Chapter 445

Di Jun……does he have enough money in his pocket?

With such a grand spectacle, asking a few hundred demon gods to play music, can his little treasury withstand the expenses?

Could it be that he even sold his house, and Taiyi secretly told him——our family has money?

Donghua gazed at the starry sky, saw the sun and moon renewed, saw the Milky Way glittering, slowly opened his mouth, and uttered a very malicious soul-searching question.

"Don't underestimate Di Jun……" Báizé said leisurely, "After all, he is still the Majesty of our Heavenly Court!"

His status and position are set; the ways to make money shouldn't be too many.

Although as a sovereign, he has a public spirit, he won't casually harm the public for private gain.

But……when it comes to major strategies concerning the Demon Race's development, the actual benefits of several plans are hardly different; the only difference is who proposes them.

At this point, there are some sayings.

Occasionally selling a sky-high priced ink treasure, people probably wouldn't mind too much……indeed, many praise, His Majesty truly is a great Artist and great literary figure.

Báizé wore a 'you know' expression, 'Just like that fellow from the River of Darkness——his painting skill is actually just average.'

But as long as he wields the Primordial Slaughter and Avici swords, the market's valuation of his paintings, among peers, has never fallen outside the top five!

Much higher than mine……I really am not convinced; clearly my literary talent is far stronger than his talent for killing, right?

Báizé spoke of unhappy matters, and resentment began to rise.

What for?

I at least wrote a few paragraphs with my pen, yet I can't compare to that guy who casually takes water from the Sea of Blood and drenches a painting scroll in red——he doesn't even move his brush!

The judges assessing the value actually dare to say——from that blinding red, they felt the lament of death, heard the chant of life, behind which lies a people——the birth and rise of the Asura clan, containing infinite profound emotional significance.

Where is justice?

Báizé sighed sadly.

"You need to understand." Donghua comforted, "The judges aren't having it easy either……not just anyone can see a scene of sharpening swords, ready to kill at any moment, the River of Darkness demon ancestor, and still have unyielding integrity, saying his painting is just a pile of shit."

After all, before me, they held the authority over all executions and killings in Honghuang!

Karmic fire red lotus, the Sea of Blood in bloom……he holds the supreme interpretive authority over karmic force in the Honghuang universe.

Who can go through life without a blemish? Who has never committed any wrongdoing?

Whoever he wants to deal with, the justification is ready at hand.

Even if there truly were sages and worthies……if the River of Darkness deliberately stirs trouble, you still couldn't charge him with provocation and throw him into the Sea of Blood prison for over two hundred days?

They openly practice the demonic path, unlike us upright gentlemen!

——What is the demonic path?

I'm a rascal, and I'm right!

Just selling ink treasures to provide bail for those who need it; occasionally stepping out to represent Daoist friend Rahu and announce responsibility for certain incidents; also, collecting protection fees from Daoist and Buddhist circles to help them handle internal bad debts and conduct tests of Dao heart and Zen heart.

Besides that, he usually doesn't leave his main gate, nor step out the second gate……such a reassuring demon leader is quite enough.

Donghua said.

That's also true." Báizé reluctantly accepted the explanation, "His ways of making money are just these; I, who muddle through the Heavenly Court, really don't need to quarrel with him……how much money can he earn? How much can I earn?"

He only takes care of law enforcement and carrying the blame; what about us?

We manage heaven, earth, and air, relying on technology, vision, and ability to buy shares in the Heavenly Court……whenever we propose a greatly beneficial people's plan, get it implemented, drive Honghuang into a period of rapid development, then just sit back and wait for dividends.

The ancient gods and sages contribute vision and wisdom, which is mental labor; the people of the world contribute basic labor, which is physical labor……after profits are made, deducting various benefits and wages, everyone divides money according to proportion.

The Heavenly Court is the biggest force here!

If we consider it this way, Di Jun is quite wealthy." Báizé stroked his chin, "His personal ability is not bad; over these years of governance he has proposed many excellent plans, time has verified his achievements, and the dividends he receives are plentiful.

Right now, pulling off this spectacle does involve pressure, but it shouldn't reach the point of bankruptcy just from marriage, to the extent of selling the house.

Furthermore, as the highest-ranking sovereign, his marriage is no longer merely a personal emotional matter; it has become mixed with too many political factors.

In the end, when settling accounts, the Heavenly Court should reimburse a portion.

