Chapter 248: Bestowment of the Position of True God

"What's all this excitement in the South Sea?"Before the South Heaven Gate, the Duke of Eastwood, clad in a brand new robe, held up a decree shimmering with seven-colored light and spoke with a smile.

Behind the Duke of Eastwood stood several Golden Immortal Heavenly Generals, their Daoist aura profound and their presence substantial. They each responded a few words. Behind these Golden Immortal Heavenly Generals were rows of neatly armored Heavenly Soldiers and Generals.

Most Heavenly Soldiers carried spears, while most Heavenly Generals wore swords. They were uniformly clad in silvery-white battle armor, their expressions solemn and dignified.

This was likely the first time the Heavenly Court had descended with such pomp and circumstance to issue a decree from His Majesty the Jade Emperor.

These tens of thousands of Heavenly Soldiers and Generals had undergone strict selection, with requirements for both their cultivation and appearance. The Heavenly Generals, in particular, were personally chosen by the Duke of Eastwood, veteran and reliable individuals.

The Heavenly Soldiers and Generals had also received news by then: His Majesty the Jade Emperor was about to confer the title of a Heavenly Court True God upon the Sea God...

Who exactly was this Sea God?

Over the past few decades, many rumors about the South Sea God had circulated within the Heavenly Court.

Some said he was the junior disciple of the Human Path Sage, chosen by the Sage to assist His Majesty the Jade Emperor in the grand task of unifying the Three Realms. Others claimed he was a confidant of the Jade Emperor, his most trusted strategist...

Yet, many Heavenly Generals still felt that today's elaborate display was somewhat excessive.

The Old Man of the Moon, dressed in festive robes, floated over from behind on a cloud. After bowing to the Duke of Eastwood, he frowned and asked, "Duke, do we who are here to congratulate need to prepare anything else?"

"His Majesty did not specify that," the Duke of Eastwood mused for a moment. "When the time comes, just join the others in offering your congratulations, Old Man of the Moon."

"No congratulatory gifts needed?"

"Of course not," the Duke of Eastwood chuckled. "It won't be too late to exchange gifts once Fellow Daoist Sea God officially joins the Heavenly Court. There's no need for it today."

"Indeed, Duke, your words are reasonable," the Old Man of the Moon clasped his hands and took his leave.

The Duke of Eastwood calculated the time, glanced at the position of the Golden Crow star, and announced, "Heavenly Soldiers of all divisions, prepare!"

Inside and outside the South Heaven Gate, tens of thousands of Heavenly Soldiers responded in unison: "Yes, sir!"

"Hmm," the Duke of Eastwood nodded. "We depart in one hour!"

The surge of energy among the Heavenly Soldiers and Generals immediately dissipated, leaving them somewhat speechless... The Duke of Eastwood was clearly a bit nervous.

There was no other way; others might not know the significance of this decree, but the Duke of Eastwood, who frequently attended the Jade Emperor, knew it perfectly well.

This Sea God was destined to be a prominent minister in the Heavenly Court. Once the Dragon Clan's affairs concluded, the Sea God's divine rank would likely be on par with his, the Duke of Eastwood.

Furthermore, this Sea God possessed both background and strategy, and was well-versed in the ways of being a minister and a person. His Majesty the Jade Emperor praised him endlessly, yet surprisingly harbored little apprehension towards him.

It was truly... a comparison that put others to shame.

Opening the decree, which shimmered with seven-colored light, the Duke of Eastwood meticulously read its contents, fearing he might mispronounce a single word or use an incorrect tone later.

Immortals typically engaged in seclusion for years. For most Heavenly Soldiers and Generals, an hour passed in a daze. But the Duke of Eastwood felt that this hour, with the Golden Crow moving so slowly, was an agonizing test for his Dao heart...

Finally...

"Depart!"With a soft command from the Duke of Eastwood, the Heavenly Soldiers and Generals were greatly invigorated. They mounted their clouds, set off, and headed straight down the cloud path from the South Heaven Gate towards the Southern Jambu Continent!

At this very moment, on the shores of the South Sea.

The Daoist sects and various Dragon Clan experts, having already sensed subtle anomalies, diverted some of their attention from the song and dance performance and cast their gazes skyward.

There, layers of white clouds descended, with towering figures standing upon them.

