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

Xuanbao's soft chuckle, though silent, echoed exceptionally clearly in the silent Zixiao Palace. There was no anger, no mockery in his voice; instead, it carried a hint of... the playful knowingness of someone who had overheard something amusing. In this solemn and crucial occasion of discussing the successor to the Heavenly Emperor, it seemed particularly abrupt, instantly drawing everyone's attention—including that of the indifferent Hongjun—to him.

Zhunti's sorrow and "sincerity" faltered slightly, a barely perceptible shadow of gloom flashing in his eyes. But he quickly put on that distressed smile again, turned to Xuanbao, and asked in a "concerned" tone, "Why is Fellow Daoist Xuanbao laughing? Is there anything wrong with what I said? Fellow Daoist is a prodigy, and the path of cultivation is fundamental. I am truly worried that Fellow Daoist is burdened by worldly affairs of the Heavenly Court, which may delay your comprehension of the supreme Dao." His words were impeccable, as if he were entirely concerned for Xuanbao's sake.

The Three Pure Ones frowned slightly, and Tongtian clenched his fists, feeling as if he might tear Zhunti apart at any moment. His hypocrisy was so real that it made one's fists hard.

Nuwa and Houtu also looked at Xuanbao, wanting to see how he would respond.

Xuanbao, facing the gazes of the saints, said, "Fellow Daoist, Uncle-Master Zhunti, you are of the same generation as my master. It's not appropriate for you to call me 'Fellow Daoist'!"

A hint of displeasure flashed in Zhunti's eyes, but he quickly regained his sorrowful expression. "Fellow Daoist, there's no need to be so formal. In this primordial world, strength is paramount. Your strength is already among the best in the primordial world, so the title of 'Fellow Daoist' is naturally fitting."

Xuanbao's lips curled into a meaningful smile. "Ahem, I see. Speaking of which, it's been over 10 years since I took human form, and I haven't really put in much effort to cultivate, yet my cultivation level has increased by leaps and bounds, impossible to suppress. I've never experienced the hardships of cultivation. By the way, how long has it taken you, Uncle-Master, to reach your current level of cultivation?"

Zhunti, Jieyin: ...

Sanqing: ...

Nuwa, the day after tomorrow: ...

Even Hongjun, who usually had an indifferent expression, twitched at the corner of his eye.

Xuanbao never imagined how much damage his area-of-effect attack would cause to the people present.

After Xuanbao's "casual" words, Zhunti's face, as if slapped dozens of times by invisible hands, instantly changed from its usual sorrowful expression to a near-petrified paleness. Then, overwhelmed by extreme shame, embarrassment, and a sense of unbelievable absurdity, his entire body flushed red. The prayer beads in his hand, worn and worn for countless eons, creaked under the weight, as if about to shatter completely. He opened his mouth, his Adam's apple bobbing, the address "Fellow Daoist... no, Nephew Xuanbao" rolling on his tongue, but like a fishbone stuck in his throat, he couldn't utter a single word. Only his bloodshot eyes, slightly red, stared intently at Xuanbao, filled with shock, resentment, venom, and a trace of... helplessness and horror in the face of something beyond reason, something he himself was unwilling to admit.

Ten thousand years? Didn't you put in the effort? Your cultivation level couldn't be suppressed?

Every word was like a poisoned, blunt knife, cruelly scraping at Zhunti's heart, a heart that prided itself on dedicating itself to the revitalization of the West, enduring countless hardships to achieve sainthood! He, the two Western Saints, had struggled since the dawn of time, trembling under the tyrannical power of the Demon Ancestor Rahu, entangled in the karmic cycle of Heaven, making forty-eight great vows, borrowing countless "loans" to barely attain sainthood. The hardships they endured were beyond the comprehension of outsiders. Yet this CS dared to speak of his outrageously fast cultivation speed with such ease, even a hint of distress! This wasn't just a slap in the face; it was trampling underfoot all the efforts, sacrifices, and hard work of the two Western Saints, and indeed all the saints present who had cultivated for countless eons to reach their current status, and then casually saying, "Oh dear, I don't know how it got so fast, it's really troublesome."

The sorrow on Jieyin's face was so intense it seemed to drip with bitterness. His eyelids were lowered, and the broken and then reassembled prayer beads in his hands were haphazardly twisted. The extinguished Buddhist light around him fluctuated violently, showing that his inner peace was far from what appeared to be.

The reactions of the Three Pure Ones varied, but overall, it was a complex mix of astonishment, amusement, and deep pride. After all, Xuanbao was the chief disciple of the Three Pure Ones, and no matter how outstanding he was, they all had face to save.

Tongtian was the first to burst out laughing, but upon seeing Zhunti's murderous gaze and Hongjun Daozu's indifferent look, he forcibly suppressed it, though his shoulders trembled uncontrollably, his handsome face flushed red, his eyes filled with the exhilaration and pride of "Well done! As expected of my disciple!" He felt the pent-up anger from Zhunti's hypocritical "for your own good" remarks vanish instantly, and he felt so good that he almost wanted to roar to the heavens.

