Chapter 984: Class-A Access
There were always internal and external causes in bringing change. But what truly determined change was the internal cause. The external was merely the trigger, while the internal was the fundamental driving force. Without the will to change from within, one might very well ignore the external circumstances.
The same logic applied to the Daoist Order. The apparent external causes of upheaval seemed to be the extinction of the Northern Dragon and the arrival of the end of the era. However, in essence, it was the irreconcilable conflict between the three major sects that had reached a breaking point. The end of the era only served to ignite this conflict. So, it was the trigger, not the root cause.
Such contradictions were rarely dissolved easily. Either one side was utterly defeated, or both sides were grievously wounded and forced to reconcile. In any case, the price was steep. The struggle would only end once pain was felt. Or it would shift into a new cycle, just as dynasties have risen and fallen throughout history. Throughout this process, bloodshed was inevitable.
At this moment, they were within Izanagi’s divine kingdom, which felt as if they were in a desolate region far removed from the civilized world.
If Sage Qingwei sought to silence Qi Xuansu here, it would not be without risks. But the possibility was high. Much like the Holy Court’s borderline maneuvers, there would always be space afterward for disputes and denials.
Speaking of the Holy Court, they were the ones who brought about the current situation.
When Sage Qingwei first entered the divine kingdom, Izanagi had not yet reforged his golden body and thus could not command the realm. The portal stood wide open, so Sage Qingwei could advance or retreat at will. He could press forward and win, fall back and let allies in, or, if nothing else worked, withdraw from the divine kingdom entirely.
This was why Sage Qingwei was not afraid even if the Apostles of the Holy Court personally entered the fray. Should they step into Izanagi’s divine kingdom, Daoist forces from outside could enter as well, maintaining the advantage. The key, at that moment, was that Izanagi had not yet mastered his divine kingdom.
But once the Holy Court delivered the Scripture of Zuriel, Izanagi immediately reforged his golden body, seized control of his divine kingdom, and rose to the level of a quasi-First-Tribulation Immortal.
Izanagi sealed the divine kingdom at once, shutting out external reinforcements. Sage Qingwei was left alone deep within enemy territory. Since the two conflicting powers within Izanagi had united against Sage Qingwei, the latter bitterly admitted defeat in that first clash.
With no hope of victory, Sage Qingwei refrained from fully unleashing the Mountain Whip, as it was better to keep it as a hidden trump card for what lay ahead.
Had the Holy Court not interfered, Sage Qingwei was confident he could have slain Izanagi before his golden body was restored. The divine kingdom would never have been sealed, and none of these troubles would have followed.