If you don't give up, I'd like to be your adoptive father.

Chapter 1236 Selling Official Positions at the Southern Heavenly Gate
After hesitating for a while, Cui Siguan finally said in a hoarse voice, "Fellow Daoist, there are some things I don't know; and there are some things I know but can't say."

The notice had been hanging at the door for several days. If I wanted to defy Grand Tutor Yu, I wouldn't have waited until today.

Yang Li sneered inwardly, his expression also turning sour, and said, "One day in heaven is equivalent to one year on earth."

Although the notice had been posted in the mortal realm for several days, it had only been posted in the Zongxuan Cave Heaven for a short time.

As it turns out, you've already agreed to tear it up.

In other words, you didn't hesitate for long.

It seems the Five Great Emperors met briefly, held a short meeting, and quickly made a decision.

Cui Siguan said blankly, "Since you already know, why ask?"

Yang Li said, "I need to find out the details so that I can answer the Grand Tutor's question in the future."

"I can't very well say that Immortal Cui tore up the notice the moment the Grand Tutor inquires."

"Ah, fellow Daoist is right. Please don't start by talking about me. Actually, there's no need to mention my name in front of the Grand Tutor. I'm just an errand boy, not the one giving orders."

Cui Siguan hurriedly gave a few words of advice, then said with a troubled expression, "You guessed right, it was the Emperor's decision, not my own."

I reckon that by this time, Mount Tai and Mount Heng had also torn down the notices in front of their gates.

Yang Li was taken aback for a moment and asked, "Only Mount Hua, Mount Tai, and Mount Heng? Haven't the Five Sacred Mountains Emperors reached an agreement yet?"

But you didn't even discuss it properly, yet you dared to provoke Grand Tutor Yu?

Is this eagerness to slap the Grand Tutor in the face? Does it really mean they want to become her enemy?

"No, no, no, fellow Daoist, you misunderstand." Cui Siguan waved his hand and said, "First of all, no one wants to be an enemy of Grand Tutor Yu."

We only tore it down because the notice posted at the main entrance of our Dongtian Immortal Palace had a very negative impact.

Tearing down the imperial proclamation does not equate to becoming an enemy of the Grand Tutor.

Secondly, the Five Sacred Mountains are of one spirit and connected branches, so how could they act arbitrarily without consultation?

There are only three places: Mount Hua, Mount Tai, and Mount Heng, which truly harbor fugitive criminals or have connections to them.

Neither Mount Song nor Mount Heng, whether deep in the human world or in the divine palaces and celestial halls, has ever had a single wanted criminal. Even if there were, they were captured by Grand Tutor Yu and forced to consume the Ancestral Dragon Qi Pill.

Therefore, the imperial proclamation was not posted on Mount Song or Mount Heng.

"I see."

Yang Lixian suddenly realized, then frowned and said, "What are the emperors thinking? They say they won't be enemies with the Grand Tutor, but you're tearing down the court's proclamations."

It was once again the Grand Tutor's golden words, an order personally issued.

Tearing down the notice is tantamount to going against her.

She also had a valid point.

The Heavenly Court tacitly approved the public trial of the man who broke his oath to Heaven.

The death of the River God and the deposition of the Dragon King of the Huai River did not elicit any response from the Heavenly Court.

Just now, the Grand Tutor also conferred titles upon the new River God and the Dragon Lord of the Ji River.

The Heavenly Emperor Taibai Xingjun personally descended to the mortal realm to issue an edict acknowledging the identities of the two dragons.

At least in the case of 'betraying the oath of heaven,' the Grand Tutor holds absolute moral authority, and wise people should temporarily avoid confrontation.

Why is the Emperor so distraught?

Cui Siguan frowned, thinking to himself: You little brat, what kind of status or realm do you have to dare to teach the Five Sacred Mountains Emperors how to do things?
Then he thought: If it weren't for Yu Fengxian backing you up, would I, a dignified immortal of Zongxuan Cave Heaven, even pay attention to you?

Unfortunately, this young Taoist boy, who wasn't even an immortal, had Grand Tutor Yu standing behind him.

He tried to speak in a gentle tone, saying, "Fellow Daoist, Grand Tutor Yu did more than just post notices at the entrances of the Five Sacred Mountains."

Of the thirty-six grotto-heavens and seventy-two blessed lands, more than half were involved in the "oath-breaking case," and notices were posted at the main gate.

