HomePull StringsChapter 722: The Primordial Heavenly Lord

Chapter 722: The Primordial Heavenly Lord

True Lord Tai Yi had never thought there would be anything in this world that could leave him in such a difficult position, caught between a rock and a hard place, unable to proceed.

When faced with unfair situations, at most he would make a few sarcastic remarks and feel quite satisfied with himself.

But today, he encountered just such a situation.

This…

What was he to do?

Senior Brother Guang Chengzi, the number one immortal of the Jade Void Palace’s bell-striking ceremony, lay sprawled on the high platform, his fate unknown.

What did they mean by being too clever for one’s good? Senior Brother’s current situation was precisely that.

The Enlightenment Sect had a complete strategy regarding their support for the Zhou Kingdom, with clear reasoning for each step, intended to ‘maintain righteousness’ while ‘smoothly’ letting the Severing Sect immortals fill the tribulation’s destiny.

But previously, Senior Brother Guang Chengzi had gone into closed cultivation for several days, and suddenly changed his approach, directly and forcefully interfering in the conflict between the Shang and Zhou kingdoms, even going so far as to scheme against those most important to Junior Brother Changsheng.

True Lord Tai Yi couldn’t understand what Guang Chengzi was doing, but he was certain that Guang Chengzi knew what he was doing, and wasn’t being controlled by the tribulation’s destiny.

But what could be done today?

The Severing Sect immortals had arrived in large numbers, led by Treasure Master Dao Ren, followed by Holy Mother Gui Ling, Immortal Lady Qiong Xiao, and the white-robed female immortal whose single word could influence the situation of the Three Realms – Yun Xiao.

‘What else can be done?’

True Lord Tai Yi gave a bitter laugh. Speaking of clever strategies, after Senior Brother Guang Chengzi’s fall, it would be up to him – ranked in the top five in various aspects and top three in comprehensive strength considering his handsomeness among the Twelve Golden Immortals – to take charge of this… great…

“Everyone, don’t be hasty!” Manjusri Dao Ren transmitted his voice, “Senior Brother Guang Chengzi has been restrained by Junior Brother Changsheng. Listen to my arrangements first – let’s rescue Senior Brother before discussing anything else.”

…mess.

True Lord Tai Yi’s mouth twitched frantically several times, and with a darkened face, he deliberately flew more slowly, even pulling True Lord Yu Ding back several positions.

Let him be.

The joys and sorrows of immortals don’t necessarily align – this poor Dao just finds that fellow rather noisy.

Thunder rumbled from the front as over a thousand Severing Sect immortals took their positions first, deliberately shaking heaven and earth to create an imposing atmosphere.

The Enlightenment Sect immortals, already at a disadvantage in numbers and average cultivation, felt even greater pressure at this moment.

Just then!

A crane’s cry rang out from the horizon, and an elderly man with white hair and a longevity peach atop his forehead appeared, riding on a white crane, accompanied by several other white-haired elders flying together.

As soon as this old Daoist appeared, the Enlightenment Sect immortals seemed to gain confidence, each summoning rainbow light and quickly landing behind the old Daoist.

The arrival was none other than the South Pole Immortal Elder.

At present, on the Enlightenment Sect’s side, the South Pole Immortal Elder and eight immortals belonging to the Twelve Golden Immortals stepped forward;

On the Severing Sect’s side, the four senior disciples including Treasure Master Dao Ren and three attendant immortals of Master Tongtian stepped forward, standing on clouds at the same height as Li Changshou on either side of the high platform.

The South Pole Immortal Elder looked down at Guang Chengzi, forced an awkward smile, and said softly:

“Junior Brother Changsheng.”

Li Changshou replied: “Please address me as Star Lord Tai Bai.”

“Star-Lord,” South Pole Immortal Elder sighed, “I understand everything that has happened here. In this matter, our Enlightenment Sect is in the wrong, and Senior Brother Guang Chengzi’s actions were particularly inappropriate. Please, Star-Lord, for the sake of our shared Dao lineage, forgive Senior Brother Guang Chengzi this once.”

By immediately adopting such a humble stance, he made it difficult for the Severing Sect to mock them.

Li Changshou said: “Without rules, nothing can take proper form. The Enlightenment Sect first considers background, second considers blessings, and third looks to rules. Senior Brother should understand my sentencing of Guang Chengzi today.”

