Chapter 406: Really Want to Fight Against the Heavenly Court?

On the second day after Ancient Demon Court's Prince Lu Ya issued his proclamation denouncing Heaven, the five great heavenly gates of the Heavenly Court were heavily guarded by heavenly soldiers and generals. Everywhere was filled with tension.

It was like a storm brewing, with winds howling through every hall.

The heavenly soldiers stood in formation, the generals sharpened their weapons, and many court officials bustled about on clouds. In Yao Chi, the fairy maidens gathered to protect the surroundings and sent messengers to Tongming Dian. Though not part of the Heavenly Court's battle ranks, they were ready to rush to aid at any moment.

For a time, rumors of war spread across the heavens and earth, making it seem as if a great battle would erupt the next day.

In Tongming Dian, dozens of Heavenly Court immortals and gods assembled around a large round table in the center of the hall. There were eight ornate seats flanking the table, with four rows of chairs on each side, but all the immortals and gods stood before their seats, waiting for a principal deity to arrive.

With Yu Di and Wang Mu Niang Niang having descended to the mortal world for their tribulations, the court was technically without a leader.

Moreover, the demon forces were formidable, with the remaining experts of the Ancient Demon Clan gathering at the northern continent's border, their auras so intimidating they struck fear into onlookers.

In terms of expert numbers alone, not troop strength, the demon clan now held an overwhelming advantage over the Heavenly Court.

Yet, these immortals and gods remained unruffled; in fact, some even felt like laughing when they recalled the Heavenly Court's past experiences.

A heavenly general at the door whispered:

"Water God has arrived!"

The immortals and gods immediately stopped their private conversations, and Dongmu Gong, seated in the main position, stood up at once and walked toward the hall's entrance.

Outside, an elderly immortal in white robes, with white hair and a white fly-whisk, arrived on a white cloud—none other than Li Changshou, who was in his usual laid-back state.

As soon as he entered Tongming Dian, the group of Heavenly Court immortals and gods crowded around him, forming layers upon layers, which left Dongmu Gong chuckling in amusement.

Dongmu Gong called out:

"Water God, you've finally arrived!"

"These demon clans are so aggressive—they're practically ready to bite!"

"Water God, when will we mobilize to suppress the demons?"

Li Changshou raised his hand to signal calm, and the immortals and gods fell silent at once.

"Everyone, you are all key ministers of the Heavenly Court. With His Majesty Yu Di and Wang Mu Niang Niang absent, we must not lose our composure.

Right now, the Heavenly Court is just starting to thrive, with all affairs in their initial stages. We have over a hundred thousand new heavenly soldiers who haven't undergone proper training, and dozens of new generals who haven't yet mastered strategies of warfare.

Prince Lu Ya has seized on the fact that our Heavenly Court is still internally weak, which is why he's acting so brazenly and defying the heavenly mandate.

If we mobilize to fight the demons now, we'd be playing right into their hands."

Half of the immortals and gods looked thoughtful, while the other half appeared puzzled.

The deity in charge of the Lei Fa Dian asked:

"Water God, the demon clan has openly rebelled against Heaven. Though our Heavenly Court isn't at its peak yet, we have the power to suppress them.

If we don't act when they rebel, where is the heavenly authority? How can we uphold the righteous order of the universe?"

"You're mistaken," Li Changshou replied warmly. "The Heavenly Court could suppress the demon clan now, and indeed, their factions are divided, with demon kings uncooperative and unable to unite. But if we strike at this moment, what would be the cost in casualties to our heavenly soldiers and generals?"

As he spoke, Li Changshou stepped forward, and the immortals followed closely, hanging on his every word.

He continued: "If we attack immediately, even though the demon clan is just a ragtag bunch, what losses would our heavenly soldiers and generals suffer?

If our forces take heavy casualties, even if we successfully suppress the demons at the northern continent's border, the full extent of the Heavenly Court's strength would be exposed to the world.

Everyone, the current era is centered on the human race, with the demon clan as nothing but relics of the ancient past.

