Haotian gave a bitter, self-mocking laugh.
"Did I have a choice?"
The Investiture of the Gods List was the only thing he could keep hold of. Even if the Dao Ancestor was using him, he had no choice.
Yaochi reached out and took his hand.
Her hand was cold, and so was Haotian's. Two cold hands clasped together could not warm either of them.
When Haotian returned to the Heavenly Court, the Lingxiao Treasure Hall still held those few dozen Immortal Officials, that same icy throne, and that lingering air of death.
The difference was that he now held an activated scroll of the Investiture of the Gods List.
The words upon the list began to flow, as though life had been breathed into them.
Haotian stood before the hall and unfurled the Investiture of the Gods List.
"The Investiture of the Gods List has emerged. The Tribulation is about to begin."
His voice traveled out from the Lingxiao Treasure Hall, past the South Heaven Gate and through the sea of clouds, reaching every corner of the Prehistoric World.
"Any who are listed shall be granted godhood after death and enjoy Incense forever."
The Prehistoric World erupted in uproar.
In Beiju Luzhou, a rogue cultivator meditating inside an ice cave looked up and spat.
"Godhood? Who are you trying to fool?"
In Xiniu Hezhou, the elderly Clan Leader of a Demon Tribe lowered the bone staff in his hand and sighed.
"More people are going to die."
Some were afraid. Several Demon Clan Cultivators huddled in a corner, their faces pale.
Once the Tribulation arrived, insignificant figures like them, whose Karmic Debt had yet to be cleansed, would be the first to suffer.
Others did not care. After hearing the news, Ao Qin, an Elder of the Dragon race, rolled