The Thirty-Eighth Chapter

As for the so-called Peach Banquet, they never paid it any mind from beginning to end.

When Haotian had just ascended to the position of Heavenly Emperor, he wished to use the prestige of the Saints to solidify his status. None of this could escape the dharma eyes of Yuanshi and Tongtian.

The four Saints left indifferently, never casting a glance at Haotian from start to finish.

A hint of sharpness flashed in the depths of Haotian's eyes, but he still smiled outwardly as he saw the Saints depart.

He knew that today's Peach Banquet had become a laughingstock in the eyes of the Saints, and this sowed the seeds of resentment in his heart.

In the Purple Heaven Palace, beyond the thirty-three heavens, the figure of Dao Ancestor Hongjun was seated upon the Dao platform.

His eyes slowly opened, as if the entire Primordial World was reflected within them.

Hongjun smiled slightly and commented on Li Er's actions: "Taishang has done a great deed for the Daoist Sect lineage that I wished to do but could not."

He was touched by Li Er's actions, for in the entire Primordial World, no one else had ever made him smile so willingly.

Although Hongjun was usually indifferent and detached, his feelings for the Daoist Sect could not be ignored.

Otherwise, he would not have been moved by Li Er's expulsion of the Two Sages of the West from the Daoist Sect.

The signs of the Heavenly Dao's awakening that appeared as Hongjun whispered drew his attention.

There was a profound and unignorable power in his calmness, like a divine being descending, a deafening smile that instantly froze.

But suddenly, his cold and disdainful gaze seemed to sweep over all attention towards the superiors above all beings.

Although he had anticipated the awakening of the Heavenly Dao Will, this time it seemed to have come earlier than expected, which surprised him.

It turned out that this awakening was because the Heavenly Scroll among the Three Scrolls of Heaven, Earth, and Man was about to appear, which had caused fluctuations in the Heavenly Dao Will.

As the spokesperson for the Heavenly Dao, Hongjun was also helpless at this moment.

Hongjun was the Dao Ancestor, and at the same time, the embodiment and vessel of the Heavenly Dao. When the Heavenly Scroll appeared, the Heavenly Dao Will would fully awaken.

At this moment, Hongjun seemed to realize that he needed to merge with the Heavenly Dao Will again.

At this moment, he was still **, not controlled by the Heavenly Dao.

Finally, Hongjun began to summon his other friend, speaking only to Li Er, because in his eyes, Li Er was extraordinary, reaching the realm of Taishang Supreme Saint, even capable of resisting the Heavenly Dao Will.

Therefore, even though the other five Saints of the Heavenly Dao were Saints, they seemed insignificant in front of Li Er.

What lay ahead was the full awakening of the Heavenly Dao Will and numerous unknown variables.

Daoist Hongjun's sole summoning of Li Er to the Purple霄 Palace within the Eight Sceneries Palace must be for a significant matter.

As Li Er was boiling tea and contemplating the Dao, Hongjun's familiar voice, like heavenly music, reached his ears.

His figure flickered, and he appeared before Hongjun.

Hongjun stated directly: "The Heavenly Dao Will is about to awaken."

Li Er's expression deepened upon hearing this. Although he did not speak, his eyes held a profound depth.

He already knew the relationship between the Heavenly Dao Will and Hongjun, but compared to the Heavenly Dao Will, he preferred dealing with Hongjun.

Because Hongjun was the founder of the Daoist Sect, his senior and his pillar of support.

The Heavenly Dao Will, on the other hand, took the development of the entire Primordial World as its responsibility. Although it might suppress certain forces for balance, its ultimate goal was still to maintain the overall situation of the Primordial World.

And Hongjun would be more inclined towards the Daoist Sect in certain details, which was crucial for Li Er.

Hongjun quietly waited for Li Er to comprehend his calculations regarding the killing tribulation triggered by the emergence of the Heavenly Scroll.

His words were like guidance; there was no need for more. The intelligent Li Er naturally understood their deeper meaning.

Li Er responded: "Thank you for the reminder, Dao Ancestor."

He knew clearly that the emergence of the Heavenly Scroll this time was different from the past.

With the establishment of Zhen Yuanzi's Immortal Mansion and Xuandu's Slaying of the Three Corpses, the Human Scroll and Earth Scroll were about to appear. The emergence of the Heavenly Scroll and the Investiture of the Gods List was also imminent.

This would be a premature killing tribulation for Saints, stemming from Haotian's machinations.

The conflict between the Chan and Jie Sects had existed since the previous Great Tribulation.

