The Schemes of the Sages! The Human Emperor's Composure! Recommending Himself as Heavenly Emperor!
As soon as Hongjun Daozu finished speaking, Yuanshi Tianzun was the first to rise.
His expression was solemn, his bearing one of compassion for all beneath heaven, and he was the first to set the tone.
"Reporting to Master, the Heavenly Court is a vital place of the Three Realms, governing the heavenly laws. The position of Heavenly Emperor must be held by someone of impeccable birth and profound blessed fortune. Guangchengzi, the foremost disciple of my Sect of Elucidation, is of the Orthodox Pangu Lineage, with deep foundations. He is also steady in temperament and understands the greater good. This disciple believes Guangchengzi is more than qualified for this grave responsibility—to enter the Heavenly Court and enlighten all living beings."
Yuanshi Tianzun's words sounded lofty and righteous, directly placing the enormous hat of "Orthodox Pangu Lineage" upon the matter as he attempted to use lineage to crush all other contenders.
Yet before he could finish, Zhunti Daoren on the other side stepped forward, unwilling to be outdone.
Zhunti Daoren immediately put on an expression of suffering. With a long sigh, he even squeezed out two tears as he lamented, "Daozu sees all clearly. Our West lies remote and barren, its spiritual veins scarce, its people steeped in hardship. Since the Heavenly Court is to rule the Three Realms, it should naturally spread its blessings in every direction, displaying the impartial justice of the Heavenly Dao. Among the disciples of my Western Sect is Medicine Buddha, compassionate by nature, who has made a grand vow to save all living beings. The depth of his blessed fortune is in no way inferior to that of Eastern cultivators. This disciple boldly recommends Medicine Buddha as Lord of the Heavenly Court. Only thus may the suffering of our West be alleviated, revealing the