Chapter 58 The Scheme of Yin and Yang
Chapter 58 The Scheme of Yin and Yang
Meanwhile, Xuan Yao pressed down on the auspicious cloud and went straight into the inner mountain of Xikunlun.
As we traveled along, we saw that the scenery along the way was very different from usual.
Those fairy maidens of Yaochi who usually only knew how to gather herbs and refine elixirs, living a quiet and inactive life, were now all dressed in radiant robes, holding magical treasures such as immortal swords and jade ruyi, forming solemn welcoming ceremonies amidst the sea of clouds.
Xuan Yao understood perfectly. This kind of solemn preparation was not like welcoming ordinary fellow immortals; it was clearly a precaution against the newcomer taking over.
Upon arriving at the Jade Pool Hall, they found the hall filled with ethereal mist, and all the disciples were already seated.
Sister Su Nu sat serenely behind the jade table.
The Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden, who was in charge of weapons, wore a black battle armor, and her brows revealed a hint of cold and murderous aura.
Xuan Yao stepped forward to greet his two senior sisters, and then sat down in his seat.
As soon as he sat down, Xuan Yao heard the Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden's voice transmission in his ear: "Junior Brother, your cultivation has greatly improved since you came out of seclusion, which is commendable. However, I'm afraid that those who are good will not come to today's banquet."
Xuan Yao remained unmoved and replied telepathically, "Is Senior Sister referring to the Eastern King Duke of Zifu Continent?"
Xuan Nu snorted coldly, her voice revealing disdain:
"It is that male immortal leader. Since receiving the title from the Dao Ancestor at Zixiao Palace, Donghua's arrogance has grown day by day, and it has established a celestial court in the East Sea."
He's made such a big fuss coming to our West Kunlun today, ostensibly to pay a visit to the head of the female immortals, but in reality, he's mostly trying to use your master's name to elevate the prestige of his Purple Mansion Immortal Court. You just watch and see.
Xuan Yao nodded slightly, secretly feeling a chill run down his spine.
Before long, a deafening sound of bells and drums could be heard coming from outside Xikunlun.
In an instant, a surge of purple mist rushed in like a tidal wave, turning the once clear sea of clouds outside the Jade Pool a deep purple-red.
Nine five-clawed golden dragons, baring their fangs and claws, pulled an extremely luxurious sandalwood palanquin, and descended in a grand procession outside the Jade Pool, surrounded by a group of golden-armored immortal generals and fairy maidens holding ceremonial staffs.
This display was extremely extravagant and arrogant.
It didn't seem like a powerful figure visiting a fellow Daoist; rather, it was like a celestial emperor on a tour, attempting to overwhelm the original refined and noble atmosphere of Xikunlun with its arrogant clamor and imposing presence.
Xuan Yao sat in the banquet hall, coldly examining the sandalwood carriage, and secretly shook his head.
"This Dongwanggong has lost his mind. His master cultivates the path of purity and virtue, and what he fears most is this kind of pomp and circumstance that is tainted by worldly karma."
His overbearing behavior only breeds resentment.
As expected, on the Nine Heavens Cloud Platform, the Queen Mother of the West sat serenely amidst auspicious nine-colored clouds, not even lifting her eyelids in the face of such an astonishing spectacle.
She did not rise to greet them, but simply flicked her sleeves with a calm expression and instructed the Bluebird Fairy beside her, "Serve tea and welcome the guests."
The Azure Bird Fairy accepted the order and sang in a clear, melodious voice, "Please invite Emperor Donghua into the palace—"
The beaded curtain of the sandalwood palanquin was lifted, and the Eastern King Duke, wearing a purple-gold imperial crown, stepped out.
Seeing that the Queen Mother of the West was sitting on the cloud platform and did not come down the steps to greet him, his spring breeze suddenly froze, and a look of displeasure flashed quickly in his eyes.
But he was, after all, a powerful and shrewd individual, and he quickly concealed his embarrassment.
With a warm smile, Dongwanggong led several core disciples from Zifu Continent into the Yaochi Hall with flowing sleeves.
"Donghua greets Fellow Daoist west Wangmu. I am visiting in haste, and I hope you will not take offense." Dongwanggong bowed and greeted her, his demeanor impeccable.
The Queen Mother of the West nodded slightly and gestured with her hand: "Fellow Daoist, you are in charge of the male immortals of the primordial world and are busy with countless affairs every day. It is an honor to have you here today, and your presence at Yaochi is truly a great honor. Please take a seat and have some tea."
After they were seated, the fairy maidens served them fine wine and delicacies.
As if to show his sincerity, the Eastern King waved his hand and ordered his disciples to present several jade boxes sealed with multiple layers of restrictions.
As soon as the box was opened, a unique, innate fruit fragrance instantly filled the hall.
"These are a few yellow plums that I happened to find in my Taoist temple. Although they are not some rare and precious treasures, they are quite useful for nourishing one's cultivation. I brought them here today as a small gift to you, my fellow Taoist," said Dongwanggong, stroking his beard with a smile.
