But this King Zhou in front of him was clearly just a Mortal; even if he was a Human Emperor, how could he give him such a feeling?
"You, as an envoy of the Heavenly Court, have come to my Great Shang this time for what purpose?" King Zhou asked.
He did not intend to beat around the bush with Taibai Jinxing and directly expressed his doubts.
At this critical moment for the Human Clan Conferring Gods, what exactly does the Heavenly Court intend to do by sending Taibai Jinxing as an envoy?
Send an envoy to threaten him, making him abandon the Deification Ceremony?
The Jade Emperor shouldn't be that naive, right?
"I heard that You plan to carry out the Human Clan Conferring Gods, and I represent the Heavenly Court in congratulating You!" Taibai Jinxing said.
"Oh? By the envoy's words, does the Heavenly Court support the Human Clan Conferring Gods?" King Zhou asked with interest.
For others, the Human Clan Conferring Gods plan was already exaggerated enough to make them restless.
For example, if the Human Clan Conferring Gods succeeded, how would the Chan Sect carry out their deification?
But even the Chan Sect was nothing compared to the Heavenly Court.
After all, he was conferring Buddhas, which was the Heavenly Court's authority and the Foundation of its existence.
If the Human Clan could confer Buddhas themselves, what would they need the Heavenly Court for?
Because of this, no matter how foolish he was, he would not believe that the Heavenly Court would congratulate the Human Clan on the Deification Ceremony.
However, Taibai Jinxing's words piqued his interest; he wanted to see if Taibai Jinxing could offer a plausible explanation.
"That depends on what kind of Buddhas You are conferring—whether they are the Human Clan's own Buddhas or the Heavenly Court's Buddhas!" Taibai Jinxing said.
These were the exact words he had spoken in the Lingxiao Palace; seemingly all about the Human Clan Conferring Gods, but the outcomes were vastly different.
The Human Clan could indeed confer Buddhas, but the conferred Buddhas must be Buddhas of the Heavenly Court.
In other words, nominally the Human Clan was conferring Buddhas, but in essence, it was the Heavenly Court authorizing the Human Clan to confer Buddhas.
The Buddhas conferred by the Human Clan would still be under the jurisdiction of the Heavenly Court, serving as Heavenly Court Buddhas, and could even be restricted to some extent by Great Shang.
Having paid such a great price, the Heavenly Court was naturally not running a charity; their gains were equally significant.
Within the current Great Shang, there were no longer any Buddhas conferred by the Heavenly Court; how could the Jade Emperor be content?
If Buddhas could reappear within Great Shang's territory, it would naturally bring many benefits to the Heavenly Court.
Firstly, they would enjoy the Human Clan Luck, which, given the current prosperity of the Human Clan, was something even the Jade Emperor coveted.
More crucially, as long as these Buddhas existed, it meant the Heavenly Court's influence had deeply penetrated the Human Clan.
King Zhou was destined to be just a Mortal; after a hundred years, what would become of these Buddhas would still be decided by their Heavenly Court, wouldn't it?
Of course, all of this was because the Heavenly Court couldn't do anything to the current King Zhou; otherwise, why would they need such deceptive tactics?
If they simply killed King Zhou, all problems would be solved, but they just couldn't kill King Zhou.
"Oh? You certainly have a good plan, but what if You don't agree?" King Zhou said in a deep voice.
With Taibai Jinxing saying that, he immediately understood what the Heavenly Court was planning.
On the surface, the Heavenly Court was coming to him for cooperation, wanting to turn the Human Clan Conferring Gods into a joint Human Clan and Heavenly Court deification.
In this way, the authority to confer Buddhas would still belong to the Heavenly Court, but the Buddhas conferred by their Human Clan could be truly legitimate.
He had once heard Grand Tutor Wen say that the Heavenly Court represented orthodoxy, a right bestowed upon it by the Heavenly Dao.
The Buddhas conferred by the Heavenly Court, being protected by the Heavenly Dao, were inherently part of the Heavenly Dao's operation and couldn't be more orthodox.
However, his Human Clan Conferring Gods plan, while conferring Buddhas who still held authority over a region, did not place them within the Heavenly Dao.
Unable to receive the Heavenly Dao's protection, they could only enjoy the Human Clan Luck, and the difference here was not small.
The most obvious point was that the Immortals conferred by the Heavenly Court would accumulate merit as long as they fulfilled their duties.
It was like clocking in for work on time and completing one's tasks; merit was equivalent to a salary.
But the Buddhas he conferred could not actually obtain merit, nor was there any concept of a salary.
Of course, the Buddhas conferred by the Heavenly Court also could not enjoy the Human Clan Luck, so there was no concept of being immune to all calamities.
From this perspective, if Great Shang were to cooperate with the Heavenly Court, it would indeed be mutually beneficial.
The Buddhas they jointly conferred would be both within the Heavenly Dao, able to gain merit, and able to enjoy the Human Clan Luck.
However, this matter was not solely about benefits; he was very clear about the Heavenly Court's intentions.
"You should know, Great King, that the Heavenly Court conferring Buddhas is the way of Heaven; if You act against Heaven, how can there be a good outcome?" Taibai Jinxing said in a deep voice.
Why was he unwilling to meet King Zhou? It was because he knew King Zhou was no ordinary person.
If it were an ordinary human emperor, a few casual deceptions would never lead to something like the Human Clan Conferring Gods.
Moreover, who didn't know that King Zhou was an incredibly domineering Human Emperor? How could he be so easily fooled?
However, this matter was not entirely without hope; it was merely a matter of how much price to pay, and there was definitely room for negotiation.
"Acting against Heaven? Is defying the Heavenly Court acting against Heaven? Then this Heaven, You will defy today, and what can it do?" King Zhou scoffed.
This matter seemed mutually beneficial, but the biggest hidden danger was that those Buddhas would still be under the Heavenly Court's jurisdiction.
Nominally, they were Buddhas he conferred, but essentially they were Heavenly Court Buddhas; what was the difference between this and the Heavenly Court stationing troops in Great Shang?
His meticulously planned Human Clan Conferring Gods was not merely about conferring some Buddhas so that these Buddhas could lord over Mortals.
The Buddhas he conferred, who held authority over a region, were also meant to be forces aiding the development of Great Shang.
The Water God, wielding the power of a river, could regulate Yin and Yang, ensuring favorable weather for a region, with neither floods nor droughts.
