Chapter 75: Taiqing Saint, why don't we just surrender to the Heavenly Court!

Great Primordial World, Doushuai Palace.

Ever since Taishang Laojun took up residence in the Heavenly Court, this Doushuai Palace has been his dojo.

In the storyline where the Jade Emperor resides, Taishang Laojun is a transcendent existence within the Heavenly Court.

But now, within the Heavenly Court, the Heavenly Emperor has made a deal with the Taiqing Saint.

Taishang Laojun is responsible for refining pills for the Heavenly Court and must obey the Heavenly Emperor's commands.

On this trip, Taishang Laojun traveled to the world of the late Eastern Han Dynasty to enlighten Zhang Jiao.

For Taishang Laojun, his heart was deeply shaken.

Even with his immense power, it still impacted his perception.

All this time, the Taiqing Saint has been calculating and planning; isn't it all to strengthen the Qi Luck of the orthodoxy?

The orthodoxy is actually related to each Saint's Sage Dao.

For example, Tongtian Jiaozhu's Jie Sect focuses on intercepting a glimmer of survival.

The Western Two Sages' Buddhism, through great vows, speaks of the Equalizer.

Likewise, the Taiqing Saint's Taoism emphasizes that the Dao follows nature and governance through non-action.

The orthodoxy of Taoism is actually the manifestation of Taiqing Laozi's own Sage Dao will.

The struggle for orthodoxy is a struggle for Sage Dao, a struggle for the Great Dao.

The Taiqing Saint, the Western Two Sages, and other Saints are all constantly trying to strengthen their own orthodoxy and the Qi Luck of their own orthodoxy.

Although the Saints currently see no hope of breaking through beyond the Saint realm.

But there is one thing they are very clear about: as long as they continuously gather Qi Luck and merit, one day they will be able to comprehend their own path to transcendence, and perhaps they will be able to break through.

It is precisely because of this that the struggle between Dao and Buddhism has erupted between Taiqing Laozi and the Western Two Sages.

Now Taishang Laojun has discovered that strengthening the Qi Luck of Daoism does not necessarily have to be limited to the Great Primordial World.

One can also lay out plans within the Heavens and Myriad Worlds.

It is just that they have not mastered the method for the World Coordinates of these Heavens and Myriad Worlds.

In Doushuai Palace, Taishang Laojun immediately condensed a spell to contact the Taiqing Saint in the Heaven Beyond Heaven.

When Saints retreat to the Heaven Beyond Heaven, they always arrange some measures within the Great Primordial World.

Taishang Laojun is the Taiqing Saint's backup plan, and the other Saints have their own backup plans as well.

"Fellow Daoist, I wonder what business you have calling this poor Daoist?"

Taiqing Laozi spoke with some confusion.

Now that the Saints have retreated to the Heaven Beyond Heaven, the plans regarding Buddhism have only just begun.

What could be the matter now?

Taishang Laojun let out a soft breath and said, "Saint, there is indeed something that requires the Saint to make a decision as soon as possible."

"Saint, the Heavenly Emperor has discovered other worlds."

Taishang Laojun did not dawdle and reported his findings directly to the Taiqing Saint.

"You mean the Heavenly Emperor has discovered other worlds outside the Great Primordial World, and it is very likely not just one."

Taiqing Laozi's words were somewhat hurried as he continued to ask, "The world you descended upon is also a world where Taoism is about to flourish?"

From his heart, Taiqing Laozi was unwilling to believe it.

Outside the Great Primordial World, other worlds exist.

The Saints certainly had their guesses, and were even searching for them at every moment.

In the Great Primordial World, it is difficult to easily break through the realm above a Saint, so what about in other worlds?

Unfortunately, all this time the Saints have exhausted various means, yet they have never captured the World Coordinates of other worlds.

Never did he expect that the Heavenly Emperor would be the one to discover them.

In his heart, the Taiqing Saint felt that if the Saints could not do it, why should the Heavenly Emperor be able to?

But the Taiqing Saint was even more aware that Taishang Laojun would never shoot without a target.

