The throne of the Heavenly Emperor!
To rule over all the races of the Primordial Wilderness world, to reside in the Thirty-three Heavens, and to wield the power of heaven and earth—what merit and fortune this is!
If one's own disciples can take on this role, it will bring immeasurable benefits to the spread and development of one's own Dao Lineage!
Yuanshi was the first to speak. His face was solemn, and his tone carried an unquestionable air, as if the position of Heavenly Emperor belonged only to his disciple.
"Master, I believe that the position of Heavenly Emperor concerns the face and order of the Primordial Wilderness, and should be chosen from among those with deep foundations, long-lasting blessings, and virtuous character."
"My disciple, the Immortal Official Nanji, is of pure lineage, noble character, and profound blessings. He is certainly capable of taking on this position, sharing the burdens of our master, and managing the Primordial Wilderness."
Upon hearing this, Tongtian immediately retorted. Being straightforward and unyielding, he declared, "Second Senior Brother is mistaken! The Heavenly Emperor, ruling over all races, needs not only a broad-mindedness that embraces all things, but also the ability to handle complex situations!"
"How can one rely solely on lineage and good fortune? My eldest disciple, Duobao, is kind-hearted, fair in his dealings, and has extensive experience in managing the myriad immortals of the Interception Sect. If he were to become the Heavenly Emperor, he would surely be able to coordinate all races and stabilize the Primordial Wilderness!"
Upon Zhunti this, Zhunti quickly stepped forward, a sorrowful smile plastered on his face, and said urgently, " Amitabha! All of you fellow disciples are outstanding individuals, but our Western Land is barren, lacking in talent, and our teachings are difficult to cultivate."
"This position of Heavenly Emperor is immeasurably meritorious, perfectly aligning with the grand aspiration to save all sentient beings."
"I humbly request that Master and fellow disciples have mercy and entrust this important task to my Western Paradise. My disciple Maitreya, with his compassionate heart, is most suitable!"
"Hmph, you think the barren West is something to be ceded to? Your disciples are just like you, how can they shoulder the heavy responsibility of the Heavenly Emperor?" Yuanshi retorted coldly.
"The arrival of ten thousand immortals from our Jie Sect to the Interception Sect is in accordance with the Heavenly Emperor's rule over all races!" Tongtian argued forcefully.
" The Heavenly Emperor needs great compassion and perseverance, and my Western Wondrous Dharma is perfectly suited to this path!" Zhunti an inch.
For the sake of their disciples' future and the fate of their Dao Lineage, the three sages actually argued amongst themselves in front of the Dao Ancestor within the Purple Cloud Palace.
His words gradually became angry, showing no regard for the dignity of the sage or the presence of Hongjun.
The Jieyin stood to the side, chanting Buddhist mantras repeatedly, his face filled with sorrow, and remained silent.
Only the Taishang, simply sitting quietly on the futon, seemingly detached from worldly affairs.
From the moment Hongjun spoke of establishing Heavenly Emperor, he sensed a hidden meaning in his tone.
Calling them here to discuss the matter is probably just a formality; Master likely already has someone in mind.
Hongjun, atop the high platform, watched the ongoing argument and turned his gaze to the silent Taishang, asking, " Taishang, what do you think of your disciple Xuandu?"
The arguing stopped immediately.
All eyes were focused on the Taishang Lord.
Taishang bowed slightly, his tone calm and even. "Reporting to Master, my disciple Xuandu has low cultivation and a detached nature. He only knows alchemy and cultivation, and I am afraid he is not up to the task and will be of no benefit to the overall situation of the Primordial Wilderness world."
He paused, then changed the subject, glancing towards the palace gates, and continued, "In my opinion, the primary duty of the Heavenly Emperor is to be loyal to his duties and uphold the will of Heavenly Dao."
"Although Haotian Boy under Master's command is not highly skilled, he has always followed Master faithfully and diligently, showing reverence for the Heavenly Dao and never wavering in his Master's orders."
"Moreover, as a novice, he is more likely to act with impartiality and will not favor any side. Making him the most reliable candidate to become the Heavenly Emperor is perhaps the safest choice."
" Haotian?"
"That doorman?"
Yuanshi, Tongtian, Jieyin, Zhunti were all taken aback, their faces showing astonishment.
Unexpectedly, the Taishang said such a thing and recommended Haotian.
After much arguing, the Taishang actually recommended a mere child with no foundation and low cultivation?!
" The Taishang Lord... he's so cunning!"
Hongjun's lips twitched slightly, and a hint of satisfaction flashed deep in his eyes.
He suddenly smiled, a smile that seemed to see through everything, "Goodness."
He ignored the others and called out directly to the corner of the palace gate, " Haotian, Yaochi, come forward."
Haotian and Yaochi at the palace gate could hear it clearly.
Hearing the master's summons, his heart pounded. He hurried into the hall, knelt respectfully, and his voice trembled:
"Master!!"
Hongjun looked at the two kneeling before him and said indifferently, " Haotian, Yaochi, you two followed me and served the Daoist temple before I became a saint, which can be considered as having done some hard work. Now, I grant you a Creation."
Haotian was overjoyed, almost unable to contain himself, but he tried his best to remain calm on the surface, even showing a hint of reluctance as he kowtowed and said, "Master, Haotian... Haotian is reluctant to leave you, and only wants to serve you by your side forever!"
