Chapter 310

"Dang!"

Vast heaven and earth, all sounds silent, only the bell tolls, shaking ancient and modern epochs.

Continuous bell tolls, spreading bell waves, now sweeping across the Myriad Heavens and all worlds, causing the cosmic light to surge without cease.

In some realms, time is accelerated to the extreme, soaring to the most terrifying proportion, with ages changing in an instant.

In some cosmic spaces, time stagnates, and an instant becomes eternity.

This is the might of the Chaos Bell!

It is the supreme spiritual treasure of the spacetime domain, one of the components of the primordial supreme treasure, its body shrouded in Chaos mist, vast and ancient. Occasionally the mist clears, revealing the hazy Suiyue Changhe entwined around it, faintly visible is the most magnificent chronicle, recording the rise and fall of endless spacetime epochs.

East Emperor grasping this bell, his divine might reaches an exalted, unfathomable state, forcing the two Heavenly Lords to treat it with solemnity; seeing Taiyi stride forth tall and composed, his robes fluttering with supreme and noble aura, countless spirits and monsters of the vast Honghuang bow sincerely from the heart.

"Your Majesty, the East Emperor!"

Innumerable beings shout in unison, from the lowliest ant to the utmost Taiyi at the peak, what a mighty momentum!

This can shake the ages and shatter the myriad worlds!

The world-shaking sound waves reverberate; the hearts of worship and affection rise, transcending spacetime, surrounding and guarding the East Emperor's side, adding to his boundless lofty presence.

Watching this scene, Yuanshi and Lingbao exchange glances, their eyes filled with the utmost solemn vigilance.

Of course, there is also a hint of envy.

The Three Pure Ones established the Daoist sect, laboring day and night, thus giving the Dao lineage its various aspects, flourishing day by day.

Later, the Dao Ancestor even bestowed holy positions in place of the Heavenly Dao, the human race's investment and showmanship, the covert cooperation of the Grand Minister of Fate—with all these means employed, widely proclaimed, spread among the masses, only then did a faint glimmer appear of becoming the mainstream of human thought.

But even so, what does it matter?

People compare themselves to others and feel they must die; goods compare and are thrown away.

In terms of influence, they are now far, far behind the East Emperor.

Because the Heavenly Court is truly entwined with mortal beings!

One day.

The leadership of the Daoist sect may change, and ordinary people might not even know who succeeds.

But when the Heavenly Emperor changes, asking all beings, those who don't know are absolutely few.

East Emperor, as a top-tier heavyweight of the Heavenly Court, holding military authority, is destined to have his fame echo through eternity and the Myriad Heavens, known to all beings, clearly manifesting his nobility and divinity.

""Looks like we're in trouble today." Lingbao whispered to Yuanshi, "This comer bears ill intent.""

""Normal… I had anticipated this long ago." Yuanshi replied via voice transmission, "In recent years we've been so bold; our actions essentially propagandize how good humanity is, which is tantamount to continually plucking the nerves of the Heavenly Court.""

The Three Pure Ones now engage in an occupation very close to that of common scholars.

Although their promotional energy is quite positive, it also catches the eye of the Heavenly Court.

No organization with sufficiently strong control desires can tolerate such a radical school of thought under its rule; sooner or later it will come to deal with it.

""The present scene is nevertheless inevitable." Yuanshi calmly said, accepting the situation, "Originally I still harbored a fluke, hoping to advance smoothly and reap the victory.""

""But now it seems we must take a detour… fortunately we had made preparations beforehand, so we are not at the end of our rope.""

Lingbao Tianzun nodded silently.

Afterward, the two Heavenly Lords walked side by side, step by step ascending to heaven to meet the East Emperor.

The East Emperor also came to this place.

Finally, after exchanging greetings in midair, Yuanshi Tianzun politely inquired about the East Emperor's purpose.

""Two Daoist friends, why feign ignorance?" Taiyi laughed, "My purpose—you surely know, given how long you've run this Daoist sect and your ambiguous ties with Buzhou, that you cannot be unaware.""

""We Daoists teach and nurture, transmit the Dao and instruct, unsullied by worldly dust… as for what the East Emperor's Majesty speaks of—what entanglement, what ambiguity—we truly do not know." Yuanshi said solemnly."

Taiyi was speechless, looking at the Heavenly Lords feigning deafness, he did not expose them, merely saying lightly, "If there is none, that would be best… however, having surveyed the Myriad Heavens and spacetime, witnessing the rise and fall of myriad ages, I often see some interesting things."

""Some sects similar in aim to the Daoist sect possess extremely dangerous dispositions!""

""What 'Nine Dou of Rice', what 'Heaven is dead, Yellow Heaven shall rise'… these are indeed regulars of rebellion and fiefdom, shattering mountains and rivers.""

""This leaves the Heavenly Court very uneasy.""

""I often wonder whether someday I too will encounter a similar situation.""

