Chapter 544

We, the Three Pure Ones, are all good deities who uphold public duty and obey the law!

Yuanshi Tianzun said slowly.

The law admits no sentiment; we have no choice but to wrong Lady Nüwa… and we hope she will understand afterward.

Before the heavenly laws and regulations, there is no room for sentiment or righteousness to prevail!

So, our betrayal isn't really a betrayal… it's merely assisting His Majesty the August Emperor in 'guiding' and 'helping' Nüwa return to the proper path.

Although Nüwa Daoist friend may not understand at first… given time, I think she will comprehend our painstaking efforts.

In Yuanshi Tianzun's mental transmission, his tone grew ever more righteous and awe‑inspiring.

The light of the proper path shone upon the land of Honghuang!

Lingbao Tianzun was at a loss for words.

Although this isn't the first time, every time I see my elder brother behave like this…

Alas!

Lingbao failed to organize his thoughts, so he could only let out a long sigh, letting myriad concerns pass in a single word.

Suddenly, he became interested and whispered in a private chat: 'What if Fuxi and Nüwa were reversed in this matter?'

Elder brother, what would you say?

Isn't that simple?" Yuanshi Tianzun smirked, "I would say—reason is nothing but human sentiment!

Can helping the accused conceal stolen funds be called a wicked deed?

No way!

I could well say—though this brings temporary harm, its merit lasts for ages.

Although the law is strong, for the sake of Myriad Heavens' righteousness we must temporarily set it aside and act from practical considerations!

If we truly cannot ignore it, we can consider revising the law.

In short…

No matter how many mistakes, I will never be wrong!

Yuanshi Tianzun smiled and drew his conclusion.

You…" Lingbao Tianzun finally couldn't hold back his retort, "This is utterly absurd!

And you still talk about expounding the Heavenly Dao… is this all there is to your 'expounding'?

Hahaha…" Yuanshi Tianzun burst out laughing in the private mental space, "Little brother, you've made the same mistake as many others here.

Who gave you the illusion that Heaven… must always reason?

All things arise and perish; there is an inherent great trend.

This is a destiny fixed in the dark, no doubt; we, the Great Luo, consult together and let the strong decide.

As for minor trends, they're just that.

Look at now.

The war of witches and monsters rages unchecked… its aftermath sweeps across, how many living beings suffer?

Even if they don't die outright, property loss is inevitable; years of hard work vanish in an instant.

Who do they turn to for justice?

Human affairs won't care, nor will the Heavenly Dao!

Unless the harm reaches a certain degree, no one will bother… even if there's a dedicated official, when victims report and the damage is minor, it's just brushed off.

Unless they raise a howl and the lost property contains dangerous materials of extreme hazard that could kill many, only then will it draw slight attention, mobilize people, and initiate recovery and rescue.

Heaven is unfeeling.

It speaks reason, but not entirely reason.

As one who tries to interpret it, I can construe it favorably, abide by its inner rules, and use that to sanction others.

Likewise, I can exploit its loopholes, target its imperfect spots, and profit for myself.

Expounding the Heavenly Dao, the core of all this boils down to just eight characters—

Take me as the master, use me for my purpose!

As Yuanshi Tianzun said this, he suddenly became filled with boundless domineering aura.

Take me as the master, use me for my purpose!

Following Heaven's will, he isn't here to grovel and diminish himself; he harbors a mindset of utilization!

From interpreting Heaven's will to playing with it, manipulating the era's rules, thereby seizing the great fortune of the age!

Everything, is for…… Pangu!

When interpreting Heaven's will, Yuanshi…… is Yuanshi Tianzun.

When he plays with Heaven's will, Yuanshi…… becomes Yuanshi Tianwang!

Yuanshi Tianzun.

Yuanshi Tianwang.

A single character's difference, heaven and earth apart!

Looking at it this way, your 'Severing' Dao is no less radical than mine!" Lingbao exclaimed.

Still, there are some differences." Yuanshi said calmly, "I first entered the rules' interior, obtained a qualification to participate in defense, able to advance and retreat.

