Chapter 216

The Golden Bridge continuously went back and forth, allowing the Three Pure Ones to gather together; what surprised Qi was that he actually saw Hong Yun and Zhen Yuanzi on the Golden Bridge.

The two chatted and laughed all the way on the Golden Bridge, drawing countless envious gazes, yet hardly anyone bore grudges; most of the people present were actually old acquaintances of Hong Yun.

The breadth of their exchange was awe-inspiring, yet sadly most were merely casual acquaintances; only Zhen Yuanzi could be entrusted with one's life.

the Wilderness

As everyone was busy socializing, the sound of bells and drums rang from the sky, drawing everyone's attention; the gate of the Purple Azure Palace slowly opened before their eyes.

As the gate opened, a cloud mass coalesced before everyone's eyes, upon which a Daoist lay high, singing to the crowd:

"Lying high upon ninefold clouds, the mat completes the Dao's truth. Beyond the profound yellow of heaven and earth, I shall be the honored master of the teaching."

After finishing the song, the Daoist turned to address the crowd: "Those of you with affinity have long awaited; the lecture will now begin—please take your seats."

As his words fell, his figure vanished before everyone's eyes; when seen again, he was already upon the mat for lecturing inside the Purple Azure Palace.

The crowd immediately filed in, streaming into the Purple Azure Palace, but upon entering they saw only six mats placed at the front of the main hall, closest to the lecturing platform.

Looking at the countless noble figures present, everyone felt a bit hesitant, glancing at one another.

Only these six mats were in the main hall; naturally their significance was extraordinary—obtaining one would surely bring many benefits unattainable by ordinary folk.

Hongjun Great God

Everyone had arrived, yet no one stepped onto the mats to sit or lie down; Hongjun, on the platform, closed his eyes to nurture his spirit, as if he had not noticed the crowd had gathered.

Previously he had announced the start of the lecture, but now the lecture could not begin; everyone understood they were waiting for someone to occupy the mat.

The crowd's minds stirred, yet none dared to speak up urging him; then someone had a thought and said:

"The Three Pure Ones are the orthodox lineage of Pangu, inheriting Pangu Great God's merit; they are people of pure and noble virtue, and thus should take a seat."

The crowd instantly grasped his idea, and someone immediately echoed:

"That being so, the Three Pure Ones' fame spreads far; they deserve a seat, and besides, if an outsider were to sit there, how could they convince the crowd?"

"Exactly so, exactly so, fellow Daoists, you have received Pangu Great God's grace; if you do not take a seat, would we not be remiss? Please hurry and take your seats."

Taqing Daode Daoren

Yuqing Yuanshi Daoren

Only the Supreme Clarity Numinous Treasure Daoist was an exception; he was not angry, but instead slightly raised his head, giving an air of frivolity, scanning the crowd, and said: "You see that this seat is extraordinary, yet you willingly yield your opportunity to others—what is the reasoning behind this?"

"Moreover, although we Three Pure Ones are sometimes called the orthodox lineage of Pangu, this is merely flattery by outsiders; the great god's merit is immense, and how could we possibly inherit it? You are overstating things."

"Furthermore, to say we three brothers are pure and noble—yet who among those present is not an innate divine being, equal to the Dao? How could they not be noble? This remark would place us in the wrong; we absolutely cannot take this seat—you should look for someone else."

Shangqing Lingbao Tianwang

"Although we are all innate divine beings, the name 'Three Pure Ones' is too insignificant to merit a seat."

"However, since the Heavenly King is unwilling, why not let the Heavenly King do the recommending? Surely, given the stature of the Three Pure Ones, the person recommended would surely convince the crowd."

Upon hearing this, the crowd first stared, furrowed their brows, then suddenly realized: they wanted the Three Pure Ones to find a scapegoat.

Given the nature of the Three Pure Ones, how could they engage in such petty maneuvering? If they were truly recommended, that would indeed be placing themselves in the wrong.

That Daoist also had quick wit; upon these words, the Three Pure Ones' faces darkened, and the Supreme Clarity Numinous Treasure Daoist hid a sharp glint in his eyes—no doubt after this matter is discussed, some dispute will arise.

After a moment of silence, the Grand Pure Morality Daoist said: "Second brother, third brother, since the crowd is recommending, we cannot delay any further—let us take our seats."

