Chapter 49 A Play Within a Play, a Blur Between Civil and Military Aspects Upon hearing this, everyone...
Upon hearing this, everyone was taken aback, and the entire room fell silent for a moment.
Although the priests remained silent, their expressions were truly remarkable; a single glance was enough to reveal their innermost thoughts.
Some priests lowered their eyes and watched indifferently, or observed the spectacle with great interest; these were mostly those who distanced themselves from the conflict. Regardless of the outcome of the struggle, they not only remained unaffected, but might even gain a significant advantage. Such individuals were mostly lower-ranking priests and a very small number of high-ranking priests.
Some of the high priests wore smug expressions, always believing that Yan Xiao was easy to talk to. Although the request was somewhat excessive, their high and mighty emperor wouldn't refuse. They mocked whose subordinate was so foolish, while secretly plotting how to win the competition. These were the high priests who had long coveted the position.
Some priests, however, wore expressions of fear and disgust, while others frowned in deep thought, secretly vying for power. The moment the junior priest uttered those words, they had racked their brains eight hundred times over, considering everyone from their subordinates to even the most casual acquaintances, fearing any connection to them, any unwarranted entanglement, or any accidental exposure of their misdeeds. Losing face was a minor matter; powerlessness was a major one. But not everyone was like this. Yet, one thing was unanimously agreed upon in their hearts: the Emperor was not to be trifled with! Even if they harbored their own schemes, they would never openly confront him. And this group included everyone from the highest levels of the court.
Are there not a single deity among the gods who only seeks proper spiritual practice and does not covet fame or power?
Of course, there are. But as time goes by, people's hearts change, and ultimately, the arm can't twist the thigh.
Beyond the crowd, a painter was depicting the scene with his brush. The scroll wasn't large, but the actions and words of the people in it were incredibly lifelike. The scroll was being filled with strokes, and the four people from Yaoqi standing behind Yan Xiao, though not belonging to any of their factions, and with Feng Yi being completely unrelated, were also included in the painting. At the center of the painting, a calm and composed figure, a smile playing on his lips, appeared even more benevolent than before, resembling an elderly person who unjustly spoils their child.
After a short while, Yan Xiao said, "Alright. But if you damage any immortal's golden palace or any of the plants and trees on this mountain during the competition, you should use your own merits to repair it."
In the past, whenever the gods got carried away during their competitions, they would give Tianjia Mountain a new look. They would either flatten some sacred mountain or destroy some god's golden palace. Every time this happened, Yan Xiao, who had the most merit, would generously use his own merit to fill the mountain and build the palace. Doing this would cost at least millions of merit points, and even though Yan Xiao held the top spot on the merit point ranking, it seemed like he never had enough, spoiling the gods rotten.
Everyone was overjoyed to hear this. Compared to the throne of the emperor, what did millions of merits amount to? They all agreed.
But Yaoqi and the others began to have doubts. This was no ordinary competition to promote friendship; it was clearly a huge pit where people could be killed without shedding blood.
Although the priests held differing positions, they all harbored ambitions of advancement, and almost openly so. Yet, in this situation, Yan Xiao readily agreed. Was this a genuine act of yielding the opportunity, or was there another motive? Did the priests have ulterior motives?
Yaoqi and Muyi are going to participate in the competition later. If this is true, then whether they win or lose is another matter. At the moment, we can't figure out what they're thinking, and we're in a dilemma.
Feng Yi glanced around and immediately spotted Xi Le in the corner. She stood with her arms crossed, her gaze lowered, her brows slightly furrowed, and remained silent. The other priests around her were huddled in small groups, whispering and discussing their next move. They even tried to include Xi Le, but she simply shook her head indifferently and stepped back, giving off an air of detached sobriety. Xi Le seemed to sense Feng Yi's gaze; their eyes briefly met, and Feng Yi smiled and looked away first.