The Earth God, wielding the power of a region, could both enrich local produce and explore mines, protecting the local populace.
He was indeed conferring Buddhas, but they were also subjects of Great Shang, or, more accurately, "civil servants."
This was fundamentally at odds with the Buddhas conferred by the Heavenly Court, so how could he possibly allow the Heavenly Court to interfere?
More importantly, he would absolutely not allow the Heavenly Court to meddle with the Human Clan Luck, nor would he allow the Heavenly Court to influence the Human Clan's faith.
The Human Clan, standing between Heaven and Earth, should not worship Buddhas, inquire of ghosts and spirits, or seek from Heaven and Earth; they should strive for self-improvement!
"Are You truly going to be so domineering, Great King? If so, I fear Great Shang may not be able to withstand the Heavenly Court's wrath!" Taibai Jinxing said in a deep voice.
Although he had expected this matter to be difficult, he had never imagined King Zhou would refuse so decisively.
His original thought was merely that King Zhou had a large appetite, and the Heavenly Court would have to pay a great price to achieve this.
But now, before either side had even started bargaining, King Zhou was unwilling to continue the discussion with him.
"The Heavenly Court's wrath? You haven't exactly not slain Buddhas before; if You wish to come, then come!" King Zhou said disdainfully.
Once the arrow is shot, there's no turning back; from the moment he decided on the Human Clan Conferring Gods, he was prepared for anything.
As the Human Emperor, this was inherently his responsibility; even facing all the Buddhas in the heavens, he would never bow his head.
"Good! Since You say so, Great King, I will report to the Jade Emperor. When the hundred thousand Heavenly Soldiers descend, I hope You will not regret it!" Taibai Jinxing said in a deep voice.
King Zhou's decisive refusal made him imagine how furious the Jade Emperor would be upon hearing the news.
After all, their Heavenly Court had already lowered its stance this time, yet King Zhou was still so aggressive.
At this point, there was really only one option left for the Heavenly Court!
"You will wait, and I hope You do not disappoint You!" King Zhou said disdainfully.
Was he being treated like Sun Wukong? And a hundred thousand Heavenly Soldiers and Generals descending?
He wanted to see which Heavenly Soldier and General dared to descend with him, the Human Emperor, presiding over the Human Clan.
Taibai Jinxing's face was ashen; he turned and left, not wanting to stay for another moment.
King Zhou did not make things difficult for Taibai Jinxing; even in war between two nations, envoys are not slain.
Moreover, Taibai Jinxing had already come twice, and perhaps he would come to see him a third time in the future.
"The Human Clan Conferring Gods should begin!" King Zhou murmured to himself.
Meanwhile, in the Kunlun Mountain Yu Xu Palace, all the Chan Sect Disciples gathered, with Celestial Worthy of the Primordial Beginning seated high above.
All the Chan Sect Disciples understood why the Saint Celestial Worthy of the Primordial Beginning had summoned them.
But facing the current situation, facing that incredible King Zhou, only solemnity filled the hearts of all Chan Sect Disciples.
"Deification has been decided. King Zhou is without Dao, and Zhou shall rise. Now is the time to assist the enlightened ruler!"
In the silent Yu Xu Palace, Celestial Worthy of the Primordial Beginning's voice suddenly rang out, grand and vast.
Chapter 95: The Year is Ding Si, Great Fortune Under Heaven!
Both King Zhou and Taibai Jinxing understood in their hearts that there was only one path left for the Heavenly Court.
With resolve set, though a thousand men oppose me, I shall go forth!
The current Great Shang, united in spirit, rich and strong, was no longer the Great Shang of three years ago.
He, as the King, had established absolute prestige; no one dared to question him anymore, and his will was thoroughly implemented.
As the Human Clan Conferring Gods plan fully commenced, Great Shang operated like a machine, with everything proceeding in an orderly fashion.
The first list for the Human Clan Conferring Gods had been determined, and the suitable locations for conferring Buddhas had also been identified.
According to the Human Clan Conferring Gods plan, being conferred as a Buddhas does not mean You will be a Buddhas forever.
It is still a matter of the capable rising and the incapable falling, which is essentially the same as the officials of Great Shang.
This means that the first batch of conferred Buddhas were not that important.
If they cannot fulfill the position of a Buddhas, it is not difficult to dismiss them directly and replace them with more suitable people.
Because of this, this experimental first batch of Deification Ceremony names was quickly confirmed by King Zhou.
"It has begun! Based on famous mountains, great rivers, and major waterways, we will construct Great Shang's Buddhas system!" King Zhou muttered to himself.
Clouds gathered, and he could feel that the Human Clan Luck, which had already grown considerably, was still vibrating, as if waiting to reach a new Peak.
Great Shang, without a doubt, had now become the center where clouds gathered, with countless eyes watching it.
Did they think the Human Clan Conferring Gods plan was over?
He would rather not make a sound, but when he did, he would astonish everyone!
He wanted to tell those Buddhas that the Human Clan Conferring Gods plan was only the beginning!
When the Human Clan Conferring Gods truly began, everyone would discover that it was not as simple as conferring Buddhas.
Everything renewed, Human Clan Conferring Gods, the year is Ding Si, great fortune under Heaven!
Tomorrow will be the eleventh year of King Zhou's reign. A new year, a new atmosphere, and Great Shang will enter a brand new era.
At the same time, in the Heavenly Court, the Jade Emperor Haotian was indeed furious after hearing the news brought back by Taibai Jinxing.
For the Heavenly Court, there could be no other choice. Regardless, they could not ignore the Human Clan Conferring Gods.
Soon, within the Heavenly Court, countless Heavenly Soldiers and Generals gathered, and numerous Heavenly Court immortals and Buddhas were ready for battle.
The Jade Emperor Haotian personally led, riding the Nine Dragon Chariot, commanding the Heavenly Court officials, and departed from the South Heaven Gate.
Countless immortals and Buddhas descended to the Mortal world, solely for the Deification Ceremony, to pass judgment on the audacious King Zhou.
The Heavenly Court displayed such a formidable posture and caused such a stir this time, naturally attracting the attention of countless people immediately.
"The Heavenly Court's prestige was not prominent, but I didn't expect it to have such an imposing presence already. It truly cannot be underestimated!"
"That is the Heavenly Court after all, the nominal ruler of the Three Realms. It is to be expected that they would have such an imposing presence!"
