Chapter 409: Xiang Xuanqing Is Fuxi

The Heavenly Emperor Taiyi fled, leaving behind the Taiwei deities and ten [Shaoyang Emperor]s staring at each other in silence.

【Which step went wrong?】 Xiang Xuanqing was puzzled—this process was correct!

【I don’t know!】 Wangshu shrugged, looking utterly innocent.

【Did you two paste the talismans incorrectly?】 Taishang glanced at Zhenyuanzi and Fuxi.

Zhenyuanzi and Fuxi adamantly denied any mistake: 【Don’t even try that—we’re the ones who think your pills are the problem!】

Taishang argued: 【Impossible, absolutely impossible—my Pure Yang Wuji Tenfold Soul-Returning Pill could never be flawed!】

【Friend, could it be your divine art malfunctioned?】 Qianti glanced at Yuanhuang.

Yuanhuang’s beautiful eyes widened slightly: 【Reverse-refining the primordial essence is this divine art—it cannot malfunction.】

【Rather than suspect me, why not question whether the merit you offered is even legitimate?】

【Need you ask? Of course it’s legitimate!】 Minghe’s voice rang out with full confidence.

In truth, he felt a twinge of guilt.

What did the deficient Dao do to you?

Isn’t deficiency a kind of virtue?

Ultimately, all eyes unconsciously converged on the one figure who had remained silent throughout, merely watching their “performance”—the [Taiwei Prime Minister] Nüwa.

After all, in the entire “Reform of Donghua Emperor” plan, Nüwa’s [Three Lights Divine Water] and [Creation Soils] were the core materials establishing the Dao embryo’s foundation and nurturing boundless vitality—their importance went without saying.

After sensing the skeptical gazes of all present, Nüwa’s clear eyes blinked gently.

Then Nüwa smiled faintly and spoke slowly: “Why are you all looking at me like that?”

“The [Three Lights Divine Water] I provided is drawn from the primordial essence of sun, moon, and stars—its nature is utterly pure and clean, capable of washing away all defilement and nourishing all life.”

“And the [Creation Soils] are the mother of all earth, endlessly generative—the supreme spiritual material for nurturing primordial divine and demonic bodies.”

“These two substances possess utterly pure primordial origins—there can be no flaw whatsoever.”

After speaking, Nüwa turned to Xiang Xuanqing: “If you suspect me, you might as well suspect that the fundamental flaw lies with Donghua Emperor himself.”

“For instance—is the Donghua Emperor now truly the same Donghua Emperor of old?”

Xiang Xuanqing’s expression remained calm: “Of course he is!”

“Right, Shaoyang Friend?”

He turned and called out to the ten youths who were about to follow Taiyi away.

The ten youths halted and met Xiang Xuanqing’s gaze.

Their pure, clear eyes flickered with a hint of mischief.

“Count Du, how are you so certain you made no mistake?” the youths asked curiously.

Xiang Xuanqing spoke calmly: “Though our Taiwei deities differ in style, we’ve cooperated for countless eons—we’re fundamentally legitimate.”

“Even if minor errors occurred this time, they could never amount to major deviations.”

“So, friend, stop pretending.”

“The Heavenly Emperor was merely hasty and got fooled by you.”

What? Pretending?

The Taiwei deities froze, then collectively turned to the ten youths.

Seeing their act was exposed, the youths helplessly shrugged and sighed in regret:

“Sigh~~, friend, why must you expose me?”

“I already turned falsehood into truth just now!”

Pangu’s lotus was really fake!

The Taiwei deities stared, still struggling to believe it.

How many times has the Donghua Emperor died? Has his bottom line become so flexible?

Comes back to life and finds himself a father?

Even scared the Heavenly Emperor into fleeing outright.

“The Taiwei Heavenly Emperor, ruler of all directions, is far superior to the Immortal Emperor I once was.”

The ten youths laughed: “Since we’re restarting under a new identity, why not go all the way—shed your burdens and enjoy a beautiful life?”

“Being the Heavenly Emperor’s son, the Heir of the Three Realms—what a fun role to play!”

The youths wore faint, knowing smiles.

The Taiwei deities’ retrieval process must have had some flaw—otherwise Donghua Emperor wouldn’t have split into ten youths.

But Donghua didn’t care.

Isn’t returning better than anything else?

Besides, which primordial divine being doesn’t love pulling pranks?

Just going along with it, and they’ve already fooled the top-tier sovereigns of Honghuang!

