Chapter 545

The world is harsh, and human hearts are treacherous.

The Dao Sect, such a "weak", "ordinary" cultivation academy, cautiously hired a top achiever from the Law Department as honorary president, to help watch over the pitfalls that might arise during its growth, point them out one by one, skip them, then expand and strengthen until becoming an invincible force in Honghuang, an evergreen tree of education, monopolizing... pfft, it's about guiding the people of the world to accept better education...

Isn't that reasonable?

For the sake of Pangu's great undertaking, is using this reasonable method excessive?

The Moral Heavenly Sovereign was neither humble nor arrogant, fully expressing his opinion.

They meant nothing else; they just wanted to lend a hand when a big shot fell on hard times, to get acquainted and pull in connections.

Who knows, maybe in some future era, when Emperor Donghua is vindicated, rises straight up, and regains great power, he might favor the Dao Sect even more.

Not asking for "repay a drop of kindness with a spring," but at least turn a blind eye in some matters... failing that, taking money to get things done is fine too!

Nowadays, anyone who takes money and gets things done is already not bad... the fear is having money but nowhere to spend it, then being slaughtered like a fat pig.

The Moral Heavenly Sovereign's words were reasonable and well-founded; the two-sided dialogue made Di Jun admire him all the more, and left Nüwa stunned.

Nüwa remained silent, speechless, but in her heart she secretly sighed—

I've learned it! I've learned it!

Today I learned another trick!

So it can actually be done like this!

This can't be said to be her being startled... it's just that Nüwa, all along her path, has never encountered a situation requiring such handling.

She is either not yet the boss, or on the way to becoming the boss.

If she really can't become the boss, then the boss is her brother!

It's always others who seek to connect with her; she doesn't need to go out and forge connections herself.

Moreover, besides her status, she also has money!

Money opens the way, invincible wherever it goes!

—it's not that everyone's knees are too soft.

—it's really that the Empress Nüwa gave too much.

As for Di Jun, this demon emperor who once endured a period of hardship and struggle before growing into today's demon emperor, was quite moved by the Moral Heavenly Sovereign's words.

How wonderful!

When there aren't too many disputes of interest, Emperor Jun remains broad‑minded, praising and sighing over the Morality Heavenly Venerable's approach: "Such a way of bestowing kindness—like a gentle breeze and fine rain, subtly influencing—silently giving, just waiting for a possible future reward. If it truly proves useful, the parties involved would find it hard to refuse; otherwise, one would appear lacking in virtue, despised by the world, ungrateful."

"But aren't you afraid of failing?"

The Heavenly Emperor asked, intrigued.

"Donghuang may never wake, or even if he does, it may be hard to clear his name—it's of no use to you."

"So what then?" the Morality Heavenly Venerable replied calmly, "No one says investing in such things is guaranteed to bear fruit."

"But it's merely a small favor that costs nothing."

"Is it hard to build a tomb for Donghuang?" the Venerable asked himself and answered, "Not difficult."

"Just a hill and a blessed plot of land, and it's done."

"The rest is just assigning some people to regularly clean and make offerings... In our Dao Sect there are plenty of disciples who take on the task diligently; it's not really a difficulty."

"Alright, doing this is enough."

"Leave the rest to time, waiting for a miracle."

"I am long-lived and eternal, unchanging through myriad ages; what I lack least is time!"

"I can wait."

"Even if Donghuang never awakens, or only struggles to recover, suppressed by the Human Dao, with little that can help our Dao Sect—would I mind? No, I wouldn't."

"I will wait patiently, occasionally adding suitable investment... our Dao Sect currently lacks no resources."

The Morality Heavenly Venerable spoke openly, possessing a deep, dignified and grand aura.

"Only upstarts with narrow vision nitpick, suppressing this, belittling that, clutching resources tightly and refusing to share even a bit, appearing petty and ugly."

"Our Dao Sect? However you put it, we're a long‑standing clan that manages the world... and we most love doing good to others."

When others are weak and in difficulty, investing a tiny, insignificant amount of support, betting that he will achieve development over thousands, tens of thousands of years, even beyond the Yuan Hui era—... if we lose, it's no great harm to the Dao sect; if we win, we gain talent, we gain connections.

