Seated at the head of the hall, Meng Qi surveyed the gathering and recognized familiar faces such as Guangchengzi, Manjushri Dharma Heavenly Venerable, Chijingzi, Yuding Zhenren, Daoxing Immortal Venerable, and Nezha, along with a few unfamiliar ones—likely newly ascended legendary figures from various lineages over the years.
Of course, the Howling Celestial Hound was unmistakably squatting in the seat that should have belonged to Yang Jian.
“Greetings, Sect Leader Su,” the unfamiliar legendary figures stood up under the guidance of their respective masters or patriarchs and bowed solemnly.
Meng Qi extended his right hand, pressing it downward slightly with a faint smile. “Our Jade Void Palace indeed thrives with successors, standing as one of the foremost powers across the myriad realms.”
His tone carried an air of seasoned authority. In terms of actual age, even the youngest present was decades or even centuries older than him. Yet, as the sect leader of the Jade Void Palace, his words held undeniable weight. The legendary figures listened quietly and introduced themselves in turn.
Among them, the ones who left the deepest impression on Meng Qi were Chijingzi’s disciple, Qixi Mountain Man, and Manjushri Dharma Heavenly Venerable’s direct disciple, Jian Wanlin. The former appeared elderly at first glance, seemingly past seventy, yet upon closer observation, his mental state seemed no older than thirty—a stark contrast that left Meng Qi wondering how such a feat was possible. After attaining the Dharmakaya, one’s outward age often reflected their inner state.
Qixi Mountain Man exuded a profound and boundless aura, possessing the strength of a peak legendary figure. Jian Wanlin, however, was even more remarkable. Were it not for Meng Qi’s readiness to step into the Creation Realm, he might not have discerned her true level—approaching that of a great supernatural being. Her appearance was delicate and ethereal, giving the impression of a genuine sixteen- or seventeen-year-old maiden.
After the formalities, Meng Qi glanced around with a faint smile. “All of you are the pillars of the Jade Void Palace. Today’s gathering is to discuss the future path of our sect.”
“Sect Leader, please speak,” Guangchengzi responded with seamless cooperation.
Meng Qi nodded. “Our lineage has always valued humanity, repeatedly supporting the Human Emperor. In this era of the Final Calamity, we shall be no exception. Does anyone object?”
“None.” “The Sect Leader’s words are most fitting.” The great supernatural beings present voiced their unanimous agreement.
“Since there are no objections, let us discuss the matter of the Fengshen Bang. It currently lies in the hands of the Netherworld Demon Emperor. If we can obtain it, it will aid in perfecting the Fengshen Altar, allowing the current Human Emperor to unify heaven under humanity’s rule—a most auspicious outcome.” Meng Qi spoke slowly, his tone detached, as if discussing something unrelated to himself.
Just as Chijingzi was about to speak, Meng Qi shifted the topic, his eyes deepening. “I have a few minor suggestions to offer for your consideration, serving as stones from other hills.”
With the sect leader speaking thus, the two Heavenly Venerables, Guangchengzi and Manjushri, immediately cupped their hands in respect.
“Please speak, Sect Leader. We are all ears.”
Meng Qi slowly scanned the faces before him, his emotions restrained, the authority of a sect leader naturally emanating. “This is the Final Calamity. Without foresight, immediate troubles will arise. The ancient beings of the Netherworld have fully awakened, their conflicts brewing beneath the surface. Should any one of them obtain the Demon Emperor’s Claw, they would be like a tiger with wings, highly likely to emulate the Demon Lord of old—unifying the Netherworld, ascending to the Other Shore, and opposing the celestial and earthly realms. Such a scenario would be the worst outcome for the Human Emperor’s future plans and our Jade Void Palace’s path. Do you agree?”
Guangchengzi smiled serenely. “Indeed, a fragmented and chaotic Netherworld is most advantageous to us.”
“No one wishes to see another Demon Lord,” Chijingzi added.
Manjushri’s faint smile concealed profound wisdom. “To transcend the Final Calamity, we must break free from past constraints, not limiting ourselves to the celestial and earthly realms. Beyond unifying heaven under humanity, we must also harness the Netherworld—only then can we achieve true completion.”
Thus, the Netherworld must not produce an Other Shore existence. The balance among its ancient powers must be maintained to prevent any single faction from dominating.
Meng Qi gave a slight nod, his gaze as still as a deep pool. “Therefore, when we seize the Fengshen Bang from the Demon Emperor, we must not weaken his faction, lest the other Netherworld powers seize the opportunity to claim the Demon Emperor’s Claw or other immense benefits.”
Guangchengzi pondered briefly before grasping Meng Qi’s intent. “Sect Leader, are you suggesting we acquire the Fengshen Bang through trade?”
