This Unprecedented Scheme

Tathagata was secretly pleased. The Jie Sect was nothing but a group of incompetents, yet they still had the audacity to be arrogant.

Haotian said calmly, "Zhao Gongming, will you not withdraw now?"

Though the gods of the Jie Sect were indignant, they had no choice but to leave.

Fixed Light Joyful Buddha grew even more smug at the sight.

Though Haotian had conflicts with the Buddhist Sect, their stance aligned when dealing with the Jie Sect.

The saints were already aware of this scene.

Grand Simplicity Heaven, Wa Huang Palace.

Nüwa shook her head and sighed, her expression cold.

The Buddhist Sect was full of petty people who reveled in their fleeting triumphs.

Kunlun Mountain, Jade Void Palace.

Yuanshi snorted coldly.

Traitors like Dingguang Xian reminded him of those few defectors from the Chan Sect—all were disciples of disciples!

These scum would be purged in the future!

Purple Cloud Palace, side hall.

Tongtian's face was dark, his disgust for Dingguang Xian overwhelming.

He wished he could charge out of the Purple Cloud Palace and kill him with his own hands.

But circumstances made it difficult, which only fueled his rage.

Daluo Heaven, Eight Sceneries Palace.

Grand Pure One Laozi cast a faint glance at Fixed Light Joyful Buddha.

This man was doomed to die. Once Tongtian left the palace, he would personally clean house.

The Buddhist Sect sought to negotiate with the Heavenly Court over cooperation in the Journey to the West. A trace of mockery curled at the Grand Pure One's lips.

What cooperation? The Buddhist Sect was merely dazzling the Heavenly Court with immediate gains. Whatever the Heavenly Court did would ultimately become a bridal veil for the Buddhist Sect.

Of course, the Grand Pure One had already laid his plans.

How could the Buddhist Sect enjoy such good fortune?

Heavenly Court.

As the Dao Ancestor's page boy and the Heavenly Emperor of the Primordial Wilderness, Haotian naturally knew of the Journey to the West Calamity's existence.

However, his understanding of the calamity's specifics was not as detailed as that of the Western saints.

While negotiating with the Buddhist Sect, Haotian suddenly had a change of heart.

"This Lonely One must deliberate further. A decision will be made in a few days."

Tathagata Buddha did not think much of it, assuming Haotian was simply unwilling to agree immediately.

After all, the most crucial figures in the Journey to the West—the Lingming Stone Monkey and Golden Cicada—were under the Buddhist Sect's control. As long as they held these two, the Buddhist Sect could reap maximum benefits.

No matter how much the Heavenly Court raised the stakes, it would not matter!

After the three Buddhist figures left.

Venus, the Great White, asked curiously, "Your Majesty, why did you not agree?"

Haotian looked toward the Heaven of Detachment, Tushita Palace. "Let This Lonely One first pay respects to Lord Laozi."

Tathagata Buddha was a saint's good corpse, so the Western Sect had always dominated the calamity, and the Heavenly Court's interests would inevitably suffer.

But the Heavenly Court also had its own saint's good corpse!

A gleam flashed in Haotian's eyes as he swiftly headed to Tushita Palace to seek an audience with Supreme Lord Laozi.

In the past, Haotian might have easily agreed to the Buddhist Sect's demands.

But now, his ambitions were greater!

Though the Heavenly Court ruled the Three Realms, it had never matched the Western Buddhist Sect.

This was because the Buddhist Sect inherited the saint's legacy, while the Heavenly Court did not.

Haotian was the Dao Ancestor's page boy, but the Dao Ancestor was emotionless and desireless, offering no support to the Heavenly Court. Thus, the Heavenly Court had no saint as its backing.

However, the Taiqing Saint had previously spread the saint's teachings across the world in the Heavenly Court's name.

Zhen Yuanzi had successfully attained Primordial Chaos, even reversing the Heavenly Will! Though the grand trend of heaven and earth remained unchanged, small shifts had introduced variables.

This change fueled Haotian's ambition. He not only wanted the Heavenly Court to fully control the Primordial Wilderness but also yearned to become a saint himself.

To achieve his goal, he planned to win over the Taiqing Saint and secure his support.

Furthermore, Zhen Yuanzi had attained Sagehood through the Taiqing's teachings—a profound karmic debt.

If he could gain the Grand Supreme's support, Haotian would not only secure the aid of a sage but also potentially recruit Zhen Yuanzi.

