Investiture of the Gods: I am Bigan, the Master of Conspiracy

Chapter 160 Breaking the Stalemate: An Advanced Version of Two Peaches Killing Three Warriors
It must be said that Duobao is an extremely powerful person. He can give up a top-grade innate spiritual treasure so easily, which is simply unbelievable.

From Yin Ziyu's perspective, this plan was brilliant. Yin Ziyu's view of Duobao was based on the premise that Duobao was definitely a traitor, while others' view of today's events was based on Duobao's current actions.

At this time of the Ghost Festival, only Yin Ziyu has this insight, which is why he can see through it, while others cannot see through it at all.

Because others are unaware that, fundamentally, the teachings of Chan and Ren need to repay the debts of cause and effect, they are certainly not enemies of Buddhism.

This left the Jie Sect and the Shang Dynasty isolated and helpless.

Yin Ziyu was unaware of these people's secret exchanges, but he knew they must have been discussing things in secret.

When Duobao took out the Zhuxian Sword Formation Diagram, from Yin Ziyu's perspective, he was shocked by Duobao's plan.

Although Duobao didn't explain it very clearly, only saying that it was a treasure of the Jie Sect being returned to the Jie Sect, the meaning behind it was very clear.

The treasure should be returned to the Golden Spirit Mother. The Golden Spirit Mother has no reason not to accept it. It is indeed a treasure of the Jie Sect, which was once used to suppress the destiny of the world. It is the Golden Spirit Mother's duty to retrieve this treasure.

However, since the Golden Spirit Mother did not ask for anything, and Duobao took the initiative to return it, what this meant to all the rogue cultivators was self-evident.

They practically had the alliance written all over their faces. The image Duobao was now displaying was one of helplessness, gratitude for his sect, and the overwhelming force of fate that prevented him from returning to the Jie Sect under the Heavenly Dao oath.

They almost completely stood on the moral high ground, which made it impossible for Yin Ziyu to be trusted even if he were to oppose them.

"Ziyu, is this Duobao truly a traitor?"

At this moment, even the Holy Mother Jinling was somewhat puzzled by Duobao's behavior.

Yin Ziyu said calmly, "Ten thousand years have passed; how could it be a coincidence? Today's situation is the result of ten thousand years of deduction. Duobao presented the Immortal Slaughtering Formation Diagram as a gift, seemingly out of nostalgia, but in reality, it concealed a dagger. Now, the Four Swords of Immortal Slaughtering are in the Chan Sect, so this formation diagram is nothing but a useless object, yet he used it to gain the reputation of remembering the past. If we were to take Duobao as our enemy at this grand gathering, it would be unjust, just like a replay of the drama of Xiqi. If we miscalculate, the other side will surely have other means to deal with it, and we will also fall into the same fate as Xiqi. Fairy, do you think Duobao is unintentional? How could he be unintentional?"

At this point, Yin Ziyu still maintained that whether it was intentional or unintentional, if it was intentional, there must be a plan, so we should consider that plan.

If it was unintentional, but rather a sudden impulse upon seeing the Golden Spirit Mother?
At this level of cultivation, how could one possibly act on a whim?

Even emperors among mortals dare not speak lightly, for a ruler's words are not to be taken lightly. How could the Buddha, at his level, be without intention?
Every word and action of the Buddha affects the situation in the Three Realms. All forces are watching the Buddha's words closely, saying that he acted on a whim. Isn't that ridiculous?

Upon hearing this, the Golden Spirit Mother was immediately struck by a thought: "What a brilliant plan! What a scheme! Could it be that Duobao has seen through Ziyu's scheme to conquer Xiqi and is using this to trap me? Is he exchanging a useless array for the name of justice, putting me in a dilemma?"

At this moment, the Golden Spirit Mother suddenly realized that Duobao's methods, in this light, were actually the same as Yin Ziyu's.

It can be described as using their own methods against them.

Now, if Duobao keeps establishing a moral high ground and building up his own righteousness, the cost of making Yin Ziyu turn against the Jie Sect will become increasingly high.

This is just like the five captures and five releases of the enemy back then; a useless formation diagram was all it took to achieve this.