The appearance of the Heavenly Scroll and the Investiture of the Gods List would inevitably trigger a major war between the two sects. Although it might not lead to their annihilation, it could severely damage their vitality and affect the Daoist Sect's destiny.

However, behind every crisis often lies a great opportunity.

For Li Er, if the Investiture of the Gods killing tribulation did not come, how could he consider reversing the Heaven-Opening supreme treasure and returning to his origin to become the Pangu Axe?

Do not forget that Yuanshi still held the last Heaven-Opening supreme treasure – the Pangu Banner.

Although it was Yuanshi's supreme treasure, Li Er's calculations towards it seemed to disregard brotherly affection. However, in the Primordial World where Saints were immortal and indestructible, sentimentality was insignificant in the face of the struggle for Great Tribulations and Dao lineages.

Conversely, interests were the most stable relationship in the Primordial World.

For the sake of interests, Yuanshi could unite with the Two Sages of the West to slaughter Tongtian's Intercepting Sect. Why should he care about the affection between the Three Pure Ones? Therefore, Li Er had no psychological burden about calculating for Yuanshi's Pangu Banner.

Just like the decision made under the Heavenly Dao's command back then.

The five Saints of the Heavenly Dao joined forces at Buzhou Mountain. Yuanshi and Tongtian faced it calmly, and a battle with Li Er was inevitable.

Li Er's thoughts stirred. He knew that the Heavenly Scroll was about to appear and understood the reason why Hongjun had summoned him alone.

It was nothing more than using this opportunity to probe his attitude and actions, thereby preparing for the impending awakening of the Heavenly Dao Will.

The transaction between the two was a clear case of each getting what they needed.

Not long after, Li Er left Purple霄 Palace, and the content of his conversation with Dao Ancestor Hongjun remains unknown.

However, after this trip, Hongjun's attitude toward Li Er underwent a significant change. He began to see Li Er as the leader of the Daoist Sect, even its pillar, and also as the key to Hongjun regaining his freedom.

In the Lingxiao Treasure Hall of the Heavenly Court, the Saints showed little interest in the Peach Banquet, knowing they were only attending out of obligation to their status as Saints.

Now that the Saints no longer gave Haotian any face, it meant Haotian's plan had fallen through.

Thus, everyone dispersed, no longer participating in this grand event.

Haotian and Yaochi, as the rulers of the Heavenly Court, witnessed the hasty end of the inaugural Peach Banquet.

Haotian felt deeply humiliated, believing the Saints had belittled him.

Even though he had once been Dao Ancestor Hongjun's attendant, it did not mean his status was lowly.

In fact, without the destiny of great fortune, they would not have been able to assume the positions of Heavenly Emperor and Queen Mother.

This day's defeat was difficult for Haotian to accept.

However, Yaochi believed that the heavens and earth did not need to be angered because of this.

She reminded Haotian that the Dao Ancestor had once said, "All who are not Saints are but ants."

While the reality was harsh, they had to recognize the facts. As rulers of the Heavenly Court, they still needed to continue striving.

"In the eyes of Saints, all beings are ants, yet what is the difference between you and me, and the Saints? Even the Human Race's Three Sovereigns Saint is no more than this."

"Before the Saints, the title of Saint seems to become insignificant."

Haotian fell into thought upon hearing this.

Despite being the Heavenly Emperor of the Heavenly Court, he seemed insignificant before the Saints.

Haotian sighed with emotion, "Indeed, even though I am the master of the Heavenly Palace, what can I do before the Saints?"

Seeing this, Yaochi decided to encourage Haotian. "Your Majesty, there is no need to be like this. We are not entirely without advantages."

She explained, "As long as we make good use of our advantages and stabilize the position of the Heavenly Court, one day, with the power of the Heavenly Court, we will be able to stand on par with the Saints."

Haotian became interested, "What are our advantages?"

Yaochi smiled, "They lie in the 'Heavenly Scroll'."

She further explained, "The Earth Immortal has the Earthly Scroll, Great Emperor Fengdu has the Human Scroll, and our Heavenly Court will surely see the Heavenly Scroll emerge. I have a premonition that this is only a matter of time."

Haotian nodded in agreement, "I am the Heavenly Court's master appointed by the Dao Ancestor, and I should be the one to wield the Heavenly Scroll. Facing the legitimate Heavenly Scroll, the Saints cannot suppress me. On the contrary, as long as I patiently wait for an opportunity, I will surely be able to make the disciples of the Saints serve me."

