Chapter 391: The Inner Cabinet of Di Jun, the Gods Ascend the Purple Cloud Palace Again [6k]

Will the Solar Supreme One become the next Heavenly Emperor?

In terms of seniority, the Solar Supreme One is one of the elder figures of the Taiwei Weiyuan.

In terms of strength, he is a great transcendent of the third realm of Da Luo.

Moreover, this is the decision of Xiang Xuanqing, the Taiwei elders, and the Tian Dao Standing Council.

From these perspectives, the succession of the Solar Supreme One as Heavenly Emperor seems a natural progression.

Yet, the gods could not help but entertain other thoughts—could the Solar Supreme One truly handle it?

Today’s Hong Huang, under the rule of the current Heavenly Emperor, has long grown accustomed to a gentle, inclusive, and subtly nurturing governance style.

If replaced by a Heavenly Emperor with a radically different approach, could Hong Huang still maintain its current harmony and prosperity?

A large question mark formed in the hearts of the gods.

Some deeper-thinking deities pondered even more profound questions.

As Heavenly Emperor, Xiang Xuanqing possesses absolute power to suppress all forces, actively supporting and balancing various factions, allowing Hong Huang to flourish with a thousand blossoms.

The Solar Supreme One, though top-tier, is not exceptionally outstanding.

Can he withstand the pressure?

For a time, the atmosphere within the Heavenly Emperor’s Palace grew even more delicate.

Some supporters believed the Solar Supreme One possessed extraordinary talent and would surely lead Hong Huang into a new era of glory.

Others worried he lacked sufficient strength to control the gods and might spark new conflicts.

Still others remained neutral, silent, observing quietly as events unfolded.

As the central figure of this event, the Solar Supreme One, Di Jun, maintained a calm expression.

He showed no ecstatic joy as expected, nor did he worry about his ability to fulfill the role.

His succession as the next Heavenly Emperor had long been agreed upon.

The Sacred Heavenly Emperor still reigns.

Xiang Xuanqing’s term still has ten thousand years remaining.

He merely needed to smoothly transfer authority during the coming years.

【Your mindset is remarkably steady,】 Xiang Xuanqing chuckled inwardly from his throne.

Di Jun replied calmly: 【It’s not the first time I’ve been Heavenly Emperor—I’m already used to it.】

【It’s merely that previously I governed only the Taiwei gods; now I will rule over Hong Huang’s Three Realms and the myriad worlds.】

His Scripture of the Heavenly Emperor’s Reincarnation was nearly complete its latest iteration and would soon undergo another revision.

Why rush?

Besides, to ensure a smooth succession, he had spent this entire Yuan Hui uniting fellow cultivators and preparing numerous measures.

When governing jointly, he refused to believe he could truly fail!

Seeing Di Jun’s composure, Xiang Xuanqing nodded slightly.

He glanced across the entire Heavenly Emperor’s Palace, absorbing every god’s reaction, his mind clear.

He spoke slowly, offering his final endorsement for Di Jun’s ascension.

“The talent of the Solar Supreme One is evident to all gods of Hong Huang.”

“As for his character and future governing strategies, I trust he possesses the wisdom to judge appropriately.”

“Moreover, the position of Heavenly Emperor is not immutable.”

“The system of the Taiwei Heavenly Court has long been clear: the Heavenly Emperor is subject to oversight by the Dao and all living beings.”

“Should he violate the Dao or betray the masses, mechanisms exist to correct him.”

This statement was both affirmation of the Solar Supreme One and reassurance to the gods.

It also subtly highlighted the dynamic balance between the Taiwei Heavenly Emperor and the sages of Hong Huang.

“We understand!” The gods bowed in unison, then offered their congratulations to Di Jun.

Xiang Xuanqing continued: “My retirement after ten thousand years is not impulsive—it is the will of the Taiwei elders and the decision of the Tian Dao Council.”

“After retiring, I will continue exploring the true essence of the Dao, deepening my path to Da Luo.”

“Perhaps I will enter prolonged seclusion, but do not worry—I will not depart Hong Huang entirely.”

“In the future, I will remain a member of the Taiwei Heavenly Court, watching over Hong Huang’s development and guarding this land we all cherish.”

