Kunlun's immortal mountains had stood green for ages. Seas of clouds surged around them, radiant mists fell for miles, and the undying Immortal Light shrouded the supreme Holy Land of Jade Void Palace.
After years of bitter back-and-forth fighting, the Investiture of the Gods Calamity was nearing its end. The entire Great Hall of Jade Void Palace was steeped in a relaxed, festive mood.
Immortal music drifted through the hall. Auspicious vapors swirled overhead, and Golden Lotuses bloomed across the floor, shimmering with color.
Primordial Heavenly Venerate sat on a cushion at the center, eyes lowered. The Dao Resonance of a saint rolled steadily around him, and a rare, easy smile touched his usually stern face.
The outcome of the War of Investiture of the Gods seemed settled. The Interception Sect's myriad immortals had been all but wiped out, and the Chan Sect held sway over the Measure Tribulation. Once Xiqi broke through Zhaoge and ended the Shang dynasty, the God Conferment ceremony could begin, assigning divine posts across the Three Realms in accordance with the Heavenly Dao's cycle.
Along both sides of the hall sat Guang Chengzi, Chi Jingzi, True Man Yuding, and the other Golden Immortals of the Chan Sect. They chatted and laughed at ease, pleased that the dust was about to settle and proud of their certain victory.
The strain of years at war had fallen away. All that remained was the leisure and satisfaction of waiting for success.
The hall rang with immortal laughter. Only one person seemed out of place.
Nezha sat quietly against the jade steps behind True Man Taiyi. He had the body of a child, but none of a boy's lively mischief.
Resting his chin on one hand, he swept a casual glance over the laughing Chan Sect immortals. Not a