Primordial World: Big shots are all my friends

The Great Sun rises, and within the Palace of the Polestar, all gods gather for the morning court.

The Jade Emperor sits high on the Divine Position, with the seats of the Four Imperial Divine Seats empty beneath him, and the rest of the gods standing in civil and military order.

The gods report their duties in turn, their merits and demerits varying, while the Jade Emperor nods slightly as he listens.

Buzz~ A burst of Buddha Light suddenly shines through the West Heavenly Gate, reaching straight to the Palace of the Polestar.

All Gods immediately stop reporting and turn their heads looking towards the outside.

The sleepy eyes of the Jade Emperor suddenly sharpen, emanating a powerful aura from within, holding the majesty of the Heavenly Emperor, stopping the Buddha Light outside the Palace of the Polestar.

Gold Star Taibai steps forward, his booming voice announces: "Welcome The Buddha and Bodhisattva Guanyin for an audience!"

Outside the Palace of the Polestar, The Buddha and Bodhisattva Guanyin stand on two Golden Lotuses amid the floating immortal mist, each with a halo of Buddha Light shining behind their heads.

All Immortal Gods look at The Buddha and Guanyin, sensing an ominous visit.

Both The Buddha and Bodhisattva Guanyin bring their hands together in a prayer gesture, bowing and saying: "Praise be to the Supreme Venerable, Natural Miao You Miluo Zhi Zhen Jade Emperor God!"

The majestic Jade Emperor declares: "Provide The Buddha with a seat!"

General Juanlian, standing by the side, waves his hand, and immediately, two maids bring forward a chair, gently placing it below before silently retreating.

The Buddha descends from the Lotus Platform and sits in the chair, while Guanyin, unlike The Buddha, must stand below.

The Jade Emperor calmly inquires: "Does Buddha have an important matter to discuss?"

With a gentle smile on his plump face, The Buddha's voice resonates through the Palace of the Polestar: "After the battle at the West Sea long ago, certain Immortal Gods spread rumors covering the truth, defaming the great compassion of Bodhisattva Guanyin, harming her cultivation.

This has caused the Bodhisattva to be restless lately. After her daily inquiries, she has finally uncovered the god spreading these rumors, and she has come before Your Majesty to accuse this person, asking for a just judgment."

From within the ranks of military generals, Marshal Tianpeng's heart shudders, his pupils dilate. Caught? How could this be? We've done this too often, how could we get caught? Don't panic, it might be their trick, stay calm, must stay calm.

Marshal Tianpeng maintains a smile on his face while constantly muttering in his heart, it's not me, it's not me, it's not me... his expression gradually changing to one of righteous indignation.

The Jade Emperor frowns and asks: "What rumor? I have never heard of it.

Who dares to slander the great compassion of Bodhisattva Guanyin? Step forward now, and I may deal with you leniently."

The Jade Emperor's authoritative gaze sweeps over the gathered gods. All gods lower their heads, none daring to meet the gaze of the Jade Emperor, and no one confesses.

"Where is Zhao Gongming?"

Zhao Gongming steps forward, cupping his fist, says: "Your servant is here!"

"Have you heard any rumors being spread?"

Zhao Gongming reports: "Your Majesty, the Judicial Temple oversees the Nan Zhanbu Continent and the East Victory Divine Continent. Within these two continents, there is no chaos. If rumors were widespread, they likely would not disrupt the grand order, and we have not noticed them, please forgive us!"

The Jade Emperor smiles warmly and says: "The Law Enforcement Celestial has worked hard, please return to your position."

Zhao Gongming returns to his original position.

Unable to hold back, Bodhisattva Guanyin speaks: "Your Majesty, Zhao Gongming is lying. The rumors have spread throughout the Three Realms, known to all beings, how could they not know?"

Zhao Gongming looks at Bodhisattva Guanyin, simply inquiring: "Have the rumors caused chaos?"

"That's not true!"

"Then we are not aware of it!" Zhao Gongming glanced at Guanyin, thinking, I don't know, what can you do about it?

Guanyin Bodhisattva was speechless and dodged the issue completely.

The Jade Emperor said authoritatively, "If you want to file a complaint, you must clarify the matter. If even you, Guanyin, cannot clarify, then step down!"

All the gods showed a smile. How could they not know about the rumors related to the West Sea? But what a clever move by the Jade Emperor!

It was left to Guanyin to state the matter. If she understates it, those who spread the rumors will be let off lightly, possibly trivializing a serious issue until it fades into nothing.

If she overstates it, then Guanyin would lose face before all the gods. Isn't this tantamount to cursing oneself?

Guanyin Bodhisattva's face changed expressions several times, and finally, gritting her teeth, she said: "Your Majesty, the issue originates from the West Sea..."

Guanyin Bodhisattva recounted the whole matter, neither exaggerating nor downplaying the slanders against her, initially embarrassed, but gradually becoming indifferent.

Seated in the main position, the Jade Emperor nodded slightly. No wonder she was favored by two saints, her character alone was indeed remarkable.

The Jade Emperor said authoritatively, "Guanyin, have you clarified the cause and effect of your visit today?"

Guanyin Bodhisattva bowed and replied, "Your Majesty, over this period, I have investigated repeatedly and finally found some clues, thus deducing the perpetrator behind the spreading of the rumors."

"Who is it?"

Guanyin Bodhisattva turned to look at Marshal Tianpeng and said, "It's the Heavenly River Water Army Grand Marshal, Marshal Tianpeng!"

Marshal Tianpeng, standing behind in the line, wore a smile and didn't move, continuously muttering in his mind, "Not me, not me, nothing I've done..." completely in a state of distraction.

Gold Star Taibai stepped forward, smiling, "Marshal Tianpeng, please step out and respond!"

Beside him, King Li nudged Tianpeng and whispered, "Marshal, His Majesty is calling you!"

Marshal Tianpeng immediately snapped out of it, hurried forward, and bowed with clasped hands, "I, your humble servant, greet Your Majesty!"

"Tianpeng, Buddhism's Guanyin has accused you of spreading rumors and slandering her. Is there any truth to this?"

Marshal Tianpeng quickly exclaimed grievously, "Your Majesty, I am wronged!

Since taking up the post of Marshal Tianpeng, I have guarded the Heavenly River day and night, never daring to be negligent, never descended to the Lower Realm, and am oblivious to the rumors!"

Guanyin Bodhisattva angrily said to Marshal Tianpeng, "Marshal, during the period when the rumors started, the Heavenly River Navy frequently visited the Heavenly Court. How do you explain that?"

"Guanyin, guarding the Heavenly River is too monotonous, so our Heavenly River Navy adopts a shift system. Resting soldiers can wander to the Lower Realm, both to refine their character and to relax. This is our own system in the Heavenly River Navy, and it cannot be a standard for conviction. If you don't believe, feel free to inquire the Heavenly Soldiers about it."

Guanyin Bodhisattva slightly frowned. She was sure that Tianpeng was responsible, but truly, she had no concrete evidence, and asking the soldiers would be of no use.

"Marshal, as the first disciple of the Human Sect, do not deny and tarnish the name of our sect," Guanyin stated sternly.

Marshal Tianpeng spoke earnestly, "I swear on the name of my elders, every word I say is true."

He silently muttered to himself, "Master Bai Jin counts as an elder, right?"

"You..." Guanyin said, somewhat exasperated, "Marshal Tianpeng, do you really have no shame at all?"

Marshal Tianpeng helplessly responded, "I truly didn't do it! I can swear on the name of my elders."