Chapter 78: The Bestowal of Marriage

Since returning from his travels among humanity, Fuxi’s relationship with Houtu had gradually grown closer. Over countless years, they often gathered together—sometimes to discuss philosophy, sometimes to wander the world in leisure.

Before long, Nuwa learned of this. After observing them for a time, she couldn’t help but reveal a knowing smile. “If my brother and Houtu were to wed, surely it would strengthen the sense of belonging the Wu tribe feels towards the Heavenly Court, wouldn’t it?” she murmured to herself. With that, Nuwa left the Palace of the Empress and flew toward the Palace of Miluo.

As a Sage, Nuwa was naturally aware of the Wu tribe’s dissatisfaction with the Heavenly Court, though she too felt powerless to change it—after all, it wasn’t as if she could simply wipe them out.

“Nuwa, you’ve come,” Li Tian greeted her, waking from his meditation as he sensed her arrival.

For beings of immense power, life was dreadfully monotonous. Thousands, even tens of thousands of years could drain all interest from one’s heart, so now, Li Tian spent most of his time in seclusion.

Nuwa smiled as she approached. With a wave of her hand, an image appeared in the air, revealing Fuxi and Houtu together.

“They truly have come together?” Li Tian’s eyes flickered with surprise. Countless years ago, he had vaguely foreseen this scene, yet he hadn’t truly believed it would come to pass.

To be honest, at first Li Tian had considered bringing them together, thinking it would strengthen the bond between the Heavenly Court and the Wu tribe. But later, he dismissed the idea—after all, Houtu was destined to become the embodiment of reincarnation. If he forced them together, would that not be a cruel fate for Fuxi?

Now that the two had found each other of their own accord, Li Tian could hardly object. After all, he couldn’t very well separate them by force. If he did, even if Fuxi remained silent, Nuwa would surely be displeased, and he didn’t wish to create any rift between them.

“You want me to grant them a marriage decree?” Li Tian guessed Nuwa’s intention, smiling as he spoke.

Nuwa nodded, delighted by his understanding. She laughed, “I’ve been married for so many years, yet as your sister, I can’t bear to see my brother remain alone!”

Li Tian knew she was half-jesting. In truth, ninety-nine percent of the great powers in the Primordial World had no partners at all.

Because for such beings, with their endless lives, the matter of descendants was of little consequence. Even if they wished for a child, it wasn’t necessary to have a partner. With the means Li Tian now possessed, creating life from his own blood was an effortless thing.

“Come, let’s go to the Hall of Supreme Harmony. Since it’s the wedding of Fuxi, Sovereign of the Heavenly Court, it must be grand enough to both mark the occasion and pacify the Wu tribe.” Smiling, Li Tian took Nuwa with him out of the Palace of Miluo. At the same time, he unleashed his divine power and struck the Chaos Bell hanging at his waist.

The deep tolls echoed across the heavens. Instantly, all the mighty beings of the Heavenly Court felt the summons, set aside their affairs, and hurried to the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

“Another court assembly? When will these days ever end?”

“I’ve been cooped up in this blasted realm so long, I’m dying of boredom!”

In a lavish, elegant hall, a group of great Wu lay sprawled about, clearly having drunk their fill. At the sound of the Chaos Bell, they sobered slightly, grumbling aloud.

“That’s enough, save your complaints,” Gonggong said, mingling among them. Though he felt much the same, as a Forebear Wu, he had to set an example.

...

In the Hall of Supreme Harmony, as the crowd gathered, Nuwa smiled and announced, “Today, the Heavenly Emperor has good news to proclaim.”

Good news? The assembled immortals looked at each other, their hearts racing—could it be a promotion?

With that thought, anticipation filled the hall, and all eyes turned eagerly to Li Tian.

Seeing their expectant faces, Li Tian shook his head and looked to Fuxi and Houtu. He smiled. “This concerns the two of you.”

Us? Fuxi and Houtu exchanged bewildered glances, utterly mystified.

The rest of the court was equally puzzled, uncertain what the Emperor and Empress had in mind.

Nuwa laughed softly, “Herald, read the decree.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.” The herald glanced at Li Tian for confirmation. At his nod, the herald stepped forward, unrolled the imperial edict, and began to read.

“By decree of the Heavenly Emperor:

Today, Fuxi, Sovereign of the Heavenly Court, and Houtu, Empress of the Wu, are bound by deep affection. Both Emperor and Empress agree that this union is heaven’s will and earth’s design. Therefore, by imperial grace, all departments of the Heavenly Court shall immediately begin preparations for their wedding, to be held on an auspicious day.”

The herald’s voice echoed through the hall. Instantly, the immortals began to murmur among themselves, their gazes turning to Fuxi and Houtu.

“Sovereign Fuxi, congratulations!” Those officials closest to Fuxi hastened to offer their felicitations.

But Fuxi and Houtu were both stunned, rooted to the spot. Fuxi hadn’t expected his own sister to conspire with the Heavenly Emperor like this. Though he did harbor feelings for Houtu, this was all too sudden—he’d had no time to prepare himself.

As for Houtu, she was even more taken aback. She had never imagined the Heavenly Emperor would betroth her to Fuxi. Though she had some affection for him, matters between men and women had never crossed her mind, nor did she think they ever would. So Li Tian’s sudden decree left her completely at a loss.

The Forebear Wu, such as Dijang, were also wide-eyed with surprise. Still, considering that this might strengthen the Wu tribe’s ties to the Heavenly Court—and given Fuxi’s character was beyond reproach—they decided to let things be.

But while the Forebears held their peace, the lesser Wu were less accepting, especially those like Chiyou, who had been created by Houtu herself. They glared furiously at Fuxi.

“Our Forebear Houtu is a descendant of Pangu, her bloodline noble and pure. How could she be given to the likes of Fuxi, who was born of wet and egg?” Chiyou, emboldened by drink, stepped forward and let out his pent-up frustration in a single breath.

At those words, the Hall of Supreme Harmony fell silent. The great Wu all turned to stare at Chiyou. Some looked on in admiration; those more prudent could only inwardly sigh at his recklessness.

Meanwhile, the mighty immortals of the Heavenly Court watched the Wu with amused expressions.

Chiyou truly had a death wish...