Chapter 9

"Everyone, be cautious. Mr. Wei is a significant minister of the court. Even as gods, we must not discuss him lightly."1Lord Chenghuang attempted to quell the discussion, but his tone suddenly faltered. His expression changed dramatically, and his sharp, commanding eyes turned towards the hall's entrance.1

At that moment, the four major judges, the chief officers of the twenty-four divisions, and the land god all followed his gaze, surprised.1

Boom...!1

They pricked up their ears, hearing the sound of thunder exploding. The source of the sound was the sky over Kyoto.1Whoosh whoosh...!1

The gods, acting in unison, immediately stepped outside. Thunder and lightning filled the sky, the wind howled, and the sky darkened.1

The City God looked up and was astonished. "The wind and thunder converge, and the water vapor condenses. This is the way of rain!"1

As soon as he spoke, the sky began to pour rain.1

"The imperial court has not issued a yellow book for rainfall. Who dares to openly bring rain?" he exclaimed, his voice filled with authority.1

The land god was pleasantly surprised. Who was this hero, so benevolent towards the country and its people? The rain was a blessing, greatly alleviating the drought and saving the people in the suburbs.1

The City God's face grew stern as he pinched his fingers, attempting to discern the identity of the one who dared to bring rain. After a moment, his majestic and sharp eyes locked onto Tianxing Mountain, towering above the clouds in the suburbs.1He flew into a rage, and a wave of divine coercion permeated the air. The surrounding four magistrates, the heads of the twenty-four divisions, and the land god all knelt down, panicking.1

"What is wrong, my lord?" they asked.1

The City God's voice was like a knife, sharp and cutting. "The source of the rain is Tianxing Mountain."1

"What? A monster brings rain?" they exclaimed, their anger igniting.1

The monsters in Tianxing Mountain were becoming increasingly audacious. This was a blatant challenge to Gong Xiansi and the majesty of the Ming court. The people prayed for rain, and the evildoers sent it. This was a slap in the face, harboring evil intentions, winning the people's hearts, and possibly gathering incense.1

"Immortal Chief, the evildoer brings rain to please the people and seeks the power of incense. This cannot be tolerated," one of the judges declared.1

"Investigate, thoroughly investigate," the City God commanded, his words filled with murderous intent. "No matter who the evildoer is or their cultivation level, if found, they will be wanted and killed immediately."1But the God of Earth exclaimed, "My lords, look at the sky over Tianxing Mountain!"1Everyone turned their gaze towards the mountain. Dark clouds covered Tianxing Mountain, but within the dense clouds, a snake's shadow appeared, roaring towards the sky.1

"Huh, it turns out to be a snake demon. It likely seeks to transform into a flood dragon and needs the people's incense and fire protection to survive the catastrophe," the City God observed.1

He then looked at the God of Land. "You are the parent official in the suburbs. Not only must you manage thousands of villages, but you also have the responsibility to monitor Tianxing Mountain. In recent years, has there been any powerful snake demon in the mountain?"1

The God of Earth thought for a moment and shook his head. "Hundreds of years ago, the Snake King of Tianxing Mountain, who had practiced for five thousand years, descended the mountain to help the people. He sought to gather incense but was quickly discovered by the demon slayer and arrested. He was skinned and dismembered."1

"In recent years, I have not heard of any powerful snake monsters appearing in Tianxing Mountain."1

"Hmph," the City God snorted coldly. "To be able to use the method of rain, it must have mastered the celestial magic of calling wind and rain. Such a monster must have at least five thousand years of Taoism. You, as a parent official, have not noticed it?"1

"The lower official has neglected his duty and will thoroughly investigate upon returning," the God of Earth replied.1

"No need, the god will send someone to investigate," the City God declared.1Suddenly, someone exclaimed, "The rain has stopped, the rain has stopped!"1

The City God's face softened slightly. "Even that evildoer knows how to measure himself, leaving room for retreat. But it is too late. The majesty of the imperial court cannot be provoked, and I will not tolerate slaps in the face for Xiansi."1

On that day, the City God sent countless ghosts and spirits to secretly investigate Tianxing Mountain and locate the snake demon.1

In a secluded area of Tianxing Mountain, Arin's sixty-foot snake body lay weak and exhausted. He had not anticipated that casting a wind and rain spell would drain his mana so quickly. His entire massive body collapsed.1

"As expected of a celestial spell, I can't control it with my current skills," he muttered.1

With only a thousand years of Taoism, he was too weak. Using the spell left him powerless. To cast such a spell without restraint, he would need at least three to five thousand years of Taoism. Even if he could barely use it now, it was too taxing.1

"Isn't it just five thousand years? What a big deal," Arin thought, determined to continue his practice.1

Suddenly, a hair-thin holy light appeared above Arin's head, wisps and strands descending towards his body. The integration of the holy light made Arin feel elated, and he couldn't help but moan. It seemed his body had received a significant improvement. The feeling was miraculous, beyond explanation, but undeniably real.1Ding...!1

"The host rains down on the world, nourishes all things, gains merits and virtues, and chances and fortunes can be improved!" the system announced.1Suddenly, a karma scale appeared on Arin's forehead, similar to the Buddha seal between Bodhi's eyebrows. A holy light shone brightly.