Chapter 2545: Heavenly Court Secrets

The Wushan Goddess’s expression shifted slightly. “Long ago, the Yellow Emperor gathered copper from Mount Shouyang to cast tripods beneath Mount Jing.”

Wu Peng approved, “Indeed, Goddess, you are truly knowledgeable and have an excellent memory. Back then, the Yellow Emperor did gather copper from Mount Shouyang to cast tripods. Later, the Wu tribe from Mount Shouyang became famous for their artifact refining. Many people sought their help to forge weapons.”

Zu An’s spirits lifted. “Since this fragment also originated from there, they must know something about its creator.”

Previously, the clues about Yumen Beiqing had ended at the cave dwelling. Afterward, he had used the jade cong to question many small animals near the cave, but no one had seen any further clues. Now, the only option was a trip to Mount Shouyang.

The Wushan Goddess pondered for a moment, then looked at Zu An. “You don’t seem familiar with the world’s geography. I will accompany you two to Mount Shouyang.”

Zu An was overjoyed. “Thank you, Goddess!”

The Wushan Goddess smiled faintly. “Since Miss Yumen went missing while she was with me, I naturally bear some responsibility.”

The Six Enlightened Witches nearby exchanged glances, each seeing the peculiar thought in the other’s mind. The Wushan Goddess was always a recluse, yet today, she had left her abode multiple times. Considering that handsome young man, everyone’s faces showed knowing smiles.

Noticing their smiles, the Wushan Goddess felt a touch of embarrassment. She lightly coughed. “Next, I’ll trouble you all to inform the various factions. Everyone should work together to investigate who is orchestrating all of this behind the scenes.”

The Six Enlightened Witches looked solemn. “Of course. Besides informing the various tribes, we will also do our best to contact Empress Houtu. If there is any news, we will inform the Goddess promptly.”

“Thank you for your trouble.” The Wushan Goddess nodded slightly.

Seeing her return to her usual reserved demeanor, the Six Enlightened Witches discreetly bowed and took their leave.

Only then did the Wushan Goddess summon a cloud and say to the two of them, “I imagine you two aren’t in the mood to rest. How about we set off for Mount Shouyang now?”

“Thank you, Goddess.” Zu An thought to himself, “Who said the Wushan Goddess was cold and aloof? Isn’t she quite thoughtful and considerate?”

The Mermaid Queen’s expression was strange. She thought, “The Wushan Goddess probably hasn’t even realized this change in herself.”

Soon, the three stood upon a cloud, flying towards a certain direction. The space on the cloud wasn’t large, and the three stood very close together. Zu An could detect unique, subtle fragrances emanating from both women.

The Mermaid Queen’s fragrance reminded him of the gentle touch of a sea breeze on his skin, bringing to mind the magnificent and profound mysteries of the ocean. The Wushan Goddess’s subtle fragrance was like translucent gauze, light and ethereal. Although distinctly cool and detached, it carried a faint, elusive allure.

Zu An quickly composed himself. Changing the subject, he asked, “Goddess, as the daughter of the Heavenly Emperor, why have you always lived on Mount Wushan instead of in the Heavenly Palace? If this question is offensive, Goddess, you are welcome not to answer.”

He had always been curious about this world. He had asked similar questions before, but at that time, the Wushan Goddess had been indifferent and had not answered. He figured their relationship seemed closer now, so he decided to try again. Although it might displease her, the current situation required detailed information for any deductions. He couldn’t afford to be so cautious.

As expected, the Wushan Goddess remained silent for a long time. The Mermaid Queen beside them worried that Brother Zu had offended her.

She finally spoke. “The Yan Emperor’s lineage lost the throne many years ago.”

Seeing that she was willing to speak, Zu An’s spirits were instantly revived. “Is it because of the defeat in the great war against the Yellow Emperor back then?”

“One could say that,” the Wushan Goddess sighed softly. “The first Heavenly Emperor of the Celestial Court was known as the Azure Emperor. There are many legends about him, and even I am quite unsure about them. The second master of the Celestial Court was Shennong, revered by the world as the Yan Emperor. Starting with him, the title Yan Emperor was passed down for nine generations. However, in the history of the Celestial Court, all these Yan Emperors are collectively referred to as the second generation of Celestial Court masters.”

Hearing her reveal these secrets softly, the Mermaid Queen was filled with emotion. If it weren’t for Brother Zu, how could she possibly divulge such confidential matters? It must be said, Brother Zu is truly like a charmer. No matter what world he goes to, the women he meets fall for him. Thinking of how she had been smitten with him at first sight, the Mermaid Queen’s cool, porcelain skin showed a blush of crimson, like a blossoming Kelsang flower on a snowy plain.

