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

Chapter 182 Wukong Shocks the Sage, Results Announced at Zixiao Palace.

Inside the Zixiao Palace, the chaotic energy surged like waves. Hongjun sat calmly on the Dao Platform, his expression serene yet imposing. His gaze, seemingly able to see through everything, filled the entire Zixiao Palace with an invisible pressure.

The six sages were originally discussing the selection of candidates for the revised Investiture of the Gods.

Laozi and the other four sages recommended candidates to Hongjun, which was a period of tug-of-war.

Because the selection of these deities is extremely important, as it represents the change of order after the Great Calamity, and the change of order after the Great Calamity represents the general trend of the Heavenly Way.

At this moment, Laozi was discussing matters with Hongjun in his capacity as a Heavenly Sage, and Hongjun naturally could not refute Laozi.

Since revising the Investiture of the Gods is reasonable, the selection of those to be appointed must be determined by the Heavenly Sage.

Each sage has their own responsibilities, but Hongjun does not have direct management authority; he is responsible for managing the sages.

Hongjun, however, could not have the power of life and death over the Heavenly Saints, so the revision of the Investiture of the Gods was a fundamental conflict between Hongjun and Laozi and others.

Lao Tzu's role is that of an observer and mediator of the evolution of the Heavenly Way, while Yuanshi Tianzun is the defender of the orthodox Heavenly Way. He is bound to compete for the title of deity to stabilize the will and the general trend of the Heavenly Way.

However, no matter what, Hongjun is superior to the Six Sages, but we cannot break off relations and invite the Heavenly Dao to come out personally.

This led to a disagreement at the Zixiao Palace meeting, but neither side was willing to back down, resulting in a stalemate.

Of course, Hongjun would not speak, while Nuwa, Tongtian, and Laozi were vying for power, similar to a court assembly. Hongjun, as the emperor, had his own will, but could not express it.

We need to rely on Tongtian and Nuwa to fight against them.

At this moment, because of Sun Wukong's actions, the faces of all six saints were filled with shock. Sun Wukong's overthrow of the Dao Ancestor's statue and the theft of the Renshui Peaches were like a bombshell, stirring up a storm in the hearts of the saints.

At this moment, the one who was most terrified was Zhunti. Zhunti Daoist's face was ashen, as if he were surrounded by endless fear.

"puff"

Zhunti stepped forward first and knelt down, breaking the silence of Zixiao Palace: "Teacher, it is all my fault for not disciplining him properly, which led to that wicked disciple committing such a rebellious act of disrespecting you. Please punish me severely, teacher."

The Taoist Zhunti spoke earnestly, his eyes filled with self-reproach and fear.

Upon hearing this, the Tongtian Sect Leader's expression hardened, and his gaze flashed like lightning as he looked at Zhunti. He then said, "Master, Zhunti's disciple has committed such a heinous crime of blasphemy against the Master. He should be punished by Heaven to set an example and demonstrate the majesty of Heaven!"

Tongtian's words resonated powerfully, echoing throughout the Zixiao Palace.

Regardless, this matter must be brought up by Tongtian to amplify its seriousness.

Nuwa bowed slightly and solemnly reported, "Reporting to Master, even though that monkey was transformed from my five-colored stone, it still dared to disrespect you. Such behavior is unforgivable and must be punished."

Regardless of the circumstances, Nuwa was determined to stand with Tongtian and escalate these issues from minor to major. At this point, Nuwa understood that only by standing firm and not yielding an inch could she secure greater benefits in Zixiao Palace.

You need to have complete control over the course of this matter.

The Guide Daoist hurriedly stepped forward and knelt down heavily with Zhunti, their faces full of anxiety and sincerity: "Master, Wukong is naturally ignorant and fearless, which is why he has committed such a grave mistake. This is all due to our failure to discipline him properly. Now is the time of great calamity, which is an opportunity given to the West by Heaven. Please, Master, have mercy and punish us, but please do not blame Wukong."

Yuanshi Tianzun, holding the Three Treasures Jade Ruyi, said calmly, “Master, I believe that this matter is by no means accidental and there must be a hidden story. Although Wukong acted rashly and recklessly, the Heavenly Court maid is also to blame in this matter. Perhaps she was tempted. The most urgent task is to find out who did it so that a fair judgment can be made.”

Upon hearing this, the Tongtian Sect Leader sneered and said disdainfully, "Haotian and Yaochi were originally disciples of our Master. They have always offered peaches of immortality to our Master on his birthday when they ripen. Is it really considered tempting to take peaches according to common sense?"

Yuanshi Tianzun frowned slightly and immediately asked, "If that's the case, then why specifically arrange for Sun Wukong to guard the Peach Garden? Isn't there a deeper meaning behind this?"

The Tongtian Sect Leader snorted coldly and said, "Hmph, you've all been secretly toying with this Sun Wukong. Now that a problem has arisen, you question why he was placed in the Peach Garden. If he had made a mistake in any other position, would you have given him the same excuse?"

