A Scheme Unprecedented Since Time Immemorial

Tathagata secretly rejoiced. The Interception Sect was nothing but a group of incompetents, yet they still had the nerve to be so arrogant.

Haotian said calmly, "Zhao Gongming, are you still not withdrawing?"

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

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

Though Haotian had conflicts with the Buddhist Sect, their positions aligned when it came to dealing with the Interception Sect.

All the Sages had already become aware of this scene.

Grand Simplicity Heaven, Wa Huang Palace.

Nüwa shook her head with a cold expression.

The Buddhist Sect was full of petty people intoxicated by success.

Kunlun Mountain, Jade Void Palace.

Yuanshi snorted coldly.

A traitor like Dingguang Xian reminded him of those traitors from the Chan Sect. They were all disciples' disciples!

They would surely purge those scum in the future!

Side Hall of Purple Cloud Palace.

Tongtian's face darkened, and he was deeply disgusted by Dingguang Xian.

He wished he could rush out of Purple Cloud Palace at once and kill him with his own hands.

But circumstances made that impossible, which only enraged him further.

Daluo Heaven, Eight Sceneries Palace.

Taiqing Laozi glanced indifferently at Fixed Light Joyful Buddha.

That man could not escape death. Once Tongtian left Purple Cloud Palace in the future, he would personally cleanse his sect.

When he saw that the Buddhist Sect wished to discuss cooperation with the Heavenly Court regarding the Journey to the West, a mocking smile appeared on Taiqing's lips.

What cooperation was there? The Buddhist Sect was merely using immediate benefits to deceive the Heavenly Court. In the end, everything the Heavenly Court did would become a wedding dress for the Buddhist Sect.

Of course, Taiqing had already made his arrangements.

How could the Buddhist Sect possibly get such a good deal?

Heavenly Court.

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

However, he did not understand its specific details as thoroughly as the Western Saints did.

While negotiating with the Buddhist Sect, Haotian suddenly had an idea.

"This matter requires further consideration. I shall make a decision in a few days."

Tathagata Buddha did not think much of it after hearing this, assuming that Haotian simply did not wish to agree immediately.

After all, the most important members of the Journey to the West party, Lingming Stone Monkey and Golden Cicada, were both under the Buddhist Sect's control. As long as they held those two points, the Buddhist Sect could secure the greatest gains.

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

After the three members of the Buddhist Sect departed.

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

Haotian looked toward Tushita Palace in Heaven of Detachment. "Allow me to first pay Lord Lao a visit."

Tathagata Buddha was a Saint's Good Corpse, which was why the West had always led the Calamity. The Heavenly Court's interests would inevitably suffer.

But the Heavenly Court also had its own Saint's Good Corpse!

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

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

But now, his ambitions had grown even greater!

Though the Heavenly Court was the ruler of the Three Realms, it had always been inferior to the Western Buddhist Sect.

That was because the Buddhist Sect inherited a Sage's orthodoxy, while the Heavenly Court did not.

Although Haotian was the Dao Ancestor's attendant, the Dao Ancestor was emotionless and desireless and would offer the Heavenly Court no support. Thus, the Heavenly Court had no Sage to rely on.

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

Zhen Yuanzi had successfully attained Primordial Chaos and had even reversed the will of Heaven! Though the overall trend of heaven and earth remained unchanged, a Variable had emerged in the smaller picture.

This change only intensified Haotian's ambitions. Not only did he want the Heavenly Court to completely control the Primordial Wilderness, he also longed to become a Sage himself.

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

Furthermore, Zhen Yuanzi had attained Sagehood because Taiqing spread his teachings. That was an immense karmic bond.

If he could gain Taiqing's support, Haotian would not only obtain the aid of a Sage but might also recruit Zhen Yuanzi.

As the only Sage remaining in the Primordial Wilderness, Zhen Yuanzi's joining would make the Heavenly Court the only force in the Primordial Wilderness with a Sage. At that point, the Heavenly Court could lead the Journey to the West Calamity and rule the Primordial Wilderness.

