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

The Heavenly Court's Water Department, the Water Patrol and Investigation Division.

The interior was dimly lit, with only a few jade palace lanterns high up casting a cool glow, creating a solemn and dignified atmosphere.

The four walls are engraved with ancient murals depicting the officials who patrolled the rivers and supervised the four seas, silently telling of the heavy responsibilities this office once held.

Zhang Qingyang bowed his head and stood below the hall, respectfully holding a jade slip in both hands.

His expression was respectful, and he dared not overstep the bounds of propriety.

The head of the Water Patrol and Investigation Division sat in the main seat of the hall.

The person was dressed in a dark blue robe adorned with wave patterns, with tigers and leopards appearing and disappearing on the robe. His face was shrouded in the shadows cast by the palace lanterns, making it difficult to see clearly.

Only two faint blue points could be seen flickering deep within his pupils, with a captivating sharp glint flashing between them as they opened and closed.

He did not immediately take the jade slip, but lowered his gaze, as if reviewing another document on the table.

Unconsciously, fingertips tapped lightly on the smooth tabletop, producing a rhythmic sound.

Each sound seemed to strike Zhang Qingyang's heart.

The hall was silent, save for the soft, echoing tapping sounds, which added to the oppressive atmosphere.

After a long while, the Master slowly raised his eyelids.

Zhang Qingyang quickly stepped forward and carefully presented the jade slip.

The Master took the jade slip, a faint glint of immortal light flashing at his fingertips, and his divine sense sank into it.

He read at a moderate pace, his expression remaining indifferent, revealing neither joy nor anger.

Zhang Qingyang stood with his hands at his sides, holding his breath and concentrating, but his heart was boiling like a cauldron.

He lowered his head and looked down, but out of the corner of his eye he kept a close eye on the Master's hand that was caressing the jade slip, as if afraid that the Master would reject it.

Time passes little by little.

Finally, a seal with a light blue luster appeared from the void and was firmly imprinted on the end of the jade slip.

Zhang Qingyang felt a sudden sense of relief, almost letting out a long breath. He forced himself to hold it in and quickly bowed, saying:

"Thank you for your help, Master."

"This humble official will certainly do his utmost to investigate the matter, uncover the irregularities, and live up to the trust placed in him by the superior!"

The head official gently pushed the jade slip to the table, his voice flat and emotionless, revealing neither joy nor anger:

"The formalities are complete; proceed with the descent to the lower realm according to regulations."

He paused briefly, then added casually, his gaze sweeping over Zhang Qingyang with a meaningful look:

"Do not forget my previous instructions."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Qingyang's body stiffened almost imperceptibly, but he quickly recovered and respectfully replied:

"Your humble servant will keep this in mind and will certainly not fail in the task entrusted to you by the Director!"

"Go."

The chief clerk waved his hand and stopped looking at him.

Zhang Qingyang held the jade slips in his hands as if they were priceless treasures.

He bowed again, took a few steps back, then turned and left with slightly hurried steps.

Until Zhang Qingyang's figure disappeared at the end of the corridor outside the hall.

The head of the court, who remained seated like a statue, curled a cold smile at the corner of his mouth in the shadows.

He unconsciously tapped his fingertips lightly twice on the table, producing a soft, clear sound that was particularly distinct in the silent hall.

After a long while, he slowly leaned back in his chair, his figure completely disappearing into the dim shadows, and remained motionless.

…………

Before the South Heavenly Gate Cloud Path, countless rays of light and auspicious clouds filled the sky.

The celestial soldiers and generals on duty stood solemnly, their armor gleaming.

Yang Feng, the Thunder Cavalry Commander, remained as imposing as an iron tower at the entrance to the Cloud Path, his gaze sharp as lightning, scanning the passing immortals and gods.

Zhang Qingyang arrived on a cloud and saw Yang Feng in the distance. His heart tightened, as he vividly remembered the frustration of being blocked last time.

He descended from the clouds, landing before the cloud path, his face calm, and bowed to Yang Feng.

"Governor Yang, how have you been?"

Upon seeing him, Yang Feng's resolute face remained expressionless. His gaze scrutinized him, and he returned the salute in a businesslike manner.

"Where does Immortal Zhang wish to go? Please present the verification talisman."

Zhang Qingyang's lips curled slightly as he took out the jade slip from his sleeve and presented it with both hands:

"I have been ordered by the Ministry of Water Resources to investigate the unusual undercurrents in the East China Sea. This document was personally approved by the Director of Water Resources. Please have the Cavalry Commander examine it."

