Chapter 345

The efforts of the Nether River Demon Ancestor are still somewhat useful.

His proposal, once submitted, drew considerable resonance among many Great Luo.

Because, this indeed aligns with their interests…… it just somewhat damages the strategic smooth advancement of the demon‑witch top tier.

Like, aside from Nüwa, the five Saints, the five big shots in charge of Honghuang's educational affairs…… who could say they have no interest in dominating heaven and earth and sweeping across the myriad gods?

Even if in this era they are not the protagonists, the epoch's theme is the struggle of the imperial path, not a contention of a hundred schools' teachings.

It's merely preparing a hand for the future, laying down a few idle moves…… really quite normal.

Although they have no clan.

But…… they have their own sect, which also counts as a not‑small‑not‑large camp force.

The system for cultivating talent is not lacking, the organizational strength is not lacking, and the ideological core is even solid…… Looking at it all, as long as there is a need, pulling out a unit of Daoist soldiers, monk soldiers, etc., would that be difficult?

According to some rumors of uncertain reliability——

Some members of Daoism, however, have the potential to rebel and carve out a fief.

Such as 'Heaven is dead, the Yellow Heaven shall rise,' and such as 'a few pecks of rice.'

And the Buddhist gate is not truly all honest.

Like the circulating saying 'Put down the butcher's knife and become a Buddha on the spot,' where does that place the Heavenly Court's law and dignity?

Under heaven, all land is the king's; to the edges of the land, all are the king's subjects…… Whether your Buddhist disciples can become Buddhas is not for the Buddhist gate to say; you must apply to the Heavenly Court!

In short, these two major organizations are not entirely benign.

They may not actually rebel—oh wait, wrong—they are meant to become the most important maintenance force of Honghuang's cosmic order.

However, it's hard to say that some thoughts have never stirred.

Thus at this moment, the five Saints, showing a slight tacit understanding, spoke out in mild support of the Nether River Demon Ancestor.

"What the Nether River Dao Friend said is indeed correct!"

"This matter is of great importance; I hope several sovereigns will examine it carefully and ponder deeply."

"Yes yes…… We've been thinking lately, to better cultivate our student disciples and incidentally boost their sense of collective honor, we're mulling over implementing closed‑mode education…… If someone frames us, claiming we're plotting wrongdoing and preparing to drill troops, we'd all be dumbfounded!"

"Exactly!"

The five Saints, one after another, offered their opinions.

Nothing else to say.

We must definitely strike them from the restricted list…… even if we can't, at the very least we should strive for the maximum benefit within the limits.

This is the will of the Saints' system, prompting the Yao Emperor and Ancestral Witches to give it some thought.

The Saints' fists are still fairly weighty.

Even though, due to the Heavenly Dao's origin, they are at a disadvantage when facing the imperial holy sovereign who commands the Myriad Heavens and leads the myriad beings…… nominally, the Yao Emperor and Ancestral Witches must still show respect to them and not slight them.

"What the several Saints said does have some merit," Di Jun said in a measured tone, "The educational undertaking is a great work for all ages; it should rightly receive some support and bias…… My Heavenly Court will not be overly strict, so as long as you feel a need, you may conduct whatever closed‑mode cultivation, and I will permit it."

"However, there is a precondition: you must not overstep…… the Heavenly Court will conduct regular inspections, dispatching special members to patrol."

"It could be Marshal Tianpeng, or it could be the General of the Curtain."

Di Jun smiled faintly and said.

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your lenient wisdom in granting our unreasonable request."

The five Saints' brows lit up with joy.

The Nether River's outwardly grim expression also showed a hint of a smile.

It's just an inspection, right?

This is too easy to handle.

When the specially assigned personnel come down to inspect, just scribble a few sentences of loyalty to the Heavenly Court, hang a few banners, and have the disciples behave a bit better…… isn't that enough?

The Nether River's eyes darted about, and he instantly thought of several clever ways to hide troops, pondering that upon returning he would disband the army, then immediately establish a large nominal academy, stuffing all the troops inside to continue training and advancement—sharpening the sword without delaying the woodcutting.

However, it's a pity.

The Nether River couldn't stay happy for long.

The next moment, a basin of cold water was splashed over from Di Jun's side.

"Moreover, the matter of resisting the remnants of Rahu is a shared duty of all Great Luo, and each major Dao lineage should also contribute some effort." The Yao Emperor said leisurely, "Have the Heavenly Court research some universal methods for subduing and exterminating demons."

"How? This should be doable, right?" Di Jun said with a half‑smile, "You always say education must meet the needs of the age; surely you're not trying to bluff me?"

"I dare not…… I dare not." Yuanshi Tianzun glanced at the Nether River, gave him a sympathetic look, then solemnly said, "After receiving Emperor Jun's demand, we will carry it out."

