novelapdf Chapter 8: The Heart to Prove the Way!
Chapter 8: The Heart to Prove the Way!
Haotian turned and left. At this moment, Yaochi looked at Haotian's back and felt a mix of resentment at being betrayed, melancholy at the unbreakable bond of countless years, and a careful consideration of the road ahead.
The changes are too great. He has just transformed from a child into a celestial being and arrived in the Heavenly Court. He never expected that Haotian, who had been as close as a brother and sister since they transformed together in Zixiao Palace, would scheme against him like this.
They always talk about considering the big picture, but they never explain what that big picture actually is!
In fact, if they could truly be honest, Yaochi might have considered agreeing, and they wouldn't have broken off relations. It's precisely because they didn't speak that the situation became the most unsolvable.
However, Haotian couldn't say that this matter was essentially the engine and fuse of the Investiture of the Gods, and it couldn't be said casually. Haotian dared not say it!
At this moment, Yaochi slowly turned around, her gaze falling on Li Taibai, containing both a question and a hint of barely perceptible admiration.
Just now, Li Bai exposed Haotian's scheme with a single sentence, but he always left room for maneuver and refused to speak the whole truth. Even though most of the truth had been verified, he still only filled in the gaps and did not say another word.
Now Yaochi has fully understood Haotian's scheme: to destroy himself in order to complete his unspeakable plan. If it weren't for Taibai's help, she would have been doomed.
However, Li Bai's restraint seemed to Yaochi at this moment to be somewhat distant and apprehensive.
Yaochi took a deep breath, her tone full of confusion and questioning: "Taibai, you clearly saw through Haotian's scheme long ago, so why have you been so secretive and unwilling to speak openly? Could it be that you don't trust me, and are afraid that I will turn around and reconcile with Haotian, telling you everything you said today, thus accusing you of being a treacherous minister who sows discord?"
Upon hearing this, Li Taibai bowed slightly: "Your Majesty, please understand. It is not that I do not trust Your Majesty. I know that if the ruler doubts his minister, the minister will surely die; if the minister doubts the ruler, the minister will surely retreat. I have just been born into this world, without any support or foundation. I was only able to take human form and serve Your Majesty thanks to Your Majesty's kindness. How could I dare not trust Your Majesty? However, this matter is of great importance, involving the relationship between the two Great Heavenly Venerables spanning billions of years, and even Your Majesty's legitimacy and life. If I offer insufficient guidance, I will be incompetent and fail Your Majesty's kindness. If I offer excessive guidance and directly point out the Great Heavenly Venerable Haotian's scheming, I will be a treacherous minister sowing discord between the two."
Li Bai's words were neither humble nor arrogant; he not only explained his own situation but also clarified the reason for leaving room for maneuver.
Upon hearing this, Yaochi's inner questioning subsided slightly. Fearing that Li Taibai might not believe her, she immediately said, "Taibai, rest assured. I have remembered everything you said today and will not reveal a single word to Haotian. Speak frankly without any worries. Are you being so secretive because you fear that I will still soften my heart and go back to agree to Haotian's request?"
Upon hearing this, Li Taibai met Yaochi's gaze without the slightest hesitation: "Your Majesty, there is something I wish to say, and I urge you to remember it: A ruler who is not independent will be controlled for eternity. If Your Majesty softens your heart today, relinquishing your throne and becoming a vassal, you may bear the consequences of celebrating her birthday today, but tomorrow you will bear even greater calamities. If you can abandon temporary honor today, tomorrow you will completely lose your legitimacy and prestige, with no chance of ever rising again!"
Upon hearing this, Yaochi was slightly shaken. Li Bai's words were as precious as gold, and only a loyal minister could speak them.
If I were to truly let Li Bai down, I would truly deserve to die!
In fact, Li Bai was not wrong. After this incident, Yaochi became a laughing stock in the Three Realms. When the great gods met, they would say, "The Queen Mother is so powerful that she even had a sage celebrate her birthday." After saying this, how could she be said to rule over all the immortals?
