Before the expedition.

In the Water Mansion, a golden light flashed and appeared before Lu Qingfeng. The golden light dispersed, revealing a young man in brocade robes, with a stern face that sent a chill down one's spine.

Lu Xiao and Lu Yao were seeing their father off to battle.

Upon seeing the arrival, they were momentarily astonished—

"Who is this?!"

They had never seen this person before, and the Tianpeng Water Mansion was not a place where just anyone could enter.

A Divine General blocked the way in front of Lu Qingfeng and shouted at the young man, "Who goes there, daring to be impolite?"

"This is a disciple of mine."

Lu Qingfeng waved his hand, signaling the Divine General to step down, and looked at the young man in brocade robes with a smile.

"Disciple?"

"Father sure has many disciples!"

Lu Yao looked at the young man in brocade robes and thought to herself.

Her father would occasionally take on a few new disciples, and then a few more disciples, she had long been accustomed to it, having even joked in private, calling her father a 'disciple fanatic.' She thought that upon arriving at Tianhe, she had recognized all of her father's disciples, yet another unfamiliar face appeared.

The young man, unaware of Lu Yao's thoughts, came before Lu Qingfeng and respectfully bowed, saying, "Disciple Six-winged, pays respect to Teacher!"

"Good."

"Very good."

"Refining the Ice Heart, fearless of heaven collapsing. Now achieving Heavenly Immortal status, it can be said the hardship has reached a sweet end."

Lu Qingfeng looked at Six-winged, nodding continuously.

He was pleased as well.

This disciple of his had endured suffering no less than the eldest disciple, Wang Li. Ever since being found in the Nine Nether, he had been calmly cultivating the 'Ice Heart Technique,' refining the malice and desire for slaughter in his heart. Lu Qingfeng traveled back to the Black Star Realm, then to the Nanhua Realm, returned to the Immortal Qin Realm, and finally to Tianhe. Throughout this journey, only Six-winged followed him all the way, persistently cultivating within his sleeve.

Listening to multiple teachings.

Until arriving at Tianhe.

Lu Qingfeng released him, and with the power of the Star Battle, at the time his 'Ice Heart Technique' achieved Great Success, Six-winged naturally attained Heavenly Immortal status. He became the third Heavenly Immortal under Lu Qingfeng's tutelage, after Xuan Ningzi and Xuan Yuzi.

"Just right."

"As your teacher, I am about to go suppress the Evil Jiao and quell the flood. Since you have achieved the Dao, I appoint you as 'West Road Straight Moon General,' to accompany me in battle."

Lu Qingfeng took out the General Seal and armor, bestowing them upon him.

Six-winged transformed into the West Road Straight Moon General.

...

Tianhe.

The army set forth, its momentum overwhelming.

Lu Qingfeng, as Marshal of the Heavenly Canopy, sat in the midst of the formation.

On his side, there were follower children riding Kui dragons, commanding the Heavenly Gang Saint, Nine Heavens Slaughter General, and nineteen other Tianhe Admirals.

There were also the two envoys, Flying Eagle and Running Dog, Wuyi God King, War God King, Deaf Soldier Dumb General, Black Kill Abyss, three million soldiers, Seventy-two Continent Great Heavenly Generals, Infinite Heavenly Immortal Soldiers, all amidst the splendid purple clouds and flames.

Driving clouds, commanding lightning.

Warships rampaging.

Sailing straight to the Western Realm.

The disaster caused by the Evil Jiao lay at the border between Tianhe's Western Realm and Northern Realm.

This place had endured several calamities and repeated battles, long since reduced to ruin. Countless ages had passed without restoration of Yuan Qi. Thus, it became a buffer zone between the Tianhe Water Army and the Buddhist Water Army, with neither side addressing it.

Due to fragmented islands and continents scattered like stars, it was thus also called the 'Little Galaxy.'

However.

In recent years.

Taking advantage of Tianhe being without a master, the Buddhist side has gradually pushed northward, like slowly boiling a frog, encroaching. Bestowing grace and promoting Buddhism on various Tianhe continents and islands, they have already occupied most of the 'Little Galaxy,' with a tendency to sweep over Tianhe.

The location of the Evil Jiao.

Happened to be the region not yet touched by Buddhism.

When the Tianhe army arrived, there were already tens of thousands of Buddha Soldiers arranged here, encircling hundreds of islands and more than ten continents like an iron bucket, impervious to water, impenetrable by flies.

Rumble!

Swish!

A fierce battle raged inside.

Golden light and black light intertwined, sounds of battle unceasing.

