Chapter 279

"I, the humble Daoist Hongjun, feel: the Great Dao is fifty, the Heavenly Derivation forty-nine, yet he hides one. Therefore the Heavenly Dao is incomplete; I will unite my body with the Dao, henceforth I will not manifest in the Primordial."

"From this point onward, the Heavenly Dao is Hongjun, and Hongjun is not the Heavenly Dao; to those with karmic affinity, I hope they will uphold themselves."

Hongjun lifts the Jade Disc of Creation; the purple qi filling the sky all enter the disc, countless sweet rain falls, and all the myriad evils, sins, and calamities of the world are dispelled one by one.

All corresponding illnesses, all corresponding obstacles, all arising miasmas—everything dissipates.

Sweet rain falls; flowers, birds, and fish become pure; as it ends, myriad Dao arise; a gentle breeze passes, branches hang laden with fruit, and as its fragrance spreads, myriad beasts enjoy it.

Even if it is a heavenly earthly spiritual root, after this gentle breeze passes, it bears abundant fruit on its fine branches.

The Purple Cloud Palace manifests between heaven and earth; in the sight of all gods and primordial beings, Hongjun strides forward nine steps, each aided by azure clouds, directly entering the palace interior.

The Great Dao at the horizon serves as a path, emitting myriad rays of light to be used as a tether; countless rays of light entwine above the Purple Cloud Palace, like the reins used to pull a carriage.

Hongjun entered the Purple Cloud Palace in nine steps, and the Great Dao guiding Hongjun also took nine breaths.

Yet as the Purple Cloud Palace vanished, the Primordial immediately fell into great joy of harvest, though limited to the mundane realm.

Di Jun glanced at Qi beside him, and at Fuxi, Taiyi, and Nüwa; seeing everyone's expressions calm, yet their eyes held a hint of excitement.

He then turned his gaze to the eight senior gods of the Heavenly Court's eight divisions, who were waiting silently atop the Lofty Heavens Treasure Hall, as well as the ten great generals.

With Kunpeng and Bai Ze as their leaders, they stood silently in the main hall, surrounded by thin mist on the floor that lacked immortal aura, instead exuding a hint of killing intent.

Di Jun smiled with satisfaction upon seeing this, then shouted loudly:

"All gods, hear the command!"

His voice thundered like clapping thunder, and seemed as if a great sun had descended upon them, causing everyone in the Lingxiao Treasure Hall to shudder, straighten their bodies, and speak in unison:

"Order received!"

"The Heavenly Court has reversed order, brought chaos to Xifang Dalu, rashly raised the weapons of war, causing the primordial world's beings to suffer; they deserve death! Are you all willing to join me in punishing them?"

Di Jun slightly spread his arms, his coronet robes' long sleeves hanging to the ground; as his robes swayed, as the ruler of the primordial world, the kingly aura came forth.

"We have received the order!"

Di Jun's smile grew brighter as he said, "Where are Qiming and Changeng?"

Qiming and Changeng stepped forward, bowed, and said, "I am here."

"You shall lead the Thunder Division's gods, first go to Xifang Dalu to clear the way for the army; all who obstruct shall be slain!"

"I have received the order!"

After receiving the order, Qiming and Changeng immediately returned to their positions; as they retreated, Di Jun spoke again:

"Where is Yinglong?"

"I am here."

"Your responsibility is the greatest; you shall command the heavenly soldiers and generals, and attack all places not yet occupied by the Wu Clan; the Ten Great Divine Generals are at your disposal."

"The Thunder Division and Plague Division must also cooperate with your actions; with this support, I naturally have further demands for you."

"Not only must you fight beyond Penglai Immortal Island, but the Wu Clan must not touch even a bit of the land the Heavenly Court has conquered."

"This war must not only be won, but won decisively; we must display the Heavenly Court's might abroad, so that the ignorant may know and the ambitious understand that the Heavenly Court is an insurmountable mountain to them."

Di Jun's words were full of domineering aura, while Yinglong's expression was firm and excited as he said:

"I have received the order; I will surely not fail Your Majesty's trust!"

Di Jun nodded, then continued to call the next person.

"Where is Bai Ze?"

"I am here."

"You shall command the Fire Division, calculate military merits, and ensure no shortage in military supplies; with the army abroad, everything must prioritize warfare."

"I have received the order."

Bai Ze remained as calm as ever, yet the excitement in his eyes could not be concealed; even with his cultivation of breath, he could barely maintain his composure.

Di Jun had no spare attention to note Bai Ze's appearance, merely continuing to look at the Heavenly Court's final senior minister and saying, "Where is Kunpeng?"

