Chapter 240 Laozi
"presumptuous!"
The Jade Emperor sat on his high throne, his face grim and his eyes wide with anger: "One hundred thousand heavenly soldiers and generals, couldn't even capture a Yao Ji? What is your punishment?"
Tianpeng lowered his head and secretly pouted. He had already said that the White Tiger and the Qilin were involved, so he could just choose what he wanted to hear.
"Tianpeng, Tianpeng!"
"Ah? Your Majesty!"
Tianpeng suddenly came to his senses. Facing the Queen Mother's questioning gaze, he quickly cupped his hands and said with a helpless and aggrieved expression, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, we did indeed do our best, but the White Tiger and the Qilin were too powerful, and we were simply unable to contend with them. Judging from their cultivation, these two divine beasts should be divine beasts left over from ancient times, and they are definitely not something we can defeat."
The Great Golden Crow, though his face was cold, nodded in agreement: "Your Majesty, what Marshal Tianpeng said is true."
The Jade Emperor was so angry that he gripped the armrests tightly with both hands, his knuckles turning white. "Hmph! So what if they are ancient divine beasts? The Heavenly Court has countless heavenly soldiers and generals, yet they can't even deal with two divine beasts. Wouldn't people laugh at us if word got out!"
His voice was full of anger and resentment, but he also understood that the Heavenly Court had not existed for as long as some of the ancient immortals, and was short-handed. It did not have enough confidence or the ability to deter the ancient divine beasts.
For a moment, the atmosphere in the hall became extremely awkward. The Great Golden Crow and Tianpeng below remained silent. The Queen Mother, sitting next to the Jade Emperor, rolled her eyes and said softly, "Your Majesty, please calm down. Now that things have come to this, punishment alone will not help. I have an idea. Why don't we send Laozi to make a trip?"
Upon hearing this, the Jade Emperor was taken aback.
The Three Pure Ones were disciples of Hongjun Laozu. After the Heavenly Court was re-established, Yuanshi Tianzun and Lingbao Tianzun secluded themselves to cultivate in seclusion. Only Daode Tianzun, Taishang Laojun, resided in the Tushita Palace of the Lihen Heaven in the Thirty-Three Heavens, assisting the work of the Heavenly Court.
Yes, how could he have forgotten about this great deity?
To be precise, it wasn't that they had forgotten; the Jade Emperor didn't actually want them involved in the affairs of Heaven. But at this moment, for the sake of Heaven's dignity and prestige, it was time to invite Laozi to come out of seclusion.
The Jade Emperor's tense expression eased slightly. He pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "Very well, we have no choice but to ask Laozi to intervene. Issue my decree, summon..."
At this moment, the Queen Mother suddenly grasped his arm. The Jade Emperor was taken aback, then realized what she meant and said, "I will go and invite her myself."
The Queen Mother smiled and softly echoed, "I will go with His Majesty."
...
Upon receiving the Jade Emperor's request, Laozi, somewhat curious, stroked his beard and readily agreed.
He wore a gray-blue Taoist robe and cloud-patterned shoes, radiating a gentle and peaceful aura. The Great Golden Crow and Marshal Tianpeng, following the Jade Emperor's decree, closely followed behind, hoping to atone for their sins.
The three of them left the Heavenly Court in an instant and headed towards the mortal realm.
The moment you step into the mortal world, you are greeted by the rich atmosphere of everyday life. On the bustling streets, the sounds of vendors hawking their wares, chatting, and children playing blend together, creating a lively and vibrant scene.
Laozi strolled along the street with great interest, his gentle gaze taking in everything around him. He turned to Marshal Tianpeng beside him and said with a smile, "It's been a long time since I've stepped out of the Thirty-Three Heavens. I never imagined that the human world would develop so prosperously. It's quite interesting."
Marshal Tianpeng quickly replied, "Yes, Laozi, the world has changed a lot in recent years, and people's lives have become more and more prosperous." He had a smile on his face, clearly also infected by the lively scene.
The Great Golden Crow, standing to the side, wore a cold expression, his eyes revealing a hint of disdain. He watched Laozi and Marshal Tianpeng chatting and laughing, and was very puzzled as to what was so good about the mortal world that it deserved their attention.
The Supreme Lord Laozi seemed to sense the Great Golden Crow's emotions and asked, "Your Highness, what do you see in this mortal realm?"
The Great Golden Crow frowned slightly and said firmly, "The mortal world is nothing but mortal people and mortal things. Greed for the mortal world will lead to worldly desires, worldly desires will lead to mistakes, and mistakes that violate the heavenly rules will be punished."
