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

Xuanbao sat upright on the imperial platform, his gaze calmly sweeping over the dense crowd below. His imposing aura had not completely dissipated, subtly clashing with the immense power of the eight hundred Great Luo Immortals, dozens of Quasi-Saints, and tens of thousands of Golden Immortals gathered at the Yaochi Immortal Platform. He showed no sign of being at a disadvantage, and even appeared to be suppressing them. Seeing this, the crowd below all felt a chill run down their spines.

"I am deeply gratified that you have all come," Xuanbao said, his voice not loud, yet clearly reaching everyone's ears, carrying a peaceful majesty. "The primordial world has just been established, and everything awaits rebuilding. The Heavenly Way is orderly and needs its officials; the Earthly Way is cyclical and needs its regulation; all living beings coexist and need its rules. I have received the decree of the Dao Ancestor, and the consensus of all the sages, to re-establish this Heavenly Court, to sort out cause and effect, to harmonize Yin and Yang, and to protect the stability of the primordial world, so that heaven and earth may last forever and the Great Dao may prosper. Furthermore, the primordial world belongs to everyone, and I sincerely hope that those with ambition will join my Heavenly Court."

Xuanbao paused, his gaze sweeping over the areas where the representatives of the ancient clans and the reclusive powerful figures resided. His tone carried a hint of lament and allure: "The devastation of the Great Calamity is still fresh in our minds. Countless fellow cultivators and clans perished due to strife, resentment, and disorder. The lessons of the past serve as guidance for the future. The Primordial World needs a new order—an order that can accommodate all races, accommodate all parties, measure merit by virtue, and be measured by the Heavenly Dao. And the Heavenly Court is the cornerstone and linchpin of this order."

"I have invited you all here today for two reasons: first, to witness the resurgence of the Heavenly Court; and second," Xuanbao's voice suddenly rose, carrying the force of metal and the undeniable resolve, "the Primordial World belongs to everyone, and I sincerely hope that those with ambition will join my Heavenly Court. Today, the Heavenly Court opens its gates wide, recruiting the virtuous and talented! All those with ability, regardless of background or past grievances, may enter my Heavenly Court, assume official positions, share in the destiny, and jointly cultivate the Great Dao!"

"The celestial sphere requires 365 star lords to govern and regulate the stars, bestowing blessings upon the primordial world and enjoying immeasurable stellar power and heavenly merit!"

"The Thirty-Three Heavens require various righteous gods, celestial generals, and immortal officials to govern wind, rain, thunder, lightning, mountains, rivers, punishments, rewards, punishments, music, and education. Each must perform their duties to maintain the heavenly order and enjoy the blessings and stipends of the Heavenly Court!"

"Furthermore, important positions such as conquest, inspection, garrisoning, and assisting in governance are awaiting appointment!"

With each word Xuanbao spoke, the breathing of many below quickened. This was especially true for the independent cultivators and those from smaller clans; they understood all too well the significance of "merit," "luck," and "stable salary" for cultivation! During the Great Tribulation, their lives were precarious; in ordinary times, they had to fight with others and defy fate for even the smallest resources. The Heavenly Court, however, seemed to offer not only a cultivation environment far superior to that of a secluded cave or blessed land, but also a stable "establishment," a clear path to advancement, and… most importantly, a legitimate claim to power and a solid backing!

"May I ask Your Majesty the Heavenly Emperor?" A rogue cultivator from the Great Luo realm rose and bowed respectfully, his voice filled with excitement and trepidation, "If one enters the Heavenly Court, what constraints will one be subject to? How will the merits and fortune gained be distributed? Is it possible... to cultivate freely and pursue one's own path?"

This is also a question in many people's minds. They are afraid of being bound, afraid of becoming puppets, afraid of losing their freedom. After all, there have been cases of demons who acted inhumanely and directly took other people's lives into their own hands. No one would be willing to do that, not to mention that any of them who leave this place can call themselves a local patriarch.

Moreover, Xuanbao knew that treating others as slaves to work for you was child's play. After all, with slaves, you have to worry about whether they might kill their master at any time.

