Chapter 406: When Really Fighting with the Heavenly Court?

On the second day after Prince Lu Ya of the ancient Demon Court issued his declaration against Heaven, a tense atmosphere permeated the five great Heavenly Gates, where Heavenly Soldiers and Generals stood ready in strict formation. The wind howled through the towers, signaling an approaching storm. Heavenly soldiers formed ranks, heavenly generals sharpened their blades, and numerous Heavenly Court scribes hurried about on clouds.

Even the fairies in the Jade Pond gathered to guard its vicinity, sending word to the Clear Light Hall that while they weren't part of the Heavenly Court's combat forces, they were ready to provide assistance at any moment. All at once, a pervasive sense of alarm filled both heaven and earth, as if war would break out the very next day.

Inside the Clear Light Hall, dozens of Heavenly Court immortals and gods were assembled, with a round table placed in the center of the grand hall. Eight ornate thrones stood around the round table, with four rows of seats lining each side. All the immortals and gods stood before their seats, awaiting the arrival of a particular True God.

The Jade Emperor and Heavenly Queen were currently undergoing trials in the mortal realm. Logically, this should have left the immortals leaderless. Furthermore, the demonic forces were formidable; numerous surviving experts from the ancient demon race had gathered at the border of the Northern Continent, their immense power striking fear into all who beheld it. If one disregarded troop numbers and focused solely on the quantity of high-level experts, the demon race indeed held an overwhelming advantage over the Heavenly Court at this moment.

Yet, these immortals and gods showed no signs of panic. In fact, they even felt a slight urge to smile, recalling the Heavenly Court's past experiences.

A Heavenly General at the entrance whispered, "Lord Water God has arrived!"

The immortals and gods instantly ceased their whispers. Dong Mu Gong, who was seated at the head of the table, immediately rose and walked towards the hall entrance. Outside, a white-robed, white-haired old immortal, wielding a white horsetail whisk, arrived on a white cloud. It was, of course, Li Changshou, in his usual relaxed state.

The moment he stepped into the Clear Light Hall, the assembled Heavenly Court immortals and gods immediately swarmed forward, surrounding him several layers deep, leaving Dong Mu Gong somewhat amused and exasperated.

Dong Mu Gong called out, "Water God, you're finally here! These demons are so ferocious, they're practically ready to bite!"

"Lord Water God? When shall we mobilize our forces to attack the demons?" asked another.

"Gentlemen, please don't rush," Li Changshou said, raising a hand to calm them. The immortals and gods immediately fell silent. "You are all vital ministers of the Heavenly Court. At this moment, His Majesty the Jade Emperor and Her Majesty the Heavenly Queen are not here, so we absolutely must not lose our composure. The Heavenly Court has only just begun to recover, and everything is still in its nascent stages. Hundreds of thousands of newly enlisted Heavenly Soldiers have not yet been trained, and dozens of newly promoted Heavenly Generals have not yet mastered the art of strategy. That Prince of the ancient Demon Court seized upon our Heavenly Court's current internal weakness to act so brazenly, openly defying the Mandate of Heaven. If we were to mobilize our army to attack the demons right now, wouldn't we be playing right into their hands?"

About half of the immortals and gods looked thoughtful, while the other half appeared puzzled.

A True God overseeing the Thunder Punishment Hall asked, "Water God, the demon race is now openly rebelling against Heaven. While our Heavenly Court isn't yet at its strongest, we do possess the power to suppress them. If the demon race rebels and we don't send troops, where would be the Heavenly Might? And how could the righteous path of Heaven and Earth be maintained?"

"That's incorrect," Li Changshou calmly replied. "While the Heavenly Court can currently suppress the demon race, and the demon race itself is fractured with various factions and dissenting demon kings, making it difficult for them to unite, how many Heavenly Soldiers and Generals would we lose if we suppressed them now?"

As he spoke, Li Changshou took a step forward. The immortals followed his lead, listening intently, afraid to miss a single word.

Li Changshou continued, "If we dispatch troops immediately, even considering the demon race is largely an unorganized rabble, what would be the casualties among our Heavenly Soldiers and Generals? If our Heavenly Soldiers suffer too many losses, even if we successfully suppress the demons at the Northern Continent border, the full extent of the Heavenly Court's strength would be laid bare for all to see. Gentlemen, in the current Heaven and Earth, humanity is the protagonist, while the demon race are merely defeated remnants of ancient times. If we cannot suppress the demon race with overwhelming force, it will neither benefit Heavenly Might nor the righteous path of Heaven and Earth. It would only invite ridicule from the various immortal sects of the Central Divine Continent. What's more, if the great ancient demons were to fully unleash their power and we suffered even a single defeat... Heavenly Might would be utterly lost!"

