Chapter 457: Seeking Treasure in the Dragon Palace

Obviously, Zhang Fei's luck isn't as good as Guan Yu's.

He serves as a Circuit Envoy in the Heavenly Court, overseeing injustices between the Yin and Yang realms, inspecting the Underworld every thirty years and the mortal realm every thirty‑five years.

He hates evil as if it were a foe, and in some lower realms the worship is actually thriving.

"Zhang Yide's strength is a bit lacking, but I can arm him with a treasure!" Bai Ze clearly had a draft ready, waiting for Mu Yi to act as intermediary and recruit Zhang Fei for the post.

"This matter is of great importance; I won't speak nonsense. As long as Zhang Yide agrees, I can make him competent!"

"With my assistance, Guan Yun Chang's chances could increase by threefold, right?"

"And once I leave, I can fetch the Tiger Soul Blade for you!"

A beguiling whisper slipped from Bai Ze's mouth, sounding as if, aside from Zhang Fei having to sacrifice a hundred years, it would be a good choice for everyone.

"Weren't you unhurried before? Why the sudden rush?" Mu Yi stared at Bai Ze suspiciously; pies don't just fall from the sky.

Based on his current understanding of Jiuzhou, the more he gains, the more responsibilities and karmic repercussions he accrues, and who knows how troublesome the future may become.

"Since the grand curtain is about to rise, I can't miss the scene!" A cryptic, lofty smile appeared on Bai Ze's face as he posed a mute riddle.

Riddle‑man, get out!

Mu Yi twitched his mouth, turned, and left; he was familiar with the riddle‑men's ways— the more you probe, the more inscrutable they become.

Instead of wasting time here, it's more effective to go find Zhang Fei.

"Hey, hey, hey, don't go; I haven't finished speaking!"

Mu Yi took a few steps before the surroundings blurred, and in the next instant he was back in front of Bai Ze, facing him.

Mu Yi remained expressionless; dealing with Bai Ze always makes one forget. The person before him, also a powerhouse in Jiuzhou, is no less than the divine masters like Nüba and Guanyin Bodhisattva, and might even be stronger.

"Today's youngsters are just hot‑tempered!"

Bai Ze chattered at Mu Yi, then produced a Night‑Shining Pearl from the void.

"If Zhang Yide agrees, take this item to the Four Seas Dragon Palace and ask the Four Seas Dragon King for the ten‑thousand‑year Dragon Palace Treasure Fungus, the ten‑thousand‑year Ocean Essence, and the ancient True Dragon's pure blood..."

"?" A huge question mark floated in Mu Yi's mind.

Is this a raid on the Dragon Palace?

They're all heavenly materials and earth treasures he's never heard of, most likely not mere roadside goods.

If he goes with just a Night‑Shining Pearl, he might be kicked out by the Four Seas Dragon King.

Even if the Four Seas Dragon Clan doesn't fare well in Jiuzhou, they are still the local emperors of the Four Seas, directly under the Great Celestial Venerable; going to demand something and getting beaten leaves no avenue for appeal.

"Rest assured, as long as you show them this, they'll know what it is!" Bai Ze pounded his chest in assurance.

"Does this thing really have that much value?" Mu Yi stared at the unremarkable Night‑Shining Pearl, unable to sense any mystic aura.

"The object itself has no value; what's valuable is what's inside!" Bai Ze's mouth curved into another mysterious smile, yet he never mentioned what was inside.

Immediately after, Bai Ze produced a Bagua Plate from the void.

"Take this item to Jiang Ziya and have him return my belongings to me."

"Also this: go to the Jade Void Palace to find Yun Zhongzi and have him repay the favor he owes me."

"This: go to the North Sea to find Kun Peng..."

"This: go to the Underworld to find Zhuanlun Wang..."

Bai Ze pulled out a heap of items from the void, babbling to Mu Yi about the precautions he must observe.

Mu Yi felt as if he'd triggered an ultra‑long quest chain; just the errands required traveling to several locations.

From the far corners of the world, he must bring back a pile of items whose purpose is unknown.

One thing's certain: Bai Ze's circle of acquaintances is truly extensive, and each token seems to contain information the other party wishes to exchange.

It must be said, knowing a lot can sometimes be immensely useful.

But seeing Bai Ze crouched before the Ghost Gate, Mu Yi thought that knowing too much might not be a blessing.

"Zhang Yide is currently in the mortal realm; I'll send you straight there!"

Bai Ze was clearly impatient, not even wanting Mu Yi to waste a moment, and tossed Mu Yi from outside the Ghost Gate directly in front of a City God Temple in the mortal world.

"Your crime is as vast as the heavens‑piercing mountain and the sea‑filling abyss!"

Upon reaching the doorway, a roar like a thunderclap rang out; stepping into the City God Temple, Mu Yi entered the small world beneath it.

At that moment, Zhang Fei, with a leopard‑head helm and blazing eyes, was judging the captured villain.

"I am the current Empress Dowager's nephew; you, a petty City God, dare judge me!"

