Chapter 247: Magnificent Visions Unfold in Grandeur; The Queen Mother Descends for a Hidden Reason

Accompanied by a magnificent and auspicious cry, gold and jade clanged.

In an instant, throughout the entire Chang'an City, boundless light appeared, sweeping away all filth and ill omens.

The ground was paved with fine jade, covered in a carpet of spiritual grasses.

At this moment, not only Fang Longye, but the assembled immortals and gods, the civil and military officials of the Great Han, the common folk... everyone could not help but raise their heads to look at the firmament.

They saw the sky curtain part, and amidst the shifting of time and space, a graceful and noble goddess arrived, riding a five-colored jade-wheeled, pearl-adorned Treasure Chariot, accompanied by over a hundred female immortals.

A five-colored Luan phoenix spread its wings gracefully in the lead, pulling the Treasure Chariot and stirring up divine winds. Celestial treasure flowers fell in succession, striking the chariot and emitting crisp, crackling sounds.

On both sides of the phoenix-pulled chariot, female immortals accompanied her, scattering flowers and raising incense along the way, chanting boundless profound scriptures as they floated through the air.

Amidst the eight-fold playing of fragrant music and the rain of wondrous flowers, everyone—immortal, god, or mortal—could not help but strain their eyes, wishing to catch a glimpse of the goddess's true countenance.

Yet, even under the illumination of the auspicious light, the goddess's features seemed as if veiled, impossible to see clearly.

It was not that she was concealing herself, but that her realm was too lofty; her entire being was one with the Great Dao, such that even a Taiyi Golden Immortal would risk "dissolving into the Dao" if they stared directly at her true face for too long.

Furthermore, wait a moment—

Aside from practitioners, among the common folk, only those holding official positions in the Great Han and directly imbued with the Han Dynasty Dragon Qi would be able to remember this scene.

Beyond that, for those ordinary mortals, everything they had just seen would be wiped away by an inexplicable force, leaving nothing behind.

This is the Great Divine Ability—having already gathered all of one's self, no longer falling within the space-time of the universe, leaving no traces, invisible to men.

As the phoenix-pulled chariot of the Queen Mother of the West drew closer and closer to Chang'an City, beauty, auspiciousness, and virtue arrived in succession.

A thick layer evolved into the infinite ten directions, nine-layered heavenly palaces, with jade trees standing tall and fairy flowers blooming in abundance.

Dragons played and unicorns circled, dancing at the edge of the sky.

Fragrance gave birth to wondrous music, spreading with the wind.

"A wielder of Great Divine Ability!"

Fang Longye tilted his head and raised his eyes, gazing at the figure of the Queen Mother of the West upon the chariot; just by sitting there casually, her aura covered the heavens and supported the earth, encompassing the Eight Extremes in all directions.

High beyond reach, deep beyond measure.

Chaotic and indistinct, as if seeing the Great Dao itself.

He only felt that he was so small at this moment, so insignificant.

The thought passed in a flash, and the chariot of the Queen Mother of the West had already reached the sky above Chang'an City.

At this time—

All the mortals inside and outside Chang'an City had already knelt to the ground. Regardless of whether they were immortals, gods, demons, or Buddhist, all practitioners bowed in unison, their divine intent connecting with the mysterious void, converging into waves of worshipful cheers.

"Greetings, Wangmu Niangniang!"

"May the Niangniang enjoy eternal immortal blessings and a prosperous Daoist fortune!"

"Wishing the Niangniang an early attainment of the Primordial Great Dao!"

"May the Niangniang..."

Immortals and gods bowed their heads together, chanting the name of Wangmu.

Seeing this, the Queen Mother of the West smiled, and the entire world became much brighter.

In her hand was a Peach Wood Branch, looking as if it had just been snapped from a tree, still bearing traces of dew, vibrant with life and dripping with freshness.

She waved it downward casually.

A series of wondrous sounds arose, and the entire space-time they saw suddenly manifested infinite green Qi, which then abruptly swirled and hung down to transform into trees.

The treasure trees stood tall, their flowers blooming with fragrance.

Clusters of peach blossoms crowded the branches, some already in full bloom, some still in bud, some light red, some deep red, all delicate and tender.

When the wind blew, they trembled, and the fragrance permeated the air.

All around was a rich aura of vegetation, even giving birth to many chubby Dawa; they were less than a foot tall, fleshy and plump, wearing belly-bands and sporting double-knotted braids.

They formed circles, holding hands and singing, making babbling, milky-voiced sounds. Auspicious, happy, natural—a scene of pure innocence.

Afterward—

These visions and spirits suddenly dissipated, turning into unparalleled Creation Vitality that enveloped the entirety of Chang'an City, inside and out.

