PDLP Chapter 9 Taibai’s poisonous plan to lure the snake out of its hole!
Chapter 9 Taibai’s poisonous plan to lure the snake out of its hole!
At this moment, Haotian returned from the Jade Pool Wonderland, his face full of rage. He strode into the Lingxiao Palace, where the cold and empty interior only intensified his resentment.
Seeing her brother return with such an angry expression, Yao Ji quickly stepped forward and asked, "Brother, why are you so angry? What has angered you?"
Upon hearing this, Haotian gritted his teeth and snorted coldly: "I originally intended to stand with Yaochi through thick and thin, to overcome the crisis of the Heavenly Court's emptiness. However, a treacherous minister has been instigating her, causing Yaochi to completely disregard the overall situation of the Three Realms and insist on going against me, making it extremely difficult for me to move forward!"
Haotian directly blamed the whole thing on the treacherous officials who were abusing their power!
In fact, Haotian was not sure whether Li Taibai had instigated the trouble or whether Yaochi knew it herself, but naturally someone had to be blamed for this!
Upon hearing this, Yao Ji's eyebrows shot up in anger, and she immediately pressed for an answer: "Which treacherous minister dares to sow discord and mislead the Great Celestial Venerable?"
Haotian snorted coldly: "Who else? Yaochi only has two ministers: one is the newly transformed Taibai Jinxing, and the other is Chang'e from the Moon Palace. Chang'e resides in the Moon Palace, far from the Yaochi Wonderland. It is undoubtedly Taibai Jinxing who is sowing discord between me and Yaochi!"
Upon hearing this, Yao Ji was immediately enraged and said bitterly, "The Heavenly Court is in dire need of capable people. All the immortals should work together to assist the two Great Heavenly Venerables. How could such treacherous ministers seize power and sow discord? It's truly despicable!"
....................
Now that we've come this far, there's still one thing that must be done: how to implement Li Bai's three strategies?
Yaochi's gaze fell on Li Taibai, and she spoke slowly and deliberately, getting straight to the point.
"Taibai, now that you have enlightened seven people, the Jade Pool Immortal Realm can be considered to have its own people. The matter of the Jade Pool Gathering is at a stalemate. How should we handle this?"
Li Bai lowered his head and pondered for a moment. Although Yaochi and Haotian had broken up in words, it wasn't enough. They needed to add fuel to the fire!
After a moment's thought, Li Bai immediately came up with a plan: to lure the snake out of its hole. The logic here is that Haotian wanted to humiliate himself, so this fuse had to be lit.
The points have already been made, but we must get things done, otherwise it will eventually become a hidden danger!
"Your Majesty, the best course of action now is to feign good relations with the Great Heavenly Venerable Haotian."
Yaochi slightly raised her phoenix eyes, her expression a mixture of surprise and scrutiny.
"Taibai, what is your intention in doing this?"
"We originally intended to distance ourselves from Haotian, each going our own way without hindering each other."
"Instead, you've taken the initiative to suggest discussing the Peach Banquet with him. Isn't this concession a sign of weakness in front of others?"
Li Bai answered with a cupped hand, his words calm and composed.
"Your Majesty, the division of power in Heaven is not a matter of words, but a matter of circumstances."
"The Heavenly Court has just been established and its foundation is not yet stable. All the immortals and gods of the Three Realms are watching closely. If we openly break with Haotian now, we will only invite ridicule from the Three Realms, who will say that the two Great Heavenly Venerables have abandoned public duty for private gain."
"It would be of no benefit to the Jade Pool Wonderland, and would instead lose the awe of the gods and immortals of the Three Realms."
"Your Majesty's decision to go to the Lingxiao Palace today may seem like a concession or a show of weakness on Your Majesty's part. But in reality, it is a strategic retreat to plan for the future."
Yaochi looked at Li Taibai, listened silently, and waited for Li Taibai to say something next.
Li Bai, observing the expressions on Yaochi's face, knew that she was already moved, and continued to explain his plan.
"The Peach Banquet is the first grand event since the founding of the Heavenly Court, a feast for saints of the Three Realms and powerful figures from all sides. This is unavoidable, and it is also a crucial step in our current efforts to establish prestige and win over the hearts of the people; it must be carried out!"
