Primordial Era: Taibai, the Poison Master of Yaochi, drives a Sage insane!

Chapter 40 Li Bai's Plan: Feigning Indifference to Capture

Yao Ji and Li Bai truly traveled in the mortal world for several years. In any case, this time Li Bai completely averted the tribulation of love for Yao Ji.

Otherwise, if one's mindset is flawed, one will still encounter this calamity. Li Bai, on the other hand, led Yao Ji to truly see the world and developed immunity to it.

Regardless, Yao Ji was indeed a good friend, and I couldn't ignore something that happened so casually!

After traveling for several years, Yao Ji turned her head to look at Li Taibai beside her and asked softly.

"Taibai, we have now traversed the mortal realm once, and besides, no rogue cultivator possesses the rank of Grand Luo Golden Immortal capable of holding the position of a Great Emperor in the Heavenly Court. Where should we go next to seek out immortals and gods to fill the gaps in the Heavenly Court's divine positions?"

Upon hearing this, Li Bai pondered for a moment before asking a question in return.

"Now that the grand plan of bestowing titles upon the gods has been finalized, rumors are already circulating throughout the Three Realms. Will the celestial officials temporarily summoned now conflict with the future imperial decree of bestowing titles upon the gods?"

Yao Ji, having already reached a conclusion upon hearing this, slowly revealed Haotian's plan.

"Brother has already thought it through. There are still tens of thousands of years before the Great Tribulation of the Gods. The Heavenly Court cannot remain vacant for many years and all its departments will fall into disarray. Someone must be temporarily stationed to take charge and maintain the operation of the Heavenly Palace."

"My elder brother has set a rule that those temporarily employed by the Heavenly Court this time are free to choose their future destination. When the Investiture of the Gods begins, those who wish to continue serving in the Heavenly Court will not be granted a new divine position and can simply remain in their current position. Those who do not wish to stay in the Heavenly Court for long or cannot endure the hardship and toil can resign on their own and be replaced by new gods in the Investiture of the Gods."

Li Bai nodded slowly, his eyes revealing understanding.

"This arrangement is both measured and prudent, making it extremely safe."

After a slight pause, Li Bai continued to analyze the situation.

"Currently, the positions of the Four Heavenly Emperors are highly prestigious and governed by strict regulations, which are far beyond the capabilities of ordinary rogue immortals. Within the Three Realms, all top-tier immortal cultivators above the Great Luo Golden Immortal level are affiliated with major sage sects and top immortal schools; none of them are idle or wandering aimlessly. If one wishes to fill the positions of the Four Heavenly Emperors, one can only visit the major immortal schools and sincerely request their assistance."

Upon hearing this, Yao Ji's face turned bitter, and she gave a bitter laugh.

"Taibai, you and I both know the truth. The Heavenly Court is currently in decline and its merits are meager, lacking any foundation to nourish immortal cultivators. For the two of us to visit the great sages and sects and earnestly request the Grand Luo Golden Immortals of various sects to condescend to serve as the Four Heavenly Emperors in this barren Heavenly Court is far too much of a fuss, almost a self-humiliation and a fool's errand."

Li Bai's expression was calm, and his tone was firm and composed.

"It's alright. We just need to follow the proper etiquette and visit them politely. Whether they agree or not is their choice. As long as we fulfill our duties and complete the process, we've succeeded. We're not just making a fool of ourselves."

Although this Four Heavenly Emperors are not good people now, they will be considered a get-out-of-jail-free card when the Investiture of the Gods begins.

Therefore, Li Bai also made good use of the opportunity and reciprocated.

Seeing Li Taibai's composed demeanor, Yao Ji felt somewhat relieved and nodded gently.

"Very well, I'll leave everything to Li Bai's arrangements."

Without further hesitation, Li Bai raised his hand to summon the cloud light, and with Yao Ji, turned the clouds around, heading straight for Kunlun Immortal Mountain.

The sea of ​​clouds surged, and the celestial aura of Kunlun stretched across the nine heavens. Layer upon layer of mountains and towering peaks were the fundamental training ground of the Chan Sect, majestic and vast, exuding an awe-inspiring celestial aura.

Now, Li Taibai's cultivation level is close to that of a Great Luo Golden Immortal, and he has accumulated merits. He is no longer the little immortal who still needs to travel.

Yao Ji gazed at the Kunlun Sacred Realm so close at hand, a look of surprise flashing in her eyes.

"Taibai, are we actually heading to the Chan Sect's mountain gate this time?"

Li Bai nodded in agreement.

