Chapter 1619: A Good Dog

His words caused all the Celestial Venerables remaining in the High Heavens Hall to fall silent, their eyes flickering as they watched how Celestial Venerable Huo would handle the situation.

Celestial Venerable Huo raised his cup, tilted his head back, and drained it. He then said, "Your Majesty jests. How dare I claim half the world? I only need half of Yankang; I want not an inch of anything else."

Emperor Haotian smiled, his gaze meeting Celestial Venerable Huo's.

"Hahahahaha!" The two suddenly burst into laughter.

The other Celestial Venerables also began to laugh, their laughter gradually fading. Emperor Haotian smiled faintly and asked, "Ancestral God King, do you want Yankang?"

The Ancestral God King bowed slightly and smiled, saying, "By Your Majesty's command, I guard Xuandu. Xuandu alone covers all heavens and myriad worlds; its vastness already makes it difficult for me to manage. I'll have to decline then."

Emperor Haotian then looked at Celestial Venerable Xu. Celestial Venerable Xu shook his head and said, "Your Majesty, like the Ancestral God King, I dare not aspire to Yankang's wealth. I only ask to manage Youdu well."

Emperor Haotian chuckled, "In that case, only I and my dear Celestial Venerable Huo will divide Yankang equally."

Grand Emperor smiled and said, "Your Majesty, wait a moment."

A profound silence fell over the High Heavens Hall. There was no sound as all eyes turned to Grand Emperor.

Grand Emperor smiled and said, "When we were the Ten Celestial Venerables, our interests were aligned, and profits were equally divided. Now that the world is unified, we naturally cannot act as before. The entire universe belongs to Your Majesty, but your ascension to the throne was also reliant on the support of your old comrades. Since Your Majesty has gained the world, you should also reward those who contributed and comfort the hearts of your old comrades, so as not to chill their loyalty."

Emperor Haotian chuckled, "Grand Emperor's words are wise. I have only just ascended to the position of Heavenly Emperor, and I am not as seasoned as the Grand Emperor. How does the Grand Emperor suggest we divide Yankang?"

Grand Emperor continued, "It's simply a matter of rewarding based on merit. Whether in the battle of Xuandu or Youdu, our old comrades contributed immensely, fighting with their lives, and some even perished. While the survivors have achieved fame and success, we must not neglect the orphans and widows of those who died. Yankang's wealth, though slightly less than that of the Heavenly Court, should be divided according to the old rules. It would not be a great loss to Your Majesty."

The other Celestial Venerables remained silent, listening quietly.

Emperor Haotian said solemnly, "The Grand Emperor's guidance is spot on."

Grand Emperor chuckled, "Celestial Venerable Huo, representing both humanity and the celestial race, moreover has an agreement with Your Majesty. Celestial Venerable Xu, the Ancestral God King, the Grand Ultimate ancient gods, and even myself as the Grand Emperor, and the East Emperor Qinglong—all are meritorious subjects. Furthermore, Celestial Venerable Mu has surrendered, tearfully requesting a secluded retreat to pray for Your Majesty in his surrender document. All these matters need to be discussed."

He laughed heartily, "Celestial Venerable Xu and the Ancestral God King dare not claim Yankang, but its wealth should still be divided. Yankang is so rich, with so many factories, so many masters of arithmetic, and so many forging experts. If we don't divide it, what if they unite again and rebel in the future? It's better to divide it, much better."

Emperor Haotian pondered, nodding repeatedly, and said with a grin, "The Grand Emperor's words are reasonable, very reasonable..."

He glanced at Celestial Venerable Yin. Celestial Venerable Yin stiffened and said, "Grand Emperor, I too have merit, and I would also like a share."

Celestial Venerable Huo said coldly, "Celestial Venerable Yin, you didn't show your face even once during the Battle of Youdu. What merit do you have?"

Emperor Haotian chuckled, "Yin Chaoxin is a Celestial Venerable after all. Since he is a Celestial Venerable, he can certainly have a share, otherwise wouldn't his title be empty? Ancestral God King and Celestial Venerable Xu, you two shouldn't be modest either; you indeed have a share in Yankang."

The Ancestral God King and Celestial Venerable Xu exchanged a look, then bowed in unison, saying, "Thank you for Your Majesty's grace."

Emperor Haotian chuckled, "Originally, the Heavenly Court had ten Celestial Venerables. Now there are only Celestial Venerable Xu, the Ancestral God King, Celestial Venerable Huo, the Grand Emperor, Celestial Venerable Yin, and myself. It seems we need to inject some fresh blood. Celestial Venerable Yin has become Celestial Venerable Yin, and the White Emperor, Red Emperor, and Azure Emperor could also be candidates for the Ten Celestial Venerables."

Grand Emperor smiled, "The White Emperor, Red Emperor, and Azure Emperor are still a bit lacking in character. Your Majesty, the Grand Ultimate ancient gods could serve as Celestial Venerables."

