The Old Daoist's words left the group of Immortal Beings on the deck flushed with shame and embarrassment. They wanted to retort but didn't know how to begin.
Indeed, they dared not take action against Gu Qingfeng here.
There were three reasons.
First.
Because they had all heard that back in the Jinyang Celestial Domain, Gu Qingfeng had once casually waved his hand and obliterated a Ring-Patterned Azure-Horned Beast.
It was said that the strength of that Ring-Patterned Azure-Horned Beast was powerful enough to rival a Great Luo Golden Immortal at the Nine Luminaries Perfection stage. Although these Immortal Beings were all Great Wasteland Spirit Immortals and possessed the Great-Sun Radiant Body bestowed by the Nine Heavens, none of them had the capability to obliterate a Ring-Patterned Azure-Horned Beast.
That was just the first reason.
The second reason was because of Yunyan Xianzi.
They all knew Yunyan Xianzi's existence was extraordinary, perhaps even more terrifying than imagined—including Mo Baiyu, who thought the same. Yet such an existence not only paid no heed to Mo Baiyu, who bore the Immortal Dao's Decree, but instead obeyed Gu Qingfeng's every word.
The third reason.
Was because of the various legends surrounding Worthy Ones.
It was said that the existence of Worthy Ones involved immense strength, vast supernatural powers, the ability to ascend to heaven and descend to earth—capable of anything.
Furthermore, Gu Qingfeng had always appeared leisurely and carefree, as if he feared nothing, which left them all feeling uncertain.
Most importantly, Mo Baiyu, who bore the Immortal Dao's Decree, had not spoken a single word, not even one syllable, from beginning to end.
They dared not act rashly even more so.
Most of these Immortal Beings had cultivated for tens of thousands of years and could be considered old and cunning. They clearly understood that the Great Wasteland was vast, filled with countless mysteries and endless unknowns. Moreover, in this Current Era, all things were reviving, and ancient powers of various Great Daos were awakening and returning one after another. Even the Guixu had collapsed—who knew how many terrifying existences had emerged?
They were also afraid of provoking someone they shouldn't.
Maintaining the dignity of the Immortal Dao was important, but if they lost their lives over it by offending the wrong person, it simply wouldn't be worth it.
Not taking action meant losing a bit of face at most.
But if they took action and were defeated, the consequences would be far worse than just losing face.
"Old Daoist, you're stirring up trouble!"
Opposite him, Gu Qingfeng sat in his chair, smiling as he looked at the Old Daoist. "What's the matter? Can't get enough of watching the drama?"
"Kid, as you just said, wine can be drunk freely, but words cannot be spoken carelessly. When did I ever stir up trouble? When did I ever say I couldn't get enough of watching the drama?"
"I was just noticing the atmosphere was stifling and deliberately made a joke to liven things up a bit. Surely you all aren't taking it seriously?"
"You mustn't take it seriously."
To say this Old Daoist was truly eccentric was an understatement. Looking at the group of Immortal Beings, he said, "Especially you all, please don't take it to heart. I really was just joking earlier, with no other meaning—just wanting to lighten the mood, that's all. How about this: I'll punish myself with three cups as an apology."
With that, the Old Daoist imitated Gu Qingfeng and poured himself three cups of wine, drinking them down in succession.
This move seemed to mimic Gu Qingfeng, but...
It felt more like satire—mocking both Gu Qingfeng for daring to act but not daring to take responsibility, and mocking the group of Immortal Beings on the deck for being a bunch of cowards.
At that moment.
Mo Baiyu, who had remained silent all along, finally spoke. "It should be I who advises everyone not to take it seriously. Since you have boarded this Xuantian Grand Ship, you are all my guests. Although I am an Upper Immortal bearing the Immortal Dao's Decree, I am first and foremost the master of this Xuantian Grand Ship. Safely escorting all of you to your destination is my primary mission and duty. As for other trivial matters, I will not interfere excessively."
As he spoke, he walked to a nearby table. Raising his hand, a crystal-clear crystal wine pot appeared in his grasp. He poured himself a cup and said, "Verbally mocking and ridiculing the Immortal Dao is far from insulting the dignity of the Immortal Dao. At least, in my view, it doesn't count. After all, we are neither Buddhas nor Sages—we cannot achieve the state of complete emptiness. Everyone has moments of speaking nonsense. Moreover, even among Buddhas, there is the saying: 'Let wine and meat pass through the intestines, but keep the Buddha in your heart.'"
Then, his tone shifted.
Mo Baiyu looked at Gu Qingfeng and said lightly, "However..."
"I still advise everyone not to joke about the Immortal Dao. I may not concern myself with such minor matters, but that doesn't mean other Immortals won't. The phrase 'trouble comes from the mouth' has been passed down since ancient times. Moreover, there is always a higher heaven beyond heaven, and a greater man beyond man. Do not think yourself remarkable, for who knows how vast this heaven and earth truly are?"
Having said that.
He gently brought the wine cup to his lips, drank it down in one gulp, and looked at the Old Daoist. "Senior, although maintaining the dignity of the Immortal Dao is our responsibility, maintaining that dignity does not equate to 'killing the person and condemning the heart.' That is the behavior of demons, not Immortals. In my humble opinion, maintaining the dignity of the Immortal Dao is more about leading by example, adhering to morality, and basing actions on benevolence and righteousness—only then can we truly educate all living beings. That is the true way to uphold the dignity of the Immortal Dao."
To say that Mo Baiyu truly lived up to being an Upper Immortal bearing the Immortal Dao's Decree.
Such words were spoken with resounding force and righteous dignity.
Not only did they dissolve the awkwardness of the Immortal Beings' earlier reluctance to act, but they also used the opportunity to satirize the Old Daoist for making a mountain out of a molehill.
Of course, they also served as a warning to Gu Qingfeng through the phrase "trouble comes from the mouth."
His meaning was simple, and everyone understood it clearly.
Mo Baiyu was the master of this Xuantian Grand Ship; his responsibility was to safely escort everyone to their destination.
As for trivial matters, he would not, nor could he be bothered to, concern himself with them.
Especially the final part of his speech was incredibly convincing.
Maintaining the dignity of the Immortal Dao does not equate to 'killing the person and condemning the heart.' That is the behavior of demons, not Immortals.
Truly maintaining the dignity of the Immortal Dao means leading by example, adhering to morality, and basing actions on benevolence and righteousness—only then can we educate all living beings.
It was a truly brilliant speech.
These words made Mo Baiyu appear immensely tall and radiant, a gentleman of extraordinary magnanimity and benevolence.
At the same time, they painted the Old Daoist as a despicable, sinister troublemaker.
And against the backdrop of these words, Gu Qingfeng became an ignorant fool who, after drinking, knew no bounds of heaven and earth.
After Mo Baiyu finished speaking, enthusiastic applause erupted on the deck.
Even Gu Qingfeng couldn't help but clap and cheer. Looking at the somewhat embarrassed Old Daoist, he laughed, "Old Daoist, take a good look, listen well. Look at his magnanimity, then look at yourself. Don't go looking for trouble in the future, lest you get scolded."
The Old Daoist glared fiercely at Gu Qingfeng, then shot a displeased look at Mo Baiyu, muttering, "Little brat, still knows how to bark pretty loud!"
Looking at the gloating Gu Qingfeng opposite him, the Old Daoist sneered, "What are you so happy about, kid? Can't you tell?"
"That brat is also mocking you for not knowing the height of heaven or the depth of earth."
"He's not wrong, you know. I've lived most of my life and truly don't know how high heaven is or how thick earth is."