“Pity, Count Du exposed me—if you hadn’t, I’d have happily turned falsehood into truth and deepened my Dao,” the ten youths said seriously, as if not lying.

The Taiwei deities didn’t think they were lying.

After all, Donghua Emperor was one of the true Immortal Ancestors.

The [True Immortal Fruit] thrives on truth seeming false and falsehood seeming true.

That’s precisely why he managed to deceive them just now.

Had Xiang Xuanqing not exposed his trick, the Daoic backlash from the deities being fooled would have granted Donghua Emperor considerable benefits.

【Fluorescent Supreme】 Yuanhuang asked: “Which one of you is Shaoyang?”

The ten youths smiled innocently and spoke in unison: “Shaoyang means youthful pure yang.”

“Does it matter whether there’s one or ten?”

“So we’re all Shaoyang.”

“Isn’t that reasonable?”

【Reasonable. Indeed reasonable.】

The Taiwei deities turned their gazes again to Nüwa.

Wasn’t there once ten Nüwas standing across Guangzhi Field?

Now having ten Fusang Emperors doesn’t seem odd at all.

As for Donghua Emperor, having died so many times, he took it in stride.

Isn’t this just a side effect of resurrection?

For Donghua, who often watched Laojun refine pills, this wasn’t even worth mentioning!

“Donghua Emperor? That’s all in the past.”

“From now on, call me Shaoyang Emperor. Of course, if you prefer, you may call me Fusang Great Emperor.”

With that, the ten youths waved to the Taiwei deities simultaneously.

“Alright, I’ve been reborn—I haven’t even seen the splendor of this era yet.”

“I need to go out and wander, to see why I once lost to you.”

【Of course, I’ll have to tease the Heavenly Emperor a bit—it’s quite fun.】The youths’ lips curled into mischievous grins.

Like ten tiny suns, they skipped merrily away from Taiwei Yuan, to cause trouble… oh no, to “experience” the new Honghuang Three Realms.

Minghe watched the ten little ones vanish into the distance and quietly whispered to Taishang: 【Friend, is the side effect of your pill merely splitting into ten Dao bodies?】

Taishang was uncertain: 【It’s my first time refining—I can’t say for sure.】

【But the calculations showed no major issues.】

Xiang Xuanqing joined in: 【Donghua’s been rescued, and he himself doesn’t care about the side effects—discussing this is pointless.】

【Even if he dies again by accident, we can still pull him back—fulfilling our original promise.】

When Donghua Emperor assumed the Immortal Emperor’s throne, they all agreed: if he fell, they’d pull him back without hesitation.

That’s one reason they supported the Heavenly Emperor’s recruitment of him into the divine clan.

“So Donghua Friend was just having fun? Good, good!”

The Heavenly Emperor’s figure reappeared in Taiwei Yuan.

But this time, it was Di Jun.

After Taiyi went offline, Di Jun was forced to emerge from seclusion.

Upon receiving the shared information, he nearly leapt out of his skin.

The heavenly marriage wasn’t settled yet—now if ten “sons” suddenly appeared, wouldn’t it explode?

Among the Taiwei deities, only [Taiyin Supreme] Wangshu wore an expression of regret.

【If only it were real.】Wangshu sighed softly.

“Come, come—let’s continue discussing the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors!”

With the stone lifted from his heart, Di Jun quickly regained composure, resumed chairing the meeting, and returned to the previous topic.

The urgent task was to rapidly establish the core leadership of the “Divine Clan’s Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors.”

Only then could they truly unify hearts, integrate all spirits, and accomplish his grand enterprise!

Thus, Di Jun stilled his mind, turned his gaze once more to the Taiwei deities present, and his expression grew solemn and dignified as he spoke in a deep voice:

“Friends, though a minor incident occurred just now, it has resolved an important matter of selection.”

“That… ah, those ten Shaoyang Emperors—though lively in temperament—their roots are profound, their potential limitless; they shall surely become the pillars of the future Divine Clan!”

“I propose that upon the formal founding of the Divine Clan, we enfeoff them as [Eastern Green Emperor Fusang Great Emperor], granting them dominion over the eastern wood’s life-giving authority, to teach and civilize the eastern myriad spirits, and guard the peace of one cosmic quadrant.”

“What do you all think?”

"We have no objections." The gods of Taiwei nodded in unison, approving wholeheartedly.

With his status and power as the Young Yang Emperor, whether becoming the head of the divine sect or one of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, he is entirely suitable.

"Since none of you have objections to the candidate for the [Eastern Azure Emperor], I shall now propose a candidate for the position of one of the 'Three Sovereigns'."

