Chapter 232: Heavenly Court Banquet

Divine General Bai Ze, for his merits in overseeing the Fire Department, was ennobled as the True Lord of the Three Qi Fire Virtue of the South, in charge of the Fire Department.

Hope you continue to strive, always feeling that the world and all beings are not easy, and do not disgrace the name of the Fire Department.

Bai Ze had somewhat anticipated this in his heart, yet he was overjoyed, bowing his head and saying:

"Bai Ze will surely not disappoint Nüwa's trust; he will always feel the suffering of all beings, and for any sincere prayer, he will respond to all grief and injustice."

Seeing Bai Ze's sincere attitude, Nüwa slightly nodded and said:

"Hmm, you may withdraw now."

Bai Ze slowly stepped back among the gods of the Fire Department; as he stood firm, the previous scene reappeared—countless merit-gold clouds condensed and were distributed everywhere.

Its scale was even greater than before; Nüwa's share of merit was about three tenths of it, yet the Fire Department's merit was more, and compared to Qi, Nüwa's portion was also somewhat larger.

Afterward, the Plague Department and the Fight Department stepped forward in turn, each receiving a considerable share of merit, and were bestowed countless spirit fruits and golden cores.

The only exception was that Yinglong actually became the chief deity of the Fight Department, which surprised Qi and others, as they did not know how Taiyi had considered it.

Soon after, the report of the Lower Four Departments came, astonishing the gods even more: in more than seventy primordial cycles, the rising clouds and rain were innumerable, beyond calculation.

However, looking at the seventy-four primordial cycles in which the Heavenly Court resides, floods occurred only thirty-two times, none affecting a region.

The constellations likewise; the starry heavens ran smoothly without hindrance, and therefore Xihe was confirmed to oversee the Constellations Department, becoming a great god of the Wilderness in one leap.

Kunpeng's oversight of the Three Mountains Five Peaks Department also progressed well; most mountain gods in the Wilderness were subsumed under him, submitting to the Heavenly Court.

The key follow‑up matter is mainly preparing to relocate the great mountains of the Wilderness, intending to move them to various ley‑line nodes to strengthen the Wilderness's foundation while sorting out its ley lines.

The Department of Good and Evil Gods is especially unique, for its internal sections are complex, its rank low and weight light, its duties variable; only the heads of its individual sub‑sections can report separately.

What Qi and the gods are most concerned about is undoubtedly the Heavenly Court's current tax revenue and reserves, which represent the scale of its future actions and are of utmost importance.

Upon hearing their reports, the gods have already begun to grow numb, each harvest being an astronomical figure.

The expenditures are likewise; they never imagined that, as the power now governing the Wilderness, even the slightest action would consume such enormous resources.

Just as balancing the three categories, this single matter, if placed in the past three clans, would be enough to drag down the wealthiest Qilin clan.

The gods whispered to each other, constantly calculating the expenditures and losses; after a long while someone sighed: "No wonder there is so much merit again—every one of these matters has a profound impact on the Wilderness and consumes greatly."

"Now the Heavenly Court runs steadily, full of vigor, yet its hardships are not something ordinary people can comprehend!"

After all items had been reported, Di Jun then spoke:

"All my beloved officials have worked hard; the Heavenly Court's rewards will subsequently be distributed among the various departments, the specific allocation to be decided by those in charge."

"You have all laboured long; a banquet has already been set in the palace, and we shall enjoy it together."

All the gods bowed and said: "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Immediateley everyone filed out; the Heavenly Court's personnel each went to their own department's seats, while visiting gods were likewise guided by heavenly maidens to their seats.

Those able to stay and feast in the Lingxiao Treasure Hall are all the foremost great gods of the Wilderness.

Music sounded, and countless dance maidens stood on the clouds to dance; as their water sleeves swayed, they stirred countless crimson‑cloud energies, only to see the light in the field shine upon people, making their eyes glow.

Heavenly maidens moved among the seats, holding baskets of spirit fruit and fine wine, accompanied by the sound of strings and bamboo, like butterflies fluttering among flower clusters.

The dance was dignified and grand, beautiful and moving, with not a trace of desire, causing the gods to fix their gazes.

Such a scene, even among the followers of the Three Pure Ones, gave rise to a touch of heroic spirit; some unrestrained sorts, though offensive, did not hinder it.

Amidst the clinking of cups, the gods urged each other to drink; those who could not hold their liquor were helped away by heavenly maidens, becoming the butt of jokes at the table.

A heavenly maiden danced with a sword in the midst of the seats, her cold light flashing, displaying her heroic spirit while retaining grace.

Without using spiritual energy, she alone displayed the subtlety of her swordsmanship; wine was smeared on the blade's tip, and she offered the sword to the gods as an offering.

"Elder brother, second brother, this Heavenly Court is indeed a fine place to enjoy; the dance posture is alluring and striking, yet shows no hint of sensuality; the lives of the five sovereigns are truly those of divine beings."

Lingbao Daoist's cheeks flushed slightly, he carried the scent of wine, and his bearing was bold and unrestrained.

