Chapter Seventy: The Descent of the Witch Clan

"Mm, you have made a wise choice," Li Tian said with satisfaction, nodding his head.

"We hope that the Heavenly Emperor will put an end to the slaughter between our two clans and reduce unnecessary casualties," Di Jiang said, his expression filled with desolation, though there was also a trace of relief. Surrendering to the Heavenly Court was humiliating, but it was not the worst outcome... Perhaps the Wu Clan could receive fair treatment under the Heavenly Court.

"Since your Wu Clan has surrendered to the Heavenly Court, from this day forth you are all subjects of my court. There is no need for further, needless bloodshed." Before Li Tian could speak, Nuwa nodded and spoke these words herself.

"Thank you, Empress of Heaven," Di Jiang bowed deeply.

Nuwa nodded, glanced at Li Tian, and seeing he had no objection, soared into the sky. Her overwhelming saintly might enveloped the entire battlefield.

"Cease your senseless slaughter. The Wu Clan has now surrendered to the Heavenly Court and henceforth shall be counted among its subjects."

Her calm voice echoed in the ears of every person present.

Those on the side of the Heavenly Court felt a great sense of accomplishment. The Wu Clan, who prided themselves on their Pangu lineage, had finally bowed before them. Yet, a few belligerent members licked the blood from their lips, reluctant to stop, but none dared defy Nuwa's command, and so they all halted their attacks.

"Nonsense!"

"Our Wu Clan would never surrender!"

"We would never bow to anyone!"

The Wu Clan’s reaction was the opposite—faces twisted with rage. If not for Nuwa’s oppressive presence, they might have gone mad. Chiyou, Xing Tian, and other fierce warriors' eyes blazed red; for men such as they, death was preferable to surrender.

"Enough talk," Di Jiang, fearing Li Tian or Nuwa would grow angry, quickly stepped forward. His form expanded until every Wu clansman could see him clearly.

"We are not the match of the Heavenly Court, so we have no choice but to yield. There is no need for further pointless sacrifice..."

"Di Jiang, how could you!"

A few unruly warriors glared at Di Jiang with fury.

"Di Jiang, you are a coward, unworthy of being an Ancestor!"

"Right, we would rather die than surrender!"

"Death is preferable!"

Hearing these words, Di Jiang grew slightly angry. Did they think he wanted to surrender?

"Enough!" Di Jiang bellowed, and with a sudden display of power, slew several of the most rebellious warriors. Instantly, the Wu Clan fell silent.

The Wu Clan was fierce by nature, but their discipline was strict. Slaying offenders as a warning to others was a common practice for Di Jiang, so no one was particularly shocked.

"From this day forth, the Wu Clan is one of the myriad tribes under the Heavenly Court. If anyone objects, step forward now!"

Upon hearing this, countless Wu clansmen lowered their heads. No one dared to step out; all knew what fate awaited those who did.

Chiyou and Xing Tian stood among the crowd, eyes bloodshot, but were held back firmly by Feng Bo and Yu Shi.

"It seems there are no objections," Di Jiang said with satisfaction, then, ignoring the murderous looks from a few warriors, turned to Li Tian and bowed, "Heavenly Emperor, the Wu Clan is ready."

"Very good." Li Tian looked at Di Jiang with approval, then swept his gaze over the battlefield.

The field was a scene of devastation; the Wu Clan had lost more than half their number, while the Heavenly Court had lost around a third, though mostly common soldiers—no great loss.

"You there, are you willing to submit to my Heavenly Court?" Li Tian's gaze landed on a corner of the battlefield, upon the members of the Sentient Beings Sect, including Jieyin and Kunpeng.

"We are willing to submit," Jieyin and Kunpeng exchanged glances and bowed together, speaking softly.

They were no fools; to refuse meant certain death, so they didn't hesitate. Having witnessed the power of a saint, they dared not even think of escape.

Li Tian nodded in satisfaction, then returned to his nine-dragon chariot and said calmly, "Return to the Hall of Miraculous Majesty; rewards will be given there!"

...

Before long, the great and powerful gathered in the Hall of Miraculous Majesty, including the six Ancestors of the Wu Clan, Kunpeng, and Jieyin.

Whatever Di Jiang, Candle Dragon, and Houtu had said, Gong Gong, Jumang, and Xuanming now looked much more composed. Arriving in the hall, they followed the crowd and bowed, not speaking, but this was enough to please Li Tian.

At least you know your place!

