Chapter 311: Heavenly Emperor Slays the Demon Sword, Rivers and Lakes Awaken the God

When Bian Zhuang put on this brand new, silver-bright battle armor and stood by the calm yet vast Tianhe River, waiting for Hai Shen and Dongmu Gong to arrive for the inspection, he felt an overwhelming mix of emotions.

He recalled how, when he first came to Tian Ting, it was truly just for that fairy sister.

Although he still didn't know her name and had long given up on that pursuit, his original intention remained unclouded.

Yet, in this very environment, Tian Ting had used merits and official positions to instill in him, Bian Zhuang, a genuine drive to strive upward!

In such a short time, he had gone from the jokingly titled Marshal Tian Dou to the deputy commander of the Tianhe Water Army!

In such a short time, the merits he had accumulated already surpassed several times over those his family's long-established Tianya Pavilion had gathered!

Of course, running a place like that "temporary emotional tribulation" establishment didn't offer many opportunities to accumulate merits in the first place.

Now, as Bian Zhuang walked through Tian Ting—within the areas he was allowed to access—he bantered with the heavenly generals as brothers, and even the heavenly soldiers addressed him as "General" or "Marshal."

That single "Marshal" felt a thousand times more satisfying than a hundred calls of "Young Master"!

More importantly, when he occasionally passed groups of fairies, most of them cast curious and admiring glances his way, rather than looks of disgust or revulsion.

These were just the visible benefits; the others were too numerous to count!

The most noticeable example was how his cultivation progress had become easier, with bottlenecks seemingly vanishing...

He, Bian Zhuang, now sincerely aspired to become an outstanding general in Tian Ting!

So, when he received the order from Tongming Hall, he was excited to the point of nearly having a dao heart attack!

But when he read the part about being under the command of the four seas gods, including Xuanwu Que, his vision went dark, and he nearly fled Tian Ting that very night!

Why?

Because the person he feared seeing most right now was Hai Shen!

Bian Zhuang wasn't foolish in matters beyond romance.

He fully understood that all the favors he'd received from Tian Ting stemmed from a drunken slip where he bragged too much, claiming he'd gained the favor of the Renjiao's Xuandu Grand Mage and Hai Shen.

Fortunately, the Grand Mage, being so transcendent, paid no mind to such trivialities;

And Hai Shen, being quite busy, hadn't addressed it either.

But now...

Bian Zhuang was no longer the clueless bean farmer he once was; he completely grasped how overwhelmingly powerful Hai Shen was in Tian Ting.

According to Dongmu Gong himself, Hai Shen handled over eighty percent of Tian Ting's affairs, was the most trusted minister of Yu Di, and aside from Dongmu Gong, the only one with direct authority to mobilize troops!

Of course, Hai Shen's strongest backing was still the third-in-command of Renjiao.

What about him, Bian Zhuang?

He just had a bit of family business and amounted to nothing in Tian Ting.

Riding on his own boasts and wielding that rake from Doushuai Palace, he'd become the hot new "young talent" among the heavenly generals.

But these were all illusions, like castles in the air or reflections in a mirror—as soon as Hai Shen spoke a word, he'd be exposed...

And the higher he'd been lifted, the harder he'd fall!

"This is going to be the end of me!"

What could he do?

Bian Zhuang hesitated endlessly; he wanted to run away but couldn't bear to give up his current "glory and wealth."

In the end, he decided to go meet Hai Shen in advance, no matter the cost, and beg him not to reveal the boasts he'd made.

But as soon as Bian Zhuang stepped out the door, a team of heavenly soldiers arrived to urge him to head immediately to the Tianhe River to organize the troops.

How could this be happening so fast?

He'd only received the order from Tongming Hall yesterday, and today he was already taking up his post!

At that moment, Bian Zhuang's legs went weak, and he nearly collapsed in his residence courtyard.

The heavenly soldiers quickly stepped forward to support him and, without a word, carried him to the site, placing him in the deputy commander's position.

Seeing the fawning smiles those heavenly soldiers gave him, Bian Zhuang truly wanted to assign them to "Tianya Pavilion's Nvshu Yard" to serve those fairies who enjoyed tormenting people!

What now?

What else could he do?

As Bian Zhuang's mind was in turmoil, his immortal sense caught sight of Dongmu Gong and Hai Shen approaching on clouds.