Xiang Xuanqing looked at the gods and spoke with solemn gravity:

“Ten thousand years is neither long nor short.”

“I urge each of you to remain steadfast in your duties, ensure a smooth transition, and avoid unnecessary turmoil as my retirement draws near.”

“After the new Heavenly Emperor ascends, I hope you will unite as one, aiding him in forging a new era.”

This speech was both reassurance and a charge.

Hearing this, the gods felt somewhat at ease.

Though the Heavenly Emperor would retire, he would not leave—undoubtedly good news.

They bowed deeply: “We humbly heed Your Majesty’s teachings!”

Di Jun stood quietly, his posture straight as a pine.

He made no immediate statements, offered no promises.

Any words now would ring hollow.

Only future actions could prove everything.

He would spend ten thousand years preparing thoroughly for his ascension as Heavenly Emperor.

And allow the gods of Hong Huang sufficient time to adapt to this incoming new ruler.

This was precisely Xiang Xuanqing’s intent in declaring Di Jun the “Crown Prince” of the Three Realms.

The ripples of the Grand Court gradually subsided; the gods returned to their divine domains and cultivation grounds, resuming their daily routines.

The resonant recitations of the Tian Dao Academy remained the most beautiful melody of Hong Huang’s Three Realms, as countless beings immersed themselves in the radiance of the Dao.

The Da Luo Sovereigns, after the Grand Court, accelerated their seclusion, striving for breakthroughs on the Dao path.

They sensed the future would not be peaceful.

The younger generation of gods and immortals worked diligently at their posts, contributing to Hong Huang’s prosperity.

Of course, the more astute deities had already turned their gaze toward the newly appointed Crown Prince—the Solar Supreme One, Di Jun.

Some openly, others covertly, they sought to establish contact with this future Heavenly Emperor through various channels.

Some deities arrived at the Solar Star Palace bearing lavish gifts, speaking earnestly, expressing boundless admiration for the future Heavenly Court and unwavering loyalty to Di Jun.

Others conveyed goodwill through former colleagues and old acquaintances, hoping to leave a favorable impression on Di Jun.

Still more astute tribal chieftains and minor clan leaders began tirelessly promoting the achievements and prestige of the Solar Supreme One within their own territories.

In response to these varied gestures of goodwill, Di Jun displayed composure and wisdom befitting his status.

He did not grow arrogant as Crown Prince, nor did he become intoxicated by the gods’ adulation; he consistently maintained a gentle, measured demeanor.

To those who sincerely pledged allegiance and possessed both ability and integrity, Di Jun offered praise and promised future collaboration, considering them for his future inner circle.

To those merely seeking opportunistic advancement or harboring ill intentions, Di Jun maintained polite distance without intimacy, avoiding unnecessary complications.

He understood that as the future Heavenly Emperor, gathering wise talents and uniting all possible forces was the foundation of good governance.

Ten thousand years, though fleeting to these immortal deities, was ample time for Di Jun to weave a vast network of relationships across Hong Huang.

Like a patient chessmaster, he placed his pieces steadily, one step at a time, upon the grand board of Hong Huang.

Through countless meetings and Dao debates, Di Jun gradually earned increasing recognition and respect from the gods.

His speech and conduct combined the dignity and decisiveness of the Sun God with the humility and courtesy of a Crown Prince, leaving all who met him feeling as if bathed in spring breeze.

Slowly, praise for the Solar Supreme One’s wisdom and benevolence began to spread quietly through Hong Huang.

Through his exceptional personal charisma and political acumen, Di Jun quietly accumulated immense prestige and connections.

His core base grew steadily stronger and broader during this period, laying a solid foundation for his future ascension.

Beyond these necessary external engagements and relationship-building, Di Jun devoted more energy to the actual operations of the Heavenly Court.

He began sharing responsibilities with the Purple Micro Emperor, Fu Xi, gradually assuming control of the court’s administrative affairs.

From patrol coordination across star domains, to reviewing documents from various bureaus, from resource allocation planning to diplomatic exchanges with other Dao realms, Di Jun began to handle them all.

