darknovel Chapter 20 Reactions from All Sides
Chapter 20 Reactions from All Sides
The news that Haotian was going to hold a Peach Banquet spread throughout the prehistoric world in just a few days.
For a moment, countless cultivators were shocked.
"This... Haotian is being far too generous!"
"The Peach Tree is one of the Ten Great Innate Spiritual Roots of the Primordial World, and its peaches have countless wondrous uses. For an ordinary cultivator to even smell one is an immense stroke of luck. And he actually intends to use them for a banquet?"
"Doesn't that mean that as long as we go there to eat and drink, we can prolong our lives and improve our cultivation?"
"This is an incredible opportunity!"
"No, I must go!"
"We fear being tainted by karma and dare not join the Heavenly Court. But we must attend this Peach Banquet!"
The cultivators spread the news excitedly. Especially the rogue cultivators, who usually couldn't even catch a glimpse of a primordial spiritual fruit, how could they not be tempted by such a good thing?
The vast majority of cultivators have never even seen a top-grade innate spiritual fruit, and their hearts are filled with curiosity and longing.
However, amidst their excitement, the cultivators couldn't help but feel worried.
Even the grandest Peach Banquet couldn't possibly invite everyone. Besides, the number of peaches was limited; how could there be enough for all the cultivators in the world to share? And how could they possibly qualify to participate?
Could it be... that I really am going to join the Heavenly Court?
Countless cultivators were caught in a dilemma.
On one hand, there are the tempting peaches of immortality; on the other, there's the karmic burden of potentially incurring the karmic ties of joining the Heavenly Court. Which path to take is truly a headache.
Most of them were ordinary cultivators. They only knew the name of the Peach Tree and were unaware that Dao Ancestor Hongjun had divided the Peach Tree into 3,600 trees.
Of course, for them, the differentiated peaches are equally effective, and whether they know it or not makes little difference.
As for those powerful cultivators, although they didn't have high expectations for the effects of the peaches themselves, they understood Hongjun's intention in bestowing the peach tree upon Haotian—it was simply to teach him how to recruit soldiers and cultivate trusted followers.
But Haotian did something else entirely, directly using it to host a grand peach banquet and inviting cultivators from all sides.
Isn't this clearly an attempt to win people's hearts and attract talent?
However, the cultivators of the prehistoric world are so shrewd, how could they be bribed by a mere peach?
Most people believe that Haotian's move is like throwing good money after bad—it's a one-way street.
Even if you can recruit a few people, they are nothing but greedy and greedy individuals, which will not only be useless but also add to your troubles.
That being said, when the invitations are actually delivered to the door, how many people can truly remain unmoved?
---
Kunlun Mountain, Yuxu Palace.
It's rare for the Three Pure Ones to gather together.
Although they had long since separated and established their own religions, the relationship between the three brothers was not too strained. When problems arose, they would still get together to discuss them.
The Master of Heaven glanced at his two elder brothers and couldn't help but ask, "If Haotian sends someone to invite us, how should we respond?"
Upon hearing this, the atmosphere in the hall momentarily froze.
In fact, the Three Pure Ones were all direct disciples of Hongjun Daozu, while Haotian was an attendant under Daozu. In terms of seniority, they could barely be considered fellow disciples.
Moreover, as the three are Heavenly Saints, they hold a highly respected position. From any perspective, Haotian should send them invitations.
Yuanshi Tianzun pondered for a moment, then slowly spoke: "Why should we, as sages, lower ourselves? Besides, we have our elder brother's Nine-Turn Golden Elixir, and our disciples are not lacking in his peaches of immortality."
Throughout the entire primordial world, it was known that Laozi possessed a unique elixir formula called the Nine-Turn Golden Elixir. Consuming it granted immortality and instant ascension to immortality. More importantly, it contained Daoist principles, making it useful even for Great Luo Golden Immortals.
However, this pill is extremely rare, and even disciples of the three religions would find it difficult to obtain even one.
Upon hearing this, a hint of embarrassment flashed across Laozi's face.
His Nine-Turn Golden Elixir was so rare that even the disciples of the three sects wouldn't part with it as a reward, let alone use it to hold a grand banquet. Yuanshi's words sounded like he was mocking him.
"Although Haotian and we have a conflict of interest, we have no deep-seated hatred. Why be so aggressive?" Laozi spoke slowly, his tone calm. "The peaches of immortality may or may not be available to us, but they are rare treasures for our disciples. If we do not go, we can send our disciples instead."
He paused, then added, "After all, he is the Heavenly Emperor appointed by the Dao Ancestor, so we have to give him some face. Otherwise, it wouldn't be right with my master."
Yuanshi Tianzun and Tongtian Jiaozhu nodded slightly upon hearing this, finding it reasonable.
"Furthermore..." Laozi suddenly turned his head, looking towards the Heavenly Court, a strange light appearing in his eyes, "I am truly curious, how did that unremarkable boy from back then become so powerful?"
These words struck a chord with the three of them.
To be honest, although the Three Pure Ones visited Zixiao Palace to listen to the Dao many times, they hardly paid any attention to Haotian. At that time, Haotian was just a servant boy who served tea and water; who would have paid him any attention?
