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

"What's the point of this piece of junk?"

Jiang Wang muttered to himself, a hint of annoyance flashing in his eyes, "Why didn't the system give me any explanation for the reward? Is it deliberately playing a trick on me?"

The somersault cloud was extremely fast, and in the blink of an eye it was already over Zhonghua Village in Chang'an.

Jiang Wang put away the stone slab and looked down. He saw that the rice in the village was golden and the fruit trees were full of fruit, a scene of abundant harvest.

However, the villagers all looked worried and gathered at the village entrance, whispering among themselves.

Jiang Wang's heart tightened, and he descended on a cloud, landing steadily on a blue stone at the head of the manor.

The villagers were stunned when they saw him descend from the sky, then they swarmed around him, shouting all at once, "Immortal Jiang! You're finally back! Something terrible has happened!"

"Wait, wait, speak one at a time!"

Jiang Wang waved his hand, his gaze sweeping over the crowd before landing on the village chief at the head of the group. "What exactly happened? Look at you all, wasn't the harvest plentiful? Why are you all so mournful?"

The old village chief sighed and said tremblingly, "Immortal, you may not know this, but although the village has had a bumper harvest, three immortals came a few days ago, saying they were Zhao Gongming, Yunxiao, and Bixiao, and they kidnapped the fairy Chang'e! They also left a message, telling you to take fairy Qiongxiao to the East Sea to exchange her, otherwise... otherwise fairy Chang'e's life may be in danger!"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Wang raised an eyebrow, a hint of wariness flashing in his mind: "Zhao Gongming? Yunxiao? Bixiao? Why would these three disciples of the Jie Sect suddenly seek out Chang'e? Could it be an ambush by the Heavenly Court?"

He hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Did they say where the exchange would take place?"

The old village chief nodded hurriedly: "I told you! It's on Jin'ao Island in the East China Sea!"

"East China Sea?"

A hint of relief flashed in Jiang Wang's eyes, and the corners of his mouth turned up slightly. "That makes things easier."

The Heavenly Court's reach doesn't extend to the East Sea; I'd like to see what tricks the Jie Sect has up their sleeve in their territory.

He paused, turned to leave, but then remembered something and turned back, saying, "By the way, Chang'e and I are just old acquaintances, not husband and wife as you all think. Don't spread rumors!"

The villagers looked at each other, their eyes filled with awe, and said in unison, "The immortal is all-powerful; he will surely be able to save the fairy Chang'e!"

Jiang Wang shook his head helplessly, and with a somersault, he disappeared into the horizon in the blink of an eye.

As the villagers watched his departing figure, they all knelt down and shouted in unison, "Immortal Jiang! A deity has descended to earth!"

Above the East China Sea, Jin'ao Island is shrouded in mist and clouds, exuding an ethereal beauty.

On a blue stone platform in the center of the island, Zhao Gongming, Yunxiao, and Bixiao stood side by side, their eyes all looking towards the horizon where the sea met the sky.

Zhao Gongming held a golden whip, his expression solemn; Yunxiao, dressed in white, had a cool and aloof demeanor, but her eyes held a hint of worry; Bixiao, on the other hand, seemed somewhat impatient, pacing back and forth.

"Sister, is Jiang Wang coming or not?"

Bixiao stopped and couldn't help but complain, "We've been waiting for two days! What will happen to Sister Qiongxiao if he doesn't come? The East Sea Dragon Palace is no safe place!"

Yunxiao said softly, "Don't be impatient. Jiang Wang is cunning, but he values ​​loyalty and righteousness."

Chang'e holds a special place in his heart; he will definitely come.

Zhao Gongming snorted coldly: "Hmph, so what if he's here? This man is full of tricks. Saving people? He's more likely to be here to die! We need to be careful and not fall into his trap."

Just then, a golden light streaked across the sky, and Jiang Wang's figure appeared on the island.

He walked over with a smile, holding a folding fan in his hand, and said in a relaxed tone: "Gentlemen, I'm late, and I've kept you waiting."

Tell me, where is Chang'e? And where is Qiongxiao?

Upon seeing him, Bixiao's anger flared up, and she shouted, "Jiang Wang! Enough nonsense! Hand over Sister Qiongxiao now, or don't blame us for being impolite!"