“This…”

South Pole Immortal Elder sighed: “Junior Brother Changsheng, exactly which rules did Senior Brother Guang Chengzi break?”

Li Changshou said: “The Heavenly Court has long had celestial laws – immortals cannot interfere with mortal affairs.”

“But Junior Brother Changsheng, when the great tribulation descended, the heavenly omens indicated changes in the mortal royal authority of the Southern Continent,” the South Pole Immortal Elder calmly refuted. “The Severing Sect has immortals like Wen Zhong serving as state preceptors of the Shang Kingdom, leading armies in battles everywhere, frequently displaying supernatural powers. Why didn’t the Heavenly Court intervene before, but now when Guang Chengzi merely did something corresponding to Wen Zhong’s actions, the Heavenly Court steps in?”

Following this, the old star of longevity quickly apologized with a smile:

“This is not meant to nitpick, nor to say the Heavenly Court is unfair. I’m merely discussing the matter at hand – please don’t take offense, Star-Lord.”

“Oh?”

Li Changshou looked at the South Pole Immortal Elder, a faint smile appearing at the corners of his mouth.

True Lord Tai Yi and True Lord Yu Ding’s hearts immediately skipped a beat.

This expression, this feeling it gave them… it often appeared when Changshou was about to crush the Sixth Saint!

Li Changshou said:

“Star of Longevity is also in the Heavenly Court and should know the cause and effect of this matter. Speaking of it so generally now, without distinguishing before and after or discussing the process, seems to risk confusing the issue.

Previously, when the great tribulation’s destiny was strong, one major function of this tribulation was to select true gods for the Heavenly Court.

Thus when both the Enlightenment and Severing Sects entered the mortal world, the Heavenly Court turned a blind eye.

Initially, the immortals of both sects showed restraint, merely serving as civil and military officials, fighting battles without displaying supernatural powers, not exceeding the scope allowed by the Heavenly Court’s celestial laws.

But as casualties mounted between the Enlightenment and Severing Sects, immortals began displaying miracles before mortals, with incidents of wanton slaughter and abuse of mortals occurring from time to time.

Therefore, not long ago, I ordered the Hall of Clarity to reissue the celestial laws and rules throughout the wilderness, particularly emphasizing matters in the Southern Continent, intending to make both sects show some restraint.

After this re-issuance, the Heavenly Court did not send heavenly generals or soldiers to investigate, already giving both sects enough face.

What happened after this?

The Severing Sect no longer interfered much in the Southern Continent. When Wen Zhong died, the Severing Sect endured and restrained themselves without any reaction.

Yet Guang Chengzi of the Enlightenment Sect acted without restraint, treating the celestial laws as nothing, using pills that reduced lifespan to scheme for the lifespans of over a hundred thousand mortals, nearly single-handedly changing the situation in the mortal realm.

The lifespans of those hundred thousand mortals are a major matter, this change in mortal affairs is an even greater matter, and the Human Emperor being overthrown by an immortal through such poisonous schemes is the greatest matter of all!

This crime – does the Enlightenment Sect acknowledge it or not?”

Li Changshou’s eyes blazed with divine light, leaving the Enlightenment Sect crowd momentarily speechless.

Manjusri Dao Ren immediately said: “Zhou replacing Shang is heaven’s mandate. Senior Brother Guang Chengzi acted by heaven’s will – how can the Heavenly Court punish him?”

“Very well,” Li Changshou said calmly, “Please accompany me to the Fire Cloud Cave. In my name as Li Changshou, a descendant of humanity, I will ask the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors to determine Guang Chengzi’s punishment for plotting against the Human Emperor.”

“Star-Lord, there’s no need to make this matter so rigid,” South Pole Immortal Elder glanced at Manjusri and said softly, “The situation in the Southern Continent is already settled, countless mortal soldiers have been spared death because of this, and common people everywhere can find peace a few years earlier. Though Guang Chengzi erred, he was also eager to protect the sect. Please, Chang- no, Star-Lord, for the sake of the Enlightenment Sect’s honor, leave us some more face.”

“Heh.”

Qiong Xiao, who had remained silent until now, saw that her brother-in-law was angered and couldn’t help but step forward, folding her arms and saying:

“Has Second Uncle Master’s great sect opened a dye house, needing so much face?

