Chapter 1610: A Good Dog
As soon as he said this, the various Heavenly Venerables remaining in the Lingxiao Hall fell silent, their gazes flickering as they watched how Fire Heavenly Venerable would handle the situation.
Fire Heavenly Venerable raised his cup, tilted his head back, and drained it in one gulp. "Your Majesty jokes. How would I dare to ask for half the world? I only want half of Yankang; I won't take an inch of land beyond that."
The Heavenly Emperor Hao showed a smile, his gaze meeting Fire Heavenly Venerable's.
"Ha ha ha ha!" The two suddenly burst into laughter.
The other Heavenly Venerables joined in the laughter, which gradually subsided. The Heavenly Emperor Hao smiled slightly. "Ancestral God King, do you want Yankang?"
Ancestral God King bowed slightly and chuckled. "I serve Your Majesty's orders, guarding the Xuan Du. The Xuan Du alone encompasses all heavens and myriad realms, its territory so vast that I already find it difficult to manage. I think I'll pass."
The Heavenly Emperor Hao then looked at Void Heavenly Venerable, who shook his head. "Your Majesty, I am like Ancestral God King. I dare not covet Yankang's wealth; I only ask to manage the Netherworld well."
The Heavenly Emperor Hao smiled. "Then it seems only I and my beloved Fire will split Yankang."
Tai Chu laughed. "Your Majesty, hold on."
The Lingxiao Hall fell into utter silence, not a sound to be heard, as pairs of eyes fixed on Tai Chu.
Tai Chu smiled. "Back when we were the Ten Heavenly Venerables, our interests were aligned, and we divided them equally. But now that the world is unified, we naturally cannot act as before. The entire universe, chaos and all, belongs to Your Majesty. However, Your Majesty's ascension was also supported by your old brothers. Now that Your Majesty has gained the world, you should reward merits and soothe the hearts of your old brothers. You cannot let their hearts grow cold."
The Heavenly Emperor Hao laughed. "The Emperor Emeritus speaks wisely. I have only just taken the throne of the Heavenly Emperor; I am not as skilled as the Emperor Emeritus. How does the Emperor Emeritus think Yankang should be divided?"
Tai Chu continued, "It's simply a matter of rewarding merits. Whether in the Battle of Xuan Du or the Battle of the Netherworld, the old brothers exerted great effort, risking their lives, and some even fell. Those who survived have achieved fame and success, but we cannot neglect the widows and orphans of the fallen. Yankang's wealth is only slightly less than the Heavenly Court's. If we follow the old rules and divide it up, the loss to Your Majesty will be minimal."
The other Heavenly Venerables said nothing, listening quietly.
The Heavenly Emperor Hao said solemnly, "The Emperor Emeritus's guidance is correct."
Tai Chu laughed. "Fire Heavenly Venerable, the Human Tribe and the Heavenly Tribe, and he even had an agreement with Your Majesty. Void Heavenly Venerable, Ancestral God King, the Taiji Ancient Gods, and I, the Emperor Emeritus, and even the East Emperor Azure Dragon—all are meritorious officials. Add to that Shepherd Heavenly Venerable's surrender, weeping and wailing in his submission letter, saying he wants a secluded place to pray for Your Majesty. These are all matters that need to be discussed."
He laughed heartily. "Void Heavenly Venerable and Ancestral God King dare not ask for Yankang, but they should still get a share of the wealth! Yankang is so rich, with so many manufacturing plants, so many mathematical experts, so many forging masters. If we don't divide it up, what if it bands together again and rebels in the future? Better to divide it, better to divide it."
The Heavenly Emperor Hao pondered, nodding repeatedly, and said with a grin, "The Emperor Emeritus speaks sense, sense..."
He glanced at the Netherworld Emperor, who steeled himself and said, "Emperor Emeritus, I too have merits. I also want a share."
Fire Heavenly Venerable said coldly, "Netherworld Emperor, in the Battle of the Netherworld, you didn't even show your face. What merit do you have?"
The Heavenly Emperor Hao laughed. "Netherworld Chaojin is still a Heavenly Venerable. Since he is a Heavenly Venerable, it's fine to give him a share. Otherwise, wouldn't he be just a name? Ancestral God King and Void Heavenly Venerable, don't be polite either. Yankang indeed has a share for you both."
Ancestral God King and Void Heavenly Venerable exchanged a glance and bowed together. "Thank you for Your Majesty's grace."
The Heavenly Emperor Hao smiled. "Originally, the Heavenly Court had Ten Heavenly Venerables. Now there are only Void Heavenly Venerable, Ancestral God King, Fire Heavenly Venerable, the Emperor Emeritus, the Netherworld Emperor, and me. It seems we need to add some fresh blood. The Netherworld Emperor becomes Netherworld Heavenly Venerable. White Emperor, Red Emperor, and Azure Emperor can also be candidates for the Ten Heavenly Venerables."
Tai Chu laughed. "White Emperor, Red Emperor, and Azure Emperor are still a bit lacking in character. Your Majesty, the Taiji Ancient Gods can serve as Heavenly Venerables."
