Chapter Twenty-Three: Erlang, the True Lord (1)

"What kind of formation is the Durian formation?"

"What durian? That is called the Glazed Crystal Lock Formation!" The ox-faced jailer pointed into the distance. "Look, that deep blue, almost black light is it."

Hua Sheng looked up and saw a speck of light in the distant mid-air that was indeed a deep, almost pitch-black blue.

After identifying the location, Taishang Xiaojun gave Hua Sheng a look. Hua Sheng nodded, understanding the signal.

Taishang Xiaojun then asked, "This formation must be incredibly powerful, right?"

"You bet. It's one of the top-tier cells in the Biannu Heavenly Prison, and the Glazed Crystal Lock Formation is solid through and through."

"Solid?"

"This cell is crafted from a single, intact piece of glazed crystal that has existed for a hundred thousand years. And the closer you get to the center, the stronger the immortal magic becomes. Forget about getting out—you couldn't even step an inch into it from the outside!"

"Hiss, this..."

Upon hearing this, Hua Sheng took a deep breath, feeling momentarily at a loss.

This Biannu Heavenly Prison was truly not just for show; they had to come up with a countermeasure before meeting Erlang Shen.

As Hua Sheng and Taishang Xiaojun walked along the dark red high walls, the ox-faced jailer pointed upward.

Hundreds of meters up the wall, there were over a dozen buildings constructed directly onto the surface. Those pavilions and towers looked as if they had been completely assembled elsewhere before being magically glued onto the wall.

The ox-faced jailer led the two onto a stone platform about ten feet square. Once they stood steady, the platform began to rise. As Hua Sheng stood on the slab, he carefully observed the interior landscape of the heavenly prison. He feigned curiosity, but secretly, he was meticulously studying the immortal formation.

The platform rose higher and higher until it reached the clouds near the top of the structure, where it finally came to a halt.

Hua Sheng looked ahead and saw a building with a plaque that read "Main Hall."

Though called a "Main Hall," the wooden doors were five or six zhang high. The ox-faced jailer pushed open the heavy wooden doors, revealing a spacious reception hall.

The decor inside was simple and archaic, dominated by black and red wood grain, exuding a sense of antiquity.

However, perhaps due to the nature of the prison, a chill permeated the room, and one could immediately feel a palpable, murderous aura upon entering.

As Hua Sheng stepped inside, the first thing that shocked him was the chair in the center. It was several times larger than an ordinary chair, and the two rows of guest chairs flanking it looked like miniature models in comparison.

The ox-faced jailer pointed to the rows of guest chairs and said, "You two wait here, I’ll go report to the General!"

After the jailer left, Hua Sheng asked Taishang Xiaojun, "Why are these chairs so big? Is Erlang Shen a giant?"

"I've always known the True Lord Erlang to be heroic and martial. After serving as a high-ranking official in the Heavenly Court for thousands of years, I suppose he's expanded quite a bit," Taishang Xiaojun explained according to his own theories.

"Even if he expanded, he wouldn't expand physically like this, would he?"

Taishang Xiaojun smiled but said nothing.

***

However, compared to the issue of Erlang Shen's stature, Hua Sheng was more worried about whether they could see Dao Ling Xingjun. He said, "Passing through the cell block earlier, there were not only external immortal formations, but the cell holding Dao Ling Xingjun also had its own Glazed Crystal Lock Formation. What should we do?"

"I might have a way to break that immortal formation," a young girl's voice came.

It was the watch on Hua Sheng's wrist, transformed from Mieying. The bird on the watch face whispered, "I'll tell you in a moment."

Taishang Xiaojun placed a finger to his lips, signaling silence, and whispered, "We are unfamiliar with this place; we must be wary of walls having ears. Don't be hasty. Later, I will probe Erlang Zhenjun for information and see if we can get permission to meet Dao Ling Xingjun. If that fails, we’ll find a way to stall Erlang Shen and let Mieying give it a try."

