txolops Chapter 33 The Peach Banquet
Chapter 33 The Peach Banquet
After the immortals took their seats, the platform gradually became lively.
The cultivators from all sides gathered in small groups, talking in hushed tones. Some marveled at the grandeur of the Heavenly Court, some discussed the strange phenomena at the South Heavenly Gate, and many others glanced furtively at the six empty seats, their expressions complex.
"Do you think the Six Sages will come today?"
"It's hard to say. Although Haotian is strong, he is not a saint after all. To place a saint's seat below one's own, I'm afraid..."
"Shh! Keep your voice down! This is the Heavenly Court, don't talk nonsense."
As they were discussing this, celestial music drifted from the horizon once more.
"Disciples of the Human, Chan, and Jie sects have arrived!" Venus loudly announced the names.
The Daoist Ran Deng walked at the front, his expression relatively calm, but his heart was in turmoil. He led everyone into the platform, arranged the disciples of the three sects in their respective seats, and sat himself in the front row of the Chan sect.
After the disciples were seated, the atmosphere became subtle. The Jie Sect disciples, numerous and powerful, filled the room, chatting and laughing. The Chan Sect disciples, relatively fewer in number, sat upright, their faces stern and silent. Occasionally, the disciples on both sides would meet eyes, but immediately look away, neither willing to linger on the other.
One cultivator muttered under his breath, "None of the Three Pure Ones have come; they've only sent their disciples. Is it because they look down on us, or...?"
"Stop talking! How could we possibly guess what a sage is thinking?"
Ran Deng sighed inwardly, hoping the banquet would end soon.
Before long, celestial music filled the air, and auspicious clouds filled the sky. A golden light swept in from the west, radiating Buddhist light and displaying extraordinary power. Two figures arrived through the air, followed by dozens of disciples, a magnificent procession.
—It was none other than the Guide Daoist and the Zhunti Daoist.
The immortals all rose to their feet, their expressions varied. These two had been slain by Haotian in the ancient starry sky not long ago, and although they had been resurrected, their auras were far weaker than before.
Zhunti's face was especially pale, and he looked somewhat weak. But now, they had smiles on their faces, as if they had completely forgotten their previous grudges.
"The Western Sage has arrived!" Venus announced loudly.
Jieyin and Zhunti walked side by side and sat down in the two central seats among the six holy positions. The disciples behind them, including Bhaisajyaguru and Maitreya, were led to the central seats.
After Zhunti sat down, he glanced around and a smirk appeared on his lips: "The Heavenly Court is indeed magnificent, even more impressive than when I last visited."
Jieyin nodded slightly and said in a low voice, "Junior brother, we're here for a banquet today, so let's not cause trouble."
Zhunti snorted and said nothing more.
The immortals saw this and understood in their hearts: these two were probably up to no good.
After a while, another strange phenomenon appeared on the horizon. A five-colored auspicious cloud descended from the sky, and standing on the cloud was a graceful and noble woman—the Goddess Nuwa. She came alone, without her disciples.
"Goddess Nuwa has arrived!" Venus announced.
Nuwa nodded slightly and gracefully took her seat. Her gaze swept across the altar, lingering on Jieyin and Zhunti for a moment, then looked in the direction of the disciples of the three religions, and finally landed on the main seat—which was still empty, as Haotian and Yaochi had not yet come out.
By this time, of the six saints, Nuwa, Jieyin, and Zhunti had come in person, while the Three Pure Ones each sent their disciples to sit in their place. Although those three seats were not empty, they ultimately lacked the grandeur of a saint's personal presence.
The immortals looked at the six seats that were level with the main seat, and then at the empty dragon throne above the main seat, and they all began to have doubts.
Haotian placed the position of the Sage below his own, intending to be on equal footing. However, the Three Pure Ones did not come in person, but only sent their disciples. The attitude behind this is quite intriguing.
Just then, celestial music began again, and bells and drums resounded. A golden light shot out from the depths of the Lingxiao Palace, illuminating the entire celestial platform.
Amidst the golden light, two people emerged side by side—one clad in imperial robes and a crown, exuding majesty; the other, in a phoenix coronet and embroidered robe, dignified and noble, befitting an empress.
It was Haotian and Yaochi.
All the immortals rose in unison, cupped their hands in greeting, and said, "Greetings to the Heavenly Emperor! Greetings to the Queen Mother!"
