You've Really Put Me in a Tough Spot!

Inside Five Villages Temple.

Mystic Maiden of the Nine Heavens performed a Daoist salute and said slowly, "This junior has come at the command of the Jade Emperor and Queen Mother to pay a visit to Dao Friend Ling Xiao. If I have disturbed Great Immortal Zhen Yuanzi and Senior Hong Yun in any way, please forgive me."

There was not a trace of arrogance or any other emotion in her words.

Even though Ling Xiao was only at the early Golden Immortal of Grand Dao realm, she showed him no disrespect. In just a few words, she made her purpose clear and highlighted Ling Xiao's standing.

Zhen Yuanzi and Hong Yun were both unfathomable figures, wholly indifferent to the flattery of others. Yet seeing how respectfully Mystic Maiden of the Nine Heavens treated Ling Xiao, they immediately developed a measure of goodwill toward her.

Zhen Yuanzi waved his hand and said with a smile, "Mystic Maiden, don't remain standing. Sit and speak! This poor Daoist knows a little of why you have come. Taste the Ginseng Fruit first; there will be time enough for serious matters afterward."

Hearing this, Mystic Maiden of the Nine Heavens relaxed and sat down upon a cushion, drinking and discussing the Dao with the others.

Ling Xiao remained calm and composed, a faint smile lingering on his lips throughout.

After a long while, Mystic Maiden of the Nine Heavens finally said, "After the Lich Tribulation, the Jade Emperor and Queen Mother took charge of the Heavenly Court. Yet after so many years, the living beings of the Primordial Wilderness still know only the Six Heavenly Dao Sages and not the majesty of the Heavenly Court."

"Dao Friend Ling Xiao possesses a profound Foundation and boundless fortune. You recommended many powerful cultivators to the Sect of Interception and even helped them secure several positions as mentors to Human Sovereigns. The Heavenly Court has been deeply envious of this!"

"Now that Dao Friend Ling Xiao stands alone, and since the Jade Emperor and Queen Mother have long admired you, this poor Daoist was sent here to visit you."

Taking advantage of the harmonious atmosphere, Mystic Maiden of the Nine Heavens laid everything out.

With a light sweep of her jade sleeve.

A longsword floated in midair. Pure laws of utmost yang surged from it, while dense immortal aura coiled around its blade. It was unmistakably a Top-Grade Primordial Spiritual Treasure.

"The Jade Emperor and Queen Mother truly possess deep reserves, and they are remarkably generous."

"This Top-Grade Primordial Spiritual Treasure was once one of Immortal Emperor Dong Wanggong's natal treasures. After he perished and his Dao vanished, it disappeared without a trace. Who would have thought it would ultimately fall into the hands of the Heavenly Court?"

"The Pure Yang Sword, also known as the East King Sword, is an exceptionally rare killing treasure in the Primordial Wilderness!"

Zhen Yuanzi raised a brow and spoke to Mystic Maiden of the Nine Heavens.

In the Primordial Wilderness, only the foremost Primordial Gods and Quasi-Sage Great Beings were qualified to wield Top-Grade Primordial Spiritual Treasures. Yet the Jade Emperor and Queen Mother had simply gifted this Pure Yang Sword to Ling Xiao.

Zhen Yuanzi could not help but marvel that the Jade Emperor and Queen Mother saw more clearly than Tongtian. They had perceived Ling Xiao's potential and the fortune surrounding him.

"Nothing escapes Great Immortal Zhen Yuanzi's discerning eye. This Pure Yang Sword is the Jade Emperor and Queen Mother's gift upon meeting Dao Friend Ling Xiao."

"Furthermore, the Penglai Immortal Island above the East Sea is already being cleaned and maintained by Heavenly soldiers, Heavenly generals, and female immortals of the Heavenly Court. If Dao Friend Ling Xiao does not find it lacking, please accept Penglai Immortal Island as your Daoist ground!"

