Chapter 1460 — Hearts and Demons: A Mutual Reckoning

In the Heavenly Court, Hao, Gong, the Ancestor God King, Hong, Huo, Yan, Qiang, Lang, Xu, and Shi—the Ten Heavenly Venerables—were gathered together to discuss the pacification of Xuandu. Heavenly Venerable Huo asked, "Xuandu's divine artifact, the Imperial Heavenly Venerable, has been suppressed by the Heavenly Duke, and the Spirit-Energy Transference Bridge has also been destroyed. Does the Ancestor God King know what has happened? " The Ancestor God King said, "The Heavenly Dao of Xuandu seems to have sensed that the Heavenly Duke is about to die, and so the Dao has grown restless and sealed away my divine artifact. As for the destruction of the Spirit-Energy Transference Bridge, the millions of Sunkeepers dwelling upon the Heavenly Duke's body received the command of the Heavenly Dao, gathered together, and formed a rebellious force, which attacked the bridge and destroyed it.

" "Before he dies, the Heavenly Duke is still thinking of kicking his legs. " Heavenly Venerable Xu sneered, "But that is nothing more than futile effort. " Heavenly Venerable Hong said hurriedly, "Do not take this lightly. The Heavenly Dao will not let the Heavenly Duke die. Even if he wants to die, he cannot.

The Heavenly Duke was manifested from the Heavenly Dao, and he embodies the Dao's operations.

At critical moments, the will of the Dao will completely replace the Heavenly Duke's will, and it may even augment the Sunkeepers of Xuandu, causing their strength to multiply.

" "Xuandu has millions of Sunkeepers, and in ordinary times they are responsible for the movement of the suns of the various heavens and worlds. If the Heavenly Dao augments them, they will indeed be a considerable force. " Heavenly Venerable Gong said, "But apart from the Sunkeepers, Xuandu also has Moonkeepers from all regions and Star Lords of all ranks. If they too are augmented by the Heavenly Dao, this force will not be underestimated. " Heavenly Venerable Hong smiled.

"Is Heavenly Venerable Gong going to make a trip to Xuandu? " Heavenly Venerable Gong hesitated a moment, then shook her head. "The Heavenly Court cannot be left without a defender, so I would rather not go.

" Heavenly Venerable Huo, impassioned and forceful, said in a clear voice, "How can you not go? The Heavenly Duke has committed every kind of evil and brought disaster upon the world for ages. Not to kill the Heavenly Duke is to condone him, to be his accomplice!

" Heavenly Venerable Gong smiled.

"Heavenly Venerable Huo hates evil as one hates an enemy and cannot tolerate even a single grain of sand in his eye. I sincerely admire that.

But the Heavenly Court is also vital, and we cannot defend against a sudden raid by the villain Shen. If I stay here, at least there will be someone to look after things. " Heavenly Venerable Hao smiled.

"A single timber cannot hold up a hall, Daoist friend Gong. I will also stay to guard the Heavenly Court, in case of any unforeseen incident. What do the two Consorts think? " Consort Qiang giggled.

"With Heavenly Venerable Hao and Heavenly Venerable Gong here, it is sure beyond any mishap. In that case, I will go to Xuandu.

" Consort Yan's eyes flickered, and she smiled. "Three of the Four Pole Heavens are still unconquered.

I intend to overawe the Azure Dragon, the White Tiger, and the Black Tortoise, so that they will not create new troubles. " Heavenly Venerable Xu said, "The Netherworld must not be unguarded either. I will remain here, to guard against unrest in the Netherworld.

" Heavenly Venerable Hao then turned his eyes to Langxuan.

The God Emperor Langxuan said hurriedly, "I must go. If you all stay away, and some mishap should occur, then it would be terrible. " Heavenly Venerable Hong smiled.

"The Heavenly Duke's strength, here in Xuandu, can be said to be at the consummate Great Heavenly Court level, not at all inferior to the Heavenly Emperor. I too must go to lend support to the Ancestor God King. " Shi Qiluo said, "The Imperial Heavenly Venerable divine artifact was made by me.

The Heavenly Duke has suppressed it, so I also must hurry over to break through the Heavenly Duke's seal. " Heavenly Venerable Hao smiled.

"Since that is so, the battle at Xuandu will be left to you. I, Heavenly Venerable Gong, Consort Yan, and Heavenly Venerable Xu will remain here on guard. Here, I offer my advance congratulations to the six Daoist friends, wishing you a swift victory upon the first raising of the banner.

" Everyone exchanged knowing smiles.

Heavenly Venerable Hao had always been proud to a soaring degree, and it was thought that he looked down on the other Heavenly Venerables. Whenever there was a benefit, he was sure to take the largest share. But after his battle with the Grand Emperor, and after being pursued by Shen Mu for six hundred thousand li, he had lost all his reputation. Now he had become modest and deferential, which made it seem that his injuries had not yet healed. The battle at Xuandu, with the six Heavenly Venerables—Zu, Hong, Huo, Qiang, Lang, and Shi—against the Heavenly Duke, would certainly be an easy capture.

Even if Kaihuang, Heavenly Venerable Yue, and others interfered, it would change nothing and was irrelevant to the overall situation. Suddenly, Heavenly Venerable Hong asked, "What about Heavenly Venerable Mu? He is on extremely good terms with the Heavenly Duke and will not stand by.

" Heavenly Venerable Hao said, "The Nether Emperor will block him, so rest assured, Brother Hong. " The others rose and departed one after another.

Only Heavenly Venerable Gong stayed behind, asking Heavenly Venerable Hao, "Is Heavenly Venerable Hao truly so composed, remaining here with me to guard the Heavenly Court?

" Heavenly Venerable Hao did not conceal the truth from her. "After my battle with the Grand Emperor, my injuries have never recovered. Now I am barely maintaining an outward front.

If I truly went to Xuandu, I would likely be unmasked. Moreover, without the divine artifact, the Imperial Heavenly Venerable, I cannot contend with them. But as for you, Heavenly Venerable Gong, your cultivation is profound and you are still in your full prime. Why do you also choose to remain? " Heavenly Venerable Gong said, "I have not the slightest interest in the Heavenly Dao. Going or not going is the same to me.

" Heavenly Venerable Hao laughed loudly, then abruptly coughed violently. It was a while before he could catch his breath.

"Heavenly Venerable Gong remains as calm and detached as ever, truly admirable. I had thought you might fight for some benefit for my elder brother Langxuan, after all, you are his mother. " Heavenly Venerable Gong's pupils shrank slightly, and she smiled. "Heavenly Venerable Hao is joking.

" Heavenly Venerable Hao did not continue on that score.

"In an imperial family, all are born heartless; no wonder you have no liking for this brother of mine. In those days, it was I who invited you to join the Ten Heavenly Venerables and become one of those holding power. To this day, Heavenly Venerable Gong, you still owe me a favor. " Heavenly Venerable Gong fell silent.

Heavenly Venerable Hao smiled.

"Your interests and mine have long been interwoven. Our alliance is unbreakable. Only I can tolerate your clan of Creators. Gong, whatever you wish to do now, just go ahead and do it; I am behind you.

" Heavenly Venerable Gong expressed thanks, rose, and left.