"The Heavenly Court has now stood for a full era. In that time, many outstanding members have emerged. I intend to seize this opportunity to bestow generous rewards," Li Tian declared, revealing words he had long prepared.

"The Heavenly Emperor is merciful!"

At these words, the ears of the assembled courtiers perked up. They bowed in unison and gazed eagerly at Li Tian on his throne.

Li Tian’s expression remained unchanged as he surveyed the crowd, his gaze first settling on Qinyuan.

"Qinyuan has always managed the affairs of the Heavenly Court, working tirelessly for countless years. I have seen it all. Today, I appoint Qinyuan as the Sovereign of Origin."

Qinyuan was momentarily stunned, not expecting such an honor, but soon recovered and was overjoyed.

"Thank you, Heavenly Emperor."

The others had no objections, for all knew Qinyuan's contributions. Yet, seeing her elevated, the nine kings (save for Hongyun) could not help but covet the same honor, casting hopeful glances at Li Tian—even the usually indifferent Shang Yang was no exception.

But Li Tian merely glanced at them and moved on, leaving them somewhat disappointed. Still, none dared show any discontent; instead, their fighting spirit grew, each planning to earn a title in the future.

Li Tian nodded in satisfaction; this was precisely the effect he desired.

He then promoted several diligent quasi-saint courtiers to kingships, including Xi He and Chang Xi. Though they had contributed little, their close relationship with Li Tian privately won them favor.

When he came to the King of the East, however, Li Tian hesitated. Should he be made a king?

The King of the East noticed Li Tian’s hesitation and looked up nervously.

"Heavenly Emperor, would you allow my merits to be transferred to the King of the East, so that he may be ennobled?" Hongyun, ever the good-natured one, stepped forward and made his request. He had seen the King of the East’s longing for the title and, having little ambition himself, was happy to help.

"So be it," Li Tian agreed after a moment’s thought. "From this day forth, the Lord of the East shall be the King of the East!"

"Thank you, Heavenly Emperor," the King of the East bowed deeply, filled with gratitude. He also shot Hongyun a grateful look, but Hongyun merely nodded lightly.

Their subtle exchange did not escape Li Tian, who watched with some amusement.

Are Hongyun and the King of the East about to become inseparable companions?

He did not dwell on it. Soon after, he conferred more than a dozen lords and dozens of marquises. As for the lower ranks, he left those appointments to his subordinates.

...

With the internal rewards complete, Li Tian next turned to the six Ancestors of the Wu Clan. He paused for a moment, then looked at Di Jiang and said, "I appoint Di Jiang as King Di Jiang!"

Di Jiang was taken aback, then bowed deeply, sincerely submitting, "Thank you, Heavenly Emperor."

Witnessing the recent enfeoffments, Di Jiang understood the prestige of a king’s title in the Heavenly Court and was surprised.

The others were also startled that Li Tian would grant such a title to a former enemy leader. Still, none objected; the twelve Ancestors were all late-stage quasi-saints, stronger than anyone else present. Though the Wu Clan did not cultivate primordial spirits and could not use magical treasures, their power ranked among the court’s top five.

Yet, none knew how the other Ancestors would be honored. If Di Jiang was made a king, perhaps the same would be done for the rest. The assembled courtiers watched Li Tian with anxious anticipation.

For all six Ancestors to be made kings was something they could not accept.

"I appoint Gong Gong as Lord Gong Gong, Candle Dragon as Lord Candle Shadow, Jumang as Lord Jumang, Houtu as Lady Houtu, and Xuanming as Lord Xuanming!"

Fortunately, Li Tian did not intend to make all six Ancestors kings, which allowed the courtiers to breathe a collective sigh of relief.

"Thank you, Heavenly Emperor," the five Ancestors bowed in unison. Though Gong Gong, Jumang, and Xuanming were deeply unwilling, they knew the tide of fate could not be resisted. For the safety of their people, they had no choice but to swallow their pride and bow their heads.

Li Tian nodded in satisfaction. Pleased with their attitude, he added, "All great warriors of the Wu Clan are to be made marquises; I will not list each by name. The herald will record them."

"As you command, Heavenly Emperor," the herald replied, bowing swiftly.

The six Ancestors were surprised, but under Di Jiang's lead, they all bowed deeply, "Thank you, Heavenly Emperor!"

This time, their gratitude was far more genuine.

Li Tian nodded, pleased. With a few small measures, he had greatly increased the Wu Clan's sense of belonging. He felt much pride in his success.

...