Chapter 307

Báizé conveys the will of the Heavenly Court, requesting Donghua Emperor to assume the post of Grand Minister of Destiny, surpassing all other Destiny Offices, to oversee judgment of sins and blessings in heaven and earth.

His authority and power are vast; in the Heavenly Court he is considered a very heavyweight figure.

Perhaps, in terms of pure status, he might be somewhat inferior to the Demon Emperor.

But considering the special nature of the post, which demands personal virtue and responsibility for the mortal world, being impartial and selfless, majestic and towering… even sovereigns cannot underestimate it.

Like a loyal official, he is a sage beloved and revered by the mortal world.

Under Donghua Emperor's gaze from Báizé's earnest expectation, amidst the tense eyes of either the demon retinue accompanying Heavenly Court envoys or the diligent attendants of Fangzhus Immortal Mountain, his fingertips lightly tapped the table, appearing deep in thought, his eyes profound and inscrutable.

After a moment, he solemnly nodded, the radiance of noble virtue bursting forth from his person, making this great one appear so sacred and exalted.

"I accept the Heavenly Court's request."

Donghua Emperor smiled, "Grand Minister of Destiny? Sounds rather interesting."

"To wield law, judge sins and blessings, thereby promoting correct values in the mortal world and guiding hearts toward goodness and righteousness… this is what I desire!"

"This is an undertaking involving yin virtue, blessings, and merit!"

"I am still very interested in it."

"Haha!" Báizé let out a long sigh of relief, his face full of a bright smile, "I knew, fellow Daoist, one who wholeheartedly devotes himself to the mortal world, would not refuse such work."

"Here, the Heavenly Court sincerely welcomes your joining."

At this moment, the Yao Marshal rose and offered Donghua Emperor a deeply respectful salute.

The Emperor solemnly rose as well and returned the salute.

Such a moment is destined to be historic.

—because, the Heavenly Court attendants present and the stalwarts of the immortal path all displayed their divine powers, imprinting this scene, capturing the memory of time.

Afterwards.

No matter which side, they will disseminate the content of this talk over the information network, informing all beings.

Regardless, this heavyweight addition, along with top-tier position arrangements and transfers, will not be overlooked in any way.

At the same time, this also serves as preparation for the Heavenly Court's upcoming "strict enforcement of law," so that no one below can say "punish without teaching."

In extraordinary times, naturally they are treated extraordinarily, step by step demonstrating the Demon Race's war form, a series of supporting operations in thought, military, management, etc.

……

Donghua Emperor accepted the Heavenly Court's invitation.

From now on, in the eyes of mortals he is a great one who shares pants with the Demon Race, a comrade-in-arms standing in the same trench with Báizé.

Thus, between the two divinities they instantly became warm, conversing happily, each exchanging some cultivation insights and views on the state of heaven and earth… in the eyes of the surrounding attendants, however, it was nothing out of the ordinary.

Donghua Emperor inquired of Yao Marshal Báizé, investigating the living conditions and circumstances of the demon populace, wealth distribution and circulation—this is to formulate corresponding regulations based on the situation, i. e., to make laws according to the times.

And Yao Marshal Báizé is no pushover.

This Yao Marshal, placed within the entire Heavenly Court, is also the foremost Wise Man, the most learned great one.

Mortals praise him, knowing astronomy and geography above, and understanding even the minutiae of daily life below.

This indeed shows his vast erudition, being able to look far ahead and devise immensely grand strategic plans; and also able to delve into the mortal world, clearly grasping the livelihood of common folk—are vegetable prices high? Do you have the garlic to be fierce? Do you have the chicken to be…?

In short, the Emperor is very earnest, and the Yao Marshal is well qualified.

Everyone is a lofty immortal of the mortal way, a fine divinity, wholly possessing virtue worthy of position.

—this is the image perceived by the silent onlookers around.

However, in fact, in secret, the most terrifying conspiracy is unfolding.

"Play, I've accompanied you in this act this far… isn't it about enough?"

While Donghua Emperor was discussing the demon atmosphere with Báizé, he covertly opened a communication channel only between them, speaking words that cannot see the light.

"Hmm, it's about that." Báizé transmitted, in high spirits, "With this move, you can later tell the Wu Clan's ancestral witches—you have penetrated even deeper into my demon race's interior."

"After a while."

"You shall feigningly inform them, saying the time has come, when inside and outside cooperate, to deal a great blow to my demon race."

"This is the continuation, and also the conclusion, of the strategy we originally plotted at Kunlun."

"Give the Wu Clan hope of victory, let them take a risky gamble, ultimately falling into my demon race's ambush net, killing each one as it comes."

Báizé spoke with utterly ruthless content.