The Heavenly Emperor Hao toyed with his wine cup and laughed heartily. "I almost forgot. The two Dao brothers indeed contributed greatly in the Battles of the Netherworld and Xuan Du. They can be listed as Heavenly Venerables. In that case, why not add Shepherd Heavenly Venerable? That would make nine Heavenly Venerables."
Fire Heavenly Venerable protested loudly, "Your Majesty, how can a rebel be a Heavenly Venerable?"
The Heavenly Emperor Hao smiled. "Does my beloved Fire have other candidates?"
Fire Heavenly Venerable said, "Shepherd Heavenly Venerable is a rebel. If he is included among the Ten Heavenly Venerables, not only would I be unconvinced, but the other Heavenly Venerables would also refuse to accept it! Besides, there are still people among the Ten Heavenly Venerables. Isn't Divine Emperor Langxuan still around?"
The wine cup in the Heavenly Emperor Hao's hand was crushed flat. He laughed. "Divine Emperor Langxuan died at the hands of Shepherd Heavenly Venerable..."
"Divine Emperor Langxuan is blessed by heaven; he is still alive."
Fire Heavenly Venerable suddenly broke into a broad smile, making his mask look terrifying. "Has Your Majesty forgotten that Divine Emperor Langxuan had a clone in Yankang? By heaven's grace, I have rescued his clone and prevented it from perishing at the hands of the Shepherd bandit."
The wine cup in the Heavenly Emperor Hao's hand melted, turning into golden liquid that dripped down. Suddenly, he burst into laughter. "Well done! Splendidly done! My beloved Fire is loyal to his ruler and country, an unparalleled loyal minister. Truly the one I value most!"
Fire Heavenly Venerable acted flustered. "Your Majesty flatters me."
Tai Chu's gaze flickered, and he laughed heartily. "Fire Heavenly Venerable is indeed unparalleled in loyalty and righteousness!"
The Heavenly Emperor Hao snorted. "The East Emperor Azure Dragon has come to surrender and can be listed among the Heavenly Venerables. Fire Heavenly Venerable should have no objections, right?"
Fire Heavenly Venerable smiled. "The East Emperor Azure Dragon as a Heavenly Venerable—I have no objections."
The Heavenly Emperor Hao clenched his fist, then slowly relaxed it, and laughed. "Yankang's benefits are vast. How to divide them need not be argued by us. Let the younger ones discuss it. Today is my coronation ceremony. Let's not talk about these troublesome matters. I will celebrate with all my beloved ministers—no one leaves until we're drunk!"
In the Lingxiao Hall, cups clinked, and laughter gradually rose.
"That old dog Fire's rebellious bone is about to pierce the sky!"
After the celebration, the Heavenly Emperor Hao saw off the others, leaving only the Netherworld Emperor, Void Heavenly Venerable, and Ancestral God King. He flew into a rage and said sharply, "He isn't waiting for a better offer; he knows I can't give him a good price, so he's already sold himself to Tai Chu!"
The Netherworld Emperor dared not speak.
Void Heavenly Venerable and Ancestral God King exchanged a glance. Ancestral God King said, "Your Majesty, Fire Heavenly Venerable is, after all, of a different race. Not of our kind."
The Heavenly Emperor Hao exhaled a breath of foul air, pacing back and forth, and sneered. "He still thinks this is the old days, that I can't do without him. He's too arrogant! He dares to keep Langxuan alive—I can no longer tolerate him—and now he's gone and sold Langxuan to Tai Chu! What audacity!"
Void Heavenly Venerable said, "He has allied with Tai Chu, with the Taiji Ancient Gods backing him. In a few years, when Langxuan recovers to his peak, he might be able to contend with Your Majesty."
The Heavenly Emperor Hao snorted angrily, then broke into a smile. "One of my good dogs has bitten me back. Good. Very good. But I was prepared. Mother!"
Yuanmu Furen lazily responded from behind a screen, laughing. "Hao'er, Tai Chu is nothing to worry about. You can rest assured."
Void Heavenly Venerable and Ancestral God King were startled, exchanged another glance, and remained silent.
The Heavenly Emperor Hao laughed. "My beloved Fire, you have a rebellious bone. Good. I was worried you wouldn't dare rebel. After all, you are my greatest meritorious minister. I have no reason to kill you, lest I cool the hearts of the ministers. But now, you force my hand."
Tai Chu returned to the Da'an Palace, his residence after stepping down as Emperor Emeritus—so-called "Da'an," meaning great peace after retiring from power struggles.
At this moment, in the Da'an Palace, Tai Chu, the Taiji, and Fire Heavenly Venerable each took their seats. Tai Chu laughed. "Heavenly Venerable spoke out for justice, and I admire you."
Fire Heavenly Venerable shook his head. "It's simply that the Heavenly Emperor can no longer give me any more benefits, so I have turned to the Emperor Emeritus."
Tai Chu laughed heartily. "Hao'er's claim to the throne not only won't give you benefits, but he'll even take back what he gave you before! How can that win over the masses? It only chills the hearts of the meritorious."