Behind Lu Qingfeng, on both sides, stood one person each, the one on the left had a bird's head and human body, bore wings, with sinister and bright eyes, scanning the surroundings; the one on the right had a dog's face and human body, slightly hunched, its nose twitching occasionally, its mouth slightly open, revealing sharp teeth in two rows.

These two were the Tianhe Water Army, under Tianpeng's command, the two envoys for scouting enemy situations and relaying information, Flying Eagle and Running Dog.

Both possessed Divine Skills.

Seeing the Flying Eagle Envoy step forward, his voice sinister, he reported: "Reporting to the Marshal, Namo Eight Divisions Heavenly Dragons' Wide Power Bodhisattva is currently engaged in combat with the Evil Jiao, evenly matched."

The Running Dog Envoy also stepped forward, saying: "The Evil Jiao is fierce, commanding three hundred thousand Tianhe water beasts, each excessively fierce and powerful, fearing that Namo Eight Divisions Heavenly Dragons' Wide Power Bodhisattva is no match for them, requesting Marshal's swift assistance."

"It should be so!"

Lu Qingfeng's expression turned solemn, he shouted sternly: "Where is the Long Skull Giant Beast General?!"

As the words fell.

"Present, sir!"

Immediately a general stood out, seen to be human-faced with a bird beak, having a horn on its head, holding a bell, with dragon feet, imposing and extraordinary, precisely the third-ranked Tianhe Admiral, 'Long Skull Giant Beast General.'

"Guangli Bodhisattva is unable to match the Evil Jiao."

"General, lead ten thousand navy troops, swiftly go to execute the Evil Jiao!"

Lu Qingfeng issued orders.

Long Skull Giant Beast General received the order, immediately leading ten thousand navy troops to assist.

Upon reaching the outer area.

Buddha Soldiers blocked the path.

Long Skull Giant Beast General's eyes widened, angrily shouting: "I am the Tianhe Admiral 'Long Skull Giant Beast General,' under Marshal Tianpeng's command, here to execute the Evil Jiao, who are you, how dare you block me?!"

A single shout.

Straightway stunning the Buddha Soldiers' leader, and upon seeing the mighty three hundred thousand Tianhe navy troops, daunting, refrained from being obstinate, hastily cleared the road, allowing Long Skull Giant Beast General and ten thousand navy troops to enter the battlefield.

In the midst of Tianhe.

Respected with Tianpeng True Monarch as the supreme, commanding Tianhe, known as 'Marshal.' Underneath are three Vice Marshals of Tianhe, respectively, 'Heavenly Gang Saint,' 'General of the Unified Qi,' and 'Thunder Killing General,' and further below are thirty-six Admirals.

All are Golden Immortal figures.

But as Tianhe evolved, navigating several tribulations.

The deputy marshal and the generals come and go as they please, some just filling the ranks. To this day, only five remain: Heavenly Gang Saint, Heavenly Gang Saint, Nine Heavens Slaughter General, Gao Diaobei Weng God General, Long Skull Giant Beast General, and Mighty Sword God King General. They are all of the Golden Immortal Dao level.

The rest are either vacant or of Heavenly Immortal Dao level.

Not fit to be seen.

This 'Long Skull Giant Beast General' is one such Golden Immortal, who attained Dao within the Tianhe, his years uncountable, not one to be underestimated.

However.

Even after entering, he has been unable to gain victory for a long time.

"The Evil Flood Dragon stands evenly against two, Long Skull Giant Beast General requests the Marshal for reinforcements!"

A messenger quickly runs out from the battlefield to report to Lu Qingfeng.

"Such a formidable Evil Flood Dragon."

Upon hearing, Lu Qingfeng showed anger on his face and shouted, "Where are Gao Diaobei Weng God General and Mighty Sword God King General?!"

"At your command!"

The two generals stepped forward.

One wrapped in mysterious cloth, clad in a black robe with large sleeves, holding a Golden Bell in the left hand and a Jade Hammer in the right.

Another clad in a green outfit with large sleeves and a forecasting cap, exhaling blue Qi, wielding a sword in the left hand and a tablet in the right.

Both were mighty and imposing.

Lu Qingfeng commanded, "You two, each lead ten thousand troops from north and south to assail the Evil Flood Dragon, ensure its extermination!"

"Understood!"

The two generals obeyed.

Each rallied soldiers and charged forward.

A chaotic battle ensued.

Finally, a winner emerged.

Buddha Soldiers and Heavenly Soldiers separated.

On the Heavenly Soldiers' side, with not much loss among thirty thousand troops, three Tianhe Admirals stood at the front, having gone through a fierce struggle.

