Chapter 281: with translation of chapter title

【4】

But we need to keep each translation on a single output line, starting with 【N】 then space then translation.

【9】

Your Majesty, please first halt the palanquin; after we have cleared the rebel bandits, we may then move forward.

Translate: "Your Majesty, please first halt the palanquin; after we have cleared the rebel bandits, we shall then proceed." Keep quotes? The source includes Chinese quotation marks 「」. We should keep them? The instruction: output each line with its translation. Probably we should keep the quotation marks as part of translation? Usually we translate the content, not keep the Chinese quotes. But we can keep English quotes? The rule: translate faithfully, not add. The source includes 「」 which are punctuation; we can replace with English quotation marks or keep them? Safer to keep the same punctuation style? Usually we translate the quoted speech, using English quotation marks. I'll use English double quotes.

Thus: 【2】 "Your Majesty, please first halt the palanquin; after we have cleared the rebel bandits, we shall then proceed."

【16】

Above Mount Sumeru, the Yinglong deity wore a solemn expression, and respectfully spoke before the palanquin.

【19】

In a moment, Emperor Jun's voice came from within the palanquin, saying: "Approved."

【22】

Boundless clouds descended, and countless heavenly soldiers and generals surged in, sweeping away the myriad evil spirits that had arisen on Mount Sumeru from prolonged warfare.

Translate: "Boundless clouds descended, and countless heavenly soldiers and generals surged in, sweeping away the innumerable evil spirits born on Mount Sumeru from prolonged warfare."

【28】

Translate: "Wherever they passed, they shattered mountains and razed temples; all demons and evil spirits were not allowed to remain, and were swiftly slaughtered."

The grasses and trees that had gained sentience from bathing in the blood of immortals and the vital essence of the witch tribe were also cleared away, and heavenly fire scorched them, dispelling the foul vapors.

Translate: "The weeds and trees that had gained sentience from bathing in the blood of immortals and the Wu Clan's vital energy were also cleared away, then scorched by heavenly fire to dispel their foulness."

【34】

Translate: "Another unit of heavenly soldiers sprinkled sweet rain, causing countless flowers, forests, and grasses to sprout, veiling the mountain's blackened expanse left by the burning."

Divine light shone, annihilating everything it touched, until on the summit of Mount Sumeru a platform tens of millions of feet wide was expanded, after which it ceased.

Translate: "Divine light shone, annihilating everything it touched, until on the summit of Mount Sumeru it expanded into a platform ten million zhang wide, after which it ceased."

【40】

Translate: "Bai Ze, at a height of ten thousand zhang above the platform, held in his hand a palace model no larger than a palm, complete with jeweled towers and jade halls, flowers, birds, mountains, and stones—nothing lacking."

He lightly tossed the palace from his hand; Bai Ze immediately turned and retreated, while the palace elongated with the wind, landing to exactly occupy the entire lower ground.

Translate: "He lightly tossed the palace model from his hand; Bai Ze immediately turned and retreated, while the model, catching the wind, elongated and, upon landing, exactly filled the entire lower ground."

【46】

Translate: "The palace took root upon landing, drawing earth's energy, and nearly merged with Mount Sumeru; a stone staircase descended from the palace gate, continuing down until it reached the mountain's base, where it stopped."

From afar, it appeared as a pathway to heaven, winding and twisting across the body of Mount Sumeru.

Translate: "From afar, it resembled a pathway to heaven, winding and twisting across the body of Mount Sumeru."

【52】

Translate: "He also gathered the mountain's clouds, rosy vapors, and mists, laying them as decoration; in an instant, it seemed as if one were still within the heavenly palace."

Only then did Bai Ze fly up into the sky, halt before the palanquin, and respectfully say: "The traveling palace has been prepared; please, Your Majesties, disembark."

Translate: "Only after this did Bai Ze fly up into the sky, stopping before the palanquin, and speak respectfully: 'The temporary palace has been prepared; please, Your Majesties, disembark.'"

【58】

Translate: "'Good.'"

