The Black Bear Temporarily Takes Over as Heavenly Emperor, and Nuwa Discovers a Marriage Bond

But that did seem right. Jieyin and Zhunti had dared to openly betray the Mystic Gate and no longer acknowledged Hongjun as their teacher, so offending him a little further hardly seemed beyond them.

Making Haotian a Jade Emperor with real authority was not the Heavenly Dao's will, so Hongjun could not represent the Heavenly Dao in this matter.

Since he could not represent the Heavenly Dao, he was essentially just a Saint, albeit a stronger one. In that case, Houtu, Jieyin, and Zhunti together might well be able to put up a fight against him.

Although they would certainly lose if they actually fought, one must not forget that Nuwa and the Three Pure Ones were still in the Primordial World. They might not truly submit to Hongjun, and Hongjun surely knew that himself. What if, when he fought Houtu and the others, Nuwa and the Three Pure Ones saw an opportunity? Unwilling to keep a teacher above their heads ordering them around, they might all swarm him at once.

Could he win a fight of one against seven?

Gungun did not know either, but Hongjun would probably have his misgivings.

With that thought, Gungun scratched his face and considered it seriously for a while before telling Houtu, "All right, Ancestral Witch. I understand."

"Yes. Don't worry. Even if Haotian temporarily seizes some of your authority, I'll help you take it back as quickly as possible," Houtu reassured Gungun.

Gungun nodded, then called out, "Xiong Er."

Bzz~ A streak of black light flashed, and an extremely portly black bear wearing a kasaya appeared.

"Amitabha. Greetings, Ancestral Witch, True Form." The Black Bear Ancestor offered Houtu and Gungun a Buddhist salute.

"You've certainly adapted to this identity quickly." The corner of Gungun's mouth twitched as he spoke to him.

"Ah,