"Your Majesty! The Great Emperor Zhenwu requests an audience!"
The Mysterious Maiden of the Nine Heavens was already having a headache, and seeing the celestial official arrive made her already tense nerves even more sensitive.
"Let the Great Emperor Zhenwu enter the hall!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!" The celestial official turned and shouted towards the outside, "Summon the Great Emperor Zhenwu to the palace!"
The heavenly guards outside spread the word.
"Good heavens, that sound was so loud! At least many powerful figures in this Heavenly Court heard it!"
The Mysterious Gate (Daoist sect), the Western Sect, the neutral faction, and the Heavenly Court forces led by Li Jing have once again convened an internal meeting.
Logically speaking, since Great Emperor Zhenwu was supported by Heavenly Venerable Yuanshi, it would be tantamount to damaging the reputation of the Chan Sect.
Currently, the Mysterious Gate is forced to unite, jointly commanded by the leaders of Chan, Jie, and Ren.
However, the entry of the Great Emperor Zhenwu into the Hall of High Heavens surprised and puzzled the leaders of the Mysterious Gate.
The Great Emperor Zhenwu did this without giving them any prior notice.
Great Emperor Zhenwu, also known as the Patriarch Jiang Mo of the Nine Heavens, held an extremely high position in the Heavenly Court.
Great Emperor Zhenwu was obsessed with the way of the sword. As the upper limit of his sainthood increased, he entered the Dao through the sword and was also revered as the Zhenwu Nine Heavens Sword Sage!
Among the newly emerging Sage, Great Emperor Zhenwu's strength undoubtedly ranks among the top, and the Chan Sect has always valued him highly.
Furthermore, after Great Emperor Zhenwu attained sainthood, Heavenly Venerable Yuanshi personally provided him with considerable guidance and bestowed upon him rare Chaos God Materials to help Great Emperor Zhenwu strengthen his sword.
"What kind of nonsense is the Great Emperor Zhenwu doing entering the Hall of High Heavens at this time? Could it be that he intends to withdraw from my Mysterious Gate forces and support a new master?" A Great Luo Golden Immortal from the Chan Sect was quite puzzled.
" The Mysterious Maiden of the Nine Heavens is the Queen Mother of Yaochi's confidante. Now she is Sage and knows a great deal about the Heavenly Court. It is rumored that the Great Emperor Zhenwu secretly loves the Mysterious Maiden of the Nine Heavens, and now it seems that this is indeed true." The Sage Yuding frowned.
The Sage Huanglong said, "I am somewhat aware of this matter. I fear that the Great Emperor Zhenwu's actions may have caused other forces in the Heavenly Court to misunderstand our Mysterious Gate."
"Probably not. The Western Sect and Li Jing wouldn't so readily assume that the Great Emperor Zhenwu can represent our Mysterious Gate," said Lady Yunxiao.
"Go and check things out again!"
Inside the Hall of High Heavens.
The Mysterious Maiden of the Nine Heavens gazed at the arriving Great Emperor Zhenwu, her expression solemn and dignified as she asked, " Great Emperor Zhenwu, what brings you to my attention?"
"Nothing's wrong." The Great Emperor Zhenwu's eyes shone brightly as he stared directly at the Mysterious Maiden of the Nine Heavens, his tone firm and resolute. " The Deva Path has already appointed the Lord of the Heavenly Court Heavenly Court, and the Great Emperor Zhenwu has come specifically to support him."
The Mysterious Maiden of the Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden sneered inwardly, "One day in heaven is equivalent to one year on earth. Several days have passed since the Deva Path Decree and Pardon. This Great Emperor Zhenwu represents the Chan Sect. Now that the three great sects of Heavenly Court —Chan, Mysterious Gate, and Ren—are united, what message is he trying to convey?"
" Great Emperor Zhenwu, thank you, but you shouldn't have gotten involved in this conflict."
The Great Emperor Zhenwu said calmly, "What are you so concerned about, Empress? I represent only myself and have nothing to do with anyone else. As Sage, my every word aligns with the Way of Deva Path. Once I have spoken, I will not go back on my word. From now on, Empress, please feel free to give me any orders."
"Well, Great Emperor Zhenwu, you may return. I am feeling somewhat tired."
" Your Empress, please rest well. I take my leave."
As Great Emperor Zhenwu's figure disappeared, Mysterious Maiden of the Nine Heavens couldn't help but rub her temples, feeling a terrible headache.
