Haotian knelt prostrate on the ground, his head lowered. None of his former frivolity remained. The trials of one hundred and twenty-nine thousand cycles of reincarnation seemed to have polished that once high-spirited youth into a piece of warm, restrained jade.
At that moment, a long-forgotten voice rang out within him at just the right time:
"Ding! Host, welcome back. The Jiahao System has been unsealed!"
Haotian's body trembled slightly, but his expression remained solemn and dignified.
Hongjun looked at the seemingly more composed Haotian before him, and a pleased expression appeared on his face.
Once upon a time, Haotian had been a bold little attendant. Now, that little attendant had grown up and finally possessed something of the bearing a Heavenly Emperor ought to have.
Hongjun raised a hand in a gesture of support, his voice gentle.
"Rise. You have endured one hundred and twenty-nine thousand layers of tribulation, cleansing your mortal heart and returning to your rightful place. From this day onward, you shall be the master of the new Heavenly Court, governing the heavens of the Three Realms. I hope you will diligently fulfill your duties and not betray the hopes of Heaven, Earth, and all living beings."
"This disciple shall remember your teachings, Master!"
Haotian kowtowed once more before slowly rising to his feet.
Hongjun stroked his beard with a smile, studying him for a moment with satisfaction in his eyes.
Then, he pointed forward with one finger.
The Investiture of the Gods let out a hum and suddenly unfurled, spiraling upward into the nine heavens.
Dazzling golden light radiated from the list as the vast fortune of the Myriad Heavens and Ten Thousand Worlds and the Primordial World began converging upon Haotian.
The fortune was like a vast tide, mighty and boundless.
Drawn by that