Chapter 1634: I Won't Sign!
At the Yankang Academy of Dao, Yu Chenzi, Wei Suifeng, and others welcomed the Heavenly Court's negotiation envoys, saying, "Five fellow Daoists, please come in."
This time, dispatched by the Heavenly Emperor Hao Tian to lead the negotiations, were the Five Inner Thrones of the Emperors.
The Five Inner Thrones of the Emperors were high-ranking positions within the Heavenly Court, wielding considerable power, second only to the Seven Dukes.
There were many Throne-level powerhouses in the Heavenly Court. The Seven Dukes, Four Ministers, Three Masters, Two Advisors, Five Thrones of the Emperors, and Five Inner Thrones of the Emperors were all official positions that could only be held by Throne-level powerhouses.
The Five Thrones of the Emperors and the Five Inner Thrones of the Emperors served as supplements to the Four-Colored Great Emperors. Should a Four-Colored Great Emperor fall in battle or rebel, the Five Inner Thrones of the Emperors would fill the vacancy.
For this negotiation, the Heavenly Court had dispatched the five major ministers of the Five Inner Thrones of the Emperors, showing how seriously they took it.
Each of them brought hundreds of attendants, creating an impressive spectacle. These attendants were not there to serve their daily needs but were masters of divination and arithmetic or elite negotiators from the Heavenly Court.
Among the Five Inner Thrones of the Emperors, Nian Guanhe suddenly stopped, watching a young girl walk quickly over, hang a bright mirror on the plaque of the Academy of Dao, and then hurry away.
Nian Guanhe was puzzled. He looked at Yu Chenzi, Wei Suifeng, and the others who had come to welcome him, and laughed, "The moment we arrive at Yankang, you hang up a mirror. Is it a demon-revealing mirror? Are you trying to force us to show our true forms?"
Wei Suifeng laughed heartily, "Brother Nian, you are too suspicious. Everyone knows you are of the Nian beast bloodline! This mirror is for Dao Inquiry, a custom of the Academy of Dao, used for exchange. If someone encounters difficulties in their cultivation, they hang up a bright mirror, and talented individuals from across the land will attempt to answer. The Emperor also allocates funds from the national treasury to generously reward those who solve the problems."
"I see."
Nian Guanhe looked up, examining the bright mirror, and said, "No wonder Yankang's academic atmosphere is so flourishing. Even a Heavenly Sovereign had to reincarnate and come to Yankang to study."
Suddenly, Meng Xianqiu, one of the Five Inner Thrones of the Emperors, laughed, "The money in Yankang's national treasury is also the Heavenly Court's money. How can Emperor Yanfeng take the Heavenly Court's money and casually give it to others? According to the law, he deserves to be executed!"
Wei Suifeng's expression changed, and he sneered, "Little Meng, Yankang hasn't surrendered yet. You come to execute our Emperor of Yankang? Believe me, I'll kill you first!"
"Yunluo Emperor, once Yankang surrenders, killing you should be just a word from me, shouldn't it?" Meng Xianqiu said with a half-smile.
Yu Chenzi quickly interjected, "The people of Yankang are also the people of the Heavenly Court. The Emperor gives the Heavenly Court's money to the Heavenly Court's people. The meat is still in the pot; it hasn't leaked out. Gentlemen, please!"
The five powerful ministers of the Five Inner Thrones of the Emperors laughed heartily. Meng Xianqiu praised, "Yu Chenzi certainly knows how to speak. Please!"
Yu Chenzi bowed and raised his hand, smiling, "Five envoys, please go first."
The group filed in, entering the Academy of Dao.
Meng Xianqiu sat down with a swagger, saying, "The previous rounds of negotiation were too slow. His Majesty was very angry, so he ordered us to work overnight and copy down His Majesty's decree. This time, we are not here to negotiate. The contract has already been drafted. Yankang just needs to sign it!"
Wei Suifeng flew into a rage, slammed the table, and stood up, shouting, "Is the Heavenly Court so great? You don't even negotiate, just draft a contract and send it over. Have I surrendered? I haven't surrendered yet! Dammit, Mu Tianzun surrendered, but I won't!"
The Five Inner Thrones of the Emperors all changed color.
Yu Chenzi slammed the table and roared, "Wei Suifeng! Shut up! Mu Tianzun ordered me to be fully responsible for this negotiation with the Heavenly Court. You are my subordinate. I haven't spoken, so why are you complaining?"
Wei Suifeng sneered, "Everyone knows Yu Chenzi is a traitor working from within. Mu Tianzun was blind to put you in charge. You'll sell out Yankang! You were originally a spy planted in Yankang by the Heavenly Court!"
Yu Chenzi was furious, trembling with rage.
Wei Suifeng said coldly, "The Heavenly Court just sends the contract over. Did you leave any territory for me? Did you leave any benefits for me? Besides me, there's also Earth Virtue Primordial Lord. Can't we ask for some benefits? The Nether Abyss Prince is also a renowned Throne-level powerhouse. Can't he ask for some benefits? Forget about them, let's talk about the Heavenly Sovereigns. Where are the benefits for Moon Heavenly Sovereign, Ling Heavenly Sovereign, and Nether Heavenly Sovereign? If you sign directly, even if I don't kill you, they will! Besides, I am the leader of the Feather Forest Army, with no less than a hundred thousand elite troops under my command. Do you want us to drink the northwest wind? We might as well rebel and become mountain bandits!"