After listening, Yin Ziyu said calmly, "Using the array diagram as bait, the rogue cultivators will surely question their loyalty to the Jie Sect. This will make the rogue immortals suspect that Tathagata intends to form an alliance with the Jie Sect to jointly oppose the Human Sect and the Chan Sect, avenge the Investiture of the Gods, and seize the destiny of the Three Realms. In this way, the hearts of the rogue immortals will be alienated, leaving us isolated and helpless, forced to advance and retreat with the Buddhist sect. In this way, the life and death of the Jie Sect will be in their hands. When all the rogue immortals in the Three Realms believe that Buddhism has allied with us, they will inevitably ally with the Chan Sect, thus forming a siege against us. The Buddhist sect will openly oppose the Jie Sect, while secretly allying with the Human Sect and the Chan Sect. The rise and fall of the sect will be in Duobao's hands. What is a mere Zhuxian Array Diagram worth?"

The return of the array diagram was both an act of sentimentality to occupy the moral high ground and a way to pave the way for a scheme to sow discord. This kind of plan, which can work in both directions, means that no matter how the Jie Sect responds, they will fall into the trap.

Yin Ziyu's explanation immediately made Jinling Shengmu understand what it contained.

When the wandering immortals felt uneasy about the Jie Sect's alliance with Buddhism, they were bound to ally with the Chan Sect. However, while Buddhism outwardly befriended the Jie Sect, it secretly allied itself with the Chan and Renjiao sects. This skewed the hearts of the wandering immortals and created a siege against the Shang Dynasty and the Jie Sect.

At this point, life and death were no longer up to Duobao. After all, his millennia-long calculations had already laid the net the moment Yin Ziyu and the Golden Spirit Mother arrived.

Upon hearing this, the Golden Spirit Mother gasped, "No wonder! Ziyu, the heart of this wandering immortal is wavering. How should we break this deadlock?"

Now, Tathagata's plan is undoubtedly a grand scheme, a complete saga that shows he has grasped Yin Ziyu's plan in the Investiture of the Gods, and it will not have any flaws.

They've been weaving their web for millennia, and they still have countless tricks up their sleeves to use.

Yin Ziyu always had a lot of room for error when he was planning. He would judge how the opponent should respond after he made his move, so how could the opponent not have a backup plan?

It can be said that Buddhism has already deduced a million possible ways to deal with this matter over the past ten thousand years. If this plan succeeds, it will basically sow discord among the scattered practitioners, and then they can launch an attack at the right time.

There's no doubt that the Chan Sect might be using this opportunity to form an alliance with independent cultivators and make vows.

Yin Ziyu pondered for a moment and said to his master, "This situation must be resolved at the Ullambana Festival. Do not delay. Do not argue with him. Instead, follow Duobao's wishes and show him the camaraderie of fellow disciples. The way to break this situation is not through verbal disputes, but by making his schemes exposed. We must uphold the principles of justice and let his calculations be revealed. Then the world will see the truth."

Yin Ziyu and Jinling Shengmu came to the Ullambana Festival to discuss the matter of Jiecheng and the fate of the common people!
The key point is that it forced out the secret promises between the Human Sect, the Chan Sect, and the West to fully assist in the next great calamity.

If this matter is forced out, then Duobao's scheme will be resolved.

Furthermore, this could also serve as a basis for the Jie Sect to stand with the Shang Dynasty and fight against them, representing the East.

Duobao's plan was undeniably brilliant; basically, after the Ghost Festival, it was all about swallowing everything up. However, Yin Ziyu had a different perspective on the matter and would not follow the other party's plan.

It's impossible to apply that gambler's mentality to Yin Ziyu.

Now that Mahayana Buddhism has been established, and after the schemes of Yin Ziyu in the Investiture of the Gods, the Buddha is also shrewd and will never allow Buddhism to fall into the same situation as Xiqi, and will never lose its righteousness.

Furthermore, with the primary goal of maintaining one's own righteousness, and given that there is currently no saint to safeguard the entire Three Realms, it is imperative to abandon illusions and exercise caution in all matters.

This is also a negative consequence of Yin Ziyu's reputation sweeping across the Three Realms after countless schemes. His opponents have all learned from him, which is inevitable, since they are all top-tier shrewd individuals in the Three Realms.

However, Yin Ziyu was not too nervous about this. Even though everyone else was in the dark, Yin Ziyu was able to see through the fog and understand the essence of the matter.