The Wushan Goddess continued, “The Yan Emperors passed down the line, and their power gradually weakened. After the ninth generation, a Xuanyuan clan member gradually rose to power. He is the Yellow Emperor, well-known to the world. The imbalance of power between sovereign and subject inevitably could not last. Later, several great wars occurred between the Yan Emperor and the Yellow Emperor. Ultimately, the Yellow Emperor achieved final victory, and the Yan Emperor’s lineage completely lost its authority over the Celestial Court.” She paused, and said softly, “I am the youngest daughter of the last Yan Emperor.”

Although she didn’t state it explicitly, Zu An and the Mermaid Queen understood why she had resided on Mount Wushan for so long. After all, the Celestial Court had undergone a change of dynasty. It was already fortunate that a former dynasty princess like her wasn’t held accountable. How could she continue to stay in the Celestial Court?

Zu An suddenly recalled some information he had learned earlier. “I seem to have heard that previous Heavenly Emperors, upon reaching a certain point, would abdicate to the next Heavenly Emperor and enter secluded cultivation to comprehend the Great Dao. Did those earlier Yan Emperors not care about this matter?”

The Wushan Goddess shook her head slightly. “For beings like them, the Great Dao is the ultimate meaning of their pursuit. Matters of lineage and descendants are mere fleeting clouds to them. Naturally, they wouldn’t care anymore. Furthermore, the progenitor of the Yellow Emperor’s lineage was also the Azure Emperor of old. It was simply a change of family for the imperial throne. The previous Heavenly Emperors would care even less.”

Zu An nodded inwardly, curious about what exactly this “Great Dao” was that so many Heavenly Emperors pursued.

The Wushan Goddess continued, “Subsequently, the Celestial Court entered the era of the Yellow Emperor’s lineage. The fourth generation after the Yellow Emperor was the White Emperor Shaohao. The fifth generation was succeeded by Shaohao’s nephew, the current Heavenly Emperor Zhuanxu, also known as the Black Emperor.”

Zu An’s heart stirred. “Why did Shaohao not pass the Heavenly Emperor title to his son, but instead to his nephew?”

“There are indeed many different opinions on that matter,” the Wushan Goddess thought for a moment before continuing. “However, the prevailing view is that none of the White Emperor’s sons amounted to much. They were far inferior to Zhuanxu. Although the position of Heavenly Emperor can be passed from father to son, ultimately, it still requires the respect of the masses.”

Zu An suddenly thought of another doubt in his mind. “What about Emperor Jun?”

“Jun is a direct descendant of the White Emperor Shaohao. There was a strong clamor for him to succeed as the next Heavenly Emperor. However, the Black Emperor Zhuanxu had a grandson, Chongli, who also possessed astonishing talent. The competition between them was fierce. Although Jun later gained the upper hand and won the position of the next Heavenly Emperor, many people still had high hopes for Chongli’s future.” The Wushan Goddess couldn’t help but sigh with emotion at this point. “It’s just that no one expected Chongli to sacrifice himself for the peace of the world. It seems everyone underestimated him.”

As Zu An heard this information, some of his previous conjectures slowly became clearer.

At this moment, the Wushan Goddess hesitated for a moment, but still cautioned, “The lineages of the White Emperor and the Black Emperor are naturally at odds with each other. In the future, you must never get involved in their conflicts.”

“Is it just because of the Heavenly Emperor’s position?” The Mermaid Queen beside her asked curiously.

“It’s not just that,” the Wushan Goddess said gravely. “The totem worshipped by the White Emperor’s lineage is the Phoenix, while the totem worshipped by the Black Emperor’s lineage is the Dragon. Although, ultimately, they are both descendants of the Azure Emperor, their maternal clans are different. The White Emperor’s maternal clan is the Phoenix, while the Black Emperor’s maternal clan has dragon blood. Before the Wu and Demon clans became the world’s masters, Dragons and Phoenixes were the protagonists of heaven and earth. They were ancient enemies back then, and that hatred has also been inherited. Therefore, you must absolutely not get involved in the struggle between these two factions. Otherwise, you will perish, body and spirit.”

Zu An was startled. In his previous life, the Daoist scripture ‘Yunji Qiqian - Lingbao Lüeji’ mentioned a line: “In the past, there was a kalpa named Longhan. After Longhan, heaven and earth shifted their fate and entered Yankang.” Various online novels had, based on this, elaborated and extended the concept of the Dragon-Phoenix rivalry. Could it be that they had accidentally stumbled upon the truth?