Modern cattle and horses are different. After all, in his previous life, he was a cattle and horse himself. Capitalists only need to pay a small amount of money to make a cattle or horse work hard. Everything about the cattle or horse is irrelevant to the capitalist. Even if the cattle or horse has an accident, they can just recruit a new one. This is much more useful than slaves.

Xuanbao nodded, already prepared: "Upon entering the Heavenly Court, the primary responsibility is to fulfill one's divine duties and maintain the operation of the Heavenly Court and the order of the primordial world. Naturally, there are also Heavenly Laws, which are necessary to maintain the stability of the primordial world. However, the Heavenly Laws are not strict constraints. As long as you abide by the law and fulfill your duties, you are free to cultivate and pursue your own path. As for the distribution of merit and fortune, there are fixed rules. It is distributed fairly according to the importance of one's divine position and the magnitude of one's merit. Those who can regulate the stars and benefit the primordial world in the positions of the celestial constellations will naturally receive a lot of star power and Heavenly Dao merit; those who can maintain the operation of the Heavenly Court in the positions of the various righteous gods will also receive generous salaries and fortune. Moreover, there are paths for advancement within the Heavenly Court. As long as you are capable, you can be promoted based on your merits and gain more opportunities."

"Even if it were a sage preaching, it would be no problem."

"boom!"

The last sentence was like a spark thrown into boiling oil! To have the opportunity to receive a saint's teachings?! The temptation was too great! Even a near-saint sat up straight.

Just then—

"The Nuwa Palace has been visited by the Goddess Nuwa!"

The chanting resounded once more, louder and more solemn than ever before! The starlight of the entire Jade Pool shone brighter, colorful flower rain fell from the sky, golden lotuses sprang from the ground, and fragrance filled the void!

A figure of dignified grace, regal bearing, and imbued with boundless vitality, descended gracefully from beyond the heavens in a magnificent phoenix chariot. It was none other than Nuwa, the Holy Mother of Humanity, the Sage of the Demon Race, and the heroine who mended the heavens!

"The sage Nuwa has actually come in person?!"

"Not an incarnation, but the true self! The Holy One has personally arrived!"

An uproar erupted in the arena. Everyone, including veteran quasi-saints like Kunpeng and Styx, immediately stood up and respectfully bowed, saying, "Greetings, Sage Nuwa!"

Nuwa descended upon the leftmost of the nine purple-gold lotus platforms, smiled gently at Xuanbao, and said in a warm and peaceful voice: "Brother Xuanbao, you have rebuilt the Heavenly Court and restored order to the primordial world. This is a great merit and a great act of kindness. Your elder sister has come to congratulate you and presents you with a pot of 'Nine Heavens Breath Soil' and 'Creation Divine Water', as well as three innate spiritual treasures."

With a wave of her hand, Nuwa conjured several treasures radiating boundless vitality and Daoist charm. Their value was immeasurable, and they represented the attitude and support of the sage!

"Thank you, sister!" Xuanbao returned the greeting with a smile on the imperial platform. This scene intensified the fervor in the eyes of countless people below! Not only had the Sage Nuwa come, but she had also addressed him as her brother and sister, presenting him with such a generous gift! This relationship, this level of support…

Before everyone could recover from the shock of Nuwa's descent—

"The Holy Sage of Peaceful Mind has arrived in the Netherworld!"

The purple aura of reincarnation stretched for thirty thousand miles, permeating the entire Jade Pool Immortal Platform! A figure stepped on the illusory image of the River of Reincarnation and came, dressed in hemp robes and a plain skirt, barefoot like a lotus, with a compassionate yet majestic face. It was none other than the Goddess Pingxin, Houtu, who had transformed into the embodiment of reincarnation and ruled the Netherworld!

"The Sage Houtu!"

"Even the Sage of the Earthly Path has arrived!"

