There was no need to wait for anyone else to speak.
Tongtian was already the first to speak up.
"Why don't we let the Western Teachings take this one?"
"Senior brothers, what do you think?"
Tongtian not only wanted to pressure the Western Teachings, but also hoped to draw Laozi and Heavenly Venerable Yuanshi to his side.
This time, however, Heavenly Venerable Yuanshi broke with his usual stance.
"This calamity is no ordinary one. Since we must choose who will face it, we should naturally give the matter careful consideration."
"In my view, why not let your Interception Sect take it?"
Hearing Heavenly Venerable Yuanshi's words, Tongtian froze, disbelief creeping into his eyes.
With Heavenly Venerable Yuanshi firing the opening shot,
the Two Sages of the West immediately grew bolder.
"We both think Senior Brother Yuanshi makes a good point."
"After all, our Western Teachings have been established for far fewer years than your sects."
"Besides, the Western World is barren to begin with. If we are forced to face this calamity, there may be nothing left of our West by the next one..."
At this point, Jieyin feigned sorrow and wiped away a couple of tears.
Seeing Jieyin behave this way, Tongtian could no longer restrain himself and slapped the table.
"Your Western Teachings are only ten thousand years younger than our sects! Why can't you face the Tribulation?"
The Two from the West had always been thick-skinned, and even now they spoke without so much as changing their expressions.
"Our Western World is barren. By contrast, Senior Brother Tongtian's cultivation grounds are far more prosperous."
"Why don't you and your sect go first this time, Senior Brother Tongtian?"
Confronted with the Two from the West's attack, Tongtian's face immediately darkened.
"Bullshit!"
"Why should our Interception Sect take on something none of you are willing to do?"
Yet Tongtian's words had barely fallen,
when a profound, mysterious aura swept through the entire palace.
The next second, a figure appeared in the previously empty seat. It was none other than Hongjun.
Seeing Hongjun appear before them, everyone present immediately bowed.
"Greetings, Teacher!"
Hongjun waved a hand and spoke in a low voice.
"Have you made your choice?"
Hearing Hongjun's question, Yuanshi stepped forward first, his gaze turning toward Tongtian.
"Teacher, we have made our choice."
"This time, let the Interception Sect face it!"
Anger flared in Tongtian's eyes at Yuanshi's words.
But Hongjun suppressed that anger at just the right moment.
Hongjun raised a hand, his gaze sweeping over the six standing below.
In contrast to Tongtian's indignation, Yuanshi looked thoroughly pleased with himself.
Nuwa stayed aloof, keeping clear of a matter that did not concern her.
Although Laozi had not spoken, his position behind Yuanshi had already made his stance clear.
Compared with the others, the Two Sages of the West simply broke into grins.
As long as their West did not have to face it, whoever bore the calamity made no difference!
Tongtian stared fiercely at Yuanshi.
He had always believed that although he and this elder brother disagreed on certain matters, they at least shared the bond of brotherhood.
Yet Heavenly Venerable Yuanshi's words now dealt him a heavy blow.
Hongjun said little, merely speaking in an even tone.
"The Investiture of the Gods Calamity is approaching. You should have sensed it as well."
"I summoned you here so that you could discuss the matter and reach a decision."
"Over these hundred years, I trust you have all formed plans in your minds."
"Now that this day has come, we should settle the matter."
At this point, Hongjun's voice grew weightier.
"I have two treasures in my possession, both destined for use in this Investiture of the Gods Calamity."
Then two rays of light appeared in Hongjun's hands.
"One is the God-Beating Whip, and the other is the Investiture of the Gods List."
"The sect facing the Tribulation must sign the Investiture of the Gods List. Once it has been verified, the Investiture of the Gods Calamity can begin immediately!"
Hearing Hongjun's words, those present each entertained different thoughts.
In truth, they had already begun planning how to kick the ball into someone else's court.
"With that said, have you agreed on your final choice?"
When Hongjun asked again, Heavenly Venerable Yuanshi stepped forward impatiently.
"Teacher, no one is better suited to face this Tribulation than the Interception Sect!"
After speaking, Heavenly Venerable Yuanshi even remembered to cast Tongtian a provocative glance.
And as soon as Heavenly Venerable Yuanshi finished, the Two Sages of the West stepped forward as well.
They did not dare look toward Tongtian, however, and merely spoke with lowered eyes and meek expressions.
"Teacher, we both share Senior Brother Yuanshi's view."
"No one is better suited to face this Tribulation than the Interception Sect!"
Beside them, Tongtian could not help clenching his fists.
But with Hongjun right before him, he did not launch into curses as he had earlier. He simply waited quietly for Hongjun's verdict.
Hongjun pondered for a moment before speaking.
"Why choose the Interception Sect?"
Yuanshi stepped forward once more and spoke with utmost respect.
"In terms of membership, the Interception Sect is the largest of our Three Teachings."
"Moreover, when Junior Brother accepts disciples, he takes them all into his sect regardless of aptitude or origins. With such a mix of good and bad, they are the most suitable to face the Tribulation!"
Only after delivering these words did Heavenly Venerable Yuanshi return to his place.
In fact, even without the incident at the Jade Void Palace, Heavenly Venerable Yuanshi would have wanted to push the Interception Sect forward to face the Tribulation.
The reason he had just given was also his greatest concern.
The Interception Sect had the largest number of disciples.
If it continued to develop at this pace, what room would there be for their Chan Sect to grow in the future?
Better to seize this opportunity to push it forward to face the Tribulation.
Naturally, however, Heavenly Venerable Yuanshi would not lay his petty calculations out in the open.
Instead, he presented an air of fairness and impartiality.
Heavenly Venerable Yuanshi had offered a compelling reason. Of course the Two Sages of the West would not object; they even echoed him with all their might.
Two sects that should have stood on opposing sides had now formed a united front.
And two sects that should have formed a united front had now turned against each other.
Whatever the outcome, the Two Sages of the West wanted only to ensure that the final burden of facing the Tribulation did not fall on their heads.
As for the matters between those Senior Brothers, they could argue those out themselves.
The Two Sages of the West were also happy to watch them fight among themselves.
Three of the Six Sages had already made their positions clear.
Yet Tongtian still found it hard to believe.
Heavenly Venerable Yuanshi was, after all, his second brother.
He was his elder brother, too.
Yet now he had turned his blade against him.
"Senior brother, why are you doing this?"
Heavenly Venerable Yuanshi now wore an air of compassion.
"Junior brother, your sect is full of fur-clad, horn-bearing creatures."
"Facing this Tribulation will, in a way, help you cleanse your own ranks."
Hearing Heavenly Venerable Yuanshi's words, Tongtian gave a cold laugh.
He was no fool.
As if Heavenly Venerable Yuanshi's sanctimonious words could truly hoodwink him.
Before coming to the Zixiao Palace, Tongtian had still held immense respect for his two elder brothers.
Now that Heavenly Venerable Yuanshi had torn off his mask, Tongtian naturally had no need to show him leniency.
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