Chapter 1427: Deceit and Scheming (Second Update)
In the Celestial Court, ten Heavenly Sovereigns—Hao, Gong, Zu, Hong, Huo, Yan, Qiang, Lang, Xu, and Shi—gathered together to discuss the matter of pacifying Xuan Du. The Fire Heavenly Sovereign asked, "The divine artifact Imperial Heavenly Sovereign in Xuan Du was suppressed by the Heavenly Duke, and the Spirit Energy Transfer Bridge was also destroyed. Patriarch Shen King, do you know what changes have occurred?"
The Patriarch Shen King replied, "The Heavenly Dao of Xuan Du seems to have sensed that the Heavenly Duke is about to die, causing the Heavenly Dao to stir restlessly and seal my artifact. As for the destruction of the Spirit Energy Transfer Bridge, it was the millions of Sun Guardians residing on the Heavenly Duke who, upon receiving orders from the Heavenly Dao, gathered together to form a rebellious force, attacked the Spirit Energy Transfer Bridge, and destroyed it."
"The Heavenly Duke, on the verge of death, still wants to kick his legs."
The Void Heavenly Sovereign sneered, "But that is nothing more than a futile struggle."
The Hong Heavenly Sovereign quickly said, "Do not underestimate it. The Heavenly Dao will not allow the Heavenly Duke to die; even if he wishes to die, he cannot. The Heavenly Duke was born from the Heavenly Dao, representing its operation. At critical moments, the will of the Heavenly Dao will completely replace the will of the Heavenly Duke, even empowering the Sun Guardians of Xuan Du, greatly increasing their strength."
"In Xuan Du, there are millions of Sun Guardians. These Sun Guardians are usually responsible for the operation of the suns in the various heavens and worlds. If the Heavenly Dao empowers them, they will indeed become a considerable force."
The Gong Heavenly Sovereign said, "However, besides the Sun Guardians, Xuan Du also has Moon Guardians from various regions and Star Lords from all directions. If they are also empowered by the Heavenly Dao, this force cannot be underestimated."
The Hong Heavenly Sovereign smiled, "Will the Gong Heavenly Sovereign be going to Xuan Du?"
The Gong Heavenly Sovereign hesitated for a moment, then shook her head, "The Celestial Court cannot be left unguarded. I think I will not go."
The Fire Heavenly Sovereign spoke with fervor and passion, his voice loud and clear, "How can you not go? The Heavenly Duke has committed countless evils and has long plagued the world. Not killing the Heavenly Duke is to condone him, to be an accomplice!"
The Gong Heavenly Sovereign smiled, "The Fire Heavenly Sovereign hates evil as much as an enemy and cannot tolerate the slightest impurity. I deeply admire that, but the Celestial Court is also of utmost importance. We cannot afford to neglect a surprise attack from the Thief Qin. Staying here, I can also provide support."
The Hao Heavenly Sovereign smiled, "Daoist Gong alone cannot hold the line. I will also guard the Celestial Court to be safe. Two Heavenly Consort Ladies, what do you think?"
The Qiang Heavenly Consort giggled, "With the Hao Heavenly Sovereign and the Gong Heavenly Sovereign here, ensuring nothing goes wrong, I will go to Xuan Du."
The Yan Heavenly Consort’s eyes flickered, and she smiled, "Three of the Four Extremes Heavens have yet to be pacified. I plan to intimidate the Azure Dragon, White Tiger, and Black Tortoise to prevent them from causing further trouble."
The Void Heavenly Sovereign said, "The Netherworld cannot be ignored either. I will stay behind to guard against any chaos in the Netherworld."
The Hao Heavenly Sovereign then looked at Lang Xuan. The Lang Xuan Divine Emperor quickly said, "I must go. If none of you go, and something goes wrong, that would be bad."
The Hong Heavenly Sovereign smiled, "The Heavenly Duke’s strength in Xuan Du can be considered a perfected Great Celestial Court existence, not inferior to the Heavenly Emperor. I must also go to support the Patriarch Shen King."
Shi Qiluo said, "The divine artifact Imperial Heavenly Sovereign was made by me. Since the Heavenly Duke has suppressed the artifact, I must also go to break his suppression."
The Hao Heavenly Sovereign smiled, "In that case, the battle of Xuan Du will be left to you. I, along with the Gong Heavenly Sovereign, the Yan Heavenly Consort, and the Void Heavenly Sovereign, will remain here. I wish you six fellow Daoists a triumphant victory."
Everyone exchanged knowing smiles.
The Hao Heavenly Sovereign had always been arrogantly proud, looking down on other Heavenly Sovereigns. If there were benefits, he would take the lion’s share. But after his battle with the Grand Emperor and being pursued for six hundred thousand miles by Qin Mu, his reputation was ruined. Now, the Hao Heavenly Sovereign had become humble and deferential, likely because his injuries had not yet healed.
