Chapter 347: then translation of title

Indeed.

The proposal to recruit Yao Marshals received Di Jun's approval: "We are indeed opening some upward channels for female cultivators of the Kun Dao, making slight adjustments to the prevailing trends."

It does not mean promoting beyond the norm—that would trample the Heavenly Court's most fundamental principle of promoting the capable, reversing priorities.

Exactly." Donghuang concurred, making a frown of thought, "Actually, if we consider ability and merit, there are indeed outstanding goddesses worthy of notice."

Among the ten Yao Marshals, several possess the qualifications and prestige to lead the gods; promoting them would not be excessive.

But if we promote them… what about those Yao Marshals who have always been diligent? Should they also be promoted? If not, would that not be unfair to them?

Taiyi said, shaking his head, "That is also not advisable."

Ha ha… Your Majesties, do not worry!

Báizé Yao Marshal laughed, full of confidence, "The subtleties here are clear enough to this old servant; I will not make such a low-level mistake."

There will be no extraordinary promotion, nor will anyone be placed above their virtue." A flash of wisdom crossed his eyes, "Satisfying the vast majority's demands will make it hard to find fault!"

Oh? Please enlighten us, Sage Báizé." Di Jun asked for instruction.

Marriage!" Báizé said, word by word, "That alone will suffice!"

As the Heavenly Emperor of the Heavenly Court, I will wed a virtuous goddess, harmonize yin and yang, elevate the status of the vast Kun Dao female cultivators… and the goddess may borrow my authority to become the mother of the world.

In actual power, that may not be great, but it conforms to the Heavenly Court's longstanding promotion mechanism: merit and ability matched with authority.

Yet, as husband and wife are one, esteemed and noble, none can look down upon them; in status and treatment they are equal to the sovereign.

If, furthermore, they frequently appear in public, inspiring and motivating the vast body of Kun Dao female cultivators to strive forward in cultivation… once the momentum is in place, for many common folk unaware of the Heavenly Court's structure, this will already be enough.

This, too, can be counted as Báizé's clever way of solving the problem.

Báizé laughed.

Upon hearing this, the gods erupted in uproar, discussing heatedly.

This is indeed a solution that is not a solution; although as he said, it contains too much opportunism." Many Yao gods of the Heavenly Court praised it.

Stingy is stingy—who are we fooling?

Of course, many female deities rolled their eyes at Báizé, expressing deep contempt: "One side thinks of meeting the common folk's needs, the other side refuses to spend lavishly, giving them a noble position to keep… Are we raising a mascot or playing with tools?"

Um… I think, although this idea comes from Báizé's mouth, I suspect he is merely a mouthpiece for certain people unfit to speak." In the goddess's close‑friend circle, the clamor continued, "That solemn‑looking Di Jun is highly suspicious."

Indeed, indeed… Generally speaking, whoever ponders this matter and thinks of marriage alliances, aside from the parties involved, who else could there be?

Does the male Heavenly Emperor Sage of the Heavenly Court just like to pull this stunt? Putting up a mascot, putting on a show for the mortal common folk…

Tsk tsk tsk… truly devoid of any scruples…

A strongly vehement criticism, it is the severe dissatisfaction of the female Luo deities with being positioned as tools or mascots—who are they looking down upon?

—Don't just look at how many male gods you have.

—Even the current image of Pangu is transmitted in male form.

—But believe it or not, when our goddess collective exerts strength, we can prop up half the sky in a split second!

Since we can already uphold half the sky, what about taking half of the Heavenly Court's top seats?

What?

Unwilling to give?

Sisters' rights and status cannot rely on others' charity; ultimately we must strive for them through our own efforts!" An administrator unwilling to reveal her name, using a green lotus as her avatar, was very active in the goddesses' private transmission circle, constantly setting the pace, heavily stepping on the Heavenly Court several times, and incidentally taking the three male Yao emperors as targets: "The male sovereign is licentious, cold‑hearted, treating everyone as tools, using them then discarding them."

This is tolerable, what is intolerable!

Let us overturn their shabby stall and let the goddesses know our might!

There is now a people called the human race, building a matriarchal clan model; we women have strength and voice there, able to fulfill the spiritual need to be respected… What are we waiting for? Hurry and join!

This administrator openly recruits in the circle, even disregarding the fact that many among them are female great divine abilities who serve as Yao Marshals in the Heavenly Court.

