The Grand Master's Elixir

Li Ping'an silently raised a hand to his forehead.

He somewhat blamed himself. Why had he called his old father to Chentang Pass?

To be fair, Chief Immortal Dazhi's skill at smoothing things over and playing Tai Chi was truly authentic.

First, he set the tone and elevated the discussion.

"Now that heaven and earth have only just stabilized and the great demons have retreated, the great calamity between heaven and earth has yet to disperse. What should our next objective be?

"Of course, it is to unite as one, cooperate sincerely, have the three teachings join hands, and have all living beings stand together. Together, we shall weather this great calamity and, under the Dao Master's leadership, open up a new world.

"A world where all living beings are equal, where creatures can continue to multiply and thrive without fearing the destruction of the world."

Then he gave each side an equal scolding.

"Why have you all come here? Do you think I do not know?

"To be honest, I heard everything you discussed on my way here. Aren't you making things difficult for Li Jing?

"Are we still going to continue the work of uniting all living beings and moving forward? Are we still going to push ahead with the grand policy of the Investiture of the Gods competition? Are we still going to obey the rules laid down by the Dao Master?

"How about we discuss it with the Dao Master? Each side sends out one hundred and fifty experts, and they fight it out face-to-face. The dead and living can all go to heaven. How does that sound?

"Isn't this just a matter between two disciples? Is it really that difficult?"

Li Dazhi set down his teacup and cleared his throat.

"Fellow Daoist Gongming, we've drunk