Actively Joining the Ranks, Human Sect Enters the Heavenly Court

Primordial Lord caught sight of the Investiture of the Gods Scroll hurtling toward him, his face twitching sharply as he inwardly cursed his bad luck—why had Big Brother tossed this hot potato his way?

He hurriedly said, urgent: "Every disciple under my sect possesses great blessings and high enlightenment, they are beings of extraordinary talent—how could they ascend this Investiture of the Gods Scroll? Absolutely not!"

Before his words faded, Primordial Lord unhesitatingly shoved the Investiture of the Gods Scroll straight toward Sect Master Tongtian, and quickly added: "The Jie Sect is full of lowly creatures like 'those bearing fur and horns, born of dampness and hatched from eggs'—they are the ones who should ascend this scroll, that is their final destination."

"Primordial! You... how dare you act this way!" Sect Master Tongtian was ablaze with fury this time, his eyes wide as he glared fixedly at Primordial Lord, his whole body radiating a chilling, oppressive aura.

Primordial Lord had openly belittled his disciples in front of so many outsiders—how could Tongtian endure that?

"Primordial, did you not hear what Teacher said? This calamity was triggered by the killing tribulation of your disciples like Guangchengzi! In my view, it is you who should sign this Investiture of the Gods Scroll!"

The more Tongtian spoke, the angrier he grew, his hands clenched into fists, knuckles whitening from the strain.

His voice exploded like thunder in the air, rattling the eardrums of everyone around.

Zhunti, hearing Sect Master Tongtian's words, felt a surge of glee and quickly chimed in to support him: "Sect Master Tongtian speaks truly! This tribulation was indeed sparked by your Chan Sect disciples, so it is only right that your sect bears the responsibility!"

As he spoke, he covertly watched the expressions of Primordial Lord and Laozi.

Jieyin, seeing this, promptly followed up, nodding in agreement: "Junior Disciple Brother is absolutely right! This matter has nothing to do with our Western Sect."

After saying this, he stood quietly to the side, awaiting the others' responses.

At that moment, Primordial Lord let out a cold snort, his face stern as he retorted: "Hmph! Stop your nonsense! The Jie Sect disciples only bury their heads in cultivating Magic Power day after day, never paying heed to cultivating their own virtue. For that, they deserve to ascend the Investiture of the Gods Scroll!"

His gaze was as sharp as a sword, boring straight into Sect Master Tongtian and the others across from him.

Zhunti's mind stirred at Primordial Lord's words. Thinking it over, it was true—though the Jie Sect disciples were all deeply cultivated in power, many relied on their immense strength to look down on others, especially showing utter disdain for the Western Sect's disciples.

With that in mind, he promptly voiced his agreement: "Primordial Senior Brother speaks wisely! These Jie Sect disciples are far too unrestrained and rude, lacking in virtue—they truly deserve punishment."

Jieyin, unhurried as ever, added: "Junior Disciple Brother speaks the truth."

And so, the five of them went back and forth, each clinging to their own arguments, refusing to yield, and the scene descended into chaos.

The entire Purple Cloud Palace erupted in uproar, a cacophony of quarrels and debates filling the air.

The Five Sages argued fiercely over who bore responsibility for this tribulation, their faces flushed red, unable to stop.

Just then, the atmosphere grew so heavy it seemed to drip with tension, when Empress Nuwa suddenly broke the silence, her crimson lips parting: "If you all refuse to sign, then I shall go first."

No sooner had she spoken than her jade hand waved, and the Investiture of the Gods Scroll, as if possessed of intelligence, flew instantly before her. Then, she lifted her brush, and the tip danced like flowing clouds and water, swiftly scribbling across the scroll.

The Five Sages present were struck dumb, and even the ever-inscrutable Dao Ancestor Hongjun was taken aback—six minds thinking the same thought: "What is this? How could she so easily send her own disciples away?"

Dao Ancestor Hongjun was the first to recover, steadying himself and speaking in a deep voice: "Since Fellow Daoist Nuwa has signed, do not hesitate any longer—sign quickly."

Yet the Five Sages, despite their immense reluctance, had no choice.

Taiqing Laozi stared at the Investiture of the Gods Scroll before him, brow furrowed, pondering to himself: He had only one disciple, Xuandu, a single seedling—there was no way he could bear to send him to the scroll.

After some deliberation, he could only helplessly write down the name of his good corpse—Taishang Laojun.

