Chapter 114: The Assembly of Beings Discussing the Investiture of the Gods (Part One)

During the Battle of Banquan, the Celestial Court had placed a tremendous "bet" on the human race, yet had received no returns, much to the frustration of the Supreme Heaven Emperor and the Queen Mother of the Jade Pool.

At present, aside from a few capable figures, the Celestial Court lacked trusted confidants and generals. This had slightly shifted the once dominant position of the Spirit Cult within the Celestial Court.

The Spirit Cult disciples within the court now openly disregarded its orders, frequently causing trouble for the Supreme Heaven Emperor without cause.

To restore balance and secure future influence within the court, the Supreme Heaven Emperor and the Queen Mother of the Jade Pool decided to seek external reinforcements.

However, recruiting outsiders was no easy task. Consider the number of saintly disciples—most were from the Tongtian Spirit Cult, but they already maintained a garrison within the Celestial Court.

Moreover, the Tongtian faction held deep disagreements with the Supreme Heaven Emperor and his allies; inviting them in would be akin to "inviting wolves into the house."

Among the remaining three teachings, the Human Cult had too few disciples, the Western Cult’s disciples were of poor aptitude, and they were not closely acquainted with figures like Jieyin, leaving only the Primordial Celestial Venerable’s Enlightenment Cult as a viable option.

Determined to act swiftly, the Supreme Heaven Emperor mobilized immediately, accompanied by the Queen Mother of the Jade Pool, who, restless and eager, ascended the clouds to the Wahuang Heaven beyond the Thirty-Three Heavens to meet with the Divine Mother Nüwa.

Unfortunately, fate was unkind. The Primordial Celestial Venerable was preoccupied with his disciples’ troubles and had no time to consider the Supreme Heaven Emperor’s proposal, rejecting it outright without hesitation.

As for the Queen Mother’s entreaties to Nüwa, she was reluctant; the Human Cult’s demon faction was in a dormant phase and not in a position to assist the Celestial Court.

Yet Nüwa, not wanting to offend the Queen Mother, agreed to send a few individuals to serve within the Celestial Court.

The Supreme Heaven Emperor was perplexed. The Enlightenment Cult’s Twelve Golden Immortals had been so illustrious during the Battle of Banquan, witnessed by himself and all living beings. How could it prove so difficult to recruit just a handful?

In a moment of frustration, the Supreme Heaven Emperor ascended to the Purple Cloud Palace beyond the Thirty-Three Heavens.

Why wouldn’t the Primordial Celestial Venerable lend some talent to the Supreme Heaven Emperor? He, too, had his own difficulties.

Long ago, Guangchengzi, driven by a grudge, led the Twelve Golden Immortals of the Enlightenment Cult to slaughter nearly three hundred thousand members of the Jiuli tribe. Though it brought momentary satisfaction, the karmic repercussions brought unbearable torment to the Twelve Immortals.

Those ordinary soldiers were innocent. Earlier, Xuandao had admonished Guangchengzi and others, but his warnings went unheeded. Consequently, the souls of the fallen soldiers did not return to the underworld but transformed into malevolent energy, infiltrating the primordial spirits of the Enlightenment Cult’s Golden Immortals, becoming a force of karmic retribution.

This karmic force reflected one’s own merit. The more virtue one amassed, the longer one’s fortune lasted, making all endeavors smooth and effortless.

Conversely, those who committed many misdeeds saw their fortune diminish, making even the simplest tasks arduous.

Thus, the Primordial Celestial Venerable was deeply troubled.

Initially, he had dismissed the karmic force’s significance. As a saint, he believed that by channeling the Enlightenment Cult’s fortune, he could easily dispel it.

However, events soon spiraled beyond his control. The karmic force embedded within Guangchengzi and others’ primordial spirits resisted all attempts to break through, leaving the Primordial Celestial Venerable disheartened.

His disciples’ power was constrained; karmic forces wreaked havoc within their primordial spirits. What could be done?

The Supreme Heaven Emperor’s frequent requests only added to his annoyance, and naturally, the Primordial Celestial Venerable rejected them outright.

At that moment, a voice echoed from beyond the heavens: “You all, come quickly to the Purple Cloud Palace.”