Houtu landed on another purple-gold lotus platform, looking at Xuanbao with warmth and determination in her eyes: "Brother Xuanbao, the Ten Kings of Hell and the two great judges of the Netherworld have returned to their positions. The order of reincarnation is well-established, echoing the Yin and Yang of the Heavenly Court, jointly maintaining the primordial world. This is a hundred 'Reincarnation Purple Gold' and a thousand 'Yellow Spring Soul Crystals'." This was another lavish gift, but more importantly, Houtu clearly indicated the alliance between the Netherworld and the Heavenly Court! This practically bound the fortune of a Daoist Saint to a portion of the Heavenly Court!

However, the shock was not over yet.

"The Western Religion welcomes the Sages, including the Sage Cundi!"

Two figures appeared, one pale and thin, with a deep sorrow; the other with a kind and gentle face, yet with a glint of light occasionally flashing in his eyes. They came stepping on the light of the Buddha of Nirvana, and were none other than the two Western Saints, Jieyin and Zhunti.

They actually came! And it was the very person who came!

Although his face was still filled with sorrow, and his gaze towards Xuanbao was incredibly complex, the presence of a sage was itself a statement! Especially since he arrived after Nuwa and Houtu, it further demonstrated the "consensus" among the "sages" regarding the Heavenly Court.

"Amitabha." The guide chanted a Buddhist prayer, his voice hoarse. "Xuanbao... The Heavenly Emperor's re-establishment of the Heavenly Court is a blessing for the primordial world. Although our West is barren, we are willing to offer three Bodhi seeds as a token of our gratitude. May the Heavenly Court universally save all sentient beings and accumulate immeasurable merit." The gift was not the most extravagant, but it was still quite substantial, especially the "Bodhi seeds," which aid in enlightenment and can be considered a priceless treasure.

Zhunti forced a smile and said a few polite words, but the smile looked somewhat strained. They couldn't afford not to come; all the sages were present, but the West was the only one absent, which would be tantamount to cutting themselves off from the new power structure of the prehistoric world. No matter how unwilling they were, they had to come, even if it meant bringing gifts.

The gifts and "blessings" from the two Heavenly Saints further solidified the legitimacy and orthodoxy of the Heavenly Court's "recognition by all the saints"! The atmosphere in the arena had reached its peak! Four saints! A full four saints came to offer their congratulations! What kind of prestige was this? In the past, when the Heavenly Court of the Demon Race was established, it was only with the tacit approval of the Dao Ancestor. When had so many saints ever appeared at the same time to show their support?

Many powerful rogue cultivators and representatives of ancient clans who were previously hesitant and observing now completely tilted their scales in favor of the Heavenly Court! Their gazes became incredibly fervent! This Heavenly Court has strength, resources, backing, and a righteous cause! It can be said to be the golden ticket of the primordial world right now. If they don't join now, when will they?

However, just as some people were about to stand up and express their opinions—

"Clang! Clang! Clang!"

Three clear, resonant bell tolls, as if the heavens and earth were created, came from the depths of chaos and echoed throughout the heavens! The bells were not the bells of chaos, but they carried a more ancient, purer, and more supreme "Dao" rhythm!

Immediately afterwards, three figures whose magnificence and mystery defied description appeared as if they had emerged from the source of the "Tao," descending upon the Jade Pool via invisible steps!

They did not display any astonishing phenomena; they simply stood there, and it was as if they had become the center of heaven and earth, the source of all things! All the starlight, auspicious omens, and Daoist charm naturally revered them and paid homage to them!

The man on the left, dressed in green and wielding a sword, has sharp brows and a sword aura that soars into the sky, seemingly cutting through the void. He is none other than the Sage of Shangqing and the Master of Tongtian!

The man in the middle, dressed in a Taoist robe, has a dignified face and holds a jade ruyi. His body is surrounded by pure and radiant jade-pure light, which manifests earth, water, fire, and wind, expounding the ultimate principles of the heavens. He is none other than the Jade Purity Saint, the Primordial Heavenly Venerable!

The man on the right is an old man with a cane in his hand. He has white hair and beard, and his aura is ancient and natural. He seems to be one with heaven and earth and coexist with the Great Dao. His eyes are indifferent and far-reaching, reflecting the trajectory of all things in the primordial world. He is none other than the Sage of Taiqing, Laozi!