Primordial Lord, likewise wearing a troubled expression, thought for a moment and finally wrote down the names of a few nominal disciples before handing the scroll to Sect Master Tongtian.

Tongtian took the scroll, let out a long sigh, and followed suit, writing down a few insignificant nominal disciples.

When it came to Jieyin and Zhunti, the scene ground to a halt.

The two exchanged glances, faces twisted in agony. They simply could not bear to sign a single disciple's name onto this Investiture of the Gods Scroll!

After all, the Western Sect had few members to begin with—these disciples were ones Zhunti had painstakingly lured from the East through immense effort.

Feeling Dao Ancestor Hongjun's blazing gaze upon them, their hearts trembled, but they gritted their teeth, steeled themselves, and slowly wrote down the first name.

Yet when they tried to write a second, the brush in their hands felt as heavy as a thousand pounds, refusing to move.

Each name they wrote was a torment to their souls, as if a gaping wound were being carved into their hearts, blood gushing forth.

Seeing this, Zhunti simply tossed the brush aside, abandoning the effort, and turned to hug Dao Ancestor Hongjun's leg like a child.

Tears and snot streaming, he wailed: "Teacher! We truly cannot write any more! Think of it—the disciples our Western Sect has now, my senior brother and I cultivated them through countless hardships, pouring in all our effort! Please, Teacher, have mercy and pity our Western Sect!"

Dao Ancestor Hongjun looked down at Zhunti, sobbing and pitiful, then swept his gaze over the other four Sages.

All four wore expressions of equal reluctance and helplessness.

With a slight sigh, he waved his hand and said: "Enough, enough. Since you find it so difficult, then stop signing. This Investiture of the Gods Tribulation shall follow the will of Heaven—each of you, let fate take its course."

At these words from Dao Ancestor Hongjun, the Five Sages let out a collective sigh of relief, the tension in their nerves finally easing.

Can't find the book title? Try searching the author—maybe it just changed names!

At this, Primordial Lord stepped forward, bowing respectfully to Dao Ancestor Hongjun: "Teacher, when will this Investiture of the Gods Tribulation officially begin?"

Dao Ancestor Hongjun stroked his beard and said slowly: "When the one bearing Heaven's mandate appears in the world, that will be the moment of the Investiture. This chosen one will wield the Investiture of the Gods Scroll and the mighty God-Beating Whip, guiding the course of the Investiture of the Gods War."

"The one bearing Heaven's mandate..." The group exchanged glances, murmuring the four words as if to etch them into their souls.

Their eyes met, filled with doubt and anticipation.

At that moment, Taiqing Laozi stepped forward, bowed respectfully to Dao Ancestor Hongjun, who sat on the clouds radiating boundless majesty, and asked: "Teacher, what are the signs of this chosen one? Please enlighten us."

Dao Ancestor Hongjun nodded slightly, his deep, universe-like eyes gazing down at the assembly, and said slowly: "The chosen one bears the Flying Bear Sign, as decreed by the Heavenly Dao. You need only seek out one with the Flying Bear Sign."

With that, he lightly flicked his sleeve, and the Investiture of the Gods Scroll in his hand vanished in a streak of Flowing Light.

After doing this, Dao Ancestor Hongjun turned to the elegant and beautiful Empress Nuwa beside him, speaking earnestly: "Fellow Daoist Nuwa, though this tribulation is closely tied to the fate of humanity, given our status, it is truly inappropriate for us to meddle casually."

Upon hearing this, Empress Nuwa's beautiful eyes flickered as she exchanged a glance with Dao Ancestor Hongjun before slowly nodding in agreement. "It can be done." Her voice was crisp and melodious, like a heavenly sound, yet carried an unshakable resolve.

With the matter temporarily settled, the various Saints rose one after another and departed from the Purple Cloud Palace. Their figures gradually vanished beyond the palace gates, leaving behind only a tranquil stillness.

After returning to the Human Dao Hall, Empress Nuwa took a brief rest before promptly summoning the members of the Human Sect once more.

The group gathered together, their expressions focused as they awaited Empress Nuwa's words.

Empress Nuwa recounted everything that had transpired in the Purple Cloud Palace, her voice clear and steady, as if each word held boundless depth.

The listeners concentrated intently, afraid to miss even a single detail.

