Haotian Golden Palace, Miluo Heavenly Palace.
As the seat for the Heavenly Emperor to handle state affairs, the Palace of the Polestar stands majestic and splendid, with golden nails and jade doors, while colorful phoenixes dance at the vermilion gate.
The cloistered walkways are intricately arranged, each part a delicate and transparent exquisite structure. On the multileveled pavilions with three eaves and four clusters, dragons and phoenixes soar through the sky, presenting extraordinary splendor. At the pinnacle of the Treasure Hall stands a towering purple golden gourd. It twinkles with golden light, bright and dazzling like a star in the night sky, emitting a mysterious radiance.
Heavenly Immortals holding fans, Jade Girls carrying fairy scarves, along with Star Lord Taibai, Marshal of the Heavenly Canopy, and a host of civil and military ministers accompany and guard the Emperor of Heaven.
At this moment, a clear mirror hangs high in the Palace of the Polestar, real-time reflecting the scenes on the eastern side of Longevity Mountain.
Everything from Yu Yuan smashing the Yaksha King with a hammer to Qiong Xiao and Bi Xiao cutting Mahu Luo Ga in half was seen by the court members inside the palace.
Not just them, many top Quasi-Saint powers across the Primordial Heaven and Earth were also paying attention to this matter.
For this was the first real confrontation since the Saints established their sects.
Although the sects of the Saints had always engaged in open and covert struggles and plotted against each other, never before had conflicts been so openly and fiercely brought into combat like now!
For all parties involved, this was a prime opportunity to gauge the true depth of the sects of the Saints.
They were also eager to know which sect would ultimately triumph.
"Lords..." the Heavenly Emperor, looking at the civil and military ministers before him, asked, "What are your thoughts on this confrontation between the great sects?"
The ministers looked at one another.
This matter involved the sects of the Saints; was it something these lesser immortals and gods could casually comment on?
Even if the Heavenly Emperor himself asked, how could they dare speak more?
Reading their concern, the Heavenly Emperor smiled, "Just a casual chat. Besides, your words will not leave this hall, feel free to speak your thoughts."
Hearing this, one of the gods gathered his courage, "Replying to Your Majesty, in my humble opinion, the Jie Sect's overwhelming momentum with tens of thousands of Immortals approaching the court is unstoppable. It fittingly lives up to the name of the strongest sect in Primordial Times. Even if other sects of Saints unite, they might not necessarily stand a chance against the Jie Sect!
Now, as the Nanji Immortal of Chan Sect mentioned, both the Investiture of the Gods and Divine Beating Whip have fallen into the hands of the One Qi Immortal of the Primordial Jie Sect. If the Chan Sect and other hidden forces cannot change this fact, then the matter of Divine Enthronement can almost be deemed as decidedly concluded!"
"I second that opinion!"
"Indeed! The recent clash clearly showed the invincible stance of the Jie Sect, unmatched across the entirety of the Primordial!"
"I too concur! The Jie Sect dispatched only a few individuals and achieved complete victory, effortlessly dealing with incoming enemies including the Nanji Immortal of Chan Sect. Even with the Vice Sect Hierarch Randeng from Chan Sect, Zhao Gongming can match him without falling behind!
The most terrifying part is, none of the four main Inner Sect Disciples of the Jie Sect have even appeared yet!"
"Exactly, it's rumored that the Jie Sect even harbors a group of ancient Demon Gods from the Demon Court era. If they were to make a move, they could sweep through the Three Realms in no time…"
"..."
The gods and immortals began to eagerly share their opinions as if opening a floodgate.
The Heavenly Emperor listened intently.
After a long while, he nodded slightly, smiling, "It seems that everyone views the strength of the Jie Sect unanimously, indeed it has deeply imprinted on people's hearts… You have taken much effort, My lords, I am a bit tired now, you may all take your leave."
"To share the concerns of Your Majesty is our duty, how could we speak of hardship?"
"Rest well Your Majesty, this servant takes his leave!"
The gods and immortals bowed and exited the Palace of the Polestar, all except for Star Lord Taibai Li Changgeng, who did not move.
The gods and immortals were no longer surprised at this, knowing that an important discussion regarding the affairs of Divine Enthronement likely awaited these rulers.
As expected, after the exit of the gods and immortals from the Palace of the Polestar, the Heavenly Emperor also waved the fan-holding and scarf-presenting Fairy Palace Maids to withdraw. He then casually instructed, "Draw the curtains, bring the cup."
From the shadows, a Divine General clad in Golden Armor and Golden Helmet silently appeared, raising an object resembling a Glazed Cup.
The treasure in his hands emitted a faint glow, enveloping the entire Palace of the Polestar.
Once the radiance from the Glazed Cup had fully spread, the Heavenly Emperor slowly spoke, "Aide-de-camp, you haven't said anything just now, do you perhaps have a different opinion?"
Li Changgeng shook his head, "My opinion is the same as theirs, in terms of disciple strength within the sect, the Jie Sect indeed has no match, but if the Hierarchs of the sects were to also participate, the situation might be different."
"Correct!"
The Heavenly Emperor nodded approvingly, "You see things clearer than others. Although Jie Sect holds the advantage now, only the Saints can truly determine the outcome of this great battle between the sects.
I believe it won't be long before the backups of the Saints will follow, I wonder if Yu Yuan and his peers can withstand it?"
Li Changgeng slightly raised his eyebrows, discerning the favoritism from the Heavenly Emperor's words.
This Emperor of Heaven clearly hoped for the victory of the Jie Sect.
Not due to any fondness for the Jie Sect, but because of a deep disdain for Chan Sect.
