"Junior brother, watch your words!"
The Daoist Jieyin still looked distressed, but quickly interrupted Zhunti, his voice carrying a hint of helplessness and admonition.
"The time is not yet ripe! The Qilin Clan has just performed unparalleled service to the West and has been favored by Heavenly Dao, which has bestowed upon them recognition for their Merit."
If we rashly and forcefully recruit them now, wouldn't the powerful beings of the Primordial Wilderness laugh at our ugly behavior?
Furthermore, it might displease Heavenly Dao, so this matter requires careful consideration. The best course of action is to patiently await the opportune moment and proceed gradually.
His gaze drifted toward the Qilin Mountains, a flicker of eagerness flashing within him, which he forcefully suppressed.
Recruiting the auspicious Qilin to guard the west is certainly a great thing, but... the timing is indeed not yet ripe.
Qing Huan's mind grew increasingly heavy with worry.
Even if all the remains of the dragon, phoenix, and qilin Three Clans were thrown into that bottomless abyss, it would probably be difficult to completely repair the shattered ley lines.
It seems that in the end, we still have to rely on Zhenyuanzi —that Ginseng Fruit Tree rooted in the earth's veins, and that Top-grade Innate Spiritual Treasure "Earth Book" formed from the Earth's Fetal Membrane.
Repairing the earth's veins with its own power is far less strenuous than forcing the Three Innate Clans to fill the ravines with their flesh and blood... With this thought in mind, Qing Huan's figure flickered and Wuzhuang Temple on Longevity Mountain, wanting to investigate this "Zhenyuanzi" further.
At the same time, the East Prince stared at the faint yet vast Golden Light of Merit above the Primordial Wilderness sky, his greed almost tangible.
If such a massive amount of Merit were bestowed upon oneself, how could one not immediately break through to the Mid-Quasi-Saint?
At this moment, his Penglai Immortal Court has gathered trillions of beings from Ten Thousand Races of the Primordial World, making it an unprecedented force!
With such power and influence, if not now Immortal Court is established, when will it ever be?
With ambition burning brightly, the East Prince no longer hesitated, and with a flourish of his brush, wrote countless gilded invitations.
Aside from the twelve Ancestral Witch were unlearned and whom he regarded as his mortal enemies, every Innate Deities in Primordial Wilderness primordial world whose name could be called was among those invited.
Even Qing Huan, who had once humiliated him, was on the list—in the eyes of the East Prince, only the Witch Clan was the real threat.
Once the invitations were prepared, several Daluo Golden Immortal who had served the Immortal Court were dispatched to deliver them to various destinations.
As the Head of Male Immortals, personally appointed by the Dao Ancestor, how could he condescend to personally deliver the invitation?
That would be a huge joke!
After a moment's thought, the East Prince decided to set off again for West Kunlun to seek out the Queen Mother of the West Head of Female Immortals, to join him in this grand event. Her name was an excellent brand.
Above Longevity Mountain and Wuzhuang Temple.
Qing Huan concealed himself within the void and clouds, the aura of Innate Supreme Treasure flowing silently, completely obscuring his heavenly secrets. Zhenyuanzi, of course, could not deduce his spying.
"That old tortoise, hiding inside its shell, it really knows how to keep its composure."
Qing Huan sneered inwardly.
If relying solely on the Wutu Great Formation outside, even at the cost of some Merit, it might be possible to forcibly break through it.
The tricky part is that Zhenyuanzi actually linked the Ginseng Fruit Tree with the mountain-protecting formation!
The Ten Innate Spiritual Roots of the Primordial are all rare treasures of Creation born at the Heaven-Opening, containing the fundamental Great Dao. How could they be easily destroyed?
To forcefully break through it would require an immense amount of Merit, the cost of which would be unbearable.
Just as I was pondering this, a haughty voice came from below:
"I am Daoist Dakang the Immortal Court, here by order of the Lord of the Immortal Court East Prince to pay my respects to the Great Immortal Zhen Yuanzi!"
Our Lord cordially invites you, Great Immortal, to the grand ceremony of establishing your Immortal Court and to share in this magnificent occasion. This is your invitation; we hope you will accept it with a smile!
The sound waves entered the quiet room, and Zhenyuanzi, who was in seclusion and cultivating diligently, frowned and felt a surge of annoyance.