Yuanshi's lips twitched slightly as he forcibly maintained the dignified demeanor of the Jade Purity Saint, but the helplessness and amusement in his eyes were unmistakable. He glared at Xuanbao, seemingly saying, "You brat, tone it down!" But deep in his eyes was a wealth of admiration and pride. Xuanbao's words, seemingly arrogant and Versailles-like, were actually a scathing rebuttal to Zhunti's doubts about him "being preoccupied with trivial matters and hindering his cultivation"—my cultivation is like a game to me, so fast I can't control it. Hindered? That's impossible.

Lao Tzu was the most composed of all. His face remained expressionless, like a still well, but the slight tremor of his long eyebrows and the fleeting, almost imperceptible ripples in his eyes betrayed the unease within him.

Nuwa covered her mouth with her sleeve, two faint blushes rising on her beautiful face as she suppressed a laugh. She was close to Xuanbao and knew his occasional eccentricities. Seeing him so embarrassed by the two Western Saints, she felt both amused and relieved, and her gaze towards Xuanbao held a touch more affection and helplessness.

Houtu shook her head slightly, her eyes full of smiles, and a faint, warm smile curved her lips.

An eerie silence fell over the Zixiao Palace. Only the heavy, suppressed breathing of Zhunti and the increasingly faint chanting of Jieyin echoed through the air.

On the high cloud platform, the indifferent figure, seemingly in harmony with the Heavenly Dao and eternally unchanging, appeared to... stir slightly. The eyes of Hongjun Daozu, which seemed to reflect the entirety of the primordial world, flickered with an indescribable ripple when Xuanbao uttered those words, like a tiny pebble thrown into a calm lake, or like some complex deduction being abruptly interrupted. He slowly raised his eyes, his gaze falling upon Xuanbao. That gaze was no longer merely the indifference of looking down upon all living beings; it seemed to hold a hint of... scrutiny, and a subtly hidden "amusement," as if he had noticed an unexpected variable?

After a long silence, the calm and undisturbed voice of Dao Ancestor Hongjun, which seemed to be the very essence of the Heavenly Dao, rang out once more, breaking the suffocating silence within the hall:

"The path of cultivation has its own destiny and method; the speed at which it is practiced is determined by Heaven, but also by oneself."

Hongjun did not comment on Xuanbao's "Versailles" remarks, but simply stated a fact, which cleverly defused the extremely awkward topic and brought everyone's attention back to the "main topic".

"The ruler of the Heavenly Court must possess both virtue and talent, and must have the ability to govern the heavens and harmonize all spirits, as well as the determination to bear the primordial karma and maintain the order of heaven and earth."

Hongjun Daozu's voice remained calm, as if narrating the laws of heaven and earth, yet it stirred different waves in the hearts of every saint in Zixiao Palace. His gaze slowly swept over the saints below the hall, and finally, it settled on Xuanbao.

"Mysterious Treasure".

Two words, clear and calm, yet as loud as a thunderclap.

The expressions of all the saints shifted, each with their own thoughts. The Three Pure Ones showed surprise, then fell into deep thought; the two Western Saints were even more grief-stricken, yet there was a hint of understanding and resentment in their eyes; Nuwa and Houtu, on the other hand, had a trace of worry and contemplation in their eyes.

"Disciple is here." Xuanbao's heart skipped a beat, but his face remained calm. He stepped forward half a step and bowed in response. His mind raced: What does the Dao Ancestor mean by this? If it were truly going to follow the "original story," it should be Haotian Tongzi, not me directly. Why is this not following the script at all? Could it be…

"This is bad," Xuanbao thought with a bad feeling.

"The Heavenly Court cannot remain empty for long; the universe needs a ruler. Now, I, Xuanbao, will succeed to the position of Heavenly Emperor, re-establish the Heavenly Court, govern Yin and Yang, command all spirits, regulate the stars, and restore order to the primordial world. I hereby bestow upon you the title of Great Heavenly Venerable of Gathering Treasures!"

The Three Pure Ones were all taken aback. A fleeting look of surprise crossed Laozi's usually calm eyes, quickly turning into deeper contemplation. Yuanshi's hand, stroking his beard, froze in mid-air, his brows furrowing slightly. Tongtian exclaimed, "Ah?" followed by a burst of delight and a hint of pride in his eyes.

The sorrow and shame on the faces of the two Western Saints were instantly replaced by a more complex emotion—shock, disbelief, intense jealousy, and a hint of "I knew it" mixed with profound helplessness. Hongjun had personally named him! What did this mean? It meant that in Hongjun's eyes, Xuanbao was the most suitable, perhaps even the only suitable candidate! All their previous calculations, doubts, and even their petty schemes seemed so laughable and powerless under the Dao Ancestor's casual flick of his finger.