Yuanshi Daoist originally did not like this demeanor, but seeing that everyone present was thus, and that his words were not false, he could only sit upright and proper, then say: "His words are not empty; such a scene cannot be found in the Wilderness, yet we are cultivators, and it is better for us to take little part in such things."

Faced with Yuanshi Daoist's admonition, Lingbao Daoist merely pointed a finger and laughed:

"Elder brother, look at Second Brother's appearance—his face is flushed red, he sits upright and proper, yet it is merely pretentious propriety."

Daode Daoist rested one hand on the table, smiling, quietly observing the scene, and after a moment replied:

"Third brother, you are drunk."

Yuanshi Daoist, hearing Lingbao Daoist speak thus, felt some displeasure, opened his mouth to speak, but was checked by Daode Daoist, and only heard him say:

"Second brother, the present scene is most delightful; do not utter any more words that spoil the fun, for though we are cultivators, we are not mere mountain rustics."

"Just look: the gods in the field drink and enjoy themselves, their joy harmonious, heavenly maidens perform dances, with no licentiousness; the way of cultivation is one of relaxation and tension—do not bind yourself too tightly."

"Moreover, it is not like this every day; coming occasionally, it is not a bad way to adjust oneself."

Lingbao Daoist also laughed: "Elder brother's words are quite right; the gods in the field all uphold the proper path, though they drink and enjoy, they do not indulge; the heavenly maidens' dance is beautiful yet not demonic, properly displaying the Heavenly Court's majesty and divinity; second brother, you are still too rigidly solemn."

Seeing that elder brother and third brother were of the same attitude, Yuanshi Daoist could only resign himself and say:

"Yuanshi has received the instruction."

Daode Daoist merely hummed, said no more, slowly raised his cup in a salute, and invited the two brothers to drink together.

Yuanshi Daoist and Lingbao Daoist, seeing this, also raised their cups in response, and the three drank together.

Gou Hui was not particularly fond of drink, merely taking the Heavenly Court's wine as a side dish, focusing on the dance in the field and the spiritual food on the tables.

She was quite satisfied with this banquet; whenever the spirit fruit on the platters ran low, she need not speak—heavenly maidens would promptly replenish them, and, seeing her liking, would often add new varieties.

Seeing Qi and Nüwa approach hand in hand, Gou Hui hurriedly composed her demeanor, fearing any impropriety, and before she could speak, she heard Qi laugh that he had arrived.

"Gou Hui Daoist, this wine has never satisfied you; why is it that no one seems to be replenishing it?"

Upon Qi's arrival, a heavenly maiden beside him presented a cup; Qi slightly bowed and said: "Daoist, please."

"Drink together, drink together."

Gou Hui smiled, lifted the cup on the table, clinked it with Qi's, and drank it down fully.

Seeing Gou Hui's brow slightly furrowed, Qi merely thought for a moment, then told the heavenly maiden beside him: "This wine is rather strong; go to the storehouse and fetch some sweet wine to make it easier to drink." The heavenly maiden performed a bow, replied "Yes," and gladly departed.

Seeing Qi thus, Gou Hui could not help but laugh: "I cannot hold my liquor; I feel deeply ashamed, and thus have caused His Majesty Qi to worry."

Gouhui seldom associated with Qi; among the Five Emperors of the Heavenly Court, the only one she was acquainted with was Nüwa alone—yet she had not expected Qi to be so meticulous.

As the sole active Great God of the Primordial Origin Dao in the current wilderness, Qi still carries some prestige; now receiving such attention from him, she feels a touch of honored surprise.

Seeing that Gouhui could not let go, Qi had no choice but to turn his head and say to Nüwa:

"My presence here is actually hindering your conversation; I had better step aside first and leave you to entertain each other more comfortably."

Gouhui, seeing this, quickly said: "Your Majesty Emperor Qi, you overthink; it is not because of Your Majesty, but merely because I seldom associate with outsiders and do not know how to respond."

Nüwa laughed from the side:

"Fellow Daoist Gouhui, there is no need for this; it is not your fault. Aside from us, Qi also rarely goes out and has few friends."

"Although Qi is meticulous, he also has a reserved nature; therefore, it cannot be blamed on you, fellow Daoist."

"You had better let him go; otherwise, not only will you feel ill at ease, but he will also not be at ease."

Saying this, Nüwa herself chuckled a few times; Qi, seeing this, felt somewhat helpless, and Gouhui clasped his hands and said:

"As Nüwa said, although I have some reputation in the wilderness, I am also not fond of going out to socialize; fellow Daoist, please conduct yourself as you see fit, no need to worry."

"Qi still has a few matters to attend to, so I will not disturb you further."

Seeing Qi's demeanor, Gouhui also thought it inappropriate to continue urging him; just then, the heavenly maiden who had gone to fetch wine returned, she refilled a cup and said: "In that case, Gouhui will not press Your Majesty to stay; please share this cup with Gouhui, which can also be seen as seeing Your Majesty off."

Qi saw that Gouhui's attitude was sincere, not feigned, so he likewise raised his cup, drank it, then took his leave, leaving Nüwa to attend to the guest.