Now that the Tathagata has just begun the Ullambana Festival, he is frantically trying to elevate his moral high ground. It is imperative to create chaos and disrupt this situation.

At that moment, Yin Ziyu used his supernatural powers to entrust Bixiao with his instructions.

"The fairy is as fiery as a flame, upright and straightforward. The only way to break the deadlock is in the fairy's hands."

Upon hearing this, Bixiao quickly asked, "Ziyu, is this sarcasm? Alright, stop beating around the bush, what do you need me for? Just speak!"

Every personality has its own use. Yin Ziyu's personality is too stable and not good at handling chaotic situations. The reason why Yin Ziyu chose Nezha to break the deadlock was because of Nezha's personality.

Yin Ziyu smiled calmly: "Fairies, I admire Fairy Bixiao's straightforwardness the most. Since Tathagata is flaunting his connection with the sect, why not ask him in public, 'If you value the connection with the sect, why do you allow a traitor like Dingguang Xian to hold a Buddha position?' Tathagata will certainly not answer personally, but let Dingguang Xian answer. You can say that." Tathagata had definitely anticipated the sect's prediction, and Dingguang Xian was indeed one of the flaws.

Both Buddha and Yin Ziyu are cunning, and those who are cunning are not good at fighting.

Knowing Bixiao's nature, Duobao would certainly not want to fight with Bixiao and lose face or ruin the situation. He would definitely let Dingguangxian fight with Bixiao instead.

At this time, the Golden Spirit Mother thanked Duobao for returning the Spirit Treasure, and everyone believed that Tathagata and the Golden Spirit Mother must have discussed and agreed on an alliance.

At this moment, Bixiao suddenly stood up, and at the same time, Bixiao's blue phoenix mount let out a long cry.

"sing"

The blue phoenix cried out, attracting everyone's attention. At the same time, Kong Xuan also saw Bi Xiao's blue phoenix and frowned.

Bixiao looked at Tathagata and questioned, "Since you keep saying you cherish old friendships, why did you keep such a despicable creature as Dingguang Xian? Years ago, before the Ten Thousand Immortals Formation, this thief stole the Six Souls Banner and presented it to the Western Sect, causing my Jie Sect's Ten Thousand Immortals Formation to collapse and our sect to perish! I cannot quell my hatred without tearing out his heart and crushing his bones, yet you bestowed upon him the title of Joyful Dingguang Buddha. Do you think my Jie Sect is blind?"

Bi Xiao's sharp question immediately drew everyone's attention to her.

Upon hearing this, Tathagata frowned and glanced at Dingguangxian.

Just as Yin Ziyu had predicted, Buddha would not personally speak to someone as shrewish as Bixiao about such a matter.

Upon hearing Bixiao's words, Dingguangxian was so enraged that his sleeves trembled violently: "Bixiao, how dare you slander me! When the Ten Thousand Immortals Formation collapsed, none of my senior sisters were in the formation, yet we, the soldiers at the front, perished! For a sage to break the formation was a dead end; I was merely seeking a way to survive. You didn't even participate in the battle, yet you accuse me of being a traitor—how absurd!"

It is common knowledge that Dingguangxian has been a staunch follower of Duobao since the beginning of the Jie Sect. Therefore, it is necessary to clear Dingguangxian's name, otherwise Tathagata will inevitably be implicated because of Dingguangxian.

"Traitor, stop spouting nonsense here! I, this fairy, will surely use the Golden Dragon Scissors to sever you and feed your soul to my Azure Phoenix mount! You long-eared scoundrel, quickly wash your soul clean and bring it here!"

After Bixiao finished speaking, she patted the Azure Phoenix, which immediately let out a cry.

Dingguang Xian looked at Bixiao's blue phoenix and, thinking of a cause and effect, immediately roared angrily: "Bixiao, how dare you! You dare to insult the Phoenix Clan! The Phoenix is ​​the king of all birds, how can it be used as your mount? You, you are blaspheming the ancient gods!"

Bixiao couldn't help but retort angrily, "This fairy will use it as her mount, so what can you do about it?"

"Hmph, you think there's no one good in the Phoenix Clan?"

"Oh? Who is it?"

