Chapter 1853: Chapters 1798-1799 Major Loss_2

“It seems this time when we acted against the Wood Virtue Star Lord, we’ve stirred quite a bit of dissatisfaction.” Lord Hei said with a sullen expression.

Regarding this outcome, they had no choice but to accept it.

After all, regardless of circumstances, when the Zhu Jiuyin Ancestor Witch from the Witch Deity Teaching appeared, the whole situation completely changed. The opponent’s strength was beyond their imagination, even the Five Elements Formation was not its match, easily breached.

If it wasn’t for the appearance of True Monarch Bai Qicang, the people from the Witch Deity Teaching might have been ruthless enough to take all their lives.

Of course, they also understood that the reason Qing Laojun lost a part of their authority was actually because True Monarch Bai Qicang did not wish to risk everything; the other party simply wanted to save their lives.

This shows that their action this time inadvertently offended many people who wanted to teach them a lesson.

“Don’t talk nonsense!” Lord Huang reprimanded in a low voice, shook his head and said, “If not for True Lord Bai stepping in this time, we would have lost our lives there. When this is over, we still need to personally thank him.”

Lord Huang, of course, knew that Bai Qicang did not give it their all, but why should they? Why should True Lord Bai risk everything for them?

The other was willing to face the Zhu Jiuyin Ancestor Witch because of the Taoist Monarch’s will. In a similar position, they would never risk their all for someone else.

Ultimately, this incident was sparked by them; having failed now, they should bear the dissatisfaction from all parties, it’s the price they should pay.

For anything done, a price must be paid. Losing is not scary; being unable to bear losing is. It will invite ridicule and trouble for oneself.

Thus, there’s no reason for any complaints. Not only should they not complain, but they should seize the opportunity to thank True Monarch Bai Qicang, since at the very least, their intervention saved their lives, and that is a kindness that cannot go unreciprocated.

Especially under current circumstances, inside the Taoist School they are bound to face criticism; if they act recklessly, more weaknesses will be seized upon, and the cost will be greater.

“Indeed, not only True Monarch Bai Qicang, but also Sect Leader (True Person) of the Shenxiao Sect, True Monarch Yu Zhenzi—without their help, we wouldn’t even have the chance to return.” Lord Chi also chimed in.

Being astute means being outstanding amongst the general; they now have no grounds to complain but should recognize the current facts, understand how difficult their situation is, and make alliances rather than unnecessary enemies.

Especially that great tree of the Shenxiao Sect, previously without the opportunity to embrace it, believed the Longevity Taoist Monarch didn’t pay attention to the existence of their Five Old Lords.

Though they failed this time, the actions of the Shenxiao Sect actually confirmed one thing: in the Longevity Taoist Monarch’s plan, their Five Old Lords were included; otherwise, neither Pang Hong nor Yu Zhenzi would have made such sacrifices to assist them.

Even knowing the outcome this time, the dissatisfaction shown was expected—standing in their position.

For them, however, there should be no complaints of dissatisfaction; instead, they should seize this opportunity to establish connections. If they could truly link with the Shenxiao Sect and the Longevity Taoist Monarch, the current crisis would be nothing to them.

Don’t fear being utilized; sometimes, one should be concerned about not being utilized.

Because being utilized proves one’s value, and having value proves the significance of existence; without value, there isn’t even a possibility of existence.

The heavens are a chessboard, all beings are pieces, and in the Divine Land World, the Realms of Heavenly Seas, only the Taoist Monarchs are true chess players.

And beneath the Taoist Monarchs, even like them, the True Immortal Strong ones, as long as they haven’t reached the Taoist Monarch level, are merely pieces, and as a piece wanting to survive, they must prove their own value.

The higher they stand, the better they understand the harshness of cultivation compared to lower-level cultivators; only pieces with worth can be cherished by the chess player, while useless pieces can be discarded at any time.

Not to mention them as True Immortals, even among the numerous Taoist Monarchs in the world today, not every Taoist Monarch has the qualification to control a side of the chessboard. To many Taoist Monarchs, they are both chess players and valuable pieces; such pieces sometimes have autonomy.

Of course, for the pieces, besides their own value, they need a powerful chess player to direct the game. The greater the chances of the chess player winning, the more benefits they can obtain.

“Previously, we had no opportunity to establish a relationship with the Longevity Taoist Monarch; this time, through unexpected fortune, we’ve linked up, so naturally there’s no reason to let it slip by.” Lord Bai also added.

Regarding Bai Qicang and Pang Hong’s actions, he had no dissatisfaction; reaching today’s level, he has a clear understanding of himself, knowing that the opponents are not ones he can contend against. Instead, he should use this opportunity to seek more chances for himself, the best choice and his way of survival.

“Indeed, and our weakening, in some ways, is good news for those individuals.” Qing Laojun spoke, his face pale, breath unstable.

Clearly, losing much authority over the Great Path of Wood is significant, but even so, he didn’t immediately choose to retreat and heal; instead, he’s discussing subsequent plans with the others.

This time, his inadequate intelligence gathering resulted in this outcome, painful as it is, but surviving proved fortunate for Qing Laojun, as he truly felt the murderous intent of the Wood Virtue Star Lord towards him.

Back when the other Taoist Friends didn’t show up, he never doubted the Wood Virtue Star Lord would hesitate to join forces with Ju Mang Ancestor Witch to kill him, completely consuming his foundations.

This incident dealt him a significant setback, filling him with deep hatred for those two; he wishes nothing more than to cut them into pieces, refining their Divine Souls for many years.

But the greater hatred in his heart gave him clear rationality about his current situation; if he seeks revenge, he needs mighty strength, for both the Wood Virtue Star Lord and Ju Mang Ancestor Witch are extremely powerful beings.

Moreover, after this time, the two are highly likely to become Taoist Monarchs, whether he wants revenge or not; the two Taoist Monarchs’ attentions upon Qing Laojun would render him terrified.

So he must find every way possible to survive this ordeal and strengthen once again, only then can he protect himself and seek revenge.

Moreover, in adversity lies opportunity; though this loss was huge, it doesn’t mean there’s no chance to begin anew.

Some might think, due to this failure, he lost support from those Taoist Monarchs and will never rise again.

Actually, that’s not the case; their weakening, the Five Old Lords’ weakening, fits those Taoist Monarchs’ interests.

For those Taoist Monarchs, supporting them implies wanting to control the Heavenly Court through the Five Directions Heavenly Emperor for their own benefits, but they are also wary of them.

Considering the example of the Six Imperials at present, when the Heavenly Court was established the choices for the Imperial Honors were backed by many supporters wanting to influence the Heavenly Court for their benefits.

But as time passed, especially as the Imperial Honors grew stronger, they naturally became unwilling to remain puppets, seeking autonomy and reclaim those interests originally forsaken.