Chapter 877

My great momentum is already complete!

Lingbao Tianzun—myriad immortals come to pay homage, his name shakes mountains and rivers, his fame fills heaven and earth.

Among the countless immortals and grassroots officials of the Heavenly Court, who could avoid being entangled with him?

Seven or eight out of ten, having received the 'Tongtian Education', were deeply influenced and subtly turned into his likeness.

Lingbao Tianzun is not in the Heavenly Court, yet the Heavenly Court has legends of Lingbao Tianzun.

Moreover, it's not just the Heavenly Court.

Even in the mortal realm!

There are also many Dao lineages venerating Lingbao Tianzun, spreading across the land, sweeping an era, overflowing with followers.

This shocks the world.

One must know: Emperor Zhuanxu severed heaven and earth, separating gods and men—a monumental feat; even with immortals in the world, they must follow the law, mostly dwelling in fairy mountains.

Yet Lingbao Tianzun's Dao lineage teaches without distinction, mighty in momentum, vast in influence—known to all under heaven.

The Heavenly Emperor forbids establishing Daoist states on earth; one must not use illegal means to spread rumors and deceive, gathering followers to attack the dynasty.

But...

Human subjects may go seek immortals and ask about the Dao, while strictly observing precepts and not acting recklessly—this too lies within the allowed flexibility!

As Lingbao Tianzun's prestige grew, even at the Peach Banquet, when the celestial sovereign attends, the many imperial lords must show him three parts of respect.

However, Lingbao Tianzun also harbors hidden worries.

"People often say that extreme prosperity leads to decline."

Lingbao whispered to Yuanshi: "I am now at peak prosperity, like oil in a blazing fire—either advance further or fall into the abyss."

The celestial sovereign sees clearly, perceiving the situation as if observing fire.

That's that.

Over these years, it seems the two brothers, Yuanshi and Lingbao, who are not on good terms, always oppose each other in various settings—like siblings settling accounts, you ruin my business, I'll clean you up—yet they can meet in a private chamber, apparently aiming to achieve some clandestine deal.

We need to keep concise but include all info. Let's try: "Over the years, the seemingly estranged brothers Yuanshi and Lingbao, in many settings, always opposed each other—like siblings settling scores, you ruin my trade, I'll dismantle you—yet they could meet in a secret room, apparently to accomplish some hidden deal."

"Indeed."

Yuanshi Tianzun nodded, agreeing with Lingbao Tianzun's view, a hint of worry flashing across his face.

"Xuanyuan, embodying the human Dao, has awed the gods for an era already long enough."

"This Heavenly Emperor, overthrowing all corrupt and backward voices, now sees great success imminent, fearing no future counterattack from the gods."

"The gods have endured long… mainly because they cannot bear it, nor can they refrain, with the Three Honored Ones Pangu watching, none dare to act rashly."

Yuanshi Tianzun sighed: "If it continues, the gods may lose loyalty… Moreover, long monopolizing power into a single voice hall—is that not deviating from the original intent of several Supreme Emperors?"

"But this is already the limit."

"Fuxi supports the human Dao, Nüwa loves all beings, Xuanyuan bears the epoch… none of these are tyrants to the end; they will eventually let go."

"After several rounds of negotiation, it can be seen that the Heavenly Court's important authorities will be released… combining the gods' work contributions over these years, to be competed for."

The celestial sovereign calculated, seeing clearly for someone: "Competition will surely happen… how precise is the human Dao's abacus?"

"Although the positions are put out, without stimulating a bit of in‑house competition to squeeze more surplus value, even sleep would be uneasy."

"The good positions are just those few; though contributions differ little, there are many… who will take the top spot? Who will become deputy? All have something to say."

"Who would willingly yield?"

"Nobody!"

"Thus, when a divine slaughter calamity occurs!"

"It is also… the gods seeking titles!"

Yuanshi Tianzun said word by word: "From now on… Lingbao, your training institution will be very conspicuous."

"When the gods take their proper places, mountain tops are inevitable… your disciples and grandchildren standing there—if they follow the Dao, it's fine; if not…"

Yuanshi shook his head.

"So I unknowingly walked into a pit of fire…" Lingbao self‑mocked with a smile, a helpless look: "Originally I just wanted to earn a little money—how did I end up like this?"

"Carrying the future of so many disciples and grandchildren, one misstep and the entire Jie Sect, top to bottom, will face utter annihilation."

Lingbao Tianzun spoke, as if sorrow rose from his heart, he waved his hand across his face, wiping away tears.

"Those ferocious ancient gods, treacherous political rivals—each ruthless, stopping at nothing…"

"By then, my Jie Sect—even chickens and dogs born in the household, even their eggs—would be scattered to dust."

After Lingbao Tianzun finished speaking, he bowed low, pleading: "Please, elder brother, teach me!"

He seemed sincerely seeking help, moving Yuanshi Tianzun, who hurriedly supported him: "We are family—what need for distinctions?"

"We, the Three Pure Ones, what feelings we share!"

"Brothers of one heart, their profit cuts gold!"

"Facing countless opponents, we stand shoulder to shoulder and advance together."

"Facing a single enemy, we also advance together!"