His figure appeared frequently within the Heavenly Emperor’s Palace, reporting to and learning from Xiang Xuanqing, absorbing experience and wisdom in managing complex affairs.

Di Jun demonstrated astonishing learning ability and administrative talent, quickly mastering all duties with precision and order.

The Purple Micro Emperor Fu Xi, naturally delighted, beamed with joy.

“Brother, you must work hard!”

He unhesitatingly transferred many of his powers generously to this diligent Crown Prince.

Fu Xi happily began his leisurely “three days fishing, two days sunbathing” lifestyle, fully embracing freedom.

Except when occasionally dragged by Xiang Xuanqing to secret meetings of the Taiwei elders, he rarely appeared publicly in the Heavenly Court.

Most of his time was spent either busy in the Shan Hai Realm or visiting Ling Jing worlds, enjoying novel games.

This extremely lazy, hands-off attitude made Heavenly Emperor Xiang Xuanqing’s temples throb with irritation.

The reason? Since Di Jun skillfully took over Fu Xi’s duties, Xiang Xuanqing found his own time for idleness drastically reduced!

Previously, with Fu Xi around, though he often dragged Xiang Xuanqing into overtime work, he was nothing compared to Di Jun.

This fellow came every single day!

“Brother,”

One day, within the Heavenly Emperor’s Palace, Xiang Xuanqing watched Di Jun buried under piles of jade slips and official documents, his tone tinged with resignation and “plaintiveness.”

One day, in the Heavenly Emperor’s Palace, Xiang Xuanqing looked at Di Jun, who was buried under a pile of jade slips and official documents, his tone tinged with a hint of resignation and “resentment”.

"These trivial administrative matters can easily be handed over to the subordinate Administrative Hall for handling."

"Or submit them directly to the Heavenly Dao Committee for collective deliberation—you needn’t handle every single matter yourself."

Xiang Xuanqing gently reminded this overzealous crown prince.

The Heavenly Emperor’s duty is to govern all directions and grasp the big picture—not to drown himself in mountains of documents and endless meetings.

Di Jun lifted his head from the piled-high memorials, gazed calmly at Xiang Xuanqing, and said coolly, "I know, Your Majesty."

"If you know, then why do you keep running to my Heavenly Emperor Palace every day? Those who don’t know might think you’re the real Heavenly Emperor!" Xiang Xuanqing glared at him irritably.

Di Jun smiled faintly at these words: "Your Majesty, my diligence is precisely to show the gods of Honghuang how close and harmonious my relationship with you truly is."

He set down the jade slip and spoke calmly: "Among the gods of Honghuang, many still harbor doubts about my succession to the Heavenly Emperor throne."

"They fear I cannot inherit Your Majesty’s grand legacy, that I cannot carry forward Your Majesty’s wise policies and divine will into the next era."

"That’s why I come daily to the Heavenly Emperor Palace, to listen to Your Majesty’s teachings, to report morning and evening, and to consult with You on every matter, big or small."

"This is to make every god in the Three Realms clearly see how much you value and nurture me, how I am gradually inheriting your will and strategy."

"In this way, they will feel more at ease about my future rule, and I will face far fewer unnecessary obstacles and burdens when I formally ascend the throne—wouldn’t that be ideal?"

After hearing Di Jun’s clear and logical explanation, Xiang Xuanqing couldn’t help but laugh and scold: "Good! You’re truly clever!"

He thought for a moment and understood the trick: "This idea must have come from Sui Xing (Fu Xi), right? Only he could think of such a scheme—both lazy and full of favors!"

This was absolutely Fu Xi’s plan to get Di Jun to do his work so he could slink off and enjoy himself!

Indeed, Di Jun nodded frankly and admitted: "Your Majesty’s guess is spot-on—this plan was indeed proposed by my friend Sui Xing."

He paused, then added: "Moreover, I believe Sui Xing’s advice is truly sound—it benefits both me and the Heavenly Court."

"He doesn’t have sound advice—he just wants to trick you into doing his work so he can relax!" Xiang Xuanqing bluntly exposed Fu Xi’s scheming.

But then Xiang Xuanqing changed tone, a teasing smile on his lips: "Fine, fine—if you truly wish to keep handling these affairs, then carry on. I’m happy to have some peace."

