"Vote, the time to decide our future destiny has come," he said gravely.

Scenarios like this had not appeared often in history, but each one was crucially important to them, as they often represented life-and-death decisions.

Everyone held their breath in concentration, writing down their answer on a piece of paper.

The person leading the group collected everyone’s answers, took a deep breath, and began the count that would determine their own fate.

After a while, he exhaled softly; the results were much as he had expected.

The consensus was to stand against the Jade Emperor.

"The results are in, and it seems everyone is not favoring the Jade Emperor this time," he whispered.

Upon hearing this, the crowd also relaxed, glad that everyone was in agreement.

"We cannot stand by him, both emotionally and logically. Now he has become an enemy of the world; in the Three Realms, anyone with the ambition to ascend the Dao sees him as an enemy. Following him is too great a risk." 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

"Yes, although our mana is weak, as long as it’s not him ascending the Dao, our paths won’t be blocked. If we have the opportunity in the future, perhaps we can advance further. However, if he succeeds, then the road would be closed."

"Now that we’ve made a decision, let’s not look back. Everyone should be prepared at all times, as a great change is imminent. I hope that we will have the chance to reunite in the future."

With those words, their meeting dispersed, and they each returned to their own identities, with no one aware that they had already conspired in secret.

Such things were not uncommon in the Heavenly Court, which was originally a loose organization; many powerhouses had initially joined for the fame of the Three Pure Ones.

For them, the Dao was their lifelong relentless pursuit. The Jade Emperor’s desire to block their paths was something they would never agree to.

The contradictions between the two sides were irreconcilable.

As the focal point of this conflict, the Jade Emperor sat alone on his Heavenly Emperor’s throne, his eyes shadowed and gazing distantly, wondering about something. The aura of the Dao rolled around him as if about to transform into an ephemeral crown above his head.

The Lingxiao Treasured Palace was empty and vast, with deep shadows cloaking the ground, in stark contrast to the glittering splendor outside.

Within these shadows stood the Divine Exorcist Great Sage, silent.

"Do you think I’m wrong, too?" the Jade Emperor suddenly asked in a low voice.

It took a long moment for the Divine Exorcist Great Sage to respond with a sigh, "I always feel you are too hasty. Shouldn’t you wait until their conflict over the Dao begins, then take advantage of the chaos?"

The Jade Emperor’s current actions had made him the target of all, an enemy of the world, without any room for retreat.

But this was also related to the challenges from the Eastern King, whose desperate battle had precipitated this conflict over the Dao.

According to the Divine Exorcist Great Sage, the initial plan was to pretend to be unaware, and settle scores later. However, the Jade Emperor chose to act alone, forcing the Eastern King’s hand, eventually leading to the current situation.

To say that he had not anticipated this outcome was impossible. As one who had been with the Jade Emperor since his weak beginnings, no one understood this man—both mentor and friend—better than he did.

With his wisdom, he would have clearly foreseen the consequences.

The Jade Emperor suddenly sighed, "I can’t wait for that day."

Upon these words, the Divine Exorcist Great Sage immediately looked at him with shock, unclear why the Supreme would say such a thing.

The Jade Emperor gently caressed the throne beneath him and said in a complex tone, "This Heavenly Emperor’s throne has attracted countless people, but only I know it’s both a power and a shackle. As time passes, I feel less and less like myself; who knows when I truly became what all living beings in the Three Realms see as the omnipotent Jade Emperor."

"Can you imagine? Sometimes when I open my eyes, I find the decisions I’ve made are at odds with my true wishes, as if I am helplessly watching myself become another person."

The ethereal words of the Jade Emperor carried an endless terror, sending chills through the Divine Exorcist Great Sage.

He had never considered that a Heavenly Emperor, ruler over the Three Realms, could be subjected to such terrifying circumstances.

"Could it be a Heart Demon?" This was the only explanation the Divine Exorcist Great Sage could think of.

The Jade Emperor, however, shook his head, "It’s not a Heart Demon—it’s the assimilation by the Heavenly Dao."

The Divine Exorcist Great Sage’s eyes widened in realization of the predicament faced by the Jade Emperor. The power of Heaven and Earth was terrifying, and it was constantly assimilating the Jade Emperor, who represented Heaven and Earth, until he would become its spokesperson.

This wasn’t to say that Heaven and Earth had developed its own consciousness into a life form, but rather an instinct of the world, akin to the instincts of living creatures.

"By the time I realized it all, it was already too late. This assimilation is subtle, and even now it’s becoming difficult to resist. No wonder the Three Pure Ones were reluctant to assume this mantle of Heavenly Emperor," the Jade Emperor said with a deep sigh.

It was a pity he had realized it too late to extricate himself.

"So, this is the solution you’ve conceived?"

"Yes, to be reborn from desperation. Only by stepping onto this Dao can I possibly break free from these shackles and maybe even find myself again. Otherwise, the one sitting on this throne will merely be a puppet known as the Jade Emperor, instinctively maintaining the stability of the Three Realms."

For someone like the Jade Emperor, such an existence was worse than death, so he chose to risk it all. If he succeeded, all would be well, but if he failed, he would have no regrets.

The Divine Exorcist Great Sage sighed softly with a worried tone, "Why have we become like this?"

Once upon a time, they were carefree cultivators on Mount Kunlun, but now they faced such a dire situation. In that moment, he deeply regretted not persuading the Jade Emperor to avoid this mire.

The Jade Emperor did not respond, just gazing deeply into the distance, wondering how they had come to this state.

Yet, by now, regret was futile. The only way forward was to break the cauldrons and sink the boats. If it led to failure, then so be it.

After a long silence, the Jade Emperor finally waved his hands, "You may leave."

His words were icy, devoid of the familiarity he had when speaking with the Divine Exorcist Great Sage earlier, as if addressing a stranger.

The Divine Exorcist Great Sage’s eyes were filled with sorrow. The assimilation had progressed so severely that it was no wonder he decided to make a desperate attempt.

He left the Lingxiao Treasured Palace as if in a daze and returned to his own residence. Since leaving Kunlun, he had never felt such regret and loss, already foreseeing the end of his old friend.