Deep within a certain resplendent palace in the Heavenly Court.
Ethereal celestial music drifted through the air, and precious light swirled all around.
Graceful fairy maidens, holding jade platters in their hands, glided through the auspicious clouds with their sleeves fluttering behind them.
However, the Plague Sovereign Emperor, one of the eight principal deities, was bowing his head deeply, his gaze fixed firmly on the ground paved with ten-thousand-year warm jade beneath his feet, not daring to overstep even the slightest bit.
He reported respectfully, “Your Majesty, this year’s Heavenly Punishment quotas for the mortal world’s Tai Sui year have all been fulfilled. In total, we have obtained one hundred and twenty-seven thousand, five hundred and forty-six dan of merit.”
“Oh?”
A divine voice tinged with slight surprise came from ahead.
“Shouldn’t it be one hundred and forty thousand dan?”
Though the voice was soft, it seemed to carry the weight of ten thousand jun. Beads of sweat immediately broke out on the Plague Sovereign Emperor’s forehead.
He bowed even lower, his tone growing more devout: “Your Majesty, this humble god was just about to report on this matter. I have already made arrangements for the remaining twelve thousand, four hundred and fifty-four dan of merit. Seven thousand, six hundred dan have already been reclaimed. As for the remaining four thousand, eight hundred and fifty-four dan, this humble god will surely make up the difference for Your Majesty. I dare not be short by even a fraction of the one hundred and forty thousand dan of merit.”
“My dear minister has always been prudent. What is the reason this time?”
That voice, containing infinite supreme power, came again.
The Plague Sovereign Emperor dared not hide anything: “The last two quotas encountered an unexpected turn. A mortal child became entangled in the karmic web, and this humble god made a wager with him. If he could amass seven thousand, six hundred dan of merit within seven days, then the Heavenly Killing Intent on one of the quotas would be nullified. Unexpectedly, this child does have his means and managed to complete the wager within the time limit. This humble god found it inconvenient to break his word, and so…”
He paused, his voice growing even lower: “This humble god will make up for the missing merit as soon as possible and present it all to Your Majesty at once. I beg Your Majesty to forgive this humble god’s negligence.”
In just a few sentences, the Plague Sovereign Emperor’s back was drenched in cold sweat.
The palace suddenly fell silent.
The celestial music ceased abruptly.
The Plague Sovereign Emperor’s face turned pale, his head almost hanging down to his chest.
After a few breaths, the celestial music resumed.
That divine voice finally came: “Since it is an unforeseen turn, it is also that child’s fortune. Since my dear minister has taken charge of the Plague Ministry, you have been diligent and conscientious, strictly adhering to your duties. Since you have spoken up this time, how could I refuse? It shall be as you say.”
The Plague Sovereign Emperor was overjoyed and prostrated himself on the ground, kowtowing: “Thank you for Your Majesty’s grace! Your Majesty’s virtuous virtue blesses all living beings!”
The divine voice rarely carried a hint of a smile, tinged with compassion: “My dear minister has commanded the Plague Ministry for several decades and has tasted all the warmth and coldness of the world. Now, it seems that the Plague Ministry has a certain opportunity before it. I am also quite pleased. I hope my dear minister will grasp the heavenly opportunity, protect the people, uphold the righteous path, and when the day comes that you sever the Three Corpses and attain the Great Luo Golden Immortal status, the Heavenly Court’s fortune will surely flourish even more.”
The Plague Sovereign Emperor bowed again: “Your Majesty’s teachings are deeply engraved in this humble god’s heart!”
“However…”
The tone suddenly shifted.
The Plague Sovereign Emperor’s body stiffened.
“Since I have approved your request this year, do not delay the one hundred and forty thousand dan of merit for next year’s Tai Sui period.”
The Plague Sovereign Emperor’s expression turned slightly solemn, and he bowed gravely: “Rest assured, Your Majesty, this humble god would never dare to forget.”
“Go, then.”
“This humble god takes his leave!”
The Plague Sovereign Emperor kept his head lowered the entire time, bowing as he withdrew from the palace.
He had only taken a few steps outside when he heard the soft voice of a fairy maiden from behind: “Your Majesty, it is time for your meal…”
He did not dare to linger and hurried away.
Only after he was far from the jade palace did the Plague Sovereign Emperor finally let out a long, relieved breath.
“Her Majesty has shown great mercy—that child is truly fortunate.”
With the heavy stone lifted from his heart, the Plague Sovereign Emperor was in an excellent mood.
He was just about to return to the Nine Dragons Palace.
Boom!
Suddenly, a bolt of lightning ten thousand zhang long erupted within his divine sea, churning the entire sea of consciousness into turbulent waves, causing even his Dao-fruit and golden body to tremble.
The Plague Sovereign Emperor’s pupils constricted sharply, and his face filled with horror.
He felt a sudden premonition, then immediately looked down toward the mortal world, before turning his head to gaze back at that radiantly shining palace.
In an instant, his face turned ashen.
His lips trembled slightly, and he muttered in disbelief: “Your… Your Majesty…”
——
Qianjiang City, Courtyard One.
The residence of the former prefect, Zheng Changguo.
Ever since Lu Chen had made the seven-day agreement, today was the final day.
During these seven days, Zheng Changguo had stayed by his wife’s side every single day, never leaving for even a moment.
His body had grown increasingly gaunt, clearly having endured immense psychological torment as well.
“Chief!!”
A frantic shout from Secretary Fan suddenly came from outside the door.
The door was slammed open.
“What is it?!” Zheng Changguo shot to his feet.
