"The Hongmeng Purple Qi is right here. How should we distribute it? Everyone, speak your mind. Otherwise, if it remains here, it will only waste everyone's time. Once the rightful owners are decided, those who do not obtain it can also put their minds at ease and search for other methods to prove the Dao and reach Hunyuan. There will be no need to remain stuck in deadlock here." Yi Tianxing was the first to speak.
He was casting a brick to attract jade. Everyone wanted the Hongmeng Purple Qi, but since its quantity was limited, it was impossible for everyone to obtain one.
Only by resolving the matter of the Purple Qi could everyone better pursue their Dao path.
But the question of how to divide it was no small issue.
"Emperor Yi speaks truly. I agree."
"Indeed, it is best to decide the ownership of the Hongmeng Purple Qi as soon as possible. Otherwise, our Dao hearts will remain unsettled, which will be detrimental to cultivation."
Zhen Yuanzi, Zhuang Zhou, and others all nodded in agreement.
Once the ownership was determined, distracting thoughts would be gone. If someone truly wished to seize it by force, it would have nothing to do with them anymore, and they need not pay it any further heed.
"In that case, let me set some rules. To obtain the Hongmeng Purple Qi, one's contribution shall be the measure. The greater the contribution, the more opportunities to contend for it. For example, one of the Hongmeng Purple Qi was seized by Patriarch Ming He. In the War of Slaughtering Heaven, his contribution was immense and beyond question. He naturally holds the qualification for priority in acquiring the Purple Qi."
Yi Tianxing took a deep breath and continued: "For the distribution of the Purple Qi, I propose we use a voting system. Whoever obtains the most votes will receive the Hongmeng Purple Qi. As for Patriarch Ming He, due to his extraordinary contributions, he will be granted ten additional votes on top of whatever he receives. No matter the final tally, ten votes will be added. As for myself, I will not participate in the contention for the Purple Qi this time. Instead, I will serve as a notary. What do my fellow Daoists think?"
The Hongmeng Purple Qi was of no use to him. Holding on to it was pointless. Offering it up in front of these many mighty figures could instead win him a good reputation. More importantly, this Purple Qi was openly visible before all beings. Even if he were unafraid of trouble, there was no need to draw unnecessary hostility. After all, he already possessed Hongmeng Purple Qi in his hand.
"For Fellow Daoist Yi to serve as notary, nothing could be better. I, Lü Dongbin, absolutely trust in your fairness."
Without hesitation, Lü Dongbin voiced his support.
Yi Tianxing's contribution in the War of Slaughtering Heaven was by no means inferior to Ming He's. The Purple Qi had also been seized by him, yet now he not only handed it over but also withdrew from the competition entirely. Such high moral character was admirable and awe-inspiring.
One who could abandon Hongmeng Purple Qi left no doubts about his integrity.
"All shall follow Emperor Yi's arrangements."
The mighty ones nodded one after another, expressing approval of the method.
Votes would decide the Purple Qi. Whoever gained the most would obtain it.
"Good. Since this is settled, each round of voting will decide only one strand of Hongmeng Purple Qi. Before each vote, there will be half an hour for canvassing. Whether you can persuade others to vote for you depends entirely on your own abilities."
Yi Tianxing smiled faintly.
With a wave of his hand, a jade chest appeared in the center—the ballot box. Before each person, a flawless white jade tablet manifested. Once they made their choice, they only needed to inscribe the name and cast it into the chest.
Undoubtedly, this was also a moment to display one's methods.
Here were two hundred and three mighty cultivators. Originally there had been more, but in the War of Slaughtering Heaven, many had fallen—not in a way that could be revived, but in true annihilation across all levels of existence. The lucky ones could still reincarnate through samsara, awaiting return. The unlucky had not even the chance to be reborn.
Such was the cost of slaying heaven.
The half hour before voting gave each contender the chance to canvass secretly, offering promises, benefits, and agreements in exchange for support.
Whoever received the Purple Qi would undoubtedly have paid a heavy price.
When the time ended, Yi Tianxing raised his eyes to the mighty ones and said firmly: "The time is up. Fellow Daoists, please cast your votes."
