Heaven Official's Blessing Chapter 3

Chapter 3: Scrap-Collecting Immortal’s Third Ascension to Godhood

Once a revered master across the heavens, he had been reduced to a cosmic joke, utterly devoid of incense, temples, or followers. Both his former subordinates, who once served under him, had successfully navigated their heavenly tribulations, ascending to become powerful martial gods, each ruling over vast territories. Given these circumstances, it was only natural that people’s curiosity would intensify. If Xie Lian were pressed to choose between Feng Xin and Mu Qing, determining who made him feel more awkward, he’d likely respond, “They’re both alright!”

However, if bystanders were asked whether they’d prefer to witness Xie Lian clash with Feng Xin or Mu Qing, their choices would diverge based on personal preference. After all, ample reasons existed for conflict between either pairing, making it difficult to ascertain which duel would prove more captivating.

Thus, when Feng Xin suddenly ceased his verbal retort and abruptly vanished, leaving his side utterly silent for an extended period, a wave of disappointment washed over the onlookers. Meanwhile, Xie Lian, feeling somewhat chastised, mumbled, “I truly didn’t foresee creating such a stir. It wasn’t intentional; I’ve inconvenienced everyone.”

Mu Qing’s response was delivered with a cool detachment, “Oh, then that was indeed quite the coincidence.”

Coincidence? Xie Lian had to agree that the situation felt overwhelmingly coincidental. The clock landing squarely on Mu Qing, and his own ascension subsequently obliterating Feng Xin’s palace, painted a picture for onlookers as if he were deliberately seeking retribution. Yet, Xie Lian possessed a peculiar knack for invariably selecting the single poisoned cup amongst a thousand, but controlling public perception was beyond his abilities. Consequently, Xie Lian could only offer, “I will do my utmost to compensate for everyone’s lost golden palaces and any other damages. I also humbly request a period of time.”

It was patently obvious that Mu Qing intended to continue his barbed commentary. However, seeing as Mu Qing’s own golden palace remained unscathed, and the very clock that struck him was cleaved in two, prolonging his taunts would appear unseemly and beneath his elevated status. Therefore, Mu Qing, too, discreetly withdrew, falling into silence. Observing that the immediate crises had dissipated, Xie Lian quickly made his own escape.

The very next day, while genuinely contemplating the daunting task of acquiring the astronomical sum of eight million, eight hundred and eighty thousand merits, Xie Lian received an invitation to Ling Wen Palace Hall.

Ling Wen held the esteemed position of Heavenly Official responsible for managing the celestial bureaucracy. It was to her that mortals offered prayers for advancement in their earthly careers. From the ground floor to the uppermost reaches, her Palace Hall was crammed to capacity with official documents and scrolls—a sight so overwhelming it could instill dread in anyone. As Xie Lian proceeded, he noticed every Heavenly Official exiting Ling Wen’s Hall burdened by an exceptionally tall stack of paperwork. Their countenances were pallid, and their expressions ranged from utter exhaustion to a state of vacant numbness. Upon their eventual entry into the Palace Hall, Ling Wen pivoted and directly addressed the matter at hand, “Your Highness, His Majesty the Emperor seeks your assistance with a particular affair. Are you willing to lend your aid?”

Within the celestial realm, numerous individuals bore the esteemed titles of ZhenJun or YuanJun. However, only one held the singular designation of Emperor. Actions undertaken by this supreme being typically required no prior solicitation of assistance. This realization caused Xie Lian to pause in stunned silence for a moment before responding, “What affair is it?”

Ling Wen presented him with a scroll, stating, “Recently, the Northern territories have experienced an unusual surge in devout worshippers fervently petitioning for boons. It is presumed that their current circumstances are far from peaceful.”

These so-called fervent worshippers typically comprised three distinct groups. The first consisted of affluent individuals who expended wealth to sponsor incense burning and temple construction for deities. The second category encompassed missionaries who proselytized to passersby. And, lastly, the third stratum of zealous worshippers comprised those individuals whose beings and spirits were wholly immersed in unwavering faith. The majority within this classification were undoubtedly from the first group, as the wealthy were as abundant as carps traversing rivers in this world. The third category represented the smallest fraction, for it was believed that achieving such profound devotion indicated an exceptionally high level of cultivation, placing them on the cusp of ascension themselves. The individuals Ling Wen referred to clearly belonged to the first category.

Ling Wen continued to speak, “At present, the Emperor cannot attend to the North. If you are willing to take his place and make the trip, when the time comes, regardless of how much offerings these zealous worshippers make, everything will be allocated to your altar. What do you think?”

Xie Lian received the scroll with both hands as he said, “Many thanks.”

This was evidently Jun Wu helping him, but instead he flipped it around and made it sound as if he was asking Xie Lian for his help. How could Xie Lian not see through that? However, he couldn’t find more fitting words to express what he thought in place of the two words he had just said. Ling Wen replied, “I’m only responsible for handling these affairs. If you want to thank someone, you should wait for the Emperor to return before personally thanking him instead. —Oh right, do you need my help borrowing any magical artefacts?”

