Chapter 751: It Started to Break

Chapter 752: Things Went Wrong

The atmosphere in Lingxiao Hall was somewhat oppressive.

Youqin Xuanya volunteered for the task, and the military generals unanimously agreed. The civil officials on the side remained silent, while the Jade Emperor on the high platform maintained a calm expression.

It was well known that this matter was entirely orchestrated by Taibai Jinxing. From the time Li Jing led the army to fight the demons of Huaguo Mountain, Taibai Jinxing had been pushing it forward.

Now, with the generals expressing their dissatisfaction, it was naturally up to Taibai Jinxing to resolve the issue.

The small jade curtain in front of the Jade Emperor gently swayed. He glanced at the impostor Taibai Jinxing beside him, who smiled and bowed his hands to the Jade Emperor before turning to face Youqin Xuanya.

The impostor Taibai Jinxing said slowly,

"Youqin Yuan Shuai, this matter isn't decided by a single word. It was discussed in Lingxiao Hall, so why didn't you speak against it then? And now, you're asking His Majesty to retract his decree.

What about the heavenly authority? What about His Majesty's prestige?"

"May I ask, Star Lord?"

Youqin Xuanya spoke unhurriedly, stepping forward half a pace with her hand on her sword, her bright eyes fixed on the white-robed elder.

Vaguely, Xuanya felt a strange unease in her heart, but she suppressed it and focused on the matter at hand.

She stated firmly,

"When this was previously discussed, how many immortals and gods were present, and how many heavenly court generals? That's why I'm standing here today—because your actions, Star Lord, are truly hard to accept."

"How so?"

The impostor Taibai Jinxing frowned.

"Are you saying that discussions of heavenly secrets in Lingxiao Hall must be reported to Youqin Yuan Shuai?"

Youqin Xuanya replied,

"If it wasn't made public before, why claim now that all immortals and gods already know?"

The impostor Taibai Jinxing smiled and said,

"Youqin Yuan Shuai, are you implying that the Jade Emperor's decree needs the approval of all immortals and gods?

His Majesty is benevolent and trusts the various immortals and gods, showing them much care and refraining from harsh criticism.

But don't forget, this is the heavenly court, where His Majesty's word is the law.

Today, you're using counsel as an excuse to challenge His Majesty, disrespecting heavenly authority and defying heavenly rules. What should be your punishment?"

Youqin Xuanya lightly pursed her lips and simply lowered her head without speaking.

She was outmatched.

Clearly, they weren't on the same level.

The impostor Taibai Jinxing then took half a step back and continued,

"Youqin Yuan Shuai, I know you act with sincere loyalty, but you're being manipulated by others, used as a pawn, which has led to this.

Qitian Dasheng is just an empty title. Give it to that beautiful monkey, and what harm could it do to the heavenly court?

What you said earlier is somewhat exaggerated.

That monkey is born from an innate stone embryo, the stone that mended the heavens, with great merits, powers, and a decent character. He just happened to be near demons after his birth, so he ended up with a demonic background.

Now, with the five continents at peace and the four seas prosperous, the heavenly court governs the three realms. We can't just focus on conquest and warfare; we must learn to adapt.

All races under heaven are essentially demonic races. You can't eradicate or kill them all, so better to civilize them and let them survive in the world.

Demons, humans, and innate spirits are all living beings. Don't let your human origins make you stubbornly insist on exterminating all demons.

That's too narrow-minded. We need to look ahead."

"But..."

Youqin Xuanya paused, and deep in her heart, a warm voice inexplicably echoed, speaking of the arrangements for the three realms' living beings, mentioning... mentioning...

"Youqin Yuan Shuai,"

The impostor Taibai Jinxing smiled,

"Why not just drop it?"

"You're wrong, Star Lord!"

Youqin Xuanya suddenly looked up, her eyes flashing with determination, as she declared,

"Not all races are purely demonic. All living beings are just that—living beings. The term 'demon race' originated from the Demon Court, where they called themselves the holy race, later known as the demon race.

To humans, it's derogatory, but among demons, it means wise and stellar.

In the three realms today—heaven, earth, and humanity.

The six types of beings: humans, spirits, immortals, demons, ghosts, and more. Spirit races only need to shed their demonic ties to return to their original forms among the myriad races.

The demons of Huaguo Mountain, though mostly born in the last ten thousand years, are controlled by the remnants of the ancient Demon Court's will. They carry heavy karma and act without restraint. Even if there are a few good ones, they are rare.

How can such demons be assimilated into the heavenly court?

