Chapter Thirty-Three: The Gourd Vine

Divine Clan? Demon Clan?

Many were puzzled, unsure why Li Tian had chosen such a division. Yet, when they heard that those who had attained innate Dao bodies through transformation would be considered part of the Divine Clan, a wave of secret joy swept through them, filling their hearts with pride.

Are we part of the Divine Clan?

Li Tian watched their reactions closely, and, seeing events unfold as he had hoped, a smile crept onto his face.

The great endeavor can truly succeed!

The grand ceremony to honor the heavens concluded perfectly, and the guests gradually dispersed. This ritual held by the Celestial Court had left a profound impact, and its strength inspired awe in all who attended.

“Congratulations, fellow Daoist, on the completion of your heavenly ceremony. I must not linger and shall take my leave.” Houtu bid farewell to Li Tian.

The ceremony had shaken her deeply, particularly the immense merit obtained afterward. Houtu wondered if the Wu Clan could acquire such merit by holding a similar rite.

Hearing her voice, Li Tian turned to Houtu. As a deity celebrated in generations to come, her appearance was undoubtedly exquisite, and her unique aura invited closeness.

Truthfully, Li Tian had not expected the Wu Clan to attend, but learning that Houtu herself had come set his mind at ease. One who would later sacrifice herself without hesitation to embody reincarnation was undoubtedly worthy of respect.

“Houtu, would you not stay in the Celestial Court a few more days? It would deepen the exchange between us and the Wu Clan,” Li Tian said. Of course, his real intention was to have a more profound conversation with Houtu.

Yet, before he could voice his invitation, a faint sense of foreboding struck him. Turning back, Li Tian’s heart skipped a beat.

He nearly forgot that Nuwa was still present…

Quickly, Li Tian brought Fuxi forward, and addressed Houtu, “Perhaps Fuxi could accompany you and show you around?”

“Houtu,” Fuxi greeted her with a gentle gesture, refined and courteous.

“In that case… it would be impolite to refuse,” Houtu hesitated briefly, then nodded.

Seeing Fuxi and Houtu depart together upon a cloud, Li Tian breathed a sigh of relief—his nimbleness had paid off. Yet, watching their backs, he couldn’t help but find their pairing somewhat curious. Are sparks flying between these two?

Fuxi and Houtu? They might make a fine pair.

Li Tian had harbored thoughts of Houtu, but now those feelings faded, replaced by a desire to match Fuxi and Houtu together.

But such things must be left to fate; there was little he could do, except create opportunities, as he had just done.

Thinking of how Fuxi once helped him and Nuwa find chances to be together, Li Tian smiled. Truly, fortune turns like the wheel.

“Tian Brother…” Nuwa came up behind Li Tian, wrapping her arm around his. Her cheeks were flushed, for she thought she’d misunderstood him, and now felt quietly apologetic.

Li Tian smiled, pleased to see Nuwa’s girlish expression once more.

“Three junior brothers, are you well?”

Spotting the silhouettes of the Three Purities in the distance, Li Tian walked over with Nuwa, greeting them with a smile.

Calling them junior brothers felt truly delightful!

“Supreme Heavenly Senior Brother, Sister Nuwa,” Laozi glanced at the pair, his expression calm as he returned the greeting.

Yuan Shi said nothing, mimicking Laozi’s composed demeanor.

“Supreme Heavenly Senior Brother, it’s been a long time. Sister Nuwa remains as charming as ever,” Tongtian smiled.

His temperament was open and forthright, and his good relations with Li Tian meant he did not feel awkward like Yuan Shi.

“Tongtian Senior Brother.” Nuwa’s cheeks reddened; she held Li Tian’s arm and nodded toward Tongtian.

Li Tian chatted amiably with Tongtian, inviting him to tour the Celestial Court. Tongtian, mindful of his two elder brothers’ feelings, politely declined.

Li Tian then mingled with Kunpeng, Burning Lantern, Hongyun, Minghe, and others of strong lineage among the three thousand guests of Purple Heaven Palace.

He had hoped to recruit Kunpeng, the demon master from the history of the Great Wilderness, but Kunpeng declined. Remembering certain tales where Kunpeng was forcibly drawn into the demon clan by Taiyi and Dijun, Li Tian abandoned the thought.

Lastly, he saw Zhun Ti, intending to ignore him, but was shamelessly approached. Left with no choice, Li Tian exchanged pleasantries, not wishing to break ties with the Western Teachings just yet.

Confronted with Li Tian’s clear distance, Zhun Ti’s face darkened, though he still hoped to use Li Tian to promote his Western doctrine.

Of course, his hopes would be dashed; Li Tian would not oppose the West, but neither would he aid it.

After sending off all the guests, Li Tian and Nuwa returned to the Palace of Myriad Realms. Just then, a surge of spiritual power erupted from the direction of Buzhou Mountain.

Has a treasured artifact emerged?

Exchanging a glance, Li Tian and Nuwa left the Celestial Court, flying toward the source of the energy. Arriving at a secluded valley, they found over a dozen figures ahead—Three Purities, Hongyun, Zhenyuanzi, Kunpeng, Minghe, and others.

“Fellow Daoists,” Li Tian greeted them with a respectful bow, then looked toward the valley’s center.

A long vine of purple-gold, bearing seven gourds of different colors—none other than the Gourd Vine, one of the ten great innate spiritual roots.

Is the emergence of treasures governed by fate? Why did it not appear earlier or later, but precisely today?

Li Tian pondered this, for had the Gourd Vine appeared a little sooner or later, he could have claimed it for himself, rather than sharing it with so many.

“Everyone, please hear me,” Li Tian said.

At this moment, all eyes were fixed on the seven gourds, clearly prepared to snatch them the moment they ripened.

“What do you wish to say, fellow Daoist?” Hongyun asked in puzzlement.

Li Tian replied, “There are only seven gourds, but more than ten of us. Surely there will be a scramble, and since we all attended the Dao lectures in Purple Heaven Palace, it would be unfortunate to damage our harmony.”

“What do you propose?” Minghe looked over and asked.

Li Tian smiled, “Nuwa and I, as well as the Three Purities, are closely tied to this treasure—each of us should receive a gourd.”

The faces of the others darkened. Five gourds allotted in one stroke, leaving them with even less chance.

After all, these gourds could be refined into superb innate spiritual treasures. Though not among the ten supreme treasures, they were rare and precious. How could they willingly give up?

Still, none dared object; both Li Tian and the Three Purities were not to be offended.

Li Tian was satisfied with their attitude. Seeing the Three Purities quietly acquiesce, he turned to Zhenyuanzi.

“Fellow Daoist, would you resolve the karma between us?”

Zhenyuanzi was stunned, then understood and rejoiced, “I am willing!”

“Good,” Li Tian nodded, “then you may also receive one.”

He would have liked more gourds for himself, but that would breed resentment among the Three Purities, so he chose seven people. Better to give one to Zhenyuanzi, resolving the past karma.

Zhenyuanzi was overjoyed; facing the all-powerful Li Tian, he felt no desire for revenge. Li Tian trading an excellent innate treasure for their karma suited him perfectly.

“As for the last gourd…”

Li Tian looked toward Kunpeng, Minghe, Hongyun, and the others, about to choose among them.

…