Primordial Era: Taibai, the Poison Master of Yaochi, drives a Sage insane!

Chapter 32 Yaochi confronts Yuanshi!

After Venus departed, only Yuanshi Tianzun and Yaochi remained, standing facing each other.

Although Li Bai left, he was worried, wondering if Yaochi could hold out. But no matter what, he had to leave.

At this level of cultivation, one can easily become an innocent bystander or a tool for venting anger.

If the Celestial Lord of the Primordial Beginning decides that Yaochi should not be killed, then it is not impossible for his ministers to kill Yaochi to vent their anger!

Although all the plans have been made in the Jade Pool Wonderland and completed in the Pangu Palace, caution is still necessary.

At least, Li Bai believed that Yuanshi Tianzun would never kill Yaochi, and that his plan was logically sound.

Yaochi is a person from Zixiao Palace, and was personally appointed as the Great Heavenly Venerable by the Dao Ancestor, so her status is legitimate.

Having just performed the eternal feat of creating characters for the human race, he was bestowed with merit by Heaven.

Killing Yaochi is tantamount to disrespecting the Dao Ancestor and going against the Heavenly Dao and its merits. Even a saint would have to suffer the backlash of the Heavenly Dao and be held accountable by the Dao Ancestor.

Even when Yuanshi was furious, he only dared to intimidate, humiliate, seize his fortune, and damage his reputation; he would never dare to kill him. Li Bai was well aware of this.

Furthermore, this great achievement of creating characters was not originally accomplished by Yuanshi's disciples assisting Cangjie; in fact, the evolution into true writing required the accumulation of countless generations.

However, Yuanshi believed that this was a theft of his disciple's fortune and merit.

The essence of this matter is that the human race's writing system could not have been formed in Xuanyuan's generation. It would have taken countless generations of humans to slowly explore, accumulate, and evolve it. It is unknown how many tens of thousands of years it would have taken to gradually put together a complete writing system.

The Twelve Golden Immortals of the Chan Sect and the Xuanyuan faction did not participate in the entire process. No one guided Cangjie, no one helped him comprehend the Dao, and no one guided him on the Great Dao of writing. This group of people just squatted in Zhuolu watching the war and fighting for the hegemony of the Human Emperor. They did not care about the creation of characters and the inheritance of the cultural lineage of the human race, nor did they do anything practical.

Fundamentally speaking, this merit has absolutely nothing to do with Yuanshi, Chanjiao, or Xuanyuan.

The root of the conflict lies in the fact that Cangjie's invention of characters happened to occur during the era of Xuanyuan's struggle for supremacy in Zhuolu.

According to the sage's logic in the beginning, this is how it is calculated: now is the era of the Human Emperor Xuanyuan, who is the Human Emperor promoted by the Chan Sect.

In that era, all the highest merits and cultural fortunes of the human race should, by default, belong to Xuanyuan and the disciples of the Chan Sect.

However, Li Bai knew the odds and the luck involved in this matter, and he couldn't refuse to take it. Since he had already offended them, he might as well take it!

This is a once-in-a-lifetime, supreme human achievement: creating characters, establishing a literary tradition, and opening the realm of sages. It is an immense opportunity to take root in the origin of humanity and bind the destiny of the human race for countless generations.

This is incomparable to ordinary demon slaying, cultivation, or treasure hunting.

If you miss this chance, you'll never have another one.

Li Bai, who followed the path of strategic maneuvering, was always about seizing opportunities, planning ahead, and taking the initiative. Yet, he watched as an immense opportunity was presented to him, only to relinquish it because of the Yuanshi era. He was not a strategist, but a mediocre person.

This is the foundational planning; it won't do without it. The rest is up to Yaochi.

An invisible, chilling aura hung in the air, drawing all eyes to this place.

Several sages were all startled by Yuanshi's wrath. They silently watched this sudden confrontation, observing Yaochi's response and trying to fathom the courage and spirit of this newly promoted mid-stage Quasi-Sage Heavenly Sovereign.

In the heart of Mount Sumeru, the Daoist Guide sat quietly on a lotus platform, gazing at the primordial world and said, "Yuanshi has already personally come down to question them. Today, Yaochi dares to meddle with the Human Emperor, who is led by the Chan Sect, and seize the core fortune and merit of the human race. Their audacity is truly terrifying."

