Chapter 190: Two Jiang True Gods Arrive

The Earth God, being quite discerning, understood the implications of Ji Yuan's casual remarks. That is, assuming the immortal master was speaking the truth, as it was difficult to imagine such a claim wasn't mere boasting.

Furthermore, while mountain gods can also rotate and perish, it is generally understood that some attain the status of true mountain deities. This is certainly true in Dazhen, given it's not as vast as the entire world – a common consensus among divine beings.

However, the concept of a "Boundary Roaming God" was something rarely, if ever, witnessed for centuries. To be precise, no living one had ever truly been heard of; it seemed more like a legend within the divine realm.

Yet, here was an eminent immortal cultivator, suddenly telling a recently deceased soul, in the presence of the Earth God, that there was another path available: the chance to attempt becoming a Boundary Roaming God, or at least to embark on a cultivation path that could lead to such a state.

The Earth God felt as if his entire worldview had been shattered.

Perhaps sensing the Earth God's hesitation, Ji Yuan offered a further explanation.

"What you said, Earth God, is indeed correct," Ji Yuan clarified. "Legends state that one who becomes a Boundary Roaming God must possess a profound cosmic opportunity. The difficulty is undeniably immense, with the crucial and most challenging part being that very first step. Even the method I mentioned is exceedingly difficult to realize."

Ji Yuan recalled the concept envisioned by the author of the *Tongming Compendium*.

"To harness the power of a Principal Water Deity to transform extreme Yin into true Yang, the deity's cultivation must be formidable. More crucially, the amount of incense and wish power required is immeasurable. Even with just one such deity's assistance, it could severely deplete the divine path's vital energy, making it rare for any to be willing to lend their aid."

Fortunately, Ji Yuan was confident he could enlist at least two Principal Water Deities – specifically, the river gods of the first and second great rivers.

"In fact, the Principal Water Deities are secondary," Ji Yuan continued. "The truly rare element is Dr. Qin's inherent state, which would be difficult for me to explain to you."

At this point, Ji Yuan ceased his extensive explanations. The underworld messenger wouldn't comprehend, and the Earth God was still incredulous. His true audience, however, was Qin Zizhou, so he turned his gaze once more to Qin Zizhou's bewildered spirit.

"I trust, Dr. Qin, that you have heard my discussion with the Earth God," Ji Yuan addressed him. "This presents an opportunity to achieve the status of a Boundary Roaming God. While the possibility of failure is not insignificant, it is certainly worth attempting. Even if it doesn't succeed, there will be no harm to you, only benefits, and I guarantee your spiritual body will remain unharmed. If you agree, I will proceed to the Underworld of Desheng Prefecture to explain the circumstances."

"Of course," he added, "if Dr. Qin is content with the Underworld's arrangements and simply wishes to peacefully protect his descendants and receive their offerings, that option is also perfectly acceptable!"

Ji Yuan's statement effectively placed the choice in Qin Zizhou's hands. As for requesting the soul from the Desheng Prefecture Underworld, merely mentioning this possibility would astonish the entire Underworld. If confirmed to be true, no one would dare to refuse the release of the soul.

Qin Zizhou, usually so forthright in life, now appeared bewildered. Surrounded by ghosts and gods, and not even truly familiar with Ji Yuan, his "old acquaintance," he was suddenly faced with a strange yet profoundly important decision, leaving him feeling deeply anxious.

"Uh... this... I..."

Observing Qin Zizhou's obvious hesitation, the Earth God couldn't bear it. He stood outside, tightly gripping his short staff, as if contemplating whether to hit him awake.

However, the Earth God dared not overstep his bounds in Ji Yuan's presence. Ji Yuan's previous words, regardless of their veracity, had completely subdued him. The truth of the matter would become clear once they all went to the Desheng Prefecture Underworld.

"Master Qin! Master Qin!"

Unable to contain himself, the Earth God stepped inside, approached Qin Zizhou, and conveyed a message telepathically.