"Heavenly Soldiers and Generals?""What are these Heavenly Soldiers here for? Could it be that they've come to offer congratulations too?""By the way, why is the Sea God Sect holding this celebration today?"

Amidst the murmurs, the song and dance performance on the elevated stage below suddenly ceased. Ao Yi leaped onto the platform again, holding aloft a jade tablet carved with a dragon's head, and proclaimed loudly: "Where are the Dragon Clan's soldiers and generals!"

The Dragon Clan experts responded in unison: "Your humble general (subject) is here!"

Ao Yi's long hair fluttered, full of vigor and spirit, as he rarely took the initiative to display a hint of majesty.

"True Dragon Protector of the Sea God Sect, assemble a thousand immortal flood dragon soldiers and proceed to welcome the Heavenly Court's forces!"

"Yes!"

Immediately, dragon roars echoed in bursts. Over a dozen Dragon Clan figures surged out of the clouds and mist, transformed into their true dragon forms in the sky, and led a thousand flood dragons soaring into the air!

Bathed in sunlight, dragon scales of various colors sparkled brilliantly. The sight of a thousand dragons ascending to the heavens was truly magnificent! Many mortals were incredibly excited, though they didn't quite know what they were excited about.

Ao Yi's handsome face was filled with solemnity as he loudly proclaimed: "Present—the Sea God's Statue!"

"Hey! Hey! Hey-yo-hey!"Loud chants rang out from the side of the elevated stage. Eighteen Sea God Sect divine envoys, supporting and carrying a three-zhang-tall white jade statue, ascended the stage from the side and placed the statue in the center of the platform.

The restrictions along the edge of the elevated stage quietly activated, and streaks of immortal light encircled the statue.

Ao Yi once again shouted: "Invite—the Sea God!"

"Invite the Sea God?"Initially, the mortals were somewhat bewildered, while the immortals of the Three Religions and the Dragon Clan experts instinctively began searching for Li Changshou, only to suddenly realize that he had vanished at some point.

At this very moment!

A beam of light shot out from the South Sea waters, curved in the air, and illuminated the bronze mirror!

The Sea God statue before the bronze mirror rapidly melted, enveloped by clouds and mist in an instant. When the clouds and mist dispersed, a figure woven from blue light stood silently there.

This scene was simultaneously transmitted to all parts of the venue.

All the mortals cheered for the Sea God, while most immortals simply remarked, 'Clever trick.'

Guangchengzi, seeing this, also smiled, narrowing his eyes. Zhao Gongming stroked his beard and smiled, while True Immortal Huang Long appeared thoughtful. Other figures like Chijingzi, True Immortal Yuding, Saint Mother Guiling, and Saint Mother Wudang all smiled without speaking.

They were all well-versed individuals and naturally knew that this was merely a trick used to increase mortal faith. Though clever, it wasn't particularly powerful.

Suddenly, the 'light figure' spoke: "Where is my avatar?"

From behind the elevated stage, one of Li Changshou's paper avatars, in the form of an old immortal, flew up and landed behind the 'light figure'. Then, holding a whisk, it stepped forward and merged with the light figure.

Instantly, layers of ripples appeared on the elevated stage, spreading out far and wide. As the light receded and the ripples dispersed, streams of pure spiritual energy scattered with the wind.

With a single whiff of this spiritual energy, mortals would strengthen their bodies and dispel illness; with two whiffs, they would solidify their essence and replenish their vitality; with three whiffs... Ahem, let's get back to the main point.

At this moment, Li Changshou's paper avatar stood shoulder to shoulder with Ao Yi, accepting the converging power of incense merits and virtues.

Li Changshou took great pains to perform this 'magic trick' simply to prevent the Sea God Sect's followers from experiencing 'disillusionment'.

If the old immortal paper avatar, who frequently appeared, had simply stepped forward and declared himself the Sea God, even if the mortals believed him, it would certainly diminish some of their aspirations for the Sea God.

After such an elaborate display—with immortal light rising from the South Sea, a magical illusion forming a phantom, and then clarifying that the old immortal's appearance was merely an avatar of the Sea God... This directly deepened the concept of the Sea God, making the followers more cohesive.—The incense merits and virtues were precisely gathered in this manner.

Ao Yi performed a Daoist bow and stepped back two paces.

Li Changshou sat cross-legged in the air, his figure slowly rising ten zhang. He recited the doctrines of the Sea God Sect, advising its followers to work diligently for prosperity, respect the elderly, and cherish the young...

