Chapter 607: Stealing Chickens Without Success, Losing the Rice (4K)

On the Lingxiao Hall, the expressions of many immortals and gods became unusually solemn.

The Gold Spring Underworld clearly must be reclaimed.

One underworld concerns the safety of not just one place of living beings.

As the words of this ancient immortal fell, Qingxiao Daoist glanced at a distant ancient god, who immediately cut off the words the ancient immortal had not yet spoken.

"Great Heavenly Sovereign, Your Majesties, since this is the case, delay is inadvisable; why not dispatch a Heavenly Court Daoist to descend to the mortal realm, with the stars as left flank, to swiftly recover the Gold Spring Underworld!"

Upon his words falling, another high-ranking local emperor immediately echoed.

"What the Wood Mansion Star Lord said is most correct; recovering the Gold Spring Underworld one day earlier means saving more living beings, and is an act of boundless merit!"

The two insisted this was a great merit, and immediately attracted the gaze of many powerful ancient immortals and ancient gods.

Only seen, before the immortal assembly, an ancient god suddenly let out a cold snort.

"I feel this is improper!"

"The Nether Moon Emperor fell at the hands of the Geng Metal Demon God clan's demonic powerhouse, the Golden Essence Demon God, who is a Taiyi Perfection-level powerhouse; I suggest the Heavenly Court likewise dispatch a Taiyi Perfection-level immortal god to slay him, otherwise it would not be enough to display the Heavenly Court's divine might!"

This ancient god spoke, and the first ancient immortal who spoke earlier responded.

"What the Heavenly Mansion Emperor said is the correct principle; that Golden Essence Demon God is so arrogant, daring to slay a Heavenly Court Emperor, thus a great general should be dispatched to defeat him head-on, suppress his fortune, thereby not only recovering the Gold Spring Underworld but also seizing his fortune, to the greatest extent blocking the possibility of the extrademon demon god clan's genius ascending to the demon monarch's throne!"

This ancient immortal, his robes fluttering.

His entire body adorned with black dragon patterns on his ceremonial attire, tall in stature, with an ancient and simple countenance.

He is the Prison King Daoist.

Above the Heavenly Court, the immortals each voiced their opinions, but most still leaned toward the Wood Mansion Star Lord's proposal.

Directly dispatch a Daoist-level Heavenly Court powerhouse to lead troops into the Gold Spring Underworld to recover the lost territory.

Yet still, a minority of immortals and gods support the Prison King Daoist, Heavenly Mansion Star Lord's plan.

Believing that severing the path of a future demon monarch is more important.

If the Geng Metal Demon God clan's peerless demon god ascends to the demon monarch realm, the harm caused would far exceed the loss of one Gold Spring Underworld.

'Qingxiao Daoist' stood among the immortals and gods of Lingxiao, her cold eyes gazing upon this scene.

Heavenly Mansion Star Lord and that Prison King Daoist clearly have ulterior motives.

Heavenly Mansion Star Lord is merely a Taiyi-level immortal god, not worth worrying about.

Prison King Daoist likely bears ill will toward Zhang Jian.

After all, Zhang Jian killed the Witchcraft Immortal Lord and sent his beloved disciple to the Immortal-Slaying Platform.

But Heavenly Mansion Star Lord is a powerhouse of the Human Race.

Does this matter also involve a powerhouse of the Human Race?

Colluding with the extrademon demon god clan?

Or perhaps purely being used by the powerhouse behind the Yin Immortal Lord!

'Qingxiao Daoist' knows, the other party's idea may indeed have some feasibility.

The Great Heavenly Sovereign will likely truly adopt it.

The Golden Essence Demon God of the Geng Metal Demon God clan is indeed exceptionally talented; if he grows, he will surely become a great hidden danger to the Heavenly Court.

The extrademon demon god clan uses Golden Essence as bait to lure Heavenly Court powerhouses to descend.

How could the Heavenly Court not have seen through this?

Ultimately, between the two sides, a great battle is still needed before knowing who will win.

Indeed, the Jade Emperor Great Heavenly Sovereign slightly stroked his beard, then said.

"Prison King, according to your view, who should act to suppress Golden Essence's fortune and slay him, and also lead troops to recover the Gold Spring Underworld?"

"Well then!"