"My Buddhist gate is the same." Jieyin Gufo quietly moved his seat a bit away from the Nether River, then stood up and spoke earnestly, "We will certainly not disappoint Emperor Jun."

"My heart is greatly relieved." Di Jun nodded, then suddenly added a reminder, "By the way, earlier intelligence said that Rahu's remnants have resurfaced, with hidden power lurking in the Sea of Blood…… So, which lineage's disciples, after achieving some success, would be willing to take the Sea of Blood as a training point, regularly going there to search and scout?"

"Um, moreover…… when you admonish your disciples, be careful not to injure friendly forces in the Sea of Blood." Di Jun intensified his pressure on the Nether River, retorting sarcastically, "The Nether River Dao Friend's Asura clan, though they have become killing‑machines, I believe the influence of Rahu's remnants here should be small…… but doubts must still be investigated; we cannot let any clue slip, lest evil continue to lurk."

"At the same time, you must also fulfill the role of urging people toward goodness, letting that entire ethnic group reform and lay down the butcher's knife…… In our present Honghuang world, where righteousness fills the court, where would we need such a ferocious ethnic pattern?"

"Several Saints…… who can share my worries?"

The Yao Emperor's gaze was deep.

Instantly.

In the Nether River Ancestor's extremely grim gaze.

Lingbao Tianzun and Jieyin Gufo, these two Saints, both stepped forward.

Among them, Lingbao was a bit quicker, applying first, then Jieyin Gufo followed closely, albeit without much enthusiasm.

However, Di Jun already had a draft in mind, unrelated to the order of the two.

He recalled the report from the Yingzhao Yao Marshal, that the Donghuang Emperor and the Three Pure Ones Saints were in tacit understanding, taking money to handle affairs, and he also remembered that Donghuang seemed to harbor rebellious intent, appearing opposed to the Nether River but actually allied……

Lingbao Tianzun was brushed aside.

Jieyin Gufo entered his field of vision.

Of course, an outward justification still needs to be a noble-sounding reason.

The Heavenly Sovereign's sincere heart moves me deeply, but Fellow Daoist, you are currently realizing education without discrimination, promoting the spread of teaching throughout Honghuang—a great undertaking beneficial to the present and meritorious for posterity; such trifling remnants of Rahu are not worth distracting you overmuch.

Still, Jieyin Ancient Buddha would be more appropriate.

Thank you for the praise, Majesty. Jieyin Ancient Buddha radiated brilliant Buddha light from head to toe, solemn and sacred beyond compare.

In our Buddhist sect, there will certainly be someone stationed permanently at the Sea of Blood to seek out Rahu's remnants, and to persuade the Asura clan not to be obsessed with slaughter, to lay down their butcher's knives, to feel the myriad colors of the Honghuang world, and to realize that life holds more than just killing—there is much more beauty worth discovering.

The resounding chant shook the ages, golden Buddha light illuminated the Heavenly Court, and Jieyin Ancient Buddha, with each deliberate word, fully displayed the Mahayana spirit of saving the world.

All the gods cheered.

Only Minghe's face darkened as he cursed, "My Sea of Blood is naturally under my command… don't stretch your hands too far!"

Friend, this is where you're wrong… Rahu's remnants have resurfaced under your watch, yet you know nothing—clearly your oversight is lacking! Jieyin shook his head repeatedly, "Out of consideration for our friendship, I took on this task to help you return to the righteous path."

He placed special emphasis on the word 'help'.

When it reached the ears of the Demon Emperor and the Ancestral Witch, it was seen as Jieyin putting on airs.

But when it reached Minghe's ears… it meant something else entirely.

He first stared at Jieyin, then his gaze swept over, brushing past the Numinous Treasure Heavenly Venerable… at the moment when the three top powerhouses' eyes collided and intertwined, everything was conveyed without words.

There were five Dao Lords, known as the Five Fortunes.

Among them, one resembled the Numinous Treasure Heavenly Venerable but was definitely not the Severance Fortune Dao Lord; another resembled Jieyin Ancient Buddha but was definitely not the Calamity Fortune Dao Lord; and another resembled Minghe the Devil Ancestor but was definitely not the Slaughter Fortune Dao Lord.

All of this was merely coincidence.

After all, isn't there still a hidden Qi Fortune Dao Lord?

Hmph… bullying others with influence!

Minghe flung his sleeves in utter indignation, appearing as one who knows the tide is against him and freedom is lost, clearly aware he will be curtailed, too bothered to dwell on these trivialities.

However.

One Minghe fell.

Then thousands more 'Minghes' rose up.

This devil ancestor was bound by heavy shackles, various methods restricting his armies—from organization scale to weapons development, and even to disguised garrisons—placed at the heart, it can be described as horrendous.

But such a battlefield of titans often brings aftermath that disturbs the peace of the small fry.

The small fry naturally seek ways to save themselves.

Among them are many Wu Clan and Demon Race mid-level Great Luos.

