Chapter Eighty: The Lich Ceasefire, the Celestial Court Established

Amidst the void, a figure emerged, white-bearded and crowned, his face cold and indifferent, as if looking down upon all beings—this was none other than the Dao Ancestor, Hongjun. Hongjun glanced at the spectral image of Pangu, and said dispassionately, “Since the great Pangu has already fallen, how can you summon him forth again? Disperse!” With a wave of his hand, the summoned shadow of Pangu instantly faded into countless golden specks, vanishing from the world.

The twelve Ancestral Witches fell from the sky in disarray, their eyes filled with terror as they looked at Hongjun. They had believed that by summoning Pangu’s shadow, they could contend with even a sage. But now, witnessing Hongjun so effortlessly dissolve the grand battle formation upon which their tribe relied, they finally understood the dreadful power of a sage—how could they not be shaken? All present hastened to kneel in reverence.

Upon seeing the Dao Ancestor descend, everyone hurriedly bowed and greeted, “We pay our respects to the Dao Ancestor!”

“Do you realize your guilt?” Hongjun asked coolly.

Fearing his wrath, Dijun quickly replied, “We, the demon clan, wished to establish a heavenly court in the secret realm atop Buzhou Mountain, to benefit the great wilderness. This matter was long ago reported to the Dao Ancestor. Yet the witches, ignorant of the Heavenly Dao, blocked our ascent. We beg the Dao Ancestor to discern the truth!” With that, he bowed deeply.

As the witches glared at Dijun with resentment, Hongjun spoke, “Although this was due to the demon clan’s intention to found the heavenly court, your battle has brought calamity upon the living, and should be severely punished. Yet, in light of your reasons, let the matter rest here. The witch tribe’s summoning of Pangu’s shadow has greatly harmed the world; as punishment, you may not hinder the demons’ entry into the heavenly court. Henceforth, the demons shall rule the sky and the witches the earth. For one great cosmic cycle, no further conflict shall arise between you. Do you accept?”

Though the witches were unwilling, they knew resistance was futile, and had no choice but to agree. The demons, on the other hand, were overjoyed; they had expected defeat, yet with the Dao Ancestor’s intervention, the matter was easily settled, and the promise of dominion over the heavens was secured. They knelt and bowed, exclaiming, “We obey the Dao Ancestor’s decree, and shall henceforth bring prosperity to the world.”

Hongjun nodded, pointed with his finger, and a massive boulder flew forth, merging into the land—a treasure rock that had nearly been taken by a glutton years before. This primordial stone possessed the power to restore the damaged earth. Soon, the wounds of the land were healed.

With all matters resolved, Hongjun vanished in an instant, though before departing, he cast a meaningful glance at Houtu, uttering not a word more. As the Dao Ancestor left, both the witch and demon tribes bowed low to see him off.

Thus the demon clan formally took residence in the heavenly court, and began its grand construction. A hundred years later, when the two demon emperors returned to the now-completed court, they were dazzled by the sight.

The heavens were veiled in mist, with celestial birds and cranes flitting among the clouds. Colossal pillars soared skyward, each carved with golden coiled dragons that seemed about to burst forth in mighty roars. At the summit of these pillars stood a massive palace, shimmering with golden light amidst the clouds. Upon its eaves hung a plaque inscribed with three ancient characters: Hall of Supreme Harmony. The writing exuded an imperial majesty that seemed to disdain all under heaven.

Beholding the breathtaking magnificence of the heavenly court, Dijun and Taiyi rejoiced, and decided to formally establish the celestial dynasty and ascend the throne as emperors. They sent envoys to invite all great powers of the world to witness the ceremony.

To further enhance the prestige of the heavenly court, Emperor Dijun personally led a retinue to the North Sea to “invite” Kunpeng to join and appoint him as the Demon Master.

One day, with decades yet before the celestial inauguration, as Dijun and his ministers were preparing for the grand enthronement, a silent figure suddenly appeared in the heavenly court. The guards at the gate shouted, “Who dares trespass in the heavenly court!”

Inside, Dijun was deep in discussion about the ceremony when he heard the commotion and was startled: who would dare be so bold, given the demon clan’s might? Peering outside out of curiosity, his heart leapt in alarm. He hurriedly led his ministers out and bowed, “We greet the Sage Nuwa!”

The visitor was indeed Nuwa. She had not intended to leave her island, but remembering Chenxing’s instructions, she was compelled to pay a visit to the heavenly court.