Now, suddenly discovering that the person they had overlooked had become the Primordial Heavenly Emperor, possessing such astonishing strength and unparalleled charisma, how could the three not be curious?
In a sense, they all misjudged the situation.
What secrets does Haotian hold?
The three Pure Ones each had their own thoughts, and a brief silence fell over the hall.
---
In the west, Mount Sumeru.
Unlike the Three Pure Ones' reserved demeanor, Jieyin and Zhunti became excited upon hearing the news.
"Haotian is indeed worthy of our acquaintance!" Zhunti clapped his hands and laughed. "Our West is barren, so we can take this opportunity to go to the Heavenly Court and enjoy celestial fruits!"
The Guide Daoist nodded slightly, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes: "Senior brother, why don't we take in a few more disciples during this time? Even mortals are fine; we can take them all to the Heavenly Court. One peach from the Heavenly Court, and they'll instantly become immortals!"
The two exchanged a glance and both revealed knowing smiles.
In recent years, the West has suffered from poverty and hardship, and its talent pool has dwindled. Despite their best efforts, they have only managed to recruit a few disciples of mediocre talent. If they could take advantage of the Peach Banquet to allow their disciples to eat a peach and greatly improve their cultivation, wouldn't that be killing two birds with one stone?
As for the Heavenly Court… one should bring a gift when attending the banquet, right? The West may be poor, but they can't lose face. What should I give?
Zhunti stroked his chin and began to make plans.
---
Throughout the primordial world, the thoughts of cultivators were even more complex.
After news of the Peach Banquet spread, some were happy, some were sad, some were disdainful, and some were anxious.
Ordinary monks worried that they were not qualified to participate, so they all tried to find connections and ways to get an invitation.
Those influential figures, though they said they disdained to go, were secretly competing with each other.
They were well aware that the number of peaches was limited, and not everyone was eligible to participate. They could choose not to go, but they couldn't refuse an invitation! Otherwise, wouldn't that imply they were inferior to others?
Especially those top-tier powerhouses who held themselves in high esteem began to feel conflicted. On one hand, they disdained to go, but on the other hand, they worried that they were not qualified to go. This only added to their troubles, and they even harbored some resentment towards Haotian.
"This Heavenly Emperor is probably deliberately making things difficult for people," a rogue cultivator sighed.
"So what if it's a hassle? Who can blame them for having the peaches of immortality?" another person said with a wry smile.
Haotian was naturally unaware of these resentments.
Even if he found out, he wouldn't care.
---
Heavenly Court, Lingxiao Palace.
Haotian, Yaochi, and Taibai Jinxing sat together to discuss the matter of the invitation.
Venus held a long list in his hand, which was densely covered with names.
"Your Majesty," said Venus, stroking his white beard, "in my opinion, those invited should be divided into three categories. The first category consists of the Six Sages and top experts from all sides, such as Zhen Yuanzi, the Styx Ancestor, and the Kunpeng Ancestor. Your Majesty should personally send invitations to these people to show respect."
Haotian nodded slightly.
"The second tier consists of elite disciples of the three religions and renowned independent cultivators from various regions. I can draft the petitions for these individuals, and Your Majesty can simply review them."
"The third category consists of rogue cultivators with some reputation and decent cultivation in the primordial world. I have full authority to handle these people."
Haotian pondered for a moment and said, "Let's do as Taibai says."
Yaochi added from the side, "And don't forget about the Underworld, Lady Pingxin, and the great shamans of the Witch Clan."
"Your Majesty, rest assured, I have already been included in the first-class list," Venus said with a smile.
After the matter of the invitations was settled, Haotian also informed the two about the Zhou Tian Star Transformation Array.
Upon hearing this, both Yaochi and Taibai Jinxing were initially shocked, but their expressions quickly turned to great joy.
After gaining power, the two men became blindly worshipful of Haotian's abilities, having no doubt whatsoever that he could accomplish what he claimed. In their eyes, if His Majesty said he could do it, then he definitely could.
"If the Heavenly Court had this great formation..." Yaochi took a deep breath, "the Heavenly Court's fortune would be even more abundant, and the cultivation environment would be even better. Moreover, this formation continuously transforms stellar power, benefiting the primordial world, truly a meritorious deed."
Venus was so excited that his white beard trembled slightly: "As long as the great formation is kept running, the Heavenly Court will receive a continuous stream of merit. Whoever is in charge of this formation, won't their cultivation level skyrocket?"
He looked at Haotian, his eyes full of anticipation.
The same is true of Yaochi.
Both were willing to take charge of the matter, but neither spoke up. They believed that Haotian had his own plans.
Haotian glanced at the two of them, smiled slightly, and did not express his opinion on the spot.
"This matter is not urgent; we can discuss it after the Peach Banquet." He stood up. "Taibai, arrange for people to deliver the invitations. Yaochi, you will accompany me to the Primordial Starry Sky to first lay down the array foundations on the stars. As for the day the grand array will be officially activated—"
He paused, gazing at the vast starry sky outside the hall.
"It was decided to take place at the Peach Banquet."
Yaochi and Venus responded in unison.
---
The following day, countless streaks of light flew out from the Heavenly Court, carrying gold-embossed invitations, and sped off to all parts of the prehistoric world.