"Indeed! With the Human Clan Conferring Gods plan launched, the Jade Emperor couldn't sit still. Now there's a good show to watch!"
...
The Heavenly Court's great commotion was within many people's expectations, as the Heavenly Court was most affected by the Human Clan Conferring Gods.
If the Heavenly Court ignored this, its prestige would be completely lost, and there would truly be no need for its existence.
However, the Heavenly Court's reaction was so strong, and it displayed such a grand formation, which exceeded many people's expectations.
With such a grand display, if there was no outcome, it would be very embarrassing!
Facing the current Human Emperor, facing the current Great Shang, is the Heavenly Court really prepared to confront them head-on?
That is the Human Clan, that is the Human Clan with flourishing Luck, shining like a great sun!
Even if the Heavenly Court's strength is far superior to Great Shang, can it really destroy Great Shang?
Under the watchful eyes of all, the Jade Emperor rode the Nine Dragon Chariot, leading countless Heavenly Soldiers and Generals, heading towards Great Shang.
Just then, a vast voice appeared in the heavens and earth, like thunder, grand and immense.
"Today, You proclaim to the heavens and earth, My Great Shang officially confers gods! Within Great Shang's territory, famous mountains, great rivers, major waterways…"
The vast voice shook the heavens and earth, Human Clan Luck gathered, stirring up boundless winds and clouds, vast for a hundred thousand li.
At this moment, countless people showed surprise, their gazes cast towards Chaoge City, as if they saw that Human Emperor.
The Human Clan conferred gods so quickly? And at the critical moment when the Heavenly Court's army was pressing down, coming to demand an explanation?
Hearing King Zhou's vast voice, the momentum of the Heavenly Court army, which had just set out, instantly dissipated, and all eyes converged on the Jade Emperor.
They had come to stop Great Shang from conferring gods, but they didn't expect the Human Clan Conferring Gods to have already begun before they even descended to the Lower Realm.
What was this? This was the greatest provocation to the Heavenly Court. King Zhou simply regarded the Heavenly Court as nothing.
If they couldn't subdue the Human Clan and kill King Zhou, how would they salvage the situation today?
The Jade Emperor Haotian's face was ashen, his immense rage was already difficult to suppress, and his entire body exuded sharp Killing Intent.
A mere Mortal, challenging the Heavenly Court's authority again and again, making him, the Jade Emperor, lose face time and again.
Now, he dared to regard the Heavenly Court as nothing, publicly proclaiming to the heavens and earth, usurping the Heavenly Court's authority to confer Buddhas?
He could not tolerate it, and there was no way to tolerate it!
Today, he, the ruler of the Heavenly Realm, would decide victory or defeat with the ruler of the human world.
"Confer the Five Great Emperors of the Peaks, who will respectively govern Mount Tai, Mount Heng, Mount Song, Mount Hua, and Mount Heng…"
"Confer the Four Great River Lords, who will govern the four major rivers, namely the Yellow River, Yangtze River, Huai River, and Ji River…"
"Confer the Mountain Gods of famous mountains and great rivers…"
"Confer the Water Gods of all major water systems under Heaven…"
"Confer the local Earth Gods and City Gods…"
...
King Zhou's vast voice still resounded through the heavens and earth, and the Human Clan Conferring Gods had officially begun.
Centered in Chaoge, from the Five Great Peaks and Four Major Rivers, to Mountain Gods, Water Gods, Earth Gods, and City Gods, one after another, Buddhas were conferred.
He was building a vast network, a network composed of Buddhas, spread throughout all regions of Great Shang's territory.
Famous mountains, great rivers, and also Earth Gods and City Gods, were like nodes, connecting the entire Great Shang together.
A Buddhas system belonging to the Human Clan, exclusive to Great Shang's territory, was being established at an extremely fast pace.
Within Great Shang's territory, temples appeared one after another. Those were Mountain God temples, those were Water God temples, those were Earth God temples…
Incense shapes golden bodies, and Luck forges authority!
Being conferred as a Buddhas not only allowed them to wield authority over a region but also to enjoy Human Clan Luck, thereby gaining eternal life and immunity from all calamities.
One Buddhas after another was conferred, one node after another was lit up, and the Human Clan Conferring Gods was proceeding at an extremely rapid pace.
Seeing this incredible sight, countless people were stunned, what did they see?
The Human Clan Conferring Gods at this moment was already an astonishing feat, but what shocked countless people even more were the changes brought about by the Human Clan Conferring Gods.
The Human Clan Luck was already incredibly flourishing, shining like a great sun, and now it was still continuously growing.
Every time King Zhou conferred a Buddhas, the Human Clan Luck increased by a portion, making countless people's hearts pound with fear.
A clear dragon roar sounded, and within that hundred thousand li of Human Clan Luck, a Five-Clawed Golden Dragon soared above the Nine Heavens.
Soon, the golden dragon, which originally had only five claws, grew a sixth claw, followed by a seventh claw.
Many people who saw this scene changed their expressions. They all understood that this was the Human Clan Luck continuously growing and undergoing a transformation!
The Human Clan Conferring Gods had such an effect? It could actually make the Human Clan's Luck grow to such a terrifying extent?
Beyond the Thirty-Third Heaven, the Saint Laozi opened his eyes again and saw the Human Clan Luck, vast for a hundred thousand li.
For this tranquil and detached Saint, being awakened twice in a short period was truly too rare.
"The Human Clan Conferring Gods, acting against the heavens, with such a variable, how can the Great Dao exist?"
At this moment, even this Saint, who usually paid no attention to worldly affairs, found it difficult to continue cultivating peacefully.
In Yu Xu Palace on Kunlun Mountain, all the Chan teachings Disciples gathered to listen to the teachings of the Saint Celestial Worthy of the Primordial Beginning.
Just as Celestial Worthy of the Primordial Beginning spoke of "When we should assist the enlightened ruler and confer gods on behalf of Heaven," the Human Clan Conferring Gods began.
Seeing the Human Clan Luck, vast for a hundred thousand li, Celestial Worthy of the Primordial Beginning's subsequent words could no longer be uttered.
Many Chan teachings disciples' faces showed confusion; they didn't understand what was going on.
Wasn't King Zhou without virtue, destined to be the ruler of a fallen kingdom?
