The Dao Ancestor's Decree. Receive the decree...
I'm already the Heavenly Emperor, and I still have to receive decrees? Damn it!
"Humm..." Just as Gungun cursed inwardly, Haotian, standing outside with Hongjun's Edict Talisman in hand, raised it high. In an instant, the golden light of the Heaven-Earth Bowl enveloping the entire Heavenly Court rapidly dispersed, opening a passage. He and the Golden Mother of Jade Pool then strode inside.
With the Dao Ancestor's Edict Talisman in hand, its Saintly might cowed every dragon and bear around them, allowing Haotian and the Golden Mother of Jade Pool to enter the High Firmament Hall unhindered.
On the seats of honor, Gungun and Ao Yue, who had just received the merit of establishing heaven, had been in wonderful spirits. Now, however, their hearts could not help growing heavy.
Heaven only knew what decree Dao Ancestor Hongjun would issue.
Reluctantly, they cupped their hands and bowed toward Haotian, who had stopped before the Imperial Steps with his chest puffed out and barely concealed excitement in his eyes... or rather, toward the Edict Talisman in his hand. "We respectfully await the Dao Ancestor's Decree."
Seeing the Ancestral Bear and Ao Yue bow to him—well, to the Edict Talisman in his hand—Haotian felt utterly delighted. We may stand as equals later, but at least you're both a head beneath me right now! Then he opened his mouth and proclaimed in a ringing voice, "The Dao Ancestor's Decree: the kalpa has passed, and the protagonists of heaven and earth have assumed their rightful places. Out of compassion for the suffering of all beings, and in consideration of the Heavenly Court's weighty responsibilities, I hereby invest the Ancestral Bear as Heavenly Emperor, Ao Yue as Heavenly Sovereign, and Haotian as Heavenly Venerable. The three emperors shall stand