Discussing the Investiture of the Gods in the Purple Cloud Palace, the Three Pure Ones Pass the Buck to the Western Teachings
"Come to the Purple Cloud Palace."
A profound Daoist Chants resounded without warning in the hearts of several Heavenly Dao Saint.
Kunlun Mountain, Jade Void Palace.
The Yuanshi Tianzun, who was sitting in meditation with his eyes closed, suddenly opened them, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.
Mount Shouyang, Eight Views Palace.
The Taiqing Saint, who was refining pills in front of the alchemy furnace, paused slightly in his movements, and a batch of Nine-Turn Golden Elixir instantly turned into ashes.
But he didn't care at all, he just calmly looked in the direction of the Purple Cloud Palace, without sadness or joy.
Golden Ao Island, Jade Palace.
The Tongtian Sect Master awoke from his reverie about the Dao, Surrounding Body sword intent subsided.
The West, Mount Sumeru.
The pain on the face of the Daoist Jieyin deepened, while the Daoist Zhunti showed surprise and doubt.
Beyond the Thirty-Three Heavens, Empress Wa's Palace.
The Saint Nuwa also received the summons. Her delicate brows furrowed slightly, and she was equally puzzled.
The Dao Ancestor Hongjun merged with the Heavenly Dao and ceased to concern himself with worldly affairs; Eon.
Why was Imperial Edict suddenly issued today?
Although the Saint each harbored different thoughts, none of them dared to be negligent.
After all, that was the Imperial Edict of the Dao Ancestor.
They all put down what they were doing, transformed into streaks of light, pierced through the endless Chaos, and flew towards the Purple Cloud Palace.
Purple Cloud Palace.
The ancient palace gates, it seems, have been opened at some point.
Taiqing, Primordial Lord, Tongtian, Jieyin, Zhunti, Nuwa, the six Heavenly Dao Saint, entered the main hall.
For a moment, no one spoke, and the atmosphere became somewhat tense.
Just then, the space above the High Platform slightly Distortion System.
A blurry figure appeared silently on the Cushion.
It was Hongjun.
We pay our respects to our teacher!
The six Saint rose together and bowed respectfully to Hongjun.
Get up.
Hongjun's words remained as calm and unassuming as ever, devoid of any worldly concerns.
"Thank you, Teacher Xie."
Hongjun's gaze swept indifferently over the six disciples.
Finally, it seemed that the gaze lingered on Yuanshi Tianzun for just a fleeting moment.
"I have summoned you here today for matters concerning the Heavenly Court."
Heavenly Court?
Upon hearing this, Yuanshi Tianzun's heart skipped a beat, and he had a vague premonition of something bad.
The other Saint also had their own agendas.
Hongjun continued speaking.
"Haotian came to see me some time ago."
"It is said that the Heavenly Court has been established for several Eon, yet the divine positions remain vacant, the number of immortals and gods is small, they are not of great use, and they are unable to truly rule the Three Realms."
"Therefore, he implored me to have you send your disciples to serve as officials in the Heavenly Court, to assist him and jointly maintain order in the Three Realms."
"I have already agreed to this."
The words had barely left his mouth.
The face of the Yuanshi Tianzun instantly darkened.
You bastard Haotian!
How dare a mere Daoist boy set his sights on my Clarify Sect!
They even went to the teacher to complain!
Back then, instead of reflecting on your own mistakes regarding Yaoji's matter, you harbored resentment and resorted to such methods to seek revenge!
That's practically suicide!
His disciples, all of whom Primordial Lord disciples, were all deeply rooted in virtue and exceptionally blessed, and were the future of the Orthodox Daoist Sect.
How could I possibly serve as a subordinate to a mere child, at his beck and call?
The Tongtian Sect Master also raised an eyebrow, clearly extremely dissatisfied with the matter.
The Ten Thousand Immortals Paying Homage Interception Sect, seeking only a sliver of hope for survival and freedom; how could they be bound by Heavenly Rules?
The Taiqing Saint remained Non-action, but a subtle fluctuation flickered in his slightly closed eyes.
Nuwa, on the other hand, remained indifferent, keeping to herself.
She belonged to no sect or faction and was all alone; this matter had nothing to do with her.
Only Jieyin and Zhunti exchanged a glance upon hearing the news.
They both saw the barely suppressed joy in each other's eyes.
Chance!
A golden opportunity has arrived!
Their Western Teachings is impoverished, and they have always wanted to extend their reach into the East, but they have no way to do so.
Now that the Dao Ancestor has spoken personally, isn't this just handing them the opportunity?
If they could arrange for their disciples to enter the Heavenly Court and assume Divine Office, they could legitimately share in the Eastern Fortune and strengthen their Western Teachings!
Based on their understanding of Primordial Lord and Tongtian, these two were proud and arrogant, and would never allow their core disciples to be under Haotian's jurisdiction.
Doesn't this mean that the majority of the spots will go to the Western Teachings?
Thinking of this, Daoist Zhunti could hardly hide the smile on his face.
He was almost about to speak up and express his willingness.
However, just as they were pondering which disciples to send to the Heavenly Court...
