C2: Goodwill Rejected, Yellow Thearch

My first encounter with a flying ‘vehicle’ in this Universe isn’t with a spaceship or a hoverbike, but rather a creature of colossal size and shape—a bird whose wingspan eclipses the sea. It’s not just an ‘it’ either; it’s a whole Divine Beast with sentience, one which belongs to the Lineage birthed by the Cardinal Gods: The Kun Peng.

This fish-like entity is said to have the capability to swallow all the oceans of the Upper-Plane in a single gulp, with scaly wings that resemble those of a bird and multiple eyes lining its face.

In comparison to the Phoenix or the Azure Dragon, the Kun Peng doesn’t initially seem exceptional, but even an average amongst their Clan has a body that can endure a casual punch from a human Heaven Immortal in the Divine Gestation Realm.

Kun Feng is also closely connected to my Imperial Mother.

He’s both her Senior Brother and protector… Or so the Divine Beast told me.

To his credit, Kun Feng is actually a pretty nice person… Very talkative too.

“She loved him?” They certainly hadn’t been all that loving last I checked.

Snapping towards me, the Kun Peng glares balefully. “Don’t talk so loud! Your mom will skin us both alive if she catches us gossiping!”

“It’s not that bad, is it?”

“The Jade Palace used to be twice as large; one day a maid gossiped and, well, what you see now is what’s left after her tantrum.”

“I don’t follow. If she loved him, why are they so hostile to each other?” I understand the Emperor not wanting the marriage himself, but surely they can still be cordial?

Besides, Huangtian Ming clearly doesn’t have an issue with beautiful women in his harem, given the sizeable group he’s housing, and for all her faults, Imperial Mother’s stunning—that, no one can object. What could’ve turned their relationship into such an asteroid field?

“It’s complicated... Uncle can tell you, but do not spread this story, understood?” Then he transmits the thoughts directly into my mind. “It all started with the three Pure Ones...”

We’re going that far back?

How ancient are these people?

Apparently, 900 million years ago, the Purities were inseperable.

They worshipped the same Master—the Dao Ancestor—but as time passed, differences in cultivation and personalities started to appear; conflicts which brotherly love simply could not reconcile.

Thus, the Dao Sect split into three distinct Schools. The first is the Jie School, from which Jie Yuechan hailed. It operates under the leadership of the Heavenly Lord of Numinous Treasures and adheres to the motto: ‘If you can’t win alone, gang up on them. If that too fails, seek justice from the Ancestor.’

The second is the Ren School, established by the Heavenly Lord of the Dao and Virtues and considered the weakest due to the rule he set down; a rule I can certainly get behind: ‘Quality over quantity.'

And lastly, the Chan School founded by the Heavenly Lord of Primordial Beginning and is driven by the concept of ‘survival of the fittest.'

It's no wonder the Purities split—they were just too different as individuals.

The three Schools coexisted for eons until the Great Tribulation struck, a test of sort by the Heavenly Will.

The Jie School suffered the most.

Their Ancestor, the Jade Pure One, was overpowered and sealed by the Dao Ancestor and the other Sages.

It took them 100 millions years to regain their Providence, but while the disciples of the Jie School were hiding in Green-Touring Palace to recoup their loss, yet another Great Tribulation arrived, caused by the former Jade Emperor, Yudi, who aimed to return ‘All to One.’

I can’t be certain, but I believe Kun Feng is referring to what scientists like myself term ‘the Big Crunch,’ a scenario in which the Universe recollapses into the Singularity from which it originated.

The former Jade Emperor, of course, failed spectacularly and was slain by his own nephew of all people. Unfortunately, with the Jade Emperor's demise, the Throne required a new occupant, but no one was willing to claim it—not the surviving Cardinal Gods nor their more accomplished disciples.

I can't blame them.

Sitting atop the Immortal Court is like being a Warlord, but with much less power, an overwhelming amount of responsibilities, and a giant target on your back.

This led to the Heavenly Seat remaining vacant, seen as a plague more than a prize for a good 50 million years. During which time, the Dao Sect could only lie dormant with the Sages either grievously injured or imprisoned by the Dao Ancestor…

All while, the Underworld, the Dharma Halls, and other Factions circled the fragmented Immortal Court like hungry sharks, eager to dismantle 'Pangu’s Orthodoxy.'

That was when Huangtian Ming ascended to the Heavenly Seat. Out of millions of contenders, he was the only one able to fuse with the Faction’s Providence, earn the Heavenly Will's approval, and emerge as the strongest of his generation.

It was a case of 'every man wanted to be him, every woman wanted to be with him.'

By some stroke of misfortune, the then innocent and kind Saintess encountered the then uncrowned Emperor.