"It is only a pity that the other two islands, Yingzhou Island and Fangzhang Island, were utterly destroyed in that earthshaking battle."

Mystic Maiden of the Nine Heavens did not dare conceal anything and explained every detail.

Pure Yang Sword!

Penglai Immortal Island!

Not only Ling Xiao, but even Hong Yun and Zhen Yuanzi were somewhat astonished.

During the Lich Tribulation, Penglai Immortal Island had been the site of the Immortal Court, gathering boundless luck from heaven and earth. Even after Dong Wanggong's death, it remained an immortal blessed land.

And now, the Jade Emperor and Queen Mother intended to hand Penglai Immortal Island over to Ling Xiao just like that.

What old official could withstand such a test?

"This poor Daoist is merely a Golden Immortal of Grand Dao. How could I possibly be worthy of the Jade Emperor and Queen Mother's generous favor? The Pure Yang Sword and Penglai Immortal Island are both exceedingly precious. I fear that my virtue is insufficient, that my position would exceed my worth!"

Ling Xiao shook his head, still putting on an air of modest restraint.

Potential and Foundation were one thing, but most importantly, Zhen Yuanzi and Hong Yun stood firmly behind him. That was why he had earned Haotian and Yaochi's regard.

Mystic Maiden of the Nine Heavens explained, "The Primordial Wilderness has Heavenly Dao Sages, and beneath the Heavenly Dao stand the Six Emperors! The Jade Emperor governs the Heavenly Court, but the other five positions among the Six Sovereigns have yet to be decided."

"Before this poor Daoist came to Five Villages Temple, the Jade Emperor had already gone to Zixiao Palace to seek an audience with Dao Ancestor Hongjun. If nothing unexpected happens, Dao Friend Ling Xiao will become one of the Six Emperors."

"Moreover, the Queen Mother instructed this poor Daoist that the Investiture of the Gods Tribulation is about to descend. The Heavenly Court needs someone to preside over the overall situation, and Dao Friend is the only suitable candidate."

Six Emperors!

Mystic Maiden of the Nine Heavens's words exploded like thunder in Ling Xiao's mind.

The Jade Emperor ruled the myriad worlds of the Primordial Wilderness and was the common sovereign of the Three Realms.

The other five Sovereigns each oversaw their own duties.

In the east stood the Great Emperor of the Azure Radiance, commanding all beings of the Three Realms, governing the growth of all things, relieving suffering and rescuing the distressed, and guiding departed souls beyond. He was also known as the Celestial Worthy Who Relieves Suffering.

In the south stood the Great Emperor of Antarctica, commanding all thunder and governing the transformations of the four seasons and climate, controlling the vital pivot of blessings, calamities, birth, and growth for all things.

In the west stood Emperor Gouchen of the Western Extremity, commanding all gods, assisting the Heavenly Emperor in governing heaven, earth, and humanity, and presiding over military affairs within the Three Realms.

In the north stood the Great Emperor of North Pole Ziwei, commanding all stars and assisting the Heavenly Emperor in governing the celestial order and terrestrial geography.

Below stood Emperor Fengdu, also known as the Great Emperor of the Netherworld. He upheld Heaven's mandate and assisted the Heavenly Emperor in governing yin and yang, birth and growth.

The Six Emperors were the foundation of the Heavenly Court. With the Jade Emperor at their head, they suppressed Heavenly Dao Luck and governed the Primordial Wilderness.

Now!

The Jade Emperor and Queen Mother wanted to grant him one of the positions of the Six Emperors!

Ling Xiao appeared utterly unmoved, steady as an old dog, but his heart was roiling with turbulent waves.

Compared to Heavenly Dao Sages, the Six Emperors did not need to entrust their Primordial Spirits deep within the Heavenly Dao and naturally would not be bound by it. They merely needed to fulfill their respective duties.

Yet the authority they enjoyed from the Heavenly Dao far surpassed that of Heavenly Dao Sages.

This was because!