"Indeed, today we will first visit the Chan Sect, then the Ren Sect and the Jie Sect. We will visit all three major sects and inquire about all opportunities. If no one responds to our call, we will make further plans."

The two descended steadily from the clouds and stood outside the gate of Kunlun Mountain.

This visit is not to pay homage to the Primordial Sage, but merely to meet with the immortals of the Chan Sect and sincerely seek out worthy men.

The entire Kunlun Mountain is filled with an atmosphere of indifference and detachment.

Before long, Taiyi Zhenren slowly walked out of the mountain gate, his immortal robes flowing gracefully, his expression indifferent and cold. He stood in front of the mountain gate and directly stopped the two of them, not letting them pass even a step, and not even allowing them to step into the mountain gate.

Taiyi Zhenren glanced at the two of them indifferently, his tone carrying a hint of detachment and questioning.

"You two, one a close advisor to the Jade Pool and the other a celestial maiden, instead of serving in the Heavenly Court or cultivating in the Jade Pool, have come to my Kunlun Mountain for no reason. What brings you here?"

Yao Ji suppressed her nervousness, lowered her guard, and adopted an extremely humble posture. She raised her hand and took out the bright yellow imperial edict from her bosom, appearing very sincere.

"I have come here on the orders of the Supreme Emperor of the Heavenly Palace. The Heavenly Court is currently vacant in many places and the divine positions are empty, and we urgently need powerful beings to guard them. I wonder if any of the immortals of the Chan Sect are willing to move to the Heavenly Court and assume the position of the Four Heavenly Emperors? The Four Great Emperors of the East, West, South, and North, and the Five Sacred Mountains Emperors who guard the world, may be chosen by any of you immortals. Those who are willing to take office can be issued a decree by the Heavenly Court today and be appointed as the supreme deities."

Taiyi Zhenren's gaze fell on the stack of imperial edicts, then he quickly looked away, a sneer curling at the corner of his mouth, his tone filled with undisguised sarcasm.

"The Heavenly Court? Does the Heavenly Court of today even deserve to speak of its supreme position?"

"The vast Heavenly Palace is depleted of its fortune and merits, lacking spiritual nourishment for cultivators and offering no great opportunities. It holds the empty title of Great Emperor, but in reality, it receives no blessings whatsoever."

Yao Ji looked slightly embarrassed and answered honestly.

"The Heavenly Court is indeed in decline and impoverished, lacking in fortune. However, the Heavenly Palace, the central hub of the Three Realms, cannot remain vacant and neglected for long. With no other choice, I have taken the liberty of visiting you immortals to earnestly request your assistance."

Upon hearing this, Taiyi Zhenren's words became even more incisive.

When Taiyi Zhenren saw Li Taibai, he naturally wouldn't give him any pleasantries, given that Yaochi had plundered the Chan Sect's fortune and merits.

"We have lost all our fortune, all our merit, and all our opportunities. We have cultivated diligently for ten thousand years, attained the Great Luo Dao Fruit, and are now free and unrestrained. You actually want us to condescend to go to the Heavenly Court and become those toiling gods who waste their own fortune to do menial labor for the Heavenly Court? This is utterly absurd and laughable, a huge joke!"

Seeing this, Li Bai quickly stepped forward, his tone earnest and pleading, and slowly began to negotiate.

"Immortal Taiyi, although the Heavenly Court is currently impoverished and in dire straits, it does not mean that it will remain in decline in the future. The primordial order is constantly changing, and now the world is divided into three, with the overall situation still uncertain. As the central authority of the Three Realms, the Heavenly Court may well have a chance to rise again in the future. At present, your humble service may seem arduous and unprofitable, but if the Heavenly Court is revived in the future, it will be the greatest opportunity for you. I hope you will think carefully about this matter."

Taiyi Zhenren's gaze narrowed slightly as he looked Li Taibai up and down a few times before asking a question in a low voice.

"You are Taibai Jinxing of the Jade Pool Immortal Realm, subordinate to the Jade Pool, so why are you accompanying the Heavenly Court's Fairy Yao Ji, running around begging for help?"

Li Bai responded calmly and with impeccable manners.

"I am a close friend of Fairy Yaoji. I am only accompanying my friend to finish her official duties in Heaven and have come here sincerely to seek your guidance. I hope you will consider this carefully, so as not to miss this opportunity in the future."

As soon as he finished speaking, Master Taiyi burst into loud laughter, the sound echoing outside the Kunlun Mountain gate, full of mockery and ridicule.

