The Sims: I Open the Immortal Path for All Beings - Chapter 2030: 1976–1977: Pride Is the Original Sin

Chapter 2030: Chapter 1976–1977: Pride Is the Original Sin

“Master, what should we do next?” True Monarch Xuanlingzi asked Taoist Monarch Xuantian.

Based on the various information, clues, and deductions they had gathered, it was already certain that the Human Race Five Emperors harbored ulterior motives and began interactions with the Taoist School’s Taoist Monarchs, showing signs of alliance.

This was not an ideal situation for the Xuantian Sect, as it meant losing the initiative and becoming passive in the unfolding events.

Having a rare commodity allows one to set high demands, even if they did not genuinely intend to support the Human Race Five Emperors and only used it as a bargaining chip with the Taoist School or even the Heavenly Court.

However, this bargaining chip must remain under their control to be their true trump card, their secret weapon.

Now, that predetermined bargaining chip grew legs, wanting to escape on its own, especially when others outside had already opened their arms, waiting to embrace it. Such treacherous behavior is detrimental to the interests of the Xuantian Sect.

One must recognize that with the Human Race Five Emperors in hand, the Master could use this banner to gather a few Taoist Monarchs in cooperation, having common interests and goals.

The betrayal of the Human Race Five Emperors would cause their cooperation to lose its foundation, causing their so-called alliance to collapse instantly, which would result in significant harm to the Xuantian Sect.

“What do you think should be done?” Taoist Monarch Xuantian questioned in return.

He wanted to see what his disciple thought about the situation.

The current situation was indeed a troublesome problem for the Xuantian Sect, but not without solutions.

True Monarch Xuanlingzi pondered for a moment and said softly, “Disciple believes we should take this opportunity to join them and strive to cooperate with the Taoist School.”

The decision made by True Monarch Xuanlingzi was coincidentally in agreement with Yu Zhenzi’s previous stance. Even when faced with the betrayal of the Human Race Five Emperors and having the foundation undermined by a few Taoist Monarchs from the Taoist School, True Monarch Xuanlingzi’s first thought wasn’t to overturn the table but to join the alliance.

This was a mature decision. While a matter of reputation is important, some things can be temporarily put aside when compared with substantial benefits.

“Oh? Continue, why do you think we should do this?” Taoist Monarch Xuantian neither agreed nor disagreed with Xuanlingzi’s choice, only asking him to elaborate on the reasoning behind his decision.

True Monarch Xuanlingzi said, “The current situation is volatile, with various forces harboring their plans, and this factional division is incredibly chaotic. With the current strength of the Xuantian Sect, it is possible to remain untouched, but if we wish to gain more benefits, it becomes a bit of a challenge.”

After a pause, Xuanlingzi expressed his sincere thoughts: “Indeed, Master initially united support from a few Taoist Monarchs using the banner of the Human Race Five Emperors, but such power is insufficient to establish dominance. Even if the Taoist School does not block us, facing the Jade Emperor and other Imperial Honors alone, we lack absolute certainty.”

Xuanlingzi subtly indicated his skepticism toward Taoist Monarch Xuantian’s previous plans, or rather the realization that the original plan had already failed given the current situation.

Not to mention that the Human Race Five Emperors now harbor their own thoughts and are unwilling to be mere pawns in the hands of Taoist Monarch Xuantian. For the Human Race Five Emperors, even being pawns requires finding a stronger backer, and compared to the Taoist School, Taoist Monarch Xuantian falls short, even with a few Taoist Monarchs siding with him.

Even if there were no clandestine dealings between the Human Race Five Emperors and a few Taoist Monarchs from the Taoist School, the prospects of Taoist Monarch Xuantian leading a few Taoist Monarchs to contend with the Taoist School and the Jade Emperor for the position of the Emperor of Heaven would remain bleak.

The Taoist School’s strength needs no elaboration. Not to mention Taoist Monarchs like Lord Divine Skill Miaoji, but simply Taoist Monarch Longevity, Ancestor Celestial Master, and Mystic Capital Taoist Monarch are no easy opponents themselves.

Moreover, considering the current Heavenly Court dynamics, with the Da Xue Country Lord and True Martial Emperor having achieved Taoist Monarch status, the number of Taoist Monarchs in the Heavenly Court is not small.

Besides Imperial Honors Houtu, who is sympathetic to the Witch Deity Teaching and may remain neutral, each of the other Four Imperial Monarchs commands formidable power and strong followers.

Now, the Great Emperor Ziwei aligns with Da Xue Country Lord, and the Jade Emperor aligns with the True Martial Emperor, resulting in four strong Taoist Monarchs, each a formidable force, even at the risk of displeasing the Fire Virtue Star Lord or the Witch Deity Teaching.

However, due to the existence of the Human Race Five Emperors, supporters within the Witch Deity Teaching are unlikely to back us, and it’s considered fortunate if they do not cause trouble or hinder us.

Moreover, Emperor Wenchang within the Heavenly Court is a staunch supporter of the Jade Emperor and will not easily abandon his support for the Emperor.

Furthermore, since both the Jade Emperor and Great Emperor Ziwei can win over Da Xue Country Lord and True Martial Emperor, suggesting the Great Emperor Qinghua and Emperor Gouchen cannot secure support from a Taoist Monarch is absurd.

Even the reclusive Sword Emperor has friends like Jade Sun Dao Lord, so while the Great Emperor Qinghua and Emperor Gouchen may not attract many Taoist Monarchs, each acquiring the support of one Taoist Monarch represents immense strength.

Even though there might be conflicts and tension among the interests of these Four Imperials, in the face of challengers like the Human Race Five Emperors, they are utterly united, with no chance of division.

Observing that Master Xuantian was not displeased by his bold remarks, True Monarch Xuanlingzi continued, “Currently, the betrayal by the Human Race Five Emperors is indeed despicable, but considering the broader picture, we should exhibit patience. After all, this cooperation is merely temporary. When the situation changes, and should the other party ascend to the Emperor of Heaven position, their cooperation will inevitably end and by then, we can completely seek retribution!”