"My plan is to first agree to hold a joint event with the Great Heavenly Venerable Haotian, but not to use the Empress's birthday celebration as the pretext."
"It is merely a regular gathering of immortals, a time to reminisce about the friendships of the Three Realms and discuss matters of the Heavenly Court. During this intermission, Yaochi can secretly oversee the construction of a temple dedicated to the Dao Ancestor and the erection of his statue in the center of the Heavenly Court."
"On the day of the Peach Banquet, let's see how the Great Heavenly Venerable Haotian acts. If the Great Heavenly Venerable Haotian is not greedy enough and dares to announce in public that this banquet is to celebrate the Empress's birthday, in order to show his own superiority."
"Your Majesty can refute this on the spot, clearly state the cause and effect, and then apologize to the Sage. Since the cause and effect of the dispute came first, Your Majesty can extricate herself smoothly. This cause and effect can be directly accepted by the Great Heavenly Venerable Haotian."
This strategy is based on the premise that the conflict has already occurred and the cause and effect have been established. Even if Haotian dares to do this, Yaochi has the ability to retaliate!
Therefore, the first step was to create conflict, and then extend an olive branch. The Peach Banquet was still a long way off, so they pretended not to know anything, thus successfully completing the first step of their breakthrough.
"At that time, all the holy immortals of the Three Realms were present. The Great Heavenly Venerable Haotian was in the wrong first. The Empress drew a clear line, and then it was right and just, and the whole world knew the truth."
"If the Great Heavenly Venerable Haotian has any reservations and dares not speak rashly about birthday wishes, then we will use the pretext of the Dao Ancestor establishing a temple and discussing the order of the Heavenly Court to firmly occupy the main position and control the overall situation. As long as the Goddess establishes a temple and holds sacrifices, we will be the first to hold a grand sacrifice!"
"At that time, the Empress's decision to advance or retreat will be entirely up to her, and she will not be constrained by the Great Heavenly Venerable Haotian."
A glint flashed in Yaochi's eyes. After a moment of contemplation, she slowly nodded, her tone filled with approval.
"Taibai, this plan is brilliant, it takes all aspects into account, and I have no objection whatsoever! By retreating in order to advance, we can use the establishment of a temple by the Dao Ancestor to gain the moral high ground, and then observe Haotian's actions. At that time, whether we divide or not will be decided by me, not by Haotian's word."
Yaochi looked at Li Bai and pressed him for details.
"Taibai, you've extended an olive branch like this; what is your true plan? Haotian may not easily follow our scheme!"
Li Bai bowed, his tone resolute, and his words clear and distinct.
"I foresee that this matter must eventually be resolved. The longer it drags on, the more detrimental it will be to the Jade Pool Immortal Realm. It would be better to first show goodwill and make concessions, and see how the Great Heavenly Venerable Haotian responds."
"The Jade Emperor is obsessed with seizing power in the Heavenly Court. Seeing the Empress showing him favor, he will surely become arrogant and overconfident. He will think that the Empress will eventually be wary of him and willing to compromise and become his vassal."
"This Peach Banquet is merely a regular gathering of immortals, not a celebration of birthdays, and there is no distinction of rank. If the Great Heavenly Venerable Haotian dares to announce at the banquet that he will be celebrating the Empress's birthday, he will be revealing his ambition and losing his moral compass."
"The Empress will then have ample opportunity to retaliate, decisively severing all ties with Haotian."
Yaochi nodded slightly, agreeing with Li Bai's words: "What Li Bai said is very true."
The rift has already formed, and now she's trying to make amends. After ten thousand years of delay, Haotian will surely become complacent and think that his junior sister is ultimately soft-hearted!
In fact, Li Bai's plan was inevitable. Yaochi might not know whether Haotian would do it, but Li Bai was certain that he would!
The Investiture of the Gods calamity was inevitable, and Haotian was bound to humiliate himself. If he could not humiliate Yaochi, then Haotian would be humiliating himself. As long as he completed the task of setting the fuse, that would be enough. Therefore, Li Taibai suggested continuing the Peach Banquet, so Haotian would almost certainly act according to the original plan at the banquet!
