Primordial Era: I am a treasure trove, full of magical treasures.

The resurrection of the Twelve Ancestral Witches and their appointment as deities in the Underworld were naturally perceived by the great powers of the Primordial World. In particular, there were few things in the Primordial World above the Quasi-Saint realm that could be kept from them, unless someone of the same realm disrupted the cause and effect.

Xuanbao and Houtu did not hide anything, or rather, there was no need to hide anything. In an instant, undercurrents surged throughout the prehistoric world.

Okay!

The war between the Lich King and the Demon King was basically a mutual destruction in the end. Who would have thought that the Lich King would come back to life on the spot? How infuriating is that? Fortunately, the Demon King was almost wiped out, otherwise we would have been furious again.

They're not even going to act anymore!

……

Kunlun Mountain, Sanqing Hall.

Lao Tzu paused slightly in his flat cane, and a trace of understanding and a faint sigh flickered in the depths of his eyes, which were as calm as an ancient well, seemingly reflecting the entirety of the primordial world. He slowly raised his head, his gaze seemingly piercing through layers of void, looking towards the direction of the netherworld.

"The Netherworld has changed, the power of reincarnation has shifted, and the fortune of the Earthly Dao has risen... How exactly did Houtu and Xuanbao manage to do this?" Laozi's voice was calm, revealing neither joy nor anger, but his expression was somewhat strange.

The Three Pure Ones and the Wu Clan are both descendants of Pangu, and they have always attached great importance to the title of being the true descendants of Pangu. Therefore, the Three Pure Ones and the Wu Clan are somewhat at odds with each other.

"Hmph, Xuanbao's disciple has quite the skill! He actually managed to bring those barbarian witches back to life, even restoring their primordial spirits and making them the Ten Kings of Hell!" Yuanshi snorted coldly. Of course, Yuanshi wasn't angry; he just felt that he had brought the witches back to life again. The illusory image of the Pangu Banner in his hand trembled slightly, and the Jade Purity Immortal Light flowed, showing that his heart was not without turmoil. "In this way, the Netherworld has almost become the witches' own territory. Xuanbao's actions, although fulfilling his sense of duty, are also... well, the Great Tribulation has just passed, and the world needs to be stable. The witches retreating to the Netherworld is not necessarily a bad thing for the Primordial World."

"Hahaha! Great news! Excellent news!" The Tongtian Sect Leader clapped his hands and laughed, his eyes flashing with sword light, full of joy. "That brat Xuanbao always manages to do things that will blow people's minds! He resurrected the Ancestral Witches and made them judges of Yama! Now the Underworld has completely become the territory of the Witch Clan."

Laozi shook his head slightly: "Third brother, be careful with your words. The Underworld is a crucial place of reincarnation, concerning the rebirth of all beings. It must be fair and impartial, how can we show favoritism? Houtu and Xuanbao should know their place. Besides..." He paused, his gaze profound, "The resurrection of the Ancestral Witch, replenishing her primordial spirit, and gaining the approval of the Underworld, will also benefit the perfection of the Underworld and the stability of reincarnation. This is the general trend, we should just follow it."

The West, Mount Ling.

Jieyin and Zhunti sat facing each other, their bodies surrounded by a blend of serene Buddhist light and seven-colored precious light, yet they could not conceal the increasingly intense sorrow on their faces.

"Amitabha..." Jieyin chanted the Buddhist prayer in a low voice, his voice hoarse. "The Ancestral Witches have actually been resurrected and even obtained divine positions in the Underworld... The Netherworld is now a unified entity. Houtu, Xuanbao, and the twelve Ancestral Witches who possess primordial spirits and are even stronger than before... The power of the Underworld is now difficult to suppress. The opportunity for the great rise of the West will have to be postponed again. I must tell Ksitigarbha not to go to the Underworld, otherwise, I'm afraid he will have a hard time returning."

The newly replaced prayer beads in Zhunti's hands were twirled so rapidly they almost sparked. His eyes held a complex mix of emotions—jealousy, resentment, and helplessness—which finally coalesced into a long sigh: "It is fate, it is destiny. This boy Xuanbao is so blessed, so far-reaching in his schemes… First, he performed the great feat of mending the heavens, receiving ten cycles of merit; then he gained the recognition of the Chaos Bell as his master; now he has even resurrected the Ancestral Witch. His karmic connection with our Western Paradise is shallow; forcing it will only bring disaster. Senior brother, from now on… it is best not to scheme against him so easily."

