A Beautiful Misunderstanding: Duke of the East, Heavenly Court Vanguard

Haotian arrived at the South Heaven Gate with a puzzled look on his face, immediately attracting the attention of all the immortals.

"The Heavenly Emperor has returned!"

"As expected of the Haotian Shangdi, his aura is truly invincible!"

The immortals were overjoyed, their faces beaming with smiles. They pondered how to begin, since the immortals had come to seek refuge, which was an act of adding to their already splendid situation.

Just then, Duke of the East rushed forward, bowing respectfully in a booming voice, and said, "Duke of the East Head of Male Immortals, and his subordinates pay their respects to the Heavenly Emperor."

"Oh?"

Haotian's expression changed slightly. He looked around at the immortals and gods, patted Duke of the East on the shoulder, and said with a smile, "Duke of the East, you did a good job."

"Well done?"

The Duke of the East froze, then glanced around discreetly, his expression turning strange as he thought to himself:

"Does Haotian really think that I brought all these powerful beings?"

"The Head of Male Immortals?"

The Duke of the East was somewhat bewildered, but for some inexplicable reason, he didn't explain. He simply nodded and bowed, smiling broadly as he spoke.

"You flatter me, Heavenly Emperor. The Heavenly Court has the great responsibility of maintaining order in the Primordial World, and as the Head of Male Immortals appointed by the Dao Ancestor, I also have the responsibility to maintain order."

"Now I have come to the Heavenly Court only to obey the Heavenly Emperor's orders and do my utmost."

These words were righteous and dignified, neither humble nor arrogant. While praising Haotian, they did not lose the integrity of the Head of Male Immortals. They were truly comprehensive.

"Haha... Good!"

Haotian laughed heartily, looking at Duke of the East with admiration. He was just worried about lacking manpower, and now this opportunity had come knocking on his door.

"From now on, you Duke of the East, will remain the Head of Male Immortals in Heavenly Court, responsible for managing all male immortals."

Immediately, Haotian loudly proclaimed that his golden words and decrees had spread to every corner of the Heavenly Court.

"Thank you for your kindness, Duke of the East. I, the Eastern King, will certainly live up to your expectations." The Duke of the East was overjoyed and replied loudly, appearing as if he were ready to dedicate himself to the cause until his dying breath.

"This..."

The immortals who came to seek refuge were completely bewildered, staring blankly, dumbfounded, as if they had missed something.

Something feels off, something's not right.

Soon, a powerful figure realized the deeper meaning and his face immediately fell, looking as uncomfortable as if he had eaten excrement.

They were used by the Duke of the East!

"You beast, utterly shameless!"

These powerful beings cursed inwardly, their eyes filled with undisguised shock and anger, wishing they could tear the Duke of the East to pieces.

This scoundrel clearly knew they weren't brought by him, yet he didn't explain, just gave vague excuses to get away with it, and thus caught the eye of the Heavenly Emperor.

Now that things have come to this, they dare not offer any explanation. To do so would be tantamount to slapping the Heavenly Emperor in the face.

Moreover, Duke of the East has gained recognition and become the Head of Male Immortals in Heavenly Court. If he rashly comes out to expose him first, he will also be resented.

Dilemma.

Therefore, the group of powerful figures could only glare at the Duke of the East with hatred, gritting their teeth in anger.

These unusual reactions naturally did not escape Haotian's discerning eyes. With a thought, he reverted to the past and quickly learned the cause and effect.

Upon learning the truth, Haotian was immediately stunned.

He watched the Duke of the East silently, without saying a word.

The Duke of the East was startled and almost knelt down in fear.

"Oh no, oh no, will Haotian get angry and kill me?"

"I never said I brought them from beginning to end!"

The Duke of the East was inwardly furious, but outwardly remained calm and composed, like an old dog. At this point, he could only pretend not to know and deny it to the death.

After a short while, Haotian withdrew his majestic gaze and said calmly, "You all go to the Audience Hall and wait. Duke of the East, come with me."

After speaking, he turned and walked into the South Heaven Gate. In the end, Haotian did not punish Duke of the East.

As the Heavenly Emperor, whose words are law and whose pronouncements are absolute, how can he possibly renege on his word like this? Where is his imperial authority now?

Although he did not punish Duke of the East, Haotian had already developed resentment towards Duke of the East.

The various powerful figures secretly sneered. They could clearly sense that the Heavenly Emperor was somewhat displeased. What good could come from summoning the Duke of the East alone now?

The Duke of the East thought the same thing, and felt a little apprehensive. "Kongming, you go to the Audience Hall and wait. The Heavenly Emperor must have something important to tell you. I'll be right back!"

After speaking, without waiting for Kongming's reply, he resolutely followed Haotian away, appearing from afar as a hero going forth never to return.

After a long and winding journey, they arrived at a grand hall. Haotian sat high on his throne, his sharp gaze fixed on Duke of the East, an invisible pressure enveloping the entire hall.

"Thump!"

Duke of the East's knees buckled, and he knelt down, looking at Haotian with a panicked expression, saying, "Your Majesty, please calm your anger. I did not mean to deceive you."

He's upright and honest in public, and he'll kneel when no one's around. But he's acting all high and mighty now. He won't even know how he died.

Haotian snorted coldly and said, "If there is a next time, I will definitely kill him without mercy!"

"Thank you for your mercy, Heavenly Emperor," said the Duke of the East gratefully, feeling relieved but also filled with sorrow and mixed emotions.

He used to be the Head of Male Immortals, but now he looks like a clown.

What is Haotian's identity?

He used to be just a gatekeeper, and back then people would call him "Master Immortal." Now, however, people ride on his head and act as his elders.

However, despite his dissatisfaction, Duke of the East was helpless. He could only rely on the protection of the Heavenly Court; otherwise, he would face certain death if the Human Race were to purge him.

Just as the Duke of the East was feeling relieved, Haotian spoke again.

"Duke of the East, you've arrived at just the right time. Soon, a great calamity will ensue, and you will be the vanguard to help me complete my grand plan."

After all, Duke of the East has the title of the Head of Male Immortals, and his cultivation and fortune are not bad. When the Investiture of the Investiture of the Gods begins, he should represent himself.

As the Heavenly Emperor, he cannot do everything himself.

Haotian has already planned that after the Investiture of the Investiture of the Gods is over, he will bestow a divine position upon the Duke of the East.

Only those who are listed on the Investiture of the Gods can remain Eternal loyal to him.

At this moment, Duke of the East was unaware of Haotian's plans. Upon hearing that he was to be entrusted with a great responsibility, he was momentarily excited, feeling valued.

Long, long ago, the Duke of the East also served as the vanguard of the Witch Clan, advancing triumphantly and making great contributions. Although the Witch Clan eventually perished, the process was good, so he cannot be blamed.

"Your Majesty, what grand plan do you have in mind? Could you please inform me? I would like to prepare myself mentally and make a plan first." The Duke of the East bowed and quickly got into the zone.

He was so addicted to the days of being the center of attention and enjoying immense glory that he couldn't extricate himself from them.

Haotian smiled coldly, making no attempt to conceal anything. He raised his hand, grabbed the Investiture of the Gods, and slowly said, "This is the Investiture of the Gods Scroll, specially created for the Heavenly Court."

"Now, Human Race has lost its way and defied the heavens. When the calamity begins, Human Race will be plunged into an abyss of no return. The powerful who perish in this calamity will all be listed on this list..."

"Do you understand what I'm saying?" Haotian looked at Duke of the East and said calmly.

The Duke of the East was astonished, staring dumbfounded at the Investiture of the Gods the Gods in Haotian's hand!