Chapter 2536: The Position of Ziwei Star Lord

In the misty void, Ye Chen and his two companions traveled through the sky.

After a thorough beating, Tai Bai and Tai Yi had become obedient. They no longer tried to persuade him or chatter nonsense, and now they were heading straight to the real Lingxiao Baodian.

When it came to the Heavenly Court's Lingxiao Baodian, its grandeur was unmatched and impossible to imitate. Looking up from afar, it resembled a majestic mountain or a radiant divine pearl embedded in the universe—a symbol, the very emblem of the Heavenly Court.

In front of the Lingxiao Baodian stood two orderly ranks of heavenly soldiers, stationed on either side with solemn dignity. They were the genuine article, far superior to any impostors.

"Announce the arrival of Ye Chen from Huashan to enter the hall."

Soon, the resounding announcement echoed through the surroundings.

Ye Chen stood in the center, with Tai Yi and Tai Bai on either side. Even these two usually carefree immortals became remarkably serious and composed the moment they stepped into the Lingxiao Baodian, without a trace of jest.

Ye Chen remained calm, unfazed by the grand spectacle, as he had witnessed many in his time.

As he surveyed the hall, he was truly impressed. It was like a golden throne room, with immortals standing in neat rows on both sides. Many held dusters, and there were plenty of Daoist figures—male immortals exuding an ethereal aura, female immortals graceful and enchanting. Immortal energy swirled through the hall, and every decoration shimmered with brilliance, perfectly capturing the ethereal essence of an immortal palace.

He spotted Si Ming Xingjun, Shui De Xingjun, Huo De Xingjun, and Bixia Xianzi from Huashan, all standing below, radiating extraordinary immortal presence.

"What a gathering of talents!"

Ye Chen clicked his tongue in admiration, lifting his gaze to Yu Di of the Heavenly Court. Yu Di wore dragon robes, surrounded by dragon breath, embodying the vast energy of the heavens and the essence of the universe. Even his flowing beard was laden with Daoist insights, and his eyes were as vast as the starry sky, each star encompassing supreme Dao principles. He was truly a supreme deity.

"This guy is ridiculously strong!"

Ye Chen sighed inwardly, his assessment of Yu Di spot on—he was at the genuine peak of quasi-emperor level, of the utmost strength, his aura surpassing even that of emperors and rivaling saints. No wonder he ruled the Heavenly Court.

Besides Yu Di, the hall was filled with powerful figures, great immortals who could pierce heaven and earth, their auras deeply concealed. At first glance, Tai Yi and Tai Bai were clearly just there to make up numbers, far inferior to these great immortals.

As Ye Chen observed them, the immortals were also watching him, their eyes gleaming with interest.

"The one recognized by the Dao Jing is indeed extraordinary."

"He's been making quite a name for himself among the scattered immortals in the lower realms these days!"

"Isn't he a saint king? Has he broken through?"

Whispers filled the air, with many leaning in close to chat, scrutinizing Ye Chen from head to toe. The more they looked, the more astonished they became—his Daoist essence was profoundly mysterious.

Shui De Xingjun stroked his chin and said, "I've got to say, he looks awfully familiar."

His companion, Huo De Xingjun, wore a strange expression as he added, "Indeed."

The two of them had good memories and recalled the holy body from the human realm, which bore an uncanny resemblance to this young stone spirit. If not for the difference in bloodlines, they might have mistaken them for the same person, as if carved from the same mold.

Si Ming Xingjun smiled but kept the secret to himself. In the entire heavenly realm, perhaps only Dao Zu and the Chaos Body knew Ye Chen's true identity—he was a remarkable figure, reincarnated with his memories to face tribulations, a renowned character in the various human realms.

Ye Chen withdrew his gaze and glanced at Ba Taizi.

Indeed, Ba Taizi was also in the hall, standing beside Yu Di, specifically there for Ye Chen. After so many days, upon seeing Ye Chen again, the cold, icy glint in his eyes was no longer hidden. If not for being in the Lingxiao Baodian and during a heavenly court assembly, he would have likely ordered Ye Chen's arrest and torture to death to vent his deep grudge.

By now, Tai Yi and Tai Bai had finished their bows and stepped aside.

"This humble immortal, Ye Chen, pays his respects to Yu Di."

Ye Chen stood firm, showing the proper deference of a junior, as this was, after all, Yu Di's domain.

"Huashan truly breeds exceptional talents."

Yu Di smiled, his words light but carrying the thunderous authority of the nine heavens, an aura unique to someone of his level and cultivation that others could never mimic.

"Senior, if it's convenient, could you grant me an official position?"

Ye Chen said with a laugh.

His remark amused many of the immortals present. He was quite the rough-around-the-edges young man, utterly straightforward and oblivious to formalities. Asking for an office right away—didn't he fear offending the heavenly might?

Yu Di paid it no mind and replied with a smile, "Do you have a particular position in mind?"

"As long as it's not stable duty, anything else is fine."

Ye Chen chuckled.

This made Tai Yi and Tai Bai exchange odd looks, as Ye Chen had said the same thing before. Did he have some beef with stable work?

"My dear subjects, is there a suitable position for this young friend?"

Yu Di asked, smiling at the assembly.

"The Ziwei Xingjun position has been vacant since its holder passed into the Dao half a year ago."

Si Ming Xingjun spoke up, having prepared this suggestion in advance.

"Appointing him as Xingjun right away—doesn't that go against protocol?"

Ba Taizi said indifferently.

Ye Chen nearly grabbed his stick at that. You brat, I'm the one who could be the head of Huashan in the lower realms, and now you're complaining about me taking a fifth-rank position in your Heavenly Court? No wonder the Dao Jing doesn't recognize you.