"Master Qin," the Earth God urged through divine transmission, "if you have any reservations, you can make your decision once we reach the Underworld. With the City God present, you won't need to worry about the truth or falsity of the matter. But you absolutely must not refuse at this moment! Even if there's just a slight possibility that this is real, it's an opportunity that all ghosts and gods across the world would envy. Should you miraculously succeed, you will be able to travel to all corners of the world in the future. You must not refuse!"

Qin Zizhou had visited the Deyuan County Earth God Temple numerous times during his lifetime. He felt far more familiar with this Earth God, who looked nearly identical to the temple's statue, than he did with Ji Yuan or the underworld messenger.

Hearing the Earth God's words, Qin Zizhou's mind settled considerably. He then cupped his hands towards Ji Yuan.

"Thank you for your kind intentions, Immortal Master," Qin Zizhou replied. "At this moment, my family is handling my funeral arrangements, and I am completely unacquainted with this matter. Would it be possible for me to give you my answer after I arrive in the Underworld?"

Ji Yuan nodded, acknowledging that he might have been a bit too hasty, and smiled at the Earth God.

"Please, Earth God, accompany Dr. Qin throughout this journey," Ji Yuan requested, "and explain the full implications of this matter to him. I shall depart now; we will meet again at the Desheng Prefecture Underworld!"

Having said this, Ji Yuan turned and walked out of the house.

"Uh, Immortal Master, where are you headed now?" the Earth God instinctively asked. Ji Yuan actually paused, turned his head, and replied,

"To invite the Principal Water Deities who are willing to assist, of course," he stated, "to avoid any inconvenience later."

Ji Yuan remained confident in Qin Zizhou's eventual decision. The elderly man had practiced medicine his entire life, earning the revered title of "Divine Physician"; he was no fool. How could he possibly refuse after grasping the profound significance of this opportunity?

With his answer given, Ji Yuan directly left the Qin family courtyard and disappeared into the distance.

Ji Yuan first rode the clouds directly to Tongtian River. For a matter that would significantly deplete divine incense and spiritual energy, a written message was unsuitable; a personal visit was necessary to extend the invitation.

Ji Yuan naturally intended to invite Ying Ruoli, the Dragon Maiden of Tongtian River, and Bai Qi, the River God of Chunmu River. Both were primarily aspiring to become true dragons, with the divine path merely serving as an auxiliary means. Thus, a greater expenditure of power would not deter them, and they were also amenable to being called upon.

After a full five hours of flight, from dawn until dusk, Ji Yuan finally reached Zhuangyuan Crossing once more. However, at this hour, the area was not particularly bustling.

The river's waves shimmered, reflecting the moonlight. Ji Yuan, now skilled in many water manipulation techniques, walked directly into the river. He used water control to travel downstream towards the River God's aquatic mansion. A moment later, he stopped outside the mansion's protective barrier, where several river-patrolling yakshas, armed with steel spears, blocked his path.

"Who goes there?"

Ji Yuan employed a water-repelling spell, preventing his clothes and long hair from swaying with the current. Even if the yakshas couldn't discern his true nature, they knew he was not an aquatic being.

Ji Yuan cupped his hands and stated truthfully, "Please inform the River Goddess that Ji Yuan is here with a request."

"Ji Yuan?"

"Ji Yuan!"

"Immortal Master Ji!?" the yakshas exclaimed in surprise. The yakshas exchanged astonished glances, scrutinizing the newcomer.

"It is indeed I, Ji," he confirmed. "I doubt anyone would dare utter such a falsehood here, would they?"

Ji Yuan's light jest caused the yakshas to jolt. They quickly put away their steel tridents and bowed respectfully.

"Immortal Master Ji, please come in quickly! I shall inform the River Goddess immediately!"

The yakshas ushered Ji Yuan past the water mansion's barrier, while one swiftly swam off, heading directly for the main hall of the aquatic palace.

Inside the main hall, the Old Dragon was currently enjoying wine and watching a dance. The Dragon Prince was absent, having apparently wandered off somewhere, while the Dragon Maiden was in another palace, deep in meditation.

Although Ji Yuan had specifically requested the Dragon Maiden, the yaksha's priority was naturally to report to the Dragon Lord. Thus, with a drawn-out cry, he burst into the main hall without hesitation.

