He paused for a moment, then continued: “Although the Four Time-Keeping Officials are now under the City God’s jurisdiction, their administrative authority still belongs to the Heavenly Court. Strictly speaking, the City God may not necessarily be able to command them.
However… it doesn’t hurt to try.”
Lu Chen pondered for a moment, then suddenly lowered his voice: “True Lord, is there perhaps… some weak point in the Four Time-Keeping Officials?”
He had originally wanted to ask whether the Four Time-Keeping Officials were greedy for money—if they were, he could just smash them with heavenly gold!
But on second thought, that was a bit too wild.
So he changed his approach.
“Friend, be careful with your words!” Zhong Kui burst out laughing. “Every word you’re saying right now—they can all hear it.”
Lu Chen: “…”
Damn, he’d forgotten about that!
Wait!!
Then everything I’ve been saying…
His heart tightened: “True Lord, the Four Time-Keeping Officials wouldn’t report every single conversation and situation in the mortal world to the Jade Emperor, would they?”
Zhong Kui waved his hand: “Rest assured, friend. Even if the Four Time-Keeping Officials wanted to report, the Great Heavenly Venerable is busy with countless affairs and has no time to listen to everything in detail.
The Four Time-Keeping Officials do record good and evil deeds in the mortal world, but only for archival purposes.
They’re only reviewed when necessary.
If the Great Heavenly Venerable had to listen to mortal reports every day, he’d never keep up.
However!”
He shifted his tone, “For those of great virtue or great evil, at the end of each year, the Heavenly Court’s Four Great Merit Officials compile summaries and submit them to the various departments.
Those who do good are rewarded; those who do evil are punished.
As for the weak point you mentioned—when it comes to them, I’m afraid… it may not be effective.
After all, the status of Merit Officials is unlike that of other deities.”
“I see.” Lu Chen secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
If it’s just for archival purposes.
That’s not a big problem.
Still, with four deities watching over him at all times, it seemed he would indeed need to be more careful with his words and actions in the future.
“No time to waste—shall we set off now?”
“Alright, I’ll prepare the carriage. True Lord, will you wait for me at the City God Temple?”
“No need for the trouble. I have been invested by the Jade Emperor and may travel freely through the Three Realms. Why not bring your soul along with me and save the hassle of travel?”
Lu Chen: “You can even do that…”
“Of course!”
Before the words faded, Zhong Kui’s red robe had already fallen like a curtain.
In the next instant, Lu Chen felt his whole body go weightless, as if he had lost all substance.
Turning his head, he saw his own physical body lying peacefully on the sofa, as if deep in sleep.
Zhong Kui flicked a finger, and a streak of blue light sank into the physical body.
Instantly, a faint protective aura appeared around Lu Chen’s body.
“This technique will keep your physical body safe. Rest easy.”
“Thank you, True Lord!”
Uh… another novel experience.
“Let’s go!”
The red robe billowed once more, and the figures vanished from the office in an instant.
When Lu Chen opened his eyes again, the scene before him closely resembled the City God Street he had seen that day.
Only, this City God Street under the jurisdiction of the Zhou City God was noticeably smaller in scale than the one under the Prefectural City God.
At this moment, they were still on a commercial street.
But the street that had been bustling just a second ago…
Suddenly fell dead silent the next.
Every ghost, upon seeing Zhong Kui…
Either fled immediately.
Or dropped to the ground.
All trembling with fear, not daring to make a sound.
Lu Chen was not at all surprised.
This Demon-Quelling True Lord loved to swallow evil ghosts alive. If any minor ghost caused trouble, they’d often be crunched down in a few bites. He was truly the nemesis of all ghosts in the world.
These wandering spirits and wild ghosts feared him like a natural predator, naturally terrified beyond measure.
“Let’s go, to the City God’s residence.” Zhong Kui was about to summon a black cloud.
“Welcome, True Lord!”
A black cloud in the distance came speeding over.
A woman in magnificent attire, bewitchingly beautiful, descended on the cloud and landed gracefully before them, bowing:
“This servant is Hu Sanniang, sent by the City God to welcome the Demon-Quelling True Lord and the Mighty and Virtuous General.”
“Oh?” Zhong Kui’s thick brows rose slightly. “How did the City God know I was coming?”
“In reply to the True Lord: Since the City God Conference, my lord has kept his divine sense covering the entire city at all times. Just now, the city gate barrier rippled slightly, so he knew of your arrival.”
Hu Sanniang reported truthfully.
Hearing this.
