"The Jade Emperor is going to become the Human Emperor!"
"The human race is moving to Heavenly Court Island!"
These two pieces of news seemed to grow wings, spreading at an unimaginable speed to every city and every village throughout Human Emperor Cave.
In the imperial palace of Human Emperor City, Human Emperor Ying Zhen stood before the window of the Imperial Study, gazing out at the myriad lights in the city, and let out a long breath of Turbid Qi. There was no disappointment on his face, only the lightness of having a heavy burden lifted, and anticipation for the future.
"This day has finally come," he murmured.
The empress came up from behind him and gently took his hand. "Can you bear to part with it?"
"What is there to be unwilling about?" the Human Emperor said with a smile. "I have waited more than a hundred years for this day. The Jade Emperor is more suited to this position than I am. Only in his hands can the human race truly prosper."
"And once I set down the position of Human Emperor, I can devote myself to cultivation and comprehend the Great Dao. In the future, perhaps I may also attain Immortal!"
With that, he turned and walked to the desk, picked up the Abdication Edict that had long since been drafted, and stamped it with the Human Emperor Seal.
The edict read: "We, having received the Mandate of Heaven and governed the human race, are now advanced in years and weary of affairs of state. Jade Emperor Jiang Ping'an possesses virtue worthy of heaven and earth, and achievements that overshadow the ages; he is fit to bear this great responsibility. From this day forth, We abdicate in favor of the Jade Emperor. By imperial command."
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