The orange chariot was slower and less conspicuous than the dragon, but it vastly exceeded average methods of transportation.

As they rode the sturdy chariot, they reached the extents of land very soon.

​​

In front of them, the vast waters of the East Sea extended towards the horizon.

Unfortunately, it was nighttime, and they could not make use of the sun chariot anymore.

They landed on the outskirts of the port city, Qiantang, and discussed their next move.

"I'm pretty sure we shouldn't enter the city, as common people's billboards often have paintings of wanted criminals on them."

"I can disguise myself, but the same can't be said for Hermes," Alex frowned.

However, Hermes proposed an idea.

"I'd say, you three go on to the port on foot, and I'll catch up to you by flight so I can avoid detection."

Hou Yi approved of the idea, and added, "The most important factor is to make sure the heavenly court can't trace your steps, so you just need to not ever be seen."

"I have a sailor acquaintance in this city, I think she'd gladly help us sail to the ministry safely," This time, Zhong Kui was the one speaking.

'It's decided, then.'

They would visit this acquaintance of his and get on a boat, sail out into the sea, and then, Hermes would catch up to them.

__________

"Goddess Mazu has blessed us with a plentiful harvest of plump and delicious fish this season, don't miss out on the best deals!"

"I have better fish!"

Fishermen set up vending stalls and competed to attract the attention of the numerous passerby's.

The atmosphere of this port city was lively, and the smell of grilled fish permeated throughout their nose and caused the demon hunter to drool.

"Do they not feed you in the Underworld?"

"Alex, Alex, you can't imagine how psychologically demanding it is to eat a diet of only rice porridge..."

"Can you even eat mortal's food?"

"No."

"..."

As the three(two) walked by, they attracted the attention of the residents.

More specifically, Alex was the one who attracted their attention.

As he incarnated into Aphrodite, not only did he look foreign, but he was also...devilishly handsome.

Both women and men stared at his every move.

"Crista, sorry for I have sinned," Alex muttered a strange prayer in Koine Greek.

He purposely sped up and the group followed behind him.

"Has a western prince graced us with his heavenly presence?" A merchant approached him.

He owned a vending stall selling counterfeit jewelry and goods and clearly wished to scam the foreign-looking Alex.

Alex was rather annoyed and in the eyes of the man, he turned himself into an ugly monster.

The merchant screamed and backed down.

"Let's speed up, I hate this form."

Zhong Kui gloated at his suffering, but they approved and augmented their pace.

-A short while later-

They were in front of a beach and awaiting the 'acquaintance's arrival.

The moonlit waves rolled over the white sand, while anchored rafts and boats rocked around a tall pier.

Suddenly, a short woman approached them.

She had an average appearance, and the sleeves of her robe were rolled in order to facilitate movement.

"It's been a while, Zhong Kui."

"You two, Mazu, I see you've reached the peak of Golden Immortality."

"..."

'Mazu? Golden Immortality? Isn't this the 'goddess' the fishermen spoke of?' Alex examined the ordinary facial features of the woman.

Deities were usually handsome, and exceptions were rare and few in between, except when it swung towards the other extreme, like Zhong Kui.

But this woman just looked...rather average.

'Don't judge a book by its cover, Alex.'

"You have good eyes, friend."

"May I ask, why have you made a visit after centuries of absence?" Mazu smiled cunningly at Zhong Kui.

Zhong Kui rubbed his head and said, "I think we need your help to cross the Celestial Moat...."

"You came to ask about the health and state of your dear friend, Mazu, is that i-

Mazu's expression became sour, and she turned around, and weakly said, "Follow me...."

She led them to a medium-sized paddle raft on the deeper end of the pier and said, "I'll owe you one, Zhong Kui, I hope you remember all the favors I've done for you."

"Y-yes, of c-course..."

"Who is she?" Alex whispered to Hou Yi.

"The goddess of the seas, Mazu, she is known to inhabit this city, and lead life like a mortal woman, despite having a strength equal to Longwang and the very highest underlings of the Jade Emperor."

Alex made sure to double-check the woman that was slowly paddling the raft with Zhong Kui.

'What a crouching tiger.'

"Zhong Kui?" Alex called the demon hunter.

It seemed like the latter was waiting for a chance to escape, as he stepped back.

"Y-yes?"

"What's the Celestial Moat?"

"It's a perimeter with highest-grade aerial and naval defense, and it is impossible to penetrate without an extremely high level of martial prowess or the powers of the s-s-sea goddess..."

*BOOM*

A huge splash occurred in the water next to them.

Unexpectedly, a wet bird rose up from the water.

At second glance, it wasn't a bird, but none other than...Hermes.

Mazu grimaced and said, "I moved the raft because I thought that was a bird..."

Hermes coughed up water and climbed into the boat.

"Why are you looking at me like that, Alexei-boy?"

"Nothing, Hermes."

"Stop bickering, we're entering the Celestial Moat," Mazu frowned and paddled at a faster speed.

"What Celestial Moa-

The area of sea around them was completely still, but beyond that, the waves were so intense and high, the only thing Alex recalled was the fight between Poseidon and Athena.

In the sky, countless phoenixes stared at their every move.

Fortunately, Mazu waved her hand, and they stood still.

"You have gotten even more powerful than before, Mazu," Zhong Kui flattered her.

Mazu harrumphed and resumed her paddling.

They crossed this renowned Celestial Moat like it was a kiddy pool.

Soon enough, four large temples emerged into their sight.

The temples had different color schemes, but the common trait they all shared was their immense size.

"The central one is the temple where Longwang lives, get ready to anchor the raft."

"I wonder why THE Mazu has entered into my realm,"

In the distance, a giant man swung an even more gigantic Guandao in their direction.

The swing produced a sharp-looking light that bolted at them at breakneck speed.

"Don't get cocky, the entire ocean is my domain."

A mound of water rose up and countered the sword slash.

The goddess of the seas, against the king of beasts, who was the strongest of these two strong individuals?