Primordial Era: The Great Celestial Venerable on the Road to Mythology

Chapter 36 Zhao Gongming's allegiance, strange events at the South Heavenly Gate

Upon hearing this, Haotian smiled slightly and sized up Zhao Gongming for a moment.

Zhao Gongming was quite straightforward. He didn't seek a high position, only to bring blessings to the primordial world—a beautifully worded statement, but the meaning was crystal clear: he wanted to serve in the Heavenly Court. Moreover, given his status as a disciple of a sage, and being the first to pledge allegiance, a lower position would offend people and jeopardize the Heavenly Court's plans.

"I am very pleased that my junior disciple has such a heart." Haotian raised his hand, "Sit down and let's talk."

Zhao Gongming thanked him and took his seat at the lower end of the table, his back straight and his expression respectful.

Haotian picked up his jade cup, took a sip, and said unhurriedly, "My nephew is the senior disciple of the outer sect of the Jie Sect, with profound cultivation and an outstanding reputation. If he comes to the Heavenly Court, I will certainly give him an important position. However—"

He paused, then looked at Zhao Gongming: "Does your master, Senior Brother Tongtian, know that you are here?"

Zhao Gongming was prepared and cupped his hands, saying, "Uncle-Master, rest assured. Before coming here, I informed Master. Master said that the Heavenly Court is the orthodox lineage of the primordial world, and if I could serve in the Heavenly Court and benefit all living beings, it would be an honor for the Jie Sect. Master has no intention of stopping me."

Haotian nodded. Tongtian Jiaozhu was a sensible man, unlike Yuanshi Tianzun who was stubborn. The Jie Sect had many disciples and scarce resources. If they could establish a connection with the Heavenly Court, it might not be a bad thing for the Jie Sect.

"Since that's the case, I won't stand on ceremony with you." Haotian put down his jade cup and said solemnly, "The Heavenly Court has just been established, and everything needs to be rebuilt. What we lack most right now is capable people who can take charge independently. Since you've come, my nephew, I will bestow upon you the title of—"

He paused for a moment, then continued, "The True Lord of Heavenly Protection, Yisheng, commands the Heavenly Court's defenses, oversees military campaigns, and manages rewards and punishments. What do you think?"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Gongming's eyes lit up.

Although this position wasn't the highest in Heaven, it was a truly powerful one. Commanding the defenses and overseeing military campaigns meant that he held the power of Heaven's military preparedness and conquest. If anyone disobeyed Heaven's orders, he would lead troops to punish them. This was precisely Zhao Gongming's forte.

"Thank you, Uncle-Master!" Zhao Gongming stood up and bowed solemnly. "Gongming will do his utmost to live up to your trust."

Haotian waved his hand and smiled, "No need for formalities. Now that you have entered the Heavenly Court, you are my subject. From now on, you can call me Your Majesty. As for the title of 'Uncle-Master,' it's fine in private, but it's better to be more formal in official matters."

Zhao Gongming was taken aback, then smiled and said, "Your Majesty is right, I have remembered it."

Yaochi watched from the side, unable to help but cover her mouth and chuckle. Zhao Gongming had just been calling her "Uncle-Master" all the time, but he changed his address in the blink of an eye; he was quite sensible.

Haotian then asked, "Gongming, did you come alone?"

Zhao Gongming said, "I have come alone, but if Your Majesty needs manpower, I can recommend a few capable people from the outer sect of the Jie Sect."

Haotian shook his head slightly: "No need to rush. You should familiarize yourself with the affairs of the Heavenly Court first, and then we can recommend people if needed in the future."

"Yes," Zhao Gongming replied.

Haotian continued, "The Zhou Tian Star Transformation Array has been activated, and the stellar energy in the Primordial Starry Sky is abundant. If you have some free time, you can go and study it. Cultivating under the Chaos Bell will definitely benefit your cultivation."

Zhao Gongming was overjoyed, but he remained outwardly calm, cupping his hands and saying, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

His decision to serve the Heavenly Court was driven by two motives: to find a way out for the Jie Sect and his own selfish ambitions. He had been stuck at the Great Luo Golden Immortal level for many years, unable to even reach the threshold of Quasi-Saint. With the Chaos Bell in charge and the power of stars bolstering the Heavenly Court, this might be the opportunity for him to break through.

