I am submissive in Journey to the West, I strike hard at the gods

At the time, Chen Guangrui thought it was just the nonsense of a charlatan, but the Taoist's gaze was so deep that it seemed to see right through people's hearts, which still makes him feel uneasy.

As the sound of horses' hooves rang out, Chen Guangrui's entourage gradually approached the residence of Prime Minister Yin.

In front of the grand mansion gate, colorful silks hung high and red carpets were laid out. Inside the mansion, maids and servants came and went in an endless stream, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere.

On the balcony, Yin Wenjiao, dressed in a red dress, with exquisite features, held an embroidered ball and stood behind the carved railing, her gaze sweeping over the procession below.

Her maid, Cui'er, stood to the side and whispered with a smile, "Miss, this top scholar is handsome and talented. If the embroidered ball hits him, he will surely be a perfect match!"

Yin Wenjiao gave a soft snort, her red lips slightly pursed, but a hint of stubbornness flashed in her eyes: "Whether it's a good match or not, I have my own opinion."

"Throwing the embroidered ball was just my father's idea. I want to see if this top scholar is lucky enough to catch it."

With a flick of her slender hand, the embroidered ball arced through the air and hurtled straight toward Chen Guangrui.

Just as the embroidered ball was about to land in Chen Guangrui's arms, a sudden gust of wind arose out of nowhere, stirring up dust from the street, and the ball was blown off course with a "snap."

It rolled to the ground with a thud, covered in dust.

A commotion erupted in the crowd. Yin Wenjiao was also stunned. She frowned as she looked at the embroidered ball, a hint of displeasure flashing across her face.

Cui'er hurriedly said, "Miss, how could this be?"

"Is it because the wind is too strong?"

Yin Wenjiao narrowed her eyes, her gaze lingering on Chen Guangrui for a moment, a hint of curiosity rising in her heart.

She whispered, "This top scholar is quite interesting. How could such a coincidence happen, even though the wind is strong?"

"Fine, go down and invite him up. I want to see what kind of person he is."

Cui'er responded and hurriedly led several maids downstairs to greet Chen Guangrui.

Chen Guangrui had dismounted and was frowning as he looked at the embroidered ball on the ground, his unease growing stronger.

Jiang Wang's prophecy loomed over him like a dark cloud. He clenched his fists and murmured, "Could it really be fate playing tricks on us?"

"Scholar, my young lady requests your presence!"

Cui'er stepped forward with a smile, her voice clear and crisp, carrying a touch of the Yin family's majesty.

Chen Guangrui was startled and looked up at Yin Wenjiao on the balcony.

The woman was beautiful and elegant, yet her eyes held a hint of untamed spirit.

He was startled, but immediately cupped his hands and said, "Thank you for your kindness, Miss, but... I'm afraid I'm not worthy of it."

These words immediately sparked a flurry of discussion among the surrounding people.

Cui'er was also taken aback, then smiled and said, "You jest, Scholar. My young lady chose her husband by throwing an embroidered ball. Although the ball was blown away by the wind, she has already set her sights on you. How could you refuse?"

Chen Guangrui shook his head, his tone firm: "It's not that I'm refusing, but I heard a Taoist priest predict that if I get married, I might be killed and my beloved wife would be taken by someone else."

I dare not risk such a calamity.

Upon hearing this, Cui'er's expression changed slightly, and she quickly said, "Why do you say such a thing, Scholar?"

Marriage is a major life event, a matter of destiny. How can one listen to the words of charlatans?

Please follow me into the manor; Miss is waiting for you!

Chen Guangrui remained unmoved, cupping his hands and saying, "Please tell your mistress that I had no intention of offending her, but it is my fate, and I dare not disobey it."

When these words reached the rooftop, Yin Wenjiao raised an eyebrow and a flash of anger appeared in her eyes.

She hurried downstairs and came to Chen Guangrui in person, her voice cold: "Top scholar, what do you mean by that?"
"Could it be that you look down on my Yin family for not being of high enough social standing?"

Chen Guangrui quickly waved his hand and said with a wry smile, "Miss, you've misunderstood!"

I had no such intention, but the Taoist priest's prophecy was so convincing that I had no choice but to believe it.

Besides, marriage is a major life event; how could one be so hasty?

Yin Wenjiao sneered: "What a Taoist prophecy!"

