Chapter 124: The Golden Edict Bestows the Title of True Monarch (Say, do you have any monthly tickets to spare?)

Hu Yan and his fellow foxes had all taken on human form, appearing as young men, with Hu Yan being the most composed among them.

Noticing the corner of a document behind the old man, Hu Yan immediately recalled what the Mountain God of Funiu Mountain had once said about the affairs of local land deities, mountain gods, and city gods in the mortal realm. Generally, those newly initiated into the divine path started with low-ranking positions, often appointed to govern local cities or kingdoms. In such cases, a divine messenger would soon descend in a dream to formally bestow the divine authority through an imperial edict. However, for those with extraordinary power, those favored by the heavens, or those with profound merits, a celestial messenger would be sent in person. Given the current situation, it was clear that his own Mountain Lord fell into the latter category.

Hu Yan straightened his expression and adjusted his sleeves. Unsure of the old man’s temperament upon this first meeting, he chose to be meticulous with etiquette, unwilling to offend him and bring unnecessary trouble to his master. He bowed respectfully: "Hu Yan of Hidden Mist Mountain greets the venerable celestial messenger. Please, follow me."

The other three foxes—Hu Lin, Hu Ping, and Hu An—also performed their salutations with stiff, formal precision, repeatedly calling him "Venerable Messenger," which brought an even kinder smile to Taibai Jinxing's face.

As they walked up the mountain, they passed many fruit trees. The clever little foxes picked the largest and ripest fruits to offer to Taibai Jinxing. "Would the venerable messenger like some fruit? The fruits of Hidden Mist Mountain are very sweet."

Taibai Jinxing smiled, took one, and obligingly took a bite. "Hmm, truly sweet."

The foxes were delighted. "If you like them, we shall pack some for you to take when you leave."

Taibai Jinxing laughed. "Do not pack too many, or people will say this old man is accepting bribes."

His wit made the foxes laugh heartily, and their fondness for the old man grew.

"I am Cao Kong of Hidden Mist Mountain, with the Taoist name Dongzhen. I greet the venerable messenger. May I ask your name?"

Sensing someone approaching the mountain with an air of returning to simplicity and the refined aura of an immortal, Cao Kong had risen to welcome him personally. Now, face to face, he bowed.

Hearing the name "Dongzhen," Taibai Jinxing’s thoughts stirred. He stood firm and replied, "I am Taibai Jinxing of the West. Greetings, Mountain Lord."

At this, Cao Kong recalled the year on Green Dragon Mountain when a golden star had shone in the sky, aiding him in slaying a Green Dragon. Without the power of that golden star, he might not have survived the battle unscathed, even if he had managed to kill the beast. That was a debt of gratitude.

He quickly bowed again. "I pay my respects to Lord Taibai. I apologize for not having come further to welcome you."

He bowed once more, showing the utmost reverence. Taibai Jinxing looked surprised. "Mountain Lord, we have only just met; there is no need for such a grand gesture."

Cao Kong smiled. "Years ago, I went to Green Dragon Mountain to harvest the essence of wood, only to be attacked by a Green Dragon. We fought, and I managed to slay it by drawing upon the light of the Golden Star. The brilliance of that star that day was clearly your intervention. I have always been grateful, and seeing you today, I must express my thanks."

As Cao Kong finished, Taibai Jinxing suddenly understood. He, in turn, began to bow to Cao Kong, causing the latter to step aside in surprise. "Why do you do this, my Lord?"

Taibai Jinxing smiled. "It was not I who bestowed grace upon you, but you who bestowed grace upon me."

"How so?"

"Long ago, the Emperor slew the Green Dragon in the East using the forces of Metal against Wood. The dragon's vengeful spirit remained. The Emperor sent me to suppress its soul, but fearing the destruction of innocent lives, I chose only to shine the power of the Golden Star upon it daily, hoping to wear down its foundation. By harvesting the wood essence, you drew out the Green Dragon’s soul, allowing you to slay it and resolve a task that had long weighed on my mind."

Upon hearing this, Cao Kong gained a deeper understanding, yet he was also struck by the nobility of Taibai Jinxing. He had thanked the man, yet the star lord claimed no credit, instead thanking him in return. Such benevolence and humility made it impossible not to hold him in high regard. It was no wonder that even a lawless figure like Sun Wukong, who called the Jade Emperor "the old man" and the Buddha "the old monk," was willing to address Taibai Jinxing as "Venerable Messenger."

Cao Kong said, "Since you have come, you must be burdened with official business. I have some humble wine in the mountain; perhaps we could move to a seat and talk?"

Taibai Jinxing pondered for a moment. "As you wish, Mountain Lord."

Cao Kong smiled. "It is quite a distance to the summit. Please forgive my lack of refinement in what I am about to do."

"Please, Mountain Lord, proceed."

Cao Kong bowed. Without any visible surge of Taoist energy or magical display, with just a smile, he shifted the very ground beneath them.

"Wow!" the foxes exclaimed. One moment they were at the foot of the mountain, and the next, they were at the peak, overlooking the majestic scenery of the four seasons. Taibai Jinxing was momentarily stunned, lost in thought.

The two sat at a stone table, where various fine wines were arranged. "I wonder what wine the Star Lord prefers?"

"You have Pijian wine? Let us drink that."

"Very well," Cao Kong said with a smile. "This is a new batch; allow me to fetch one that has aged longer."

As he spoke, the earth stirred, and a wine jar emerged from the soil before the ground smoothed over itself. With a flick of his finger, Cao Kong broke the mud seal, ready to pour for the Star Lord.

Taibai Jinxing quickly interrupted, "Mountain Lord, wait. Such fine wine requires a proper vessel to truly reveal its flavor." He then produced two golden bamboo stalks.

Cao Kong poured the wine, smiling. "You are quite a connoisseur, Star Lord."

As the wine filled the golden bamboo, it glowed like amber, its aroma as crisp and clear as the scent of bamboo itself. After a few sips, Taibai Jinxing praised, "This wine is excellent. Drinking it is like drinking the essence of spring."

He then added, "I must not forget the purpose of my visit. Mountain Lord, I have come to the mortal realm bearing the Jade Emperor's golden edict."

Cao Kong immediately suspected it concerned his role as the "Benevolent Savior True Lord" in the Qin-Dao Kingdom. Over the years, his incense offerings had grown increasingly abundant, to the point where even the Mountain God of Funiu Mountain looked upon him with envy. Cao Kong hesitated, wondering if accepting the edict meant he would have to ascend to heaven to join the celestial ranks.

Seeing Cao Kong's expression, Taibai Jinxing laughed. "You are hailed as a True Lord in the mortal realm, but without an official decree from heaven, your title lacks true legitimacy. Why not listen to the edict first?"

As Taibai Jinxing stood and unfurled the scroll, Cao Kong felt an immortal, indestructible quality radiating from it, much like the nature of metal itself.

"The Emperor has heard of your great accumulation of merit in the lower realm... in pity for your benevolent deeds... I hereby confer upon you the title of Benevolent Savior True Lord..."

Cao Kong was surprised. He was not being summoned to heaven; instead, he was being granted an extraordinary title, bestowing upon him legitimate status. Much like the Erlang True Lord of Guanjiangkou, he would govern a region in the mortal realm, granted divine authority without the burden of trivial celestial duties, allowing him to enjoy the incense of the mortal world without having to attend court.

The Jade Emperor’s favor was immense. Given that even Erlang True Lord’s authority was tied to his status as the Emperor's nephew, Cao Kong wondered: what was the reason for the Emperor’s such profound generosity—first the volume of the I Ching, then the sound of the imperial decree, and now this authority?