Heaven Official's Blessing Chapter 2

“Congratulations, Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince.”

Upon hearing these words, Xie Lian lifted his gaze, a smile gracing his lips as he responded, “Thank you. But may I inquire as to the reason for your congratulations?”

Ling Wen ZhenJun, her arms folded, replied, “Congratulations on securing the first position on the list titled ‘Heavenly Officials Most Anticipated to Be Demoted and Banished to the Mortal Realm’.”

Xie Lian chuckled, “Regardless of how it’s phrased, it’s still first place. However, if you’re congratulating me, surely it should be for a position worthy of celebration?”

Ling Wen stated, “Indeed, achieving first place earns you one hundred merits.”

Xie Lian’s response was immediate, “Next time, should such a list be compiled again, please do include me.”

Ling Wen inquired, “Do you happen to know who secured the second place?”

Xie Lian pondered for a moment before answering, “That is quite a difficult guess. After all, based on sheer strength alone, I believe I could occupy the top three spots myself.”

Ling Wen confirmed, “That’s more or less accurate. There wasn’t a second place. From the moment you began, others could only see your distant dust, with no hope of catching up.”

Xie Lian replied, “I dare not accept such an honor. Who was the victor of previous years?”

Ling Wen informed him, “There was no prior victor, as this list was established this very year. More precisely, it was conceived today.”

“Eh,” Xie Lian blinked in surprise before posing the question, “Based on what you’ve said, this list wasn’t specifically created for me, was it?”

Ling Wen responded, “You could consider it a fortuitous win, simply because you happened to be present at the opportune moment.”

A wide smile spread across Xie Lian’s face as he said, “Very well, if I consider it in that light, I shall feel slightly happier.”

Ling Wen continued, “Do you have any idea why you attained the top spot?”

Xie Lian answered, “It seems everyone anticipated it.”

Ling Wen elaborated, “Allow me to explain the reason. Kindly direct your gaze toward that clock.”

She lifted a finger to point, and Xie Lian turned his head in that direction. The sight that greeted him was breathtakingly beautiful. Gazing into the distance, one could behold a magnificent palace constructed from white jade, adorned with pavilions and kiosks, surrounded by ethereal immortal clouds, with streams flowing gracefully and birds in flight.

After a prolonged period of observation, Xie Lian asked, “Perhaps you pointed in the wrong direction? Where is this clock?”

Ling Wen replied, “I did not misdirect you. It is precisely there; have you observed it yet?”

Xie Lian scrutinized the scene once more before truthfully admitting, “I do not see it.”

Ling Wen responded, “It is understandable that you do not perceive it. Initially, a clock resided there, but it was dislodged when you ascended.”

“…”

“That clock predated your existence. Nevertheless, it possessed a spirited and lively disposition. Each time an immortal ascended, it would chime a few times in celebration. However, on the day of your ascension, it rang uncontrollably, as if in a frenzy. Only upon falling from the clock tower did it cease its commotion. Regrettably, in its descent, it struck a passing Heavenly Official.”

Xie Lian inquired, “This… Then, are they alright now?”

Ling Wen: “No, they are still undergoing repairs…”

Xie Lian: “I was referring to the Heavenly Official who was struck.”

Ling Wen replied, “The one who sustained the impact was a martial god. He retaliated instantly, cleaving that clock into two halves. But now, please shift your gaze to that golden palace hall. Do you see it?”

She pointed once more, and Xie Lian’s eyes followed her gesture. He discerned a vast expanse obscured by mist and clouds, ultimately revealing the apex of a resplendent palace roof fashioned from golden glass. Xie Lian exclaimed, “Ah, I see it this time.”

Ling Wen responded, “If you can perceive something, it signifies that something is amiss. Originally, there was nothing in that location.”

“…”

“Upon your ascension, numerous Heavenly Officials’ golden palaces were violently shaken, causing their golden pillars to crumble and their glazed roofs to shatter. Some palaces could not be restored within a short timeframe. Lacking other viable options, many resorted to improvising and constructing temporary structures.”