The Three Pure Ones! The true descendants of Pangu! The leaders of the Xuanmen! The strongest team in the primordial world! They arrived together, and without reservation, in their most perfect forms!

"Greetings to the Supreme Pure Sage! Greetings to the Jade Pure Sage! Greetings to the Upper Pure Sage!"

This time, on the entire Yaochi Immortal Platform, apart from Xuanbao and the other four sages on the Imperial Platform, everyone else, including Nuwa, Houtu, Jieyin, and Zhunti, nodded slightly in greeting. All other living beings who had not yet reached the Golden Immortal realm knelt down in reverence, paying their respects with a grand salute! Their voices were unified, filled with awe and excitement from the depths of their souls!

Xuanbao rose from the platform and respectfully bowed to his three masters: "Disciple Xuanbao welcomes First Master, Second Master, and Third Master!"

Laozi nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the dense crowd below before settling on Xuanbao. His voice, calm yet resounding like a divine decree, echoed in everyone's hearts: "Xuanbao, my disciple, having inherited the throne of the Heavenly Emperor, you shall follow the Heavenly Emperor's Way. Uphold the Heavenly Laws with impartiality, subdue all spirits with virtue, weigh advantages and disadvantages with wisdom, and overcome all difficulties with perseverance. The Three Pure Ones will be your support. This is the 'Taiji Talisman Seal,' a supreme new Heavenly Spiritual Treasure, capable of suppressing and warding off evil spirits."

Finally, the Three Pure Ones waved their hands simultaneously. The three items, though not their physical forms, contained the supreme Daoist essence and authority of the sages, flying towards the Mysterious Treasure and merging with the Heavenly Emperor's authority. This was no longer merely a congratulatory gift; it was a direct bestowal of a portion of the Three Pure Ones' authority upon the Heavenly Court! This meant that from this day forward, anyone who dared to challenge the Heavenly Court would have to consider the consequences of offending the Three Pure Ones!

Yuanshi also said, "My disciple Xuanbao, now that you are the Heavenly Emperor, you should take it upon yourself to uphold the righteous path and protect the primordial world. If any villains cause trouble, my disciples will obey your command."

Tongtian laughed heartily, his voice shaking the universe: "Good disciple! Well done! The atmosphere of the Heavenly Court is even better than I imagined! If anyone dares to trip you up, don't hesitate to announce my name! The Four Swords of Zhuxian are ready to be drawn at any time!"

The Three Pure Ones' words grew increasingly domineering and protective! This was no longer simple support; it was a blatant declaration: Xuanbao is our most valued and prized disciple, and the Heavenly Court is the extension and representation of our Three Pure Ones lineage in the primordial order! We stand by you to the very end!

The Seven Sages have gathered to celebrate the Heavenly Court!

At this moment, the Jade Pool Immortal Platform was utterly silent. Yet, everyone's blood was boiling! Their very souls trembled!

Those ancient clan representatives and reclusive powerhouses who had previously harbored even a sliver of doubt or a trace of arrogance now had all their thoughts vanish, leaving only one incredibly clear and intense thought:

We must surrender to the Heavenly Court! We must surrender to the Heavenly Court! Immediately! Right now!

This is no longer a choice; this is the only fast track to the very top of the primordial future! It is a ladder to heaven that grants the approval of all sages, bestows immeasurable merit and fortune, and even offers the hope of hearing the teachings of the sages!

"Your Majesty! I, Zixiao Sanren, a rogue cultivator, am willing to enter the Heavenly Court and serve you with utmost loyalty! I am at Your Majesty's command!" A well-known rogue cultivator at the peak of the Great Luo realm was the first to excitedly rush out of his seat, prostrate himself in the direction of the imperial platform, and speak with a trembling but firm voice.

It was like toppling the first domino.

"The Giant Spirit Clan, as a whole, voluntarily submits to the Heavenly Court and awaits your command!"

