Chapter 749: The Fire Seed of the Heavenly Alliance

Qin Mu and the old bull stared wide-eyed, and Kai Huang also looked incredulous. For a long while, none of the three could speak.

Seeing their expressions, Vermilion Bird was very pleased. This matter later became public, she said. The Empress was very displeased and caused a scene, so the Celestial Emperor abandoned his human form and returned to the Celestial Heavens. The Empress then made another fuss. Many in the Celestial Heavens knew about this, but no one spoke of it openly. Later, Heavenly Venerate Haotian rose to prominence and was indeed remarkable, but the Empress was very kind to Heavenly Venerate Yu. Why do you think that was?

The old bull immediately blurted, The Empress wanted revenge on the Celestial Emperor, so she slept with Heavenly Venerate Yu!

Kai Huang and Qin Mu coughed repeatedly, their faces turning beet red from holding back.

That's not quite it, Vermilion Bird said. She wanted to support Heavenly Venerate Yu to suppress her sister and the Celestial Emperor's son.

Vermilion Bird thought for a moment, her curiosity suddenly piqued. She whispered, Did the Empress have such thoughts? Perhaps she really did sleep with Heavenly Venerate Yu... And why did Heavenly Venerate Haotian kill Heavenly Venerate Yu? Did the Celestial Emperor realize the Empress had been intimate and instruct Heavenly Venerate Haotian to act?

Qin Mu couldn't help but interrupt her. Sister, he said, it was the Empress's sister who enveloped the Pavilion of Winding Corridors with her magic, preventing Heavenly Venerate Yu from escaping or calling for help.

Vermilion Bird's eyes lit up. Sisterly entanglement? Competing for favor? Killing the chicken to warn the monkey? What a grand drama!

Qin Mu blinked, thinking, *This sister's way of thinking seems a bit different from mine. I believe Heavenly Venerate Haotian wanted to eliminate Heavenly Venerate Yu because Yu's prestige was too high. By removing him, Haotian could become the leader of the demigods and postnatal tribes. Once the demigods and postnatal tribes developed, he would have hope of ascending to a higher position.*

Vermilion Bird clearly hadn't considered this angle; she was still excited about the Celestial Emperor's harem struggle, which was completely different from what Qin Mu and the others were thinking.

Kai Huang's expression darkened. Heavenly Venerate Yu was a hero of his generation, but sadly he met a cruel end. Whether the Celestial Emperor was involved remains unknown, he said.

Vermilion Bird's excitement vanished, and she said flatly, If the Celestial Emperor's son couldn't surpass a human, wouldn't that tell the world that ancient god bloodlines are inferior to mortals?

Qin Mu and Kai Huang were greatly shocked and speechless.

Vermilion Bird immediately shed her serious demeanor, smiling. Good brothers, she said, you should stay here with your sister for now. I'll go out and watch the fun. That little wench must be making a ruckus!

Qin Mu widened his eyes. Vermilion Bird, clearly eager for chaos, immediately rushed out.

This sister is even more excited than I am, and I'm directly involved...

Qin Mu shook his head and asked Kai Huang, Was what Sister Vermilion Bird just said true? Did the Celestial Emperor really instigate Heavenly Venerate Haotian?

Kai Huang shook his head. I have never met the Celestial Emperor, so I cannot know his character, and it would be unwise to speculate. However, it is indeed possible. If Southern Emperor's words are true, then the Celestial Emperor is playing with fire. Heavenly Venerate Haotian's ambition is immense. Once the postnatal races and demigods develop, his position may not be secure! he replied.

Qin Mu frowned.

The old bull was startled and quickly said, How powerful is the Celestial Emperor? And he's Heavenly Venerate Haotian's father. Could Heavenly Venerate Haotian truly harbor such ambition?

Kai Huang replied, Throughout history, imperial affairs often involve the crown prince growing restless when the emperor lives too long, secretly wishing for the emperor's early demise. Since the Celestial Emperor is immortal, if Heavenly Venerate Haotian wants to ascend to the throne, he would have to act against him. Furthermore, once the postnatal races and demigods rise, they will demand more benefits, and at that point, Heavenly Venerate Haotian will have no choice but to make a move.

Qin Mu's heart stirred. I was thinking, he said, the first thing Heavenly Venerate Yu told us was that all postnatal races could cultivate and become equal to gods. What would the second thing he spoke of be?

Kai Huang's gaze met his, and the two exchanged a look, understanding each other implicitly.

