After running into a wall with Fuxi and Nuwa, East Prince Gong went to Kunlun Mountain again.
He naturally wasn't there to recruit Laozi and the others. The Four Pure Ones were almost certainly on the Heavenly Dao's side, and he definitely couldn't ally himself with them.
When he arrived at Kunlun Mountain, East Prince Gong released his divine sense, instantly startling many Great Powers.
East Kunlun.
The Four Pure Ones were discussing the path to the Quasi-Saint realm. When they sensed East Prince Gong's aura, they furrowed their brows.
"Why has East Prince Gong come here?" Tongtian asked, puzzled.
"Perhaps... he's come to recruit us?" Li Shou said from the side in a low voice.
Yuanshi nodded at his words. "It's possible. Eldest Brother, what do you think?"
"What do I think? He's already gone to West Kunlun. Why are you asking me?" After Laozi spoke, Yuanshi and the other two flushed with embarrassment.
Seriously, what was East Prince Gong's deal?
Did he think the Four Pure Ones weren't worth recruiting?
But perhaps that was true... Of the four of them, only Laozi had reached the mid-stage Quasi-Saint realm. The other three were still at Grand Unity Perfection.
It wasn't that they didn't want to break through. They simply lacked truly excellent Lingbao.
As orthodox descendants of Pangu, they needed to use Top-grade Innate Spiritual Treasures to behead their corpses, or else they would fall behind.
The three Lingbao transformed from the Creation Green Lotus were in accord with Heaven's will and were perfect for beheading corpses, but those Ancestral Witches had taken them.
Of the seven gourds nurtured by the Innate Gourd Vine, several should have belonged to the Four Pure Ones, but Chen Tian had taken those too.
Damn the Witch Clan!
"Ahem, why don't we go see what East Prince Gong is up to?" Tongtian suggested.
"I think that's a good idea." Yuanshi naturally agreed.
Who knew whether East Prince Gong might do something to threaten Kunlun Mountain?
They were going for the sake of the countless living beings in Kunlun Mountain!
Laozi and Li Shou had no objections, so the Four Pure Ones headed for West Kunlun together.
West Kunlun.
East Prince Gong had already found Queen Mother of the West's abode, Yao Chi Fairyland.
"May I trouble Daoist Queen Mother of the West to come out and speak with me?" East Prince Gong called toward the empty sky.
Clouds and mist swirled through Yao Chi Fairyland. Innate spiritual springs chimed, and rare flowers and plants covered the land.
Queen Mother of the West had already sensed East Prince Gong's arrival. She was seated on the Jade Terrace, gently stroking the Western Plain Colored Cloud Realm Banner bestowed on her by Hongjun.
Her bearing was graceful and noble, her face cool, and a moonlike radiance flowed around her.
Hearing East Prince Gong's voice, she raised her eyes slightly. A trace of helpless understanding flashed deep within them.
What was bound to come had finally arrived.
"Daoist East Prince Gong, you honor me with your presence. I regret not welcoming you sooner." Queen Mother of the West's clear voice rang out as the restrictions around Yao Chi Fairyland opened one after another.
She did not rise to greet him. Her posture was perfectly measured: neither discourteous nor a slight to her own standing.
East Prince Gong descended before the Jade Terrace as a streak of Immortal Light. Seeing her composed posture, displeasure flashed in his eyes, but a smile quickly covered it.
"You're too kind, Daoist Queen Mother of the West." East Prince Gong cupped his hands in greeting. His gaze swept over her exquisite features and graceful figure, and his heart stirred.
As expected of one of the Prehistoric World's most beautiful goddesses. Her cool, otherworldly bearing was far beyond that of ordinary Female Immortals.
If he could gain her support, or even... take her as his Dao companion, the fortune of the Immortal Court would surely flourish!
He suppressed his improper thoughts and spoke solemnly. "You must have heard that, by the Dao Ancestor's grace, I was appointed Head of Male Immortals and founded the Immortal Court at Penglai in the Eastern Sea."
"You are Head of Female Immortals and wield the Western Plain Colored Cloud Realm Banner, governing the Female Immortals. Our duties are similar."
"I've come to discuss our plans with you."
Queen Mother of the West remained calm. "Oh? What sort of plans do you wish to discuss?"
East Prince Gong took a step forward, his tone eager. "The Witch Clan runs rampant in the Prehistoric World, the Demon Clan is rising, and the myriad races are embroiled in endless conflict."
"My Immortal Court and the Female Immortals under your command both belong to the orthodox Mystic Sect. Why not join forces? We could exchange resources and support one another."
"Then, with Male and Female Immortals working together, the Mystic Sect's orthodox lineage will prosper. We'll be able to establish ourselves amid these troubled times and shelter all living beings!"
He spoke with lofty righteousness, but his gaze kept wandering over Queen Mother of the West.
Queen Mother of the West sneered inwardly, but showed no reaction.
"What you say is reasonable, but most of the Female Immortals value peace and quiet and do not involve themselves in disputes."
"The Dao Ancestor trusted me to wield this banner. I must keep to my duty, preserve tranquility, and avoid rashly resorting to arms or becoming entangled in the tribulation."
