Taibai Jinxing answered solemnly, "This humble immortal knows the details clearly. Dao Ancestor bestowed the ancestral peach spirit root upon the Queen Mother of the West years ago, and it has now reached nine thousand years of age. This is the first time the peaches have borne fruit, their rosy radiance illuminating the heavens and auspicious qi filling the skies. To celebrate this auspicious sign, Her Majesty has specially held a grand gathering, inviting mighty figures from the Three Realms to taste the immortal fruit together and bask in Heaven's grace."
Kong Xuan gave a slight nod upon hearing this and said no more for the rest of the journey. After seeing Taibai Jinxing off outside the mountain gate of the Dao Field, he turned back and respectfully saluted Su Yang, asking in a low voice, "This disciple begs to ask, Teacher. What does the Heavenly Court intend by this action?"
The corners of Su Yang's lips lifted slightly. "It is merely to establish their might."
Kong Xuan suddenly understood. So that was it. Although Haotian and Yaochi had taken charge of the Heavenly Court under imperial decree, they had once merely been attendants in Zixiao Palace. Having suddenly ascended to the imperial throne, they had shallow foundations. Those ancient mighty figures and Primordial Deities called them "Your Majesties" aloud, but did not truly acknowledge them in their hearts. Over the past ten thousand years, the two had exhausted every means to recruit former subordinates and cultivate trusted aides. Haotian had even bestowed several layers of exalted titles upon himself in succession—"Haotian Golden Watchtower Supreme, Natural and Wondrous, Mysterious and Profound, Jade Emperor of True Perfection," "High Heaven's Supreme Sage, Greatly Compassionate and Benevolent, Jade Emperor Great Heavenly Venerate, Mysterious Firmament, High Sovereign," and eventually the commonly used title "Jade