Before Yang Jian's "Splitting the Mountain to Save His Mother", everything was calculated by the Chan Sect. Even though Yu Ding was pushed out to take the blame, how could the Heavenly Emperor not see the oddity in it?
Since then, the idea of making the Twelve Golden Immortals of the Chan Sect bow in submission had deeply rooted in his heart.
Had it not been for fear of offending the other saints, he would have even openly supported the Jie Sect.
During this time, what he did most was to join with Li Changgeng in analyzing the situation of the Investiture of the Gods and figuring out which of the Chan Sect and the Jie Sect would ultimately prevail.
It was not only the two of them analyzing together; occasionally, as before, he would summon a group of Immortal Gods to hear their opinions.
Li Changgeng could clearly feel that His Majesty the Emperor of Heaven was beginning to itch for action.
On one hand, he wanted to take the opportunity to seek revenge against the Chan Sect, and on the other hand, he also wanted to showcase his supremacy as the ruler of the Three Realms, preparing for the true governance of the Three Realms in the future.
After all, regardless of the outcome of the Chan versus Jie Sect conflict, the Investiture of the Gods had to be conducted.
At that time, with the positions in the Heavenly Court filled to the brim, its influence would inevitably skyrocket. If he could find an appropriate opportunity to display his imperial might before a large audience before that, it would greatly benefit his future rule.
However, Li Changgeng held an entirely opposite opinion.
He had bluntly said: "Your Majesty, I know you are eager, but please be patient first... The matter of the Investiture of the Gods is decreed by the Taoist Ancestor, and the disciples of the Three Sects joining the Heavenly Court has been set in stone.
There is no doubt that as long as the Investiture goes smoothly, Your Majesty and the Heavenly Court will be the greatest beneficiaries.
At such a time, Your Majesty should practice restraint and keep a low profile, so as not to displease the Sect Hierarchs."
The Heavenly Emperor naturally understood this reasoning. Initially, he did just this; however, the "Yang Jian Saves His Mother" incident made him feel that being patient was futile.
Just as common folk usually take no interest in the ants under their feet, but if an ant touches their interest, no matter how much the ant hides, it will be dug out and crushed!
There is absolutely no pity for an ant that knows to keep low-key!
Sadly, in the eyes of the saints, he, the supreme ruler of the Three Realms, was merely a slightly larger ant.
If it weren't for the Taoist Ancestor behind him, he would have been crushed long ago!
Even so, the "Yang Jian Saves His Mother" incident still happened!
If it were not for Yu Yuan's timely intervention, using the properties of the Investiture of the Gods to save the True Spirit of Fairy Yun Hua, and subsequently stopping Yang Jian from causing havoc in the Heavenly Court, and exposing Yu Ding's hypocrisy on the spot, the consequences would have been unimaginable!
Not only would his sister, Fairy Yun Hua, have been utterly destroyed in both body and spirit in this scheme, but both he and Yang Jian, as uncle and nephew, would have also turned into enemies. He, the Heavenly Emperor, would have his reputation tarnished and find it difficult to command respect!
After this incident, he also changed his mind.
Instead of continuing to hold back, it would be better to clearly state his stance.
This would indeed offend the Taiching Saint, but at least he could gain the favour of the Yuqing Saint.
This time, as the Chan Sect and Jie Sect clashed over the "Investiture of the Gods and Divine Beating Whip," he saw it as an excellent opportunity.
But Li Changgeng still felt the risk was too high, fearing that if the Jie Sect lost, they would inevitably be held accountable later!
The two sovereigns maintained their respective opinions, unable to persuade the other.
...
On Penglai Island, Immortal Light radiated.
The Purple Ganoderma Cliff that stood above the myriad miles of azure waves occasionally revealed a corner, bringing an endless fragrance of Innate Spiritual Energy and the Upper Pure Fortune Light soared into the sky.
Yu Chen Essence Qi swirled around as celestial light from the sun and moon shone forth.
One could see exotic flowers emitting their fragrance, Yao Grass presenting auspiciousness, ancient pines lush and thriving, and peach and apricot trees blossoming throughout the palaces.
At this moment, the palace doors of Biyou Palace, long shut, suddenly swung open, and a young Daoist with black hair draping to his waist, wearing an Upper Pure Lotus Crown and a Red White Crane Silk Robe, strolled leisurely out of the palace.
With slightly raised sword-like eyebrows and a handsome face bearing a hearty smile, he appeared unconstrained and leisurely from inside out.
He raised his head to look at the sky.
In the morning light, an ethereal figure appeared from afar, descending before Biyou Palace.
The visitor sat on a cyan ox with blunt horns, his hair and beard both white, appearing vigorously spirited. He wore a Taiching Fish Tail Crown, donned a Yin Yang Eight Diagrams Robe, held a coiled dragon Flat Stick, and his expression bore neither joy nor sorrow, exuding an air of indifference and casualness.
Sect Hierarch Tongtian gave a bow and called out, "Elder Brother!"
The Taiching Saint dismounted the ox and returned the bow to Sect Hierarch Tongtian, "Third Brother."
The two Saints entered Biyou Palace and seated themselves on the cloud beds, one as the host and the other as the guest.
The Water and Fire Boys had been awaiting their arrival for some time and quickly served the tea that had been prepared earlier.
Sect Hierarch Tongtian smiled and said, "This is the Enlightenment Tea that my disciple Yu Yuan offered to me. Elder Brother, please try it. If you find it satisfactory, I'll have that lad send some over to you."
The Taiching Saint did not look at the Enlightenment Tea and said indifferently, "I have come here because our Second Brother has asked me to uphold justice."
If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.