Ch 94: The Malevolent Monster Just Wants To Farm

Speaking of the Phoenix Clan, they share a similar fate with the Dragon Clan as “brothers in misfortune.” Both were once the most powerful races in the world. But now, one is endlessly suppressed, confined to the four seas, unable to emerge. The other met an even more tragic end, with its entire race annihilated, leaving no trace in the world.

However, Jiang Lin also understood that in those days, the Dao of Heaven always left a sliver of hope. He wasn’t sure where the Phoenix Clan’s chance for survival would manifest, but he was certain of one thing: the so-called “phoenixes” that serve as laborers during the Queen Mother’s outings, perform as dancers at the Heavenly Court’s banquets, and are forced to join the dragons in becoming a delicacy—these “phoenixes” are definitely not the Phoenix Clan’s last hope.

Jiang Lin, contemplating this possibility, frowned and said to Emperor Yi, “Given all this, Your Majesty, you must take extra precautions now.”

As a ruler with a keen political sense, Emperor Yi also considered a certain possibility. “Are you saying that the Shang dynasty might face trouble?”

Jiang Lin nodded.

He couldn’t forget that this was a mythical world. Throughout history, nearly every change of dynasty was accompanied by various natural disasters. Many diligent and wise last emperors were ultimately defeated by sheer bad luck. When the people can’t sustain their livelihoods, that’s when they consider rebellion.

In a normal world, such disasters might be considered unfortunate coincidences. But in this world? If the Heavenly Court wanted to undermine the Shang dynasty’s fortune, they could easily cause a three-year drought or any other natural disaster, just as they had done with Chentang Pass. For these gods, it would be as simple as waving a hand, but for mortals, it would be a catastrophe.

“Hmph!” Emperor Yi snorted coldly. “Would the Heavenly Court dare?”

He stood with his hands behind his back and declared, “If the Heavenly Court truly dares to interfere in human affairs and bring harm to my people, I will issue an edict to tear down all the temples in the kingdom!”

“There are plenty of other gods in Heaven and Earth. Why not just appoint a new batch?”

Jiang Lin: “…”

He immediately felt that his previous worries were unnecessary. After spending so much time in other worlds, he almost forgot that this was the Human Emperor he was dealing with—a formidable figure who could stand up to the Jade Emperor.

Thinking further, wasn’t this exactly how the Heavenly Court had established itself? Before the Heavenly Court was founded, the boundaries between gods and mortals were not as distinct. Human tribes, when at war, could summon various gods to assist them. Later, as the world was unified and the Heavenly Court was established, the Jade Emperor and Queen Mother conferred divine titles. Those who obeyed and were willing to follow the Heavenly Court’s orders were officially recognized as deities, given temples, and granted human offerings.

Those who refused to follow the Heavenly Court’s commands, like the Wind God and Rain Master, were stripped of their divine roles and left to roam as wandering immortals in the wilderness.

The current gods are different from the ones on the Investiture of the Gods. The “official gods” on the Investiture are souls sealed after death. Though termed as gods, they are actually bound by the Investiture, never to advance further in their cultivation. Their life and death are controlled, and they are essentially forced to work for the Heavenly Court for free.

The present-day gods, on the other hand, became deities in the flesh, enjoying human offerings, continuing their cultivation, and even having the power to refuse orders from the Heavenly Court if they were strong enough.

The Dragon Clan is theoretically the same, except they’ve been suppressed for so long that their power has drastically waned. Due to their unique status and the attitude of the Heavenly Court, they truly have no allies to rely on, which is why they live so cautiously.

Thinking this way, Jiang Lin felt even sorrier for the Dragon Clan.

Since there was no need to worry about the Heavenly Court using divine powers to cause trouble, Jiang Lin relaxed and said, “So now the focus should be on something else.”

Emperor Yi asked, “What is it?”

Jiang Lin responded seriously, “You must raise your son to become a well-rounded king, excelling in moral integrity, intellect, physical strength, and beauty!”

From the root, they needed to ensure that Di Xin (Emperor Xin) was raised well so that no matter how many Daji (the infamous fox spirit) came his way in the future, they wouldn’t be able to harm him!

Emperor Yi: ?

He didn’t quite understand and was about to ask further when the green-robed immortal in front of him suddenly froze.

“Your Majesty, I must leave for an urgent matter. In three days, I will personally visit Zhaoge. Please grant Ao Bing permission to enter the city.”

