Becoming a God by Searching Mountains and Subduing Demons

The sky is clear and blue, and at the end of the crystal clear sky, airships are floating quietly like birds descending from the clouds.

Their hulls glowed with a cold metallic luster, reflecting tiny and dazzling rays of light in the sunlight. The golden emblem on the hulls, symbolizing the supreme glory of the Sky Patrol, exuded an awe-inspiring aura in the breeze.

The slight hum of the airship's engine, mixed with the sound of birds singing in the distance, added a touch of agility to the magnificent scene.

The hatch slowly opened and everyone got off the airship one by one.

Although their clothes were stained with some dust from the journey, they still could not conceal the tenacity and heroism that came from the baptism of war.

Everyone stood tall and their eyes revealed determination and pride.

After getting off the boat, everyone quickly lined up with clean and neat movements. Soon they formed a neat square formation, like an indestructible steel wall.

At this time, a group of eunuchs in bright clothes hurried over. The leading eunuch shouted in a shrill voice, "You soldiers have worked hard. His Majesty is waiting to welcome you."

After saying that, he led the team forward slowly.

The one walking in the front was the Sky Patrol General Zhao Jinghuan. He was tall and wore a black gilded armor, which made him look even more imposing.

Under the helmet, his eyes were deep and sharp, as if he could see through everything. His high nose bridge and tightly pursed lips revealed his strong character.

The hilt of the sword in his hand was inlaid with rare gems, sparkling brightly in the sun, highlighting his identity and status.

At this moment, he held his head high and chest out, taking steady and powerful steps. Every step he took was solid and steady, as if the whole world was under his control.

Following closely behind Zhao Jinghuan was Jiang Yue. Although he was a little younger, he was already superior to everyone else in terms of strength and qualifications.

Led by the eunuch, the team headed towards the imperial city.

The roadsides were already surrounded by palace maids and guards who had come to greet them. They cheered and waved colorful silks in their hands, expressing their most sincere respect and gratitude to these triumphant people.

Naturally, they had no idea about the affairs of the Immortal God Ruins, but lining the streets to welcome them was something their superiors had already ordered.

The sunlight sprinkled on the bluestone paved road, casting a warm halo. The breeze blew gently, ruffling the strands of hair at Jiang Yue's temples.

He walked slowly with the team, but his eyes were not focused on the scenery in front of him, but slightly lowered, with a thoughtful look in his eyes. The cheers and applause around him seemed to be blocked by an invisible barrier at this moment, and his thoughts were completely immersed in the upcoming scene of meeting the emperor.

"Don't show any fear later." Jiang Yue reminded himself secretly in his heart, his fingers unconsciously stroking the hilt of the sword at his waist. The cool touch slightly eased his inner tension.

He knew very well that he had returned with an important mission, and meeting the emperor was of utmost importance. Any carelessness could lead to unpredictable consequences.

"Well... I have to think of an excuse in advance." He frowned slightly, and his mind began to work rapidly, thinking about how to properly describe his experience and gains in front of His Majesty.

"We can neither hide anything nor tell lies."

The crime of deceiving the emperor is no light one. Jiang Yue knew that since they were summoned into the palace, the royal family must have some tricks up their sleeves.

However, if everything were revealed, it might cause unnecessary trouble, especially those matters involving the main hall. If not handled properly, it might attract the covetousness and disputes of various forces.

"It would be okay to just expose some of the opportunities I've gained."

Jiang Yue secretly made up his mind. He knew that some things could not be concealed, so it would be better to take the initiative to reveal part of it. This would not only show his honesty, but also satisfy His Majesty's curiosity to a certain extent, and at the same time win more trust and support for himself.

As for those parts that are too sensitive and critical, he plans to hide them for the time being and make plans when the time is right.

Thinking of this, Jiang Yue took a deep breath, adjusted his state, and looked up to the front.

At this time, the outline of the imperial city was clearly visible, and the tall city walls looked particularly majestic and solemn under the sunlight. He knew that he was about to step into the palace full of power and glory.

.........

The majestic and magnificent royal palace shines with golden light in the morning light, like a palace of gods standing on earth.

The eaves and brackets on the roof of the palace are carved with lifelike auspicious beasts, which seem to be agile in the breeze, as if they can fly into the air at any time. The palace gate is tall and wide, and the vermilion door is inlaid with huge golden door nails, each of which shines with a majestic luster, demonstrating the supreme dignity of the royal family.

As you step into the hall, the spacious space is filled with a solemn and dignified atmosphere.

The mirror-like marble floor reflected the upright figures of the ministers.

