This is so dishonest!

Chapter 409 The Celestial Conferment Ceremony, The Immortal Marries After a Car Accident [8k words, bonus chapter]

"Your Majesty, taking advantage of this shift in public opinion, we must prepare for the Investiture of the Gods as soon as possible!"

Kunpeng suggested: "In the past, the Holy Heavenly Emperor established all the gods on the Conferred God Platform, opened up the Thirty-Three Heavens, and ushered in a new era."

"Now that Your Majesty wishes to start a new chapter, following the example of the Holy Heavenly Emperor's investiture of gods and establishing the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors of Heaven, as well as all the divine positions, is the most appropriate choice!"

Kunpeng further cloaked the Heavenly Emperor Taiyi's plan in a veneer of legitimacy.

In short, even the Holy Heavenly Emperor did it!
By questioning the current Heavenly Emperor, you are questioning the former Emperor!

"If possible, Your Majesty should complete the Heavenly Marriage as soon as possible!"

Taiyi pondered for a moment and nodded:

"You've worked hard, Celestial Master!"

"I will arrange this matter as soon as possible."

The reason he didn't agree immediately was because Dijun hadn't returned yet!

The Investiture of the Gods ceremony is easy to organize, but one can't very well substitute for a Heavenly Marriage, can one?

Besides, it's still uncertain whether the eldest brother, whose harem was in turmoil, can appease his two wives after his resurrection!