As time passes, the longer it goes, the deeper our Dao Sect's foundation becomes.

"Usually you can't tell, but if ever needed, a single call will summon countless side branches and separate transmissions to step forward, giving those who make things difficult for our Dao Sect a comeuppance."

The Morality Heavenly Venerable, usually mingling with the world and hiding his light, shows no sharpness; his presence is very faint.

But now, in his dealings with the Heavenly Emperor, the ability revealed in his words makes even Emperor Jun applaud and praise.

The Dao Sect now must "do good to others."

The highest good is like water.

Water benefits all things without contention.

Water, a thread, a filament, is not particularly noticeable.

But when it flows through all things, tightly combines with them, and becomes part of them… it becomes mighty and hard to control.

And if it silently accumulates, with myriad rivers returning to the sea, it becomes an unstoppable force that crushes the withered and breaks the rotten.

The Morality Heavenly Venerable's pattern is transcendent; he does not worry about momentary gains or losses, looks across myriad ages, and engages in long‑term investment.

Nowadays the Dao Sect is still quite ordinary; it cannot be said to run rampant across heaven and earth.

But after many ages of deep cultivation and meticulous work?

Perhaps it will become terrifying!

People's inclinations; the Human Dao favors.

"It seems you Three Pure Ones…… some of your ideas are very firm!" the Heavenly Emperor, thinking, sent a mental transmission: "From now on, begin bestowing kindness upon the world, accumulate foundation, expand your network……"

There was an inexplicable meaning in Di Jun's tone.

"Are you trying to seize Pangu?!"

Terms: Pangu, Great Luo (a cultivation realm meaning "Great Luo"), Morality Heavenly Venerable, Primordial Divine Sages (referring to any primordial divine sage), and after Pangu.

"We Three Pure Ones also yearn and strive; for this we are willing to work through several ages, just to one day stand at the absolute peak—this is the truth in my heart, and I won't hide it from you."

Terms: Three Pure Ones. Also "peak" not a name.

The Morality Heavenly Venerable is sincere, having marked the truth.

Term: Morality Heavenly Venerable.

Of course.

Not only these words are true; what he said before are also true.

The desire for Pangu is real.

Asking for a favor, bringing Donghuang into the fold, and future grand and upright joining the Dao Sect are also true.

Terms: Donghuang (as part of bringing Donghuang into the fold); also Dao Sect (the Dao Sect? "Dao Gate"? Could be a sect name: "Dao Sect". Should translate? It's a sect/faction name; we can translate as "Dao Sect". However it's generic; but it's a proper term? Might be considered a sect name. We'll include as "Dao Sect". Also "future grand and upright joining" not a name.

Just……

Sometimes, not only lies can deceive; truth can too!

As long as——

Don't tell the whole truth!

The Morality Heavenly Venerable, throughout, has not said any outrageous lies.

He will do exactly as he promised, neither more nor less.

He won't let the Heavenly Court or a certain unnamed Dragon Ancestor disturb the dead's peace; nor will he heavily help Nüwa to make Donghuang feign death.

Terms: Heavenly Court, Dragon Ancestor (the same as the Azure Dragon), Nüwa, Donghuang again.

But……

If the Donghuang Emperor himself feigns death and jumps out of his tomb……

Terms: Donghuang Emperor.

"That's not his concern, right?"

Term: Morality Heavenly Venerable.

——You didn't ask!

——So I'll assume you lot are all incredibly smart, brilliant strategists, with Xihuang on the fifth layer and you able to reach the atmosphere; we've long had a plan and are mentally prepared.

Terms: Xihuang. Also "fifth layer" not a name. "atmosphere" not a name.

——Is that reasonable?

——Very reasonable!

All matters, the final interpretation rights belong to the Three Pure Ones…… if not, then to the August Emperor.

Terms: Three Pure Ones, August Emperor.

The Morality Heavenly Venerable, smiling, handled the matter of Donghuang Emperor's burial site with ease, persuading the Heavenly Emperor and working on Nüwa's mindset…… after a series of close negotiations and bargaining, he finally, on behalf of the Dao Sect, secured the qualification for the Donghuang Emperor's tomb relocation and undertook all related sacrificial work for an entire era of the Wu-Yao age!