Feng Yi looked at the four people beside him and transmitted his thoughts to them, saying, "The silk threads may seem weak and frail, but they are actually incredibly strong and difficult to unravel. This competition will not end with just one winner; will they all sit on the throne of the Emperor?"
Ming Qi said, "We were indeed affected by what just happened. It's a pity that we're new here, and no matter how much we try to hide, we can't escape these twists and turns. Since that's the case, let's just forge ahead and focus on proving our path. Let all the demons and monsters be banished!"
Mother Yi said, "Now that you're in the act, you must sing loudly!"
Just as Yao Qi was about to speak, Yan Xiao said, "Since all the immortals have no objections, let's prepare to begin the competition." After speaking, Yan Xiao turned his head and said, "Han Yue and Lan Yi, you two go and prepare as well."
The two exchanged a glance, bowed, and said, "Yes, Your Majesty."
Seeing this, the other three said, "Your Majesty, we should also go down first."
Yan Xiao smiled and nodded, then raised her hand to invite Feng Yi to join her.
At that moment, the painter turned his brush and accidentally spilled a drop of ink. The originally clear outlines of mountains and rivers, and the figures, were all blurred into this thick black mass, with no visible boundaries.
Once all the priests participating in the competition had taken their places, the competition officially began.
Yan Xiao said, "Today's written test will be on the topic of 'water.' All the immortals are free to express themselves and showcase their literary talents."
A mystical aura swirled around Qizhu Peak. Yanxiao used magic to take a drop of water from the Sanwu Pond and transform it into a giant mirror, reflecting not only the various expressions of the gods but also the lives of all living beings in the mortal world.
Mu Yi spoke first, saying, "Water, the gentlest and most benevolent, nourishes all things; this is the constant way of Heaven." As she spoke, her magical power flowed like a gentle stream. "We, the divine officials, should be like water, nourishing all living beings under Heaven." With that, she raised her hand and gently waved it, her magical power merging into the water mirror, transforming into sweet rain, which sprinkled upon a barren and desolate mountain in the mortal realm. Wherever it touched, the grass and trees quickly sprouted, grew, and flourished with vitality.
A priest in black robes sneered, "Hmph! Water nourishes all things, but that's just the surface." A dark blue magical power swirled around him, like a surging undercurrent. "Water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it. Everything in the world has two sides. Water can nurture life, but it can also bring disaster. We priests must control this power to maintain our authority, only then can we ensure peace in the world." With that, he formed a hand seal, and the previously moist water instantly became a raging torrent, giant waves crashing against the mountains and rivers, instantly submerging the newly grown vegetation, leaving only a vast ocean.
"Both of you have made some mistakes," an old priest with white hair and a youthful face slowly spoke, his voice booming like a bell, echoing across Qizhu Peak. "Water is formless and shapeless, taking on the form of whatever it is placed in, unrestrained by any single rule. We priests should prove the Way with our hearts, not be bound by worldly thoughts, only then can we comprehend the true meaning of water." After speaking, he closed his eyes and concentrated, his magical power as calm as a still lake, without a ripple. However, on that seemingly calm water, the reflections of all things in the world gradually emerged: mountains, rivers, living beings... everything was contained within, coexisting harmoniously.
The priests below discussed among themselves, some with expressions of agreement, while others frowned slightly, seemingly deep in thought.
Mu Yi and the other two priests exchanged a glance. The black-robed priest's eyes were full of resentment, and he was extremely disdainful of the old priest's words. He thought to himself, "Woman's kindness, a fool's dream, and utterly useless."
The three stood silently before the water mirror for a while, while the crowd below was already arguing endlessly. Seeing the situation below escalating, Mu Yi took a deep breath, and her magical power surged. The water, which had originally turned into sweet rain and giant waves, slowly merged under her control.