Yuanshi Tianzun spoke righteously.

"Second Brother!" Lingbao exclaimed excitedly.

"Third Brother!" Yuanshi exclaimed fervently.

"Second Brother!"

"Third Brother!"

For a moment, brotherly affection ran deep, deeply moving.

Of course, this is merely the surface; as for what lies behind…

"You just want to earn a little money? Do you take me for a fool?!"

You just want to earn a little money? Do you take me for a fool?!

Yuanshi Tianzun's heart was very calm and composed, "All that publicity, even hiring specialized outsourcing staff to manage it... Zhao Gongming, that bastard, who's behind him? Managing things is quite good!"

"Just holding the Slaughter Immortal Sword Formation would be fine, but you still from time to time mix in with that Goddess Alliance crowd... In the Jie Sect, you're almost becoming a branch of that alliance, you've gone and built a Holy Mother Alliance!"

"Third Brother!"

"You thick-browed, big-eyed guy, you've also started having your own little thoughts!"

"Whose head are you trying to climb onto?"

Yuanshi Tianzun kept muttering complaints in his heart.

Although it was just complaining, when it came to actual matters, Yuanshi still wholeheartedly helped Lingbao plan.

"Things have come to this."

"Step back and face eternal doom; step forward and the sea is vast, the sky is high."

Yuanshi's eyes flashed sharply, "Contend!"

"Go contend for Pangu's position!"

"Contending for Pangu... this this this, can I do it?" Lingbao looked bewildered and pure, as if he didn't even dare to think such a reckless thought, "Isn't that too risky?"

"Hmph!" Yuanshi let out a light snort, "Otherwise?"

"Just watch yourself become obsolete?"

"Now!"

"You're at the grassroots of the Heavenly Court, still able to summon a hundred responses… hurry up and make use of your influence."

"Otherwise, once this trend passes, you'll become a has-been… people leave, tea grows cold, trees fall and monkeys scatter."

"Ah…" Lingbao was greatly shocked, then looked troubled, "But how can I exert my influence?"

"Steady and solid, deeply root in the human way!"

Yuanshi Tianzun offered his plans, chest full of confidence, "Within the Heavenly Court, although a great change is coming, at the outset the movements will not be too large."

"That wind must surely blow up from the mortal divine dynasties."

"Just watch!"

"The Yu-Xia dynasty will surely fall, making way for a brand-new divine dynasty."

"This signifies the end of the old era and the dawn of the new, as several Pangu Sovereigns restrain their Great Dao influence, putting the human way in a state capable of change and activity, and allowing all the gods to fully strive with enthusiasm."

"The ascent passage will be opened, Honghuang's cake will be made larger, digging deeper into human potential… what could stimulate the new era more than the birth of a Pangu?"

"If you want to do something, seize this opportunity to place your bet!"

"The birth of a new divine dynasty…" Lingbao Tianzun's eyes blazed bright, yet he hesitated, "But can this be judged?"

"Why not?" Yuanshi chuckled lightly, "Who guards the Yu-Xia behind the scenes, we all understand."

"He is a person, yet not merely a person."

"He has decided to withdraw and not act, and the others will not oppose his face, they will temporarily withdraw as well."

"That's why."

"The remaining goals have become far too small, and also too clear."

"Who else could hold up the situation?"

Yuanshi Tianzun had everything under control, "Just thinking about it, you can guess roughly."

"Go find him and join forces; one has the foundation of the myriad beings, the other has the prestige of the Heavenly Court."

"Uniting the two, expanding and strengthening, is not difficult."

"When this wind blows into the Heavenly Court… then, by bestowing titles upon the gods and seizing absolute initiative, great things can be accomplished!"

Yuanshi enlightened Lingbao on the crucial points, causing the young Tianzun to suddenly understand.

"I understand!"

For a moment, his fighting spirit was full.

"I'll go contact that person right now!"

Lingbao Tianzun was full of vigor.

At this moment, he truly felt that Pangu's position was beckoning to him.

For a moment, his mood was very wonderful.

Looking at Yuanshi Tianzun's gaze, it was also very gentle.

"Good second brother!"

"Like this… when I become Pangu, as long as he stays on the proper path, I'll give him some face!"

Lingbao Tianzun felt both hesitant and fulfilled, feeling the world was so beautiful.

He left.

Yuanshi, however, did not leave.

He gazed thoughtfully at Lingbao's back, shook his head, and whispered softly, "Can it really go so smoothly?"

"I'm really worried."

"On whose path to becoming Pangu is there not blood and gore?"

"What if…"

……

"Xia… has collapsed!"

Under the gaze of the gods, both expected and unexpected, the ancient, weathered divine dynasty collapsed.

Even if there had been a brief flare of dying light, it was merely a faint trace left in the ages.

What took its place was the opening of another chapter of myth!

——The Mandate of the Dark Bird, descending to give birth to Shang!

The Mandate of the Dark Bird, descending to give birth to Shang, dwelling in the vast Yin lands. The ancient emperor commanded Wu Tang, to properly govern the four directions.

Just after receiving the mandate, he came to possess the Nine Realms. The Shang, in order, received the mandate without peril……

Heaven's Mandate!