Jieyin remained silent, looking at Zhunti with a strange expression. He had been worried that Zhunti still harbored thoughts of revenge, but it seemed that Zhunti had completely lost the courage to attack Xuanbao.

Jieyin nodded slowly, the sorrow on his face seemingly etched into his very bones. They knew that after this battle, Xuanbao had truly gained the qualifications and strength to converse as an equal with the saints, and even to subtly surpass them in some aspects. It was no longer realistic for the West to have any designs on him.

In the Nuwa Palace, Nuwa sensed the changes in the Netherworld's fortune and the new life force mixed with the familiar malevolent aura of the Ancestral Witches. A complex smile appeared on her beautiful face as she gently shook her head: "Brother Xuanbao... you always manage to surprise people. The Witch Clan's retreat to the Netherworld, enjoying the protection of the underground passages, is perhaps... their best destiny. However, this primordial world will soon have another force that cannot be easily provoked."

In Wuzhuang Temple, Zhen Yuanzi and Hongyun sat facing each other, the rising fortune of the Netherworld reflected in the water mirror before them. Zhen Yuanzi stroked his beard and pondered, "The Ancestral Witch has been resurrected and is in charge of the Underworld... the Netherworld's格局 (geju, a concept encompassing overall structure, overall situation, and overall situation) is now set. My third brother and fellow Daoist Houtu have achieved several goals with one move. I just wonder if the remaining traces of the Witch Clan bloodline can truly find peace through this."

Hongyun, however, took it in stride and laughed, "Why worry, elder brother? The Wu Clan has been weakened by this great calamity, but it has been reborn. They should be able to stay peaceful for a long time. With Third Brother and Sage Houtu watching over them, they won't be able to cause any major trouble. It is the Primordial World that, after this calamity, will probably truly enter a long period of peace."

As Hongyun said, although the powerful figures from all sides were well aware of the resurrection of the Ancestral Witches and the increased authority of the Underworld, and while they might have feelings of regret, calculations, or apprehension, under the delicate balance maintained by all the sages after the Great Calamity had just subsided and the primordial world's vital energy was severely damaged, no force dared to openly oppose or provoke them. It was as if an invisible tacit understanding enveloped the newly born primordial world: a truce, a period of recuperation, and all grudges temporarily set aside.

Thus, after experiencing the most tragic and chaotic calamity since the beginning of time, the primordial world finally entered a long and silent "recovery period" that was almost unremembered.

At that very moment, Hongjun's message, silent yet crystal clear, resonated within the minds of all the sages and Xuanbao. Its meaning was simple and clear: the Great Tribulation had passed, and Heaven and Earth had been restored, yet Heaven could not be without a ruler, and Earth could not be without order. The Heavenly Court, once ruled by the demon race, governed the celestial bodies and regulated the four seasons; it could not be left unattended for long. All the sages and Xuanbao, swiftly proceed to Zixiao Palace to discuss the succession of the Heavenly Court's ruler, in order to stabilize the world.

Upon receiving the message, Xuanbao immediately understood. "Haotian...it's finally time for him to make his appearance." A knowing smile played on Xuanbao's lips, his eyes swirling with three thousand law runes, reflecting a vague outline of the future. He naturally knew this "plot"—the future Jade Emperor, the attendant beside the Dao Ancestor, was about to ascend to the center stage of the primordial world. However...the primordial world had been completely altered by his intervention, and the thoughts of the saints were unpredictable. This election of the "Lord of Heaven" would likely not proceed as "naturally" as in the original story.

Almost at the same time that Xuanbao received the message, the saints and top experts in Kunlun Mountain, the West, and the Nuwa Palace all sensed it and had different expressions.

"The Lord of Heaven..." Laozi slowly opened his eyes in the Eight Views Palace. His face, as calm as still water, revealed no emotion. Only his flat cane paused slightly, and the Daoist principles of Yin and Yang flowed. "This position concerns the order of the heavens and the movement of the stars. Only those with both virtue and talent, a profound foundation, and the ability to balance all sides can be entrusted with this responsibility. Mysterious Treasure..." Laozi's eyes flickered slightly, as if he had thought of something.

