Chapter 1846: Chapter 1792–Chapter 1793: The True Competitor

Even though many gods in the Heavenly Court have gone to the Myriad Laws Realm, some still remain in the Heavenly Court, including those who are on good terms with the Wood Virtue Star Lord or Qingling Primordial Lord.

Even if the Wood Virtue Star Lord is low-key and rarely interacts with others, he must have three to five close friends; otherwise, he would be too much of a failure.

As for Qingling Primordial Lord, who is highly regarded by many Taoist Monarchs in the Taoist School, even without authority in the Heavenly Court, he has quite a few allies. Some are investing in him, waiting for the day he leaps into the Nine Heavens.

The reason why these two have battled for so long without any gods assisting them boils down to the will of the two Imperial Honors, who refuse to allow any god to leave the Heavenly Court and completely let these two gods fight, desiring to see them tear each other’s faces.

However, the return of the Five Old Lords has slightly altered the expressions of the two Imperial Honors. They understand the significance of this return more than other gods and True Immortals, which makes them feel both dissatisfaction and a slight sense of relief.

“I said the Taoist School’s Five Directions Heavenly Emperor plan couldn’t be upheld by just a few Taoist Monarchs. Now, seeing Qing Laojun about to fall, that one has made a move.” Emperor Gouchen’s eyes glimmered with light, his mouth forming a sneer.

The presence of the Five Old Lords is like a bone stuck in the throat, a sharp thorn in the back, or sitting on pins and needles for the few Imperial Honors in the Heavenly Court. Who doesn’t know the Taoist School’s idea of the Five Directions Heavenly Emperor? They are the Taoist School’s fallback option, the Crown Princes of the Heavenly Court.

Since ancient times, there has been conflict between the heir apparent and the emperor; when one is strong, the other is naturally weak, especially for a strong emperor, it’s not easy being a crown prince. Having a strong crown prince is a major hindrance for the emperor.

This applies to mortal realm emperors, and even more so to the Imperial Honors of the Heavenly Court.

Mortal realm emperors are ordinary humans, limited by lifespan; fostering a crown prince is a compelled yet inevitable matter.

But for the Imperial Honors? They are True Immortals, Taoist Monarchs, nearly immortal and indestructible, almost never to die, with absolutely no need for any crown prince, replacement.

To these Imperial Honors, any so-called heir apparent, crown prince, is essentially rebellion, a dense malice, an unvoiced curse.

The heir apparent wanting to ascend means the death and abdication of the emperor, which is unacceptable for the Imperial Honors, making the Five Old Lords an eyesore, a thorn in the flesh.

Thus, even though this time does not mark celestial chaos, the two Imperial Honors want to eliminate competitors and seize the authority potentially left by the Jade Emperor and Great Emperor Ziwei in the future. But even if this weren’t the case, they had long wanted to eliminate the Five Old Lords, merely hindered by Taoist Monarchs.

Pei Xuanjing’s involvement this time and the return of the other four Old Lords make them understand some of the Taoist School’s schemes, suspecting the Five Old Lords’ existence reflects not just the thoughts of a few Taoist Monarchs, but the collective will of the entire Taoist School.

“Why be surprised? Although the Taoist School hasn’t produced a unified strong leader, the internal conflict in the Taoist School is actually minimal.” Great Emperor Qinghua wasn’t angered at all and thought this was natural.

He is also dissatisfied with the Five Old Lords’ affair but doesn’t believe the rumors that the Five Old Lords only have partial support within the Taoist School and not the backing of all Taoist Monarchs.

Among Buddhist, Taoist, Demonic, and Confucian schools, internal strife in the Demonic Cult is plenty, the Confucianism is split into two parts, Buddhism appears unified but in fact factions abound, whereas the Taoist School, which seems most scattered, is actually most cohesive.

Thus, he doesn’t care about the Five Old Lords’ return, whether this return is the will of the Longevity Taoist Monarch himself, or other Taoist Monarchs who chose to seek his help prompting him to act.

No need to heed what the other party says, by watching their actions one can discern their attitude. Ultimately, the Longevity Taoist Monarch aligns his heart with the Taoist School, it’s no surprise.

“We truly feel as though sitting atop volcanoes, encircled by wolves, who never cease to devour us.” Emperor Gouchen lamented grimly, eyes filled with killing intent.

This Taoist Monarch from the Sword Sect has tempered his killing intent greatly since ascending to this position of Imperial Honors. In the past, he might have long ago acted against all his enemies.

But different identities necessitate different approaches; in his current position, flipping the table isn’t an option. Or rather, within the rules, he still has chances, but once those rules are broken, disadvantaged is he himself.

“Hehe.” Great Emperor Qinghua chuckled softly, though inwardly cold.

If you really thought this was a volcano, why hold so tightly to this position, not letting go? Nowadays even the Sword Sect is detached, paying lip service to the Sword Emperor’s commands.

Of course, these thoughts cannot be spoken directly by Great Emperor Qinghua; they are still collaborators now. To provoke one another and flip faces serves no one’s interests.

Emperor Gouchen, seeing Great Emperor Qinghua’s smile beside him, was inwardly slightly angry, understanding the mockery, but didn’t confront it.