On the huge pillars on both sides, there are exquisite golden dragon reliefs hovering, with a winding dragon body and flying dragon whiskers, as if it will break free from the constraints of the stone pillars and soar into the sky in the next second.

The candles on the candlesticks in the hall were burning vigorously. The bright candle flames swayed gently in the breeze, illuminating the entire palace with golden splendor.

Many ministers dressed in gorgeous court robes stood neatly in the hall.

Their eyes were filled with awe and loyalty, and their postures were straight, like pine trees, motionless. Some of the ministers had serious faces and frowned, as if they were thinking about state affairs; others had firm eyes and were full of confidence, ready to make suggestions for His Majesty at any time. They waited quietly, and there was almost no other sound in the whole hall except for the slight breathing.

At the end of the hall, on a high staircase, lies the throne that symbolizes supreme power.

The throne is made of precious mahogany and its surface is inlaid with countless sparkling gems. Under the candlelight, it emits a dazzling light.

The Great Zhou Emperor Zhao Yongnian was sitting upright on the throne. He wore a crown on his head and a bright yellow dragon robe. The robe was embroidered with a five-clawed golden dragon with bared fangs and claws, which looked lifelike.

Zhao Yongnian's face was majestic and solemn, his eyes were deep and sharp, as if he could see through everything in the world. He raised his head slightly, overlooking the ministers in the hall, and his every move exuded an irresistible kingly aura.

The afterglow of the setting sun shines through the carved window lattices, slanting into the magnificent Xuan Zheng Hall, making the gilded decorations and simple bricks and stones in the hall seem even more solemn and dignified.

In the center of the hall, a magic circle emitting faint light quietly emerged, runes flickered, and the light gradually became stronger. The dazzling light spread out like stars, attracting the attention of everyone in the hall.

Sensing the unusual movement of the magic circle, Zhao Yongnian slowly turned his head, a barely perceptible gleam of light flashed in his deep eyes, and then he gently raised his right hand, the jade ring on his wrist sparkling under the reflection of the brilliant light.

The eunuch Li Fu beside him had served Zhao Yongnian since he was a child and knew his every move very well. Seeing this, he immediately understood what he meant, bowed slightly, and took a step forward.

Li Fu was wearing a scarlet eunuch's uniform, and his figure was slightly hunched, but his shrill voice was exceptionally loud, as if it could penetrate the entire palace: "Call—enter the palace!"

This shout echoed in the empty hall with unquestionable majesty. For a moment, the atmosphere in the hall became more solemn. Everyone held their breath and stared at the door of the hall.

Led by the chief eunuch, everyone marched in an orderly manner towards the magnificent palace. The palace gate stood tall and majestic, like a giant beast with its mouth wide open, waiting to devour them.

As the distance got closer, the solemn atmosphere in the hall hit them in the face, and everyone couldn't help but feel awe in their hearts.

"Such a scene..."

“It’s really impressive.”

Jiang Yue seemed to have something in mind, but quickly dismissed the idea.

At the end of the hall, high up on the throne, sat the Emperor of the Great Zhou.

Everyone stood in the center of the hall and bowed their heads in unison.

"No gift."

Zhao Yongnian waved his hand, signaling everyone to excuse themselves, and then cast his eyes on the royal family in the front. After receiving the eye signal, Zhao Jinghuan, as the leader of the team, was the first to speak: "Your Majesty, I have completed the reception and come to report."

"There were a hundred people on this expedition to the Immortal God Ruins, and thirty returned, all of whom are included in this list."

His voice was steady and powerful, full of confidence and pride.

The emperor nodded slightly, with a gratified smile on his face. "You have worked hard. During this exploration, you have made great contributions to our Great Zhou. I am deeply pleased."

His voice was low and deep, carrying an unquestionable majesty.

"Remember..." Zhao Yongnian spoke slowly, his voice low but penetrating, echoing in the empty hall. This simple word, like a thunderclap, instantly attracted everyone's attention.

Following the emperor's order, an old man in a purple robe slowly walked out from one side of the hall.

His figure was slightly hunched, but his back was straight, and his steps were steady and firm. In one hand, the old man carefully held a demon skin book that emitted a strange light.

There seemed to be a faint halo flowing on the surface of the demon leather book, which was mysterious and solemn.

The other hand held an ancient brush, the pen shaft was engraved with dense runes, and each rune seemed to contain endless power.

The old man's eyes revealed a serious and focused expression, as if the whole world at this moment was left with only him and the book and pen in his hands.

Obviously, he is the Shinto monk in charge of recording. He has a special status and ability in the royal family. Every record they make has unparalleled authority and binding force.