Whereas on the Buddha Soldiers' side.

Standing in front was a general donned in kasaya over white armor, appearing stalwart. Behind him were several Tiger Generals, their aura no less formidable than the three Tianhe Admirals on this side. Clearly, they too are of the Golden Immortal class.

In the hand of one, an Immortal Rope binds a black, fierce, injured Evil Flood Dragon, visibly harmed in battle moments earlier.

Now captured, yet defiant, it still struggles and roars, seeking to wreak havoc.

Lu Qingfeng led the crowd forward.

Gao Diaobei Weng God General and other three Tianhe Admirals approached, with faces full of shame, saying, "We lacked the ability and failed to slay the Evil Flood Dragon."

"No matter."

Lu Qingfeng waved his hand, looking towards the general in kasaya over white armor, loudly said, "The Evil Flood Dragon causes calamity, drowning ten continents. The Great Venerable mandates me as the Marshal to capture it. I request Guangli Bodhisattva to make it convenient by handing over the Evil Flood Dragon, so I may take it to the Demon-Slaying Platform!"

The white-armored general.

None other than the western 'Namo Eight Divisions Heavenly Dragons' Wide Power Bodhisattva', who looked at Lu Qingfeng and laughed loudly, "So, it is Marshal Tianpeng. The Evil Flood Dragon, a mischief-maker, is destined for Buddhist conversion. Let it lay down arms and seek refuge in Buddha, sparing the Marshal further efforts."

"This Marshal governs Tianhe, the calamity of the Evil Flood Dragon, how does it require Buddhist conversion?"

Lu Qingfeng's face turned stern, looking at Guangli Bodhisattva, "Does Bodhisattva intend to insult this Marshal?!"

"Marshal exaggerates."

"This humble monk harbors no such intent."

Guangli Bodhisattva smiled broadly, verbally denying but seemingly holding little regard for the newly appointed Tianpeng.

"What audacity from the Jade Dragon Third Prince."

"Dare to defy heavenly law, humiliating this Marshal!"

Lu Qingfeng was furious and refused more words, shouting, "Where is Heavenly Gang Saint? Quickly take down the Evil Flood Dragon and request the Great Venerable's judgment."

"Marshal."

"Guangli Bodhisattva is compassionate, since the Evil Flood Dragon is already captured by the Bodhisattva, why not let the Buddhist sect handle it."

Heavenly Gang Saint sat in Tianhe for long, aware of the Buddhist sect's might, and having dealt with Guangli Bodhisattva multiple times, naturally reluctant to engage.

"Heavenly Gang Saint!"

Lu Qingfeng turned his head to the only remaining deputy marshal in Tianhe.

His body nine zhang tall, robed in simple silk, long hair flowing, left hand pinching a technique with a forked waist, right hand holding a sword, barefoot and steady, his face purple, three-eyed looking formidable.

It's said.

This Heavenly Gang Saint was formed from a strand of Heavenly Gang Qi from the Heavenly Gang Star, dropped into Tianhe, cultivated and achieved Dao, thus ordained as 'Heavenly Gang Saint', leading the three deputy marshals in Tianhe.

Boundless Mana.

Vast Divine Skills.

Unexpectedly, also a bluff.

"Heavenly Gang Saint."

"Are you disobeying orders?!"

Lu Qingfeng's eyes glistened with cold light, glaring at Heavenly Gang Saint.

Heavenly Gang Saint felt compelled to obey, "I do not dare."

Then he surged forward, apologizing to Guangli Bodhisattva with a phrase, 'offense'. His middle eye radiated light illuminating the world, two gases emerged from his crown, one blue, one white, they further released blue-red gas, spreading like silk across the heavens and earth.

Heavenly Gang densely surrounded.

He began his attack!

"Impressive!"

Yet, Guangli Bodhisattva's back saw a general rush forward. Shaking and swaying, revealing the Vajra Body, with Buddha Light shining, also nine zhang high. Armed on each arm, entangled with Heavenly Gang Saint.

Intractable.

It seemed victory would take time.

Guangli Bodhisattva watching, barely suppressing a smug smile.

"Humph!"

Lu Qingfeng snorted softly, seeing Heavenly Gang Saint reluctantly fight but holding back, unwilling to exert full strength.

For the time being, no pursuit.

In his hand appeared the green bamboo staff, looking at Guangli Bodhisattva, "It seems we must have a contest with Bodhisattva."

"Awaiting the Marshal's prowess."

Guangli Bodhisattva showed no fear.

Holding a sword, standing proudly.