"Haha! The Lord of Heaven? It would be a waste to leave this position vacant! My disciple Xuanbao has mended the heavens and saved the world, his merits are immeasurable. He wields the Chaos Bell and is the first disciple of the true lineage of Pangu. In terms of virtue, ability, and foundation, who is more suitable than him? Let him sit on the throne of the Heavenly Emperor!" Tongtian slammed his fist on the table in Zixiao Palace and cheered, his eyes full of eager anticipation, as if he could already see Xuanbao sitting high in the sky and all the immortals coming to pay homage.

In the Jade Void Palace, Yuanshi stroked his beard and pondered: "The Lord of Heaven holds a high position and great power, but he is also entangled in karma and needs to harmonize all spirits, which is no easy task. Although Xuanbao is excellent, his nature... may not be able to endure trivial matters. Moreover, the Netherworld has just been established, and he has a close relationship with Houtu, and the power of the Netherworld is also significant..." Although he did not explicitly object, he clearly had some concerns.

In the West, at Mount Ling. Jieyin and Zhunti exchanged a glance, each seeing a glint of cunning in the other's eyes.

"Senior brother, the Lord of Heaven... If we could obtain this position, ruling the heavens and regulating the stars, it would be of immense benefit to the spread of our Daoist tradition and the gathering of fortune in the West!" Zhunti lowered his voice, his prayer beads spinning rapidly in his hands. "However, our West is barren, and we have no suitable candidate to command respect... Xuanbao? The Three Pure Ones will surely recommend him with all their might. Perhaps... we could seize the opportunity and gain some advantage."

With a sorrowful expression, Jieyin softly chanted the Buddha's name: "Amitabha... The karmic consequences in Heaven are profound, and only those with great fortune and perseverance can bear them. However, since the Dao Ancestor has summoned us to discuss important matters, we should attend and let nature take its course."

Nuwa, the goddess, frowned slightly in her palace. She didn't have much of an obsession with becoming the ruler of the demon race's heavenly court, but Xuanbao was on good terms with her and had helped her mend the sky, making him an excellent candidate. However... "The Dao Ancestor's intentions are hard to fathom."

……

Deep within the chaos lies the Purple Cloud Palace.

Ancient and simple as ever, exuding a natural Taoist charm. The palace gates opened silently, and the figures of the saints and Xuanbao stepped in one after another.

Laozi, Yuanshi, Tongtian, Jieyin, Zhunti, Nuwa, Houtu, and Xuanbao—eight figures stood in order below the hall. Xuanbao's position was slightly behind, alongside the other saints, indicating that his status was different.

On the high cloud platform, Hongjun's figure slowly emerged, in harmony with the Heavenly Dao, detached and aloof, untouched by worldly concerns. He calmly swept his gaze over the crowd below, his eyes lingering briefly on Xuanbao before he spoke: "The Great Tribulation has passed, and Heaven and Earth have been newly established. However, the celestial sphere cannot be without a ruler, and the stars cannot be without order. The Heavenly Court, established by Emperor Jun and Taiyi in the past, cannot remain idle for long. Today, I have summoned you all here to discuss who should succeed to the position of Heavenly Emperor, to govern the primordial world, harmonize all spirits, and regulate the celestial sphere."

The voice was calm, yet carried an undeniable divine authority, echoing throughout the empty Zixiao Palace.

Laozi bowed first, his voice steady: "Master is wise. The position of Heavenly Emperor concerns the order of the primordial world, requiring someone with both virtue and talent, a profound foundation, and the ability to command the respect of the people. My first disciple, Xuanbao, performed the great feat of mending the heavens and saving the world during the Great Tribulation, possesses ten cycles of merit, wields the Chaos Bell, and has gained the recognition of the newly reborn Netherworld. His foundation, virtue, and strength are all sufficient to shoulder this great responsibility. Moreover, he is a direct descendant of Pangu, with deep connections to the Three Pure Ones, Houtu, and Nuwa, capable of balancing all sides and regulating Yin and Yang. This disciple believes that Xuanbao is worthy to succeed to the position of Heavenly Emperor."

Xuanbao: !