After all, if he loses face……the Heavenly Court also loses its glory!

If the spectacle is too shabby, let's not even talk about whether it's worthy of the camp of female innate divinities——this is a pair of sister brides coming over, likely to create a completely new gender conflict.

At the same time, it's unfavorable as a model to usher in an era of grand marriage and grand reproduction.

Báizé summarized, meanwhile feeling deep envy.

When will he also be able to enjoy this treatment?

"No wonder……" Donghua's eyes flashed with an inexplicable sparkle, then he shifted tone, "But I think, even if he can't get reimbursed, Di Jun would still plan the same spectacle."

After all said and done, his endless divine lifespan, even if future immeasurable eons pass, true marriage, Di Jun will experience only this once.

Donghua chuckled, 'No matter how grand the spectacle, how great the expense, even paying in installments, what does it amount to?'

After all, he is to spend a lifetime with Xihe and Changxi, coexisting through endless ages……even if Di Jun remains clueless, he should understand the difference between momentary pleasure and lasting pleasure.

Being stingy at the wedding brings momentary pleasure, without needing to worry about money.

Later days will become sorrowful……if that pair of sisters feels unhappy, they'll just kick him out of bed.

Besides, what if he dares to cheat?

Then a blade flash—perhaps one day we'll see the third leg of the strongest Golden Crow up for sale on the black market.

Excellent! Excellent!" Báizé listened, clapping and laughing, "Di Jun is a clever god, foresightful, knowing how to make the right choice."

Now the spectacle is in place, the wife-to-be has been appeased, proving his feelings……only then can future days be comfortable and pleasant.

As they talked, Báizé and Donghua burst into loud laughter.

Two top-tier divine experts of the present age, gossiping about the Heavenly Emperor's affairs, are not vague at all—truly like-minded.

However, the happy time is short.

The stars shine upon the world, the constellations turn, announcing to all beings……" Báizé gathered his smile, "Next, it's time to welcome the gifts and congratulations from all the great beings.

I need to go to the main hall to assist in presiding over the wedding.

"Then you go……" Donghua nodded, "As for me, I won't go to the scene."

He glanced at the karmic force, resentment, and deathly aura entwining his whole body; these could not harm Donghua, but they were like grains of the five-cycle reincarnation clinging to a person's clothing—very "invigorating," drawing attention. "Even in this state, I'm not really suited……"

"If I really went, everyone would still think I was there to wreck the place."

"Of course."

"Although I myself won't go, the gift I wish to bless the newcomers' union must still be delivered; please convey it on my behalf."

Donghua finished speaking, took out a volume of gold-thread silk manuscript from his sleeve, and handed it to Báizé.

"This is a summary of my years of experience, from the social system reforms of the Immortal Race to the insights of this Demon Race civilization reformation; it contains all my painstaking effort from my divine birth until now."

"If Di Jun is so inclined, he could likely forge a sword of law and order from this."

"Please."

Donghua pushed the manuscript forward.

Báizé's expression changed instantly; he gazed deeply at the Grand Minister of Destiny, not taking it right away.

"This gift is rather too heavy."

"I warned you before……" he lowered his voice, "Be careful lest someone pluck the fruit prematurely."

"The person you need to be careful of……"

Báizé wanted to speak but stopped.

"I understand, I understand……" Donghua said unconcerned, "But what does it matter?"

Donghua's eyes held a deep smile.

Such a smile transcends personal emotion, a joy that is a serene, magnanimous blessing.

Looking at such Donghua, Báizé's mind only produced this thought——

"The Saint has no constant heart; he takes the heart of all beings as his own."

"At this moment, it is not Donghua who laughs, but the Human Dao!"

"Look."

"I have dealt harsh blows, killing and exiling so many living beings…… right?"

"The Human Dao has shed so much blood; in the end it surely cannot have been for nothing?"

"Therefore."

"Even if I fall, I hope…… that the state does not perish with the people."

"The one who plucks the fruit must know some plucking techniques."

"Just like Daoist Zhenyuan's ginseng fruit."

"When picking this ginseng fruit, there are many particulars: it fears the five elements—it falls when meeting metal, withers when meeting wood, transforms when meeting water, scorches when meeting fire, and sinks when meeting earth. Thus, picking the fruit is no easy task—one must strike it down with a golden vessel, catch it with a silk cloth, and when eating, use porcelain to dissolve it in clear water for consumption. It must not be left long; if left a little longer, it stiffens and becomes inedible."