For a time, the surroundings were filled with radiant colors and intoxicating fragrance.

The assembled mortal commoners felt their vitality surge, their bodies restored to their healthiest states.

The elderly saw their white hair turn black, the blind regained their sight, the disabled had their limbs restored, the terminally ill were cured without medicine... such miracles were too numerous to count.

As for Fang Longye, he only felt as if he had become a fetus, heavily wrapped in amniotic fluid, and his essence, energy, and spirit had made significant progress. His entire foundation had been refined and had become a bit more solid.

Of course, it was not just him; it could be said that all the cultivators, whether immortal or god, gained much from this Creation Vitality.

Even Liu Che, whose intake of immortal pills and spiritual medicines was greatly discounted by the erosion of his own Dragon Qi, felt his body become much lighter under this baptism of grace.

It could not be said that all his chronic illnesses were gone, but he had recovered a great deal of his vitality.

"Hoo—"

"Truly a gift of creation!" Fang Longye came to his senses and could not help but exclaim.

Looking toward the void again, the chariot and the figure of the Queen Mother of the West were no longer there.

Only above the Weiyang Palace, in the mysterious void, thousands of divine lights swirled, threads rising upward in the shape of a curved-handle canopy, proving that this leader of female immortals had not left, but had entered the Han Court imperial palace.

To have a formal meeting with the Human King, Liu Che.

Inside the Weiyang Palace.

A pavilion every three steps, a tower every ten.

Looking closer, there were flying eaves and hanging corners, carved beams and painted pillars.

The buildings were covered in Glazed Tile, a sheet of clear light.

There were also lotus flowers blooming in the vermilion ponds, the clear cries of cranes, and frost-covered stones dotted beneath treasure trees, with moss leaving traces on the pines.

Palace maids shuttled back and forth, their colorful skirts fluttering, like orioles and swallows.

Queen Mother of the West did not appear directly before Liu Che; instead, she walked through corridors and paths, step by step, passing through various halls and gardens, until she arrived before the gate of the palace where Liu Che resided.

This was to show respect for the Human King.

Of course, she was not alone. By her side, a hundred or so female immortals attended her, traveling with her.

These female immortals were either quiet, slender and beautiful, exquisite, petite, or lively; their colorful skirts fluttered, their skin was like ice and bones like jade, and their bearing was far from mundane.

As they walked, they curiously sized up the residence of this human emperor. Although they dared not chatter wantonly in front of Queen Mother of the West, they still exchanged glances and communicated secretly.

During this time, the party of Queen Mother of the West passed by many palace attendants, but as mortals with flesh eyes, the attendants naturally saw nothing. Only the Dragon Qi swirled over, ripples undulating, casting down circles of dizzying radiance.

Regarding the Aura of Queen Mother of the West's party, the Dragon Qi naturally felt a pull, restlessness, and awareness.

After all, Dragon Qi is naturally sensitive to and repels Immortal Dao, Divine Dao, and other such extraordinary powers.

And since Queen Mother of the West was an existence who could be called an ancestor of one side of the Immortal Dao, her entire Aura, in this Weiyang Palace filled with swirling Dragon Qi, had naturally reached a point where it could not be concealed.

Of course, she did not need to conceal it; she merely let her gaze flow and cast a glance at the seething Dragon Qi.

This Han Court Dragon Qi, which was originally enough to suppress all defiance, trembled immediately, then became as calm as an obedient cat, even faintly giving rise to a sense of fawning toward her.

"I truly did not expect that this contemporary Human King, who hasn't even fully traversed the Transport Dynasty Path, already has a Dragon Qi with the momentum to surpass his fathers and ancestors."

"It is truly inconceivable~" Queen Mother of the West sized up the surrounding Dragon Qi, which was solemn and heavy; if used with full force, it would be enough to suppress anyone who had not attained the Great Luo.

It even faintly possessed three parts of the atmosphere sufficient to contend with a Great Luo.

This could not help but make her look at him with new eyes.

Reasonably speaking, with her experience, it should not be so. After all, she was very familiar with even the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, and it was not as if she had never seen a Human King with an atmosphere far exceeding Liu Che's.

But one must know that times change; the current world is far from as friendly as it once was to those walking the Human King Path.

Yet this contemporary Human King—under such a harsh external environment, having traversed nothing, only having attained a Human King Karma that exists in name only in the present world—could possess such an atmosphere. How could she not look at him with new eyes? Just imagine—

If this contemporary Human King, as planned by Jiyang, son of the Red Emperor, had successfully embarked on the Yang World Enlightenment Path, even if he could not compare to the First Emperor Ying Zheng, he would likely far exceed an ordinary Human King.

"Born at the wrong time!"

Queen Mother of the West could not help but sigh.