Qi, Emperor Jun, Taiyi, Fuxi, and Nüwa then descended with joy, celestial music surrounding them as they walked, and heavenly blossoms fell.

Translate: "Qi, together with Di Jun, Taiyi, Fuxi, and Nüwa, then descended with joy; as they walked, celestial music surrounded them and heavenly flowers scattered."

【64】

Translate: "After Qi and the others entered the palace, many heavenly soldiers and generals, following the mountain's terrain, set up formations and organized defenses."

After all trivial matters were settled, they began to construct their own dwellings, which were not exactly shabby, yet could not be called luxurious.

Translate: "Only after all trivial matters were settled did they begin to construct their own dwellings, which were not exactly shabby, yet could not be called luxurious."

【70】

Translate: "They would stay only a few days briefly; after clearing the vicinity of Mount Sumeru, they would then rush to various parts of Xifang Dalu to purge the Heavenly Court's rebels."

Not long after, they grew lax in maintaining things, leaving most matters to be handled casually by anyone, as long as it did not affect military appearance.

Translate: "Not long after, they grew lax about upkeep; aside from those definitely tasked with guarding Mount Sumeru, most merely did things casually, as long as it did not affect military appearance."

【76】

Translate: "Thus on Mount Sumeru, many buildings appeared splendid and gilded from the outside, yet upon entering, likely half of them contained nothing more than a single straw mat."

If an outsider were to see it suddenly, they would likely be startled, for just a day before Mount Sumeru had been shrouded in dark, gloomy winds, with ghosts wailing and wolves howling everywhere, evil yin permeating the land.

Translate: "If an outsider were to see this suddenly, they would likely be startled, for just a day before, Mount Sumeru had been shrouded in dark, gloomy winds, with ghosts wailing and wolves howling everywhere, evil yin permeating the land."

【82】

Translate: "Suddenly, within a single day, it reverted to the legendary land of immortal bearing and vibrant spiritual vigor, and countless jeweled towers and jade halls appeared."

Qi leaned against a pavilion, scattering some fish food into the pond, watching the koi compete for it; though amid warfare, he remained content and at ease.

Translate: "Qi leaned against a pavilion, scattering some fish food into the pond, watching the koi compete for it; although amidst warfare, he was also content and at ease."

【88】

Translate: "The world's turmoil could not reach this hall; Qi needed not concern himself overly with this war, merely needing to take the field when the final siege of Penglai Island occurs."

Not only Qi, but also Emperor Jun, Fuxi, Taiyi, and Nüwa were likewise; reclaiming the West was merely a minor matter, to be handled by Yinglong and others.

Translate: "Not only Qi, but also Di Jun, Fuxi, Taiyi, and Nüwa were the same; retaking Xifang Dalu was merely a minor matter, to be handled by Yinglong and the others."

【94】

Translate: "This time, the high-level combat power that arrived is not small; aside from Qi and the others, Yinglong, Bai Ze, the Ten Great Generals, there are many who have attained the Mixed Yuan Dao and quasi-sainthood."

Moreover, the numbers of Luo Tianzun gods and Daluo Jinxians are not few; the heavenly court has poured forth all its forces. If only a half of the Western continent required Qi and others to act, would it not mean that the heavenly court is feeding these heavenly soldiers and generals for no purpose?

Translate: "Moreover, the numbers of Heavenly Lord Luo Tian and Great Luo Golden Immortals are also considerable; the Heavenly Court has poured out its entire force—if only half of Xifang Dalu still required Qi and the others to act, would that not mean the Heavenly Court is sustaining these heavenly troops for nothing?"

【100】

Translate: "'You seem quite at ease; the Heavenly Court is deploying troops on a large scale for the first time—are you truly not worried at all?'"

Seeing Qi so leisurely, Nüwa could not help but ask curiously; she was not worried about any mishap, but since this was the heavenly court's first move, she felt a bit excited and could not bear to see anyone idle.

Translate: "Seeing Qi so leisurely, Nüwa could not help but ask curiously; she was not actually worried about any mishap, merely because this was the Heavenly Court's first move, which excited her, so she could not bear to see anyone idle."