Xie Lian answered, “There’s no need. Even if you give me a magical artefact, once I go down I won’t have any spiritual power, and so I won’t be able to use it.”

Xie Lian had been beaten down twice, so he lost his spiritual power. It was easier to cope in the Heavens, the place where all the immortals assembled. After all, spiritual power was abundant and the source won’t dry up, thus he could casually grab some to use. However, once he returned to the mortal realm, he would be powerless. If Xie Lian wanted to fight with magic, then he could only make do by finding someone he could borrow spiritual energy from, something extremely inconvenient.

Ling Wen pondered for a moment before saying, “Then it would be best to borrow a few martial gods to assist you and lend a helping hand.”

The current martial gods either didn’t recognize him, or they didn’t like him. Xie Lian understood that thoroughly, and so he responded, “There’s also no need for that. You won’t be able to borrow anyone.”

However, Ling Wen seemed to have taken it into serious consideration and only said, “I’ll give it a try.”

There wouldn’t be a difference whether she tried or not, therefore Xie Lian didn’t approve or oppose her words, and allowed Ling Wen to try. As a result, Ling Wen entered the spirit communication array before announcing in a bright tone, “Everyone, the Emperor has an important task to be handled in the North and urgently need people. Which martial god Highness can lend out two martial officials from their Palace Halls to help?”

The moment her voice faded, Mu Qing’s floaty voice emerged, “I’ve heard that the Emperor isn’t in the North right now, so I’m afraid you’re borrowing people for His Highness the Crown Prince, right?”

Xie Lian mentally thought: “Are you keeping guard at the spirit communication array all day long...?”

Ling Wen was on the same wavelength as him. Although she only wanted to slap the Mu Qing who was hindering her work right out of the array, she started speaking with a smile. “Xuan Zhen, why am I always seeing you in the array these two days? It seems like you’ve been stealing time to slack off and now you’re quite idle. Congratulations, congratulations.”

Mu Qing replied in a light tone, “My hand is injured, so I’m recuperating.”

Every Heavenly Official there mentally thought, “In the past, it would be nothing difficult for that hand of yours to split a mountain in half. So, what would hacking a foolish clock into pieces do to you?”

Originally, Ling Wen had wanted to deceive two people to come work before explaining the details. But not only did Mu Qing guess those details in one try, he even said them out loud. With the circumstances now, it was certain she wouldn’t be able to find anyone. Sure enough, no one else answered her inquiry for quite a while. Xie Lian also didn’t believe anyone would come forward, and thus told her, “You see, I said you wouldn’t be able to borrow anyone.”

Ling Wen responded, “If Xuan Zhen didn’t say anything, I would have indeed been able to.”

Xie Lian smiled. “Those words of yours had been as if you were carrying a pipa, but concealing half its face, beautifully blurring the scene to some degree. People would have thought they were going to help the Emperor with some work, so of course they would come. But when they come and realize they were going to have to work with me, I’m afraid there would be trouble. How could we work together like that? In any case, I’m used to being alone, and I’m not missing an arm or a leg, so let’s just go with this ah. Thank you for your trouble, I’ll leave now.”

Ling Wen was also powerless. Thus, she cupped her hands in a salute before saying, “Alright. I wish Your Highness’ journey goes smoothly, and may the blessings of Heaven’s Officials be upon you.”

Xie Lian replied, “All taboos are off!” Waving his hand, he left in a confident and carefree manner.

Beside a main thoroughfare, a modest teahouse stood. Though its establishment was small and its proprietors unassuming, the prices were steep, thanks to the exquisite surroundings. The vista encompassed mountains, water, a bustling populace, and a distant city – a perfect, balanced tableau. Situated amidst such natural beauty, stumbling upon this teahouse would undoubtedly forge an unforgettable memory. The establishment's tea master, enjoying a lull in customers, had placed a small stool by the entrance, gazing out at the scenic panorama. While lost in this pleasant contemplation, a distant figure emerged: a Taoist robed in white, walking with the weariness of a long journey. He passed the teahouse initially, then abruptly halted, turning back. Adjusting his bamboo hat, the Taoist looked up. A single glance at the establishment was all it took before he spoke with a smile, "'Chance Encounter' teahouse, an intriguing name."

Despite his travel-worn appearance, the Taoist's face beamed with a smile that effortlessly mirrored itself on the faces of onlookers. He then inquired politely, "Pardon me, but might you know if Mount Yu Jun is in this vicinity?"

The tea master gestured in a particular direction, replying, "It lies within this region."

With a sigh of relief, the traveler exhaled, a breath devoid of any lingering exhaustion. "I have finally arrived," he thought to himself.

This weary traveler was none other than Xie Lian.

He had departed the Immortal City that very day. Xie Lian had intended to descend near Mount Yu Jun, his chosen destination. However, in an unforeseen turn of events, as he descended carelessly, his sleeve snagged on a passing cloud – a peculiar entanglement he couldn't quite explain. Regardless, he tumbled through the high altitudes, landing helter-skelter, utterly disoriented. After three days of arduous walking, he finally reached his original intended landing spot. A profound sense of relief washed over him.

