However...
Primordial had intended to maneuver Lin Tian into a position where he could neither advance nor retreat.
What he had not expected was that, with Hongjun absent, Lin Tian now had the absolute final say.
As Primordial posed that question, a faint smile appeared on Lin Tian's face.
This was the main objective he had come to achieve today.
Lin Tian said slowly, "In my view, my disciple Minghe is the most suitable candidate for the position of Great Emperor Gouchen!"
"Great Emperor Gouchen governs the Heavenly Court's merit and presides over warfare and slaughter. My disciple Minghe possesses precisely the qualities required."
Lin Tian spoke calmly, then turned his gaze toward Haotian.
"Still, I am merely making a suggestion. The final decision should rest with Haotian."
"As the Jade Emperor, if he lacks even this much authority, would he not become a laughingstock?"
"Do you understand, Primordial?"
Lin Tian was openly putting Primordial in his place, mocking him for stretching his hand too far.
At the same time, he was preserving Haotian's dignity and making it clear to everyone that the other Saints could not interfere arbitrarily in appointments to the Four Emperors.
Upon hearing those words, Primordial's expression turned utterly ugly.
Haotian, by contrast, cast Lin Tian a look tinged with gratitude.
Primordial had threatened him time and again, whereas Lin Tian had shown no intention of forcing him.
Compared with Lin Tian, Primordial seemed particularly hateful, despite belonging to the same Hongjun faction as Haotian.
Zhunti and Jieyin, who stood to one side watching the spectacle and waiting for an opportunity to act, were no better.
Haotian, who had long bottled up his grievances, was deeply moved.
Without consciously realizing it, he was drawn by some mysterious trigger, and a scene suddenly appeared before his eyes.