At the same time, this also advances the plan from years past.

In the past, Báizé and Fuxi of the Heavenly Court met with Donghua Emperor, devising a spy-within-a-spy scheme.

Donghua Emperor first colluded with the Heavenly Court, then feigned secret communication with the Wu Clan, expressing intent to "infiltrate" the demon race for them, awaiting a day when inside and outside join forces to let the demon race suffer a great defeat.

This is the work of a double-agent, and also extremely dangerous work.

That is fundamentally not something an ordinary great lofty one is qualified to undertake.

Not to mention ordinary great lofty ones, even those who have traversed the entire Honghuang cosmos as mighty beings with great supernatural powers cannot find many who meet the standard.

It requires the utmost wisdom and resolve, with superb means of turning hands to clouds and rain, to reasonably push the plan and kill the target.

But the problem arises.

Anyone who is that formidable would have already placed their bets early, now enjoying prestige and profit in the top echelons of either the Wu Clan or the demon race—who would still need to do such dangerous work, afterwards stirring up the most vicious hatred?

Thus a special circumstance arose: Donghua Emperor bears a great historical legacy problem, with a somewhat desperate, "break the pot" attitude.

Therefore, the demon race saw a shortcut to defeat the Wu Clan.

Although, such a victory may not be very glorious.

But this is war!

As long as victory can be achieved, one does not care about using every trick and method.

War does not disdain deceit, right?

Of course.

Donghuang Emperor undertaking such dangerous work, the Heavenly Court also indicated that his subsequent reward would surely be abundant.

"After the matter is completed, Donghuang Dao friend will surely become the fifth Demon Emperor of our Demon Race." Báizé said, "In fact, although this Grand Minister of Destiny work is merely acting…… it is actually a prepaid deposit."

Acting is indeed correct.

But the Heavenly Court truly hopes that Donghuang Emperor can take up the Grand Minister of Destiny work.

Among the Demon Race, there are actually many capable individuals.

But those who can achieve Donghuang Emperor's mighty prestige while also upholding a public spirit are truly few.

Those few either have more important matters to attend to, or they are salary thieves, just loafing at work.

"Alright, I understand." Donghuang Emperor transmitted with a faint smile, "I will do my best to lure the Wu Clan into the urn, both aiding the Demon Race to victory and settling some karmic debts."

"However, I personally feel that the current success rate may not be high…… after all, the Wu Clan's situation is now very favorable."

"The successive promotions by the two Saints have brought great development to humanity, and they can also ensure the path does not deviate…… if those ancestral Wu choose to play it safe, you will surely find it difficult."

"Heh…… we have our own methods." Báizé said meaningfully, "The time left for the Wu Clan's team is not much."

"Daoist friend, please go ahead and do it."

"Alright." Donghuang Emperor nodded slightly, indicating understanding.

At the same time, the surface-level communication also came to an end.

The doctrinal discussion between the Emperor and the Yao Marshal concluded satisfactorily.

Donghuang Emperor expressed——after detailed talks with Báizé the Yao Marshal, he gained a more comprehensive understanding of the Demon Race above and below, and had a draft for establishing the Demon Race's merit and demerit regulations; it was a very satisfactory and successful exchange.

In response, the Yao Marshal Báizé spoke right after.

"Through exchanges and consultations, I have confirmed Donghuang Dao friend's top-tier talent and ability in the legal system, and I am increasingly fortunate and delighted that the Heavenly Court could invite Donghuang Dao friend to join……"

Blah blah blah.

The two mighty beings, after performing the most formal closing remarks, bid each other farewell.

Donghuang Emperor's eyes filled with reluctance; after seeing Báizé off, he slightly waved his hand as a gesture.

A cultivator who had been attending nearby throughout the previous process stepped forward with clasped hands to listen to his orders.

"This emperor has been in the wilderness for many years, but now stepping into that officialdom also counts as a turning point in life."

"You have recorded everything that just happened, right?"

"Later, you will spread and push the relevant content through the immortal's channel, doing some publicity to make my already renowned name even more renowned."

"Riding the wave of fame, after taking office I can sit more steadily, so as not to constantly have random cats and dogs provoking me."

"Although I am not afraid, unnecessary trouble should still be avoided if possible."

"Right."

"When pushing it out, remember to beautify this seat's image."

"The focus should highlight my excellent virtues, how lofty and pure…… especially emphasize——I did not join for treatment and position, but because of my concern and love for humanity and all beings, I resolutely accepted the Demon Race's burden."

"I understand, sir." The cultivator replied respectfully, a glint of spiritual light flashing in his eyes.

"Understanding is good, understanding is good." Donghuang Emperor chuckled, "Remember, act quickly!"