Scholar, now that you have achieved the highest rank in the imperial examination, you should be open-minded and honest. How could you be so frightened by a few nonsensical words that you dare not get married?

Could it be that you have someone else in your heart?

Chen Guangrui shook his head and sighed, "Miss, you are too kind. I have no one else with me, but... that Taoist priest said that this calamity is a matter of life and death, and I dare not be careless."

Upon hearing this, Yin Kaishan had already left his residence.

He was dressed in a purple robe, with white hair and beard, and exuded an imposing aura. Upon hearing this, he angrily retorted, "Chen Guangrui!"

You are so brave!

"My family, the Yin clan, chose a husband by throwing an embroidered ball, yet you made all sorts of excuses. Do you look down on the Yin family?"

Chen Guangrui immediately bowed and said respectfully, "Your Excellency, please calm down!"
I had no such intention; it was just that the Taoist's prophecy left me with lingering fear.

He said that if I were to marry, I would surely be killed, and my beloved wife would be taken by a villain.

Such a calamity, I dare not disbelieve!

Upon hearing this, Yin Kaishan's expression softened slightly, but he still frowned and said, "Where did this Taoist come from, spouting such heretical nonsense?"

Chen Guangrui, you are the newly appointed top scholar, how can you believe such nonsense?

Marriage is a matter of destiny, a match made in heaven. If you refuse, wouldn't you be going against the will of heaven?

Chen Guangrui smiled wryly, about to explain again, when suddenly a clear laugh came from mid-air: "The will of Heaven?"
"Haha, Prime Minister Yin, what you call the will of Heaven is nothing but the self-righteous arrangement of some old men!"

Everyone was startled and looked up, only to see a flash of green light in mid-air, and a Taoist in a green robe standing in the air, which was Jiang Wang.

He had a handsome face, a smile on his lips, but a hint of mockery in his eyes, and his gaze was fixed on Yin Kaishan.

Yin Kaishan was taken aback, then angrily asked, "Who are you?"
How dare you spout such nonsense here!

Jiang Wang chuckled and stood with his hands behind his back: "I am Jiang Wang, just a rogue cultivator."

Prime Minister Yin, you say that the will of Heaven is hard to defy, but I am determined to change it!

"The marriage between Chen Guangrui and Yin Wenjiao will be severed today!"

When this statement came out, everyone was lost.

Yin Wenjiao's pretty face turned cold, and she said in a cold voice, "How audacious of you, Taoist!"
"This is a major life event concerning me and the top scholar; what right do you have to interfere?"

Jiang Wang laughed heartily, his gaze sweeping over Chen Guangrui, and said meaningfully, "Top Scholar, do you still remember my prophecy?"

If you marry today, your life will not last long, and your beloved wife will fall into the hands of another.

Do you believe me? "

Chen Guangrui's heart skipped a beat. He looked at Jiang Wang with a complicated expression and said in a deep voice, "I dare not disbelieve what the Daoist says."

But... is this marriage truly ordained by fate?

Just as Jiang Wang was about to answer, a majestic voice suddenly came from afar: "Jiang Wang!"
How dare you defy the will of Heaven!

Everyone felt a blur before their eyes, and an old man in white robes appeared out of thin air in the arena.

His hair and beard were all white, he had an otherworldly air about him, and his eyes were like lightning; he was none other than the Bodhi Patriarch.

The moment he appeared, the surrounding air seemed to freeze, and his imposing aura enveloped the entire area.

A cold glint flashed in Jiang Wang's eyes as he sneered, "Old Bodhi, you've arrived quickly!"
"What, are you afraid I'll ruin your carefully laid out plan?"

Bodhi's gaze was sharp as a knife as he said in a deep voice, "Chen Guangrui and Yin Wenjiao are destined by heaven. How dare you, a mere rogue cultivator, act against the will of heaven?"

"I will personally officiate at this wedding; no one can stop it!"

Upon hearing this, Chen Guangrui's expression changed. He stepped forward and said loudly, "Bodhi Patriarch, I respect you as a senior immortal, but marriage is a matter of life and death for me. How can I allow myself to be manipulated by others? Daoist Jiang once said that if I get married, there will be great calamity. How do you explain that?"

Bodhi snorted coldly, his gaze sweeping over Chen Guangrui, and said indifferently, "A mere mortal dares to question the will of Heaven."