Building reputation is difficult, but destroying it is all too easy!
Yaochi was well aware of this principle, but the bond between the senior and junior disciples spanning millions of years was like an invisible thread, difficult to sever easily.
Yaochi remained silent for a moment, took a deep breath, and slowly said, "Taibai, tell me, if I truly soften my heart and agree to Haotian's request, what will you do? Will you leave me?"
Upon hearing Yaochi's question, Li Taibai bowed deeply, his tone unwavering: "Your Majesty, I dare not deceive you. If Your Majesty truly wishes to lower yourself, I will certainly leave. All that I have said and done today is to fulfill my duty as a subject, to advise Your Majesty and protect Your Majesty, but I dare not say a word more, nor will I force Your Majesty in the slightest. It is up to Your Majesty to make the decision."
Yaochi's expression darkened slightly: "Taibai, do you really distrust me? Do you think I would be so foolish and cowardly as to abandon my own position? If I could not even betray a subject as sincere as you, and could not even uphold my own principles, then I deserve to be treated as a vassal and manipulated by others."
At this moment, Yaochi felt a pang of pain in her heart when faced with Li Taibai's words. It was the heartache of facing such a major decision so soon after arriving in the Heavenly Court!
However, Haotian had already made his choice, but Yaochi still held onto old feelings.
Millions of years of camaraderie among the disciples of Zixiao Sect, the prudence of a newcomer to the position of Great Celestial Venerable, the chilling feeling of being schemed against, and Li Taibai's resolute determination—all of these rushed over!
But Yaochi didn't know what to say to gain Li Taibai's trust.
We can't let Li Bai worry all the time that I'm too soft-hearted.
Li Taibai cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, it is not that I do not believe in you, but this matter is by no means a momentary dispute of pride, but a lifelong choice for you, the first hurdle on your path to enlightenment. Enlightenment in the primordial world is not about sacrificing oneself, depending on others, or compromising oneself. I have a saying, which I wish to offer Your Majesty: A ruler chooses his ministers based on loyalty and wisdom; a minister chooses his ruler based on independence and integrity. On the path to enlightenment, there are no true allies, no eternal bonds, only one's own great perseverance. Your Majesty has the title, and I, your ruler, am bound by your desire to attain enlightenment. If I were to soften my heart, I would abandon the path to enlightenment!"
Upon hearing this, Yaochi was greatly shaken: "Proving the Dao? I've never even considered it; it's too far-fetched!"
Li Taibai shook his head and said, "Your Majesty, only with a broad mind can one see the vastness of the world. Those who aim high will achieve something in the middle, those who aim for the middle will achieve something in the lower, and those who aim for the lower will achieve nothing. If Your Majesty is too cautious and timid, then you lack a sincere and upright heart, and this is not the place for me!"
Yaochi took a deep breath: "So, regardless of whether I can attain enlightenment, Taibai will not abandon me?"
Li Taibai bowed and said, "Your Majesty, a person needs only breath; only with breath can there be possibility. Regardless of whether it can be done or not, if someone has the courage and integrity to ask the question, what is there to fear even if I die ten thousand times? If Your Majesty hesitates, then I dare not speak further and can only leave!"
Li Taibai paused, his gaze hardening, and said, word by word, "Today's matter, in the immediate sense, is whether Your Majesty is willing to uphold your position and seek independence; in the long term, it is whether Your Majesty has the will to attain enlightenment and the heart of a supreme being. If Your Majesty turns back and willingly becomes a vassal, then I believe that Your Majesty has already abandoned your own path to enlightenment. I serve the Great Heavenly Venerable who is single-mindedly pursuing enlightenment, not someone who willingly sinks into depravity and depends on others. Therefore, if Your Majesty turns back, I can only leave without the slightest hesitation."
Li Bai's words were like a clear mirror reflecting his heart, completely awakening Yaochi.
