Chapter 458: Taishang Laojun: Take Him, Go Split the Mountain

Zhun Ti looked toward Jieyin, as if waiting for Jieyin to make the decision.

The Ancestral Demon's words were not without reason; the crisis was already laid out squarely before them.

They had not expected that even after sending Lu Ya to take the Nail-Head Seven-Arrow Book and unleash a Zhushu that could not be defended against, they still failed to kill Tang An.

It was just that in the past, they had only cooperated with the Outer Realm Demon Race in secret to earn some Merit. Now, if it were truly as the Ancestral Demon said, and they joined forces to open the Two-Domain Passage, they would likely have no path of return.

The Western Sect, it seemed, was truly about to fall completely and be rejected by the Heavenly Dao.

"The Ancestral Demons of the Outer Realm Demon Race are already prepared; it only awaits the two of you to nod."

"However, this Venerable is not in a rush for an answer, because very soon you will have no choice but to cooperate with my race in order to save your lives and preserve the Western Sect."

"Otherwise, if you fall short of success, you know the consequences better than this Venerable."

The Ancestral Demon's dharma body vanished, leaving space for the Two Sages to continue weighing the pros and cons.

In any case, time was running out, and it was not he who was nervous.

In the East, the Heavenly Court, outside the Nantian Men.

An immortal with a refined and elegant appearance, looking quite scholarly, was talking about something with another immortal who was burly and forthright.

Listening closely, one could discover that the two were saying their reluctant goodbyes.

"Godmother, is this the Wenqu Star and Wuqu Xing you were looking for?"

Chenxiang poked his head out from outside the Nantian Men, and then four more heads appeared above his. It was easy to guess that it was certainly Tang An and her three disciples.

Sun Wukong was puzzled, "Master, aren't we here carrying the Jade Emperor's imperial decree? Why are we skulking around here?"

"Ah, this..."

That made sense!

Tang An coughed twice and walked out from the side of the Nantian Men.

Seeing Tang An and the others arrive, Wenqu Star and Wuqu Xing hurriedly bowed.

After all, on the first day Tang An was conferred a god, the matter of her robbing the Jade Emperor and Queen Mother had already spread throughout the Heavenly Court.

Furthermore, she was the Chang'an Princess of the Three Realms, and the others were the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, the Judicial God, and the Supreme Commander of the Heavenly Court. Logically, they should also pay their respects.

"We, the minor gods, have seen..."

Tang An waved her hand, signaling that they did not need to perform those empty formalities.

"You two, where are you going?"

Wenqu Star bowed and said, "This minor god is about to descend to the mortal world to undergo a tribulation, and Wuqu Xing is here to see me off."

"Oh." Tang An looked at Wuqu Xing, "Are you reluctant to part with him?"

Wuqu Xing was stunned, "Uh... this minor god naturally..."

"Then you two should just go down together."

"Ah?"

"Smack!"

"Ah!!!!!!"

Tang An kicked them, and listening to the screams falling from the Heavenly Court, she threw the Jade Emperor's imperial decree down along with them.

She clapped her hands and said, "Don't blame me for being unrighteous; I am fulfilling your brotherhood."

Afterward, Tang An took a megaphone and shouted downward, "Wuqu Xing, go and undergo your tribulation with peace of mind, and remember to protect your mother in the mortal world well."

"When you two return from your tribulation, this Venerable will have other gifts to bestow upon you, thanks~"

Wuqu Xing's cracked, howling voice still lingered in her ears; he seemed to have cursed something, but it was unclear and had been scattered by the wind.

"Such a temper, but then again, it's Wuqu Xing; it's understandable to be straightforward." Tang An had settled the matter and was in a great mood.

Chenxiang picked at the corner of his lip on the side, "Godmother, it seems like you were the one who kicked them down first."

"That's not important; what's important is the result. The result fulfilled the wish, which is the most important thing." Tang An patted Chenxiang's head before realizing. "Whose side are you on?"

"I... I am naturally on Godmother's side." Chenxiang chuckled; he had no doubt that if he said the wrong thing, Tang An could kick him down from here just the same.

"You brat." Tang An naturally would not bicker with him, "Alright, go do whatever you want."

