The Gold Star of Venus could be considered a senior figure among the deities of the Heavenly Court.

  While his cultivation was not particularly high, his vision was remarkably broad, and he was well aware of the reputation of Master Bodhi of Mount Fangcun.

  So, when he heard Xu Fang’s voice and entered the Cave of Three Stars, the Gold Star of Venus was further astonished!

  “I am Xu Fang. Why does the old immortal react this way?”

  Xu Fang felt a bit puzzled, unaware that this was the first time the Gold Star of Venus had met him.

  Knowing Master Bodhi, a prominent quasi-saint, he never expected that the master's disciple would also be so outstanding, radiating an aura as deep as the ocean, even showing signs of surpassing his master.

  From Xu Fang, the Gold Star could even sense a sharp and fierce killing intent!

  “Xu Fang, your cultivation aura is indeed impressive; I’m just a bit surprised,” the Gold Star of Venus said, and Xu Fang then realized his demeanor might have seemed a bit overbearing, so he quickly reined in his aura.

  At this moment, the Gold Star of Venus finally breathed a sigh of relief.

  There was no way around it; Xu Fang’s overwhelming presence had made him feel somewhat suffocated.

  “Immortal, I am here at the decree of the Jade Emperor, Heavenly Sovereign, to announce a message in Mount Fangcun!”

  Without caring that Xu Fang had not yet paid his respects, the Gold Star of Venus unfurled the Jade Emperor’s decree and proclaimed, “The Asura Clan has caused chaos in the mortal realm. Xu Fang, the immortal of Mount Fangcun, has made significant contributions in suppressing them. As a result, the Heavenly Dao has bestowed blessings and mighty divine authority upon you. Therefore, I hereby confer upon Xu Fang the title of Demon-Slaying Divine General, a position overseeing the monstrous evils of the heavens, as a righteous deity of the Heavenly Court!”

  “From this day forth, ascend to heaven and receive your title!”

  As he finished reading the decree, a broad smile spread across the Gold Star’s face. “Immortal… or rather, now I should call you General Xu. When will you return to the Heavenly Court with me to receive your title?”

  Seeing the old man smiling so broadly, Xu Fang couldn’t help but smile back, not wanting to act aloof. “You honor me too much, old immortal. Allow me to inform my master about this matter first, and then I will speak with you.”

  “Of course, of course.”

  The Gold Star of Venus nodded, chuckling, “I’m not just being polite. Your title as Demon-Slaying General is one of the righteous deities of the Heavenly Court, ranking alongside great figures such as Pagoda Bearer Devaraja Li Jing and Erlang Shen. I, the humble Gold Star of Venus, must naturally show respect to General Xu.”

  To be honest, the Gold Star of Venus envied Xu Fang greatly.

  He was entering the Heavenly Court, immediately receiving the title of Demon-Slaying General, alongside figures like Pagoda Bearer Devaraja Li Jing and Erlang Shen—truly a meteoric rise!

  Moreover, compared to those two, Xu Fang was even more outstanding; it was likely that he would become a new force rising in the Heavenly Court!

  After all, while Erlang Shen was also a celestial justice deity, he resided at Guanjiangkou most of the time, only responding to summons when he felt like it.

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  As for Pagoda Bearer Devaraja Li Jing, he was little more than a figurehead, with only Nezha as a capable subordinate, but their relationship was quite complicated.

  If any tasks arose in the future, it would likely fall upon Xu Fang to take action!

  Thus, the Gold Star of Venus was already subtly trying to curry favor.

  However, Xu Fang did not place much importance on the title of Demon-Slaying General.

  For him, a carefree life in the heavenly realm was his greatest pursuit. Joining the Heavenly Court was merely because Master Bodhi had mentioned that celestial generals could better obtain incense offerings and merits.

  Moreover, Xu Fang knew that a certain monkey would soon create chaos in the Heavenly Palace, and since he had a close relationship with Sun Wukong, he naturally wanted to support his junior brother in the future.

  This was also a reason Xu Fang was willing to go to the Heavenly Court.