Wasn't it said that Zhou should flourish, and their Chan teachings should assist the enlightened ruler, raising an army against Great Shang?
Looking at King Zhou, who was now conferring gods, they truly couldn't understand, was this the King Zhou who was without virtue and incompetent?
Facing this "incompetent and without virtue" King Zhou, was the enlightened ruler they, the Chan teachings, were about to assist, truly capable enough?
"Acting against the heavens leads to death. This is why King Zhou was without virtue and Great Shang perished!" Celestial Worthy of the Primordial Beginning said in a deep voice.
Conferring gods was their Chan teachings' business, and now King Zhou had preempted them?
Even as a Saint, he still somewhat didn't understand how King Zhou could confer gods without the Investiture of Gods Ranking List.
But these things were no longer important. He didn't believe King Zhou could successfully confer gods; everything now was just an illusion.
As for King Zhou, acting so defiantly against the heavens, he had already sown the seeds of disaster, and there was probably no chance of him recovering.
In the Western Land, within the Lingshan Holy Land, the two Saints, Jieyin and Zhunti, looked at each other, their faces filled with sorrow.
"Senior Brother, this King Zhou indeed doesn't play by the rules. Is this a blessing or a curse for our Western Religion?" Saint Zhunti said.
Once the Human Clan Conferring Gods plan was launched, they should have anticipated this scene today, but they didn't expect it to be so exaggerated.
It was merely the Human Clan Conferring Gods, yet it could make the Human Clan Luck grow to such an extent?
Seeing the immensely prosperous Human Clan Luck, a hint of greed couldn't help but surface in his eyes.
If such flourishing Human Clan Luck could be used by their Western Religion, why would the Western Religion ever worry about not prospering?
"Whether it's a blessing or a curse, it's not for us to worry about; we'll just wait and see!" Sage Jieyin said.
Even he felt a sense of trepidation regarding the changes in the Human Clan; the originally clear future had become blurred because of it.
Fortunately, it wasn't their concern, and their Western Religion could remain aloof; after all, they weren't the ones in a hurry.
Amidst the chaos, perhaps their Western Religion, benefiting from the struggle, would become the biggest winner instead.
"If I had known this, I should have gone all the way back then..."
Compared to his Senior Brother, Sage Zhunti was even more wary of King Zhou, always feeling that he would be a huge hidden danger.
But as things stood, he couldn't make another move, and could only bury this trace of worry deep in his heart.
Moreover, on second thought, now both the Chan Sect and the Heavenly Court would probably be much more uncomfortable than he was.
The only ones who would be happy were probably the Jie Sect, but the thought of the Jie Sect made him unable to be happy at all.
The Jie Sect, with its myriad immortals coming to court, coupled with the now flourishing Great Shang, was simply too formidable to look at directly.
Sage Zhunti's thoughts were not wrong at all; at this very moment, Sage Tongtian Cult Master was indeed very happy.
After learning about the Human Clan Conferring Gods plan, he wanted to personally meet that King Zhou to make a decision.
But upon seeing the Human Clan formally conferring gods, and the vast qi Luck stretching for a hundred thousand miles, he suddenly felt that there was no longer any need.
Facts speak louder than words; the current growth in Human Clan Luck already demonstrated the correctness of the Deification Ceremony.
Now it depended on whether that King Zhou could hold on, as many people were unwilling to see the Human Clan Conferring Gods, after all.
If he could endure this wave, the Human Clan Luck would transform, the Great Shang would become immensely prosperous, and their Jie Sect would also benefit.
By then, what reason would he have not to fully support the Great Shang?
However, enduring this wave was not an easy task; how would King Zhou respond?
Beyond the Thirty-Third Heaven, in Wa Huang Palace, Nüwa's face was full of smiles.
As the Human Clan's Holy Mother, she naturally enjoyed the Human Clan Luck; the more prosperous the Human Clan Luck, the more benefits she received.
Now, with the Human Clan Conferring Gods and the soaring qi Luck, taking another step forward, she naturally welcomed it.
But as a Sage, especially one who sought nothing, the amount of qi Luck no longer mattered much to her.
At this moment, her focus was not on the Great Shang, nor on that King Zhou, but on Fire Cloud Cave beyond the Thirty-Third Heaven.
"It should have been a peak followed by decline, but now it's soaring. Is this what You wished to see?" Nüwa murmured to herself.
The Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors of the Human Clan, though not Sages, had the reality of Half-Sages, residing in Fire Cloud Cave, suppressing the Human Clan Luck.
This was both a supreme honor and a responsibility of the Human Ancestors, but also a form of shackles.
With shackles on, how could one be free?
But looking at the Human Clan now, and that King Zhou, breaking the shackles might not be entirely hopeless.
"However, the punishment due to that King Zhou cannot be avoided!" Nüwa said with a light laugh.
All parties were stirring, and the entire world's attention was focused on the Human Clan, on King Zhou.
But at this moment, King Zhou no longer had the energy to bother with these matters; as the Conferring Gods progressed, he was already in a mysterious state.
One deity after another was conferred, and in addition to the continuous growth of Human Clan Luck, the Great Shang was gradually falling under his control.
Mountains, rivers, and regions, like points on a map, were continuously lit up.
The domain path, concentrating the mighty power of all heavens in one's body!
Originally, he only controlled the area near Chaoge City, but now, he was gradually gaining control over the entire Great Shang.
The entire Great Shang transformed into his domain; in a state where Heaven and Earth were in harmony, he was the sole ruler of this world.
Integrating the vigorous energy of plants, drawing the majestic power of mountains and seas, borrowing the brilliant strength of the stars... resonating with all things, omnipresent!
Order intertwined, Laws spread, as if opening up the heavens and earth, where he stood became the Dao.
This was establishing the Dao with one's body; what he established was his own Dao, and also the Dao of the Great Shang, and likewise the Dao of the Human Clan.
Within the Great Shang territory, all was the place where he established the Dao; with such self-established Dao, he would be invincible within the Great Shang!
Chapter 96: May I ask the Immortals and Buddhas in the Heavens, who dares to come to this human world?
The grand Human Clan Conferring Gods had now completely concluded; the first batch of conferred deities had already spread throughout the Great Shang territory.
Some took charge of famous mountains and great rivers, others of major rivers, or became city gods of a region.
A complex and complete divine system had been established within the Great Shang territory, ushering in a new era of development for the Great Shang.
