Chapter 268

268. Chapter 268 Di Jun leaves seclusion, thoughts and plans

White Ox drags across the sky‑filled clouds and rosy vapors, stained with the afterglow of the setting sun, as if pulling the carriage of the heavenly dome, leaving a variegated five‑colored remnant rainbow.

On the road back, Qi and Taiyi Nüwa did not continue to torment the White Spirit, merely leaning lightly on the cloud carriage, their dignified composure intact, without speaking.

As the carriage passes, at times cloud and rosy vapor falls, like a swaying tassel, or like heavenly flowers scattered, sprouting lingzhi grass where it lands, and where it passes, precious dew arises.

Resembling pearls and jade attached to plants, it does not wither under sun exposure, nor does it stain when touched by rain and dew; rinsing off dust and dirt, it remains unstained by impurity.

Wherever it passes, all calamities are eliminated, all phenomena renewed, disasters averted; beholders enjoy the five blessings: dispelling plague, dispelling poverty, avoiding decay, escaping misfortune, suffering no sword or halberd wounds.

The white soil becomes fertile and rich, the dry water meets rain and brings forth life, endless; all beings who see it bow in thanks to the God of Thunder Heavenly Speech Purifying the World Embracing Vast Broad Faith Wise Teacher, and to the Cloud Dream Relieving Calamities Purifying the World Great Heavenly Venerable Bei Fang Primordial Qi Great Emperor.

Again they give thanks to the Great Benevolent Kind Virtuous True Treasure Empress Nüwa, and to the God of Thunder Heaven Great Sun Vast Heavenly Divine Noble East Emperor Taiyi.

All peoples pay homage, to thank the Heavenly Court's grace and virtue; their sincere devotion moves heaven and earth.

Qi and Taiyi Nüwa made no move, showing not the slightest awkwardness, until they returned to the Heavenly Realm, only then could they relax.

"The Fragrant Pavilion Treasure Carriage, followed by myriad peoples, though receiving reverence, is also most wearisome."

Nüwa, upon entering the Heavenly Realm, flew straight to the God of Thunder Heaven; but as soon as she landed, she opened her mouth to complain.

Taiyi is likewise, seated high upon the treasure carriage, daring not to show the slightest blemish; even a casual attitude would bring ill effect, thinking of the return journey, Taiyi also could not help but speak:

"It is truly torment: clothing must have no creases, face no micro‑expressions, dignified bearing, appearing glorious yet in fact the utmost restraint."

Qi paid no heed to their complaints, merely smiling and saying:

"Do you now know the hardship of my lecturing the Dao back then? Your journey of merely a thousand years has already become this; alas, when I lectured the Dao, I could not relax at all."

"And it is not only I; all beings are thus: from ancient times the Dharma must not be lightly transmitted, practice must not be exceeded; I must observe precepts when transmitting the Dao, while they who listen to the Dao suffer all the more."

"If it were not so, how could I have refrained from lecturing to this day? Know that aside from being the Heavenly Court's Emperor, I am still the God of Thunder Heavenly Speech Purifying the World Embracing Vast Broad Faith Wise Teacher of the primordial beings."

While the three were relaxing, Fuxi quietly approached and said with a light laugh:

"I think so too; otherwise why would Qi, whenever he goes out, always hide and dare not let outsiders see him."

"Fuxi."

"Fuxi."

"Elder brother!"

The three exchanged greetings; after Fuxi performed his salute, he cheerfully sat beside them, waving his bare hand to boil a kettle of clear spring water, and served the tea to everyone.

Qi took a slight sip, merely moistening his lips and face; a fresh fragrance spread through his mouth, then he held the tea in his mouth but did not swallow, using it only to rinse.

"I did not really want to return so early, but having calculated that Di Jun is about to leave seclusion, I could only come back ahead of time."

"Since we have known each other, whenever someone enters seclusion and has a chance to meet, upon leaving seclusion there must be someone to welcome them; today should be no exception."

Qi smiled faintly; Fuxi, Nüwa, and Taiyi were likewise, having been acquainted for so long that they inevitably often recalled the past.

But now their stations differ from before; the conversation among the five always mixes in some primordial matters, and in their idle chat they add some scheming against outsiders.

Although it does not affect everyone's talk, it has somewhat changed, losing some of the former elegance and gaining a measure of confidence to dominate the world.

Just as they were conversing, Kunpeng and Bai Ze came to disturb; Taiyi and Nüwa frowned slightly, while Fuxi and Qi did not find it surprising.

"Your servant Kunpeng (Bai Ze), pays respects to Your Majesties."

Kunpeng bowed in salute; his initially gloomy visage had changed considerably, gaining a steadiness like Mount Tai.

Fuxi lightly raised his hand, making a gesture of no need for ceremony, and said: "Heavenly Venerables and True Lords need not stand on formality; I wonder what brings you here."

Kunpeng's face unchanged, he straightened his back and said:

"Reporting to Your Majesty, I have previously, outside the Heavenly Realm, seen several emperors' carriages suddenly return; I reckon a great matter is about to occur, so I have come especially to inquire."