She fell in love—or rather, lusted for him—at first sight.

Whatever he needed, or what Yuechan believed he needed, she would provide—whether it was Immortal Herbs, Pills, Immortal Arts, even invaluable Artefacts.

She spared no effort in spoiling the young Emperor.

Yet, Huangtian Ming never once seemed to notice her intentions.

“That doesn’t add up… You’re hiding something from me.” I instantly call out his bullshit. No matter how unreasonable my Imperial Father might be, it doesn’t make sense for him to alienate his benefactor. I just don’t buy it.

Sure enough, the Kun Peng starts to glance the other way, guilt and shame oozing from his demeanor, eyes refusing to meet mine.

“Junior Sister, she… Well, she might’ve killed the love of his life?”

“’Might’ve killed’, or ‘killed?’”

After a brief pause, the Divine winged-fish lets loose a sigh that speaks volume.

“The girl was just a mortal with Earth-Grade Immortal Veins; the highest stage she could reach was Divine Gestation, and she wasn’t exactly breathtaking—just somewhat easy on the eyes. Even now, I’m baffled by what he saw in that muddy-footed girl. And if I was puzzled, imagine how confused Yuechan was. It drove her mad with jealousy to see how affectionate he was with someone who was inferior to her in every way.” 

“So she killed her?” Good grief, woman. 

“She thought he’d notice her afterwards… Well, she kind of succeeded?” 

“Debatable.” Snorting, I fold my arms across my chest. “Then why is she the Empress?” 

“Political reasons.”

Translation? She abused her status as the Jie Saintess to become Empress.

It shouldn’t have worked, but with all three Purities out of commission for one reason or another, the Schools are seeking to reconcile, and since the Jie School is the one with the greatest manpower…

“She forced him to marry her, didn’t she?”

After killing his childhood sweetheart too? 

“So what?” Kun Feng suddenly jolts, furious. “Our Yuechan is a Saintess! She is talented, beautiful, and she gave him so much! That girl was just a mortal!”

“If someone killed your wife and forced you to marry her, would you be on board?” I stare at him unblinkingly.

“No, but Yuechan is clearly the superior choice—” 

A chilling wind suddenly sweeps past us. 

We turn around, startled, to find Imperial Mother clad in her golden Phoenix Robe. “Ju-Junior Sister! I was just getting to know Junior Nephew; don’t hit me!” 

With a huff, she leaps onto Kun Feng’s back and glares at me. “Are you waiting for this Empress to invite you?” 

Breaking into sweat, my tiny legs and hands struggle to throw myself atop the Divine Beast. 

With just a wave, Imperial Mother lifts me onto the Divine Beast, which takes off towards the Imperial Palace.

We soar through the fireworks and giant banners proclaiming the day's celebrations, the wind delicately brushing against our skin. This is why I prefer a hoverbike; there’s something blissful about feeling the air currents as I speed through empty stretches of space. 

Clinging for dear life, even though I know she’s got my back despite our strained relationship, I chuckle as we land outside the main hall. 

Everything is so flashy and gaudy that it irritates my eyes, but the promises of Qi and Cultivation blind me to it as I scramble off Kun Feng. 

“Her Imperial Majesty, the Empress has arrived! His Highness, the Seventh Prince, has arrived!” The eunuchs announce.

It’s amusing to me that actual Superhumans would willingly castrate themselves, though I did hear the [Nine-Yin Divine Art] was a top-tier Cultivation Art 3rd rate Forces and below would struggle to match…

Originally intended for women, it was later adapted for castrated men to use.

It’s this Cultivation Art and the abundant resources provided by the Immortal Court that captivated these men, who initially had only one option: Join another Sect with their low talent and fade into obscurity as just another work-servant or Outer-Disciple.

It’s not a decision anyone takes lightly, but desperation tends to drive people to do crazy things. 

Buzzing with anticipation, I wait for Imperial Mother to dismount,

Decorum exists for a reason, and I certainly don’t want to give her any more reasons to dislike me. 

“At least you have some common sense.”

Robe fluttering in the wind in complete opposition to the Jade Emperor, who seems completely unfazed by the environment, we step into the hall.

Instead of a typical room, the interior resembles the summit of a mountain where Gods and Immortals have converged, their forms barely visible, obscured by radiant halos.

The ground, on the other hand, is made of cloud that we can somehow stand and balance on.

Eyes darting across the array of Immortals, Gods, and Buddhas—who all merge into a mass of limbs and bioorganic forms—I breath a sigh of relief when I catch a glimpse of First Brother among the other twelve ‘Heavenly Stars.’

Fighting the temptation to greet him with a casual salute, I instead force my gaze back to the colossal pillar in the center.