Since this is what Taishang Laojun saw with his own eyes, it must be true.

What Taishang Laojun could think of, Taiqing Laozi could also think through.

Since the Heavenly Emperor has discovered one world, then the Heavenly Emperor might discover other worlds.

Now it is just a weak world, but in the future, could it be a powerful world?

Taiqing Laozi felt a surge of heat in his heart.

Perhaps his path to breaking through beyond the Saint realm in the future lies in the Heavens and Myriad Worlds.

Taiqing Laozi sensed it and indeed discovered that the Qi Luck of Taoism had strengthened slightly.

In the Heavens and Myriad Worlds, many worlds have Taoism and Buddhism.

However, these worlds are isolated from the Great Primordial World.

Therefore, Taiqing Laozi cannot sense them, and this Qi Luck does not belong to the Taoism of the Great Primordial World.

But after Taishang Laojun descended into the Eastern Han World, a connection was established between the Eastern Han World and the Great Primordial World.

The Taiping Sect and the Great Primordial Taoism naturally also developed a connection.

Of course, the most important thing is that Qin Hao himself released a portion of the Taiping Sect's Qi Luck.

The Taiping Sect joined the Heavenly Court and belongs to the Heavenly Court's Qi Luck.

Unless Taiqing Laozi joins the Heavenly Court, otherwise, no matter how hard Taiqing Laozi tries, it is difficult to enjoy this Qi Luck.

He deliberately released a trace to Taoism, all to put out a bait to attract Taiqing Laozi.

Using a world as bait to fish for a Saint.

Taiqing Laozi had various thoughts in his mind for a moment; he instructed Taishang Laojun, "The Heavenly Emperor truly surprises this poor Daoist. You should just lurk well in the Heavenly Court. Whenever the Heavenly Emperor discovers a world, you shall spread Taoism in that world and make our Taoism flourish."

"Hmph!"

Taiqing Laozi said triumphantly, "No matter how formidable the Heavenly Emperor's methods are, in the end, he is still making a wedding dress for this poor Daoist."

Taiqing Laozi had a very good plan, which was for the Heavenly Emperor to explore other worlds.

He would spread Taoism behind the scenes and strengthen the Qi Luck of Daoism.

The Heavenly Emperor would work for him and make a wedding dress for him.

"Saint, do you think it is possible that the Heavenly Emperor let us discover this on purpose?"

Taishang Laojun had to interrupt Taiqing Laozi's beautiful fantasy, and he said, "If we do not have the Heavenly Emperor's permission, it is very difficult for us to discover other worlds, so how can we talk about spreading Taoism?"

With one sentence, Taishang Laojun rendered Taiqing Laozi speechless.

As a Saint, how could Taishang Laojun be a fool?

Just now, he was momentarily blinded by the huge benefits and saw the hope of Daoism flourishing in the Heavens and Myriad Worlds.

Or rather, he saw the hope of breaking through beyond the Saint realm.

That was why he was carried away.

However, after thinking about it for a moment, he understood.

The Heavenly Emperor was able to enter the Heavenly Court, become the Lord of the Heavenly Court, and is now even recasting the majesty of the Heavenly Court.

The Heavenly Emperor is definitely not a simple character.

Now the Heavenly Emperor has even discovered other worlds and has actively exposed this world before him.

What does the Heavenly Emperor mean by this?

Offering a favor voluntarily?

Based on Taiqing Laozi's understanding of the Heavenly Emperor, he does not seem like someone who would submit to others or show weakness voluntarily.

It is not that easy to take advantage of the Heavenly Emperor.

Taiqing Laozi asked Taishang Laojun, "What do you think the Heavenly Emperor actually means?"

"Saint, we do not know for the time being what the Heavenly Emperor means."

Taishang Laojun advised, "But Saint, the Heavenly Emperor has already shown his sincerity. Saint, I have an immature idea here."

"Oh, tell me about it."

Actually, at this moment, Taiqing Laozi had also guessed the Heavenly Emperor's thoughts to some extent.