And for a demon king born among them, even if virtuous and accomplished, how can they be titled Qitian Dasheng?

The words 'Qitian' mean equal to heaven—this is a direct affront to His Majesty the Jade Emperor!"

For a moment, the impostor Taibai Jinxing's eyes narrowed slightly.

The atmosphere in Lingxiao Hall grew tense again, with the immortals silent and the Jade Emperor sitting expressionless on his throne, as if he heard nothing.

At Lingshan, beside the lotus pond,

Li Changshou watched the water mirror opened by Duobao Fo Zu, gazing at his junior sister Youqin's beautiful face, and in his heart, memories surfaced of their first encounters at Duxian Sect.

It was this spirit, this energy of hers.

Even with limited understanding, she insisted on her own justice—that was the radiant Youqin Xuanya.

Li Changshou silently gave her silent approval.

Beside him, Duobao also relaxed slightly and said softly,

"Xuanya is impressive, able to leave the embodiment of the Heavenly Way speechless. It's starting to feel like those forbidden matters of the Heavenly Way."

Truly auto-censored.

Li Changshou, currently disguised as Xu Bodhi, had to consider what Xu Bodhi would say.

Although they were close to laying all cards on the table, he had to respect his opponent and do everything to the utmost, for even a fraction of a second or a slight difference could affect the final outcome.

Since he sought stability, he had to see it through.

Thus, Li Changshou said,

"This female immortal is likely in grave danger."

Duobao Fo Zu replied gently,

"You're mistaken, my friend. Aside from His Majesty the Jade Emperor protecting her, the Heavenly Way's forbidden associates in the heavenly court will also safeguard her.

The Heavenly Way is all-powerful in this world, but it can't act on whims or do as it pleases—there's always balance.

If it moves against Youqin Xuanya, it would provoke discontent among the experts, which isn't worth it."

Duobao paused and added,

"I—cough, I—will intervene if necessary. At worst, I'll take Youqin Xuanya back to Lingshan for protection, or even send her out of the Honghuang realm to reunite with that forbidden one of the Heavenly Way."

In his heart, Li Changshou silently thanked his senior brother, but on the surface, he just nodded indifferently.

Just as he was about to say something to undermine the situation, another familiar voice came from the water surface.

It was Dongmu Gong.

"This... Your Majesty, this old minister has something to say."

Dongmu Gong stepped forward and bowed. The Jade Emperor nodded slowly and said warmly,

"Dongmu Gong, speak freely. Whatever you say, you'll be pardoned."

Duobao's eyebrows twitched slightly, and Li Changshou felt a light smile in his heart.

His junior sister Youqin had him, the forbidden one of the Heavenly Way, and many friends behind her, so the Jade Emperor had just watched her challenge the impostor Taibai Jinxing without intervening.

But Dongmu Gong, backed only by the Jade Emperor, stepped out to ease the awkwardness, and the Jade Emperor immediately protected him.

Dongmu Gong said warmly,

"Youqin Yuan Shuai, and all colleagues dissatisfied with this matter, the decision is already made, and the heavenly court can't reverse it on a whim.

In my view, appointing the beautiful monkey as Qitian Dasheng was indeed hasty.

But Taibai Star Lord considered the heavenly court's interests. This is just a difference in opinions on governing the three realms, not a major conflict. Don't make His Majesty bear the blame.

Instead of arguing further, let's think of ways to mitigate it. Can we find a solution that curbs the demons' arrogance without damaging the heavenly court's prestige or the operation of the three realms?"

With that, Dongmu Gong bowed to the Jade Emperor and returned to his position, letting out a soft sigh.

Taibai Jinxing nodded slowly and stepped back half a pace to stand beside the Jade Emperor.

The Jade Emperor said gently,

"My dear ministers, let's discuss."

"Your Majesty!"

Li Jing spoke first,

"This humble general is willing to lead troops to annihilate the demons of Huaguo Mountain, with a hundred years as the limit, to eradicate the ancient great demons of the three realms!"

"Your Majesty!"

Wenqu Xingjun stepped forward and bowed,

"Since Qitian Dasheng has submitted to the heavenly court, the good among the demons can become our allies. We can use this as an opportunity to dissolve their demonic ties."

Another minister said,

"I think that's unwise. The demons have long been a threat to the heavenly court. We once branded them enemies of heaven and earth—how can we now recruit them en masse without affecting heavenly authority?"

"This humble general is foolish and suggests executing all demons above the Tianxian realm and dispersing the rest to the mountains and wilderness."

