Tongtian returned to Jin'ao Island and summoned his direct disciples to discuss the Investiture of the Gods.
The direct disciples were greatly alarmed. Had the Investiture of the Gods list ultimately fallen upon the Jie Sect?
"There is no need for you to panic. For those whose path to immortality is difficult, being on the list is not necessarily a bad thing. The divine path also allows for eternal longevity. If your immortal path is already accomplished, you need not worry!" Tongtian said.
The direct disciples exchanged glances, and Duobao asked, "Master, is it not the case that our Jie Sect has too many of the three hundred and sixty righteous gods?"
Tongtian, however, shook his head and said, "This matter is settled. You should quickly gather the people on the list. I, your master, wish to question them!"
Duobao said no more. Since their master had already made a decision, they had nothing further to say.
Soon, all those named on the list arrived. Upon seeing the Sect Leader Tongtian, they bowed and said, "We wish the Master eternal life!"
After Tongtian bade them rise, he said, "You have all heard about the matter from Duobao. What are your thoughts!"
"We are willing to obey the Master's command!" These people exchanged glances and spoke in unison.
Tongtian smiled and said, "There is no need for you to be constrained. Speak up if anyone does not wish to ascend to the Investiture of the Gods. After all, I am only seeing that your path to immortality is difficult and thus providing you with an alternative. If you are unwilling, I will find another way!"
At this, some people began to stir. After all, life outside was much better than being under the strictures of the Heavenly Court.
However, out of respect for Tongtian's saintly dignity, they dared not oppose him. Now that Sect Leader Tongtian had spoken so, some of them wished to try.
Subsequently, dozens of people stepped forward, expressing their unwillingness to ascend and accept the constraints of the Heavenly Court.
Tongtian did not become angry. He silently crossed out their names and summoned others. After all, the gathering of ten thousand immortals was not mere talk, and Tongtian truly had a multitude of registered disciples.
The path to immortality was even more difficult, and not everyone had the hope of stepping onto the immortal path. There were thresholds to clear: innate talent, origins, and destiny were all indispensable!
Finally, after much deliberation and deletion, the three hundred and sixty positions for righteous gods were filled.
Tongtian then flicked the Investiture of the Gods list, which immediately transformed into a stream of light and flew towards Shouyang Mountain!
Taiqing Laozi received the Investiture of the Gods list, took a look, and said, "So be it."
He had Xuan Du send the Investiture of the Gods list to the Heavenly Court. Upon seeing the list, Haotian's face turned ugly. The Dao Ancestor had indeed said that those with insufficient roots would be on the list, but was this not too perfunctory? All three hundred and sixty righteous gods were trash. Could Haotian not recruit such people himself? Did he need the saints to fill the list?
This was clearly him being fooled!
What Haotian lacked were celestial beings who could genuinely manage affairs in the Heavenly Court. The vast Heavenly Court required talent to develop and operate! He, Haotian, already had plenty of such minor deities!
However, he had already complained to the Dao Ancestor once, and the Investiture of the Gods list had been signed. He had no valid reason to complain again.
"Haotian, what should we do?" Yaochi also looked worriedly at the list.
Haotian snorted coldly and said, "If they are unwilling to let their disciples be on the list, then I will kill them until they are on the list!"
Yaochi was greatly alarmed and quickly said, "Haotian, do not be rash! Those are saints!"
Haotian's face, however, was grim. "Saints, what of saints? Do they dare to kill me, the Heavenly Emperor?"
Yaochi remained silent. After all, he was the Heavenly Emperor appointed by the Dao Ancestor, a being recognized by the Heavenly Dao. To kill him, Haotian, was simply impossible!
"I will go to the West and the Blood Sea. I believe they will be very willing!" Haotian said, and then he immediately set off for the West.
On Mount Ling, Haotian stated his purpose and presented the Investiture of the Gods list. He said, "The Three Pure Ones have gone too far, sending these insignificant gods to heaven, who are of no use whatsoever. Venerable Saints, will you also watch the Three Pure Ones pass through this trial with ease?"
Jieyin replied, "Naturally, we will not!"
He had also seen the Investiture of the Gods list. He had not expected the Three Pure Ones to actually fill it, and all of them were individuals of insufficient roots. When had Tongtian become so accommodating? For a moment, Jieyin and Zhunti exchanged glances, unsure.
They had planned to take this opportunity to watch the Three Pure Ones fall out, and then seize the moment to act and expand the influence of the West. If the Three Pure Ones were to pass through this easily, how would they ever prosper in the future? When would the West ever flourish?
"Currently, many of Tongtian's disciples and descendants are in the Shang Dynasty. Do the two Venerable Saints have any ideas? Haotian is willing to cooperate with the Venerable Saints!" Haotian said, clearly signaling that they could collaborate on a grand scheme.
Haotian also had his own calculations. After all, for the Heavenly Court to flourish, the saints could not be bypassed. Only when the saintly sects retreated and the Human King became the Son of Heaven could this be achieved. Currently, the Shang Dynasty's Human King was still alive, and the destiny of the human race was like a rainbow. If he wanted the Heavenly Court to flourish, he had to weaken the Human King. However, the Human King was protected by the destiny of the human race and could not be directly attacked. This would require the human race to kill each other.
Therefore, supporting a force that could contend with the Human King among the human leaders was indispensable.
Jieyin closed his eyes and pondered for a moment, saying, "We will make arrangements."
Haotian nodded with satisfaction. "I will also pay a visit to Saint Minghe of the Blood Sea. After all, his Asura clan is not weak, and I believe he will be very happy to help us!"
Jieyin and Zhunti nodded. Indeed, Minghe's Asura clan was not weak. This time, they absolutely could not let the Three Pure Ones pass through this so easily!
Afterward, Haotian departed.
"Senior Brother, I never expected Tongtian to be so accommodating to his two elder brothers. It is truly unexpected!" Zhunti said.
Jieyin nodded. He also had not expected Tongtian to personally sign the Investiture of the Gods list.
If they did not stir up some trouble, would the Three Pure Ones not easily get through this? This was something Jieyin absolutely could not allow.
"Senior Brother, the destiny of the Shang Dynasty is currently like a dragon. What should we do?" Zhunti asked.
"As long as Di Xin degenerates, the destiny of the Shang Dynasty can naturally be broken. Our Western Maitreya was once the teacher of the Five Emperors. We can send Maitreya on a journey. In a few days, it will be Nuwa's birthday. As long as Di Xin offends Nuwa, we can also gain another helper! Moreover, I have calculated that although the Eastern Yi has no hope, there is a wise man among the human race, the Marquis of the West, Ji Chang, who is a descendant of Xuanyuan. We might be able to support him to ascend the throne!" Jieyin said directly.
"Good, I will have Maitreya go on a journey immediately!" Zhunti said with resolve.
In the Blood Sea, Haotian met Minghe and showed him the Investiture of the Gods list. Minghe's face turned dark. This was completely different from what Jieyin had told him. He had admired Jieyin for his foresight, but this was all there was to it?
Haotian looked at Minghe's expression and said, "Saint Minghe, although the Dao Ancestor has punished you to suppress the Asura Dao for a hundred thousand years, the Asura clan can still go out. We plan to support a human force to oppose the Shang Dynasty, which is supported by the Three Pure Ones, and have all their disciples and followers killed and placed on the Investiture of the Gods list. What are your thoughts, Saint?"
"Good, I will have the Asura clan come out to help then!" Minghe agreed readily.
Only then did Haotian leave, satisfied.