Chapter 1307: Chapter 452: No One Dares to Interfere
By the time the Immortal Officials came to their senses, there was no opportunity to rebut.
Everyone’s expressions were peculiar, and they seemed to understand the meaning of the Great Emperor Ziwei’s intentions: he was determined to protect Lady Houtu; otherwise, the Great Emperor Ziwei wouldn’t have let Sun Wukong provide a resolution.
Sun Wukong, rebellious and combative, holds grudges, but likewise, he is the Great Sage Equalling Heaven and has great courage. Since Lady Houtu sincerely repents and has great merits for the Three Realms, Sun Wukong naturally cannot bear to attack her severely.
This matter cannot even be spoken of by Yang Jian, as he is the nephew of the Jade Emperor, and Houtu counts as his aunt.
Although the Immortals were unclear about how Yang Jian’s relationship with the Jade Emperor came to be, if Yang Jian were to speak up and repeat what Sun Wukong just said, it would certainly be inappropriate, as it would be seen as biased and damaging to his authority.
Only Sun Wukong’s words carry equal weight, and he is so unreasonable that no one dares to refute him.
"Congratulations, Lady," Sun Wukong offered his blessings.
Lady Houtu glanced at Sun Wukong, her gaze somewhat bizarre.
"You don’t hate me?"
"There was some resentment before, but this Old Sun is not one to hold petty grudges. Your turning from darkness to light is a worthy cause to celebrate for the Three Realms. Why should Old Sun hold onto past issues? Moreover, isn’t having another reliable Supreme in the Heavenly Court a good thing?" Sun Wukong retorted.
Lady Houtu’s expression was complex, a mix of relief and contemplation.
"I finally understand why you were able to help the Great Emperor Ziwei establish the Heavenly Court and even defeat the Jade Emperor and other foes. With such open-mindedness, what can’t be accomplished?" Lady Houtu reflected, and felt a wisp of admiration for Sun Wukong.
Sun Wukong smiled faintly, saying nothing further.
"Well then, will you reside in the Heavenly Court or return to the Netherworld? Currently, the ruler of the Netherworld is Ying Hook. If you wish to return, I’ll inform him to coordinate the transfer of authority," Sun Wukong chuckled and continued, "That Iron Blockhead is naturally lazy. If you’re willing to reassume control of the Netherworld, I’m sure he’d be very pleased."
Lady Houtu hesitated. Although what was said was favorable, reclaiming her former powers upon return might displease some.
She had wholeheartedly intended to return to the Heavenly Court, abandoning darkness for the light, to work for all living beings.
Yet, being one of the Four Heavenly Kings for so many years, many considerations remain.
Sun Wukong laughed, "Lady, don’t worry. No one will say anything. If anyone dares to utter idle gossip, my Jingu Bang won’t spare them."
Sun Wukong finished speaking, his gaze swept across the Immortal Officials with a threatening look, sending a chill down everyone’s spine.
Everyone knew that the Great Sage Equalling Heaven meant what he said; he would indeed take action.
No one truly dared to risk trying out Sun Wukong’s Jingu Bang’s might.
Yang Jian approached, also saying, "Lady, rest assured, Yang Jian also guarantees that no one will dare criticize you."
Yang Jian has no fondness for the Jade Emperor; he even detests him.
However, he feels somewhat close to Lady Houtu.
Seeing Yang Jian’s assurances, Lady Houtu hesitated for a moment before finally nodding.
"Very well, I shall oversee the Netherworld."
Sun Wukong and Yang Jian breathed a sigh of relief.
With Lady Houtu overseeing the Netherworld, given her status, coupled with Ying Hook in the Netherworld, the two should certainly keep the realm secure.
For the Three Realms, the Netherworld is extremely important.
If the Netherworld were to have issues, the entire Three Realms would undoubtedly face significant troubles.
With Ying Hook and Lady Houtu in charge, there is less worry.
Even if Haotian God plans to strike the Netherworld, he considers Lady Houtu’s status.
After all, Lady Houtu was once the wife of the Jade Emperor. Though the Jade Emperor is dead, he was ultimately Haotian God’s embodiment.
No matter how Haotian God regards Lady Houtu, some sentiment is surely there.
Following this, Yang Jian personally escorted Lady Houtu to the Netherworld, restoring her authority.
Lady Houtu returned to the Heavenly Court, subordinating to the Heavenly Court, and this news quickly spread throughout the Three Realms.
The ancient Gods and Devils felt indifferent, but the living beings of later generations were greatly excited.
Lady Houtu’s identity is too special, being one of the Four Heavenly Kings and the Jade Emperor’s wife. Her allegiance to the Heavenly Court naturally signifies that the current Heavenly Court is the legitimate one, prompting many who were loyal to the Jade Emperor to change their stance.
Their allegiance to the Great Emperor Ziwei Heavenly Court doesn’t happen overnight, but their resistance to it begins to wane.
Sa Shoujian, secluded in Zhongnan Mountain, became somewhat dazed upon hearing the news.
Lady Houtu has returned to the Heavenly Court?
Then what meaning does his steadfastness hold?
Should he re-enter the Heavenly Court and become one of them?
This thought wasn’t unique to him; many others shared it.
Before long, Sa Shoujian made his decision to head to the Heavenly Court, to rejoin it.
The Great Emperor Ziwei accepted him gladly; Sa Shoujian’s previous performances in the Ziwei Heavenly Court were quite commendable.
Moreover, after a period of seclusion, Sa Shoujian’s strength has grown substantially, nearly reaching a supreme status much like Zhang Daoling, traversing the Sub-Paramount Realm.
Once he breaks through, the Heavenly Court gains another supreme power.
With Sa Shoujian’s entrance into the Heavenly Court, some indecisive Immortals began to reevaluate.
They rushed to the Heavenly Court and started their allegiance.
However, the Great Emperor Ziwei was discerning, not accepting just anyone; immediately accepted were old Heavenly Court members known for good deeds and reputation.
Old members tarnished with wrongdoing and poor reputation were seized for investigation; depending on findings, they were expelled or punished according to heavenly law.
This discouraged notorious Immortals from coming.
The Three Realms’ beings now understood that the Great Emperor Ziwei wouldn’t accept just anyone.
Only truly virtuous individuals could be welcomed.
Those who did evil were eliminated.
The Heavenly Court became even more lively, its prestige growing.
Sun Wukong returned to Huaguo Mountain, no longer concerning himself with these matters, leaving it to the Great Emperor Ziwei and Yang Jian. It was irrelevant to him.
Before Havoc in Heaven, he was power-hungry; now, it’s different; such desires are gone.
Even without any position, no one dares to underestimate him. Sun Wukong is now the unofficial king of the Heavenly Court.
His decisions are equivalent to those of the Great Emperor Ziwei.
Meanwhile, Haotian has recovered from his injuries.
He learned that the Eastern Emperor Tai Yi was killed, making his face quite grim.
Haotian God didn’t go seeking trouble with the Heavenly Court; instead, he headed to the Demon Realm.
Tian Hao sensed Haotian God’s presence and was instantly shocked, apprehensive.
Could he be here to target him? He saw Haotian God heavily wounded and perhaps needs to consume him to replenish the drained energy.