Before long, strands of incense merits and virtues condensed from above the mortals' heads, transforming into a sky full of golden radiance, converging upon Li Changshou.

The immortals of the Three Religions, who had initially harbored some amusement, felt the tangible power of these merits and virtues, and their gazes towards Li Changshou changed. Many immortals interested in developing incense-based divine religions also expressed that they had truly learned something today...

As Li Changshou finished expounding the Sea God's doctrines, the sky immediately resounded with the booming sound of war drums. White clouds, filled with silver-armored Heavenly Soldiers and Generals, flew in from the horizon.

Dragon roars echoed repeatedly. A thousand dragons flew from afar, having already completed the task of receiving the Heavenly Soldiers.

At this point, most of the Dragon Clan experts and the immortals of the Three Religions hadn't fully grasped what was happening.

At this moment, a wisp of Heavenly Dao power condensed over the South Sea. A golden beam of light shot out from the Heavenly Court's South Heaven Gate, pierced through myriad layers of the universe, and shone upon Li Changshou.

Li Changshou stood up in the air, a faint divine light glimmering in his eyes, and proclaimed loudly: "Today, I receive the Heavenly Dao's recognition and ascend to the divine position of a True God."

As his words fell, on a white cloud, the Heavenly Soldiers and Generals parted to clear a path. A figure stepped forward amidst golden light, robes and long hair fluttering, holding a seven-colored cloth. It was, of course, the Duke of Eastwood.

The Duke of Eastwood's immortal sense swept downwards, and he couldn't help but feel his hand tremble slightly. "W-what kind of display is this? Is this meant to bolster the Heavenly Court's prestige, or intimidate it? Why are so many important figures from the Three Religions here!"

The Duke of Eastwood raised the decree high in his hand, steadied his mind, and called out: "Where is the South Sea God?"

Below, Li Changshou performed a Daoist bow, then stood tall amidst the golden light, "Your humble deity is here!"

"The Jade Emperor has a decree! Sea God, heed the conferral!"

The Duke of Eastwood slowly unrolled the scroll in his hand and read aloud: "Today, on the shores of the South Sea, there is a Sea God who has gathered followers, established an incense-based divine religion, educated the common people, protected mortals, slain demons, and accumulated merit! His Majesty the Jade Emperor of the Heavenly Court, moved by the Sea God's benevolent deeds and considering the devotion of the common people, grants this special exception! By the decree of the Haotian Golden Palace Supreme Sovereign, the Naturally Marvelous, the All-True Jade Emperor! Li Chang Geng, the South Sea God, is hereby appointed as the Profound and Flawless Great God of the Four Seas! He shall receive offerings from all beings of the Four Seas, spread his teachings along the Four Seas' shores, be permitted entry into the Heavenly Court's Lingxiao Palace as an immortal, possess the authority to deliberate in the Tongming Hall, and oversee matters of conflict, plague, war, and disaster across the Four Seas! He shall patrol the Four Seas on behalf of Heaven!"

Below, Li Changshou performed a Daoist bow and called out, "Chang Geng accepts the decree!"

As his words ceased, the decree in the Duke of Eastwood's hand transformed into streaks of seven-colored light, carrying potent Heavenly Dao power. They shot towards Li Changshou and plunged directly into his chest.

Instantly, a surge of Heavenly Dao power enveloped Li Changshou. The golden light swiftly converged, merging with the seven-colored streams, and together they burrowed into Li Changshou's avatar, heading directly for his main body.

It was indeed so! Before he could rejoice, Li Changshou's main body was already submerged in merit!

Fortunately, it merely bestowed merit and didn't forcibly elevate his cultivation realm with insights or similar means.

His cultivation realm was one of Li Changshou's trump cards. This card was not for deterrence, but for deception.

If he were to undergo the Golden Immortal tribulation at this moment and luckily pass it, it would be akin to directly telling others that he had just achieved Golden Immortal cultivation, which would be even more dangerous.

Only by keeping his true strength inscrutable to those who wished to target him could he ensure they harbored more reservations.

The Heavenly Dao power, transformed from the decree, condensed into a long, seven-colored shimmering trident at Li Changshou's primordial spirit...

Li Changshou's primordial spirit grasped the trident, and above the South Sea, winds and clouds shifted, and waves surged across the surface. The primordial spirit immediately released the trident, and the South Sea swiftly returned to calm...