Hongjun's next words, however, were a bucket of cold water poured on them.
He waved his hand gently, and a stream of light flew out from his sleeve and landed in the center of the hall.
It was a scroll, entirely Xuanhuang, with Dao Rhyme flowing across it and Heavenly Secrets secrets spread throughout.
This is the Investiture of the Gods.
"Once you have confirmed your chosen disciples, write their true names on this list."
"Those who are listed are all gods of the Heavenly Court, bound by the Heavenly Laws and Commandments, and must obey the commands of the Haotian without fail."
"If you disobey, Heavenly Punishment will immediately follow!"
What?
Upon hearing these words, the expressions of all the Saint instantly changed!
Especially Jieyin and Zhunti, who had just been secretly pleased, instantly froze their smiles.
Will their names be written on the Investiture of the Gods?
Obey the commands of the Haotian Emperor and do not disobey.
This isn't about going to Heavenly Court to become an official; it's clearly about selling one's own disciple to Heavenly Court.
From then on, he was no longer in control of his own destiny and became Haotian's puppet!
Jieyin and Zhunti instantly abandoned their idea of sending their disciples to the Heavenly Court.
Are you kidding me!
Although their Western Teachings is poor, their disciples are still painstakingly trained.
Are they going to let their Western Teachings followers be listed on the Investiture of the Gods?
They might as well stay on Mount Sumeru and eat dirt!
At least, you're still free to eat dirt.
A deathly silence fell over the main hall.
Not a single Saint spoke.
Hongjun took in the reactions of All Saints, but remained expressionless, devoid of joy or sorrow.
He seemed to have anticipated all of this.
"You need not resist so much."
"Signing this Investiture of the Gods is not entirely a bad thing for your disciples."
"Now, the aura of killing and conflict in the world is growing stronger; Tribulation is about to begin."
"Those who make the list can borrow the power of the gods to avoid being killed in this Tribulation calamity."
"If one fails to make the list, once the Tribulation begins, none below the level of Saint will be able to escape, and at that time, entangled in Karma will be inevitable."
"Countless disciples under your tutelage will perish in this calamity, their bodies and souls extinguished, reduced to ashes."
Hongjun's words caused the hearts of the Saint to sink once again.
Tribulation!
Another Tribulation!
Hongjun's gaze fell upon Yuanshi Tianzun.
"Primordial Lord."
"Your disciple, in the past, went deep into the mortal world to assist Xuanyuan, and became entangled in boundless Karma."
"If this Killing Tribulation is not resolved, when a Tribulation descends in the future, we will be the first to bear the brunt and will not be able to escape it."
"If we allow them to pass the tribulation and be listed on the Heavenly Court, we can use this to avert the Killing Tribulation and avoid the danger of death. This is also a way out."
Upon hearing this, Yuanshi Tianzun could no longer remain silent.
He immediately bowed and said.
"Reporting to the teacher!"
"My disciples are all people of great fortune and noble character!"
"Their service to the Human Emperor is a great Merit, in accordance with the will of Heaven."
"Even though it means facing a life-threatening Killing Tribulation, it's for the sake of the Mystic Gate sect and the Human Clan; it's a last resort."
"As their master, I will do my utmost to avert this Killing Tribulation and help them overcome this crisis. I would not dare trouble you with such a request!"
The words of the Yuanshi Tianzun were passionate, righteous, and indignant.
He would never allow the elite disciples he had personally trained to serve Haotian.
That would not only be a disgrace to the disciple, but also a disgrace to his master!
After saying that, Yuanshi Tianzun changed the subject and pointed the finger directly at the Two from the West duo.
"Teacher, I believe this matter is not without a solution."
"Just Jieyin, fellow Daoists Zhunti seemed quite interested in the matter of having their disciples serve as officials in the Heavenly Court!"
"It seems that the Martial Nephew of the Western Teachings all possess compassionate hearts and are willing to serve all living beings in the Three Realms and the Heavenly Court."
"How about we have our fellow Daoists, Jieyin Zhunti, sign their disciples onto this Investiture of the Gods?"
"Wouldn't this both strengthen the Heavenly Court and fulfill their desire for Merit? Wouldn't that be the best of both worlds?"
The Taiqing Saint slowly opened his eyes and stroked his beard.
"What Primordial Lord Brother Yuanshi said is not without merit."
"Western Teachings disciples should exemplify compassion."
The Tongtian Sect Master directly echoed this sentiment.
"Exactly! Who else but the Western Teachings us this?"
"Our Eastern Xuanmen has disciples with shallow cultivation, unfit for great responsibilities, ignorant of Heavenly Rules, and who would only cause trouble if sent to the Heavenly Court."
"Such a good opportunity should be given to our two fellow Daoists from the Western Teachings!"
In an instant, the Three Pure Ones, united in spirit, passed the buck directly to Jieyin and Zhunti.
Instantly, the faces of Jieyin and Zhunti fell flat.
You bastard Primordial Lord!
Are you trying to push our disciples down the pit because you yourself are unwilling to jump in?
The next chapter will be later...