The commotion spread, and all the Golden Immortals who were cultivating in seclusion in the mountains came to investigate. A group of Great Luo Golden Immortals gathered at the mountain gate, their eyes all fixed on Li Taibai and Yao Ji.

Taiyi Zhenren laughed loudly at his fellow disciples, "Look, fellow disciples! These two have come to our door today, actually wanting to invite us, the Great Luo Golden Immortals of the Chan Sect, to condescend to go to that Heavenly Court, whose fortune is in ruins, and assume the so-called Four Heavenly Emperors!"

Upon hearing this, the Golden Immortals of the Chan Sect burst into laughter, their arrogance and mockery filling the hall.

"How utterly ridiculous! We are from the Jade Void, disciples of sages, with noble lineages and profound cultivation. How could we possibly condescend to go to the declining Heavenly Court and do that unpaid labor?"

"The Heavenly Court is now merely a name, devoid of fortune and blessings, yet it dares to summon us Great Luo Golden Immortals? They truly don't know their own limitations!"

"This mere, dilapidated Heavenly Palace is beneath the notice of ordinary rogue immortals. How dare it presumptuously request my direct descendant from Jade Void to assume the position of Great Emperor? It is utterly self-humiliating!"

"The true path of cultivation is for achieving carefree longevity; who would willingly squander their own fortune, confine themselves to a cage, and clean up the mess left by your Heavenly Court? That's utterly delusional!"

The group of Golden Immortals chimed in with their own words, each sentence a sarcastic jab.

No one was angry, but there was only a haughty indifference and disdain, regarding the two men's visit to seek talent as a farcical act of overestimating their abilities.

Yao Ji's cheeks flushed red, feeling embarrassed and ashamed, at a loss for what to do, she could only stand silently in place, enduring the pain in silence.

Li Bai remained calm and composed, never losing his composure. Facing the barrage of ridicule, he solemnly spoke one last time, making a final inquiry.

"Esteemed immortals, this is my final question: are you truly unwilling to consider and accept the position of honor in the Heavenly Court?"

Upon hearing this, the group of Golden Immortals from the Chan Sect waved their hands to drive them away, their expressions impatient.

"No need for further words, leave immediately!"

"There is absolutely no way we could possibly take up a post in Heaven. Don't waste your breath and make a fool of yourselves!"

"Stop daydreaming and hurry down the mountain!"

His attitude was resolute, his tone icy, leaving no room for negotiation.

Seeing this, Li Bai said no more and nodded slightly.

..

Yao Ji was filled with embarrassment and had no face to stay any longer.

The two could only turn around, stepping through the mocking gazes of the crowd, and leave Kunlun Mountain Gate in a somewhat hurried manner, riding the clouds into the distance.

Behind them, the sneers and mockery of the immortals of the Chan Sect could still be faintly heard, each sentence ridiculing the two for overestimating their abilities, being ignorant of their place, and being delusional.

Once they were far from the Kunlun territory and could no longer hear any sounds behind them, Yao Ji let out a long sigh, her expression downcast.

"Taibai, we have been humiliated at every turn since we came here. It is indeed our own fault that we have brought this upon ourselves."

Li Bai waved his hand lightly, his expression calm and showing no sign of defeat.

"It's not that we're making a fool of ourselves. We've come to invite you today to show our respect and sincerity; it's simply our duty."

"Today, let the immortals of the Chan Sect publicly reject and resolutely refuse, completely cutting off any possibility of them going back on their word in the future. If they abandon it today, and the Heavenly Court truly prospers and its fortunes flourish in the future, they will have no face to compete for the throne again."

Upon hearing this, Yao Ji exclaimed in surprise, her eyes wide with astonishment.

"Huh? They might change their minds later?"

Li Taibai's gaze was distant as he spoke softly.

"The primordial order of things changes unpredictably, and the rise and fall of fortunes are beyond anyone's control. Doing today's work in advance will prevent future troubles. No need to dwell on it; just continue on your journey."

Yao Ji suppressed her surprise and quickly asked.

"So, where do we go next?"

Li Bai looked toward Taiqing and spoke slowly.

"Next, we will proceed to Shouyang Mountain to pay homage to Grand Master Xuandu of the Bajing Palace. The Humanist sect is pure and inactive, and does not contend with the world; presumably, it will not be as harsh and sarcastic as the Chan sect."

The two turned around and, in the blink of an eye, arrived at the gate of the Eight Views Palace on Shouyang Mountain.