Hongjun seemed unconcerned by the changing expressions of the saints below, his gaze remaining calmly fixed on Xuanbao. He continued, his voice still indifferent, yet carrying the weight of the Heavenly Dao and the weight of cause and effect: "During the Great Tribulation, you forged pillars to support the heavens, offered materials to fill gaps, and contributed to the survival of the primordial world, benefiting countless beings. You have received ten cycles of merit, establishing your own path, and your foundation is solid. You also wield the Chaos Bell, capable of stabilizing earth, water, fire, and wind, and suppressing destiny. You have a master-disciple relationship with the Three Pure Ones, a sibling relationship with Nuwa and Houtu, and deep karmic connections with the human race and the Netherworld. You can regulate Yin and Yang, balancing all sides."

He paused, as if stating a predetermined fact: "This position of Heavenly Emperor, which governs the primordial world, harmonizes all spirits, and circulates the heavens, cannot be held by anyone but one with great merit, great perseverance, great wisdom, and the ability to bear immeasurable karmic consequences. You are fit to be one."

"boom--!"

The Dao Ancestor's words were like the final gavel striking. There was no discussion, no vote, not even any room for Xuanbao to object or refuse! This was an "information," an "appointment," the final judgment made by the Heavenly Dao through Hongjun's words!

Xuanbao's mood at this moment was like ten thousand divine beasts stampeding through chaos! What he feared most had come to pass! He had indeed considered that, with his achievements and current influence, plus the support of the Three Pure Ones, he might have a chance to contend for this position. However, that was mostly out of concern for causing trouble for the Two Sages of the West; deep down, he didn't want to take on this hot potato—the Heavenly Court was currently a complete mess! The Thirty-Three Heavens Palaces were in ruins, the celestial system was in disarray due to the collapse of the great formation, all races were withering, prestige was lost, and countless karmic entanglements were involved. Wouldn't it be better to be a carefree "Dao Lord," occasionally strolling through the Netherworld, observing the development of humanity, and comprehending his own Great Dao? Why bother becoming the mentally and physically exhausting "Heavenly Emperor," who might even be secretly hampered?

But… Hongjun personally named him! And in such an unquestionable tone! This was practically being forcibly "donned the yellow robe," and by the biggest boss of the prehistoric world himself! Refuse? Are you kidding? The Dao Ancestor's words are golden, lawful! To disobey the Dao Ancestor is to disobey the Heavenly Dao! Even with the Ten Wheels of Merit protecting him, the Chaos Bell in his hand, and the Netherworld Heavenly Dao incarnation, he absolutely did not want to easily challenge Hongjun's majesty. The consequences would likely be something he didn't want to see.

"I..." Xuanbao opened his mouth, feeling his throat dry. Countless words of refusal, polite refusal, and bargaining rolled on his tongue, but when he met Hongjun's all-knowing, indifferent eyes, they all choked in his throat. Those eyes were calm and unwavering, yet they seemed to say: You know, you have no choice.

Frustrated! Helpless! And with a hint of being "tricked"! Xuanbao even suspected that Hongjun had been eyeing him all along, just waiting for this moment? Pushing him to the forefront, to lead this dilapidated new Heavenly Court, to reconcile the conflicts among the saints, to maintain the superficial balance of the prehistoric world, and at the same time... to completely bind himself to the chariot of the prehistoric world, making it difficult to truly transcend it?

Just as Xuanbao's mind raced and his expression shifted uncertainly—

"Master is wise!" Tongtian was the first to react, his face flushed and his voice booming. He bowed to Hongjun, then turned to Xuanbao and patted him hard on the shoulder. "Hahaha! Good disciple! Dao Ancestor's eyes are truly discerning! This position of Heavenly Emperor is rightfully yours! From this day forward, you will be the Heavenly Emperor who rules the prehistoric world and commands the homage of all immortals! Let's see who dares to underestimate the true lineage of Pangu! Rest assured, with your master here, and your first and second masters, we will fully support you! Anyone who dares to disobey will be dealt with by the Immortal Slaughtering Sword Formation!" He said this not only to Xuanbao, but also to everyone else present, especially the two Western Saints, his words filled with protective domineering spirit and a warning.

Yuanshi bowed slowly: "Teacher's judgment is wise. Xuanbao, this is the mandate of heaven, and also a heavy responsibility. Having received it, you must be cautious and diligent, and not let down your expectations or the living beings of the primordial world." His words were steady, carrying both expectation and admonition.

Lao Tzu nodded slightly and said only two words: "Good, it should be done." These concise words represented the highest level of support and approval.

Nuwa smiled gently: "Congratulations, little brother Xuanbao... no, now I should call you the Treasure Gathering Celestial Venerable."

Xuanbao: ...

I don't want to talk about it; I want to be alone.