Shui Miao invoked the cold flame from another realm—not to show off, but to send a clear message to Tai Shang Lao Jun and effectively stop the chaotic battle from escalating.
Sure enough, when Tai Shang Lao Jun saw the cold flame, his expression changed.
He quickly flew over and asked solemnly, “Shui Miao, are you truly the Holy Sovereign of Feng Shui appointed by Hong Jun Dao Ren?”
“Of course! Could this possibly be fake?” Xuan Kong’er quickly replied.
Dao Ren Ci’en nodded and said, “Senior Brother, our master did say that, but it was meant to take effect only after the Three Realms return to normal order.”
However, what concerned Tai Shang Lao Jun wasn’t the title—it was the cold flame.
The cold flame was a legendary fire essence from another world, mysterious and immensely powerful.
Tai Shang Lao Jun had seen it once before, but he himself didn’t know how to wield it. Now, seeing Shui Miao summon it, it was clear evidence that Shui Miao had truly inherited his teachings.
This made things complicated and difficult.
After a pause, Shui Miao finally spoke calmly, “Senior Tai Shang Lao Jun, all we want now is to bring blessings to the people of the Three Realms. Considering the many flaws in the current heavenly system, we must push for reform. But if anyone insists on clinging to selfish authority and refuses to think of the people, then we have no choice but to fight them, to battle until one side is utterly defeated.”
Everything must be rooted in reason.
Shui Miao aimed to convince through logic—after all, not all immortals were fools.
Some were simply suppressed by authority and dared not express their true thoughts.
Sure enough, as soon as Shui Miao spoke, everyone fell silent.
The heavenly system was indeed highly centralized and self-serving. Reform was long overdue. Without it, the feudal system would continue to bring suffering to countless beings.
Tai Shang Lao Jun glanced at the crowd, then turned back to Shui Miao and clasped his fists, “Reforming the system is no small matter. I alone cannot decide—it must be agreed upon by everyone. If there are no objections, we should invite the Jade Emperor to make the final judgment. This matter must go through proper channels. It cannot be rushed.”
This was a temporary solution by Tai Shang Lao Jun—shifting the issue onto the crowd, knowing full well they would never dare to support reform.
As expected, Xuan Kong’er immediately shouted, “What nonsense! Who needs the Jade Emperor? Let’s just eliminate him and choose capable individuals to lead instead!”
“…”
As soon as Xuan Kong’er spoke, everyone was stunned.
Insulting the Jade Emperor was a capital offense, punishable by death!
This was exactly what Tai Shang Lao Jun was waiting for. As soon as Xuan Kong’er finished, he immediately roared, “Xuan Kong’er, you evil demon! Earlier, you aided the Demon Realm in destroying our ancient immortal army. Later, you came to the Heavens, creating countless puppets and bringing disaster to the Three Realms. Now, you dare to speak so disrespectfully! If the Heavens do not eliminate you, it would truly become a laughingstock!”
“Yes! Kill him! He must die! He is a demon and has no right to speak of the Heavens!”
“Xuan Kong’er is unforgivably wicked. Death is what he deserves.”
“Even if the Heavens reform, there is no place for this demon!”
“Kill him! He must be killed!”
“…”
The immortals were filled with rage, all clamoring for Xuan Kong’er’s death.
Tai Shang Lao Jun’s eyes flickered with a plan. He turned to Shui Miao with a respectful bow, “Master Shui, and the other city lords, you’ve seen it yourself. It’s not that I oppose reform—it’s that Xuan Kong’er’s crimes are unforgivable, countless and grave. I may wish to spare him, but Heaven and Earth will not. Unless… unless you, Shui Miao, personally kill him first, then we can discuss reform. How does that sound?”
Demanding that Shui Miao kill Xuan Kong’er was a brilliant scheme—both a double-edged sword and a perfect act of sowing discord.
Tai Shang Lao Jun knew full well this was impossible. So he passed the dilemma to Shui Miao.
“Hmph! You think you can kill me? With what strength?”
Xuan Kong’er felt a tremor inside—could he truly be accepted by the Immortal Realm?
