Chapter 386

They hung Luohou up and beat him up for a while, and Hongjun, satisfied, changed the subject.

The Dao Ancestor's happiness now is very simple.

Someone is even worse off than him—that's enough.

Happiness and all that—aren't they just derived from comparison?

Although he's 007, he doesn't have to go to prison!

Hongjun glanced at the resentful but speechless Luohou, and instantly felt the air fresher, his mood happier, and the future full of hope.

"What's more, don't even mention it."

"Just wait till I finish this job."

"I'll be able to rise from this on-call Heavenly Dao position and become the supreme Pangu."

"By then, who'd dare make me work overtime?!"

Hongjun's dream isn't complicated.

With hopes for a bright future, Hongjun continued speaking.

In fact, there's not much to say about this third the Zixiao Palace meeting.

After all, what needed to be said and what needed to be argued about had already been settled in the first two the Zixiao Palace meetings.

What's currently happening is just going through the motions, promoting some era theme of questionable usefulness, so the gods can develop in peace.

After that.

The Wu Clan and the Demon Race, two terrifyingly massive forces, are bound to clash… this is an unstoppable trend.

What is a trend?

The consensus reached by the majority of the most powerful Daluo is the trend!

Just as the birth of the Slaughter-Witch Sword fulfilled the wishes of a group of Taiyi Daluo.

The Wu-Demon War, fought for the Pangu throne, is the ultimate goal of all Daluo!

Under this trend, no mediator would be of any use.

—unless Pangu himself descends.

Wielding an axe that could slay three thousand Daluo, and seriously consulting with all the divinities on how everyone could harmoniously prosper… that would work.

Too bad.

The direct cause of the Wu-Demon War's outbreak is none other than the vacant Pangu throne.

When the new Pangu is born… the Wu-Demon War will end.

Among the three thousand Daluo, they can lay down their arms to give face to the newly appointed supreme leader.

However.

Even so, Hongjun is doing his part now… although he covets the Pangu seat, since he's currently in the Heavenly Dao position, he'll still strive to do his Heavenly Dao duties well.

He solemnly put forward the development guidelines for the Honghuang world.

One core: to advance with the overall stable development of Honghuang as the core.

Two guarantees: guarantee that green mountains and clear waters endure, and that the relationship between heaven and humanity is perfectly harmonious; guarantee the healthy growth of humanity in body and spirit, and a harmonious era atmosphere.

Three requirements, requiring…

Hongjun spoke at length.

The Daluo divinities in the hall all gave face, nobody interjected or objected, all putting on an attentive appearance.

But listening is one thing.

Whether they'll actually act on it is another matter.

As for this, Hongjun isn't particularly concerned.

He's just finding an excuse to get rid of his backdoor.

When he reached the climax.

The Dao Ancestor then loudly said, "All of you are the pillars of my Honghuang."

"So many divinities, leaving their secluded caves, giving up their leisurely, comfortable rural lives, not shying away from hardship to participate in governing heaven and earth… is it just for prosperity and wealth?"

"Surely it can't be that superficial."

"It must be holding onto the purest, most selfless dream, a heart as great as Pangu's, to forge the most beautiful Honghuang."

"Therefore, I intend to bestow innate spiritual treasures as repayment for the many Daoists who have, over the years, kept their sleeves clean and toiled hard managing Honghuang affairs, and as encouragement for them to continue striving to serve Honghuang in the future!"

With a flick of his sleeve, Hongjun saw radiant light burst forth in the the Zixiao Palace, one innate spiritual treasure after another appearing, hovering in midair, shining and illuminating past and present.

The Dao Ancestor was so generous he practically emptied his entire fortune.

But!

The innate divinities, each having transcended lowly tastes and lacking interest in innate spiritual treasures, how could they let the Dao Ancestor spend so much, pay out of pocket, and reward everyone?

Immediately, a mighty surge of sound rose.

"Dao Ancestor, no!"

Nüwa's top loyalist, the heavenly-class number one great minister—Fengxi—receiving a sound transmission hint, instantly became the leader, charging forward.

This human candidate for the Wind Lady, the Wu Clan's great shaman, the Demon Race's Lord of the Clouds, now had hot tears welling up, saying he'd shed tears if he felt like it.

"We have merely contributed a tiny bit of effort to governing Honghuang; how could we deserve such generous gifts?"

"Please, Dao Ancestor, withdraw your order!"

He argued firmly, embodying an upright, selfless divine image that forsakes personal desire, and refused the Dao Ancestor's reward.

After him came all the great shamans—well, actually the various wandering Daluo from thousands of mountains and valleys, who spoke up, expanding the discussion.

In short.

They had long since let go of their greed and attachment to innate spiritual treasures, devoted solely to contributing to Honghuang, not coveting fame or profit.

In that case, how could we possibly let the Dao Ancestor Hongjun squander his wealth like that?

Those innate spiritual treasures and such.

