is not suitable."

Upon hearing this, Chi Ling immediately became anxious, "Lord, I was already scheduled to go, why change the person?"

“You complain too much,” said True Immortal Fire Spirit.

Chi Linggeng stood there, looking aggrieved, and said to Huo Ling Zhenxian, "I was just telling the truth. The Lotus Lantern in the hands of the Third Holy Mother was bestowed by His Majesty. I had no choice but to accept it. If someone else is sent because of this, I will not accept it."

Fire Spirit Immortal said, "Since I sent you, I must have a way. Why are you complaining?"

A few tears welled up in Akaya's eyes, but she held them back after hearing this. "Oh, is that so?"

"What do you think?" Fire Spirit Immortal said, "Did I send you to your death?"

Upon hearing this, Chi Ling blushed and knelt down again with a thud, saying, "I'm sorry, Lord, I was wrong."

"To err is human, to forgive divine," Zhuang Yan said with a smile. "Let her go."

Chi Ling quickly kowtowed to Zhuang Yan again, repeatedly expressing her gratitude: "Thank you for your permission, Your Majesty." After speaking, she looked up at the Fire Spirit True Immortal.

Fire Spirit Immortal said calmly, "Since His Majesty has already granted permission, then you may go."

Chi Ling was overjoyed and thanked Zhuang Yan and Fire Spirit Immortal again. Then, after getting up, she formally asked, "Then how should I deal with the Lotus Lantern?"

Zhuang Yan flipped his hand, and a black chess piece instantly appeared in his palm.

Then Zhuang Yan tossed the chess piece to Chi Ling, who caught it quickly. Looking at the thumb-sized, smooth chess piece in her hand, she asked in surprise, "Your Majesty, what is this?"

Zhuang Yan said, "When the Third Holy Mother presents the Lotus Lantern, you should play this chess piece."

"Oh?" Chi Ling looked at the chess piece in her hand, her face full of surprise. "This seems to be just an ordinary chess piece. Can it really counter the Lotus Lantern?"

Zhuang Yan laughed and said, "If I say it can, then it can."

Upon hearing this, Chi Ling was immediately relieved. She bowed deeply, put the chess piece into her sleeve, and then sat back down.

Seeing Chi Ling take her seat, Liu Yan laughed and said, "Chi Ling, have you not heard of 'idly tapping chess pieces, causing the lamp wick to flicker'? When you play your chess piece, won't it just happen to cause the wick to flicker on her precious lotus lantern?"

Upon hearing this, Chi Ling immediately said to Liu Yan, "You cultured people really know how to talk."

Liu Yan smiled slightly, and then Zhuang Yan said to the Fire Spirit True Immortal beside him, "Erlang Manifestation True Lord has arrived at the Western Mountain. At that time, you and he will jointly take charge of the overall situation."

Fire Spirit Immortal replied, "Yes, Your Majesty."

Then, Huo Ling Zhenxian turned his gaze to Zhuang Yan and said, "Your Majesty, the Third Holy Mother has violated the Heavenly Laws this time. I believe this is also an opportunity."

Zhuang Yan waved his hand and laughed, "You don't need to tell me. Since I've entrusted the affairs of the Dust World Jade Palace to you, I naturally won't interfere. Do whatever you want; I'll just be your support."

With Zhuang Yan's words in mind, Fire Spirit Immortal felt reassured and dared to act decisively.

Fire Spirit Immortal bowed and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

At the same time, a female official arrived at the celestial palace where Erlang Shen resided and asked Zhijian, who was on duty outside, "May I ask, General, has Erlang Zhenjun rested?"

Zhijian glanced at the female official, then asked, "What do you want?"

The female official hurriedly said, "This humble official has come on the orders of Empress Suming to invite Erlang Zhenjun to a banquet at Laifeng Pavilion." Upon hearing that it was Empress Suming's order, Zhijian immediately said to the female official, "Zhenjun has not yet rested. Please come with me."

The female official quickly bowed in thanks, and then Zhijian led her to pay homage to Erlang Shen. After receiving the invitation, Erlang Shen immediately went to Laifeng Pavilion for the banquet.

Inside the Phoenix Pavilion, Empress Suming had already prepared a celestial banquet, with celestial officials and attendants standing around to serve. Empress Suming sat at the head of the table, while the Barefoot Immortal sat below.

Hua Yue Erlang waited outside the pavilion. As soon as Erlang Shen arrived, Hua Yue Erlang immediately went up to greet him, saying, "Disciple here respectfully welcomes Master."

"Hmm." Erlang Shen nodded with a smile, then entered the Laifeng Pavilion, first paying his respects to Empress Suming, and then greeting the Barefoot Immortal.

After taking her seat, Empress Suming first offered a cup to Erlang Shen, and then went straight to the point, "May I ask, Erlang Zhenjun, how should Nühua be punished according to the laws of Heaven for the crimes she has committed?"

When Erlang Shen heard Empress Suming ask this question, he immediately understood why he had been suddenly invited to a banquet.

Erlang Shen then replied solemnly, "According to the law, he should be executed."

Empress Suming's heart tightened, and she asked again, "Are there any exceptions?"

"Yes," Erlang Shen nodded and said, "Your Majesty, there are naturally exceptions to the laws of Heaven. There was one more than five hundred years ago."

Empress Suming was overjoyed and hurriedly asked, "Who is it?"

Erlang Shen was stunned for a moment, while the Barefoot Immortal next to him covered his face and held his forehead. Even the Great Emperor of the Western Mountain, who was hiding behind the screen with no way out, covered his face.

Looking at his mother, who looked completely bewildered, Hua Yue Erlang couldn't help but say, "Mother, it's the Great Sage Equal to Heaven."