Beside him, the Daoist Zhunti nodded slightly and slowly spoke: "The Battle of Zhuolu was personally orchestrated by Yuanshi, who ordered the Twelve Golden Immortals of the Chan Sect to assist Emperor Xuanyuan. His original intention was to seize all the fortune, merit, and foundation of humanity's rise. The human race's cultural heritage and literary tradition were originally intended for Xuanyuan's supreme achievement in concluding the dynasty. Now, Yaochi has intercepted it halfway, which is tantamount to forcibly taking food from the Chan Sect's predetermined chess game. Given Yuanshi's temperament, he will certainly not let this go easily."

The Guide Daoist said calmly, "What can we do if they don't let this go? Yaochi is from Zixiao Palace, personally appointed by the Dao Ancestor as the Great Heavenly Venerable Who Rules Over All Immortals. Her position is legitimate and her title is complete. She has just made a great contribution to the human way for all eternity and bears boundless merits from the Heavenly Dao. Even if Yuanshi is furious, he would never dare to rashly eliminate her. If Yaochi's life is truly harmed, the Dao Ancestor will surely be enraged and hold her accountable. It would be a loss for him."

The Daoist Zhunti pondered for a moment, then uttered the outcome most fitting for the sage's game of strategy: "Killing is absolutely out of the question, but humiliation, suppression,..."

Depriving someone of their fortune is a feasible option. Yuanshi Tianzun is known for his protectiveness, bias, and strong sense of honor regarding his own lineage. Having suffered a great loss this time, he will surely seek revenge. Depriving Yaochi of the literary and spiritual energy he gained is something we can only await the outcome.

Inside the Nuwa Palace, Nuwa gazed at the two figures facing off and sighed, "Yaochi's actions are far too audacious. The rise and fall of the human race and the succession of human emperors are all predetermined by the sages and the grand scheme of things. Yaochi has rashly interfered with the very foundation of human culture and attempted to seize the established destiny of the Chan Sect. Yuanshi will certainly not let this go easily. This confrontation is extremely dangerous. Yaochi's foundation is still shallow, and I'm afraid she will be unable to withstand Yuanshi's attack."

Inside Biyou Palace, the Tongtian Sect Leader gazed at the standoff in the void, his brows furrowed. His voice, tinged with resentment, murmured to himself, "My second brother's vision is narrow, and he's meddling too much. He's long lost the saintly spirit of non-interference and impartiality. Humanity belongs to all living beings, not to the Chan Sect. The Human Emperor's rule is merely a tributary of humanity; the human race's cultural heritage and civilization are public assets of Heaven. How can they be monopolized by one person or one sect?"

Tongtian secretly made up his mind: "Yaochi is acting in accordance with the trend, benefiting the human race, and creating eternal merit. Her actions are upright and in line with the way of heaven, and she has done nothing wrong. My second senior brother is deliberately picking a fight and bullying others. I will stay here and observe how Yaochi argues its case and upholds its principles. If Yaochi is outnumbered and cannot withstand the pressure of the Primordial Lord, I will not sit idly by and will definitely step in to help."

Tongtian now believes that Yaochi is an ally that can be won over.

Because Yaochi is truly charging forward and standing at the forefront, and the conflict between Tongtian and Yuanshi is not something that will last for a while, they absolutely cannot sit idly by and watch their natural ally be suppressed!

Each sage harbored their own thoughts and silently observed, making the atmosphere of confrontation between heaven and earth increasingly tense.

The Primordial Celestial Venerable's aura of sainthood pressed down heavily, his voice filled with thunderous anger, and he was the first to speak, questioning, "How dare you!"

"As the Heavenly Venerable of the Heavenly Court, you could have remained peacefully in the Nine Heavens. Why did you presumptuously cross over to the mortal realm, interfere with the inheritance of the Great Dao of humanity, privately orchestrate the creation of characters by humanity, and steal the predetermined destiny!"

Faced with the sage's questioning, Yaochi replied neither humbly nor arrogantly: "May I ask, Senior Brother Yuanshi, I am the Great Heavenly Venerable, personally appointed by the Dao Ancestor to govern all immortals and gods, and I bear the responsibility of upholding the order of all celestial beings. Why can't I descend to the mortal realm to travel, spread the Dao, and help the world? Why can't I set foot among the human race..."