"I am here."

"Now the four upper divisions are for war use; I and the other sovereigns will also go to the battlefield. If the war goes well, you shall remain in the Heavenly Court to command the four lower divisions, maintaining the Court's status quo."

"When the decisive battle arrives, you may then proceed to Penglai without delay; all supplies shall prioritize the war, and during this period you must not affect the livelihood of the eastern, southern, and northern continents."

When discussing livelihood, Di Jun's voice softened somewhat, but the firm intent within was naturally felt by Kunpeng, who merely smiled lightly in response:

"I have received the order."

Seeing Kunpeng accept, Di Jun immediately addressed the assembled persons:

"This war concerns the rise and fall of the Heavenly Court; you must unite and fight bravely for its glory. We shall surely return victorious, letting all beings of the primordial world witness the Heavenly Court's might."

"I will dutifully follow Your Majesty's command..."

As the Heavenly Court issued order after order, the heavenly soldiers and generals, long sustained, finally had the chance for a true large-scale operation.

Qi and Di Jun, etc., originally intended to display the Heavenly Court's majesty, so they would naturally not disturb or conceal the heavenly secrets; consequently, the heavenly secrets became chaotic and perilous.

In the gods' eyes, they naturally understood what had happened; they had waited a long time, yet they never expected the Heavenly Court to be unwilling to wait even a moment longer.

Heaven unleashes killing intent, the stars shift and the constellations turn.

Earth unleashes killing intent, dragons and snakes rise upon the land.

Humans unleash killing intent, heaven and earth are overturned.

The Heavenly Court's actions seemed to stir the Heavenly Dao's rules hidden in the depths; the entire primordial world felt that surging, tumultuous killing intent.

The earth seemed to be awakened by a mysterious power; mountains and rivers trembled, rivers surged.

As the Heavenly Court, which holds the qi of heaven, earth, and man, finally could no longer restrain itself and prepared to act, the resulting chain reaction was naturally extraordinary.

In the gods' view, they only then realized how terrifying the Heavenly Court, which possesses the power of the three talents of the divine Dao, would be when it truly moved to act.

Kunlun Mountain.

"Star positions shift, heavenly timing changes, mountains and rivers surge, earthly timing alters; the Heavenly Court has actually accumulated such people's spirit and qi fortune!"

The Primordial Daoist felt somewhat incredulous, muttering to himself.

The Three Pure Ones were all somewhat shocked, never imagining that a force could actually stir such heavenly and earthly changes.

Although they also felt this was reasonable, after all, this is the first force since the Primordial Wasteland's great beast calamity that could unite the myriad clans and alone control the Primordial Wasteland.

Over a hundred yuanhui of peace absorbed many innate divine saints and heavenly gods and earthly deities, firmly grasping the Primordial Wasteland's cosmic and mortal fortunes in hand.

It's not abnormal for the Heavenly Court to have such influence, yet it's unsurprising that people feel shocked.

"The Immortal Court is in peril."

The Virtuous Daoist sighed, then turned and walked toward his abode; the outcome of this Heavenly Court vs. Immortal Court struggle is already decided, so there's no need to pay attention any further.

The Numinous Treasure Daoist also let out a long sigh, then turned and left; now this chaotic situation will require him to keep a close eye on his few disciples.

People of the Immortal Court wander throughout the Primordial Wasteland; his few disciples are somewhat acquainted, lest they get dragged in when the time comes.

Looking at the Heavenly Court's current state, they won't show any restraint; if one truly falls into their hands, one fears ending up with body destroyed and dao extinguished.

Teaching disciples is not easy, but we cannot let them just be worn away like this.

After the two departed, only the Primordial Daoist remained in the field. After a brief hesitation, he merely sighed and tightened the closed mountain gate a bit more.

He thought to himself: 'I am originally a recluse; why bother getting involved in the Primordial Wasteland's right and wrong? Anyway, I am powerless, so it would only add worries.'

West Kunlun.

Gou Hui glanced at the Heavenly Secret; the helplessness in his eyes was almost visible to the naked eye.

As Lu Wu hurried from afar, Gou Hui had no mind to respond, merely saying calmly: 'From today onward, close the mountain gate; no outsiders shall be admitted to West Kunlun until the great battle ends.'

"Among the female immortals who come to seek refuge under my door, if anyone has matters to attend to, they must leave within three days. Henceforth, they shall have nothing to do with West Kunlun." After speaking, Gou Hui's silhouette vanished, leaving the rushing Lu Wu grasping at emptiness.