My brother-in-law has explained this matter crystal clear, with causes and effects laid bare. When Guang Chengzi committed a crime, it was a crime – with the Enlightenment Sect covering up like this, I truly must speak up for my Severing Sect disciples who died in the Southern Continent.”

Treasure Master Dao Ren stood with his hands behind his back, his slightly protruding belly gently swaying, and said seriously:

“Well, let this poor Dao say something off-topic.

Senior Brother Guang Chengzi is responsible for managing the Enlightenment Sect’s affairs and was once the teacher of humanity’s Yellow Emperor Xuanyuan. He should have known the consequences of all his actions.

Was he perhaps controlled by the tribulation’s destiny? Did it affect his divine sense?”

Holy Mother Gui Ling said softly: “Though Senior Brother Guang Chengzi may not rank among the top Dao disciples in combat, his own Dao realm is quite good. If the great tribulation’s destiny were so powerful, we would likely have all fallen victim to it long ago.”

“Junior Sister speaks truly.”

Treasure Master Dao Ren looked down at Guang Chengzi and frowned: “Then why would Senior Brother Guang Chengzi do such things? It seems somewhat like deliberately provoking humanity.”

South Pole Immortal Elder followed up: “Why not have Star-Lord release Guang Chengzi’s restraints and hear what he has to say?”

At this point, however, Li Changshou fell silent, sitting quietly on his cloud, eyes closed in thought.

The Severing Sect immortals had come today mainly to support Li Changshou’s position, not necessarily to fight to the death with the Enlightenment Sect, as after the slaying of the Saint, the two sects no longer needed to fight to the death.

But seeing this, the Enlightenment Sect immortals thought Li Changshou didn’t dare let Guang Chengzi speak, and naturally all chimed in.

Samantabhadra True Person said: “Even if Senior Brother Guang Chengzi is to be sentenced, we should hear his defense. There might be some misunderstanding here.”

Chi Jingzi said deeply: “Senior Brother Guang Chengzi has always acted with measure. It seems unlikely he would do such things – we should inquire in detail.”

The other Enlightenment Sect immortals also spoke up, all saying they should let their Senior Brother explain himself and tell the details of what happened.

Though their Enlightenment Sect was in the wrong this time, if there were any hidden circumstances, it wouldn’t affect the sect disciples’ view of their Senior Brother.

Only True Lord Tai Yi couldn’t help but mutter at this moment:

“Why do I feel it would be better not to let Senior Brother speak?”

Many Enlightenment Sect immortals glared angrily at True Lord Tai Yi, who stepped back half a pace, hiding behind the continuously silent True Lord Yu Ding.

Li Changshou opened his eyes and without saying much, sat on his cloud, raised his hand to draw a mystic seal, and flicked his finger at Guang Chengzi.

Streams of immortal light floated around Guang Chengzi as an illusory shadow appeared above his immortal body. He first raised his head to look at the clouds, slightly furrowed his brows, pursed his lips, and immediately resumed a cold expression.

He said: “Junior Brother Changsheng, is this how you treat your Senior Brother now that your magical powers have grown strong?”

Li Changshou replied calmly: “Even if my magical powers were inferior to Senior Brother’s today, I would still demand an explanation from you.”

South Pole Immortal Elder immediately said: “Guang Chengzi, Star-Lord says you used immortal methods to interfere in the mortal world and plotted against humanity’s Human Emperor. Do you admit to this?”

Guang Chengzi nodded calmly and said: “If Di Xin can be considered a Human Emperor, this poor Dao indeed did so.”

“How could the Great King not be considered a Human Emperor?”

Da Ji raised her head to glare at Guang Chengzi, her beautiful eyes full of deep hatred. “Everyone in the Three Realms knows the Great King carried the destiny of the Human Emperor! You colluded with clan relatives, bewitched the priests, laid out schemes, used Zhou Kingdom’s feudal lords as your blade, borrowed the name of the Son of Heaven, and forged demon soldiers with pills, forcing my Great King to self-immolate!”

Manjusri shouted sternly: “Demon woman, cease your nonsensical ravings!”

“Oh, ‘demon woman’ is it?” Qiong Xiao rolled her eyes. “We’re all living beings created by the Great Dao of Life – what are you putting on airs for?”

“Qiong Xiao!”

“Silence.”

Waves of Dao rhythm rippled around Li Changshou. Though his words seemed calm, they left all immortals speechless, even bringing tranquility to their Dao’s hearts.

