- In Marvel: I Start by Marrying Scarlett Witch [Complete]
- MWM Chapter 594
“Given my relationship with the Eclipse Demon Lord and the Ocean-Covering Demon Lord, I can leverage that connection to persuade them to retreat, but this is the absolute limit. If this fails, I have no other means.”
Leo nodded slightly, implying that this was the final offer. If the Jade Emperor didn’t agree, there was nothing more he could do; they would simply have to face the consequences.
In truth, even if the Jade Emperor refused, there wasn’t much they could do. The rebels wouldn’t truly march into the Jade Pool Hall to kill the Jade Emperor and Queen Mother, not with the Grand Supreme Elderly Lord watching over. It was more of a bluff than anything else.
Upon hearing Leo’s words, the Queen Mother immediately began persuading the Jade Emperor from every possible angle, with the other deities chiming in for support.
Eventually, the Jade Emperor could no longer hold his ground and reluctantly agreed:
“Fine, do as you have suggested!”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Leo maintained a calm expression and then exited the Jade Pool Hall.
Not long after, voices echoed from the Thirty-Third Heaven to the Jade Pool Hall:
“Uncle, in our desperation to save our mother, we rashly stormed the Heavenly Court, for which we deeply apologize.
We will now withdraw from the Heavenly Court and humbly ask for your leniency.”
“Your Majesty, they have agreed to the terms and have withdrawn to the Southern Heavenly Gate.”
With the voices of the Yang siblings resonating, Leo re-entered the Jade Pool Hall.
Hearing this, the Jade Emperor waved his hand, using his divine authority to lift the heavenly law that had bound Yao Ji.
“Thank you, Li Qing, for your assistance. I owe you a great favor for this.”
“Li Qing, how exactly did you manage to persuade them to agree to the terms?”
The Queen Mother interjected, her curiosity piqued.
She had a lingering suspicion that the Yang siblings had agreed too readily, as if something was amiss.
Leo sighed deeply:
“Your Majesty, you may not know this, but my ties with the Eclipse and Ocean-Covering Demon Lords made persuading them straightforward. However, dealing with the Yang siblings was not as easy.
In the end, I had to promise them that if they agreed to the terms, I would introduce them to my master, Jade Cauldron Real Man, who could teach them the authentic Taoist arts.
Naturally, once my master exits seclusion and learns of my unilateral decision, I will face punishment. I hope Your Majesty and the Queen Mother can vouch for me when the time comes.
I acted solely for the safety of the Three Realms.”
“Of course, you acted in the interest of the Heavenly Court and the Three Realms, and I believe Jade Cauldron Real Man will understand your intentions.
This arrangement might even be for the best. With Jade Cauldron Real Man’s guidance, those rebels won’t dare stir up trouble in the Heavenly Court again.”
The Jade Emperor nodded, thinking this was a fortunate outcome.
With the Heavenly Court lacking powerful defenders, if the Yang siblings ever rebelled again, they would still be defenseless. This arrangement avoided the humiliating prospect of seeking help from the Primordial Heavenly Venerable.
However, the Queen Mother displayed a momentary hint of suspicion, sensing something unusual. Still, she chose not to voice her doubts.
Having secured the promises he needed, Leo departed the Heavenly Court.
Now, before the onset of the Investiture of the Gods, he intended to focus on secluded cultivation, absorbing the benefits of the celestial peaches and pills to enhance his strength.
Two years passed swiftly.
In the secluded chamber of the Golden Mist Cave on Jade Spring Mountain, a resounding voice broke Leo’s meditative state:
“By decree of the Primordial Heavenly Venerable, after seven years of seclusion, the Master has emerged today and issued this mandate:
‘In today’s world, King Zhou of Shang is tyrannical, bringing calamity to the people. The destiny of Shang is exhausted, and the virtuous ruler of the Western Zhou has arisen. I have commanded Jiang Ziya to descend the mountain with the Investiture of the Gods. All Taoist disciples of the Three Realms must set out immediately to aid Western Zhou in overthrowing King Zhou of Shang.’ “
“The Investiture has begun, and fortunately, I have made my breakthrough!”
Leo emerged from his chamber.
A year prior, he had already ascended to the Great Golden Immortal realm after consuming the celestial peaches and pills. Over the subsequent year, he consolidated his newfound power, reaching the mid-stage of the Great Golden Immortal.
Joining Leo in emerging from seclusion were Yang Jiao, Yang Jian, and Yang Chan.
Thanks to the celestial peaches and pills, their cultivation had significantly advanced: Yang Jiao reached the peak of Golden Immortal, Yang Jian advanced to mid-stage Taiyi Golden Immortal, and Yang Chan to the peak of Golden Immortal.
“Hahaha, excellent progress, all of you!”
Jade Cauldron Real Man beamed with pride at the sight of his disciples’ advancements.
After his enlightenment in the Golden Light Cave of Mount Qianyuan, he had ascended to Taiyi Golden Immortal. Seeing his disciples excel, especially Leo reaching Great Golden Immortal—a rarity even among second-generation Taoist disciples—he was elated.
“Master, what does the Master’s decree signify?”
Although he knew the answer, Leo asked Jade Cauldron Real Man to clarify for Yang Jian and his siblings.
Jade Cauldron Real Man shook his Eight Trigrams fan and explained:
“This matter was shared with me in advance by Senior Brother Taiyi. It all began seven years ago.
Back then, King Zhou visited Nuwa’s Temple, was mesmerized by her statue’s beauty, and committed blasphemy by inscribing lewd verses. Enraged by King Zhou’s sacrilege and aware of Shang’s doomed fate, Nuwa conferred with the Master and others to orchestrate the Investiture of the Gods.
Thus, our seclusion not only served to hone our skills but also to forge the divine artifact, the Investiture of the Gods.”
“Understood.”
With Jade Cauldron Real Man’s explanation, Yang Jian and his siblings finally grasped the situation.
“Prepare yourselves to journey to Xiqi and meet Jiang Ziya. He is likely the Prime Minister there by now. Follow his commands and make your presence known!”
Jade Cauldron Real Man’s pride was palpable.
The upcoming Investiture of the Gods would be a grand stage where the Taoist disciples could showcase their prowess, especially those taught by Jade Cauldron Real Man.
“Yes, Master!”
Leo and the Yang siblings respectfully bowed before setting out.
“Let’s find Nezha first!”
The four didn’t head straight to Xiqi but instead flew to the Golden Light Cave on Mount Qianyuan. Nezha, who had also received celestial peaches and pills, had been under Taiyi Real Man’s strict supervision for two years.
As they neared the mountain, they saw a handsome youth wielding a fire-tipped spear, donning a red silk scarf, and riding wind-fire wheels. It was Nezha.
Spotting Leo and the others, Nezha excitedly flew over.
“Well done, mid-stage Taiyi Golden Immortal. You haven’t slacked off in the past two years.”
Leo’s divine sense quickly assessed Nezha’s progress.
“Of course not! My Master kept a close eye on me; I barely got a chance to return to Chen Tang Pass.”
Nezha puffed up with pride.
Leo smiled approvingly.
“Let’s go! I hear King Zhou has sent Grand Preceptor Wen with an army against Xiqi. Let’s help Master Uncle Jiang Ziya and face off against the various formidable foes!”
(End of this chapter)