Chapter 1618: Haotian Emperor

Bai Yuqiong came to see Meng Yungui and found him arranging flowers. He held a flower stem in his hand but hesitated to place it.

Flower arrangement tests one's artistic sense and spatial layering. A finished arrangement has distinct spatial layers, utilizing shadows and negative space to create visual impact. From any angle, it becomes an exquisite work of art.

As a master of numerology and divination, flower arrangement was not difficult for him. Yet, Meng Yungui was frozen.

Bai Yuqiong walked over. She smiled and asked, "Brother Meng, what are you thinking about?"

Meng Yungui whispered, "I have a dream..."

"What?" Bai Yuqiong asked, puzzled.

Meng Yungui came to his senses. He cleared Yuchenzi's words from his mind and chuckled, "Just some nonsense talk. Master Bai, I have accomplished what you asked of me. You can rest assured. But this is a one-time exception; there must not be a second time."

Bai Yuqiong replied, "Of course, there won't be a second time. The world is about to be unified. Heavenly Masters like us will find it hard to be useful anymore. Hao Tianzun will ascend the throne as Emperor, holding all power in his hands. No one can contend with him, and no force can oppose the Heavenly Court. Heavenly Masters like us are not far from laying down our arms and retiring."

"Let's hope so."

Meng Yungui said, "With our merits, you and I should at least be able to claim a portion of the heavens. In our realms, humanity can live well."

Bai Yuqiong's eyes flickered. She lowered her voice and asked, "Have you been to the Southern Heavens?"

Meng Yungui glanced at her but remained silent.

Bai Yuqiong said, "The human race in the Southern Heavens can no longer be called humans; they are livestock. It sends shivers down my spine. The last time I went to the Southern Heavens, I practically fled..."

Meng Yungui was silent.

Bai Yuqiong continued, "Fire Heavenly Venerate's actions are utterly shameless. On the surface, he claims to protect humanity, but in reality, he treats them as livestock. He's merely a herding dog raising livestock for the demigods. After we achieve success, will our realms become like the Southern Heavens...?"

"No!"

As soon as Meng Yungui uttered those words, he realized his tone was too harsh. He softened his voice and said, "We are different from Fire Heavenly Venerate. Fire Heavenly Venerate seeks power, while we seek a place to settle down. To gain power, he must curry favor with demigods, win them over, humble himself, and beg for scraps. That's why Fire Heavenly Venerate was always at the forefront when dealing with Emperor Kai and Heavenly Venerate Mu. We, on the other hand, rely on our own abilities to earn merit and exchange it for a secure place to live."

Bai Yuqiong hesitated. She asked, "What if, once the world is at peace, the Heavenly Court orders our territories to become like the Southern Heavens?"

Meng Yungui's eye twitched.

After a moment, Meng Yungui said, "Don't think about such extraneous matters. You and I just need to do our part. Fire Heavenly Venerate is seeking his own death and won't live much longer. I foresaw his demise long ago and warned Heavenly Venerate Xu that she would be implicated if she married him. Now, it's time for that prophecy to come true."

Bai Yuqiong pondered for a moment. She asked, "So, will we become a second Fire Heavenly Venerate? If Hao Tianzun doesn't trust the human Fire Heavenly Venerate, how can he trust the human Heavenly Master Bai and the human Heavenly Master Meng?"

"Silence!"

Meng Yungui growled softly. He glanced around. With a serious expression, he said, "Sister Bai, we were once fellow disciples, which is why I'm warning you. Otherwise, you'd be seeking your own demise! Your words and actions are extremely dangerous now. Times have changed. Any misspoken word could lead to your demise! Before, there were Ten Heavenly Venerates, so a slip of the tongue wasn't a big deal. But now there is only Hao Tianzun; even a Heavenly Venerate could die for saying the wrong thing!"

Bai Yuqiong sighed. She bowed slightly and turned to leave.

Meng Yungui held the flower stem. He continued arranging flowers. He muttered, "I have a dream... Damn it!"

Yuchenzi settled down. He slowly returned to his residence. The residence arranged for him by the Prime Minister was clearly riddled with surveillance. His every move would be clearly monitored, leaving no secrets whatsoever.

He didn't seem to mind. He lived openly, eating when he needed to eat and sleeping when he needed to sleep. He felt no pressure at all.

Meanwhile, the Heavenly Court was bustling. They were preparing for Hao Tianzun's enthronement ceremony.

On the day of the enthronement ceremony, it was incredibly lively, yet also sacred and solemn. Rulers from all heavens and myriad worlds rushed to attend. Various divine beings displayed diverse auspicious phenomena. Heavenly maidens, their robes fluttering, scattered divine flowers from above.

Petals covered the ground. The divine beings attending the ceremony did not step on the bare ground. Instead, they walked on a thick carpet of petals.

The Celestial Realm was adorned with lanterns and streamers. Every household hung lanterns. The divine beasts guarding the gates also perked up. Dragons coiled around pillars, phoenixes perched on branches, and Qilins sat majestically before the doors.

The grand ceremony commenced. Emperor Tai Chu, clad in imperial robes and wearing the imperial crown, received the obeisance of his officials.