"As for the fruit of the Human Dao, tending it will only be harder…… even when the reformation is complete and it's time to harvest, one cannot simply pluck it at will."

"One must guard against hidden hands, all sides peeking and sneaking, digging a little here, a little there…… in the end, what was originally good turns into a great big bad thing."

"If that happens, all the beings under heaven will be unhappy, and they'll stir up emotions……"

"Why bother?"

Donghua sighed, "We, the Great Luo, undying and indestructible, ought to do something meaningful, right?"

"Even if we lose this round, we must still be dignified, magnanimous."

"But you take it in stride." Báizé gave a light sigh, solemnly stowing the manuscript, "I will help you deliver the gift."

"Thank you for your effort."

Donghua said with a smile.

Báizé gave him a serious look, then finally turned and left.

However, just before his figure completely vanished, a faint echo drifted over.

"I think you, this guy, are probably in league with the Five Direction Heavenly Emperors, having linked the Three Pure Ones, the Nether River, and the Red Cloud, plotting some great conspiracy behind the scenes."

"However, out of consideration for your temper toward me, I will turn a blind eye for a while……"

"Wish you good luck!"

Báizé left in a carefree, straightforward manner.

"Hey."

Donghua gave an inscrutable chuckle, his eyebrows unintentionally twitching.

"Hmm……"

"Although I have schemed in every way and laid out countless doubt formations, my tracks are still too heavy—have I been detected?"

Donghua murmured to himself, then laughed and shook his head.

"It doesn't matter."

"The big picture is set."

"Everyone is a player, and everyone is a piece."

"The most brilliant strategist always lets everyone see hope of victory, then slowly drowns them."

"Old friend Báizé…… I'm not afraid of you reporting me upward."

"After all, what would your reporting accomplish?"

"And who could you report to?"

"Is it Di Jun?"

"Or Hongjun?"

"Or even Nüwa?"

"If you really did that…… perhaps I could still enjoy quite an interesting scene."

The Five Directions Heavenly Emperor, they're actually just five big pits, eh!

Those who want to jump in the pits each have their own reasons; their methods of clearing out and fleeing are one better than another… they don't even have time to cover up, so how would they let anyone who knows too much live?

Knowing too much, and not being one of the pit people, the final outcome can only be one thing——

Death!

Dong Hua's expression turned cold and stern at this moment.

Suddenly, like spring wind turning warm, the cold expression vanished.

I, who know too much, am also about to set off…… uh……

By then, should we bury a bomb, so we can drag a sacrificial companion in the future?

Hmm…… it has to be someone with hope for Pangu, so that my methods can be shown, right?

The Emperor Lord calmly scanned heaven and earth; finally his gaze focused and landed on the boss of the Dragon Clan.

Dragon Ancestor!

Also——Gong Gong!

Tsk.

He let out an inexplicable tsk, and Dong Hua withdrew his gaze.

He spread his hands, feeling the shower of gorgeous starlight; the essence accumulated over ages in the star sea poured down in an instant, blessing all beings, making people feel a sense of ease and comfort.

White Emperor, White Emperor…… I give you an opportunity, and also give you an excuse.

I only hope your performance won't disappoint me……

You must be sufficiently outstanding…… otherwise, the position of White Emperor could be taken by someone else, and that wouldn't be bad either.

Of course.

If you were a bit more capable, you could directly overturn the table; whether you are White Emperor or not would then be irrelevant.

Then let me weigh your level……

Dong Hua smiled, his form gradually fading and dissipating into the sky full of starlight.

……

The Heavenly Emperor's grand wedding is an event destined to be recorded in the annals of Honghuang.

On this day, the Heavenly Court had gods paying homage and myriad demons offering prayers.

Countless mighty beings arrived at the Heavenly Palace by riding in carriages.

Even the Ancestral Witches who had previously fought the Heavenly Court to the point of bloody heads did not recklessly stir up weapons on this day.

Even those who, after taking off their jackets, were female ancient deities in form—heroic women—changed into fine attire, brought generous gifts, and blessed the marriage of the Heavenly Emperor, Heavenly Empress, and Heavenly Consort.

After all, setting aside factional conflicts…… Xi He and Chang Xi were still close girlfriends with them.

This was a day of peace.

The gods did not discuss war; the Witch-Demon Overlords gathered together, only to drink freely, blessing the human path to become ever better.

(End of chapter)