Water elemental became a god, ultimately becoming the master of heaven, earth, mountains, and rivers

Chapter 3 Chen Shunan Becomes a God

As the saying goes, "everyone has their own profession and their own way of making a living," and there are many rules to follow when it comes to delivering water by cart.

Each load of muddy water weighs 50 catties, and although it is inconvenient to drink but can only be used for washing, it still costs 20 coins.

Fresh water is more expensive, costing 40 coins per dan (a unit of weight).

As for sweet water, it was no longer something that ordinary people could afford. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that water was more expensive than silver.

It is said that drinking it regularly can prolong life, strengthen the body's foundation, and nourish the vital energy.

Although the well where Chen Shunan belonged was just a muddy well, the daily revenue was as high as forty or fifty taels!

When Chen Shunan arrived at his regular customers' doors, he would often call out, "Delivering blessed water to your home!"

Whether it's a grand mansion or a dilapidated house, this way of addressing it is always correct.

When a regular customer came out and saw Chen Shunan, he asked him in surprise why he hadn't come to deliver water recently.

Chen Shunan did not mention that he had an accident, only that he was going back to his hometown to visit relatives.

Carrying two buckets of muddy water, Chen Shunan entered the house and, upon seeing the old lady of the customer's family, sang a joyful song as he poured the water into the water vat.

"Good fortune rushes in as soon as you enter the door, the years add to your age but your appearance diminishes, golden flowers and silver trees are planted in front of the door, and an old immortal sits serenely inside the house!"

He coaxed the old lady until she was all smiles.

After pouring the water, the family paid on the spot and even gave them a few extra coins as a tip.

Of course, this applies to monthly subscription plans.

Chen Shunan would draw a chicken claw-shaped mark on the brick wall of the residents' door to make it easier to settle accounts at the end of the month.

"Huh? Why isn't Scholar Ma buying water?"

Arriving at a large courtyard, Chen Shunan called out a few times, but no familiar voices responded.

Several families were crammed into the courtyard, which was messy and smelly.

Chen Shunan glanced at the open courtyard gate and saw that the window of Ma Xiucai's house was open, indicating that someone was there.

This scholar, Ma, was a student of the Zengguang Academy in 951 of the Holy Dynasty. He excelled in his studies and was assessed by the court to fill the vacancy of the Linsheng (a student in charge of government stipends). However, he failed to qualify for the provincial examination after many years of taking the imperial examinations.

They were even less willing to donate money to buy vacancies for local instructors and miscellaneous positions.

It has a refreshing and clean feel to it.

Then I almost starved to death.

Only then did Chen Shunan hear that Ma Xiucai had failed the imperial examination again a few days ago and was now almost desperate, with no money to buy water.

Chen Shunan sighed, picked up two full buckets of water, and filled the water vat in front of Ma Xiucai's door.

Chen Shunan, his legs weak, leaned against the waterwheel, panting heavily, and took out a piece of ginger candy from his pocket.

A faint sweet aroma spread, and Chen Shunan regained some of his strength.

After resting for a while, Chen Shunan pushed the cart away.

As for the water money that Ma Xiucai is paying for this time, he will definitely have to pay for it himself.

Although Chen Shunan's idea to sing a celebratory song was his own, he was completely uneducated, and it was Ma Xiucai who helped him polish the final lines.

I will repay this kindness tenfold.

……

As dusk fell, a weary Chen Shunan returned home.

Chen Shunan overestimated himself. After finishing his shift, he took his coat and was so tired that he didn't go to the teahouse to drink tea and listen to music. He just wanted to go back to his room to rest.

The food was still warm in the pot.

A large bowl of mixed grain rice, a plate of stir-fried meat slices, a small bowl of chicken and duck offal, and a dish of cucumber with sauce.

Chen Shunan finished his shift much later than usual, and Wan Niang had already left after preparing the meal.

In an era when ordinary people could only afford to eat some oily food during festivals, Chen Shunan's ability to eat three dishes was enough to prove that the well was rich in oil.

After finishing the meal, Chen Shunan felt much stronger.

But a warm current surged from his stomach to his brain, making him dizzy and drowsy.

After washing up and taking the 'Gold Foil Bezoar Pill' given to him by Instructor Lin, Chen Shunan returned to his bedroom.

