"The righteous path of humanity will endure forever!"
"Our Great Tang will surely triumph!"
"Our human race will definitely defeat the demon race!"
"Roar roar roar!"
From Jiayuguan in the far northwest to Shenduguan in the southernmost part, the entire frontline of the three most vital defense lines of the Tang Dynasty, spanning a total of one hundred and eight thousand miles.
There was everywhere fighting spirit.
There was everywhere resistance.
The previously precarious situation of the Tang Dynasty took a turn.
Instead, the demon race encountered unimaginable resistance!
It was also at this time.
With the appearance of Li Bai, Wu Zhiqi, and Zhou Wuxian, the three previously most difficult-to-defend passes for the Tang Dynasty: Jiayuguan, Qilian Mountains, and Shenduguan.
Now, they finally welcomed a much-needed reinforcement.
Seeing this, Li Shimin, the emperor of the mortal realm's Tang Dynasty, although not as enthusiastic and generous as the Li Shimin of the immortal realm's Great Tang Empire, immediately dispatched three envoys, carrying immense military supplies.
To comfort the troops on his behalf!
"Heaven be merciful!"
"Our Great Tang, although located in the mortal realm with scarce spiritual energy, making it difficult to achieve great things, is after all a part of the Three Realms of the Primordial Era. It matters little if others are unwilling to help. With the confidantes of Great Sage Sun, I believe defense will not be difficult."
"Hurry, convey to the three immortal elders that as long as they can lead the Tang soldiers to defend the three major defense lines, no matter how long it takes, or what losses are incurred afterward."
"I will immediately mobilize the nation's resources to support them."
"I ask for nothing else, but to ensure that the hundreds of billions of citizens of our Tang Dynasty are not enslaved by the demon race. Also, remember to proclaim to the entire nation, inviting other rogue cultivators and disciples of the Sages to offer assistance as much as possible."
"Once the demon army is repelled, let alone mere Taoist temples and branch altars, even the position of National Preceptor, I will not be stingy!"
Li Shimin of the mortal realm was merely a mortal, similar to the Tang Taizong in the Blue Star timeline, far inferior to the Li Shimin of the immortal realm who was at least a Celestial Immortal.
However, it had to be said that in terms of conduct and handling matters, he was far superior to the latter.
To preserve the Li Tang Dynasty.
And to protect the human race of the mortal realm from being ruled by the demon race.
On one hand, he offered various rewards to stimulate the soldiers and attract rogue cultivators, elites from the immortal realm, and disciples of various Sages and non-Sages to join.
Forming a more powerful allied army.
On the other hand, he was willing to offer the position of National Preceptor, and not an empty title, but one with half the power of a prime minister.
It had to be said, when it came to being an emperor, mortals were the most skilled and generous.
Seeing this.
The various rogue cultivators and elites from the immortal realm, who were already stirring,
all joined.
The first to enter Chang'an was none other than Lü Dongbin and He Xiangu, who had been lurking there for many years!
"Brother Lü, do you still remember what Master said last time?"
"Currently, only you and I among the Eight Immortals of the Upper Heaven have awakened. The other six will only appear when the opportune moment arises later."
"Therefore, in this defense against the demon army, I hope you will not forget Master's teachings and act impulsively again, or else..."
Before meeting Li Shimin, He Xiangu recalled Lü Dongbin's unauthorized pursuit of Jin Chanzi over ten years ago, which resulted in him being gravely injured by Patriarch Kunpeng.
She could not help but remind him.
Upon hearing this, Lü Dongbin, the leader of the Eight Immortals of the Upper Heaven, no longer dared to be arrogant. Instead, he truly followed He Xiangu's advice and the teachings of Laozi.
He acted discreetly.
Subsequently.
The two celestial elders, representing the Grand Pure Sage Laozi, the leader of the Human Religion, met Li Shimin. After revealing their identities, they were honored by Li Shimin as the highest-ranking deities, second only to Li Bai, Wu Zhiqi, and Zhou Wuxian!