My Sect's Ministry of Law, opening the window to accept external business, brings in good money and ill-gotten gains alike.

Before Pangu's accumulation is sufficient, we merely develop steadily for now.

As for you, little brother… your 'Severing' concept is too extreme, leaving no retreat.

Going against the trend, if you don't win you perish!

'Teach without classification, spread influence, envelop the masses…' you're doing this, are you planning a rebellion?" Yuanshi laughed, yet with hidden concern.

It's not that my words are that harsh! Lingbao shook his head, "I'm merely passing on what I believe to be the correct idea, telling the students to have the spirit of courage to struggle, not to always be oppressed."

When the weapon of criticism proves useless, one must dare to defy heaven and change fate, seize destiny, try to mutually reference, call friends and gather companions, establish a program, unify thought, and bring criticism to bear as a weapon.

Having come this far, how could it still be called rebellion?

Even if it fails, history will remember; over the ages, it will eventually be vindicated—a bold step of exploring to transform one's own destiny, of great significance.

This is the cut!

Then you'd better take it easy. Yuanshi Tianzun simply said, "If something goes wrong, you'll mess up… your students will die one after another, and you yourself won't fare well."

This still presupposes your luck isn't bad, having encountered a tolerant and sage Heavenly Emperor; otherwise it would be even worse!

So, am I not standing with you now? Lingbao Tianzun chuckled, "Secretly colluding with His Majesty August Emperor… no, secretly contacting, hoping to set the tides of the age right."

Compared to the Empress Nüwa, I still trust August Emperor's virtue a bit more.

Lingbao sighed, "This Majesty, when he kills, he's a bit ferocious, but most of the time he's quite fair, wholeheartedly for the public good."

Indeed!

Yuanshi agreed, "Compared to her brother, Daoist Nüwa always seems lacking by a third, not reliable enough."

The two Heavenly Lords, at this moment, happily unified their view.

If the contents of these voice transmissions were known to Empress Nüwa, they would surely make her furious to the point of blazing anger——

So infuriating!

Holding her investment of the primordial merit—though it's illicit funds, turning around to cooperate with the very target she wants to overthrow, not to mention secretly slandering her as unreliable, far inferior to her brother!?

Oh, the shrimp and pig's heart!

Excessive!

Really excessive!

A pity.

Empress Nüwa is currently unaware.

Because……

The Moral Heavenly Lord is coaxing her, as well as coaxing all the demon and witch leaders present.

Moreover, his coaxing is reasoned and evidence‑based, convincing and impossible to refute.

He goes along with Nüwa's words, expressing that he fully understands the Empress's wrathful mood—relatives dying violently in the wilderness, not moving their graves back home, which is truly contrary to common human sentiment.

Having smoothed Nüwa's fur, the Heavenly Court was displeased; Heavenly Emperor Jun brandished the Demon‑Slaying Sword twice, coughed twice, and declared outright that the tomb of Emperor Donghua must absolutely not return to Nüwa's hands——

What if he were rescued alive?

"Moreover, even if he couldn't be saved…" Emperor Jun, under Nüwa's angry little gaze, hehehed and smiled, "If Daoist Nüwa sees the situation as dire, grits her teeth, stamps her foot, digs up Donghua's grave, turns his corpse into a refined corpse to boost top‑tier combat power… then my Heavenly Court would also have a headache."

"I think this isn't impossible…… given her resentment toward Fuxi, a little maneuver is completely understandable."

"You're the one refining corpses! Your whole family refines corpses!" Nüwa instantly flew into a rage, her tongue lotus‑blossoming, incessantly performing the ginseng‑rooster ritual.

Emperor Jun turned a deaf ear, merely looking complacently at the Moral Heavenly Lord.

What a fine Moral Heavenly Lord.

No wonder he's the elder of the Three Pure Ones, the top‑notch mainstay of the teaching realm.

Even standing in such a dilemma, he remains calm, offering a brilliant plan, building steps for both sides so each can find a way down.