Before Shui Miao could speak, Dao Ren Ci’en stepped forward, “Senior Brother, do you think you are the only one who carries the soul of Pangu? We are all born from Pangu’s divine essence and blood. How can you force someone who wishes to reform and start anew? How can you live with yourself?”
“Ci’en, you are truly a fool! Do you really think he deserves to be called Pangu’s descendant?” Tai Shang Lao Jun shouted furiously.
“Hahaha…”
Suddenly, Shui Miao burst into laughter. After a while, he raised his thumb toward Tai Shang Lao Jun, “Impressive! Senior, you truly are a master of schemes, calculating to the bone. You actually came up with such a clever way to divide us. Now, I’d like to ask you—someone so virtuous, so powerful, so wise—you, who once failed to lead the ancient immortals to defeat the Demon Realm, were you a coward back then? Or did you use all your schemes against your own people? And everyone here has seen it clearly—Xuan Kong’er is a simple soul, merely clouded by demonic influence. Yet you, with your flawless scheming, disappeared with the ancient immortals. What was your motive? And where did you place the lives of the people of the Three Realms?”
Shui Miao’s words were sharp and incisive, instantly turning the tide.
Indeed, these were questions everyone wanted answered.
All eyes turned to Tai Shang Lao Jun. Even the heavenly soldiers lowered their weapons, eager to hear the truth.
Tai Shang Lao Jun was momentarily stunned, not expecting Shui Miao to throw the question back at him.
After a pause, he forced himself to calm down and said, “Shui Miao, what exactly are you implying? Are you saying that I destroyed the Heavens?”
“Hehe, isn’t that exactly what happened?” Shui Miao replied coldly with a faint smile.
Tai Shang Lao Jun stroked his beard, composed himself, and then smiled slightly, “Master Shui, your eloquence is impressive. You’ve managed to pin all the blame on me. I was merely an old immortal in charge of refining pills, yet you’ve made me sound like a supreme mastermind. I must say, I feel quite flattered. However, since you brought up the matter of abilities, let’s discuss it openly—who destroyed the immortal artifacts? Who slaughtered countless immortals? And who formed a brotherhood with demons, attempting to overthrow the Immortal Realm under the guise of reform?”
Overthrowing the Immortal Realm—this was a serious accusation, now squarely placed on Shui Miao’s head.
The immortals turned their gaze to him once again. It was undeniable—such a debate was rare indeed.
Shui Miao took a deep breath and declared loudly, “I have no interest in any power or title in the Immortal Realm, nor do I desire to rule the Three Realms. I only wish for the excellent order established by Master Wen Chang Di Jun to be implemented. As for the accusation that I seek to overthrow the Immortal Realm… I agree.”
“…”
The crowd was stunned by his words.
But immediately, Shui Miao continued, “Yes, I do want to overthrow this feudal and stagnant Immortal Realm! I want to overthrow this tyrannical, oppressive Heaven! Oppression, control, no progress, no listening to wise counsel, no concern for the people—only domination and indulgence in comfort. Where is the future of such a Heaven? Why shouldn’t I overthrow it? Who can tell me why we should fear? Why we should tremble? Because of oppression! Because of feudalism! That’s why we must rise up—not just me, but all of you! Only then will we have a better tomorrow!”
This speech left everyone speechless.
It was a question that demanded reflection—where was the future of the Heavens? If it was flawed, why shouldn’t it be overturned?
Shui Miao knew his words had struck a chord.
In secret, he immediately used his mind transmission to let Wen Chang Di Jun project the blueprint of the new heavenly order into the minds of all immortals, allowing them to see, to think, and to judge for themselves.
“Roar…”
“Roar! Roar! Roar!”
Suddenly, the sky thundered with dragon roars. Brilliant light flashed, and purple clouds churned violently!
Soon, a magnificent procession appeared—countless dragon-horses emerged, followed by the grand canopy and throne of Heaven. At last, the supreme Jade Emperor himself appeared!
“Shui Miao, now we’ve got trouble!”
Seeing the two tall men in black and white robes standing beside the Jade Emperor’s throne, Xuan Kong’er immediately tensed up, filled with fear and alertness.
“Who dares to overthrow Heaven?!”
The Jade Emperor, with a benevolent appearance, narrowed his eyes slightly and gently pressed his hand downward. Instantly, the ten dragon-horses halted.
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