Terms: Morality Heavenly Venerable, Donghuang Emperor, Heavenly Emperor (Di Jun), Nüwa, Dao Sect, Wu-Yao Era. Also "epoch" not a name.

——After the Wu-Yao, things may be different; this agreement has no reference value.

Term: Wu-Yao.

When the secret sound transmission ended, the leaders of both Wu-Yao sides spoke together, in the bewildered eyes of the myriad gods, formally and swiftly signing the tripartite agreement, finalizing the charter.

Terms: Wu-Yao again, myriad gods (a generic term, not a proper name).

Then the Heavenly Court laid down its arms, and the Wu Clan ceased fighting.

Terms: Heavenly Court, Wu Clan.

Morality Heavenly Venerable stepped forward, slicing through spacetime and the heavens and earth, transforming Feather Mountain into the cosmos, and in an instant fled to Kunlun.

Terms: Morality Heavenly Venerable, Feather Mountain, Kunlun.

However, maybe it's just that good things often face many trials.

'Wait a moment!'

When Morality Heavenly Venerable unleashed his great divine power, finally a mighty deity could hold back no longer, letting out a low shout; simultaneously a dragon claw shot out, sweeping across the sky, pressing down on the sea of stars, shaking heaven and earth's mysterious yellow, and striking toward Feather Mountain.

Terms: Morality Heavenly Venerable, great divine ability, dragon claw, star sea, heaven and earth's mysterious yellow, Feather Mountain.

'Clang!'

A piercing, high-pitched sword whistle rang out as Numinous Treasure Heavenly Venerable leapt forward, a formation diagram appeared, four killing swords hung at the four extremes, and killing intent surged to the heavens.

Terms: Numinous Treasure Heavenly Venerable, formation chart, killing swords, four extremes.

'Boom!'

The sword qi was endless, turning into a vast ocean; huge waves struck the heavens and crashed into the dragon claw.

Terms: dragon claw.

At that moment, heaven and earth first darkened, then endless light shone forth—this was the collision of the Supreme Great Dao, the confrontation of existence and nonexistence, birth and destruction.

Terms: Supreme Great Dao (though Great Dao is already noted; this is just a variation, so we'll simply note Great Dao).

A surge of chaos boiled up, surging through the azure universe, then in an instant it withered away, annihilating into nothingness.

Terms: Chaos, azure universe (a poetic term, not a proper name).

The myriad heavens were illuminated, the river of time surged restlessly; the sight was too terrifying, making all beings tremble.

Terms: Myriad Heavens, all beings (a generic term, not a proper name).

'Dragon Ancestor, what are you trying to do?'

Term: Dragon Ancestor.

'Are you trying to go against the shared will of the highest leaders of both the Wu and Yao factions?'

Terms: Wu-Yao.

Numinous Treasure Heavenly Venerable retreated nine steps, his face alternating between green and pale; after barely suppressing the turmoil of his vital energy and magical power, he then pointed his fingers together like a sword, aiming at the suddenly attacking Azure Dragon, and shouted loudly.

Terms: Numinous Treasure Heavenly Venerable, Azure Dragon (Dragon Ancestor).

The Azure Dragon's expression was filled with conflict and helplessness—after a brief exchange, he too was forced to retreat.

Terms: Azure Dragon.

Although it was only a single step.

But this shouldn't be the case; judging by their true cultivation, Numinous Treasure Heavenly Venerable is far inferior to him and would be soundly beaten.

Terms: Numinous Treasure Heavenly Venerable.

What can be done?

The dragon is in shallow water!

He has been weakened too severely!

He was hacked at by Donghuang on his deathbed, reduced to a mere novice in the Taiyi realm.

Terms: Donghuang, Taiyi (the concept of Great Simplicity).

If it weren't for the backing of his clan, having the Dragon Clan—a colossal entity ranking third among contemporary peoples, occupying a significant share of the Human Dao—he could draw strength from it to enhance his combat power.

Terms: Dragon Clan, Human Dao (the Human Path, not a proper name).

Then, in that brief exchange just now, he would surely suffer a great loss at the hands of Numinous Treasure Heavenly Venerable, who is bolstered by the Slaughter Immortal Sword Formation.

Terms: Slaughter Immortal Sword Formation, Numinous Treasure Heavenly Venerable.