Hao Tianzun also knelt below, kowtowing to Tai Chu.

The herald recited the ceremony. After the rites, Emperor Tai Chu burned incense and offered prayers. He delivered a speech abdicating in favor of a worthy successor, saying he was unworthy of the throne due to his lack of virtue. He then praised Hao Tianzun's talent and virtue, stating that he was abdicating and inviting Hao Tianzun to ascend the throne.

Emperor Tai Chu removed his imperial crown. He took off his imperial robes and placed them on a jade tray.

Hao Tianzun hurriedly refused, feigning great trepidation.

Emperor Tai Chu looked displeased. He insisted on abdicating and establishing Hao Tianzun as Emperor.

Hao Tianzun knelt, repeatedly kowtowing. He pleaded with his imperial father to retract his decree.

Tai Chu again urged Hao Tianzun to ascend the throne. Hao Tianzun prostrated himself, weeping bitterly, and repeatedly declined.

Emperor Tai Chu grew furious. He roared, "Hao'er, do you wish to see your old father die in this position before you'll ascend the throne?" With that, he drew his imperial sword, ready to commit suicide.

The officials rushed forward to restrain Emperor Tai Chu.

Emperor Tai Chu struggled in vain. He threw down his sword and shouted, "What good is it to persuade me? Go persuade the new Emperor to ascend the throne!"

The officials then went to persuade Hao Tianzun. Hao Tianzun wept loudly while prostrate on the ground. After further persuasion, he finally stopped crying and was helped up by the officials and led to the imperial throne in the High Heavens Palace.

Tai Chu personally placed the imperial crown on him and helped him into the imperial robes. Then, he slowly retreated, step by step.

The officials knelt and loudly acclaimed Emperor Hao.

Tai Chu also knelt, acclaiming Emperor Hao.

Hao Tianzun sighed, "I am of shallow talent and virtue, relying entirely on your support. It is only through this that the nation is prosperous and its people are at peace, the world is tranquil, the heavens flourish, and no rebellions arise. My lords, the days ahead are long; I hope you will continue to support me. All my esteemed officials, you may rise. Please take your seats."

Everyone rose and took their seats. Heavenly maidens, serving as attendants, entered in a continuous stream, presenting various delicacies and fine dishes.

Just then, a divine general suddenly reported, "Someone is outside the Southern Heavenly Gate, bearing thorns and kneeling to beg for forgiveness!"

A commotion erupted in the imperial court. The officials whispered amongst themselves, discussing animatedly.

"Could it be that Heavenly Venerate Mu has truly come to surrender to me?"

Emperor Hao's heart stirred slightly. He smiled and said, "Bring the one who seeks forgiveness before me."

Not long after, indeed, a man with his bare torso exposed, his hands tied securely behind his back, and some thorn branches stuck into his back, was escorted into the imperial court.

Emperor Hao gazed intently, a hint of disappointment in his eyes. The officials' gazes fell upon the man, and they were each surprised and delighted.

"Your Majesty's ascension! The Eastern Emperor Azure Dragon has come to surrender upon hearing the news! This is a most auspicious sign!"

Everyone offered their congratulations. The Eastern Emperor Azure Dragon prostrated himself on the ground. He declared loudly, "Your Majesty aligns with Heaven and responds to the people; your humble servant is truly convinced. Knowing it is impossible to resist Heaven's might, I have specially come to surrender. I humbly request Your Majesty's punishment!"

Emperor Hao rose and walked to the Eastern Emperor Azure Dragon's side. He pulled a thorn branch from his back and whipped him a few times, *snap, snap*. Then, he threw the thorn branch aside and extended both hands to help him up.

"Attendants, prepare a robe and drape it over the Azure Dragon."

Emperor Hao smiled and said, "Azure Dragon, do not take offense. The reason I had to whip you was that you were formerly my enemy and proclaimed yourself Emperor; thus, you deserved a lashing. However, you have shown remorse, and I appreciate your talents, so I am willing to accept you and disregard past grievances."

The Eastern Emperor Azure Dragon choked up and said, "Your Majesty's grace in recognizing my worth and sparing my life is something this Azure Dragon could never repay, even if I were to sacrifice my very being!"

Emperor Hao laughed heartily. He draped the robe over him and said, "Esteemed official, please take your seat."

The Eastern Emperor Azure Dragon sat down.

Tai Chu frowned slightly. The surrender of the Eastern Emperor Azure Dragon was unexpected. The Azure Emperor of the Eastern Heavens was his subordinate. When Hao Tianzun unified the world, he would eventually move against the Eastern Pole Heavens. At that time, both the Eastern Heavens and the Eastern Pole Heavens would be Tai Chu's territory.

But now that the Eastern Emperor Azure Dragon had surrendered, this territory would directly fall under Emperor Hao's name!

"I can only endure it," Tai Chu thought silently.

Suddenly, another divine official announced loudly, "Yuchenzi, envoy of the rebel Heavenly Venerate Mu, has come to present a surrender letter, begging for vast heavenly grace and a lenient dispensation!"

These words caused another uproar.

