"What is the Celestial Official System?" asked Li Tianwang, stepping forward.
"This," Haotian replied, "is a system my court, together with numerous great immortals, devised to suit the Lingxiao Immortal Court. Since it has been proposed, it is only proper to explain it clearly to all of you." He then nodded to Taibai Jinxing beside him and signaled, "Taibai Jinxing, please explain the new Celestial Official System to the assembly."
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
A figure radiating immortal poise, with a golden star mark on his forehead, stepped forward—none other than the venerable Li Chang Geng, not Taibai Jinxing's usual supporters, yet embodying the aura of a true celestial master.
Li Chang Geng opened a jade register and began:
"The Celestial Official System consists of nine ranks of celestial gods. Across the Central Heaven Province, we establish local deities—land gods, mountain gods, river lords, city gods, day-roaming gods, night-roaming gods, and the Four Duty Officials. Stellar deities patrol the heavens. Wherever the Lingxiao Court's jurisdiction reaches, there shall be corresponding divine rulers. Legal domains are established, celestial soldiers assigned, all ranked accordingly."
"Villages and towns are assigned land gods; wilderness and mountains receive mountain gods; rivers and streams, river lords; cities, city gods. Day-roaming and night-roaming gods patrol continuously. The Four Duty Officials record merits. Each divine post is also an official rank, divided into nine grades: a village land god is ninth rank, a town land god is eighth, ordinary streams are ninth-rank river lords, and major rivers increase accordingly."
"Mountain and land gods command troops to protect their domains. Ninth-rank land gods may control three thousand celestial soldiers, eighth rank thirty thousand, seventh rank one hundred thousand, sixth rank five hundred thousand, fifth rank one million."
"Those commanding troops bear the responsibility of guarding their lands. No immortal of the Court may defy a direct command. All shall jointly resist Eternal Night and suppress Demon Abysses."
Taibai Jinxing swiftly detailed the new administrative system of the Lingxiao Immortal Court.
The overall change was not drastic—it remained fundamentally the same system, but now granted the local deities actual military authority. Previously, these gods had limited control over troops; at most, they commanded spectral soldiers whose power could not compare to celestial soldiers. By giving them command of real troops, the Court now firmly controlled all regions.
With military authority, these local gods wielded immense influence—a form of un-crowned sovereignty. Even without direct intervention, their control over territories was absolute. In a world governed by the strong, any power within their domains would be compelled to obey—or face death.
Thus, the Lingxiao Court's control over the Central Heaven Province could instantly reach its peak, provided sufficient celestial troops were available. It also allowed them to dominate countless beings, harnessing their faith and devotion as a valuable source of cultivation energy. The benefits were innumerable.
Yi Tianxing observed quietly, reflecting:
"The system is simple, yet the real brilliance lies not in the method but in Haotian's patience. While enduring, he steadily amasses his own forces—the celestial soldiers are his loyal base. With his accumulated strength, he could already control the Lingxiao Court, yet he waits for the right opportunity. And that opportunity is the Dan Scroll Iron Edict."
The Iron Edict's allure was irresistible. Everyone understood Haotian's intent: the Edict was a bait. Anyone opposing him now would forfeit their chance at the Edict. Compliance guaranteed continued status; defiance, withdrawal and disgrace.
This balance of interest and risk kept all immortals quietly observing Haotian's actions.
Even the Saints showed no expression—nothing could disturb Haotian's control. The Iron Edict represented the hope of transcending to the Ultimate Dao; no one could block a seeker's path without grave consequences.
The Three Pure Ones observed coldly, their gaze marking Haotian carefully.
"Thank you, Haotian, for the generous hospitality. With the Demon Abyss emerging, I have matters to attend to. The banquet ends here," said the Tongtian Jiaozhu, rising calmly. He looked at the disciples of the Jie Sect and smiled:
"The opportunity to transcend is to be seized, but never forget your fellow disciples. If one path is blocked, seek another. The Jie Sect will always be your home."
With that, he vanished. Soon after, Laozi, Yuanshi, and other Saints departed as well.
This Peach Banquet had not been mere indulgence—it was a stage for strategy and foresight.
"Haotian Daoist, this banquet has truly opened my eyes. The peaches are exquisite, though our own Da Yi will hold its Peach Banquet on the fifteenth of the third month, discussing the Heavenly Slaughter Plan. I hope you can attend," Yi Tianxing said calmly.
"Of course," Haotian replied without hesitation, smiling.
With a roar, the nine dragons pulled the imperial chariot into the sky. Lingxiao remained lively and bustling.
On the chariot, Cai Yan glanced back at the Lingxiao Court. "The Court Master is extraordinary. To act now, risking internal turmoil, and at the same time, coinciding with the appearance of the Demon Abysses… the timing is almost suspicious."
Her tone carried a hint of doubt.
Without the Abysses, the banquet would have proceeded smoothly. But their sudden emergence allowed Haotian to implement his reforms, placing celestial soldiers across the Central Heaven Province. The previously scattered Court was unified instantly, reborn and strengthened.
Though simple, the maneuver achieved its purpose.
Yi Tianxing reflected:
"The reforms are minor compared to our Da Yi system, which is people-centered. Lingxiao prioritizes immortals. Yet by forming the Iron Edict, Haotian has perfectly balanced sacrifice and gain. The Lingxiao Court will now become the focus of countless great powers. The Abysses further consolidate internal unity—interests aligned, all forces unified. Whether this was planned or fortuitous, his strategy has succeeded. His patience is remarkable."
Yi Tianxing refrained from commenting on internal affairs, focusing instead on a pressing concern:
"The Demon Abyss in the Central Heaven Province… why has the spread of demonic energy accelerated so suddenly? Normally, there would be signs. Perhaps the Eternal Night's forces within my Eternal World are manipulating the Abysses, hastening their emergence."
If true, it meant Eternal forces had already seized the initiative. Once war began, our side would be at a severe disadvantage—a troubling prospect.
Moreover, if sabotage is at play, Da Yi itself might face Abysses prematurely, within its own borders. The location cannot be predicted; if one appears inside or around the immortal city, the devastation would be catastrophic.
Realizing this, Yi Tianxing felt urgency.
Returning to Da Yi was paramount.
"If the Abysses open, it will impact the people and require massive military focus. This could become a prolonged, drawn-out war," Cai Yan said, concern in her voice.
War, especially on home territory, was never good.
(End of Chapter)