“Precisely. Since the Fengshen Bang is sealed and the Demon Emperor has retreated into the Netherworld, it will be of no use to him for a long time. We can offer him something he desires in exchange. This avoids others exploiting the chaos for their own gain while strengthening his faction, preventing it from being devoured by the older powers. It will further muddy the waters of the Netherworld, maintaining the balance until the time we require.” Meng Qi’s tone remained devoid of emotion.
The Jade Void Palace fell into a brief silence as each considered the proposal. Meng Qi waited patiently.
After a while, Manjushri Dharma Heavenly Venerable smiled faintly. “Given alternatives, who would willingly take great risks and engage in bloodshed? Coincidentally, my Buddhist incarnation has perished, leaving only the Wisdom Pure Land. It can be offered in exchange.”
“This Pure Land holds little value to my true self, but it would greatly aid the Demon Emperor. His goal of enlightening Netherworld demons, guiding them to defy fate and transcend their limitations—liberating their innate radiance and flesh—aligns closely with Buddhist salvation. With this Pure Land, demons and evil gods would have a refuge from the Netherworld’s influence, a place to recuperate. Moreover, the Pure Land’s inherent wisdom would enlighten their minds, better equipping them to resist the Netherworld’s fate.”
Beside him, Guangchengzi produced a scroll. Though unopened, its regal aura already permeated the hall, compelling involuntary reverence.
“This is the handwritten scripture of the previous Human Emperor. Daily contemplation would greatly benefit those cultivating similar techniques. I believe the current holder of the Fengshen Bang would be most satisfied.” Guangchengzi remained the epitome of immortal grace.
The one who had erased Lu Ya’s mark and left his own was Zhao Heng.
Meng Qi, seated at the head, nodded. “Thank you, Elder Brother and Elder Sister. I believe these two items should suffice to move them and reclaim the Fengshen Bang.”
“However, there are other matters to consider—most crucially, the attitude of the Green Emperor. With the Nine Spirits Sage controlling the Underworld, His stance on the Celestial Court remains uncertain.”
His tone grew solemn. “Elder Brother Guangchengzi, I ask you to visit the Tushita Palace and request Golden Horn or Silver Horn to journey to the Fusang Ancient Tree Realm, seeking the Green Emperor’s counsel on this matter.”
No one was more suited for this task than the attendants of the Moral Heavenly Venerable!
Though Meng Qi had aided the Green Emperor’s enlightenment, repeated requests had diminished that favor. It would be unwise to overstep.
Guangchengzi rose immediately, cupping his hands. “This humble Daoist obeys the Sect Leader’s decree.”
Through this exchange and Meng Qi’s composed demeanor, those who had initially doubted his qualifications—due to his youth and lesser cultivation—now genuinely regarded him as the rightful leader of the Jade Void Palace.
Of course, Guangchengzi’s unwavering support played no small part.
With authority firmly established, Meng Qi continued, and all listened intently.
“If the Green Emperor grants tacit approval, the Fengshen Bang matter will proceed smoothly. But we must prepare for other possibilities. Should He seek to claim the Fengshen Bang, we cannot contend. Should His stance remain ambiguous, we must account for interference from other factions—they will not idly watch us unify heaven under humanity.”
Manjushri Dharma Heavenly Venerable nodded first. “The ancient Buddhas and great Bodhisattvas of the Buddhist tradition have fully returned—not just Dipankara and Maitreya. To my knowledge, the World-Honored King of Freedom, Mahasthamaprapta, and others have awakened from slumber. Even with the losses from Ling Mountain, their numbers rival ours.”
“The great sages of the demon race have largely regained their former strength,” Yuding Zhenren added calmly.
Chijingzi added, “The Three Clouds Island shows unusual activity. Yunxiao and the others have revived, and other mighty figures of the Lingbao lineage have also reappeared.”
“The remaining divine envoys of the Luo Sect have awakened,” Nezha said through gritted teeth, as if nursing a recent wound. His tone grew grave. “Their leader is none other than the Great Immortal Zhenyuan of the Five Manors Temple!”
Him? Meng Qi felt both surprise and inevitability.
Ever since discovering the connection between the Ginseng Fruit and the Peaches of Immortality, he had suspected ties between Zhenyuanzi and the Golden Emperor.
After further discussion, Meng Qi maintained his composed demeanor. “Our specific actions—who to ally with, who to confront—depend on one premise: the fundamental path of the current Human Emperor.”
“Please wait a moment. Elder Brother Guangchengzi and I will depart briefly—one to the Tushita Palace, the other to the Eternal Joy Palace. I must ask the Human Emperor directly: What kind of humanity does he envision?”
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