Chapter 314: Marriage Alliance! Scumbag!

Understandable.

Báizé smiled, saying, "They can't gain much power or status; there's no way to reasonably collect taxes per person, so they must rely on self-sufficiency, running industries to harvest qi fortune and obtain cultivation resources."

Now that we, the Heavenly Court, have annexed their industries, it's normal to bargain given their destitute situation.

And we, too, cannot easily disagree.

We can't drive them to desperation… If joining the Heavenly Court leaves them with nothing, they might well throw in their lot with the Wu Clan and rebel.

Also." Taiyi chuckled lightly, "The current situation makes the Wu Clan our primary target."

Containing and blockading the Wu Clan is of utmost importance.

Now the Wu Clan hopes to use humanity as a fulcrum, leveraging the identity of a cosmic great factory to mobilize all of Honghuang's resources and wealth, supplemented by the dissemination of ideological influence, seeking a path of vitality to revitalize the whole situation.

Considering the strategic layout, it's not impossible to temporarily favor those fence‑sitters.

Donghuang walked toward the Heavenly Court's main hall, with Báizé following close behind, half a step behind.

As long as they can carry out the various strategic orders transmitted by the Heavenly Court and achieve the blockade and annihilation of the Wu Clan.

Indeed." Báizé echoed, "Although I see that each of them seems reluctant deep down, unwilling to be bound."

But even if fabricated, it will mostly have to wait until after the Lich Great Tribulation, when a suitable time and environment arise to handle it slowly.

By then the meat will already be rotten in the pot, leaving no room for them to sit on the fence.

Taiyi nodded in agreement, saying, "I've considered this before; if these fence‑sitters are truly incorrigible, I would even sacrifice the current war potential of the Demon Race to decisively eliminate them, lest endless trouble arise and interfere with the final showdown against the Wu Clan."

But the present outcome is quite good.

Taiyi spoke, pausing, "Báizé, what do you think… should we put on a show for these allies?"

A grand welcome show for collaborators?

Hearing this, Báizé furrowed his brows, thought a moment, then solemnly nodded, "That can be done."

First, it can give these collaborators a reassurance pill.

Second, it can bolster the confidence of the Demon Race supporters below us.

Third, it can offset the current influence of humanity and shift the focus of all sentient beings.

Saying this, Báizé laughed, "We must admit, the cooperation between humanity and the Daoist sect, stirring up ideology, is a clever move."

It has become a trend, carrying a great momentum.

To counter this momentum, our best approach is not to meet force with force… that would only play into the opponent's trap, fall into their scheme, and be led by them.

Opening another battlefield to divert attention is appropriate.

The Heavenly Court putting on a show at the right time is not bad.

It's a pity that the effect of such a show is only temporary, hard to sustain… the Wu Clan will surely react, continuing to push humanity to seize the high ground of ideology.

Indeed, hard to last." Donghuang sighed, "Compared to the enduring influence of a Saint, some powerful beings joining the Heavenly Court amount to merely a temporary bustle.

Is there really no way?

That is naturally impossible.

Just then someone responded—it was Di Jun stepping out, bringing Taiyi and Báizé into the Heavenly Council hall, where the senior decision‑makers were already in place.

When Taiyi and Báizé had taken their seats, Di Jun smiled and said, "Heaven leaves no one without a path; everything is possible."

We have a trump card against the Wu Clan; the Demon Race is not without a counter… it's just that the method is a bit wild and biased.

In ordinary times, using it might invite fierce criticism from those with ulterior motives.

But now that we've confirmed Kun‑Peng's participation, there is ample room to maneuver.

Oh?

Among those present, many Daluo cultivators looked startled, exchanging glances, some unaware of why.

But not everyone is like that.

Some individuals, like Fuxi and Báizé, showed an expression of "great enlightenment."

For the Heavenly Court's overall benefit, I have decided to sacrifice my personal interests." Di Jun declared resolutely, "My emotional choices will turn to serve the Heavenly Court's needs.

I want a marriage alliance!

Using the topic of marital relations, wealth union and redistribution, to set the pace and disrupt humanity's momentum!

Ah? This this this…

In the hall, an uproar broke out at once.

This approach… is indeed… too wild.

Jimeng, the Yao Marshal, twitched the corner of his eye and let out a long sigh.

