Seemingly Disadvantageous, Actually Great

Taiqing was thoroughly pleased with Ying Zheng and Bai Qi's performance.

The aura of the Human Emperor radiating from Ying Zheng grew ever deeper, and the foundation of Immortal Qin had already been secured.

At the same time, the fortune of the Human Race thickened—an auspicious omen.

Yet Haotian would surely be enraged, likely sending troops to attack the Human Race once more.

But Taiqing saw this as a rare opportunity instead.

Inside the Hall of Celestial Supremacy, Haotian was furious, berating the assembled Immortals and Gods.

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

The Heavenly Court's defeat at the hands of the Human Race was a profound humiliation.

The Four Heavenly Kings could only stammer in defense: "Your Majesty, it's not that we didn't give our all—the Human Race is simply too powerful."

"That Bai Qi is actually a Great Witch at the Zenith Heaven Golden Immortal level!"

Haotian's brow furrowed at the news.

A Great Witch?!

The Witch Race had long since declined—how could the Human Race possess such a formidable figure?

"Summon Old Mother of Mount Li at once!"

Haotian felt the Human Race's provocation had gravely wounded his dignity; they must be taught a lesson.

Even with help, how could the Heavenly Court's foundations compare to the Human Race's?

Soon, Old Mother of Mount Li (Wudang) arrived in response to the summons.

"Old Mother of Mount Li, I grant you the authority to select any Immortals and Gods for this campaign!"

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

Wudang was startled—was she really to campaign against the Human Race?

Just as she hesitated to agree, Supreme Lord Laozi's intent manifested in her mind.

"Proceed."

Wudang's heart filled with joy, and on the surface, she immediately nodded in assent.

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

Thereupon, Wudang summoned 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 a hundred thousand heavenly soldiers, descending to the mortal realm with overwhelming momentum.

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

He couldn't fathom what Old Mother of Mount Li intended.

Why gather so many immortals?

But as one of the Four Sovereigns of the Heavenly Court, though his status was lofty, he was marginalized due to Haotian's exclusion.

Thus, he merely speculated inwardly without voicing his questions.

At that moment, Haotian sat high on the Heavenly Emperor's throne, utterly unconcerned.

He gazed coldly at the Human Race, his tone brimming with authority.

"Those who dare provoke Heaven's might shall face severe punishment!"

"This rebellious Qin must be utterly annihilated!"

Heaven of Detachment, Tushita Palace.

Supreme Lord Laozi slowly opened his eyes.

Haotian's stubborn push to support the Human Race's development aligned perfectly with Taiqing's intentions.

This matter brought him many benefits!

First, it could consolidate the various factions within the Heavenly Court;

Second, he could use this to lay his plans and eventually supplant the Heavenly Court.

The key to replacing the Heavenly Court lay in seizing Haotian's position as Heavenly Emperor.

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

Only by allowing Haotian's fortune to gradually drain away could the process begin.

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

The rise of Immortal Qin would inevitably be tested by blood and fire.

Haotian could not suppress Ying Zheng.

The more Haotian tried to control the Human Race, the more likely he was to steer in the wrong direction.

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

As one rose and the other fell, Haotian's position as Heavenly Emperor hung by a thread.

"Rather than relying on the Heavenly Emperor's power, it's better to cultivate a Heavenly Emperor of one's own."

"This Seat's brilliant scheme is unmatched, having calculated the entire Primordial Wilderness."

Supreme Lord Laozi stroked his beard and smiled, sighing in admiration.

The Grand Pure One's machinations were beyond anyone's anticipation in the Primordial Wilderness.

Even sages like Tongtian and Yuanshi only thought of seizing the Investiture of the Gods to rescue someone.

The Grand Pure One, however, directly aimed to replace the Heavenly Emperor and establish his own Heavenly Court.

What kind of boldness and vision could match this?

Beyond the Chaos Beyond Heaven, in the Purple Cloud Palace.

In a place steeped in the boundless aura of the Heavenly Dao, Hongjun coldly watched Haotian dispatch troops to attack the Human Race.

He paid no heed to the Human Race's deep fortune, merely glancing casually at the Tushita Palace before gently closing his eyes.

Hongjun believed the Grand Pure One could not achieve anything through Haotian.

As the Heavenly Emperor, Haotian was entirely under his control.