Empress Suming's face stiffened, then blushed slightly, and she asked again, "Is there really no one else besides the Monkey King?"

Erlang Shen shook his head and said, "No more."

Empress Suming nodded slightly and continued, "Nühua is naturally no match for the Great Sage Equaling Heaven, but Erlang Zhenjun, as the Heavenly Lord of Law, is there any room for maneuver in this matter?"

Erlang Shen shook his head and said, "Your Majesty, in the past, I could make the decision, but now that the Jade Palace of the Mortal Realm is here, I must also obey the decree of the Great Emperor of Shenxiao."

When Empress Suming heard Erlang Shen's reply, she knew that pleading was useless. Her eyes reddened, and she wiped away her tears as she said, "Poor thing, Nühua was just confused for a moment, meeting the man she loved. If she is executed, how pitiful will that newborn child be?"

The reason Empress Suming did this was simply to evoke Erlang Shen's past memories and make him empathize with her.

However, Erlang Shen had already had this knot untied by Zhuang Yan, so he was not disturbed. He then said directly, "Your Majesty, the laws of Heaven are not to be trifled with. Everything must be done in accordance with the will of the Great Emperor of Shenxiao."

Empress Suming froze for a moment when she saw Erlang Shen's resolute answer. At this moment, the Barefoot Immortal quickly picked up his wine cup and said, "Your Majesty, Erlang Shen, the food is getting cold."

Empress Suming then came to her senses and quickly picked up her chopsticks with a smile, saying, "Yes, yes, Great Immortal, True Lord, please enjoy the feast."

After the banquet at Laifeng Pavilion, Erlang Shen did not return to his own palace, but instead led the Six Sages of Meishan directly to Yunya Palace to see Zhuang Yan.

Upon seeing Erlang Shen, Zhuang Yan smiled at him and said, "It seems that Empress Suming has already come looking for you."

Erlang Shen laughed and said, "It's just human nature."

"Hmm." Zhuang Yan nodded and continued, "Now that everyone is here, everything that needed to be said has been said, and everyone that needed to be seen has been seen, we can prepare to make the arrest."

After saying that, Zhuang Yan said to Huo Ling Zhenxian, "Take my talisman and personally invite the Great Emperor of the Western Mountain and Empress Suming to come to Yunya Palace for a meeting."

Fire Spirit Immortal received the talisman and bowed, saying, "As you command."

Not long after, the Great Emperor of the Western Peak, along with Empress Suming, Erlang of Huayue, and other important celestial officials of the Western Peak, arrived at Yunya Palace, where Zhuang Yan personally convened a court assembly.

In the main hall, Zhuang Yan and the Great Emperor of the Western Mountain sat side by side in the highest positions, one to the east and one to the west, with Empress Suming and Erlang Shen in the next positions, and the True Immortal of Fire Spirit in the next.

The Six Saints of Meishan, Erlang of Huayue, Chiling, Tiger Vanguard, and others stood on either side of the main hall. The Barefoot Immortal was not a real celestial official, so he did not participate in the gathering.

After everyone was seated, Zhuang Yan slowly said, "The Third Holy Mother has married a mortal, breaking the boundary between immortals and mortals and violating the Heavenly Laws. Her crime is unforgivable. She should be arrested immediately, interrogated, and convicted in accordance with the law."

Everyone seated in the main hall bowed in unison and said, "We respectfully obey the golden decree of His Majesty the Great Emperor of Shenxiao."

Zhuang Yan was the first to issue the imperial edict, calling out: "Erlang Zhenjun, Huoling Zhenxian."

Erlang Shen and Huo Ling Zhenxian immediately rose and bowed, saying, "Your subject is here."

Zhuang Yan said, "I hereby order you two to take your men and immediately go to the mortal realm to capture the Third Holy Mother and bring her to justice. Erlang Zhenjun will be in charge of celestial rituals, and Huoling Zhenxian will be in charge of executions. The rest of you shall obey the orders of Erlang Zhenjun and Huoling Zhenxian without fail."

After speaking, Zhuang Yan presented the two talismans to Erlang Shen and Huo Ling Zhenxian. The two accepted the talismans and bowed, saying, "Your subject receives the decree."

Then, the Fire Spirit Immortal asked, "Your Majesty the Divine Firmament Emperor, the Third Holy Mother has broken the boundary between immortals and mortals and had a son with a mortal. What should be done with this child?"

Zhuang Yan said, "Capture them all and deal with them accordingly."

Fire Spirit Immortal immediately responded solemnly, "Your subject obeys the decree."

These words startled Empress Suming, who couldn't help but say, "Emperor Shenxiao, that child is not even a month old yet."

Zhuang Yan laughed and said, "Isn't that perfect? ​​We can catch it and have a full moon celebration."

These words immediately stunned Empress Suming, leaving her speechless.

Afterwards, Erlang Shen and Huoling Zhenxian turned around and walked down the steps of the hall. They each selected their men and were about to leave when Huayue Erlang stood up and said, "Reporting to the Divine Firmament Emperor and the Great Emperor of the Western Peak, I am willing to lead a thousand Western Peak generals to assist in capturing the Third Holy Mother."

The Great Emperor of the Western Peak looked at Zhuang Yan, who nodded and said, "Alright, you and all the Western Peak generals will be under the command of Erlang Shen."

Hua Yue Erlang immediately bowed and said, "Your subject obeys the decree."

Following behind the Six Sages of Meishan, Hua Yue Erlang, along with Erlang Shen, Huo Ling Zhenxian, and others, left Yunya Palace, selected a thousand Western Yue generals, and rode the clouds, heading in a grand procession towards Fengxian County. (End of Chapter)