Upon hearing this, many members of the Western Kunlun Sect in the hall turned their heads slightly.
Xuan Yao remained calm on the surface, but his mind was as clear as a mirror.
This Huangzhong plum is a top-grade innate spiritual root in the primordial world, no less than the peach tree of immortality. Eating just one plum can save one from countless eons of arduous cultivation and allow one to directly enter the realm of the Great Luo Golden Immortal.
The fact that the Eastern King Duke would send out such a precious treasure suggests that his intentions are far more than simply seeking goodwill.
The atmosphere at the beginning of the banquet was quite harmonious.
Holding a jade cup, Dongwanggong began to talk at length about his actions since being appointed the head of the male immortals at Zixiao Palace.
He spoke eloquently, always claiming to be in accordance with the will of Heaven and to act as its shepherd. He said that the immortals of the primordial world were now scattered like sand and needed a legitimate power like the Purple Mansion Continent to come forward and govern them, so as not to fail the teachings of the Dao Ancestor.
After his grand pronouncements, the Eastern King Duke changed the subject, his gaze fixed intently on the Western Queen Mother atop the cloud platform.
"Although I am honored to be the head of the male immortals, all living beings in the primordial world are ultimately divided into yin and yang. Fellow Daoist, you have received the decree of the Dao Ancestor to be the head of the female immortals, in charge of this Jade Pool Immortal Realm, which is unparalleled in its purity and nobility. Looking across the entire primordial world, only you can stand shoulder to shoulder with me."
The Eastern King Duke put down his jade cup, suddenly stood up, cupped his hands towards the cloud platform, and said loudly:
"I have come here today because I have a very important matter concerning the fate of the immortal path in the primordial world, which I wish to discuss with you, fellow Daoist."
Since Yin and Yang are ordained by Heaven, male and female immortals each have their own esteemed positions. If you and I could form a Daoist alliance, allowing the Yin and Yang of Zifu Continent and Xikunlun to be in harmony and united as one, we could achieve great things.
At that time, you and I will jointly rule over all the immortals and command the primordial world. The order of the immortal path will surely be as stable as Mount Tai, and no one will dare to disobey us!
Upon hearing this, the vast Yaochi Palace instantly fell into a deathly silence.
All the female immortals of Xikunlun showed astonishment and indignation. The Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden even slammed her wine cup heavily on the table, making a muffled sound.
Xuan Yao watched coldly from below the stage, having seen through the Eastern King's scheme to the bone.
"What a clever and ingenious plan that balances yin and yang!"
This Eastern King Duke appears to be seeking a Daoist partner, but in reality, he is insatiable and greedy.
The Purple Mansion Continent has expanded too much recently, already offending the demon Emperor Jun and the witch clan, and is now in a state of chaos. The Eastern King Duke knows that his foundation is unstable, so he wants to make a move against the Western Queen Mother.
If the Queen Mother of the West agrees to this Daoist alliance, then the noble fortune and untainted virtue that Xi Kunlun has accumulated over countless years will be forcibly absorbed by Zifu Continent and become a stepping stone for Dong Wanggong to dominate the prehistoric world!
On the cloud platform, the Queen Mother of the West remained completely calm.
Her cool, clear eyes looked down at the smug Dong Wanggong, but she didn't show any anger. Instead, she asked indifferently:
"What you mean by the balance of Yin and Yang, fellow Daoist? Is it simply that our two schools sit and discuss the Dao, each cultivating in solitude? Or do you intend for my entire Western Kunlun lineage to be absorbed into your Purple Mansion Continent Immortal Court, to serve you at your beck and call?"
The Eastern King Duke sensed the coldness in the Western Queen Mother's words, his face twitched slightly, but he still forced a smile and said:
"Fellow Daoist, you flatter me. Now that we have become Daoist partners, it is natural that our two families will merge and jointly respect the will of Heaven."
"Fellow Daoist, you are the head of the female immortals, and I am the head of the male immortals. Once the great cause of the Celestial Court is settled, you will naturally take up your seat in the Central Palace and assist me in ruling this boundless primordial world."
Although he spoke eloquently, he always placed himself in a position of supreme power, clearly regarding the Queen Mother of the West as a vassal to consolidate his hegemony.
"Assist?"
The Queen Mother of the West lightly flicked her cloud-like sleeves, suddenly feeling somewhat disheartened.
"Fellow Daoist, you have misunderstood. In this Western Kunlun, I cultivate the path of purity and virtue, and all I seek is an unobstructed mind and longevity."
I have no interest in that primordial hegemony, nor do I intend to interfere in the killings and karmic obstacles of the outside world.
As for your ambition to rule the primordial world, go and pursue that yourself, fellow Daoist. As for this Daoist alliance, let it go. We, of Western Kunlun, are no match for you!
This refusal was decisive and left no room for negotiation.
It was like a resounding slap in the face of the arrogant leader of the male immortals.
The smile on Dongwanggong's face froze instantly, and then vanished completely.
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