They have no intention of defying their leaders' orders, but they also wish to retain some operational leeway, allowing them to secretly form vibrant organizations to handle things that cannot be done openly.

"If we're bound by endless rules, our little lives will be hard!"

Many Great Luos exchanged glances, reaching a consensus.

In the end, however, the momentum they stirred up surpassed even that of Minghe, the supreme Great Luo, forcing the Demon Emperor and Ancestral Witch to weigh carefully, making concessions on many minor details so as not to hurt the hearts of their loyal and virtuous ministers.

Fengxi watched coldly from the side, lost in thought.

"In the end, numbers prevail, and no one holds absolute leadership charisma."

"Undertakings with mixed motives yet some benefit are hard to push forward, letting the opportunists wait for a good price."

"I don't know if this could become an opportunity for our human race."

His thoughts turned ceaselessly as he pondered the future path.

And if Fengxi can see the problem, how could the Demon Emperor or the Ancestral Witch not be aware?

Each knew it in their hearts.

But with the great calamity looming, no one dared act rashly and hurt the hearts of the worthy ministers.

But…

Gonggong and Di Jun exchanged a glance, both curling the corners of their mouths with a hint of amusement.

Who truly puts public duty first.

Who harbors personal motives.

At this moment it was clear as day.

When the time came to open hostilities.

In war, blades are blind… at that moment a batch of those now reveling will fall unexpectedly…

Unexpected!

This is absolutely an accident!

The Demon Emperor said as much.

The Ancestral Witch also spread the same word.

Afterward, they cried out to avenge their fallen comrades, strengthening internal cohesion and stimulating their troops' fighting spirit.

All set.

Rare.

The Demon Emperor and the Ancestral Witch reached an agreement, feeling some mutual sympathy.

Even if in the end everyone must fight to the death.

Yet fox friends and dog companions can still do their thing… after all, birds of a feather flock together, and we're all dark-hearted leaders.

The leaders of the Wu Clan and Demon Race top echelons have formed a tacit understanding, being kindred spirits.

"Mmm… cooperation is excellent." Xihuang sent a mental transmission to Nüwa: "On one side we suppressed Minghe, striking this devil ancestor into utter seclusion; on the other we also got a clear view of our own forces, sorting out who is truly selfless and can be entrusted with future organizational responsibilities."

"Standard procedure…" Nüwa straightened her body, proudly lifting her head, "Brother, stay calm! Stay calm!"

"Heh…" Fuxi chuckled, "Since you say that, then it's standard procedure; I won't praise you either, but will use harsh words to criticize you, stimulating you to keep striving."

"You're so clumsy… I see at least twenty-seven shortcomings in your operations."

Fuxi's voice transmission started beeping, making Nüwa's pretty face gradually elongate; she really wanted to immediately seal someone's mouth.

Unfortunately, before she could flare up and cause trouble.

Then a very subtle matter began to unfold.

After the gods earnestly negotiated repeatedly and signed solemnly—especially after forcing the Nether River Demon Ancestor to sign the "Agreement on Non‑Proliferation of Organized Legions"—.

Di Jun made a big splash.

Perhaps he felt that, at today's Heavenly Court banquet welcoming newcomers, there were already enough big news items; adding one more wouldn't matter.

"The so‑called 'Taiji gives rise to the Two Polarities; the Yin‑Yang Way mutually generates and unites.'"

"Nowadays the Heavenly Court hangs high over the universe, representing the Heavenly Dao governing all beings."

"And among all beings, the vast majority are divided into male and female."

"To show fairness and care for the female populace…… a spokesperson is needed."

Jimeng Yao Marshal rose and stepped forward, speaking solemnly, "Otherwise, if this gets out, it will inevitably cause misunderstanding among the subordinates, claiming that our Heavenly Court favors males over females, and moreover, idle people will spout nonsense, loudly discussing when Kun Dao cultivators will ever be able to stand up!"

Subordinates believe this is a problem that greatly needs solving, which could greatly enhance the psychological satisfaction and happiness of the populace under the Heavenly Court's rule.

Jimeng Yao Marshal earnestly took the lead in charging forward, seeking an entry point.

"Even in Daoist affairs, there are two great leaders, one male and one female; how much more so for our Heavenly Court?"

"They should serve as role models."

"Subject, I dare to offer advice at the risk of my life; I hope Your Majesty will think thrice!"

Jimeng Yao Marshal's righteous aura was stern.

"Hahaha!" Di Jun laughed loudly, acting nonchalant, pointing at Nüwa seated at the same level, "In our Heavenly Court, isn't there an Empress here?"

"The Empress Nüwa possesses immense power and exalted virtue; as the mother of all beings, she also protects the human path…… with just her divine form, she is more than enough to outweigh the other three sovereigns combined!"

Nüwa listened, nodding repeatedly.

Quite eloquent.

Then let's say more!

(End of chapter)