“I am to blame?”

“You bear responsibility for it.”

“Uh…” Xie Lian sought confirmation, “Did I happen to offend a multitude of Heavenly Officials the moment I arrived?”

Ling Wen answered, “If you can achieve redemption, then perhaps you will not have.”

“How can I redeem myself?”

“That is a straightforward question. Eight million, eight hundred and eighty thousand merits.”

Xie Lian offered another smile.

Ling Wen remarked, “Naturally, I am aware that even one-tenth of that amount is beyond your current means.”

Xie Lian responded with unvarnished honesty, “How can I put this? While I am truly apologetic for any inconvenience caused, even if you were to request one ten-thousandth of that sum, I would still be unable to procure it.”

The unwavering faith of mortals in the secular world could be transmuted into the spiritual power of Heavenly Officials. Every stick of incense offered in devotion was recognized as ‘merits’.”

His smile vanished, and Xie Lian earnestly inquired, "Would you be willing to punt me down from this height with a single kick, and then bestow upon me eight million, eight hundred and eighty thousand merits?"

Ling Wen responded, "I am a literary god. If you desire to be kicked, you should seek out a martial god. The more forceful the kick, the greater the merits you shall receive."

With a profound sigh, Xie Lian declared, "Allow me some time to deliberate on my course of action."

Ling Wen placed a hand on his shoulder and advised, "Do not lose heart. When a mountain obstructs your path, a way through will invariably be found."

Xie Lian replied, "In my circumstances, when the boat reaches the pier, it will inevitably sink."

Eight hundred years prior, during the zenith of Xian Le nation's prosperity, accumulating eight million, eight hundred and eighty thousand merits would have been a trivial matter. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince would have granted them without a second thought, barely registering the expenditure. However, the present era bore no resemblance to those bygone days. In the mortal realm, all his shrines had crumbled to dust long ago, leaving not a single one standing. He had no devotees, no offerings of incense, and no object of worship.

It was entirely unnecessary to elaborate further. He possessed absolutely nothing, utterly, irrevocably nothing!

A solitary figure was perched at the edge of the Immortal City's main thoroughfare, grappling with a persistent headache for a considerable duration. Suddenly, a realization dawned upon him. It had been nearly three days since his ascension, yet Xie Lian had neglected to enter the spirit communication array. At that very moment, he had also forgotten to solicit the password from Ling Wen.

The Heavenly Officials who had achieved ascension had collaboratively established a spirit communication array. This allowed them to utilize their divine senses to instantly converse with one another within its confines. Upon ascending, it was incumbent upon the newly recognized gods to join this network. However, knowledge of the password was essential to locate the specific array. Xie Lian had not accessed the spirit communication array for eight hundred years, and consequently, had no recollection of the password. Thus, he extended his divine sense to scan his surroundings, eventually discerning an array that appeared to match its description. With casual entry, he was immediately assailed from all directions by a tumultuous barrage of excited voices, so potent that he felt momentarily destabilized.

"Place your bets, no take-backs! Come, wager on how long our Royal Highness the Crown Prince can endure before being forced to descend once more!"

"I bet one year!"

"A year is far too long; last time, he only lasted the duration of one incense stick. Perhaps this time he will persist for three days? I wager three days, a mere three days!"

"Don't be foolish! Three days have nearly elapsed as it is. Are you certain that's wise?"

... Xie Lian silently withdrew from the array.

The location was incorrect. This certainly could not be the right one.

The deities residing in Heaven were esteemed Heavenly Officials, each presiding over their own domain; they were renowned figures recognized by a vast multitude of people. Having diligently cultivated their way to ascension, they carried an air of dignity and generally maintained a reserved demeanor. More often than not, their discourse and conduct exuded an aura of lofty pride. Only he, in his excessive excitement upon his initial ascension, had proceeded to accost every Heavenly Official within the spirit communication array to extend his greetings. Xie Lian had introduced himself with unparalleled earnestness, his meticulously detailed self-introduction being utterly unmatched.