Hongjun could easily see through his little scheme. His expression darkened, and his voice carried the majesty of the Heavenly Dao: "This is a weighty responsibility of the Heavenly Emperor, concerning the order of the Primordial Wilderness. It is not child's play! You must be dutiful and impartial in enforcing the law, without the slightest negligence! Do you not wish to do so?"
" Haotian dares not!"
He turned his gaze to Yaochi: " Yaochi, you can assist Haotian in managing affairs together."
Upon hearing this, Yaochi was overjoyed. Finally, she could leave the cold and lonely Purple Cloud Palace and go to the Primordial Wilderness world. She quickly kowtowed and said, " Yaochi will obey Master's decree! I will do my best to assist... the Heavenly Emperor!"
Haotian kowtowed deeply. " Haotian... thanks you for your grace, Master! I will certainly live up to your trust and uphold the order of the Primordial Wilderness world!"
"Good."
Hongjun nodded, said no more, and stretched out his left hand, gently pointing at Haotian and Yaochi.
In an instant, two golden divine lights shot out from Hongjun's fingertips and entered Haotian and Yaochi's bodies!
"Buzz--!"
Haotian and Yaochi were enveloped in dazzling golden light, and their bodies grew and changed at a visible speed within the golden light!
He originally looked like a child in his teens, but in the blink of an eye, he transformed into a man in his thirties with a dignified face and an elegant demeanor!
Haotian wore Nine-Dragon Imperial Robe and a beaded crown, exuding an aura of Heavenly Emperor majesty.
Yaochi was also dressed in a phoenix palace gown, her appearance dignified and beautiful, showing the beginnings of her imperial bearing.
Both of them had reached the mid-stage of the Quasi-Saint realm.
Hongjun flicked his sleeves again, and four beams of precious light flew toward the two of them.
A precious mirror, its surface shimmering with light, can observe the entire universe and reflect all things; it is called the Haotian Mirror.
A precious sword, its blade engraved with Heavenly Dao runes, is incomparably sharp and symbolizes the authority of the Heavenly Emperor; it is named the Haotian Sword.
A hairpin, with an ancient and simple design, contains boundless Creation power and is called Golden Hairpin.
A spiritual root, brimming with vitality, its branches laden with countless immortal peaches.
It was none other than the Ten Supreme Primordial Spirit Root — the Peach Tree!
" Haotian, I bestow upon you the Haotian Mirror and the Haotian Sword. I hope you will discern the truth, uphold the Heavenly Dao, protect all living beings, and not fail my expectations."
" Yaochi bestows upon you Golden Hairpin and Flat Peach, to assist you in governing the Heavenly Court and bringing blessings to all living beings."
Haotian and Yaochi, feeling the changes within themselves and the supreme treasure in their hands, trembled with excitement and kowtowed deeply once more. "Thank you, Master, for bestowing this treasure upon us! We will certainly remember your teachings!"
Hongjun looked at Taishang and the others, then said calmly to Haotian, "In the future, if you need any help, you can seek assistance from your masters."
Haotian quickly turned around, cupped his hands to the five sages, and bowed extremely respectfully. " Haotian is of shallow experience and low cultivation. In the future, I hope that my senior brothers will help and guide me!"
Taishang remained expressionless, giving a slight nod in response.
Yuanshi's face was gloomy, his eyes almost overflowing with disgust and disdain. He snorted coldly, turned his head away, and refused to pay any attention to him.
A mere child, with cultivation as insignificant as an ant, dares to call him senior brother?
Rule the Primordial Wilderness?
That's absolutely ridiculous!
Jieyin and Zhunti looked sorrowful. Zhunti said, "Junior Brother Haotian, our Western Regions are barren, and the cultivation of its beings is low. We really have nothing to offer."
Haotian's face was somewhat gloomy. These people had shown him no respect whatsoever and had always looked down on him.
Looking at Haotian's expression, Tongtian, recalling his own Interception Sect's philosophy of education for all, laughed heartily, breaking the awkwardness, and said readily, "Junior Brother Haotian! As the Heavenly Emperor, you are the ruler of the Primordial Wilderness! Of course, of course! If you encounter any difficulties in the future, or need manpower to manage the trivial matters of the Heavenly Court, just come to Golden Ao Island to find me!"
"Our Interception Sect may not have much else, but it has a large number of disciples, who will surely be of great help to you!"
Upon hearing Tongtian's words, Haotian immediately softened, revealing a sincere smile, and cupped his hands again, saying, "In that case, thank you very much, Senior Brother Tongtian!"
Seeing that the matter was settled, Hongjun said indifferently, "Alright, this matter is settled. You may all disperse."
He finally looked at Haotian and Yaochi: " Haotian, Yaochi, you two can go to the Thirty-three Heavens immediately and have the remaining Demon Race evacuate."
"We will obey the Master's (Master's) decree!" everyone replied in unison.
With their own thoughts, everyone left Purple Cloud Palace.
Haotian and Yaochi exchanged a glance, filled with excitement, and transformed into two golden beams, heading straight for the Thirty-three Heavens.
Purple Cloud Palace returned to silence once more. Hongjun watched the departing crowd, the palace gates closed, and his figure slowly vanished into nothingness!