It's good to know someone has my back is around.

Then, I turn my attention to the Jade Emperor, who sits within a golden halo that obscures not only his face but his entire upper torso. 

In an instant, Imperial Mother vanishes and reappears beside the Emperor, leaving me alone under the scrutinizing gazes of the Gods.

Dropping to one knee, my hands cupped before me to mimic First Brother’s demeanor, I respectfully greet. “Royal Son greets Imperial Father, Mother, and esteemed seniors.” 

“Rise and ascend the Pillar, Seventh Prince.”

A bit hesitantly, I begin my ascent, my skin tingling with electricity as the sky above suddenly crackles with lightning, causing my legs to tremble. “Cultivation is not for the faint of heart. Rise or forfeit your privilege.”

At his instruction, I swallow the lump in my throat and place my hand on the Pillar, flinching at the cold sensation as my fingers sink into its smooth surface. “What the f—!” I bite down on my tongue to stop the course obsceneties, poking a finger into the Heaven-Divining Pillar, which is said to be powered by Immortal-Grade Spiritual Stones—a resource nearly impossible to find outside the Upper Plane or the depths of the Underworld.

It’s the Universally-accepted form of currency, but First Brother mentioned that by the Brocade Immortal Stage, it’s practically worthless, primarily serving to flaunt wealth and power Arrays, like the Heaven-Divining Pillar, which allows Cultivators—specifically the Children of the Jade Emperor—to undergo a deeper Awakening, significantly shortening the time needed to stabilize their foundation.

Because the Array connects directly to the Heavenly Will, there are even accounts of the Universal Consciousness bestowing unique Immortal Arts upon the Children of Heaven, designed by the Heavenly Will to ‘perfectly’ harmonize with their Constitution and Immortal Veins.

But I’m not seeking such extravagant offerings; all I wish for is fairness. A Divine Gestation Cultivator typically enjoys a lifespan of a million years, which—even if I were wasteful and spent centuries lazing around—should be more than sufficient for me.

Steeling my resolve, I take a deep breath and plunge into the Heaven-Divining Pillar, greeted by a scene reminiscent of the Void I before my ’Reincarnation.’

The only difference this time is the ominous crackle of lightning that buzzes all around me—raw power surging through the Space that can even be felt by little ol’ me.

Instinctively, I make for the exit, but the boundary that was there before no longer seems to exist. “Shit…”

Left with no other choice, I walk aimlessly through the ether, humming as a wave of energy envelopes me whole, both nourishing my Vessel and strengthening my Soul. Echoing of Immortal Paths that have been explored throughout eternity, the Great Presence—the Heavenly Will gently wraps around my person, prodding; checking; strengthening.

As a result, my Cultivation jumps consecutively through several major Stages.

From Qi Refinement to Body Tempering,

Then Foundation Establishment,

Gold Core,

Nascent Soul,

All the way to Soul-Nurturing.

After a while, the lightning bolts begin to merge, forming what looks to be a scroll.

The words written, however, do not seem to be ink, but the stars themselves forged into letters… Letters which dance like silhouettes of a person.

There it is—the complete package. A Cultivation Technique coupled with Immortal Spells, formed the Dao of Space-Time. 

Awe threatens to consume me as I brace myself for the Heavenly Will’s gift.

But the instant our minds connect, disgust wells inside my chest as my scientific understanding; the very foundation of me as a person starts to dissolve. Panic seizes me, ripping me from the trance-like state and severing the link between us.

Though this kept my knowledge intact, the information the Heavenly Will attempts to impart was also corrupted—twisted into a chaotic, incoherent mess within the depths of my mind. Angered at the perceived rejection, the Heavenly Will ejects me from the Heaven-Divining Pillar like a hot pile of trash.

“The Dao of Space-Time?” A voice whispers nearby, followed by another.

“It’s incomplete and fading…” And another.

“He rejected the Heavenly Will?”

Hushed murmurs ripple through the gathered crowd, but the most cutting remark comes from one of my siblings, who laughs, a sound full of scorn. “Only at the Soul-Nurturing Stage? What an embarrassment for Father and our Court!”

I push past the throbbing in my head and rise with First Brother steadying me.

The Jade Emperor watches with an air of boredom, but my mother practically vibrates with barely-contained fury; her aura spiking like a wildfire further doused with gasoline.

“Seventh Prince, do you consider yourself above the Heavens?”

Once the whispers have quietened, the Jade Emperor leans forwards, the halos around him shining ever brighter—angrier; thunderous.

“Imperial Father—!” First Brother steps forward, a protective hand hovering over my shoulder, but is cut off by a thunderous roar.

“Did I ask you?!”

The sheer force of Father’s voice slams into us like a physical blow.