The Dao Ancestor had better keep them for himself!

For a moment.

The Purple Heaven Palace was filled with an atmosphere of enlightened rulers and virtuous ministers.

The sovereign upholds the Heavenly Dao, benevolent and wise, rewarding those who have merit.

The worthy ministers are saintly, with noble conduct and selflessness.

Such feelings, such scenery.

If this were to spread, it would surely become a timeless tale praised by all mankind.

——Báizé has already started writing.

This ancient god great sage is both a Yao Marshal of the Heavenly Court and a renowned grand historian in the Honghuang world.

Recording history, writing past events—that is his mission.

With his brilliant pen, he depicted the harmonious and beautiful atmosphere of the Purple Heaven Palace during the Wu‑Yao era.

Beside him, the Yao Marshal Shangyang poked his head, glanced a few times, then widened his eyes, his mood complex.

"I lost."

Her tone was strange, as if she were at the lowest shock, each god lower than the last.

"Don't just stand there."

Báizé, amidst his busyness, snatched a glance at her and transmitted mentally, "Hurry, mobilize your subordinates, learn from the Wu Clan's side, put on a show so I can write smoothly… After all, change isn't baseless fiction, and dramatization isn't nonsense!"

"Ugh…" Shangyang felt powerless and replied mentally, "These innate spiritual treasures are supposed to be reclaimed by us… Is all this trouble really necessary?"

"Why wouldn't it be necessary?" Báizé said confidently, "This concerns great righteousness and reputation—how could we not go through with it?"

"You wish!"

"If we say Hongjun bestowed the innate spiritual treasures, we primordial deities would scramble for them, even fighting over them… How would others see us?"

"Our prestige would be shattered!"

"Our image, in the eyes of the vast majority of humanity, is quite noble… Right now, the collective will of humanity sits behind us, an alternative live‑stream record."

"We can't lose our image!"

"Look at Di Jun's side—hasn't he already reacted?"

Báizé gestured, and Shangyang turned his head to see Di Jun's brows slightly raised, his offhand glance carrying an inscrutable look that caused all the demon gods of the Heavenly Court to spontaneously grasp his will.

Thus.

After another blink of an eye.

A major new force joined the ranks of the remonstrating army.

One by one, the star‑void deities and heroic yaksha rose, offering heartfelt advice—

How arduous it was for the Dao Ancestor to gather the innate spiritual treasures back then!

He went from one blessed cave to another, taking advantage of the primordial deities' lack of self‑defense, acting as a 'virtuous one' to gather the innate spiritual treasures near their dojo doors, so as to avoid the tragedy of a child brandishing gold in a bustling market.

Poverty keeps one from being robbed.

Wealth invites envy.

When the primordial deities collectively became poor, they no longer had to worry about being targeted.

And the source of greed and disaster—the innate spiritual treasures—was now concentrated entirely in Hongjun's person, naturally drawing the gaze of all who harbored ill intent.

What a magnificent display of virtue!

For the safety of all deities.

The Dao Ancestor spared no sacrifice, making himself a target.

Too noble!

Deities who have lived through the ancient era now feel tears welling up, wildly grateful to Hongjun.

It's him!

He gave everyone a wonderful childhood!

Thank you so much!

……

Hongjun, seated on the Dao platform, had a faint green tint on his face.

But what could he say?

Only because he was young and reckless.

Back then, for his cultivation, he gathered the innate spiritual treasures, turning the entire Honghuang upside down.

One must know: where do the innate spiritual treasures tend to linger?

Each is a place of concentrated spiritual essence, an ideal immortal mountain pure land… It is only natural for a primordial deity to appear there.

Countless Great Luo beings, twisting cause and effect to forge their identities, flaunting such noble primordial deity status—surely they wouldn't do it in a latrine, would they?

They'd certainly pick a fine spot.

Thus, some karmic ties formed inexplicably, becoming tangled beyond resolution.

There are so many backdoor procedures in the Heavenly Dao; it can only be said that prior affinities were already set.

Although there is suspicion of entrapment enforcement.

But with a straight hook and salty bait, who can resist those willing to bite?

Moreover…

"How could Hongjun possibly shake off his burden so easily?"

Báizé sent a mental message to Shangyang, half-smiling, half-sarcastic, "We have just cause to rebel, so we naturally can't be short-handed."

"It can't be that the Dao Ancestor, in order to encourage us to contribute to Honghuang's future, 'granted' us these innate spiritual treasures."

"'Granted,' this lord‑subject relation is set in stone… How can we then go and 'attack the Heaven that lacks the Dao'?"

"We have to force this guy Hongjun to change his tune."

"Change it to what?" Shangyang asked curiously.

"Naturally, we should change it to: as the Heavenly Dao's representative of Honghuang's heavens and earth, it's a year‑end bonus for our years of hard work!"

"These innate spiritual treasures aren't Hongjun's private collection; long ago he already understood the Heaven's will and intended to give them today to those fated to receive them."

