Chapter 50: Secret Meeting (1)

Under the watchful gaze of the moon, Zenith Heaven Emperor found himself in the clandestine meeting with Daozi and the three surviving Tribulation Immortals. Their presence, marked by curiosity and anticipation, hinted at the gravity of the discussions to come. The table, bathed in moonlight, stood as a silent witness to the secrets about to be unveiled.

As Zenith Heaven Emperor took his seat, Daozi bowed respectfully, his voice laced with deference. "Greetings, Your Majesty, the Emperor," he intoned, setting the tone for the meeting.

Zenith Heaven Emperor nodded, acknowledging the salutation. The air grew tense, charged with an electric energy that signaled the weight of the impending revelations. The time had come to discuss matters that had been enshrined in an ancient agreement between Ruism and the Heavenly Court.

"My esteemed friends," Zenith Heaven Emperor began, his voice carrying an air of authority. "We gather here today to honor the bonds forged by our agreement and fulfill the promises set forth in the annals of history."

Daozi and the Tribulation Immortals leaned forward, their eyes locked onto Zenith Heaven Emperor. The weight of responsibility settled upon their shoulders as they prepared to share the knowledge that had been kept hidden for centuries.

"The Heavenly Court Fragments," Zenith Heaven Emperor continued, his words echoing with profound significance. "They are the key to a great power, one that holds immense potential for both the Heavenly Court and Ruism."

With a deliberate motion, Daozi reached into his robes and produced a small, intricately carved box. Within it lay the fragments that had been safeguarded by Ruism for countless generations. As he placed the box on the table, a hushed reverence filled the air.

"As agreed upon in our ancient covenant," Daozi spoke solemnly, "we, the disciples of Ruism, willingly hand over these Heavenly Court Fragments to the care of the Heavenly Court."

Zenith Heaven Emperor's gaze lingered on the box, his expression a blend of gratitude and determination. The moment had finally arrived, the exchange that would reshape the fate of both forces.

"Your trust is not misplaced," Zenith Heaven Emperor assured, his voice steady. "The Heavenly Court shall honor our agreement and wield this power with wisdom and responsibility."

As the fragments now rested in the possession of the Heavenly Court, Zenith Heaven Emperor's mind churned with anticipation. With these fragments in their grasp, only one thing was still required for the grand resurrection of the Heavenly Court, the crucial missing piece, the elusive Way of the Heavenly Court, the Way of Eternal Life of the Heavenly Emperor himself. It lay hidden within the sealed clone of his mother. Transferring it to the clone which later got sealed was a deception, a tactical move designed to mislead the Wielder of the Heaven.

In the depths of his thoughts, Zenith Heaven Emperor contemplated the monumental task that lay before him. Soon, the time would come for the Heavenly Court to resurface from the annals of history, to reclaim its position as the dominant force in the world, just as it had during the illustrious Ancient Era. And this time, he envisioned himself as the rightful Emperor, leading the court with unrivaled power and authority.

The prospect of restoring the Heavenly Court to its former glory filled Zenith Heaven Emperor's heart with a mixture of excitement and determination. He knew that the journey ahead would be arduous, fraught with challenges and unforeseen obstacles. Yet, with the Heavenly Court Fragments in his possession, he felt a surge of confidence coursing through his veins.

With a determined expression, Zenith Heaven Emperor leaned forward, his voice infused with unwavering confidence. "The Heavenly Court's return is imminent, my friends," he proclaimed. "Together, we shall restore its glory and usher in an era of unparalleled prosperity and enlightenment. The world shall witness the rise of a new Heavenly Court, with me as its Emperor!"

"The time has come," Zenith Heaven Emperor declared, his eyes shining with a mix of determination and empathy. "In exchange for the Heavenly Court Fragments, I shall endeavor to bring the Holy Man and your fellow disciples back to the world of the living, to guide and inspire future generations."

The room fell into a contemplative silence as the weight of their words settled upon them. The resurrection of the Holy Man held the promise of renewed hope and wisdom, a beacon to guide the path of cultivation for all.

Zenith Heaven Emperor's voice carried a sense of urgency as he continued, "Tomorrow, I have received information that 'Fat Ball' will launch an attack. It will be the perfect opportunity for the resurrection of the Holy Man!"

Confusion rippled through the ranks of the remains of the Thirteen Tribulation Immortals. "Who is this 'Fat Ball'?" one of them questioned, unable to comprehend the significance of the impending attack.

Zenith Heaven Emperor chuckled softly, as if amused by their lack of knowledge. "Ah, I apologize for forgetting that you are unaware of his infamous nickname. I am referring to none other than the Eight Nine Serenities Ruler."

Silence fell upon the room, broken only by the heavy breaths of the Ruism disciples. The mention of the Eight Nine Serenities Ruler struck a chord deep within their hearts. He was their nemesis, the ruthless entity responsible for the loss of countless of their brothers and disciples. The memories of past battles and the scars they bore resurfaced, mingling with their shock at the news of an imminent attack.

"He plans to send his forces once again," Zenith Heaven Emperor continued, his tone tinged with a steely resolve. "But fear not. This time, Ruism shall turn the tide. By seizing this opportunity, Ruism with the resurrected members will confront and deliver a defeat to him."

The room buzzed with a mixture of trepidation and determination. Daozi and the Tribulation Immortals exchanged glances, their expressions reflecting a newfound resolve. The stakes had been raised, and they understood the magnitude of the task before them. It was a chance to not only reclaim what was lost but also to avenge their fallen brethren.

"We shall stand united," Daozi, the Head of the Thirteen Tribulation Immortals, declared, his voice carrying the weight of their shared history. "Together, we shall face the Eight Nine Serenities Ruler and his forces, and emerge victorious. The resurrection of the Holy Man will mark a turning point in our journey, propelling us toward a future where Ruism will stand against the forces of darkness."

Hearing this Zenith Heaven Emperor chuckled, count yourself lucky that the Eight Ruler can't personally enter the present world. After all, he already used the one opportunity to do so in the past when he nearly destroyed Ruism.