"Report... reporting, Dragon Lord! Immortal Master Ji is outside the aquatic mansion; he says he's here to seek the River Goddess's assistance!"

All the surrounding dancers immediately ceased, and the Old Dragon, still holding his wine cup, rose to his feet.

"Mr. Ji is here! He's looking for Ruoli? Not me?"

"Reporting back, Dragon Lord, Immortal Master Ji explicitly stated he came to see the River Goddess."

The Old Dragon paused, surprised, then waved for all the dancers to withdraw, and addressed the yaksha.

"Go and fetch Ruoli," he instructed, "and I shall go outside to greet Mr. Ji!"

"Understood!"

Setting down his wine cup, the Old Dragon mumbled to himself as he strode out of the hall.

"He's not here for me, after all?"

A short while later, in the same main hall, the Dragon Maiden, Ji Yuan, and the Dragon Lord were all seated. Ji Yuan had already given a brief explanation of the situation.

At this moment, the Old Dragon appeared even more agitated than his own daughter, who was the primary subject of discussion.

"Mr. Ji, you actually intend to officially grant the title of a Boundary Roaming God? Fascinating, truly fascinating! I have never witnessed such a thing in my entire life!"

"Old Master Ying," Ji Yuan replied, "the term 'officially grant' is too strong. My purpose this time is merely to test whether the path of a Boundary Roaming God is truly feasible."

"Officially granting a title" implied an immediate, complete success, a designation Ji Yuan felt he did not merit.

"Ah, it's close enough, close enough! Come on, let's go, let's depart immediately!"

The Old Dragon could no longer sit still, appearing even more impatient than Ji Yuan.

"But what about the River Goddess?"

The Old Dragon glanced at his daughter.

"What objections could she possibly have?" he scoffed. "After having her dragon heart enlightened, would she begrudge a century or two of incense offerings?"

Seeing her father's demeanor, the Dragon Maiden covered her mouth with her sleeve and chuckled softly, then rose to her feet.

"I shall naturally follow Uncle Ji's instructions!"

The trio swiftly departed the aquatic mansion, with the Old Dragon directly taking on the responsibility of cloud travel, whisking Ji Yuan and the Dragon Maiden towards Chunhui Prefecture.

Inviting the River God of Chunhui Prefecture proved even simpler. Ji Yuan stood outside the River God Temple and extended an invitation with his Daoist voice. The White Flood Dragon, dozing within, immediately heard the summons and rushed forth.

Upon hearing Ji Yuan's request, he was utterly delighted, as if he himself were about to become a Boundary Roaming God. He had, in fact, been looking for an opportunity to impress Ji Yuan.

As they rode the clouds towards Desheng Prefecture, Ji Yuan and the Dragon Maiden remained relatively composed atop the clouds, while the Old Dragon and Bai Qi chatted enthusiastically, clearly in high spirits.

'Truly, strange things happen every year, but this year has been exceptionally abundant...'

Even knowing the reason, Ji Yuan couldn't help but feel a mix of amusement and exasperation.

Due to the hot weather, the body could not be kept for long. The Qin family held the funeral a day later, but Qin Zizhou, accompanied by the underworld messenger, had already reached the Desheng Prefecture Underworld earlier that evening. The Earth God naturally accompanied them.

As expected, news of the matter caused a significant stir throughout the Desheng Prefecture Underworld. The process of the City God and the various departmental deities understanding the situation gradually made Qin Zizhou realize just how rare this opportunity truly was.

Approximately on the evening of the second day, outside the Desheng Prefecture City God Temple, the underworld messengers guarding the entrance to the netherworld, the Gate of Ghosts, were nearly shaken out of their spiritual forms. After reporting back, the Prefectural City God, along with the heads of various departments, went to the Gate of Ghosts to greet the arrivals.

The Principal God of Tongtian River, Dazhen's largest river, arrived personally, as did the Principal God of Chunmu River, Dazhen's second largest river. Even the legendary Dragon Lord was present. The divine radiance of the water deities illuminated half the sky outside the City God Temple.

Standing alongside them, Ji Yuan was naturally cast in an even more extraordinary light. No one had any lingering doubts about the veracity of his words.