Seeing this, Emperor Jun of Heaven felt reassured and continued speaking.

"I believe the 'Three Sovereigns' should be the supreme leaders and spiritual symbols of our divine race. Their selection must be peerless great beings whose virtue towers above all, whose wisdom surpasses all ages, and who command unparalleled prestige and authority throughout the entire Honghuang universe."

"Only then can they truly suppress the divine race's destiny and guide all living beings to return to the fold."

"Therefore, I intend to invite Fu Xi, the master of the Ten Directions Divine Palace and leader of the Eastern Recluse Alliance, to ascend to Heaven and assume the position of [Xi Huang]!"

"I support it!"

Before Fu Xi could speak, Xiang Xuanqing declared outright: "Fu Xi, master of the Ten Directions Divine Palace, is the primordial ancestor of wisdom in the Honghuang. His ability to deduce celestial patterns and perceive the future is unmatched in all history."

"For him to serve as one of the Three Sovereigns, wielding authority over wisdom and enlightenment, is the natural and unquestionable choice of all."

[Star of Ages Supreme Lord] Fu Xi: "????"

I’m this awesome, and I didn’t even know?

You’re blowing way too hard!

What do you mean 'ancestor of wisdom'? Isn’t that the position of the Wisdom Demon God?

I don’t even have that authority!

Seeing Xiang Xuanqing so strongly support him, Emperor Jun rejoiced: "Great minds think alike."

"If I establish the divine race, I must inevitably extend its influence across the Honghuang lands."

"Fu Xi, as leader of the Eastern Recluse Alliance, if he lends his support, the Heavenly Court can further strengthen its sway over the Eastern lands and extend heavenly authority into the mortal realm!"

"Exactly!" Xiang Xuanqing clapped in approval.

"My Lord Emperor, let me go invite Fu Xi, how about that?"

Can I refuse? Fu Xi’s lips twitched slightly as he glanced back and forth between Jun and Xiang Xuanqing, suspecting the two were putting on a show!

"Excellent!" Emperor Jun was delighted and promptly agreed to Xiang Xuanqing’s request.

"What do you all think?"

Emperor Jun turned to the other gods.

"No objections," said Wangshu, Taishang, Minghe, Zhenyuanzi, and others, nodding in agreement.

Fu Xi could only smile and say: "Since Count Du has such high praise for Fu Xi, then by all means, invite him." Xiang Xuanqing confidently replied: "Star of Ages, rest assured—I will surely bring him here."

[How are you more confident than I am?] Fu Xi mentally grumbled.

Emperor Jun continued: "As for the other two Sovereigns, I intend to invite Lady Nvwa to serve as one, and Taiyi of the Taiyi Divine Court as the other. What do you all think?"

"Agreed!" Taishang immediately supported it.

Taishang said: "Lady Nvwa serving as one of the Three Sovereigns, wielding authority over life and creation, is entirely fitting and perfectly justified."

Minghe nodded: "I support it!"

Wangshu also nodded: "Lady Nvwa is perfectly suited!"

Nvwa: "????"

What else can I say?

"Perhaps we should vote instead—I’m not particularly willing, and someone else could be chosen." Nvwa raised her hand, voicing her true feelings.

You guys are putting me on, aren’t you!

Our Taiwei Yuan upholds democracy and freedom!

I must resist!

Hearing this, Emperor Jun found it reasonable.

"Then let us vote to select one among us to serve as one of the Three Sovereigns."

As Emperor, he held great authority to decide this matter.

"Then let’s vote!"

After a brief silence and exchange of glances, the gods of Taiwei cast their votes.

"It’s you—we’ve chosen you, Lady Nvwa!"

Aside from Nvwa herself, Xiang Xuanqing and all others voted for Nvwa, showing full support for Emperor Jun’s arrangement.

Nvwa pressed her hand to her forehead and sighed:

"Fine, fine, fine!"

"I’ll do it, I’ll do it!"

After all, this position is rotational—when the time comes, I’ll just find a new person to replace me!

"As for Taiyi of the Taiyi Divine Court, I’ll help invite him."

Nvwa smoothly took on the new task: "I have some ties with the Empress of the Taiyi Divine Court—I might be able to move her with emotion and reason."

[Is that 'move' the kind of 'move' we’re thinking of?] The gods exchanged glances.

Even Emperor Jun hesitated slightly.

"Then we leave it to you, dear friend."

Nvwa smiled: "Not at all—I will surely bring Taiyi to the Heavenly Court for His Majesty."