Lao Tzu listened, gently shook his head, and looked at him with gentleness and tolerance. But everyone has their own destiny, and he didn't say anything more.
"You...you...why are you here again?"
At this moment, Yang Jian and the three of them collided head-on.
Yang Jian stared in astonishment at the Great Golden Crow, met its cold gaze, and turned to run: "Help! Father, Mother, Big Brother, run!"
The Great Golden Crow wanted to step forward, but was stopped by Laozi: "No rush, that must be Yao Ji's son, he's quite lively."
"That is Yao Ji's second son, Yang Jian."
Tianpeng's brief introduction caught Laozi's attention. Laozi seemed thoughtful. As for Yang Jian, he saw the power of chaotic laws emanating from him. Perhaps this kid would bring some different changes to the Heavenly Court in the future...
As the three entered the Yang residence, they saw the entire family standing guard. Yao Ji stood in front of the children with her sword in hand, Yang Tianyou stood beside her, and the two children, Xiao Wu, Xiao Liu, and Xiao Xiao, stood vigilantly at the front.
When Yao Ji saw the old man in the gray-blue Taoist robe leading the way in, her pupils dilated instantly: "Lord Lao... Yao Ji greets Lord Lao."
"I hope the Princess is well."
Knowing the high status of Laozi from Yaoji's inner thoughts, Yang Tianyou hurriedly stepped forward, took a step to stand in front of Yaoji, clasped his hands slightly, and said earnestly, "Laozi, this matter was not Yaoji's intention to trigger the Heavenly Laws. To tell you the truth, Yaoji and I share one heart. I have fallen in love with Yaoji. All of this is my fault and has nothing to do with Yaoji. I beg Laozi to investigate."
"God bless you."
"We agreed to share the burden together."
Yang Tianyou looked at Yao Ji with a gentle smile, his tone firm and unwavering.
Laozi looked at Yang Tianyou gently, a hint of appreciation flashing in his eyes, and nodded slightly, saying, "It's rare to find someone as responsible as you. Yao Ji didn't make a mistake in choosing you."
The Great Golden Crow, standing to the side, was filled with displeasure. He took a step forward, his body radiating a scorching aura, and shouted, "Hmph, no matter whose fault it is, violating the Heavenly Laws is violating the Heavenly Laws. How can they go unpunished? According to the Jade Emperor's decree, they should all be arrested and brought to justice!"
Seeing this, Tianpeng quickly stepped forward, gently tugged at the sleeve of the Great Golden Crow, and whispered, "The Jade Emperor has entrusted this matter to Laozi. We shouldn't interrupt him. You must respect your elders."
The Great Golden Crow gave him a cold look and said nothing more.
Laozi observed all of this, then slowly turned his gaze to Yao Ji, his expression turning serious. He said, "Yao Ji, your love for a mortal has indeed violated the Heavenly Laws. Even if, as Yang Tianyou said, you share the same heart, it is still a mistake."
Yao Ji slightly bent her knees, her eyes filled with pleading: "Lord Lao, I know I have committed a grave mistake and am willing to accept any punishment. I only beg you to show mercy and spare our three children; they are innocent."
“That’s right,” Yang Tianyou followed up, “This matter is entirely the fault of my husband and me. The child is innocent. We only ask that Lord Laozi show leniency.”
"Father, Mother!"
Yang Jian and Yang Chan cried out in disbelief. Yang Tianyou turned around and smiled to comfort them. This was a plan he and Yao Ji had already discussed. No matter what, they had to protect the three children.
Laozi remained silent, while Tianpeng, who was itching to act, couldn't help but step forward and offer a word of advice under the watchful gaze of the Golden Crow: "I think there's some truth to that. What does a child know, right?"
Lao Tzu pressed further, "Are you willing to pay any price for these three children?"
"willing!"
Yao Ji and Yang Tianyou spoke in unison, and Yang Jian and Yang Chan couldn't help but tear up.
At this moment, Yang Jiao, who had been completely blocked, stepped forward and, ignoring Yao Ji's obstruction, asked, "What price must be paid? Can I do it?"
As if reminded by Yang Jiao's actions, Yang Jian and Yang Chan also stepped forward: "Me too."
“Let me do it. You are the eldest son, and I will bear any consequences.
The three of them scrambled to take the blame, but Laozi's gaze was completely drawn to Yang Jiao. "Come here."
"Laojun, wait!"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