The Primordial Wilderness, the Earthly Immortal Realm.

The Heavenly Court dispatched troops once more, even mobilizing the sages on the Investiture of the Gods.

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

After all, among the Three Teachings, who was not a Zenith Heaven Golden Immortal?

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 outside the Great Qin city of Xianyang.

Yang Jian gazed at the prosperous Human Race and could not help but sigh: "Ying Zheng unified the Human Race and let the people live in peace—this is a tremendous blessing."

"Should they be punished merely for offending Heaven's majesty?"

Zhao Gongming snorted coldly: "Isn't it the Immortals and Gods who disrupt the mortal world? Just like the Yin-Shang dynasty back then."

This matter touched upon the events of the Investiture of the Gods, and both sects harbored grievances.

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

"You were once disciples of the Three Teachings, and the Three Pure Ones were originally one lineage—you should coexist in harmony."

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

Why had she suddenly said this?

Yet, although the Chan Sect and the Jie Sect had clashed during the Investiture of the Gods, they now found themselves in similar circumstances.

Moreover, what Wudang said held truth.

So no one spoke again.

Meanwhile, Wudang had already secretly met with Xuandu.

When they recognized each other, Wudang was utterly shocked, never expecting that behind the Human Race's rise lay the schemes of Grand Pure Uncle-Master!

Grand Pure Uncle-Master's plan encompassed nearly the entire Primordial Wilderness.

Wudang's reverence for Grand Pure One Laozi grew ever deeper.

Xuandu felt profound emotion—his master's schemes spanned the Primordial Wilderness, with all things as his chess pieces.

Even he had only glimpsed the tip of the iceberg.

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

The two quietly plotted to put on an act.

Wudang had no concerns about this campaign against Great Qin. With a single command, she waved the command flag, and the army advanced.

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

The Heavenly Court's army clashed fiercely with the Great Qin Human Race, war spreading across the land.

Suddenly, a powerful Peak Quasi-Saint aura swept across the battlefield, unstoppable.

Xuandu, transformed into the mysterious Peak Quasi-Saint Guiguzi, descended upon the battlefield. This turn of events shocked all the mighty figures of the Primordial Wilderness.

No one had expected Great Qin to have not only a Great Witch but also a Peak Quasi-Saint as a guardian.

Guiguzi's true identity remained a mystery.

Xuandu appeared and severely wounded the Heavenly Court's commander, Old Mother of Mount Li, along with many Heavenly Court Immortals and Gods. The Human Race's morale soared, and the Heavenly Court army was once again routed, retreating in disgrace back to the Thirty-Third Heaven.

The Human Race achieved consecutive victories, shaking the entire Primordial Wilderness.

In the Hall of Celestial Supremacy, Haotian was furious beyond measure. Despite the Heavenly Court's many Great Luo cultivators and quasi-sage commanders, they had still lost to Great Qin.

He angrily demanded what use his generals were.

What exactly was Guiguzi's origin? Was he some ancient great power? Why was he helping the Human Race?

Zhao Gongming, Yang Jian, and the other cultivators from the Chan Sect and Jie Sect were all utterly bewildered.

Guiguzi's strength was too overwhelming—they couldn't even withstand a single move before being defeated.

If not for their true spirits being lodged in the Investiture of the Gods, they would have already scattered into oblivion.

Even a powerhouse like Old Mother of Mount Li was no match for Guiguzi.

At that moment, Wudang, feigning injury, came to confess her fault.

"Your Majesty, it is all due to our incompetence."

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

Though displeased, Haotian could do nothing about Old Mother of Mount Li.

Old Mother of Mount Li was a true quasi-sage and a pawn of the sages, not like the immortals and gods on the Investiture of the Gods who could be dealt with at will.

Thus, Haotian would not punish her—instead, he would court her favor.

Such was his way of wielding power.

Yet Haotian's rage had not subsided.

After Wudang withdrew, Haotian immediately vented his fury on the Chan Sect and Jie Sect cultivators.

"You draw salaries from the Heavenly Court yet fail to fight with all your might. What punishment do you deserve?"

Without waiting for Zhao Gongming, Yang Jian, and the others to explain, Haotian commanded, "Wang Lingguan, fetch the God-Striking Whip! One thousand lashes for each!"