"Before I became a saint, I often helped and assisted the Great Emperor Zhenwu. But now the situation is turbulent and unpredictable. Should I trust him?"
The Mysterious Maiden of the Nine Heavens was very annoyed; being the ruler of the Heavenly Court was truly not an easy task.
The Heavenly Court was already riddled with internal conflicts and troubles. Even when Haotian and Yaochi were in power, they could not resolve the situation and were powerless to Rotation.
Although the Three Pure Ones and the Western Sage have disappeared, their remaining successors are all formidable figures.
"This is so hard for me! Lord Deva Path, have I offended you? Why are you making things so difficult for me!"
The Mysterious Maiden of the Nine Heavens suddenly longed for those carefree days in the Carefree Primordial.
"Your Majesty, there are many spies outside the palace. I think it's best to rest inside. With the arrival of the Great Emperor Zhenwu, the major powers of the Heavenly Court will surely be thrown into turmoil."
A trusted subordinate of the Mysterious Maiden of the Nine Heavens appeared instantly and quietly gave a reminder.
"This Hall of High Heavens is equipped with the Zhoutian Star Dou Grand Formation set up by Haotian, which is both offensive and defensive. Before leaving, the Queen Mother taught me how to use it. Although hiding here can prevent multiple Sage from breaking in, it is still a dead end, after all, there are quite a few Sage in the Heavenly Court."
The Mysterious Maiden of the Nine Heavens smiled bitterly; the current environment was even worse than during the War of the Witches and Demons.
"Your Majesty, since the Queen Mother has imparted the method of using the Zhoutian Star Dou Grand Formation to you, this must be an affirmation from the two previous rulers of the Heavenly Court. Your Majesty, rest assured, Cailian will protect you with her life no matter what!"
" Cailian, perhaps you shouldn't have Rotation." The Mysterious Maiden of the Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden clenched her jade fists, feeling worried about the path ahead.
"Your Majesty! A celestial official requests an audience!"
"I won't see her." The Mysterious Maiden of the Nine Heavens was slightly annoyed. Did all sorts of random people want to see her, the Empress?
"Your Majesty, that celestial official said that as long as you open the box, you will definitely see her."
"Your Majesty, be careful! The box might contain a terrible curse, a means to ambush you!" Cailian, Peak Quasi-Sage, warned.
With a flick of her sleeve, the Mysterious Maiden of the Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden sent a burst of colorful light flying, and in an instant, the box in the celestial official's hand shattered, revealing its true contents.
"Fragments of the Moon-Hanging Crystal Tree!"
The Mysterious Maiden of the Nine Heavens frowned; the true object hidden inside the box was this.
"Let her in."
A short while later!
Xiao Tian's clone, disguised as a female immortal, entered the Hall of High Heavens.
"Are you the Jade Rabbit?"
As soon as Xiao Tian entered the hall, he was stared intently at by the Mysterious Maiden of the Nine Heavens's intimidating gaze that seemed to see through everything.
The masked, black-robed female immortal beside the Mysterious Maiden of the Nine Heavens had icy eyes, fixed on him, ready to attack at the slightest movement.
"Greetings, Your Majesty. I am indeed Jade Rabbit." Xiao Tian said without the slightest shame, his disguised female form bowing slightly.
The Mysterious Maiden of the Nine Heavens remembered that Chang'e of the Palace of Broad Cold had become Sage earlier than her, and was the Supreme Yin Sage. She became one with the Supreme Yin Star, secluded herself in her palace, and did not concern herself with worldly affairs. She was protected by the laws of Deva Path, and ordinary Sage dared to venture into her palace would be punished by heaven. She could be said to be the most self-disciplined great being in the vast Primordial.
"Time has passed, and even the Moon Rabbit of the Palace of Broad Cold has reached this level of cultivation. How is your fairy?"
"My fairy is very good." Xiao Tian said this on the surface, but inwardly he thought, "Of course she's good. To avoid being exposed, I've moved her to the Heavenly Dao Palace and arranged some tasks for her."
Heavenly Dao Palace
Rabbit farm.
" Chang'e, what brings you here?"
When Houtu heard from the Steward Cai that a new person had arrived at the rabbit farm, she became uneasy and rushed over with Nüwa to see for herself.
Who would have thought!
The Taiyin Sage Chang'e possessed unparalleled beauty; her palace gown accentuated her perfect figure, and her aloof and detached aura instantly transformed the surrounding land of early spring into a desolate, snowy wasteland.