Daode Daoren

Yuqing Yuanshi and Shangqing Lingbao

At this point, half of the six seats were taken, three filled; the remaining three seats then became the crowd's immediate dilemma, prompting them to search the throng for the next person to sit.

Qi and five people

golden robe

Kunpeng

But seeing him now take the seat voluntarily, the crowd lost their earlier reservations and instead felt delighted—yet deep down they began to despise his character.

Although knowing this seat might carry another meaning, he still actively abandons the dignity of being an innate divine being—this is undoubtedly shameful to associate with.

But since another seat has been taken, they don't want to say more; they simply continue scanning the crowd, selecting the next target.

Affairs of the Heavenly Court are weighty; not wanting to give offense at the critical moment, someone turned his gaze to Hong Yun and said: "Hong Yun, fellow Daoist, you have countless friends here; whoever obtains this seat ought to be someone who can convince the crowd. You have formed bonds throughout the wilderness, your kindness and virtue are vast, making everyone admire you endlessly—if you do not take the seat, would you not be dragging others into wrongdoing?"

These words no sooner spoken than Zhen Yuanzi glared angrily, and countless hostile gazes from the crowd gathered upon that person.

Only Zhen Yuanzi spoke up to defend Hong Yun; aside from him, all was silent.

All that was heard was Zhen Yuanzi saying: "Hong Yun has formed bonds throughout the wilderness, yet precisely for that reason he may not take the seat."

"If he were to take this seat, would it not be placing him in the wrong? His friends are still standing—how could he then sit?"

The other friends were about to speak up for Hong Yun, but saw the person who had just recommended Hong Yun say again: "What Fellow Daoist Zhen Yuanzi said is quite right, but Hong Yun, fellow Daoist, is righteous as the clouds and heavens; with many gods as his friends, if he does not take the seat, would it not be for his own selfishness, dragging the gods into wrongdoing?"

"One versus the many— which is lighter, which heavier? Hong Yun, fellow Daoist, you should weigh this for yourself."

"I speak these words only for your benefit, fellow Daoist; since you are unwilling to speak plainly, how could I possibly place you in the wrong?" The speaker was not acquainted with Hong Yun, and uttering these words was merely a pretense to get him to take the seat; upon hearing this, Hong Yun's heart cried out, "Disaster!"

Just as he was about to continue defending Hong Yun, Hong Yun stopped him, saying: "Although this person harbors ill intentions, his words are not without basis; I, Hong Yun, love making friends—how could I drag them into wrongdoing? I will take this seat."

"Moreover, this fellow Daoist's mind is so dirty as to sully my friendship with you all; after this lecture, I fear we must still be extra cautious."

Having said that, he let out a cold snort, then Hong Yun strode over to Kunpeng and sat down cross-legged.

Many in the crowd glared angrily at the speaker, and Zhen Yuanzi's eyes held killing intent.

Hong Yun's words undoubtedly meant he planned to waylay and kill the speaker mid-lecture, and his many friends would certainly not refuse.

After all, Hong Yun did this for the sake of righteousness with everyone, which is why he willingly took the seat; though he is a well‑known good soul in the wilderness, he is certainly no soft persimmon to be manipulated.

Whoever schemes with words thereby binds cause and effect; when the reckoning comes, Hong Yun will certainly not show mercy.

Seeing he had provoked the crowd's anger, he dared not speak, yet abandoning the lecture's opportunity was unthinkable—he could only vanish into the throng in a few flashes.

Alas, in the end it was all in vain; the number of Hong Yun's friends exceeded his imagination.

Perhaps they will remain indifferent to Hong Yun's affairs for the sake of profit and other reasons, but if Hong Yun invites them to kill, they will most certainly not refuse.

And as Hong Yun took a seat, in the Purple Azure Palace at that moment, only one futon remained vacant, waiting for the next person to be seated.

Everyone was preparing to continue the recommendation, but they heard a noisy sound from outside the main hall; the Twelve Ancestral Witches had all arrived.

