458: Nezha, Pigsy, and Yang Jian

He suddenly changed the subject, his tone remaining flat: "I have just heard that the Third Holy Mother is being suppressed under Mount Hua in the Lower Realm. What is this about?"

Erlang Shen’s tall, upright frame stiffened almost imperceptibly for a moment, then returned to normal, though a sharp glint flashed and vanished in his lowered eyes.

He cupped his hands, his voice growing even calmer: "Your Majesty, please judge clearly. This is indeed the case. The Third Holy Mother violated the heavenly laws, secretly married a Mortal, and bore a wicked child."

"I have suppressed her beneath Mount Hua to serve as a warning to others. That wicked child is a mere Mortal, currently living in Liu Village, raised by the Mortal Liu Yanchang, and has remained law-abiding to this day."

"Law-abiding?" Lu Jiuyuan repeated, his gaze falling upon Erlang Shen like a physical force, as if trying to pierce through his cold exterior: "Erlang, can a youth who possesses magical power, is sixteen years of age, and knows the truth of his birth truly remain 'law-abiding' forever?"

Erlang Shen was silent for a moment, then raised his head.

This time, he finally looked directly at his uncle, the Heavenly Emperor, on the throne.

Deep within those eyes, usually cold and stern, complex and obscure light surged, resembling forbearance, yet also carrying a faint trace of pleading.

"Your Majesty," Erlang Shen’s voice dropped a few notches, "The heavenly laws are majestic and must not be trifled with. The punishment of the Third Holy Mother is a clear manifestation of the heavenly code."

"As for that child... if he acts as a Mortal, he may enjoy a life of prosperity. If he is unwilling to be a Mortal, I will kill him."

"Kill him?" Lu Jiuyuan leaned forward slightly, the twelve jade beads on his imperial crown swaying gently, reflecting his deep and unfathomable gaze, "Can you bring yourself to do it?"

One could hear a pin drop in the hall. Only the swirling Immortal Qi and the faint sound of the sea of clouds churning outside the hall made the silence even more oppressive.

The Fairy of Guanghan Palace stood to the side, breathing as lightly as possible. She could feel the aura on Erlang Shen suddenly tighten, like a fully drawn bowstring.

Venus kept his eyes lowered, his whisk draped over his arm, suppressing his presence to the absolute minimum.

Erlang Shen lowered his head, his Adam's apple bobbing almost imperceptibly.

"Under the heavenly laws, there is no room for personal feelings."

"Those who violate the heavenly laws, whether Immortal or Mortal, regardless of kinship, must be executed according to the law. As the God of Justice, I must naturally enforce the law impartially, without... the slightest hesitation."

Lu Jiuyuan watched him quietly for a few moments.

"A fine 'under the heavenly laws, there is no room for personal feelings'."

Lu Jiuyuan tapped his fingers lightly on the armrest, producing a dull sound that echoed in the silent hall:

"That the God of Justice can be so impartial is a great comfort to me. This matter shall be left to you to handle. I believe, Erlang, you will not disappoint me!"

"However, I will add two helpers for you, so that Erlang is not too overworked."

"Venus, go summon Pigsy and Nezha!" Lu Jiuyuan said, glancing at Venus.

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

Venus accepted the order, bowed again, and faced out of the hall, proclaiming with his unique tone that could reach across the entire Heavenly Court without losing decorum:

"By the Emperor's decree, the Great Deity of the Three Altars, Nezha, and Marshal Tianpeng, Pigsy, are to immediately come to the Hall of Miraculous Mist for an audience!"

As the decree spread, the atmosphere inside and outside the hall changed once again.

If the summons for Erlang Shen had brought a sense of grimness and gravity, the summons for these two now faintly revealed a hint of... subtle absurdity that was hard to describe.

Nezha was one thing; although he was a mischievous and unruly young war god, he was ultimately of high rank and great power, with peerless combat ability.

It was just that Pigsy's usual demeanor... was truly at odds with the solemn and majestic Hall of Miraculous Mist. Summoning him and Nezha together? What was the Emperor's intention?

Erlang Shen’s brow furrowed instantly, and his figure beneath the black cloak seemed to grow even colder and harder.

This move by his uncle... was he worried the water wasn't murky enough?

Before long, two distinct rays of light landed almost simultaneously outside the South Heaven Gate.

One was the fiery, swift light of the wind fire wheels, carrying the unique sharp energy and defiance of a youth; the other was a somewhat crooked, earthy-yellow escape light.

The light dispersed, revealing the two figures.

On the left was one who stood no more than six feet tall, with a face like powdered makeup, lips as if painted with vermilion, eyes like bright stars, white teeth and red lips. He had the universe ring tied at his waist, the qiankun circle on his arm, held the fire-tipped spear in his hand, and stepped on the wind fire wheels. It was the Great Deity of the Three Altars, Nezha.

On the right was one with a round, bulging belly, many small braids on his head, and oil stains on the corner of his robe. He had a long snout, fan-like ears, and small eyes that darted around. It was Pigsy.

Upon entering the Hall of Miraculous Mist, his eyes darted around and immediately locked onto the Fairy of Guanghan Palace.

Nezha walked to the foot of the imperial steps, cupped his hands, his voice clear and crisp with the brightness of youth: "Your subject, Nezha, pays respects to Your Majesty."

Pigsy hurried forward a few steps: "Your Majesty, did you call for me, Old Pig?"

"Yes, I have indeed called the two of you here for a matter. Erlang Shen is currently working on something that requires the help of you both."

Lu Jiuyuan’s gaze swept over Pigsy and Nezha, finally landing on Erlang Shen’s frozen face, and he said with a smile: "It is regarding the matter of the Third Holy Mother's son, Chenxiang."

"Chenxiang?"

Nezha raised an eyebrow, and the fire-tipped spear in his hand subconsciously spun half a circle. Pigsy's small eyes widened a little, and his ears twitched.

"I have already agreed with the God of Justice that as Chenxiang is young, he will not be pursued for the time being and may live in the Mortal world. However, his status is special; he is a mixed-blood Divine Being, so someone needs to secretly keep an eye on him and guide him to prevent him from straying."

Lu Jiuyuan said unhurriedly, "I have already entrusted this matter to the God of Justice to handle in full."

Pigsy stole a glance at Erlang Shen, then stole a glance at the Jade Emperor. They were both uncle and nephew, and he muttered to himself: Letting this cold-faced god watch his own nephew? This... could any good come of it?

Nezha looked directly at Erlang Shen, his eyes filled with undisguised scrutiny. He already had many complaints about Erlang Shen suppressing his own sister, and now, hearing that the Jade Emperor had handed the supervision over to Erlang Shen, his doubts were even greater.

Lu Jiuyuan seemed not to see their subtle reactions and continued: "However, this matter is complex and involves many things. Pigsy."

"Ah? I am here!" Pigsy gave a start.

"You have walked the Mortal world for many years, are familiar with worldly affairs, and are quite quick-witted." Lu Jiuyuan paused, then continued: "Nezha is also very good."

"I want the two of you to assist the God of Justice in handling this matter."

"It is not to divide power, nor to hinder him. It is to assist from the side and to fill in the gaps. After all, although the God of Justice is impartial, the strength of one person may have its limits. The two of you must follow Erlang Shen's orders, discuss matters frequently, and if there are disagreements that are difficult to resolve..."

His voice dragged slightly: "You may come and report to me."