Lu Wu looked at the empty field before him, and after a long silence he sighed:

"What kind of person is my lord? I actually have a day where I cannot see myself clearly; thinking of making rash proposals, I am truly foolish beyond measure."

"How could the current situation in the Primordial Wasteland be something we dare to guess? Even the lord himself is not free."

"How laughable, how laughable, Lu Wu! You claim to be a clear-sighted sage, yet you cannot see yourself, causing the lord to lose his chance to decide for nothing."

"Foolish! Lu Wu, you are truly the most foolish person under heaven!"

As the words fell, Lu Wu looked at his own appearance and mocked: "What qualification does such a foolish person have to be a human appearance?"

Lu Wu turned and left. As he walked step by step, his true form gradually revealed, transforming into a tiger-bodied, human-faced, nine-tailed tiger person.

From then on, Lu Wu never changed his Dao form again; he always showed his true form to others and never left West Kunlun.

In Penglai Immortal Island, Duke East wore a solemn expression, continually sending messages to recall the Immortal Court's disciples abroad.

He naturally sensed the changes in the Heavenly Secret; the sense of danger in his heart almost overwhelmed him.

Standing on a high place of Penglai Immortal Island, Duke East gazed at the distant Tian Ji shrouded in misty clouds, his expression growing ever more grave.

"Can't even wait a moment?"

No one could answer Duke East's question, and he had no one beside him.

He also did not wish to hear the answer, merely watching countless escape lights fly continuously from afar toward Penglai Immortal Island, like meteors scattering across the sky.

In the distance, a figure hurried over, extremely anxious; the comer was none other than Lord White Cloud.

Upon seeing Duke East, Lord White Cloud immediately spoke in a flustered manner:

"My lord, this change in the Heavenly Secret may herald great calamity. On my return journey, I have already sensed multiple places where heavenly and earthly spiritual qi surges abnormally, as if an ominous sign."

"The Heavenly Court's arrival this time must be with the determination to annihilate us. Now all the immortal lords have arrived; we await your lordship to discuss together."

Duke East nodded slightly, his eyes flashing with wisdom and resolve, as well as a hint of reluctance and madness; facing the flustered Lord White Cloud, he merely comforted: "Please ease your mind; though the Heavenly Court comes with mighty force, it is not arriving instantly, and we still have time to respond."

"No need to be so urgent; although the Heavenly Court is strong, our Immortal Court is not a bunch to be pushed around."

"We fourteen Quasi-Saints are all present; even if we cannot defeat the Heavenly Court, we must at least break a tooth of his."

"Moreover, we are not to be slaughtered at will; as long as we unite wholeheartedly, we are not without a chance to win, and the disciples of the Immortal Court are also many heroes!"

Duke East's words were spoken with firm conviction, but Lord White Cloud still harbored doubts; however, this was not the time to dwell on them, for many immortal lords were still waiting in the hall.

"What my lord said is also what we think. Nevertheless, making early preparations will ultimately be better; my lord should first go with me to the hall to receive the immortal lords."

Duke East nodded, then turned and rode the clouds toward the Immortal Court's hall; his speed was not slow, but neither was it urgent.

Lord White Cloud, seeing Duke East's composed demeanor, felt anxious yet unconsciously let out a breath of relief.

And after Duke East sensed Lord White Cloud's change, his heart finally let out a long sigh.

Now as the master of the Immortal Court, facing danger, he must not show weakness.

If even he, the leader, were panicked beyond measure, how could anyone else in the Immortal Court still have a chance to win?

What Duke East never expected was that, although everyone knows they will eventually face the Heavenly Court, now that the anticipated event has occurred, everyone is behaving this way.

This left him somewhat disappointed, yet it also made him understand the weight of the Heavenly Court more clearly.

Duke East entered the Immortal Court's hall; the twelve immortal lords rose together to show respect.

Only after Duke East took his seat at the head did the thirteen immortal lords, including Lord White Cloud, gradually sit down.

Looking at the crowd below, Duke East's voice was steady and powerful as he said: "Now the Heavenly Court's attack is imminent; how should the Immortal Court respond? You, the pillars of the Immortal Court, may speak freely."

Duke East's gaze was like a torch, sweeping over each person present; feeling his gaze, they all fell into contemplation.

The atmosphere inside the Immortal Court's hall was solemn, as if an invisible pressure weighed upon everyone.

Seeing this, Duke East shouted: "The Heavenly Court has not yet attacked; why are you behaving like this? Could it be that you've been scared stiff?"

"You and I have associated for dozens of yuanhui, and our clashes with the Wu Clan have been many; how strong is the Wu Clan?"

