Chapter 601: Eastern Heavenly Palace Backer

Jiang Guo received a set of heavenly soldier armor, a sword box, cultivation techniques, and drew a month's worth of military pay. He repaid Chen Shi for the boat fare, then felt completely at ease, thinking to himself: "Now that I've become a heavenly soldier, I must be diligent and devoted, ready to risk my life for the heavenly soldier camps."

As the saying goes, when you take a man's money, you rid him of his troubles.

Since he had taken the heavenly soldier camps' money, he intended to repay them in kind. However, King Li never gave him the opportunity to repay the favor. It was as if they had all been killed in action - no missions were assigned to them at all.

With nothing to do, Jiang Guo had no choice but to focus wholeheartedly on cultivation, attempting to break through early and cultivate himself into a True Immortal.

Chen Shi, on the other hand, relished the leisure. He returned to the Celestial Court and, on the very next day, arrived outside the Heavenly Prison.

Returning to a familiar place, but this was the first time Chen Shi actually had the chance to take a good look at the Heavenly Prison.

The Heavenly Prison was located in the southeast of the Celestial Court, adjacent to the God of Literature's Six Ministries and the Three Preceptors. The outer layer was a forest of dragon pillars. Coiled around each pillar were flood dragons that had survived the heavenly tribulation, ferocious and malevolent, radiating killing intent.

Some flood dragons carried blood qi as their killing aura, thick as gore, with wronged souls drifting through the bloody mist, occasionally bursting through the blood aura to circle and dance around the pillars. Clearly, these flood dragons had devoured many people over the years, some of whom were great cultivators or demons who had achieved significant cultivation.

Passing through the dragon pillar forest, one could see a massive canopy suspended above the Heavenly Prison, extraordinarily resplendent. The canopy seemed to lack physical form, composed instead of various kinds of vile qi, shrouding a space spanning a thousand li in every direction. Beneath the canopy were the Celestial Court's most formidable deities of calamity, plague, misfortune, filth, and doom - each with their own divine palaces, commanding eight hundred lesser gods under them, all fierce and terrifying to behold.

Any who attempted to storm the prison would find all manner of bad luck descending upon them once they entered beneath the canopy. Their cultivation and power would be greatly diminished, and they would be captured before they even reached the Heavenly Prison.

As for the prisoners inside the Heavenly Prison, they too were burdened with all sorts of misfortune and cursed with the worst possible luck, making escape naturally impossible.

Beneath the canopy lay the colossal Earth Yin Prison Cage, resembling a pillar eight hundred li in diameter, plunging from the Celestial Court deep into the earth below, gathering the yin energy, demonic energy, and vile qi of heaven and earth.

On either side of the Earth Yin Prison Cage crouched two incomparably massive Bixie beasts, lying atop the cage.

These two Bixie were thousands of li in length, with mighty physiques and wild, domineering auras. They were primordial ancient beasts, each holding divine office, responsible for guarding the Heavenly Prison.

Chen Shi could not discern the depth of these two beasts' power at all. He only felt that a single wisp of their aura was enough to suppress his entire cultivation.

Chen Shi arrived outside the Heavenly Prison, where a heavenly soldier camp stood guard, known as the prison wardens. They were bailiffs under the Ministry of Justice's office.

Seeing Chen Shi, the prison wardens all broke into smiles and came forward to greet him. "Young Master Chen has come! What a rare guest!"

Knowing that Chen Shi had connections within the palace, they dared not be negligent. One after another, they said: "We've missed you terribly since you left last time!" "The Heavenly Prison has dimmed considerably since you departed!" "Young Master Chen must come by more often in the future!"

"Treat this place as your own home!"

One thoughtful warden even presented a plague-repelling talisman, folded into a talisman object, and asked Chen Shi to hang it at his waist. "The various deities above our heads are extremely formidable. Without talisman protection, you won't be able to hold out."

Chen Shi thanked him and said, "Fellow daoists, the two prisoners delivered here not long ago - Chu Xiangxiu and the Earth God of Feng'an Commandery - are they being held in our prison?"

A warden immediately checked the records and said, "They were indeed sent here. Both are chief culprits in the Clay Bodhisattva case. An auspicious date has already been set for them to be escorted to the Immortal Execution Platform and the God Execution Platform for beheading."

Chen Shi smiled and said, "I would like to see them. Would that be possible?"