For King Zhou, the Human Clan Conferring Gods not only concerned the future of the Human Clan but also his own Dao.
As the Human Clan Conferring Gods gradually completed, the Foundation for establishing the Dao with his body had been laid, just waiting for him to take that step.
Breaking through was not an easy matter, but as the Human Emperor, he could enjoy the ability of establishing the Dao with his body in advance.
During this Human Clan Conferring Gods, all the deities were conferred by him, their golden bodies molded by Human Clan incense, and their authority forged by Human Clan Luck.
Because of this, as the Human Emperor, those conferred deities were actually all under his control.
Deities held the power of a region, be it famous mountains and great rivers, or major rivers, or the land of a certain place.
In other words, at this moment, every inch of land within the Great Shang territory was actually already under his control.
Transforming the entire Great Shang into his own domain, coupled with the harmony of Heaven and Earth, how powerful would that be?
Putting aside other things, Yuan Hong, who was invincible below the Golden Immortal realm, could now be suppressed by him with a mere flick of his hand.
As for whether he could suppress a Golden Immortal, he hadn't fought one yet, so he actually didn't know if he had that strength now.
However, for him, as the Human Emperor, the growth of strength was secondary; the growth of Human Clan Luck was more crucial.
In the Human Emperor's Spirit Hall, the qi luck torch had already risen by more than half, and the Human Clan Luck was burning fiercely, undergoing a transformation.
The former Five-Clawed Golden Dragon had transformed into an Eight-Clawed Golden Dragon, and this was not yet the end.
A new claw was gradually growing from the belly of the Eight-Clawed Golden Dragon, about to become a Nine-Clawed Golden Dragon.
And above Chaoge City, the Human Clan Luck stretched for a hundred thousand miles, forming a great sun, suspended above the Nine Heavens.
At this moment, no matter who it was, even a Sage, upon seeing such a sight, could not remain unmoved.
All of this indicated that his decision to proceed with the Human Clan Conferring Gods was an extremely correct one.
Even if all the Buddhas opposed it, even if it caused a huge uproar, as long as it benefited the Human Clan, he had to do it.
"King Zhou, You are arrogant and self-important, acting against the heavens, usurping the authority of the Heavenly Court, and offending the heavens; your crime is punishable by death!"
A vast voice resounded through heaven and earth, as if the supreme Buddhas were enraged, delivering judgment.
The next moment, the Heavenly Gate opened wide, and countless Heavenly Court Immortals and Buddhas appeared; behind them was a tide-like army of Heavenly Soldiers and Generals.
For the countless common people of the Great Shang, this day was destined to be recorded in history, a day they would never forget.
When his cold words rang out, clearly reaching the ears of all Human Clan, they instinctively raised their heads.
The moment they looked up, the scene of the opened Heavenly Gate clearly appeared in their eyes.
One deity after another appeared, standing above the Nine Heavens, along with countless Heavenly Soldiers and Generals.
What was happening?
From that cold voice just now, it wasn't hard to tell that the Buddhas were enraged because of the Deification Ceremony!
Countless Human Clan stared blankly, looking at the Buddhas filling the sky; they instinctively wanted to kneel down.
Fear and unease filled the hearts of countless Human Clan; those were Buddhas in front of them!
The King had offended the heavens, the Buddhas were enraged, and were about to punish the King; would they also be blamed by the Buddhas?
"It's over! It must be the King's reckless behavior that angered the Heavenly Buddhas; the Buddhas are going to punish our Great Shang!"
"The King even killed Buddhas before, and now he has offended the heavens; what should we do?"
"So many Buddhas, even if the King is wise and mighty, how can he resist? This is a national disaster!"
...
Seeing the scene above the Nine Heavens at this moment, countless discussions arose within the Great Shang territory, their words filled with worry.
This was an instinctive reaction; since ancient times, Buddhas had been high above, possessing power far exceeding Mortals.
Even though King Zhou had killed Buddhas and made the Buddhas within the Great Shang territory disappear, it was difficult to change this perception in a short time.
Just like now, seeing the Buddhas filling the sky, seeing the seemingly endless Heavenly Soldiers and Generals, ordinary people would only feel despair.
How could Mortals contend with Buddhas?
Even if the King had killed Buddhas, those were only a few Buddhas; how could that compare to the Buddhas filling the sky now?
Even if these Buddhas stood there motionless, one couldn't kill them all, let alone contend with them.
"Hahaha! You stand before the Heavenly Gate today, and I want to see which Buddha dares to come to the human world!"
Just as countless people were in trepidation, as if seeing the end of the world, a vast voice resounded between heaven and earth.
Under the gaze of countless people, a figure leaped up from Chaoge City, stepping onto the Nine Heavens, one step at a time.
Just a single figure, even facing the Heavenly Court's vast army, still appeared so arrogant and domineering.
That figure seemed to become the only one between heaven and earth, with boundless flames burning around him; that was the fire of Luck.
Behind that figure, a great sun appeared; that was the manifestation of Human Clan Luck, resplendent like the great sun.
Beneath that figure's feet was a Nine-Clawed Golden Dragon; that was the manifestation of Human Clan Luck after its transformation.
Though he was only one person, his Aura was not inferior to the Heavenly Court's vast army in the slightest, perhaps even surpassing it.
Seeing this figure, countless people were dumbfounded. Was this King Zhou?
"It is reasonable that Human Clan Luck is so prosperous, but what is going on with King Zhou now?"
"Luck attaching to him, this is something only the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors could achieve. How did King Zhou do it?"
"Incredible! Luck taking form and gathering Human Clan Luck into one person. Now there's a good show to watch!"
...
For some powerful cultivators who had cultivated since ancient times, the Human Emperor gathering Human Clan Luck into one person was already a distant memory.
Since the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, although the Human Emperor had Human Clan Luck protecting him, he could not control Human Clan Luck at all.
To be precise, the Human Emperor was born with Human Clan Luck gathered, but he could only passively defend and could not control this Human Clan Luck.
Otherwise, with the current prosperity of the Human Clan's Luck, under the blessing of Human Clan Luck, the Human Emperor would certainly be a top-tier expert in the world.
Previously, King Zhou suppressing and killing deities with a single imperial decree was already exaggerated enough to show that King Zhou was somewhat different from previous Human Emperors.
However, many powerful cultivators could see that King Zhou's imperial decree could only suppress some ordinary deities.
