East King Duke's Choice, Bestowing Dharma Upon Randeng

"Your Excellency, times have changed. Ninety percent of the Purple Mansion's elite are annihilated, all its high-ranking members have fallen. What remains are only the beings guarding the Purple Mansion's main stronghold."

"Meanwhile, the Heavenly Court's might has surged to its peak—even 'like the sun at high noon' falls short of describing it. Truly worthy of shaking the entire Primordial Wilderness, it has reached a position you never attained in your day."

"You no longer have much ground to haggle. No one else will help you besides us. If this continues, the Purple Mansion will surely fall, and you will surely die."

"I don't believe you can't see it. Di Jun likely keeps you alive only to serve as a living target, buying time for the Heavenly Court to grow."

"After all, the great calamity is near. Whether you die or Di Jun dies will truly set it in motion. Heh, your time is running short."

A light laugh rang out. Ripples spread through the void, and Zhen Yuanzi stepped forth from the emptiness, a faint smile on his face.

"..."

Hearing this, East King Duke's expression darkened.

A living target?

Did he not know? It was something he understood all too well.

Di Jun wanted to use him as a pawn, and he himself wanted to live. Such was an open scheme—even knowing Di Jun was plotting against him, East King Duke had no recourse.

"As long as the Heavenly Dao has not revoked This Seat's position as Head of Male Immortals, This Seat remains the Head of Male Immortals of the Primordial Wilderness. I am the orthodox one—the orthodox one of the Primordial Wilderness!"

"No one here is a fool, so spare me these empty words. Even if investing in Di Jun were viable, would those behind you actually do it? Do you truly take me for an idiot? Unless forced, I am the first choice."

East King Duke said flatly, his face expressionless.

"So?"

Zhen Yuanzi's eyes flickered.

"I am willing to defect. But what price are those behind you willing to pay?"

East King Duke's gaze was deep, carrying both ambition and towering rage, as he spoke unhurriedly.

Di Jun, you forced my hand!

You forced my hand!!!

"If Your Excellency is willing to defect, there's no need to worry about the price. It will surely satisfy you."

Zhen Yuanzi smiled.

"Defection is acceptable, but This Seat requires autonomy. I am merely cooperating with Them, not subordinate to Them. Otherwise, no deal."

"This Seat needs Them to help me attain the Hunyuan Dao, and They need me as a pawn in the Primordial Wilderness. It is a mutually beneficial relationship. If I were a subordinate, what meaning would attaining the Dao hold?"

East King Duke said calmly.

"Easy, easy. That's no problem. As long as Your Excellency agrees to cooperate, that's enough."

Zhen Yuanzi stroked his beard and said with a grin.

Cooperation, not subordination?

The road was walked step by step; one couldn't get fat in a single bite. In the past, East King Duke wouldn't even agree to cooperate. Take it slow—they had all the time in the world.

The Heavenly Realm.

Boom!!!

Boom!!!

Boom!!!

The heavens and earth shook. The Nine Heavens surged, vast world-forces erupted, and magnificent structures took shape, as if infinite Dao principles splattered everywhere. Tidal waves of energy surged, great Dao projections lined the skies, and the surrounding order stabilized. Spiritual energy gushed forth like an ocean.

In an instant, the entire Heavenly Realm's Nine Heavens blazed with brilliant radiance and boundless phenomena. Auspicious clouds seemed to cover dragons and phoenixes in harmony, and countless Dao tones echoed through the heavens, evolving myriad mysteries and wonders.

The Destiny Golden Dragon soaring through the Sea of Destiny let out roar after roar that transcended the mundane realm, filled with joy and elation.

The Three Immortal Islands were absorbed and merged into the Heavenly Realm, strengthening its crystal walls and elevating its level!

"Taiyi, Nuwa, Fuxi, Randeng, the Ten Directions Heavenly Saints—come to the Heavenly Emperor Palace for counsel."

A low, majestic voice resounded through the Nine Heavens. The moment Di Jun finished speaking, beams of divine light immediately descended before the Heavenly Emperor Palace.

In the main hall, Di Jun sat upright on a high platform cushion. As his eyes opened and closed, they contained the mysteries of universe annihilation and world birth. Myriad ancient stars seemed to gather within his gaze. Every gesture and movement brimmed with unfathomable profundity, as if holding unimaginable wonders.

"Greetings, Your Majesty."

"Greetings, Your Majesty."

"Greetings, Your Majesty."

One by one, the Heavenly Court's high-ranking officials and powerhouses entered. Seeing Di Jun, they all bowed in heartfelt submission, deeply respectful, and sincerely gave him a deep bow.

"Rise. There isn't much business, so I won't have you sit and listen at length. I'll keep it brief."

With a gesture, Di Jun wasted no words and said directly, "The Purple Mansion has suffered a heavy blow. The Heavenly Court's might is now at its zenith. The number of beings joining the Heavenly Court will soon explode. Each department must handle this properly—no incidents allowed."

"Understood."

"Understood."

"Understood."

The Ten Heavenly Saints quickly replied.

"The Mythological Imperial Dynasty is complete. From now on, the Heavenly Court's foundation will surge, and earth-shattering changes will unfold. Everyone's cultivation and strength will enter a state of rapid development. Aside from handling essential matters, devote yourselves to diligent training."

"Nuwa, if you have any questions about projecting across realms to gather the Human Race, come ask Imperial We directly. If you push it to the extreme, it will touch upon the Human Path, and also upon the true grandeur of the Mythological Domain. If you find yourself unable to deduce or understand something, do not waste time—come straight to Imperial We."

"Fuxi, what you must do now is step into time and space, comprehend time and space. Your path will not develop as swiftly as others' in the early stages, but its advantage lies in a solid foundation. When you master the Three Thousand Great Daos and break through to the absolute peak, that will be the day you condense the authority of time and space. After that, your path will be broad and magnificent."

"Taiyi, for the path of the Mythical Yao Emperor, you may first set aside the 'Mythological' aspect. The core lies in 'Yao Emperor.' First, become the Yao Emperor, then the Mythological. Remember what it means to be a Yao, and what it means to be an Emperor. Expand from there, extend from there, until you fully grasp the authority of the Yao Emperor. If you have any doubts, feel free to ask Imperial We."

His gaze swept over Nuwa, Fuxi, and Taiyi as Di Jun gave each of them pointed instructions.

"We understand."

"We understand."

"We understand."

Nuwa and the other two perked up, speaking in turn.

"Then let it end here. Go attend to your own matters. Randeng, stay behind."

Di Jun's gaze fell on Randeng as he spoke.

Randeng's eyes lit up, as if he had guessed something, and his breathing grew slightly rapid. Nuwa and the others bowed to Di Jun before withdrawing.

"Your Majesty."

Randeng swallowed hard, looking at Di Jun with eager eyes.

"All matters are settled, and the time has come. Since you joined the Heavenly Court, Imperial We have always seen the contributions you have made. Now, it is time to pass on the Mythological Law to you. Are you prepared?"

Di Jun spoke with a faint smile, his tone unhurried.

"!!!"

Randeng.

"I am prepared, I am prepared! Your Majesty, I am ready! I beg Your Majesty to bestow the Law!"

His face wild with joy and excitement, Randeng dropped to his knees on the spot and shouted loudly.

After waiting so long, always watching others show off and soar—now, finally, it was his turn!!!