"As you command, Your Majesty!"

Wang Lingguan began flogging the Chan Sect and Jie Sect cultivators without hesitation.

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

Haotian was clearly deliberately tormenting them!

Now that they were registered on the Investiture of the Gods, they had no power to resist!

Even those like Yang Jian and Nezha, who had ascended in physical form and thus retained some strength, were still bound by the Investiture of the Gods.

Even without the God-Striking Whip's punishment, a mere thought from Haotian could decide the fate of their true spirits.

The God-Striking Whip directly attacked the true spirit, causing unbearable agony to the immortals and gods on the Investiture of the Gods.

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

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

Haotian coldly eyed Antarctic Immortal Elder. "Fine, fine. Antarctic Immortal Elder, clinging to old ties, trying to shield them? Today, I strip you of your position as one of the Four Sovereigns and have Old Mother of Mount Li take your place!"

"Furthermore, all Chan and Jie immortals and gods in the Heavenly Court shall have their divine ranks reduced by one level!"

"Those who participated in the battle shall be reduced by two levels!"

"All other immortals and gods shall be promoted accordingly!"

Haotian had long been dissatisfied with the power of the Antarctic Longevity Great Emperor.

He seized this opportunity to suppress the influence of the Chan and Jie immortals and gods while promoting his own loyalists.

In his eyes, the Chan and Jie immortals and gods were merely tools to be manipulated at will.

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

Haotian used this chance to punish all Chan and Jie immortals and gods.

He immediately promoted Old Mother of Mount Li, Wang Lingguan, Venus the Great White, and Giant Spirit God.

The entire Heavenly Court praised Haotian's wisdom.

Haotian was quite pleased, believing his scheme to be brilliant.

But the Chan and Jie immortals and gods felt only coldness and fury.

Some even began to harbor thoughts of uniting against him.

This Haotian was nothing but a tyrannical, unenlightened ruler!

Antarctic Immortal Elder smiled bitterly.

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

Who would have thought Haotian would use this chance to strike, making the Chan and Jie Sects' position even more precarious?

Yet Wudang was filled with deep emotion.

Just as Senior Grand Uncle Taiqing had predicted, Haotian's actions had already been foreseen by the Senior Grand Uncle.

On the surface, the Heavenly Court had lost the battle, and both the Chan and Jie Sects had been punished with demoted divine ranks.

It seemed unfavorable, but in truth, it was a great advantage.

This indicates that the two sects will advance together, taking a crucial step toward resolving their conflicts.

Meanwhile, Our Lady of Wudang gradually established her authority through Haotian's favor.

This instead allowed her to better protect and aid both the Chan Sect and the Jie Sect.

She deeply admired Senior Grand Uncle Taiqing's strategic brilliance.

Senior Grand Uncle truly calculates all under heaven!

After handling the affairs of the Chan Sect and Jie Sect, Haotian sat upright on the throne and said coldly:

"If you achieve nothing further, there will be severe punishment!"

Haotian was deeply dissatisfied with the rise of the Human Race, but he understood that now was not the time for rash action.

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

Moreover, the Human Race seemed to be backed by a powerful, hidden force.

Who knew what other unknown existences lurked?

The Heavenly Court had a limited number of quasi-sages. With Old Mother of Mount Li's recent defeat, others would likely struggle to achieve results.

Would he have to personally lead the expedition?

To march against the Human Race, as insignificant as ants, would that not tarnish the Heavenly Emperor's dignity?

A cold glint flashed in Haotian's eyes.

"This Human Race is truly detestable!"

Haotian suddenly turned his gaze toward the Heaven of Detachment.

Behind this Human Race seemed to be a mysterious quasi-sage supporter, but did the Heavenly Court not also have the Good Corpses of sages?

What could a disciple of the Human Race do? A disciple?

Haotian grew excited in an instant.

He decided to go to Tushita Palace to seek advice from Supreme Lord Laozi.

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

Only the punished Chan Sect and Jie Sect immortals remained at the Deification Platform, their expressions gloomy.

Haotian's favoritism stirred a shared sense of grievance between the Chan Sect and Jie Sect.

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

"The Chan Sect and Jie Sect were originally one. If you do not unite, anyone could bully the Heavenly Court."

"Are distinctions of birth and differences in doctrine truly that important?"

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