What if I accidentally die again?
~~~~
After leaving the Heavenly Emperor's Palace, Xuan Qing did not return to the pure and majestic Jade Void Palace on Kunlun Mountain, nor did he go to the council hall to work overtime as the [Dark Radiance Supreme], but instead returned to the most prosperous and bustling place in the Heavenly Realm - the Heavenly Market City.

In the shady shop, he continued to live a leisurely and carefree "retired life" that Fu envied.

For Xuanqing, having to bury himself in mountains of official documents every day like Dijun would be far more tedious than having to debate with the god Pangu again.

Therefore, between "going to work" and "slacking off," Xuanqing chose the latter without hesitation.

The door to the "black shop" remained half-open, its owner appearing lazy and indifferent.

The store's interior remains as rustic and casual as ever, with various seemingly ordinary "goods" that may actually contain earth-shattering secrets arranged haphazardly on the shelves, waiting for the right person to visit.

Xuanqing put on a comfortable and casual plain-colored Taoist robe. He was too lazy to even tie his hair up, simply using a wooden hairpin to tie up his long black hair. He exuded a calm and composed aura of "returning to simplicity and being at peace with the world".

His daily life can be described as extremely comfortable.

In the early morning, he would move a bamboo chair, lie down in the shop, and while dozing off, he would use his divine sense to listen to the idle chatter and gossip of the various immortals and gods coming and going in the Heavenly Market, so as to discern the latest "current events" and "trends of the Great Dao" in the primordial world.

"Have you heard? In the game 'Creator God,' the two factions, the God Cult and the Anti-God Cult, are fighting again on the 'Chaos Battlefield' server! It's said that the scene is so grand that even the Heavenly Dao Mainframe almost crashed!"

"Hey, what's so new about that? But I did hear that Master Kunpeng's 'Heavenly Dao Profound Script' promotion plan has recently encountered a bottleneck. Apparently, in a technological civilization world where pure runes are the core, he's run into a tough opponent, and the two sides are having a heated debate about 'the efficiency of text carrying'!"

"Oh? There's such an interesting story? Tell me more..."

Xuanqing lay on the bamboo chair, listening to this vivid "first-hand information," and a knowing smile involuntarily appeared on his lips.

At such times, he would take out a tea set, along with "Osmanthus Dew" brewed by the goddess Wangshu herself, or the Three Lights Divine Water obtained from Nuwa, and slowly brew himself a pot of fragrant and naturally elegant spiritual tea, savoring it and finding joy in it.

Occasionally, one or two lucky "soulmates" might be drawn in by the strange "black shop" sign.

Or perhaps they simply sensed the unusual Taoist aura emanating from this place and, out of curiosity and a desire to explore, entered his peculiar shop.

Xuanqing was happy to engage in some intellectually stimulating "transactions" with them, or to test their insight, wisdom, and Dao heart with some seemingly outrageous but actually mysterious "goods".

Of course, aside from these occasional "pranks" and "entrapment" incidents.

Even during his leisure time of "slacking off," Xuanqing did not completely neglect his professional skills.

His greatest pleasure was staying in the seemingly cramped but actually incredibly spacious backyard workshop of the black shop, using his already mastered weapon-refining skills, as well as all sorts of rare treasures and materials collected from various channels, to refine... well, things full of creativity and fun.

These "works" may not be as powerful as innate treasures like the Pangu Banner and the Zhuxian Sword in terms of killing force.

But in terms of "functionality", it is absolutely unique!
For example, he once refined a rare and extraordinary treasure into a seemingly ordinary "undo" move.

He placed this "undo" piece on an ancient chessboard and set a rule: anyone who plays against the spirit of the artifact and wins a game within the time it takes for an incense stick to burn can take the piece.

Countless self-proclaimed immortals and gods who boasted of their achievements in the art of divination came to challenge him, but all of them were defeated and returned home empty-handed.

As each deity departed, it seemed to recall all the wrongdoings of their life, and they were filled with remorse, weeping bitterly.

"If any of you feel guilty, you can go to the underworld to confess your crimes, and they will arrange a private room for you there." In his spare time, Xuan Qing did not forget to expand the business of the underworld.

Among these deities who were utterly defeated by the "undo" move, some actually went to the underworld to confess their crimes without reservation.

When Zhunti heard about this, he quickly ran to the opposite side of the black market and opened a stall.

"Fellow Daoist, what brings you here?"

Upon seeing Zhunti dressed in gold, Xuanqing asked curiously, "Could it be that you've come here to play chess?"

"No no no!"

Zhunti shook his head and said with a smile, "I'm here to recruit followers!"

Having said that, he turned to the gods who were filled with lifelong regret and said with a compassionate expression, "Fellow Daoists, please wait!"

The many deities who were weeping looked at Zhunti with blank expressions.

Zhunti smiled and said, "Amitabha, I see that you all have a karmic connection with our Mount Sumeru!"

As he spoke, he immediately began to preach to these deities the ideas of Mount Sumeru, such as "lay down the butcher's knife and become a Buddha on the spot" and "do good deeds and accumulate virtue, and you can achieve enlightenment."

The group of genuinely repentant immortals and gods were actually fooled by his theory and converted on the spot.

"May the Master have mercy!"

Seeing this, Xuan Qing's lips twitched, and he gave him a thumbs up: "Fellow Daoist, you are indeed wise!"

Zhunti smiled broadly: "Not at all, it's all thanks to you, fellow Daoist."

So, after Xuanqing's Lingbao had finished tormenting a group of immortals and gods, the underworld accepted some of the guilty gods, and Zhunti accepted some of the gods who had truly repented.

All three parties are happy.

On this day, Xuanqing had just completed a brand new "work" in the workshop - the "Myriad Manifestations Pen".

This pen uses the origin of the "Demon God of the Heart" as its core and the Daoist essence of the "Demon God of Words" as its brush. It can directly transform the user's thoughts into words and pictures containing the true meaning of the Great Dao, presenting them on any medium. It is an unparalleled tool for creation and communication.

"Hmm, this thing might be worth selling to Houtu."

"Anyway, she really enjoys creating all sorts of storybooks."

He was about to put the pen on the shelf when another person appeared in the store.

He was a young man dressed in a blue robe, with a handsome face, but with an aloof and cold temperament like ancient ice.

The boy simply stood quietly in front of a row of shelves displaying various ancient books, without uttering a word.

However, he naturally exuded a sharp aura that made people dare not look directly at him, as if he himself was a peerless divine sword about to be drawn from its sheath.

This person was none other than Kong Xuan, the only employee in Xuan Qing's "black shop".

"You're back?" Xuan Qing wasn't surprised. He simply placed the [Myriad Manifestations Heart Pen] on the counter and asked in a calm tone.

"Mm." Kong Xuan nodded in response.

He remained as taciturn as ever, but turned around and handed Xuan Qing a jade slip that shimmered with multicolored light.

"These are your notes from your travels through the heavens, recording the evolution of the 'Five Elements Great Dao' in different civilized worlds?" Xuan Qing took the jade slip, and with a sweep of his divine sense, he understood it all.

"Yes." Kong Xuan nodded again.

He stayed at the "black shop" not for wages or shelter, but for a purer purpose—to prove the truth.