The Emperor’s not having it, yet Huangtian Wei, my ever-stubborn First Brother, persists.  “Imperial Father, Seventh Brother knows his fault. I beseech you to be lenient on account of his age.”

A tense silence follows, broken only by the crackling energy radiating off the Emperor. Slowly, other Gods and Immortals start to join the discussion.

Most of those in First Brother’s camp defend me as well, but instead of placating him, their intervention seems to stoke the God’s anger. “Like mother, like son…”

He mutters under his breath, the words dripping with venom. Though the volume is low, his Cultivation amplifies by hundredfolds, ensuring that even I, the weakest Cultivator present, still catch his damning judgment… “Huangtian Jun, I asked you a question! Have cats got your tongue?”

“I do not believe I’m above the Heavens.”

I just didn’t want my knowledge; my memory to be wiped clean.

Who does?

“Then why did you reject its bestowal?”

“I did not mean to.”

The urge to retort, to tell him his issues with my mother are none of my damn business, simmers on my tongue. But a small, sane part of me screams a warning. This isn’t some petty squabble between normal family members. This is the Jade Emperor, a being who could obliterate me with a thought.

And who would question him if he did?

Who would stand against him for me?

They might whisper about his cruelty,

Condemn his actions behind closed-doors, but what good is it to a deadman?

“You ‘accidentally’ rejected the Heavenly Will?”

“It tried to grant me a Cultivation Technique and Immortal Spells, but the process was interrupted midway.”

“The Heaven-Divining Pillar was not tampered with, I can vouch for that.”

Even if it were tampered with by him, who’d dare call him out on it? Snorting at the thought, I answer. “It must have been a mistake on royal son’s part. Imperial Father needs not concern himself with such a trivial matter.”

“You’d reject this Emperor’s concern?”

Nails digging into my palm, I nearly lunge at ‘Imperial Father’, but thankfully is able to hold my anger back.

“Your Majesty.”

Interrupts a man in a similar Dragon Robe before I can form a response that won’t end with me atomized.

“This Emperor wishes to take the Seventh Prince as his personal Disciple.”

The Heavenly Stars Conferrence is held so Gods and Immortals from different Factions can accept the Jade Emperor’s children as their disciples.

The Heavenly Stars Conference is an event where Gods and Immortals from various Factions gather to accept the Jade Emperor’s children as their disciples. It’s intended to maintain peace and strengthen alliances among different Factions.

According to First Brother, he and our other siblings were fiercely contested over. He himself is currently apprenticed to the Three-Eyed Heavenly General, a remnant of the old Immortal Court and the one responsible for slaying Yudi. As the least talented Prince, and the one who ‘rejected the Heavens’ goodwill,’ I, unfortunately, attract no such attention.

I hadn’t expected anyone to show interest either.

Cautiously taking a glance at the self-proclaimed ‘Emperor’, my brows knit together. What fool would name themselves royalty before the Jade Emperor—the Sovereign of the Three Realms and chosen of the Heavenly Will?

“Yellow Thearch… Is this the Will of the Grand Pure One?”

“So what if it is, and what if it isn’t? Will you stop me from accepting my first disciple in a while? Are you capable?”

“He is my son first.”

With a loud laugh and a fist thumped against his chest, the Yellow Thearch laughingly mocks. “You still acknowledge he’s your son? From the way you were humiliating him, I’d have thought him your mortal enemy instead.”

“Regardless, this is not up for you to decide.”

Gazes now fixed on me, the two Emperors clash with their auras, causing the entire Immortal Palace to tremble to its foundations. ‘Is somebody going to step in soon?’

“My son will join the Jie School, end of discussion.”

You know that saying about not airing your dirty laundry? Someone really ought to clue these two in.

Not me, of course; there’s too much I haven’t learnt.

“So this is the famous hospitality of the Immortal Court?” The God roars with laughter, then spins for the exit, but not before locking eyes with me. “No need to prostrate yourself. If you want to be my disciple, just follow me.”

“But…” I glance nervously towards the Jade Emperor and the Empress.

“With me by your side, what is there to fear? Who would dare lay a finger on the disciple chosen by this Emperor? Follow, and you’ll be under my wing, untouched and unthreatened.”

After today, I doubt my life in the Immortal Court will be too pleasant.

Taking a deep breath, I run after him, bowing slightly. “Disciple greets Master.”

The God’s laughter rings out again, echoing through the grand hall. “That’s the spirit.”

— [Log #2: Played…] —

And that, kids, is was my Cultivation journey began; by trailing after a strange man back to his cave abode.

Not my proudest moment, I admit, but given the options available at the time, I really didn’t have much of a choice…

— [Log #2: Ended… Replay?] —