Yaochi slowly closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and when she opened them again, there was no longer any confusion in her eyes, only composure and determination!
Haotian had planned this all along; if he couldn't make a decision, it would naturally sadden Taibai!
"I understand Taibai's meaning. If one is soft-hearted, one will abandon everything. Even though Haotian and I have been siblings for countless years, once we arrive in the Heavenly Court, we will be separated. Although Taibai has just taken human form, he is my wise minister. I naturally know how to choose! I swear here that if I fail Taibai, may Heaven forsake me!"
The oath made in the primordial era is not just empty words; to break it is to defy the will of Heaven, and we'll see if it comes true or not.
Li Bai immediately said in a panic, "How dare I ask Your Majesty to break your vow? It is my fault!"
Yaochi's voice was calm yet carried an undeniable power: "Within the Zixiao Palace, Haotian and I were merely disciples listening to the Dao, without any schemes, choices, or control over our own lives. Once we left Zixiao, the Dao Ancestor bestowed upon me the title of Great Heavenly Venerable who rules over all immortals. I must now face a choice. If I do not choose, Taibai is right; there will be no possibility of attaining the Dao!"
This wasn't a choice, but rather a matter of the two Heavenly Sovereigns. Haotian wished to be ranked alongside Haotian as the First Sovereign, so the decision was left to Yaochi.
If even the distinction between one or two deities cannot be clarified, then nothing in the primordial world has anything to do with Yaochi.
Li Bai quickly replied, "If Your Majesty has doubts, I will be uneasy. Now that Your Majesty has made your choice, I will devote myself to the utmost and even die for your cause!"
In the past, in Zixiao Palace, Yaochi and Haotian listened to the Dao Ancestor preach and cultivated together. They were pure and harmonious, without strife or calculation, only sharing the bond of fellow disciples.
Now that they are in the Heavenly Court, where power is intertwined, even their closest relatives will plot against them and readily sacrifice themselves.
Li Bai knew that this was a huge test of Yaochi's true nature as she entered the mortal world, so he did not urge her!
Yaochi gazed at the seven-colored lotus pond outside the window, her eyes calm, the struggle in her heart long since subsided.
He recalled Haotian's selfish scheming, Li Bai's earnest reminder, his own identity as a Dao Ancestor bestowed upon him, and his exalted position as the ruler of all immortals.
The pure friendship of Zixiao Palace could not withstand the temptation of attaining enlightenment, and the camaraderie of millions of years as fellow disciples ultimately crumbled amidst scheming and betrayal.
Yes, the merging of the two Heavenly Venerables into one is essentially a choice made in the first step of proving one's Dao.
However, Haotian failed, and now it is a foregone conclusion that the Heavenly Court will have two deities standing side by side.
Yaochi slowly exhaled, letting go of all past affections.
Of course, the two only had brotherly and sisterly feelings, not romantic feelings. Neither of them would develop any feelings for the woman who was born with them and grew up with them.
Although Haotian's idea was to have Yaochi learn from Xihe and become the Empress, it was merely a temporary measure to depose Yaochi from her position of honor, otherwise she would become his rival.
Therefore, Yaochi could easily see through this matter!
Yaochi looked directly at Li Taibai without the slightest hesitation: "Taibai, rest assured, I will not turn back, I will not agree to Haotian's demands, and I will not become his vassal. I will forge my own path to enlightenment. In the future, I will need your help."
Seeing this, Li Taibai bowed again and said, "Your Majesty, I obey your decree! Rest assured, Your Majesty, I will certainly assist you in stabilizing Yaochi, establishing its legal system, and helping you on your own path to enlightenment. I will never fail to live up to Your Majesty's kindness in recognizing my talent!"
At this moment, Yaochi also understood that the path to enlightenment is never about sacrificing oneself or relying on others; only by having an independent will to seek enlightenment can one establish and achieve enlightenment.
