Chapter 215

"Perhaps it is because they are both people invited by the Golden Bridge that Yuanshi did not open a new day outside the the the Zixiao Palace, but instead joined the terrace where Qi was."

Translation: Perhaps because they were both invited by the Golden Bridge, Yuanshi did not open a new day outside the the the Zixiao Palace, but instead joined the terrace where Qi was.

"Those invited by the Golden Bridge did not open a new day outside the the the Zixiao Palace, but instead joined the terrace where Qi was."

"Qi didn't know why it was so, but that didn't stop him from secretly smirking and speculating, wondering if it was because the Heavenly Jade Pool had forgotten to give him a terrace."

Translation: Qi did not know why this was so, but it did not stop him from secretly smirking and speculating, wondering if it was because the Haotian Jade Pool had forgotten, failing to give him a terrace.

"He was unwilling to associate with ordinary people and dared not lightly attempt to forge his own path, so he came to join the five."

Translation: Then he was unwilling to mingle with ordinary people, and did not dare to lightly attempt to open his own realm, so he came to join the five.

"Otherwise, following Yuanshi's usual custom, aside from the Three Pure Ones, he rarely associated with outsiders, let alone actively joining others' gatherings."

Translation: Otherwise, following Yuanshi Daoist's usual style, aside from those among the Three Pure Ones, he seldom associated with outsiders, let alone actively joining others' seats.

"Yuanshi had just taken a sip when he gave the crowd an odd glance; seeing everyone's expressions normal, he secretly wondered, feeling that someone was harboring ill intentions."

Translation: Yuanshi had just drunk a cup when he cast a strange gaze over the crowd; seeing everyone's expression normal, he inwardly wondered, always feeling that someone was thinking ill thoughts.

"But after finding nothing, he thought it was just because he rarely attended such gatherings, so he felt a bit out of place; he then set aside his worries and relaxedly chatted with everyone."

Translation: But after finding nothing, he felt it was merely his unfamiliarity with such occasions, causing slight discomfort, so he set aside his thoughts and relaxed in conversation with everyone.

"Qi felt Yuanshi's glance and still marveled at how keen Yuanshi's spiritual perception was; seeing that he had found nothing, he put his mind at ease."

Translation: Qi felt Yuanshi's glance sweep over him, still marveling at how keen Yuanshi's spiritual sense was; seeing that he had found nothing, he then put his mind at ease.

"He had intended to continue drinking in peace, but then he heard Nüwa ask:"

Translation: He had merely intended to continue drinking in peace, but then he heard Nüwa ask:

"Daoist Yuanshi, I have often heard the name of the Three Pure Ones' Orthodox Pangu lineage, which is also widely known in the wilderness; I wonder what your view is on the other branch of the Orthodox Pangu lineage there."

Translation: "Daoist Yuanshi, I have often heard the name Three Pure Ones Pangu Orthodox Lineage, which is also widely spread in the Primordial Wasteland; I do not know how you view the other branch of the Pangu Orthodox Lineage in the Primordial Wasteland?"

"The other branch of the Orthodox Pangu lineage that Nüwa mentioned is the Twelve Ancestral Witches, who are now quite renowned in the wilderness; they do not cultivate the primordial spirit or comprehend the Great Way, but focus on bloodline and vital energy, revere Pangu as their father, and have made Pangu's name active again in the wilderness."

Translation: The other branch of the Pangu Orthodox Lineage that Nüwa spoke of is the Twelve Ancestor Witches, who are currently renowned in the Primordial Wasteland; they do not cultivate the primordial spirit, do not comprehend the Great Dao, but specialize in bloodline and vital energy, revere Pangu as their father, and during this time have revived Pangu's name in the Primordial Wasteland.

"Everyone's gaze immediately turned to Nüwa, fortunate that the sound here cannot be heard outside; otherwise, these words would likely be seen as provocative."

Translation: Everyone's gaze immediately turned to Nüwa's location, fortunate that the sound could not be heard outside; otherwise, such remarks might seem provocative.

"Nüwa saw that her curious remark had provoked such a strong reaction, realizing she had misspoken, she hastily said: 'It's just my curious comment, friends, don't take it to heart; it's my mistake, I'll punish myself with a cup; if you mind, you can simply ignore it.'"