"Release me at once, or tomorrow I'll bring men to smash your City God Temple and leave you, the hair‑god, homeless!"

The accused twisted his neck, completely disregarding Zhang Fei, even daring to threaten him.

"Waa‑yaa‑yaa‑yaa! That's infuriating me!"

"Even if you are a prince or a minister, you must bow and await judgment!"

Zhang Fei slammed the table before him with force, then rose from his seat.

Flames erupted from his eyes, encircling the accused, igniting him and roasting him in a sea of fire.

"Ah~"

The once arrogantly defiant accused instantly let out endless wails of agony.

"Corrupt, embezzling, bribing, thieving, looting, murdering, arson— be cast immediately into the Volcano Hell, serve a hundred‑year sentence before reincarnation!"

Under Mu Yi's gaze, a void opened in the ground, revealing the Volcano Hell of the eighteenth layer of the Underworld.

The ignited aristocrat was drawn by flame‑shaped ropes into the Volcano Hell, and only then did calm return.

With the sinner sentenced, Zhang Fei's fury subsided, and he turned his head toward Mu Yi.

"Who are you? Do you come to settle a grievance?"

"I am Mu Yi, sent on behalf of another, to seek an audience with the Three Generals for counsel."

Are you Mu Yi?

Upon hearing this, Zhang Fei's expression softened considerably.

"Regarding Second Brother's matter, I hope Lord Mu will put your heart into it!" Zhang Fei bowed deeply to Mu Yi.

"I also hope to strive together with the Third General!" Mu Yi likewise bowed deeply.

"What business do you have with me?"

Zhang Fei asked curiously, after all, ordinary people couldn't just show up seeking the authority he oversaw.

Mu Yi explained the dragon veins from start to finish, and Zhang Fei furrowed his brows.

Just as Mu Yi had thought, Zhang Fei also didn't believe there could be a free lunch from heaven.

However, he had at least heard the name Bai Ze, and if he could obtain Bai Ze's assistance, Second Brother's affair would surely encounter far fewer obstacles.

"Trouble Lord Mu to make a trip; I'll go outside the Ghost Gate to seek that Bai Ze!"

After a moment's thought, Zhang Fei steeled himself; even if it meant braving the danger of blades and fire, he would do it, for failing to avenge his brother remained a regret in his heart.

"Third General, why not consult with Lord Xuande and the Martial Marquis?" Mu Yi advised.

"No need for many words; we brothers swore our oath in the Peach Garden, and now we have this opportunity—how could I retreat? Even if it means eternally guarding before the Ghost Gate, it's no problem!"

Zhang Fei acted swiftly and resolutely, directly diving into the Yellow Springs Road toward the Ghost Gate.

Mu Yi opened his mouth, surprised that even after becoming a god this gentleman remained as fiery as ever—no wonder he became an inspector, patrolling both yin and yang realms.

However, everyone has their own choices; regarding Zhang Fei's decision, Mu Yi saw no reason to forcibly stop him, so he simply followed Bai Ze's instructions and flew toward the East Sea Dragon Palace.

After all, he had some acquaintance with the East Sea Dragon King; starting from the East Sea would also be more convenient.

Just as he descended from the clouds, Mu Yi saw a group of young dragon sons and daughters with dragon heads and human bodies playing and frolicking on the sea surface.

Mu Yi landed on the sea surface, instantly drawing the attention of those dragon sons and daughters.

"May I ask who you are, and what business brings you to my East Sea?"

"I am Mu Yi, entrusted by someone to come visit the Four Sea Dragon Kings!"

As soon as these words were spoken, the dragon sons and daughters immediately began to whisper among themselves.

Mu Yi looked dubiously at the dragon sons and daughters before him.

Faintly from their gazes, he sensed a hint of covert apprehension and fear, plus a bit of excitement, as if they harbored some subtle misunderstanding about him.

After a moment, a dragon girl with a notable leader's aura stepped forward from the group to greet Mu Yi.

"I am Ao Yue; I have greeted Lord Mu—perhaps I could escort Lord Mu to the Dragon Palace!"

Seeing Mu Yi nod, Ao Yue extended her hand in a gesturing invitation.

"Please!"

Mu Yi and Ao Yue led the way, with the dragon sons and daughters following behind; it looked as if Mu Yi were being guarded within their midst, which was rather remarkable.

Looking at those dragon sons and daughters trailing behind but daring not to draw near, Mu Yi was truly puzzled—he seemed not to have had any recent dealings with the dragon clan, so why were they behaving so strangely?

"Lord Mu, I've heard you managed to defeat an incarnation of the Bodhisattva Guanyin—is that true?" Ao Yue hesitated for a long time, then mustered her courage to ask.

"Just a slight edge in one move; not worth mentioning!"

Mu Yi shook his head; he had almost been seized and taken to Ling Mountain, and he truly didn't consider this anything worth boasting about.

"Lord Mu is indeed modest; we all, having heard of this, admire Lord Mu's prestige."