He didn't actually know Xuan Qing's true identity.

However, thanks to the Phoenix Clan's innate ability—the Phoenix never lands where there is no treasure—it is a natural wonder.

After he first arrived at the shady shop, a voice inside him told him that he had to stay!

So Kong Xuan asked Xuan Qing if he could come and work here.

Xuanqing readily agreed.

Xuan Qing carefully read the insights and reflections recorded by Kong Xuan in the jade slip, and a hint of approval flashed in his eyes from time to time.

“Indeed, during your trip to the ‘Arcane Void,’ you observed how they deconstructed the five elements into more fundamental ‘magic network nodes,’ and used these to construct the entire spell system.”

"This line of thinking is very enlightening for your understanding of 'the essence of primordial simplicity'."

"And here, on that 'Martial Soul Continent,' you witnessed how they combined the five elements with the martial souls of living beings, thus evolving into all sorts of bizarre combat forms. This will help you understand the diversity of the 'Primordial Form' in the future."

Xuanqing's commentary.

After a moment, he returned the jade slip to Kong Xuan and slowly said, "Your understanding of the Five Elements Dao has reached its ultimate purity. As the saying goes, 'Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth generate and restrain each other,' you have already thoroughly understood this principle."

"But do you know what the final destination of the cycle of the five elements is?"

Upon hearing this, a thoughtful look finally appeared in Kong Xuan's usually calm eyes. After a moment of contemplation, he replied, "The five elements cycle, and perhaps they can return to chaos and revert to their origin."

“That’s one of them.” Xuan Qing nodded, then shook his head.

"But chaos is not the end, but also the beginning."

“The Five Elements, besides being able to ‘return to one,’ can also… ‘transform into myriad things.’”

"Transform into ten thousand?" Kong Xuan's brows furrowed almost imperceptibly.

"Of course."

Xuanqing picked up the [Myriad Manifestations of the Heart Pen] from the counter and gently waved it in mid-air.

One could see strokes filled with different Daoist charms, such as vitality, destruction, inclusiveness, sharpness, and nourishment, intertwining and evolving in the air.

“Look, the sharpness of gold can be a sword, a spear, or a carving knife that sculpts all things.”

"The vitality of wood can be a towering tree, a healing herb, or a bamboo slip that carries civilization."

"Water is resilient; it can be a vast ocean, a world-destroying flood, or a clear spring that washes away the dust."

"The intensity of fire can be the divine flame that burns all things, the kindling of civilization, or the furnace for refining all treasures."

"The earth, thick and heavy, can be a majestic sacred mountain, the land that nurtures all things, and the soil that shapes all forms."

Using his pen as a guide, Xuanqing vividly presented the various "possibilities" and "application scenarios" of the Five Elements Dao to Kong Xuan.

"Your five-colored divine light can sweep away anything, which is the ultimate manifestation of the 'destruction' and 'contraction' of the Five Elements Great Dao, hence your unparalleled killing power."

"But you seem to have overlooked the fact that the Five Elements also have their own aspects of 'creation' and 'evolution'."

"When your five-colored divine light is no longer merely used to 'swept away' all things, but can 'create' all things at will, giving each its own form, its own function, and its own destiny..."

"Then, your Five Elements Dao has truly reached the perfect state of 'perfect harmony and unity of generation and restraint'."

"At that time, the gate of the Great Way will naturally open for you."

Xuanqing's words were like the morning bell and evening drum, or like a sudden enlightenment, each word striking Kong Xuan's Dao heart heavily!

Kong Xuan's body jolted violently!
In an instant, an incomparably dazzling and bright divine light burst forth from his usually aloof eyes!
At that moment, he seemed to see a completely new, unprecedented "Five Elements World" full of infinite possibilities and endless creativity!
After a long while, Kong Xuan finally came back to his senses from that profound enlightenment.

He looked at the shopkeeper in black robes who remained calm and collected, as if he had just casually uttered a few words, and a smile of genuine admiration appeared on his face.

He bowed deeply and solemnly to Xuanqing.

"Thank you for your guidance, store manager." Kong Xuan's voice was still cool, but his gratitude was evident.

Seeing this, Xuan Qing simply waved his hand, a satisfied smile appearing on his face, and said leisurely:
"No need to thank me. This is your own destiny. I was just helping you to break through that barrier."

"You can continue to travel and observe the endless myriad worlds, and try to 'create' some interesting things with your five-colored divine light."

Xuan Qing looked at Kong Xuan and laughed, "There are too many old guys in the current prehistoric world. You young people can't compete with them."

"On the contrary, the heavens are a land of boundless beauty, a paradise for the Taiyi gods."

"The Taiyi Gods were originally the Dao."

"They can reverse the proof of 'One' to understand the principle of the One; they can also follow the proof of 'Myriad' to refine the myriad great principles."

"They can't have much fun in the present primordial world, but you'll see a different kind of scenery in the myriad worlds."

"Back then, in the primordial world, all paths were hidden, and the traces of the gods were hard to find. But when I traveled through all the heavens and myriad realms..."

On a whim, Xuanqing thought of his glorious past.

"How was the store manager back then?" Kong Xuan's usually aloof face flickered slightly, revealing a curious expression.

"It's nothing."

Xuanqing suddenly stopped and waved his hand: "Those are all in the past, let's not talk about them."

This greatly disappointed Kong Xuan.

The store manager is shrouded in mystery, and his background is basically impossible to ascertain.

Several times he wanted to tell his mother about the store manager's existence and ask who this powerful person was.

But every time this thought arose, he would forget his original purpose and smoothly steer the conversation to his younger brother, talking to his mother about Jinpeng's studies and life.

After that, Kong Xuan stopped trying to find out the store manager's identity.

Xuanqing said, "Why don't you travel around the myriad realms and interact with the various deities? You'll suffer quite a bit if you come back to the Primordial True Realm!"

"Perhaps, when you come back next time, you will be able to bring me some real surprises."

"Yes!" Upon hearing this, Kong Xuan bowed solemnly to Xuan Qing once again.

Then, without saying another word, he turned around, transformed into a dazzling stream of five-colored light, and instantly disappeared at the end of the Heavenly Market Wall, embarking once again on his journey of seeking the Dao towards the endless space-time filled with unknowns and challenges.

Xuan Qing watched Kong Xuan's departing figure, a relieved smile appearing on his face.

"The boy from Fellow Daoist Yinghuo's family is quite good!" Zhunti's figure suddenly appeared in the black shop.

"What? Want to take on a disciple?" Xuanqing looked at Zhunti with a smile.

Zhunti nodded: "He is a promising talent. If he can enter my Mount Sumeru, he will surely become the pillar of my Western Sect in the future!"

"Then you'll have to work harder, fellow Daoist. If you want to take on disciples, you'll have to get past Fellow Daoist Yinghuo first."

After seeing Kong Xuan off, Xuan Qing continued his leisurely "slacking off" time.

He lay back down on the familiar bamboo chair at the shop entrance, closed his eyes, and smiled slightly, as if he had fallen into a sweet dream again.

The sun was shining brightly, the breeze was gentle, and everything was so harmonious and beautiful.