Shouyang Mountain is serene and peaceful, lacking the harsh arrogance of Kunlun Mountain, and its atmosphere is warm and tranquil.

Grand Master Xuandu personally came down from the mountain to meet him. His expression was calm and polite, and his manners were impeccable, yet he remained aloof and indifferent throughout.

Yao Ji, as always, explained her purpose and presented the decree from the Heavenly Court, earnestly requesting the immortals of the Human Sect to come out of the mountains, take charge of the four great emperors of the Heavenly Court, and maintain the operation of the Heavenly Palace.

Grand Master Xuandu listened quietly, his expression unwavering, and slowly shook his head, his tone calm yet his attitude resolute.

"Disciples of the Human Sect value cultivation above all else, refraining from action and contention. They have no interest in the affairs of the court and dislike the constraints of the Heavenly Palace. This time, the Heavenly Court has summoned us, but none of my disciples are willing to go. I implore the two fairies to find other worthy individuals."

His attitude was mild, yet he kept people at arm's length, leaving no room for negotiation.

Yao Ji felt a slight unease. Just as she was about to bow and take her leave, she turned and departed.

Just as the two were about to move, Grand Master Xuandu suddenly spoke up, stopping them in their tracks.

"Wait a minute."

The two paused, then quickly turned around and bowed.

"Does the Grand Master have any instructions?"

Grand Master Xuandu spoke slowly, his gaze gentle.

"I have a disciple who is still bound by worldly ties and whose Daoist heart is still shallow. He is not suited to sit in seclusion for long. Fortunately, there is a position in the world that can help him overcome his mortal desires and hone his Daoist skills. So let him go to the Heavenly Court to take up his post."

Yao Ji's eyes lit up with joy, and she quickly pressed for an answer.

"I wonder if any of the Grand Master's disciples can attain the Great Luo Dao Fruit? If their cultivation is sufficient, they can directly assume the position of a Heavenly Emperor!"

""

Grand Master Xuandu gently shook his head.

"This disciple's cultivation has not yet reached the Great Luo realm, and his Dao is still shallow. He is not capable of shouldering the heavy responsibility of the Four Great Emperors guarding the world. He should not be granted a title beyond his level."

Upon hearing this, Yao Ji immediately took out a thick stack of imperial edicts from her bosom and presented them with both hands.

"It's alright! The position of Great Emperor is not suitable for you. You may choose any other position, whether minor or major, in the Heavenly Court! Please make your own decision and choose a suitable official post."

Grand Master Xuandu lowered his head to look through the many edicts, his gaze sweeping over the various honored figures before finally settling on one, and spoke softly.

"This position of Marshal Tianpeng of the Heavenly River, guarding the Heavenly River and commanding the navy, is a perfect balance of power and responsibility, with a good work-life balance. It aligns perfectly with the Daoist affinity of my disciple and is most suitable for him. So let him take up this position in the Heavenly Court."

After speaking, Grand Master Xuandu took down the imperial edict from Marshal Tianpeng and accepted it properly, thus finalizing his appointment.

Yao Ji and Li Taibai were overjoyed and quickly bowed to express their gratitude.

"Thank you, Grand Master, for your compassion in understanding the Heavenly Court's predicament and for relieving our urgent crisis! The Heavenly Court will forever remember your assistance!"

After completing the formalities, the two bid farewell to Shouyang Mountain and departed on the clouds.

After leaving the territory of the Eight Views Palace, Yao Ji looked much more relaxed and turned to look at Li Taibai beside her.

"Taibai, the Chan Sect mocked and ridiculed us, but only the Ren Sect was willing to lend a helping hand. At least this trip wasn't in vain. Where should we go next?"

Li Taibai gazed towards the direction of the primordial East Sea, his eyes filled with certainty, and slowly spoke.

"Of the three great holy sects in the Three Realms, we have already visited the Chan Sect and the Human Sect, leaving only the Jie Sect in the end."

"The Jie Sect has thousands of immortals paying homage and countless disciples. It is extremely inclusive, and its disciples are diverse in appearance and have different paths of cultivation. There must be some who do not like solitary cultivation, but wish to enter the Heavenly Court to take up positions and seek opportunities."

"Let's go, this is our last stop. We'll head to Biyou Palace to visit the immortals of the Jie Sect."

As soon as they finished speaking, the two of them rose into the clouds again, their figures transforming into two streaks of light, heading straight for the Immortal Mountain in the East Sea.

These four great emperors are Li Bai's way of repaying Tongtian's kindness. Although he may be reluctant at this point, the Investiture of the Gods is his lifeline.