Moreover, there were many restrictions, which should be aimed at those deities who were already malicious towards the Human Clan.
If one's own strength was strong enough and they had not actively done anything to harm the Human Clan, King Zhou's imperial decree was actually just a display.
But the current situation was completely different; Human Clan Luck had actively taken form, and it had gathered on King Zhou alone.
Under the blessing of Human Clan Luck, King Zhou was already a true Human Emperor, and he had also leaped to become a top-tier expert in the world.
The phrase "Dare I ask which deity in the heavens dares to come to the human world?" was originally just a joke, and no one would take it seriously.
After all, as long as one did not actively harm King Zhou, they would not provoke the backlash of Human Clan Luck. How could King Zhou, a mere Mortal, stop deities from descending?
But now, with King Zhou, who had gathered Human Clan Luck into one person, standing before the Heavenly Gate, would any deity dare to descend?
Especially the fiercely burning fire of Human Clan Luck, spreading for a hundred thousand miles, looked so terrifying.
No one would doubt that even a Golden Immortal, if tainted by this fire of Luck, would likely face the risk of death and the dissipation of their Dao.
At this moment, the gazes of many powerful cultivators could not help but converge on the Jade Emperor Haotian.
Facing such a King Zhou, what should the Jade Emperor do? Could he still confront King Zhou head-on?
If he did not confront him head-on, wouldn't the Heavenly Court's grand display become a joke?
"Damn it! How could King Zhou be like this? How did he do it? Is it because of Human Clan Conferring Gods?"
At this time, the Jade Emperor Haotian's face was ashen, and countless thoughts flashed through his mind, but he still had no good solution.
Human Clan Conferring Gods, this matter had already touched the Heavenly Court's bottom line, and he had no choice but to act and display such a grand formation.
As the Lord of the Heavenly Court, he had to uphold the Heavenly Court's dignity and defend its authority.
But he also knew very well that the Human Clan Luck was prosperous now, and King Zhou's destiny was not exhausted, with Human Clan Luck protecting him.
Let alone him, even if a Saint personally acted, it would be impossible to kill King Zhou.
Therefore, although he had to come this time, he had never intended to kill King Zhou.
In his original plan, the Heavenly Court came with great momentum this time to enumerate King Zhou's crimes in front of all the Human Clan.
With deities pressing down from the heavens, even if King Zhou was not killed, it could still make the Human Clan within Great Shang feel uneasy.
In this way, his goal would be achieved, and King Zhou, having lost the hearts of the people, would be nothing to worry about.
At that time, the Human Clan Conferring Gods plan would be a joke. Even if King Zhou wanted to confer gods, would anyone dare to accept King Zhou's conferment?
He never expected it! Before he even led the Heavenly Court army to descend, King Zhou pulled this stunt on him!
Alone, facing the myriad deities and the endless Heavenly Soldiers and Generals, he stood before the Heavenly Gate.
Shouting "Dare I ask which deity dares to come to the human world?" he was arrogant to the extreme.
But looking at the Human Clan Luck, resplendent like the great sun, he dared not take half a step out of the Heavenly Gate.
As the Jade Emperor, he was already the strongest in the Heavenly Court. If he was like this, the other Heavenly Court deities were even worse.
But if he dared not take half a step out of the Heavenly Gate, what would this scene become in the eyes of those Mortals?
Wouldn't it be that King Zhou alone made the Heavenly Court deities dare not cross the line, that one person could block a million deities?
He didn't even need to think; if this scene truly happened, King Zhou would immediately gain unimaginable prestige within Great Shang.
He had said he would deter the Human Clan, make King Zhou lose popular support, and turn Human Clan Conferring Gods into a joke. Was this the result now?
In the end, King Zhou didn't become a joke; instead, he became one?
Under the watchful eyes of all, the Jade Emperor Haotian's expression had become extremely unsightly, yet he couldn't utter a single word.
What could he say? Could he say that he indeed dared not take half a step out of the Heavenly Gate, and now he was going to lead the Heavenly Court army back to the Heavenly Court in disgrace?
At this moment, quite a few people knew how embarrassed the Jade Emperor was, especially the Chan Cult Twelve Golden Immortals, who felt it deeply.
After all, just now, they were still listening to Celestial Worthy of the Primordial Beginning's teachings, thinking about how to deal with King Zhou.
Fortunately! Their Chan Cult hadn't had time to act yet, and the Heavenly Court acted first!
Otherwise, it wouldn't be the Heavenly Court in such an awkward situation, but their Chan Cult.
Such Human Clan Luck, such a King Zhou, made their scalps tingle, and they didn't know how to deal with him.
Even Yun Zhongzi, who was extremely wary of King Zhou, now looked dumbfounded.
Although he was wary of King Zhou, he had never imagined that King Zhou could achieve such an exaggerated degree.
It was terrifying to think about! If they had faced such a King Zhou in the North Sea, what would they have done?
Just thinking about it made him shiver; if King Zhou had been willing, they would probably already be dead men.
Unconsciously, all the Chan Cult Disciples' gazes converged on Saint Celestial Worthy of the Primordial Beginning.
They were already at their wits' end; the only hope left to deal with King Zhou was probably the Saint!
The current King Zhou, gathering Human Clan Luck and even allowing Luck to take form, was terrifying to the extreme.
But a Saint was a Saint; that was an omnipotent existence, and he would definitely have a way to deal with King Zhou.
Saint Celestial Worthy of the Primordial Beginning was expressionless, as if he didn't care about King Zhou's power, but only he knew how shocked he was at this moment.
Seeing the current King Zhou, many people couldn't help but recall the former Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors; they too had Human Clan Luck attached to them.
Otherwise, the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors would not have been able to ascend to Fire Cloud Cave after their merits were complete, possessing the reality of a Half-Saint.
But he knew that even the former Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, when Luck was attached to them, were not this exaggerated.
It wasn't that the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors were inferior to King Zhou, but that the Human Clan's Luck now was actually much more prosperous than during the time of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors.
As a Saint, although he was not afraid of King Zhou, it was impossible for him to personally act against King Zhou.
"Following the will of Heaven and responding to the people, the matters of the Human Clan must ultimately be resolved by the Human Clan themselves!" Celestial Worthy of the Primordial Beginning said.
There was no other way; at this moment, King Zhou's momentum was already established, like Human Clan Luck, at its zenith.