Yu Chenzi was choked with anger. "Guards! Throw this fellow out!"
Wei Suifeng slapped him, sending him tumbling. The Nether Abyss Prince quickly intervened, saying slowly, "You two, don't argue..."
Yu Chenzi got up and hid behind the Nether Abyss Prince. "Nether Abyss Prince, you and that Wei fellow are both my deputies. Wei is rebelling. Arrest him!"
The Nether Abyss Prince said slowly, "Yu Chenzi, signing the contract directly is indeed inappropriate. It won't convince the masses..."
Wei Suifeng was murderous, shouting, "Old Nether, get out of the way! I'll chop him down and let Mu Tianzun send someone else!"
The Nether Abyss Prince said unhurriedly, "Don't cause trouble..."
The Five Inner Thrones of the Emperors frowned. Nian Guanhe leaned sideways and asked his attendant behind him, "Did the contract set by His Majesty leave enough benefits for the current rulers of Yankang?"
The attendant shook his head and whispered, "His Majesty took away all the wealth and power of Yankang, leaving no benefits."
Nian Guanhe frowned deeply and said to the other Inner Throne Emperors, "No wonder Yankang's reaction is so strong. The contract set by His Majesty is indeed inappropriate. It will likely cause a backlash from Yankang."
Meng Xianqiu said, "If Yankang rebels, then kill them."
Nian Guanhe shook his head, "His Majesty is not afraid of Yankang. His Majesty is afraid of the one who is in seclusion."
He suddenly stopped, not continuing, and said, "His Majesty wants to take everything cleanly, but there are many ambitious figures in Yankang. If no benefits are left, it will be impossible to sign the contract."
"I'm rebelling!"
Wei Suifeng flicked his cloak, turned around, and left, shouting, "This time, it's that Qin fellow who wants to surrender, not me, Wei! The entire Yankang is already full of complaints! If that Qin fellow won't fight, I'll fight for him! I'm going to find Moon Heavenly Sovereign, Ling Heavenly Sovereign, and Nether Heavenly Sovereign right now, and join with Carefree Village to rebel!"
The Five Inner Thrones of the Emperors exchanged glances. Nian Guanhe stood up and said loudly, "Yunluo Emperor, please stay!"
Wei Suifeng stopped, snorted angrily, and said with a grim face, "You want me to stay? Are you going to kill me? The skills of you Five Inner Thrones of the Emperors might not be enough to keep me here!"
Nian Guanhe smiled, "Since we are negotiating, there is still room for discussion. Yunluo Emperor, don't be anxious. Allow me to return and report to His Majesty, and then we can decide."
Wei Suifeng's expression softened. He glanced at Yu Chenzi, then flew into a rage again, shouting, "If you dare to sell out Yankang's interests again, I'll kill you, you Heavenly Court spy!"
Yu Chenzi roared angrily, "I'm a Heavenly Court spy? What benefits do I get from being a spy?"
"How would I know? I just heard that the Heavenly Court gave you several heavens. People say that after this negotiation, you'll hide away and live like a rich man!"
...
The two started arguing again, about to come to blows. The Nether Abyss Prince tried to mediate between them, saying slowly, "Both of you, say one less word..."
Nian Guanhe ordered a civil official under his command to go to the Heavenly Court and report the difficulties they had encountered to the Heavenly Emperor Hao Tian. The Heavenly Emperor Hao Tian was in the Zao Fu Heavenly Palace, speaking with the newly appointed Zao Fu Palace Master, Xing Han Heavenly Sovereign, and no one else was allowed in.
It wasn't until over ten days later that the Heavenly Emperor Hao Tian emerged from the Zao Fu Heavenly Palace, looking radiant and in a clearly good mood.
The civil official quickly stepped forward and reported the matter of the Yankang negotiations to the Heavenly Emperor Hao Tian, saying, "Mu Tianzun doesn't bother with affairs, but the powerful figures under his command are all refusing to admit defeat, howling about rebelling."
"Spoiled children get candy. It's because I didn't distribute benefits to them that they are making a fuss."
The Heavenly Emperor Hao Tian saw through it clearly and laughed, "Well then, I can make some concessions. Don't push too hard. If I push too hard, Mu Tianzun will rebel. Go back and tell the Five Inner Thrones of the Emperors that they can relax the conditions a bit. But, they must be given a deadline!"
His expression turned cold, and he sneered, "They must sign for me by the end of this year! If they don't, then don't blame me for being ruthless and wiping out Yankang!"
The civil official hurried away, returned to Yankang, and relayed the Heavenly Emperor Hao Tian's words to the Five Inner Thrones of the Emperors.
The Five Inner Thrones of the Emperors breathed a sigh of relief. "It's good that His Majesty is willing to give up some benefits. That will make negotiations easier."