Taishang Laojun paused for a moment and said directly, "Saint, why don't we just join the Heavenly Court?"

Taiqing Laozi is currently in the land beyond the heavens and does not know what the situation is like now.

Taishang Laojun, however, has joined the Heavenly Court, and the Heavenly Court's Qi Luck is currently as vibrant as a rainbow.

Even Taishang Laojun felt endless benefits under this kind of Qi Luck.

His strength grew more rapidly, and refining pills became more handy.

And now Taishang Laojun has only joined the Heavenly Court and is doing things for the Heavenly Court.

He has not yet said he is truly loyal to the Heavenly Emperor, yet he has already received so many benefits.

If he were truly loyal to the Heavenly Emperor and joined the Heavenly Court, what would it be like then?

Taishang Laojun had long been tempted.

The occurrence of this matter now only made Taishang Laojun more determined in his heart.

Taishang Laojun vaguely had a feeling that the Heavenly Emperor would truly create an unprecedentedly powerful Heavenly Court in the future.

That Heavenly Court would not only encompass the Great Primordial World but also rule over the Heavens and Myriad Worlds.

In short, working with the Heavenly Court has great prospects.

Taishang Laojun immediately suggested it to Taiqing Laozi without hesitation.

"What did you say?"

Taiqing Laozi could hardly believe what he had heard.

What kind of nonsense was this Taishang Laojun spouting?

He is a Saint, one of the most noble existences in this world.

In the Ancient Heavenly Court, Di Jun and Donghuang Taiyi led the Demon Race to rule the heavens and the earth.

Except for the Wu Clan, all the Ancient Myriad Clans in the world had to submit to the Demon Race.

At that time, Taiqing Laozi did not join the Heavenly Court, let alone the current Heavenly Court.

In the current Heavenly Court, the immortals are all his juniors and disciples.

Join the Heavenly Court? What kind of joke is that?

Saints are high above and fear no major power.

Because their very existence can suppress the heavens and the earth, rivaling any major power.

Now Taishang Laojun actually wants him, Taiqing Laozi, to join the Heavenly Court with the dignity of a Saint.

What kind of joke is this?

Taishang Laojun, however, explained the reasons one by one.

"Saint, joining the Heavenly Court now would allow Taoism to be spread throughout the Heavens and Myriad Worlds."

Taishang Laojun said with excitement, "The heavens are vast and mighty, and my Dao flourishes day by day. Saint, isn't this the scene we have always hoped for?"

The heavens are vast and mighty, and my Dao flourishes day by day.

This has always been Taiqing Laozi's pursuit.

The first is wanting to suppress Fomen and keep Fomen down.

Fomen's doctrines are too seductive, with the Equalizer.

Who knows how many people will accept Fomen's seduction and become believers of Fomen.

Just the thought that the Western Two Sages, whom he had always trampled underfoot, might one day step on his head,

made Taiqing Laozi feel physically ill.

A second, more important point was that Taiqing Laozi wanted to break through to a realm above that of a Saint.

Currently, Taiqing Laozi had no idea where the path lay.

He could only continuously accumulate Qi Luck Merit, hoping to seize that glimmer of survival and break through to a realm above that of a Saint.

Of course, in the current Great Primordial World, it was not as if there was no path to break through to a realm above that of a Saint.

Dao Ancestor Hongjun had already set an example for them all: to merge with the Heavenly Dao and become the Heavenly Dao itself.

However, there was only one Great Primordial World, and only one Heavenly Dao.

Dao Ancestor Hongjun had given them a path, yet he had personally blocked it off.

Only if Dao Ancestor Hongjun were to fall would they have a chance.

But that was fundamentally impossible.

Now, another possibility had been presented to Taiqing Laozi.

Upon reflection, Taiqing Laozi felt that what Taishang Laojun said made sense.

But regardless, he was a Saint.

As a supreme Saint, joining the Heavenly Court—what kind of situation was that?

Could it be that as a Saint, one must submit to the Heavenly Court?

In fact, the most crucial point was that Taiqing Laozi cared about his face.