【106】

Translate: "Qi merely glanced at it, then said rather indifferently: 'Battlefield matters will be handled by Yinglong; he is veteran of countless wars, commanding a million troops, all elite of the myriad races—there's no need for me to labor over it.'"

Moreover, the Ten Great Generals are not mere drunkards; to have earned such fame in the heavenly court, they must possess exceptional abilities.

Translate: "Moreover, the Ten Great Generals are no mere drunkards and gluttons; to have achieved such fame in the Heavenly Court, they must possess exceptional abilities."

【112】

Translate: "'Fine troops and strong generals naturally ought to be given free rein to hone themselves; otherwise, the Heavenly Court's long-term provision of them, with its fortune and resources abundant, would be for what purpose?'"

If you have nothing to do, why not join me for a game of chess, and let us see how much your skill has improved.

Translate: "'If you are idle, why not keep me company for a game of chess, and see how much your skill has improved?'"

【118】

Translate: "Nüwa naturally knew these things, but since there was now a way to pass the time, she also gladly kept company, immediately smiling and replying:"

Come then; you may not know that I have also painstakingly studied chess in the Nüwa Palace, and today is unlike before—I do not fear you.

Translate: "'Come then; you may not know that in the Nüwa Imperial Palace I have also painstakingly studied chess; today is unlike before, and I do not fear you.'"

【124】

Translate: "While the two were playing chess, Taiyi quietly approached Di Jun, also wishing to join the marching army, to find a heavenly person and stretch his limbs."

Brother, in the celestial court now, together with the Eastern Duke, there are fourteen quasi-sages walking the Western continent; if we leave it solely to Yinglong and his ilk, we may inadvertently miss some advantages.

Translate: "'Elder brother, in the heavenly court now, together with Dong Wanggong, there are fourteen quasi-saints wandering Xifang Dalu; if we leave it all to Yinglong and the others, we may miss some advantages.'"

【130】

Translate: "'Rather than that, let me go with the army; with my martial prowess, few under heaven can match me, and I will surely make those heavenly folk come and not return.'"

The emperor held a scroll in his hand, reviewing recent transmissions from the heavenly palace. Regarding Taiyi's request for battle, he refused without hesitation, saying:

Translate: "Di Jun held a scroll in his hand, perusing recent transmissions from the heavenly palace. Regarding Taiyi's request for battle, he refused without hesitation:"

【134】

You are now the heavenly emperor, moreover honored as the Eastern Emperor; in terms of rank, Qi falls short of you by half, so why would you go and contend with those soldiers for military merit?

【138】

Translate: "'Although I know you do not harbor such thoughts, if you were to act, how would those merits be calculated afterward?'"

Rather, endure a while longer; give those soldiers eager to achieve glory some opportunity, and when we reach Penglai Immortal Isle, you will have your chance to shine.

Translate: "'Better to endure for now, giving those soldiers eager to earn glory some opportunity; when we reach Penglai Immortal Island, there will be time for you to indulge fully.'"

【144】

Translate: "'By then, as elder brother I will consult with Qi, leaving Dong Wanggong with you, so you may act to your heart's content, and we shall see how it goes.'"

Taiyi hesitated at once, worrying that Emperor Jun might fail to persuade Qi; if they clashed with Qi, he would likely lose, and it would be unwise to contend with him.

Translate: "Taiyi immediately felt some hesitation; he worried that Di Jun might not be able to persuade Qi at that time, and should a contest arise with Qi, he would likely lose and it would be unseemly to contend."

【150】

Translate: "Furthermore, merely having Dong Wanggong as an opponent would be too few for him; even Yinglong could take on three, and Taiyi felt he himself would need to face at least five."

That is too few; I want the Eastern Duke, Bai Yun Jun, and Mo Xuan Zi, and additionally two more quasi-sages assigned to me; then, facing one against five, I might finally find satisfaction.

Translate: "'That's too few; I want Dong Wanggong, Bai Yun Jun, and Mo Xuanzi. Moreover, please allot me two additional quasi-saints; then, facing one against five, I might finally have my fill.'"