~~~~
Time flies, and a thousand years pass in the blink of an eye.

While Taiyi and his cabinet members were busy preparing for the Investiture of the Gods ceremony.

Di Jun finally won the revival match with the help of the "Heavenly Emperor's Reincarnation Scripture".

"Big brother, you're finally back!" On the Sun God Star, under the Fusang tree, a bright smile appeared on Taiyi's handsome face.

Before him, Di Jun, dressed in a star-studded robe, looked radiant.

"came back!"

"Brother, we still need you to take charge of the overall situation for a while longer."

Di Jun looked at Tai Yi with a serious expression and said, "As you know, your two sisters-in-law are very virtuous and I need some time to persuade them."

Taiyi asked, "Should I lend the Chaos Bell to my elder brother?"

"After all, besides the two sisters-in-law, Taiyin Daoyou is also extremely virtuous."

Taiyi guessed that Wangshu must have known that his elder brother was two-timing her, which is why she fought him so fiercely last time.

The elder brother knew he was in the wrong, so he offered his life as an apology.

"Don't worry, my dear brother."

Di Jun patted his chest confidently: "There's no situation your older brother can't handle."

"You don't need to get involved in this matter. I'll be right back."

Having said that, Di Jun transformed into a golden rainbow and left the Sun Star.

Taiyi returned to the Heavenly Emperor's Palace to continue ruling.

Soon.

Taiyi received devastating news—Dijun had died again.

"Alright, the marriage will have to be postponed indefinitely."

And so it went, for a thousand years and a thousand years.

Di Jun died and came back to life, came back to life and died again.

He completed his own cycle of birth and death by relying on the "Heavenly Emperor's Reincarnation Scripture".

After each resurrection, Di Jun set off full of confidence.

"For love, I will go without hesitation!"

Taiyi saw Dijun step onto the Taiyin Star once again, and he nodded slightly:

"If this trend continues, I wouldn't be surprised if my elder brother breaks through to the Taiyi realm one day."

Until one day, Di Jun returned to the Sun Star feeling refreshed and invigorated.

"Alright, we can inform Fellow Daoist Nuwa about the Heavenly Marriage now!"