Translation: Seeing that her curious remark had provoked such a great reaction, Nüwa realized she had misspoken and hastily explained: "It is merely my curious remark, fellow Daoists, do not take it to heart; it was my slip, I shall penalize myself with a cup, and if you mind, you may simply ignore it."

"After speaking, Nüwa promptly drank the wine in her cup."

Translation: Having said that, Nüwa promptly drank the wine before her.

"Yuanshi and the Three Pure Ones are not ordinary; they hold a special status in the wilderness as noble beings worthy of respect. Treating them as friends, Nüwa regards them as fellow Daoists, which is why she acted that way."

Translation: Yuanshi and the Three Pure Ones are not ordinary; in the Primordial Wasteland they hold a special status, being noble persons worthy of respect, treated as friends, and Nüwa regards them as fellow Daoists, which is why she acted thus.

"Yuanshi couldn't stop it in time; after a brief hesitation he said: 'Daoist Nüwa, you need not do this; there's nothing wrong with talking about it with others. Since you fellow Daoists are curious, I'll share my view, which is also fine.'"

Translation: Yuanshi, unable to intervene in time, hesitated slightly before speaking: "Fellow Daoist Nüwa, there is no need for this; there is nothing improper to discuss with others, and since you fellow Daoists are curious, I may share my view without issue."

Yuanshi's countenance has always been solemn, neither angry nor smiling, but now he looks somewhat embarrassed; he rarely attends such private gatherings, and being asked to speak there truly puts him in a difficult spot.

Translation: Yuanshi's countenance has always been stern, neither angry nor smiling, yet now he shows a hint of embarrassment; he rarely attends such relatively private banquets, and being asked to speak here indeed puts him in a difficult position.

Especially since everyone present is among the top figures of the current wilderness, yet they are gossiping about others behind their backs, which is what makes Yuanshi uneasy.

Translation: Especially since everyone present is among the top echelon of the Primordial Wasteland, yet they must discuss others behind their backs, which is precisely what makes Yuanshi uneasy.

After gathering his thoughts, Yuanshi was about to speak when he noticed that all five people in the room were staring at him; he hesitated slightly, and then everyone heard him say: "I know little about the Twelve Ancestral Witches, and I am unaware of their character, so I will not speak of them."

Translation: After gathering his thoughts, Yuanshi was about to speak when he saw the five gazes all focus on him; hesitating slightly, everyone heard him say: "Regarding the Twelve Ancestor Witches, I know little of them, and I do not know their quality, so I will not speak of them."

"As for the matter of being the orthodox lineage of Pangu, even among us three we hold different views; I do not know how they think, so I will not speak of the two of them."

Translation: "As for the Pangu Orthodox Lineage, among us three we each hold different attitudes; I do not know how they think, so I will not speak of the two."

"This is merely my personal opinion; although it does not involve outsiders, I hope fellow Daoists will refrain from spreading it, lest it affect others' reputations."

Translation: "This matter is merely my personal view; although it does not involve outsiders, I still hope that fellow Daoists will not spread it, lest it affect others' reputations."

As he spoke, Yuanshi paused, waiting for the five's response; Qi and the others naturally followed suit:

Translation: As he spoke, Yuanshi paused briefly, awaiting the five's response; Qi and the others naturally replied:

"Naturally so."

Translation: "Naturally so."

"It should be so."

Translation: "It should be thus."

"Please rest assured, fellow Daoists, we are not gossips; what we say here will certainly not reach outsiders' ears."

Translation: "Fellow Daoist, please rest assured; we are not gossips, and these words will certainly not reach outsiders' ears."

"Indeed, outsiders will certainly not know."

Translation: "Indeed, outsiders will certainly not know."

"Fellow Daoists, feel free to speak without worry."

Translation: "Fellow Daoist, speak freely without worry."

Seeing that everyone agreed, Yuanshi then spoke frankly: "To be honest, I do not like it; how could the name of the Great God Pangu serve as a title for all beings?"

Translation: Seeing everyone's agreement, Yuanshi then spoke frankly: "To be candid, I do not approve; how could the name of the Great God Pangu be a title for all beings?"