Once Empress Nuwa finished, Su Mu stepped forward, cupped his hands in salute, and then said, "Teacher, in this Disciple's view, the other Saints will surely be unwilling to send their disciples to serve in the Heavenly Court. Why don't we make the first move? That way, we might still gain some merit."

Empress Nuwa nodded slightly in approval of Su Mu's view, then said, "Very well. Su Mu, lead your Junior Disciple Brothers and sisters to the Heavenly Court at once."

"As you command!" Su Mu acknowledged, then turned to look at his fellow disciples behind him and declared loudly, "Everyone, follow me!" With that, he stepped out of the Human Dao Hall first, leading the group toward the Heavenly Court.

This party numbered seven in total. They traveled with lightning speed and soon arrived at the Heavenly Court.

From afar, the Heavenly Court loomed majestic and grand, its scale awe-inspiring; pavilions and towers were arranged in perfect order, shrouded in swirling clouds and mist, like a realm of immortals.

The group was led into Yaochi's domain. Su Mu stepped forward, clasped his fists in salute, and said respectfully to Yaochi, "Lady, my teacher Empress Nuwa has heard that the Heavenly Court is short of personnel, so she has specially sent us to assist."

When Yaochi saw Su Mu, she was startled greatly. She remembered Su Mu all too well, especially the terrifying strength he had displayed when he slew a Saint back then—it still made her heart tremble.

At the sudden sight of Su Mu, she even mistakenly thought he had truly attained the position of a Saint.

However, after a careful look, she found that Su Mu was only at the Peak Golden Immortal of the Origin realm. Understanding dawned on her—he must have used some special method back then to temporarily wield Saint-like power.

Yaochi quickly replied, "Oh my, this is truly a great kindness from Empress Nuwa! Come, come, please take a seat and rest for a while. I'll go fetch my senior brother right away."

With that, she also called over a few clever and obedient maids, instructing them to promptly serve delicious immortal fruits to entertain the honored guests.

After ensuring everything was arranged, she hurriedly turned and left, rushing toward Haotian's secluded cultivation site.

In no time, she arrived before Haotian's tightly shut stone door.

Standing still, she first cleared her throat, then called out respectfully, "Senior Brother..."

At that moment, Haotian was deep in cultivation within his chamber. Hearing the familiar voice from outside, he couldn't help but frown slightly.

When he saw that it was Yaochi, his face showed a hint of displeasure, and he said in a deep voice, "Junior Disciple Sister, I am at a critical juncture in my seclusion. You have full authority to handle all matters of the Heavenly Court. I am now at a key point to break through a bottleneck and must not be disturbed in the slightest."

Yet Yaochi did not relent and pressed on, "Senior Brother, this time is special. Su Mu has arrived at the Heavenly Court with many disciples of the Human Sect."

"What? Su Mu?" At the sound of that name, Haotian, who had been impatient, was instantly jolted alert.

After all, Su Mu was no ordinary figure, and with the backing of Empress Nuwa, the esteemed Human Dao Spokesperson, Haotian knew well that this matter could not be taken lightly.

Thus, despite his reluctance, he sighed helplessly, slowly rose, and opened the stone door to come out.

Then, Haotian followed closely behind his Junior Disciple Sister, hurrying along until they soon reached Yaochi's domain.

Upon seeing the group, Haotian quickly put on a smiling face, cupped his hands in salute, and said, "My apologies, everyone. I was in seclusion just now and didn't expect your visit. But since I've learned of your arrival, I dared not delay any further and came immediately to meet you all."

Everyone present rose to their feet, each with a respectful expression, clearly giving Haotian due honor.

Su Mu took the lead, stepping forward, clasping his hands, and bowing deeply as he declared loudly, "Su Mu pays respects to the Great Celestial Venerable!" His voice rang out, echoing through the entire hall.

"Please, everyone, take a seat." Seeing such courtesy, Haotian was overjoyed and quickly gestured for them to sit. His usually dignified face now bore a warm and amiable smile.

Once everyone was seated again, Su Mu spoke once more, "We have come today to seek an audience with the Great Celestial Venerable because we have a request. We all wish to take up positions in the Heavenly Court, and we hope the Great Celestial Venerable will grant this." With that, Su Mu looked at Haotian with earnest anticipation, awaiting his reply.

Hearing this, Haotian was momentarily stunned, then his face lit up with surprise. He nodded without hesitation and replied, "Of course! You are all capable individuals. If you are willing to serve in the Heavenly Court, it would be my great fortune! I will certainly assign you suitable posts."