He could hardly bring himself to say it outright—what a plunge in integrity!

This is— as long as one is shameless enough, no one can make me suffer a loss.

Báizé muttered to Fuxi, "But it really is quite useful… hyping marriage, especially involving a Heavenly Court emperor, the related traffic is bound to explode, likely dominating the hot‑search list long term."

I think there's more…" Fuxi stroked his chin, "If, on top of this premier marriage alliance, we also establish some marriage‑related regulations, then future male‑female relations will inevitably revolve around this.

The topic's heat will ferment long‑term… after all, Kun‑Peng's communication platform is now in our hands.

Directing it to push such content to all sentient beings, and secretly crafting so‑called 'love experts' behind the scenes to influence hearts… tsk tsk tsk!

Hmm… I seem to have missed something.

You missed the troop buildup." Báizé added, "First we vigorously promote the importance of marriage, then smoothly push the significance of offspring reproduction, creating anxiety so individuals contribute to the Heavenly Court's lasting prosperity.

Báizé spoke coldly and bluntly, "The reproductive problem is now serious… especially among the mid‑level peoples, those neither high nor low, who are least proactive about having children."

Each cultivator only cares about their own enjoyable practice, unwilling to bear the burden of child‑rearing, lower their quality of life, or spend the huge costs needed to raise offspring; they toil painfully to earn cultivation resources, yet once their descendants become talented, they essentially contribute to the great age and collective, with a dismal return rate.

Moreover, with war looming and the future uncertain, to avoid the tragedy of white hair mourning black hair, they simply choose not to have children.

How can this be acceptable?!

Báizé pursed his lips, "Without enough fresh blood to contribute and strive, how can we hope to defeat the Wu Clan?"

I've said it again.

How many great cultivators still hope to reap the benefits of human prosperity?

There's no hard work from those below.

Where does one get to change their luxurious carriage every year?

Báizé spread their hands.

Yes, yes!

Fuxi clapped, softly echoing.

However.

The discussion voices of these two top experts, although they were very soft, very soft.

It's a shame that among the cultivators present, who isn't sharp-eared and clear-sighted, able to see in six directions and hear in eight?

Each one heard it in their ears, putting on a look of sudden realization.

Di Jun burst into a helpless laugh, nodding at these two great divine-ability users.

They were indeed correct.

This is exactly his consideration as the Yao Emperor.

A marriage alliance involves many things behind the scenes, involving strategic layout.

"What Xihuang Daoist and Báizé Daoist said is not false." He openly admitted, "Considering the ideological infiltration and the future war potential of the Heavenly Court, I came up with the marriage alliance."

This can be seen as leading by example, producing a role-model effect.

Moreover, besides that, there are other factors involved.

The marriage alliance's target can be considered a neutral-side female great cultivator... I estimate it could have some pacifying effect, giving those allied great powers a reassurance pill.

Di Jun said.

His marriage alliance wasn't random; he considered many things.

In fact, this is normal.

An emperor.

Or the supreme emperor of the Heavenly Court.

Such a figure, even if they just make a gesture, must be thoroughly considered, taking all consequences into account.

What more, this is a major marriage affair.

It will absolutely not be done on a whim.

The dilemma of choosing between love for the realm and love for beauty will absolutely not cause them any hesitation.

Because those who have attained the Great Luo can see endless spacetime, they have witnessed too many examples where choosing love for beauty ends in tragedy.

I don't know whom Emperor Jun wishes to marry...

Yao Marshal Shangyang rose to ask.

Di Jun pointed with his hand.

Many Great Luo followed his gaze and saw the shining lunar divine star.

"Xihe or Changxi?" Shangyang tilted his head, thinking, "Not bad... as long as they agree."

"Your Majesty, which of these sister pair do you wish to marry?"

She asked again.

"Cough cough..." Di Jun gave a light cough, "I want both."

Instantly.

The gazes of all the female Great Luo present changed.

Undoubtedly.

That is the look of someone viewing scum.

Trampling the goddess's reputation, stepping on the goddess's divinity... At this moment, Di Jun doesn't know how many bad labels have been stuck on him.

An extreme yin and soft killing intent has already risen in this hall.

The male Great Luo divinities sat upright, eyes not glancing sideways, pretending to know nothing, not a single one standing up to speak for Di Jun.