Yang Feng took the jade slip, immersed his consciousness in it, and carefully checked the seal of the head of the department and the seal of the investigation department to confirm that there was nothing wrong with it.

Zhang Qingyang sneered inwardly:

Look closely.

"The paperwork is complete, and the rules are ironclad. Let's see what reason you, Yang Feng, have to stop me!"

After a moment, Yang Feng raised his eyes, gave Zhang Qingyang a deep look, his gaze still sharp, but said nothing more. He stepped aside to let Yun Dao pass and said in a deep voice:

"All procedures are complete; passage is permitted."

These eight simple words sounded like heavenly music to Zhang Qingyang!

The huge weight in his heart was lifted off his feet.

Thank you.

Zhang Qingyang took the jade slip and raised his head slightly.

He didn't look at Yang Feng again, took a step forward, and his figure disappeared into the cloud path where the rosy light flowed.

Zhang Qingyang rode on a cloud of light, passing through the majestic and solemn gate of the South Heavenly Gate.

After flying for about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the surrounding light gradually dimmed, and they were already far from the patrol area of ​​the South Heavenly Gate.

Ahead, where the clear and the murky clouds met, a thick, leaden cloud appeared, churning endlessly.

The inner workings of the mind are in disarray, as if a naturally formed barrier, making it difficult for divine sense to penetrate far.

Deep within the clouds, a blurry figure stood silently, as if it had long since merged into this deathly stillness.

The person was not tall, and was even somewhat thin, and was shrouded in a layer of clear light that resembled water and mist and flowed erratically.

An aura as deep and unfathomable as the sea pressed down on us like an invisible mountain.

Zhang Qingyang's heart tightened suddenly, and he quickly descended from the clouds, bowing respectfully:

"This humble official, Zhang Qingyang, has come to await the Immortal Lord's orders on the orders of the Chief Administrator!"

He kept his head down, his heart filled with doubt and uncertainty:

Who exactly is this person?

The master only instructed me to obey a celestial lord, but did not reveal his identity.

And how did he pass through the Heavenly Gate so quietly?

The South Heavenly Gate is heavily guarded, and Yang Feng is especially incorruptible; he…

Thinking of this, a strange chill crept up my spine.

The Master's arrangements seem to be far more profound and unpredictable than they appear on the surface.

The immortal lord did not respond, but simply stared at Zhang Qingyang with a cold and sharp gaze, as if he could penetrate Zhang Qingyang's immortal robes and see into the depths of his soul.

The surrounding clouds seemed to freeze under this silent gaze.

After a few breaths, a deep, hoarse voice slowly rang out:

"Did he tell you everything?"

Zhang Qingyang dared not delay and quickly replied:

"Reporting to the Immortal Lord, the Chief Inspector only instructed me that I must obey all orders during this journey."

"Um."

The immortal lord responded calmly, his tone revealing neither joy nor anger.

"I am here on a secret mission to inspect the operation of the water element in the lower realm."

Since you are accompanying us, you must obey all orders, not act without permission, and not ask any questions. Everything you see and hear is a secret of Heaven, and you must not reveal even a fraction of it.

Do you understand?

Zhang Qingyang felt a chill run down his spine and quickly replied:

"Your humble servant understands! I will certainly obey the Immortal Lord's decree and dare not disobey!"

His heart was filled with turbulent emotions.

Secret decree? Heavenly secret? The chief only instructed him to obey the immortal lord's orders, but did not specify the details.

Why does it sound so secretive?

Upon hearing this, the immortal lord said no more and simply flicked his sleeve.

The jade slip in Zhang Qingyang's hand flew up silently and landed in his sleeve.

Immediately, the immortal lord turned around, facing the direction of the lower realm, and the clear light around him rippled slightly, enveloping Zhang Qingyang as well.

"Walk."

They uttered only one word, and in the next instant, their figures merged into the thick clouds, silently plummeting towards the shores of the East China Sea.

Zhang Qingyang felt as if he were enveloped by an irresistible force, and the scenery before his eyes was rushing by.

The burning desire for revenge in his heart was now extinguished by the sudden mystery and chilling atmosphere.

He had a vague feeling that he had been drawn into a vortex far beyond his imagination.

All around, deathly silence returned.

Only the eternal wind gently caresses this corner of the clouds.

A gentle breeze swirled around and then receded inward, gradually revealing a tall figure clad in silver-white armor—it was Fei Peng.

His face was calm, his eyes were as cold as a deep pool, and he looked in the direction the two had left, his brows furrowed.