Endless Path : Infinite Cosmos

Seeing how much everyone was enjoying Rindo's dishes, Vahn couldn't help smiling. He might not have the best impression of their society but that didn't prevent him from appreciating the festive atmosphere and the smiling faces of nearly everyone present. After all, it was far more gratifying to see people happy than upset.

"A single lit candle can kindle countless others. Happiness does not diminish by being shared..."

Nodding his head in approval, Vahn looked to his left to find Tianxia staring at him with a far more respectful look. This was another benefit of delicious food. It was remarkably difficult to resent the person who had provided it.

As Tianxia's words were yet another Buddhist proverb, Vahn decided to supply his own, stating, "If you knew what I know about the power of giving, you would never allow a single meal pass without sharing it in some way. Kindness should be the natural way of life, never the exception."

With an appreciative smile spreading across his face, Tianxia offered a curt nod of his own. At the same time, he made a mental note not to make an enemy out of Vahn. Anyone that could supply this many unique and precious ingredients without batting an eye wasn't simple. Thus, while a part of him wanted nothing more than to seize Vahn's treasures for himself, Tianxia, like many others in the banquet hall, had concluded that it was better to remain in his good graces.

Understanding the man's thoughts, Vahn offered a polite yet noncommittal smile as he continued to casually caress the rabbit entrusted to him by Chang'e. Its pristine white fur was comparable to satin, and, similar to Fenrir's, cool to the touch. He also knew Chang'e was basically using it to spy on him, so, as a form of teasing, Vahn was using his [Godhand] to mold the befuddled bunny like mochi...

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Though she very rarely slept, Chang'e was currently lying face-down atop a luxurious bed shrouded by soft golden canopies reminiscent of moonlight. What made this scene especially strange was the fact she had buried her face in a remarkably fluffy, cloud-like pillow. The tips of her ears had turned crimson, and, if anyone had been present to witness the peculiar scene, they would have been able to see an invisible force flowing across her body and leaving impressions in her impeccably pliable, smooth-as-jade skin...

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With the first stage of the banquet slated to last an hour, it felt as though mere minutes had passed by the time the Jade Emperor raised his hand to announce, "Now that everyone has been given the opportunity to sample Zao Shin's delicacies, we will continue to the ranking competition..."

The moment the Jade Emperor finished speaking, an ancient-looking Geass Roll exuding a vibrant golden hue unfurled out of thin air. Most of the guests were already familiar with the rules, but, in accordance with the Central Network's regulations, the Jade Emperor had no choice but to review them during each and every banquet.

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< Heaven's Will >

[Win Condition]

Defeat your opponent(s).

[Hidden Conditions]

None

[Rules]

1: Players can only challenge those of a higher Rank than themselves.

2: Players without a Rank can be challenged by anyone.

3. Players can designate a substitute to fight on their behalf.

4: Substitutes cannot be Ranked higher than the Player being challenged.

5: A match is decided when one opponent is rendered incapable of continuing or surrenders. If an opponent is rendered incapable of surrendering, the match is automatically concluded.

[Restrictions]

1: Killing, Crippling, and Cursing your opponent is strictly prohibited.

2: Gifts related to sealing will have their effects annulled at the end of the match.

3: Sexually assaulting or harassing your opponent is strictly prohibited.

4: Outside assistance during a match is strictly prohibited.

5: Gifts that adversely influence the audience in any way are strictly prohibited.

[Rewards]

1: Increase in Rank and standing within the Jade Palace.

2: Variable

[Penalty]

None.

[Time Limit]

None.

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"Now, if there are no questions, we will proceed to the main event. As usual, the first match will be an exhibition match between a Senior and Junior member of the court..."

After cupping his hands and bowing respectfully towards the Jade Emperor, Huangdi manifested a lottery wheel out of thin air. Then, after spinning it around a few times, he pulled the lever to have it produce a number of white and gold balls before grabbing the first of each.

Seeing the names listed on the balls, a smile developed across Huangdi's face as he mused, "What a surprise. The Venerable God of Thunder, Lei Gong, will be giving pointers to one of the more recent additions to the Heavenly Domain, Faerie Qingtaun. If both participants consent, please proceed to the arena."

The moment Huangdi finished speaking, the sound of a thunderclap echoed through the banquet hall as a humanoid eagle appeared within the arena. His head was evocative of an eagle adorned with the crown of a warlord while his hands, wielding a chisel and mallet, were evocative of talons. This, combined with the fact he had taloned feet and majestic wings protruding from ornate armor made Lei gong appear more beast than man.

"Come forth, child! Let this old man test your mettle...!"

As one of the Gods assigned to punish the wicked and impose tribulations on cultivators who used their knowledge to harm ordinary people, Lei Gong was notorious as a battle-hungry individual. As for his opponent, nearly everyone in the hall was surprised when a young girl wearing a white tunic, grass-green trousers, and leaf-green slippers adorned with flowers leaped into the arena. Her long brown hair was fashioned into dango-like buns that framed the sides of her head before cascading to the backs of her knees in two loose twin tails. As for her eyes, they were a luminescent shade of green that perfectly complemented her child-like features and attire.

Not expecting his opponent to be a literal child, a notably wry smile developed across Lei Gong's face as he asked, "Are you sure you don't want to send forth a representative? I can also substitute for one of my children if you'd prefer a fairer match."