He clenched his fist.

Suddenly, he felt as if a basin of cold water had been poured from his head to his feet, a chilling malice lingering near his ears—'Wake up, wake up, you are no longer the mighty leader who was just ranked third or fourth among the era's giants!'

No names.

But the more this is the case, the more some things cannot be abandoned, things he values and cares about.

No.

Of course, it's not like dancing on Emperor Donghuang's grave, playing music… now he is willing but powerless.

Terms: Emperor Donghuang.

But rather… the innate immortal spiritual light of Red Cloud!

Terms: Hongyun (the name Red Cloud), innate immortal spiritual light (not a proper name).

At first it was on him, but later Donghuang snatched it away!

Terms: Donghuang.

Saying it's lacking virtue, or is it that Donghuang lacks virtue? He's really capable of dealing a blow.

Terms: Donghuang.

If it had never existed, there would be no longing for it.

(no)

But having obtained it, then losing it again?

(no)

Thus, the currently weak Azure Dragon urgently needs a boost in combat power to help him return to his peak—it is extremely urgent, wanting to reclaim that primordial spiritual light.

Terms: Azure Dragon (Dragon Ancestor), primordial spiritual light (not a proper name).

However...

He hadn't even waited for him to say anything.

Lingbao Tianzun then exhibited the excellent trait of "loving one another as a family," and at the same time, in front of the public and under everyone's gaze, personally demonstrated to his countless Jie Sect disciples how to deal with a tough opponent—

It was naturally……to call for help!

"Cang, you bully the weak with your strength—do you think I'm easy to pick on?"

Lingbao Tianzun spoke confidently, then turned and bellowed, "Elder brother! Second brother!"

"Cang is bullying too much—come help me quickly!"

"What?!" Yuanshi Tianzun, as if just awakened, his whole body shivered with cold, "We Three Pure Ones have always been kind to others, yet today someone dares to act so recklessly, oppressing my younger brother?!"

"Is there still heavenly justice?"

"Is there still royal law?"

"We must give him retribution and restore fairness to heaven and earth!"

Yuanshi Tianzun waved his hand, and the Pangu Banner appeared!

As the banner waved, a blade of axe-light shone eternally, cutting through the vast void sea and severing the Suiyue Changhe!

"Elder brother, don't just stand there watching!" Yuanshi Tianzun said while flexing his muscles, "Lend a hand, so everyone knows the Three Pure Ones aren't without temper!"

"We three brothers will face any difficulty together without fear!"

"Against tens of thousands of troops, we go up together; against a single opponent, we also go up together!"

Yuanshi Tianzun launched a righteous gang-beating.

Daode Tianzun was helpless, a pained and annoyed expression appearing on his face.

But he ultimately seemed unable to deal with his two younger brothers, sighing as he took out the Taiji Diagram, gave it a shake, and a golden bridge arced across the sky, reaching eternity, indestructible through myriad calamities.

The three Heavenly Venerables joined forces powerfully!

Their auras merged into one, causing the Dragon Ancestor's face to turn as black as ink.

If it were before, when he had just slain Hongyun, he would have thought he could win.

Now……

"Just endure this move; after I recover my cultivation, I'll regain my standing!"

In the blink of a thought, the Dragon Ancestor decided to follow the gentleman's way—settle things with words, not fists, and keep harmony.

"Three of you, you've misunderstood!"

The Dragon Ancestor sighed, "I'm not trying to stop you from doing what's right, nor am I saying I want to go against the trend jointly decided by the leaders of the witch and demon sides."

"I merely……want to retrieve a lost item!"

He slowly extended his hand; a sheet of golden light surged—it was gold money……no, it was the radiance of merit.

"I am sincere."

"As long as the three of you make some concessions, hand over the innate spiritual light and origin of Hongyun, buried with Donghua on Feather Mountain, to me!"

The radiance of merit shone brilliantly, making the eyes of the Three Pure Ones glow.

"Money?!"

"Having money is great!"

"Now we have something to talk about!"

"Cough cough cough……"

In an instant, the tense atmosphere of the Three Pure Ones Heavenly Venerables vanished, their attitude softened at once, they gave a few dry coughs to forcibly get past the awkwardness, "Well……"

(End of chapter)