Volume 3: A Long Journey, Chapter 277: Theory of Variables

Since Zhenwu had included Qitianling in his plans and relied heavily on it, he had surely thought things through carefully. As an ancestral dragon, he was born with a sense of pride. The qilin, being one of the five types of kings alongside him, was, in Zhenwu’s eyes, superior to everyone in Qitianling—so he assumed the qilin would have absolute authority there, with no one daring to defy its will.
After hearing Ziwei’s words, Zhenwu realized his own assumptions were far from sufficient. He said, “It seems I must go to Qitianling and have an open discussion with people like Dayu and Zhuanxu. With both our families sharing a common enemy and the qilin’s support, we should be able to achieve something.”
Ziwei replied, “As you said, if even the qilin can’t make decisions, how can others?”
Zhenwu asked, “Then what do you suggest?”
Ziwei said, “I don’t really care about others—only Wukong! Though I don’t know what his fate is in the three realms, as soon as he appeared, Dayu, the qilin, and others all came to Qitianling, willing to protect it. Isn’t that an unusual kind of relationship?”
Zhenwu still couldn’t figure it out and said, “Enough, let’s discuss this later. Qitianling is one variable—I admit it. Now tell me about the second.”
Ziwei replied, “The second variable is the Western Heaven.”
Zhenwu said, “I’ve thought about that too. If there’s turmoil in the Heavenly Court, how could the Western Heaven remain indifferent? But the Western Heaven has always maintained a superficial relationship with the Heavenly Court. I don’t think they’ll get involved.”
Ziwei said, “The possibility of them getting involved is very low, but I’m worried they might profit from the situation.”
Zhenwu sighed and said, “That’s exactly the problem. I sent the Jade Dragon of the Western Sea west to fetch the scriptures out of curiosity. I never like to make secret plans, but this is a last resort.”
Ziwei said, “Anyway, it’s better than doing nothing. I know someone from the Eastern Buddha. If it were a trivial matter, I could try to gather some information indirectly. But since this is such an important matter, we must be cautious and know everything clearly.”
Zhenwu agreed, “That’s true.”
Ziwei said, “Variables exist at all times. Worrying too much will only prevent us from taking action.”
Zhenwu said, “I’ve thought about all this. Even in the worst-case scenario, I’ll strive to create a situation where the world is divided among three powers. Besides, the Eastern Buddha and Tathagata don’t get along. If Tathagata wants to get involved, he’ll have many reservations.”
Ziwei said, “Tathagata is focused on the quest for the scriptures. Before it’s completed, I doubt he’ll take any major action.”
Zhenwu frowned slightly and said, “The quest for the scriptures seems somewhat mysterious. If Tathagata wants to spread his teachings in the Eastern lands, he could simply show his powers and control the emperors—it would be easy. Why go through all this trouble?”

Zi Wei said, “Not so. If it’s that straightforward, wouldn’t it be like revealing a hidden weapon when all hope is lost, with not even a piece of cloth to cover shame? Since you’ve already sent Yu Long to fetch the scriptures, wait until he reaches the Western Heaven and see if he can secure a position there, biding his time to achieve great feats.”

Zhen Wu said, “Fetching the scriptures is just a matter of a few days. I can wait, but Yu Long’s status isn’t suitable; it will likely be hard for him to enter the Great Hero Hall.”

Zi Wei replied, “If things go well, good fortune will accompany us everywhere—there’s no need to worry.”

Zhen Wu asked, “Apart from these two, is there a third variable?”

Zi Wei said, “Of course. The third variable is the Three Pure Ones.”

Hearing Zi Wei mention the Three Pure Ones, Zhen Wu’s tense expression relaxed slightly. “The Three Pure Ones, huh—”

Just then, Zi Wei’s mental energy shifted, and he showed a surprised look, saying, “Laojun has arrived!?”

It was as if they had just spoken of him—Laojun arrived at Zi Wei’s Palace right away. It was truly too coincidental. Since the establishment of Zi Wei’s Palace, Laojun had only visited two or three times. His arrival today must surely be closely related to the message sent by the Jade Emperor.

Of course, the Great Emperor of Zi Wei couldn’t just sit in his palace, so he went out to greet Laojun. Upon seeing Zi Wei, Laojun laughed and said, “This old fellow came uninvited—please don’t blame me, Zi Wei.”

Zi Wei replied respectfully, “How could I dare? The Venerable Taoist is a guest so noble that even an invitation wouldn’t suffice.”

Once inside the inner chamber, Zhen Wu stood up to pay respects to Laojun. Laojun pointed at Zhen Wu and said, “I knew you were here.”

Zhen Wu replied, “It’s not surprising that Laojun can predict such things.”

Laojun said, “I’m not predicting anything. I just came from your Purple Sky Palace and, seeing you were not there, came to Zi Wei’s Palace.”

Since all three of them were extraordinary figures, there was no need for formalities, so they sat down and began talking.

Zi Wei got straight to the point and asked, “Did you come here for matters related to unifying the heavens?”

Laojun laughed and said, “As the saying goes, long unity must end in separation, and long separation must lead to unity. Although unifying the heavens is a significant task, in my view, separating the heavens is even more important!”

Hearing the depth in Laojun’s words, Zhen Wu glanced at Zi Wei subtly and said, “There’s wisdom hidden in Laojun’s words.”

Zi Wei replied, “Laojun resides in the Thirty-Three Heavens, connected above and below—he sees everything clearly. How could he not be aware of our thoughts?”

Laojun said, “The True Man speaks no lies. The Supreme Heavenly Emperor can hold his position only due to fortune at the moment. Zi Wei and Zhen Wu are both the best in the world—each of them is ten times stronger than him. But fate is unpredictable, especially now, when Taoism stands at a critical juncture. Everything must be handled with extreme caution!”