Ancient Emperor!

This emperor is none other than the Heavenly Emperor!

The Heavenly Emperor's mandate is the Heaven's Mandate!

Shang, Yin-Shang.

This is a divine dynasty that has received the Heaven's Mandate!

They venerate their ancestors, for… it is said that the Heavenly Emperor is their ancestor!

They also revere the deities… in this divine dynasty, the shamans are reviving!

Wu Xian, Wu Xian… these individuals bearing the title of shaman are all worthy ministers beside the ancient emperors of the Shang dynasty!

Besides the shamans, there are also diviners, historians, and prayer officers, each overseeing an important domain of this divine dynasty.

They guard the Shang King's side, upholding a vast divine dynasty.

And within this divine dynasty, the lineage of the Lingbao Heavenly Venerable has also left a bold stroke.

As time passes, the Jie Sect attracts ever more attention.

Above them there are someone—the Heavenly Court has someone.

In the middle there are someone—the divine dynasty has someone.

Below there are someone—spread across the Five Lakes and Four Seas, famous mountains and rivers.

Notable figures in the Jie Sect number no less than a hundred thousand!

What immense influence this is!

Spanning heaven and earth, finally even extending its influence into the Underworld.

Because the Yin-Shang divine dynasty is marching toward the Underworld!

Generation after generation of ancient emperors carried out grand burials of the dead, countless subjects followed their king's footsteps—in life they conquered the four directions, in death they became ghost heroes!

This is a terrifying divine dynasty.

The Lingbao Heavenly Venerable's lineage assists within it, tagging along.

The divine dynasty is at its peak, unbeatable.

And in the Heavenly Court, the voices of the gods resound loudly.

"Since it is thus…"

The long-hidden Haotian Supreme Emperor finally appears before the gods' eyes, his indifferent gaze uttering words that stir up countless waves.

"Let the calamity cease!"

……

"Majesty!"

The majestic divine palace gathers the fate of humanity.

Immortals and deities serve as subjects, together paying homage to the Human King.

On this day, an official advised the Shang King: 'Tomorrow is March fifteenth, the birthday of Lady Nüwa; please, Your Majesty, personally go to the Nüwa Palace to offer incense in reverence!'

'Lady Nüwa?' the Shang King, mighty and extraordinary, looking down upon the world with the aura of the god of gods, said, 'What merit does she have? Must I go myself?'

He pointed with his finger at a memorial, which concerned the disadvantage in governing the Underworld.

'Lady Nüwa is the divine daughter of the Supreme Emperor, born with holy virtue… At that time, Gonggong's clan struck their heads against Mount Buzhou; the heavens tilted northwest, the earth sank southeast; Lady Nüwa gathered five-colored stones to patch the azure sky; thus she benefited the common folk, the people set up shrines to repay her. Now, at Zhaoge, worshipping this blessed god brings peace through the seasons, prolongs the state's destiny, brings early favorable winds and rains, and causes disasters to fade latently. This righteous deity who blesses the state and protects the people, Your Majesty ought to go and offer incense.'

The official spoke, his attitude subtle; if Lady Nüwa were here, hearing this she could strike someone.

——What is called the divine daughter of the Supreme Emperor?

——Moreover, can you speak of the merit you mentioned more completely?

The Shang King listened, smiled with deep meaning, and said, 'Accept the memorial!'

The next day, the Shang King led the civil and military officials to the Nüwa Palace.

This day is Lady Nüwa's birthday.

However, it is obvious that this Lady did not manifest a divine trace here, but rather has another course.

——She needs to go to the Huoyun Palace to move about, sign in and punch the clock!

——Even if this day is her birthday!

After paying respects to the Three Sovereigns, Lady Nüwa's daily life can then be comfortable.

Moreover, let us not speak of these trivial matters.

The Shang King visited the Nüwa Palace, offered incense therein, but unexpectedly a gust of wind lifted the curtains, revealing Lady Nüwa's holy image, her countenance auspicious, her radiant hues fluttering, a beauty that could crown a nation.

The Shang King looked, slightly nodded, his expression hinting at something strange.

Suddenly he laughed, saying, 'As a human king I possess the Four Seas; even with six courts and three palaces, I have no equal beauty.'

'Bring the brush!'

He was summoning someone.

Thereafter, he freely brushed out and wrote a poem.

'The phoenix-canopy scene is most splendid, all adorned with intricate gold paste; winding distant mountains fly emerald hues; fluttering sleeves reflect the rosy sky. Pear blossoms with rain vie for beauty; peonies shrouded in smoke display graceful makeup; only if the alluring can move, retrieve them to serve the king at Changle.'

Having finished writing, he laughed loudly and turned to leave.

An official's face trembled; he hurriedly said, 'Majesty! No!'

'Great Goddess Nüwa is a primordial righteous deity; how could one evaluate and speak of her in this way?'

'I am praising her appearance, extolling her visage… even if Lady Nüwa knew, what could she say of me?'

'This matter must not be mentioned again!'

The Shang King was very nonchalant, his pretentious pose was very cool.

However... this actually triggered a calamity that slays immortals!

(End of chapter)