"Now, let us turn to the remaining candidates for the 'Five Directional Emperors'."

Emperor Jun continued: "Besides the [Eastern Azure Emperor, Fusan Great Emperor] already decided upon, we still need to carefully consider the positions of the [Northern Black Emperor], the [Southern Flame Emperor], the [Western White Emperor], and above all, the most central [Central Yellow Emperor]."

"These Five Directional Emperors will serve as the core ministers beneath the Three Sovereigns, each guarding one of the five cosmic directions, wielding the primordial forces of the Five Phases, and enlightening the living beings of their respective regions. Their status is exalted, their authority indispensable."

"Do any of you have suitable candidates to recommend?"

White Emperor?

[Supreme Lord of the White Star] Qitian regarded Emperor Jun thoughtfully: "Are you planning to invite Shaohao?"

"Precisely."

Emperor Jun said: "Shaohao is the leader of the Western Recluse Alliance. His own power is formidable, and his influence across the Western lands is extraordinary."

"Bringing him into the divine race would indeed be an excellent choice."

"Agreed!"

This time, Fu Xi reacted fastest. He glanced at Qitian with a faint smile: "Taihao of the East, Shaohao of the West—if both ascend to Heaven, the Honghuang lands will be stabilized!"

I can’t escape, and neither can you!

"I agree too!" Nvwa followed immediately.

I came to Taiwei in good faith—I’ll take the hit.

No one else gets to slip away!

"We support it," the other gods had no objections.

[Dark Radiance Count Du Supreme Lord] Xiang Xuanqing pondered a moment, then spoke: "The [Northern Black Emperor], governing winter’s storage and the Water Palace, must be a great being of profound cultivation, calm temperament, and mastery over the Water Dao."

"In my view, the True Martial Great Emperor of the Immortal Court, whose origin is the primordial Xuanwu, can command the Seven Northern Constellations and subdue countless aquatic beings."

"True Martial is within my consideration," Emperor Jun nodded slightly.

At this moment, Fu Xi spoke again: "I also have a candidate for the Northern Black Emperor."

"If we speak of darkness, no deity is more fitting than the Lord of the Netherworld, Fengdu Great Emperor."

"The Netherworld is the shadow side of Honghuang; inviting the Netherworld Emperor to serve as Black Emperor is perfectly apt."

[This is slander!] Xiang Xuanqing and Minghe both mentally objected.

"The Netherworld Emperor?" Emperor Jun’s eyes lit up—this was also a fine option.

His goal in establishing the divine race was to unify Honghuang and achieve total integration.

Recruiting Taihao of the East and Shaohao of the West was meant to stabilize the mortal realm and complete the union of Heaven and Earth!

If the Netherworld Emperor could join the divine race as one of the Five Emperors, might this be the chance to achieve true unification of the Three Realms?

"I think the [Northern Black Emperor] position could go to Chenxing!"

[Supreme Lord of the Earth Star] Zhenyuanzi pointed to the divine seat representing [Water Star Chenxing Supreme Lord].

He said: "Chenxing has yet to return since his dissolution into the Dao."

"We can use this opportunity to lend him a hand."

"Perhaps this will help him break through the Taiyi and return from nothingness!"

Last time, Xiang Xuanqing personally went to retrieve Zu Long—and failed.

Everyone speculated Zu Long was either deliberately avoiding return, waiting to make a grand move later,

or exploring the path of Taiyi.

But regardless of the reason, the gods of Taiwei were determined to help their colleague.

"Even leaving a seat vacant to strengthen his anchor in reality is better than letting him remain lost in nothingness," said [Supreme Lord of the Earth Star] Zhenyuanzi.

Emperor Jun pondered deeply—brotherhood or advantage?

Choose brotherhood, and leave the Black Emperor seat for Zu Long—but this critical position among the Five Emperors would remain empty.

Choose advantage, and pick between Fengdu and True Martial.

[Chaos Demon Gods make choices; Primordial Divine Beings take everything!]

Emperor Jun’s expression hardened: "Zhenyuanzi’s suggestion is excellent!"

"Chenxing must be rescued!"

He looked at the gods and said: "I shall bestow upon Chenxing the title of [Northern Black Emperor], but the actual authority shall be held by True Martial."

"What do you think of this solution?"

"Two Black Emperors?" The gods exchanged puzzled glances.

Can this work?

Emperor Jun nodded: "Yes, one illusory, one real—two Black Emperors."

"Chenxing certainly won’t object; as long as we can persuade True Martial Daoist, this matter will succeed."

