Gods of the Nation: You worship the God of Longevity, I worship the King of Hell!

Chapter 138 Holy crap... I've been bribed! My lord, you have not forsaken me! I am willing to serve you!

The two walked to a secluded spot.

Lu Chen solemnly clasped his hands in thanks: "I truly thank you for your help this time, sir!"

Li Chenghuang smiled and returned the greeting: "General, you flatter me. I am merely trying to mend the fence after the sheep have escaped."

As he spoke, he changed the subject slightly, his expression showing a hint of confusion, "However, I just heard the general mention that the Five Hells Immortal Ascension Technique actually has two spots for immortality. I wonder what the mystery is? To be honest, I have very limited knowledge of such evil arts."

Lu Chen nodded slightly, and then briefly explained the key points of becoming an immortal through the Five Prisons.

"So that's how it is!" Li Chenghuang suddenly realized, but his brows furrowed even more. "I never imagined that such an evil technique could conceal such a profound mystery. According to this, the other culprit is still at large... If this is truly troublesome, perhaps I should rest for a few days, and then use the City God's secret technique to investigate more thoroughly. Last time, I was simply unable to do so, which is why I had to give up halfway. Next time, I will definitely follow the previous path and investigate to the end."

"Absolutely not!" Lu Chen hurriedly raised his hand to stop him. "This technique already damages one's lifespan, how could I dare to trouble the City God any further? If I had known I would have to pay such a price, I would never have come to bother you."

After saying this, he clasped his hands in a fist and bowed again, speaking earnestly: "Your Excellency's concern for the common people is truly admirable!"

"General, you flatter me." Li Chenghuang waved his hand humbly. "What are your plans for the future, General? Is there anything I can do to assist you?"

"No need for now." Lu Chen pondered for a moment, then frankly told the truth, "To be honest, I have already asked the Kitchen God for help, and I believe the real culprit will soon be revealed."

"The Kitchen God? Could it be... the Kitchen God who determines fate and fortune?"

"Exactly."

Li Chenghuang looked surprised: "If I remember correctly, the Kitchen God, as a household deity, seems to have had his incense offerings cut off for many years..."

“That’s true.” Lu Chen nodded. “I had a deep conversation with the Kitchen God. His natal magic treasure, the Fireworks Book, is temporarily unable to unleash its power due to the lack of fire nourishment. However… I have a way to reignite this magic treasure. Once the Fireworks Book regains its power, the truth will come to light.”

"Oh?" A look of surprise flashed in Li Chenghuang's eyes. He smiled and said, "General, you are indeed a young man of great talent, with such extraordinary abilities. No wonder Yama was willing to take you as his adopted son, and even the Plague Emperor Haotian has a high opinion of you."

These words reminded Lu Chen of the old stories on Chenghuang Street.

At the opportune moment, Li Chenghuang bowed again: "General, what happened on Chenghuang Street that day was indeed an offense on my part. However, the Prefectural City God had given prior orders, and as a subordinate, I had no choice but to comply. I hope the General will forgive me!"

Lu Chen smiled and said, "There's no need to bring up the past. Your righteous act today has already impressed me greatly."

After saying that, he looked around and lowered his voice: "There are no outsiders here at the moment. I would like to have a few private words with you, sir. Is that alright?"

Li Chenghuang's expression hardened, and with a slight flick of his sleeves, an invisible barrier quietly enveloped the surroundings.

"General, please speak freely!"

Lu Chen stared at the other man for a moment, then suddenly smiled and said, "Your Excellency's noble character and concern for the people are truly admirable. However..."

He abruptly changed the subject: "Please forgive my bluntness, but you are willing to sacrifice your lifespan to use a secret technique to help me. Perhaps... there is another reason?"

"Well..." Li Chenghuang chuckled twice, "Well..."

"My lord, it's okay to say so."

"Well... alright!" Li Chenghuang seemed to have made up his mind, his eyes burning with determination. "To be honest, I do have a request!"

After saying this, he bowed solemnly again, and when he stood up, his expression had turned solemn: "I humbly request the general to put in a good word for me!"

"A compliment?" Lu Chen remained calm. "What you're referring to, sir, could it be... the position of the City God?"

"Exactly!" Li Chenghuang readily admitted.

Sure enough.

This position has been vacant since the previous City God was executed.

Today, the City God Street in Qianjiang City is entirely supported by the old Yama King's position.

But this is not a long-term solution; a new city god will have to be appointed sooner or later.

Lu Chen chuckled: "Sir, you've come to the wrong person. How could a junior like me have the right to comment on the appointment and removal of the Prefectural City God of Jiang Province? Besides, this position should be decided by the Capital City God. But after the last incident on City God Street, if the Capital City God knew that I had intervened, he would probably be even more resentful. There's no reason for me to speak well of him."

Li Chenghuang waved his hand repeatedly: "General, you are unaware of this. Although the City God system is under the dual jurisdiction of Heaven and the Underworld, the appointment and removal of the Prefectural City God and even the Capital City God are actually determined by the Emperor of Fengdu in the Underworld."

Just like the Five Ghost Emperors and the Ten Kings of Hell, they are all appointed by the Supreme Being.

Lu Chen raised an eyebrow slightly: "I see. I thought the Prefectural City God was actually the one who called the shots from the Capital City God..."