More importantly, gaining Taiqing's support meant that Haotian might also have a chance to become a Sage.

Zhen Yuanzi had become a Sage through the Primordial Chaos Dao. As the Heavenly Emperor, why could Haotian not become a Sage?

Supreme Lord Laozi met Haotian outside Tushita Palace.

He saw through Haotian's thoughts, and a faint smile appeared at the corner of his lips. This Haotian has no small ambitions. He has delivered himself right to my door. Though Taiqing had once gained half a move over Heaven, what happened with Zhen Yuanzi could not be replicated.

Even with an additional Sage's assistance, Taiqing still held no advantage against Hongjun.

He still needed to conceal his strength and continue planning his arrangements.

As the Heavenly Emperor, Haotian was an excellent resource to make use of.

If used properly, he would be of great help to Taiqing Laozi's plans.

However, this would not be easy.

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

Even so, Taiqing Laozi was not worried in the slightest.

The Gold and Silver Servants respectfully welcomed Haotian inside. After Haotian saluted Supreme Lord Laozi, he asked whether he had come because of matters concerning the West.

Supreme Lord Laozi remained calm, so Haotian candidly informed him of the Journey to the West and the Buddhist Sect's proposed terms. This was crucial information concerning the coming Calamity.

Even after listening, Supreme Lord Laozi remained expressionless. This made Haotian realize that the Sage already possessed a deep understanding of the Calamity, rather than being unable to know because heavenly secrets were in chaos.

Grand Supreme Moral Lord was indeed unfathomable.

Haotian became even more cautious and asked Supreme Lord Laozi for guidance.

Supreme Lord Laozi smiled faintly after hearing this. Haotian's ambition was precisely his weakness. He was merely following the course of events; Haotian's initiative in seeking advice had no direct connection to his own arrangements.

Even the Heavenly Dao could find no flaw in it.

Inside Tushita Palace.

Supreme Lord Laozi spoke with an indifferent expression:

"The position of Scripture Seeker is extremely important, but the West already holds two positions. Those are the most crucial, and they will be difficult for you to seize."

"However, another Scripture Seeker can be added. There is no need to be confined to a particular candidate; even a mount will do. That would allow the fortune to be distributed more effectively."

"Furthermore, once the Heaven-Ordained Scripture Seeker appears, he will certainly need to be tempered by the Heavenly Court. That is also a place where profit can be gained."

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

This plan was excellent!

Haotian's heart filled with joy.

He had come to the right place!

Sure enough, the Sage stood on the Heavenly Court's side!

"Thank you for your guidance, Lord Lao!" Haotian said gratefully.

Supreme Lord Laozi smiled faintly but said no more.

The course of this Journey to the West tribulation had all been determined by the Heavenly Dao.

The Journey to the West party, along with White Dragon Horse, was merely a matter of affiliation.

Events such as Sun Wukong wreaking havoc in the Heavenly Court were destined to belong to the Heavenly Court. After the Heavenly Court and Buddhist Sect negotiated, the general outcome could be settled.

By explaining these matters, Taiqing Laozi not only acted within the rules but also effortlessly formed the karma of guiding Haotian.

Having received Supreme Lord Laozi's guidance, Haotian felt he had benefited immensely and even wished to thank Taiqing.

Taiqing's move was truly the ultimate example of gaining something for nothing without any guilt.

While discussing the Journey to the West, Haotian tentatively asked:

"Lord Lao, I wish to visit Senior Zhen Yuanzi. Would that be possible?"

Supreme Lord Laozi glanced at Haotian and secretly laughed. The greater Haotian's ambitions, the better.

Haotian was considering how to gain better control over the Heavenly Court. If matters continued so smoothly, the Heavenly Court would surely break free from its original framework in the future.

Supreme Lord Laozi lightly waved his whisk.

"Does the Heavenly Emperor intend to recruit Zhen Yuanzi?"

Haotian respectfully clasped his hands in salute.

"Lord Lao sees everything clearly."

Haotian felt no embarrassment whatsoever. He knew such thoughts could not be concealed from a Sage's insight.