The Golden Foil Bezoar Pill has extraordinary medicinal effects; it truly deserves to be a powerful healing medicine that only martial arts practitioners can take.

This bottle contains only four pills, yet it costs a full four taels of silver, almost a month's wages for Chen Shunan.

After taking one pill, Chen Shunan immediately felt his blood and qi become as hard as lead, circulating and cleansing his major orifices. He then exhaled several streams of turbid qi.

The faint, chilly feeling was also dispelled.

Take advantage of this high spirits.

Chen Shunan pulled out a thread-bound martial arts manual from under his bed, intending to study it through the night and see if he could have a flash of inspiration and grasp the key to entering the realm of He Yushu.

The martial art Chen Shunan practiced was called "Flesh Flying Immortal," a type of light-body skill native to Tongzhou.

First, cultivate internal energy in the dantian, then direct it through the Yongquan points on the soles of both feet.

If one's internal energy is fully developed, one's muscles and bones will become supple and flexible, and all joints will be in harmony. One can then move as lightly as a swallow, which means one has truly mastered the art and deserves to be called a first-rate martial artist.

Then, practice the Thirty-Six Styles of Leg Techniques, which are either exquisite or ruthless, reaching the very core of the body. One can walk on snow without leaving a trace and move at will, reaching the second-rate level.

Ultimately, when the inner and outer are united, and the qi and body are in harmony, and the body and qi are in harmony, one can move swiftly like a flying duck or a soaring crane into the sky, thus reaching the pinnacle of excellence.

Even if the rope on the flagpole in the temple breaks, one can hold a new rope in one's mouth, slap the pole and climb up to the dragon's head, leap more than ten feet into the air, tie it back on, and land unharmed.

Hence the name 'Flesh Immortal'!
It is the family martial arts passed down by my deceased wife, Zhang.

Of course, the martial arts manual in Chen Shunan's possession was incomplete and contained no records related to the first-class realm.

Chen Shunan suffered from floods and malnutrition in his youth. By the time he settled in Beijing, his physical development had already been completed, and he had missed the golden period for martial arts training.

There's a saying that children who practice lightness skills can keep rising upwards, while adults who practice lightness skills can never succeed.

So even with his connections to the Zhang family and his ruthless fighting spirit, he has only reached the third-rate perfection level by now, with his Qi flowing through his body and he still suffers from a hidden ailment.

Pour oil and light a candle; insects chirp as the lamp flickers.

A tiny flame flickered uncertainly.

Chen Shunan, wearing a long robe, stared solemnly at the scribbles on the martial arts manual.

He would occasionally murmur to himself, pondering and reciting the meaning of the scriptures.

Suddenly, a long, undulating snore came from his mouth.

Chen Shunan, with the martial arts manual as his pillow, slept soundly and peacefully.

In a daze, Chen Shunan seemed to have a dream in which a little person was whispering something in his ear.

"Ah! This is the muddy water that Brother Chen gifted me? I am so grateful, so very grateful!"

"Though it is muddy water, in my mouth at this moment it is no different from celestial dew and fine wine, incomparably sweet!"

Chen Shunan vaguely saw the weak and helpless scholar Ma scooping water to drink while bowing with his hands clasped and muttering something.

Then, the next moment.

The [Three Elements Water Official True Spirit Treasure Proclamation] in Chen Shunan's mind shone with boundless light, rapidly unfolding and drawing Chen Shunan's mind into it.

"Well, this is it?"

A light drizzle seemed to fall on Chen Shunan's face.

He looked up in surprise and found himself in a strange place.

It was pitch black all around, like an endless night.

Only in the small area where he was located could he faintly see a bluish light.

Black rain fell, staining the ground black, and trickled into the darkness.

Desolation, oppression, and annihilation.

Chen Shunan seemed to have arrived at a forgotten place, a place that should no longer exist.

Whoosh!
A golden light came from above Chen Shunan's head, tearing through the darkness along the way and vaguely forming a human figure.

The majestic and resounding sound of the Yellow Bell rang in Chen Shunan's ears—

"The universe is orderly, and all things are well-ordered. Now, we examine the mortal Chen Shun'an in the lower realm. He possesses the essence of Kan and Li, and harbors a loyal and diligent will. Although he has not entered the path of gods, he has been a benefactor to the people of the waters, accumulating good deeds and merits."