Upon hearing this, the dozens of immortals and gods in the Clear Light Hall all nodded in agreement. The Water God's words made perfect sense. The Heavenly Court's deployment of troops not only needed to secure victory, but to do so with overwhelming grace. Only a decisive triumph would truly establish their authority.

The True God overseeing the Thunder Punishment Hall bowed and said, "It was my recklessness and lack of foresight. I ask for the Water God's punishment."

"We are all thinking of the Heavenly Court's well-being. Furthermore, we serve together in this hall, so there's no talk of punishment."

Dong Mu Gong sighed from the side, "After all is said and done, our Heavenly Court's current strength isn't yet sufficient to deter these petty villains. Gentlemen, please be seated! Before His Majesty the Jade Emperor and Her Majesty the Heavenly Queen descended to undergo their trials, they entrusted the affairs of the Heavenly Court to me and the Water God. Today, we have gathered you all to discuss how to respond to this demonic provocation."

With that, Dong Mu Gong made a gesture of invitation, and all the immortals and gods in the hall took their seats. At the central round table, Dong Mu Gong and Li Changshou occupied the main seats, accompanied by the Marshals guarding the Five Heavenly Gates. However, one seat remained conspicuously empty.

Dong Mu Gong looked at the empty seat and suggested, "Water God, perhaps we should invite Princess Long Ji?"

"Mu Gong," Li Changshou frowned, "While it's reasonable to invite Her Highness Princess Long Ji, I fear... His Majesty might not approve of her involvement in such matters."

Dong Mu Gong was startled and quickly said, "In that case, I defer to the Water God's judgment; please handle it as you see fit."

"Please invite the Matchmaker God to take a seat," Li Changshou said with a smile. "We have important business today that requires his assistance."

The Matchmaker God, who had been standing in a corner of the Clear Light Hall, was momentarily stunned. What did a Heavenly Court war have to do with him? Nevertheless, with the Water God's direct request, the Matchmaker God dared not delay. He rose, bowed, and, feeling a slight pressure, awkwardly took a seat at the end of the round table. The entire Clear Light Hall gained a touch of vibrant color due to his bright red ceremonial robes.

Dong Mu Gong cleared his throat and moved on to the agenda. A Heavenly Court general read the demon race's declaration against Heaven aloud, emotionlessly, which prompted the immortals and gods to display fervent indignation.

Dong Mu Gong smiled and asked, "Water God, what's our best course of action?"

Li Changshou replied, "This declaration is quite well-written, almost tear-jerking. It claims that our Heavenly Court has bullied the innocent demon race, forcing them to retreat and endure countless hardships, until they can no longer bear it and thus refuse to obey the Heavenly Court's commands. But if you think about it closely, this declaration is utterly devoid of substance and quite shameless. It reads as if the demon race had ever truly obeyed the Heavenly Court's commands."

The immortals and gods exchanged amused glances, and the atmosphere in the hall became much lighter.

Dong Mu Gong chuckled, "These demons certainly know how to play their cards, enabling them to turn the tables on us."

"Gentlemen, pay attention: the demon race is currently speaking of 'resisting Heaven,' not 'rebelling against Heaven'," Li Changshou pointed out. "They've left themselves a small retreat path. Prince Lu Ya of the Demon Court, along with the surviving ancient demon experts, are the real problem. However, our immediate task is to issue another declaration."

Dong Mu Gong frowned, "Another declaration? Is it to respond to the demon race's?"

"First, we must secure the moral high ground," Li Changshou replied with a smile. "We won't respond to any specific points in their declaration. Instead, we'll simply list the crimes of the ancient Demon Court remnants. This shouldn't involve humanity. We'll simply state that these ancient demons are inherently bloodthirsty, harming all living beings, ignorant of fate. They train demon soldiers, forge evil treasures, and exploit the essence and spirit of Heaven and Earth for their nefarious schemes. This second declaration must also emphasize that the Heavenly Court was established by the Dao Ancestor and the various Sages of Daoism, not to rule over all races, but to protect all beings and maintain the natural order of the Heavenly Dao. The ancient ways are no longer viable. Every living being has the right to choose whether or not they are considered part of the demon race."

The immortals and gods pondered his words carefully. Those with sufficient wisdom understood the profound implications of Li Changshou's statements; even those less astute felt the Water God's words were sound.