However, these thoughts passed through her mind in an instant. After all, strictly speaking, she was also the mastermind behind the current predicament of the contemporary Human King.

And she was one with quite a lot at stake.

Collecting her thoughts, she led the attendant female immortals into the palace where Liu Che resided. With just a single step inside, she transformed this palace into the color of glazed jade, spotless and pure.

She saw the contemporary Human King sitting upright, clearly having long since prepared to welcome her.

"Senior, I have been waiting for a long time~"

Facing the various phenomena formed after Queen Mother of the West entered the hall, Liu Che only narrowed his eyes, then immediately returned to normal, saying with composure.

"I wonder how the scenery of my Weiyang Palace is? Is it worthy of Senior's eyes?"

Liu Che had organized his language well in his heart beforehand, thinking about how it would be appropriate to address Queen Mother of the West. After much thought, he still felt the word "Senior" was the most appropriate—neither humble nor arrogant.

"Clear wind and bright moon, it does indeed have a rather unique style~"

After the group of female immortals entered the hall with her, they immediately set up a canopy, paved jade steps, and condensed a cloud bed; in the blink of an eye, they had everything arranged and served Queen Mother of the West as she sat down gracefully.

Queen Mother of the West was not surprised that the Human King could know she had toured the Weiyang Palace. With that little fellow Dongfang Shuo here, it was only natural that he would know.

What's more, she had deliberately revealed some Aura so that the little fellow Dongfang Shuo would notice. The purpose was the same as stated before: to let the Human King see her respect and sincerity.

However, Liu Che, who understood her intentions, would rather she be a bit rude, or even overbearing, than have her be so ceremonious.

For, when courtesy is shown to others, there must be a request.

Liu Che signaled to Dongfang Shuo, who was accompanying him, to offer tea to this great power, Queen Mother of the West.

The tea fragrance was faint, permeating the sparse shadows, sometimes cloudy and sometimes clear, mixed with darkness; he said in a deep voice: "A cup of coarse tea from the mortal world, I do not know if Senior is accustomed to it~ I do not know what business brings Senior to visit this junior's humble abode?"

"Heh~" Queen Mother of the West gave a light laugh, bringing a coolness that seeped into the heart; she sipped the tea and said: "It happens to be the Human King's birthday, so naturally, I have come to offer birthday greetings to the Human King~"

"Senior—" Liu Che let out a breath, a flash of displeasure crossing his eyes, and said: "A straightforward person does not speak in riddles~ I do not know what Senior has taken a fancy to in the Great Han. But there is one thing: the Great Han does not have an inch of land to spare."

The implication was self-evident.

"The Human King is joking~ I have no shortage of dojos and secondary residences; whether it is West Kunlun or the Heavenly Palace Yaochi, I live quite comfortably."

"What use do I have for your territory, Your Majesty?"

Liu Che suppressed the swirling irritation in his heart; he did not believe that Queen Mother of the West could not understand the metaphorical meaning in his words, yet she insisted on playing dumb here.

And she was a senior expert at that! To be so unreasonable, acting foolish here with a junior like him.

"Senior, please stop going in circles! If you have something to say, just say it! This junior truly does not like those twists and turns~"

Queen Mother of the West set down the carved double-handled jade dragon teacup, a light appearing in her eyes before it vanished; she thought to herself, this little fellow really doesn't know how to take a joke.

She immediately chuckled and said: "Your Majesty the Human King, I really did come to offer you birthday greetings!"

"Hong'er—"

"Yes~" A female immortal in a red fairy dress, slender and beautiful, walked out, took out a flower basket, and placed it on the table in front of Queen Mother of the West.

"Open it~"

Hearing Queen Mother of the West's command, the red-clad female immortal pinched a seal with her hands and immediately opened the flower basket.

In an instant, peach fragrance permeated the air, filling the space above and below.

Liu Che only had to take a sniff to feel refreshed, and within his body, which was originally exhausted and wounded, a lively feeling began to sprout.

Amidst the decay, it was as if drops of sweet dew had been infused, and he could not help but feel much more comfortable.

Queen Mother of the West pointed her finger, and from the flower basket emerged several bright red fairy peaches with purple patterns, swirling with Purple-Green Qi, illuminating the hall with a vibrant glow.

"Purple-veined yellow-pit, a Flat Peach that ripens every nine thousand years; I think it should be able to help Your Majesty escape your predicament!"

Seeing Liu Che stunned, she smiled: "I imagine Your Majesty is no stranger to this treasure in my hands. You should understand very well its effect of turning decay into magic."

"Not to mention anything else—" She pointed to Dongfang Shuo at the side and said: "This little fellow who stole and ate my Flat Peaches three times should have a lot of say in this."

