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

Chen Jiao's gaze fell on him, a hint of reminiscence flashing in his eyes.

Fei Peng's heels were quite unique.

He was neither a born deity nor a highly accomplished immortal cultivator.

Rather, it was a wisp of primordial tranquility that Chen Jiao had accidentally conjured up at the highest point of the heavens years ago.

This wind arises from nothingness, wanders among the stars, without roots or duckweed, yet it is incredibly resilient.

When Chen Jiao encountered him, he saw that although he was wandering aimlessly, he could remain steadfast in the face of strong winds and turbulent currents, and he possessed a tenacious and unyielding nature.

Seeing that he already possessed spirituality, he used the power of lightning to enlighten him.

In a moment of inspiration, he named himself Feipeng.

Chen Jiao had extraordinary trust in this subordinate whom he had personally mentored and watched grow step by step.

"Get up," Chen Jiao said calmly.

"Thank you, True Lord."

Fei Peng stood up immediately, hands at his sides, his posture straight as a spear, his gaze calmly meeting Chen Jiao's eyes, awaiting instructions.

Inside the hall, lightning reflected off his silver armor, making it shimmer and highlighting his heroic bearing.

Chen Jiao did not immediately issue the order, but hesitated for a moment before slowly speaking, his voice echoing in the empty hall:

"Fei Peng, I have something I need you to investigate in secret."

Fei Peng's expression turned solemn: "Please give your instructions, True Lord."

Chen Jiao nodded slightly and said calmly, "Everything has been settled, and the government office has been established."

However, the undercurrents in the three realms have never ceased.

The Dipper Department governs the celestial phenomena, the movement of the stars and constellations, which is related to the fate of the Heavenly Court and also affects the spiritual energy of the mortal realm.

Recently, however, subtle ripples have begun to appear.

Chen Jiao continued, "I wish to send you to secretly investigate the rotation of the stars in the Dipper constellation in recent years, especially whether any star officials have descended to the mortal realm."

Or perhaps... someone who descended to the mortal realm without permission!

At this point, Chen Jiao's tone became stern.

"If any discovery is made, report it to me immediately and without error."

Chen Jiao looked at Fei Peng and calmly warned him:

"The waters of the Dipper are deep, and the relationships between the constellations and the true beings are intricate and complex."

You must act with extreme caution, as if walking on thin ice or standing on the edge of an abyss.

Remember, observe but do not speak, investigate but do not touch, and do not alert the enemy.

After Chen Jiao finished speaking, Fei Peng's eyes narrowed slightly.

Investigating the constellations of the Dipper constellation is a matter of great importance.

The slightest mistake could cause turmoil in the Heavenly Court.

The fact that the True Lord entrusted me with such confidential and important matters is both an act of trust and a heavy responsibility.

Without hesitation, he cupped his hands in a respectful bow and replied in a deep voice:

Fei Peng obeys the order!

We must act with utmost caution, ascertain the truth, and live up to the trust placed in us by the True Lord!

Looking into Fei Peng's calm and resolute eyes, Chen Jiao knew that he understood the gravity of the matter, so he said no more, only calmly:

"Go ahead and play it by ear."

Don't worry, I'll take care of everything for you.

"yes!"

Fei Peng clasped his hands in a salute once more, then turned around. His steps remained steady, but with a more refined determination than when he arrived.

The figure quickly disappeared into the light and shadow outside the hall.

……

Things at Huangtian Shu Leifu have been somewhat settled.

Chen Jiao knew that this promotion meant he would suddenly have much more power.

Both in terms of sentiment and reason, it is necessary to pay a visit to the two superiors—the Heavenly Venerable of Universal Transformation of Thunder and Lightning of the Nine Heavens and the Great Emperor of the North Pole Purple Star.

After a moment's thought, he made his decision.

Although the Arctic Exorcism Institute is a place of strict authority, the Great Emperor Ziwei, who rules over all stars, holds an extremely high position and rarely ventures out, making him a figure not to be seen by ordinary people.

Lei Zu, who is in charge of the Thunder Department, is his direct superior and had given him much guidance and support in the past. Therefore, both for public and private reasons, he should pay his respects first.

Having made up his mind, Chen Jiao did not delay any longer.

He changed into a more solemn black robe with gold patterns, resembling that of a True Lord.

Although not deliberately flaunted, the majestic aura of the Dao, blessed by the true immortal, was naturally revealed.

He left Huangtian Shulei Palace alone, riding a cloud of light, without any attendants.

Heading towards the depths of the Thunder Department, towards that most ancient and magnificent palace.

Along the way, passing many Thunder Department offices, upon seeing the newly appointed True Lord's carriage, all the patrolling Thunder Generals and civil officials gave way and bowed, their eyes filled with awe and curiosity.

Chen Jiao nodded slightly in acknowledgment, saying nothing more, and his escape was swift and steady.

The central thunder palace has a different climate than the Huangtian Shu Thunder Palace.

As soon as you get close, you feel the overwhelming force of thunder protecting you.

Layer upon layer of thunderclouds surrounded the area like a city wall, with lightning flashing like dragons and snakes within, revealing the outlines of countless thunder palaces.

An unparalleled majesty, commanding the thunder and lightning of the heavens and holding the power of life and death over all things, permeated every place.

This is the Leizu Daoist Temple—the Shenxiao Jade Palace.

Before the palace gates, the Thunder God stood solemnly, while the Lightning Goddess patrolled, exuding a chilling and majestic aura.

Chen Jiao pressed down on Yun Guang, and was about to announce the news when he saw a person already standing at the palace gate.

This man had a resolute face, wore blue scale and thunder patterned armor, had a thunder whip hanging at his waist, and blue lightning crackled around his body like a serpent.