If we don't crush them with overwhelming force, it won't enhance heavenly authority or the righteous order—it would only invite ridicule from the immortal sects in Central Divine Continent.

Worse still, if the ancient great demons of the demon clan all join the fight and we suffer a defeat...

Heavenly authority would be utterly destroyed!"

The dozens of immortals and gods in Tongming Dian nodded in agreement.

What the Water God said made perfect sense.

The Heavenly Court needed not just a victory, but a decisive and impressive one to establish its prestige.

The deity from Lei Fa Dian bowed and said:

"It was my oversight and lack of consideration. Please punish me, Water God."

"We're all serving the Heavenly Court together, so there's no need for punishment," Li Changshou replied.

Dongmu Gong sighed from the side:

"In the end, it's because our Heavenly Court's strength isn't yet enough to deter such petty threats.

Everyone, please take your seats!

Before Yu Di and Wang Mu Niang Niang descended for their tribulations, they entrusted the Heavenly Court's affairs to me and the Water God. We've gathered you today to discuss how to respond to the demon clan's challenge."

Dongmu Gong gestured for them to sit, and the immortals and gods all took their places.

At the round table in the center, Dongmu Gong and Li Changshou sat in the main seats, with the marshals guarding the five heavenly gates beside them, though one seat remained empty.

Dongmu Gong looked at the empty spot and said:

"Water God, shall we invite Princess Long Ji to join us?"

"Wood Gong," Li Changshou frowned, "It's reasonable to invite Her Highness Princess Long Ji, but I'm afraid His Majesty might not approve of her involvement in these matters."

Dongmu Gong was startled and quickly said:

"Then let's follow your judgment, Water God."

"Let's have Yue Lao take that seat," Li Changshou said with a smile. "There's important business today that requires his help."

Yue Lao, who had been in a corner of Tongming Dian, was taken aback. How did heavenly warfare concern him?

Still, since the Water God had spoken, Yue Lao didn't dare delay. He stood up, bowed his head, and sat down at the end of the table with a sense of unease.

The entire Tongming Dian suddenly gained a splash of color from his bright red wedding robe.

Dongmu Gong cleared his throat and steered the discussion forward.

A heavenly general read out the demon clan's proclamation in a monotone voice, prompting the immortals and gods to show indignant expressions.

Dongmu Gong smiled and asked:

"Water God, what's the best way for us to respond?"

Li Changshou said:

"This proclamation is well-written—it's almost tearfully persuasive, claiming how the Heavenly Court has bullied their demon clan's innocents, how they've retreated and endured as much as possible, and now they can endure no more, declaring they won't obey the Heavenly Court's orders.

But if you think about it, it's all empty rhetoric and incredibly shameless.

It's as if the demon clan has truly been following the Heavenly Court's commands all along."

The immortals and gods exchanged smiles, lightening the atmosphere in the hall.

Dongmu Gong laughed:

"The demon clan certainly knows how to play their hand—they're trying to turn the tables on us."

"Everyone, pay attention: the demon clan is talking about resisting Heaven, not rebelling against it," Li Changshou said. "They're leaving themselves a way out.

Prince Lu Ya and the ancient experts of the demon clan are the real threats.

For now, our first step is to issue another proclamation."

Dongmu Gong frowned:

"Another proclamation? Are we responding directly to theirs?"

"We need to secure the moral high ground," Li Changshou said with a smile. "We won't address any of the points in their proclamation. Instead, we'll list the crimes of the Ancient Demon Court's remnants.

We won't involve the human race—just focus on how these ancient demons are bloodthirsty, harm all spirits, and defy the heavenly order. They're training demon soldiers, forging evil treasures, exploiting the essence of heaven and earth, and plotting misconduct.

In this second proclamation, we must emphasize that the Heavenly Court was established by Dao Zu and the saints of Dao Men to protect all beings and maintain the operation of the Heavenly Dao, not to rule over all races.

The old ways of the ancient era are obsolete. Every spirit has the right to choose whether to be called a demon or not."