Entering the teahouse, Xie Lian selected a table by the window, ordering tea and some light fare. Just as he settled in after his arduous journey, the room was filled with the cacophony of wailing voices and the insistent beat of drums from outside.

Xie Lian turned his gaze toward the street, observing a procession of people of all ages escorting a vibrant crimson marriage sedan chair as it moved past the teahouse.

An unsettling aura permeated the procession. At first glance, they appeared to be relatives accompanying a bride. However, a closer inspection revealed the solemnity etched on their faces – a mixture of sorrow, anger, and dread, conspicuously lacking any trace of joy. The scene hardly resembled a wedding celebration. Yet, paradoxically, everyone wore red flowers, and wind instruments accompanied the rhythmic drumming. The entire spectacle was deeply peculiar. The tea master, holding a copper teapot, paused his pouring to witness the scene, merely shaking his head before departing.

Xie Lian's eyes followed the unusual procession as it moved away, his mind lost in thought. He was about to retrieve the scroll from Ling Wen to review once more when a flash of dazzling light caught his attention.

As Xie Lian looked up, a silver butterfly fluttered past his face.

The silver butterfly was ethereal and shimmering, appearing pure and limpid. It danced through the air, leaving radiant trails in its wake. Xie Lian instinctively reached out a hand. The butterfly displayed remarkable intelligence, showing no fear and even alighting briefly on his fingertips, its wings glittering magnificently. In the sunlight, it resembled a fragment of an illusion. After a short while, it took flight once more.

Xie Lian waved a hand in farewell as it departed. However, upon turning back, he found two new individuals seated at his table.

A quadrangle table was presented, with two individuals occupying opposite sides. Both were youthful males, appearing to be around eighteen or nineteen years old. The one on the left possessed a taller stature, with sharply defined, strikingly handsome features. An air of arrogance and stubbornness emanated from his gaze. The individual on the right had exceptionally fair skin, presenting a delicate and pretty, yet also refined appearance. However, his expression seemed overly cold and indifferent, conveying a sense of displeasure. To be frank, neither of them appeared particularly well.

Xie Lian blinked, then inquired, "Who might you two be?"

The one on the left responded, "Nan Feng."

The one on the right stated, "Fu Yao."

Xie Lian mused internally, "I wasn't asking for your names..."

At that precise moment, Ling Wen's voice suddenly transmitted. She conveyed, "Your Highness, two minor martial gods from Middle Heaven have volunteered their assistance. They have already descended to seek you out and should have arrived by now."

The designation 'Middle Heaven' was, naturally, in contrast to 'Upper Heaven'. The Heavenly Officials within Heaven could be broadly categorized into two groups: those who had ascended and those who had not. The Heavenly Officials of Upper Heaven had all achieved ascension through their own efforts. With only about a hundred individuals in the entirety of Heaven, each was exceptionally revered. However, within Middle Heaven resided deities who were appointed as deputies. Strictly speaking, their full title should be 'Fellow Heavenly Officials'. Yet, in common usage, the word 'fellow' was frequently omitted.

Given the existence of an Upper Heaven and a Middle Heaven, did a Lower Heaven exist?

No, it did not.

In truth, when Xie Lian first ascended, a Lower Heaven had indeed existed. At that time, Heaven was partitioned into Upper Heaven and Lower Heaven. However, a peculiar issue was later discovered by everyone. When they introduced themselves and stated, "I am from Lower Heaven's so-and-so," the phrasing sounded rather unpleasant. The inclusion of the word 'lower' created a sense of inferiority. Among the deities of Middle Heaven, there was no shortage of exceptionally talented individuals. Their spiritual power was abundant and potent, and they were each distinguished and well-regarded figures. The sole difference distinguishing them from true Heavenly Officials was their lack of experiencing a Heavenly Tribulation. But who could say when the awaited Heavenly Tribulation would actually manifest? Consequently, a proposal was made to alter a single word—to rephrase introductions as 'I am from Middle Heaven's so-and-so.' This modification was far more pleasing to the ear, despite both phrases carrying the same meaning. In any event, Xie Lian found it difficult to adjust to this change for quite some time.

Xie Lian observed the two minor martial gods. With one displaying a more disagreeable countenance than the other, it seemed improbable that they had willingly come to offer support. Thus, he couldn't help but ask, "Ling Wen, I do not believe they came to aid me; rather, it appears they intend to claim my head. Did you deceive them into coming?"

Regrettably, it appeared this question was not transmitted. He was also now unable to hear Ling Wen's voice in his ear. It was likely due to the considerable distance from the Immortal City and the long duration since his descent, resulting in the depletion of his spiritual power. With nothing else he could do, Xie Lian first offered the two minor martial gods a smile before speaking, "Were you Nan Feng and Fu Yao? To be willing to come and assist me, allow me to express my gratitude..."