It seems they are all tactful, all following their hearts.

But.

Di Jun, worthy of sitting on the Heavenly Court Heavenly Emperor's throne, is deeply versed in imperial tactics, thick-skinned and black-hearted.

What killing intent?

What dangerous gaze?

To him, they are like a gentle breeze brushing the face, not worth mentioning.

Even, he can openly justify his actions, saying, "I'm doing this all for the great cause."

"You all think... I'm afraid that by doing this, the attention and discussion heat won't be enough?"

"I'm pondering."

"Not to mention enough, even an explosion is possible."

Di Jun said.

"I'm doing this for the sacrifice and contribution to the Heavenly Court's cause... Do you really think I enjoy it?"

"Wrong!"

"Totally wrong!"

He spoke with anguish, expressing sorrow over doubts about his character and integrity.

"Pah!"

Below the stage, I don't know which goddess spat.

This is like a fuse.

Immediately after, a series of light spitting sounds followed, representing extreme severe condemnation.

Di Jun turned a deaf ear.

"Besides— as long as there's love, nothing is a problem."

Di Jun looked aloof, making some goddesses want to go up and punch his face twice, "Who knows, maybe those sisters also have feelings for me?"

"Everyone, don't worry needlessly!"

Shangyang's eye twitched, he sat down and stopped speaking.

"Of course, this only applies on the surface."

In private, the goddesses' private chat groups would have how intense a discussion…… that's another matter.

But roughly we can guess.

Di Jun's reputation will surely plummet like jumping off a cliff; saying it's too horrible to look at might even be an overstatement.

……

"The matter is thus decided."

Di Jun hammered the decision, "First, give our newly allied partners a public, grand welcome ceremony."

"Then secretly warm up a bit, the marriage and reproduction issues, subtly set the rhythm."

"Once the rhythm picks up, I'll step onto the stage, interact with the Taiyin Star side, until the marriage alliance is confirmed and announced to all beings."

"In a timely manner, promote some marriage laws, as well as incentive rules for reproduction."

"Thus, our Heavenly Court will surely flourish and in one fell swoop crush the Wu Clan!"

Di Jun's voice was resonant and powerful.

"We, your subjects, obey!"

The Yao Marshal, Yao Gods, etc., clasped their hands in obedience.

"Right."

Di Jun thoughtfully said, "At the welcome ceremony, we can invite the human race to come observe and witness…… at least nominally, they are still subjects under our Heavenly Court's jurisdiction."

"Let them see how prosperous and flourishing our Heavenly Court is."

"Some improper little thoughts, better not have them…… that way everyone will be fine."

"Our Heavenly Court has strong clans standing in rows; adding one more human tribe is no problem."

"I've noted it down." Báizé said, pausing, "As for the Wu Clan, do we need to invite them?"

"The Wu Clan?" Di Jun briefly pondered, "That's fine."

"Although in our view, inviting the human race and inviting the Wu Clan are essentially no different."

"However, being able to show off our might before our rivals…… this opportunity is also rare."

"Let's invite them both together."

"Yes." Báizé nodded.

……

The Wu Clan's Ancestral Witch council is currently in session.

This emergency meeting has lasted for a while, discussing the huge changes in the situation brought about by the Saint being forced to return to position, and how to respond and handle it.

Although the incident happened very suddenly.

But the Wu Clan's think tank is not to be trifled with; they quickly sorted out the situation smoothly and analyzed it thoroughly.

Fengxi participated in it, having expressed his personal understanding, and also listened to the Ancestral Witches' statements.

As the proceedings went on, he subtly noticed some very subtle things——

Regarding this sudden situation, although the Ancestral Witches were quite startled, to say they were panicking…… is not entirely true.

It's like…… like those who originally were fence-sitters who joined the Heavenly Court, a few of them are actually problematic!

The Heavenly Court swallowed them whole, gathered their assets…… perhaps, it's a great boon.

But it's also possible that they swallowed a deadly poison.

Having speculated this possibility, Fengxi's gaze turned eerie.

Touching the 'social person' Ancestral Witch tattoo on his body, thinking back to his experiences in even older eras, Fengxi's eyes gradually narrowed——

"Who could it be?"

(End of chapter)