"We owe each other nothing!"

"One is a deposit."

"One is a year‑end bonus."

"Can they be the same?"

"Of course not!"

"'We want to take back these innate spiritual treasures,' Báizé said, a glint in his eye, 'but taking them back also has its proper way.'"

"It must be a process akin to abdication—three requests, three yields… Dao Ancestor Hongjun repeatedly begs us to accept them, expounding great principles to prove we are rightfully entitled to receive these spiritual treasures."

"We, meanwhile, are to yield three times, indicating we feel our virtue still needs improvement and we temporarily cannot accept such kindness from the Honghuang cosmos."

"First, it's a performance for the Human Dao to watch."

"Second, it's also a long‑overdue counterstrike by someone!"

"Saying this, Báizé felt tears welling up, about to flow into his belly."

"Long, long ago."

"Everyone was very poor."

"If anyone had even a single innate spiritual treasure in hand, it was a major event."

"One needed to gather a few close friends, sit together, and examine it carefully."

"That's it."

"Still, they were mostly broken‑down innate spiritual treasures—low or medium grade."

"High‑grade innate spiritual treasures?"

"Far too few."

"They'd all ended up in whose hands… need we even say!"

"Just thinking of those impoverished past events, Báizé felt sentimental."

"Although for him now, innate spiritual treasures are just ordinary—except for supreme treasures, they can't compare to the power of his own fists… but this is a matter of face!"

"Who would want to drag down the average wealth line of all the mighty divine beings of Honghuang?"

"They'd be looked down upon!"

"…… "

"As Báizé had expected."

"Three requests, three yields—this time none can be omitted."

"Hongjun repeatedly revised his wording, earnestly begging the gods to take back these backdoor plug‑ins… no, these innate spiritual treasures, to be returned."

"But how could those high‑minded, virtuous gods be so direct?"

"Their aspirations are noble, their virtues excellent, their attitudes steadfast."

"——You say give, and I just have to accept?"

"That makes no sense!"

"If you give me an innate spiritual treasure, I'd accept it without saying a word."

"Then if you gave me feces, would I accept it or not?"

"So."

"You need sufficient reason, after we've carefully considered and signed our agreement… only then can this innate spiritual treasure be transferred!"

"Hongjun felt his blood pressure rising again."

"After much back‑and‑forth, they barely managed to calm the matter."

"Exhausted, he finally flung out a stone cliff, placed it outside the the Zixiao Palace, and the innate spiritual treasures, accompanied by flowing light, fluttered down onto it."

"How about this?"

""To reward the years of hard work of all you divine beings, I, on behalf of Honghuang's will, hereby hold a special year‑end lottery at the the Zixiao Palace… What do you all think?""

""No objections, right?""

""Then later, everyone line up to draw lots, see how your luck goes… Innate spiritual treasures go to those fated to receive them.""

"Upon hearing 'those fated,' Hongjun's teeth ground together, emitting a creepy grinding sound."

""The Dao Ancestor's noble righteousness!""

"The gods then settled down, each shouting how the Dao Ancestor is wise and principled, clear about right and wrong."

"Hongjun watched coldly."

"'Wait.'"

"'One of these days you won't be able to eat and walk away!'"

"Barely soothing the wounds and fatigue in his heart, he reached out to gather a few of the strongest spiritual treasures that hadn't flown out of the the Zixiao Palace, making final arrangements."

"Taiji Diagram, Pangu Banner, Mountains and Rivers Map…… "

""Saint, overseeing the Human Dao's teaching and transformation, concerning the long term, bearing great responsibility.""

""However, to prevent it from interfering with the Sage Emperor's rule, its power is repeatedly trimmed.""

Hongjun said leisurely, "However, authority is low, but welfare ought to be raised; this humble Daoist will bestow generous gifts, encouraging them to continue achieving results… What do you all think?"

"No objections, no objections, you decide." Under the Dao Ancestor's gaze, the gods expressed unanimous opinion.

Of course, there are also some who are just speaking bluntly here: "You need to strengthen your faction's power, and incidentally strengthen your control over them… If you want to strengthen, then strengthen; what does it have to do with us?"

Hongjun's gaze swept over in an instant, and then he silently withdrew it.

Among the Saints, there is both joy and sorrow.

The joy is that good things will be obtained; the sorrow is that these things are not easy to obtain, requiring equivalent exchange, and later they will inevitably be put to use.

Since the Dao Ancestor has already bestowed generous gifts, how could one not exert effort?

That is Nüwa, who still might not care too much—her fist is hard enough; perhaps she cannot tear the Saints' contract, but refusing to carry out orders, even Hongjun can do nothing about her.

Her gaze first wandered over the Mountains and Rivers Map, then fixed upon Hongjun's most important treasure—the Creation Jade Disc; her look was inscrutable.

PS: The next chapter will be very late; everyone can read it tomorrow.

(End of chapter)