Kunlun Mountain, Jade Void Palace.
The first thing Venerable Yuanshi did upon returning to his abode was summon all disciples of the Chan Sect.
Before long, all the disciples had gathered there.
Nanji, Guangchengzi, Chijingzi, Taiyi, Yuding, Daoxing, Qingxu, Grand Master Lingbao, Manjushri, Samantabhadra, Cihang, and Juliusun, the Twelve Golden Immortals, sat below the hall.
In the front sat Vice Sect Master Daoist Randeng, along with disciples such as Yun Zhongzi and Chiting.
Venerable Yuanshi sat high upon the cloud platform, his expression dark as water.
"Master." Immortal Official Nanji stepped forward and bowed. "May I ask what has happened?"
"Today, I went to Purple Firmament Palace." Yuanshi spoke in an icy voice. "The Dao Ancestor has issued a decree. The Investiture of the Gods Calamity has officially begun."
"The Investiture of the Gods Calamity?"
The crowd exchanged glances, utterly confused.
Yuanshi recounted everything that had happened at Purple Firmament Palace.
"How dare Haotian act so brazenly!" Guangchengzi raged. "He is merely a boy at the Dao Ancestor's side. What right does he have to rule the Primordial Wilderness?"
"Exactly! How could disciples of the Chan Sect possibly obey that boy's orders?" Chijingzi too was indignant.
"Silence!" Yuanshi barked, and the hall immediately fell quiet.
"The Dao Ancestor's decree has been issued. The matter of the Investiture of the Gods cannot be changed." Yuanshi spoke slowly. "In this calamity, three hundred and sixty-five righteous gods must answer the tribulation and have their names entered upon the list. They will enter the Heavenly Court as gods and serve under Haotian's command."
True Lord Taiyi said in shock, "Even including registered disciples, our Chan Sect has only a few dozen people. How could we possibly gather that many?"
Yuanshi was silent for a moment before saying, "Therefore... most of these positions must