The wardens exchanged uneasy glances.

One warden summoned his courage and said, "Young Master Chen, whose orders are you following? Do you have a personal edict..."

Before he could finish, an elbow struck him in the lower abdomen. Another, more seasoned warden chuckled and said, "If Young Master Chen wishes to see them, of course we can accommodate him. Someone, escort Young Master Chen into the Heavenly Prison!"

Chen Shi expressed his thanks and followed the warden across a long bridge to the entrance of the Earth Yin Prison Cage, then entered the Heavenly Prison.

Behind them, the seasoned warden grumbled, "Last time he was sentenced to death inside the Heavenly Prison, and he still got out. Why are you asking him for a personal edict? Just let him in."

The interior of the Heavenly Prison was extremely vast. Countless cells, like honeycombs, held prisoner after prisoner.

Many Bixie of varying sizes clung to the surrounding walls like enormous geckos, crawling about to patrol the prison.

"He's back! I can smell the stench of sin on him!" one Bixie said, gazing at Chen Shi.

The other Bixie all turned to look. Another Bixie showed anticipation: "Has he committed another crime? Is he here to be beheaded this time?"

The other Bixie also showed expectant expressions, all turning in unison to stare at Chen Shi.

Before long, Chen Shi arrived at the cell holding Chu Xiangxiu.

Chu Xiangxiu wore shackles and manacles that sealed away his cultivation and divine abilities. Even the external Dao techniques he cultivated could not be used.

He had changed into prison garb and sat in the corner of the cell, perfectly still, as if in meditative cultivation.

Chen Shi gave a soft cough to rouse him, then chuckled, "Daoist Chu, do you have any last wishes?"

Chu Xiangxiu woke and rose to offer a greeting. "This Chu has yet to thank you, Daoist Chen, for rescuing me in Feng'an Commandery. Please forgive my discourtesy."

He bowed deeply.

Chen Shi walked into the cell. The various seals and restrictions of the cage were as if they did not exist, offering him not the slightest resistance.

Chen Shi helped him rise and said, "I saved you from the hands of the Bodhisattva of Great Strength, but I also captured you and threw you into the Heavenly Prison. Why should you thank me?"

Chu Xiangxiu was surprised that Chen Shi could come and go from the cell freely, but he did not ask about it. He said, "If I had fallen into the Bodhisattva of Great Strength's hands, he would have forcibly converted me to the Buddhist Sect, making me repay kindness with enmity - a fate worse than death. Therefore, the favor of your rescue spared my integrity from being compromised."

Chen Shi said, "You are about to die now. Is there any unfinished business you have?"

Chu Xiangxiu said, "Many common folk of Feng'an Commandery died because of me, and I cannot compensate them. My heart is filled with guilt. Also, I achieved Dao Unification in the Dark Sea. Though my abilities are not extraordinary, my cultivation of the external Dao achieved some small success. Unfortunately, it cannot be passed down."

Chen Shi said, "The true culprit behind the murder of those common folk was Chao Huang, the lord of Yian, and I have already killed him. The immortals under Chao Huang's command have also been eliminated by me. The common folk should enjoy good days for a while to come. As for the external Dao you cultivated, it would truly be a pity if it became lost to history. Why not teach it to me, and I will help you spread it?"

Chu Xiangxiu said gladly, "Then I shall entrust it to you, Daoist friend!"

Unmindful of the outsiders present, he began teaching Chen Shi his Dao techniques right there in the cell.

His cultivation system was rather peculiar, differing from the contemporary systems of Golden Core, Nascent Soul, and Primordial Spirit. His path focused on directly cultivating the Primordial Spirit. This was likely because his master was the Earth God, which was why he cultivated this way.

This cultivation method would be difficult for others to learn even if he taught them. Even someone with Chen Shi's comprehension found his techniques obscure and hard to grasp, yet there was a beauty to them that seemed to reach straight to the true essence of the Great Dao.

"A man of great talent, a man of great talent indeed..." Chen Shi thought silently to himself.

Chu Xiangxiu's external Dao indeed possessed a certain heretical quality. As Chen Shi studied it carefully, he found similarities with the primordial insect's heretical path, but they did not belong to the same Dao.

Both possessed qualities of being uncanny, unpredictable, and highly polluting.