However, once this crack was opened, various interest groups within Yankang jumped out, intending to get a piece of the pie. Inside the Academy of Dao, it became a chaotic mess. The major powers of Yankang argued with the Heavenly Court's envoys, and they also argued fiercely among themselves.
The five great emperors of the Five Inner Thrones of the Emperors were dizzy and confused. Each of them had several hundred attendants, totaling two to three thousand people, but they were also exhausted by the arguments and couldn't cope.
This matter was argued until the end of the year, but still not completely settled.
The Heavenly Emperor Hao Tian was furious and ordered all envoys to be recalled, preparing to start a war.
Just as this order was issued, before the Heavenly Court's envoys could return to the Heavenly Court, news arrived that Mu Tianzun had come out of seclusion, left his retreat, and arrived at Yankang. He submitted a memorial to the Heavenly Court, saying he was willing to submit, and would personally lead the Yankang envoys to the Heavenly Court to continue negotiations.
The Heavenly Emperor Hao Tian, on one hand, ordered the Heavenly Court to mobilize its army, ready for war at any moment, applying maximum pressure. On the other hand, he ordered Mu Tianzun to lead the Yankang envoys to the Heavenly Court to continue negotiations.
After the Spring Festival, Qin Mu led the Yankang envoy delegation to the Heavenly Court. As soon as they arrived, the Heavenly Emperor Hao Tian invited Qin Mu over, chatting about everything under the sun, not allowing him to meet with the envoy delegation.
On the other side, the Yankang envoy delegation was locked up in the Splendid Heavenly Palace. The Heavenly Court sent tens of thousands of civil officials, not allowing the Yankang envoys to rest or sleep, and not giving them any food or drink. They took turns negotiating, making the Splendid Heavenly Palace a chaotic mess.
Yu Chenzi, Wei Suifeng, the Nether Abyss Prince, and the other Yankang envoys couldn't hold out any longer and signed the contract one after another. By then, over half a year had passed.
The Heavenly Emperor Hao Tian ordered the thick contract to be loaded into treasure carriages and sent to the rear palace. It took seven treasure carriages to hold it all. He laughed, "Minister Mu, the matters concerning Yankang's surrender are all settled. I haven't treated you unfairly. As for various benefits, I have conceded wherever I could. Now it's time for you to sign."
Qin Mu flipped through the contracts from the seven carriages, reading them one by one. His expression changed, and the more he read, the darker his face became.
Seeing his expression grow uglier and uglier, the Heavenly Emperor Hao Tian frowned slightly.
After reading all seven carriages of contracts, Qin Mu flicked his sleeve and sneered, "This contract, I won't sign! If I don't sign, no one's signature counts!"
The Heavenly Emperor Hao Tian was furious. He straightened up, and the One Qi Great Lofty Heaven emerged from the ultimate void, its might covering heaven and earth, enveloping the Heavenly Court. He said coldly, "Minister Mu, you won't sign? Are you mocking me?"
Qin Mu remained neither humble nor arrogant, saying, "Your Majesty has taken the vast majority of Yankang's benefits, leaving only scraps for others, and I have received nothing at all. Does Your Majesty acknowledge that I am Your Majesty's greatest opponent? Am I not even worth a few scraps? Your Majesty's contempt for your minister is contempt for yourself."
The Heavenly Emperor Hao Tian's gaze fell on his face, looking directly into his eyes. "You have already gone into seclusion. What do you need so many benefits for? You should put my mind at ease, let me sleep soundly, not prepare for a comeback!"
Qin Mu said bitterly, "Your servant still has a large family to support..."
The Heavenly Emperor Hao Tian laughed in anger. "If you don't sign today, I will issue a decree and have Void Heavenly Sovereign wipe out half of Yankang's population!"
The sealed Dao heart within Qin Mu began to unravel layer by layer, his fighting spirit soaring to the heavens. "However many you can kill, your servant can resurrect just as many!"
The Heavenly Emperor Hao Tian was burning with rage. He sneered, "Do you think I can't deal with your resurrection divine ability? I will send their souls to the ultimate void, throw them into the Return to Nothingness, stuff them into the Jade Capital City of the Ancestral Court, and have them completely annihilated. Which one of them can you save?"
Qin Mu's aura wilted.
Just then, the Grand Minister suddenly hurried over, his face full of anxiety. He caught sight of Qin Mu and stopped talking.
The Heavenly Emperor Hao Tian said coldly, "Speak! There are no outsiders here!"
The Grand Minister hesitated for a moment, then said, "Your Majesty, the Four Heavens of Yu Ji, Shi Xiu, Ling Shu, and Ling Yuan have rebelled. They killed the rulers of these four heavens and are swearing an oath to crusade against the Heavenly Court..." He finished speaking and glanced at Qin Mu again.
The Heavenly Emperor Hao Tian flicked his sleeve and said calmly, "The world is clear and bright now, and I am also an unparalleled wise ruler. For them to rebel for their own selfish desires is truly seeking death. Send my order for Void Heavenly Sovereign to destroy them."
He looked at Qin Mu and smiled, "Minister Mu, come with me to these Four Heavens and see the fate of the rebels."
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