Surprisingly nearly everyone present, Qingtaun offered a smile in response to Lei Gong's words before cupping her hands together and softly musing, "Qingtaun would be honored to receive Senior Lei's guidance."

Punctuating her words, Qingtaun adopted a stance reminiscent of the Mantis Style of Kung Fu. This caused Lei Gong's brow to subtly twitch, as, despite the drastic disparity between normal birds and mantids, the Mantis Style was considered a counter to the Crane and Eagle Schools of Kung Fu. The latter was something he had invented so he couldn't help feeling that Qingtaun was attempting to taunt him.

"So be it...!"

Without any further hesitation, Lei Gong performed a quick spin that caused the tips of his wings to sweep across the arena before leaping high into the air and flaring them widely. At the same time, a tremendous amount of lightning elemental energy began to condense around his mallet and chisel as he shouted, "Taste the First Heavenly Tribulation - Penance...!"

Smacking the base of the chisel with his mallet, Lei Gong sent bolts of azure lightning more than ten meters in diameter hurtling towards Qingtaun in a wild and uncontrolled manner. This caused the slight smile on the young girl's face to promptly vanish. After all, the lightning of the literal God of Thunder wasn't something to look down on. In fact, a single strike was usually more than enough to fell both Gods and Demons.

Fortunately, Qingtaun wasn't without options. Her ascent may have been recent, but her presence at the banquet was a testament to her strength. Thus, the moment Lei Gong unleashed his attack, she produced what appeared to be a relatively simple paper parasol adorned with flowers. In spite of this, it was able to both shield against and deflect Lei Gon's lightning.

Seeing his attack deflected, Lei Gong didn't panic in the slightest. Instead, he simply smacked his mallet against one of the drums strapped to his hips. Immediately thereafter, all the lightning on the battlefield vanished as he stared down at Qingtuan and remarked, "Well done. However, this next attack will be much stronger. Are you willing to continue...?"

Rather than responding verbally to Lei Gong's question, Qingtaun chose to rest her parasol against her shoulder before smiling up at him. This caused Lei Gong's brow to twitch a second time, but, as one of the most senior Gods in the Jade Palace, he couldn't allow himself to lose his cool against a junior. Face was extremely important to the Gods of the Jade Palace, so, after affording Qingtaun a moment to reconsider, Lei Gong raised his violently humming mallet overhead and said, "This is the Second Heavenly Tribulation - Retribution...!"

Though the attack produced yet another thick band of azure lightning, the difference between the First and Second Heavenly Tribulation became readily apparent when it began leaving black trails in the surrounding space. It was also much faster than traditional lightning, so much so that Qingtaun wasn't able to react by the time it had struck her body.

While many expected some kind of explosion, an eerie silence spread through the hall as Qingtaun remained fixed in the position she had been in prior to receiving the strike. It was almost as though she had been frozen in time, and, were it not for the fact bands of electricity would periodically arc between her fingers, a few of the more inexperienced Gods might have assumed that was the case...

"She got cocky..."

Nodding his head in response to Mikoto's remark, Vahn's eyes emitted a faint golden glow as he observed the energy surging through Qingtaun's body and invading her Dantian. She was doing her best to try and resolve it but all her efforts had ended in vain. After all, unlike normal lighting, this particular variety had been infused with Lei Gong's intent. The more a person tried to dissipate it, the more obstinate it became...

After nearly a minute had passed, blood began to pool at the corners of Qingtaun's eyes as a thin trail flowed from her nose. In response, Lei Gong promptly smacked one his drum while Huangdi, understanding the former could have ended the fight at any point over the last minute, raised his hand and said, "The match has ended. The Venerable Lei Gong is the victor...!"

Though he raised his mallet triumphantly, Lei Gong didn't dawdle for too long before descending to the arena and asking, "Are you okay?" in a fatherly tone that didn't suit his appearance.

Smiling wryly in response to Lei Gong's concern, Qingtaun finished wiping away the blood from her face using a handkerchief before answering, "Senior Lei is truly magnanimous. Showing concern for your opponent. This is Qingtaun's total and absolute defeat."

Rather than attempt to console her, Lei Gong nodded his head in affirmation before placing his mallet and chisel in their holsters. Then, as was customary when an Elder met a Junior for the first time, he paused for a moment before plucking one of his feathers and saying, "Accept this as my gift. If you fashion it into a charm, it will provide protection against most forms of lightning. May it serve as a reminder of our encounter and aid you in your journey towards the pinnacle."

Accepting the feather with both hands, Qingtaun forced a polite smile as she said, "Thank you, Senior. Qingtaun will cherish it for as long as she lives..."

Though he was well aware of the fact she was forcing herself, Lei Gong still nodded in response to Qingtaun's words. It wasn't uncommon for new arrivals to have a bit of an ego. Rather, here in the Heavenly Domain, it was considered one of the foundational pillars of the strong. Thus, rather than chastise Qingtaun for her insincerity, Lei Gong was looking forward to how she would try to get her revenge.

Daily life within the Jade Palace could be pretty boring...

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(A/N: Alternate Titles: 'The pitfall of linking senses~','Zapdos has entered the arena...!','The Elder Gods of the Jade Palace are remarkably chill')