Of course, there's always an honest and simple soul in any crowd. A military general, looking puzzled, asked, "So, in the future, our Heavenly Court... won't govern all races?"

Pairs of eyes immediately glared at him, causing the general to instinctively retract his neck, wishing he could squeeze himself into a crack in the wall.

Li Changshou stated solemnly, "Our Heavenly Court exists to safeguard the Dao, not to rule over all races. This is something all of you must firmly remember."

All the immortals assented.

Another immortal and god expressed concern, "If this declaration is issued and the demon race attacks the Heavenly Court in their rage, what then?"

Li Changshou calmly replied, "All those demon experts would instantly be annihilated, leaving no trace of their existence."

The immortals and gods immediately felt at ease, knowing that if the Water God spoke with such certainty, he must have made thorough preparations. Dong Mu Gong, however, looked contemplative. He wondered why, despite having the same confidence and being able to say the same things, he couldn't deliver them with the Water God's casual elegance and distinct style.

After finalizing the main content and release time for the second declaration, Li Changshou began making arrangements for subsequent actions. Half of the Heavenly Court's soldiers would defend the Heavenly Gates, while the other half rested and trained, rotating regularly. Additionally, orders were issued to the Four Seas Dragon Race, instructing them to prepare a contingent of experts to assist the Heavenly Court at any time. Furthermore, once the second declaration was issued, the Heavenly Court would, under the pretext of quelling the demons, slightly lower the recruitment standards for Heavenly Soldiers. They would also call upon the various immortal sects of the Central Divine Continent, primarily composed of humans, to head north and engage the demonic forces.

These were merely the initial responses, the Heavenly Court's sensible reactions. Subsequently, the Heavenly Court still had several trump cards at their disposal, such as appealing to the Three Religions for aid, requesting the Venerable Sovereign of Tushita Palace to intervene, or triggering another grand spirit explosion at Demon Ascension Mountain.

"Everyone must remain patient and prolong this situation, allowing the demon race to descend into internal chaos," Li Changshou explained. "Since His Majesty the Jade Emperor is not currently in the Heavenly Court, we can completely use this as an excuse to avoid a direct confrontation, while still claiming the moral high ground for a punitive expedition against the demon race. The demon race is currently at its peak strength, having just gathered. If we delay for three years, their momentum will surely wane. Delay for ten years, and their morale will surely crumble. Delay for twenty or thirty years, and the demon race will either fall apart into scattered factions, or individuals like Lu Ya will foolishly overextend themselves and launch a direct attack on Heaven. During this period, we can largely relax, focusing on our respective duties. We should strengthen defenses at all Heavenly Gates and stockpile a reserve force at the Central Heavenly Gate for support. The overall situation will remain secure. Ideally, we'll delay until His Majesty returns from his trials. By then, our Heavenly Court will be fully prepared. With a single command from His Majesty, our vast army can descend to eliminate the demons, suffering minimal losses while asserting Heavenly Might and upholding righteousness. Isn't this a wonderful outcome? And how could His Majesty be stingy with rewards then?"

The eyes of the immortals and gods brightened, and they all nodded in agreement.

Dong Mu Gong also smiled and said, "During this time, if those demons hurl insults in the lower realms, we needn't concern ourselves."

"Actually, we should pay attention to that," Li Changshou interjected. "Find a few eloquent Heavenly Generals skilled in verbal sparring. If any demons start shouting insults, they should immediately retort, ideally provoking them into prematurely launching their attack on Heaven. However, be careful not to use vulgar or obscene language, as that would tarnish the Heavenly Court's reputation. Right now, these demons are riding a tiger, trying to intimidate us with its perceived might. We'll ensure they can't dismount, and see who truly panics first."

A Heavenly General asked, "Lord Water God, if during this period, the morale of our Heavenly Soldiers is affected, how should we reassure them?"

"A minor matter," Li Changshou chuckled. "Today, you can tell all Heavenly Soldier units that Mu Gong and I are determined to annihilate this entire group of demons, but that the Heavenly Court's power is currently insufficient, and we must wait a while. Tell them to be patient. We will continue to recruit troops, aiming to bring overwhelming force to the Northern Continent border and achieve complete victory in a single decisive battle!"

Many Heavenly Generals grinned, finally feeling reassured. Li Changshou thought for a moment, then added, "Furthermore, rename one or two of the Heavenly Soldiers' frequently practiced formations to 'Grand Demon Extermination Array' to showcase the Heavenly Court's resolve."

