Chapter 1460 — Hearts and Demons: A Mutual Reckoning
The Herdsman of the Wasteland · Page 2 of 3
"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.