Fire Heavenly Venerable sneered. "He can't give me benefits, and he wants to take back what he gave before. Where's the fairness in that? Ancestral God King gets the Xuan Du, Void Heavenly Venerable gets the Netherworld, and even that dog Netherworld Emperor, who only licks boots, gets a Heavenly Venerable seat and half the Netherworld! I fought hard for his empire, and in the end, he wants to take back even the Southern Heaven! If I don't rebel against him, heaven itself won't allow it!"
Tai Chu nodded. "Cooperate with me, and you can keep the Southern Heaven and also share in Yankang's benefits. No matter who gets Yankang, it must not fall into the Heavenly Emperor Hao's hands. If it falls to him, we'll never rise again!"
Fire Heavenly Venerable nodded, his gaze falling on the two Taiji Ancient Gods. "He has the support of the Third Young Master and the Fourth Young Master. I'm afraid we'll have little chance of victory."
"The Third Young Master supports him only as a temporary measure."
Tai Chu smiled. "He's very calculating. Not allowing the Third and Fourth Young Masters to descend will surely displease them. Their displeasure is our opportunity."
Fire Heavenly Venerable breathed a sigh of relief.
The two Taiji Ancient Gods exchanged a glance. "The Heavenly Emperor Hao will surely move against Dao friend Fire. It will be hard for him to tolerate you. Be careful."
Fire Heavenly Venerable said calmly, "We are all among the Seven Heavenly Venerables of Longhan, pioneers of realms. He is indeed stronger than me, but killing me is no easy task. I leave Divine Emperor Langxuan to you two. When can he be restored to his peak?"
The Sun Ancient God smiled. "In about ten years, Divine Emperor Langxuan will surely surpass his former self!"
Fire Heavenly Venerable laughed heartily and bowed. "Congratulations to the two Dao brothers on becoming Heavenly Venerables!"
The two Ancient Gods exchanged pleasantries, and Fire Heavenly Venerable took his leave. Tai Chu personally escorted him out of the Da'an Palace.
"Does Your Majesty trust Fire Heavenly Venerable?" Taiyin Niangniang suddenly asked.
"No."
Tai Chu shook his head. "Fire Heavenly Venerable has betrayed too many. Back when Imperial Heavenly Venerable died, he feared power and was the first to betray himself—he betrayed his own heart and sided with Hao'er. Then he betrayed his close friend Cloud Heavenly Venerable. After Cloud Heavenly Venerable's death, he betrayed his own race. Now he betrays Hao'er to side with me. How can I know he won't betray me in the future?"
The Sun Ancient God said, "For someone like Fire Heavenly Venerable, use him if you can, kill him if you cannot."
Tai Chu smiled. "That's my intention too."
Yankang, the Academy of Dao.
Yu Chenzi returned from the Heavenly Court and reported to Qin Mu, recounting his experiences in the Heavenly Court in minute detail.
Qin Mu listened quietly, occasionally asking for specifics. Yu Chenzi narrated everything, daring not to omit a single detail.
After a long while, Qin Mu smiled. "Fire Heavenly Venerable is going to die."
Yu Chenzi said, "When I left the Heavenly Court, I heard news that the Heavenly Emperor Hao was preparing to reward the meritorious officials. Fire Heavenly Venerable had the greatest merit, and the Heavenly Emperor Hao was going to title him Supreme Equal to Heaven, Virtuous Heaven Saintly Venerable. Before, Fire Heavenly Venerable was merely a Saintly Venerable, unmatched in heaven and man. Now he would be Supreme Equal to Heaven, equal to the Heavenly Emperor!"
Qin Mu laughed. "The Heavenly Emperor Hao can't give him any real benefits, only titles. And when he gives titles, death is not far off."
Yu Chenzi chuckled. "That's also because the National Prefect sent Divine Emperor Langxuan over at just the right time."
Qin Mu laughed heartily and stood up. "Fire Heavenly Venerable's death—I need to see it for myself, to send off this old friend!"
He smiled faintly. "I'm still a bit worried that the Heavenly Emperor Hao won't do a thorough enough job. After all, Fire Heavenly Venerable was one of the Nine Heavenly Venerables of Longhan. He has some hidden tricks he's never shown."
A murderous glint flashed in his eyes, then faded.
Yu Chenzi smiled and bowed. "I await the National Prefect's good news!"
Qin Mu took a piece of ordinary wood, carved it into a scabbard, sheathed the Calamity Sword within, and walked out of the Academy of Dao.
On the Ferry of Salvation Ship, the round Taishi and the now youth-like Qin Fengqing were skulking around, exploring the ship. Seeing him board, Taishi quickly said, "Shepherd Heavenly Venerable, there's a ghost here!"
Traffic jam, update will be late
Writer's Week is over. Zhai Zhu went to Shanghai for Qidian's 17th anniversary and is now stuck on the elevated highway. He probably won't reach the hotel until around 7 PM.
The update will be two hours late. Advance notice.