Many immortals from both sects looked at Li Changshou in astonishment, gazing at that young face with distinct features, their Dao hearts trembling involuntarily.

Li Changshou said: “Da Ji, speak no more.

Guang Chengzi, let me ask you, do you admit to what Da Ji described?”

Guang Chengzi nodded calmly and said: “I admit it.”

“Are there any hidden circumstances?”

Guang Chengzi said: “There are no hidden circumstances.”

Li Changshou frowned slightly and said calmly: “If so, this god sentences you for the crime of plotting against the Human Emperor, disrupting the stability of the mortal world in the Southern Continent, shaking the Heavenly Court’s authority, and disregarding the peace of Heaven’s Way.

I will dissolve the Three Flowers atop your head, take the Five Breaths from your chest, and cast you into the Six Paths of Reincarnation, unable to cultivate for nine lifetimes.

Do you accept this?”

“You!”

Guang Chengzi’s expression changed as he stared at Li Changshou and said coldly, “Junior Brother Changsheng, don’t go too far! You and I understand this matter best.

Di Xin was destined for this tribulation. This poor Dao merely guided things along their natural course – what great wrong is there in that?

Heaven’s mandate lies with Zhou; Zhou was meant to rise.”

“Perhaps the Enlightenment Sect believes in Heaven’s mandate, but my Human Sect does not, nor does humanity,” Li Changshou stared at Guang Chengzi. “Humanity’s progress to this day didn’t rely on so-called Heaven’s mandate.

You were once an Imperial Teacher; you should understand this principle.

You say I understand this matter best – then why don’t we discuss it, speak it out, and let all the immortals here listen?

Why exactly did Di Xin have to die, and why were you in such a hurry?”

Guang Chengzi’s divine soul slightly clenched its fist, then immediately relaxed, staring at Li Changshou without a word.

“Junior Brother, if you do such rebellious things, don’t drag the Dao School into the mire as well.”

“Senior Brother, you cannot represent the Dao School, nor can I,” Li Changshou’s surroundings manifested a faint pressure as the phantom of the Kongtong Seal condensed behind him, a magnificent dao pressing down!

This dao carried an unyielding will and transmitted an unsubmitting belief!

Its name – the Human Dao!

The Way of Humans that had existed eternally between heaven and earth yet was manifesting in concrete form for the first time!

Li Changshou’s voice rang like a great bell, reverberating through heaven and earth.

“But today, I can represent humanity to seek revenge from you.

I can represent the Heavenly Court to uphold the dignity of celestial law!

Moreover, I can represent myself to tell you, Senior Brother – either explain the hidden circumstances today, tell us exactly why you acted this way, or submit to my punishment.

Yun, lend me the Primordial Golden Dipper.”

Yun Xiao immediately stepped forward, her golden dipper flying toward Li Changshou, who caught it with his raised hand and pressed it downward.

“Changsheng, show mercy!”

South Pole Immortal Elder shouted, and other Enlightenment Sect immortals moved to act.

But Li Changshou turned his head to sweep them with a glance, the phantom Kongtong Seal trembling, the magnificent Human Dao’s might surging to the heavens, actually pressing down on all the immortals so they dared not move!

Golden light flashed as the Primordial Golden Dipper reached Li Changshou’s palm. Guang Chengzi’s immortal body was immediately drawn into the Primordial Golden Dipper, while his divine soul floated in midair, still just an illusion.

His true divine soul remained locked in the golden dipper; this was still merely a projection of his divine soul.

Li Changshou declared firmly:

“Guang Chengzi, do you acknowledge your crimes!”

“Tai Bai Gold Star!”

Guang Chengzi’s eyes were full of fierce light as he shouted: “Acting like this, do you hold our Enlightenment Sect in any regard?”

“You were the first to not treat humans as humans, so why blame me for not treating immortals as immortals!”

The Primordial Golden Dipper in Li Changshou’s palm blazed with light, seeming about to turn at any moment.

“One last question – will you speak or not!”

“Li Changsheng! It’s you who wants to rebel against Heaven, don’t implicate us!”

“Very well.”

Li Changshou nodded slowly, his eyelids dropping gradually as the Primordial Golden Dipper in his hand was about to turn. The Enlightenment Sect immortals were about to act, while Yun Xiao, Treasure Master Dao Ren, Qiong Xiao, and Holy Mother Gui Ling prepared to meet them in battle.

