This seems to be a very troublesome topic, like the "chicken or the egg" dilemma.
It's not that Xu Zhengyang is so bored that he doesn't do anything productive, but instead spends all his time thinking about these things.
What's the most important thing Xu Zhengyang really needs to do right now? Naturally, it's to go see the Heavenly Court. And after inquiring with the city's records, he learned that he actually has the authority to visit the Heavenly Court anytime, anywhere – for a day or a hundred days, every single day. But then again, although he's always believed himself to be the only deity, that's ultimately just speculation. Who the hell knows if there are any powerful gods in the Heavenly Court?
The several unexpected events that led to his trip to the underworld have left Xu Zhengyang feeling like he's been bitten by a snake once and is now afraid of even a rope for ten years.
Who knows what strange and wonderful things await me there?
The ancient legend that a day in heaven is equivalent to a year on earth, if true, is no joke...
To be honest, Xu Zhengyang wasn't afraid of having any conflict with those powerful beings who might exist, but he was thinking: it's okay to just disappear from the human world, but what about your friends and family if you just disappear for ten or eight years?
That jade scroll was really annoying; it wouldn't answer any questions when asked about these important details.
As before, after informing Xu Zhengyang of his promotion to Imperial Censor, he was given a detailed explanation of his newfound authority, abilities, and what he needed to avoid, as well as any magical treasures he should possess…
Of course, Xu Zhengyang was already mentally prepared for the possibility of magical treasures and artifacts, and didn't have high hopes for them.
That requires self-reliance and doing it yourself. Consuming divine power is a minor issue; the problem is that the raw materials are hard to find, which is truly worrying the gods to death.
It was early March, a time when spring was in full bloom.
In the quaint and elegant courtyard house between Xiaowang Mountain and Qinghe River on the western outskirts of Fuhe City, Xu Zhengyang had already tidied it up thoroughly. Although he didn't plan to move there permanently, he had at least made sure his bedroom and living room were ready.
The pomegranate trees in the courtyard are lush and verdant; on the platform, the flowers in the pots and jars stretch out their branches and leaves, with occasional flower buds peeking out, full of vitality.
In the living room, Xu Zhengyang held the city scroll, staring at it intently, and asked seriously: "Brother, you've been promoted now, right? What's your name?"
Yu Shi replied: "The city wall."
Why are you still stuck in the city? My buddy is really loyal; as the saying goes, we share both good times and bad. You know, I've already been promoted and made a fortune, but you're still in the same old position. I feel so bad about that.
The city scroll flickered with light, and after a short pause, it displayed: This city scroll is not the same as the other city scroll. It is related to the various states and cities under the jurisdiction of the Eastern Heavenly Court Emperor. That is, once you enter a city, you will know the major and minor affairs of that city.
Xu Zhengyang was slightly taken aback, then couldn't help but give him a thumbs up: "Brother, you're awesome, a real stunner!"
Now, what puzzles Xu Zhengyang the most is this jade stone—what exactly is it? In reality, this jade stone has always possessed the ability to confer titles and measure divine positions, and its own ability and rank promotion are also determined by it.
Calling it a divine artifact seems inappropriate; it's more like a deity, a deity that controls everything.
Originally, Xu Zhengyang learned from the city scroll that as a spirit official, he could inspect all parts of the human world, which meant he had unlimited power. In the absence of other beings or even gods, even if he had to be cautious, he could still run rampant all over the world.
However, upon closer examination, the so-called Imperial Censors under the Eastern Heavenly Court Emperor are probably only within the jurisdiction of the Eastern Heavenly Court, and not the whole world.
He asked the Jade City scroll about his doubts, but received no answer.
Xu Zhengyang was already used to the jade's habits and quirks, so he wasn't particularly angry. He casually placed the jade on the coffee table, took out his phone, and dialed Chen Chaojiang's number.
"Hey, Asahi, where are we?"
"Coming right away."
Xu Zhengyang smiled slightly and put his phone in his pocket.
Since you're planning to visit the Heavenly Court, someone needs to protect your physical body. Otherwise, like last time, leaving your body unattended and unaccounted for would be too dangerous.
Who is the most suitable? Of course, Chen Chaojiang is the most suitable.
In truth, now that no god governs the human realm, Xu Zhengyang, as the sole deity, could easily live a carefree life, using his authority and abilities to run rampant and act arrogantly and domineeringly without any scruples. Why bother going to that ethereal Heavenly Court and bearing the potential dangers?