The problem now facing Taiqing Laozi was whether he wanted benefits or face.

This was also one of the Heavenly Emperor's goals.

Luring with profit; in this world, the bond between interests is actually the most solid.

Emotions and casual promises are the least trustworthy things.

Taishang Laojun continued to earnestly persuade him, "Saint, if we join the Heavenly Court, our Taoism can establish a presence across the Heavens and Myriad Worlds. What a great benefit that would be!"

"Let me think about this carefully."

Taiqing Laozi murmured in contemplation.

"Saint, he who hesitates is lost."

Taishang Laojun analyzed, "The Heavenly Emperor has shown us sincerity; if we do not seize this opportunity, what if the Heavenly Emperor goes to win over the Western Two Sages? Saint, you know as well as I do that those two, the Western Two Sages, never act without profit."

"If they had this opportunity, they certainly wouldn't let it slip by."

Hearing Taishang Laojun's words, Taiqing Laozi felt a tightness in his heart.

Indeed, if the Heavenly Emperor could win over him, Taiqing Laozi, he would certainly go to win over the Western Two Sages as well.

Taiqing Laozi, as a Saint, was constrained by the dignity of a Saint and would not join the Heavenly Court.

But what about the Western Two Sages?

Taiqing Laozi had always suppressed the Western Two Sages and, at the same time, held them in great contempt.

He was well aware that these Western Two Sages were notoriously shameless.

For sufficient profit and enough benefits, how could they possibly care about face?

Taiqing Laozi was certain that if the Heavenly Emperor offered the Western Two Sages enough benefits, they would join the Heavenly Court without the slightest hesitation.

After all, these Western Two Sages were not like him.

And now, the relationship between the Buddha Way and Taoism had always been one of competition; if Buddhism were to become powerful, Taoism would inevitably be suppressed.

This was something Taiqing Laozi would absolutely never allow.

Especially now that the Heavenly Emperor had discovered other worlds.

This kind of struggle between Taoism and Buddhism might not only occur in the Great Primordial World but could also extend to the Heavens and Myriad Worlds.

One step slow, every step slow.

Taiqing Laozi had already been schemed against by the Western Two Sages once within the Great Primordial World.

The Western Sect, which originally had only two or three followers, had transformed into the Western Sect and become his greatest threat.

What if the Western Two Sages established a presence across the Heavens and Myriad Worlds?

Taiqing Laozi simply dared not imagine what would happen.

At this moment, Taiqing Laozi was truly moved by Taishang Laojun, though he still had some reservations.

"Saint, we should seize this opportunity to join the Heavenly Court before the Western Two Sages do."

Taishang Laojun analyzed point by point, "We must not let those Western Two Sages grow too powerful."

"I have noted this matter; let me think it over, and I will give you an answer later."

Taiqing Laozi instructed Taishang Laojun, "For now, you are in the Heavenly Court; serve the Heavenly Emperor well and build a good relationship with him first."

In the Heaven Beyond Heaven, Taiqing Laozi began to perform divinations.

Yet no matter how he divined, he could not divine anything of substance.

He wanted to divine the location of other worlds, but he had no way to begin.

Taiqing Laozi sighed and said, "Where on earth did this Heavenly Emperor discover the existence of other worlds?"

Taiqing Laozi could not figure it out no matter how he thought about it.

Taiqing Laozi looked at Mount Ling in the Xifang Zhidi of the Great Primordial World; atop Mount Ling, the Qi Luck Merit of Fomen had already gathered.

It was clear that Buddhism had a trend of great prosperity.

Buddhism would have more and more talent, changing its former state.

"Must I really submit to that Heavenly Emperor and join that Heavenly Court?"

Taiqing Laozi said to himself.

Yet he discovered that this was indeed a brilliant move, even if it didn't sound very pleasant.

However, as for whether or not to specifically join the Heavenly Court, Taiqing Laozi still had to consider it further.

For now, let Taishang Laojun handle matters well for the Heavenly Emperor and curry some favor.

Fire Cloud Cave.