Just then!

A strand of Dao rhythm arrived right on time, suppressing the Primordial Golden Dipper’s light as space seemed to freeze!

Pressure!

The pressure that nearly suffocated Golden Immortals!

This part of heaven and earth seemed to suddenly darken as a figure appeared before the South Pole Immortal Elder, hands behind his back, wearing a gray robe, his features impossible to observe directly – even after seeing them, no living being would retain any impression.

That Dao rhythm seemed to reveal the mysteries of order and rules.

That figure’s mere appearance caused all living beings within hundreds of thousands of miles to fall silent.

The Enlightenment Sect’s leader, the Primordial Heavenly Lord!

At this moment, the Primordial Heavenly Lord did not speak, his expression showing neither joy nor anger as he calmly gazed at Li Changshou.

Li Changshou was the quickest to react among all the immortals. He calmly stood up, made a Daoist salute to the Primordial Heavenly Lord, and said: “Disciple Changsheng greets Second Uncle Master.”

The crowd of immortals then made their bows, with the Severing Sect members calling him Second Uncle Master, while the Enlightenment Sect naturally addressed him as Teacher.

The Primordial Heavenly Lord nodded slightly, counting as returning the juniors’ greeting, and said:

“Changsheng, Guang Chengzi is this poor Dao’s beloved disciple. Can you spare him this once?”

Li Changshou sighed, showing a troubled expression as he said softly:

“Second Uncle Master, Senior Brother Guang Chengzi has already caused tremendous disaster this time. After the Human Emperor’s destiny shattered, there are still no signs of it coalescing.

The losses to humanity are far too severe.”

The Primordial Heavenly Lord said:

“This poor Dao knows Changsheng cares for humanity and also bears heavy responsibilities now, but our Enlightenment Sect has always acted according to Heaven and Earth’s principles.

Guang Chengzi’s actions were taught by this poor Dao. In this poor Dao’s view, what he did was not wrong, how he acted was not wrong.

If Changsheng finds it unacceptable, this is merely a conflict of teachings, incompatible with your human principles.

Guang Chengzi is not human; in ancient times he repeatedly aided the Yellow Emperor Xuanyuan. Now his merits and faults balance out, what say you?”

Li Changshou gave a bitter laugh.

In his heart, he felt both gratified and somewhat helpless.

He was gratified that his Second Uncle Master was nothing like Jieyin or Zhunti – in his Second Uncle Master, he truly felt Second Uncle Master’s value for his disciples.

The so-called face of a Sage was not as important as the disciples.

But he was helpless because Second Uncle Master seemed unwilling to oppose the Heaven’s Way.

Having reached this point, Li Changshou naturally didn’t want to give up, and said softly: “Uncle Master, if Senior Brother Guang Chengzi would just explain the hidden circumstances, I could merely strip his cultivation, let him experience the hardships of mortals, without sending him to reincarnation.”

This seemed like a concession but was forcing the Primordial Heavenly Lord to take a stance.

The Primordial Heavenly Lord gazed at Li Changshou but showed little hesitation, simply saying:

“Changsheng, this poor Dao doesn’t wish to use methods against juniors.”

Li Changshou already understood the stance this Sage had chosen. He slowly pushed the Primordial Golden Dipper behind him, faced the Primordial Heavenly Lord directly, and said softly:

“But if Uncle Master wishes to take Senior Brother Guang Chengzi away directly, please don’t blame this disciple for being offensive.”

“Changsheng!”

Treasure Master Dao Ren shouted: “Don’t be disrespectful to Second Uncle Master! Cease your outrageous words!”

Immortal Lady Yun Xiao’s pretty face turned pale, wanting to step forward but was blocked by the Sage’s Dao rhythm.

The Primordial Heavenly Lord raised his hand slightly, gesturing that Treasure Master Dao Ren need not speak, and said:

“Changsheng, have you thought this through?”

“Second Uncle Master,” Li Changshou made a Daoist salute, “Disciple has been pushed to this point by Ancestral Master, with no other choice.”

“Very well,” the Primordial Heavenly Lord sighed softly, “This poor Dao will receive a few of your moves. If you cannot harm this poor Dao, let Guang Chengzi go today. What say you?”

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Latest Chapters