"But now, I’ve just finished a full cycle of Heavenly Emperor duties—it’s time to enjoy the joy of ‘clocking out.’"

Before he’d even finished speaking, Xiang Xuanqing, fearing Di Jun might find another excuse to detain him, flickered his form and decisively left behind a Dao body seated on the throne.

His true self transformed into an almost imperceptible streak of light and vanished instantly.

Di Jun silently watched the entire swift and decisive process of Xiang Xuanqing’s "skipping work," then carefully examined the Dao body seated on the throne.

That Dao body radiated profound energy and bore a majestic demeanor—indistinguishable from Xiang Xuanqing’s true form, with not a single flaw.

He nodded thoughtfully, silently thinking: "Hmm, this flawless method of skipping work and vanishing—apparently it’s one of the essential skills of being Heavenly Emperor. Today, I’ve learned another crucial trick!"

Then Di Jun calmed his mind and diligently resumed handling court affairs for some time, arranging every matter meticulously.

Afterwards, he imitated Xiang Xuanqing’s example, quietly manifesting a spiritual avatar identical to himself to remain in the Heavenly Emperor Palace and manage daily affairs, while his true self slipped away silently from the majestic palace.

After leaving the Heavenly Emperor Palace, Di Jun did not linger in the Heavenly Court but tore through the void directly toward the mysterious and unfathomable Lingjing World.

He entered a special game world called the "Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion" with practiced ease—this was the secret gathering spot of their inner circle.

Upon entering, he saw a group of radiant divine figures already waiting. "Di Jun, you’ve finally arrived! We’ve been waiting for you!" Tian Shi Kunpeng stepped forward eagerly.

Beside him were Bai Ze, Ying Zhao, Shang Yang, and other Zhou Tian Star Gods who were close to Di Jun.

More notably, several heavyweight goddesses were present: [Taiwei Shangxiang] Nüwa, [Taiyin Shangzun] Wangshu, and the young moon goddess Changxi.

Of course, there was also [Welfare Immortal] Taiyi.

Additionally, numerous masked deities—immortals from the celestial realm, gods from the myriad worlds, dragon clans, phoenix clans—were also present.

All had been secretly convened by [Ziwei Emperor] Fu Xi.

As for why dragon clan members were here, it was thanks to Taiyi’s connection through his heavenly consort, Yinglong.

The phoenix clan’s presence was due to Di Jun’s alternate identity, [Xuan Niao Elder], who had invited them.

Di Jun scanned every deity present, then smiled confidently and announced loudly: "My fellow Daoists, since everyone has arrived, our 'Inner Cabinet' meeting is now officially underway!"

Indeed, after careful preparation, Di Jun’s inner circle, centered on himself, had gradually taken shape.

Because they frequently convened within the "Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion" game world,

they jokingly referred to this group as the "Inner Cabinet"!

He knew that relying solely on his own strength to perfectly govern the vast Heavenly Court in the coming era would be no easy task.

Only by uniting a core group of like-minded backbone members into a powerful governing alliance could he secure victory and forge a brighter future!

In another room within the "Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion" game world,

Xiang Xuanqing was also playing a game.

On screen, a purple-robed Heavenly Mechanist led three thousand mechs, bombarding a Dao hall with artillery fire.

"You’re cheating! How did a level-six Heavenly Mechanist even find my base?!" came an angry voice.

"Isn’t the Heavenly Mechanist’s whole purpose to cheat?"

Xiang Xuanqing replied calmly, his hands never pausing.

"That’s how the game works—if you can’t win, just surrender."

"Surrender? Impossible!"

Yang Mei, trapped inside the Dao hall, had nowhere to flee.

He said: "I, Yang Mei, have roamed the Chaos and dominated Honghuang—when have I ever surrendered?"

"Is that so?" Xiang Xuanqing flicked out one heavenly mechanism rune after another, each transforming into a cannon, raining relentless bombardment upon the Dao hall.

"Ten Directions Heavenly Mechanism—manifest!"

With a command, another three thousand mechs descended.

"You’re a monster!" Yang Mei stared in shock.