【156】

Translate: "'This would also aptly display the might of the Heavenly Court, intimidating those ambitious rebels who do not know their place.'"

Emperor Jun's brow also furrowed slightly, feeling that Taiyi was being excessively greedy, for the celestial court has only fourteen quasi-sages in total.

Translate: "Di Jun's brow also slightly furrowed, feeling Taiyi was overly greedy; the heavenly court possessed only fourteen quasi-saints in total."

【162】

Translate: "If Taiyi took five, nine would remain—perhaps not enough even for those who have come this time, let alone the fact that Kunpeng will also arrive. Even if we add Jieyin and Zhunti, assigning one opponent per person would still leave gaps, unless we—Di Jun, Qi, Fuxi, and Nüwa—refrain from acting, which would barely suffice to give them each an opponent."

If, during the conquest of the Western continent, further complications arose, reducing the number of quasi-sages by one or two, we would not even have enough personnel to fill a single position.

Translate: "If, during the conquest of Xifang Dalu, further complications arose, reducing the heavenly court's quasi-saints by another one or two, then even assigning one opponent per person would be impossible."

【168】

Translate: "Moreover, Jieyin and Zhunti could not join the heavenly court; although they are unaware of the times and short-sighted, they still discern priorities and would not commit an offense against the Heavenly Court at this juncture."

Upon this, Emperor Jun could not help but frown and said:

Translate: "Regarding this, Di Jun could not help but frown and say:"

【174】

Translate: "'That's too many; the heavenly court has only fourteen quasi-saints in total, and you alone occupy five—what opportunity remains for the others to earn merit?'"

Those in authority must not contend with their subordinates for credit; we must prioritize letting our ministers achieve merit, and reduce some.

Translate: "'As a ruler, one must not contend for merit with one's subjects; we must prioritize letting our officials achieve merit, and therefore reduce some.'"

【180】

Translate: "Upon hearing this, Taiyi felt some displeasure and said: 'If so, why then have we come this time? The Heavenly Court's troops are strong and its horses sturdy; yet which powers could allow us to take the field?'"

Unless the witch tribe also allies with the celestial court, with the heavenly court's power alone we fear we will be unable to act further; where would the talk of satisfaction come from?

Translate: "'Unless the Wu Clan also allies with the heavenly court, with the Heavenly Court's strength alone, we fear we shall never again be able to act; where would the talk of indulgence come from?'"

Moreover, if such a situation occurs, then the Heavenly Court will indeed be prioritizing the great formation.

By then, let alone quasi-sages and ancestral Wu, even those who have not attained the Dao of Hunyuan, how could there be a worthy opponent?

Seeing his younger brother emotional, Di Jun immediately comforted him, saying:

"Don't act like this; the Heavenly Court's strength is naturally a good thing. If you worry about not having enough fun, after this battle I will advise Qi to let him follow you into Chaos for a trip."

"If you still feel unsatisfied, you can also let Yinglong go along; you know his strength yourself, and it will surely satisfy you."

This battle is no trivial matter; it would be best if neither of us intervenes, so that the outside world can see the Heavenly Court's foundations and dispel their improper thoughts.

Taiyi was about to continue his outburst, but seeing Fuxi seemingly rushing over, he immediately fell silent.

Towards Di Jun, he can naturally be unreasonable at times, after all the other party is his elder brother; occasional quarrels are not bad.

But Fuxi and Qi and the others are different; they are companions who support each other on the Great Dao, and one should not let one's own emotions affect them.

Although Fuxi and Qi are more likely than Di Jun to agree to his taking on five opponents alone, precisely for that reason Taiyi will not go to them for this.

Fuxi walked over from afar; before he even arrived, his laughter reached Di Jun and Taiyi's ears, and all they heard was his laughter saying:

"What are you up to, and what play are you singing? Even though I'm still far away, I already hear your argument—quite rare."

"However, Di Jun, Taiyi merely wants to take on five opponents alone; if you agree, there's no need for such words that needlessly anger Taiyi."

As soon as his words fell, Fuxi saw Taiyi's embarrassed expression and immediately teased:

"If you really make Taiyi furious, aren't you worried he'll drag you, his brother, into Chaos?"