It was none other than General Qing Lei, the left attendant before Lei Zu.

Upon seeing Chen Jiao arrive, General Qing Lei stepped forward with a solemn expression, clasped his hands in a salute, and spoke in a steady voice:

"This humble general, Qing Lei, is here by the decree of the Heavenly Venerable to respectfully welcome the True Lord's entourage."

The Heavenly Venerable already knew that the True Lord was about to arrive, and specially ordered this humble general to lead the way.

Chen Jiao nodded slightly and returned the greeting, saying, "Thank you for your trouble, General."

The two entered the Divine Firmament Jade Palace one after the other.

The mansion has a high dome, and the pillars are carved with ancient battle scenes of the Thunder God, giving it a simple and ancient feel.

The ground was as smooth as a mirror, reflecting the lightning from the dome. Walking on it felt like stepping into a sea of ​​lightning.

All the celestial officials and divine generals seen along the way were solemn and silent, each performing their duties.

Upon reaching a magnificent main hall shrouded in purple mist, General Qing Lei stopped, stepped aside, and bowed, saying:

"Please, True Lord, the Heavenly Venerable is already waiting inside the hall."

Chen Jiao straightened his clothes and stepped inside.

Deep within the main hall, upon a throne adorned with nine phoenixes and crimson clouds, sat a dignified Taoist priest.

A thunder-patterned third eye appeared on his forehead, which was not open at the moment, but naturally exuded a dignified aura that could see through the three realms and distinguish good from evil.

It is none other than the Heavenly Venerable of Universal Transformation through Thunder of the Nine Heavens, the Supreme Lord of the Thunder Department!

Lei Zu did not emit any external light, yet his very existence was like the pivot of thunder in the heavens and earth, causing the thunderous energy of the universe to fluctuate with every breath.

At this moment, Lei Zu was not completely lost in thought when he saw Chen Jiao enter.

He did not rise, but merely nodded slightly, his voice resonant yet calm, echoing throughout the empty hall:

"They're here."

The two words, uttered like a sudden clap of thunder in spring, carried no oppression whatsoever, but rather the gentleness and praise of an elder meeting an outstanding junior.

Chen Jiao stepped forward a few paces, bowed deeply beneath the cloud platform, and spoke in a clear and respectful voice:

"This humble general pays his respects to the Heavenly Venerable."

Thanks to the guidance and instruction of the Heavenly Venerable in the past, I have been able to make some progress.

"Having received the Jade Emperor's great favor and been granted the position of True Lord, I have come to pay my respects to the Heavenly Venerable and to receive his instructions."

Lei Zu spoke, his voice calm yet carrying a natural Daoist aura that resonated throughout the spacious hall.

Get up.

"Now that you have attained the position of True Lord, there is no need for such a grand ceremony."

Chen Jiao straightened up, his expression still respectful:

"The Heavenly Venerable has shown me both the kindness of recognizing my talent and the virtue of mentoring me."

Regardless of changes in rank, etiquette must not be abandoned.

Upon hearing this, Lei Zu said gently, "Sit."

Heavenly servants had already brought over a prayer mat and placed it beneath the cloud bed.

Chen Jiao sat down as instructed, his posture respectful.

Lei Zu scrutinized him for a moment, a barely perceptible hint of approval flashing in his eyes, and said slowly:

"You did a good job in the battle at the Eastern Pole."

"The Great Celestial Venerable bestows upon you the title of 'Radiant Heavenly Pacifying Law' and grants you the authority to establish your own government and military headquarters. This is because he values ​​your abilities and also because he entrusts you with a heavy responsibility."

His tone was calm, yet every word carried immense weight:

"The principles of the Thunder Department are uprightness and impartiality, and clear distinction between rewards and punishments."

The matter of the Arctic Exorcism Institute concerns the laws of Heaven.

As you also serve as the judge, you must be even more careful in your words and actions, and maintain a pure and upright character.

"This humble general will heed the teachings of the Heavenly Venerable!"

Chen Jiao solemnly replied.

Lei Zu nodded slightly, said no more about official business, and asked instead:

"Is the establishment of the Huangtian Pivot Thunder Palace going smoothly? If there are any difficulties, please speak frankly."

This is the care that elders show to younger generations.

Chen Jiao respectfully replied, "Thank you for your concern, Heavenly Venerable. Things in the manor are going smoothly."

All the generals and civil officials are capable men.

The old man and the young man exchanged a few more words.

Lei Zu did not inquire about the specifics of the matter, but offered mostly encouragement and guidance.

Chen Jiao listened respectfully, occasionally responding.

The atmosphere inside the hall was solemn yet harmonious.

General Qing Lei stood by with his hands at his sides, his eyes fixed on his nose, his nose seemingly indifferent to his heart, yet he understood perfectly well what was going on.

The Celestial Venerable is in a very good mood today.

The fact that the True Lord came to pay homage first after his ascension shows that he did not forget his origins, which clearly pleased the Heavenly Venerable.

About an incense stick later, Chen Jiao saw that Lei Zu was about to close his eyes to rest, so he tactfully got up to take his leave.

Lei Zu did not try to stop him, but as he turned away, he said something indifferently:

"We should also pay our respects to His Majesty the Northern Emperor at an appropriate time."

The Northern Emperor governs the stars and has strict laws; you must behave yourself.

If you encounter any problems, feel free to come to me.

These words are both a reminder and an expression of concern.

Chen Jiao's heart stirred, and he bowed again:

"Thank you for your guidance, Celestial Venerable."

After leaving the Divine Firmament Jade Palace, Chen Jiao glanced back at the magnificent mansion shrouded in thunder.

Instead of feeling relaxed, I felt even more solemn.

"Ruling the stars, with strict laws..."

Chen Jiao gazed northwards and muttered to himself.