"Although we are called the orthodox lineage of Pangu, this is not self‑praise by us three brothers; it is what all beings remember—whoever has seen the one who opened heaven knows it."

Translation: "Although we are called the Pangu Orthodox Lineage, it is not we three brothers boasting; it is the memory of all beings that sees whoever opened heaven, and who does not know?"

Qi nodded involuntarily; Yuanshi's words were not false—anyone who has witnessed him opening heaven knows the origins of the Three Pure Ones.

Translation: Qi involuntarily nodded; Yuanshi's words were not false, for anyone who has witnessed his act of opening heaven knows the origins of the Three Pure Ones.

Seeing that Qi and the others agreed, Yuanshi continued:

Translation: Seeing Qi and the others agree, Yuanshi then continued:

"The name of Pangu is widely known throughout the wilderness; many claim to be his orthodox lineage, but their lies are eventually exposed, and they end up in a dismal defeat."

Translation: "The name Pangu spreads widely in the Primordial Wasteland; those who claim orthodoxy are countless, yet ultimately their lies are exposed, and they end in an inglorious finish."

"The Great God Pangu created the wilderness; what merit and perseverance does such a feat require? With such a mindset, how could he leave behind a title of orthodoxy?"

Translation: "When the Great God Pangu opened the Primordial Wasteland, with or without transformation, what merit and perseverance does that entail? With such aspiration, how could one leave behind an orthodox name?"

"Although we Three Pure Ones are praised as the orthodox lineage of Pangu, this is merely flattery by well‑meaning people; Pangu is so exalted—who could possibly bear the burden of his orthodox title?"

Translation: "Although we Three Pure Ones are praised as the Pangu Orthodox Lineage, this is merely flattery by well-wishers; Pangu is too exalted—who could possibly bear his orthodox title?"

"At least we Three Pure Ones do not feel capable of being Pangu's orthodox lineage."

Translation: "At least we Three Pure Ones do not feel capable of becoming the Pangu Orthodox Lineage."

"Nevertheless, while we dare not claim to be Pangu's orthodox lineage, his name is not something others can easily assume."

Translation: "Although we dare not call ourselves the Pangu Orthodox Lineage, the name of the Great God Pangu is not something others can easily bear."

"In my view, those people are merely trying to exploit the great god's name for their own selfish ends."

Translation: "In my view, those people merely seek to borrow the great god's name for their own selfish ends."

"They speak with reverence on their lips but harbor lust and greed in their hearts; I despise such people."

Translation: "Their mouths full of respect, their bellies full of filthy flies—such people I despise."

"What's more, they are those who do not understand the Dao, do not know the heavenly numbers, yet as practitioners they constantly talk about consuming blood and flesh, failing to appreciate how difficult it is for sentient beings to cultivate their minds, and they slaughter countless lives, entangling themselves in karmic retribution."

Translation: "Moreover, those who do not comprehend the Great Dao, do not know the heavenly numbers, yet as cultivators they constantly speak of blood and flesh, failing to appreciate how hard it is for spirits to cultivate their minds, slaughtering countless beings, bound by karmic retribution."

"One must know that Heaven cherishes life; therefore we must restrain our desire for talk and taste. If beings lack spiritual awareness, they are merely beasts; once they possess it, they are no longer ordinary animals—they have become human."

Translation: "Know that the Supreme Azure possesses the virtue of cherishing life; one must restrain the desire for speech, for if there is no spiritual awareness, it is fine, but once spirits gain awareness, they are no longer mere beasts—they have become human."

"Being human yet devouring one another—how could such beings ever deserve the title of Pangu's orthodox lineage?"

Translation: "Yet when humans devour one another, how could such beings deserve the name of the Pangu Orthodox Lineage?"

Yuanshi's words left everyone deep in thought, feeling that his reasoning was sound—after all, are not humans sentient beings? To kill and eat each other naturally binds one in karmic bonds, from which there is no escape.

Translation: Yuanshi's words plunged everyone into contemplation, feeling his words were indeed reasonable—people, are they not sentient beings? Mutual killing and eating naturally entangle one in karmic bonds, from which there is no escape.