Twelve Ancestral Witches, Ancestral Witch, the Wu Clan

Interpretation: For any term that appears, we must output its English translation exactly as given in the glossary above (if it exists there). If a term is not in the glossary above, we must still translate it to English (by meaning) but we cannot reuse a glossary entry that doesn't exist. The phrase "Reuse the EXACT English already in the glossary above." likely means: for terms that are listed in the provided glossary (the five), we must use those exact English forms. For other terms not in the glossary, we translate them normally (by meaning) and include them in the glossary list output. The output glossary list should contain entries for each term that appears, with raw_term being the English name we used, original_term being the Chinese characters.

Thus we need to produce a glossary list after translations, containing entries for each distinct proper noun appearing in lines.

We must decide what counts as a proper noun. Let's parse lines.

We have many names:... (comment)

Gonggong, Zhurong, Xuanming, Houtu

Nüwa, Fuxi, Haotian, Hongjun, Yaochi, Zixiao Palace, Kunpeng, the Heavenly Court

three‑legged golden crow

Ancestral Witch

the Wu Clan

the Heavenly Court

Dao platform

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Ancestral Witch

We need to decide what to include. The instruction: list every character (incl. the protagonist & minor ones), place, sect/clan/faction/people, official & sect rank/title, technique, item/artifact, beast, and realm that appears in these lines.

Thus we need to include:

Di Jun, Taiyi, Fuxi, Haotian, Nüwa, Zhurong, Gonggong, Xuanming, Houtu, Qi, Hongjun, Di Jiang, Yaochi, Zixiao Palace, Kunpeng, three‑legged golden crow, the Wu Clan, the Heavenly Court, Ancestral Witch, three‑legged golden crow

Yaochi, Zixiao Palace, Dao platform

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Ancestral Witch

We need to produce glossary entries with raw_term being the English translation we used in the translation lines, and original_term being the Chinese characters.

Di Jun, Fuxi, Haotian, the Heavenly Court, the Wu Clan

Thus in translations we must use those exact strings.

Now we need to translate each line.

Let's do line by line.

Everyone was preparing to continue the election when they heard a noisy sound coming from outside the main hall; the Twelve Ancestral Witches had all arrived.

Translation: "Everyone was preparing to continue the election when they heard a noisy sound coming from outside the main hall; the Twelve Ancestral Witches had arrived."

Everyone was preparing to continue the election, but they heard a noisy sound coming from outside the main hall; the Twelve Ancestral Witches had all arrived.

We need to keep it concise but faithful.

Thus: "Everyone was preparing to continue the election when they heard a noisy sound from outside the main hall; the Twelve Ancestral Witches had arrived."

When they arrived, it was as if no one else was there; they teased and played with each other, treating the gods as if they were nothing.

Translation: "When they arrived, they acted as if no one else were present, joking and roughhousing with each other, treating the gods as nothing."

the gods

When they arrived, it was as if no one else was there; they joked and played with each other, treating the gods as nothing.

Such unrestrained behavior naturally made the gods frown, but seeing their fierce aura, they dared not provoke them or say anything.

Translation: "Such unrestrained behavior naturally made the gods frown in displeasure, but seeing their fierce aura, they dared not provoke them nor say anything."

We need to keep meaning.

Seeing an empty seat, Zhurong laughed and said to Gonggong, "Just look; I said I wasn't late— isn't there still an empty seat? You're just too impatient; you'll never get anything done like this. Why rush so much?"

Translation: "Seeing there was still an empty seat, Zhurong laughed at Gonggong: 'Just look, I said I wasn't late—there's still an empty seat, isn't there? It's just that you're so impatient; you'll never accomplish anything. Why rush like this?'"

We need to keep quotes.

Gonggong was somewhat angry, just about to argue with Zhurong, when he saw Zhurong turn and speak to Xuanming.

Translation: "Gonggong was somewhat angry, just about to argue with Zhurong, when he saw Zhurong turn his head to Xuanming and say:"

"Xuanming sister, there's still one seat; you and Houtu sister discuss it— whoever sits, just choose boldly; don't worry about those bird gods, with the older brother here they can't stir up any trouble."

Translation: "'Xuanming sister, there's still a seat; you and Houtu sister discuss it—whoever sits, choose boldly, don't worry about those bird gods; with an elder brother here, they can't stir up any trouble.'"

sister

As soon as those words were spoken, the gods' faces instantly darkened, but then they wore strange expressions and remained silent.

Translation: "As soon as those words were spoken, the gods' faces instantly darkened, but then they wore strange expressions and remained silent."