"Also, don't always drag Qi out to settle things; why not you, as the elder brother, personally step in and give your younger brother a proper lesson?"

Fuxi wore a mischievous grin, drawing white eyes from Di Jun and Taiyi; Di Jun felt Fuxi wanted him dead, and if he had that ability, the one clamoring to fight five would not be Taiyi but himself.

Taiyi thought the idea was not bad, but Di Jun's strength was somewhat lacking; by then, let alone teaching himself a lesson, he might not even be able to satisfy himself.

Seeing the atmosphere ease considerably, Fuxi then turned serious and said: "Taiyi's words are not without merit; they also have points worth considering."

"You say that if we truly besiege Penglai Island, Taiyi will slay five of the enemy, Yinglong three, and Qi will also act, slaying another three or four."

"The remaining forces would be surrounded by the troops, or selected by you and me, Kunpeng and Bai Ze; you say, if we do this, how would the beings of the Wasteland view the Heavenly Court?"

"Wouldn't it then be that all are frightened by the Heavenly Court's power, needing no full-scale attack, even a force like the Celestial Court would be cut down by us, which would be quite imposing?"

Di Jun and Taiyi naturally heard that Fuxi's words were just a joke, merely to save Taiyi's face; yet dragging the entire Heavenly Court into play just to let Taiyi enjoy himself also moved them somewhat.

This time Taiyi straightforwardly refused: "Forget it; as the Heavenly Court's emperor, it's indeed improper to contend with ministers for merit, so let them have it—after all, there will still be chances to act later."

Although Taiyi felt a bit disappointed, he ultimately chose to maintain the overall situation; the Heavenly Court has seen too few battles, so subordinates must be given a chance to see progress.

Fuxi merely smiled and said nothing; knowing Taiyi as he does after so long, he understands that as long as he follows Taiyi's lead, Taiyi will naturally choose to prioritize the greater good.

But if you insist on opposing him, Taiyi will likely choose to act, to make you understand that the Donghuang Bell is the principle.

Di Jun is Taiyi's elder brother, so Taiyi will show him some thoughts unseen by outsiders; but precisely because Di Jun is Taiyi's elder brother, he sometimes overlooks many details that outsiders could notice.

Meanwhile, as they conversed, on Xifang Dalu the Celestial Court invited a blow that could be called devastating.

Countless heavenly soldiers and generals took Mount Sumeru as their starting point, sweeping everywhere and eliminating all monsters, ghosts, and demons; the Celestial Court's personnel, however, were also lumped among those monsters, ghosts, and demons by the heavenly troops, meeting the same fate.

"You lackeys of the Heavenly Court, disregarding Xifang Dalu's interests, after taking its essence, you further take hostile measures."

"With such conduct, how dare you claim to be the lord of the Wasteland? We cannot tolerate it, yet you have invited such a poisonous stratagem; you shall be the greatest calamity of the Wasteland!"

"Compared to the Wu Clan, you are still lacking; full of scheming plots, you are fit only to command the people of heaven and earth!"

Faced with the persecuted members of the Celestial Court, their torrent of abuse reached the Heavenly Court's ears, yet it was as if nothing at all, unable to withstand even the slightest ripple.

Teng Hao further laughed during the pursuit: "You can curse all you want; once you fall into this god-general's hands, I will make you unable to speak again."

"And cherish this moment well, for you will not have many chances to speak."

Although Teng Hao spoke with a laugh, his inner anger had already ignited; the person ahead had no means, merely that the aerial pursuit technique was truly effective.

He had been chasing and killing for several days, and several heavenly soldiers joined in the encirclement and interception, yet the opponent still managed to escape.

That mouth was truly something, incessantly annoying; he cursed for days on end without ever repeating himself!

PS: Thanks to reader harukiz for the 10,000 starting-point coin reward, boss is generous.

Yesterday I just posted the reward-for-extra-chapters rule; today I owe 3000 characters, I'll work overtime tonight and try to repay it within two days! Thanks, boss. (End of chapter)