Seemingly Disadvantageous, Actually Excellent

Taiqing was highly satisfied with Ying Zheng and Bai Qi's performance.

The aura of a Human Emperor that Ying Zheng displayed had grown ever deeper, and Immortal Qin's foundation was now secure.

At the same time, the Human Race's fortune had become even more abundant. This was an auspicious sign.

However, Haotian would certainly be enraged and might send troops to attack the Human Race again.

But Taiqing believed this was instead a rare opportunity.

Inside the Hall of Celestial Supremacy, Haotian was furious as he berated the Immortals and Gods.

Ying Zheng's actions were far too arrogant for Haotian to tolerate.

For the Heavenly Court to lose to the Human Race was an even greater humiliation.

The Four Heavenly Kings were deeply embarrassed and could only defend themselves. "Your Majesty, it was not that we failed to give our all. The Human Race was simply too powerful."

"That Bai Qi was actually a Great Witch at the Zenith Heaven Golden Immortal Level!"

Haotian frowned tightly upon hearing this.

A Great Witch?!

The Witch Race had long since declined. How could the Human Race possess such an expert?

"Summon Old Mother of Mount Li at once!"

Haotian felt that the Human Race's provocation had severely wounded his dignity and that they had to be taught a lesson.

Even if they had help, how could the Heavenly Court's foundation possibly be compared to that of the Human Race?

Before long, Old Mother of Mount Li, Wudang, arrived in response to the decree.

"Old Mother of Mount Li, I permit you to select the Immortals and Gods for this expedition yourself!"

"Within one hour, you must breach Xianyang and capture Ying Zheng and Bai Qi!"

Wudang was shocked. They were actually going to campaign against the Human Race?

Just as she hesitated over whether to accept, Supreme Lord Laozi's will appeared within her heart.

"You may."

Wudang was overjoyed, though she immediately nodded in agreement on the surface.

"I will not disappoint Your Majesty's trust!"

Afterward, Wudang gathered Erlang Shen Yang Jian, Marshal of the Central Altar Nezha, Martial God of Wealth Zhao Gongming, the Three Heavens Maidens, and Goddess of the Dipper Jinling, among other immortals.

She also led One Hundred Thousand Heavenly Soldiers and Generals down to the mortal realm in an imposing procession.

This scene greatly surprised Antarctic Longevity Great Emperor, also known as Antarctic Immortal Elder.

He did not understand what Old Mother of Mount Li was trying to do.

Why had she assembled so many immortals?

However, although Antarctic Immortal Elder held a high position as one of the Four Sovereigns of the Heavenly Court, Haotian had pushed him to the margins.

Therefore, he only speculated inwardly and did not ask aloud.

At this moment, Haotian sat high upon the Heavenly Emperor Throne, utterly unconcerned with the matter.

He looked coldly upon the Human Race, his voice filled with majesty.

"Those who dare challenge heavenly might shall face severe punishment!"

"That rebellious Qin should be utterly destroyed!"

Heaven of Detachment, Tushita Palace.

Supreme Lord Laozi slowly opened his eyes.

Haotian's insistence on supporting the Human Race's development was exactly what Taiqing wanted.

This matter brought him many benefits!

First, it could unite the various factions within the Heavenly Court.

Second, he could use this to lay out his plans and ultimately replace the Heavenly Court.

And the key to replacing the Heavenly Court was seizing Haotian's position as Heavenly Emperor.

However, as the Heavenly Emperor, Haotian bore the fortune and authority bestowed by the Heavenly Dao, making him difficult to replace so easily.

Only by gradually draining Haotian's fortune could they begin to act.

Now, the rise of the Immortal Qin that Haotian wished to support was precisely what Taiqing was pleased to see.

The rise of Immortal Qin would inevitably require trials of blood and fire.

Haotian could not suppress Ying Zheng.

The more Haotian wished to control the Human Race, the more easily he would head down the wrong path.

Throughout this process, Ying Zheng's fortune would grow ever stronger, which meant Haotian's fortune would rapidly decline.

As one waxed and the other waned, Haotian's position as Heavenly Emperor would become precarious.

"Rather than rely on the power of a Heavenly Emperor, it is better to raise a Heavenly Emperor myself."

"My plan is peerless, calculating all of the Primordial Wilderness."

Supreme Lord Laozi stroked his beard and smiled, sighing with emotion.

No one in the Primordial Wilderness could foresee Taiqing's schemes.

Even saints such as Tongtian and Yuanshi only thought of seizing the Investiture of the Gods to save someone.

Taiqing, however, wished to replace the Heavenly Emperor outright and establish a Heavenly Court of his own.

Who could compare to such boldness and vision?

Chaos Beyond Heaven, Purple Cloud Palace.

Within that place suffused with boundless Heavenly Dao aura, Hongjun watched Haotian dispatch troops against the Human Race with cold indifference.

Hongjun paid no attention to the Human Race's abundant fortune. After casually glancing toward Tushita Palace, he gently closed his eyes.

Hongjun believed Taiqing could not accomplish anything through Haotian.