As soon as he finished speaking, the ground suddenly began to tremble!

The two felt a rhythmic *thud-thud-thud* approaching, and the floor shook more and more violently.

With a deep rumble, the main hall doors swung open to both sides. A giant over two zhang tall strode into the hall. He wore a Three-Mountain Flying Phoenix Cap, a pale yellow celestial court robe, dragon-patterned socks, and gold-trimmed boots.

This must be the True Lord Erlang! Hua Sheng and Taishang Xiaojun immediately bowed in greeting.

Hua Sheng took a quick look: the True Lord had long earlobes that brushed his shoulders. He appeared to be middle-aged, with fine features yet a dignified, imposing countenance. His aura was aggressive. Beyond the light radiating from his eyes, there was a vertical golden line on his forehead—surely the legendary Heavenly Eye of Erlang Shen.

Erlang Zhenjun was worthy of being a great general of the Heavenly Court; as soon as he appeared, the pressure was immense, and the air in the room became stifling.

After the hall settled, Erlang Shen sat on the main chair, his two golden eyes casting a pressurized gaze upon the pair.

Being struck by that golden light felt like having a thousand-pound weight pressed onto their heads. Had they not possessed some cultivation, their legs would have likely buckled.

Taishang Xiaojun spoke first, cupping his hands: "I, Taishang Xiaojun, pay my respects to the True Lord of Pure Origin and Profound Tao!"

"I, Hua Sheng, pay my respects to the True Lord of Pure Origin and Profound Tao!"

Erlang Shen nodded and said, "I heard years ago that Lord Taishang Laojun had been blessed with a grandson, but I hadn't had the chance to offer my congratulations. In the blink of an eye, I see you have grown into such a handsome young man. May I ask what brings the young master to this desolate land of Chizhou today?"

Taishang Xiaojun seized the opportunity to use some polite flattery: "This is no desolate land. Your reputation shakes the eight directions, and wherever you are, it is a place of good fortune."

He then introduced Hua Sheng: "My fellow disciple Hua Sheng and I came to the land of Chibiannu to cultivate and visit. We happened to be passing through the Biannu Heavenly Prison and, having long heard of your fame, wished to pay a visit. We also brought some treats for your beloved hound."

Taishang Xiaojun produced the bag of dog food and toys.

"As expected of a noble lineage, thoughtful for someone so young," Erlang Shen pointed to the side. "Leave the things for the Howling Celestial Dog over there. I will have someone collect them later."

Taishang Xiaojun continued, "I heard you were originally stationed at Guanjiang Mouth in Sichuan. I wonder when you were transferred to manage this Heavenly Prison in Shengpingning?"

"It’s been some years. In the early days, the land of Sichuan was in chaos, which is why I was stationed at Guanjiang Mouth. Nowadays, Guanjiang Mouth has been renamed Dujiangyan, listed as a World Cultural Heritage site and a national 5A-level tourist attraction. With humans making such a fuss, nearly ten million tourists visit every year—how could I station troops there? And since I have no desire to attend court every day, the Jade Emperor transferred me to Shengpingning, ostensibly to manage this Biannu Heavenly Prison, though it is little more than a sinecure."

"Guarding the Heavenly Prison is a great responsibility; you have worked hard, General. Much appreciated!"

"It is my duty."

Taishang Xiaojun then shifted the conversation: "I saw the Howling Celestial Dog in the front corridor earlier. After all these years, he must be getting on in age..."

Erlang Shen waved a hand: "The Howling Celestial Dog of my Yang family is as mighty as he ever was. To this day, even Zhao Gongming or Sun Wukong would still fear him."

Taishang Xiaojun chuckled, "I keep dogs at home, and this Hua Sheng here is a canine welfare advocate—we are all fellow dog lovers. But the dogs at my place, even when fed delicacies, can't seem to break the habit of eating their own excrement. They insist on licking it up..."