You have no choice but to accept this marriage!
If you refuse today, I will personally escort you to the bridal chamber!

A flash of anger crossed Chen Guangrui's eyes, and he said in a deep voice, "Bodhi Patriarch, although you are an immortal, I, Chen Guangrui, am not someone who can be manipulated by others!"

I believe Master Jiang's words!
I will not go through with this marriage today!

These words immediately created a tense atmosphere in the room.

Yin Kaishan was furious and shouted, "Chen Guangrui!"

You are so brave!

"They even dare to disobey the words of Patriarch Bodhi?"

Yin Wenjiao also frowned and looked at Chen Guangrui, her eyes filled with both confusion and complicated emotions. She said in a low voice, "Top scholar, are you really going to reject the sincerity of the Yin family because of the nonsense of a Taoist priest?"

Chen Guangrui gritted her teeth, about to speak, when Jiang Wang laughed, stepped forward, and stood in front of Chen Guangrui, saying loudly, "Miss Yin, the top scholar is not heartless, it's just fate, and it cannot be forced."

"Old Bodhi, if you insist on making this marriage happen, why not first ask if I agree to use this Star-Shifting Technique?"

A cold glint flashed in Bodhi's eyes, and with a flick of his sleeve, a golden light shot straight toward Jiang Wang: "You audacious madman, daring to defy the heavens, today I will subdue you!"

Jiang Wang remained calm and composed. He flipped his palm, and the dark light rose again, transforming into a star barrier that blocked the golden light.

He sneered, "Bodhi, although your cultivation is high, when it comes to changing one's fate, I, Jiang Wang, am no less than you!"
"I've decided to change fate's will today!"

As the two confronted each other, starlight and golden light intertwined, and the scene was filled with turbulent energy. The people had already fled in terror.

Chen Guangrui stood to the side, his gaze shifting between Jiang Wang and Bodhi, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

Although he didn't know why Jiang Wang was so determined to sever his marriage, the prophecy haunted his mind like a nightmare, making him hesitant to trust Bodhi.

Looking at the two people facing off in the arena, Yin Wenjiao suddenly spoke, her voice clear and firm: "Two immortals, in your arguing, have you ever asked for my opinion, Yin Wenjiao?"

"I have my own plans regarding marriage; you don't need to decide for me!"

Jiang Wang was taken aback, then turned to look at Yin Wenjiao, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes: "Good!"

Miss Yin certainly has some spirit!

"In that case, would you be willing to listen to what I have to say?"

Yin Wenjiao snorted coldly: "Speak!"

Jiang Wang said solemnly, "Your marriage with Chen Guangrui seems to be preordained, but in reality, it harbors hidden dangers."

The old man Bodhi may seem to be facilitating a good match, but in reality, he's pushing you into a pit of fire.

If you don't believe me, you can ask Chen Guangrui if he's willing to take that risk.

Yin Wenjiao looked at Chen Guangrui with a complicated expression.

Chen Guangrui gritted his teeth and said in a deep voice, "Miss, I believe what Master Jiang said."

If you insist on marrying me, I... will have to decline.

Bodhi roared angrily: "Insolence!"
God’s will cannot be violated!
Chen Guangrui, if you continue to be so stubborn, don't blame me for taking action!

Jiang Wang laughed heartily, a rune flashed in his hand, and starlight shone brightly: "Bodhi, come on!"

Today I will see if your so-called "fate" can truly prevail over my art of changing destiny!

In the arena, starlight and golden light collided, changing the color of the sky and earth.

Chen Guangrui and Yin Wenjiao exchanged a glance, their minds racing with conflicting thoughts.

In the backyard of the Yin family mansion in Chang'an, the night was as dark as ink. Moonlight filtered through the sparse branches of the paulownia trees and spilled onto the bluestone slabs, casting dappled shadows.

A gentle breeze brought a touch of coolness, and the fragrance of osmanthus blossoms filled the courtyard, mingling with the distant sound of drums, creating an exceptionally tranquil atmosphere.

Chen Guangrui sat upright at the stone table, holding a book in his hand, but did not turn a page for a long time. His brows were furrowed, as if he had something on his mind.

Yin Wenjiao stood to the side, holding a silk handkerchief in her hand, seemingly wanting to say something but hesitating.