In that instant, his left eye flashed with visions of himself drinking and feasting with the heavenly generals, being called "Marshal Brother" by the fairies.

His right eye showed him being pinned down by heavenly soldiers, thrown into the Tianfa Pool, struck by raging thunder until he was reduced to ashes, while the fairies looked on with contempt...

He could even imagine what those fairies would say!

"Tsk, pretending to have orders from Renjiao to scam food and drink, and getting so many rewards from Tian Ting—what a shameless lowlife."

"Scum! Despicable!"

"What a pity I thought he'd become a great marshal someday."

No—

He couldn't let all this slip away; he, Bian Zhuang, had to seize control of his own fate!

"Hai Shen!"

Bian Zhuang's neck veins bulged, his voice hoarse and roaring, shouting from his primordial spirit:

"Hai Shen has arrived! It's Hai Shen! Lord Hai Shen!"

Behind Bian Zhuang...

The one hundred thousand heavenly soldiers, arrayed in three tiers—upper, middle, and lower—and nine formations—front, middle, and rear—all turned to look at him, their faces full of confusion.

But Bian Zhuang no longer cared; with tears streaming down, he rode a white cloud straight toward Dongmu Gong and Li Changshou.

From hundreds of li away, he shouted loudly:

"Hai Shen! This humble officer, Bian Zhuang, is your deputy commander!"

Dongmu Gong had several black lines on his forehead and turned to Li Changshou with a puzzled expression, whispering:

"Should we find another deputy commander? This one doesn't seem... quite right."

"It's fine," Li Changshou said with a narrowed-eye smile. His immortal sense had captured Bian Zhuang's expression and heard the shout laced with immortal power, so he already understood why Bian Zhuang was acting this way.

In his heart, Li Changshou was also a bit puzzled...

Where was the unyielding pride that guy had shown for Ke Le'er in front of the Dragon Palace back then?

Still, Li Changshou didn't want to make things difficult for his future "second senior brother."

Especially seeing how handsome Bian Zhuang looked now, and thinking about his future appearance as second senior brother...

Hmm, various emotions welled up in Li Changshou's heart.

Bian Zhuang flew hurriedly toward Li Changshou and, perhaps from sheer excitement, his legs buckled, and he prostrated himself on the cloud, sliding forward for hundreds of zhang.

Bian Zhuang buried his head in the cloud, clasped his hands above his head, and shouted:

"This humble officer, Bian Zhuang, is willing to pursue fairies for Hai Shen—not that—is willing to serve Hai Shen as a loyal dog! I'd spill my blood and brains without hesitation!"

Dongmu Gong frowned at Li Changshou and asked seriously, "Is there really no issue?"

Li Changshou laughed. "He's still young; with a bit of honing, he could be of great use in the future."

Lying on the cloud, Bian Zhuang was stunned and slightly lifted his head, stealing a glance at these two powerful figures of Tian Ting, frantically pondering Hai Shen's words in his heart...

What did that mean?

Did Hai Shen really think highly of him?

Was there some unique quality in him that even he hadn't noticed, which had caught Hai Shen's attention?

Bian Zhuang was still a bit dazed when Li Changshou urged:

"The cloud is chilly; get up quickly, Deputy Commander Bian.

Please hurry back and have the ranked officers line up—I'll have some arrangements to make shortly."

Bian Zhuang trembled all over, jumped up immediately, and replied blankly, his mind a complete blank.

What was going on?

Li Changshou then smiled again. "Deputy Commander Bian, make sure to keep that rake given by the Grand Mage safe; don't let it get damaged."

"Yes, yes!" Bian Zhuang's lips quivered, and he quickly came to his senses, shouting "This humble officer obeys!" and "Thank you, Hai Shen," before hugging the nine-tooth rake to his chest and rushing back toward the Tianhe River, calling out orders as he went...

"Wood Gong, let's head over."

Li Changshou gestured with a smile, and together with Dongmu Gong, they admired the majestic Tianhe River scenery while chatting, making their way to where the heavenly soldiers were gathered.

Li Changshou suddenly thought that his second senior brother's family seemed to have a chain of immortal gathering spots called Tianya Pavilion.

That could have some potential uses.

After Dongmu Gong handed over the tiger tally, the one hundred thousand Tianhe water soldiers saluted Li Changshou, and he officially took command of them.