As a Great Dao Sage, Nuwa knew that some things were destined; if she did not fulfill her role, trouble would arise, causing only more difficulty for Chenxing. Having attained the ultimate Dao, she was aware of Chenxing’s true identity, and would not allow fate’s course to be disrupted, lest it bring him needless trouble.

Seeing the assembled demons pay their respects, Nuwa nodded and said, “I come to discuss a matter with the Demon Emperor.”

Though curious, Dijun first courteously gestured, “Sage, please be seated in the hall.”

Nuwa nodded and entered the main hall with the others. Once she had taken her seat, Dijun asked, “May I inquire as to the reason for your visit?”

Nuwa carefully chose her words. “Now that you, Dijun, have ascended as Demon Emperor, yet there is no Empress in the palace. It is time for a celestial marriage. I wish to arrange this union for you. What is your opinion?”

Dijun was momentarily stunned—he had not expected Nuwa to offer to arrange his marriage. Curious, he asked, “Why does the esteemed Sage concern herself with such a trifling matter?”

Nuwa shook her head. “This is no small matter. Under the operation of the Heavenly Dao, the three great marriages of heaven, earth, and man must be presided over by me. Should Your Majesty be wed under the will of Heaven, you shall receive the merit of the Heavenly Dao, which can only benefit you.”

What Nuwa did not know was that Chenxing had already arranged matters for her. Though she had long achieved primordial unity, it was best that she personally preside over the three marriages, create the human race, and repair the heavens after the great war between witches and demons. This would serve her well in the future.

Upon hearing that he could gain heavenly merit, Dijun’s eyes lit up. “May I ask, Sage Nuwa, who is to be chosen as my Empress?”

“The Lunar Star, Xihe,” Nuwa replied.

Dijun was overjoyed. He himself was born of the Sun Star, a body of pure yang, and had long heard of the two goddesses of the Lunar Star. Not only were they famed for their unrivaled beauty, but they were beings of pure yin. Should he marry one of them, not only would he gain the Heavenly Dao’s merit, but the union of yin and yang would greatly aid his cultivation.

He immediately rose, bowed deeply, and said respectfully, “I must trouble the Sage with this matter!”

Nuwa nodded and soon departed.

Decades later, countless great powers gathered in the heavenly court to congratulate Dijun and Taiyi on their formal ascension as Demon Emperor and Eastern Emperor.

As the foremost of the ten demon marshals, Bai Ze was charged with leading the guests through the heavenly court. Upon entering, all were left in awe by the splendor: golden light streamed in countless waves, auspicious mists rising in purple clouds. The Southern Gate stood resplendent, built of emerald glass and gleaming jewels. On either side stood dozens of celestial marshals in full armor, wielding halberds and banners; nearby, ranks of golden-armored deities stood at attention, holding lances and swords.

Even the outer courts amazed, but within was true wonder: towering pillars twined with golden-scaled, red-maned dragons that gleamed in the sunlight; long bridges wound with rainbow-plumed phoenixes soaring skyward. Luminous clouds reflected the sunlight, emerald mists veiled the stars. There were thirty-three celestial palaces: the Cloud Palace, Vishnu Palace, Palace of Five Lights, Sun Palace, Palace of Bliss, and more—each crowned by golden beasts; seventy-two treasure halls: the Hall of Audience, Hall of Transcendence, Hall of Radiance, Hall of Heavenly Kings, Hall of Divine Officers, and so on—each with jade qilins lining their pillars.

On the Longevity Terrace bloomed immortal flowers that never faded, and beside the alchemical furnace grew auspicious herbs that remained evergreen through the ages. Before the Hall of Pilgrimage, figures in crimson robes shone like stars; their lotus crowns and golden sashes sparkled magnificently. Jade hairpins, pearl shoes, purple cords, golden seals. When the golden bell tolled, the gods of the three realms advanced to the steps; when the heavenly drums sounded, myriad saints gathered to pay homage to the Jade Emperor.

Then, at the Hall of Supreme Harmony, golden nails studded the jade doors, painted phoenixes danced upon vermilion gates. Corridors wound and galleries glittered, dragons and phoenixes soared from every tier. Above rose a vast, dazzling, round golden gourd dome; below, celestial consorts held banners and jade maidens offered silken veils. Stern heavenly generals presided over court, proud celestial ministers guarded the throne.

Truly, it was a wondrous scene of immortal grandeur, causing all who beheld it to marvel with envy.