Emperor Haotian toyed with his wine cup and laughed heartily, "I almost forgot. Those two fellow Daoists indeed contributed greatly in the battles of Youdu and Xuandu, and can be listed as Celestial Venerables. Since that's the case, why not add Celestial Venerable Mu as well? This way, we would have nine Celestial Venerables."

Celestial Venerable Huo protested loudly, "Your Majesty, how can a rebel be a Celestial Venerable?"

Emperor Haotian chuckled, "Does my dear Celestial Venerable Huo have another candidate in mind?"

Celestial Venerable Huo said, "Celestial Venerable Mu is a rebel. Listing him among the Ten Celestial Venerables—not only will I not accept it, but the other Celestial Venerables won't either! Besides, there's no shortage of people among the Ten Celestial Venerables. Isn't Emperor Langxuan still alive?"

Emperor Haotian's wine cup was crushed in his hand. He smiled and said, "Emperor Langxuan died at the hands of Celestial Venerable Mu..."

"Emperor Langxuan is a man of good fortune, destined for greatness. He is still alive."

Celestial Venerable Huo suddenly broke into a wide smile, making the mask on his face appear particularly dreadful. He said, "Has Your Majesty forgotten that Emperor Langxuan has a clone in Yankang? Heaven's mercy, I have already rescued his clone; it did not perish at the hands of that rebel Mu."

The wine cup in Emperor Haotian's hand melted, turning into molten gold that flowed down. He suddenly burst into laughter, "Well done! Splendidly done! My dear Celestial Venerable Huo, loyal to your sovereign and your country, you are an unparalleled loyal subject, truly worthy of being the one I value most!"

Celestial Venerable Huo humbly said, "Your Majesty overpraises me."

Grand Emperor's eyes flickered, and he burst into laughter, "Celestial Venerable Huo is indeed unmatched in loyalty and righteousness!"

Emperor Haotian snorted and said, "The East Emperor Qinglong has come to surrender and can be listed among the Celestial Venerables. Celestial Venerable Huo should have no objections, right?"

Celestial Venerable Huo smiled and said, "I have no objection to the East Emperor Qinglong becoming a Celestial Venerable."

Emperor Haotian clenched his fist, then slowly relaxed it, smiling, "Yankang's benefits are great, but there's no need for us to quarrel over how to divide them. Let the youngsters below discuss it. Today is my enthronement ceremony; let's not speak of these bothersome matters. I shall rejoice with all my dear subjects, and we shall not return until we are drunk!"

In the High Heavens Hall, cups clinked and joyous laughter gradually filled the air.

"That old dog Huo's rebellious streak is reaching its peak!"

After the celebration, Emperor Haotian saw off the others, keeping only Celestial Venerable Yin, Celestial Venerable Xu, and the Ancestral God King. He then burst into a furious rage, exclaiming, "He wasn't waiting for a better offer; he knew I couldn't give him a good price, so he sold himself to the Grand Emperor early on!"

Celestial Venerable Yin dared not speak.

Celestial Venerable Xu and the Ancestral God King exchanged a glance. The Ancestral God King said, "Your Majesty, Celestial Venerable Huo is, after all, of a different race; he is not of our kind."

Emperor Haotian exhaled sharply, pacing back and forth, and sneered, "He still thinks this is the past, that I cannot do without him. He is far too presumptuous! He dared to keep Langxuan. I can no longer tolerate him, and now he has gone and sold Langxuan to the Grand Emperor! How audacious!"

Celestial Venerable Xu said, "He has allied with the Grand Emperor, and the Grand Ultimate ancient gods are assisting. In a few more years, when Langxuan recovers to his peak, he might be able to contend with Your Majesty as an equal."

Emperor Haotian snorted in anger, then suddenly smiled, "My good dog has bitten me back. Good, very good. But I have long been prepared, Mother Queen!"

Madam Yuanmu lazily responded from behind a screen, smiling, "Hao'er, the Grand Emperor is nothing to worry about. You can rest assured."

Celestial Venerable Xu and the Ancestral God King were startled. They exchanged another look, remaining silent.

Emperor Haotian chuckled, "My dear Celestial Venerable Huo, you have a rebellious streak. Very good. I was even worried you wouldn't dare to rebel. You are, after all, my greatest meritorious subject. I had no reason to kill you, lest I chill the hearts of my officials. But now, you have forced my hand."

Grand Emperor returned to the Grand Peace Palace, his residence after stepping down as Grand Emperor. The term "Grand Peace" implied true peace, achieved by not being involved in power struggles after abdication.

At this moment, within the Grand Peace Palace, Grand Emperor, the Grand Ultimate, and Celestial Venerable Huo were seated. Grand Emperor smiled and said, "Celestial Venerable, your righteous words truly impress me."

Celestial Venerable Huo shook his head, saying, "It's simply that the Heavenly Emperor can no longer offer me greater benefits, which is why I sought refuge with the Grand Emperor."

