Book One: The Lich Calamity — 221. The Scheme of the Twelve Zodiacal Spirits

Ancient Starry Sky!

After Nuwa’s ascension and the disappearance of Mount Buzhou, Ao Qing and Geng Ning journeyed together into the ancient starry expanse.

“Master!”

The two respectfully greeted Chen Rui, who stood before them.

“Enough. Since you have both arrived, I shall take you to meet Emperor Wei Chen. He is now the Purple Star Emperor, the sovereign of this entire starry sky!”

Upon hearing this, Ao Qing and his companion followed Chen Rui to pay their respects to Emperor Wei Chen.

“Daoist, are these the two Yuanchen Star Lords you recommended—Tian Gang and Gong Cao?”

Chen Rui nodded toward Wei Chen in response.

“Greetings, Purple Star Emperor!”

Ao Qing and Geng Ning bowed in unison.

Wei Chen waved them off and scrutinized them carefully. After a long moment, he spoke.

“One of you is from the Azure Dragon clan, the other from the White Tiger clan. You are fit to be Yuanchen Star Lords, though with your strength, it feels like such talent is being underused.”

Chen Rui looked at Ao Qing and Geng Ning after Wei Chen’s remark.

In response, Ao Qing stepped forward.

“Your Majesty may not be aware, but I have already attained the pinnacle of the Perfected Golden Immortal state. I have cultivated the secret art passed down by my master and have nurtured a formidable doppelgänger. If Your Majesty permits, this double shall guard the Tian Gang star and handle its responsibilities on my behalf.”

“Oh? That explains it. Very well, you shall become the Tian Gang Yuanchen Star Lord. This will save me considerable trouble. If possible, I entrust you with the other Yuanchen duties as well. How does that sound?”

Wei Chen, forged from the fusion of all origination and the Purple Star Imperial Seal, naturally knew of Qing Xuan’s profound method of creating doppelgängers. Hearing Ao Qing, he readily agreed.

This arrangement meant that if the double could not manage certain affairs, Ao Qing himself would still be responsible, ensuring greater reliability. He saw no reason to refuse.

“Since Your Majesty decrees it, I cannot decline such kindness. I accept wholeheartedly!”

Thus, Ao Qing’s double took up the mantle of the Tian Gang Yuanchen Star Lord.

Geng Ning, too, naturally became the Gong Cao Star Lord. Once he cultivates his own double, it will assist him in governance; for now, he must attend personally.

“Let us depart. We shall visit the primordial land to seek suitable candidates for the remaining Yuanchen Star Lords.”

As they left the Purple Star, Ao Qing spoke to Geng Ning.

Chen Rui then addressed them.

“Speaking of seeking the twelve Yuanchen Star Lords in the primordial lands, there may be one who can assist you.”

Curious, Ao Qing and Geng Ning looked toward Chen Rui.

“Who does Master mean?”

***

“Have you forgotten my senior disciple, Zhen Yuanzi? He has traveled throughout the primordial lands. If anyone knows the positions, divisions, and habits of the great races there, it is none other than him!”

Ao Qing suddenly realized.

“Right, how could I have forgotten him?”

So, Ao Qing led Geng Ning toward Wanshou Mountain.

At Wanshou Mountain, within the Wuzhuang Temple:

“I wondered why the magpies were so chirpy today—ah, a guest has arrived!”

“Greetings, Holy Lord!”

Ao Qing and Geng Ning bowed respectfully to Zhen Yuanzi.

“Ao Qing Daoist, no need for such formality—let’s keep things as they were before. The ginseng fruits in my temple have just ripened; let’s have a tasting gathering!”

Zhen Yuanzi warmly helped them up and spoke.

Once inside the courtyard, Zhen Yuanzi instructed the temple attendants.

“Qing Feng, Ming Yue, quickly fetch some fruit from the back garden. I want to share it with our guests.”

Two youthful attendants promptly appeared.

“Yes, Lord.”

They took trays and golden tongs to the back garden.

Soon, they returned with several fruits, which they placed before the three.

“Holy Lord, we have come with a request.”

“Oh? What assistance do you seek?”

Zhen Yuanzi inquired with interest.

Ao Qing then explained how they had become the twelve Yuanchen Star Lords in the starry sky, entrusted with heavy duties by Emperor Wei Chen.

“Oh, this is a simple matter indeed.”

No sooner had Zhen Yuanzi spoken than he touched their foreheads lightly.

Countless pieces of information imprinted themselves onto their primordial spirits.

After further discourse over the fruit, they took their leave.

“Ao Qing Senior Brother, where shall we go next?”

Once they left Wuzhuang Temple, Geng Ning asked.

Ao Qing pondered briefly before replying.

“First, let’s visit the southern region. There is the Golden Rooster clan there. Though their temperament is fiery and they rarely involve themselves in primordial affairs, this is largely due to their relatively weak strength.”

“If that is so, why seek them out at all?”

“Did you not look through any information? Their clan has an elder whose strength has reached the Great Luo realm. The rest of the clan members are far weaker in comparison.”

Ao Qing sighed softly.

“Isn’t that what you’re here for, Ao Qing Senior Brother?”

“You say that, but how will you lead your White Tiger clan? You’ve already taken the position of deputy clan leader. I heard your old clan leader was about to pass on his position to you since you have been at Mount Buzhou so diligently.”

Ao Qing gazed at Geng Ning with a mix of frustration and concern.

“Stop talking about it! This matter has troubled me endlessly. I even had the clan leader pass it to Uncle Geng Ci, but he refuses!”

“Isn’t Geng Ci the Fifth Elder of the White Tiger clan? What else do you want from him? You better learn well; once you master your double and take over the Gong Cao Yuanchen, you will have to return to the White Tiger clan.”

Ao Qing advised Geng Ning.

Upon hearing this, Geng Ning grew despondent.

“When we reach the Golden Rooster clan, I suppose you’ll send me to negotiate?”

Ao Qing looked at Geng Ning and suddenly spoke.

Geng Ning was startled.

“No way! Please spare me, Ao Qing Senior Brother!”

“Enough, it’s settled!”

Seeing Ao Qing’s resolute attitude, Geng Ning had no choice but to agree.

In the southern continent, Golden Rooster clan:

“May I ask who you are?”

A Golden Rooster clanswoman hurried forward to question Geng Ning and Ao Qing.

Yet, upon sensing their immense auras, her whole body trembled uncontrollably.

“We come from the starry sky. We wish to consult with your clan elder.”

Under Ao Qing’s indication, Geng Ning stepped forward boldly.

“But—”

Before she could finish, a figure appeared before them.

“Ah Cai, you may step down now. We do not require your hospitality here.”

The newcomer waved dismissively at a young woman named Ah Cai, then cautiously turned to Ao Qing and Geng Ning.

“May I ask what brings you to our clan?”

He spoke with careful vigilance as he questioned them.