Until Haotian grew to a point where he could not be ignored, the prelude to the Investiture of the Gods calamity quietly began.

At this time, the contempt of many Saints made him clearly recognize his position and clarify his future path.

After the setback of the Peach Banquet, Haotian deeply realized that the responsibilities of the Heavenly Emperor were not easily borne. He began to meticulously plan every step.

Li Er unexpectedly witnessed Haotian's growth and began to pay attention to him. He discovered that this future ruler of the Three Realms was ambitious and meticulous in his thinking.

In the West, Mount Sumeru was a true pure land. Jieyin and Zhunti founded a religion and attained enlightenment here, transforming it into their Dao practice ground. Golden light shone everywhere, Brahma sounds echoed, filled with mysterious faith power.

Deep within Mount Sumeru, there was a vast pond where numerous lotuses grew, emitting strong merit spiritual energy. There were many three-grade and six-grade lotuses, but only one nine-grade lotus. The nurturing of these golden lotuses imbued the entire pond water with a mysterious aura, known as the Eight Treasures Merit Pool.

At the deepest part of the Merit Pool, Zhunti sat cross-legged on a twelve-grade lotus platform. His face was ancient, radiating immeasurable divine light, and behind him appeared an Ancient Bodhi Tree, filled with an ineffable mysterious aura.

The miraculous aspect of the Eight Treasures Merit Pool was that its atmosphere could heal all Dao injuries. This was created by the Two Sages of the West at great cost, using the Three Lights Divine Water, eight Innate Spiritual Treasures, and the Twelve-Grade Merit Golden Lotus.

Although Zhunti currently only had the cultivation of a Quasi-Saint, under the nourishment of the Eight Treasures Merit Pool, all his Dao injuries had been completely healed. A cold glint flashed in his eyes as he slowly opened them. Recalling his experience of being expelled from the Saint position, he murmured, "Laozi, you caused me to fall from the Saint position. One day, I will overthrow your Daoist Sect."

Jieyin understood Zhunti's firm conviction. He said, "Junior Brother, although you have fallen from the Saint position, you have also gained insight into the essence of the unorthodox path, which is an unexpected joy. In every gain and loss, fortune and misfortune are intertwined. When you re-condense your Saint Dao, you will surely perfect the unorthodox path."

After a long silence, Zhunti shook his head. "Even if we perfect the Three Thousand Side Gates to the extreme, we are still no match for Laozi. In terms of sheer Saint power, no one can surpass him."

Jieyin, though unwilling to admit it, knew it was the truth. He said, "We cannot contend with Laozi for now. We should focus on developing the Western Sect. With the loss of the Daoist Sect's Destiny, the task is even more arduous."

Zhunti already had a plan. "Brother, there's no need to worry. I have a stratagem to incite discord within the Daoist Sect. Although Laozi leads the Daoist Sect, the Chan and Jie Sects are not on harmonious terms. We can join forces with the Heavenly Court to scheme against the Daoist Sect. Haotian is ambitious and can be used by our Western Sect."

Jieyin agreed after some thought. "Indeed, our Western Sect is currently weak and needs to ally with other forces. The Heavenly Court is a good choice."

The two tacitly ended the topic and naturally shifted the conversation elsewhere.

Within the Heavenly Court, Haotian was refining the Haotian Mirror in the Lingxiao Treasure Hall. At this moment, a golden light flashed, revealing Zhunti's Twelve-Grade Merit Golden Lotus platform and a phantom image. Haotian was surprised that Zhunti addressed him as a fellow Daoist, but considering Zhunti had lost his Saintly position and only retained Quasi-Saint cultivation, he accepted the title. However, he sensed Zhunti's intention to befriend him and remained wary of Zhunti's arrival. Zhunti, on the other hand, calmly expressed his desire to speak with Haotian in detail.

Haotian and Grand White Golden Star were discussing Yaoji's whereabouts. Yaoji, also known as Fairy Yunhua, was Haotian's sister. For some reason, Yaoji had not attended the Peach Banquet and had not been seen for some time. Haotian used the Haotian Mirror to check and discovered that Yaoji had descended to the mortal realm, fallen in love with a mortal, and even had two sons and one daughter. This made Haotian furious and ashamed.

Haotian issued an order: "Grand White Golden Star, heed my command!"

Grand White Golden Star responded, "Yes!"

Haotian curtly ordered, "Go down to the mortal realm and apprehend Yaoji."

Yaochi sighed softly, saying nothing more.