Hurried footsteps echoed outside the courtyard as a group of palace guards, torches in hand, clattered armor, breaking the stillness of the night.

The head guard stepped into the courtyard and bowed, saying, "Prime Minister Yin, His Majesty has issued an edict, ordering us to come and read it!"

Yin Wenjiao was startled and turned to look at Chen Guangrui, her eyes filled with worry.

Chen Guangrui put down his book, stood up, straightened his clothes, and said in a deep voice, "Proclaim the imperial decree."

The head guard unfolded the imperial edict in his hand and announced loudly: "By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: There is suspicion of cheating in the imperial examinations, the exam questions have been leaked, and the evidence is conclusive. An immediate investigation is ordered, all candidates' scores are invalidated, and all their academic titles are stripped."

The top scholar, Chen Guangrui, is hereby ordered to be escorted back to the palace for investigation. No mistakes shall be tolerated!
Admire this! "

As soon as he finished speaking, two guards stepped forward, their iron chains clanging as they prepared to restrain Chen Guangrui.

Yin Wenjiao hurriedly stepped forward and stood in front of Chen Guangrui, saying urgently, "My lord, please wait!"
Guangrui was the newly appointed top scholar, parading through the streets for three days in great glory. How could he be involved in cheating?

There must be some misunderstanding!

The head guard, expressionless, coldly said, "Miss Yin, the imperial decree has been issued, and no one may disobey it."

Chen Guangrui, immediately return to the palace with us!

Chen Guangrui gently pushed Yin Wenjiao away and said softly, "Jiao'er, don't worry about me."

Since it is His Majesty's decree, I shall obey.

If I am innocent, justice will be served.

He looked at the head guard and said calmly, "Let's go."

Yin Wenjiao's eyes were slightly red, and she bit her lip, saying, "Guangrui, you...you must come back safely!"

Chen Guangrui turned around, looked at her deeply, and nodded, saying, "Okay, I promise you."

He was then escorted by guards and disappeared into the night.

Outside the courtyard, Bodhi Patriarch, hidden in the shadows, transformed into a wisp of green smoke, intently watching Chen Guangrui's departing figure.

He calculated with his fingers, a strange light flashing in his eyes, and whispered, "Chen Guangrui's fate has been altered, and he has lost his position as the top scholar. This is not defying fate, but rather... shifting stars and changing constellations!"
"Jiang Wang, you little rascal, you've got some impressive skills!"

He flashed into a secluded bamboo grove, sat cross-legged, and closed his eyes in deep thought.

After a moment, he murmured, "Chen Guangrui was originally the reincarnation of Jin Chanzi's father. His status as the top scholar was the path I paved for him to obtain the scriptures. Now his fame has been taken away, and his great plan to obtain the scriptures has been hindered... Jiang Wang, you have ruined my great plan. How can I tolerate you!"

Meanwhile, inside the Heavenly Court's Hall of Justice, Jiang Wang sat cross-legged on a cloud bed, his face pale and a trace of blood trickling from the corner of his mouth.

Lightning crackled around him, the lingering power of the Purple Heaven Divine Lightning still present, causing a sharp pain to his primordial spirit.

He sighed and said self-deprecatingly, "As expected of the backlash from the Heavenly Dao, this Purple Heaven Divine Lightning is truly domineering. I'm afraid I won't even be able to leave the Heavenly Court for the next half month."

A respectful voice came from outside the door: "Lord Jiang Wang, the Jade Emperor summons you. Please proceed to the Lingxiao Palace immediately!"

Jiang Wang forced himself to get up, wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, and said in a low voice, "They came quickly."

He straightened his robes, forcibly suppressed the surging blood and qi within his body, and slowly walked towards the Lingxiao Palace.

Inside the Lingxiao Palace, the Jade Emperor sat on his nine-dragon throne, his gaze profound.

After Jiang Wang bowed, the Jade Emperor spoke: "Jiang Wang, you have arbitrarily altered the trajectory of Chen Guangrui's destiny star, causing chaos in the mortal realm's imperial examinations. Do you know your crime?"

Jiang Wang lowered his head and said respectfully, "Your humble servant knows his crime."

However, the marriage between Chen Guangrui and Yin Wenjiao must be severed; this humble servant's action is for the greater good of the Heavenly Court. (End of Chapter)