However, the listeners could tell that although he had said beforehand he was not discussing the Twelve Ancestral Witches, the subject he broached seemed to point to something specific.

Translation: Yet the crowd also sensed that although he had said beforehand this was not a discussion of the Twelve Ancestor Witches, the subject matter seemed to point to something.

But Qi and the others also understood that it is natural for refined people to look down on those who consume blood and flesh, as he said—Heaven cherishes life; although they may crave tasty food, they have never satisfied that craving through killing.

Translation: But Qi and the others also understood that noble persons looking down on blood-eaters is normal, as he said, the Supreme Azure cherishes life; although Qi and company crave sensual pleasures, they have never satisfied themselves through killing.

Seeing everyone lost in thought, Yuanshi did not interrupt; he simply took another sip of his water wine.

Translation: Yuanshi saw everyone lost in thought, did not interrupt, and simply drank another cup of spirituous liquor himself.

Suddenly a fierce wind swept up, and a streak of escaping light appeared directly above the hall of the the the Zixiao Palace, mighty and accompanied by wind and thunder, instantly kicking up dust and sand.

Translation: Suddenly a fierce wind swept up, a streak of escape light shot straight onto the the the Zixiao Palace's great hall, mighty and accompanied by wind and thunder, in an instant raising dust and smoke.

This action instantly drew displeasure from those present, but seeing its formidable aura—clearly not something to provoke lightly—they could only endure it.

Translation: This act instantly drew displeasure from the crowd, but seeing its formidable aura, not something easily provoked, they could only endure.

In the wilderness, of course there were those who recognized him, muttering in their hearts: "This Kunpeng is utterly arrogant, relying on the power of the heavenly court and his own cultivation, acting as if no one exists; even in the presence of the Great God Hongjun's dojo, he behaves as if face‑to‑face with a person, yet shows no restraint—he will surely meet disaster sooner or later."

Translation: Within the Primordial Wasteland, of course there were those who recognized him, cursing in their hearts: "This Kunpeng is utterly reckless, relying on the Heavenly Court's power and his own cultivation, so arrogant as to be blind to others; even within the Hongjun Great God's Dao Chang, face to face with a person, he still shows no restraint, and will surely meet disaster sooner or later."

The change on the plaza naturally attracted the gazes of Qi, Yuanshi, and the others; seeing Kunpeng so ostentatious, Emperor Jun and Fuxi darkened their faces. Kunpeng glanced around in surprise, never expecting that despite his extreme speed, there were still many who had arrived before him.

Translation: The change on the square naturally also attracted the gazes of Qi, Yuanshi, and others; seeing Kunpeng so ostentatious, Di Jun and Fuxi both darkened their faces. Kunpeng, somewhat surprised, scanned the surroundings, never expecting that despite his extreme speed, there were still many who had arrived before him.

Seeing that he had provoked everyone's anger, Kunpeng was unfazed; instead he continued to stand with his hands behind his back, his gaze unabashed as he swept over the crowd.

Translation: Seeing that he had provoked everyone's anger, Kunpeng did not take it to heart; instead he continued to stand with hands behind his back, his gaze unabashedly sweeping over the crowd.

Only when he saw Qi, Emperor Jun, Taiyi, Fuxi, and Nüwa on the terrace did he hastily drop his former demeanor, bowing and saying:

Translation: Until he saw on the terrace Qi, Di Jun, Taiyi, Fuxi, and Nüwa present, he hastily withdrew his former attitude, bowed, and said:

"Kunpeng pays respects to the Heavenly Emperor, Emperor Qi, Eastern Emperor, Emperor Xi, and Empress Nüwa; I do not know which majesties are present, and I have disturbed their elegant gathering—I beg your forgiveness."

Translation: "Kunpeng pays respects to the Heavenly Emperor, the Qi Emperor, the East Emperor, the West Emperor, the Nüwa Emperor; I do not know which majesties are present, having disturbed their elegant pursuits, I hope the majesties will forgive me."

As for Yuanshi, Kunpeng completely ignored him, as if he were invisible, not even mentioning him.