In the battle of Xuan Du, with the six Heavenly Sovereigns—Zu, Hong, Huo, Qiang, Lang, and Shi—dealing with the Heavenly Duke would be a sure thing. Even if figures like the Kai Emperor and the Moon Heavenly Sovereign intervened, it would change nothing and be irrelevant to the overall situation.
Suddenly, the Hong Heavenly Sovereign asked, "What about the Mu Heavenly Sovereign? The Mu Heavenly Sovereign has a very good relationship with the Heavenly Duke. He will not stand idly by."
The Hao Heavenly Sovereign said, "The Nether Emperor will block him. Rest assured, Brother Hong."
Everyone rose and left, leaving only the Gong Heavenly Sovereign, who asked the Hao Heavenly Sovereign, "Is the Hao Heavenly Sovereign truly so composed, willing to stay with me and guard the Celestial Court?"
The Hao Heavenly Sovereign did not hide the truth from her, saying, "My injuries from the battle with the Grand Emperor have not healed. I am barely maintaining appearances. If I really went to Xuan Du, I would likely reveal my true state. Besides, I no longer have the divine artifact Imperial Heavenly Sovereign to contend with them. As for you, Gong Heavenly Sovereign, you have deep cultivation and are still at your peak. Why do you also choose to stay?"
The Gong Heavenly Sovereign said, "I have no interest in the Heavenly Dao. Going or not going is the same to me."
The Hao Heavenly Sovereign laughed heartily, then suddenly coughed violently. After a moment, he caught his breath and said, "The Gong Heavenly Sovereign is still as calm and composed as ever, truly admirable. I thought you might fight for something for my elder brother, Lang Xuan, since you are his mother."
The Gong Heavenly Sovereign’s pupils contracted slightly, and she smiled, "The Hao Heavenly Sovereign is joking."
The Hao Heavenly Sovereign did not continue, saying, "The imperial family is all heartless; it’s no wonder you don’t care for my elder brother. Back then, it was I who invited you into the Ten Heavenly Sovereigns and made you a ruler. Gong Heavenly Sovereign, you still owe me a favor."
The Gong Heavenly Sovereign fell silent.
The Hao Heavenly Sovereign revealed a smile, "Our interests have long been intertwined. Our alliance is unbreakable. Only I can tolerate your Creator race. Gong, do whatever you want now. I have your back."
The Gong Heavenly Sovereign thanked him and rose to leave.
The Hao Heavenly Sovereign sat leisurely, tapping the armrest of his throne with his fingers. At that moment, a woman’s figure appeared behind him. Her voice was full of allure, and she said softly, "The Gong Heavenly Sovereign has the weakness of the Creators, so she cannot escape your control. You can use her to break apart the alliance between the Kai Emperor and Lang Huan, use the mother-son enmity to eliminate Lang Xuan, and use her to deal with the Grand Emperor and Tai Chu. She is the woman among the Ten Heavenly Sovereigns who can truly let you grasp all power! Use her well, and you will have supreme authority! Moreover, my Tai Su Divine Ore is also in her hands."
"Thank you, Auntie, for the reminder. Rest assured, Auntie, I will retrieve the Tai Su Divine Ore for you!"
The Hao Heavenly Sovereign revealed a smile, looking somewhat infatuated at the woman who resembled Lady Yuan Mu, and said, "Auntie, I still haven’t fully recovered to my peak state. The battle of Xuan Du is extremely important—not about how to kill the Heavenly Duke, but about how to divide the spoils. If I don’t go, I won’t get any benefits, and it will only benefit the Patriarch Shen King! The Patriarch Shen King is arrogant and self-willed. If he gains power, he will force us all to submit to him!"
"So, you will definitely go to the battle of Xuan Du."
The woman was none other than Tai Su. Because the Hao Heavenly Sovereign was thinking of Lady Yuan Mu, she had taken on her form. She said softly, "You now want to increase your strength and return to your peak state. Your primordial spirit is still trapped in the Grand Emperor’s Divine Awareness Great Luo Heaven technique. This is a good opportunity for you to break free. Even if you only obtain a portion of the Heavenly Duke’s power, you can use it to break through the Divine Awareness Great Luo Heaven."
"Please, Auntie, help me!" the Hao Heavenly Sovereign said solemnly.
The Tai Su Divine Maiden wore a loving smile, full of maternal power, and said gently, "Beg me. You know the rules."
The Hao Heavenly Sovereign knelt down, worshiping her with fervent devotion, kissing the tips of her feet, but his eyes were incomparably cold.
The Tai Su Divine Maiden smiled, "You beg me, and I will naturally agree. Rest assured, I will go with you, bringing my supreme treasure, ensuring you get the greatest benefit. Because the stronger you are, the happier I will be..."