"The Twelve Ancestral Witches are all outstanding among the Quasi-Saints, even not inferior to those of the Primordial Origin Dao; moreover, several renowned Great Witches possess strength far surpassing their peers."

"Even so, we have contended with such strong enemies since our westward crossing from Penglai Island, and there have already been twelve yuanhui."

"Facing such pressure, the Immortal Court has not been without loss; even among the immortal lords, one has been slain by them."

"In the face of such threatening predicament, we have never feared or compromised; likewise we have slain several of their Great Witches as retribution."

The two sides fought, trading blows; the Immortal Court also never suffered a loss.

Yet when facing such a strong enemy, when facing the brave and death-defying Wu Clan, the Immortal Court never showed any decline.

But now, look: one who has ruled the Primordial Wilderness since time immemorial has never engaged an external enemy.

One who merely stole the fruits after the three clans withdrew, a thief! A bandit! Yet you have been frightened into this state!

Is this still the Immortal Court that once fought the Wu Clan to the death, widely spread the Great Dao, regarded the world as its duty, unafraid of sacrifice, unafraid of casualties?

Take another look at yourselves—do you still have even a trace of the bloody courage you once had when slaughtering those ancestral Wu?

Speak!

Having spoken to this point, Dong Wanggong's anger flared; he shouted loudly, causing the thirteen Immortal Lords present to bow their heads in fear, daring not to speak.

Only after a moment did the atmosphere in the hall ease somewhat, and the courage in the Immortal Lords' hearts was stirred, whereupon one stood up and spoke.

This is our fault—we faltered before battle. I willingly accept punishment! If not for your exalted reminder this time, I fear a heart-devil would arise in the future.

And with that one's first utterance, the hall's atmosphere instantly livened up.

Previously, aside from Dong Wanggong's voice, the hall had been silent; now it had a few sounds of chatter.

Seeing them regain their courage, Dong Wanggong's heart eased a little, knowing that the easiest hurdle for now was over.

The many Immortal Lords renewed their fighting spirit, and the previously dormant Spiritual Masters naturally became active as well, offering various suggestions.

Some proposed recalling all the cultivators who spread the Dao, integrating military preparations, to contend with the Heavenly Court; but as soon as this was said, it immediately drew opposition from everyone, who thought it unwise.

Thus it was proposed: the Immortal Court's people should be split into small units, to entangle with the Heavenly Court's people in Xifang Dalu, dividing the territory the Immortal Court occupies there, with each Immortal Lord leading a team to contend.

But this plan likewise met opposition, for Penglai Immortal Island is too precious to abandon; otherwise, if the Heavenly Court took it, the Immortal Court would become a rootless stream, ultimately annihilated by the Heavenly Court in Xifang Dalu.

Some took a more extreme view, arguing that we should simply abandon that half of Xifang Dalu, concentrate our strength on Penglai Immortal Island, leaving only a team outside to keep in touch.

At the same time, we would repair the formations, using a grand formation to meet the enemy; as long as we hold Penglai Immortal Island, we could eventually wear down the Heavenly Court.

For a moment, opinions ran wild, troubling Dong Wanggong endlessly; finally he could only helplessly interject:

"Everyone, stop arguing; the situation is urgent, and continuing this debate gets us nowhere. Please allow me to consider carefully before deciding."

Seeing them all full of extraordinary confidence, Dong Wanggong could only try to cool them, saying: "Moreover, today you have regained your courage, which I also find gratifying, but do not be careless; the might of the Heavenly Court must not be taken lightly."

"Your emotions have swung wildly before, inevitably clouding your thoughts; the matters you consider are bound to have omissions. Rather than strain in vain, let us first calm our minds."

"After you have returned to calm, then consider your prior thoughts carefully; the Heavenly Court is not an easy opponent, and it will not tolerate any mistake from us."

"For today, you should first go back, rest awhile, and then deliberate."

After seeing off the many Immortal Lords one by one, Dong Wanggong then sat alone in the hall, feeling only weary, and muttered softly.

"You may be strong, but I, Dong Wanggong, having this resolve and daring to act, will not fear you; in the end, who wins will depend on our respective means."

"Your bodies of Greater and Lesser Yang can attain the position of Heavenly Emperor; I, as pure Yang, can do the same!"

As his words fell, Dong Wanggong's eyes grew firm, as if his previous fatigue had vanished, his gaze bright and sharp.

But what it revealed was not the lightness of an immortal or the dignity of a god, but rather a burgeoning ambition.

PS: This is a 5000-word chapter; so far this month we have over a hundred monthly votes—although it's before the event, I accept it!

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