Whether the Immortal Court is established or not, what does it matter to him? Outside Wuzhuang Temple, danger lurks everywhere, and those barbarians of the Witch Clan who only recognize strength act without any scruples.
If he leaves the mountain now, the Dao Field will be destroyed, the Ginseng Fruit Tree will be taken away, and he may even die and his cultivation will be lost in an instant!
Moreover, he harbored a deep-seated hatred for the Twelve Ancestral Witches and Qing Huan —the revenge for his close friend Hong Yun was still waiting for him to take!
Every moment of secluded cultivation is invaluable; how can we waste it on the empty boasts of the East Prince?
"Go and report back to the East Prince."
Zhenyuanzi's icy voice pierced through the great formation without causing a ripple.
"I am currently in seclusion at a critical juncture and have no time to participate in the affairs of the Immortal Court. Please return."
After he finished speaking, the quiet room returned to deathly silence, with only the Daoist chants flowing through it, showing the master's determination to cultivate in seclusion without ever letting up.
Dakang stood outside the temple, his smile freezing instantly, then turning into a sinister look.
How dare Zhenyuanzi be so disrespectful and defy the majesty of the Immortal Court?
A surge of humiliation and resentment welled up inside me.
"Hmph... you old fool who doesn't know his own death!"
A wicked thought suddenly arose in his mind, "Wait till I get back and report to the Immortal Lord, then you'll be in for a world of hurt!"
With a flick of his sleeve, he turned to leave.
In the air, Qing Huan raised an eyebrow.
The East Prince acted swiftly; the Immortal Court was established as soon as it was declared.
"Very well..." A barely perceptible smile curved the corners of Qing Huan's lips.
The fact that the East Prince jumped out so eagerly is just what provokes Di Jun.
Once Di Jun establishes the Heavenly Court, he will be on equal footing with him, enjoying the boundless Luck of the Heavenly Court. Breaking through to the Mid-Quasi-Saint will be a piece of cake, won't it?
Thinking of this, the slight displeasure I felt because Zhenyuanzi refused to see me vanished.
Without lingering, its figure transformed into a streak of light, shooting straight towards the eternally burning giant fireball in the sky— the Solar Star.
Zhenyuanzi? Let him continue being a coward; sooner or later he'll become a thorn in the side of both the Witch Clan and the Immortal Court.
This trip is perfect for finalizing important matters concerning the Heavenly Court with Di Jun, and incidentally... to retrieve that crucial treasure.
The Three Pure Ones' Daoist Abode Kunlun Mountain.
Three magnificent invitations floated within the Jade Void Palace. The Yuanshi Tianzun Venerable, with a disdainful expression, spoke first:
"Eldest Brother, this East Prince is nothing but a clown, arrogant and domineering, with a notorious reputation in the Primordial Wilderness. He was even beaten to a pulp by the barbarians of the Witch Clan, leaving him in a sorry state."
We are the Pangu Orthodox, personally taught by the Dao Ancestor. How could we condescend to attend the banquet of such a person? It would only bring shame upon ourselves!
"Second brother is absolutely right!"
Shangqing Tongtian readily agreed, his eyes equally filled with disdain.
"This person is unworthy of his position, and his cultivation is mediocre at best. He is hardly worthy of our attention. Why bother with him?"
Taiqing Laozi sat upright on the futon, his expression calm and serene. He slowly opened his eyes and glanced at his two younger brothers:
"Second brother, third brother, you are mistaken. Although the East Prince is unworthy, he was still personally appointed by our master Head of Male Immortals. We attended the banquet out of respect for our master, and it has nothing to do with the East Prince himself."
The voice was calm, yet it carried an undeniable air of authority.
Upon hearing this, Yuanshi and Tongtian's expressions shifted slightly.
Laozi's words are indeed the truth. We must give face to the Dao Ancestor Hongjun, no matter what.
The two exchanged a glance, said nothing more, and silently nodded, which was considered their agreement.
When Qing Huan arrived at the Solar Star Palace, he encountered a being with two horns on its head, dressed in the robes of Immortal Court envoy, holding an invitation and wanting to enter the palace to announce its arrival.
Give me the stuff.
Qing Huan stepped in front of him, his voice indifferent, without even glancing at him.
"I am looking for Di Jun."
The creature was startled by the sudden appearance of the figure and subconsciously asked, "Who are you...?"