Chapter 75: The Struggle for Supreme Power

Biyou Palace of the East Sea—Duobao, true to his future as the leader of the Western Sect, had arranged the palace with an air befitting a grand lineage. Tongtian, whose power had soared, rewarded Duobao handsomely, bestowing upon him a thousand treasures, leaving the other disciples drooling with envy.

Naturally, disputes arose. Tongtian declared, “Whoever passes a level of the Treasure Pagoda shall receive a treasure from me.” At this moment, Tongtian was wealthy indeed; aside from the treasures obtained in Zixiao Palace, he had forged many items before leaving Kunlun Mountain. His words carried ample confidence.

As for his four principal disciples, he could not be stingy: he gifted Jinling Holy Mother and the others with golden lamps, white lotuses, magic pearls, jeweled necklaces, radiant lights, and even a Dragon-Tiger Jade Scepter. Moreover, he distributed the sect’s ceremonial attire he himself had designed.

Suddenly, a distant voice called, “Come at once to Zixiao Palace for council.” Upon hearing this, Tongtian hurriedly flew to Zixiao Palace. At such a crucial juncture, the matters Grandmaster Hongjun was about to announce concerned the union with the Way and matters vital to Tongtian’s sect, so his urgency was warranted.

At Zixiao Palace, Haotian and Yaochi were already waiting at the entrance.

“Greetings, Senior Tongtian,” Haotian, the young attendant, stepped forward to greet him.

“I see you both glowing with joy. Is there some great news? Come, tell me quickly!” As Tongtian entered Zixiao Palace, he sensed a festive atmosphere, alongside a pressure so formidable it left one breathless. Seeing the two attendants—lords of the heavens—he deemed it wise to give them some respect.

“Senior, you’ll soon know,” Yaochi, ever perceptive, raised a finger, gesturing upward. Tongtian understood: so it was him. Without another word, he strode alone into the hall.

At this time, the Supreme Elder Lord and Primordial Heavenly Venerable had not yet arrived, nor had the Western leaders, Reception and Quasi-Ti. Lady Nuwa, however, had arrived before Tongtian.

Perhaps the Supreme Elder Lord and Primordial Heavenly Venerable were in seclusion on Kunlun Mountain, and Reception and Quasi-Ti, being far from Zixiao Palace, were delayed.

“Has Lady Nuwa been well of late?” Tongtian, seeing Lady Nuwa sitting upright, took his seat and addressed her.

“Not as well as you, Brother, but I live freely enough. I hear you’re staying in the East Sea—may I visit your residence as a guest?” In truth, Lady Nuwa disapproved of the division of the Three Pure Ones; after all, in the great wilderness, the Eastern Four Saints held the greatest power. This made it difficult for her to lead her demon clan.

Her desire to visit Tongtian’s abode was prompted by her curiosity about his movements after he left Kunlun Mountain. Once he vanished in the East Sea, Lady Nuwa became puzzled. As a saint, who could possibly block her divine awareness?

Tongtian laughed, “Of course, of course. Once the teacher finishes his announcements, I’ll take you there.” Who could fathom Lady Nuwa’s intentions? It was best to agree for now.

Soon, the Supreme Elder Lord and Primordial Heavenly Venerable arrived, seating themselves on their cushions. The bond of the Three Pure Ones persisted, so Tongtian addressed them, “Why are you two so late?”

As the saying goes, “Good intentions often bring trouble.” Primordial Heavenly Venerable was displeased, replying, “Third Brother’s power has increased greatly!”

Tongtian was irritated—he had merely asked out of concern. He replied curtly, “It’s nothing much,” and withdrew into silent contemplation.

The Supreme Elder Lord, observing the bickering, sighed inwardly and said no more.

Lady Nuwa watched coldly; as an outsider, she wondered how much worse it got when no outsiders were present.

At that moment, the two Western Venerables arrived, seating themselves cross-legged without a word.

“You are all here.” The deep, powerful voice broke the silence as Grandmaster Hongjun revealed himself, addressing those gathered.

“Greetings, Master. May you enjoy endless longevity,” everyone replied, their eyes filled with deep respect. Feeling the overwhelming aura, all suppressed their petty ambitions.

Lady Nuwa was especially shaken. Though she was a saint herself, Hongjun’s mastery surpassed hers. When Hongjun appeared and released his aura, Lady Nuwa had tried to probe his depth, but her own power collapsed before even touching his. It was not a matter of magical strength, but of understanding the Way.

Lady Nuwa had not attained sainthood through her own comprehension of the Way, but through merit. Though her magical power and realm were respectable, when it came to mastery of the Way, she could only concede.

“Today, I have a matter to discuss. The wilderness lacks a proper ruler; this cannot stand. Recommend someone for all to consider,” Hongjun said with a smile.

“My disciple, the Southern Pole Immortal, is of great resolve and fortune, fit to rule the heavenly court,” someone proposed. The position of ruler of heaven was a coveted prize—not only for its merit, but for the authority to command all immortals against any who displeased them.

Reception and Quasi-Ti also coveted this prize, and added, “My disciple, Maitreya, is blessed with deep fate and is fit to rule the heavenly court.”

Meanwhile, Lady Nuwa and Tongtian remained silent. For the demon clan, this position was of little value—if accepted, it would offend the greatest powers of the wilderness; if declined, the soulless beasts below would remain at the mercy of others. For the long-term interests of her clan, Lady Nuwa chose to abstain.

Lady Nuwa also sensed the matter was not so simple. Once the heavenly court was established, all powers would compete for dominance, and the demon clan, just recovering from the war with the sorcerers, was too depleted. It was time to keep a low profile.

Tongtian, meanwhile, was quietly amused. From Haotian and Yaochi’s cheerful faces, he already guessed what was about to happen. Who in later generations didn’t know the rulers of the heavenly court were those two attendants serving the Grandmaster?

What should have been a joyous occasion was soured by the interference of Primordial Heavenly Venerable and Quasi-Ti, making Hongjun’s face darken. He had not expected his disciples to quarrel so fiercely for power.

“Tongtian, do you have any recommendations?” Hongjun turned to Tongtian, as the Supreme Elder Lord and Lady Nuwa remained silent.

The Supreme Elder Lord followed the Way of non-action and cared little for such matters; besides, as Hongjun’s direct disciple, he was trusted. Lady Nuwa’s demon clan was depleted from war, now at its weakest, so she would not vie for this.

Tongtian was the latecomer, surely aware of Hongjun’s intentions. If he named a favorite, he would offend Primordial Heavenly Venerable and Reception. If he remained silent, Hongjun would insist he recommend someone, deepening the divide.

“All is up to Master’s decision,” Tongtian replied, deftly dissolving the crisis Hongjun had set.

This was entirely unexpected to Hongjun.

“Then let it be so. Let my attendants, Haotian and Yaochi, serve as rulers of the heavenly court. Does anyone object?” Hongjun’s gaze swept over the assembly.

“All is up to Master’s decision,” the group replied in unison.

Soon, Haotian and Yaochi appeared before everyone.