The sweet rain transformed into fine droplets, gently enveloping the giant waves and gradually calming their raging power. Mother Yi moved her hands, her magic flowing like nimble threads, guiding the water's force and creating a wondrous scene in the water's mirror:
In the mirror-like water, mountains and rivers were arranged in a harmonious pattern, all things on earth flourished, people lived in peace and contentment, children played and laughed, and farmers worked diligently—a scene of perfect tranquility. And above this peace, an invisible shield appeared and disappeared, protecting against any potential external threats.
“Look, everyone, the power of water is not just about destruction and control.” Mu Yi’s gaze was firm as she looked around at everyone. “While peace and tranquility are what people desire, as long as everything in the world is changing, this world cannot remain peaceful forever. If we guide this power with the well-being of all people in mind, water can become a shield to protect the world. If people can use it wisely, they can safely overcome even natural disasters and calamities.”
Upon hearing this, the expressions of the other priests, except for Yaoqi and the other three, changed slightly. Yanxiao, however, remained calm, resting one hand on his forehead, and looked down at them.
Seeing this, the black-robed priest tried to manipulate the power of water again to break this seemingly beautiful scene. However, as soon as his magic touched it, it vanished without a trace, like a mud ox sinking into the sea.
"You..." The black-robed priest was shocked, his eyes wide with anger and resentment.
The old priest, however, had already retreated into the crowd. The competition had become a battlefield between the two of them.
Mu Yi slowly said, "I believe that the outcome of this contest is not important, but rather the search for the true Dao. Now that we have become gods, we should take the common people as our anchor, justice as our sail, and adhere to our true nature; only then can we follow the Great Dao."
Upon hearing this, many priests in the audience showed expressions of admiration, while others crossed their arms in disdain.
The result is set.
After a moment, Yan Xiao slowly stood up, clapped his hands, and smiled slightly, saying, "Lan Yi's remarks were truly brilliant." He looked at everyone and added, "As for who is the winner of today's literary examination, I'm sure all of you immortals already have your own opinions."
Upon hearing this, everyone cupped their hands in congratulations: "Congratulations, Lady Lanyi!"
Mingqi put his arm around Yunxiang's shoulder and said excitedly, "What did I just say! I told you our mother couldn't be wrong!"
Yun Xiang smiled and nodded, saying, "It not only made our stance clear but also put them in a difficult position. Mother, this move was brilliant."
Feng Yi said, "Don't be too happy yet, Yao Qi hasn't come up yet."
Upon hearing this, Mingqi quickly straightened his posture and whispered, "Yaoqi will definitely be fine too."
The second martial arts test was held at Cangzhutai. This was a circular stone platform, originally a place for punishing erring officials. At its center once stood a colossal pillar, inscribed with 3,782 different punishments, the cruelty of which even the ghost realm admired. Over the years, the original white stone base of the platform had been stained a dark purple, heavy with resentment. After Yanxiao ascended to power, he deemed this method too cruel and abolished it.
Only three options remain: exile, demotion or punishment, or death.
To eliminate the murderous aura here, Yan Xiao ordered that the surrounding area be filled with purifying herbs and transformed into a place for martial arts competitions.
Yan Xiao said, "The written test just now was quite exciting. The Martial Gods shouldn't fall behind either." He looked at the Martial Gods waiting to compete, smiled meaningfully, and said, "I've come up with a good idea this year. As Martial Gods, we should be knowledgeable about all the weapons in the world. Why not use unfamiliar magical weapons to fight? In this way, all the celestial officials can witness and see how strong each of us is."
The group exchanged glances, agreeing that this was indeed a good idea. In previous years, they had only touched upon the issue briefly, but this year was different. By taking this opportunity to assess their strength, they could better prepare for any future changes in the political landscape. The group unanimously agreed.
But these words don't sound so pleasant to some people.
