Chapter 116: Victory Is the Only Way to Send Word

It was not long before Yang Jian arrived at the Nine-Section Palace with a solemn expression. Following closely behind were Nezha and Yin Jiao, both rushing in, fearing they might miss the chance to cause trouble for the Celestial Clan.

"Jiao, you go back," Jiang Yuan said calmly, looking at Yin Jiao.

Yin Jiao looked at Jiang Yuan with a grievance-filled face. "Father, I want to go too."

"You must stay in Zhaoge. If something happens to me, at least the Great Shang will still have you," Jiang Yuan explained.

This touched the hearts of Yang Jian and the others deeply. So, the King had already prepared for the possibility of something going wrong?

"But... I haven't seen anything that needs me to do while staying in Zhaoge these past few days," Yin Jiao argued. He had been sent back by his father before, but no tasks had been assigned to him.

"You don't need to do anything. Your presence in Zhaoge is a reassurance—a steadying force. Do you understand?" Jiang Yuan said faintly.

Yin Jiao sighed. "I understand, Father. I will stay in Zhaoge."

Nearby, Nezha comforted Yin Jiao with a serious, almost mocking tone. "Don't worry, I will definitely carry your share with me! I will certainly fight many, many battles for you!"

Yin Jiao glared fiercely at Nezha; to him, these words sounded like a provocation. He was being grounded in Zhaoge, and this brat was showing off right in front of him! Thinking of this, Yin Jiao looked toward his father again, but Jiang Yuan only shook his head calmly. Giving up completely, Yin Jiao left in low spirits. Nezha even pretended to walk him part of the way.

Yang Jian still wanted to persuade the King one last time, but Jiang Yuan raised a hand to stop him. Looking at Zhang Kui and his wife, as well as Yang Jian and Nezha, Jiang Yuan suddenly felt that this trip to the Celestial Clan was entirely feasible. One Great Golden Immortal, three Golden Immortals, and one at the peak of the True Immortal realm—this was a formidable force. Furthermore, as the Human Emperor, Jiang Yuan knew the Celestial Emperor would be wary of harming him. With the "taunting" skill bestowed upon him by Father Shennong, Jiang Yuan felt there was a high hope of rescuing Yang Jian’s mother.

"I will leave matters here to Minister Shang and Uncle Bigan for the time being. If there is any person or matter you cannot resolve, you may seek out Grandmaster Shen Gongbao," Jiang Yuan instructed Shang Rong and Bigan. After all, Shen Gongbao was a powerful Great Golden Immortal; many things that were difficult for Shang Rong and Bigan to handle would be easily resolved by him. Jiang Yuan had already coordinated this with Shen Gongbao. If anyone resisted, they could be killed.

"I understand, my King," Shang Rong replied respectfully.

Jiang Yuan nodded with a profound look in his eyes and turned away. A Purple Jade Qilin appeared before him; he could no longer afford to use the Lamborghini, as his Tyrant Points could not be squandered so easily.

"Let's set off."

Jiang Yuan sat atop the Purple Jade Qilin in the lead, with the four others following closely behind. Nezha rode his Wind Fire Wheels, and the Zhang Kui couple rode their own mounts. Jiang Yuan was particularly surprised by Yang Jian’s Howling Celestial Dog. He had initially wondered how someone could use a dog as a mount, but upon seeing it, he understood. It was no mere dog; it was barely inferior to the Purple Jade Qilin. It was majestic, with a mane that fluttered in the wind and a massive frame. Jiang Yuan had never seen such a large dog. It was no wonder it was called the Howling Celestial Dog; with that stature, it was truly worthy of roaring at the heavens.

"General Yang, will you lead the way?" Jiang Yuan stopped and turned to ask Yang Jian. It was a bit embarrassing; after preparing for so long, he didn't even know the way to the Celestial Clan. How shameful.

"Yes, my King," Yang Jian nodded and took the lead.

Jiang Yuan had no way to track time, but after what felt like a while, they finally arrived at the gates of the Celestial Clan.

"My King, this is the Celestial Clan," Yang Jian said, turning to Jiang Yuan as they reached a barrier.

Jiang Yuan nodded, observing the barrier and silently estimating its strength. He mused that this entrance at the edge of the barrier would likely become the four great Heavenly Gates of the future Celestial Court. The barrier did not seem strong; it could probably be broken quite easily. Given the arrogance and confidence of the Celestial Clan, they surely never imagined anyone would dare to breach their defenses. This barrier served only to inform outsiders that they were entering Celestial territory. Unfortunately for them, today Jiang Yuan intended to shatter that pride.

Before Jiang Yuan could speak, Nezha, the one with the lowest cultivation among them, was already eager to act. He unleashed his "Three Heads and Six Arms" supernatural power. Gripping his Fire-Tipped Spear, he said with disdain, "What kind of pathetic barrier is this? Let me poke a hole through it." He looked at Jiang Yuan, asking, "What do you think?"

Jiang Yuan naturally would not refuse such a thoughtful request; he simply moved aside to give Nezha a path. With his master’s permission, Nezha chuckled and charged toward the barrier on his Wind Fire Wheels.

He struck the barrier spear-thrust after spear-thrust. It was as fragile as Jiang Yuan had expected; within three breaths, cracks began to appear. Nezha grew even more dismissive. Was this it? It seemed he would have a good time today. He had feared that with so many experts present, he wouldn't have much of a role to play. He hadn't expected the Celestial Clan's barrier to be such trash.

Jiang Yuan watched silently. If things went as expected, members of the Celestial Clan would arrive soon.

"Who dares to offend our Celestial Clan?!" A roar echoed from afar. Because of their overconfidence, the Celestial Clan had not stationed any guards at the barrier. Nezha had been hammering away for a long time before a passing member of the clan noticed.

The man rushed over, fuming, but his roar seemed to have no effect; Nezha continued his work. He had heard the shout, of course, and was determined to break the barrier quickly. This guy was too noisy, and he couldn't wait to get inside and beat him up.

"You yellow-haired brat! I'm talking to you! Stop at once!" Yun Bei roared, incensed that no one was paying him any mind. How could they be so arrogant at his own doorstep? Yet, looking at the strength of this group, even a little brat could crack their barrier; they must hold significant status. Yun Bei decided to go call for reinforcements.

"Just you wait!" Yun Bei shouted a threat and turned to run. He couldn't handle so many people on his own.

The moment he turned, Nezha shattered the barrier.

"Hey, why are you so talkative? If you're so angry, why don't you just fight?" Nezha asked arrogantly. The guy had been yapping for ages but didn't dare make a move; what a coward.

Hearing this, Yun Bei retorted, "There are so many of you! Even if you win, it’s an unfair victory!"

At this point, Jiang Yuan spoke with a faint smile: "You can fight this little brat alone. None of us will intervene. If you win, we will let you go report to your superiors."