“I just received word—twenty minutes ago, someone spotted Mr. Lu at the Jiangdu City dock!”
“The Jiangdu City dock?”
“Yes! We suspect Mr. Lu possesses a Water Escape technique. Earlier, someone also saw him leap into the sea and arrive in Jiangdu City in an instant. That means Mr. Lu is on his way back to Qianjiang City right now!”
Secretary Fan could barely contain his excitement.
Zheng Changguo’s entire body trembled violently, and a tide of ecstasy washed over him: “Does that mean… he succeeded?”
“Nine times out of ten!”
“How many hours do we have left?”
“A full sixteen hours—more than enough, Chief!”
Zheng Changguo felt as if all the strength had drained out of him, and he slumped to the ground. But the joy on his face was unmistakable: “He did it! He finally did it!”
Secretary Fan quickly helped him up. Seeing his haggard state, he urged, “Chief, why don’t you go rest for a while? I’ll stay here and watch over Madam.”
But Zheng Changguo, his eyes bloodshot, shook his head firmly. “No. Young friend Lu hasn’t rested a wink for seven days—how could I have the nerve to go rest? It’s fine, I can still hold on. You, on the other hand—hurry to the main gate and make sure the path is clear for Young friend Lu!”
“Yes, sir! I’m on it! Please calm yourself—Madam will surely be blessed with good fortune!”
“Good! Go now!”
Secretary Fan took his leave and hurried toward the main gate.
“My dear…”
Zheng Changguo sat on the edge of the bed, gripping his wife’s thin, withered hand as tears streamed down his aged face. “You’re going to be saved—you’re going to be saved! Young friend Lu… he’s back!”
He was so overcome with emotion that he lowered his head, his entire body trembling.
Suddenly!
The withered hand in his grip clenched tightly.
Zheng Changguo looked up in horror, only to see his wife—who had shown not the slightest sign of movement for a full six months—now convulsing violently all over.
“My dear! My dear!”
Zheng Changguo was terrified by this sudden turn of events.
He quickly stood up to check on her.
But then, his wife suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood. Her body went completely limp, and even the hand that had been gripping his fell away limply, hitting the edge of the bed with a heavy thud.
Hum!!!
At that moment, Zheng Changguo’s mind went completely blank.
His trembling fingers reached out to check her breathing.
But the breath… was gone!
“No!!!!!”
A piercing wail of agony tore through the air.
——
Meanwhile, at the main gate.
Secretary Fan paced back and forth anxiously.
Suddenly, a sedan bearing government plates turned onto the main road.
Secretary Fan was overjoyed and waved frantically: “Mr. Lu! Mr. Lu!”
“Get in!” Lu Chen lowered the window and called out.
“Okay!” Secretary Fan quickly got into the car.
The armed guards swiftly moved the roadblocks aside to let them pass.
“Mr. Lu, how did you get here so fast?”
Secretary Fan was calculating the time—it had been less than ten minutes since he had come down to wait.
And Lu Chen had already arrived.
“I came via Water Escape,” Lu Chen said, not bothering to hide it. There was no need to keep such minor abilities a secret.
“I knew it!” Secretary Fan chuckled. He had guessed it was Water Escape.
But to travel from Jiangdu City to Qianjiang City in such a short time—
This Water Escape technique was truly remarkable.
“Where is Old Zheng?”
“He’s at home waiting for you. When he found out you were coming back, he was over the moon,” Secretary Fan said, visibly relieved. “Of course, I’m overjoyed too. For a full six months, the Chief has practically lost half his life over Madam’s condition. Thank goodness the heavens never seal off all paths, and you appeared.”
Lu Chen smiled slightly. “It was a bit of luck. Don’t worry, it’s all taken care of. We have plenty of time.”
“Yes!”
The sedan soon arrived at the villa.
No sooner had they stepped out of the car than Secretary Fan called out: “Chief! Mr. Lu is here! Mr. Lu is here!”
Lu Chen gazed at the residence before him and finally felt at ease.
Though the past seven days had been grueling beyond measure—
At least, hard work always pays off.
“Wait!”
The moment he stepped into the villa, Lu Chen suddenly stopped, his nostrils flaring slightly.
“Why do I smell blood?”
[River Dragon King] Divine Ability—Water Vein Penetrating Mystery.
It could sense all bodies of water in the world.
And blood was one of them.
“Oh no!!!!”
Lu Chen’s inner alarm bells blared wildly.
His Dharma power erupted in an instant, and he shot toward the second-floor bedroom like a blur of motion, the gust of wind he kicked up nearly toppling Secretary Fan.
“Mr. Lu?!” Secretary Fan’s face changed drastically.
In front of the second-floor bedroom door.
Without a moment’s hesitation, Lu Chen kicked the door open.
Bang!
Splinters of wood flew everywhere.
Inside the room, Zheng Changguo was holding a knife, about to drive it into his own throat.
Lu Chen’s eyes widened in fury.
“Old Zheng!!”
The blade was about to pierce his throat—
“Wu Sha Hei!!”
A gust of yin wind rose, and the ghost domain expanded.
The four underworld enforcers were summoned and appeared instantly.
In the blink of an eye, Xie Qingyi’s iron fist shot through the air, slamming squarely into Old Zheng’s face.
Thud!
Zheng Changguo was sent flying, crashing heavily into the wall and shattering the window glass with a loud crack.
Lu Chen lunged forward in a single stride, grabbing him by the collar, his eyes bloodshot as he roared: “What are you doing?! What the hell are you doing?!”
Zheng Changguo completely broke down, wailing bitterly: “My wife… she’s dead!!!!!!!”