However, without visiting the Heavenly Court, Xu Zhengyang always felt empty inside, as if something was missing.
As he pondered these random thoughts, the jade scroll placed on the tea table began to shimmer with light, naturally displaying a line of golden characters: "Heaven has nine fields, namely the center and the four cardinal directions and four intermediate directions: the center is called Juntian. The east is called Cangtian, the northeast is called Biantian, the north is called Xuantian, the northwest is called Youtian, the west is called Haotian, the southwest is called Zhutian, the south is called Yantian, and the southeast is called Yangtian; these are the nine heavens, each with its own celestial court, with the central Juntian being the highest, which is also the celestial court."
Xu Zhengyang pondered for a moment. He said, "In ancient times, people didn't understand why, so they had the saying that the sky was round and the earth was square. Now, shouldn't we say that the sky is square and the earth is round?"
After a moment of silence, Cheng Juan asked: What makes you say that?
Xu Zhengyang couldn't help but chuckle. This was the first time he'd encountered such a rigid piece of jade, and it had actually asked him a question. Xu Zhengyang was naturally curious; it seemed this thing wasn't just an inanimate object after all, it actually had some kind of spirit!
"It's too simple. The Earth is round, the world is round. The so-called sense of direction, according to historical records, should be based on the sunrise in the east; but every place on Earth can have the saying that the sunrise is in the east. So, in terms of a circle, anywhere can be called the east, and it can also be called the west... right?"
Cheng Juan remained silent.
Xu Zhengyang continued, "So, this sense of direction shouldn't be man-made, but determined by God; then, we can be sure that the sky is square, which is how we can determine direction... Of course, I still don't know how the sky, um, God, determined the eight directions on this earth according to what? Could it be based on the location of the sun?"
Cheng Juan still didn't answer, seemingly at a loss for words after being questioned by Xu Zhengyang.
“Actually, I’ve seen what you just told me in historical records as well. It’s said that the heavens are divided into nine directions, and therefore the earth is divided into nine directions. The problem is, there are also stories that say the heavens are nine heavens, with the highest being the Heavenly Court, and each level is a different realm. So, are they divided into upper and lower? Or into front, back, left, and right?”
When the car horn sounded in the courtyard, the scroll flashed with light, displaying the sentence: You should go and see the Heavenly Court.
Xu Zhengyang spat and said, "Do you think I didn't want to go? If you had said so earlier, I would have gone sooner..."
However, it seems that this journey leads to the so-called Eastern Heavenly Court, rather than the Central Heavenly Realm.
While pondering, Chen Chaojiang walked into the house, his expression as cold and stern as ever, his slender eyes revealing a chilling glint, devoid of any warmth or human touch.
Chen Chaojiang was wearing a black suit, which made him appear even more effeminate.
Upon seeing Chen Chaojiang's attire and expression, Xu Zhengyang suddenly had a thought: according to the city records, the personality and duties of this Heavenly Court Censor Spirit Official were more suitable and competent for someone like Chen Chaojiang than for Xu Zhengyang.
"You're back..."
"Hmm." Chen Chaojiang walked up to Xu Zhengyang, but didn't sit down. Instead, he stood ramrod straight and said coldly, "What happened?"
Xu Zhengyang was taken aback, then smiled wryly and said, "I'll have to trouble you to stay here a few more days..."
"Going to the underworld again?"
"No." Xu Zhengyang shook his head and smiled easily, "This time I'm going to take a look up in the sky."
"how long?"
"indefinite."
"Oh, I'm going to buy some things." Chen Chaojiang turned and left without saying another word.
"Hey, wait a minute." Xu Zhengyang quickly called out to Chen Chaojiang and said, "Chaojiang, think it over. I might be gone for a longer time this time... Things are different now than before. You, you also have your own things to do, like... Ye Wan."
Chen Chaojiang paused, seemingly troubled. After hesitating for a while, he smiled and said, "It's hopeless. She hasn't contacted me at all, and I can't reach her. I went to the school, but I couldn't find her... So, it's probably hopeless."
Xu Zhengyang frowned.
"Asagami, do you really like her?"
"Um."
Are you sure she really likes you?
"have no idea."
Xu Zhengyang said somewhat angrily, "What kind of talk is that?"
“Zhengyang, things aren’t like we think. For many people these days, feelings are not worth mentioning at all. Compared to reality and life, many people think it’s just a process of playing around.”