"Greetings, Houtu Nüwa Houtu and Fellow Daoist Nuwa. Chang'e has come to manage the Rabbit Farm at the strong invitation of the Deva Path."
Chang'e spoke with a helpless expression.
" Chang'e, has Xiao Tian made things difficult for you? What troubles you? Tell us." Nüwa frowned.
"It's nothing much. Deva Path made a deal with me, helping me escape from the Supreme Yin Star, on the condition that I help with a Great Tribulation in the Rabbit Farm."
Houtu, Nüwa suddenly realized.
The Taiyin Sage Chang'e, whose rise and fall were both due to the Supreme Yin Star Supreme Yin Star.
On the Supreme Yin Star, Chang'e, who had just entered the Primordial Unity, was capable of taking on four opponents at once, and even holding her own against six.
After all, the Supreme Yin Star was formed from one of Pangu's eyes!
As the primordial world upgrades, so too does the ancient Supreme Yin Star. Primordial, the Taiyin Sage Chang'e after achieving sainthood, possesses unparalleled combat power. Her mastery of the Frost Technique is enough to easily Ice Seal ordinary Sage. If she remains within the Supreme Yin Star, the Ice Seal will last as long as the primordial world endures, meaning she will never be Primordial.
Chang'e had had enough of loneliness and hardship, but she couldn't escape it.
then...
Inside the Palace of Broad Cold, Chang'e was feeding the Jade Rabbit the Cold Soul Jade Radish, unique to the Supreme Yin Star, when Xiao Tian suddenly appeared, startling Chang'e.
Because there were no outsiders in the Palace of Broad Cold, not even a single male, Chang'e dressed much more simply in her own home ( Wu Gang, who cut down the Laurel Glazed Treasure Tree, banished her after she became the Chang'e Supreme Yin Sage ).
Chang'e was quite surprised by the arrival of the Deva Path.
" Deva Path, what brings you here?"
Chang'e ignored Xiao Tian's admiring gaze and continued feeding the Jade Rabbit carrots.
" Chang'e, Heaven has sensed your resentment. You want to escape from the Supreme Yin Star, don't you?"
Chang'e's delicate body trembled, her eyes filled with resentment.
She had wanted to escape the Palace of Broad Cold for countless years, but after becoming a saint, it was even more impossible. The Supreme Yin Star was her, and she was the spirit of the Supreme Yin Star.
"Only now does Heaven sense it?"
Hearing the intense resentment in Chang'e's words, Xiao Tian chuckled and rubbed his hands together.
" Chang'e, you should know that with just a thought, I can free you from the restriction that you cannot leave the Supreme Yin Star to become a saint, and easily sever your karmic connection with the Supreme Yin Star, provided that you help me raise a rabbit for Great Tribulation."
"Well, what can I do? We're short-handed lately. Braised rabbit is so delicious, and I just remembered I have a professional here, so I came. What do you think of this deal?"
Chang'e was tempted, but the Jade Rabbit, who was eating a radish in her arms, trembled with fear in its eyes.
Braised Jade Rabbit!
Time returns to the Heavenly Dao Palace, Rabbit Farm.
"That's how it is. This place is simple, and I apologize that Chang'e cannot entertain you two fellow Daoists."
"It's alright, Fairy Chang'e, you continue to take care of the rabbit. I'll cook some braised rabbit legs for you later." Nüwa looked at Chang'e with eyes full of sympathy.
Chang'e nodded, feeling slightly uneasy. Rabbits were so cute, how could she eat them?
" Houtu, let's go check on the chicken coop. The sect leader of the Mountain and River Sword Sect has recently gotten back on track, barely managing to be a decent scavenger for those Feng Huang and avoid getting beaten up."
"That guy's talent is not bad, but Chang'e is really pitiful. She was actually fooled by the Deva Path. This Great Tribulation is over, but will there be more Great Tribulation in the future?" Houtu sighed.
The sound reached Chang'e's ears.
Chang'e is having a mental breakdown!
"Yes, since the number of sainthoods increased and the paths to sainthood became more diverse, the concept of ' Great Tribulation ' has long since disappeared!"
Chang'e's beautiful eyes were misty; her heart was filled with bitterness.
" Deva Path, you are so wicked!"
Inside the Hall of High Heavens, Xiao Tian, disguised as Jade Rabbit, couldn't help but sneeze.
"Who! Who's complimenting my beauty?!"
The words that the Mysterious Maiden of the Nine Heavens Jade Rabbit were quite amusing.