But they had been hesitating over whom to recommend; now a fool has come crashing in on his own, which is naturally the best, and it also avoids offending those strongmen.

Translation: "But they had been hesitating over whom to recommend; now that a fool has literally walked right into them, that's naturally best—it also saves offending those strongmen."

fool strongmen

Zhurong was about to keep speaking, but Xuanming lightly tugged his sleeve, smiling as he pointed to the side.

Translation: "Zhurong was about to keep speaking, but Xuanming lightly tugged his sleeve, smiling as he pointed to the side."

Zhurong looked back and saw Qi and the five others standing nearby, while Taiyi, with a dark complexion, stared fixedly at him.

Translation: "Zhurong turned his head and saw that Qi and the five others were right beside him, while Taiyi, his face dark, was staring fixedly at him."

Qi and the five others stood beside him

This sudden scene almost made Zhurong jump in surprise; the hall was full of primordial deities with chaotic energies, yet he hadn't noticed that the five heavenly emperors were actually present.

Translation: "This sudden scene almost made Zhurong jump in surprise; there were too many primordial gods present, their auras chaotic, and he hadn't even noticed that these five heavenly emperors were actually there."

five heavenly emperors

Di Jun and Taiyi both appeared as three‑legged golden crows, which fittingly matched Zhurong's remark about bird gods; being so close, they found it hard to convince themselves that Zhurong's action was unintentional.

Translation: "Di Jun and Taiyi were both manifestations of the three‑legged golden crow, which perfectly fit Zhurong's remark about 'bird gods'; they stood so close that Di Jun and Taiyi found it hard to convince themselves that Zhurong's comment was unintentional."

three‑legged golden crow

Di Jiang looked around, saw the gods' strange expressions, felt something was amiss about this seat, and seeing that Zhurong had no filter and offended everyone, he couldn't help but slap him on the head and say:

Translation: "Di Jiang looked around, seeing the gods' strange expressions, feeling that this seat might be a trap; noticing Zhurong's loose tongue offending everyone, he couldn't help but slap his head and say:"

slap

"You blockhead, you don't even think before you speak; keep your mouth shut— if I hear another word from you, I'll beat you into a cushion for my two sisters to rest on."

Translation: "'You blockhead, you speak without thinking—shut your mouth; if I hear another word from you, I'll beat you into a cushion for my two sisters to rest on.'"

blockhead beaten into a cushion

After scolding Zhurong, Di Jiang turned to Di Jun and Taiyi and said, "My younger brother has a fiery temper and blunt speech, often speaking without thought; I hope the five Majesties will not blame him, for this place is special; once we leave, I will personally bring him to the Heavenly Court to make amends."

Translation: "After scolding Zhurong, Di Jiang turned to Di Jun and Taiyi and said: 'My younger brother is hot‑tempered and blunt; his words are often unintentional. I hope the five Majesties will not blame him—this place is special; once we leave, I will personally bring him to the Heavenly Court to make amends.'"

five Majesties

Di Jun and Taiyi's expressions eased a little, and they said, "Di Jiang, Ancestral Witch, there's no need for this; we all know he just spoke hastily and bear no grudge."

Translation: "Di Jun and Taiyi's expressions eased a little, and they said: 'Di Jiang, there's no need for that, Ancestral Witch; we all know he just spoke hastily and bear no grudge.'"

Di Jiang, Ancestral Witch

"But this place is extraordinary; I still hope you can discipline your younger brother a bit more, lest we unwittingly make enemies."

Translation: "'But this place is extraordinary; I still hope you can discipline your brother a bit more, lest he provoke enemies for no reason.'"

"Although the Ancestral Witches' power is extraordinary and we are of the same breath, there are still many descendants of the Wu Clan under them, so we still need to consider them more."

Translation: "'Although the Ancestral Witches are extraordinary and bound by shared breath, there are still many descendants of the Wu Clan under them, so we ought to consider them more.'"

the Wu Clan

Upon hearing Di Jun's words, Di Jiang finally realized how close Zhurong had come to causing a disaster, and he broke out in a cold sweat.

Translation: "Upon hearing Di Jun's words, Di Jiang finally realized what disaster Zhurong had almost caused, and he broke out in a cold sweat."

Seeing that Di Jun truly bore no grudge, he finally felt relieved and said, "Thank you, heavenly emperors, for your guidance; when I return, I will certainly discipline him more strictly, lest we cause trouble and implicate the clan."