Zi Wei and Zhen Wu weren’t expecting Laojun to be so direct. They exchanged a glance, each trying to figure out the true meaning behind his words.

Zhenwu had spent long years planning carefully; how could he give up just because of Laojun’s words? He said, “Please forgive my ignorance, Laojun. Why must it be at this moment that Taoism stands on the brink of survival?” Although Zhenwu was an ancestral dragon and originally belonged to no sect, having lived in the Zi Xiao Palace at the Northern Heavenly Gate for tens of thousands of years, he had become deeply intertwined with Taoism. Moreover, due to Zi Wei, if Taoism faced trouble, he naturally could not stand by idly.

Laojun replied, “Actually, it’s not just at this moment; this peril exists at all times.”

Zi Wei was also confused, thinking Laojun was exaggerating. He said, “Taoism has the Three Pure Ones and the Six Imperial Gods. As long as the Three Pure Ones are there, Taoism will remain unshaken and safe.”

Laojun said, “Enough. You two refuse to give up. I’ll speak plainly then—the Jade Emperor was put in power by us three. Once he occupies the position of ruler of all heavens, he must remain in place!”

Hearing Laojun’s firm words, Zi Wei frowned and asked, “Why can’t he be moved?”

Laojun replied, “Not only can you two not move him, not even I can, nor can the Great Supreme Lord…”

Zhenwu and Zi Wei were shocked. The Great Supreme Lord Yuanshi was the founder of Taoism and, in their eyes, the supreme being. If even he couldn’t be moved, who else in the world could?

Seeing their expressions, Laojun sighed and said, “Everything I say is true. This dead end was created tens of thousands of years ago, and to this day, no solution has been found.”

Seeing Laojun’s helpless look, Zi Wei couldn’t help asking, “Laojun, since you say so, I naturally believe you. But this… it’s simply too unbelievable.”

Zhenwu was as if struck by lightning. After years of hard work, Laojun had doused his efforts in cold water, leaving him utterly disheartened and unable to speak.

Laojun said, “If you don’t believe me, let me say one more thing—the Eight or Nine Golden Immortals are under his control alone.”

“What?” Zi Wei exclaimed in shock. “The Eight or Nine Golden Immortals! Weren’t they always under the control of the Great Supreme Lord—” He stopped speaking halfway, realizing further words were useless, and lowered his head, lost in thought.

Laojun continued, “The Jade Emperor’s ascension to heaven was also a last resort, but it was done too hastily, so it might not go smoothly.”

Hearing about the Eight or Nine Golden Immortals, Zhenwu thought carefully before showing determination in his eyes. He said, “I’ve understood your intentions clearly, Laojun. You’re afraid we might take advantage of this ascension to overthrow the heavenly court, so you’re kindly warning us, right?”

Laojun replied, “I have no such kindness. In fact, I have my own motives.”

Zhenwu waved his hand. “I understand your feelings, Laojun, but this must be done!”

Laojun looked at Zhenwu and shook his head slowly. “It’s not possible.”

Zhenwu said, “The Eighth or Ninth Rank Golden Immortals—only their names are heard, never their faces seen. Surely they’re bound by some constraints that prevent them from showing themselves. Who knows what kind of shady dealings they’re involved in! How can I let those who occupy such positions succeed?”
Laojun replied, “Hey! That’s playing it all out to the end!”
Zhenwu said, “Whether it’s death or destruction, since I’ve sworn to change the world, there’s no turning back.”
At that moment, Ziwei raised his head and said, “What the Supreme Heavenly God said is exactly what I think as well.”
Seeing that even the usually calm Ziwei agreed, Laojun calmed down and asked, “Why is that?”
Ziwei replied, “Zhenwu is right. The Eighth or Ninth Rank Golden Immortals must have serious flaws; otherwise, why wouldn’t they appear in the world? Since that’s the case, it’s too early to admit defeat now. We’ve spent years making plans. If we back down just because of fear without even trying, that would be unreasonable.”
Zhenwu said, “Well said! Retreating at the last moment means abandoning one’s true nature. No matter what those Eighth or Ninth Rank Golden Immortals or Supreme Heavenly God are, if I can’t stand them, I’m willing to risk my life to bring them down!”
Seeing how stubborn these two were, Laojun pondered for a long time before saying, “I suddenly remember a saying.”
Ziwei asked, “What saying? Who said it?”
Laojun replied, “‘Do not lose your true heart; help others not lose theirs.’ If this saying is correct, then you two are right, and my persistent advice is wrong.”
“Do not lose your true heart; help others not lose theirs…” Zhenwu pondered these words several times, feeling that though they seemed ordinary on the surface, they were actually profound and seemingly encompassing everything. He praised, “Well said! Who said it?”
Laojun replied, “The Spirit Monkey.”
“Is it him?” Ziwei asked. “If the Spirit Monkey can say such things, how could he still be controlled by the Tathagata and hesitate on his journey to the West?”
Laojun said, “I dare not comment on the actions of the Spirit Monkey. I’ll just let things take their course.”
Seeing that Laojun had changed the subject, Zhenwu asked, “Laojun, are you not going to stop us anymore?”
Laojun replied, “How can this be stopped? I merely present the pros and cons. If you two are willing to listen, then listen. If not, I’ll think of other strategies. I must prevent strife within the Heavenly Court.”
Ziwei said, “Laojun is also a stubborn person.”
Laojun replied, “This matter concerns life and death, survival and extinction. How could I act rashly?”
Zhenwu said, “My great cause is also for the survival and well-being of all people in the world. I will never give it up lightly!”
Laojun smiled and said, “No matter how great your cause is, it’s still smaller than mine.”