The use of phoenixes as mounts is common knowledge throughout the Three Realms; this practice has long since disappeared from ancient times.

However, Ding Guangxian's words immediately attracted the attention of countless people, not Bixiao and Ding Guangxian, but Kong Xuan.

Although it is common knowledge that the phoenix has become a mount, this matter has now been attributed to Kong Xuan, because Kong Xuan is the son of Yuan Feng.

Furthermore, during the Investiture of the Gods, he was known as the number one person below the Sage. Now, all the immortals and gods of the Three Realms are watching here. As soon as Dingguang Xian finished speaking, Tathagata felt a tightness in his heart.

Suddenly, Tathagata realized something was amiss. Bixiao had been drawing attention to his Azure Phoenix and Dingguang Xian, but what was going on behind the scenes?

After all, no one could deduce Yin Ziyu's plan.

The Buddha couldn't help but secretly wonder: "Could it be that this is meant to draw Kong Xuan's attention to the Phoenix Clan being reduced to mounts, thus thwarting this humble monk's plan? Forcibly binding cause and effect; if so, Kong Xuan will have no choice but to say something at this moment!"

Yes, Kong Xuan was the patriarch of the Phoenix Clan, with immense prestige, and fought a great battle against the Sages during the Investiture of the Gods.

If they don't show something at this point, then the entire Phoenix will have no chance to rise again.

If Kong Xuan doesn't say anything, his reputation will plummet, and this matter will become an obsession that hinders his future path to enlightenment.

This is of utmost importance!
The fact that the phoenixes were used as mounts was originally not important. Even Kong Xuan would have preferred not to see it and not be bothered by it. But now that the phoenixes are in decline, there's nothing he can do about it.

However, the argument between Bixiao and Dingguang Xianxian reignited this long-buried conflict.

Now all eyes in the Three Realms are on Kong Xuan, and this matter has escalated from a minor issue to a major one, so much so that even the heavens cannot contain it.

It wouldn't matter if Kong Xuan wasn't famous, but he gained immense fame during the Investiture of the Gods period. With that fame came the title of Lord of the Phoenix Clan, and now Dingguang Xian and Bixiao have directly tied it to Kong Xuan in their conversation.

Indeed, Yin Ziyu had grasped this point, a point that almost everyone took for granted and didn't care about.

Kong Xuan then had no choice but to make a statement, and Kong Xuan was by nature an unruly person.

"You lowly wench! How dare you enslave my Phoenix Clan's spirit birds! Release them immediately!"

Kong Xuan suddenly roared, his voice booming like a bell, and instantly arrived at the sea of ​​clouds in the middle of the Three Thousand Divine Mountains, looking down at the Three Heavens.

Bixiao, riding atop the blue phoenix, crossed her legs and glanced sideways at Kong Xuan, the golden dragon scissors gleaming coldly between her fingertips: "You worthless bird, what right do you have to interfere with this fairy's mount? My sisters and I can ride as we please, what's it to you?"

Kong Xuan, his peacock feathers standing on end, roared, "I am Kong Xuan, the young master of the Phoenix Clan! You have enslaved my clan's divine bird. If you do not release it, do not blame me for using the Five-Colored Divine Light to teach you what the Five Elements of the Primordial Chaos truly are!"

"Who do you think you are? My mount, the Azure Phoenix, is ten times more precious than you, you wild peacock! If you make another sound, the Golden Dragon Scissors will slay you!"

Under Yin Ziyu's arrangement, Bixiao deliberately forced Kong Xuan to reveal his unruly nature, making it impossible for him to back down and escalating the situation.

Meanwhile, Yin Ziyu was secretly discussing matters with Yaochi.

"Great Celestial Venerable of Yaochi, please grant Dingguang Immortal and Bixiao each a nine-thousand-year-old peach after Kong Xuan is defeated, in the name of pacifying the war!"

Yaochi was also stunned: "Two peaches of immortality, could it be that you have some kind of plan, fellow Daoist!"

"Please rest assured, Great Heavenly Venerable, this will not implicate you in karma. Please let Dingguang Xian eat the peach, and Dingguang Xian will die!"

Yaochi was taken aback: "Oh? Could it be that you, fellow Daoist, are plotting again against the incident where two Fruits killed three warriors?"

(End of this chapter)