"This divine position isn't just for show? It seems I can really influence various parts of the Four Seas now?"

High in the sky, the Duke of Eastwood took another breath and declared loudly, "His Majesty the Jade Emperor bestows gifts!"

Li Changshou dared not touch the trident again, listening quietly for the rewards.

The Jade Emperor bestowed three treasures. The first was the 'Four Seas Hydrographic Treasure Record', containing detailed information about the Four Seas. The second was the 'Court Robe', a merit-based spiritual treasure with ordinary defensive capabilities, but notably stylish to wear. The third treasure was a precious sword, a post-natal merit spiritual treasure, engraved with the name 'Sea God'. With this sword, one could mobilize the Heavenly Court's military.

A Heavenly General descended, holding the three treasures. After Li Changshou received them, he felt a surge of emotion.

The Jade Emperor had certainly been generous, bestowing a divine position, merits, authority, and even troops. With such abundant treatment, he wondered if the immortals of the Three Religions would feel even a tiny bit of longing for the Heavenly Court.

His immortal sense swept over them, and he found that most of the Three Religions' immortals had expressions of curiosity, finding it rather interesting... In contrast, the Dragon Clan's expressions were somewhat complex, many showing a degree of envy.

And the main event of today was only just beginning.

Li Changshou, holding the Sea God Sword, lightly called out, "Where is Vice-Patriarch Ao Yi?"

With a dragon's roar, Ao Yi transformed into a green dragon from the side, coiling his dragon body and hovering before Li Changshou.

Li Changshou said, "Today, as I become the Sea God, you shall be my Grand Commander of the Four Seas Navy, and you shall also receive a divine position in the Heavenly Court!"

Having spoken, Li Changshou pointed his long sword forward, about to bestow a portion of his divine position's merit; but before he could act, another golden beam shot from the South Heaven Gate, landing on Ao Yi and enveloping his dragon body.

Li Changshou: "...""Hmm, saved me the trouble."

This golden light was much fainter than the one that had enveloped Li Changshou previously, and the merit it contained was naturally much less.

Heavenly Dao power encircled Ao Yi, causing his dragon scales to shimmer brilliantly all over his body!

Suddenly, a wisp of blood-red baleful aura flew out from Ao Yi's forehead, condensing into a dark phantom, but it was instantly shattered by the Heavenly Dao power!

That was... Dragon Clan karma!

Ao Yi received a Heavenly Dao divine position—even if it was only the lowest rank, subordinate to the Sea God—yet it washed away the karma he had carried since before his birth!

Suddenly, brilliant green light surged from all over Ao Yi's body. The power of merit hidden within Ao Yi's body, and Ao Yi was once again enveloped in dense green light. His bloodline power was no longer restricted! The Dragon King's bloodline, from this moment, soared!

The green dragon soared into the sky, crashing into a dark cloud. Lightning flashed violently both inside and outside the black cloud, but Ao Yi's aura steadily rose.

Li Changshou, seeing this, revealed a faint smile.

However, most of the hundreds of Dragon Clan experts present were now stunned, clearly greatly moved. Many old dragons had tears in their eyes, exchanging silent glances.

The effect was unexpectedly good. The path for the Dragon Clan, Li Changshou had now laid it before them. How they chose to proceed was up to them.

That trident...This time, Li Changshou maintained a calm state of mind. His primordial spirit's small hand grasped the trident, and many insights dawned in his heart.

This treasure was merely his divine position materialized. With it, he could stir the waves of the Four Seas and restrain most unintelligent beings within the Four Seas. If he were to engage in combat within the Four Seas in the future, he could also borrow this 'divine power';

Moreover... this item's detection capabilities seemed quite excellent.

With a slight thought, Li Changshou perceived the entire situation within a ten-thousand-mile radius of the South Sea, and he also spotted several figures hidden above the sea surface within this range.

To the southwest were three old Daoists, two of whom had been encountered by Old Zhao in the East Sea last time. The Western Sect's people witnessed this event? That would truly be ideal!

And to the southeast, just tens of miles away, very close to the coast, within a cloud of mist, a graceful figure stood silently, observing the scene...She... when did she arrive?

As if sensing Li Changshou's divine probing, the immortal maiden in the mist let out a soft chuckle. She then revealed herself, riding a cloud towards the Ascending Cloud Platform.