He was specially appointed as the "Water Guardian Who Receives Dew," and granted a grass-root talisman, thus elevating him to a higher divine rank. Though merely a lowly, insignificant deity, he must still maintain a pure and unwavering heart.

As soon as he finished speaking, a somewhat rough, dull talisman made of grass fell in front of Chen Shunan.

what's going on?
Those who share the water, accumulate good deeds and merits?
I gave Scholar Ma two buckets of water, and he activated the precious edict and became a god?

A grass-root god is fine, it's better than nothing.

Chen Shunan was both surprised and delighted, and accepted the herbal book without hesitation.

The grass talisman absorbed Chen Shun'an's aura, and immediately his name and corresponding authority appeared on it.

Divide the water!

"Thank you so much, Great God, for bestowing upon me this divine title. I am deeply grateful!"

Without saying a word, Chen Shunan immediately knelt down and assumed the identity of a 'minor god'.

He pondered that this great god who had come to bestow divine titles and ranks was his superior.

It's important to cultivate these relationships carefully. However...

There was no response for a long time after Chen Shunan kowtowed in gratitude.

Only the black rain continued, and the blue light flickered.

Seeing this, Chen Shunan mustered his courage and looked up.

But there was no one above them.

There was only one talisman of good quality, which emitted a faint, mysterious light.

The light illuminated the darkness above Chen Shunan's head.

This allows Chen Shunan to see the scene above his head.

Chen Shunan noticed that the sky seemed unusually low.

So low, and the talisman that emitted a faint, mysterious light was already at the edge of the sky.

Chen Shunan could reach the talisman with just a light touch.

the most important is……

The talisman was empty, without any name!
It's vacant!

Chen Shunan had read some books on esoteric arts in his previous life and knew the concept of talismans.

The registers were used to examine the officials of the Three Realms, govern the universe, and control all things. They were an important carrier for recording the names and powers of the gods and immortals of the ten directions.

In other words, a talisman is considered complete only if it contains the name of a deity!

And now...

Chen Shunan's eyes widened suddenly, and an extremely bold idea rose in his mind!

He grabbed the talisman above his head!
As the aura was absorbed, the talisman revealed its name.

Another golden light descended from above, tearing through the darkness along its path.

A magnificent and awe-inspiring voice resounded from within the golden light—

"The universe is orderly, and all things are orderly. Now, we have investigated Chen Shun'an, a grass-root god in the lower realm. He was originally a [Water-Dividing Soldier Who Receives Dew], but his divine power has improved so much that he has reached the celestial extreme with great supernatural powers and refined the Ninth Grade Capital Merit Register."

He was specially appointed as the Ninth Rank [Ganquan Tongming Envoy], and granted a Ninth Rank Chief Merit Register, promoted to a higher divine position, to guard the wells and springs, and to protect the home and its inhabitants…

The voice just fell.

Chen Shunan looked up, his mouth agape in astonishment as another talisman with dazzling divine light flew towards him from above!

Similarly, the divine name is vacant, and no god holds office!
what is this?
Board first, buy a ticket later, and there's even a delay?
Am I now a 'supernatural being'?

This imperial edict has flaws!

How could someone impersonate a priest?!

After a few breaths.

The title of Chen Shun'an was displayed on the Eighth Rank Du Gong Register.

A golden light shone down from above.

The sound rang out—

"The universe is in order, and all things are manifest. Now, we examine Chen Shun'an, a ninth-rank divine official in the lower realm. He was originally the [Gan Quan Tong Ming Envoy], but his divine power has greatly increased..."

By special decree, you are hereby appointed as the Eighth Rank Official, [Ten Miles of Misty Waters Manifesting Blessing True Official], and granted an Eighth Rank Chief Merit Register. You are promoted to a higher divine position, in charge of a ten-mile stretch of river, to regulate the breeding of fish and shrimp, and to protect the tranquility of the waters in this area…”

Without saying a word, Chen Shunan grabbed Jin Guang and revealed his name as a seventh-rank official.

Another golden light came from above.

Another voice rang out.

……

Rank 6.

catch.

Golden light.

sound.

...

Fifth rank.

catch.

Golden light.

sound.

...