Chen Shi stayed in the Heavenly Prison for four or five days before he managed to grasp a rough outline of Chu Xiangxiu's external Dao. Chu Xiangxiu had relied on Dao Unification, cross-validating against the heavenly and earthly Dao of the Dark Sea, to cultivate this external Dao to its current level. For Chen Shi to comprehend its outline in such a short time was already a testament to extremely high comprehension.

"Daoist Chu, we part here." Chen Shi rose and took his leave.

Chu Xiangxiu looked dejected and said with some reluctance, "If you could stay a few more days, I might be able to impart more of this Great Dao's mysteries to you..."

Chen Shi chuckled, "Without Dao Unification, one can never reach your level no matter how long they cultivate. If you truly don't want your Dao techniques to be lost, why not tell me where that Dark Sea world where you achieved Dao Unification is located?"

Chu Xiangxiu's expression shifted slightly. "That place is extremely dangerous. There are many abnormally terrifying existences there, more horrifying than great demons!"

Chen Shi's heart stirred, and he smiled, "Just tell me how to get to this world. I'll handle the rest myself."

Chu Xiangxiu hesitated for a moment, but ultimately drew out the route to that Dark Sea world. "The locals call it the Ni Li World. If you go there, you must be extremely, extremely careful. Do not reveal your identity as an immortal under any circumstances."

Chen Shi acknowledged the warning and carefully stored away the topographic map of the Ni Li World.

"After today's parting, we shall never meet again."

Chu Xiangxiu said with melancholy, "I wonder if there will be a next life?"

Chen Shi offered consolation: "Those beheaded on the Immortal Execution Platform become naught but a wisp of yin soul. You can forget about a next life. These days, just enjoy good food and drink. Don't dwell on such useless thoughts. It won't do you any good."

Chu Xiangxiu's face turned pale and bleak.

Chen Shi took his leave and departed. Exiting the Heavenly Prison, he headed straight for King Li's Heavenly King Residence.

King Li was not at his residence. He was drilling troops at the West Heaven Expanse. Chen Shi went straight to the West Heaven Expanse and found King Li on the command platform. He chuckled, "Heavenly King, you're quite hard to find."

King Li found him somewhat annoying but dared not show a harsh face. He said pleasantly, "Daoist Chen, what brings you here?"

Chen Shi showed an awkward and embarrassed expression, glancing left and right. King Li waved his hand, dismissing the divine generals around them, and said, "Speak freely."

Chen Shi mustered his courage and said, "Heavenly King, can you tell me - who exactly is my backer? The one in the palace?"

King Li's eyes widened. He was silent for a long while before slowly speaking: "Are you saying... you've never known who your backer is?"

Chen Shi nodded emphatically.

King Li was silent for another moment, then said, "You didn't even know who your backer is, yet you still dared to act so arrogantly and tyrannically?"

Chen Shi laughed, "I'm used to throwing my weight around back in my hometown. I unconsciously brought that habit with me to the Celestial Court."

King Li didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "The one in the palace sent someone to rescue you. You should have followed that person back then to visit the palace and kowtow in thanks for saving your life. This is basic social decorum. Why did you wait until now?"

Chen Shi scratched his head and said with shame, "To be honest, I'm so used to throwing my weight around in my hometown that the thought never crossed my mind..."

King Li was truly at a loss for words. He composed himself and said, "In the Celestial Court, above all is the Great Celestial Venerable, supreme and unrivaled, known as the Jade Emperor or Jade Sovereign. Below him is the Queen Mother, who oversees the inner palaces. As for others qualified to preside over heavenly palaces, at the top are the Four Sovereigns, divided into the Great Southern Pole Longevity Emperor, the Central Heaven Northern Pole Purple Subtlety Emperor, the Western Ultimate Taiji Heavenly Emperor, and Houtu Huangdiqi, the Empress of Earth. Following them are two immortal heavenly palaces - the Eastern Prince, also known as the Eastern Sovereign Lord, leader of male immortals, and the Queen Mother of the West, also known as the Golden Mother Primordial Sovereign, leader of female immortals."

"Below them are the Five Elders of the Five Directions: the Green Sovereign of the East, the Red Sovereign of the South, the Yellow Sovereign of the Center, the White Sovereign of the West, and the Black Sovereign of the North. Each also has their own heavenly palace. Next are the Nine Sovereigns of Divine Thunder, the Three Official Great Emperors, the Thunder Ancestor, Doumu, the Sun, the Moon, and the God of Literature, each with their own heavenly palaces as well. After them come the Fengdu Great Emperor, the Five Ghost Sovereigns of the Five Directions, the Fire Ministry Sovereign, and the Ten Heavens Infinite Flying Spirit Divine Kings."

