Volume One, Chapter Twenty-Three: The Lord's Grandeur and the Uninvited Guest

Chapter Twenty-Three: The Splendor of the Lord and Unexpected Guests

Today was destined to be the most watched day atop Mount Sumeru.

Today, the court would convene to try the case between Hu Lu Zhi Na, the Heavenly Son of the Celestial Craftsmen Pavilion, and Heavenly Son Tu Zhe, regarding their dispute and brawl. Such an event had not occurred in centuries.

On Mount Sumeru, whether minor celestial kings, heavenly sons, celestial beings, accomplished dragons, elephants, golden-winged birds, night spirits, or the various asuras who had chosen to reside there, all hurried from every direction toward the Hall of Virtuous Law at the center of the City of Good Vision. Of course, most of them were unqualified to stand upon the exquisite, soft azure-glass floor of the Hall of Virtuous Law. But they could watch and listen from farther out in the void, couldn’t they? A live broadcast—worth anticipating.

Naturally, such an occasion was unsuitable for celestial queens or maidens to attend in person, lest it seem too frivolous. Yet that didn’t mean they weren’t interested. Indeed, groups and clusters crowded the balconies and pavilions of their respective minor celestial kings’ palaces, hiding within veils of mist, peering out with supernatural vision, their chatter continuous and lively. The palaces of the minor celestial kings were all close to the Hall of Virtuous Law—how could the celestial queens and maidens not hear or see every detail? And so, amidst the mist, voices like warbling birds, tinkling ornaments, glimpses of colorful sleeves and the shimmering shadows of garlands, created a scene of bustling merriment.

Tu Zhe, holding his dog, together with Qin Lei, Shou Tuo Luo, and the brothers of the Jin family, set out from the Hazardous Shore Heaven, flying toward the Hall of Virtuous Law.

On the way, they naturally encountered many others heading to the same place, and their group became the subject of much discussion.

“Big brother, isn’t that the son of the Jin Minor Celestial King? Those two brothers are bold indeed, daring to confront the Eight Heavenly Sons...”

“Hmmph, they’re not old, but their courage is oversized—reckless, the son of an outsider. They call him Heavenly Son, but that’s just a title. Who actually takes him seriously?”

“Well, you can say that, but at least you and I wouldn’t have such courage. No matter if he wins or loses, you’ve got to admire him. When the commoners get angry, blood flows five steps—besides, he is a Heavenly Son, after all, right?”

“Angry over nothing. Does he think his father is Li Gang or something? Tch—”

“Hm? Big brother, who is this Li Gang you mention? Someone impressive?”

“You don’t know Li Gang? You might as well be dead...”

...

Tu Zhe remained calm and unbothered by the discussions trailing them. Looking out, he saw the vastness and grandeur of the City of Good Vision—a majestic expanse sixty thousand yojanas in length and breadth. What did that mean? The Earth’s diameter in his previous life was barely over twelve thousand kilometers, its circumference only forty thousand. Sixty thousand yojanas, with each yojana about eleven or twelve kilometers, meant six to seven hundred thousand kilometers. My god, just this inner city dwarfed Earth many times over. How could anyone live here?

And those city walls—four hundred yojanas high, fifty yojanas thick. Even if an atomic bomb struck, it would be as insignificant as a fly biting an elephant.

Tsk—

And those walls weren’t just single-layered; there were seven layers of walls, seven layers of railings, seven layers of netted bells, and, on the outermost, seven rows of Torar trees. Torar trees! The legendary seven-jewel magical trees, planted as roadside trees here?

The city gates were colossal, unlike any ordinary gate—thirty yojanas high and ten yojanas wide. Over three hundred kilometers high and a hundred kilometers wide—who could imagine such doors?

Never seen such gates? Outdated, aren’t you? Even Tu Zhe himself felt outdated. Back when he entered the Forbidden City, he was so excited; now he realized he was a real country bumpkin.

And these gates weren’t singular—there were eleven such gates. It was said that Mount Sumeru’s city had a thousand gates, and even this inner city possessed eleven. Each gate was flanked by five hundred night spirit soldiers, arrayed in strict formation, banners fluttering, blades and spears gleaming in the sunlight. Though not quite a three-hundred-mile snow-glint of blades or a thousand-fold cloud-shadow of flags, the display was formidable, full of murderous energy. If anyone thought themselves bold, they’d better wash their neck and prepare for a real test.

Each of the eleven gates had towers, battlements, pavilions, pools, flower trees—exotic trees each bearing unique flowers, fruits, and fragrances. The scent of fruit pervaded the air, enticing all who passed. Tu Zhe wondered what wonders these fruit trees held—how did they compare to the Queen Mother’s peaches or Zhen Yuanzi’s ginseng fruit? Was merely smelling them enough to ward off all disease? Would a bite grant near-immortality?

Amidst birdsong, Tu Zhe and his companions entered the City of Good Vision, soon reaching the Hall of Virtuous Law.

Tu Zhe’s eyes were already growing numb to the beauty—seven rows of Torar trees, seven layers of railings, netted bells, all manner of treasures forged from seven jewels. He barely glanced at them. In short, the words: extravagant beyond measure.

Those corrupt officials of his previous life—could they ever compare? They were mere miserable ants.

He himself had once been less than an ant.

Raising his eyes, he saw a lone figure standing upon the balcony of the Palace of Indra.

That figure’s silhouette was graceful, adorned in jewels, her dark hair cascading like a waterfall, her robes rippling with light, her form tall and exquisite, her beautiful eyes gazing into the distance, filled with concealed sorrow.

Tu Zhe’s literary sensibilities stirred. That was his elder sister—the most beautiful woman in all three realms. It would be remiss not to praise her.