"Yes, sir!" The Heavenly Generals responded in unison.

Li Changshou glanced at Dong Mu Gong, who smiled and gestured for him to continue, saying, "The Water God's arrangements are sufficient."

"Then I'll add a few more points." Li Changshou cleared his throat, settling more comfortably into his throne. He continued, "To deal with the demon race, military action should actually be the last resort. We are the immortals and gods of the Heavenly Court, serving both the Heavenly Court and the Heavenly Dao. If the demon race disrespects the Heavenly Court, they disrespect the Heavenly Dao itself. How can we not first use the power of the Heavenly Dao to strip away their strength? Matchmaker God, are you here?"

"I am!" the Matchmaker God replied, rising to attention.

Li Changshou said, "Mu Gong and I are temporarily overseeing Heavenly Court affairs on behalf of Her Majesty the Heavenly Queen. Today, we will issue orders in her name. Your Hall of Fates is to identify all demon race members who are rebelling against Heaven. For any demons above the True Immortal realm, if they have existing romantic ties, disrupt them. If they have none, create new ones."

The Matchmaker God quickly asked, "Lord Water God, how exactly should I disrupt their romantic ties?"

Li Changshou offered an example: "For instance, if Male Demon King A has ties with his wife, you could introduce Male Demon King B's red string into their connection, causing A and B to fight. Apply this principle in batches."

The Matchmaker God suddenly grasped the concept and began to ponder it thoughtfully. The immortals and gods exchanged bewildered glances; this was truly a tactic they had never considered. It was a blind spot in their conventional wisdom.

Li Changshou casually continued, "Besides the Hall of Fates, the Thunder Punishment Hall can relentlessly unleash thunder punishments daily upon those demons burdened with karma. Even just to scare them would be beneficial. The Divine Might Hall can send dreams, targeting demon experts with less resolute Dao hearts, to undermine their resolve through their dreams. Most of the positions in the Plague Department are still vacant, but the immortals and gods temporarily managing it can create minor inconveniences for the demon soldiers. The True God temporarily overseeing the Treasury Department should cause them financial distress, perhaps by mimicking the Hall of Fates' approach, making them fall victim to their own greed, fighting over wealth. Gentlemen, if any of your divine departments can also influence the demon race, please speak up and we can discuss them here."

An immortal and god immediately stood up and exclaimed, "This humble god temporarily manages the Wind Department! I can ensure that where the demons gather, there will be perpetual strong winds, never seeing the light of day!"

"This humble god oversees the Four Seasons' rotation! I can make it snow heavily every night where the demons gather, and scorchingly hot during the day!"

"This humble god oversees the Dusk and Sunset Glow! I can inscribe messages like 'Demon Race Must Fall' in the skies every day, disrupting their morale!"

"This humble god is specifically in charge of the Latrine God's Hall! I will ensure that every time those demons use the latrine, the barrels explode, leaving them utterly disheveled!"

An immediate silence fell over the Clear Light Hall, thick enough to hear a pin drop. The previously lively atmosphere abruptly froze. All eyes turned to the immortal and god who had spoken. He nervously pulled in his neck and mumbled, "This humble god... can only do so much..."

"Consider it a meritorious deed." Laughter erupted throughout the Clear Light Hall. The immortals and Heavenly Generals were brimming with morale, having never realized before that the Heavenly Court possessed so many "convenient" ways to deal with their enemies.

Once the meeting in the Clear Light Hall concluded, all departments of the Heavenly Court immediately began their operations. The demon race, gathered at the Northern Continent border, remained oblivious to what they were truly about to face. Overnight, many more legends about the Water God spread throughout the Heavenly Court. Previously, it was often said that the Heavenly Court's Water God was ruthless and cunning, but most immortals and gods didn't believe it, thinking his rise was primarily due to his status as a Human Sect disciple. After today, however, any Heavenly Court immortal or god speaking of the Water God couldn't help but give him a thumbs-up. In summary, this was the general sentiment among the various immortals: "Dirty, the Water God's heart is truly dirty! We are far inferior. We admire the Water God immensely and are willing to follow him, serving His Majesty the Jade Emperor with utmost loyalty."

Meanwhile, at the height of the heated discussion in the Clear Light Hall, in the backyard of Tushita Palace, Grand Master Xuandu burst into laughter as he listened to Li Changshou's strategy of 'using the power of the Heavenly Dao to torment the demon race'. Once the Master composed himself, he performed a quick divination with a flick of his fingers, and his form gradually faded.

"How can my junior brother fight effectively without good soldiers at his command?"