The Heavenly Dao's Judgment

"Are you threatening my fellow disciples, Fellow Daoist?" Jieyin asked coldly. "Since my brother and I attained the Dao, we are not pushovers to be trifled with."

Zhunti then stomped his feet in distress: "My brother and I have poured our hearts and souls into repairing the West. My young disciple merely showed some kindness, yet he is met with such humiliation! Why don't we ask the Dao Ancestor to judge? Must cultivators of the West be bullied by you, Fellow Daoist?"

"Eloquent as ever!" Yuqing Daoist scoffed.

"Promoting the grand tribulation is the responsibility of Sages. Even if we were to meet the Dao Ancestor, we would still be in the right. Stop this nonsensical bickering!"

Immortal Light surged around him, clearly preparing for a fight. Taiqing also brought out the Taiji Diagram, his attitude extremely resolute.

The situation, three against two, had already become clear.

Suddenly, a light laugh was heard--

Shangqing Daoist gracefully retreated to the side: "This time, I shall not take sides. My two elder brothers, please proceed."

Upon hearing this, everyone's gaze snapped to him!

Tongtian was choosing to stand by and watch?

"Has the rift between the Three Pure Ones reached **this point?"

Lu Tian was contemplating this when Tongtian's voice rang out.

"The Heavenly Dao leaves a sliver of hope. This tribulation for the Human Race should be resolved by Lu Tian and the West. I shall not interfere."

So that's how it is!

Lu Tian immediately understood.

Although the Three Pure Ones had their disagreements, it hadn't reached **this extent--Tongtian's willingness to accompany Dao De Tianzun and Yuanshi to Two Realms Mountain was proof enough. His non-intervention this time was because Lu Tian's actions aligned with his Dao. To forcefully intervene would instead cut off the Human Race's chance of survival, going against the fundamental teachings of the Intercepting Sect, which is to intercept heavenly opportunities!

Sages valued their reputation above all else.

Even if there were conflicts, they were merely due to differing stances and clashing interests.

The root of the long-standing animosity between the Three Pure Ones and Jieyin and Zhunti lay in the division between the Eastern and Western factions:

The Three Pure Ones protected the Eastern Mystic Gate, while Jieyin and Zhunti guarded the Western Pure Land.

This was a difference in factions.

The well-being of beings in the East and West differed--

Jieyin and Zhunti sought the prosperity of the West, just as the Three Pure Ones planned for the East.

This was a difference in stance.

Precisely because their stances were so different, their interests naturally clashed!

Jieyin and Zhunti, having glimpsed the extraordinary nature of the Human Race, wished to forcibly keep them to strengthen the West;

Dao De Tianzun, because the Human Teachings' destiny was tied to the Human Race, knew that migrating them to the West would damage his foundation. Thus, he abandoned his transcendent demeanor and revealed his sharp edge;

Tongtian, on the other hand, prioritized his Dao heart. The fate of the Human Race's destiny was secondary;

Yuanshi Tianzun, not only opposed the Western Teachings' stance but also needed to protect his elder brother, so he naturally lent his full support.

** Evil ways, righteous Mystic Gate, It was merely a difference in methods.

If Jieyin and Zhunti had the foundation of the Three Pure Ones, why would they resort to such cunning schemes?

If one could drink nectar from a jade cup, who would willingly crawl and slurp mud?

With four Sages confronting each other in the sky, The already devastated Western lands suffered further calamity--

Outside Spiritual Mountain, earth veins erupted, and fierce winds tore through the sky!

Seeing that Dao De Tianzun would not back down an inch, Jieyin and Zhunti knew this battle was unavoidable. They immediately dropped their pretense of harmony, and their Sage might erupted!

The clash of Sages was imminent!

Even though their overall strength was slightly inferior to Dao De Tianzun and Yuanshi Tianzun, Jieyin and Zhunti were confident they could hold them off.

As long as Tongtian did not intervene, Lu Tian could seize the opportunity to settle the Human Race completely, thus solidifying the situation.

Dao De Tianzun had already seen through their plan.

Jieyin and Zhunti were well-versed in such nonsensical arguments and acting first then reporting later.

Seeing their resolute attitude, Dao De Tianzun knew it would be difficult to take the Human Race away today--unless the Dao Ancestor was asked to decide.

However...

The Dao Ancestor would most likely not intervene. The West was deeply entangled with karma, and the Dao Ancestor still needed to support the Western forces!

With this thought, a cold glint appeared in Dao De Tianzun's eyes.

The lives of millions of mortals were no more significant than ants to him.