"You can wander around the Heavenly Court, but don't forget the main business."

"Godmother." Chenxiang opened his arms to block Tang An, "Can I go to Lingshan with you all?"

"Please rest assured, that was a bitter-meat ruse before. I have been eating Immortal Pills and longevity peaches since I was a child, and you also crossed my name off in the Underworld; I won't die."

"Since I want to grow, I must go and experience some things."

"Chenxiang can be a child, but Chenxiang cannot live under your protection forever, and even less can he always be a child."

"I don't want one day, when the Three Realms are in trouble, and you and Mother are in trouble, for me to just watch helplessly and be unable to do anything, only being a useless burden."

Tang An had not expected that Chenxiang could say such things.

She looked at Yang Jian, knowing that Yang Jian must have talked to Chenxiang.

"Master." Yang Jian said solemnly, "I know you don't want Chenxiang to follow our old path."

"But a man is born to stand tall; Chenxiang can hide his talents, but he cannot be without the ability to protect himself when the time comes."

"The Opening Heaven Axe needs to recognize Chenxiang as its master; Chenxiang must pass the test to be able to wield this innate supreme treasure."

Although the Kaishan Axe was incomplete, they had Taishang Laojun. Even if the restored Kaishan Axe could not be mentioned in the same breath as the one from the past, its power to open heaven and earth still could not be underestimated.

Tang An pondered for a moment and let out a long breath.

"In the battle at Lingshan, we have to face two Sages, as well as a crisis where we might completely break with the Heavenly Dao. I really am not at ease with him going; I will be distracted."

"How about..."

"Girl Tang." The Jade Emperor appeared here, followed by Taibai Jinxing and a group of immortals.

"If you trust me, I will take him."

"With me here, the Heavenly Dao will not hurt him, and the two Sages of the Western Sect will not dare to hurt me."

The Jade Emperor knew that the situation in the Three Realms was about to undergo a major reshuffle.

Tang An's status, it seemed, could not be shaken even by the Heavenly Dao.

Although he had been controlled by the Heavenly Dao during the previous events, he had ultimately participated in them. Now was an excellent opportunity to resolve those grievances.

"Do you think I would believe you?" Tang An scrutinized the Jade Emperor and asked in return.

The Jade Emperor knew it would be very difficult to gain Tang An's trust again, or rather, that Tang An had never trusted him.

"I offer my guarantee in the name of the Lord of the Three Realms."

Given the current situation, it was impossible for the Heavenly Court to remain aloof. It was either an alliance with Tang An or standing against her. Clearly, he had to choose the former.

After all, although Sun Wukong held a nominal position, Yang Jian and Nezha held the lifeblood of the Heavenly Court in their hands. If she truly harbored thoughts of replacing the Jade Emperor, he would be in real danger.

"I have already issued an imperial decree; all the Immortals of Heaven shall obey your commands."

"This is the extent of my sincerity. Does the girl Tang believe me now?"

Tang An thought for a moment and looked at Chenxiang. "Are you willing?"

In the current situation, if Chenxiang was willing, then an alliance with the Jade Emperor could still be formed. If Chenxiang was unwilling...

If he was unwilling, so be it; even if he were unwilling, Tang An could still mobilize the Heavenly Soldiers and Generals.

After all, when a general is away at war, they need not follow every order from their sovereign.

The Jade Emperor looked at Chenxiang with eager eyes, "Child?"

Chenxiang already knew the ins and outs of what had happened before; he kicked at the floor, hesitant and unable to make up his mind.

"You little brat." Taishang Laojun appeared, clearly still not over his anger.

Seeing her senior uncle arrive, Tang An naturally smiled and bowed. "Why has Senior Uncle come here?"

Taishang Laojun smoothed his sleeves and gave his Whisk a flick.

"Take him and go split the mountain."

PS: To celebrate reaching one million words, I am presenting a million-word illustration bonus below.

Additionally, I, the author, will take a small break tomorrow and resume updates the day after. The final battle at Lingshan is imminent; everyone, please look forward to it!

Thanks to student Xiao Wang for drawing Nezha; it is the high-ponytail Nezha from my book, very handsome!