Chapter Forty-Five: Is There Merit in This Too?

Beyond Buzhou Mountain, a group of more than a dozen dissatisfied with Hongyun—including Kunpeng, Minghe, and Burning Lantern—had gathered, intent on exacting harsh revenge. Yet after two days of waiting, they did not even catch a glimpse of Hongyun’s shadow.

“Could it be that Hongyun has joined the Celestial Court?” wondered one of the nameless mighty cultivators. In truth, he was already wavering. To offend the Celestial Court required more courage than he possessed.

“It’s very likely,” Minghe replied, furrowing his brow. “Hongyun gave away his Primordial Violet Qi, clearly seeking protection. If that supreme Emperor of the Subtle Laws of Sumeru truly shields him, we’re in trouble…”

“Perhaps… we should leave,” Burning Lantern suggested, anxiety flickering in his heart.

“After all, Hongyun no longer has the Primordial Violet Qi. There’s no reason for us to risk angering the Celestial Court over him…” The others harbored similar thoughts. After all, the Celestial Court was home to two saints ordained by the Dao Ancestors. It was said that beneath the saints, all are but ants. With two saints presiding, who would dare oppose the Celestial Court?

Kunpeng glared at his cowardly companions, fuming inwardly. Was he simply to allow Hongyun to live freely and unpunished? Yet, facing the Celestial Court’s might alone, he too lacked the nerve.

After a brief discussion, the group dispersed, each going his own way. Though Kunpeng was loath to admit defeat, he could do nothing to change the tide and had no choice but to return to the North Sea in frustration. However, he began to consider using the Wu tribe as a tool against the Celestial Court. Even now, he could not let go of his longing for the Primordial Violet Qi.

…

Since the news of Li Tian and Nuwa’s wedding—along with the vast merit they had acquired—had spread, many throughout the land sought to imitate them, and did so with much ceremony, though naturally, none received any merit. The Wu tribe was no exception. After Houtu returned to her people, she spoke of this matter to the other Ancestral Witches. Yet when they heard that an offering to Heaven was required, none were willing to participate. In the end, Houtu dragged Xuanming along to officiate a wedding for a Wu couple.

The result, as before with the Wu tribe's offerings, was nothing at all.

Having learned from Zhu Rong’s previous misstep, they dared not complain of Heaven’s injustice. Still, Xuanming could not help but grumble, “Why do all the good things go to those waterborne, egg-laid beasts of the Celestial Court!”

This was merely a thoughtless complaint, but it was overheard by Di Ting, who had only recently joined the Celestial Court.

…

In myth, Di Ting is the spirit beast that lies beneath Kṣitigarbha’s table, a divine creature with the head of a tiger, a single horn, canine ears, the body of a dragon, a lion’s tail, and the legs of a qilin—like a dragon, yet not a dragon; like a tiger, yet not a tiger; like a lion, yet not a lion; like a qilin, yet not a qilin; like a dog, yet not a dog. Its ears could discern the speech of all three realms—a rare talent.

Li Tian, recalling that in later times the Celestial Court would have the clairvoyant and the clairaudient, felt his own Celestial Court must possess such a pair as well. So he appointed Di Ting as an attendant to the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

At this time, Di Ting was but a Taiyi Golden Immortal, and in the talent-rich Celestial Court, this was not much. He had long hoped to prove himself and showcase his unique abilities.

Thus, when he happened to overhear Xuanming maligning the Celestial Court, he sensed his opportunity. At the next court assembly, he embellished the tale and presented it before all.

The Celestial ministers were scandalized. At once, they petitioned Li Tian, clamoring for the Wu tribe to be taught a lesson.

Li Tian was troubled. He had no desire to wage war against the Wu; though his court had grown strong, the Wu tribe was not far behind.

“Your Majesty, there is still time before the cycle decreed by the Dao Ancestor is fulfilled. The Celestial Court must not yet wage war upon the Wu,” said Baize, stepping forward with a bow.

In later myth, Baize was famed as a god-beast of great knowledge and wisdom, and Li Tian relied on him often.

“Baize speaks well,” Li Tian nodded from his seat above. “But this time, it was Xuanming of the Wu tribe who first insulted the Celestial Court. If we do not respond, what will become of our prestige?”

He wished to hear Baize’s counsel, for this wise beast was renowned in ages to come.

Baize pondered a moment, then bowed and said, “The Wu, born from Pangu’s blood, pride themselves as Pangu’s true heirs, yet commit countless acts that enrage Heaven and men, making the lands west of Buzhou Mountain a miasma. Many in the world are discontent. If Your Majesty sends a few generals to the Wu’s domain to stir up trouble among the tribes, the Wu will be thrown into chaos.”

“An excellent plan,” Li Tian agreed. “The Wu do not cultivate the spirit, nor know the mandate of Heaven. Sending a few people, in secret, would leave them none the wiser.”

“Ji Meng, Jiu Ying—are you present?”

“We are!” The two stepped forward and bowed.

“You two shall go to the Wu tribe. Follow Baize’s strategy and act at your discretion.”

“Yes!” They bowed again and withdrew.

Ji Meng and Jiu Ying had now both reached the peak of Da Luo cultivation and were important figures in the Celestial Court. None who reached their level could be considered fools, so Li Tian trusted them.

Yet, this alone seemed insufficient. Li Tian narrowed his eyes, and a faint smile crept onto his lips.

“Transmit my decree!”

…

“Your Majesty.”

The official in charge of proclamations promptly stepped forward, bowing while holding the imperial edict, ready to record at any moment.

“From this day forth, anyone in the world who obtains the three measurements of Xuanming, the Ancestral Witch, may come to the Celestial Court and shall be granted the title of Lord or Marquis.”

The official hesitated, but dared not protest, and at once wrote Li Tian’s words into the decree.

The other ministers exchanged odd smiles. Though they had never heard of such a thing as “three measurements,” the moment Li Tian spoke, they all seemed to understand its meaning instinctively.

Immediately, some cast meaningful glances at Shang Yang and Qin Yuan—the only women present, though none dared look at Nuwa, seated in the place of honor.

Qin Yuan gritted her silver teeth, glaring fiercely at those around her, forcing the others to avert their gazes in embarrassment.

As for Shang Yang, she seemed indifferent, idly playing with a jade hairpin as if none of this concerned her.

Li Tian waved his hand, producing the Celestial Seal and stamping it upon the decree.

At once, the decree burst into brilliant golden light, then vanished into the void. In that instant, every being under the Celestial Court’s domain found the contents of the decree etched in their minds.

Countless beings, now understanding the meaning of “three measurements,” wore perplexed expressions, unable to fathom why the Celestial Emperor would issue such a decree.

Yet some clever souls were already scheming how they might acquire Xuanming’s measurements.

After all, success meant being granted the rank of Lord or Marquis—a position of great power in the Celestial Court. Who would not want such a reward?

Within the Hall of Supreme Harmony, as soon as the decree was issued, a cloud of merit descended from the sky, settling upon Li Tian.

Receiving this merit, Li Tian was surprised.

Even this could bring merit?

The assembled ministers stared in disbelief, their eyes wide with astonishment.