"Since both the leaders of the Wu Clan and the sovereigns of the Heavenly Court worry about Donghua's fate—falling into the enemy's hands, suffering brutal persecution, being put to improper use……"

"Then, how about this?"

"Find a neutral third party to guard the graves."

"This third party swears a great vow of the Dao, inviting humanity to witness, vowing in this era to defend the cemetery unto death, allowing no outsider to come and destroy or disturb the peace of the departed!"

"Like our Three Pure Ones…… would still be suitable."

"Look…… doesn't this solve each of your worries?"

The Moral Heavenly Lord, with a winsome smile, spoke clearly and reasonably, "Your Majesty Nüwa need no longer worry; should villains harm this grave, Emperor Donghua will not rest in peace."

"Your Majesty Emperor Jun also need not worry; Empress Nüwa will harbor no ill intent toward him, and with her aid Emperor Donghua will return successfully, re‑enter the game, becoming an unexpected variable for all."

The Moral Heavenly Lord chattered on, covering every aspect, leaving little room for rebuttal.

Finally, he added, with deep meaning——

"I think His Majesty August Emperor would also approve…… after all, Emperor Donghua has toiled with great merit for many years; he surely shouldn't die only to be tormented by crafty villains, right!"

The individual Wu Clan leaders who wanted to speak had their expressions stiffen, their faces twitching.

Their mouths opened and closed, opened and closed, yet in the end they said nothing.

The scene fell momentarily silent; the great figures of both the demon and witch camps said nothing, as if lost in thought.

Of course, this is merely the surface.

In private, the Moral Heavenly Lord's chat was about to blow up.

Empress Nüwa sent messages frequently; Emperor Jun did the same.

The Heavenly Lord responded adeptly, comprehensive, with sleeves that danced skillfully—truly capable.

Regarding Empress Nüwa, and regarding this big boss who invested a large sum of primordial merit in the Three Pure Ones Heavenly Lord, the Moral Heavenly Lord spoke sincerely, patiently explaining to the patron father, indicating that while he outwardly professed neutrality, inwardly he still supported Empress Nüwa.

"Your Ladyship, do not worry!"

"Though that's what we say, not allowing the grave to enter the Phoenix Rest… yet Emperor Donghua's annual rites will remain grand, not hindering Your Ladyship from personally paying respects."

"Furthermore, if Your Ladyship wishes to attempt reviving Emperor Donghua……"

"Although it's been said beforehand, we won't let Your Ladyship handle it personally."

"But if the relocation site for Emperor Donghua's tomb happens, by chance, to be an exceptionally auspicious blessed land that nurtures great life; or alternatively, the most vicious deadly ground, adept at turning corpses into zombies…… then that couldn't be blamed on you, could it?"

"Even so, doing it this way is far less efficient than Your Ladyship doing it herself, but it wins in stability, safety, and lack of interference!"

"After all, Daoist Nüwa, you are still amidst calamity, constantly campaigning; in the future you will surely have no spare capacity to divide yourself, and every bit of strength will be put to use……"

After all that calculation, it's still best to entrust it to reliable hands.

Ah... If it weren't for our deep gratitude to Her Highness Nüwa for her kindness, we wouldn't have gotten involved in this matter.

There's deceit, scheming, exploiting loopholes in the wording... Once it leaks, we'll incur the wrath of the Heavenly Emperor, who will come knocking and raze mountains and destroy temples!

By then, our Daoist sect... will be in trouble!

So please, Your Ladyship, keep this secret and don't leak our discussion and deal...

Moral Heavenly Venerable patiently persuaded, explaining principles and laying out facts to Nüwa, making the argument 'choose a burial site, seek Kunlun' sink deep into people's hearts.

Nüwa pondered left and right, weighing back and forth...

Eh!

It seems there's some truth to that!

Hmm... What you say is not bad; please let me think it over.

Nüwa lifted her head to gaze at the sky, her eyeballs rolling about, her thoughts becoming lively.

Hmm, take your time to ponder. Moral Heavenly Venerable wasn't in a hurry.