As the Great Celestial Venerable personally appointed by the Dao Ancestor, Yaochi's Dao is inherently about ruling over all immortals and exclusively managing Yaochi!
Rather than relying on the heavens and willingly becoming a vassal.
As Li Bai said, a subject chooses a ruler who is independent and has backbone. If the Jade Pool wavers, it is an act of abandoning the Way. Not only will he lose Li Bai as a confidant, but he will also be despised by the immortals and gods of the Three Realms, and completely lose the confidence and prestige to rule over all immortals.
There will be no possibility of breaking free from subservience and re-establishing oneself; the path to enlightenment will be completely severed, and there will be no chance of turning things around.
Yaochi looked at Li Taibai and said firmly, "I will never agree to Haotian's request. Now that the path is clear, what should we do? Taibai, please speak frankly. Today's choice is my own. I will take full responsibility and will never implicate Taibai. If it weren't for you, I would still be in the dark."
Li Taibai bowed and said, "Since Your Majesty is determined not to go together, I will make my own plans. There is no need to fight for now. Let us wait and see what the Great Heavenly Venerable Haotian does first. We will act later if he makes his move. That would be the safest course of action."
Li Taibai's current approach is to speculate that Haotian definitely has other ideas, because Haotian was the trigger for the Investiture of the Gods calamity, not the cause.
If this fuse has no point of contact, then there must be other fuses.
Therefore, whatever we do now is wrong. We have already decided on our three strategies, so let's wait for Haotian to make a fuss!
Yaochi nodded: "Taibai, the Yaochi Wonderland is now empty. What should we do?"
Taibai pondered for a moment and said, "Although the Jade Pool Wonderland is beautiful, it is ultimately empty. The Great Heavenly Venerable commands all the immortals, but he has no trusted confidants by his side. How can he establish his authority? In my opinion, we should first enlighten a group of beings to form our foundation."
Yaochi turned her gaze to the center of Yaochi Lake. There, she saw seven colorful lotus flowers standing gracefully, imbued with innate spiritual energy, already possessing sentience.
Yaochi's heart stirred. These seven lotuses shared the same origin as Yaochi Immortal Realm, and the ones they manifested were the most loyal and reliable.
With a gentle wave of her jade hand, Yaochi unleashed a torrent of creative power: "You seven lotus embryos, conceived in Yaochi, absorbing primordial pure energy. Today, in the name of the Great Heavenly Venerable who rules over all immortals, I guide you to be born into this world."
In an instant, a rainbow of colors shot into the sky, and lotus petals bloomed one after another.
Seven figures slowly materialized from the lotus heart. All seven women were beautiful and graceful, their robes fluttering, their temperament pure and otherworldly, like celestial maidens descending to earth.
The seven women bowed deeply in unison, saying, "We pay our respects to Your Majesty and thank you for your guidance!"
Yaochi nodded: "And these seven are all princesses of my Yaochi Wonderland... They are under the command of Taibai and are responsible for the affairs of Yaochi!"
All seven of them were directly granted the title of princess by Yaochi. Hong'er was named Princess Tianshou, the leader of Yaochi Wonderland. She was dignified and composed, commanded the Nine Heavens Divine Bird, and governed the Seven Immortals. She was the most majestic!
The other six people took Heaven as their master!
They are Tianyang, Tianrong, Tianchang, Tianxian, Tianqing, and Tianyu!
After returning, Haotian couldn't help but ponder how to make arrangements for the future!
Yes, Haotian also has a chance. Now that Yaochi is not following his arrangements, how should he make use of this opportunity?
Deceiving the Jade Pool?
I'm afraid that won't work. We've already broken off relations, and the peaches are all at Yaochi. If we invite all the immortals and then suddenly announce that we're celebrating Yaochi's birthday, that's definitely not going to happen. Yaochi is probably on guard now and won't even hold the Peach Banquet.
Haotian was filled with anger, not understanding why Yaochi was so disregarding the overall situation. Just then, Yaoji arrived!