The Prison King Daoist feigned hesitation, and shortly before, a Daoist stepped forward and said.

"Great Heavenly Sovereign, Holy Mother, this humble official recommends one person, whose fortune is like the midday sun, whose Dao is mighty and formidable, and who can surely slay the Golden Essence Demon God!"

The immortals' gazes turned, yet they saw this stepping-forward Daoist wearing imperial robes, his body surrounded by magnificent Geng Metal divine light flowing and turning, as if a common victorious war god born of all heavens and myriad worlds, his snow-white imperial robe faintly floating in the immortal light, his expression stern, making it hard to meet his gaze.

Upon hearing this, the Prison King Daoist raised his eyebrows, and at this moment his expression returned to calm.

Before the imperial steps, Bai Bai Star Lord glanced at the Prison King, the White Emperor and others, his eyes holding a hint of something unusual, and immediately spoke to ask.

"White Emperor Daoist, whom do you wish to recommend?"

"Three Realms Nine Abysses Spirit-Linking Emperor!"

The White Emperor's countenance was stern.

As his words fell, Zhang Jian lifted his head, feeling many gazes from above the Heavenly Court fall upon him, a flash of realization passing through his eyes.

At the same time, he felt a chill in his heart.

He did not expect the White Emperor Daoist to also be involved in this.

Although there was no direct slaughter on the Heavenly Court, the court recommendations were even more deadly without blood.

If he had not prepared early, he would truly have been schemed against by these people.

Even if not dead, it would delay his ascension to the Daoist realm.

The immortals in Lingxiao Hall discussed loudly, yet no one felt this proposal was unfeasible.

After all, Zhang Jian had previously defeated Min Hua Immortal Lord, a renowned powerhouse of the Human Race, the victory being evident to all.

Of course, some immortals and gods felt these Daoists had ulterior motives, fearing there might be a plot to kill under the guise of promotion!

But without evidence, this matter cannot be spoken of openly in court.

At this moment, the Heavenly Mansion Star Lord loudly shouted.

"Little immortal, I second!"

"The Three Realms Nine Abysses Spirit-Linking Emperor has profound Dao; we Heavenly Court immortals all know him, equally a Taiyi Perfection peak, once he goes to battle he will surely repel that demon god Golden Essence and exalt the Heavenly Court's divine might!"

"Moreover, the Three Realms and Nine Netherworlds' Inspection of the Spirit Emperor wields authority over the Nine Netherworlds Surveillance—so the most suitable candidate is none other than him!"

At this moment, a light laugh echoed above the Heavenly Court.

The immortals turned toward the sound, their gazes instantly falling upon "Qingxia Daoist."

"Why does 'Qingxia Daoist' laugh?"

The White Emperor Daoist gazed indifferently.

The immortals likewise directed their gazes.

"Qingxia Daoist" spoke calmly.

"I laugh because you all fundamentally do not know what the Three Realms and Nine Netherworlds' Inspection of the Spirit Emperor is doing—recklessly scheming!"

After a slight pause, she said with a smile.

"Hehe, White Emperor Daoist may not know, but the Three Realms and Nine Netherworlds' Inspection of the Spirit Emperor is currently presiding over the Six Paths of Reincarnation in the Netherworld Underworld on behalf of Empress Hou Tu, supervising all matters of reincarnation—so he likely cannot go to the Netherworld Underworld!"

Upon hearing this, the Heavenly Palace Star Lord's expression changed; he pointed at Zhang Jian's location and said.

"Isn't Daoist Zhang currently atop the Lingxiao Divine Hall?"

The immortals' gazes swept over, revealing inner ripples.

Zhang Jian remained expressionless and spoke directly.

"This is merely my incarnation, substituting for my true self to preside over the Heavenly Court and handle mundane affairs!"

The Heavenly Palace Star Lord's expression shifted; he glanced toward the front row, only to see the Fengwu Emperor's cold, stern gaze fixed upon him. The Heavenly Palace Star Lord hastily bowed toward the Jade Emperor, Great Heavenly Lord.

"Great Heavenly Lord, the Three Realms and Nine Netherworlds' Inspection of the Spirit Emperor is the best candidate for conquering the Jinquan Underworld—may we ask Empress Hou Tu to release him?"

Upon hearing this, the Wooden Palace Star Lord immediately burst into laughter.