He listed them off like counting family treasures. These were all Celestial Court heavyweights ranked above him, which was why King Li remembered them so clearly.

"The one who rescued you was an immortal boy from the Eastern Heavenly Palace, serving under the Eastern Prince."

King Li gave him a deep look and said, "Now, do you know who your backer is?"

Chen Shi bowed in thanks and hurriedly departed.

King Li shook his head, thinking to himself: "He doesn't even know who his own backer is. I truly don't know how he's managed to survive this long... Hmph, perhaps it's because he has too many backers."

Chen Shi arrived at the eastern side of the Celestial Court and located the Eastern Heavenly Palace. He knocked on the palace gates and announced, "This young man, Chen Shi, has come to kowtow in thanks to the Eastern Prince for saving my life. Please trouble yourself to announce me."

Guarding the gates was a divine general, who immediately sent word. After a moment, an immortal boy arrived - the very same one who had freed Chen Shi from the Heavenly Prison that day. He chuckled, "Heavenly Soldier Chen has finally thought to come for a visit."

Chen Shi was deeply ashamed. He bowed and said, "I am but a rustic boor who knows no proper etiquette. Please forgive my transgression."

The immortal boy hurriedly returned the bow and laughed, "I'm merely a messenger. I'm not the one who saved you. It was the Righteous Official who saved you! This way, please."

Chen Shi followed him into the Eastern Heavenly Palace. Everywhere he looked, there were exquisite sights of langya jade, carved beauties of precious stone, with immortal qi drifting ethereally. Truly a blessed land of immortals. However, the figures within the palace were mostly deities, towering and majestic, patrolling the grounds.

Only some beautiful maidservants were actual immortals.

Chen Shi looked around as he followed the immortal boy to the Qianyuan Hall of the Eastern Heavenly Palace. A great sovereign of the immortals turned around and smiled, "Immortal Chen has kept me waiting."

This person appeared middle-aged, yet possessed an immortal bearing with a Daoist air - long beard, long eyebrows, robed in yellow with a brocade sash. He seemed both Daoist and not, both worldly and not. He looked like an earthly emperor, yet also like an otherworldly immortal. This was none other than the first immortal beneath the Three Purities - the Eastern Sovereign Lord.

Chen Shi strode forward quickly to pay his respects. "Your disciple pays respects to the Eastern Prince!"

"Rise."

The Eastern Prince slowly raised his hand. "Immortals revere freedom and carefree existence, unbound and unattached, with mortal thoughts unable to stain even a trace of the Dao Heart. Before me, you need not observe distinctions of high and low."

Chen Shi rose accordingly.

The Eastern Prince said, "Do you know why I saved you?"

Chen Shi hesitated for a moment, then tested cautiously: "Because I'm exceptional?"

The Eastern Prince shook his head and laughed, "Because you are a rebel. And so am I."

Chen Shi's expression shifted slightly. The Eastern Prince laughed heartily and said, "My Eastern Heavenly Palace is filled with the Great Celestial Venerable's spies everywhere. When speaking, there's no need for caution. Say whatever comes to mind."

Chen Shi had originally been full of things to say, but now he didn't dare speak a single word. After hesitating for a moment, he finally said, "Your disciple has obtained an external Dao technique and would like to ask the Eastern Prince to examine it."

He demonstrated the external Dao technique that Chu Xiangxiu had cultivated, displaying the uncanny nature of this Great Dao.

After a moment, the Eastern Prince said, "The external Dao of the Dark Sea?"

"Exactly."

Chen Shi presented the topographic map that Chu Xiangxiu had drawn. "This is a topographic map of the Dark Sea's external Dao. If the Celestial Court can study this path, then when the Dark Sea comes to invade in the future, we may have a means to resist."

The Eastern Prince did not reach for the topographic map. Instead, his gaze fell upon Chen Shi as he said slowly, "You want to save that man. You're trying to move me with this external Dao technique?"

Chen Shi's heart tightened.

Before this immortal Dao sovereign, he felt as though he had no secrets at all!

After a long moment, the Eastern Prince slowly extended his hand and took hold of the topographic map.