Kai Huang said, If Heavenly Venerate Yu hadn't died, it might still be possible. But with Heavenly Venerate Yu gone, none of the other Heavenly Venerates are a match for Heavenly Venerate Haotian. Haotian, with the momentum of the demigods and many followers from various other races, already commands great power. Coupled with being the Celestial Emperor's son, he is unmatched. He will become one of the 'Three Dragons of Long Xiaohan,' and the strongest one!

Qin Mu asked, No other Heavenly Venerate is a match for Heavenly Venerate Haotian. Of the 'Three Dragons of Long Xiaohan,' there's still one more faction. Where would that faction come from?

Kai Huang shook his head. I'm afraid that's beyond what we can consider or influence, he said.

The old bull listened, bewildered. He tentatively asked, What are you two talking about? Weren't we discussing the second thing Heavenly Venerate Yu was going to say? How did it get to the 'Three Dragons of Long Xiaohan'?

Qin Mu explained, The second thing Heavenly Venerate Yu intended to speak about was that after the method of immortality was spread, humans and other postnatal races would produce more and more deities, which would inevitably lead to jealousy and suppression. He planned to fight for the interests of all races, and that would form the third pillar of the 'Three Dragons of Long Xiaohan' that we mentioned.

The old bull chuckled. Why not just form a small Celestial Heavens directly?

Who would form it?

Qin Mu looked troubled. In a few days, he said, we will all return to our respective eras. No one will stay, and no one can stay.

Kai Huang nodded. Among the Nine Heavenly Venerates, Heavenly Venerate Yu is dead, and Heavenly Venerate Qin and Heavenly Venerate Mu are missing. The remaining Heavenly Venerates are not talents capable of rivaling Heavenly Venerate Haotian. Moreover, these Heavenly Venerates are disunited, making it difficult to form a third pillar.

Qin Mu fell silent. After a moment, he said, I do have a way to form the third pillar. But after the 'Three Dragons of Long Xiaohan,' which faction ultimately won?

Kai Huang's heart skipped a beat, and he looked at Qin Mu.

Qin Mu continued, Did the first pillar, the Ancient God Celestial Heavens, win, or the second pillar, the Demigod Celestial Heavens, or perhaps the third pillar? The Outer Celestial Heavens from the Crimson Light and Emperor Overlord eras, which emerged after the destruction – which of these three pillars was it?

Kai Huang fell silent. It was currently the early period of the Dragon Han era; in the initial years, neither the second nor third pillars had yet emerged.

No one knew which pillar would ultimately achieve victory and become the dominant power during the incredibly long years of the Dragon Han era.

Just rest and recover from your injuries, Kai Huang said with a smile. History has its own trajectory. We are not from this era, so there's no need to consider so much. We only need to return to our own time, face everything without fear or dread!

Qin Mu nodded gently, but thought, *However, we have returned to the past, and thus we have already become history. The third pillar must be established.*

A few days later, his injuries healed. Vermilion Bird returned to the palace, excitedly recounting her experiences at the Jade Pool to them.

News has already spread, she excitedly said. Heavenly Venerate Haotian is comatose and still unconscious. The Celestial Emperor is furious and has ordered a thorough investigation into the case. But there's no secret that can be kept forever. Soon, news broke that Heavenly Venerate Haotian had murdered Heavenly Venerate Yu, and thus Heavenly Venerate Yu was resurrected to seek revenge on Haotian. The divine arts practitioners of the postnatal races were in an uproar. Others speculated about many conspiracies, causing a great commotion, with all sorts of rumors circulating.

Qin Mu blinked. So, where did the news come from? he asked.

Vermilion Bird looked a little shy. I just mentioned a little bit of the truth, she said, simply saying that Heavenly Venerate Yu sought revenge on Heavenly Venerate Haotian.

Kai Huang and the old bull couldn't help but chuckle.

Someone also put the blame on the Celestial Emperor's head, secretly claiming the Celestial Emperor orchestrated this murder! It's being spread with full detail! That wasn't me who said that, she added.

Vermilion Bird's face lit up with a smile. She hopped onto her nest, swinging her legs proudly amidst the Vermilion Bird's sacred flames. But I know who said it, she declared.

The old bull asked curiously, Sister, who said it?

Qin Mu and Kai Huang looked strange, glancing at the old bull.

Kai Huang thought, *Elder Oxen has learned quickly.*

Of course, it was Empress Dowager.