The East Emperor laughed, his words laced with killing intent.

Lingbao remained expressionless, yet one hand rested on the hilt of the Qingping Sword.

On the contrary, Yuanshi Tianzun remained calm and composed, giving and taking, saying, "Your Majesty's words are mistaken, reversing cause and effect."

""Speaking of such people, they actually harbored rebellious intentions long ago, merely wearing the skin of my Daoist sect to stir up trouble.""

""More importantly, no wind, no waves… if the realm is unharmed and the people prosperous, who could stir up trouble to cause the state to wither?""

Yuanshi spoke with confidence, "In this age, we have the Dao Ancestor overseeing, the Heavenly Court's officials filling the court, the Honghuang lands fair, the sovereign wise and enlightened—how could anyone rebel?"

The Heavenly Lords' words were quite eloquent.

""So that's how Fellow Daoist Yuanshi sees it." The East Emperor lightly tapped the Chaos Bell with one hand, producing a pleasant, clear bell tone, "Our Heavenly Court's wisdom is ever present, the sovereign wise and enlightened.""

""Now then, our wise and enlightened sovereign decides, for the better development of the Honghuang world and mortal beings, to slightly revise the Daoist sect's teaching materials… I wonder what the two Heavenly Lords think?""

Taiyi directly appointed a Marshal.

In the end, it left the two Heavenly Lords silent.

After a while, Yuanshi finally spoke again, "Matters of teaching and transformation are our professional duty as instructors… whereas the East Emperor's Majesty's profession is governance and management."

""An outsider instructing an insider—I deem it somewhat improper.""

""Whether proper or not, set that aside; conformity with the times is most important." Taiyi smiled faintly, "If the graduates of the Daoist sect do not meet the standards required by the era, then graduation is nothing but unemployment, is it not?""

""I find this quite unsuitable; I implore the two Heavenly Lords to reconsider carefully for the sake of the common folk.""

""If we change our ways and alter our original intent, then is our teaching meant to shape a spirited, sensible, benevolent, upward‑striving being, or merely to provide repetitive labor for the Heavenly Court's employ?" Lingbao Tianzun asked, his whole person emanating a piercing sharpness that shakes the heart."

""Fellow Daoist, your original intention is good." Taiyi gave Lingbao a faint glance, expressing approval of his spiritual pursuit while also rebutting, "It's merely that each era, each generation, the path of humanity must be walked step by step; there will always be those who sacrifice and give… that is for the beauty of the future generations' surge.""

""Fellow Daoist, thinking you can achieve everything in one step won't work… if problems arise, are we to let Pangu pick up the slack?""

This world, Pangu has already let go!

"Two fellow Daoists, don't delude yourselves." The East Emperor's tone turned cold, "If you remain obstinate and insensible, and we cannot convince each other, then we'll have to settle this by force."

The two Heavenly Venerables exchanged glances, nodded in tacit understanding, and together said to Taiyi, 'Also good.'

Debating the Dao and clashing over the law is better than all sophistry and angry scolding… Regardless of victory or defeat, each can give themselves an answer.

Lingbao spoke, already stepping forward, the chill light on the Azure Duckweed Sword flashed, illuminating the myriad worlds' boundless calamity!

Clang!

The divine sword brandished, slashing the vast sky.

That sword qi was supremely strong and extreme, reaching without limit; unknown how many ancient stars it struck down, turning them into meteors that fell upon Honghuang, bursting forth in a moment of splendid fireworks.

However, the effect of that attack was poor.

Even saying it was poor is a euphemism… There was not the slightest effect; Taiyi's eyes didn't even blink.

Only a faint bell sound rang, heard as a sound.

Ding!

The distant bell sound seemed to speak of invincibility and loneliness.

It was precisely that, which flew up when Lingbao advanced, falling into the vast ocean of chaotic auspicious clouds above Taiyi's head, protecting the East Emperor and dispelling the edge of the Azure Duckweed Sword.

Lingbao fellow Daoist, it's useless." Taiyi chuckled, "You've devised the way of the sword cultivator, saying you would roam the world with a single long sword…

But there are always some things that your present sword cannot cut.

……" Lingbao remained silent, he somewhat wanted to curse, recalling how some guy had babbled nonsense near the ear of one of his avatars back then.

——What's the point of practicing the sword?

——Isn't the primordial Lingbao nice?

——With the god-splitting axe in hand, thrash all who dare not submit!

Now, Lingbao hasn't encountered the god-splitting axe, but first received the lesson of the chaotic bell.

This great bell placed upon his head truly lets no law invade; standing there, he cannot be cut even if you try to slash!

If you're able, put down this bell and fight me." Lingbao's gaze blazing, "That would at least be somewhat fair.

'Fair?' Taiyi slightly shook his head, 'How much fairness can there be in this heaven and earth?'

'I am alone here, inviting the two fellow Daoists to fight, one against two… Is this fair?'