This demon skin book is regarded as a sacred object of the Great Zhou. It can record all important events and decisions truthfully, and once recorded, it can never be changed.

Zhao Yongnian raised his head slightly, glanced at the people below, and announced in a steady and powerful tone:
"Those who return from exploring the ruins of immortal gods will be granted a lifetime title of marquis, with 10,000 households as fief, 10,000 taels of gold and silver as reward, and a volume of the treasure house, and can choose any of the resources in it!"

"The leader is Zhao Jinghuan, who was granted the hereditary title of king, and the same gold, silver and treasures."

His words were powerful and every word seemed to carry an irresistible force, making everyone present feel the emperor's generosity and favor.

As soon as he finished speaking, the purple-robed old man immediately took action. He gently moved the pen in his hand, and the ancient brush seemed to have life, dancing rapidly on the demon skin book.

I saw golden light flowing out from the tip of the pen, and in a flash, lines of clear words appeared on the paper.

These words emit a soft glow, telling of the great achievements made by these returnees.

Once something is recorded, it is set in stone and cannot be changed.

This is not only an affirmation and reward for those who have returned from exploring the ruins of immortal gods, but also an eternal commemoration of their achievements.

As everyone looked at the words that continued to appear in the hands of the purple-robed old man, an indescribable excitement and pride surged in their hearts.

"Leave your name in history!"

These four words are like a burning flame, igniting a fiery passion in everyone's heart.

In their minds, they could not help but imagine their names being engraved in the history books and being repeatedly mentioned and praised by later generations. It was a sense of accomplishment and pride that could not be described in words.

"Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty!"

The Sky Patrolling General Zhao Jinghuan reacted very quickly. He was agile and his movements were quick. He quickly knelt on one knee, clasped his hands together, lowered his head slightly, and spoke in a loud voice full of gratitude.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Almost at the same time, the people behind him reacted and moved in unison.

"Such a generous reward..."

In the crowd, Jiang Yue was a little surprised for a moment. He didn't expect that the Emperor of the Great Zhou would be so generous.

Leaving aside the gold, silver and jewels, the secret books and materials in the treasure house alone are precious enough.

Not to mention...

Be granted the title of Marquis of Wanhu!

A fief of ten thousand households is a status that most people dare not even dream of.

And now...

Jiang Yue has got his position!

"And, I'm afraid there's more to it than that."

"This reward is mainly to appease everyone. The true value... needs to be demonstrated later."

Sure enough, before he could think more, Zhao Yongnian signaled with his eyes, and the old man in purple robe standing beside him already understood what he meant.

The old man moved slightly, and put away the notebook in his hand smoothly and skillfully, and then slowly took out something from his wide sleeves.

Everyone's eyes were instantly drawn to him, and they all cast curious glances. The old man was holding a small and exquisite mirror in his hand.

This mirror is only the size of a palm, with a circle of exquisite silver wire patterns inlaid on the edge. The mirror surface is as smooth as ice, and it flickers with a faint halo under the candlelight, revealing a mysterious and ethereal atmosphere.

The old man narrowed his eyes slightly, muttered something, and gently danced his hands, urging the spiritual power in his body to be injected into the mirror.

In an instant, the mirror that had been quietly lying in the old man's hand seemed to be given life, suddenly breaking free from its restraints and slowly rising into the air. It spun several times in the air, and then hovered steadily in the center of the hall.

The light emitted by the mirror became stronger and stronger, gradually illuminating the entire hall. The light was like a substance, as if it could penetrate people's hearts and peek into the most secret corners of everyone's heart.

"Mirror of the Heart!"

Someone in the crowd exclaimed in a low voice, the voice full of shock and awe.

These three words were like a bombshell, causing a huge uproar among the crowd.

The man knew that he had said something wrong and immediately broke out in a cold sweat. If he was held accountable for this... he would at least be charged with "improper conduct in front of the palace."

Although I have made great contributions, I cannot be complacent. What if...

But it was obvious that everyone's attention was not on him at the moment, and all eyes were focused on the center of the hall.

Jiang Yue's heart suddenly tightened. He naturally knew how powerful this Mirror of the Heart was.

It is said that this mirror is a magical treasure from heaven and earth, which can see into people's hearts and make it impossible for people to hide any lies or secrets. No matter how clever the disguise is, nothing can escape the mirror.

At this moment, the mirror of conscience was hanging high above the hall, like a fair and selfless judge, examining everyone present.

Jiang Yue took a deep breath and tried to keep himself calm. He knew that a severe test was about to come.

(End of this chapter)