" Jade Rabbit, what brings your fairy here?"
The Jade Rabbit suddenly looked aggrieved and burst into tears, crying, "Sister Mysterious Lady Nu, Sister Chang'e doesn't want me anymore. She told me to help you stabilize the Heavenly Court before I can go back."
" The Chang'e Goddess Chang'e sent you to help me?" The Mysterious Maiden of the Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden was utterly bewildered.
Cailian beside him was also bewildered. What was the Supreme Yin Sage thinking? What kind of great help could Jade Rabbit, Mid-Stage Quasi-Sage, possibly offer?
"Wow! I heard that you're in a difficult situation, Sister Mysterious Lady. So many Sage in Heavenly Court are eyeing your throne as the Heavenly Emperor. How could I, a cute little bunny who's only read some books on human strategy and tactics, possibly succeed in helping you? Besides, it's an unsolvable problem! And..."
' Jade Rabbit ' muttered to itself, 'On the way here, I discovered some celestial officials were playing a betting game, wagering on when Sister Mysterious Lady would be slaughtered by the Sage. Isn't Sister Chang'e just sending them to their deaths?'
"How dare you speak like that!" Cailian's face was icy cold; she almost wanted to annihilate the Jade Rabbit's primordial spirit with a single sword strike.
" Cailian, don't be impulsive. My situation is a fact," the Goddess of the Mysterious Maiden of the Nine Heavens said helplessly.
"Damn it, I'm starting to doubt whether the Deva Path Dao's sealing of the law was intentional." Cailian was furious.
The Mysterious Maiden of the Nine Heavens had certainly considered this possibility, but the Deva Path is too high above to be conjectured.
' Jade Rabbit ' Xiao Tian thought to himself, "You two girls, just wait and see. With me here, who can kill you? I'll need you two to eliminate the power left behind in the Heavenly Court by the Great Heavenly Venerate Lingbao."
In fact, when he returned to the Primordial and heard the Great Heavenly Venerate Lingbao impart his teachings to Tongtian and the others, which was like a sudden enlightenment to all the saints, Xiao Tian became wary.
While in seclusion at the Heavenly Dao Palace, Xiao Tian, with the help of the system, discovered that the Great Heavenly Venerate Lingbao had other schemes.
How could Xiao Tian tolerate someone causing trouble on his own turf!
The target is still unclear; the only clues we have are that the power of the Great Heavenly Venerate Lingbao is hidden within the Heavenly Court.
The Mysterious Maiden of the Nine Heavens was in a terrible mood. Looking at the jade Jade Rabbit sent by the Fairy Chang'e, she instructed Cailian, who was standing beside her, "Take the Jade Rabbit out and settle her away, so she can stay away from the strife."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"No, Sister Mysterious Lady!" ' Jade Rabbit ' Xiao Tian said pitifully, "I'm not stupid. If I go out like this, all the powerful figures in those forces will suspect that I've been labeled by you, Sister Mysterious Lady. We're all in the same boat. I don't want to die. I'll stay here and not go out, even if I don't get to eat carrots!"
The Mysterious Maiden of the Nine Heavens was speechless.
Cailian's forehead veins bulged, and she immediately understood. No wonder the Chang'e wanted to throw the Jade Rabbit here.
Chang'e was warning all the gods and immortals that she, the Supreme Yin Sage, was related to the Mysterious Maiden of the Nine Heavens, but the Supreme Yin Sage could not leave the Supreme Yin Star and was simply a burden she had brought here.
Xiao Tian, the " Jade Rabbit," then indulged in a life of luxury and comfort in the Hall of High Heavens.
"Your Majesty, Heavenly King Li has sent an invitation!"
"Bring it here!"
Upon closer inspection, Xiao Tian, the "Jade Rabbit," noticed something amiss: the invitation was cursed, capable of afflicting even Sage.
"Well done, Li Jing! Haotian, now that you've left Yaochi, you, a mere subject, also aspire to be the Heavenly Emperor? You've even allied with the Sage outside the Heavenly Court! I hope you haven't joined forces with the power of the Great Heavenly Venerate Lingbao, otherwise... hehehe!"
' Jade Rabbit ' Xiao Tian pounced on the invitation like a hungry tiger, snatched it, and tore it apart, secretly dispelling the curse power sealed by Li Jing and several Sage.
" Jade Rabbit, don't move around, you'll get hurt!"
The Mysterious Maiden of the Nine Heavens underwent a drastic change in expression.