Queen Mother of the West had already refused him politely.
East Prince Gong's smile faded. "You're mistaken. Where in the Prehistoric World can one find true peace and quiet these days?"
"Have those Witch Clan brutes ever cared whether you're a Male or Female Immortal? And Tai Yi of the Demon Court is ambitious. Would he really spare this blessed land of Kunlun Mountain?"
"You are Head of Female Immortals, and I am Head of Male Immortals. If we support one another and you join my Immortal Court..."
He left the rest unsaid, but his meaning was clear.
Joining his Immortal Court would accord with Heaven's will and allow her to share in its fortune, greatly increasing her cultivation speed.
Queen Mother of the West toyed with the Plain Colored Cloud Realm Banner in her hand. Hazy clouds flowed across its surface. After a moment's silence, she suddenly said:
"Your Immortal Court has only just been founded, so I imagine you're very busy. My humble Yao Chi is too secluded to entertain you for long."
She was showing him the door outright.
At last, East Prince Gong's expression darkened.
Rejected again and again, he felt his anger rising.
Being rejected by Fuxi and Nuwa was one thing. They were famous and powerful, with every right to be proud.
But Queen Mother of the West was merely relying on a treasure bestowed by the Dao Ancestor. Did she really think she was someone important?
"Daoist Queen Mother of the West," East Prince Gong said coldly, "I invited you in good faith, yet you've turned me down repeatedly. Do you look down on me, the Head of Male Immortals, or on the Dao Ancestor's decree?"
He invoked Hongjun, hoping to force Queen Mother of the West to comply.
Queen Mother of the West raised her eyes and met East Prince Gong's gaze with a cool, scrutinizing look.
Because their origins complemented each other, she had met East Prince Gong several times and exchanged a few casual words with him.
In her memories, East Prince Gong had never been so arrogant. How had he become like this?
Queen Mother of the West didn't dwell on it. She merely assumed power had changed him, and said calmly:
"I will naturally obey the Dao Ancestor's decree. However, he charged me with governing the Female Immortals and preserving tranquility. He never ordered me to obey the Head of Male Immortals, nor did he command me to merge with the Immortal Court."
"If you intend to use your authority to pressure me, then go to Zixiao Palace and ask the Dao Ancestor to make his intentions clear."
She and East Prince Gong were equals.
Even though her cultivation was only at the early stage of the Quasi-Sage realm, below East Prince Gong's, she would not let him lord it over her.
East Prince Gong felt his anger catch in his throat. He was about to speak again when—
Suddenly, the clouds and mist outside Yao Chi Fairyland stirred. Four beams of pure light descended, transforming into the Three Pure Ones and Li Shou.
"Oh? Daoist East Prince Gong is here too?" Tongtian Cult Master was the most straightforward. As soon as he landed, he called out loudly, his gaze darting between East Prince Gong and Queen Mother of the West.
Laozi's face was expressionless, Yuanshi furrowed his brows slightly, and Li Shou watched quietly, observing them both.
Seeing the Four Pure Ones arrive, Queen Mother of the West felt slightly relieved. She rose and nodded to them. "So it's you four, Daoist friends. Please, sit."
East Prince Gong cursed inwardly, knowing that he wouldn't get his way today.
With the Four Pure Ones there, he couldn't use many of his methods. And judging by Tongtian's expression, he had clearly come to watch the show.
"Since you four have come to visit, I won't impose any longer."
East Prince Gong managed a smile and addressed Queen Mother of the West.
"Please think carefully about what I said today. No one can avoid the great trend of the Prehistoric World by minding only their own affairs."
He glanced at the Four Pure Ones, letting his gaze linger on Laozi for a moment, and said meaningfully:
"Kunlun Mountain is a fine place, but it's no secluded paradise. You should all make plans soon as well."
With that, he transformed into a streak of Immortal Light and fled. As he left, he shot Queen Mother of the West a vicious glare, his ambition and desire almost entirely undisguised.
Tongtian scoffed. "East Prince Gong really thinks he's something special."
Yuanshi cupped his hands toward Queen Mother of the West. "You've been troubled by his visit, Daoist Queen Mother of the West."
Queen Mother of the West returned the courtesy. "It's nothing. Thank you four for coming."
She understood perfectly. The Four Pure Ones had come under the pretense of visiting, but in truth they were making their position clear: East Prince Gong couldn't throw his weight around in Kunlun Mountain.
In a way, they had helped her avoid a calamity.
Laozi spoke slowly, his voice calm. "East Prince Gong is impatient and eager for quick success. He is no suitable partner. You were right to be cautious."
Queen Mother of the West nodded. "You're absolutely right."
Listening nearby, Li Shou's thoughts raced.
He could see clearly what East Prince Gong was after with Queen Mother of the West.
It seemed this Immortal Emperor wanted not only to unite the various powers, but also to take her and her territory for himself.
But Queen Mother of the West clearly wasn't an easy target. East Prince Gong's plan probably wouldn't work.
Still... judging by the look in his eyes as he left, East Prince Gong was unlikely to let the matter rest.
In Yao Chi, immortal tea steamed gently. The Great Powers seemed to be chatting idly, but each had their own thoughts.