The Primordial Celestial Venerable replied with a cold expression, "No matter what, Haotian cannot escape the blame for condoning this matter. If he hadn't indulged that monkey, allowing him to be ignorant and fearless, how could such a disaster have occurred?"

The Celestial Venerable of the Primordial Beginning spoke in a calm tone, yet it subtly conveyed an unquestionable majesty, and now he was shifting the blame onto Haotian.

Instead of focusing on Sun Wukong's ignorance and fearlessness, they sought to investigate the conspirators behind the scenes.

Upon hearing this, the Tongtian Sect Leader was first taken aback, then burst into laughter in anger, the sound echoing throughout the Zixiao Palace, full of mockery.

"Hmph, you make it sound so easy! When did this Heavenly Court become your Chan Sect's Heavenly Court? It's clearly you Chan Sect members who have been indulging in this, and now you're shifting the blame onto Haotian. Yuanshi, are you perhaps trying to implicate your teacher? Your intentions are truly despicable!"

Yuanshi Tianzun snorted coldly and retorted sharply, "It's not impossible that Haotian and Yaochi harbor ill intentions, attempting to use your prestige to achieve their plan to seize control of the Heavenly Court's destiny. Such thoughts are truly despicable!"

Tongtian's gaze, sharp as a knife, fell upon Yuanshi Tianzun, and he asked in a low voice, "Oh? Could it be that when you conferred the titles of gods back then, you also used Nuwa's reputation to accomplish your so-called great power?"

The Primordial Celestial Venerable glared angrily: "Tongtian, stop spouting nonsense and slandering this humble Daoist!"

Just as tensions were about to escalate, Lao Tzu slowly spoke, his voice calm yet carrying an invisible authority: "Alright, stop arguing."

Lao Tzu's statement brought the argument between Yuanshi Tianzun and Tongtian Jiaozhu to an abrupt end.

The debate among the saints at this time was actually between Yuanshi Tianzun and Tongtian, while the others were taking sides and providing support.

It was as if the imperial court had split into two factions, with the censors of the two factions engaging in a war of words.

There was no other way; Tongtian had no one else on his side, and Nuwa couldn't easily get involved in the conflict. Only Tongtian could argue with Yuanshi Tian personally. Nuwa looked at Laozi and asked, "Senior Brother, in your opinion, how should this matter be handled?"

Lao Tzu's brows were furrowed, and his expression was solemn.

Lao Tzu couldn't help but sigh slightly and slowly said, "Alas, this monkey's nature is like this. The heavenly maids only whispered a few words in secret, yet it angered him. His nature is hard to change, and he will cause trouble no matter where he is placed. Now that trouble has occurred, it is because he has disrespected his teacher. This matter is both the responsibility of the Western teachings for their inadequacy and the responsibility of the Heavenly Court for indulging Wukong."

Lao Tzu's words immediately astonished Yuanshi Tianzun.

Yuanshi Tianzun was truly surprised that Laozi would so readily take part of the responsibility; such a decisive attitude greatly exceeded his expectations.

Jieyin and Zhunti, too, looked at Laozi with astonishment, their gazes filled with both doubt and complex emotions.

Jieyin couldn't help but ask, "Fellow Daoist Laozi, in your opinion, how should this matter be handled?"

Laozi, with a calm expression, slowly turned his gaze to Hongjun, who sat serenely on the platform, and said respectfully, "Reporting to Master, Wukong's disrespectful act stemmed from his ignorance and fearlessness, ultimately a result of our inadequate upbringing. Moreover, Wukong is the one destined to carry out the great calamity of Heaven; severe punishment might disrupt the operation of Heaven. The Western Sect, my junior brother Yuanshi, and even I bear responsibility in this matter, and I beg Master to punish us. This Investiture of the Gods involves numerous causes and effects; I request Master to designate the one destined for the Investiture. Master, as the embodiment of Heaven, transcends the mortal realm and is detached from worldly affairs. My junior brother Haotian's failure to fully grasp the Heavenly Court's fortune has led to this current situation. I believe that Haotian should also be allowed to grasp a portion of the Heavenly Court's fortune; only in this way can the Heavenly Court's order be more stable and similar chaos be prevented from recurring."

Lao Tzu's words, spoken calmly and deliberately, relinquished the long-standing stalemate in the interests of the Three Realms.

The person who conferred the titles of gods represents the future order of the Three Realms. If the Heavenly Court continues to grow stronger, the value of any divine position will increase. If the person who conferred the titles of gods controls the future structure of the Heavenly Court, the order of the Three Realms will also change.

After all, all beings in the Three Realms must obey the will of the Heavenly Court.

At the same time, Laozi voluntarily relinquished some of his fortune to Haotian, allowing Haotian to gradually gain power, which can be considered a concession to Hongjun.

After all, Haotian Yaochi was Hongjun's person, but he was always sidelined by Laozi and Yuanshi Tianzun.

This would inevitably displease Hongjun, but he could not show favoritism.

Both the Tongtian Sect Leader and the Goddess Nuwa were taken aback when they heard Laozi's suggestion.