General Jingyan, led by the God of War, flashed a hint of displeasure in his eyes. He had always been proud of his Star-Breaking Spear, disdainful of other magical artifacts. This request was undoubtedly a challenge to him. In his heart, his own glory and power came first; the common people were merely bargaining chips for his ascension to the top. Jingyan felt that Yanxiao's actions were a deliberate attempt to make things difficult for him, unwilling to relinquish his position as Emperor. Yaoqi and Xile, however, remained calm, showing no fear whatsoever in the face of this sudden turn of events.
The contest began, and General Jing Yan made the first move. He casually grabbed a chilling longsword, and although he was unfamiliar with it, his profound skill allowed him to instantly freeze anything his sword energy touched. General Du Shang, not to be outdone, wielded an ancient ruyi scepter. This ruyi scepter appeared gentle, yet it possessed the power to shake mountains and rivers. When it clashed with Jing Yan's sword energy, light radiated and thunder roared incessantly.
As the battle intensified, the situation became increasingly tense. In an attempt to win the match, Jing Yan secretly used a forbidden technique, trying to force the cold air directly into his opponent's heart and lungs, freezing him into an ice block from the inside out, causing him to suffocate to death. Wan Liuchen, who was attacked, turned pale and gradually weakened.
The audience below the stage was on tenterhooks, and Ming Qi and his companions were especially worried for them. Amidst the shock, many were already accusing Jing Yan of using forbidden techniques. Meanwhile, on the stage, Xi Le, amidst the chaos, wielded a whisk she had never used before, skillfully deflecting the surrounding attacks with gentleness.
On the other side, Mei Fangbai, holding a treasure fan, unleashed a thunderbolt that instantly split someone's golden palace in two. His eyes were filled with fervor, clearly blinded by victory, and he attacked with all his might, showing no mercy.
Just as everyone was locked in a fierce and evenly matched battle, a golden light flashed, and the person was none other than Yao Qi. He held a staff in his hand, and with the staff, he drew upon the purest power in the world, transforming it into shields to protect the martial gods who were being attacked.
Shio and Yaoqi's eyes met, and they realized they shared the same goal, so they joined forces. Shio used her whisk to cleanse the evil energy, while Yaoqi used her staff to soothe the madness. Thus, the battle gradually subsided.
As the light faded and the dust settled, the two stood side by side, their bodies showing signs of fatigue, but their eyes remaining resolute. A collective sigh rippled through the crowd below; the competition had finally come to an end.
Yan Xiao, seated on the throne, remained unreadable, a smile still playing on his lips. After a moment, he rose and asked, "Who do you, my fellow immortals, think has won this round?"
The crowd snapped out of their daze and looked at the two remaining contestants on the stage, each holding their own opinion. Logically, the last one standing should be the winner, but historically only one person could emerge victorious in a competition; this year was the first time. There was no rule that a tie should be declared.
Feng Yi suddenly said, "Your Majesty, in my opinion, both of them are the victors. Since there is no precedent for this, let's break the rule and set a precedent today."
Yan Xiao said, "Alright. I don't think any of the immortals have any objections."
Upon hearing this, everyone agreed.
From then on, Xi Le and Yao Qi were known as the "Two Heroes of Cang Zhu", and Mu Yi became the first literary god of Tian Jia.
Now that there are three winners, everyone finally realized that all three of them could not possibly be sitting on the throne of the emperor.
Just as the three were about to explain, the drunken junior priest suddenly reappeared, knelt on the ground, and cried bitterly, "Your Majesty, please calm your anger! I was in high spirits today and drank a few too many cups, and I spoke without thinking. Please forgive me!"
Yan Xiao said, "What crime have you committed? If it weren't for you, how could I have selected some truly talented individuals?"
-----------------------
Author's Note: After so many busy days, I've finally updated! Happy New Year everyone! This time I'm finally going back to updating every two days. Thank you all for waiting!
Wishing everyone a prosperous and smooth-sailing new year! May you be wealthy today, wealthy tomorrow, and always prosperous!
Hope you enjoy watching! Have a happy day!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