"The Western Sea Loose Cultivator Alliance, comprised of thirty-six island lords, is willing to lead their followers to serve as generals in the Heavenly Court!"

"Your Majesty! We are willing to go!"

"I am willing to go too!"

In an instant, the cries of petitions rose like a mountain collapsing and a tsunami crashing over the Jade Pool! Countless figures rose from their seats to kowtow, their eyes burning with fervor as they gazed at the figure in green robes on the imperial platform, as if looking up at the one and only divine sun!

Xuanbao sat upright on the imperial platform, receiving the worship of ten thousand immortals, feeling the surging and turbulent power of fortune and faith that began to converge madly towards the Heavenly Court. Finally, a profound smile of complete control appeared on the corner of his mouth.

The Heavenly Court Gathering hasn't even officially started yet, but the goal has already been achieved. Moreover, given the current situation, there's a very good chance that they can fill most of the vacant positions in the Heavenly Court in one fell swoop.

What else is there to say? Let the music continue, let the dancing continue.

Xuanbao sat upright on the imperial platform, welcoming the fervent worship of ten thousand immortals, a slight smile playing on his lips, and with a gentle wave of his hand.

"How can a grand event be without a feast? Let the music play—let the dance begin—"

As the words fell, celestial music suddenly arose, neither stringed nor wind instruments, but the celestial sounds of the celestial stars revolving and the Daoist rhythm resonating! At the same time, countless celestial maidens and palace servants, who had been waiting quietly throughout the Jade Pool, emerged gracefully like a surging river of stars. (These were transformed by a spiritual entity.)

They did not come empty-handed.

Each group of fairies carried a shimmering jade plate. The moment the object on the plate appeared, the concentration of innate spiritual energy in the entire Jade Pool instantly surged several times over! It was no ordinary spiritual object, but rather—

Hundreds of innate spiritual fruits!

The "Vermilion Fruit" shrouded in crimson mist is said to grant a thousand years of lifespan with just a whiff; the Peaches of Immortality entwined with purple aura, the Fruit of Creation, the Jade Purple Grapes, the Golden Sunlight, the Golden Apples... there are countless other acquired spiritual fruits, numbering in the thousands.

These innate spiritual fruits were not just a few scattered pieces, but rather presented in heaps, clusters, and vast expanses! Auspicious light and radiant energy intertwined, and the innate Daoist rhythm permeated the air, illuminating the entire Jade Pool in a dreamlike and ethereal way. The Daoist patterns emanating from many of the spiritual fruits collided and resonated in the air, evolving into wondrous scenes reminiscent of the creation of heaven and earth, encompassing miniature forms of earth, water, fire, and wind!

"This...this has emptied out all the innate spiritual roots since the beginning of time?!" A knowledgeable quasi-saint's voice trembled as his wine cup fell to the ground with a "clatter," completely unaware of what was happening.

Kunpeng's eye twitched, and the Styx Ancestor's throat bobbed involuntarily. Even among the saints seated on the golden lotus platform, Nuwa showed a hint of surprise, Houtu nodded slightly, and the sorrow on the faces of the two Western Saints froze, their eyes revealing undisguised horror and...greed. The Three Pure Ones remained composed, but Yuanshi's hand stroking his beard paused, Tongtian raised an eyebrow, and Laozi's eyes gleamed with Daoist energy, as if he were wondering just how much wealth Xuanbao possessed!

Shocking! Absolutely stunning!

This is no longer a "feast," but a blatant display of wealth, a declaration in the most brutal way: by joining the Heavenly Court, these divine creations that are rare and unattainable in the outside world will no longer be unattainable legends!

"My lords, enjoy yourselves!" Xuanbao's voice rang out at the right moment, carrying a calm smile.

The next moment, the entire Jade Pool erupted in chaos! Countless figures could no longer contain themselves, yet they maintained order, their eyes burning with the intensity of the sun, their minds consumed by a single, roaring thought:

The Heavenly Court! I must enter it in this lifetime! Even if it means becoming its godfather, it's not out of the question!