Had it not been for the fact that the Mingdi is the master of the Underworld and the steward of Earth’s Dao, he would never have agreed to share the honorific title with other deities—he actually wanted to place three deities on the Black Emperor throne!

"Then it’s settled."

Thus, the Three Sovereigns and Three Emperors were confirmed, leaving two positions still vacant.

"As for the position of the [Southern Flame Emperor]."

[Fluorescent Lord] Yuan Huang’s phoenix eyes flickered as she volunteered, "The south corresponds to fire, governing summer growth and civilization and ritual."

"When it comes to mastery over the Dao of fire and contributions to civilizing teachings, in the Honghuang, apart from the Phoenix Clan and the Zhurong Tribe, it’s hard to find a more suitable candidate."

"Yet the Phoenix Clan has decided to no longer interfere in Honghuang affairs, so the most fitting choice is the [Fire God Zhurong] of the Zhurong Tribe."

"He is born of the blood of the Primordial Pangu, naturally wielding the southern divine fire. Though his temperament is somewhat fiery, he is upright, hates evil, and champions justice. If we can secure his aid, it will greatly benefit the divine clan’s grand cause."

"Zhurong?" Emperor Jun’s eyes flickered with a hint of surprise.

He had indeed considered Zhu Que.

But Zhurong was also a fine choice.

Yet judging from the situation of the Bu Zhou Mountain battle, convincing him to willingly submit under the "divine clan" system would require considerable effort and persuasion.

Still, Yuan Huang’s words were sound—if Zhurong could be successfully won over, the divine clan’s influence across the Honghuang lands would undoubtedly surge.

Emperor Jun scanned the room; seeing no opposition from the gods, he said: "Very well, the Flame Emperor’s position shall be provisionally assigned to Daoist Zhurong."

Thus, of the Five Directional Emperors, only the position of the [Central Yellow Emperor] remained.

Emperor Jun’s gaze slowly swept over every Taowei deity present, his voice growing increasingly solemn.

"Central Wuji Earth, bearing virtue, supporting all things, stabilizing the four directions, ruling over myriad spirits."

"The candidate must be a supreme being who truly represents the primordial source of the Honghuang Earth, possesses boundless merit and fortune, and is universally recognized by all clans."

Deities possessing the authority of Earth and worthy of the Yellow Emperor’s position were indeed few.

Fu Xi said: "I’ll recommend one: Wan Shou."

"The Lord of All Beasts, the Primordial Qilin?" Zhen Yuanzi’s heart lurched and he hastily interrupted Fu Xi.

He said: "If we seek one most attuned to 'earth,' capable of stabilizing the four directions and ruling myriad spirits, we must find a being with deep roots, immense merit, and towering prestige..."

"I recall an old acquaintance... hmm, perhaps not an acquaintance—more like an 'old beast'?"

"After the initial Longhan Cataclysm, when the Three Primordial Clans vied for dominance over Honghuang, the [Primordial Qilin], who governed central Wuji thick earth and ruled countless terrestrial beasts, renowned for benevolence and defense—surely all of you still remember his fame and achievements?"

"Though Daoist Primordial Qilin perished tragically during the great calamity..."

Here, Zhen Yuanzi’s eyes gleamed with cunning, "But we can still bestow upon him a hollow title, leveraging his influence to rally the myriad terrestrial beast clans."

"His actual authority could be delegated to the Five Elemental Qilin Kings or the Baihu Shenjun."

"This way, we bring all former clans under the Primordial Qilin’s banner into the divine clan’s fold, while ensuring the remaining Qilin Shenjun will wholeheartedly support the Heavenly Emperor."

"After all, they certainly won’t tarnish the Primordial Qilin’s name—they’ll strive to shine in this position."

At Zhen Yuanzi’s words, every Taowei deity present brightened!

Primordial Qilin!

This was indeed a perfectly reasonable candidate!

Even Xiang Xuanqing nodded: "Choosing the Primordial Qilin won’t necessarily bring him back, but using the [Central Yellow Emperor] title to lure—or rather, earn—an entire divine system is entirely feasible!"

The Qilin Clan had already enshrined the divine positions of [Primordial Qilin], [Ancestral Qilin], and [Great Emperor Changsheng] alongside the Heavenly Emperor’s title, to reinforce their earthly markers.

Xiang Xuanqing guessed that if Emperor Jun requested it, the Qilin Clan would not refuse.

They might even join the divine clan willingly, bringing their own provisions and vigorously upholding the Heavenly Emperor’s rule.

————

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(End of Chapter)