Finally, Chen Shun'an, a first-rank main god with the honorific name [Taiyi Xuanming], who wields the source of chaos and coexists with the Dao, swallowed hard, rubbed his rough hands together, and tentatively reached out to grab that ancient and unadorned drop of black water beyond the nine heavens.

This shattered world, the black rain that connects the nine heavens, all originate from this drop of black water.

Despite its appearance, the divine talisman only reaches the first rank.

Above the highest level, beyond the nine heavens, only this black water remains.

But come all come.

The moment Chen Shunan came into contact with the black water, his head buzzed, his soul exploded, and then quickly reformed.

Countless murmurs of Tao resounded in his heart, carrying infinite truths and essence, as if they were saying something to Chen Shunan.

Chen Shunan looked bewildered.

He... couldn't understand.

The murmured voice paused for a moment, then flowed into Chen Shunan's eyes in a form that Chen Shunan could understand, in the form of words.

[Real Name: Chen Shunan]

[Divinity: The Great Emperor of the Abyss of the Netherworld (Shattered)]

[Authority: None]

Divinity: None

【Divinity: 1】

[Wish: 1]

[The auspicious sign for divine intervention: Dew-collecting water soldiers]

Chen Shunan stared in astonishment at the extremely familiar panel, then glanced at his own divine essence.

How did Mr. Chen, who never believed in God his whole life, suddenly become a god?
He is still the supreme ruler of all waters, the [Great Emperor of the Netherworld Abyss]!
This "Three Primordial Water Officials' True Spirit Treasure Proclamation" is actually broken, and the various water god talismans recorded in it are all missing or empty!

So now he has transformed into the big boss of this 'shell company'!

In the entire imperial edict, he was the only living person!
"Where did all these gods go? Could they all be dead?"

Chen Shunan had extremely mixed feelings, and then spent some time familiarizing himself with the panel.

Ultimately, he discovered that he, the newly crowned [Great Emperor of the Upper Abyss of the Netherworld], only possessed divine status, but not the corresponding authority.

Even his divine nature is incomplete!
Divinity is the embodiment of a rule-based position.

Only with divinity can one possess corresponding authority, such as collecting dew and dividing water, purifying water and reducing turbidity, enabling fish and shrimp to reproduce, and controlling clouds and rain. These are all manifestations of the power of authority.

Chen Shunan currently lacks all of these and has not yet brought them back.

Fortunately, this precious edict still retained a trace of divinity, preventing Chen Shunan from starting from scratch.

And that only wish was provided by Scholar Ma, it was mottled and murky, not even worthy of being called incense!
One hundred wishes can earn one incense stick. Incense sticks can be used for divine power, manifestation of holiness, construction of temples, and guidance of believers, with endless wonderful uses.

Chen Shunan focused his attention on the line “A possible way to summon a spirit.”

【Dew-collecting water soldiers】

[Number of spirits to be summoned: 1]

[Can consume 1 point of divine power to choose a god to descend upon, regain control of the herbal scrolls, and gain their authority.]

To regain control of the official register and reclaim its power?!

Chen Shunan suddenly understood something.

This broken [Great Emperor of the Netherworld Abyss] could actually regain control of ten talismans: the Grass Talisman, the Ninth to Seventh Rank Du Gong Talisman, the Sixth to Third Rank San Dong Talisman, and the Third to First Rank Da Dong Talisman...

Reclaim all the authority that belongs to the Water Emperor!
At forty-nine years old, Chen Shunan's once dormant and cold heart suddenly burst forth with boundless passion.

It is not too late to cultivate the divine way at the age of forty-nine!
The first step is to choose a deity to descend from among the [Water Soldiers Who Divide Dew], selecting a grass-root deity!

The bedroom was dimly lit, and the lamp wick flickered as it burned.

The shouts of "Braised pork offal, fried tofu!" on the street suddenly pulled Chen Shunan back to reality.

Chen Shunan woke up and looked at the Baogao panel in his field of vision, which was not an illusion. He then glanced at the "Flesh Immortal" martial arts manual on the table.

Practice martial arts?

I've already become a god, and you want me to practice martial arts?!

I can't practice a single thing!
I am the Great Emperor of the Upper Abyss of the Netherworld!

Divine power! Divine intervention! Attack!
(End of this chapter)