The immortals and gods pondered his words carefully. Those with sharp minds grasped the weight of Li Changshou's statements, while others simply found them reasonable.

Of course, there were always the straightforward ones.

A general asked in confusion:

"So, does that mean the Heavenly Court won't rule over all races in the future?"

Eyes turned sharply toward him, making the general shrink back, wishing he could hide in the wall.

Li Changshou said seriously:

"The Heavenly Court exists to protect the Dao, not to rule over all races. Everyone, remember this well."

The immortals all agreed.

Another immortal expressed concern:

"Once we issue this proclamation, what if the demon clan attacks the Heavenly Court in anger?"

Li Changshou replied calmly:

"Then all the demon experts will be utterly destroyed in an instant, without a trace left."

The immortals and gods felt reassured, knowing that if the Water God said it, he must have made thorough preparations.

Dongmu Gong, however, pondered thoughtfully...

Why could he also have this confidence and say these words, yet not deliver them with the same effortless style and elegance as the Water God?

They finalized the main content of the second proclamation and the time for its release. Li Changshou then arranged the follow-up matters.

Half of the heavenly soldiers would defend the heavenly gates, while the other half would rest and train, rotating duties.

They would also order the dragon clans of the Four Seas to prepare a group of experts ready to aid the Heavenly Court at any time.

Furthermore, after issuing the second proclamation, the Heavenly Court would, under the pretext of suppressing demons, slightly lower the recruitment standards for heavenly soldiers and call on the immortal sects of Central Divine Continent, mainly composed of the human race, to head north and join the fight.

These were the initial responses and the Heavenly Court's reasonable countermeasures.

In the future, they had several trump cards, such as seeking aid from the Three Teachings, asking Lao Jun of Doushuai Gong to intervene, or having the Great Spirit of Yao Sheng Mountain reappear, among others.

"Everyone, stay calm and drag this out to let the demon clan fall into disarray.

With His Majesty Yu Di absent from the Heavenly Court, we can use that as an excuse to delay action and maintain the moral high ground while preparing for war against the demons.

The demon clan is now just gathering, at the height of their momentum. If we drag it out for three years, their momentum will wane; for ten years, it will collapse; for twenty or thirty years, they'll either dissolve into chaos or have someone like Lu Ya overreach and attack Heaven on their own.

During this time, we can relax and focus on our duties. Strengthen defenses at all heavenly gates and station a reserve force at Zhongtian Gate for support—the overall situation will be stable.

Ideally, we'll hold out until His Majesty returns from his tribulations. By then, the Heavenly Court will be fully prepared, and with a single order from His Majesty, our armies can march down to eliminate the demons with minimal losses, establishing heavenly authority and promoting righteousness.

Wouldn't that be a great achievement? His Majesty would surely reward us generously."

The immortals and gods brightened up and nodded in approval.

Dongmu Gong added with a smile:

"During this period, if the demon clan keeps shouting insults from below, we don't need to mind them."

"We should mind it, actually," Li Changshou said. "Assign a few eloquent heavenly generals skilled in verbal sparring. If the demons shout insults, retort directly and ideally provoke them into attacking Heaven.

But be careful not to use vulgar or filthy language that tarnishes the Heavenly Court's image.

The demons are already on a tiger they can't dismount, trying to intimidate us with its might. Let's make it impossible for them to get off, and see who panics first."

A heavenly general asked:

"Water God, if the heavenly soldiers' morale is affected during this time, how should we boost it?"

"It's a minor issue," Li Changshou said with a laugh. "We can tell the troops today that Wood Gong and I have decided to annihilate this demon clan completely—it's just that the Heavenly Court's power isn't sufficient yet, so we need to wait a bit.

Tell them to stay patient while we continue recruiting soldiers, ensuring we overwhelm the northern continent's border and achieve total victory in one stroke!"

Many heavenly generals grinned, feeling much more at ease.

After a moment's thought, Li Changshou added:

"On top of that, rename one or two of the standard heavenly soldier formations as the Demon-Suppressing Grand Array to show the Heavenly Court's determination."

