Chapter 82: The Gathering Storm: The Grand Summit of the Ages (6)

The room holds its breath, the weight of anticipation heavy in the air, as the mysterious woman finally acknowledges her true identity. Her voice, tinged with a hint of amusement, cuts through the silence like a blade. "Oh, looks like my cover is blown!" she exclaims, her words laced with a touch of wry humor. "As for why I hid my identity, I am but a mere relic of the past, and I had only planned to assist from behind the scenes."

The murmurs of astonishment ripple through the gathering, a chorus of disbelief and confusion. The veiled figure steps forward, her presence commanding attention. As she gradually unveils herself, the truth unfolds before their eyes, revealing features that have long been enshrined in the annals of history.

"H...He...Heavenly Emperor," stammers one of the participants, his voice trembling with a mix of reverence and incredulity. The words escape his lips as if pulled from the depths of his soul, a realization that defies the boundaries of reason and expectation. How could this be? Shouldn't the Heavenly Emperor be confined to the realms of the departed, consigned to the realm of legend and myth?

The room erupts with a cacophony of exclamations, each voice adding to the chorus of astonishment. "How is this possible? Shouldn't you be dead?" questions another, their disbelief laid bare. The very fabric of their understanding unravels as they grapple with the inconceivable truth that stands before them.

Heavenly Aspiration, finds his voice among the chaos, his words resonating with a mix of curiosity and concern. "I am sure you were not among the people Zenith Heaven Emperor revived," he says, his tone tinged with perplexity. "So how can you be here?"

The mysterious woman, her identity no longer shrouded in darkness, gazes at them with eyes that hold a weight of wisdom and experience. A melancholic smile graces her lips, as if carrying the weight of a thousand untold stories. "Ah, the revival," she muses, her voice carrying a tinge of nostalgia. "Indeed, I was not among those who were granted a second chance at life. I never died in the first place."

With a wave of her hand, the mysterious woman unfreezes time, releasing the Demon Emperor from his temporal stasis. The room is once again filled with motion, albeit tinged with an air of caution and trepidation. The Demon Emperor, his eyes wide with shock and realization, falls to his knees before the figure who had stood frozen before him just moments ago.

"I... I apologize," he stammers, his voice laced with both regret and fear. The weight of his actions settles heavily upon his shoulders as he comprehends the gravity of his impulsive attack. He had dared to raise his hand against a being of immense power, a figure far beyond his comprehension.

The mysterious woman, now revealed to be the old Heavenly Emperor looks down at him. "Rise!" she commands, her voice carrying a soothing resonance that eases the tension in the room. 'Look how I punish you after all this is over' she silently continues in her mind.

The Demon Emperor obeys, slowly standing up with his head bowed in deference. His previous aggression dissipates, replaced by a newfound humility and respect.

Yet, a lingering question remains suspended in the minds of those present. How could there be two Heavenly Emperors existing simultaneously? The thought lingers like an unanswered riddle, causing furrowed brows and puzzled expressions.

The Old Heavenly Emperor, listens to their unspoken inquiry with a patient grace. A gentle smile curves her lips as she begins to address their curiosity. "The Heavenly Court," she begins, her voice carrying a tinge of nostalgia, "was established during a time of manipulation and subterfuge orchestrated by the Current Heaven."

Her words hang in the air, leaving a trail of revelations in their wake. The true purpose of the Heavenly Court, once an enigma, begins to take shape. "But," she continues, her voice firm and resolute, "after breaking free from those constraints, I forged a new path and establishing a new force."

Her gaze sweeps across the room, meeting the eyes of each individual gathered there. "As for wanting the title of Heavenly Emperor back from my son," she states, her voice brimming with both warmth and authority, "I am but a mother who wishes to observe her son's journey, to witness the greatness he can achieve. The Heavenly Court is his to lead, and I have utmost faith in his abilities."

The weight of her words settles upon the hearts of those present, silencing any lingering doubts or suspicions. The revelation of her maternal devotion, intertwined with the complexities of power and destiny, paints a picture of a woman driven not by selfish ambition but by a deep-rooted love for her kin.

Two weeks have passed since the Demon Emperor attacked the Old Heavenly Emperor, the air heavy with anticipation and intrigue. As the discussions draw to a close, Zenith Heaven Emperor, seated atop his seat, raises his hand, commanding the attention of all those gathered.

"Before we conclude this meeting," his voice reverberates through the chamber, carrying an air of authority, "I ask each force to summarize the next steps they will take. We must ensure that no misunderstandings have emerged and that our actions are aligned for the path ahead."

The Coalition of Cultivators, with their unwavering determination, takes the floor once again. Their leader, the Ruism Holy Man, steps forward, his presence commanding attention and respect.

"We have formulated a plan," he declares, his voice steady and resolute. "We shall gather our armies and await the declaration from Zenith Heaven Emperor. Once the time is ripe, we shall launch a synchronized attack towards the Nine Serenities. This assault will serve as a powerful distraction, drawing the attention of our adversaries away from our true objective."

His words hang in the air, punctuated by a resounding silence. The weight of their mission, the stakes involved, echoes through the hearts of those present. The Ruism Holy Man's gaze sweeps across the room, his eyes meeting the eyes of each leader and representative, conveying a sense of shared purpose and determination.

As the Ruism Holy Man steps back, making room for the next force to speak, the room crackles with anticipation. The leaders of the Heavenly Way Must Step Down Alliance, Cheng Lin and Song ONE, exchange a brief glance before stepping forward in unison.

Cheng Lin's voice carries a determined tone as she addresses the assembly. "In accordance with our strategy, we will divide our forces into task forces of varying sizes," she declares. "Each task force will be assigned specific objectives and targets, ensuring a coordinated assault on the hidden backhands of the Fourth and Eight Heaven."

Her words resonate through the chamber, drawing the attention of all present. The magnitude of their plan becomes increasingly apparent as the weight of their mission hangs in the air.

Song ONE, with unyielding loyalty etched upon his face, adds his voice to the discussion. "Once the signal is sent," he asserts, his voice carrying the conviction of a warrior. "We will unleash our collective might, launching simultaneous attacks against the hidden strongholds of the two Heavens. No stone shall remain unturned as we dismantle their power."

With a pause, Cheng Lin continues, her voice steady and unwavering. "I, personally, shall lead the strongest force against the Son of Heaven," she announces, her words punctuated by a determined resolve. "He shall know the weight of our determination, and his reign shall crumble before our united might."