"Your Heavenly Mechanism can’t be right—how is it so different from mine?"

"Shouldn’t we be competing to see who can better calculate the future, the hidden, the unknown?"

"And how did you even accumulate so many resources?"

Xiang Xuanqing said: "Divination is cheating, yes—but only minor cheating."

"I simply crush everything outright—what does the future, the hidden, the unknown matter to me?"

"This is true Heavenly Mechanism!"

Yang Mei was utterly defeated: "I surrender!"

"Fine, you can be Hao Tian’s page boy then!"

Yang Mei gave up struggling.

"You agreed to this—no one forced you," Xiang Xuanqing smiled.

"Yes, yes, I accept defeat."

Yang Mei sighed and stepped out from the ruins.

"Who designed this garbage game? It’s completely unbalanced!"

Xiang Xuanqing chuckled: "The game’s developer is right next door."

Yang Mei’s expression shifted—he extended his divine sense.

And was immediately slashed back by a sharp blade of light.

"Cough, cough~~" Yang Mei coughed, meeting Xiang Xuanqing’s teasing gaze.

"Eavesdropping isn’t a good habit, Daoist," Xiang Xuanqing fixed him with a gaze, a smirk on his lips.

"You’ve got quite a crowd," Yang Mei looked away.

Xiang Xuanqing nodded: "That’s my Heavenly Court’s next successor—wouldn’t it be better if there were more?"

Yang Mei shook his head: "More people mean more trouble."

"More united people mean greater strength."

Xiang Xuanqing started a new game and matched an opponent.

"For example, the gods helping Hong Jun achieve unity with the Dao."

Yang Mei rolled his eyes: "Can you even compare that?"

He watched Xiang Xuanqing’s gameplay for a moment, saw him crushing weaker players again, and instantly felt better.

"So this game just isn’t balanced against the Heavenly Emperor—that makes sense."

"Do you think Hong Jun’s unification with the Dao will succeed?" Xiang Xuanqing turned to ask.

Yang Mei raised an eyebrow: "You’re leading this—you’re asking me?"

"Aren’t you his best ally?"

Xiang Xuanqing smiled: "You know more than I do."

Yang Mei remained silent.

Xiang Xuanqing said: "Achieving Hunyuan is ultimately just a hypothesis. Hong Jun wants to walk this path—I’ll help him along."

"Whether he succeeds ultimately depends on Hong Jun himself."

"You call that ‘help’?" Yang Mei couldn’t help but question.

"Just tell me—is he currently uniting with the Dao?" Xiang Xuanqing’s single sentence silenced Yang Mei again.

Xiang Xuanqing asked again: "Daoist, honestly—does Hong Jun have any hidden cards?"

"I don’t know," Yang Mei shook his head.

"He didn’t tell you?"

Xiang Xuanqing studied Yang Mei. "Looks like your relationship isn’t as close as I imagined!"

Yang Mei’s hand suddenly clenched inside his sleeve. "What else has the Heavenly Emperor discovered?"

"Nothing—I’m just guessing," Xiang Xuanqing turned back to the game screen, summoning another three thousand mechs to bombard the enemy base with artillery.

"From start to finish, neither you nor I have ever truly understood Hong Jun."

"So, I suspect he won't remain silent—there may be other spectacular moves waiting for us in the future."

"Comrade, don't you look forward to it?"

Yang Mei slowly loosened his grip, paused in thought, then shook his head: "Actually, him aligning with the Dao of Heaven isn't bad—let’s not stir things up again."

Yang Mei was certainly pleased to see his old friend return.

But ever since he saw that the sealed Hong Jun could still manifest the Counter-Dao forms of the gods, Yang Mei’s thoughts had changed.

As Xiang Xuanqing said, he himself still hadn’t fully fathomed Hong Jun.

At least his old friend’s Balanced Dao had made him feel a touch of fear.

"Sigh, it’s over again."

Xiang Xuanqing swiftly breached the enemy’s stronghold and utterly crushed the newbies.

"Why don’t so many people grasp the true essence of this game?"

"Small openings don’t count—you need a massive opening to achieve total victory!"

Yang Mei, listening nearby, could only sneer.