After hanging up Nüwa's call, he continued his negotiations with Di Jun on the other side, readily agreeing to a series of arrangements.

What? Nüwa does something when visiting the grave during holidays and festivals, and reports it promptly? Sure, sure, sure! No problem!

When selecting the burial site, secretly ruin the topography and feng shui, making it mundane, to prevent Eastern Hua from feigning death and rising again? Fine, fine, fine! Anything goes!

Oh dear, Di Jun... just put your mind at ease!

When you really go to war, fighting fiercely, killing brutally, with blood boiling... At that point, will Nüwa still remember this Eastern Hua matter? Will she have the mood to stir up trouble? Impossible!

If Eastern Hua's tomb were actually in Phoenix Perch Mountain, there would be some plausibility, after all, seeing it every day, passing by inevitably sparks some odd ideas.

With distance, who still pays attention?

After all, Eastern Hua is just a part of the August Emperor, not the whole.

Nüwa ignores her lively, jumping brother and instead worries about her dead half-brother... That's just sick!

So, Di Jun, you don't need to worry!

Moral Heavenly Venerable remained utterly composed, under the admiring gazes of his two brothers, facing the leaders of both the witch and demon sides without blushing or getting out of breath, carrying out the August Emperor's agreement with them.

Of course, things weren't all smooth sailing.

Compared to Nüwa's gullibility... no, her simplicity, Di Jun is truly an old sly fox.

What's in it for you, being so enthusiastic about joining forces? He cut straight to the chase, striking at the core.

--We're all adult gods, having rolled around in Honghuang for years, long since seasoned enough by the great dye vat.

No profit, no early rise; you Three Pure Ones... what are you trying to do?

As for that, Moral Heavenly Venerable already had a draft ready, which he could produce at a moment's notice.

We just want to ask for a favor.

Moral Heavenly Venerable smiled, 'Although Eastern Hua thearch has been struck down by mortal means and his title sealed, he's practically finished.'

But who knows after how many ages the problem of his sealed title will be resolved?

At that time, Eastern Hua won't find it hard to return.

For now, we're looking after his tomb... Even if it can't be called merit, there's certainly hard work involved, right?

With this hard work, can't our Daoist sect naturally ask for a favor?

Moral Heavenly Venerable is very 'candid'.

Invite Eastern Hua thearch to join the pantheon our Daoist sect was then building, give him an honorary title, make him an Advisor, and we'll all sing each other's praises—wouldn't that be wonderful?

Eastern Hua thearch, progenitor of the Immortal Dao, honorary president of the Daoist academy!

Do you see that?

Such a mighty being as Eastern Hua thearch personally acknowledges ties to the Daoist sect, serving in its pantheon... so why not hurry to become a disciple and learn the arts?

After graduation, network a bit, go work in the Heavenly Court's Office of Fate, start from odd jobs, the future is bright... isn't that fragrant?

Moral Heavenly Venerable conveyed this meaning to the Heavenly Emperor Di Jun, both explicitly and implicitly.

This left the Heavenly Emperor speechless.

Three Heavenly Venerables, truly... your foresight is profound!

After a moment, Di Jun could only offer this comment.

Too kind! Too kind!

Moral Heavenly Venerable said humbly, 'We Three Pure Ones know our own level; we're fundamentally not material for waging war and conquest.'

So we have no choice but to rally talent, collect honorary titles, manage connections, and stir up some prestige.

Please, Your Majesty the Heavenly Emperor, lift a hand and let us pass.

The Heavenly Venerable smiled.

At the same time, he also sent a copy of the same reasoning to Nüwa, as a perfect explanation for all doubts.

Any problems?

Don't ask.

Asking is just that the Daoist sect wants to tie up with Eastern Hua thearch, to bring a mighty figure from the legal system into the future Daoist pantheon... isn't that quite normal?

The top ten enterprises of Honghuang hire a retired judge as a special consultant to point out where they might hit snags in their expansion... is that a problem?

No problem!

(End of chapter)