The two were genuinely surprised that Laozi would so easily relinquish some of his profits. This move undoubtedly shattered everyone's original expectations and made the situation even more delicate.

After listening quietly to Laozi's words, Hongjun Laozu nodded slightly, his calm voice seemingly echoing from the ages: "You all harbored your own agendas, toying with this monkey, thus sowing the seeds of this karma. Since you have all earnestly requested me to appoint the one to bestow the titles of gods, then, as Nuwa said, this person will no longer be chosen from among the four religions, but will be led by Zhenyuanzi in the next round of bestowing titles. Zhenyuanzi has always been fair and impartial; I hope he can uphold justice and successfully complete the great undertaking of bestowing titles. As for the matters of the Heavenly Court, Laozi, you should discuss and handle them with Haotian."

Hongjun didn't say much this time. From the time the saints arrived at Zixiao Palace until their departure, he didn't utter more than five sentences. However, the fate of the Three Realms was decided from this moment.

After speaking, Hongjun's figure gradually became illusory and eventually disappeared from the Dao Platform, leaving only a group of saints in a brief silence within the Zixiao Palace.

Then all the saints left Zixiao Palace, and the palace gates closed, instantly disappearing into chaos.

At this moment, the four sages arrived at Taiqing Heaven. At this time, Taiqing Heaven was filled with auspicious light and mist, and there was a peaceful and tranquil scene. However, the expressions of the three sages were extremely solemn.

Yuanshi Tianzun broke the silence first, asking Laozi, "Elder brother, how can we bear all the responsibility for this? If we relinquish the selection of those to be conferred the titles of gods, the order of the Three Realms will inevitably change as a result!"

Laozi frowned and slowly said, "Yuanshi, you must understand that Wukong is the one destined to face the tribulation of Heaven, born of the mandate of Heaven. This time, his disrespect for the Dao Ancestor is Heaven's fault. Furthermore, Haotian is actually without fault in this matter. If we continue to argue, it will be of no benefit. Moreover, Haotian and Yaochi have always had no power in the Heavenly Court, and our teacher is naturally dissatisfied with this. Now, taking advantage of this opportunity, the situation is unpredictable, and who knows how many more variables will arise. It would be better to resolve this matter sooner rather than later."

Lao Tzu's voice was calm yet powerful; each word struck the hearts of the people like a heavy hammer.

It must be said that Lao Tzu prioritized the overall situation. Since this matter has occurred and has created such a significant karmic connection with the Dao Ancestor, it is a major problem in this great calamity.

Jieyin nodded slightly, his expression agreeing, and said, "What Fellow Daoist Laozi said is quite right. This matter should indeed not be delayed for long. With the great calamity approaching, many causes and effects are intertwined. If this matter is delayed, and someone with ulterior motives uses cause and effect to cause trouble, it will surely bring endless disasters."

Zhunti chimed in, "Having Zhen Yuanzi preside over the Investiture of the Gods has its advantages, better than having someone from the Jie Sect preside over it. The situation in the Three Realms is already so tense, Haotian and Yaochi will certainly not sit idly by and wait for their doom. In my opinion, this matter may be Bi Gan's scheme, but we have no leverage to attack him, so we can only go with the flow."

Lao Tzu sighed: "So what if it is? So what if it isn't? When Fellow Daoist Zhunti decided to disperse Wukong's origin, this matter could only be a mistake upon a mistake. Since that's the case, don't blame your opponent for using this as a pretext!"

Nuwa and Tongtian watched the four sages depart, and Nuwa said softly, "Congratulations, Senior Brother, on regaining your freedom!"

The Tongtian Sect Leader turned slightly and said to Nuwa, "I am grateful that you have been able to support me all these years on your own. These days have been filled with many hardships and dangers, and it has not been easy for you."

After listening, Nuwa slowly said, "Ziyu is in charge of all matters, and everything is in good order. I don't need to worry too much about it."

Tongtian nodded slightly and said, "That's very good. Junior sister, why don't you come with me to Shangqing Heaven for a chat, so we can discuss the current situation of this world?"

Nuwa pondered for a moment and nodded in agreement, saying, "We are currently at a critical juncture in the Great Tribulation, with many matters intertwined. It would be better to have Ziyu, Mifei, Jinling, and others come together so that we can discuss countermeasures together."

Tongtian nodded in agreement and said with a smile, "Excellent! This arrangement is exactly what I wanted."

Soon, the imperial edict was delivered to Yin Ziyu, Jinling Shengmu, and others.

Jin Ling was overjoyed and said, "Master has completed his seclusion at Zixiao Palace and is currently in Shangqing Heaven. He has instructed us to go and meet Master!"

Yin Ziyu then said, "Now that the Sage Tongtian has emerged from seclusion, we shall go and pay our respects to him!"

"Let's go together."

At that moment, Yin Ziyu, Mi Fei, Jin Ling, Gui Ling, Yun Xiao, and Wu Dang left Chaoge together and headed straight for Shangqing Heaven!

(End of this chapter)