As the only lingering sage in the Primordial Wilderness, Zhen Yuanzi's addition would make the Heavenly Court the sole faction with a sage in the Primordial Wilderness. Then the Heavenly Court could lead the Journey to the West Calamity and dominate the Primordial Wilderness.

More importantly, winning the Grand Supreme's backing meant Haotian might also have a chance at attaining sagehood.

Zhen Yuanzi became a sage through the path of Primordial Chaos. Haotian, as the Heavenly Emperor—why couldn't he become a sage too?

Supreme Lord Laozi met Haotian outside the Tushita Palace, who had come seeking an audience.

He saw through Haotian's intentions, a faint smile curling at the corner of his lips. "This Haotian's ambition is no small thing—he's delivered himself right to my door." Though the Grand Supreme had once bested Heaven by half a move, Zhen Yuanzi's case couldn't be replicated.

Even with a sage's aid, facing Hongjun of the Heavenly Dao, the Grand Supreme still held no advantage.

He still needed to conceal his strength and continue scheming.

Haotian, as the Heavenly Emperor, was an excellent resource to exploit.

If used properly, it would greatly benefit Grand Pure One Laozi's plans.

Yet this was no easy task.

Haotian, once the Dao Ancestor's attendant, received special attention from the Heavenly Dao. Any entanglement with him would inevitably draw Hongjun's notice.

Still, Grand Pure One Laozi was not worried in the least.

The Gold and Silver Servants respectfully welcomed Haotian inside. After bowing to Supreme Lord Laozi, Haotian asked if his visit was about the Western affairs.

Supreme Lord Laozi's expression remained calm, so Haotian frankly disclosed the information about the Journey to the West and the Buddhist Sect's terms—critical intelligence concerning the coming calamity.

Supreme Lord Laozi's face stayed unruffled after hearing it, making Haotian realize that sages already had a deep understanding of the calamity, not that they were kept in the dark by chaotic heavenly omens.

The Grand Supreme Moral Lord was truly unfathomable.

Haotian grew more cautious and begged Supreme Lord Laozi for guidance.

Supreme Lord Laozi smiled faintly after listening, recognizing that Haotian's ambition was his weakness. He was merely going along with the situation—Haotian's voluntary request for advice had no direct link to his own schemes.

Even the Heavenly Dao could find no fault.

Inside the Tushita Palace.

Supreme Lord Laozi spoke with a detached expression:

"The position of the Scripture Seeker is crucial, but the West has already claimed two seats—that's the key point, and you'll find it hard to take them away."

"However, you can add another Scripture Seeker. There's no need to stick to a specific candidate—even a mount would do. This way, you can distribute the fortune more effectively."

"Moreover, when the Heaven-Ordained Scripture Seeker appears, they must undergo refinement by the Heavenly Court—that's another source of gain."

Supreme Lord Laozi's words made Haotian's eyes light up.

What an excellent plan!

Haotian's heart brimmed with joy.

He had come to the right place!

Indeed, the sage stood on the Heavenly Court's side!

"Many thanks for your guidance, Lord Laozi!" Haotian said gratefully.

Supreme Lord Laozi smiled faintly and said no more.

The course of this Journey to the West calamity was all set by the Heavenly Dao.

The Scripture Seeker's party, including the White Dragon Horse, was merely a matter of allegiance.

Episodes like Sun Wukong wreaking havoc in the Heavenly Court were destined to belong to the Heavenly Court. After negotiations between the Heavenly Court and the Buddhist Sect, the general outcome could be settled.

Grand Pure One Laozi laid these matters out plainly—not only was it compliant, but it also created a karmic debt of gratitude from Haotian for the guidance.

Haotian, having received Supreme Lord Laozi's advice, felt he had gained immensely and even wanted to thank the Grand Pure One.

This move by the Grand Pure One was the epitome of gaining without cost.

Turning to the Journey to the West matter, Haotian probed:

"Lord Laozi, I wish to visit Senior Zhen Yuanzi. May I?"

Supreme Lord Laozi glanced at Haotian, laughing inwardly—the greater Haotian's ambition, the better.

Haotian was calculating how to better control the Heavenly Court. If things progressed so smoothly, the Heavenly Court would surely break free from its current structure.

Supreme Lord Laozi lightly waved his whisk.

"Is the Heavenly Emperor intent on recruiting Zhen Yuanzi?"