Bai Ze likewise said: "Exactly so; after all, several Majesties have suddenly returned, while the primordial realm shows no great movement, so there must be some affair."

"I and the Vast Sea Heavenly Venerable have come this time precisely for this reason; if there truly is an important matter, we can prepare in advance."

Fuxi also knew why the two acted thus; today the political factions of the Heavenly Court are almost led by these two.

They handle court affairs, maintaining the Heavenly Court's orders smooth and its balance; their greatest worry is that within the Heavenly Court there might be some unforeseen situation unknown to them.

This would leave them unable to respond when caught off guard; if it persisted, it would undoubtedly shake their political standing.

This is unacceptable to both sides, yet Qi and company often have wild, unfettered ideas.

Although the outcome tends to be good, it inevitably leaves those who implement it scrambling.

"Actually there is nothing major; the Heavenly Court now only needs to proceed step by step, continuing the previous plan."

"Emperor Qi and company have returned merely because Emperor Qi speculated that the Heavenly Emperor might soon leave seclusion; out of affection they specially came back to welcome him."

Fuxi's mouth corner curled slightly; Di Jun's leaving seclusion would undoubtedly relieve him of much pressure, while Nüwa and Taiyi are unaware of affairs, and Qi is lazy about official duties.

During the time Qi and company were out touring, it exhausted him terribly; whenever Fuxi thought of this, he could not help but grit his teeth, and then miss Di Jun all the more.

Kunpeng and Bai Ze, upon hearing the news that Di Jun would soon leave seclusion, were also quite pleased.

It is not that they are dissatisfied with Fuxi's grasp of power, but compared to Di Jun, Fuxi's speed in handling affairs is still considerably slower.

Fuxi considers too many things, always striving for perfection; this undoubtedly delays much work's progress, lengthening the work hours.

The more conscientious Fuxi is, the more Kunpeng and Bai Ze suffer; after all, in the Heavenly Court, with several emperors absent, only they two can consult with Fuxi.

Just this single plenary meeting has almost tripled the workload of Kunpeng and Bai Ze; although thoroughness is good, it has worn them out.

Whenever after consulting with Fuxi, they must still arrange the work's details, and during execution they must stare intently, fearing to be caught by the other's fault while also seeking the other's mistake.

Especially Kunpeng, he also does not know what promise Bai Ze has made, actually causing the Battle Department and the Dragon Clan to covertly lean toward the other side.

This move broke his grip on the Heavenly Court; the formerly stable advantage was suddenly torn open, returning to a state of even balance.

Kunpeng may occasionally gain an edge, but to return to the former state of one beneath myriad above, with gestures summoning throngs of followers, is hardly possible.

"Now I understand; then we shall not further disturb, for there remain unfinished matters in our departments; we take our leave."

Fuxi grunted, gave a slight nod; Kunpeng and Bai Ze slowly withdrew from the hall, until they left the palace gate, only then did they show a smile. Seeing each other likewise, they could not help but grow to dislike each other, gave a cold snort, and each went their separate ways.

Although Qi was in the main hall, Queqiao saw the two's discordant appearance and laughed, saying:

"I don't know whether these two truly dislike each other, or if they're just being overly clever, putting on an act for us to see."

Fuxi glanced at Qi, then said indifferently: "It doesn't matter whether they are clever or truly not in harmony; truth or falsehood isn't important. Anyway, they have shown their attitude, and we have seen it."

As long as it doesn't affect the operation of the Heavenly Court or damage its interests, some conflict between them is actually more beneficial to the Heavenly Court.

However, in my view, they don't seem to be putting on an act; although there is no great hatred, it's normal for them to dislike each other.

Power, especially the power to control the major affairs of the primordial world, they are all high-ranking officials, wielding authority over court and countryside—how could they easily let go?

Moreover, the size of power and the difference in status relate to how much of the fortune's share one receives; how many cultivators can actually let go of that?

Nüwa has never taken part in such discussions; she is not interested in this matter. No matter how they fight, as long as it stays within the rules, it won't affect the overall situation.

Taiyi responded with some disappointment:

Being immersed in the struggle for power and fortune, yet forgetting cultivation—such conduct is somewhat putting the cart before the horse.

Even if they receive a richer share of fortune, if their mind is not on cultivation and they lack focus, how could it be long-lasting?

By then, the allocated fortune would only serve to make up for the neglected cultivation, which would merely invite ridicule.

The three of them largely agreed with Taiyi's words, and they have always acted accordingly; after all, no matter how strong the Heavenly Court is, it ultimately needs one's own strength as a foundation.

Otherwise, in the end, aside from possessing a rich fortune, they would gain nothing else.

If they encounter more ambitious individuals, even the strongest force would ultimately just be making wedding clothes for others, and lacking strength, how could they command respect?

One must know that the primordial world has always revered strength above all, and Qi has deeply felt this.

Back when he first ventured out, he went to hunt the ferocious beast Chaos, but instead encountered the Beast King Shen Ni; fortunately, he met Hongjun and the Ancestral Dragon, which saved him and avoided a life‑death crisis.