After Dao Ancestor Hongjun merged with the Dao, he issued a decree to the Heavenly Dao Sages, restricting them from casually interfering in the Primordial Trend.

"Since the Jade Emperor has gone to Zixiao Palace to discuss this matter with Dao Ancestor Hongjun, it means that little friend Ling Xiao will find it difficult to refuse. In this poor Daoist's opinion, you should accept the Jade Emperor and Queen Mother's goodwill."

"Once you take your seat as one of the Six Emperors, this poor Daoist and Hong Yun will naturally support you with all our strength. You need only focus on cultivation and dealing with the Investiture of the Gods Tribulation. Leave everything else to us."

Zhen Yuanzi spoke calmly and unhurriedly.

The Ancestor of Earth Immortals was revered by all immortals.

All beings born of heaven and earth could address him as Earth Ancestor. With a single call from Zhen Yuanzi, vast numbers of beings would come rushing to join him.

Now, Zhen Yuanzi intended to spare no effort in supporting Ling Xiao and helping him firmly establish himself as one of the Six Emperors.

"Zhen Yuanzi is right. You cannot miss such an opportunity."

"The Sect of Interception and Tongtian have wronged you. It is not that this grudge will go unavenged; the time simply has not yet come. Once you preside over the affairs of the Investiture of the Gods Tribulation, the good days of the Sect of Interception's disciples will be over."

"Stop hesitating and accept the Pure Yang Sword!"

Hong Yun patted Ling Xiao on the shoulder, his words carrying the delight of finally venting his frustrations.

Tongtian, so this day has come for you too!

At that moment, Ling Xiao rose to his feet and said solemnly, "Great Immortal Zhen Yuanzi, Senior Hong Yun, Dao Friend Mystic Maiden, you've really put me in a tough spot!"

With that said!

He extended his right hand and tightly grasped the Pure Yang Sword.

Divine Sense surged forth as he began refining this Top-Grade Primordial Spiritual Treasure.

"One of the Six Emperors may not be as exalted as a Heavenly Dao Sage, but it is still far beyond what those disciples of the Sect of Interception can compare to. When the time comes to settle old scores, you will not even need to act. Your status alone will crush them."

"If they refuse to respectfully salute you, they will be slighting the majesty of the Heavenly Court, defying the principles of the Heavenly Dao, and showing disrespect to a Heavenly Emperor. Once that charge is pinned on them, no one will dare bear it!"

Hong Yun said with ill intent.

Hadn't the Sect of Interception claimed that Ling Xiao had defied his sect and disrespected a Sage?

When the time came, the wheel of fortune would turn, offense and defense would switch places, and they would see what those people could do.

Hehehe...

"Mystic Maiden pays respects to the Heavenly Emperor!"

The instant Ling Xiao grasped the Pure Yang Sword, Mystic Maiden of the Nine Heavens performed a Daoist salute toward him without the slightest hesitation.

All Six Sovereigns were Heavenly Emperors!

Therefore, before the Jade Emperor decided which direction Ling Xiao would govern as Heavenly Emperor, Mystic Maiden of the Nine Heavens could only address him as Heavenly Emperor.

"Please, rise quickly!"

A gentle expression appeared on Ling Xiao's face. With a wave of mana, he helped Mystic Maiden of the Nine Heavens to her feet. At that moment, he felt the luck of heaven and earth gathering upon him from all directions, and even his Dao Heart became much clearer.

Presumably, the Jade Emperor and Dao Ancestor Hongjun had already reached an agreement.

Only a formality remained before he ascended to the throne of one of the Six Emperors.

Elsewhere.

Qiong Xiao dragged her heavily injured body across countless billions of miles back to Kunlun Mountain. Yet before she could go to the Palace of Green Essence to pay respects to Tongtian, she witnessed a shocking scene.

The people were gone, and the tea had gone cold. Not long after Ling Xiao severed his karma with the Sect of Interception.

Dingguang Immortal and the others had already begun dismantling Ling Xiao's cave abode...