Chapter 115: The Heavenly Marshal Apologizes Again; A Thief in the Temple

Above the firmament, in the Heavenly Court.

There flowed a river, its source unknown, its destination uncertain, yet it streamed above the clouds, a magnificent and awe-inspiring spectacle.

The current surged with unstoppable force, waves towering like mountains, crests rolling like ridges, the roar of the tide unceasing.

At this moment, amidst the crashing sounds of the waves, Zhu Gang, who was preparing to rest in the Marshal Tianpeng’s residence, found himself unable to fall asleep.

After much thought, he quietly made his way to the Palace of Doushuai to seek out the Golden Horn Boy, carrying two bags of oranges in hand.

Seeing the visitor and the two bags of oranges, Golden Horn smiled and said, “Well now, the sun rises in the west! You, the mighty Marshal Tianpeng, coming all this way to bring me gifts—and oranges at that, so precious! Take them quickly, take them quickly.”

Zhu Gang ignored the jest and smiled, “Golden Horn, you’ve been with Laozi a long time and have met many great figures. Tell me, regarding the Venerable One, you know what I mean,” he said with a cough.

Golden Horn naturally understood Zhu Gang’s meaning—it was a veiled way of speaking, avoiding direct disrespect toward the Venerable One for fear of being overheard.

It was no mere fuss; among the Four Sovereigns, the Taiyi Saving Suffering Venerable was the most numerous in manifestations—countless as grains of sand in the Ganges, spread throughout heaven and earth, and possessed of the ability to sense sounds and feelings.

Moreover, Zhu Gang was speaking in front of the Venerable One’s disciples, which was sure to cause unease.

After all, the heavenly rules were strict: lower ranks must not offend those above. If the higher-ups were temperate, a smile might suffice, but if not, it would be a grave offense.

Hearing this, Golden Horn’s eyes twinkled as he pushed the two bags of oranges back to Zhu Gang and said, “Ha! You, Zhu Gang, use people when they’re in front of you but not behind your back. If you want to know, go ask at the Qinghua Changle Realm yourself.”

Zhu Gang grew anxious. He was not truly foolish, but often underestimated others and had a tendency to bully the weak and fear the strong.

Seeing Golden Horn’s clear intent to dismiss him, Zhu Gang clenched his teeth and stomped his foot. With a flick of his hand, a collection of spiritual items appeared, which he pushed forward to Golden Horn.

“I took your elixirs earlier and disturbed your residence. I apologize for that. This time, it is to make amends.”

Golden Horn smiled broadly and unceremoniously gathered the spiritual items into his bosom. “I think the Venerable One is most merciful, but you’ve still spoken out of turn. You’d better go and sincerely apologize to my fellow disciple, Dongzhen.”

With that, Golden Horn ignored Zhu Gang and returned to his palace. He formed a hand seal, and the palace gates closed tightly, leaving Zhu Gang standing there dumbfounded.

What’s the difference between asking and not asking?

But then Zhu Gang’s eyes brightened. Indeed, it was difficult for him to sincerely seek out the Taiyi Saving Suffering Venerable in person to apologize.

Yet if he went to see Cao Kong and apologized once more, it would at least show some sincerity.

With this in mind, he did not hesitate and immediately descended through the clouds toward the mortal realm.

---

Through the crack of the door, Golden Horn peered and chuckled. He already knew who the Taiyi Saving Suffering Venerable truly was.

He would not punish Zhu Gang for such a matter, but it didn’t stop him from seeking some advantage.

“Brother Dongzhen, no thanks needed.”

---

In the Hidden Mist Mountain, Cao Kong had cultivated the Wood Element Origin. This single element greatly advanced his Daoist progress.

It enabled the Wood Qi of his liver palace to communicate with the world, barely reaching the threshold of commanding heavenly phenomena.

With the Wood Element Origin, his connection with the wood energy of heaven and earth deepened, allowing easier comprehension of the great Dao of wood. His Wood Star Sword had silently entered a minor accomplishment.

Since wood engenders fire, Cao Kong resolved to follow the principle of mutual generation among the Five Elements and began cultivating the Fire Element Origin.