Si Ming Xingjun fell silent and shot Ba Taizi a glance. If I were Ye Chen, I'd turn around and leave, heading straight back to the scattered immortals' realm. You'd regret it to death—he finally came up here, and now you're trying to drive him away? Is your head full of water?

Many other immortals felt like laughing too. A fifth-rank position, and we're already thinking it's too low for us. You're the one going on about it not being proper, saying it with such conviction. Where do you get the nerve? How did Yu Di end up with such a fool for a son?

"The Ziwei Xingjun position—is it to your liking?"

Yu Di asked Ye Chen with a smile.

"Thank you, Yu Di."

Ye Chen bowed with a grin, unbothered by the rank—as long as he had a divine position, that was what mattered.

Yu Di smiled and gently waved his hand, carving a divine plaque from the void with strands of Daoist essence, which then merged into Ye Chen's body.

Following that, a purple Daoist robe appeared, marked with the Ziwei Xingjun insignia.

Ye Chen took it in stride, already considering himself an official of the Heavenly Court. He casually found an empty spot and stood there.

"Keep it together."

Tai Yi nudged Ye Chen.

"Do you think this is my first day out in the world?"

Ye Chen whispered back, his eyes scanning the hall for any reincarnated souls.

Well, what do you know—he didn't spot a single one.

Since it was a heavenly assembly, there was plenty to discuss, like disturbances in various places, rare treasures that had emerged, or matters of heavenly regulations—topics flowed freely.

Ye Chen stood with his hands behind his back, bored out of his mind, nearly dozing off as he listened.

The immortals in the hall were just as idle, bringing up trivial matters to pass the time.

Because of this, most immortals from the lower realms preferred not to come up. They could use that precious time to cultivate, flirt, or do other things, rather than waste it chattering here—and they still had to bow to others if they didn't show up.

"Young friend, after the assembly, why not come sit with me?"

Just as Ye Chen was about to nod off, a voice transmitted to him from nearby.

Ye Chen turned and glanced at the great immortal beside him, paying special attention to his feet. Why isn't he wearing shoes? Isn't he afraid of stepping on something sharp?

"Young friend?"

The barefoot great immortal called out tentatively.

"Sure, why not."

Ye Chen smiled, understanding the immortal's intent—it was just an excuse to visit; what he really wanted was a look at the Dao Jing.

The heavenly assembly eventually dispersed in a rather lackluster atmosphere, leaving the immortals visibly relieved. Many yawned as they filed out of the hall with their dusters, heading back for a nap.

Notably, as each passed Ye Chen, they would glance his way. Some looks were neutral, while others were disdainful, full of contempt—they clearly looked down on this little great saint and were essentially warning him to behave in the future.

"Hey, little stone, watch your step, or I might accidentally step on you."

As Ye Chen walked, he felt a poke from behind—quite a firm one, nearly making him stumble.

The one who poked him was extraordinarily burly, towering even over Manshan from Da Chu. He was like a small giant tower, with Ye Chen barely reaching his knees. One misstep, and he really could crush him.

Ye Chen looked up and saw the man's bright, piercing eyes fixed on him. His aura was wildly fierce, from some unknown bloodline, exuding an overbearing presence that screamed dominance.

"He is Ju Ling Shen—quite the hot-tempered one. Best not to cross him."

Si Ming Xingjun said with a laugh.

"Saying it that way makes it sound better reversed."

Ye Chen replied with his hands tucked away. He's hot-tempered? Well, I've got a violent streak myself. As long as he behaves, fine—but if he comes looking for trouble, I'll beat him so badly his own mother won't recognize him. Is a quasi-emperor that impressive?

"Young friend, please wait—Yu Di requests your presence."

A call came from behind, delivered by a graceful immortal maiden. Compared to the hulking figure earlier, her voice was delightfully melodious.

"We'll wait for you outside the hall."

Si Ming Xingjun, Tai Yi, and the others each patted Ye Chen on the shoulder before leaving the hall together.

By then, Ye Chen had caught up with the immortal maiden's steps. Yu Di's summons was no surprise—some matters weren't suitable for discussion during the assembly, like the Dao Jing from Huashan, which needed to be addressed privately.

Before long, they entered a secluded palace garden.

This garden was no ordinary one, with towering rock formations, babbling springs, and an array of rare spiritual flowers and exotic grasses. There were also spirit fruit trees bearing translucent fruits that emitted a refreshing fragrance.

In the pavilion by the lake, Yu Di was quietly brewing tea. He had shed his dragon robes and now wore simple attire, with Ba Taizi Yin Ming standing at his side.

"I pay my respects to Yu Di."

Ye Chen bowed again.

"No need for formalities. Please, sit."

Yu Di smiled, though he couldn't fully hide his inherent authority.

Ye Chen didn't stand on ceremony and even handed over the letter from the Huashan master.

Yu Di took it without opening it; he already knew its contents—it was essentially asking for some favor toward Huashan and not to trouble Ye Chen.

Yu Di would certainly grant that favor, provided Ye Chen cooperated.

At Yu Di's side, Ba Taizi produced an item and held it before Ye Chen—it was a treasure seal radiating Daoist energy and shimmering divine light. Though not an imperial artifact, it exuded an extremely dominant aura, far surpassing weapons like the Dinghai Shenzhen.

"Kongtong Seal."

Ye Chen glanced at it, having seen records of it in Huashan's scripture pavilion. It was a heavenly treasure nurtured by heaven and earth.

"I'll get straight to the point—I wish to exchange this for your Dao Jing."

Yu Di stroked his beard and said with a smile, being quite direct without any preamble or coercion.