The place where the three Sage Emperors of the Human Race sit in command.

Emperor Fuxi, Earth Emperor Shennong, and Human Emperor Xuanyuan—the three Sage Emperors of the Human Race are the supreme powerhouses of the Human Race.

It can even be said that because they occupy the position of Sage Emperor, their nobility is not much inferior to that of the Saints.

Today, however, the eyes of these three Sage Emperors of the Human Race are filled with worry.

Emperor Fuxi sighed softly and said, "The Heavenly Emperor is right; our Human Race has indeed been schemed against."

This Sage Emperor among the Human Race possesses an indescribable Dao rhyme about his entire being.

In the ancient era, Fuxi observed the River Map, comprehended the Eight Trigrams, and opened the heavens with a single stroke.

He pointed out the future direction for the civilization of the Human Race.

Fuxi was originally one of the Innate Holy Spirits of Honghuang and had a sibling relationship with Nuwa.

Unfortunately, during the Lich Calamity, he became tainted by Tribulation Qi and died in response to the calamity.

However, Fuxi was not destined to die; he possessed great merit of Qi Luck, and with the help of Nuwa.

Fuxi then reincarnated into the Human Race, and from then on, there was the Heavenly Sovereign Fuxi of the Human Race.

After reincarnating into the Human Race, Fuxi had always been exhausting his efforts for the Human Race.

Among the three Sage Emperors of the Human Race, Fuxi is also the elder, the eldest brother of the three Sage Emperors.

But now, this Sage Emperor, renowned throughout the Human Race, has an air of defeat in his eyes.

"Damn it! Is it that group of Saints?"

Human Emperor Xuanyuan spoke with murderous intent.

Human Emperor Xuanyuan is a Human Emperor who truly fought his way to his position through battle.

After the Wu-Yao Era ended, the Wu Clan, because of Thick Earth, still retained a portion of their vitality.

The remnants of the Wu Clan wanted to contend with the Human Race for the fate of heaven and earth and once again become the protagonists of the world.

Under the leadership of Great Witch Chiyou and others, they launched a century-long war against the Human Race.

Those were the most arduous years for the Human Race, and it was from that time that Human Emperor Xuanyuan emerged.

Human Emperor Xuanyuan wielded his sword to fight in all directions, leading the Human Race to finally defeat Great Witch Chiyou, and the Wu Clan was ultimately defeated.

The former Wu Clan was gradually assimilated into the Human Race, becoming a part of the Huaxia Human Race.

From then on, the Human Race became the true protagonists of the world.

Human Emperor Xuanyuan is different from the other two Sage Emperors; he truly fought his way out from battle after battle.

Now, the Xuanyuan Sword within his body is ringing, its sound soaring into the clouds.

That is the awe-inspiring murderous intent that Human Emperor Xuanyuan cannot suppress.

Earth Emperor Shennong held down Human Emperor Xuanyuan and advised, "Second brother, stay calm."

"Calm? How do you expect me to stay calm?"

Tears faintly appeared in the eyes of Human Emperor Xuanyuan.

This Emperor, who had always bled but never wept, was now filled with tears in his eyes.

He said painfully, "Our Human Race does not know how much we paid to reach today, nor do we know how many people's sacrifices it took to have the Human Race of today."

The Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, the three ancestors of the Human Race, one after another, the sages of the Human Race.

Now only the three Sage Emperors of the Human Race remain; where are the others?

The others all died in battle for the Human Race, sacrificing themselves for the rise of the Human Race.

Now that the Human Race has finally become the protagonist of the world, such a situation has occurred.

"Indeed, it is truly a massive game of chess; the biggest loser of this Investiture of the Gods Great Calamity is our Human Race."

A trace of unprecedented murderous intent also appeared on the face of Earth Emperor Shennong.

This Sage Emperor, who had always been the most gentle among the Three Sovereigns, also had an urge to destroy the world at this very moment.

Since Human Emperor Xuanyuan led the Human Race to defeat the Wu Clan, the Human Race became the protagonists of the world.