But unexpectedly.
As soon as Li Shimin mentioned the matter of Li Bai and the other two being appointed as marshals of the three routes in advance, Lü Dongbin and He Xiangu's expressions changed on the spot!
"Does Your Majesty refer to the Sword Immortal Li Bai, and Wu Zhiqi, the second brother of Great Sage Sun from the New Flower Fruit Mountain in the immortal realm, and the third brother, Zhou Wuxian?"
"To our knowledge, should the latter two not remain in the immortal realm to protect Jin Chanzi? Why have they suddenly come to the mortal realm?"
"And, Li Bai is no easy person to deal with. Does Your Majesty truly trust him so much?"
The moment they asked these questions, they already felt a sense of foreboding.
After all, their appearance, besides corresponding to the karma and destiny of the Eight Immortals of the Upper Heaven, and hoping for greater improvement, was primarily part of Laozi's scheme.
Laozi had thought that this mortal realm would not be favored by Sun Wukong.
And if it were just a new six-eared macaque, now renamed Rahu, he would not dare to make a move against the Eight Immortals of the Upper Heaven.
Instead, there might be new cooperation.
But now, that Sun Wukong was taking the lead step by step, and even Laozi had not anticipated him sending his second and third brothers over. How could this not shock Lü Dongbin and He Xiangu?
Following this.
The two ignored Li Shimin's prolonged and unclear explanation, and after barely concealing their unease, their stance differed from Sun Wukong's. They feigned support for the Tang Dynasty.
And thus accepted the assignment and set off.
Among them.
Lü Dongbin, holding the Pure Yang Sword, found Qilian Mountain and Wu Zhiqi.
While He Xiangu, as usual, brought the Three Wonderful Lotuses and went to Zhou Wuxian's side.
The two were initially somewhat apprehensive, fearing they would be ostracized.
Unexpectedly.
Wu Zhiqi and Zhou Wuxian did not ostracize them upon their arrival. Instead, they welcomed them warmly. And after the arrival of more rogue cultivators from the mortal realm, they united and bravely fought the enemy!
Under such circumstances, even Lü Dongbin and He Xiangu, who were considered the two most accomplished among the Eight Immortals by Laozi, apart from Grand Preceptor Xuandu.
Still could not fathom Sun Wukong's intentions.
They could only take it one step at a time!
...
At the same time.
On the side of the New Flower Fruit Mountain, Sun Wukong's true form had not appeared, but he was constantly observing these three major battles. Upon seeing Lü Dongbin and He Xiangu with his Fiery Golden Eyes.
He was first slightly surprised.
Then.
After a silent calculation, a broader smile appeared!
"So, it's not just I, Old Sun, who is watching this mortal realm war. That Laozi, as early as over ten years ago, was already playing chess."
"It's just that your Human Religion disciples are not numerous enough. Apart from Grand Preceptor Xuandu, the others are hardly worth mentioning."
"As the saying goes, the wise ones in the Three Realms of the Primordial Era are not just you, Laozi, or others, or that Rahu."
"Although I, Old Sun, am untalented, I also believe in one saying: You have your strategies, and I have my plans."
"No matter how you scheme, as long as you don't provoke me, it's fine. Otherwise, Old Sun won't care if you are Laozi or your grandson?"
Sun Wukong had clearly deduced Laozi's general strategy, which was similar to the two Sages of the Western Sect, playing both sides and appeasing everyone.
He kept others in the immortal realm to participate in the subsequent Journey to the West tribulation.
While sending the Eight Immortals of the Upper Heaven to be reincarnated in the mortal realm's Tang Dynasty, to observe the situation, possibly to ally with Rahu.
But he was not worried.
Instead, he let out a cold laugh and saw the demon race's millions of troops finally attacking the three passes. A bloody battle was inevitable.
The brilliance in his eyes instantly intensified!