Li Bai bluntly stated the core of the plan: "This plan is to lure the snake out of its hole."
"If the Great Heavenly Venerable Haotian considers the Empress's wishes, maintains the dignity of the Heavenly Court, and refrains from being arrogant and presumptuous in determining rank and status."
"The camaraderie among the former disciples of Zixiao Palace can still maintain a semblance of peace, allowing us to temporarily maintain the status quo."
"If the Great Heavenly Venerable Haotian completely disregards the dignity of the Empress and the immense karma she will bear."
"Your Majesty need no further mercy; establish yourself as the supreme ruler and take sole control of the Jade Pool's legal system."
"Then, in the name of worshipping the Dao Ancestor, the rules of the Heavenly Court were established, and it was announced to the Three Realms that the Jade Pool would not be subject to the control of the Heavenly Emperor."
"Borrowing the power of the Dao Ancestor, we will gather the hearts of the immortals and gods of the Three Realms and stand on equal footing with Haotian."
Yaochi's eyes hardened, her tone firm and unwavering: "Everything will proceed according to your plan. In that case, it's the Heavenly Emperor who is unjust, not me!"
Yaochi agrees with this. Li Taibai has brought out the final test, and we'll see how Haotian reacts. If he insists on doing this and won't stop until he drags Yaochi down with him, then Yaochi will truly sever all ties of cause and effect, completely break free from constraints, and embark on the path to enlightenment!
Li Taibai responded, "Your Majesty, I will immediately arrange for manpower to select capable celestial boys and girls from Yaochi to oversee the construction of the Taoist ancestral temple."
"The temple's layout is modeled after the Zixiao Palace, and the statues are sculpted in the form of the white-robed Taoist patriarch, striving for solemnity and reverence. It must be completed before the peaches ripen, so that on the day the grand event begins, the name of the Taoist patriarch can command respect."
Yaochi suddenly looked at Li Taibai: "Taibai, are you certain that Haotian will do such a reckless thing? If Haotian restrains his ambition and does not mention the birthday celebration at the grand gathering, what should be done?"
Li Bai said in a deep voice, his tone leaving no room for doubt.
"Your Majesty, rest assured, I am certain that Haotian will act in this way. Even the Great Heavenly Venerable Haotian is unwilling to reveal the reasons behind his own schemes to Your Majesty."
"He would rather offend the Empress and tear off the mask than reveal the truth, which shows that he has great ambitions and is determined to seize power in the Heavenly Court and be above the Empress."
"The Jade Emperor is eager to establish his authority through the Peach Banquet and will surely seize this opportunity to demonstrate his dominant position."
"With such ambition, seeing the olive branch extended by Yaochi and the Empress showing concession, they will certainly not let go of this golden opportunity to establish hierarchy and authority."
"Even if there are some reservations, we will still take the risk. To put it another way, even if Haotian restrains himself, the Empress will not suffer any loss. On the contrary, she will gain the moral high ground by using the temple of the Dao Ancestor and remain in an invincible position."
Yaochi took a deep breath and then slowly exhaled, her aura returning to calm without any ripples.
"Alright, then we will follow Taibai's arrangements. We must do our utmost in the matter of the Dao Ancestor's Temple and there must be no mistakes."
"Today you shall go to the Lingxiao Palace to discuss the matter of jointly organizing a meeting with the Great Heavenly Venerable Haotian. Remember, you must not show any weakness, nor should you be too ostentatious."
Li Bai responded and said, "Your Majesty's decree will be obeyed, and I will certainly not fail in my mission."
After speaking, Li Bai turned around and slowly walked out of the main hall of Yaochi.
Yaochi was uncertain about this matter, but Li Taibai was certain that Haotian would definitely try to trick Yaochi, because the great calamity would inevitably be triggered, and it was not something Haotian could decide!
After leaving the Jade Pool Wonderland, Li Bai walked along the cloud steps towards the Lingxiao Palace.
When the Heavenly Court was first established, the palaces were sparse, the clouds and mist were vast, and there were no immortals or gods coming and going, making it seem particularly desolate.
Li Bai walked with ease and composure, his expression calm, while secretly making plans in his heart.
