The implications behind this sent a chill down one's spine!

He, Haotian, would surely rise again!

"Heh..." Hongjun gave a soft laugh, his tone indifferent. "How much value do you have left now, that you are worth this poor daoist making an exception for you?"

Hearing this unwilling yet stubborn plea from his former boy servant, a faint, nearly imperceptible trace of mockery stirred in his heart.

His gaze appraised the kneeling man before him with amused interest.

Indeed, he did intend to make use of Haotian once more, to stir up the situation in the Heavenly Court and restrain the Human Race.

But Haotian was far from as indispensable as he himself believed.

What Hongjun truly valued was merely the small convenience brought by the other's former identity as the Heavenly Emperor.

If he wished, he could spend some time choosing another person and supporting them to the throne. They might not necessarily be inferior to Haotian—

The newly installed one's foundation would rest entirely upon what Hongjun had bestowed with his own hand. With neither old subordinates to hold them back nor room for disloyal thoughts to take root, they would likely be easier and safer to use than this old servant before him, who had already grown arrogant and harbored hidden resentment.

That person could only obey his commands without reservation, never daring to act on their own or cross the line by half a step.

Unlike this Haotian before him, who had long since quietly begun making plans of his own—

Though he still stood on the same side as Hongjun, he had already learned to weigh gains and losses and leave himself a way out.

On the surface, the difference seemed minuscule; but upon closer examination, they were as far apart as clouds and mud!

What Hongjun truly wanted was a loyal dog that bowed