Haotian ascended to the main seat and settled into the dragon throne, with Yaochi sitting beside him. He raised his hand in a gesture of reassurance and said calmly, "Fellow Daoists, there's no need for such formalities. Please be seated."
The immortals thanked them and returned to their seats.
Haotian's gaze swept across the altar, looking at each of the six sacred seats. Seeing that the Three Pure Ones' seats were all occupied by disciples, his expression remained unchanged, and the corners of his mouth even slightly turned up, as if he had expected this.
"It is truly an honor for the Heavenly Court that Senior Sister has come," Haotian said to Nuwa with a smile.
Nuwa smiled and said, "Junior brother, you're too kind. How could I not come, given our shared sect?"
Haotian nodded and said, "I am very sorry that my senior brothers Sanqing are busy with their affairs and could not come in person. However, it is an honor for the Heavenly Court that all my disciples and fellow Daoists Zhunti and Jieyin could come."
Upon hearing these words, Zhunti's expression stiffened. Jieyin, however, clasped his hands together, a smile on his face, seemingly unconcerned.
Haotian withdrew his gaze, stopped wasting words, and said loudly, "Today, the Heavenly Court is hosting a banquet, inviting fellow Daoists from all directions to enjoy the Peach of Immortality and celebrate this grand occasion together. I am very pleased that you have all come from afar."
He paused, then said, "I hereby declare—the Peach Banquet officially begins!"
As soon as the words were spoken, celestial music began again. A procession of fairies emerged, carrying jade platters filled with pink and white peaches, their fragrance permeating the entire celestial platform. The cultivators of lower cultivation levels stared at the peaches with gleaming eyes.
Zhunti Daoist's eyes lit up, and he whispered to Jieyin beside him, "Senior brother, although these peaches are not as good as the innate peaches of yesteryear, they are still rare spiritual fruits. If we take more back today, we can cultivate some talents for our Western Paradise."
Jieyin shook his head helplessly, but did not stop him.
Haotian raised his jade cup and said loudly, "Fellow Daoists, let us drink together from this cup!"
"Homage to the Heavenly Emperor!"
The immortals raised their cups and drank them down in one gulp. The Peach Banquet officially began.
A group of fairies, dressed in colorful robes, danced gracefully, their sleeves fluttering and scattering glittering light like falling petals—a breathtaking sight.
Then, celestial attendants carried fine wine and delicacies, moving among the tables to pour wine for the immortals. The immortals raised their cups and drank heartily, savoring the peaches of immortality. For a time, the celestial platform was filled with joy and harmony.
Haotian sat upright in the main seat, holding a jade cup, his gaze calmly sweeping across the entire room. Yaochi sat beside him, her phoenix eyes sparkling, dignified and graceful.
"Your Majesty," Venus stepped forward and said in a low voice, "the two sages in the West... I see they are eating very heartily."
Haotian smiled slightly, unconcerned: "Let them eat. There are plenty of peaches in the Peach Garden; they won't bankrupt the Heavenly Court."
Venus nodded and withdrew.
Meanwhile, the Daoist Zhunti held a nine-thousand-year-old peach, savoring it carefully, his eyes gleaming. He whispered to the Daoist Jieyin beside him, "Senior brother, this peach is good, but it's nothing special. It's the Daoist aura of this Heavenly Court that's... rather strange."
The Guide Daoist nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the surroundings, a hint of solemnity flashing in his eyes: "Indeed. These thirty-six palaces, seventy-two halls, and even the entire Heavenly Court, have all been refined by some forbidden power. I'm afraid they are even more troublesome than the Zhou Tian Star Array."
Zhunti snorted coldly: "So what if he's troublesome? We're here for a feast, not to fight. Let's eat his food, drink his drinks, and see what he can do."
Jieyin shook his head and remained silent, but secretly pondered: Haotian is an unfathomable man. This grand banquet is probably more than just a simple dinner party.
Halfway through the banquet, Haotian suddenly stood up. Upon seeing this, all the immortals put down their cups and chopsticks, their eyes fixed on him.
Haotian stood with his hands behind his back and said loudly, "Fellow Daoists, I have prepared this banquet today for two reasons: first, to share the peaches of immortality with you all, and second, to announce something to the primordial world."
The immortals held their breath, awaiting the next part.
Haotian's gaze swept across the entire scene, and he slowly said, "The Heavenly Court is the legitimate successor conferred by the Dao Ancestor and crowned by the Heavenly Dao. Its duty is to maintain the order of the primordial world and protect the operation of heaven and earth."