After Qi had walked away, Nüwa then teased Gouhui:

"Come to your senses; the person has already gone far. What good is it to not have kept him earlier and then look after he's gone?"

Gouhui and Nüwa have been acquainted for a long time; even during the Three Clans' Dao discussion, they had already become friends. Although they seldom meet, she also knows his lively nature, and thus she laughed and scolded:

"Do not spout nonsense; what kind of person is Emperor Qi? I have only met him twice before, and our exchange never exceeded three sentences—how could there be the thoughts you speak of?"

"He is, in the wilderness, aside from the Great God Hongjun, the sole Great God of the Primordial Origin Dao; having reached such a level, he must be single-mindedly seeking the Dao—how could he harbor such thoughts?"

"Otherwise, having associated with him for so long, how could you still be like this?"

Nüwa did not take Gouhui's teasing to heart; as two of the few female Great Gods in the wilderness, although they seldom meet in person, their contact has never been lacking.

Seeing Gouhui's earnest explanation, Nüwa seemed to suddenly think of something, and thus spoke mysteriously: "No, what you say is reasonable, but the news is still somewhat outdated; Qi is not the only Great God of the Primordial Origin Dao in the wilderness aside from the Great God Hongjun."

"I also know of two others, who are likewise rare divine masters of heaven and earth."

Gouhui's heart suddenly jolted, as if recalling the Three Clans affair; worried that the wilderness might see a resurgence of Three Clans conflict, she hastily asked:

"Please elaborate—who is this divine being? Could he contend with the Heavenly Court? Or is the Three Clans conflict about to reignite? Why have no omens appeared in the wilderness?"

Nüwa, however, remained silent, merely pointing at the wine cup; the meaning was unmistakable.

Gouhui did not delay; she directly filled the cup and drank it down, awaiting Nüwa's explanation.

Nüwa laughed:

"Fellow Daoist, you worry too much; let me tell you plainly—the other two are none other than Donghuang Taiyi and my elder brother."

"The Three Clans conflict is long since history; now that the Heavenly Court suppresses the universe, how could it allow renewed hostilities?"

"As for why it has not been proclaimed worldwide, it is merely that we must wait a little longer, until this Heavenly Court audience concludes."

Upon hearing this, Gouhui finally breathed a slight sigh of relief; after all, the great calamity had only just ended, and the beings of the wilderness truly could not endure further warfare.

Immediately thereafter, she reacted again, and Nüwa said: "We have known each other for so long, yet you still play tricks on me; I am indeed inferior to Emperor Qi and his ilk—if Emperor Qi were present in person, Your Majesty would not be like this."

The worry in her words made Nüwa involuntarily feel a chill; after casually sipping some wine, she then spoke again teasingly:

"It's just a cup of water; why make such a show? If outsiders saw it, the esteemed Master of West Kunlun would also bear this demeanor—would that not be a laughingstock?"

Seeing Nüwa still thus, Gouhui also grew lazy to attend to her, and she sat back down on the mat, returning to her former focus on attending to the spiritual food.

Nüwa sat beside Gouhui and summoned the distant heavenly maiden:

"Go to my palace and have the Azure Phoenix fetch some fine fruits; I wish to chat awhile with Fellow Daoist Gouhui."

After the heavenly maiden left, Gouhui curiously asked: "What I have been eating at the seat are all top-grade primordial spiritual fruits, uniform in size and round, without any blemish—does this not already count as good fruit?"

"Is the Heavenly Court truly this extravagant?"

Nüwa beamed and explained to Gouhui:

"Of course not; you should know that the Heavenly Court, when entertaining guests, has its own requirements for the spiritual fruits it uses."

"These spiritual fruits represent the Heavenly Court's dignity; naturally they must be uniform in appearance, with no major discrepancies, their flavor must remain unchanged, and they must be relatively numerous and stably producible."

"The fruits that enter our palace, however, are the select of the select—namely, the choice specimens."

"However, these choice specimens are few in number, insufficient to meet banquet needs, and moreover vary in size and flavor, making them unsuitable for banquets."

Gouhui then realized, comparing her own spiritual roots' yield, that this was indeed the case—fruits come in large and small; if used to entertain many guests, one must naturally select those that are stable and numerous.

"I have never established a power, so I had not considered these matters; hearing this, I have also gained a bit of insight."

A light pillar flickered in the distance; the heavenly maiden carrying a food box approached them, laying out plate after plate of spiritual fruits—compared to those on site, some large, some small, they indeed fell short of the standard.

Gouhui casually snatched a few small fruits and tossed them into her mouth; instantly her eyes lit up, and she asked:

"What is this? I have never eaten it before."

Nüwa laughed:

"This is a Purple Jade Fragrant Bell Bundle; although only of medium grade, its flavor is superb, and it cannot be seen in the outside world."

"Its yield is scarce; just this single plate requires ten thousand years to produce."

Such a scene repeated over the next period, while Qi also approached the side of the Three Pure Ones, intending to go greet them.

(End of chapter)