Usually, Cao Kong alternated between refining his soul and cleansing impurities, harnessing the southern fire energy, and contemplating the mysteries of the Five Elements.

Daily, he sought the Yellow Matron in the Earth Palace, and in leisure read the Book of Changes, studying its transformations. Based on his own insights, he developed various magical methods. The constant progress was intoxicating.

The Twenty-Eight Mansions and the Five Star Swords had unknowingly advanced, all thanks to his Daoist nature, which enhanced his arts.

This day, while employing the Great Escape of the Five Elements to study their ways, Cao Kong suddenly raised his gaze, his eyes chill.

“Who dares trespass upon my Hidden Mist Mountain?”

He used his Wood Qi to commune with the heavenly energy, exhaling dense clouds and thunderous calls, a majestic and solemn voice directed at the intruder.

Suddenly, a figure appeared through the clouds, wielding blazing flames and shining light, descending with fierce winds and drifting snow.

Clang!

Cao Kong narrowed his eyes to see a silver-armored general on the cloud, brandishing a nine-toothed iron rake, breaking through his thunder sound—it was Zhu Gang.

“Brother Dongzhen, no offense intended. I’ve come to see you. Since returning, I’ve regretted my disrespectful words last time. I’ve come to make amends.”

Zhu Gang landed before Cao Kong, holding his rake and smiling broadly—a far different demeanor from before, his eyes filled with surprise and doubt.

That move just now was no simple matter. If he hadn’t wielded the treasured Golden Rake, he might have made a fool of himself.

Cao Kong recognized Zhu Gang and replied calmly, “Marshal, you’ve already apologized last time. There’s no need to come again. I have matters to attend to and won’t receive you.”

Zhu Gang’s expression was sincere. “It was my fault before. I felt my apology was insufficiently heartfelt. This time I come with true sincerity.”

“I was disrespectful, too quick to speak, and clumsy with words. I’m here to apologize properly.”

He bowed deeply, then with a flourish produced a small box emitting the sound of crashing sea waves.

---

Cao Kong turned aside with a frown, guessing that Zhu Gang was already aware of his master’s identity; otherwise, he wouldn’t behave so.

But he had no intention of taking Zhu Gang’s gift.

“Marshal Tianpeng, we are not close. There is no need for this. Please take your things back.”

Zhu Gang refused to retract the offering, and Cao Kong ignored him and turned to leave.

If he truly took Zhu Gang’s gift, what would that say?

Suddenly, four little foxes returned at dusk, their faces downcast.

Since the four foxes were appointed as spirit foxes under the compassionate and disaster-relieving True Lord, they spent their days traveling between Hidden Mist Mountain and Qindao City.

Fortunately, the distance was only a few dozen miles, and with the foxes’ speed, the journeys were swift.

But recently, after going to Qindao City, their returns grew later and later; yesterday, they failed to return at all.

Seeing Cao Kong approach, the foxes hesitated to speak.

“Huyan, why have you been coming back so late lately?” Cao Kong asked.

After hesitation, Huyan said, “Mountain Lord, a month ago, I made some rich fragrant oil to offer to the old man in the True Lord’s temple, as a tribute for you. The oil’s scent is excellent.

“But somehow, half a month ago, the oil in the temple, which was fine when we left, was found empty the next day.

“Yesterday, the four of us kept watch all night, but we saw no one taking it. The oil quietly vanished.

“However, we are certain it wasn’t the old man in the temple. He has been staying awake nearly every night guarding it.”

Huyan added cautiously, “Mountain Lord, we have little skill and can’t catch the thief. Perhaps you could go and take a look.”

Seeing their concern for the temple and for him, Cao Kong smiled and said, “Very well. You stay safe on the mountain. I will investigate.”

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Thanks to the cleric Wan Qingfeng for the gift of 5000 Qidian coins.

Thanks to Who Solves My Worries i for the gift of 100 Qidian coins.

It’s the end of the month—I shamelessly beg for a few monthly votes (sob sob, bowing with chest exposed).

In about twenty minutes, the next chapter will be posted.