Swish, swish, swish!
Without hesitation, the tablets were cast into the chest one after another. In but a moment, the voting was complete.
"Voting is finished. Now, open the chest and project the results. Once tallied, the first Hongmeng Purple Qi will have its owner."
With a wave, the jade tablets floated into the air, glowing and projecting the names inscribed. Each bore the unique aura of its caster—utterly impossible to forge.
Clearly, Patriarch Ming He's name dominated, with over a hundred votes. With the ten additional bonus votes, his lead was unassailable.
"One hundred and forty-three votes in total. Patriarch Ming He stands far ahead. The first Hongmeng Purple Qi belongs to Patriarch Ming He. From this moment forth, let there be no objections."
Yi Tianxing nodded, pointing toward the first strand of Purple Qi. Instantly, it flew into Ming He's hands. He accepted it without hesitation, giving Yi Tianxing a nod. A trace of softness even showed on his face. Much of the karmic entanglement around this Purple Qi dissipated in that instant. What remained was simply the promises Ming He had made to others, but nothing that would prevent him from using it to prove the Dao.
In truth, this result was perfectly justified. With his immense strength and the Eternal Ark at his side, Ming He's power was beyond imagination. Even a Dao Venerable had fallen to his blade. Since the Purple Qi had been seized by him in battle, no one truly intended to contest it. Yielding it to him also bought goodwill—well worth the cost.
Ming He accepted it with grace.
His path was one of blood and slaughter. If he wished to prove the Dao by force, he would face heaven's relentless suppression. The Hongmeng Purple Qi offered him a vital shortcut.
"The second strand of Hongmeng Purple Qi—voting begins now. Once again, half an hour for consideration."
Yi Tianxing's voice spread calmly.
This time, the atmosphere became much more restless and complicated.
Half an hour slipped by, and the votes were cast once more.
When the jade tablets projected the results, even Yi Tianxing was surprised.
"Voting complete. According to the results, Odin has received the most votes—one hundred and thirty-five. This strand of Hongmeng Purple Qi belongs to Odin." Yi Tianxing pointed, and the remaining Purple Qi flew before Odin.
Upon receiving it, Odin's face could not hide his ecstasy.
This was no ordinary treasure. It was the legendary Hongmeng Purple Qi—the chance to prove the Dao. With it, he could take the final step and reach a realm he once dared not dream of. Though he had paid an unimaginable price—weakening the very foundations of his divine race—it was worth it if he could achieve that breakthrough.
"How could it be him?"
"He truly dared to pay such a heavy price?"
"It's over. This strand is gone. We can only seek other paths to prove the Dao."
Many mighty ones who had not voted for Odin revealed solemn expressions.
But what was done was done. No one could retract their vote. Odin had paid dearly, and his promises would need to be honored. Without such resources and resolve, the Purple Qi could never have been his. It was practically purchased with boundless wealth.
Yi Tianxing, though surprised, did not object. Since Odin had the courage and means, he had rightfully won.
"Two strands of Hongmeng Purple Qi have now found their owners. From today onward, no further objections shall be raised. Purple Qi is limited, but the path to proving the Dao is not singular. One need not become a Saint—achieving Hunyuan grants one peerless might. Proving the Dao with merit is also an excellent path. Joining a fortune dynasty is another. If a dynasty reaches the level of Heavenly Court, its great ministers will hold offices no less than Saints."
Yi Tianxing's words echoed.
Indeed, today, the ruler of the Immortal Court already stood on par with Saints. The ministers within likewise rose in status. If elevated to Heavenly Court, at least within Great Yi, a first-rank minister would hold a position equal to a Saint. Dukes and marquises would be even more secure in their station.
Of course, for now, he only planted a seed in the minds of the mighty. Perhaps one day, it would bear fruit.
"The Peach Banquet is about to begin. Fellow Daoists, please join me for the feast."
Yi Tianxing smiled.
The banquet was held not here, but in another garden named Cloudfall Galaxy Court (Xinghe Garden).
There, auspicious clouds poured down like waterfalls. At night, endless starlight shone upon it, as though one stood amidst the boundless Milky Way and the infinite sea of stars.
(End of Chapter)