"My Lady, you are wronging me!" Dongfang Shuo, who had been feigning sleep and pretending he didn't exist, could not help but widen his eyes and cry out in grievance.

"In all my time, I have never once touched a Flat Peach that ripens every nine thousand years; I hadn't even smelled its scent before I was caught and brought before you~"

"Thanks to your benevolence, the most I have ever tasted is a Flat Peach that ripens every six thousand years; you really cannot wrong me like this!"

Seeing him strike this pose, Queen Mother of the West could not help but laugh and scold: "You little slippery fellow, you've actually started playing the victim!"

Just at this moment, a green-clad fairy standing beside Queen Mother of the West could no longer hold back and revealed herself.

Furious to the point that her face flushed red, she scolded: "You little brat, not only did you trick me three times, but you actually have the nerve to play the victim here!"

"Not only did I get punished by the Mother Goddess because of you, but I have also been constantly mocked by my sisters~ I don't care! You must compensate me!"

"Otherwise, don't think that just because Donghua Dijun has taken a fancy to you and wants you as his disciple, I can't do anything to you!"

As it turned out, the reason Dongfang Shuo was able to sneak in and steal Flat Peaches three times, besides that white ape of unknown origin, was due to the help of other "charitable" people~ Without needing to go into detail, one only had to look at the reaction of this green-clad fairy to know who this charitable person was.

"Enough! Qing'er~"

Queen Mother of the West flicked her sleeve, stopping the green-clad fairy who was itching to skin Dongfang Shuo and pull out his bones, then turned to look at Liu Che and smiled: "I only need His Majesty the Human King to agree to a few things with my Heavenly Court, and this Purple-Veined Xiang-Kernel Pan Peach shall be presented with both hands~"

Dongfang Shuo also came to Liu Che's side and whispered in his ear: "Your Majesty, this Purple-Veined Xiang-Kernel Pan Peach can indeed solve your problem. At the very least, it will have great miraculous effects~"

As he spoke, he was cautious, fearing that these words might anger his own Majesty.

Liu Che closed his eyes and remained silent. A moment later, he opened his eyes and gazed at the Flat Peach floating in the air not far away; the fruit's fragrance drifted down like misty water, with five colors interweaving and light shimmering brilliantly.

Just one look was enough to make one's spirit sway.

Withdrawing his gaze and exhaling a breath of Turbid Qi, he looked at Queen Mother of the West with clear eyes and said: "Senior, although I do not know what matters you wish to agree upon with the Great Han, the Great Han is not a Great Han that belongs to me alone. Therefore~ I beg your pardon, but I cannot comply."

Unexpectedly, Queen Mother of the West did not get angry, but instead shook her head and smiled: "You also said that this Great Han is not a Great Han that belongs to you alone. How do you know that your ancestor would not agree?"

As she spoke, she looked into the void beside her. She saw that as her words fell, golden Qi, invisible to the naked eye, rose up—more than ten thousand strands, majestic and solemn.

With layers of decrees gathering together, one could see mountains, rivers, the earth, the common people, the masses, and various beliefs and wills.

A moment later, the space was pushed aside layer by layer.

One could see that the opposite side was dim, dark, deep, and gloomy. It was terrifyingly silent; no sun or moon was seen, and no human voice was heard.

It was none other than the Youming Underworld.

Yin winds, along with layers of ghostly colors, slowly permeated across from the other side.

A wisp of golden light suddenly appeared, and a moment later, it transformed into a floating bridge, adorned with gold and engraved with dragon patterns, stretching from afar to near, suspended in the air, appearing as if it were there and yet not.

A figure was standing at the other end of the floating bridge, cupping his hands in greeting toward this side.

With a crown of tassels hanging to his shoulders, he wore imperial robes, had a high nose and a dragon-like face, and a beautiful beard and whiskers.

Even though he was already in the Youming Underworld, above his crown there was still a seven-colored canopy, casting light and shining brilliantly; it was golden and filled the eyes, with the prayers of the masses rising one after another, the brilliance manifesting greatly, and rainbow light ascending, interpreting all kinds of wonderful phenomena—it was inconceivable.

"Niangniang, Jiyang pays his respects!"

"Might you come over for a chat~"

This imperial figure was indeed Liu Che's ancestor, the founding emperor of the Great Han, Liu Bang.

"Since the Red Emperor Divine Son has extended an invitation, this palace naturally has no objections!"

Hearing this, Queen Mother of the West beamed with a smile, thinking to herself, I have been waiting for you~

She immediately instructed the group of fairies she had brought to wait here in peace.

Afterwards, seven-colored lotus flowers bloomed beneath her feet, with floating light and radiant colors, and an aura of Purple-Green Qi. Following this golden floating bridge that extended from the Youming—

She went straight into the land of the Youming, where Liu Bang was.

(End of chapter)