He took out the spatial treasure of the Bentali flower gifted by Yue Yi, and whispered to the flower’s hidden divine markings, “Sister, what are you doing?”

Yue Yi seemed startled, then smiled—a smile that made all flowers bloom and birds lose their souls. Her gentle voice sounded in Tu Zhe’s ear:

“Brother, I see you. Be careful today—the trial will not be smooth. Your sister will be watching...”

“Don’t worry, sis. I think I can handle it. Seeing you admiring the scenery inspired a couplet—let me share it with you.”

“A poem? You have the mood for that?”

“Hehe, just trying to make you smile. Listen—hmm, ahem...

You stand upstairs gazing at the scenery,
Those within the scenery gaze at you...

...”

Yue Yi’s body trembled imperceptibly for an instant. Something soft within her heart was struck by worry, leaving her momentarily dazed.

You stand upstairs gazing at the scenery,
Those within the scenery gaze at you...

...

Yue Yi repeated the lines silently in her heart, her eyes growing hollow, her soul drifting away.

Meanwhile, the seating in the Hall of Virtuous Law’s forum had been arranged, and the desks and chairs for the Court of Discipline were set.

At the center of the square stood a colossal pillar, twenty yojanas tall, forged of seven jewels, engraved with images of celestial beings, dragons, elephants, sky eagles, peacocks, night spirits, asuras, and myriad sacred birds, fish, and beasts. Hundreds of radiant lights gleamed from it, illuminating the heavens with dazzling brilliance.

Beneath the pillar was the Lord Indra’s throne, one yojana high and half a yojana wide, made from gold, silver, lapis, crystal, red pearls, shell, agate, and other seven jewels, with colors intermingling and treasure-light shining. Though made of seven jewels, the seat felt soft and delicate, like the feathered robes of the magical bird Kajalindi—said in ancient texts to be the best material for clothing, akin to the famed feathered garments of old.

On either side of Indra’s throne were sixteen slightly lower seats for the minor celestial kings of the Thirty-Two Heavens, likewise made of seven jewels and equally soft to the touch.

Opposite the thrones, about thirty yojanas away, was a long table one yojana long, half a yojana high and wide, also made of seven jewels.

At the center behind the table stood a high-backed chair, equal in height to the minor celestial kings’ seats, flanked by six slightly lower chairs on each side. Upon the table lay palm-leaf treasure scrolls, exuding dignity and divine radiance. These were the highest laws of the Heaven of Rili—the Code of Hammurabi.

By now, the multitudes who had come to observe the trial were stationed at various points in the void, a million patrolling night spirits arrayed to keep the tens of millions of spectators at bay, forbidding anyone from crossing into the airspace above the Hall of Virtuous Law.

The celestial drums thundered seven times. Then came a great cloud, upon which stood a hundred-zhang tall angel of the Kinnara tribe, proclaiming:

“By decree of Indra, Lord of Heaven: Today, a tribunal will be formed by the ten elders of the Court of Discipline, with Zhuan Chi Yuan Bei Gao, head of the Judicial Division, as chief judge; Chao Jia Mo Zhu, head of the Enforcement Division, and Bo Fan Wu Shou, head of the Oversight Division, forming the tribunal, to openly try the case of Hu Lu Zhi Na and Tu Zhe, among others, for their brawl outside the Celestial Craftsmen Pavilion. Please now, elders and tribunal members, take your seats.”

Thirteen entered in single file and took their seats. The eagle-eyed, wolf-headed one sat at the highest central seat—the chief judge, Zhuan Chi Yuan Bei Gao.

The Kinnara angel spoke again, “Now, Indra and the minor celestial kings will take their seats as the jury for this case. The jury will not interfere with the proceedings or content of the trial, and will fully respect the tribunal’s impartial judgment.”

Petals blossomed and fell, music of the heavens resounded, and Indra appeared in person, leading over a dozen minor celestial kings, resplendent in authority and jewels, each taking their seat.

Indra held his vajra, his expression dignified and serene.

This entrance sparked a storm of whispered discussion. Why only a dozen minor celestial kings? Where were the others?

Speculations flew, the scene grew chaotic.

Then the drums sounded again, and the angel announced:

“Several minor celestial kings are absent due to colds, thus their seats remain vacant.”

Really?

Couldn’t they find a less unbelievable excuse?

Through the ages, across billions of years, there had been celestial kings who died of old age, celestial kings slain—but when had anyone heard of a celestial king dying of illness?

Celestial beings catching colds? Had they drunk too much heavenly wine?

Those privy to the truth whispered, “Stop your nonsense. Can’t you tell? With your brains, calling yourself celestial—you’re the dumbest egg I’ve ever seen. You think the minor celestial kings catch colds for no reason? Let me tell you, it’s like this, you understand?”

“Ah? So it’s really... colds are terrifying, huh...”

“Hey, watch your mouth! If someone hears you, you’ll bring trouble to your family, understand?”

...

Chief Judge Zhuan Chi Yuan Bei Gao struck the gavel, declaring with authority:

“Now, I announce the court discipline: First, this is an open trial. Spectators may not approach within fifty yojanas of the courtroom; no loud noise; no discussion; no whistling or throwing shoes, fruit peels, etc., at the judges—violators will be executed on the spot.

...”

He had just finished this announcement when, from ten thousand miles away, two bursts of laughter rang out:

“Such a grand event in the Heaven of Rili—Yama, Lord of Yama Heaven, and Maha Freedom, Lord Ma Bo Xun, have come to join the excitement. Lord of Rili, you won’t mind us crashing the party, will you? Ha ha—”

The voices sounded from far away, but in a flash, they appeared in the Hall of Virtuous Law.

Indra sprang to his feet, his expression transformed, and called out loudly:

“It is my wish, though I dare not ask for it! The presence of you two distinguished guests—please forgive my shortcomings—”