Lu Chen, Xie Qingyi, and Fan Rusong immediately exchanged glances.
It seemed this City God Li was starting off… with a show of authority!
And after Hu Sanniang finished her bow.
She turned to the minor ghosts on both sides and scolded: “What are you all panicking about? The True Lord isn’t going to eat you. Get up and get back to work!”
“Yes, Manager!”
The Yin spirits of City God Street finally scrambled up trembling, and continued busy with their work.
“So you’re the manager of City God Street, madam. It seems the City God thinks highly of you.”
Zhong Kui stroked his beard and smiled.
Hu Sanniang was courteous: “You flatter me, True Lord. This servant has been favored by the City God to receive this post. True Lord, please!”
“Let’s go, friend!”
Zhong Kui took the lead.
As Lu Chen brushed past Hu Sanniang, he noticed that her smile seemed to carry a faint, inexplicable meaning.
He frowned slightly but said nothing.
Soon, the group flew on clouds toward the highest peak above City God Street.
On that mountain sat the City God’s residence.
“Distinguished guests arrive—this humble deity is overwhelmed with trepidation.”
Just as they landed.
City God Li, wearing an official hat inscribed with the characters “Jiangdu,” hurried forward with a beaming smile.
“This humble deity greets the True Lord! Greets the Mighty and Virtuous General!”
Zhong Kui accepted it casually.
In his presence, it was only proper for this Zhou City God to call himself “this humble deity.”
Lu Chen, bound by courtesy, quickly bowed: “This junior pays respects to the City God!”
“General, please don’t overwhelm this humble deity. You are the adopted son of Lord Yan—how could this humble deity accept such a grand gesture?” City God Li quickly helped him up, his face full of warmth. “As for the matter of the City God Conference, I hope you won’t take offense.
At the time, this humble deity was bound by duty and was indeed somewhat heavy-handed.
Had I known the General’s true identity earlier…
Even lending this humble deity a hundred courage, I would not have dared.”
“That’s not right, City God. During the confrontation, hadn’t my father already explained our General’s identity?”
Xie Qingyi interjected.
“This…” City God Li laughed awkwardly.
“Qingyi!”
Lu Chen gave him a gentle glare, signaling him to be quiet, then cupped his hands again: “Lord Li, the matter of the City God Conference was also this junior’s recklessness. I can’t blame you. As for the Prefectural City God matter, it truly exceeded this junior’s expectations. I never thought things would develop to that point.”
“The General speaks incorrectly. All things have their fate. The Prefectural City God’s tribulation was likely destined. Enough—let’s not speak of these things. Please, come inside and let this humble deity play host.”
City God Li made a “please” gesture.
Lu Chen was about to decline…
Zhong Kui signaled with his eyes: go in first and talk.
Well… alright then.
The group entered City God Li’s palace.
They saw carved beams and jade pillars, incomparably luxurious.
It seemed this Jiangdu City’s “great households” offerings…
Were indeed quite substantial.
They each took their seats.
City God Li ordered Hu Sanniang to pour wine personally.
Zhong Kui, delighted by the wine, downed it in one gulp and smacked his lips: “Mm, this wine is quite good.”
“Then drink more, True Lord.” Hu Sanniang smiled and poured again.
“Come! Let me toast everyone!” City God Li raised his cup.
Lu Chen held his cup, not sure whether to drink or not.
“General, don’t worry. This wine also nourishes the soul. One cup is worth several offerings from the General!”
City God Li dispelled his concerns.
Impossible~
One offering from me advances a whole major realm. Is this wine really that magical?
“Friend, feel free to drink. A cup or two of this wine does help the soul.”
Since even the True Lord said so.
Lu Chen no longer refused, raised his cup: “Forgive the intrusion, Lord Li!”
With that, he downed it in one go.
Instantly, a peculiar sensation swirled within his body.
Drinking this wine actually refreshed Lu Chen’s spirit.
It was indeed excellent wine!
After several rounds of toasts.
City God Li finally spoke: “May I ask what brings the True Lord and General here today? Is there something this humble deity can assist with?”
“Friend, you speak. I’ll just drink.”
Zhong Kui’s purpose for this trip was to protect Lu Chen. As for everything else, he’d leave it to Lu Chen.
Especially after their earlier conversation about the Five Hells Immortality.
At this point, Zhong Kui had a very good impression of Lu Chen.
Truly a great talent!
Lu Chen nodded and cupped his hands: “Lord Li, to be honest, the True Lord and I came today to find the Merit Officials and ask them some questions. May I trouble you to introduce us!”