“But I know you’re not that kind of person,” Xu Zhengyang said earnestly. “Neither am I.”
"So I won't force it," Chen Chaojiang said with a smile.
Xu Zhengyang gave a helpless, bitter smile and said, "That's not what you think, is it?"
"Well, if her family doesn't approve of me, it's naturally for her own good, and I have no objection."
"Chaojiang, I really admire you. You're a true man!" Xu Zhengyang said without any pretense; these were his heartfelt words. People generally understand the concept of letting go in love, but when it comes to actually doing it themselves, few can truly do it.
But Chen Chaojiang could do it.
Undeniably, the courage to voluntarily give up one's feelings, especially one's love, is absolutely comparable to the courage of a warrior cutting off his own arm.
It's not that I don't love the other person, but that I love them even more.
From another perspective, doing so certainly has a somewhat cowardly and inferiority complex aspect. Why not strive for it? Why not try?
But isn't this also love?
Don't put the other party in a difficult position, and don't let them hurt your loved ones...
Xu Zhengyang understands Chen Chaojiang; he is not the kind of person who doesn't take feelings seriously and can easily give them up.
Therefore, Xu Zhengyang admired Chen Chaojiang.
But now, or rather, a year ago, once Xu Zhengyang ascended to the position of a god, possessed supernatural powers, and abandoned any trace of inferiority or cowardice, he wouldn't consider whether Li Bingjie would be put in a difficult position or whether it would hurt her family's feelings. He only considered what Li Bingjie would think and what she would want... Obviously, Li Bingjie's thoughts would be the same as Xu Zhengyang's: a win-win situation.
Xu Zhengyang was confident that he had the ability to do it.
Chen Chaojiang, however, felt he couldn't do it because of their different identities and statuses.
Therefore, Xu Zhengyang's sense of justice and the pride he had just acquired as the Imperial Censor made him say firmly, "Chaojiang, wait for me to come back... As long as you love Ye Wan and Ye Wan loves you, no one and nothing can stop you. I will take care of it for you!"
Chen Chaojiang laughed and said, "I knew this would happen, so I'm not worried."
After saying that, Chen Chaojiang strode out.
That's how it is between brothers.
Xu Zhengyang lowered his head and pondered. On the internet, he had seen many comments and opinions that said that in today's society, there was no longer the so-called chivalry, brotherhood, and righteousness between people. People were all selfish and self-interested. Not to mention friendship, even family affection had faded to a chilling degree.
This shows how precious and rare the brotherhood between him and Chen Chaojiang is in this realistic society.
But... Xu Zhengyang thought to himself, was what I did a little selfish?
What if Ye Wan contacted Chen Chaojiang while he was protecting me?
This is what's putting Chen Chaojiang in a difficult position.
Moreover, who knows when this trip will last? It's really... uncertain!
Volume Five, Spirit Officials, Chapter 213: Heavenly Court History
Spring is gradually deepening, and although the trees on Xiaowang Mountain are not yet lush and verdant, they are still full of greenery; along the banks of the Qinghe River, the green grass has covered the former withered yellow, exuding boundless spring, making the flowing river seem even more joyful...
The courtyard houses, nestled against the mountains and beside the water, feature blue bricks and dark tiles. The courtyards are quiet and elegant, while outside the walls, lush trees and green grass abound.
However, the original wood gate of this courtyard is now tightly closed, seemingly isolating the courtyard from the bustling world outside.
In the main hall's living room, Chen Chaojiang sat quietly alone beside the sofa, a piece of mahogany in his right hand and a sharp dagger in his left, intently carving.
In the west-facing inner room of the main hall, Xu Zhengyang sat cross-legged on the bed, his eyes closed in thought.
He's been home for the past two days and told his family he'd be leaving the compound for a while. He explained that some matters involved celestial secrets and couldn't be revealed, so he wouldn't be able to contact them while he was away. He couldn't say for sure how long he'd be gone. Maybe a month or two, maybe six months or even a year…
After their initial surprise, Yuan Suqin and Xu Neng naturally couldn't refuse. Their son's close relationship with the local earth god was an open secret. His upcoming journey involved divine secrets; he was undoubtedly going to do business with the gods. This news absolutely could not be leaked.
Just before Xu Zhengyang drove away from home, Yuan Suqin said with tears in her eyes, "Come back soon..."
Xu Neng sighed and didn't say anything.