Even if a Saint acted, they could not do anything to King Zhou, but this did not mean that King Zhou was truly invincible.
King Zhou was ultimately just a Mortal; Human Clan Luck was not omnipotent. It could prevent Saints from acting, but it could not deal with the Human Clan.
Hearing the Saint speak, the Chan Cult Disciples all breathed a sigh of relief. The pressure King Zhou put on them was too great.
They simply didn't know how to respond, but now that the Saint had spoken, they suddenly felt as if they had a backbone.
After a moment of careful thought, the Chan Cult Twelve Golden Immortals were the first to react, their eyes lighting up. They had already understood their Master's meaning.
On the other side, King Zhou stood above the Nine Heavens, stepping on the Nine-Clawed Golden Dragon, facing the myriad immortals and deities alone, yet making them silent as ice!
"What? Did You not say that You deserve to be punished? Such a vast Heavenly Court, yet no immortal or deity dares to descend?"
A domineering and arrogant voice resounded between heaven and earth, echoing in the ears of countless people.
At this moment, the Human Emperor stood with his blade drawn, alone before the Heavenly Gate, daring to ask the immortals and deities in the heavens, who dared to come to this human world!
Chapter 97: Jade Emperor, Do You Dare to Fight?
"Your Majesty, it is not advisable to contend by force at this time; we need to deliberate further!" Taibai Jinxing said, bracing himself.
He didn't even need to look at the Jade Emperor's face; he knew that the Jade Emperor's anger at this moment must already be capable of burning the heavens and boiling the seas.
But he could only brace himself and come out to persuade at this time. It wasn't that he was afraid the Jade Emperor would act rashly and lead the Heavenly Court army out of the Heavenly Gate.
The Jade Emperor was, after all, the Lord of the Heavenly Court; no matter how angry he was, he could not completely lose his reason.
But as a trusted minister of the Jade Emperor, he had to step forward at this moment to give the Jade Emperor a way out.
"Hmph! As the Lord of the Heavenly Court, must I fear a mere Mortal?" the Jade Emperor Haotian said angrily
Seeing the Human Clan Luck that swept for 100,000 miles, he already had thoughts of retreating, but the necessary posture still had to be maintained.
Otherwise, if he were to return to court without a word, wouldn't he become the biggest joke in the world?
There had to be an explanation; it wasn't that he was afraid of King Zhou, but that there were extenuating circumstances, and he had no choice but to do so.
At this moment, the importance of Taibai Jinxing became apparent; this confidant always knew his intentions.
"Your Majesty, Heaven has the virtue of cherishing life. This is King Zhou alone acting against Heaven, and the Human Clan is innocent!" Taibai Jinxing said.
He was able to become the head of the Heavenly Court's civil officials and be regarded as a trusted minister by the Jade Emperor, Haotian, for a reason.
At such a critical moment, he actually managed to come up with an excuse that was barely acceptable.
The Human Clan Conferring Gods was entirely King Zhou's unilateral, Heaven-Defying act, unrelated to the Human Clan, so the Human Clan was naturally innocent.
Although the Heavenly Court's army was pressing down to punish King Zhou, it would not be good if ordinary Mortals were harmed.
"Love of the Court, your words are reasonable. As the Jade Emperor, You naturally cherish all living beings, and this matter indeed requires careful consideration!" The Jade Emperor, Haotian, nodded and said.
It wasn't that he was afraid of King Zhou; it was just that he didn't want his anger to affect the Human Clan, which was why he extinguished his thunderous wrath.
As for how to punish King Zhou, this matter could be discussed at length and was not urgent.
"Jade Emperor, didn't You say You had sinned against Heaven? You are standing right here, what can the Heavenly Court do to You?" King Zhou said loudly.
The Jade Emperor's hesitation and the Heavenly Court army's apprehension, he knew perfectly well without having to guess.
Seizing the advantage and being unrelenting, at this moment, he naturally had to push his Luck.
When the Heavenly Court army appeared, the entire Great Shang was in turmoil, and countless people felt it was a catastrophe.
Although he had personally slain gods and changed the Human Clan's perception of them, it now seemed that this was far from enough.
Some deeply ingrained concepts must be shattered by ironclad facts, just like now.
He stood alone before the Heavenly Gate, preventing the million-strong Heavenly Court army from advancing even a step; this was an ironclad fact.
What about the Heavenly Court? What about the Jade Emperor? What about the million-strong divine army?
The original catastrophe turning into its current state was already enough to shake countless people's deeply ingrained perceptions.
But this was clearly not enough; he wanted to tell all the people of Great Shang that the million-strong divine army was merely for show, and the Heavenly Court was nothing to fear.
After this battle, it would be very, very difficult for the Human Clan to have any reverence for gods again.
"King Zhou! You pity the Human Clan and are unwilling to wantonly kill. Do You truly think You are afraid of You?" The Jade Emperor, Haotian, said angrily.
He was truly enraged. As he spoke, his voice was like thunder, and boundless anomalies appeared above the Nine Heavens.
Electricity was born in the void, dark clouds gathered above the Nine Heavens, rolling up boundless thunder, as if it were the wrath of a supreme deity.
Facing the aggressive King Zhou, he wished he could step out of the Heavenly Gate right now and tear King Zhou to pieces.
"It's not that You won't give You a chance. If You aren't afraid, do You dare to fight You?"
King Zhou's solitary figure stood proudly before the Heavenly Gate, his voice shaking the Nine Heavens, and his domineering words resounded throughout the entire world.
For him, knowing when to stop was a joke; today, he was going to press his advantage relentlessly.
How could he rally the people and make the Human Clan rise if he didn't ruthlessly trample the Heavenly Court and the Jade Emperor underfoot?
The Jade Emperor, Haotian's, expression was extremely grim. A mere Mortal, alone, actually wanted to fight him?
Why? What right did King Zhou have to fight him one-on-one?
One was a giant dragon soaring above the Nine Heavens, and the other was an ant crawling on the ground; there was no comparison between the two at all.
But at this moment, under the gaze of countless people, how could he lower his proud head?
"If You want to fight, then fight. You will let You know that Human Clan Luck is not omnipotent!" The Jade Emperor, Haotian, said in a deep voice.
He had to fight; this not only concerned the Heavenly Court's dignity but also his own face as the Jade Emperor.