“Oh, may I ask what it’s about?”
Lu Chen knew he couldn’t avoid explaining.
So he told City God Li the whole story of the two recent cases of Corpse Liberation Immortality.
“What!!!”
City God Li’s expression turned serious.
He quickly rose, trotted to Zhong Kui, and bowed with cupped hands: “True Lord, this humble deity has failed in his duties and not fulfilled the City God’s responsibilities. Please punish me.”
Zhong Kui waved his hand: “Ah, times are different now. Being a City God is hard. Moreover, Jiangdu City has a million people. Occasionally missing something is only normal.”
“Even so, this matter is unlike others. This humble deity is truly ashamed!”
Seeing that this City God was quite reasonable—not uncooperative as Lord Yan had worried—Zhong Kui raised his cup and said with a smile: “In that case, help the Mighty General and investigate this matter quickly. There’s still one person who hasn’t fallen victim to the Five Hells Immortality method. You’d better hurry.
Even if they are human demons, there is a lawful process for judgment.
Dying by evil arts—absolutely not permitted!”
“Yes, this humble deity understands!”
The Zhou City God turned to Lu Chen: “General, you mean to use the Four Time-Keeping Officials to review the circumstances of the four victims’ deaths and see who the killer is, correct?”
“Exactly! I hope you can help!”
“Rest assured, General. Even if you hadn’t asked, I would do everything in my power to catch the true culprit. However…”
As expected, a turn in the conversation.
City God Li laughed awkwardly: “The General may not know, but these Merit Officials, though within the City God system, are under the jurisdiction of the Heavenly Court. This official has no authority to command them. However, I can introduce you. As for whether it works out, I truly dare not say.”
“Rest assured, Lord Li. Just introducing us is more than enough. This junior is deeply grateful!”
Seeing that City God Li was willing to introduce them.
Lu Chen was satisfied.
“Very well then. Shall we move to the Merit Hall?”
“Let’s go!” Zhong Kui wasted no words, transforming into a red cloud and flying out first.
A short while later, at a hall not far from the City God’s residence.
The group landed on clouds.
The hall bore three gilded characters: “Merit Hall.”
“Please!”
City God Li led the way.
The Yin officials guarding the hall cupped their hands one after another.
“Lord! True Lord!”
The group stepped inside, winding through several turns.
Before even seeing anyone, City God Li was already calling out cheerfully: “Brother Merit Officials, Brother Merit Officials!”
“City God, what brings you? Here for drinks?”
Lu Chen heard a somewhat shrill voice.
After turning the final corner.
The space suddenly opened up.
It looked like an inner courtyard.
There sat a deity clad in golden armor, holding a golden brush.
Seated at a grand chair, working.
But what surprised Lu Chen was—
This legendary Four Time-Keeping Officials.
Was actually a single “person” with four “heads” on top!
And each head had a very long neck.
The heads were labeled respectively: [Year] [Month] [Day] [Hour], representing their individual identities.
“Holy crap, what kind of hairstyle is that?”
Lu Chen was momentarily stunned. This was truly very different from the four separate Merit Officials he had imagined!
“Brothers Merit Officials, today this official has come to introduce someone.”
City God Li extended his hand, about to have Lu Chen step forward.
But the [Month Official] spoke first: “Lu Chen, right? Here to ask about the culprit behind the Five Hells Immortality?”
“Greetings, my lords. Yes, this junior…”
Lu Chen had just cupped his hands to continue.
The [Year Official] interrupted ahead of him: “Then this official asks you—do you have a Heavenly Merit Decree?”
The Heavenly Merit Officials were the four Heavenly Court Merit Officials.
“This… no.”
“Then do you have the Jade Emperor’s decree?”
“Also no.”
“Since you have neither, why should we let you review the [Human Record]? What, you want us to violate heavenly law?”
“My lords, I…”
“Go on, go on. Don’t think you can use your tricks to harm us four brothers. We already heard everything.” The Day Official’s voice was the coldest: “We are Heavenly Officials. We only obey the Jade Emperor’s decree and the Heavenly Merit Officials’ orders. Unless you can bring those two things. Otherwise, forget it!”
“Exactly. Let me also tell you this: even a Heavenly Merit Decree requires the Great Heavenly Venerable’s approval. You keep asking around—why not go ask the Great Heavenly Venerable this time?”
As soon as the Day Official—whose head was the smallest—said this.
The Four Great Merit Officials all burst out laughing.
The atmosphere in the entire Merit Hall turned abruptly awkward…