Jiang Wang raised an eyebrow and laughed, "Fairy Bixiao, you have quite a temper."

"I will naturally bring Qiongxiao, but I must first see Chang'e and make sure she is safe and sound."

Just as Yunxiao was about to speak, a phoenix cry was heard from the horizon. A colorful phoenix flew down from the clouds and transformed into a woman dressed in a seven-colored robe, holding a golden whip that shimmered in the light. It was the God-Slaying Whip.

She coldly surveyed the three men and said in a deep voice, "The Queen Mother has decreed that Zhao Gongming, Yunxiao, and Bixiao must immediately return Chang'e to the Heavenly Court, or they will be punished for disobeying the Emperor!"

Zhao Gongming's face darkened, and he stepped forward: "Fairy Caifeng, the Heavenly Court is meddling far too much! What does Chang'e's matter have to do with you? Get out of here at once, or you'll only bring trouble upon yourself!"

Fairy Caifeng sneered and raised her God-Slaying Whip: "How dare you! This whip is specifically for striking the soul and primordial spirit. How dare you people on the Investiture of the Gods disobey the Emperor's command!"

Before the whip could fall, a sword rang out, and a streak of green light flew in from outside the island, transforming into a Taoist priest in a green robe with an ancient longsword hanging at his waist. It was none other than Qingpingzi, the avatar of the Tongtian Sect Master.

His gaze swept over Fairy Caifeng like lightning, and he said coldly, "The Heavenly Court is so arrogant! A mere God-Slaying Whip dares to run wild on my Jie Sect's territory?"

Before she finished speaking, Qingpingzi flicked her wrist, and the Zhuxian Sword was drawn. A sword light, like an inverted Milky Way, instantly slashed towards Fairy Caifeng.

Fairy Caifeng cried out in alarm, trying to raise her whip to defend herself, but it was too late. With a flash of sword light, her figure transformed into a ball of colorful light and vanished without a trace.

The God-Slaying Whip, having lost its master, buzzed as if it were about to pounce on Zhao Gongming and his two companions.

Qing Pingzi snorted coldly, turned her sword, and unleashed a rainbow of sword energy, shouting, "Get lost!"

The God-Slaying Whip seemed to possess sentience. Sensing the power of the Immortal-Slaying Sword, it trembled and flew back into the sky, disappearing in the blink of an eye.

A hint of excitement flashed in Bixiao's eyes, and she hurriedly said, "Senior brother! This God-Slaying Whip is incredibly powerful. Why don't you leave it with me for safekeeping?"

Qingpingzi glanced at her and said indifferently, "No."

Although this whip is powerful, it affects the balance of power in the three realms, and leaving it behind will only bring trouble.

You all should focus on handling Chang'e's matter and avoid causing any unforeseen complications.

Jiang Wang stood aside, squinting at the scene, secretly pondering: "The Tongtian Sect Master's clone... this Jin'ao Island is indeed not simple."

It seems I'll have to be extra careful in today's game.

He cleared his throat and said with a smile, "Gentlemen, enough of the small talk. What exactly is the procedure for the exchange between Chang'e and Qiongxiao? I am all ears."

Jiang Wang stood on the clouds above Jin'ao Island, with surging blue waves beneath his feet and distant, misty immortal mountains shrouded in spiritual energy, resembling a splashed ink painting.

He was dressed in a blue robe, with an ancient longsword hanging at his waist, but his gaze was calm and serene as he swept over the magnificent buildings on the island.

A breeze blew by, causing the hem of her clothes to flutter gently, carrying a faint, delicate fragrance—the scent of the unique medicinal herbs of Jin'ao Island.

A slight thought crossed his mind. Qingpingzi's invitation to him was ostensibly for discussion, but in reality, it concealed a hidden agenda and was by no means a simple reunion.

In the center of the island, a gleaming glass palace stood, with several figures standing in front of it.

Zhao Gongming, dressed in a black robe, exuded a powerful aura. Behind him, the three fairy maidens of the Three Immortals of the Clouds each possessed their own unique charm, with Qiongxiao's gaze being particularly sharp, as if she wanted to see through Jiang Wang.

Jiang Wang merely smiled slightly, his gaze sweeping over the crowd and landing on a figure in moon-white robes within the hall.