Without delaying further, Li Changshou summoned over three hundred officers of various ranks.

His first action was to promote two other deputy commanders to share command of the Tianhe Water Army with Bian Zhuang.

Bian Zhuang had no complaints about this; in fact, he saw it as Hai Shen's thoughtful arrangement, knowing his own limitations.

From great despair to great joy;

In just one day, Bian Zhuang had truly experienced the ups and downs of life.

Once Li Changshou dismissed the other officers and kept only the three deputy commanders for discussion, Bian Zhuang was the first to step forward, holding out the savings he'd accumulated over the years—two ring-shaped storage treasures.

"Hai Shen, this is a gift from this humble officer!"

The other two officers exchanged glances and hurriedly checked their own pouches.

"You insolent fool!"

Li Changshou suddenly scolded sternly, exuding an awe-inspiring presence.

Bian Zhuang's legs shook, and he quickly knelt on one knee.

Li Changshou raised his fly-whisk and commanded:

"Guards! Take Deputy Commander Bian away and whip him with heavenly thunder for the number of Tiangang stars!

How dare he openly bribe this god? If such corruption spreads, what would become of us?"

Bian Zhuang opened his mouth to speak, but before he could, several heavenly soldiers rushed over, grabbed him, and dragged him aside.

Soon, thunder flashed by the Tianhe River, and Bian Zhuang's cries echoed back and forth.

The other two deputy commanders felt a bit uneasy, but fortunately, Li Changshou didn't show further anger and returned to his amiable demeanor.

After Bian Zhuang returned from his punishment, Li Changshou gave him healing pills, had him take them, and then began discussing important matters with the three of them.

Li Changshou had no intention of using these one hundred thousand soldiers to attack the rebellious forces of the four seas.

Instead, he assigned three tasks.

First, station these soldiers in the South Sea and East Sea for training, right in front of the Dragon Clan, with at least twenty sessions per month—this would be handled by the other two deputy commanders.

Second, select a group of clever officers and have Bian Zhuang lead them to visit the Dragon Palaces of the South Sea, North Sea, and East Sea for some casual collections, while Bian Zhuang personally shares how wonderful Tian Ting is.

For this, Li Changshou would arrange for several Hai Shen Cult envoys to guide Bian Zhuang throughout.

However, he also gave Bian Zhuang a strict order: they could eat and drink with the Dragon Clan, but under no circumstances were they to touch sea nymphs or dragonesses, as that would tarnish Tian Ting's dignity.

"Otherwise, hmm!"

"This humble officer absolutely wouldn't dare—do as you wish, my lord!"

Li Changshou said calmly, "I'll make this clear upfront: if you really break this rule, I'll strip you of your divine position and duties, throw you into the Tianfa Well to be reborn in the mortal world as someone so ugly that women would flee at the sight!"

Bian Zhuang's legs trembled involuntarily as he repeatedly assured he wouldn't dare.

During his time in Tian Ting, he'd figured out that what he liked wasn't any particular woman—it was just beauty in general.

After these arrangements, Li Changshou handed over a copy of "Military Training Strategies," instructing the three deputy commanders to study it carefully and prepare for the first joint exercise with the four seas in half a month.

The three deputy commanders saluted and agreed, respectfully seeing Li Changshou off from the Tianhe River area.

As soon as Li Changshou left, the other two deputy commanders bowed to Bian Zhuang, one saying with a smile:

"Brother Bian, I'm a bit hot-tempered, so if I ever offend you in the future, please bear with me."

Bian Zhuang was startled at first, then endured the pain in his back, straightened up, and replied with a smile: "Of course, of course."

The crisis was temporarily averted.

And now, Bian Zhuang realized he had become one of Hai Shen's people!

In nicer terms, a direct subordinate; in plainer terms, a trusted confidant!

This happiness had come so suddenly that he was a bit overwhelmed and felt an urgent need to send Hai Shen some local specialties from his hometown.

After leaving the Tianhe River, Li Changshou rode his cloud toward Lingxiao Treasure Hall.

Sending the Tianhe water soldiers down to the seas for training was just one part of his larger plan.

The next steps would require reporting to Yu Di in advance and borrowing Tian Ting's power.

Arriving at Lingxiao Hall, the gate guards didn't dare stop him, and the officers in front bowed hastily.