"Heavenly Palace Daoist, why such urgency? Why not you personally go to the Netherworld Underworld and ask Empress Hou Tu whether she is willing to release him?"

Nearby, another ancient immortal joined in the clamor.

"Empress Hou Tu has long cultivated in the Pingxin Palace—Heavenly Palace Daoist, you truly have great audacity, daring to command Empress Hou Tu!"

On the jade steps, the White Star Lord and the immortals stirred up trouble, then shouted in rebuke.

"Lingxiao Divine Hall, solemn divine realm—immortals must not behave recklessly!"

Upon hearing this, the Wooden Palace Star Lord's expression tightened; he merely glanced at the Heavenly Palace Star Lord, his eyes also carrying a sneer.

The Heavenly Palace Star Lord's countenance grew awkward.

The White Emperor Daoist's eyes fell upon Qingxia Daoist, and at this moment he suddenly laughed.

"I have heard that the Three Realms and Nine Netherworlds' Inspection of the Spirit Emperor is none other than Qingxia Daoist's offspring in the mundane world—could it be that Daoist intends to protect him? If so, such conduct would surely betray the impartiality of the Heavenly Court!"

"Qingxia Daoist" curled his lips in a cold smile.

"Now, the Heavenly Court immortals and deities accuse their colleagues based solely on speculation and slander—is that not the case?"

After a slight pause, her expression remained tranquil.

"White Emperor Daoist cannot produce any concrete evidence, whereas I can readily produce ample proof—indeed, even numerous White Emperor Daoists and their clansmen, disciples who have exploited and plundered the Earth Immortal Realm through deceit and force!"

"Great Heavenly Lord, I implore you to uphold justice for this junior immortal!"

She then bowed before the Jade Emperor, Great Heavenly Lord.

The Jade Emperor's expression remained calm; he glanced at the White Emperor Daoist and rebuked.

"White Emperor True Lord, since you lack solid evidence, how can you speak recklessly and slander colleagues in open court!"

"You are a celestial immortal of the Heavenly Court, yet you know the law and break it—I sentence you to forfeit three thousand years of salary as compensation to Qingxia Daoist. Do you accept this?"

The White Emperor Daoist's face darkened slightly.

For him, three thousand years of salary is nothing.

Yet the Jade Emperor, Great Heavenly Lord's unreserved trust in Qingxia Daoist—this 'partiality'—only deepened his sense of trouble.

He knew that from this day forward, he had offended this 'Qingxia Daoist,' and henceforth in the Heavenly Court he would likely encounter difficulties.

"Qingxia, are you now satisfied?"

The Jade Emperor, Great Heavenly Lord gazed tranquilly upon "Qingxia Daoist," his eyes signaling the other not to cause a commotion. Upon hearing this, "Qingxia Daoist" merely glanced at the White Emperor Daoist, said "Great Heavenly Lord handles justice, junior immortal pays respects," and so on, then shifted tone and continued.

"Great Heavenly Lord, since we must dispatch a Heavenly Court immortal of considerable cultivation to the Jinquan Underworld, I, the junior immortal, also have a suitable candidate here!"

Her icy gaze swept over the White Emperor Daoist, the Prison King Daoist, and furtively glanced ahead at the Fengwu Emperor.

The three Daoists' hearts secretly stirred with a faint unease.

Upon the throne, the Jade Emperor, Great Heavenly Lord and the Queen Mother of the West remained unmoved, merely gesturing to the White Star Lord beside them.

Before the jade steps, the White Star Lord, upon hearing this, laughed and said.

"Does Qingxia Daoist have any suitable candidate?"

"I have heard that within these millions of years, Daoist Prison King has several direct disciples, all outstanding talents—especially his eldest disciple, Pure Gang Emperor, ranked among the top ten in the Myriad Heavens Dao Seeds, even surpassing the Radiant Heavenly Lord and Min Hua Heavenly Lord of the Human King Clan—he can be entrusted with great responsibility!"

Upon hearing this, the Prison King Daoist's expression changed, then instantly he turned to the Jade Emperor, Great Heavenly Lord and said.

"Great Heavenly Lord, my disciple's cultivation is shallow; his entry into the Myriad Heavens Dao Seeds list is merely due to the immortals' favor—how can he be compared to the two peerless heavenly prodigies of the Human King Clan? Moreover, my disciple is currently cultivating in the Demon Beast Realm and may not return in time—he would miss the heavenly mandate!"

