Heaven Official's Blessing (天官赐福)

-- --

Someone just ascended!

Quite an entrance!

Who is it?

A new arrival in Heaven.

So noisy.

No! My poor palace!

Most ascensions cause a bit of a ruckus.

But this one is about to bring

the whole sky down!

They must be remarkable!

Highly cultivated!

Fiercely talented!

Blessed with fortune!

Extraordinary, I'm certain!

Who is it?

You know, a couple hundred years ago,

the same thing happened when Prince Xie Lian ascended.

No! Not him!

Come on. Let's see who we've got.

Uh-- Heh...

Oh, you had to come back?

Congratulations, Your Highness.

I'm pleased to report that you've won the coveted award of

"Official Most Likely to be Cast Out of Heaven."

Uh... I see.

Somehow, I find it difficult to be excited about that.

Well, the prize is 100 merit credits.

Ah! Then count me in next time as well!

Guess who was second.

That's tough.

I might be unpopular enough

to take the top three all by myself!

Close enough.

No one else received any votes,

so the list starts and ends with you.

So, uh, who was the previous winner?

No one.

We began the contest this year. Specifically, just this morning.

Lovely.

Then it would seem that I showed up just in time.

Do you know why you did so well?

Not my fan club?

The bell. Look over there.

What bell?

Very observant.

It's no longer there.

It was shaken off its tower when you ascended.

It fell on a heavenly official.

And what is the situation now?

It's under repair.

I meant the official.

He was a martial god.

He cut the bell in half.

Uh...

Now observe this golden palace.

Well, it's not missing.

Which is most unfortunate.

It's merely a temporary structure,

erected to take the place of the numerous buildings

you devastated during your rather destructive ascent.

It's all my fault?

Mm. Afraid so.

My first day back and I've made enemies already.

It's simple enough to fix.

And how's that?

Merit credits, 8.88 million.

Though I know you don't even have a tenth of that.

Not even a thousandth.

We will cross that bridge in time.

I fear the bridge has been burnt.

I have a plan.

Do you remember the password to the Telepathic Matrix?

Um...

This is a farce.

Can we speed this up, please?

Is everyone in attendance now?

The Emperor of Heaven has an urgent matter

to deal with in the North.

Could any martial deities spare a pair of officials to aid him?

I've heard no such news about His Majesty.

Are you asking on behalf of someone else, perhaps?

Your Highness, there is a way

for you to earn merit credits quickly.

Lately, we've been receiving a great many

prayers from the North.

They've requested our aid in dealing

with some dangerous ghosts.

Sadly, the Emperor is too busy, and General Ming Guang as well.

However, if you fill in.

A wealth of merit credits would be yours.

Offerings, as well.

Is it the Crown Prince you're helping?

I wonder how long he'll last.

This is his third time already!

I give him a few months, at best.

Try three days!

He was banished in a single tea break last time.

You don't want the prince to be expelled again,

so you cooked up this plan.

How terribly transparent!

Though he certainly does need the help!

He's a laughingstock...

No palaces, no offerings and no believers!

This is just what I expected.

Heh. Hello, everyone, I'm back.

Yes, we noticed.

What with your destructive entrance.

Heh. I wasn't hurt.

Unfortunately, your surroundings

didn't fare so well.

Your Highness. The bell.

Uh--

I heard word of the bell. Very sorry it hit you.

Hmph.

Pardon, but what is your name?

That imbecile!

Your Highness. It's Xuan Zhen.

General Xuan Zhen? You mean, Mu Qing?

Who tore down my palace?

Answer me!

-- --Was it you? Huh?

Stop laughing!

I only played a small part. Ask the prince.

It was my fault. I'm sorry.

Your Highness. That's Nan Yang.

Yes, I know, but does he recognize me?

Likely not, as he's been in the Mortal Realm

and missed your ascension.

Please accept my apologies.

I swear, I will compensate you.

I simply need some time.

Well. I suppose we'll see how much your word is worth.

I have business to attend to. I'll take my leave. Farewell.

I have work, too.

-- Me, too. -- So long.

-- I'm leaving. -- Good luck!

Sorry. If it weren't for Xuan Zhen,

that might've gone better.

It's normal for me to work alone.

Need weapons?

I'm fine.

I have been banished twice, you know.

I can't wield magical arms.

Not enough mana?

Very well then, but do be careful.

It's an important task.

Feel free to contact me if you run into

any complications, and I'll do my best to help.

Here are the details.

You're rather quiet.

No questions?

No. Thank you, Ling Wen.

Just doing my job.

Really, the one you should thank is the Emperor.

I see.

May you have a safe journey. And wherever you go,

I wish you all the heavenly blessings.

And may all taboos be shattered.

Did you hear about what happened on Mount Yujun?

Oh, not again!

Another missing person!

When will it end?

How many missing girls have there been?

Welcome, good sir.

Please, take a seat.

A pot of tea, please.

Right.

Uh-- Pardon.

Has anything strange happened here lately?

Speak no evil. See no evil.

Your Highness. Can you hear me?

Ling Wen?

I have some good news.

There are two junior officials from Middle Heaven

coming to aid you.

In fact, they should be there now.

Junior officials?

By the way, one question:

Did you send them here to help me, or to behead me?

Because they don't look happy at all.

Ling Wen? Hello?

So... You are?

Nan Feng.

-- Fu Yao. --I meant your position.

But names are nice as well!

Could you tell me what Gods you're working for?

Nan Yang.

Xuan Zhen.

I see, so then it was the two generals

who sent you here to aid me.

Actually, they're clueless.

We didn't tell them.

Do you two know who I am?

The Prince of Xian Le.

A true beacon of virtue. A beloved ruler.

Did he just roll his eyes at me?

Yeah. Kick him out.

He's useless! You should kick him out!

Uh! You weren't tricked into coming here