Journey to the West: I have Nine Golden Crows Inside Me-Chapter 1588: One thousand forty-two scattered

"Although I have commanded you to fight, it is after all an internal conflict within our sect. If the fighting is too fierce, it risks damaging harmony and may repeat the ancient affairs of the ’Investiture of the Gods’."

"Thus, I set forth a rule for you: you may fight, but must not do so ruthlessly. Merely touch upon victory and stop there; it is best not to cause any loss of life, lest it harm the peace."

The Taoist Ancestor spoke again, instructing everyone to limit their battles to non-lethal combat.

"This..."

Upon hearing his words, all were exchanging glances in bewilderment, unsure of the Ancestor’s intent. Since they have been given free rein to fight, one would naturally use all means at their disposal— how could there be a fight without casualties?

It has never been heard that struggles over Fate have been without death. From the great wars between the three tribes to the conflicts between witches and monsters, has there not always been a Sea of Blood and countless fallen Living Beings?

This requirement by the Taoist Ancestor, no casualties allowed, is quite a difficult proposition.

"I understand your confusion, but forbidding you from harshly combating each other is also for your own good."

The Taoist Ancestor saw everyone’s puzzlement and started by explaining to Jiang Chen, "Even if this group of Great Divine Transcendents has countless faults, their aid to the Human Race is real. If the Human Race strikes them down harshly, how shall we account to the world?"

"To spare their lives during the great battle is also to conclude the causes and effects of the past."

After listening, Jiang Chen fell silent. He understood the Taoist Ancestor’s meaning—the group of Great Divine Transcendents were benefactors of the Human Race, and taking action against benefactors would not sound good when spread abroad.

Therefore, it is better to spare their lives as a way of repaying the karmic debts of the past.

Thinking this way, what the Taoist Ancestor said seemed quite reasonable. These Great Divine Transcendents felt entitled to command the Human Race because they had granted them favors.

And by using this opportunity to repay past kindness, they will no longer have any grounds to interfere with the Human Race.

The future development of the Human Race will no longer involve them.

Mulling over this, Jiang Chen nodded and said, "I will follow the Ancestral Master’s arrangement."

"Good!"

With a smile and nod, the Taoist Ancestor then addressed the group of Great Divine Transcendents, "Extorting repayment for favors is already distasteful, but to then kill your benefactor for that repayment is even more disgraceful. By committing such an act, how would you differ from the Demonic Way?"

"My Mystic Sect cannot tolerate such people. If you persist in this behavior, then you may leave the Mystic Sect on your own accord."

The Taoist Ancestor’s voice was not loud nor severe, yet it sent chills down the spines of the Great Divine Transcendents. His words meant if they did not heed his advice, they would be directly expelled from the sect.

"We will meticulously follow Teacher’s arrangements!"

The prospect of being expelled had been voiced; how could anyone dare to refuse? They all promptly nodded in agreement.

"Ancestor, you have set the rules for those Great Divine Transcendents who are benefactors of the Human Race. But what about the Great Divine Transcendents who have no such ties with the Human Race? How should they be treated?"

It was at this moment that Jiang Chen suddenly asked.

The group of Great Divine Transcendents facing the Human Race were not all benefactors; there were also opportunists. Furthermore, most of those involved in the Immortal World project were unrelated to the Human Race.

This part of Great Divine Transcendents, having no favors towards the Human Race, naturally cannot enjoy the treatment spoken by the Taoist Ancestor. Differential treatment is inevitable, otherwise, the significance of the identity of the Human Race’s benefactors cannot be displayed.

"To covet the property of another’s household is a grievance only settled by life or death. Once such an intention arises—if successful, all is well; if not, one should blame no one but oneself for death and the extinction of one’s way."

The Taoist Ancestor was first silent, then spoke in a deep tone.

"Thank you, Ancestor, for clarifying my doubts. Jiang Chen understands,"

Jiang Chen got it—those Great Divine Transcendents without ties to the Human Race, if they meddle, then their deaths in battle would merit no concern.

"If you have no objections, then let it be agreed. Those who were benefactors of the Human Race in the past, if they enter the fray and win, may gain control over the Human Race. If they lose, they too must lose everything and sever ties with the Human Race thereafter."

"If the Human Race wins, they may not completely wipe out these Great Divine Transcendents. Likewise, if you win, you must not undermine the status of the past Human Emperors."

Looking around, the Taoist Ancestor confirmed at last.

"We will meticulously follow Teacher’s orders!"

This was the best option, none objected, and they all nodded in agreement.

According to what the Taoist Ancestor said, no matter who wins or loses, the top echelons will not be harmed; at most, they would lose everything, their Fate and power, yet their honor would remain intact. Even the losers would be like clay Buddhas—good-looking but useless.

One could consider the Three Realms as a gambling table, with each side putting forth everything they have to stake. The winner takes all, while the loser leaves with nothing.

And those Great Divine Transcendents without ties to the Human Race, if they join the gamble, they would not only bet everything they have but also their very lives.

"Let this matter be thus settled. By Heavenly Dao as witness, it shall not be changed. Should anyone violate this, do not blame the Heavenly Dao for being heartless."

As the Taoist Ancestor spoke, the agreement was branded within Heaven and Earth, witnessed by the Heavenly Dao. Should anyone break it, they would surely suffer retribution from the Heavenly Dao.

At the moment the Taoist Ancestor’s words ended, everyone’s hearts tightened, feeling as though an invisible shackle wrapped around their True Spirits, constraining every move they made.

This was the Heavenly Dao shackle, a restraint from the Heavenly Dao itself, constantly reminding them to honor their agreement.

And with such a turn of events, it was clear the Taoist Ancestor was not joking; whoever took today’s agreement lightly would face a truly miserable fate.

"Empress Nuwa, take this register of the Immortal Dao; for now, I entrust it to your care. When you feel it is appropriate, you can hand it over to Taiqing later."

After speaking on the matter of the Human Race, the Taoist Ancestor suddenly changed the subject, produced a jade register enveloped in immortal light, and offered to hand it to Empress Nuwa.