Nevertheless, no one exposed her; they merely laughed and watched as she stirred things up, quickly gathering a host of goddesses willing to cooperate, her momentum swelling.

This… for the Heavenly Court, can be called a blatant rebel leader.

Once it is discovered…

Even if discovered, it's nothing.

Nüwa sat beside Fuxi with a tense, solemn, sacred countenance, the Empress Wa's seal shining brightly, like a silent deterrent—

Who dares to accuse this sovereign below?

Furthermore.

You allow the Lord of Lingbao to pull in the goddesses' connections, yet forbid this sovereign from following his example to manage my private holdings?

……

In secret, the discussion of Báizé's proposal was chaotic, with praise and censure.

Nevertheless, all the deities present understood that, barring accident, its passage was certain.

Even if it contained too many intrigues and calculations, with ill intent and ulterior motives, harboring suspicions of setting up mascots and employing tools.

But we must admit that, for raising the status of the vast Kun Dao female cultivators, it does provide some help, forcing the goddesses to hold their noses and accept it.

After all, who dares to stand up and oppose?

One must be careful, lest the next moment a big hat be placed upon them, labeling them with contempt for women.

Fairness is hard to achieve.

Báizé and the group behind him now led the situation, solemnly discussing the marriage issue of the Heavenly Court's Yao emperors.

Fuxi and Nüwa, for the moment, are outsiders.

This sibling pair, no one dares to worry for them, nor does anyone need to.

What remains to be negotiated are only Di Jun and Taiyi.

In theory, giving each of these two sovereigns a goddess would make it complete.

However, a problem soon arose.

——Donghuang spoke righteously, saying he wished to become a supremely noble single deity, with no interest in love at all.

What's the point of taking a wife? Cultivation is far more enjoyable.

However, many people looked at Donghuang's expression and, in private, speculated maliciously.

"Smart people, this is… not getting married, just fool around!"

If he doesn't take a wife, no one can control him; he can place as many heavenly palace maidens in his private residence as he wishes.

Why seek unhappiness for oneself and put on shackles and bonds?

If he marries a Great Luo or even a Great Divine Ability-level goddess, yet still fools around outside, it's practically slapping someone's face and courting a deadly feud.

Donghuang wore the expression of a 'bachelor aristocrat' rather than a 'lonely dog'; no one could whisper in his ear to tell him what to do, letting him enjoy himself however he wished… When he grew tired, he could lightly seek a spiritual haven to rest.

After all, he is one of the peak great adepts, with the conditions right there; why fear not finding a suitable spouse?

Of course, Taiyi's external explanation would naturally not be so provoking.

"When heaven and earth are not at peace, how can one establish a family!"

"As Donghuang, I command the Heavenly Court's arms, focusing on attack and conquest; how could I waste my time in the boudoir?"

Donghuang's tone was stern: "When humanity prospers greatly, when the Demon Race's dream is fully realized, then I shall consider marriage."

Taiyi refused the counsel of a great host of demon gods.

"Eh, Majesty…"

Báizé wanted to speak but held back; his loyal appearance was moving, the only flaw being slightly insincere.

"Your Majesty Donghuang, putting career before love—how is that good?"

The Yao Marshal tugged hard at his own beard, face full of worry: "Only His Majesty Emperor Jun alone marrying a virtuous goddess… that would leave the Heavenly Court's top ranks with just two female exalted beings, utterly unequal!"

"The great undertaking of the Heavenly Court—could it suffer a setback here?"

Báizé shouted loudly, causing goosebumps to rise on many Great Luo deities in the towering hall.

Their gazes were subtle, watching that overly exaggerated performance.

However.

The facts told them.

That performance could be even more exaggerated, utterly lacking sincerity, purely a challenge to the nerves.

"I had previously been full of confidence, declaring I would surely solve the problem for all beings and give hope and dawn to the vast multitude of female cultivators… Now that the campaign has failed before achieving success, what face do I have left to stand in the world?"

Báizé shouted while his gaze darted left and right, picking a pillar, and continued: "Better to dash myself to death here!"

Having spoken, he gathered his strength, stamped his foot, and whoosh—flew out!

"Fake!"

"Keep faking!"

"If you've got the ability, go ahead and dash yourself to death for me to see!"