Haotian saw through his thoughts but didn't expose him. He trusted those he employed, and didn't employ those he didn't trust. Since Zhao Gongming had come, he gave him ample face; how far he could go was entirely up to him.

"Alright, you may go and settle in. Taibai will arrange accommodations for you," Haotian said.

"Your subject takes his leave." Zhao Gongming rose, bowed to Haotian and Yaochi respectively, and then withdrew with Taibai Jinxing.

After Zhao Gongming had walked a distance, Yaochi finally spoke, "Haotian, do you really believe him?"

Haotian laughed and said, "Whether you believe it or not is not important. What is important is that with his arrival, the Heavenly Court will have gained another great general. The Jie Sect has many outer disciples. If we can win over a group of them through him, the Heavenly Court's strength will rise to another level."

Yaochi said thoughtfully, "You're trying to undermine the Tongtian Sect Leader."

Haotian shook his head: "It's not really digging. If Senior Brother Tongtian hadn't wanted to, Zhao Gongming wouldn't have been able to come at all. Since he allowed his disciple to come, it means he also intends to befriend the Heavenly Court. It's a deal, a mutually beneficial exchange."

Yaochi sighed softly, "I can't understand all these twists and turns. Just keep it in mind."

Haotian put his arm around her shoulder and laughed, "You just need to be a good Queen Mother. Leave these troublesome matters to me."

Yaochi leaned on his shoulder and said nothing more.

After seeing Zhao Gongming off, Venus returned and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, a total of 372 rogue cultivators have signed up to join the Heavenly Court today. I have compiled their rosters and request Your Majesty's review."

Haotian took the roster, casually flipped through a few pages, and nodded: "Not bad. These people will be placed among the heavenly soldiers and generals for observation for a period of time. Those with outstanding abilities will be promoted accordingly."

"Yes," Venus replied.

Haotian then remembered something else and asked, "How is the progress in the Netherworld?"

Venus said, "The great shamans like Xing Tian are already assisting with the construction in the Netherworld, and the main structure of the Underworld is taking shape. However, there is still a shortage of manpower, especially for judges and ghost messengers, which require a large number of personnel."

Haotian pondered for a moment and said, "I have my own arrangements for this matter. You may leave now."

Venus bowed and withdrew.

Haotian let out a long sigh, leaned back on the dragon throne, and gazed at the star patterns on the ceiling, his eyes looking into the distance.

Yaochi asked softly, "What are you thinking about?"

Haotian said slowly, "I'm thinking about where the Heavenly Court should go next."

"Aren't we going to build an underworld?"

"The Underworld is only one aspect." Haotian sat up straight, his gaze profound. "For the Heavenly Court to truly establish itself in the primordial world, strength alone is not enough. It also needs people, it needs systems, and it needs to gain the recognition of the Heavenly Court's authority among all living beings in the primordial world. This is a long road."

Yaochi held his hand and whispered, "No matter how long the road is, I will accompany you."

Haotian felt a warmth in his heart, and grasped her hand in return, squeezing it tightly.

Just then, Haotian suddenly frowned.

He sensed something extraordinary—something was happening at Nantianmen.

Just now, the threads extending from the Southern Heavenly Gate officially connected to a world. The Southern Heavenly Gate was something he had reforged with the Primordial Ancestral Qi; it was his spiritual treasure, and he could detect any unusual movement at any moment.

"Haotian, what's wrong?" Yaochi asked softly upon seeing this.

"The Southern Heavenly Gate is acting strangely." Haotian said, and took a step forward. The space in front of him opened and closed on its own, and when his feet landed, he was already standing in front of the Southern Heavenly Gate.

Yaochi also arrived shortly after.

"Greetings, Your Majesty! Greetings, Your Majesty!" The heavenly soldiers guarding the gate hurriedly bowed.

"Hmm." Haotian waved his hand, signaling them to get up.

He looked up at the South Heavenly Gate and waved his right hand—and a painting gradually appeared above the majestic gate.