Translation: As for Yuanshi, he was directly ignored, as if unseen, not even mentioned.

He certainly saw Yuanshi, but in his view Yuanshi merely holds the title of Yuanshi Heavenly King without an official post in the heavenly court, so it is irrelevant to him—offending or not offending him matters little.

Translation: He certainly saw Yuanshi, but in his view, although Yuanshi had also earned the title of Yuanshi Heavenly King, he does not serve in the Heavenly Court, thus has no relation to him, and offending him is of no consequence.

Just now he was overly ostentatious, yet he happened to run into several heavenly sovereigns, including even his direct superior; at present his top priority is to apologize first, seeking to avoid repercussions before saying anything else.

Translation: Having just been overly ostentatious, he then encountered several sovereigns of the Heavenly Court, among them even his direct superior; now his foremost priority is to apologize first, seeking to avoid repercussions before speaking further.

Inside the hall, people's reactions to Kunpeng varied; his arrogant‑then‑humble attitude was utterly disgraceful, yet they also cast a few envious glances toward Qi and his five companions.

Translation: Among those in the great hall, attitudes toward Kunpeng varied—his former arrogance now turned to obsequiousness, which is utterly shameful; yet they also cast envious glances at Qi and his five companions.

Many only then realized that Qi's group of five had already arrived, but they possessed their own lofty pavilion world, entirely separate from the others; even heavenly court denizens could enjoy a feast there, while they themselves could only wait outside the palace gates.

Translation: Many only then realized that Qi's five had long been present, yet they alone possessed a lofty-terrace world, fundamentally not sharing the same standing as others; even Heavenly Court denizens could enjoy feasts within, while they could only wait outside the palace gates.

Instantly everyone felt more resentful; those with broad minds merely felt a twinge of envy, then withdrew their gaze and continued to meditate, pretending not to see.

Translation: Instantly the crowd felt even more resentful; those of broad mind merely felt a little envy, then withdrew their gazes, continued to close their eyes and nurture their spirits, treating it as if unseen.

Those with narrow minds were furiously angry, though they kept it hidden, silently cursing in their hearts—even the Great God Hongjun looks down on people, yet he still enjoys such great fame.

Translation: Those of narrow mind were instead furiously angry, not showing it on their faces, merely cursing inwardly; even the Hongjun Great God looks down on people, and it is a shame he has such great fame.

Qi and his companions paid no attention to what was happening above the hall or how others viewed it; they merely noticed that Kunpeng was excessively ostentatious and arrogant, disturbing the crowd, which they disliked.

Translation: Qi and company paid no heed to the goings-on above the great hall; they merely saw Kunpeng being excessively ostentatious and arrogant, disturbing the crowd somewhat to their dislike.

However, considering his attitude of admitting fault is acceptable, it's not good to pursue too much; moreover, he is a person of the Heavenly Court, and Di Jun and the others also don't really want to pursue.

Yuanshi's expression was somewhat unsightly; he was also among Qi and the others, but Kunpeng directly ignored him, which was undoubtedly extremely unpleasant.

Qi and Fuxi both noticed Yuanshi's attitude; Fuxi was about to speak when he heard Qi already say, "Since you know your fault, why remain in the hall? Hurry to the terrace."

Kunpeng's expression was flustered, yet he secretly laughed that this ordeal was over; since they still let him go up to the terrace, he knew there would be no punishment.

He had deliberately ignored Yuanshi earlier precisely for this moment; he naturally knew the status of the Primordial Heavenly King, and when the Emperor Qi summoned him upward, he would likely only utter a few words, and after apologizing to Yuanshi, the matter would naturally be settled.

Apologizing to Yuanshi and receiving a cup of penalty wine is all that's needed; his pure and noble nature makes apologizing to him far more acceptable to Kunpeng than apologizing to those in the hall.

Moreover, ignoring Yuanshi better demonstrates his esteem for the five Majesties in his heart and also shows his loyalty, achieving multiple goals at once.

"Kunpeng, you are summoned."

As soon as the words fell, Kunpeng immediately flew before Qi and the others, deliberately keeping a distance to show the difference in rank, then continued to ignore Yuanshi.