"As long as she's there to officiate, it's settled!"

~~~~
On this day, a dazzling imperial edict emerged from the Heavenly Emperor's Palace, illuminating all the heavens and myriad realms.

"I believe that since ancient times, the Great Dao has differentiated and all living beings have emerged. However, the order was not established and the titles were not correct, so there were often disputes that affected the common people."

"To establish a lasting dynasty for all ages and to ensure the long-term well-being of all beings, I, in accordance with the will of Heaven, hereby establish the Demon Race."

"I will formally hold the coronation and investiture ceremony on the 'Investiture Platform' outside the Thirty-Three Heavens!"

"All primordial deities and beings from all realms are welcome to come and witness this grand event!"

The moment this decree was issued, the entire primordial universe was instantly and completely ignited!
After a brief moment of shock, countless creatures were plunged into a state of extreme ecstasy and jubilation!
For a moment, the entire primordial universe was immersed in a festive yet solemn atmosphere.

Countless divine lights rose from every corner of the myriad realms, like rivers flowing into the sea, converging majestically towards the "Consecration Platform" outside the thirty-three heavens.

The Investiture Platform.

It was a meritorious spiritual treasure personally crafted by the Holy Heavenly Emperor Xuanqing during his reign, using the Chaos Divine Stone as a base and collecting the essence of the stars in the heavens.

This platform soars into the clouds, embodying the majesty of the heavens above and the profound weight of the earth below.

Its platform is inscribed with the three thousand Great Dao Origin Runes, which can draw upon the power of the universe's origin. It is the best and most sacred place to confer titles upon the true gods of heaven and earth and to proclaim the Three Realms and Six Paths.

Today, the Conferred God Platform, which is rarely used and quietly floats at the highest point of the heavens, has been decorated with gold and jade and surrounded by celestial energy.

Hundreds of millions of heavenly soldiers and generals, all dressed in dazzling golden armor, held divine weapons that shone with divine light. They lined up from the majestic South Heavenly Gate all the way to the Investiture Platform, their formation displaying immense majesty and grandeur.

On the Conferred God Platform, countless seats for observing the ceremony had already been set up according to rank and lineage.

Those in the front row were the Taiwei Gods and thirty-three members of the Heavenly Dao Committee.

Behind them were the top Grand Luo Supremes from various blessed lands, immortal mountains and divine islands of the Primordial True Realm.

Each of them was a peerless powerhouse, renowned and powerful enough to suppress an entire Dao domain.

Further back in the area were countless Taiyi Golden Immortals, Golden Immortals, and the most influential and representative leaders of various races and ancient civilizations from the myriad races of the primordial world who had come to witness the ceremony.

As nine melodious yet majestic chimes of the Chaos Bell resounded throughout the Thirty-Three Heavens, the auspicious time had arrived!
The Heavenly Emperor Di Jun was dressed in a magnificent and elaborate black-gold imperial robe that was more splendid and elaborate than ever before.

His robes were embroidered with images of the sun, moon, stars, mountains, rivers, and all living beings paying homage, in the innate Daoist script. He wore the twelve-tasseled Pingtian Crown, symbolizing the supreme authority of the Three Realms.
Surrounded by a group of core deities of the Heavenly Court, he steadily stepped onto the highest point of the Conferred God Platform and arrived before the Investiture of the Gods, which symbolized the will of Heaven.

His majestic gaze swept over all the holy beings and living beings who had come to witness the ceremony, revealing his imperial majesty at that moment!

"Today, in the name of the Supreme Heavenly Emperor, in accordance with the Mandate of Heaven, in response to the expectations of all living beings, and to inherit the mission of the Great Dao, I hereby formally establish—the Demon Race!"

Di Jun proclaimed loudly, and his voice, amplified by the Conferred God Platform, instantly spread to every corner of the entire primordial universe.

"The demon is the heart of heaven and earth, the spirit of all things!"

"I founded the demon race not for my own selfish gain, but to create a truly new era where all beings are equal, live in harmony, and jointly pursue the ultimate Dao!"

"Today, on this Conferring Gods Platform, I will distribute the Heavenly Emperor's authority to the 'Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors,' and together with eight fellow Daoists, rule the Heavenly Court and govern all realms!"

"【Xi Huang】Fuxi!"

As Di Jun's majestic and powerful voice fell, Taihao Fuxi, who had been waiting below the stage for a long time, was dressed in an elegant blue robe with the innate Bagua and Heluo diagrams.

With a solemn yet composed expression, he slowly walked step by step to the highest point of the Conferred God Platform.

Emperor Jun personally took the imperial seal from Bai Ze, who was standing to the side, and solemnly presented it to Fuxi with both hands. Then he loudly proclaimed:
"Today, in the name of the Heavenly Emperor, I hereby appoint Taihao Fuxi as the first of the Three Sovereigns of my demon race—[Emperor Xi]!"