Hearing this, the Primordial Celestial Venerable recognized his master’s voice and wondered when the Supreme Heaven Emperor had learned to make such reports.

Without hesitation, he rose, mounted a cloud, and proceeded to the Purple Cloud Palace.

There, the Supreme Heaven Emperor, the Queen Mother of the Jade Pool, the Grand Supreme Elderly Lord, Tongtian, and others had already gathered, waiting for the Primordial Celestial Venerable.

Seeing the Supreme Heaven Emperor standing beside Grand Ancestor Hongjun, the Primordial Celestial Venerable snorted heavily and took his seat.

The Supreme Heaven Emperor shamelessly glanced at him but said nothing.

“Today, I have summoned you to discuss a matter,” Hongjun Ancestor began. “Though I usually do not involve myself in the affairs of the Great Wilderness, this matter concerns us all.”

Jieyin and Zhunti exchanged puzzled looks, unsure of what Hongjun Ancestor intended, hoping to gain some advantage.

The Grand Supreme Elderly Lord appeared indifferent, as if the matter bore no consequence for him.

Tongtian, however, understood more clearly. Following the Battle of Banquan, owing to the Enlightenment Cult’s violation of the Three Precepts, the Three Teachings jointly issued the Investiture of the Gods list.

The Spirit Cult had already assumed positions in heaven, leaving only the Enlightenment Cult’s disciples unappointed. Meanwhile, vacancies remained among the Four Sovereigns, whose dissatisfaction with the Celestial Court’s fortune hindered its fullness.

Could it be that the Dao Ancestor Hongjun had gathered the saints to this Purple Cloud Palace to facilitate the Enlightenment Cult’s entry into heaven?

The Primordial Celestial Venerable glared darkly at the Supreme Heaven Emperor and the Queen Mother of the Jade Pool, snorting heavily.

They, in turn, ignored his provocation, doing as they pleased.

Divine Mother Nüwa sensed the underlying tension—indeed, the Celestial Court was short of capable personnel. However, as the Spirit Cult dominated the court, her demon kin were reluctant to intervene. What could be done?

Hongjun Dao Ancestor’s gaze swept over the assembly, taking note of their varied expressions.

“See, these are my fine disciples,” he said, dismissing distractions. “The Celestial Court lacks true immortals to serve. Tell me, which of your sects are willing to join the court?”

At this good news, Jieyin and Zhunti exchanged smiles and stepped forward respectfully.

“Our Western Teaching is filled with virtuous and talented individuals. We are ready to serve in the Celestial Court,” they declared.

They had long worried about the Western Teaching’s development; its foundation was thin, and its geography unfavorable. To bolster its influence, Zhunti had been recruiting talent in the East.

Upon hearing Hongjun Dao Ancestor’s call for heavenly appointments, their eyes lit up—this was their chance!

Even the Supreme Heaven Emperor and the Queen Mother of the Jade Pool showed delight, surprised at the Western Teaching’s enthusiasm. Clearly, future “communication” with the West was necessary.

From the start, the Supreme Heaven Emperor had abandoned hopes for the Western Teaching’s support. Firstly, as a Western faction, their involvement might provoke distrust among the Eastern Four Saints; secondly, their numbers were few, and the Human Teaching would unlikely agree.

Thus, he had chosen the Enlightenment Cult’s Twelve Golden Immortals.

His intentions were good, but reality was harsh.

Hongjun Dao Ancestor solemnly declared, “The West shall not participate in this matter!”

The small Western faction dared involve itself in our Eastern affairs?

The Primordial Celestial Venerable smiled coldly, his eyes darkening as he regarded Jieyin and Zhunti below, inwardly delighted.

The Grand Supreme Elderly Lord closed his eyes, seemingly resting or lost in meditation.

Tongtian remained indifferent. After all, the Investiture Great Calamity was a pact among the Three Teachings; the West had no part.

Divine Mother Nüwa narrowed her eyes, deep in thought.

Jieyin and Zhunti wore sour expressions, as if someone owed them a great debt.

The Supreme Heaven Emperor and the Queen Mother of the Jade Pool exchanged glances, both seeing the disappointment in each other’s eyes.

The Supreme Heaven Emperor nodded gently in reassurance, while the Queen Mother of the Jade Pool smiled wryly, remaining silent.