Emperor Hao's face broke into a smile, his heart filled with delight. He glanced at Tai Chu and thought, "On my very first day on the throne, my achievements already surpass your hundreds of thousands of years! Father God, you cannot contend with me. This imperial throne, I have firmly secured."

Yuchenzi ascended the hall, head bowed, holding the surrender letter high with both hands. His steps were slow as he entered the hall and knelt. He declared loudly, "Your humble servant Qin Mu knows that Your Majesty's martial prowess is unmatched and your heavenly might is vast and irresistible; therefore, I beg to surrender!"

Emperor Hao laughed heartily. He rose and said, "Though Heavenly Venerate Mu and I are enemies, I admire his valor. To gain such a grand general is greater than gaining the world! Bring forth the surrender letter!"

The Prime Minister hastily retrieved the surrender letter. Emperor Hao, in high spirits, commanded, "Read it!"

The Prime Minister hesitated for a moment, then unrolled the surrender letter and began to read. The officials in the imperial court burst into laughter upon hearing Qin Mu's surrender letter, thoroughly amused.

What truly enticed them were the riches of Yankang listed in Qin Mu's surrender letter. Pairs of eyes glowed with a faint, greedy light.

Even the Heavenly Venerates couldn't help but be swayed by Yankang's wealth. Each calculating how much they could claim for themselves.

When the Prime Minister read Qin Mu's line, "Your humble servant has already fallen asleep," he suddenly had a flash of insight and skipped that passage.

Emperor Hao smiled slightly. He thought to himself, "He knows how to be tactful; he's a promising talent. It's just a pity about Lang Wo..."

After reading the surrender letter, the Prime Minister presented it to Emperor Hao.

Emperor Hao set the surrender letter aside. He said indifferently, "Heavenly Venerate Mu's literary talent is extraordinary. I believe this surrender letter should be printed in millions of copies and distributed to all the heavens, so that you boorish officials can all learn from it."

"Your Majesty is truly sagacious!" the court erupted in praise and flattery.

Emperor Hao was overjoyed and banqueted his officials. After the grand ceremony, the officials dispersed. Only Fire Heavenly Venerate, Void Heavenly Venerate, Ancestral God King, Tai Chu, Tai Ji, Yin Tianzi, and others remained.

Emperor Hao said, "Heavenly Venerate Mu's national surrender is a matter of great importance, so I have asked you, my fellow Daoists, to remain..."

Ancestral God King hurriedly said, "Your Majesty is too humble. We are now your subjects; how can you still call us fellow Daoists? That would be too much honor for us! If Your Majesty finds us still useful and calls us 'esteemed officials,' that would already be a blessing from heaven!"

Emperor Hao feigned humility and said, "When the Grand Emperor was on the throne, he still referred to Heavenly Lord and Earth Count as fellow Daoists..."

Yin Tianzi stepped forward and proclaimed loudly, "Times have changed! A new Emperor brings new officials; old rules cannot apply in today's imperial court!"

Emperor Hao reluctantly said, "Then I shall accede to your wisdom. Esteemed officials, how do you propose we divide Yankang?"

Fire Heavenly Venerate bowed and said, "Your Majesty, Yankang is a human territory. By rights, it should fall under the jurisdiction of my Southern Heavens! I am the Heavenly Venerate of the human race; in just a few years, I can re-educate the rebels of Yankang so they never harbor thoughts of rebellion again!"

Hao Tianzun said blandly, "Yankang is prosperous. Does esteemed official Huo have such a large appetite to swallow it whole?"

Fire Heavenly Venerate replied, "Your Majesty, the human race falls under my governance. We had an agreement back then..."

Yin Tianzi laughed and said, "Fire Heavenly Venerate, times have changed. How can past agreements apply now? All under heaven is the Emperor's land; all within the realm are the Emperor's subjects. The entire universe and primordial chaos belong to Your Majesty. What is 'yours' and 'mine'?"

The Heavenly Venerates all frowned.

Fire Heavenly Venerate sneered, "Yin Tianzi, do you have a say here? Get out!"

Emperor Hao smiled slightly. "I forgot to inform esteemed official Huo, Yin Tianzi is no longer the Nether Emperor. I intend to bestow upon him the title of Yin Heavenly Venerate."

Fire Heavenly Venerate laughed furiously. "In the past, one became a Heavenly Venerate through merit, later through military might. Is one to become a Heavenly Venerate through flattery now? I am ashamed to be associated with such people!"

Hao Tianzun's expression subtly shifted. He laughed heartily and said, "Esteemed official Huo still has his fiery temper, completely unchanged. Hahaha, let's put the matter of Yin Tianzi becoming a Heavenly Venerate aside for now. For me to be able to sit on this throne, esteemed official Huo's contributions have been immense. I toast you!"

Fire Heavenly Venerate hastily rose and raised his cup. He said shamefully, "Your Majesty, my temper has indeed remained unchanged, making me a source of amusement for Your Majesty."

Hao Tianzun drank his cup in one gulp, set it down. He smiled and said, "How could I not understand esteemed official Huo's temperament? Although you and I are not blood brothers, we are closer than blood brothers! Half of my empire belongs to you!"