"He shall wield supreme authority over the wisdom and education of the demon race, deducing heavenly secrets, foreseeing the future, establishing rituals and laws for my demon race, compiling the Great Dao scriptures, and unlocking the boundless wisdom of all beings! His position shall be equal to that of the Emperor! So be it!"

"Fuxi, I accept the decree and express my gratitude!"

Fuxi accepted the heavy imperial seal and bowed deeply to Dijun, to heaven and earth, and to all living beings.

"I will live up to Your Majesty's trust and the hopes of all living beings. I will dedicate myself to the prosperity of my demon race and the civilization of my ancient world, even unto death!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the imperial seal shone brightly and merged perfectly with Fuxi's own Dao origin!
In an instant, all the great laws related to "wisdom," "civilization," "deduction," and "order" throughout the entire primordial universe resonated intensely!

The boundless light of divine merit descended from Heaven and shone brightly, pouring into Fuxi's body!
Fuxi's aura grew increasingly profound, and his imposing presence even hinted at the former Holy Heavenly Emperor Xuanqing.

"[Donghuang] Taiyi, step forward to receive your investiture!"

Immediately following, Taiyi also donned a dark gold imperial robe symbolizing ultimate yang, strength, and unparalleled dominance. The aura of a sovereign who looked down upon the world and conquered all realms emanating from him already drew the attention of countless gods.

Di Jun took another imperial seal, its surface ablaze with the blazing fire of the sun, seemingly capable of incinerating all the darkness of eternity, and bestowed it upon Taiyi, solemnly declaring:
"Today, in the name of the Heavenly Emperor, I hereby confer upon the Taiyi God Emperor the title of the second of the Three Sovereigns of my Demon Race—the Eastern Sovereign!"

"He shall wield supreme power over the conquest and protection of the demon race, command all demons under heaven, suppress all disobedience, expand the territory of my demon race, and safeguard the eternal peace of the primordial world! His position shall be equal to that of the Emperor! So be it!"

"Your subject, Taiyi, accepts the imperial decree and expresses his gratitude!"

Taiyi accepted the blazing imperial seal, bowed, and declared loudly.

"I will defend the glory of my demon race to the death!"

As his words fell, all the beings in the entire primordial universe who had already submitted to the banner of the "Demon Cult," no matter where they were, felt it in their hearts and all turned towards the direction of the Conferred God Platform, issuing the most devout and fervent worship and shouts!
The boundless fortune of the demon race converged into a ferocious yet majestic golden three-legged crow phantom, soaring into the sky from the heavens and eventually merging into Taiyi's body.

This made his domineering and unparalleled imperial aura complement the supreme fortune of this new emperor, making his power even greater, almost on par with the Heavenly Emperor Di Jun.

"[Empress Nuwa] Step forward to receive your investiture!"

Finally, the Goddess Nuwa, dressed in a colorful palace gown brimming with the spirit of creation and life, holding a map of mountains and rivers and a red embroidered ball, moved gracefully to the Investiture Platform.

Di Jun's face showed unprecedented respect. He took the last and most special imperial seal, which was wrapped with endless life force and divine light of creation, raised it high, and loudly proclaimed:
"Today, I hereby confer upon the Creator Goddess Nuwa the title of [Empress Nuwa], one of the Three Sovereigns of my Demon Race! She is also the [Holy Mother of the Demon Race] of my Demon Sect! She will hold the power of life and creation, nurture all living beings, and compassionately save the world. She is the foundation of my Demon Race and the faith of my Demon Sect! Her position is equal to mine. This is my decree!"

"good."

Nuwa accepted the seal with a slight nod, acknowledging the honor and responsibility it entailed.

However, the moment she received the seal, all the beings in the entire primordial universe who had received her grace of creation felt something deep within their true spirits!
At that moment, they all seemed to feel a maternal glow that originated from the deepest part of their blood and soul—the warmest and most compassionate.
They spontaneously and uncontrollably turned towards the Fengshen Platform and offered their most devout and sincere worship and prayers!
Boundless and inexhaustible power of faith, brimming with life and gratitude, converged from all directions like a vast sea of ​​stars, and all merged into the body of Goddess Nuwa.

This made her already incomparably holy radiance even more dazzling, almost turning the entire Conferred God Platform into a divine kingdom of creation!
With the investiture of the Three Sovereigns completed, the fortunes and destiny of the primordial universe have undergone earth-shattering changes!
Immediately afterwards, Di Jun did not stop. He once again loudly proclaimed that the coronation of the "Five Gods" had begun!

"The Emperor of Fusang is hereby conferred the title of 'Eastern Azure Emperor,' bestowed with the title 'Emperor of Lesser Yang Wood Virtue, Emperor of Growth and Development'! He shall wield the power of Eastern Wood Growth, educate all spirits of the East, and guard the Eastern Universe!"