Upon hearing Laozi directly accuse him of becoming the Heavenly Emperor, Xuanbao was 100% unwilling. The Heavenly Court was now just a burden, useless to the medicine, but a pity to discard. He had no energy to clean up this mess.

"Master, I think..."

Before Xuanbao could even finish his sentence, Tongtian interrupted him without giving him a chance to speak.

"Brother is absolutely right!" Tongtian immediately chimed in, his voice booming like a bell. "Xuanbao is the chief disciple of the Three Pure Ones, of impeccable lineage, possessing great supernatural powers, and moreover, a benevolent and righteous heart, who saved the primordial world from collapse! Making him the Heavenly Emperor is the fairest decision! Anyone who disagrees should first challenge the Qingping Sword and the Four Swords of Zhuxian in my hand!"

Xuanbao: !

Yuanshi nodded slightly and added, "Although Xuanbao sometimes acts impulsively, he is upright in his conduct and can distinguish right from wrong. If he were the Heavenly Emperor, he would be able to protect the primordial world and follow the will of Heaven. I agree."

The Three Pure Ones were in complete agreement and wholeheartedly recommended Xuanbao! This was expected, as Xuanbao was their most outstanding and closest disciple.

Nuwa pondered for a moment, then gently parted her lips: "My brother Xuanbao is of great help to me. He is kind-hearted and has a solid foundation. If he were to become the Heavenly Emperor, he would be able to act impartially and benefit all living beings. I second his proposal."

Houtu stood quietly to one side. As a being in the cycle of reincarnation, she was not supposed to interfere too much in the affairs of the Heavenly Court, but at this moment she nodded slightly: "Brother Xuanbao has the virtue of restoring the Wu Clan. His heart is clear, and his ability is worthy of the task. I have no objection."

Good heavens, not counting Xuanbao himself, five out of the eight people in Zixiao Palace support Xuanbao becoming the ruler of the Heavenly Court.

Xuanbao: ! "Oh no, I'm being forced to wear the imperial robe!"

The pressure was instantly placed on the two Western Saints.

Jieyin and Zhunti looked even more sorrowful. They hadn't expected that the Three Pure Ones, Nuwa, and Houtu would support Xuanbao so unanimously, creating an almost overwhelming advantage! If they were to oppose him again, they would not only be disliked but might also offend these saints.

But if we just let Xuanbao rise to power so easily, wouldn't the West gain absolutely nothing?

Zhunti's eyes darted around, and he stepped forward, a sorrowful yet sincere smile plastered on his face. He first bowed to Hongjun and the other saints, then said, "What you fellow Daoists say is all reasonable. Xuanbao's achievements, virtues, and strength are evident to all in the prehistoric world, and this humble monk also admires him greatly. However..." He changed the subject, his sorrow deepening, "The position of Heavenly Emperor, managing Yin and Yang, and governing all spirits, involves countless affairs. Fellow Daoist Xuanbao is exceptionally talented, having already attained ten cycles of merit, condensing his own Great Dao, with limitless potential. If he were to be bogged down in the trivial matters of the Heavenly Court, managing countless affairs daily, he would inevitably neglect his own cultivation. Wouldn't that be losing sight of the bigger picture for the sake of the small, missing the opportunity to explore higher realms of Dao? This is for Fellow Daoist Xuanbao's sake, for the long-term benefit of the prehistoric world, and I must speak out!"

His words were well-chosen, seemingly for Xuanbao's sake and suggesting that "cultivation is more important," but subtly questioning whether he was suitable for the position of Heavenly Emperor, which required extremely high coordination and patience to handle the endless affairs of the primordial world. He also implied that Xuanbao already had a connection to the Netherworld and his own Great Dao, so would taking over the Heavenly Court be too much of a burden?

Upon hearing this, a slight silence fell over the Purple Cloud Palace.

Tongtian raised an eyebrow, about to retort, but was stopped by Yuanshi's gaze. Laozi remained calm, Nuwa seemed lost in thought, and Houtu frowned slightly.

Just then, Xuanbao, who had been listening silently, suddenly chuckled softly.

To be honest, Xuanbao really had no feelings for this Heavenly Court ruler. He was utterly useless. The Heavenly Court was now just a piece of land, and Xuanbao didn't want to get involved in such a mess.

But these two bald monks in the West make me very unhappy!