Chapter 44: King of the Crimson Clouds

In truth, Hongyun’s heart ached bitterly; after all, the Primordial Purple Qi represented the opportunity to attain sainthood. Who in the vast wilderness did not yearn to become a saint? Yet, he remembered that after obtaining the Primordial Purple Qi, he had gained nothing but perpetual peril—pursued relentlessly, unable to return home… With that thought, his mood improved somewhat.

It must be said that Hongyun’s mindset was admirable. Anyone else, even knowing how slim their chances were, would find it difficult to relinquish such an opportunity.

Li Tian stood high above, and when he saw Hongyun looking his way, he gave him a subtle nod. He had already decided to bring Hongyun into the Heavenly Court. For the sake of that Primordial Purple Qi, he resolved that as long as Hongyun did not court disaster himself, he would shelter him from this calamity.

“The auspicious hour has arrived!”

At the appointed time, the official responsible for ceremony stepped forward and announced the moment.

Li Tian, clad in a brilliant red ceremonial robe adorned with golden patterns, slowly descended before Nuwa. Multicolored petals floated down, forming a romantic rain of flowers.

“I now entrust my sister to you,” Fuxi said with a smile, placing one end of the red embroidered ball in Li Tian’s hand.

Li Tian smiled and nodded. Nuwa’s cheeks were flushed, her delicate hand tightly grasping the other end of the ball, as she walked hand in hand with Li Tian down the long red carpet.

Nuwa was already breathtakingly beautiful, but after a touch of adornment, she was simply beyond description. Some less accomplished beings gazed at her from afar, momentarily forgetting to breathe.

Together, before countless witnesses, the two walked slowly down the red carpet and ascended the high platform.

“Heaven above, Earth below as witness.

Today, I, the Supreme Lord of Sumeru, Emperor of Heavenly Law,

I, Nuwa,

Shall unite with the Supreme Lord of Sumeru, Emperor of Heavenly Law,

Become husband and wife, share life and death, never part!”

No sooner had the vows been spoken than a vast consciousness descended, as the cosmos acknowledged their oath.

A golden light fell from the heavens, splitting into two—one half settling upon Li Tian, the other upon Nuwa.

Nuwa received this merit and was overjoyed, utterly surprised that marriage itself could grant merit—and more than she had gained when she created cultivation techniques!

Li Tian’s face bore a faint smile. He had anticipated this, so his heart was calm.

But the feelings of those present were far from tranquil.

Why?

They had labored for thousands, tens of thousands of years, only to gain so little merit. Yet the Supreme Lord of Sumeru, Emperor of Heavenly Law, did nothing but hold a mere ceremony and received so much! Last time, founding the Heavenly Court was understandable, but now, just going through the motions of a wedding could yield such a reward?

Countless voices cried in their hearts of Heaven’s injustice. Of course, they could only complain inwardly. To openly challenge Heaven’s fairness under its very gaze would be courting death.

Among the crowd, Houtu quietly memorized every step of the wedding, intending to try it out with her people back in the Wu tribe to see if merit could be gained.

Many powerful beings who already had partners silently planned to hold their own wedding ceremonies. Those without companions secretly noted this, intending to seek a partner and hold a wedding to see if merit could be acquired.

Even the Three Pure Ones were tempted; after all, who didn’t want merit? Of course, given their lofty pride, the likelihood of finding partners was nearly zero—so the legends went.

…

With the ceremony concluded, Li Tian and Nuwa walked hand in hand into the Palace of Miluo.

After the palace was decorated, red “double happiness” characters adorned every wall, filling the air with warmth and joy.

Li Tian led Nuwa into the bedchamber, drawing down layer upon layer of curtains.

“Senior brother…” Nuwa gazed at Li Tian, expectant yet anxious.

Li Tian looked at her, his heart surging—henceforth, Nuwa would belong to him.

He gently approached her beautiful face, naturally pressing his lips to hers. Amid her nervousness, he softly laid her down on the edge of the bed.

Of course, at their level of cultivation, they would not engage in mortal activities; instead, they sought the unity of spirit and flesh.

…

The next day, Li Tian escorted Nuwa to the Hall of Lingxiao, immediately ordering a seat prepared beside his own throne.

Sweeping his eyes over the assembly, Li Tian declared, “From today onward, Empress Wa shall be the Heavenly Queen of the Celestial Court, second only to myself!”

“Greetings to the Heavenly Emperor, greetings to the Heavenly Queen!”

Upon hearing this, the crowd bowed in unison.

“Heavenly Emperor…” Nuwa looked at Li Tian, her gaze gentle as water.

Li Tian smiled, and seeing her seat prepared, said, “Sit.”

Nuwa nodded and sat beside Li Tian in the Hall of Lingxiao, gazing down upon the gathered crowd.

“Hongyun.”

Li Tian turned his gaze to a robed Taoist standing below.

“Heavenly Emperor.”

Hongyun stepped forward, hands clasped, his demeanor reserved.

Smiling, Li Tian said, “Since you have joined the Heavenly Court, I cannot let you go unrewarded.

Announce the decree!”

An official responsible for ceremony stepped forth, holding a golden-handled jade scroll. In full view of all, he slowly unfurled it and read aloud:

“Imperial decree of the Heavenly Emperor:

Now, the first red cloud of heaven and earth has transformed and joined my Heavenly Court. The emperor is greatly pleased and hereby appoints Hongyun as the eleventh king of the Heavenly Court: King Hongyun!”

“Thank you, Heavenly Emperor!”

Hongyun bowed deeply and received the imperial edict.

The edict bore the seal of Heaven’s authority; accepting it bound Hongyun’s fate and fortune to the Heavenly Court from that moment onward.

Li Tian was satisfied with Hongyun’s attitude and gave him a reminder: “King Hongyun, I observe many in the wilderness hold grudges against you. For now, it is best you do not leave the Heavenly Court, lest great disaster befall you.”

“Thank you for your concern, Heavenly Emperor.”

Hongyun bowed again, though inwardly he dismissed the warning. In his view, having lost the Primordial Purple Qi, what more could others want from him? He had not offended anyone.

“As long as you understand.”

Li Tian, unaware of Hongyun’s thoughts, assumed he had heeded the warning and nodded.

After the court session, Li Tian summoned Fuxi.

“This is Hongyun’s Primordial Purple Qi.”

With a wave of his hand, Li Tian sent the Qi into Fuxi’s grasp.

“Take it. Though it may not guarantee sainthood, it is at least an opportunity.”

Fuxi put away the Primordial Purple Qi and nodded.

After all, no one in the wilderness did not wish for sainthood—not even Fuxi.

“No one yet knows I have given you the Primordial Purple Qi. It is best not to let this slip, for you know how jealous the others in the wilderness are of this Qi,” Li Tian advised.

“Yes.”

Fuxi nodded and took his leave. Waves of emotion stirred within him as he prepared to return and carefully contemplate the Primordial Purple Qi.