Having retreated from the prior array, he embarked on a further random search. Ultimately, he chanced upon another array and entered it. Upon this second entry, Xie Lian experienced a measure of relief, thinking mentally, "It is remarkably quiet here. This must be the correct one."

At that precise instant, a voice softly uttered, "Has Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince returned once more?"

Initially, the sound was incredibly soothing to the ear. The voice was delicate, and its tone was gentle. However, upon closer examination, one could discern an underlying frigidity in the voice, and the speaker's tone appeared remarkably detached. Consequently, this perceived gentleness seemed to mask an undercurrent of malevolent intent.

Xie Lian had originally intended to enter the array with restraint and decorum, content to remain a silent observer. However, since someone had already initiated conversation with him, he could not feign ignorance. He was also immensely pleased that a Heavenly Official in Heaven was willing to proactively engage with him, a god who had become synonymous with calamity. Thus, he promptly responded, "That is correct! Greetings to everyone! I have indeed returned."

Little did he realize that following this exchange of questions and answers, every Heavenly Official present within the spirit communication array at that moment perked up their ears, attentive.

That Heavenly Official continued to speak in a languid fashion, "Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince's ascension this time caused quite a stir, didn't it?"

In the Celestial Realm, it might be said that rulers were abundant, with heroes as plentiful as flowing water. To achieve godhood, one first needed to be an exceptional individual. Those in the mortal realm who achieved great feats or possessed immense talent had a higher chance of ascending. Therefore, it wasn't an exaggeration to claim that princes, princesses, and generals were commonplace. Everyone was a proud child of the Heavens, yet they all treated each other with utmost politeness, using titles like ‘Your Majesty,’ ‘Your Highness,’ or ‘General Lord,’ always opting for the most flattering address. However, the tone used by the Heavenly Official in his previous address stripped away any semblance of courtesy.

Although Xie Lian had once been a Crown Prince and had been addressed as such before, this particular greeting lacked any respect. It felt more like a subtle jab, a needle trying to prick him. Many other Heavenly Officials within the divine communication array had also genuinely held the title of Crown Prince, and this greeting sent shivers down their spines, making them profoundly uncomfortable. Xie Lian keenly perceived the malice in the other's voice but chose not to escalate the situation. Thinking to himself that he should disengage, he responded with a strained smile, “It was alright.”

However, the Heavenly Official offered no path to escape. His voice, devoid of warmth, inquired, “Oh, Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince found it alright? My own fortunes were not so kind.”

Suddenly, Xie Lian detected a soft whisper from Ling Wen. She uttered a single word, “Bell.”

Understanding dawned upon Xie Lian instantly. So, this was the martial god who had been struck by that bell! If this were the case, the Heavenly Official's anger was not entirely unreasonable. Xie Lian, being exceptionally skilled at apologies, immediately stated, “I have heard of the incident involving the bell. I offer my sincerest apologies; please forgive me.”

The other let out a snort, a sound that revealed nothing of his true feelings. Among the many martial gods in Heaven, several were newcomers who had ascended after Xie Lian's departure. This made it impossible for him to identify his interlocutor solely by voice. Yet, one could not offer an apology without knowing the recipient's name. Thus, Xie Lian cut to the chase, asking, “Pardon me, but may I inquire how I should address you, esteemed cultivator?”

The moment these words left his lips, the other party fell silent. It wasn't just the other god; the entire divine communication array seemed to halt, as if a sudden stillness had settled upon everyone like a suffocating blanket.

From the other side, Ling Wen whispered to him again, “Your Highness, while I find it hard to believe you truly do not recognize him after conversing for so long—I still feel compelled to remind you. That is Xuan Zhen.”

Xie Lian questioned, “Xuan Zhen?”

He paused, a flicker of disbelief crossing his face, before finally registering the name. He sent back a message, tinged with surprise, “This is Mu Qing?”