Supreme Lord Laozi said calmly:

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

"However, Five Villages Monastery can serve as one trial along the Journey to the West."

"As for Duobao, whom you have kept in the Heavenly Court, he is highly useful to the Heavenly Court."

Joy filled Haotian's heart upon hearing this.

"Thank you for your guidance, Sage!"

Though he had failed to recruit Zhen Yuanzi, Haotian did not feel disappointed.

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

In Haotian's eyes, Supreme Lord Laozi's words already showed that he stood on the Heavenly Court's side!

That was what truly mattered!

Yet Haotian did not know.

Supreme Lord Laozi's schemes were profound and terrifying.

Using Haotian was merely a temporary measure. No one could compare with the scope of his long-term arrangements.

Supreme Lord Laozi used the Primordial Wilderness as a chessboard, with all things as pieces.

In the future, the Three Teachings would merge into the Daoist Sect!

Supreme Lord Laozi would overturn the Primordial Wilderness and make Hongjun, disciple of the Heavenly Dao!

At that time, the Heavenly Court would become the domain of the Daoist Sect!

A true Daoist Heavenly Court!

A Daoist Heavenly Court would have no need for Hongjun!

There would not even be any so-called Heavenly Dao!

This was a scheme unprecedented since time immemorial.

Even Haotian, even those Sages, even Hongjun would never have imagined it, nor would they dare to!

Then Supreme Lord Laozi said with a smile:

"Oh, right. I personally converted Duobao. You may have him serve as a liaison between the Heavenly Court and the Buddhist Sect. That will benefit the Heavenly Court."

Haotian's heart stirred at these words, and he became even more delighted.

"I understand. Thank you for your guidance, Lord Lao."

Haotian knew that Duobao had been converted by the incarnation of Taiqing Saint. As expected, he was a Sage's chess piece!

Now that Supreme Lord Laozi had explicitly mentioned it, Haotian felt even more strongly that the Sage was aiding the Heavenly Court and plotting against the Buddhist Sect!

Nothing could have been better!

Haotian departed in high spirits.

Supreme Lord Laozi knew what Haotian was thinking and merely smiled indifferently.

Duobao would indeed be used against the Buddhist Sect, but not for the Heavenly Court's sake. Rather, Taiqing would use Haotian's power to follow the current and make arrangements within the Buddhist Sect.

To contend against Hongjun, Taiqing would place his pieces across the Primordial Land!

Moreover, Hongjun was currently keeping close watch on Taiqing Laozi.

Whether it was Taiqing's true body, Zhen Yuanzi, or Supreme Lord Laozi, none could personally contact Duobao of the Buddhist Sect. Otherwise, they would only draw Hongjun's attention to Duobao.

Now that Haotian had come of his own accord, this was an excellent opportunity, and Taiqing Laozi simply acted with the flow.

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

After all, what did the Heavenly Court's plotting against the Buddhist Sect have to do with me, Taiqing Laozi?

Hall of Celestial Supremacy.

Haotian forcefully presented his conditions.

Buddha Tathagata frowned in thought. Why had Haotian suddenly become so unyielding?

"Are the Heavenly Emperor's demands not excessively harsh?"

The other conditions could still be discussed, but setting a trial specifically for Zhen Yuanzi, a Sage, was truly difficult to accept!

After all, Sages themselves were uncontrollable factors, not to mention that everyone knew Zhen Yuanzi bore deep grievances against the Western Sect.

Back then, because the Two Sages of the West had failed to repay the karmic debt of Hong Yun's attainment of Sagehood, they had plotted to use the Demon Court and Kunpeng to kill Hong Yun.

Zhen Yuanzi and Hong Yun had been as close as brothers, so he was naturally filled with hatred toward the West.

If not for the conduct of that Western disciple, Zhen Yuanzi would likely have been approached and recruited by them on the very day he became a Sage.

If Zhen Yuanzi truly chose to attack the scripture-seeking party, the Two Sages of the West could only seek help from the Dao Ancestor.

After all, Zhen Yuanzi was the only Sage remaining in the Primordial Wilderness. That fact alone was enough to deter everything.