【The developer of the "Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion" has arrived—and still calls you Big Brother? Is this how you play Heavenly Mechanism?!】

Another room.

"Jin Peng, what’s wrong?" Kong Xuan looked at Jin Peng with curiosity.

Jin Peng’s lips trembled slightly, his emotions on the verge of collapse.

He turned to Kong Xuan, voice trembling with tears: "Big brother, you have to avenge me!"

He handed Kong Xuan an account.

"Alright, little brother, rest assured!" For the first time hearing Jin Peng call him "big brother," Kong Xuan’s heart leapt with joy.

But on the surface, his expression remained stern and unreadable.

The game began.

Soon after, Kong Xuan stared blankly at the sky, his eyes hollow.

"Big brother, what’s wrong with you?" Jin Peng asked curiously.

"Little brother, what do you think is the meaning of cultivation?" Kong Xuan asked softly.

Jin Peng was startled.

"Mom! Come quick—my brother’s gone mad!"

Three thousand years, in the vast river of Hong Huang’s eternity, was but a fleeting ripple—yet enough for many seeds to take root and sprout, and for many plans to take initial shape.

During the past years, Di Jun had diligently managed state affairs, cultivated widespread goodwill, and his prestige as crown prince had sunk deeply into the hearts of the gods. Under his involvement, all affairs of the Heavenly Court continued to operate with efficiency and stability.

On this day, a solemn, majestic bell tone drifted from the highest divine palace of Taiwei Heavenly Court—the Tiandi Palace. Nine rings echoed, signaling the imminent convening of the highest-level Dachao Society.

The bell’s resonance pierced through layer upon layer of space, clearly reaching every corner of the Hong Huang Zhen Jie, and even spreading far beyond to the Zhu Tian Wan Jie. All deities belonging to the Tian Dao Xue Yuan system, wherever they were, felt its call.

Following it came the divine edict of Sheng Tian Di Xiang Xuanqing.

The decree summoned all deities—including the heads of the Hong Huang Tian Dao Xue Yuan headquarters, and all branch academy directors and outstanding teacher representatives across every Dao domain and world, as well as those who had made outstanding contributions to Tian Dao education—to immediately set out for Zixiao Palace.

"Let’s go. The Second Zixiao Palace Assembly is also the second grand academic exchange and future development planning meeting of the Tian Dao Xue Yuan."

"This assembly may be the last one before the Tian Di steps down."

"Cannot miss it!"

The deities who received the edict dared not delay—they immediately set aside their duties.

In an instant, from the shores of the Donghai to the western extreme of Xumi, from the depths of Beiming to the southern volcanic peaks of Tiannan, beams of divine light surged skyward, transforming into dazzling meteor showers converging toward Zixiao Palace, hidden deep within the Chaos, in the boundless void.

On Xumi Mountain, Jieyin and Zhunti exchanged smiles, then boarded auspicious clouds with Zangdi and a host of outstanding disciples and Buddha-teachers, setting off for Zixiao Palace.

At the peak of Kunlun Mountain, the Three Pure Ones each gathered their elite disciples, preparing to further expound the Xuanmen Dao at this assembly and exchange ideas with other schools.

In the Youming Difu, Wu You, Ming He, Wang Chuan, and the Ten Dian Yan Jun all received invitations.

Figures emerged from sacred mountains, great marshes, and blessed caves across Hong Huang.

This time, the proportion of Luo Jinxian among the deities was clearly much higher.

Last time, it was less than one-tenth; now, it approaches one-fifth.

This is the achievement of the Tian Di’s reign over one Yuan Society.

"This meeting must further advance the development of Hong Huang’s Dao."

"More and more Luo Jinxian will emerge; Hong Huang will grow ever more vibrant!"

All of them now carried fervor for the Dao and hope for the future, heading toward the same goal.

This was not merely an internal grand assembly of the Tian Dao Xue Yuan—it was a grand review of the educational achievements of the past Yuan Society, and a pivotal meeting to unify consensus and chart the blueprint for the next era.

"It’s been over a hundred thousand years—how is Headmaster Hong Jun now?"

The deities could not forget Hong Jun Daoren.

After over a hundred thousand years apart, they still missed him.

————

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