Chang'e, dressed in a white dress, with exquisite features, stood quietly beside Qingpingzi. When she saw Jiang Wang, a complex emotion flashed in her eyes, a mixture of relief and worry.

"Fellow Daoist Jiang, it's been a long time."

Qingpingzi, dressed in a blue Taoist robe, gently waved his whisk, his smile gentle yet carrying a hint of unfathomable depth.

A spiritual light flowed behind him, faintly exuding the aura of the Great Dao, making him someone not to be underestimated.

Jiang Wang cupped his hands, his tone neither humble nor arrogant: "Senior Qingpingzi, I have come at your invitation. May I ask what you wish to teach me?" He turned his gaze to Chang'e, scrutinizing her closely. Seeing that her expression was normal, her breathing was steady, and there was nothing unusual about her, he secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

He was extremely anxious when Chang'e was kidnapped by Qiongxiao, and he went to great lengths to chase her to Jin'ao Island. Now that he sees her safe and sound, he can finally relax.

Qingpingzi smiled faintly and waved for everyone to enter the hall.

The hall was filled with spiritual energy, and the walls were carved with ancient immortal patterns that emitted a faint glow.

Jiang Wang stepped into the hall, followed closely by Zhao Gongming and the Three Immortals. The atmosphere was subtle, as if there were undercurrents.

He remained calm and composed, took out the Golden Dragon Scissors from his sleeve, and handed them to Zhao Gongming: "With this item returned, Fairy Qiongxiao is safe and sound. My purpose in coming here is only to bring back Chang'e."

Zhao Gongming took the Golden Dragon Scissors, a complex look flashing in his eyes, and said in a deep voice, "Fellow Daoist Jiang acts decisively, I admire him."

Qiongxiao snorted coldly, clearly still resentful about being captured by Jiang Wang, but refrained from doing so because Qingpingzi was present.

Chang'e stepped forward and said softly, "Jiang Lang, thank you for coming."

Her voice was soft, but carried a slight, almost imperceptible tremor.

Looking at her cool and aloof face, Jiang Wang felt a warmth in his heart and nodded: "Let's go."

Qingpingzi waved his hand and said with a smile, "Why is Fellow Daoist Jiang in such a hurry to leave? I have something to discuss with you, which concerns the fate of the human race. Since Fellow Daoist Jiang is carrying a heavy responsibility, you might as well listen to my humble opinion."

Although his tone was gentle, it carried an air of authority that left no room for refusal.

Jiang Wang frowned slightly. He had already guessed Qing Pingzi's intentions to some extent, but since things had come to this point, there was no need to rush.

He glanced at Chang'e, and seeing her nod slightly, he said, "Senior, please speak freely."

As everyone took their seats, the aroma of fragrant tea filled the hall.

Qingpingzi picked up her teacup and slowly asked, "Fellow Daoist Jiang, do you know what fortune is?"

Before Jiang Wang could answer, he continued, “Fortune is the trend of heaven and earth, which is related to the rise and fall of individuals, families, nations, and ethnic groups.”

Take King Zhou of the Shang Dynasty, for example. He was once a powerful and influential ruler, and the Shang Dynasty was at its zenith. However, his tyranny and cruelty alienated the people, causing the dynasty's fortunes to decline, ultimately leading to the Western Zhou Dynasty replacing the Shang.

Jiang Wang listened quietly, but his mind was in deep thought.

Although Qingpingzi's words were old clichés, the profound meaning they implied should not be ignored.

He improved grain varieties, helping the human race to have enough to eat and wear, which indeed enhanced the human race's fortune, but Qingpingzi called it a "wrong path".
There was clearly a deeper meaning behind it.

Qingpingzi put down his teacup, his gaze deep: "Fellow Daoist Jiang, your improvement of grain varieties certainly benefits the common people, but this is a minor approach, treating the symptoms but not the root cause."

For humanity to truly rise, it must spread its laws among its people and unite its forces for lasting prosperity.

He paused, then emphasized, "The human race is now fragmented, with warlords ruling in their own territories and the fortunes scattered. If Fellow Daoist Jiang wishes to turn the tide, he must find a true leader for the human race and spread the Great Dao throughout the world."

Jiang Wang was startled; Qing Pingzi's words hit the nail on the head.