Translation: "Seeing that Di Jun truly held no grudge, he finally felt relieved and said: 'Thank you, heavenly emperors, for your instruction; when I return I will certainly discipline him more, lest he cause trouble and implicate the clan.'"

heavenly emperors

Hmm, I hope so.

Translation: "'Hmm, I hope so.'"

Di Jun saw that Di Jiang's attitude was still sincere, so he saw no need to dwell on this, withdrew his gaze, and continued waiting for those people to recommend who would take the seats.

Translation: "Di Jun saw that Di Jiang's attitude was still sincere, so he saw no need to dwell on it, withdrew his gaze, and continued waiting for those people to recommend who would take the seats."

recommend who would take the seats

Now the Heavenly Court's troops are numerous and mighty, unmatched; unless someone truly volunteers to sacrifice themselves for the lecture on the Dao, otherwise they cannot be dragged into this matter.

Translation: "Now the Heavenly Court has abundant troops and generals, its power unmatched; unless someone truly volunteers to sacrifice themselves for others to complete the lecture on the Dao, this matter cannot involve them."

lecture on the Dao

Moreover, Kunpeng has already taken a seat; even if there were truly someone unafraid of death, they would have an excuse to shirk responsibility, to be settled after the lecture on the Dao.

Translation: "Moreover, Kunpeng has already taken a seat; even if there were truly someone unafraid of death, they would have reason to defer, settling accounts after the lecture on the Dao."

Kunpeng

Seeing that no one in the hall had yet distinguished themselves, the Ancestral Witches, due to Di Jiang's secret restraint, had not taken seats; outsiders dared not provoke them, and thus they became the only two in the hall who need not worry, and they were content to be at ease.

Translation: "Seeing that no one in the venue had yet distinguished themselves, the Ancestral Witches, due to Di Jiang's covert restraint, had not taken seats; outsiders dared not provoke them, and thus they became the only two people in the venue who need not worry, and they were content to stay as they were."

only two

As the atmosphere grew increasingly eerie, everyone remained silent, but Nüwa suddenly walked to the last futon and sat cross-legged.

Translation: "As the atmosphere grew increasingly strange, everyone remained silent, but Nüwa suddenly walked to the last futon and sat cross‑legged."

futon

This sudden move instantly astonished everyone; Qi and the others were even more having their thoughts interrupted by this unexpected event.

Translation: "This sudden move instantly astonished everyone, and Qi, along with the others, had their thoughts interrupted by this unexpected event."

Qi

Qi couldn't help but ask, "Nüwa, why are you taking a seat? This matter does not concern the Heavenly Court."

Translation: "Qi involuntarily asked: 'Nüwa, why have you taken a seat? This matter does not concern my Heavenly Court.'"

the Heavenly Court

Fuxi found it even harder to accept, even suspecting that she had been secretly coerced, but before he could speak, Nüwa interrupted him.

Translation: "Fuxi found it even harder to accept, even suspecting she had been secretly coerced, but before he could speak, Nüwa interrupted him."

Fuxi

All we heard Nüwa say was, "As for this matter, I have my own considerations; Qi, elder brother, you need not worry; fellow Daoists Di Jun and Taiyi need not doubt; I will explain everything after this."

Translation: "Nüwa then said: 'I have my own considerations regarding this matter; Qi, elder brother, you need not worry, and Di Jun and Taiyi, fellow Daoists, need not doubt—I will explain it myself afterward.'"

fellow Daoists

Left with no choice, everyone could only go along with it; finally, Hongjun on the Dao platform broke into a smile and said:

Translation: "Left with no choice, they could only accept it; the Hongjun seated on the Dao platform finally smiled and said:"

Dao platform Hongjun

"The time has come; close the palace gates."

Translation: "'The time has come; close the palace gates.'"

palace gates

Haotian and Yaochi immediately began to push the doors of Zixiao Palace, but at the very last moment before closing, they heard a voice shouting from afar:

Translation: "Haotian and Yaochi immediately began to push the gates of the Zixiao Palace, but at the very last moment before closing, they heard a voice shout from afar:"

Haotian, Yaochi, and Zixiao Palace

"Wait!"

Translation: "'Wait!'"

(End of chapter)