If he chickened out at this moment, then after today, he would completely become the biggest joke in the world.
Under the gaze of all, the Jade Emperor, Haotian, rode his nine-dragon chariot, also alone, and stepped out of the Heavenly Gate.
No one expected today's events to escalate to such an extent; the Human Emperor and the Jade Emperor were going to have a direct confrontation?
"How dare the Jade Emperor? With such vast Human Clan Luck, he's not afraid?" Taiyi Zhenren said, utterly shocked.
Seeing the Human Clan Luck, as dazzling as the great sun, even their Chan Cult Twelve Golden Immortals dared not look directly at it, yet the Jade Emperor, Haotian, was going to fight King Zhou?
The Jade Emperor, Haotian, was indeed a top-tier powerhouse in the world, but how could he compare to King Zhou at this moment?
Furthermore, even if the Jade Emperor, Haotian, was truly powerful, with Human Clan Luck protecting King Zhou, the Jade Emperor couldn't harm King Zhou in the slightest.
"The Jade Emperor has no choice but to act. If he doesn't fight now, the Heavenly Court will never be able to raise its head in front of the Human Clan!" Guang Chengzi said.
This battle no longer concerned only the Heavenly Court's face but also the future trend of the world.
If the Jade Emperor dared not accept the challenge, all Human Clan would see the Heavenly Court and the Jade Emperor's weakness, so how could they still have reverence?
If they lost their reverence, how could the Heavenly Court suppress the Human Clan and make countless Mortals offer sacrifices to the Heavenly Court in the future?
"Human Clan Luck is not omnipotent. As the Lord of the Heavenly Court, wielding the authority of the Heavenly Dao, Haotian also has the blessing of Luck!" Sage Celestial Worthy of the Primordial Beginning said.
Even he was extremely wary of the current King Zhou, and the Jade Emperor, Haotian, naturally couldn't remain indifferent.
But wariness was wariness; it didn't mean that the Jade Emperor, Haotian, truly had no way to deal with King Zhou.
The Heavenly Court has existed since ancient times, established by the Heavenly Dao, and as the Lord of the Heavenly Court, the Jade Emperor naturally has boundless Luck bestowed upon him.
This was the same as the Human Emperor; the difference was that the Human Emperor gathered Human Clan Luck, while the Jade Emperor gathered Heavenly Court Luck.
Currently, Human Clan Luck was extremely prosperous, and the Human Emperor, blessed by Luck, made even Sages wary.
The Heavenly Court's prestige was not prominent, and its Luck was not very strong, but after all, it was established by the will of the Heavenly Dao and should not be underestimated.
In terms of Luck, the Jade Emperor, Haotian, could not compare to King Zhou, but the Jade Emperor, Haotian, was not just the Lord of the Heavenly Court.
The Jade Emperor, Haotian, had cultivated for many years and was a mighty figure from ancient times, already possessing the cultivation of a Quasi-Sage.
And King Zhou? He was just a Mortal!
In the battle between the two, it wasn't certain that King Zhou would have an absolute advantage.
On the contrary, the Jade Emperor, Haotian, was likely to have the advantage, but it would be difficult to harm King Zhou, who was protected by Human Clan Luck.
It wasn't just Sage Celestial Worthy of the Primordial Beginning who saw this; the other Sages also knew this.
"Haotian is decisive. After the Conferring Gods, the Heavenly Court will flourish; it truly makes sense!" Sage Jieyin said.
"This is also a good thing. King Zhou is arrogant and should indeed be suppressed!" Sage Zhunti said.
This time, the vast Human Clan Luck and the domineering King Zhou made even these Sages feel some apprehension.
Since they themselves could not act, they naturally hoped that someone could step forward at this time to suppress King Zhou's arrogance.
The Jade Emperor, Haotian, was undoubtedly the most suitable candidate, and the possibility of suppressing King Zhou was not small.
"King Zhou is a bit reckless, but such a style of action is truly the demeanor of our generation!" Sage Tongtian Jiaozhu said.
Completing the Human Clan Conferring Gods, making Human Clan Luck vast for 100,000 miles, and forcing the Heavenly Court army to not dare step out of the Heavenly Gate.
To achieve such a degree, King Zhou was already astonishing enough to amaze the world; there was really no need to add this last unnecessary touch.
But precisely because of this, he appreciated King Zhou even more, because King Zhou really suited his taste.
Why bother with so many gains and losses? It's simply that I don't like You, so I'm going to directly confront You to the end.
Pressing the advantage relentlessly, either don't do it, or finish it in one go; this is what he appreciated about King Zhou.
But since he chose to do so, he had to bear the corresponding pressure; the Jade Emperor, Haotian, was not easy to deal with.
If he lost, everything he had done before would not only be in vain, but he himself would also become a laughingstock.
Of course, if he could withstand this wave, Great Shang would no longer be the former Great Shang, and King Zhou would no longer be the former King Zhou.
Above the Nine Heavens, two figures stood tall: one was the Lord of the Heavenly Court, the Xuanqiong Gaoshang Jade Emperor, who ruled the world.
The other was the King of Great Shang, the Human Emperor, who had just completed the Human Clan Conferring Gods, making Human Clan Luck vast for 100,000 miles.
Their confrontation naturally became a major event watched by the entire world!
The confrontation between the Emperor and the King was not just a struggle between the two, but also a struggle between the Heavenly Court and the Human Clan.
And such a scene, in the eyes of countless people of Great Shang, was undoubtedly an extremely impactful one.
"Is that the Great King? Standing alone before the Heavenly Gate, preventing countless gods from descending? And now he's going to fight the Lord of the Heavenly Court?"
"It is said that the Lord of the Heavenly Court is the Emperor of all gods, the supreme ruler of the Heavenly Court, with boundless magic power and omnipotence!"
"The Great King is actually so powerful? He can even fight a supreme deity, how is this possible?"
...
When countless immortals and gods appeared, the countless people of Great Shang were in despair. They all felt it was a catastrophe and were filled with fear.
Just as they were uneasy, the Great King actually stood alone before the Heavenly Gate, preventing the myriad gods from descending.
What an incredible scene was this? It left countless people of Great Shang dumbfounded!
Many people felt that the objects of their reverence, the high and mighty gods, no longer seemed so terrifying!
Besides the change in their perception of gods, there was even more worship for the Great King.
That was a boundless army of gods! And it was stopped by the Great King alone?