The goal is to convince Haotian that Yaochi has compromised, but without letting him realize that this is a scheme.
At this moment, a fairy appeared in front of them. There were no outsiders in the Heavenly Court at present. Yao Ji had just come out of the Lingxiao Palace and was also preparing to go to the Yaochi Wonderland to find the Empress to ease the tension!
Naturally, they also saw Venus appear before them!
Upon seeing Venus ahead, and knowing that there was no one else in the Heavenly Court, Yao Ji immediately assumed that a treacherous minister was seizing power, and the goddess of war's anger flared up.
Yao Ji immediately stepped forward, blocking Taibai Jinxing's path. Her eyebrows furrowed, and she sternly rebuked him: "You treacherous minister who stirs up trouble, how dare you abuse your power by the side of the Great Celestial Venerable of Yaochi, sowing discord between my brother and the Great Celestial Venerable of Yaochi! You truly deserve to die!"
Upon seeing this, Venus was taken aback but showed no sign of panic: "Fairy, please calm down. I have never seen you before and do not know who you are. How could you say that a treacherous minister is abusing his power? I hope you will enlighten me."
Yao Ji, with an arrogant expression, loudly announced her identity: "I am Yao Ji, the younger sister of the Jade Emperor!"
When Venus saw the person in front of him, he naturally guessed her identity. He never expected that she was Yang Jian's mother.
Upon hearing this, Venus bowed again. The current Venus was not arrogant at all; on the contrary, he was very courteous.
In the current prehistoric world, Li Taibai's identity is primarily focused on devising strategies and plans, rather than engaging in combat; he chooses the path of a strategist.
"So it is Fairy Yao Ji, my apologies for my rudeness. But what you just said is truly unfair to me. I have only recently taken human form and am still unfamiliar with the affairs of the primordial world. How could I possibly have the ability to sow discord between the two Great Celestial Venerables? How could you accuse me of abusing my power?"
"Still trying to argue!"
Yao Ji's tone grew increasingly stern: "My brother himself said that it was you who stirred up trouble in front of the Great Celestial Venerable of Yaochi, causing the Empress to refuse to share the burden with my brother!"
Taibai Jinxing looked completely innocent and quickly waved his hands to explain, "Fairy, you must not believe one-sided stories. I am truly innocent and have never had the slightest intention to sow discord. This dispute is entirely because the Jade Emperor wanted to hold the Peach Banquet, but wanted to use it as a pretext to celebrate the birthday of the Jade Pool Grand Celestial Venerable. The Jade Pool Grand Celestial Venerable did not want this, so the two Grand Celestial Venerables had a dispute. It has nothing to do with me."
Upon hearing this, Yao Ji felt a pang of doubt and frowned, asking, "It's merely a banquet held under the guise of celebrating a birthday to consolidate the Heavenly Court's authority. Why is that unacceptable? And why is the Great Heavenly Venerable of Yaochi so insistent on not participating?"
Venus sighed softly and patiently explained, "My fairy, you may not know this, but this Peach Banquet is for the saints of the Three Realms and powerful beings from all sides. Using the occasion of celebrating the birthday of the Great Celestial Venerable of Yaochi would be against the rules of Heaven. If it were held, there might be problems. The Great Celestial Venerable of Yaochi is cautious, which is why he resolutely refused. It was definitely not due to any instigation by this humble fairy!"
"Not only did I not sow discord, but I also just advised the Great Celestial Venerable of Yaochi to reconcile with the Great Celestial Venerable of Haotian. I am on my way to the Heavenly Court to meet with the Great Celestial Venerable of Haotian and discuss the Peach Banquet!"
"The two Great Celestial Venerables are merely arguing verbally. Their friendship spanning billions of years is genuine, and it is impossible for a mere newly born fairy to sow discord between them. Fairy, please do not misunderstand my good intentions!"
Yao Ji was stunned upon hearing this, and looked Li Taibai up and down: "Is what you say true? If so, then it is my fault, brother. Could it be that my brother did not think things through?"
Li Taibai quickly said, "No matter what, we must first mend the relationship between the two Great Celestial Venerables, otherwise we'll become a laughing stock among the immortals and gods of the Three Realms!"