Even so, I'm afraid I can't be of any help, even though I have some connections with King Yama.

But on His Majesty's side, I am of lowly rank and have little influence; how dare I overstep my bounds?

Besides, as the adults know, given our current status and level, I am not capable of making offerings to the Emperor of Fengdu.

Li Chenghuang laughed and said, "I naturally understand that."

He hesitated for a moment, his expression becoming cautious: "General, there are some things that have been lingering in my mind for a long time, and I'm afraid it would be presumptuous to say them out loud."

"Please speak frankly, sir."

"Good!" Li Chenghuang nodded and said, "Since the incident with the Prefectural City God, I have seen that the General is highly regarded by many deities, especially the Plague Department."

Therefore, it is speculated that the five plague messengers who broke through the boundary that day were probably not all from Lady Zheng's Hundred Flowers Goddess position.

If the Plague Department truly intended to confer a divine office upon her, why wait until then?
"In that case, the truth is obvious..."

He lowered his voice and said, "The Plague Department's trip is probably actually for the General!"

Otherwise, why would the Star Lord have killed the City God?
Presumably, it was because the City God of the Prefecture harbored murderous intent that the Star Lord was displeased and executed him. However, this also precisely demonstrates that you hold immense importance in the hearts of the Plague Department, especially in the eyes of the Plague Emperor Haotian.

Furthermore, the fact that the matter later calmed down also speaks volumes.

I have heard that the City God of the Capital once went to the Underworld to file a complaint.

However, it was suppressed by the Supreme Being.

This clearly shows that the Star Lord must have reached some kind of tacit understanding with the Supreme Being. Therefore…”

Li Chenghuang looked at Lu Chen with a smile: "General, now that things have come to this, do you still feel that you can't get a word in edgewise?"

Lu Chen gave the other person a deep look.

He had previously said that Li Chenghuang was a man of deep cunning and a scheming mind.

These words prove it!

He seems much smarter than that stubborn City God.

Taking a deep breath, Lu Chen smiled calmly and said, "Since you've put it that way, then I won't hide it from you. That's right, I am now not only the Mighty General of the Underworld, but also the Plague Prince of the Plague Department."

"What?!" Upon hearing this, Li Chenghuang's pupils dilated violently, his face filled with disbelief.

He was stunned for a moment, then hurriedly took a step back and bowed deeply: "So it is Your Majesty who has arrived! This humble official has been rude, please forgive me!"

"My lord, there's no need for that."

"No, no, no! With Your Majesty before me, how dare I overstep my bounds? I am Li Qingyuan, originally from Xieliang in Hedong. Your Majesty may simply address me as Qingyuan." Li Chenghuang said tremblingly, his posture humble.

Seeing this, Lu Chen was both amused and exasperated: "My lord, although I have received a divine post, I am still just a mortal, and besides, you are my superior. How about this... we each do our own thing, shall we?"

"This……"

"Ok, deal!"

"I will obey Your Majesty's orders!" Li Chenghuang then straightened up, but his posture was noticeably more respectful.

Lu Chen hesitated for a moment: "Since things have come to this... fine, I can put in a good word for you..."

Li Chenghuang suddenly became excited: "Thank you..."

"Hold your excitement for a moment." Lu Chen raised his hand to stop him: "Let me make this clear from the start. I can't guarantee the outcome."

"Of course! It is already a great honor for this humble official to have Your Majesty grant the request!"

After saying that, Li Chenghuang flipped his palm, revealing a radiant token.

"Please accept this gift, Your Majesty."

"This is?"

"This is the City God's Decree of Jiangdu. The holder of this decree may freely enter and exit City God Street, and may also command all the underworld officials of this street. If Your Majesty does not despise me, Qingyuan is willing to serve you!"

--What?

Lu Chen was startled.

To make the mighty City God of the prefecture his underling?
This art style seems off...

Although the Dragon King, the Earth God, and even the Seventh and Eighth Masters had all treated him with great respect.

But Li Chenghuang is completely different.

After all, he is a registered deity of the underworld. Although his rank is not high, he is a true god.

Want to be my underling?

No way, this guy is way too direct! He's going all out!

……

"Furthermore, this City God's Token is also a protective magic item, and it is also equipped with the earth-遁 (earth-遁 is a magical ability that allows one to travel thousands of miles in an instant) while holding the token in Jiangdu. Unfortunately, I am of low rank, and this token will not be able to exert its magical power once it leaves Jiangdu. I hope Your Majesty will understand."

"This gift is far too extravagant..."

"Why stand on ceremony, Your Majesty? From now on, within the territory of Jiangdu, I will serve you without hesitation. If Your Majesty bestows your favor and I one day ascend to the position of City God, I will be the first to object to anyone in Jiang Province who dares to disrespect you!"

Li Chenghuang spoke earnestly, clearly demonstrating his loyalty.

Lu Chen didn't say it aloud, but he was also making plans in his mind.

If we truly accept the city god of the prefecture as our subordinate, we can elevate him to the position of city god of the prefecture.

It is indeed very beneficial to oneself.

After all, having a high-ranking official in the underworld is undoubtedly a significant position.

But Li Chenghuang's delivery of the City God's decree was not enough.

Immediately, with a flick of his hand, three more brocade boxes appeared...

(End of this chapter)