As Heavenly Emperor, Haotian remained entirely under his control.

Primordial Wilderness, Earthly Immortal Realm.

The Heavenly Court had sent troops once again and had even deployed saints from the Investiture of the Gods.

This scene drew the intense attention of many great powers throughout the Primordial Wilderness.

After all, among the Three Teachings, who was not a Golden Immortal of Grand Da Luo?

The Human Race would likely find it difficult to withstand this time.

Soon, the Heavenly Court's One Hundred Thousand Heavenly Soldiers and Generals arrived beneath the walls of Xianyang, Great Qin's capital.

Yang Jian looked upon the prosperous Human Race and could not help sighing. "Ying Zheng unified the Human Race and allowed the people to live in peace and prosperity. This is an immensely good thing."

"Must they be punished merely for offending heavenly might?"

Zhao Gongming snorted coldly. "Were not the Immortals and Gods the very ones disrupting the mortal world? Just like the Yin-Shang Dynasty back then."

This matter involved the events of the Deification, and both sects harbored dissatisfaction in their hearts.

Wudang spoke calmly. "Since you know the mistakes of the past, do not repeat them today."

"You were once disciples of the Three Teachings. The Three Pure Ones were originally of one lineage, so you should live in harmony."

At these words, the members of the Chan Sect and Interception Sect all looked at Old Mother of Mount Li in confusion.

Why had she suddenly said such things?

However, although the Chan Sect and Interception Sect had grievances against each other during the Deification, their circumstances were now similar.

Moreover, what Wudang said did make sense.

Thus, no one spoke again.

Meanwhile, Wudang had already met Xuandu in secret.

When the two recognized each other, Wudang was utterly shocked. She had never expected that Uncle Taiqing was behind the Human Race's rise!

Uncle Taiqing's arrangements encompassed nearly the entire Primordial Wilderness.

Wudang became even more reverent toward Taiqing Laozi.

Xuandu was deeply moved. His master's plans covered the Primordial Wilderness, and all things were merely chess pieces.

Even he had seen only the tip of the iceberg.

His master's mystery and power made Xuandu admire him even more.

The two quietly planned their act.

Wudang had no concerns whatsoever about this campaign against Great Qin. At her command, she waved the command banner, and the army charged forth.

Though Zhao Gongming and Yang Jian were unwilling, they were bound by the Investiture of the Gods and could not act freely.

The Heavenly Court's army and Great Qin's Human Race erupted into fierce battle, with flames of war spreading everywhere.

Suddenly, an overwhelming Quasi-Saint aura swept across the battlefield, unstoppable in its momentum.

Xuandu descended upon the battlefield disguised as the mysterious Quasi-Saint Guiguzi, and this change shocked the great powers of the Primordial Wilderness.

No one had expected that Great Qin not only had the aid of a Great Witch, but also a Peak Quasi-Saint standing guard.

Guiguzi's true identity became a mystery.

The moment Xuandu appeared, he severely wounded Old Mother of Mount Li, the Heavenly Court's commander, along with many Heavenly Court Immortals and Gods. The Human Race's morale soared, while the Heavenly Court army suffered another defeat and fled back to the Thirty-Third Heaven in disarray.

The Human Race won consecutive victories, shaking the Primordial Wilderness.

Inside the Hall of Celestial Supremacy, Haotian was utterly enraged. So many Da Luo cultivators and Quasi-Saint commanders of the Heavenly Court had still lost to Great Qin.

He angrily demanded to know what use all the generals were.

Just who was Guiguzi? Could he be an ancient great power? Why was he helping the Human Race?

Zhao Gongming, Yang Jian, and the other Chan Sect and Interception Sect cultivators all wore bewildered expressions.

Guiguzi was too powerful. They had been defeated before they could even withstand a single move.

Had their True Spirits not been housed within the Investiture of the Gods, they would already have perished body and soul.

Even an expert like Old Mother of Mount Li was no match for Guiguzi.

At this moment, Wudang, pretending to be injured, came forward to plead guilty.

"Your Majesty, please punish me. It is all because we were incompetent."

Haotian frowned, then finally said, "My beloved minister, rest and recover for now. This matter has nothing to do with you."

Although Haotian was displeased, he could do nothing to Old Mother of Mount Li.

Old Mother of Mount Li was a true Quasi-Saint and, moreover, a saint's chess piece. She was unlike the Immortals and Gods on the Investiture of the Gods, who could be dealt with at will.

Therefore, not only would Haotian not punish her, he would instead seek to win her over.

This was his way of wielding power.

However, Haotian's fury did not subside.

After Wudang withdrew, Haotian immediately flew into a rage at the Chan Sect and Interception Sect cultivators.

"You receive the Heavenly Court's stipends, yet you do not fight with all your strength. What crime should you be charged with?"

Before Zhao Gongming, Yang Jian, and the others could explain, Haotian shouted, "Wang Lingguan, bring the God-Striking Whip! Give each of them one thousand lashes!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

Without hesitation, Wang Lingguan began whipping the Chan Sect and Interception Sect cultivators.