A certain immortal from a celestial realm blew the notice away in one breath.

With another breath, it blew away Akiko and the others who had posted the notice.

It's not that the Five Sacred Mountains Emperors are targeting Grand Tutor Yu; it's that Grand Tutor Yu has incurred the wrath of the masses, and everyone is indignant!

Yang Li asked in surprise, "Which great immortal dares to directly blow away the notice and even blow away Qiu Mingzi?"
Even if one isn't afraid of the Grand Tutor coming to their door, one should still worry about the court's scribes!

"What kind of writing implements?" Officer Cui asked.

Yang Li said, "The Xianyang court summoned two hundred scholars to use their pens as swords to write historical, legendary, and dramatic stories about the 'Immortal's Oath-Breaking Case'."

These works were to be immediately disseminated throughout China, and even sent to the four corners of the world by merchants from the Central Plains.

Dear immortals and gods, aren't you worried about yourselves being 'famous for eternity'?

After a moment's hesitation, Officer Cui confessed, "That immortal's name has already been entered into the case file and can be found on the wanted list. That's why he was so angry and took action directly."

“Well, even if we’re already involved, we can’t just give up! I only mentioned it casually in a legendary tale before, but now I’m going to write a separate ‘Sinful Immortal Chapter’ for it,” Yang Li said.

Official Cui sighed, “Fellow Daoist, it’s not just one person or one sect that’s expressing their excitement by tearing down notices.”

You can try the case in Xianyang, or post it all over the country; I can't control that.

The wanted posters are plastered at the entrance of the celestial palace, inciting public outrage. What can be done to quell this public anger?

Yang Li said, "If Grand Tutor Yu cared about the public's outrage, he wouldn't have deliberately expanded the scope of his attacks."

The more enraged you are now, the more she will want to ensure your names are remembered for eternity.

"What does she want? To write all the members of the Xuanmen sect into legendary stories?" Cui Siguan said angrily.

Yang Li shook his head and said, "The principle of 'the law does not punish the masses' does not apply to the Records of the Grand Historian. As long as it is a fact, even ordinary historians will record it in detail, regardless of how many people are involved."

Take, for example, "The Investiture of the Gods".

Although this book was not officially published, it had already been circulating among the people and had been read by nobles in the court.

How many secrets of great immortals and gods are revealed in the book? Even the shameful deeds of the Taoist Ancestor are recorded.

Do you think you are more feared by historians than ancient immortals or even the Dao Ancestor?
Immortal, just you wait and see, there will definitely be at least one "The Great Calamity at the End of Qin" in the future.

Whoever writes history or stories, you will all leave your mark in the book.

They have names and surnames, Taoist sects and immortal sects, so detailed that even mortals can find you.

None of you will escape.

Cui Siguan sneered, "If it were really going to be a 'Great Calamity at the End of the Qin Dynasty,' it wouldn't be the Qin Dynasty's historians' turn."

Yang Li said, "But facts are facts, and they cannot be changed. Even if the Qin Dynasty is destroyed, the new dynasty will compile the History of Qin."

Unfortunately, the "case of breaking an oath" has now spread throughout the three realms and is known to everyone.

Is the new emperor willing to defy the world for you?

You all think too much of the 'new emperor'.

The one who could destroy the Great Qin Dynasty, which was ruled by Grand Tutor Yu, must be a great hero like the late Emperor Ying Zheng.

Back then, when faced with the Emperor's rule, who among you dared to look him in the eye?
Now he even fantasizes about controlling the founding emperor at will.

—Are you all deluded by the evil spirits of the calamity?
He ultimately remembered his own identity—he had not yet become an immortal, while others were already celestial beings—and did not reveal all his true feelings.

Even without him saying it, Officer Cui could still understand the implied meaning.

However, he was also wary of Yang Li's status as "Grand Tutor Yu's Special Envoy".

"There will be no more 'Human Emperors' from now on; the new emperor will only be a 'Son of Heaven.'" "The emperor will not be a servant of immortals either. The decision of the Five Sacred Mountains Emperors is irrelevant; there's no point in me idly chatting with you here."

Yang Li shook his head and said, "If the immortal wants to tear it apart, then let him continue! This humble Taoist has come here today only to borrow the path of Zongxuan Cave Heaven to go to the South Heavenly Gate."