"We hereby confer upon Shao Hao, the leader of the Western Loose Cultivator Alliance, the title of 'Western White Emperor,' bestowing upon him the title 'Emperor of Metal Virtue and Martial Might, the Emperor of Slaughter'! He shall wield the power of the Western Geng Metal Slaughter, rectify all laws, and guard the Western Universe!"

"The Sun Goddess Xihe is hereby conferred the title of 'Southern Crimson Emperor,' bestowed with the title 'Emperor of the Li Fire Civilization, the Ruler of Rites'! She shall wield the authority of the Southern Bing Fire Civilization, pass on the torch, and guard the Antarctic Universe!"

"The Xuanmen Zhenwu Emperor is hereby conferred the title of 'Northern Black Emperor,' and bestowed with the title 'Xuanyuan Water Virtue, Emperor Who Suppresses Evil'! He shall wield the power of the Northern Ren-Gui Water Cycle, command the aquatic races, and guard the North Pole Universe!"

"The progenitor of the Qilin clan, the First Qilin, is hereby conferred the title of [Central Yellow Emperor], bestowing upon him the title 'Emperor of Benevolence and Virtue, Bearing All Things on the Earth'! He shall wield the power over the Central Earth, bearing all things with virtue, and guarding the primordial land!"

With each pronouncement of investiture by Emperor Jun, a corresponding celestial authority and immense fortune were derived from the origin of the Heavenly Dao and the fortune of the demon race, falling precisely upon each new God.

The powerful beings such as the Fusang Emperor, Shaohao, Xihe, and Zhenwu all experienced a surge in their auras and made great progress in their cultivation. Their power was incomparable to what it had been before!

Although the First Qilin has not yet appeared, its divine position is jointly held by the White Tiger God and the Five Elements Qilin King, and the fortune of the entire Qilin clan and countless beast clans has greatly increased as a result!
Thus, the core leadership of the "Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors" was officially established!

However, the investiture of Emperor Jun was not yet over! He looked around again, his voice growing louder!
"I believe that the way to govern the world cannot be achieved by the wisdom of one person alone, but must rely on the assistance of many wise men!"

"Now that the demon race has just been established, everything is in need of rebuilding. We should recruit talented people to join us in this great undertaking!"

"Today, I hereby bestow divine titles upon thousands more, to recognize their merits and to establish their positions!"

"Kunpeng, step forward to receive your investiture!"

Upon hearing this, Kunpeng was extremely excited and immediately stepped forward, bowing deeply in gratitude!
Emperor Jun declared, "I hereby appoint Kunpeng as the Demon Master of my Demon Sect, to oversee all affairs of the Demon Sect, to establish the written language, to compile the Demon Codex, and to serve as my right-hand man!"

"Your subject, Kunpeng, accepts the imperial decree and expresses his gratitude!" Kunpeng's voice trembled with excitement. The boundless fortune of the demonic sect bestowed upon him made the illusory river behind him, symbolizing "the Way of Literature," become clearer!
"Bai Ze, step forward to receive your investiture!"

Di Jun said, "I hereby appoint Bai Ze as the head of the Ten Great Demon Generals! He will be in charge of the Demon Sect's punishments and will be able to distinguish right from wrong!"

"Your subject, Bai Ze, obeys the decree!"

Bai Ze stepped forward excitedly.

"Yingzhao, step forward to receive your appointment!"

"Yingzhao is hereby appointed as the second of the Ten Great Demon Generals of our Demon Sect! He shall command the Demon Sect's troops and patrol the heavens!"

"Your subject, Yingzhao, obeys the decree!"

"Ji Meng."

"Feilian."

In one breath, Di Jun completed the appointment of all the "Ten Demon Generals" positions that he had already decided in his mind!

However, this is still not the end!
Di Jun's gaze then turned to the far distance, to the countless divine generals and elites of various races who had come to witness the ceremony, a dense and endless mass!
He proclaimed once more, his voice like thunder, shaking the heavens!
"All those who join my demonic sect and serve my demon race shall be rewarded according to their merits and granted divine positions!"

"Today, I hereby confer the title of 'Zhou Tian Xing Dou Zheng Shen' upon 365 more 'Zhou Tian Xing Dou Zheng Shen' to correspond with the number of stars in the heavens, to guard the Heavenly Court and protect all the heavens!"

"Thirty-six 'Heavenly Generals' and seventy-two 'Earthly Fiend Generals' are hereby appointed as the main force for the Heavenly Court's conquests, to sweep away all disloyal subjects!"

"We hereby confer titles upon 'demon soldiers and generals' numbering in the One Yuan Society (129,600), making them the cornerstone of our demonic sect, spreading our doctrines throughout the heavens!"

With each conferment of a title by Emperor Jun, a corresponding divine light would shoot out from the Investiture of the Gods, falling into the body of the conferred person and bestowing upon them a divine position, authority, and corresponding fortune!
Tens of thousands of gods, generals, and demon kings roared in unison, their power enough to shake the heavens and the earth, change the color of the wind and clouds, and dim the sun and moon!
Thus, a grand coronation and investiture ceremony concerning the future power structure of the entire primordial world has finally come to a successful conclusion!