"Having heard that Lord Mu's years of cultivation are not long, and that he belongs to the same new generation as us, he truly is our role model."

Mu Yi listened to Ao Yue's flattery without changing his expression.

It seemed to have opened her chatterbox as well; Ao Yue was full of enthusiasm.

While introducing Mu Yi to various strange tales of the sea, she also guided him into the Dragon Palace.

Before reaching the Dragon Palace, however, it differed from the previous time he had been invited by the Dragon King.

A broad golden-light path extended from the Dragon Palace, resembling a passageway through the sea.

On either side of the road, naturally there were many lovely clam maidens and mighty shrimp soldiers, and the like.

They either played music or chanted, making for a very lively scene.

It was as if they were welcoming some distinguished guest.

At the road's end stood a dragon‑headed, human‑bodied figure, coming forward in splendid robes.

Seeing this posture, it was far more elaborate than last time.

"Lord Mu, we meet again!"

Upon seeing Mu Yi arrive, the East Sea Dragon King stepped forward a few paces to greet him, his enthusiasm even greater than before.

However, it is indeed merely different from before; if the last time Mu Yi came he was a promising prospect worth the Dragon King's friendship, this time he is a true immortal deity.

Moreover, his record of slaying an incarnation of Guanyin places him among the capable, so the East Sea Dragon King naturally came forward warmly.

After all, the East Sea Dragon King feels that even if he himself incarnated in the lower realm, he could not match the Bodhisattva in contest.

"I have greeted the East Sea Dragon King!"

Mu Yi smiled, gave a greeting, and indeed did not lose propriety because of the Dragon King's enthusiasm.

"Please, Lord Mu, enter the feast!"

The East Sea Dragon King enthusiastically led Mu Yi to the banquet courtyard, where clam maidens, fish folk, and other aquatic beings set out the feast, which was indeed more lavish than last time.

Mu Yi did not decline; this time he came not only for Bai Ze's matter, but also for these dragon sons and grandsons.

After the previous extensive work on earth and water veins, there was indeed a lack of administrators, and these dragon sons and grandsons were clearly the most suitable candidates.

After eating and drinking their fill, the Dragon King then began the main topic.

"Lord Mu, is your visit this time for the matter of Lord Guan Sheng?"

Mu Yi stared for a moment, then shook his head.

"No, it is not for this matter!"

"Oh? Lord Mu has come not on behalf of Guan Sheng Dijun? I heard the Heavenly Lord was visiting the deities of the Heavenly Court, and thought his visit to my Dragon Palace today was for the same reason!"

The East Sea Dragon King stroked his long whiskers, his expression a bit surprised.

He had already prepared, sending a few dragon sons and grandsons, along with shrimp soldiers and crab generals, to go test the waters.

After all, if Guan Yu successfully passes the tribulation, that would be a great achievement, and then those dragon sons and grandsons would also ascend to heaven.

Even if the odds are low, with so many dragon offspring, there will always be some gamblers willing to stake on it.

As for giving full support, that's impossible; although he is willing to be friendly with Mu Yi, it doesn't mean he'll abandon his family and business to help Mu Yi.

After all, Mu Yi is not easy to deal with, nor is the Buddhist Sect, and the vortex of this matter is too great; it truly isn't suitable for the Four Seas Dragon Clan to intervene.

Being able to send a few dragon sons and grandsons to help is already his utmost benevolent gamble.

"This journey is at the behest of Bai Ze, to deliver this item to the Four Seas Dragon Kings in exchange for something."

Mu Yi took out the Luminous Pearl and handed it to the East Sea Dragon King.

"Oh? At Bai Ze's request?" the East Sea Dragon King paused, then reached out to take the Luminous Pearl.

"This… I don't know what this means."

He scanned the surroundings for a long while, saw nothing, and couldn't help but look up at Mu Yi.

Mu Yi's mouth twitched; that Bai Ze fellow is so unreliable—he said it would be clear as soon as it was given to the East Sea Dragon King.

"This… I also don't know; Bai Ze only said that once I hand this over to the Four Seas Dragon Kings, they will understand…"

Mu Yi felt a bit awkward, having cursed Bai Ze countless times in his mind.

"Since that's the case… Prime Minister Gui, go summon the other three Dragon Kings!" After a moment's hesitation, the East Sea Dragon King chose to believe.

After all, a person's name, a tree's shadow, Bai Ze's reputation is renowned throughout Jiuzhou.

Since it's personally brought by Mu Yi, it should not be a trick on them.

"I don't know what Bai Ze needs, but I'll prepare something first!"

"Ten‑thousand‑year Dragon Palace Treasure Fungus, Ten‑thousand‑year Ocean Essence, Ancient True Dragon Essence Blood…"

Hearing Mu Yi list them off as if naming dishes, even mentioning the precious Ancient True Dragon Essence Blood, the East Sea Dragon King looked skeptically at the Luminous Pearl in his hand.

To demand so many items, it shouldn't be a joke.

Considering this, the East Sea Dragon King cautiously sent his divine thought into it, and froze on the spot.