Xuan Zhen Jun was a martial god who presided over the Southwest. He possessed seven thousand temples, and his renown in the mortal realm was legendary. This very Xuan Zhen Jun, whose given name was Mu Qing, had served as a deputy general in the palace guard for the Crown Prince of the Xian Le kingdom eight hundred years prior.

Ling Wen also expressed her astonishment, “You truly did not recognize him?”

“I genuinely did not,” Xie Lian replied. “Back then, he never addressed me in such a manner. Furthermore, I cannot even recall the last time I encountered him. If it wasn't five hundred years ago, it must have been six hundred. I've nearly forgotten his appearance, so how could I possibly recognize his voice?”

Silence permeated the divine communication array. Mu Qing remained utterly still, not uttering a single sound. The other Heavenly Officials, while feigning nonchalance, were secretly eager for the conversation to resume.

Regarding these two, the situation was rather strained. After so many years, numerous rumors had circulated, leaving everyone with a fairly complete understanding of their past. In the bygone era when Xie Lian served as the esteemed Xian Le Crown Prince, his spiritual cultivation took place within the Huang Ji Temple. This very temple served as the Imperial Taoist sanctuary for the Xian Le nation, enforcing exceptionally stringent criteria for disciple acceptance. Mu Qing, hailing from impoverished origins, bore the heavy burden of a father who was a condemned criminal, a label that rendered him unqualified for discipleship at the Huang Ji Temple. Consequently, his only recourse was to engage in menial tasks. Within the temple's precincts, his duties primarily involved sweeping the grounds for His Highness the Crown Prince or attending to his needs by delivering tea and water. However, Xie Lian recognized Mu Qing's diligence and subsequently petitioned the Taoist Ministers to grant an exception, admitting him as a disciple. The words of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince carried immense influence, paving the way for Mu Qing's entry into the temple for cultivation, a privilege directly bestowed by the Crown Prince's decree. Following Xie Lian's ascension, he appointed Mu Qing as one of his generals, bringing him along to the Immortal City.

Yet, when the Xian Le nation met its downfall and Xie Lian was divested of his divine status and banished to the mortal realm, Mu Qing's loyalty faltered. Not only did he abandon Xie Lian, but Mu Qing remained utterly silent, offering no words of defense. With the Crown Prince's fall complete, Mu Qing found himself liberated. He sought out an auspicious location and dedicated himself to fervent cultivation with all his might. Within a remarkably short span of years, he successfully navigated the Heavenly Tribulations and ascended to divinity himself.

At that previous juncture, one resided in the celestial realms while the other walked the mortal earth. Even now, the dynamic persisted with one in the heavens and the other on the ground, though the circumstances of these two individuals had undergone a complete inversion.

From another vantage point, Ling Wen remarked, "He is truly incensed."

Xie Lian responded, "My presumption aligns with yours."

Ling Wen offered, "I shall interject with a few further remarks. Seize this moment to depart swiftly."

Xie Lian replied, "There is no necessity. Should we maintain a facade of normalcy, all will undoubtedly return to equilibrium."

Ling Wen inquired, "No necessity? Simply observing your interaction induces a palpable sense of awkwardness in me."

Xie Lian stated, "I find myself to be quite amenable!"

For Xie Lian, any predicament was acceptable as long as his life was not forfeit. While he may not possess much, he was certainly capable of forfeiting a considerable amount of face. He had already experienced numerous situations far more embarrassing than this; thus, a genuine sense of calm pervaded his heart. Who could have foreseen that his utterance would prove premature? Scarcely had Xie Lian uttered the words 'still okay' when a voice boomed, its raw intensity startling, "Who in the blazes dismantled my golden palace?! Show yourselves!"

This single, thunderous exclamation caused the assembled deities within the spirit communication array to experience a sensation akin to their scalps about to erupt.

Despite their stomachs churning with apprehension, every deity remained utterly still, their breaths held captive as they listened with unwavering attention. They were anxious to learn more.