"Qingxia Daoist"'s eyes flickered with a trace of tranquility.

"This poses no obstacle—my Orchid Terrace Dao Palace has several outposts in the Demon Beast Realm, and has set up a Void Transference Grand Formation; returning to the Central Heavenly Realm is not difficult!"

As her words fell, an ancient immortal immediately echoed.

"Then let Pure Gang Emperor act!"

"Pure Gang Emperor is a war god who rose from the Heavenly Troops Camp; these years he has slain countless demons and monsters—recapturing a mere Jinquan Underworld should pose no difficulty!"

In the Heavenly Court, many ancient gods laughed and said.

"Let Pure Gang Emperor act!"

"We also concur!"

For a time, nearly half the immortals and deities in the Heavenly Court spoke up.

White Emperor Daoist Monarch, Prison King Daoist Monarch saw this scene, his expression inevitably becoming extremely unpleasant.

Especially Prison King Daoist Monarch, this time he tried to steal a chicken but ended up losing the rice, and even sacrificed his beloved disciple.

He had invested immense effort into Pure Yang Emperor Monarch, how could he bear to watch Pure Yang Emperor Monarch sink helplessly into the calamity eye of the Golden Spring Underworld?

He was very clear about the complex situation surrounding the Golden Spring Underworld.

But in the Heavenly Court, circumstances are stronger than man, he had no way to stop this.

Prison King Daoist Monarch felt a hidden resentment, and secretly blamed White Emperor Daoist Monarch for provoking 'Azure Radiance Daoist Monarch'.

He also blamed 'Azure Radiance Daoist Monarch' for not targeting White Emperor Daoist Monarch but instead attacking him, truly picking the wrong person!

Prison King Daoist Monarch's face darkened, and it remained so until after court adjourned.

On the imperial steps, after this matter was settled, the Great White Star Monarch brought up the second agenda item, namely how to strike against the ancient demon gods in the myriad realms.

Since the War God Xingtian fled, the Heavenly Court has intensified its search for powerful beings among the ancient demon god clan.

This matter is currently handled by 'Azure Radiance Daoist Monarch' and several other major deities from the Heavenly Court's intelligence departments.

Zhang Jian stood upon the divine throne, he could feel that many immortals and deities were casting glances at him, some with unusual expressions.

His mind remained calm, he had already passed this trial.

Nevertheless, he silently memorized these Daoist Monarchs in his heart, and will surely repay them well when the opportunity arises.

This is a yang stratagem.

Using a yang stratagem to force him into a desperate situation.

Fortunately, he had prepared in advance, early entering the Six Paths of Reincarnation, and received the protection of Mother Earth Goddess.

If caught off guard, it would truly be possible for them to succeed.

Once entering the Golden Spring Underworld, these Daoist Monarchs, as well as those extramundane demon gods, would likely have countless ways to let him sink deep into mire, not to mention taking his life, but if he wished to advance his cultivation further, it would be extremely difficult.

After the grand court assembly ended, Zhang Jian received a message from 'Azure Radiance Daoist Monarch', and immediately entered the Eighth Layer of Heaven.

Zhang Jian did not conceal his whereabouts either.

Since the rumors from the Jade Pool spread, the immortals must surely be aware of this.

If so, there is no need to conceal.

'Azure Radiance Daoist Monarch' and he do not care about this secret.

In the Eighth Layer of Heaven, within the vast immortal realm.

'Azure Radiance Daoist Monarch' gave a slight pointer, then asked.

"How far have you progressed in your Dao cultivation?"

After thinking, Zhang Jian did not hide it and directly said: "Sixth step of Taiyi Perfection!"

'Azure Radiance Daoist Monarch' nodded, not surprised, and directly said.

"Attaining the Dao to meet me? Do you have confidence in completing this cultivation within a million years?"

Zhang Jian hesitated slightly, then immediately replied.

"It will not take a million years; within a hundred thousand years I will certainly complete the cultivation of the sixth step of Taiyi Perfection!"

This is still conservative on his part.

With the Cosmic Map and Nine Nether Authority, he has confidence to quickly complete the Daoist Monarch path, condense the Daoist Monarch status, and achieve transformation.