NOVEL WEB Chapter 22 - The Golden Crows' Complaint and Donghuang Taiyi's Arrival
Chapter 22: The Golden Crows’ Complaint and Donghuang Taiyi’s Arrival
In the grand scheme of cultivation, even the most prodigious talent and brightest future can be snuffed out if one perishes prematurely. The path to enlightenment is fraught with trials, and countless Innate Dao Lords—beings of immense innate power—have fallen along the way.
This “ultimate-tier” Primordial World, from Pangu’s creation of heaven and earth to the present day, has witnessed the demise of innumerable supreme beings. No amount of talent or backing can guarantee smooth sailing, a lesson even the likes of Emperor Jun, Donghuang Taiyi, Kunpeng, the Twelve Ancestral Witches, Zhen Yuanzi, and Minghe cannot ignore.
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“Well said, Tian’er. You’ve truly matured,” a calm yet commanding voice echoed from the doorway. Dressed in imperial robes, Donghuang Taiyi entered the hall, his gaze filled with approval as he regarded Xia Tian.
Turning to the nine chastened Golden Crows, Taiyi addressed them sternly. “In this vast and perilous Primordial World, even as Crown Princes of the Heavenly Court, you are not invincible. Many beings exist whom even we cannot afford to offend. Learn from your elder brother and temper your arrogance.”
The young Golden Crows, though disgruntled, cawed softly in response, their dissatisfaction evident. Taiyi chuckled, waving them off. “Very well. Go and play, but remain within the Heavenly Realm. If you venture below again, you will face strict punishment.”
“Yes, Uncle. Big Brother, we’re leaving…” The Golden Crows quickly fled, eager to escape the oppressive atmosphere. Xia Tian’s earlier rebuke had left their youthful pride deeply bruised, and staying any longer was unbearable.
Once the Golden Crows had departed, Taiyi turned to Xia Tian, “Tian’er, what do you make of this incident?”
Xia Tian’s expression darkened, “There’s no way my younger brothers could have left the Sun Grove on their own. The restrictions placed by Father and yourself ensured their slumber until they reached the Golden Immortal stage. Someone powerful is meddling—most likely a Sage.”
Taiyi nodded gravely, “Indeed. Both your father and I left protective seals on them. Without reaching the required cultivation, their awakening should have been impossible.”
Xia Tian added, “Only the six Sages could bypass your protections unnoticed. Among them, Zhunti is the most likely culprit. His methods and ambitions make him a prime suspect.”
“Precisely my thoughts,” Taiyi replied, his tone heavy with foreboding. “The Sages harbour relentless hostility toward the Yao Clan and the Heavenly Court. If your intervention had been delayed, your brothers might have brought disaster upon us by provoking the Wu Clan.”
The mere thought of such a catastrophe caused even Taiyi to shudder. The carefully orchestrated scheme aimed to provoke the Wu Clan into killing the Golden Crows, triggering an all-out war between the Wu and Yao clans. This manipulation, hidden until Xia Tian intervened with the Hetu and Luoshu, was a stark reminder of the Sages’ terrifying power.
Taiyi marvelled at the Sages’ abilities. The precision with which Zhunti concealed his scheme until Xia Tian’s decisive action was unnerving. It underscored the disparity between the Sages and even the greatest supernatural beings of the Primordial World.
Fortunately, Emperor Jun’s impending sanctification provided a glimmer of hope. The mere thought of Emperor Jun achieving Sagehood lifted Taiyi’s spirits. With a Sage presiding over the Heavenly Court, the Yao Clan could withstand even the Sages’ machinations. This newfound stability could secure the Yao Clan’s dominance over the Primordial World, allowing them to govern the heavens and earth with unchallenged authority.
Having given Xia Tian his guidance, Taiyi rose to leave, noting, “I have much to attend to, especially in light of this recent incident. I must be more vigilant against further schemes.”
As Taiyi departed, Xia Tian turned his attention inward. With the crisis averted, his focus shifted to the Gate to the Primordial World. Saving the Golden Crows had undoubtedly altered the flow of events—he wondered what benefits the gate might have reaped from this change. Could it have condensed another Hongmeng Purple Qi, the essence of enlightenment?
This thought filled Xia Tian with anticipation. The journey to the Dao was unending, and every step was an opportunity to ascend to greater heights.