Fuxi saw Kunpeng still pretending not to notice, instantly understood his thoughts, but as his left and right hand, he could not fail to protect him, so he could only shout, "You wretch, the most deceitful, quick to admit fault now—where was that attitude before?"

"Such reckless behavior blatantly tarnishes the Heavenly Court's name; all who come here are innate divinities or great gods—how could we tolerate your demeanor?"

"The Primordial Heavenly King is right before you, yet you cannot see him, letting you ignore him until now?"

Kunpeng immediately bowed and said, "This is Kunpeng's fault; my behavior was too reckless, affecting the Heavenly Court's reputation—I beg the Emperor to punish me!"

Then Kunpeng turned to face Yuanshi, bowed similarly, and said, "Kunpeng's insight is shallow; I never imagined encountering the Primordial Heavenly King face to face—I had not previously known the Heavenly King, and I hope the Heavenly King will forgive me."

Kunpeng's words were sincere, as if he truly had not recognized Yuanshi before; this attitude almost made Yuanshi believe Kunpeng had never seen him, which was why he had ignored him.

Had Yuanshi not suddenly recalled that they seemed to have met before at a Heavenly Court gathering, he would have truly let Kunpeng bluff his way through.

However, seeing Kunpeng's sincere attitude, and with Qi, Di Jun, and the Lords of the Heavenly Court present, Yuanshi could only wave his hand and forgive, feigning indifference: "We have little acquaintance; not recognizing you is understandable, but your conduct is too reckless—you need to improve thereafter."

"Otherwise, today you merely failed to recognize me; next time you might not know whom you are failing to recognize."

"The Heavenly Court's reputation is not easily earned; it is the result of Emperor Qi's Majesty's long exposition, the sovereigns' painstaking governance, accumulating bit by bit—do not let it be destroyed in a single moment because of this."

Yuanshi could forgive magnanimously, yet he did not easily let Kunpeng off the hook; he knew he could gain a verbal advantage to vent his frustration, and Qi and the others would not mind.

As for Kunpeng's attitude, it is not important; this matter originally arose from him, and now letting people utter a few words is still normal.

Upon hearing this, Kunpeng felt his teeth grind in anger, cursing Yuanshi for taking the opportunity to give him eye medicine, yet he had to outwardly thank Yuanshi for his guidance.

"Thank you, Primordial Heavenly King, for your understanding; Kunpeng will certainly keep the Heavenly King's teachings in mind."

Yuanshi, seeing this, involuntarily stroked his beard and smiled; his expression clearly showed he was quite pleased.

Kunpeng took the opportunity to rise, no longer looking at Yuanshi's expression, turned his head toward Qi and the others, and awaited further disposition.

Qi saw Kunpeng thus, Yuanshi had already calmed, unwilling to say more, and spoke:

"Since the Heavenly King does not mind, you must remember this loss; henceforth your conduct must not be so reckless—know that this place is the Dao Chang of the Great God Hongjun, and one should hold reverence for the venerable."

"If you provoke the Great God's displeasure, even with us present, we may not be able to protect you."

Kunpeng immediately bowed again and said, "Kunpeng will certainly keep the Emperor Qi's words in mind and will never offend again."

Qi did not want to say more, pointed at the table, and a jade bottle flew into Kunpeng's hand, saying, "Below are many colleagues of the Heavenly Court; since Emperor Di Jun intends for you to oversee the Three Mountains and Five Peaks Department, you should still cultivate relationships with those colleagues."

"Now that this is over, you should go down and interact with them, so that in the future, should disputes arise among your subordinates, you will have someone to speak for you."

Upon hearing Qi's words, Kunpeng was overjoyed; now that another sovereign has spoken, it signifies that what was previously merely tacitly accepted is brought to the fore, and the Three Mountains and Five Peaks Department will certainly come under his charge thereafter.

"Kunpeng thanks the several Majesties for their leniency, thanks the Heavenly Emperor, thanks the Emperor Qi's grace; with many colleagues awaiting below, Kunpeng will not disturb the Majesties' elegant leisure, and thus takes his leave."

Having said that, Kunpeng lowered his waist a bit more, then drank a large cup in one go, and departed eagerly.

(End of chapter)