Jiang Lin’s divine consciousness hurriedly departed.

In the First Heaven, in the Abyss, Jiang Lin stood in shock as he gazed at the figure before him.

A small boy dressed in black, with a face like a finely carved jade, delicate features, and two sharp horns on his head.

“…Little Zong?”

The boy furrowed his brows and stared at him, “Who are you? How do you know my name? And also…”

He asserted, “Why do you carry my scent?”

Jiang Lin: “…”

“You don’t recognize me?”

Little Zong Yu shook his head, looking at him warily, “I don’t know you, and you still haven’t answered my question!”

Jiang Lin had thought he would never have the chance to meet Zong Yu again. Who would have guessed that they would encounter each other here? And not only did they meet again, but the other had also turned into this form.

Jiang Lin found this situation extremely troublesome.

He said, “We used to be very good friends.”

When he said this, he noticed that the little boy in front of him, who had been frowning, seemed to lighten up a bit. Zong Yu nodded very seriously, “I knew it! The moment I saw you, I felt a deep sense of familiarity. We must have a strong bond.”

Jiang Lin asked him, “How did you end up like this? And how did you get here?”

Zong Yu shook his head, “I’ve been like this for as long as I can remember. As for how I got here, I sensed a familiar presence and wanted to find you, so I came.”

Jiang Lin asked him, “Do you know where this place is? Didn’t you notice anything strange?”

Zong Yu answered honestly, “I didn’t know before, but I think I know now.”

He pouted in displeasure, “My divine powers aren’t working.”

Jiang Lin felt a headache coming on. This abyss wasn’t even guarded because no one would expect a fool to willingly jump in. Yet here was a fool, and a forgetful one at that. He didn’t doubt Zong Yu’s memory loss because, frankly, Zong Yu wasn’t that good of an actor.

He looked at Zong Yu and said, “I need to stay here for a while, but it won’t be too long. Since you’re already here, you can stay with me.”

Little Zong thought for a moment and then nodded in agreement. He felt a deep sense of closeness to this person, and even though the other didn’t speak to him very kindly, he didn’t feel offended. Instead, he was secretly pleased to be in his company.

Seeing Jiang Lin busying himself with some wood, Zong Yu ran over, “What are you doing?”

Jiang Lin glanced at him, his hands working quickly. Thanks to his dragon body, which was naturally strong, he quickly managed to start a fire by rubbing the wood together.

With a flick, a warm flame ignited, catching the dry twigs on fire. Jiang Lin casually said, “Go gather some more dry firewood for me.”

It was only after he spoke that he remembered this was a forgetful little Zong. What kind of personality did this version of Zong Yu have again? Ah, yes, a hot-tempered and proud little tyrant who only knew how to eat and never liked to do any work.

But before he could say anything else, the child had already jumped up and obediently gone to gather firewood. Jiang Lin watched in surprise as Zong Yu returned with an armful of firewood, placing it beside him and asking, “Is this enough?”

Jiang Lin was astonished, “Why are you being so obedient?”

Little Zong blinked, feeling a bit uncomfortable but still honest, “My heart tells me it wants to be close to you, to listen to you, and to treat you well.”

He casually poked the fire with a stick, his ears turning a bit red, “Before I lost my memory, we must have been very close.”

As he spoke, he sneaked a glance at Jiang Lin but was quickly distracted by something else. Jiang Lin had somehow set up a stone pot over the fire, roasting some mushrooms he had cleaned.

These mushrooms had been found in the forest. Jiang Lin didn’t recognize the species, but relying on his tough dragon body, he had tasted one and found it wasn’t poisonous. Though this place lacked seasoning, the mushrooms grew in a real heavenly realm, so they were naturally tender and flavorful. Raw, they tasted excellent, and after a bit of roasting, the aroma was mouthwatering.

Zong Yu couldn’t help but swallow his saliva, drawn by the surprising fragrance. Jiang Lin, seeming very familiar with his reaction, handed one to him, “Try it.”

Zong Yu took a bite. He couldn’t quite describe what was so delicious about it, but it was undeniably tasty. He even felt he had never eaten anything so good before.

Zong Yu blinked, holding the leaf he was using as a plate, and solemnly declared, “Even though I don’t remember anything, I’m now certain that we must have been really, really good friends!”

Just for this cooking, he would definitely stick to this dragon and never leave!

Jiang Lin: “…”

Selling yourself out for a bite of food.

Alright, it’s definitely you.