The life and death of the Primordial World's Human Race changed like the turning of the seasons.

What he cared about was only destiny!

If it weren't for the gravity of the situation, such a thought that tarnished a Sage's reputation would never have surfaced.

Since negotiations had failed, Dao De Tianzun's voice turned as cold as iron, and he invited the two Fellow Daoists to discuss the Dao beyond the heavens.

As his divine sense swept over Tongtian and Lu Tian's flying boat, his gaze grew even more somber.

Tongtian silently took half a step back, offering a faint smile to his elder brother.

The discord between brothers was secondary.

Adhering to one's own Dao was the true heart of a Sage.

Jieyin and Zhunti exchanged smiles.

When it came to despicable methods, the Two Sages of the West were the masters of this path; how could they not understand Dao De Tianzun's intentions?

Precisely because of this, they were even more determined to firmly protect the Human Race in the West.

"Why must Senior Brother be angry?" Zhunti suddenly clapped his hands and laughed. "This matter has already been reported to the Dao Ancestor. We shall await his decree."

"Why not move to the Western Pure Land and discuss the profound Dao of the Mystic Gate together? My previous observation of the Eight Sceneries Palace's arrangement has greatly benefited me..."

Dao De Tianzun's fingers trembled slightly within his sleeve.

First strike the enemy by reporting to the Dao Ancestor, then invite the Three Pure Ones to the West to discuss the Dao—what a heart-piercing strategy!

On the flying boat, Lu Tian lowered his head, concealing his smile.

Master's move is truly brilliant.

"The Western lands probably cannot bear the fate of the three of us. Let's not go then!"

Dao De Tianzun snorted coldly, barely suppressing his Sage-like demeanor, almost spewing curses.

That Zhunti is truly detestable!

When did he report to the Dao Ancestor? I didn't even notice!

"The Western Teachings should focus on cultivating the Dao, not indulging in unorthodox paths."

Dao De Tianzun's anger had not subsided, and he spoke again.

The implication was obvious—

If you have the ability, cultivate properly. Don't spend your days devising tricks like tattling!

Zhunti responded with a smile, as if completely misunderstanding his meaning: "Senior Brother's admonishment is correct. However, our West is barren and cannot compare to the East. We can only take some unconventional paths, which makes Senior Brother laugh."

This mouth can practically infuriate someone to death.

Just as Yuanshi Tianzun was about to rebuke him, a golden light descended from the thirty-third heaven!

All five Sages were startled and quickly took a step back, bowing in greeting: "We pay respects to Master!"

Lu Tian did not dare to be negligent and followed his Master in bowing: "We pay respects to the Dao Ancestor!"

The golden light receded, transforming into a decree—

"You, as Sages of the Heavenly Dao, cause the heavens and earth to crack with the slightest action and engage in conflict at every turn. What about the myriad beings of the Primordial World?"

"Each of you shall return to your respective dojos and shall not step out for three thousand years!"

Dao De Tianzun's expression grew even more somber.

Three thousand years of confinement was nothing; it was merely a brief moment of standing punishment.

But the Dao Ancestor's attitude was clear—if everyone returned home, wouldn't the Human Race be taken by the West?

His expression shifted, but he ultimately said nothing further.

At this moment, Dao De Tianzun suddenly thought—

If the Dao Ancestor's punishment was unfavorable to Jieyin and Zhunti, they would have likely cried about the hardships of the West and begged for forgiveness...

I ultimately cannot do such a thing.

The five Sages could only respond in unison: "We respectfully obey the Dao Ancestor's decree!"

Immediately—

Dao De Tianzun and Yuanshi Tianzun's faces were as dark as water.

Jieyin, Zhunti, and Tongtian Jiaozhu, however, appeared pleased.

Jieyin and Zhunti were delighted by their significant gains.

Tongtian Jiaozhu was satisfied with the stabilization of his own Great Dao.

Dao De Tianzun glared at Lu Tian, then immediately returned to the East with Yuanshi Tianzun and Tongtian Jiaozhu.

In an instant, they arrived at Kunlun Mountain.

Dao De Tianzun's expression turned even colder. He said sternly, "Third Brother! I invited you to assist me this time, so why did you end up boosting others' arrogance? What about your elder brother?"

Yuanshi Tianzun also reprimanded: "Third Brother! Even if we brothers have disagreements, you shouldn't have sided with outsiders!"

Tongtian's previously pleasant expression immediately turned grim.

"When did I ever side with them?"