"But remember, these demons above the Tianxian realm may have offspring, friends, and allies. Their resentment toward the heavenly court could cause more chaos in the world."

In that moment, voices rose one after another in Lingxiao Hall, creating an unusual buzz.

Youqin Xuanya had already withdrawn to the side. She had risked her life to offer counsel, and now her duty was done.

But watching this, Li Changshou felt a slight helplessness in his heart.

This foolish girl was clearly being used as a pawn by the Heavenly Way...

Meanwhile, above the thirty-three heavens, in Zixiao Palace at the very center of the Honghuang realm,

The Dao Ancestor and the gray-robed old daoist sat by the Zaohua Jade Disc, their expressions grave as they observed the events in Lingxiao Hall.

They weren't worried about maintaining the script but about the direction of today's events.

The gray-robed old daoist said solemnly,

"Why has another variable emerged that we can't directly control?"

The Dao Ancestor said with a hint of coldness in his eyes,

"Youqin Xuanya's connection to Li Changshou is too deep; she's inevitably influenced. Once this is over, we'll control her divine soul to prevent further disruptions."

"The key is this variable."

The gray-robed old daoist stated firmly,

"According to the path we set, Sun Wukong's rebellion should happen after the Pantao Banquet.

Now, the immortals and gods have escalated this. If we don't destroy the demons of Huaguo Mountain soon, it will be hard to wrap up.

The whole plan is slipping from our grasp."

"The impact won't be too great,"

The Dao Ancestor said,

"This variable is just due to unstable hearts. Seize the opportunity and arrange for Youqin Xuanya to lead the expedition against Huaguo Mountain.

Turn this variable to our advantage."

The gray-robed old daoist asked in a low voice,

"When Li Changshou escaped the realm, I sealed the Heavenly Way, so there shouldn't be more variables.

But now this has happened. Either my deduction of the Great Dao is insufficient, or...

The one who escaped hasn't truly escaped."

The Dao Ancestor was silent for a moment before saying,

"Any movement in the Kunpeng secret realm?"

"None. Li Changshou is indeed there... What about the paper daoist method?"

"The hidden path in the paper daoist—he probably hasn't fully grasped it, or the Zaohua Jade Disc would react."

The Dao Ancestor's eyes flashed with sharpness as he said,

"Investigate the Kunpeng secret realm again. I'll sense the Zaohua Jade Disc once more. Handle Youqin Xuanya as we just discussed."

"Very well."

The gray-robed old daoist agreed, his figure gradually fading.

In Lingxiao Hall, after much discussion, the immortals and gods couldn't find a perfect solution.

The least damaging approach was to proclaim to the three realms that Sun Wukong was an innate spirit embryo, not a demon, and had a deep connection to Niangniang Nüwa, so the heavenly court gave him this honorary title out of respect for her.

This could barely explain it.

Then, quickly eliminate the demons gathered at Huaguo Mountain and launch a wave of demon-exterminating campaigns in the three realms to separate Sun Wukong from the demons.

Most immortals and gods thought this was feasible.

Some suggested summoning Qitian Dasheng for consultation, but the impostor Taibai Jinxing rejected it, citing that Qitian Dasheng had no rank and couldn't enter Lingxiao Hall.

Dongmu Gong sighed,

"In this way, the heavenly court has let down Qitian Dasheng."

The immortals and gods fell silent, but the Jade Emperor said,

"We can spare the original demons of Huaguo Mountain from death."

This would at least consider Sun Wukong's feelings.

Though at that moment, Sun Wukong was still drinking in his Qitian Dasheng residence, completely unaware of what was happening.

Just as the immortals and gods thought the matter was settled and could be handled by Tota Li Tianwang, the impostor Taibai Jinxing spoke again.

The old man smiled and said,

"Li Jing Yuan Shuai, it was Youqin Yuan Shuai's counsel that led to this expedition. Shouldn't she share half the credit?

Your Majesty, perhaps have Youqin Yuan Shuai lead the troops as well, so we can reward her based on merits after the battle."

In that instant, the Jade Emperor, Dongmu Gong, and several Jie Jiao immortals with high Dao realms and intact memories frowned slightly.

At Lingshan, beside the lotus pond, Li Changshou and Duobao's expressions synchronized for once, both furrowing their brows.

But Li Changshou quickly sneered and said,

"This Youqin Yuan Shuai is in for trouble."

Duobao Fo Zu wondered,

"How strange—Youqin is just a small Jinxian. Why has the Heavenly Way targeted her?

She's the one who counseled today, and if she's the one leading the expedition against Huaguo Mountain, once the monkeys there are massacred, won't that monkey hate her to death?

