Chapter 1435: Deception and Betrayal

In the Celestial Heavens, the ten Celestial Venerables — Hao, Gong, Zu, Hong, Huo, Yan, Qiang, Lang, Xu, and Shi — gathered to discuss the pacification of Xuandu. Celestial Venerable Huo asked, "The divine artifact Imperial Celestial Venerable in Xuandu has been suppressed by the Celestial Emperor, and the Spirit Energy Transfer Bridge has also been destroyed. Does Ancestral God King know what happened?"

Ancestral God King replied, "The Heavenly Dao of Xuandu seems to have sensed that the Celestial Emperor is about to die, causing the Heavenly Dao to become restless and seal my divine artifact. As for the destruction of the Spirit Energy Transfer Bridge, millions of Sun Guards residing on the Celestial Emperor received the Heavenly Dao's command, gathered, formed a rebellious force, attacked, and destroyed the bridge."

"Even on his deathbed, the Celestial Emperor still tries to make a last stand."

Celestial Venerable Xu sneered, "But that's just futile."

Celestial Venerable Hong quickly said, "Don't underestimate him. The Heavenly Dao will not allow the Celestial Emperor to die; even if he wants to, he cannot. The Celestial Emperor was born from the Heavenly Dao and represents its operations. At critical moments, the Heavenly Dao's will can completely override his own, and even empower the Sun Guards in Xuandu, significantly increasing their strength."

"There are millions of Sun Guards in Xuandu, normally responsible for the operation of the suns in various heavens and worlds. If the Heavenly Dao empowers them, they would indeed become a formidable force."

Celestial Venerable Gong said, "However, besides the Sun Guards, Xuandu also has Moon Guards from various regions and Star Lords from different paths. If they too are empowered by the Heavenly Dao, this force would be truly formidable."

Celestial Venerable Hong chuckled, "Is Celestial Venerable Gong planning to go to Xuandu?"

Celestial Venerable Gong hesitated, then shook her head, saying, "The Celestial Heavens cannot be left unguarded. I will not go."

Celestial Venerable Huo, with a passionate tone, declared loudly, "How can we not go? The Celestial Emperor has committed countless evil deeds and brought disaster to the world for too long. Not killing him would be an act of indulgence, an act of complicity!"

Celestial Venerable Gong smiled, "Celestial Venerable Huo, your hatred for evil and intolerance for any wrongdoing is something I greatly admire. However, the Celestial Heavens are also critically important; we must guard against any sudden attack from the thief Qin. My staying here would also provide support."

Celestial Venerable Hao chuckled, "Fellow Daoist Gong, you cannot shoulder this burden alone. I too shall guard the Celestial Heavens, just in case. What do you two Celestial Consorts think?"

Celestial Consort Qiang chuckled, "With Celestial Venerable Hao and Celestial Venerable Gong here, everything will be perfectly safe. So, I will go to Xuandu."

Celestial Consort Yan's eyes gleamed as she smiled, "Three of the Four Extreme Heavens are still unstable. This consort intends to deter the Azure Dragon, White Tiger, and Black Tortoise to prevent them from causing further trouble."

Celestial Venerable Xu said, "Youdu also needs to be guarded against. I will stay here to prevent any unrest from Youdu."

Celestial Venerable Hao then looked at Lang Xuan, who quickly said, "I must go. If none of you go, it would be problematic in case of any mishap."

Celestial Venerable Hong chuckled, "The Celestial Emperor's power in Xuandu is akin to that of a Grand Celestial Heavens cultivator in their prime, not inferior to the Celestial Emperor. I also need to go and support Ancestral God King."

Shi Qiluo said, "The divine artifact Imperial Celestial Venerable was created by me. Since the Celestial Emperor has suppressed it, I must rush there to break his suppression."

Celestial Venerable Hao chuckled, "In that case, the battle for Xuandu is entrusted to you. Celestial Venerable Gong, Celestial Consort Yan, Celestial Venerable Xu, and I will remain here to guard. I wish the six of you a triumphant victory in advance."

Everyone smiled knowingly.

Celestial Venerable Hao had always been exceedingly arrogant, likely looking down on other Celestial Venerables and always claiming the largest share of any benefits. However, after his battle with the Grand Emperor and being pursued by Qin Mu for sixty thousand miles, his reputation was shattered. The current Celestial Venerable Hao had become humble and courteous, indicating that his injuries had not yet fully healed.