"Before Báizé's pretentious display returns to the Heavenly Court, we will first release the news…… otherwise, with Báizé's Spring and Autumn style pen, he might end up writing himself as radiating brilliance, a splendid performance throughout, possessing supreme personal charm, making my Donghuang be moved and infected beyond measure, crying out to join the Heavenly Court and devote his life to the Demon Race's cause."

"That would truly be a headache……"

The attendant's mouth twitched, but he nodded as if it were nothing unusual, said nothing more, immediately turned and left, rushing to do the promising work of a junior editor.

Not long after.

A dispatch, hung on the Kunpeng Great Sage's crafted "Kun-Kun Communication Exchange Platform," surged in heat, leapt from third to second, instantly reaching the top.

"Shocking! The Heavenly Court's envoy actually……"

At that moment, Báizé had just sat in his luxurious carriage returning to the Heavenly Court, preparing to report back.

He immediately received the information push, silently cursed, and then a trumpet began drafting.

While writing, he also spat curses.

"That Donghuang scoundrel keeps writing about himself, the focus entirely on him, marginalizing me this venerable Yao Marshal, turning it into his solo performance stage, using me as a stepping stone to boost his own reputation…… shameless!"

"No, I must counterattack, regain some prestige…… how should I fabricate it well?"

"But I cannot tear down his stage, to show internal strife within the Heavenly Court, lacking unity…… I've got it!"

Báizé had a flash of inspiration, wielded his brush, and wrote the article.

——Three Visits to Fangzhushan!

——Yao Marshal Báizé, for the future of all Demon Race peoples, for the prosperity of the human Dao, to invite the great sages, spared no pomp, endured hardship in his travels.

——What a magnificent divinity!

……

Donghuang Emperor joined the Heavenly Court, taking the post of Grand Minister of Destiny, and breathed a fresh new wind into the Demon Race.

After completing the publicity process, the Ministry of Destiny immediately took office, overseeing merit and demerit in heaven and humanity, conducting inspection and judgment, fair and impartial.

It must be said, his work achievements were outstanding, in the years to follow letting countless Demon Race peoples be convinced and respect him.

Someone therefore wrote poems, praising his greatness——

"Wide open the heavenly gate, I ride upon the dark clouds;"

"Command the drifting wind as vanguard, make the sparse rain sprinkle dust;"

……

"All together the nine provinces, what longevity and early death are in my hands;"

"Soaring high in peaceful flight, riding the pure qi to govern yin and yang;"

……

"Riding the dragon, vigorous and swift, galloping high to charge the heavens;"

Tying cassia branches, they linger; the Qiang's growing thoughts bring sorrow to people.

Sorrowful people, what can be done? May it be that now there is no loss.

Ordaining human destinies has its proper time; who brings separation and union, and why?

……

Controlling life and death, judging blessings and sins, this is a solemn, harsh, just, mysterious divinity, filled with masculine vigor, selfless and impartial.

Moreover, someone writes a precious proclamation for him, describing his life story.

Qingwei Great Dao, Boundless Divine Lord… proclaimed emperor on Mount Fangzhu, overseeing the Heavenly Steps Immortal Register… great compassion and great vows, great holiness and great mercy, Donghua Grand Minister of Destiny, Lesser Yang Emperor, King of Wood, Heavenly Venerable!

This is the Donghua Emperor!

In a moment, the beings of the Demon Race praised him and revered him.

However, behind the scenes, this emperor also made contact with the Wu Clan.

……

Time rewound.

Soon after Báizé had just left, not long after, the news of the Donghua Emperor's appointment as Grand Minister of Destiny was sent out a while later.

The emperor sat alone in his palace, connecting with a partner with whom he had established a cooperative relationship long ago.

"Houtu, listen to me: I have infiltrated the decision-making echelon of the Demon Race and have already achieved great success."

He said this to the Ancestral Witch Houtu.

"Although I have not seized military command or control of the great army, merely overseeing judgments of blessings and sins, I am not a decisive holder of real power."

"Is that so… no matter, I know that the Donghua Dao friend has already done his best."

On the other end of the image, the Ancestral Witch Houtu spoke solemnly.

However, the Donghua Emperor listened carefully and found that, although the Ancestral Witch's tone was full of comforting words, deep down she seemed to have let out a sigh of relief.

The emperor restrained himself from laughing, his thoughts swirling.

"This is for fear that I, this spy, might climb too high by accident, lose control outright, and quit my job?"

"Tsk tsk tsk…"

The emperor did not expose him, but simply went along with what the Ancestral Witch Houtu said.

The two discussed at length how to respond to future circumstances.

(End of chapter)