Killing the body and the heart—nothing more."

Li Changshou sighed inwardly, instantly realizing why the Dao Ancestor was targeting Youqin.

It was the variable.

Influenced by him, the Xiyou Tribulation had introduced variables through her intervention.

If the Dao Ancestor was cautious now, he might start monitoring the three thousand Great Daos.

After all, the Dao Ancestor had gone to great lengths to make him, the escaped one, leave the realm, allowing the Heavenly Way to achieve temporary "perfection" and freeze that state.

A moment of eternity.

Oh well, it wasn't a big issue.

Li Changshou watched the scene in Lingxiao Hall, preparing to appear and protect Youqin, and perhaps openly confront the Heavenly Way.

However, before he could decide, several streams of light flew in from outside Lingxiao Hall, taking form at the entrance and stepping inside.

The first was a man in a grand wedding robe with a long, beautiful beard, surrounded by golden light and full of good fortune.

It was Longhu Xuan Tan Zhen Jun, the God of Wealth, Zhao Gongming.

Zhao Gongming appeared and bowed slightly, cupping his fists in greeting all around, his face beaming with a constant smile, yet carrying an air of authority.

Behind him were the four subordinate gods: Zhaoobao, Nazhen, Zhaocai, and Lishi.

All the immortals and gods bowed in unison, and the Jade Emperor showed a slight smile.

Zhao Gongming laughed,

"This humble god pays respects to Your Majesty!"

"Very well,"

The Jade Emperor gestured for him to rise and said warmly,

"The God of Wealth should be at Doum Hall attending to Doumu Yuan Jun. What brings you here?"

"Your Majesty, this humble god is here to request a yuan shuai from you."

Zhao Gongming sighed,

"My two children in their mother's womb are quite restless. I was thinking of inviting an upright and strong general to go and intimidate them."

The military generals immediately stood tall and proud.

Zhao Gongming laughed again,

"Best if it's a female general, since we have a pregnant female immortal at home, and a male general wouldn't be appropriate."

The Jade Emperor smiled,

"What about Youqin Yuan Shuai?"

"Perfect, absolutely perfect."

Zhao Gongming turned to Youqin Xuanya and said,

"Just her."

Youqin Xuanya furrowed her brows slightly and quickly said,

"God of Wealth, this humble general still needs to go to the lower realms to suppress..."

"Ah, Youqin Yuan Shuai, look what's at your feet?"

Zhao Gongming suddenly interjected. Youqin Xuanya instinctively looked down and saw a few gold ingots lying there. In that delay, light flashed around her, and a massive gold ingot, over a yard long, appeared out of nowhere, sealing her inside.

"This is your reward!"

Zhao Gongming chuckled, then bowed repeatedly to the Jade Emperor and the impostor Taibai Jinxing. He had Zhaoobao, Nazhen, Zhaocai, and Lishi lift the gold ingot and fly out of Lingxiao Hall.

"Your Majesty, you carry on with your affairs. This humble god will go back and protect them."

The Jade Emperor said,

"If you need anything, go to Yaochi Pool. Hurry along."

"Heh heh."

Zhao Gongming chuckled shamelessly and briskly left Lingxiao Hall.

The impostor Taibai Jinxing said nothing throughout, and the Jade Emperor seamlessly ordered Li Jing to lead the Dou Department gods to eliminate the demons of Huaguo Mountain, sparing only Sun Wukong's monkeys and grandchildren.

Li Jing accepted the order and hurried to the East Heaven Gate, where the army was already waiting.

In the Youming Underworld, at the Blood Sea ruins, beneath the Wheel of Reincarnation Tower,

Strands of gray qi swirled and condensed into the Dao Ancestor's towering form.

He frowned at the King Dizang in the Wheel of Reincarnation Tower, waved his hand toward its base, and silently shattered the massive spirit core.

Even with the Tianmo Zun Zhe's spirit core destroyed, that Great Dao remained in the Honghuang realm as a rule, something the Heavenly Way couldn't erase.

Li Changshou...

The Dao Ancestor's nostrils twitched slightly, clearly furious.

After all, being deceived was unpleasant.

Waves of Heavenly Way power swept through the realm; meanwhile, 'Xu Bodhi' by the lotus pond frowned slightly, sighing inwardly.

As expected...

From now on, he could only do one thing—and only have one chance to do it.

The Kunpeng ship was still far from Honghuang; he had to stay patient.

As long as the Kunpeng ship approached the Heavenly Way's boundary, the initiative would be in his hands.

(The end of this chapter)