After the White Crane Attendant left, Gungun sat in the main seat in the Heavenly Emperor Palace with his eyes closed, remaining silent for a long time.
About an incense stick's worth of time later, he finally made his decision.
It's only taking someone as my son. What harm could there be?
I'm taking someone as my son, not as my father. I, the great god Gungun, was born extraordinary. Although I'm still very young, does that mean I can't be someone's father?
With that thought, thump! Gungun hopped straight down from the main seat and swept his large paw through the air. A black light flashed, and he changed into the solemn, majestic Imperial Robe of the Heavenly Emperor, with a twelve-tasseled crown on his head. As he swung his arms, the enormous sleeves swayed with them. Really, he did look imposing and commanding... er, perhaps not all that commanding, but his noble bearing was absolutely genuine, without the slightest discount.
"Prepare my procession to the High Firmament Hall!" Having changed into his work clothes, Gungun called outside the palace.
Outside the Heavenly Emperor Palace, the immortal official in charge of Gungun's procession snapped to attention and immediately answered loudly, "As you command. The Heavenly Emperor proceeds to the High Firmament Hall!"
At the official's call, Gungun's honor guard hurried into action. Soon, a divine carriage drawn by nine Starry Sky Behemoths was brought to a halt before the Imperial Palace gates, and the Heavenly Soldiers and Divine Attendants serving the Heavenly Emperor Palace all bowed and knelt.
Then, bang! The gates opened, and Gungun strode out in his Imperial Robe. Passing between the deities kneeling on either side, he boarded the divine carriage.
The members of the honor guard rose from the ground and took their positions around