"Yes!"

The heavenly generals responded in unison.

Li Changshou glanced at Dongmu Gong, who smiled and gestured for him to continue, saying:

"Water God, just go ahead and arrange it."

"In that case, I'll say a bit more."

Li Changshou cleared his throat, settled more comfortably in his seat, and went on:

"Dealing with the demon clan, military action should be the last resort.

We are immortals and gods of the Heavenly Court, serving the Heavenly Court and the Heavenly Dao. Since the demons defy the Heavenly Court, they defy the Heavenly Dao—so how can we not use the power of the Heavenly Dao to strip away a few layers of their hide first?

Yue Lao, where are you?"

"This humble god is here!"

Yue Lao stood up to receive orders.

Li Changshou said:

"Wood Gong and I are temporarily handling Wang Mu Niang Niang's affairs, so today we'll issue an order in her name.

Have your Hall of Marriage find the demons involved in this rebellion. For any at the True Immortal realm or above who have marital ties, disrupt those ties. For those without, create new ones for them."

Yue Lao asked quickly:

"Water God, how should we disrupt their marital ties?"

Li Changshou gave an example:

"For instance, if Demon King A is married to his wife, we could introduce Demon King B's red thread to them, making A and B compete, and apply this approach in batches."

Yue Lao suddenly understood and began to mull it over.

The immortals and gods exchanged glances—this tactic was something they hadn't considered.

Li Changshou continued casually:

"Besides the Hall of Marriage, Lei Fa Dian can send non-stop lightning punishments to those demons with karmic burdens—even just scaring them would be good.

Shen Wei Dian can send dreams to target demon experts with weak resolve and shatter their Dao hearts.

The positions in the Department of Plagues are mostly vacant, but the acting immortals there can cause minor troubles for the demon soldiers.

As for the Department of Wealth's acting deity, stir up some financial losses for them—ideally following the Hall of Marriage's model, making the demons kill for wealth and birds die for it...

Everyone, if you oversee any halls that can affect the demon clan, speak up, and we'll discuss it here."

An immortal stood up immediately and said:

"This humble god oversees the Department of Wind and can order constant gales where the demons gather, blocking out the sun!"

Another added:

"This humble god manages the cycles of the four seasons and can make it snow every night and scorchingly hot by day where the demons are assembled!"

Yet another said:

"This humble god controls the dusk and twilight and can write phrases like 'The demon clan will surely fall' across their skies daily to disrupt their morale!"

And one more:

"This humble god is in charge of the Toilet Deity Hall and will ensure that every time the demons use the toilet, the buckets explode and they end up in disarray!"

Tongming Dian fell silent as a pin drop, the previously lively atmosphere suddenly freezing.

All eyes turned to the speaking immortal, who shrank back nervously. "This humble god... can only go that far..."

"That counts as a contribution."

Laughter erupted throughout Tongming Dian, boosting the immortals, gods, and generals' spirits. They had never realized the Heavenly Court had so many "conveniences" for dealing with enemies.

Once the meeting in Tongming Dian concluded, the Heavenly Court's various departments sprang into action.

The demons gathered at the northern continent's border had no idea what they were about to face.

That night, tales of the Water God spread even more widely in the Heavenly Court...

In the past, people said the Heavenly Court's Water God was cunning and ruthless, but most immortals and gods hadn't believed it, thinking his rise was mostly due to his status as a disciple of Ren Jiao.

But after today, whenever Heavenly Court immortals and gods mentioned the Water God, they couldn't help but give a thumbs-up.

To sum it up, they all said something like this:

"The Water God's mind is truly devious—we're nowhere near his level. We admire him immensely and are willing to follow him in serving His Majesty Yu Di with utmost loyalty."

Meanwhile, in the back courtyard of Doushuai Gong, when Xuan Du Shi heard about Li Changshou's strategy of using the Heavenly Dao to torment the demon clan, he burst into laughter.

Once his laughter subsided, Xuan Du Shi performed a quick divination, and his figure gradually faded.

"My junior brother must have capable warriors at his command."