Haotian bowed respectfully with clasped hands.

"Lord Laozi sees through everything."

Haotian showed no embarrassment—he knew such thoughts couldn't escape a sage's perception.

Supreme Lord Laozi said calmly:

"The Dao Ancestor has already made it clear: Zhen Yuanzi will not join the Heavenly Court."

"However, during the Journey to the West, the Five Villages Monastery can be set as one trial."

"As for leaving Duobao in the Heavenly Court, this person is quite useful to the Heavenly Court."

Haotian's heart filled with joy upon hearing this.

"Many thanks for the Saint's guidance!"

Though he had failed to recruit Zhen Yuanzi, Haotian felt no disappointment.

After all, how could a Saint be so easily recruited?

In Haotian's view, Supreme Lord Laozi's words had already shown that he stood on the Heavenly Court's side!

That was the key point!

Yet Haotian did not know.

Supreme Lord Laozi's schemes were far-reaching and fearsome.

Using Haotian was merely a temporary move; his long-term plans were unmatched by any.

Supreme Lord Laozi took the Primordial Wilderness as his chessboard, and all beings as his pieces.

In the future, the Three Teachings would merge into Daoism!

Supreme Lord Laozi would overturn the Primordial Wilderness, and his disciple would be Hongjun!

By then, the Heavenly Court would become the domain of Daoism!

A true Daoist Heavenly Court!

A Daoist Heavenly Court, without need for Hongjun!

Even more, there would be no so-called Heavenly Dao at all!

This scheme, unprecedented through the ages.

Even Haotian, even the Saints, even Hongjun, would never imagine it, nor dare to think of it!

Then, Supreme Lord Laozi spoke with a smile:

"By the way, Duobao was personally converted by me. You can make him the liaison between the Heavenly Court and the Buddhist Sect—this will benefit the Heavenly Court."

Haotian's heart stirred at these words, and his joy deepened.

"This Emperor understands. Many thanks for the Lord Laozi's guidance."

Haotian realized that Duobao had been converted by the Taiqing Saint's incarnation—truly a piece of the Saint's chess game!

Now that Supreme Lord Laozi had made it clear, Haotian felt even more that the Saint was aiding the Heavenly Court and scheming against the Buddhist Sect!

This couldn't be better!

Haotian left in high spirits.

Supreme Lord Laozi knew Haotian's thoughts and merely smiled faintly.

Duobao would indeed be used to oppose the Buddhist Sect, but not for the Heavenly Court's sake. Rather, the Grand Pure One was using Haotian's power to go with the flow and place a piece within the Buddhist Sect.

To contend with Hongjun, the Grand Pure One would deploy pieces across the Primordial Wilderness!

Moreover, Hongjun was now closely watching Grand Pure One Laozi.

Whether it was the Grand Pure One's Original Body, Zhen Yuanzi, or Supreme Lord Laozi himself, none could personally approach Duobao of the Buddhist Sect, lest they draw Hongjun's attention to him.

Now that Haotian had come of his own accord, it was a perfect opportunity, and Grand Pure One Laozi seized it.

Even the Heavenly Dao could find no fault with such an arrangement.

After all, what does the Heavenly Court scheming against the Buddhist Sect have to do with me, Grand Pure One Laozi?

Hall of Celestial Supremacy.

Haotian forcefully laid out his terms.

Buddha Tathagata frowned in thought—why had Haotian suddenly become so unyielding?

"Are the conditions proposed by the Heavenly Emperor not too harsh?"

The other terms were manageable, but setting a trial targeting Zhen Yuanzi, a Saint, was truly unacceptable!

After all, a Saint was an uncontrollable factor in itself, and everyone knew the deep grudge between Zhen Yuanzi and the Western Sect.

Back then, the Two Sages of the West, unable to repay the karmic debt of Hong Yun's attainment of sainthood, had conspired to use the Demon Court and Kunpeng to kill Hong Yun.

Zhen Yuanzi and Hong Yun were as close as brothers, so his hatred for the West ran deep.

If not for the conduct of the Western disciples, the Two Sages would likely have visited him to recruit him the moment he became a Saint.

If Zhen Yuanzi truly decided to strike against the scripture-seeking team, the Two Sages of the West would have no choice but to seek help from the Dao Ancestor.

After all, Zhen Yuanzi was the only Saint remaining in the Primordial Wilderness—that alone was enough to intimidate all.