Although he had the system at his disposal and was more confident in his actions, the complexity of the human race's destiny far exceeded his previous expectations.

He pondered for a moment and asked, "Senior, do you mean that I, Jiang, should pave the way for the Jie Sect?"

Qingpingzi laughed heartily and lightly shook his whisk: "Fellow Daoist Jiang is indeed intelligent."

Although the Jie Sect is declining, its doctrines resonate with humanity. I hope that one day, when humanity rises again, the Jie Sect can enter the world to spread its teachings and help unify humanity. In this way, the Jie Sect can also be revived.

He shifted his gaze, a hint of probing in his eyes: "I once intended to take you as my disciple, but you seemed to have had some extraordinary encounter, and you politely declined my kind offer."

Jiang Wang's heart stirred slightly. Qing Pingzi was indeed perceptive, having actually glimpsed the shadow of the system.

He remained calm and smiled, saying, "Senior is too kind. I am but a rogue cultivator and am not worthy of such a great responsibility."

Regarding cooperation, Jiang had no objection. "If the Jie Sect is willing to help humanity, Jiang will certainly do his utmost."

A hint of satisfaction flashed in Qingpingzi's eyes, and she nodded, saying, "Good, since Fellow Daoist Jiang has this intention, I am relieved."

If needed in the future, the Jie Sect will certainly provide its full assistance.

Jiang Wang cupped his hands in farewell and took Chang'e with him.

Before leaving, he felt the gazes of Zhao Gongming and the Three Immortals, which were complex yet tinged with respect.

He knew that although the confrontation had not escalated into armed conflict, his trip to Jin'ao Island had left his mark on the Three Realms.

After leaving Jin'ao Island, Jiang Wang and Chang'e rode on the clouds, the wind howling and the world vast.

Chang'e stood beside him, her moon-white dress fluttering in the wind, like a blooming magnolia.

She was silent for a moment, then said in a low voice, "Jiang Lang, it is said that you and I are already husband and wife. Now the whole Three Realms know this. If I return to the Guanghan Palace, I'm afraid I will find it difficult to establish myself."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Wang's gaze softened, and he took her hand: "Then we won't go back."

"You may come with me. If you are in danger, I will protect you."

He took out the meteorite ring from his sleeve, and a flash of inspiration struck him. "This ring can be used for concealment. In critical moments, you can enter it to seek refuge."

Chang'e looked at the ancient ring, a hint of emotion flashing in her eyes, and nodded gently.

She knew Jiang Wang's personality; although he seemed carefree, he was actually very meticulous. Seeing that he could think of her so much, her unease gradually dissipated.

The two returned to Zhonghua Village, where smoke curled from chimneys, rice paddies rippled in the fields, and villagers were busy but content.

Looking at the mortal world, Chang'e suddenly said, "Jiang Lang, my identity as a celestial being has been exposed, which may cause trouble. Perhaps we should find another place?"

Jiang Wang shook his head, gazing into the distance with a hint of a smile: "Change locations? No need."

Now that I'm back in Zhonghua Village, I'm going to do something big to deter those who are eyeing me.

Although his tone was soft, it carried an undeniable air of authority.

As night deepened, Jiang Wang sat alone in the small courtyard of the manor. Moonlight streamed down, casting a faint glow on the bluestone in the courtyard.

His mind was in turmoil, and Qingpingzi's words still echoed in his ears.

The common ruler of humanity, spreading the law throughout the world—this path may seem distant, but it is a mission he cannot avoid.

Although Li Shimin was a man of great talent and ambition, his ambition lay in governing the country rather than unifying the human race. Jiang Wang himself had no desire to become the ruler of the country, so he could only slowly search for a suitable person.

With a thought, he opened the system panel and his gaze fell on the experience points—79.7, enough for a high-level lottery draw.

He took a deep breath and said in a deep voice, "Draw a prize."

The system flashed, and six orbs of light appeared one after another. The first five orbs exploded in sequence, with points of 3, 4, 5, 3, and 3 respectively, totaling 18 points, which was quite impressive.

Jiang Wang was slightly pleased; if the sixth ball scored higher, a reward was expected.

However, as the sixth ball slowly spun, its light suddenly dimmed, and an inexplicable sense of oppression welled up inside. (End of Chapter)