With six Celestial Venerables—Zu, Hong, Huo, Qiang, Lang, and Shi—the battle in Xuandu against the Celestial Emperor would surely be effortless. Even if Emperor Kai, Celestial Venerable Yue, and others intervened, it wouldn't change the overall outcome.

Suddenly, Celestial Venerable Hong asked, "What about Celestial Venerable Mu? He has an excellent relationship with the Celestial Emperor; he won't just stand by."

Celestial Venerable Hao replied, "Yin Tianzi will block him. Brother Hong, you can rest assured."

Everyone stood up and departed, except for Celestial Venerable Gong, who remained to ask Celestial Venerable Hao, "Is Celestial Venerable Hao truly so calm, choosing to stay and guard the Celestial Heavens with me?"

Celestial Venerable Hao did not hide the truth from her, saying, "My injuries from the battle with the Grand Emperor have not healed. Currently, I am barely maintaining appearances. If I were to go to Xuandu, I might reveal my true weakened state. Furthermore, I no longer have the divine artifact Imperial Celestial Venerable, so I cannot compete with them. But Celestial Venerable Gong, with your profound cultivation and still in your peak condition, why do you also choose to stay?"

Celestial Venerable Gong replied, "I have no aspirations regarding the Heavenly Dao; going or not going makes no difference to me."

Celestial Venerable Hao burst into laughter, then suddenly started coughing violently. It took him a moment to catch his breath before he said, "Celestial Venerable Gong, you are as calm and composed as ever, which is admirable. I thought you might contend for something on behalf of my brother Lang Xuan, seeing as you are his mother."

Celestial Venerable Gong's pupils contracted slightly, and she smiled, "Celestial Venerable Hao, you jest."

Celestial Venerable Hao did not press the matter further. He said, "Imperial families are all heartless. It's no wonder you don't care for my brother. It was I who invited you to join the Ten Celestial Venerables and become a ruler. Celestial Venerable Gong, you still owe me a favor."

Celestial Venerable Gong remained silent.

Celestial Venerable Hao smiled, saying, "Our interests have long been intertwined; our alliance is unbreakable. Only I can tolerate your Creator race. Gong, whatever you wish to do now, go ahead and do it. I am behind you."

Celestial Venerable Gong expressed her gratitude, then stood up and left.

Celestial Venerable Hao sat leisurely, tapping the armrest of his throne. Just then, a female figure appeared behind him, her voice filled with charm. She softly said, "Celestial Venerable Gong has the weakness of being a Creator, so she cannot escape your control. You can use her to dismantle the alliance between Emperor Kai and Lang Wo, or to turn her and her son into enemies to eliminate Lang Xuan. You can also use her against the Grand Emperor and Grand Prime. Among the Ten Celestial Venerables, she is the woman who can truly help you grasp all power! If you use her well, you will possess supreme authority! Furthermore, my Grand Purity divine ore is also in her hands."

"Thank you for your guidance, Aunt. Rest assured, Aunt, I will definitely retrieve the Grand Purity divine ore for you!"

Celestial Venerable Hao smiled, gazing somewhat entranced at the woman who resembled Madam Yuanmu. He said, "Aunt, I have not yet recovered to my peak state. The battle for Xuandu is extremely important—not for how to kill the Celestial Emperor, but for how to divide the spoils. If I don't go, I won't gain any benefits and will only allow Ancestral God King to succeed! Ancestral God King is arrogant and self-willed; if he gains power, he will force us to submit to him!"

"So, you will definitely go to the battle for Xuandu."

The woman was indeed Grand Purity. Because Celestial Venerable Hao was thinking of Madam Yuanmu, she had taken on Madam Yuanmu's appearance. She said softly, "You wish to enhance your power and return to your peak state. Your primordial spirit is still trapped within the Grand Emperor's Divine Consciousness Great Overarching Heaven divine art. This is a good opportunity for you to break free. Even if you only acquire a portion of the Celestial Emperor's magic power, you can use its strength to shatter the Divine Consciousness Great Overarching Heaven."

"Please help me achieve this, Aunt!" Celestial Venerable Hao said in a deep voice.

The Grand Purity Goddess smiled with a benevolent expression, filled with maternal power. She softly said, "If you ask me, you know the rules."

Celestial Venerable Hao knelt down and fervently bowed to her, kissing her feet. Yet, his eyes remained incredibly calm.

The Grand Purity Goddess chuckled, "Since you ask me, I will naturally agree. Rest assured, I will accompany you and bring my ultimate treasure to ensure you gain the greatest benefits. For the more formidable you become, the happier I will be..."