Official Cui didn't want to waste time arguing with a mere Daoist boy who wasn't even an immortal. But he was also extremely worried that this frivolous boy would spout nonsense in front of Grand Tutor Yu. Talking about the Five Sacred Mountains Emperors was one thing, but if he were implicated, he didn't want to become famous throughout the world and be remembered for eternity, much less be "targeted" by Grand Tutor Yu!

"What are you doing in the Heavenly Court, fellow Daoist? You have not yet become an immortal and cannot enter the Heavenly Realm."

Yang Li hesitated for a moment, but still explained his purpose.

At least Officer Cui can help with some publicity.

"Selling Heavenly Court divine positions at the South Heavenly Gate? Grand Tutor Yu, have you lost your mind?" Officer Cui asked, his face full of disbelief.

“This is not a sale of divine positions, but an exchange. If you are interested, Immortal, you may discuss it with me,” Yang Li said.

Cui Siguan stared at him with a strange look in his eyes, "Grand Tutor Yu asked you to go, so you really went?"
Do you know how crazy and absurd it is to do something like this at the South Heavenly Gate?

Yang Li frankly said, "I also think this behavior is very irrational."

But since the Grand Tutor has given the order, there must be a reason. I will simply follow it and not overthink it.”

—What did Yu Fengxian do to you? You are a true cultivator who has cultivated for many years. How did you become Yu Fengxian's lackey? She made you do brainwashing things, and you still think she must have a deeper meaning and is playing a big game?
Cui Siguan was inwardly cursing and wanted to say a few words of advice, after all, they were old neighbors.

Thinking about the foolish thing Yang Li was about to do, he felt embarrassed, ashamed, worried, and afraid for him.

“Fellow Daoist, the Heavenly Court is different from other places. Its rules are strict and cannot be violated. The majesty of the Heavenly Palace is even more inviolable,” he said tactfully.

Yang Li said, "I know the danger, I will not attempt to cross the South Heavenly Gate, I will just wait at the gate."

—Could it be that Yu Fengxian not only refined the Ancestral Dragon Qi Pill that terrified even the Great Immortals of the Three Realms, but also secretly refined a bewitching potion? You were bewitched by her and became a mindless fanatic?
Since Yang Li had already said so, even though he still had some doubts, Cui Siguan still led him to the "Gate of Heaven".

"Remember, do not attempt to storm the South Heavenly Gate! Otherwise, I, the one who let you into the Heavenly Realm, will also bear heavy responsibility," he solemnly warned.

"Rest assured, Immortal! I know how powerful it is. Grand Tutor Yu crushed the Four Heavenly Kings, and the deities of the Southern Heavenly Gate will surely hold a grudge against our Imperial Observatory!" Yang Li said.

—You know the guards at the South Heavenly Gate will hold a grudge against your Imperial Observatory because of the Four Heavenly Kings, yet you still dared to block the gate. You must have a screw loose!

All that could be said by Officer Cui was, "Fellow Daoist, take care!"

Yang Li doesn't actually have a stroke, so he's definitely afraid.

But he did develop faith in Grand Tutor Yu.

On the day Grand Tutor Yu slew Yama, the King of Hell, in the underworld, he was incredibly powerful. He admired her but lacked faith in her, constantly urging her to run away. Even when she said she could handle it, he didn't believe her at all.

Now, having experienced all sorts of incredible events, he has begun to blindly follow her.

"Who, who's lurking around outside?"

After waiting for a while near the South Heavenly Gate, a sharp shout came from "above".

“Great God, I am the Celestial Master of the Imperial Observatory of the Great Qin Dynasty, my Taoist name is ‘Yang Li’, and I am not a bad person,” Yang Li called out from the celestial clouds below.

"come here!"

Yang Li timidly peeked out from the clouds.

Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be Erlang Shen, the Three-Eyed Divine General, and Nezha, the Third Prince.

Feeling uneasy, he bowed to the two great gods and said, "This humble Taoist will not go to the Heavenly Court; I will only wait outside the gate for a while."

Erlang Shen frowned and said, "I saw you coming up from the mortal realm a while ago, and I thought you were a deity on official business in Heaven."

I didn't expect you to stay down there for so long without making a sound. What are you trying to do?

Nezha muttered under his breath, "He's the Celestial Master of the Imperial Observatory, probably here to guard the wanted posters. To see if we've torn them down, and if so, to put them back up immediately."

That damned Yu Fengxian is too arrogant and domineering. Not only did she post notices at the South Heavenly Gate, she even blocked the gate!