To save all living beings?

Upon hearing this, Yuanshi Tianzun was taken aback by Yaochi's rebuttal, and his anger intensified. He sternly retorted, "The reigns of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, the rise and fall of human emperors, are all predetermined by the Heavenly Dao. The merits of human emperors and the prosperity of the human race have their corresponding opportunities and destinies—all are predetermined! The affairs of the human race and the merits of human emperors have nothing to do with you, the Heavenly Venerable of the Heavenly Court. Your transgression and reckless actions are defying the Heavenly Dao and disrupting the order!"

Yaochi refused to back down and continued to argue her case: "I am fully aware of what you mean by the predetermined fate of the Human Emperor, and I have never had the slightest thought of overstepping my bounds. From beginning to end, I have never interfered with the succession of the Human Emperor's power, nor have I touched upon the grand scheme of the Human Emperor's destiny laid out by you, Senior Brother."

"This opportunity arose from my travels in the mortal realm, where I encountered the mortal Cangjie. I saw that he cherished all living beings and had a profound understanding of eternity. He spontaneously perceived the patterns of heaven and earth, the birds and beasts, and the mountains and rivers, and was determined to end the barbaric practice of knotted ropes and bring blessings to humanity for generations to come. I merely offered him a little guidance..."

It merely guides us to the origin of the Great Dao, helps us to understand the true meaning of words, and accomplishes a virtuous deed according to the Dao.

"Cangjie is just a commoner of the human race, without any affiliation, official position, or under the command of Xuanyuan. He is not involved in the power and responsibilities of the Human Emperor's court. My enlightenment of the human race and the advancement of human civilization have never conflicted with the Human Emperor's destiny or the layout of the Chan Sect. So how can there be any talk of a heaven-defying chaos?"

Yuanshi Tianzun, stumped by this rebuttal, roared angrily, "The creation of characters and the establishment of the literary tradition by the human race is a great achievement, the ultimate merit that the Human Emperor rightfully deserved after pacifying the wars and unifying the land! This supreme fortune has already belonged to the Yellow Emperor and to the plans of my Chan Sect! You have privately enlightened mortals and prematurely created the Great Dao of Characters, intercepting the Heavenly Dao merit that should have belonged to the Human Emperor. What else is this but stealing fortune?!"

Yaochi raised an eyebrow slightly, her expression showing some confusion: "I have a question, and I would like to ask my senior brother to enlighten me. Under heaven, all human beings are born from the Dao of Heaven and manifested by the Great Dao. Cangjie is a true descendant of the human race, who cares for the human race and brings blessings to the human race. All his actions are for the survival and well-being of the human race."

"Why is it considered a sin for the people of humanity to attain enlightenment on their own, create their own civilization, and perfect the foundation of humanity? Why must the Great Dao of writing, which has benefited humanity for eternity, be held, created, and enjoyed exclusively by the Human Emperor alone? Are all the billions of beings of the primordial human race merely appendages of the Human Emperor, deprived even of the qualification to attain enlightenment on their own and pass on the Great Dao? Must all the merits and opportunities of humanity belong entirely to the Human Emperor and the Chan Sect, and no one else be allowed to touch them?"

Upon hearing this, the Tongtian Sect Leader exclaimed, "Excellent! What a fine Jade Pool! Indeed, my path is not lonely!"

Yuanshi Tianzun had never been contradicted or argued with by a junior before, and he was immediately enraged. He did not expect that the junior's argument was the same as Tongtian's, so he shouted angrily.

"You lowly wench from Yaochi, how dare you be so insolent! The Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors ruled in an orderly manner, and the succession of humankind followed a set pattern. The fate of humanity is already established, and the order of Heaven is set! You do not abide by your duty, but instead dare to disrupt the foundation of humanity and alter the established order of Heaven. You are audacious and disrespectful!"

Facing the sage's angry rebuke, Yaochi showed no fear: "I am a direct disciple of the Dao Ancestor Zixiao, and I was bestowed the title of Heavenly Venerable by the Dao Ancestor. I share the same origin as my fellow disciples, listening to the Dao and discussing it with them. My fellow disciples hold the venerable position of sage, and I naturally respect sages. However, I absolutely refuse to accept such a rebuke as calling me a lowly servant!"