"That is the Dao I uphold. How can I destroy my Saint position and abandon my Dao to cultivate anew for some trivial matters?"

"Do my two elder brothers not know the backlash from defying the Heavenly Dao?"

"If you truly wish to help, why remain neutral? You should have already taken up arms against them!"

"The Heavenly Dao still leaves a sliver of hope. This is even ordained by the Dao Ancestor. If my brother insists on assigning blame, why not go to the Purple霄 Palace yourself and ask the Dao Ancestor for judgment!"

Tongtian ** waved his sleeves, and a great formation's radiance erupted outside Biyou Palace, trapping him within the hall.

"Don't forget the Dao Ancestor's punishment of three thousand years of confinement!"

As soon as these words were spoken, Dao De Tianzun and Yuanshi Tianzun's faces turned ashen. They each flicked their sleeves and returned to their mountains, also closing their doors for contemplation.

Within the Western Pure Land, Jieyin's fingertips brushed against a jade bottle, within which a blood-red light flickered.

"The Demon Race Heavenly Court's ambitions are vast..."

"The essence and blood of the Human Race, is it truly worth such great effort?"

Lu Tian stood with his head bowed. "This one is foolish and only feels this matter might be connected to the Witch Clan."

He naturally omitted the secret of the Witch Slaying Sword—some karma, if revealed too early, would become a catastrophe.

Zhunti clapped his hands and laughed. "Good! Merely by observing the Heavenly Court's actions, we can glimpse the mystery."

"The ability to see the minute from the grand, your master also gained it only after enduring countless tribulations."

Jieyin, however, unfurled the invitation in the air. Within the glazed light, dark patterns of the Demon Race appeared.

"The banquet invited by Di Jun has a second layer of calculation."

"Using your hand, spread the news of the Demon Race's Imperial Son's imminent birth throughout the Primordial World."

"If my guess is correct, Di Jun and Taiyi will act in secret on the day the Imperial Son is born, when all beings' attention is focused on the Heavenly Court."

"They will likely use these vital essences and souls on that day."

"This... could it be to refine some kind of Magic Treasure?"

Jieyin spoke slowly, while also speculating.

"Such large-scale slaughter of the Human Race, collecting vast amounts of vital essence and souls..."

"Although the Human Race is weak, excessive killing will inevitably incur immense karmic debt, and heavenly punishment will be unavoidable."

"The Imperial Son's birth is a grand event for the Heavenly Court. At that time, its fortune will surely surge."

"Then inviting strong individuals from all directions to the banquet will make its fortune burn even hotter, reaching its peak."

"They intend to use the Imperial Son and the Heavenly Court's fortune to ** karmic debt, thus masking their true intentions."

Lu Tian deeply agreed.

Di Jun was indeed worthy of being the Lord of the Heavenly Court; his schemes were profound, his plans exquisite, and they were all interconnected.

His master's deductions were not off by even a hair!

Only he knew that the Demon Race was refining the Witch Slaying Sword!

However, he hadn't thought of such far-reaching implications before.

Ultimately, it still came down to that saying—

Lu Tian still had much to learn.

Although he had glimpsed the Demon Race slaughtering humans through the foresight of a transmigrator and a stroke of luck, Jieyin could meticulously unravel it and deduce the Heavenly Court's entire plan.

"Your fortune... is truly heaven-defying!"

"A casual act of kindness to the Human Race, and you stumbled upon the secret of the Demon Race's slaughter."

As Lu Tian marveled inwardly, Jieyin and Zhunti were also exclaiming.

Their ** fortune was simply unparalleled in the Primordial World!

Since their origins were perfected, their fortune had become even more boundless, almost comparable to the aura of the Eastern Sages before they achieved enlightenment!

"It was indeed fortunate..."

Lu Tian smiled humbly.

In an instant, the master and his two disciples looked at each other and smiled.

Since the Heavenly Court's hidden plan was seen through by Lu Tian, they could naturally profit from it!

"Since Di Jun dares to scheme against you, we shall return the favor."

As their laughter gradually subsided, Jieyin's gaze turned cold.

"Di Jun wishes to use the opportunity of the Imperial Son's birth to mask the anomalies of refining the Magic Treasure with his fortune. His Imperial Son will then have to bear the karmic backlash from the Magic Treasure."

"He is gambling!"

"Gambling that the Magic Treasure's power will be astonishing, capable of defeating the Witch Clan in one fell swoop, causing the Heavenly Court's fortune to surge, and then feeding it back to his son."

"We might as well start with his Imperial Son and find a way to instigate the karmic debt, turning the tables against him."