Grand Emperor burst out laughing, "When Hao'er became Emperor, not only would he not give you benefits, he would even take back what he had given you previously! How can such actions win over the masses? It will only dishearten those who have contributed."

Celestial Venerable Huo sneered, "He cannot give me benefits, and he wants to take back what he gave me previously. How can such a good thing exist? The Ancestral God King occupies Xuandu, Celestial Venerable Xu occupies Youdu, and even that dog Celestial Venerable Yin, who only licks boots, can get a Celestial Venerable position and half of Youdu! I worked so hard to conquer the world for him, and in the end, he even wants to take back the Southern Heaven! If I don't rebel against him, heaven will not tolerate it!"

Grand Emperor nodded and said, "By cooperating with me, you can keep the Southern Heaven and also share in Yankang's benefits. No matter whose hands Yankang falls into, it must not fall into Emperor Haotian's. If it falls into his hands, we will never have a chance to rise again!"

Celestial Venerable Huo nodded, his gaze falling on the two Grand Ultimate ancient gods. He said, "He has the support of the Third and Fourth Young Masters; I'm afraid our chances of victory are slim."

"The Third Young Master's support for him is merely a matter of convenience."

Grand Emperor chuckled, "His calculations are precise. Not allowing the Third and Fourth Young Masters to descend will certainly displease them. Their displeasure will be our opportunity."

Celestial Venerable Huo sighed in relief.

The two Grand Ultimate ancient gods exchanged a glance and said, "Emperor Haotian will certainly move against fellow Daoist Huo. It will be hard for him to tolerate you; you must be careful."

Celestial Venerable Huo said calmly, "We are all among the Seven Celestial Venerables of Longhan, beings who opened up new realms. He is indeed more powerful than I, but killing me will not be easy. Regarding Emperor Langxuan, whom I've entrusted to you two, when can you restore him to his peak?"

The Solar Ancient God chuckled, "In roughly ten years, Emperor Langxuan will surely surpass his former self!"

Celestial Venerable Huo burst into laughter and bowed, saying, "I have yet to congratulate you two fellow Daoists on becoming Celestial Venerables!"

The two ancient gods exchanged polite words. Celestial Venerable Huo then rose to take his leave, and Grand Emperor personally escorted him out of the Grand Peace Palace.

"Does Your Majesty trust Celestial Venerable Huo?" the Lunar Goddess suddenly asked.

"No."

Grand Emperor shook his head, "Celestial Venerable Huo has betrayed too many people. After Celestial Venerable Yu died, he feared power and first betrayed himself, betraying his own heart and siding with Hao'er. Later, he betrayed his dear friend Celestial Venerable Yun, and after Celestial Venerable Yun's death, he betrayed his own race. Now, he has betrayed Hao'er to side with me. How do I know he won't betray me in the future?"

The Solar Ancient God said, "For someone like Celestial Venerable Huo, use him if you can, kill him if you can't."

Grand Emperor chuckled, "That's exactly what I meant."

Yankang, Wen Dao Institute.

Yu Chenzi returned from the Heavenly Court and reported to Qin Mu. He recounted his experiences in the Heavenly Court in meticulous detail, omitting nothing.

Qin Mu listened quietly, occasionally asking for details. Yu Chenzi recounted everything, daring not to miss a single point.

After a long while, Qin Mu chuckled, "Celestial Venerable Huo is going to die."

Yu Chenzi said, "When I left the Heavenly Court, I heard that Emperor Haotian was preparing to reward meritorious officials, and Celestial Venerable Huo had the greatest merit. Emperor Haotian intends to enfeoff him as the Supreme Heaven-Equal and the Virtuous Saintly Venerable. Previously, Celestial Venerable Huo was merely a Saintly Venerable, unmatched among celestials and humans. This time, he will be Supreme Heaven-Equal, on par with the Heavenly Emperor!"

Qin Mu chuckled, "Emperor Haotian cannot give him any substantial benefits, only titles. When a title is conferred without real power, death is not far off."

Yu Chenzi smiled, "That was also because the Imperial Preceptor delivered Emperor Langxuan at just the right moment."

Qin Mu burst into laughter and stood up, "I need to personally witness Celestial Venerable Huo's death and see off this old friend!"

He smiled faintly, "I'm still a bit worried that Emperor Haotian won't be thorough enough. After all, Celestial Venerable Huo was one of the Nine Celestial Venerables of Longhan, and he has some hidden abilities he's never revealed."

A fierce glint flashed in his eyes, then vanished.

Yu Chenzi smiled and bowed, saying, "I await good news from the Imperial Preceptor!"

Qin Mu took a piece of ordinary wood and carved it into a sword sheath. He then inserted the Calamity Sword into the sheath and walked out of the Wen Dao Institute.

On the Golden Ship of Crossing Worlds, the plump Grand Beginning and Qin Fengqing, who now resembled a young man, were sneaking around, scouting the ship. Seeing him come aboard, Grand Beginning hastily said, "Celestial Venerable Mu, this place is haunted!"