After the great war between the Lich King and the Demon King, the primordial world was shattered, karma permeated the air, the underworld was in chaos, and the stars were damaged. Since my ascension to the throne, I have pondered day and night, desiring to do something for the primordial world.
He paused, his voice growing louder: "After years of preparation, I have formed an alliance with the Netherworld Goddess Pingxin to jointly build the Underworld and perfect the cycle of reincarnation. At that time, the souls of the dead will have a place to return to, the good and the evil will be rewarded accordingly, the cycle of reincarnation will be orderly, and the world will be clear and bright."
These words caused an uproar among the immortals.
"The underworld? Reincarnation?"
"I've long heard that the underworld is desolate and the souls of the dead wander aimlessly. If a netherworld could truly be built there, it would be an immeasurable act of merit!"
"The Heavenly Emperor's actions have brought blessings to all living beings!"
Haotian raised his hand and pressed down, and the immortals quieted down. He continued, "Furthermore, I have used the ancient stars as a foundation to set up the Zhou Tian Star Transformation Array, which transforms the chaotic energy into pure star power to nourish the primordial world."
This formation will be activated soon, at which time a great opportunity will descend upon the ancient starry sky, from which all cultivators will benefit.
These words shocked everyone present.
"Transforming primordial chaos? This... isn't this comparable to Mount Buzhou?"
"If the ancient stars could generate stellar energy, the cultivation resources of the primordial world would be greatly abundant!"
"The Heavenly Emperor's actions are of immeasurable merit!"
The immortals discussed animatedly, their eyes filled with eager anticipation. The rogue cultivators were even more excited—as the innate spiritual energy gradually dissipated, if stellar power could truly descend upon the primordial world, their path of cultivation would be much smoother.
Zhunti Daoist's expression changed slightly, and he said in a low voice, "Senior brother, Haotian's ambitions are indeed grand. The Underworld, the Star Array—he's trying to extend his reach to the entire prehistoric world."
The Guide Daoist remained silent for a moment, then sighed, "As the Heavenly Emperor, it's his duty, so it's understandable. However… the West is barren; if more stellar energy could be allocated to the West…"
Zhunti's eyes lit up, and he nodded.
At this moment, Haotian continued, "The construction of the Underworld and the operation of the star array both require manpower. The Heavenly Court welcomes talented individuals from all walks of life, regardless of background or social status. Anyone with talent, upright character, and a willingness to contribute to the Primordial World can join the Heavenly Court. Fellow Daoists who are interested can consult with Taibai Jinxing for details."
This is one of his real purposes today: to openly recruit talent by taking advantage of the Peach Banquet.
The immortals exchanged glances, each with their own thoughts. Some were weighing the pros and cons, while others were already eager to try.
Suddenly, a voice rang out from the banquet: "Your Majesty, I have a question to ask you."
The immortals looked in the direction of the voice and saw that the speaker was an old Taoist with white hair and a youthful face, none other than Zhen Yuanzi, the ancestor of the earth immortals.
Haotian looked at him and nodded slightly: "Fellow Daoist Zhenyuanzi, please speak."
Zhen Yuanzi stood up, cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty's words about the Underworld and the Star Array are all acts that benefit all living beings. I admire them greatly."
However, I have heard that His Majesty once used the Celestial Star Array to burn the essence of the stars, causing great damage to the primordial energy of the ancient stars. Although the essence of the stars miraculously recovered later, I would like to ask—can such methods be sustained? Is the Heavenly Court truly confident in maintaining the operation of the star array without harming the very foundation of the primordial world?
The main point of this statement is: Does this grand formation consume the essence of the stars? If it consumes the essence to transform chaotic energy, then it would be a losing proposition. Of course, if Haotian possesses the means to restore the essence of the stars, that would be acceptable.
Upon hearing this, all the immortals pricked up their ears.
Haotian smiled slightly and said, "Fellow Daoist Zhenyuanzi's concerns are quite valid. I might as well speak frankly—the restoration of the primordial star's origin was not achieved through external forces, but through my own power. As for the mysteries involved, I cannot elaborate on them."
But I can guarantee that once the Celestial Star Transformation Array is activated, it will not only not damage the origin of the stars, but will also continuously nourish them by transforming chaotic energy, making them even stronger.
The immortals were half-believing and half-doubting upon hearing this.
Zhen Yuanzi pondered for a moment, then nodded: "Since Your Majesty says so, I will wait and see." After he sat down, his gaze still held a hint of scrutiny.
