Divine Messenger

The governance of the Hidden Forest Mountain was exceedingly strict; even within their own caves, the creatures could not wander freely. “Chu… you must be careful,” King Cat whispered nervously to Chu Liang.

They found themselves within a vast stone cavern, carved out from the mountain’s heart. Despite the expansive space, after the wedding venue and countless guests had been accommodated, it still could not contain all the monsters. The weaker little spirits had to hold their feasts outside.

Monsters of the East Mountain Cat Tribe, given their modest strength, should by rights be relegated to the downstream ditch at the mountain’s base. It was only by virtue of being kin to the bride’s family that they managed to secure a small, exclusive area within the cave.

Surrounded by powerful monsters whom they usually revered, King Cat’s anxiety was palpable, for he knew his party harbored someone intent on causing trouble today.

“I’ll play it by ear,” Chu Liang replied, sheepishly disguised as a sheep, curiously surveying his surroundings. “Don’t be so tense. You look guilty. Relax a little.”

“Oh, alright…” King Cat nodded, then began loosening his belt.

“Hey, hey, brother.” Chu Liang grabbed him. “Relaxing and being uninhibited are not the same thing…”

“No, I just want to take out the gift for King Tiger,” King Cat explained.

After fumbling for a while, he produced a pearl of moderate quality, roughly the size of an egg, and certainly quite valuable. Given the East Mountain Cat Tribe’s meager circumstances, offering such a jewel was no small feat—it was likely a treasured heirloom. No wonder King Cat looked pained, turning to the other young cat spirits he’d brought and instructing, “Eat as much as you can later, get your money’s worth! If you can’t finish it, take it with you. Don’t leave anything behind!”

Other guests had all brought generous gifts. Though most mountain monsters were not wealthy, those present were local notables and managed not to appear too shabby.

Nearby, an elderly fox spirit wearing a small cap acted as the master of ceremonies, recording each gift and announcing them aloud: pearls, jade, coral, agate—there was no shortage of precious items. Chu Liang realized for the first time that monsters also regarded the refined artifacts of the human world as treasures.

King Tiger, having returned with his bride, went to the rear hall of the cavern to change clothes.

When Chu Liang first saw King Tiger, he felt the Blade of Justice, left behind in the White Tower, stir restlessly. It was as if the righteous sword had finally sensed the blood-soaked evil it longed to vanquish—a desire to strike down the notorious villain.

Clearly, King Tiger was a notorious wrongdoer, which only bolstered Chu Liang’s confidence in his plan for the day.

As the venue buzzed with lively chatter, suddenly a cry rang out from the cave entrance: “The Divine Envoy is here—”

Abruptly, the entire cavern fell silent. In an instant, not a single sound could be heard; every monster turned to the doorway.

There, a tall figure draped in a black cloak and wearing a bronze mask had appeared.

“Who is that?” Chu Liang whispered.

“No idea,” King Cat shook his head.

“Then why did you suddenly stop talking?” Chu Liang wondered.

“Everyone else stopped, so I got scared too,” King Cat admitted plainly.

Chu Liang was reminded of those moments in school when a frightening face appeared at the classroom window; once one talking person fell silent, the rest quickly followed, often without knowing what had happened.

The so-called Divine Envoy strode quickly inside, followed by four little spirits carrying a long object, covered with red silk and adorned with a large red flower—its nature concealed.

“Ah! Divine Envoy, such an esteemed guest! I did not greet you from afar, please forgive me!” King Tiger hurried out, his demeanor respectful, utterly lacking the arrogance he’d displayed before.

“No need for formalities, King Tiger,” the Divine Envoy replied, his voice steady and calm, offering a faint smile. “I heard of your wedding today and brought you a special gift. Come!”

With a wave, the little spirits removed the red silk.

A collective gasp swept through the crowd as the object was revealed: a great halberd, shimmering with dark golden light, ancient and weighty, its blade cold and sharp, imbued with an indescribable aura.

“Wow—” the monsters exclaimed.

Any creature with even a hint of discernment could tell this was a formidable weapon—an ancient divine armament!

King Tiger’s eyes gleamed. “This is a divine weapon…”

“Indeed. It is called the Mountain-River Halberd, ranked one hundred and forty in the human world’s Treasure Record.” The Divine Envoy smiled. “King Tiger, as a hero of this era, deserves such a weapon to command the world!”

Mountain-River Halberd?

Chu Liang realized at once why it seemed familiar; he’d seen it listed in the Treasure Record of the human world. He distinctly remembered it belonged to the Heavenly Gang Sect, one of the Nine Heavens.

Yet here the Divine Envoy had managed to snatch this divine weapon from their grasp?

What mysterious origins did he have?

“How did you acquire such a divine weapon?” King Tiger, aware of its power, caressed the halberd’s shaft, unable to part with it.

“Haha, it was pure chance. On the way here, I encountered a talented human cultivator—skilled, but not too clever. With a little trickery, I took his weapon. Seeing its value, I thought it perfect as a gift for King Tiger,” the Divine Envoy replied.

“Excellent! Thank you, Divine Envoy!” King Tiger flexed his arm, lifting the Mountain-River Halberd single-handedly and swinging it twice.

The air thundered as the cold gleam swept through, sending chills down the spines of every monster present.

Bang!

King Tiger, thoroughly satisfied, stood the halberd upright, its presence commanding wind and thunder—a true testament to the power of an ancient divine weapon.

“Since we have this opportunity, perhaps we should announce that news as well?” King Tiger asked the Divine Envoy.

“Indeed, that is precisely why I am here,” the Divine Envoy nodded.

“Good!” King Tiger ascended the high platform and declared loudly, “Fellow monsters, you have all been gathered here today not only to witness my wedding, but also for an important announcement!”

“In recent days, I have traveled among the mountains, negotiating with many monster kings, inviting you to join the Hidden Forest Mountain under my command.” His gaze swept the crowd, his authority intimidating, forcing the monsters below to avert their eyes. “With me, you can accomplish something great!”

“Now, I shall tell you what that great undertaking is!”

At this, King Tiger turned, inviting the Divine Envoy onto the stage and yielding the spotlight.

The Divine Envoy ascended, radiating a solemn air.

“Fellow monsters, some of you know I hail from the Seven Kings Ridge, west of the western regions. We envoys roam the human world, delivering one message to you all.”

“God—”

“Is about to return!”