The entire primordial universe cheered and celebrated the establishment of this new order at this moment!
After the successful conclusion of the coronation ceremony, the grand celestial wedding celebration officially began in the Heavenly Emperor's Palace of the Taiwei Heavenly Court.

The entire Heavenly Emperor Palace has been completely renovated, with red silk and golden auspicious clouds complementing each other, creating an atmosphere of joy and peace.

Fine wines and nectar flowed like streams throughout the banquet; innate spiritual fruits, exuding an alluring fragrance, were piled up like mountains.

All the celestial beings who came to the banquet wore smiles, toasted each other, and celebrated the joyous wedding of the Heavenly Emperor.

At this moment, Di Jun had already changed out of his majestic imperial robes and put on a bright red wedding dress embroidered with auspicious dragon and phoenix patterns, specially prepared for the Heavenly Wedding Ceremony. His handsome and extraordinary face was filled with undisguised happiness and excitement.

Beside him stood two stunningly beautiful goddesses, both dressed in magnificent wedding gowns and adorned with phoenix coronet and embroidered robes. Their beauty was so breathtaking that it could make the sun and moon pale in comparison.

One of them, dressed in a radiant golden phoenix robe, embroidered with lifelike golden crows and the Fusang divine tree patterns using threads of true solar fire, possessed an exquisite beauty and a noble and elegant demeanor. She was none other than Xihe, the lord of the Radiant Universe!
The other one was dressed in a cool and holy silver-white wedding gown, embroidered with lifelike jade rabbits and laurel flowers using the essence of the Taiyin star. She had a delicate and lovely face and an innocent and romantic temperament. She was none other than the goddess of the Taiyin star, Chang Xi!
Today, Dijun will marry these two goddesses, each with a different style, yet both breathtakingly beautiful!
Xihe was the Empress, a model of virtue for the world, and assisted Emperor Jun in handling the affairs of the Heavenly Court. Her status was highly respected, second only to the Heavenly Emperor.

Changxi, as the Heavenly Empress, is in charge of the Moon Palace, harmonizing Yin and Yang, enjoying endless favor and honor, and sharing the sweetness of her world with Dijun.

Such a blessing of having multiple wives was truly the envy of countless deities present!

"The auspicious hour has arrived! We invite the officiant—Empress Nuwa—to officiate the marriage of the Heavenly Emperor and Empress!"

With a loud "Greeting!" from the master of ceremonies.

The goddess Nuwa, who had been waiting nearby, dressed in a solemn gown symbolizing her role as the officiant, moved gracefully to the three newlyweds.

Looking at the handsome and beautiful couple before her, a perfect match made in heaven, a kind and gratified smile appeared on her face. She then read aloud the wedding vows she had personally written, which contained the highest blessings and good fortune:
"Heaven above, Pangu as witness! Today, Emperor Taiwei Dijun, the Sun Goddess Xihe, and the Moon Goddess Changxi, are of one mind and bound by fate for three lifetimes. They wish to become eternal Daoist partners, jointly ruling the universe and weathering storms together."

"I, in the name of Nuwa, witness this celestial marriage! May you both shine as brightly as the sun and moon, unite as one in yin and yang; may your love be harmonious and the great Dao everlasting!"

"The ceremony is complete!!"

As soon as Nuwa finished speaking, thunderous cheers and blessings erupted throughout the Heavenly Emperor's Palace!
Above the sky, boundless golden light of merit and auspicious energy of marriage descended once more, merging entirely into the bodies of Di Jun, Xi He, and Chang Xi, causing their fortunes and destinies to be completely and closely connected at this moment!
With one hand holding the gentle and graceful Xihe and the other holding the shy and lovely Changxi, Dijun looked at these two peerless beauties who would soon spend eternity with him, and his heart was filled with unprecedented satisfaction and happiness.

He knew that from this moment on, he was no longer a lonely emperor. He had an empress and a queen who could fight alongside him, and a warm harbor where he could rest and find respite.

He raised his wine glass, addressing all the deities present, and proclaiming loudly to the entire primordial universe:

"Today, I celebrate my wedding, a joyous occasion shared by all under heaven!"

May my primordial world forever enjoy peace! May all my living beings find happiness!

"good!"

"Congratulations, Your Majesty the Heavenly Emperor!"

"Congratulations, Your Majesty the Emperor and Empress! Congratulations, Your Majesty the Heavenly Empress!"

The entire primordial universe was immersed in the boundless joy and peace brought about by this unprecedented celestial marriage ceremony, and the euphoria lingered for a long time.

However, amidst this sea of ​​joyous celebration, there was a corner that appeared exceptionally quiet and desolate.

Meanwhile, in the "black shop" of Tian Shi Yuan.

Xuan Qing was leisurely lying on his special bamboo chair, sipping tea and enjoying the "cloud participation" of Di Jun's heavenly wedding ceremony via "StarNet Live Broadcast".

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

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(End of this chapter)