The Guide and the Zhunti exchanged a glance, their apprehension growing stronger.
Haotian's words clearly implied that he possessed some unknown trump card—the ability to restore even the origin of stars out of thin air, which was beyond the capabilities of a saint.
Could it be... that the Dao Ancestor was really helping them from behind?
The banquet continued, but the atmosphere had changed. Many independent cultivators began to whisper among themselves, discussing whether they should take this opportunity to join the Heavenly Court. Meanwhile, the powerful disciples who already belonged to sects were secretly weighing the pros and cons.
Just then, a voice suddenly rang out from the disciples' seats of the Chan Sect.
"Your Majesty, I have a question."
Everyone looked over and saw that the speaker was Guang Chengzi, the leader of the Twelve Golden Immortals of the Chan Sect. His expression was respectful, but his eyes were neither humble nor arrogant.
Haotian asked, "Fellow Daoist, is there anything you don't understand?"
Guang Chengzi stood up, cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty just said that the Heavenly Court is the legitimate successor of the primordial world and maintains order."
However, I have heard that Your Majesty once used the power of the Heavenly Emperor to forcibly seize Lu Ya's Chaos Bell, and then suppressed him, forcing him to submit.
While this action is ostensibly for the sake of Heaven, it seems... somewhat inconsistent with the concept of 'order'.
These words silenced the entire assembly. A chill ran through the immortals—Guang Chengzi was testing Haotian's limits on behalf of the Chan Sect.
Haotian remained expressionless and said calmly, "The Chaos Bell is a supreme treasure of the Heavenly Court. What's wrong with me taking it back with the authority of the Heavenly Emperor? As for Lu Ya's submission, it was his own choice, and I did not force him."
Guang Chengzi said, "But what if he doesn't want to?"
Haotian's gaze turned slightly cold, but he did not get angry: "Lu Ya is here, and Goddess Nuwa is also here. You may ask her anything."
Furthermore, the Chaos Bell is a supreme treasure of the Heavenly Court, belonging to the Heavenly Court, not my private property.
This treasure will be used by me to suppress the transformation array in the Primordial Starry Sky. All members of the Heavenly Court may then travel to the Primordial Starry Sky to comprehend its profound mysteries.
The Chaos Bell was no longer of any use to him. It was used to suppress the Transformation Array, which could both stabilize the array and greatly improve the transformation efficiency.
Sending Heavenly Court personnel to study this was a huge temptation. Of course, it was easy to grasp a little bit, but to fully comprehend it was extremely difficult.
Even the legendary Emperor Taiyi, after countless years of refining, failed to complete it, and even the current Six Sages of the Primordial World would find it difficult to achieve. Moreover, comprehension and refining are not comparable; the latter is immeasurably more difficult.
As for whether anyone would try to seize or refine it if it were placed in the ancient starry sky, Haotian didn't care at all.
Once the transformation array is truly activated, anyone who dares to misbehave will suffer the consequences. Besides, Haotian isn't dead; who would dare cause trouble on his territory?
Guang Chengzi's expression changed slightly, and he was about to speak again when Randeng Daoren pulled his sleeve. Randeng said in a low voice, "Nephew Guang Chengzi, today is the Peach Banquet, let's not cause any trouble."
Guang Chengzi took a deep breath, bowed respectfully, and sat down without saying another word.
Haotian withdrew his gaze, a smile returning to his face. "Fellow Daoists, let's not let such a trivial matter spoil our enjoyment. Please continue the banquet."
The immortals raised their cups, and the atmosphere gradually eased. However, each harbored their own thoughts, and the atmosphere was no longer as relaxed as before. That was a supreme innate treasure; who could resist such temptation? Who wouldn't be tempted?
Halfway through the banquet, Haotian suddenly stood up and said to Taibai Jinxing, "Taibai, give the order to prepare to activate the great formation."
Venus was taken aback: "Your Majesty, now?"
Haotian nodded: "Today, with all the immortals gathered, it is an excellent opportunity to let you all witness firsthand the Heavenly Court's methods."
Venus accepted the order and departed.
A moment later, a loud rumbling sound suddenly came from the sky.
The immortals looked up and saw that in the ancient starry sky, three hundred and sixty-five main stars led billions of stars to shine brightly at the same time.
Starlight cascaded down like a waterfall, enveloping the entire celestial palace in a dazzling starlight.
Haotian raised his hand and waved it, fully activating the power of the Heavenly Emperor.
The Celestial Star Transformation Array – Officially Launched!