Under normal circumstances, the Human Race would gradually grow stronger, developing toward an increasingly prosperous state.

But after the Investiture of the Gods Great Calamity, this flourishing trend of the Human Race was completely interrupted.

The Three Teachings held the Investiture of the Gods, using the Human Race as a battlefield to engage in a confrontation, ultimately shattering the Human Race.

Humanity's Fortune was instead exhausted all at once, and it is unknown how long it will take to recover.

The three Sage Emperors of the Human Race, sitting in command in Fire Cloud Cave, would originally not interfere with the affairs of the Human Race at will.

Especially the succession of Human Race dynasties; these were things the three Sage Emperors of the Human Race did not care much about.

As long as the Human Race maintained its trend of flourishing development, struggles within it were inevitable.

Therefore, the three Sage Emperors of the Human Race did not take the struggle between Western Qi and the Yin-Shang to heart at the beginning.

The three Sage Emperors of the Human Race had only one demand: that Humanity's Fortune not be lost and that it always maintain a prosperous trend.

But who would have thought that the Investiture of the Gods Great Calamity would actually shatter the Human Race.

Now the rise of the Human Race has been forcibly curbed, and it is unknown how much longer it will take to recover.

Thinking back, during the Investiture of the Gods Great Calamity, they also inadvertently took action and acted as accomplices.

Now Humanity's Fortune is severely damaged; the Human Race had finally become the protagonists of the world and had a trend of great prosperity.

Now they have to start all over again; how can the three Sage Emperors of the Human Race endure this?

The sacrifices of generation after generation of Human Race sages have all gone down the drain.

Emperor Fuxi, Earth Emperor Shennong, and Human Emperor Xuanyuan now all harbor great hatred in their hearts.

Earth Emperor Shennong quickly regained his composure, and he looked at Emperor Fuxi and said, "Big Brother, what should we do now?"

"What should we do?"

Fuxi was also somewhat lost for a moment.

What should the Human Race do?

The Human Race has suffered a great loss of vitality, and if there is no way to stop the decline of the Human Race.

Perhaps the Daoist arts within the Human Race will gradually be cut off, divine abilities will gradually disappear, and it will be impossible for the Human Race to give birth to strong individuals ever again.

At that time, even if the Human Race remains the protagonist of heaven and earth, without strong individuals to support it, it will eventually be reduced to a pawn for the strong.

If the Human Race wants to master its own Fate, it must possess enough strong individuals and must possess powerful strength.

But the reality now is that in the battle of the Investiture of the Gods Great Calamity, almost all of the Human Race's strong individuals were wiped out.

Even though the three Sage Emperors of the Human Race possess powerful strength, they alone cannot fully protect the Human Race.

Fuxi took a deep breath and said, "If there is no other way, then we can only join the Heavenly Court."

"Join the Heavenly Court?"

Earth Emperor Shennong said with some misgivings, "Joining the Heavenly Court, what if this is another big trap? Is it a scheme by the Heavenly Emperor?"

"A scheme, that shouldn't be, back when the Heavenly Emperor had not yet taken control of the Heavenly Court, he had already warned us."

Fuxi sighed softly and said, "It is a pity that we did not take it seriously back then; if we had taken it seriously, it would not have resulted in the current situation."

Back when the Heavenly Emperor had not yet taken control of the Heavenly Court, he had spoken with the three Sage Emperors of the Human Race and warned them.

However, at that time, the three Sage Emperors of the Human Race only felt that the struggle between Western Qi and the Yin-Shang was merely the rise and fall within a Human Race Dynasty.

They never interfered in the rise and fall within a Human Race Dynasty.

But who would have thought it would reach this point today.

The Heavenly Emperor had even made a bet with them back then that they would regret it sooner or later.

If one day the three Sage Emperors of the Human Race regretted it, they could join under the command of the Heavenly Emperor.

The three Sage Emperors of the Human Race were dismissive at the time.

But who would have thought that what the Heavenly Emperor said in the past would actually come true.

The current situation of the Human Race is truly somewhat beyond control.

(End of this chapter)