Vermilion Bird chuckled. The Empress Dowager is also a clever person; naturally, she knows who attacked Heavenly Venerate Yu. The two sisters are probably already causing a stir in the imperial harem. But afterwards, the Empress Dowager's sister claimed that Heavenly Venerate Mu killed Heavenly Venerate Yu and then tried to murder Heavenly Venerate Haotian, pinning the blame on you, my dear brother. However, anyone with an ounce of sense can see there are many tricks involved. Many divine arts practitioners are planning to leave the Celestial Heavens, but the Celestial Heavens is thoroughly investigating all palaces, searching for the whereabouts of Oxen, Heavenly Venerate Qin, and Heavenly Venerate Mu, strictly prohibiting anyone from leaving. Those divine arts practitioners are arguing fiercely, and the demigods and divine arts practitioners are fighting again; it's quite lively.

She paced back and forth excitedly. The Celestial Heavens is a mess, total chaos! The Jinwu Guards even tried to search my Vermilion Bird Palace, but I chased them out. Is my celestial palace, my boudoir, a place where those rough men can trespass?

Qin Mu could imagine the ancient goddess's outburst.

However, you should also be leaving soon.

Vermilion Bird suddenly became calm again. She looked at Qin Mu and the other two. I received news that the Celestial Emperor has asked Earth Lord to act, to examine the life-and-death divine treasures of everyone in the entire world, and to make sure to find you, she said. The Celestial Emperor personally asked Earth Lord, and Earth Lord will certainly grant him this favor. You probably don't know Earth Lord's magical power yet, but if he wants to investigate all life, no one can hide from his eyes!

Qin Mu, Kai Huang, and the old bull felt a chill in their hearts.

Earth Lord indeed possessed this ability!

The current Earth Lord didn't recognize them yet. If he did, he would surely seize them and bring them before the Celestial Emperor!

Suddenly, Qin Mu said, If Earth Lord is acting to investigate all beings and gods in the Celestial Heavens, then it must be when darkness covers the Celestial Heavens. It's truly time for us to leave.

Kai Huang and the old bull were somewhat puzzled. It was their first time returning to the past, while Qin Mu had already experienced it once.

Sister, could you please invite Heavenly Venerate Ling? Qin Mu asked.

Qin Mu said, There are some things I need to discuss with her.

That's simple, Vermilion Bird replied. I'll just have someone summon her.

Vermilion Bird gave the order. Qin Mu waited for a long time before a maidservant announced from outside the hall, Your Highness, Heavenly Venerate Ling has arrived.

Heavenly Venerate Ling entered the hall and paused slightly upon seeing Qin Mu and the others. She didn't recognize Qin Mu's true face but did recognize Kai Huang. Heavenly Venerate Ling stepped forward, saluting Vermilion Bird. Greetings, Your Highness Vermilion Bird, she said.

Vermilion Bird waved a hand and smiled. You all talk here, she said. I'll go outside and see; Earth Lord should be making his move soon.

Qin Mu's appearance changed. Heavenly Venerate Ling stared at him blankly, exclaiming, Heavenly Venerate Mu! You... you...

Qin Mu said solemnly, Sister Ling, we are leaving. That's why I asked you to witness this, so you don't give up hope.

Heavenly Venerate Ling's heart filled with panic. You're leaving? Where are you going? What about humanity? Who will be the leader? And Heavenly Venerate Yu, he's still in the coffin... she asked.

Qin Mu smiled gently. The world is perilous, he said. Humanity should unite itself, and postnatal beings should also unite themselves. I, Kai Huang, and Oxen cannot remain here; we can only look back at your history.

Heavenly Venerate Ling became even more confused and helpless.

Qin Mu felt a pang of pity and whispered, Are you willing to join the Heavenly Alliance?

Heavenly Venerate Ling was startled. The Heavenly Alliance? she asked.

Join the Heavenly Alliance, invite more capable individuals and people of high aspirations to join, and establish your own power...

Qin Mu was about to continue when Vermilion Bird's voice came from outside the hall: Earth Lord has made his move! Darkness is coming this way!

Qin Mu walked towards the hall exit. Heavenly Venerate Ling suddenly shouted, I am willing!

Qin Mu turned back, a bright, sunny smile on his face. Then, Sister Ling, he said, you will be the Alliance Leader of the Heavenly Alliance in the Dragon Han era. Sister Ling, we will meet again in the future!

He strode out of the hall. In the distance, darkness surged like a great flood, engulfing everything, about to swallow this place!

Qin Mu bowed deeply to Vermilion Bird. Sister, he said, your younger brother must depart. I will never forget your kindness in sheltering me!

The darkness surged forward, consuming his figure.