  “If I hold great power and attain supreme strength, it could also pose a significant challenge to the Buddhist sect…”

  Thinking of this, a smile crept onto Xu Fang’s face.

  “General Xu, I will wait for you at the mountain gate,” the Gold Star of Venus said before turning to head towards the entrance of Mount Fangcun.

  Xu Fang took a deep breath and moved to the inner hall.

  “Well? Have you made your decision?” Master Bodhi asked casually.

  Xu Fang nodded and spoke earnestly, “Yes, Master. I have made up my mind to accept the position in the Heavenly Court and have come to bid farewell.”

  “Hmm.”

  Master Bodhi nodded slightly. “Disciple, since we have this master-disciple bond, I have two pieces of advice for you before you leave. Do not forget them.”

  “Disciple humbly requests your teachings!”

  Xu Fang knew that at such a moment, what Master Bodhi said would be of great importance.

  “The will of heaven is like a blade; the hearts of men are difficult to gauge!” Master Bodhi stated. “This parting might last a long time; take care of yourself, disciple. In the future, if you encounter your junior brother… it would be wise to lend him a hand if possible.”

  He could not speak too explicitly, but he knew that with his disciple's understanding, Xu Fang would grasp the meaning behind his words.

  Sure enough, Xu Fang raised his head, his eyes revealing a sense of understanding.

  It seemed that Master Bodhi shared a bond with Sun Wukong as well.

  “Yes, disciple will obey,” Xu Fang replied, feeling a surge of emotions.

  Since Master Bodhi mentioned that this parting might last a long time, it indicated that his master was about to withdraw from the forefront.

  “Master, please forgive me for not being able to serve you at your side in the future. I bow three times in respect!”

  With that, Xu Fang respectfully bowed three times to his master.

  “Take care of yourself and continue your cultivation.”

  “Yes.”

  ……

  Riding the clouds, Xu Fang left Mount Fangcun.

  As he traveled with the Gold Star of Venus towards his celestial appointment, he suddenly noticed tumultuous waves rising high above the Eastern Sea!

  “Could it be that monkey is starting to stir up trouble in the sea?”

  Xu Fang’s lips curled slightly, but he had no intention of seeking out Sun Wukong; it was not the right time for a reunion.

  After all, Sun Wukong’s rampage in the Eastern Sea to obtain the Ruyi Golden-Hooped Rod would mark the true beginning of the chaos in the Three Realms.

  Xu Fang had no desire to go down and take a look, and the Gold Star of Venus wouldn’t interfere either. They both continued their swift journey toward the Southern Heavenly Gate.

  Outside the Southern Heavenly Gate, numerous heavenly soldiers were stationed. When they spotted two clouds approaching from a distance, they hurried forward.

  “Greetings, Immortal… oh no, greetings, General Xu!”

  The guards at the Southern Heavenly Gate were the Four Generals of the Demon Clan. They had previously accompanied Li Jing to the mortal realm to subdue the chaotic Asura Clan, so they recognized Xu Fang.

  In the entire Heavenly Court, there were probably very few deities who were unaware that Xu Fang had been conferred the title of Demon-Slaying General.

  Xu Fang smiled graciously and cupped his hands to the Four Generals and the heavenly soldiers behind them. “Thank you, brothers, for your kind greetings.”

  After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Xu Fang and the Gold Star of Venus entered the Southern Heavenly Gate, heading directly towards the Hall of Divine Mists.

  The Hall of Divine Mists was grand and imposing, filled with a purple aura, ethereal and sacred.

  Inside the hall, radiant lights glimmered, and celestial beings lined the sides, with heavenly maidens in attendance.

  As Xu Fang stepped into the Hall of Divine Mists, all the celestial beings immediately bowed in unison, “We welcome the Demon-Slaying General to take his place among the celestial ranks! May your celestial blessings be eternal, and your freedom in the heavens everlasting!”

  It must be said, the deities in the Heavenly Court were quite enthusiastic. The anticipated display of arrogance and disdain did not occur.

  Among the celestial beings, Xu Fang also spotted two familiar faces.

  Erlang Shen Yang Jian!

  Goddess of Huashan Yang Chan!