Upon hearing the word "excrement," Hua Sheng frowned.

Taishang Xiaojun, however, seemed at ease and continued as if no one else were listening: "I wonder how you trained the Howling Celestial Dog to break such bad habits?"

Erlang Shen waved his hand again: "The Celestial Howling Dog has never had such vulgar habits."

Taishang Xiaojun laughed again.

Despite the slightly awkward atmosphere, Erlang Shen didn't seem angry, merely asking, "Thanks to the blessings of the Jade Emperor, the Heavenly Court has enjoyed a thousand years of peace. Because I guard this prison, I haven't been invited to the Queen Mother's Peach Banquet for years, and I haven't been able to see Lord Taishang Laojun. I wonder, is the Taoist Ancestor doing well?"

Taishang Xiaojun, as if anticipating Erlang Shen's concern for his grandfather, replied, "Thank you for asking! The old man is in high spirits. It's just that he often speaks of you..."

"Oh? How so?" Erlang Shen asked, noticing Taishang Xiaojun's hesitation.

Taishang Xiaojun deliberately wore a troubled expression.

Erlang Shen waved his hand: "Xiaojun, since when have I been one for such reservations? Speak your mind."

Taishang Xiaojun continued: "To be honest, the old man feels it is a great injustice to you..."

"Oh? How do you mean?"

Taishang Xiaojun flicked his Taoist robe, half-sat on the stool, and bowed slightly: "The Taoist Ancestor often mentions you—who in the world does not honor you as the True Lord of Pure Origin and Profound Tao? For centuries, you have vanquished demons and been deified, with brilliant military achievements. Yet for a long time, the Jade Emperor has kept you at arm's length, appearing to respect you while staying distant. Not just the Taoist Ancestor, but many immortals in the Heavenly Court have voiced their grievances about this."

Erlang Shen's face stiffened. Taishang Xiaojun continued:

"Before, he kept you stationed at Guanjiang Mouth; now, he has transferred you to run the Biannu Heavenly Prison. These are not true, central appointments of the Heavenly Court. Look at Marshal Tianpeng—his civil and military achievements over the last two thousand years are not even half of yours, and when the Great Sage Equaling Heaven caused havoc in the Heavenly Palace, he didn't know which corner to hide in. Even when generals need to seek advancement, I’ve never heard of them doing it in the human realm—yet he ended up with a lucrative position as the Altar Cleansing Envoy."

"This... the Heavenly Court has its own arrangements. You must not speculate on the will of Heaven, Xiaojun." Erlang Shen sounded like he was scolding him, but there was no malice on his face; he merely glanced at Hua Sheng.

Taishang Xiaojun said, "Look at Shengpingning, General. Even marriages between immortals and mortals are not like they were in the past. Times have changed. That is why the old man feels such regret for you."

To prevent Erlang Shen from being too cautious about the setting, Taishang Xiaojun pointed to Hua Sheng: "This Hua Sheng has also met the old man before. During the Qiankun Guard battle, the Taoist Ancestor entrusted us with a message. Furthermore, the Great Sage Equaling Heaven has temporarily entrusted his Ruyi Golden Cudgel to this young brother."

Erlang Shen gave a dry laugh: "That monkey is keeping his head down while protecting the monk on his pilgrimage, but he was never one to spend his days knocking on wooden fish. A thousand years have passed; I fear he can no longer restrain himself. He is devoted to Buddhism, yet he lets this child wield his cudgel—could it be a case of 'entrusting the object to express his intent'?"

Taishang Xiaojun tried to smooth things over, laughing, "The Great Sage's intentions are perhaps just to help others. He has already sealed the cudgel at the summit of the East Sea. Though it is borrowed, it is, for the time being, in different hands..."

Erlang Shen stroked his chin: "In that case, the Taoist Ancestor is truly a master of strategy, using this as a pretext to retrieve the weapon the monkey took. A brilliant move."