Zhunti Looked Down on Zhang Bairen-Now He Was Acting Heavenly Emperor? Should He Work with the Western Teachings?

Inside the side hall.

The two stared at each other, equally dumbfounded.

"Zhang... my young friend? Why are you here?" Daoist Zhunti asked, puzzled. "Where is fellow Daoist Haotian?"

"I don't know either. His Majesty called me here and said there were some matters he wanted me to handle, so I came." Zhang Bairen's eyes widened in confusion. "Wait—am I supposed to deal with you, Saint?"

Hearing that, Daoist Zhunti almost lost all interest in talking to Zhang Bairen.

He knew Zhang Bairen had no backing whatsoever. He was merely a puppet the Heavenly Emperor had raised up.

Perhaps he would even be used as a scapegoat someday.

He was hardly anyone of consequence.

So Zhunti had little desire to pay him any mind.

While they stood there staring at each other, Taibai Golden Star hurried in from outside. A ceremonial procession followed him, apparently there to deliver some decree.

The sight left both men baffled.

Just then, Taibai Golden Star called to Zhang Bairen, "Zhang Bairen, the Heavenly Emperor has issued a decree. Come receive it at once!"

"Yes!"

Zhang Bairen rushed over and knelt respectfully. "Your subject Zhang Bairen receives the decree!"

Taibai Golden Star smiled faintly, then quickly read the imperial decree aloud.

In essence, the Heavenly Emperor had matters to attend to and would enter Secluded Cultivation for a time. He had therefore appointed Zhang Bairen, the Nine Heavens' Profound Spirit, Great Virtue, Light-Bearing, Vastly Virtuous, Universal Transformation, World-Saving, Merciful Emperor, to serve as acting Heavenly Emperor. From then on, Zhang Bairen would oversee all affairs of the Heavenly Court from the Lingxiao Treasure Hall and handle matters throughout the Primordial Wilderness.

As soon as those words rang out,

even Daoist Zhunti was as bewildered as Zhang Bairen.

What... what was going on?

Why would Haotian