"Furthermore, please tell me clearly, senior brother, in what way have I altered the course of Heaven? The human race is destined to have written language to pass down through generations. I have fulfilled the foundation of civilization that the human race should have, in accordance with the original intention of Heaven's creation. How can I be guilty of defying Heaven and altering its course?"

The Primordial Celestial Venerable was filled with boundless rage: "Human writing will eventually appear in the world, and the human cultural lineage will eventually take shape! But such a momentous matter must wait until Xuanyuan pacifies the Nine Li and unifies the human land, and then the Human Emperor, following the will of Heaven, will complete the process and attain enlightenment! The order of time is predetermined, and destiny has its own timing; there is no need for you to overstep your bounds and do unnecessary things!"

Upon hearing this, Yaochi gave a soft, bitter laugh: "May I ask, Senior Brother, the Jiuli and Xuanyuan have been locked in a stalemate for many years, with neither side able to wage war or annihilate the other, thus forming an established pattern of two races coexisting and humanity divided."

"Judging from the current situation, the Nine Li may not be pacified, and the human race may not be unified. This confrontation may last for thousands, tens of thousands of years, or even forever. If Xuanyuan is unable to pacify the Nine Li and unify the human race in his lifetime, will the human race never have writing? Will hundreds of millions of human beings be forever trapped in ignorance, unable to attain enlightenment, and have their civilization cut off?"

"I was merely traveling in the mortal realm when I happened upon the opportunity of Cangjie's enlightenment. I took the opportunity to enlighten him, accomplishing a great feat that would benefit future generations. I acted in accordance with the Way of Heaven, bringing blessings to all living beings. I never harmed anyone, disrupted any order, or went against any principle. Yet, in my senior brother's words, such a benevolent act has become a heinous crime. I find this reasoning utterly unbelievable!"

Upon hearing this, Yuanshi Tianzun lost face completely. As a sage of the primordial world, he was rendered speechless and at a loss for words by Yaochi, who was usually low-key and forbearing.

The Primordial Celestial Venerable no longer hesitated to reason; his boundless, sage-like aura poured forth without restraint, like the collapse of the heavens.

The Milky Way fell, crushing down upon Yaochi's body!

Yaochi has only just entered the mid-stage of Quasi-Saint, and her Dao foundation is not yet fully stable. How can she withstand the ultimate pressure from a Saint?

His body trembled violently, and a tearing pain shot through his limbs and bones. The Dao power within his body surged and churned, and the auspicious clouds surged and became unstable.

A mouthful of bright red blood uncontrollably spilled from the corner of his mouth, slowly sliding down his lips, and the immortal light around him dimmed slightly.

Even though she was severely injured, her foundation was under pressure, and she was in dire straits, Yaochi never bowed her head, never knelt, and never retreated even a step.

"What Yaochi did today was in accordance with the Way of Heaven, benefited the human race, and was worthy of all living beings, the Great Dao, and the teachings of the Dao Ancestor!"

"If you insist that I have done good deeds but have committed crimes, or that I have taken advantage of the situation to do evil, and insist on accusing me and suppressing me, then I will leave it to you to do as you please!"

"Whether you wish to kill, punish, seize fortune, or destroy your foundation, it's all up to you, Senior Brother!"

"But! Yaochi has a clear conscience. Yaochi will never admit or confess her guilt, even unto death!"

Upon seeing this, Yuanshi Tianzun became even more enraged, and the anger in his heart completely ignited.

Yuanshi originally intended to use the power of the sage to suppress Yaochi's self-esteem, crush Yaochi's spirit, force Yaochi to admit her mistakes and submit, and publicly humiliate this junior who dared to challenge the authority of the Chan Sect and seize the Chan Sect's fortune, so as to regain his own and the Chan Sect's face.

Unexpectedly, Yaochi, in dire straits, showed no cowardice or retreat whatsoever. Instead, she became even more proud and unyielding, determined to fight to the bitter end.

We absolutely have to fight back. If we don't, we'll lose all our luck and face, and all the luck we worked so hard to fight for will be lost!