Chapter 1468 - 526: Lao Jun’s Advice (Part 3)
Li Ping’an pondered for a moment.
Laojun’s meaning was essentially the same as that of Taiqing.
Li Ping’an originally intended to lead the army directly to Ling Mountain, to target Zhunti. If Zhunti dared to take action, Nüwa, whom Li Ping’an had already contacted in advance, would intervene, and Tongtian Sect Leader would keep a close watch on Daoist Jieyin.
Laojun’s words thus became a variable in his current plan.
Having Yuanshi Tianzun come forward, today’s battle might not happen, and there’s a possibility of being counterattacked by Zhunti instead.
Li Ping’an’s thoughts were whirling rapidly, and he had already made a decision. Smiling, he said, "Laojun’s words are like revealing daylight through clouds. I shall personally go to the Jade Void Palace to seek my master ancestor, Yuanshi Tianzun’s guidance, and proceed to Ling Mountain with the Heavenly Court’s army."
Laojun smiled, "Your Majesty is wise."
The courtiers of the Heavenly Court exchanged glances and swiftly retreated.
But Li Ping’an called out, "Who is currently on duty at the Hall of Heavenly Might?"
The Eastern King immediately stopped and returned with two elder ministers.
The Hall of Heavenly Might, as its name suggests, is a department that demonstrates the majesty of the Heavenly Court, mainly responsible for passing dreams to mortals. It houses three treasures of the Heavenly Dao: the ’Dream-entering Instrument’, the ’Majestic Presence Platform’, and the ’Pool of Heavenly Grace.’
The Majestic Presence Platform is a high platform on four sides. Each time it is activated, it consumes the Heavenly Court’s Heavenly Dao merit and can send Heavenly Soldiers and Generals to various Imperial Temples.
The farther the distance, the higher the merit cost, sending up to three thousand Heavenly Soldiers at a time.
Li Ping’an summoned the two stewards of the Hall of Heavenly Might to utilize this Majestic Presence Platform.
He said, "Send the Heavenly Soldiers to swiftly go to the major realms around the East and the West, posting announcements in every major city, fervently proclaiming that in ten days, the Heavenly Emperor will go to Ling Mountain to demand an explanation from the Two Saints of the Western Religion."
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
The two elder ministers responded respectfully and hurried away.
After hearing this, the Eastern King frowned and whispered to Li Ping’an on the side, "Your Majesty, has the plan changed?"
"Hmm," Li Ping’an whispered back, "Laojun wants my master ancestor to step in, so I must comply. My master ancestor doesn’t want to offend the Western Sect severely and will likely punish both sides equally."
The Eastern King asked, "So, Your Majesty has set aside ten days, intending for Qi Cultivators from various regions to come to the Western Continent to witness this affair?"
"Yes, my master ancestor values reputation and rules, insisting on handling everything impartially without any private negotiations. The reputations of those two sect leaders are already tainted, so my master ancestor will likely be concerned about his own reputation."
Li Ping’an smiled slightly, but there was a hint of worry in his eyes as he whispered further with the Eastern King:
"Our plan also has a weakness.
"The source is the Memory Sphere that I hid within the Cangyue Bead at the time, its images were also manipulated to become more inflammatory.
"This cannot be concealed from the various Saints.
"Zhunti will surely deny categorically. My master ancestor might also use this as an opportunity to give Zhunti a way out...Eastern King, you are resourceful, do you have a clever plan?"
"Let me think,"
The Eastern King pondered slightly and then said in a soft voice,
"Why not let me accompany Your Majesty? As the Heavenly Emperor, it’s not appropriate for you to frequently engage in verbal disputes; it’d be more convenient for a subject like me to scold."
Li Ping’an gave a wry smile. Though the Eastern King had already achieved the status of a Golden Immortal—having reincarnated with memories and thus his Dao comprehension and cultivation speed were much greater than ordinary immortals—his slender frame could hardly withstand Zhunti’s Dao Charm.
The Eastern King volunteered, "I will hide behind Your Majesty when the time comes, so Your Majesty doesn’t need to worry."
"Very well, then in ten days, the Eastern King shall accompany me to the Jade Void Palace."
Li Ping’an sighed.
If a battle truly cannot ensue, such strategizing can only be fifty percent successful.
Engaging in confrontation with the recently sanctified Zhunti holds immense strategic significance.
He predicted that as long as Zhunti revealed that her strength was inferior to that of the Human Race’s Holy Mother, Yuanshi Tianzun’s attitude toward the Western Sect would surely change.