Qi also, because of his likable personality, was called 'little friend' by others; later, as his cultivation progressed, the term changed to 'fellow Daoist'.

Nowadays, everyone under heaven knows the name of His Majesty Qi; wherever he goes, all who come pay him respect.

Even the Dao Ancestor Hongjun harbors no contempt; wherever Qi's divine sense reaches, there is no place under heaven he cannot go.

Nüwa turned her head and saw Qi looking absent‑minded, not knowing what he was thinking, so she asked:

Qi, what else is on your mind? Why are you distracted?

Qi merely smiled and said:

Just now I thought of the past and felt somewhat moved, but seeing the present scene, I can see a bright future.

As soon as his words fell, everyone turned their heads together, looking toward the rear courtyard of the Hall of Ascending Heaven; a strand of purple qi flew out, dyeing the God Heaven with a scene of purple qi coming from the east, and then it vanished between heaven and earth.

At the same moment, an aura belonging to the Grand Unity Dao burst forth, like a great sun hanging in the sky, and the yang qi between heaven and earth boiled violently and became active.

Di Jun seems about to leave seclusion; look at his aura—his gains appear extraordinary.

Without the aid of the primordial purple qi, Di Jun would likely be unable to adapt in a short time, and his cultivation would suffer.

Qi's smile was full of affirmation; he too had comprehended the primordial purple qi, and after separating from it, that sense of vagueness toward heaven and earth could not be adapted to in a short time.

The gap between the two makes it harder for those with deeper cultivation to adapt.

It's like a severely nearsighted person whose vision suddenly improves, then after becoming accustomed to clarity, suddenly reverts to the previous blurriness.

During that period there was no turning point, nor any time given to adapt; all kinds of discomfort would surge into the mind, inevitably causing agitation and lack of calm—how could one cultivate then? Fuxi and Taiyi did not understand the primordial purple qi, nor had they comprehended it, but fortunately, their experience in the Purple Cloud Palace allowed them to empathize.

Taiyi thought for a moment, then spoke with a somewhat indifferent attitude: "No problem; I think my elder brother will get used to it, after all, even if he doesn't, he has no choice."

Fuxi gave Taiyi a strange glance, then looked at Nüwa and said: "Nüwa, you cannot be like Taiyi, speaking such cold, heartless words so lightly."

Fortunately I am not Di Jun, nor his brother; otherwise I wouldn't dare imagine hearing such words—I wouldn't know if I could bear them.

Nüwa, however, laughed and said:

Elder brother, you need not worry; you have never possessed the primordial purple qi, so naturally you would not have that gap, and without a gap there is nothing to adapt to.

Upon hearing this, Qi and Taiyi burst into laughter, while Fuxi waved his hand across his face, feigning sorrow, and then joked:

I never expected you to be like this; after all my past affection for you, you younger siblings have not a single conscience among you.

Before the words had even left his mouth, Fuxi himself couldn't help but laugh, joining Qi, Nüwa, and Taiyi in laughter.

Meanwhile, Di Jun, who had just emerged from seclusion and had always struggled to enter tranquility, saw his primordial spirit just return, his aura restrained, and he noticed the laughter echoing in the courtyard.

Never mind—what I gain is my fortune, what I lose is my fate; having already lost it, why torment myself? Let's go drink and enjoy together with them.

Di Jun revealed a smile, was about to rise, but then seemed to think of something and murmured to himself: "The primordial purple qi is the supreme treasure of the world, said to be the foremost object for comprehending the Dao in the primordial realm; the Dao Ancestor once said that there still remains one escaped piece of it in this primordial world."

The few disciples of the Profound Sect are not to be provoked by the Heavenly Court, especially since the Three Purities are one and on good terms with the Heavenly Court; they must not be schemed against.

Nüwa's possession of the primordial purple qi must be guarded well, otherwise outsiders will inevitably covet it.

The Kun‑peng is a minister of the Heavenly Court, and within it he has achieved great merit through hard work; as his ruler, how could I covet his belongings? That would be improper.

Immediately, Di Jun's gaze fell once more upon the west, where Jieyin and Zhunti seemed to be just right: "It's perfect that Qi and Taiyi are distracted, pursuing the Dao to verify the Grand Unity Infinite Heavenly Honored God—they don't need the primordial purple qi, and Nüwa already has her own, so I need not worry further."

Moreover, both Jieyin and Zhunti possess this treasure, and Zhunti is not among the six disciples of the Profound Sect, making him the ideal target.

Two strands of primordial purple qi would be just enough for me and Fuxi to use!

Di Jun said this, his eyes suddenly brightening, then he quickly composed himself and strode out.

He did not intend to tell everyone about this; whether it could succeed or not, he first needed to make some probes, and only when he had confidence could he inform them.

Nüwa also possesses primordial purple qi in her hand; since Di Jun plans to obtain it from outsiders, he naturally must consider it carefully before acting.

Best to kill with a single blow, settle the matter once and for all, so as not to let Nüwa bear a grudge, which would affect everyone's feelings.

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