Li Changshou descended on his cloud, holding his fly-whisk and dressed in white robes, and entered Lingxiao Treasure Hall.

The white-robed Yu Di on the high platform set down his scroll and smiled. "Changgeng, do you have another brilliant scheme?"

Li Changshou first bowed in respect, then detailed parts of his plan.

When Yu Di heard...

"Your Majesty, your decree has been issued, and the Pantao Banquet will be the moment that decides the Dragon Clan's fate. This humble god will use that as the deadline to handle the matter of subjugating the dragons.

This humble god believes it's still possible to achieve the best strategy—making the Dragon Clan willingly pledge loyalty, thereby fully upholding Tian Ting's prestige."

Yu Di laughed. "If Changgeng feels the time is too tight, the Pantao Banquet can be postponed."

"Your Majesty must not do that!"

Li Changshou said seriously: "Issuing an order and then changing it is a grave taboo. Your Majesty's single decree influences the operation of the Heavenly Dao, affecting countless beings in the world. To alter it lightly would cause great chaos in heaven and earth.

Please rest assured, Your Majesty; this humble god will do his utmost to try. If it succeeds, that's ideal; if not, it can still reduce some resistance when Tian Ting subjugates the Dragon Clan later."

"Excellent!"

The white-robed Yu Di sighed with emotion. "With Changgeng by my side, what do I have to worry about? Is there anything Tian Ting can assist with?"

Li Changshou pondered for a moment and said: "This humble god dares to request three things."

Yu Di perked up immediately. "Go on!"

"This humble god needs a blank imperial edict from Your Majesty, without the seal of the Heavenly Emperor—just infuse it with a trace of your Dao rhyme."

"Very well."

"This humble god needs a few Pantao fruits. Later, I will visit Yuxu Palace and Jin'ao Island to meet the leaders of Chan Jiao and Jie Jiao.

Using the matter of Tian Ting subjugating the Dragon Clan, I will ask the experts of both sects to voice their support and put pressure on the Dragon Clan."

"Excellent!"

"This humble god also needs some merits and a command from Your Majesty."

Li Changshou took a scroll from his sleeve—it was the map of Dayu controlling the waters—and said unhurriedly:

"When this humble god went to Huoyun Cave, I received this from Emperor Dayu. It marks the rivers, rivers, lakes, and marshes of Nanzhanbuzhou.

For the next twelve years, this humble god requests to carry this map and tour Nanzhanbuzhou.

Your Majesty, the four seas are vast, but divine positions are limited.

We can appoint lower-rank water gods for the rivers, rivers, lakes, and marshes of Nanzhanbuzhou;

And assign these gods terms of office, whether a thousand years or a hundred.

In this way, this batch of divine positions can quickly help the Dragon Clan cleanse their karmic burdens—how could they not be tempted?

By combining force, favor, and offering them hope, this humble god isn't afraid the Dragon Clan won't volunteer.

Moreover, bringing the water affairs of Nanzhanbuzhou under Tian Ting's direct control will also fill the gaps in our divine positions."

"Wonderful, truly wonderful!"

Yu Di clapped and laughed, standing up from behind his jade desk, his eyes shining brightly.

"Changgeng, how many more surprises can you give me!?

Using the Dayu water control map to create divine positions for the rivers, rivers, lakes, and marshes of Nanzhanbuzhou, and assigning terms to these positions—how could that not draw the Dragon Clan to pledge loyalty voluntarily?

Such a brilliant plan could only come from you, Changgeng!

Changgeng, heed my command!"

Li Changshou bowed and said, "This humble god is here."

Yu Di paced back and forth behind the jade desk, full of energy, his eyes glowing!

He then invoked the power of the Heavenly Dao and proclaimed as the Heavenly Emperor:

"Today, I command Hai Shen Changgeng to hold the Dayu water control map, wield the Demon-Slaying Sword, and inspect the waterways of Nanzhanbuzhou, appointing gods for the rivers, rivers, lakes, and marshes!"

"This humble god accepts the command!"

As Li Changshou spoke, golden light flashed throughout Lingxiao Treasure Hall, and streams of merit flowed toward the treasure map in his hands, instantly turning it golden.

Then, a sheathed sword slowly materialized before him, enveloped in dense Heavenly Dao power and sharpness rivaling a top-grade acquired merit spiritual treasure.

The Heavenly Emperor's Demon-Slaying Sword!