"No, no." Yang Li hurriedly replied, then turned around and looked around in astonishment to see that on the stone steps outside the South Heavenly Gate, in a corner, there was also a stone wall, covered with notices.

The location is a bit out of the way.

The South Heavenly Gate is 3,333 zhang wide, and its stone steps are even wider.

The stone wall was placed at the edge of the stone steps, a bit far from Yang Li, so it wasn't immediately visible to him.

No matter how remote its location, it is still outside the South Heavenly Gate.

The key point is that the stone wall is intact and the notice has not been torn down.

"I am not here to guard the notice. I will wait outside the door for the great immortals and gods to come out, and say a few words to them. I assure you that I will not interfere with their duties or offend their eyes," Yang Li said.

"What did you say?" Yang Jian had just asked when suddenly a seven-colored auspicious light descended from the high sky to the north.

He quickly turned around and adopted a welcoming posture.

When the auspicious light landed, he and Nezha bowed together, "Greetings, Uncle-Master!"

Yang Li looked closely and saw a lotus platform the size of a tabletop in the auspicious seven-colored light. On the lotus platform stood two people: a beautiful and compassionate "Great Bodhisattva" and a heroic young man dressed as a pilgrim.

Yang Li had never seen them before, but he immediately recognized them: Cihang Pudu, who had abandoned Taoism for Buddhism, and Huian Xingzhe, the elder brother of the Third Prince.

He hesitated, unsure whether to step forward and bow.

If it were anywhere else, he would definitely walk over quickly and bow three times respectfully.

Even though Cihang had long since abandoned Taoism for Buddhism, she was still considered a "senior" among the Xuanmen Taoists.

Her seniority was too high, her status too noble. Even his ancestor was a junior before her, having to kneel and kowtow. How could a mere novice Taoist not pay homage?
But the Bodhisattva is at the South Heavenly Gate, and he is not qualified to enter!

Just as he was struggling with this decision, the Bodhisattva had already greeted his two nephews and led Huian Xingzhe out of the South Heavenly Gate.

Seeing the Bodhisattva flying towards him, Yang Li did not hesitate and quickly approached and bowed.

The Bodhisattva nodded slightly and asked, "You are the Celestial Master of the Great Qin Dynasty, what brings you here?"

Yang Li stammered, "Grand Tutor Yu has a position of great godhood and wants to exchange it for an ordinary godhood to bestow divine titles upon the loyal souls of the Qin Dynasty."

The Grand Tutor ordered his disciples to wait outside the South Heavenly Gate.

If any powerful deities appear, approach them and ask if they can help with the exchange.

"Have you all lost your minds? Selling official positions outside the South Heavenly Gate?!" Nezha exclaimed in shock from behind.

His brother, Muzha, also looked on incredulously.

The Bodhisattva was quite composed; only a hint of surprise appeared on her beautiful face before she quickly regained her composure and asked, "Is it the position of the Dragon King of the Huai River? Grand Tutor Yu really dares to 'sell' it?"

Yang Li said, "The Grand Tutor promised that as long as the buyer has no sins, has at least five hundred days of merit, and has mastered the ability to control clouds and rain, she guarantees that the buyer can take up a divine position."

Muzha finally couldn't hold back any longer, "She not only sells divine positions, but also guarantees employment? She must be exaggerating!"

Yang Li said, "Grand Tutor used the Nine Cauldrons to drive the human destiny to confer the gods. Even if there is some consumption, it is only the consumption of the Qin Dynasty's destiny, and it will absolutely not harm the Great Immortal in the slightest."

Of course, the Grand Tutor's requirements were not low either, at least one hundred mid-level divine positions.

It means a rank no lower than that of the City God of Shenzhou. If it is a celestial deity, the rank can be one level lower.

Furthermore, all divine positions must be of the same impeccable origin as the Grand Tutor's Huai River divine position, and must be recognized by the Heavenly Court.

"If employment can be guaranteed, that would be ideal; if not, then provide several more divine positions as compensation."

"Hey, this is the South Heavenly Gate, the South Heavenly Gate!" Nezha stomped his Fire-Tipped Spear hard.

"Clang clang clang~~~" The sound was loud, and his shout was even louder, "You say such stupid things that humiliate the entire Heavenly Court in front of the South Heavenly Gate, do you think my spear is not sharp enough?"

(End of this chapter)