A group of top great adepts—such as Donghuang Emperor, Jieyin Ancient Buddha, Fuxi Demon Emperor, Nether River Demon Ancestor, etc. —all wore amused glances, watching Báizé charge forward, almost cheering and urging him on.

The Great Luo circle is just that small; who doesn't know whom by now?

"I bet a hundred million that Báizé won't die today," Fuxi said with a smile to Nüwa.

Nüwa didn't even lift her eyelids: "I'll double it, betting back—will you take it?"

"Then forget it," Fuxi shook his head.

In fact.

Just as many had anticipated.

Báizé did not die.

At the crucial moment, someone stopped him.

——Emperor Jun!

This demon emperor, feeling deeply moved, said: "Báizé, the Yao Marshal, has shown utter public spirit; I understand it fully and feel profound admiration."

"Now we've hit a wall in solving the problem, but there's a reason for it—why, fellow Daoist, must you seek death so desperately?"

Emperor Jun's face shone with divinity; the most splendid radiance flashed around him, nearly blinding the eyes of the gods.

"The problem lies with my younger brother; naturally, I will make up for it."

"I am willing to suffer injustice and bear the world's criticism, in order to resolve this problem."

He possesses the utmost virtue and a spirit of selfless dedication… If not connected to the preceding content, there is no doubt he is admirable.

But, once slightly connected…

"How do I feel that something is off?" Lingbao Tianzun looked toward his elder brother.

"Be more confident, take out the two words 'feeling'." Yuanshi Tianzun's mouth twitched; his gaze at Emperor Jun was like looking at a true warrior.

And Emperor Jun's words perfectly confirmed his statement.

"Then let me marry the two goddesses!"

Behind Emperor Jun, a halo shone brilliantly: "Let the Heavenly Court gain two more heavenly empresses, and all problems will be readily solved!"

"This?"

"This!"

"This!!!"

Instantly, the whole place erupted in an uproar.

In an instant, who knows how many restless discussion voices arose.

The male Great Luo deities admired him, a fearless demon emperor daring to wed two Great Luo goddesses… Is this for fear that his home won't catch fire every day?

The female deities, upon someone unknown twisting their tone, shouted "Scumbag!", and quickly reached a consensus.

"How could he say such things?!"

Nüwa angrily slammed the table, "I think he's gotten sick of it!"

What do you think you're treating our goddess as?

Hey hey hey... Fuxi, speak up, criticize this utterly shameless fellow!

Um... uh... Fuxi tilted his head slightly, then wore an indifferent expression, "It's other people's business; why are you getting so worked up?"

Di Jun wants to play lovebirds flying together; let him play then!

Besides, there might be some sense to this... they're Golden Crows, already used to life with two wings; adding two more wings now is normal... normal!

What's more.

If he really messes it up, the consequences are his own to bear.

Why worry about him?

Hey hey! Nüwa wrinkled her little nose, "How do I hear envy, jealousy, and hatred in your words... Do you not understand that this is trampling on the reputation and honor of our goddess camp?"

Besides, once this precedent is set, the situation for female cultivators will become very troublesome!

You talk as if without this, the female cultivators' situation would be great?" Fuxi said calmly, "Those people down below have all sorts of tricks."

Some keep harems, some reverse harems, some are devoted sycophants unto death, and some juggle multiple backups.

Polygamy, polyandry—nothing surprising... This is an issue that even if the Grand Minister of Fate enacted relevant decrees, one couldn't hope to stop it.

Even if openly banned, loopholes will still be exploited in secret.

So, Di Jun marrying two goddesses is nothing to get worked up about." Fuxi hit the nail on the head, "As long as he makes it clear."

If the two goddesses are treated equally, their children will necessarily have equal education and inheritance rights... then it's settled.

However, the latter is easy to say, but can he achieve fairness like holding a bowl of water level?

I'm curious; I'd love to see it.

Not to mention Fuxi.

Many other deities are also paying attention, eager to watch the show.

Marrying one goddess is fine; without comparison, there's no harm.

Marrying two... outside, he'll wear the scumbag's cap; inside, there may even be a shura field.

Báizé then asked Di Jun about this.

This problem is indeed worth serious study.

Di Jun pondered briefly, then waved his hand grandly.

However, if they are a pair of sisters, then it shouldn't be a problem, right?

The gods were shocked into silence.

(End of chapter)