Zhao Gongming, Yang Jian, and the others were furious.

Haotian was clearly making things difficult for them on purpose!

Now that they had ascended the Investiture of the Gods, they had no power to resist at all!

Even those such as Yang Jian and Nezha, whose physical bodies had entered the Investiture of the Gods, were still bound by it, though their strength was not entirely restricted.

Even without punishment from the God-Striking Whip, the survival of their True Spirits could not be guaranteed with a mere thought from Haotian.

The God-Striking Whip directly attacked True Spirits, making the pain unbearable for the Immortals and Gods listed in the Investiture of the Gods.

The screams of the Chan Sect and Interception Sect echoed through the Heavenly Court.

Unable to bear it, Antarctic Immortal Elder stepped forward to plead for mercy. "Your Majesty, this defeat was not their fault. Please show leniency."

Haotian looked coldly at Antarctic Immortal Elder. "Antarctic Immortal Elder, thinking of old ties and trying to shield them? Today, I strip you of your position among the Four Sovereigns and have Old Mother of Mount Li take your place!"

"At the same time, all divine positions held by the Chan-Jie Immortals and Gods in the Heavenly Court shall be demoted by one rank!"

"Those Immortals and Gods who took part in the battle shall be demoted by two ranks!"

"All remaining Immortals and Gods shall be promoted according to rank!"

Haotian had long been dissatisfied with Antarctic Longevity Great Emperor's authority.

He used this opportunity to suppress the Chan-Jie Immortals and Gods while elevating his own confidants.

In his eyes, the Chan-Jie Immortals and Gods were merely tools for him to manipulate.

What right did they have to occupy such important positions among the Four Sovereigns?

Haotian used this opportunity to punish all Chan-Jie Immortals and Gods.

On the spot, he promoted Old Mother of Mount Li, Wang Lingguan, Venus, the Great White, Giant Spirit God, and others.

Everyone throughout the Heavenly Court praised Haotian's wisdom.

Haotian was exceedingly pleased with himself, believing his scheme to be brilliant.

Yet the Chan-Jie Immortals and Gods felt only bitterness and fury.

They even began to entertain thoughts of resisting together.

Haotian was simply a tyrannical and incompetent ruler!

Antarctic Immortal Elder could only smile bitterly.

He had descended to the Heavenly Court to protect the Chan Sect.

Who could have expected Haotian to seize the chance to strike, making the positions of both the Chan Sect and Interception Sect even more precarious?

Yet Wudang's heart was filled with emotion.

Just as Uncle Taiqing had predicted, Haotian's actions had long been seen through by Senior Grand Uncle.

On the surface, the Heavenly Court had suffered defeat this time, while both the Chan Sect and Interception Sect had been punished and their divine positions demoted.

It seemed disadvantageous, but it was actually exceedingly beneficial.

This showed that the two sects would join hands and take an important step toward resolving their conflicts.

Because of Haotian's favor, Wudang gradually established her authority.

This, in turn, made her better able to protect and aid the Chan Sect and the Interception Sect.

She admired Senior Grand Uncle Taiqing's schemes beyond measure.

Senior Grand Uncle could be said to have calculated everything under heaven!

After dealing with the affairs of the Chan Sect and the Interception Sect, Haotian sat upon his imperial throne and said coldly:

"If you fail to achieve anything again, you will be severely punished!"

Haotian was deeply displeased by the rise of the Human Race, but he also understood that it was not the time to act rashly.

Otherwise, it would damage the Heavenly Court's dignity.

Moreover, the Human Race seemed to have some powerful, hidden force supporting it.

Who knew what other unknown beings were lurking out there?

The Heavenly Court had only a limited number of Quasi-Saints. Since Old Mother of Mount Li had failed this time, the others would likely find it difficult to accomplish anything as well.

Was he supposed to lead the expedition himself?

To personally lead an imperial campaign against the Human Race, who were like ants—would that not damage the Heavenly Emperor's dignity?

A glint of cold light flashed through Haotian's eyes.

"This Human Race is truly hateful!"

Haotian suddenly turned his gaze toward the Heaven of Detachment.

The Human Race seemed to have a mysterious Quasi-Saint supporting it, but did the Heavenly Court not also have a saint's Good Corpse?

So what if they were disciples of the Human Race?

Disciples...

Haotian instantly grew excited.

He decided to head to Tushita Palace and seek Supreme Lord Laozi's counsel.

When Haotian arrived at Tushita Palace, the other Immortals and Gods of the Heavenly Court dispersed one after another.

Only the punished Immortals and Gods of the Chan Sect and the Interception Sect remained at the Deification Platform, their expressions bleak.

Haotian's favoritism made the Chan Sect and the Interception Sect develop a shared sense of enmity.

At that moment, Our Lady of Wudang slowly approached and said calmly:

"The Chan Sect and the Interception Sect are originally one. If we do not stand united, I fear anyone will be able to bully the Heavenly Court."

"Are so-called differences in origin and ideology truly that important?"

The members of the Chan Sect and the Interception Sect remained silent.