'Now it's just using a bell—how could that be unfair?'

'However, since fellow Daoist demands it, I shall comply, so that the two fellow Daoists will have no further grievances.' Taiyi chuckled, casually taking off the chaotic bell and tossing it into the vast mountains and rivers.

The chaotic bell's form blurred for a moment, as if becoming illusory, merging into the myriad mountains and rivers.

All right.

Taiyi clapped his hands calmly, 'With this bell I suppress the surrounding spacetime, protecting this region of mountains and rivers; it is enough to ensure that the beings here will not be annihilated by the aftermath of our battle.'

'You two fellow Daoists need not worry that this place is the ancestral court of the Dao; you may go all out against me.'

'If so, please instruct us.'

Yuanshi remained still, while Lingbao continued his advance.

A sword light illuminated eternity, held the stars in place, fixed the firmament, letting the world's light shine bright again, dispelling its original gloom!

This is a sword that overturns heaven and earth, a sword that challenges fate, shattering the oppressive dread of numerous Heavenly Court Great Luo emperors' aura, cutting forth the dawn of hope.

This sword first breaks all laws, then gives rise to all laws again, nearly exhausting the mysteries of all phenomena and existence.

Good!

Taiyi loudly praised, 'No wonder you are one of the Dao sect's leading figures; this single sword alone is enough to prove you have reached the pinnacle of the Taichu realm, and the highest peak is not far off.'

'Unfortunately, using this to oppose my Heavenly Court is still not enough.'

Taiyi's sleeves unfurled, and in an instant his form became vast, towering, boundless; in a haze, countless beings watching here felt an illusion—the sun and moon were merely his eyes, the stars merely his hair, the vast landscape of mountains and rivers merely the robes draped over his body.

Embodying heaven and earth, emulating Pangu's form!

In a sigh, breathing in and out, energy arises and ceases, endless.

If one were to say, Lingbao Heavenly Venerable's that sword is astonishingly brilliant, like the most resplendent meteor streaking through the age.

Then the present Taiyi is like the supreme deity who governs the birth and death of the Dao, ever-transforming and at ease—the Great Dao, Pangu himself!

Of course, Taiyi merely resembles Pangu, not the true Pangu.

If it were the true Pangu, this battle wouldn't need to be fought; it would be a total rout from start to finish.

Even so, Lingbao Heavenly Venerable also endured tremendous pressure.

Accompanied by Pangu's form, boundless chaotic clouds pressed down, endless spacetime heavens arising and ceasing within, becoming the most terrifying seal.

Heavenly Venerables, domineering, cultivating to end the Great Dao, can sever all existence.

But at this moment, the speed of breaking through layer after layer of spacetime cannot match Taiyi's birth and death of the Great Dao.

In the endless chaos, a sword light grows brighter and brighter, the accumulated sharpness from cutting through myriad spacetime worlds, its killing intent growing ever more terrifying… yet it seems it can never reach Taiyi's side.

Fortunately, at this moment, the ever-observing Yuanshi Heavenly Venerable moved.

He tossed the jade ruyi in his hand and lightly struck down.

As it fell, it shattered myriad chaos, responding to Lingbao Heavenly Venerable.

'Speaking of opening up chaos, that's still my job; little brother, you can't, your specialty doesn't match, you're not as good as me.' Yuanshi lectured Lingbao.

……" Lingbao grinned, "But chopping your opening-up Great Dao is quite easy.

Yuanshi's eye corner twitched.

Having a competitive, strong-willed younger brother is no easy matter.

After all, Lingbao has been eyeing the second-place position for more than a day or two.

'Let's not talk about that.' Yuanshi sighed lightly, gazing at Taiyi, 'Taiyi… really a tough nut.'

If we're not careful, we might lose.

The East Emperor smiled without saying a word.

"Your Majesty the East Emperor, seeing you again now, your strength and bearing far surpass what they were before." Yuanshi praised, saying, "We were once roughly equal, but now you have surpassed us."

"It's merely having the name and the substance as well." Taiyi said lightly, "Sitting in the position of the Heavenly Court's sovereign, the fortune flows like a torrent, enjoying boundless fame; one cannot help but become strong."

"With a bit of skill, not letting those below steal it, stepping into the top of the great powers' ranks is nothing but easy."

"What you painstakingly manage, to me is merely something obtained by bending down."

Indeed.

Yuanshi felt deeply, "Our management of the Daoist sect is merely influencing a portion of Honghuang's beings."

"And that Heavenly Court directly governs all mortal beings; birth, aging, sickness, death are all within its restraints... Moreover, it occupies countless famous mountains and blessed lands, untold heavenly materials and earthly treasures."

"Even if only obtaining its name, to be the shared honor of it is a staggering benefit."

It makes us deeply envious.

Yuanshi slowly raised the jade scepter in his hand, "If so, then we need not stand on ceremony."

(End of chapter)