Forgiveness

"Such simple clothing yet it doesn't conceal your divine presence in the slightest... I'd say you surpass even your old appearance." Chi Wuyao remarked.

"Sometimes... Wuyao, you speak far too much." Xiao Jiantian replied, having heard the previous conversation. He slowly walked across the table, his demanding presence absorbing everyone's gaze.

"Now, do remind me... when did I give you permission to slight my Ying'er's name?"

"I was simply stating the truth, with all due respect to Your Magnificence." Chi Wuyao replied. "On this table... all God Emperors are equal, are they not?"

"And who fabricated such a rule?" Xiao Jiantian frowned as he questioned Chi Wuyao.

"Oh, I see... so we're playing favourites."

"It seems that you still have your sharp tongue."

Xiao Jiantian's pressure suddenly suppressed the entire room, suffocating even the air. Chi Wuyao certainly felt the effect the most... the aura of the tyrant who ruled the world with an iron fist. It even made it hard to breathe for a few seconds until the sudden pressure vanished.

"But you'd best never forget who is King."

Chi Wuyao slightly smiled as she regained her composure. "Pardon me for my moment of insubordination, Emperor Xuanyuan. For this offence, you may punish me in any way you desire."

The 'any' had some implications, especially when it was said in a rather seductive tone.

Xiao Jiantian chuckled, turning away. "You never change..."

He reached his throne and sat down in a relaxed manner, observing all of the God Emperor's beneath him.

"Now, while I do like handling things in a formal manner, you may all relax slightly. I don't want you to get the wrong impression that I'm here to make your lives miserable or anything like that... as a matter of fact, I want you all to be better." Xiao Jiantian spoke in a compassionate, charismatic, tone. "Let's just get this part of the way..."

"From henceforth, all of you will answer directly to me. Whatever order I give... as the peak existences of this world, you will follow it and dutifully carry it out without question. Please, do sit down if you understand."

Everyone sat down eventually, putting a smile on Xiao Jiantian's face. Once they were seated, several resources appeared from his palm and fell into the hands of the Eternal Heaven God Emperor and Moon God Emperor.

"While this King can be overbearing at times, I'm not opposed to greatly rewarding those who I see as worthy. In the Eternal Heaven God Emperor's case, I'm simply fulfilling the wish of the Eternal Heaven Pearl. As for you, Moon God Emperor, you made a great sacrifice for my betterment."

"This..." Yue Wuya observed all of the resources that had fallen into his lap. Each and every last one was a treasure that was invaluable even to Royal Rank Star Realms. "Thank you for your great charity, Your Radiance."

Zhou Xuzi also nodded, although the bitter taste of losing the Eternal Heaven Pearl was still on his mind.

"That's... ten Untamed World Pellets each..." Cang Shitian remarked, stuttering slightly. "Your Magnificence, would you care to visit my Ten Directions Deep Sea Realm? Just say the word and you can have any service you could possibly desire..."

"Thank you for the gracious offer, Shitian. However... all I need is your loyalty."

"As you wish."

"Now, how are you adjusting to your darkness profound energy?" Xiao Jiantian's gaze moved to Billy, Nan Wansheng and Long Bai.

"It's not quite as bad as I thought it was," Billy admitted. "In truth, I'm even stronger than before."

"Did you face challenges to your rule as you were perceived as a 'devil'? If so, I would not mind granting a whole star realm my blessing of darkness." Xiao Jiantian stated rather indifferently as if it were as easy as flipping a switch.

"It's quite alright, Your Radiance. My authority over my people remains mostly the same... because this darkness profound energy was your gift. Going against me would be like going against you, Your Radiance. And who would dare do such a thing?"

"That is good to hear." Xiao Jiantian nodded, glancing at Nan Wansheng and Long Bai. "What about you two?"

"It's satisfactory, I suppose." Nan Wansheng shrugged. "Although a few of my concubines were less accepting of me, that doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things."

"You and your concubines..." Xiao Jiantian rolled his eyes.

"I don't hate it... but I want it gone. There has to be a way... isn't there?" Long Bai asked, looking at Xiao Jiantian.

"Naturally, I can take away whatever I gift to you." Xiao Jiantian shrugged. "However, what have you achieved in this time for me to consider such an act?"

"Precisely... nothing worth noting." Xiao Jiantian added, silencing Long Bai. Rubbing his hands, he looked at everyone else. "Now that that's settled, let's get some fresh air!"

He flicked his fingers, leading to a massive warship ascending from the sea. Standing up, he descended from his throne and gestured for everyone else to follow him. Once they went through the exit of the hall, they were met with the sight of this majestic vessel.

Everyone present recognised the Sword God's majestic and only vessel; the Eclipse.

Shaped like a sword, this profound warship was only inferior to the Vanishing Moon Celestial Palace in its speed and size. However, for that lack of speed, it more than made up for it with a cloaking system that made it practically invisible to the world. It was personally built by Xuanyuan Jiantian using countless complex formations, resources and invaluable metals.

Its hatch opened as Xiao Jiantian invited everyone aboard. "We're going to go for a little trip together. You may call it a... bonding experience."

...

And so, the 'bonding experience' began.

The Eclipse moved directly for the God Realm of Absolute Beginning, albeit taking its time. Once aboard the ship, the various God Emperors were forced to engage in team-building activities by Xiao Jiantian. It was rather awkward for some... but no one dared object Xiao Jiantian's will.

Firstly, there was a 'Life Highlights Game'. The basic concept was for each participant to think of their life highlights, select the most prominent highlight which they'd wish to relive and state it out loud with an explanation as to why they chose it.

"Let's start with Long Bai." Xiao Jiantian, being the host, chose who'd be first. "What was the highlight of your life... the moment you'd want to relive most? There's nothing wrong with being honest, none of us will judge you for it. Or if someone does... I'll cut them into shape."

"... I appreciate it." Long Bai nodded, closing his eyes. "The most precious memory of mine would be the day that Shen Xi saved my life. Descending from the skies like a peerless angel, she crushed everything that would harm me. From that moment forward, I..."

"Go on." Xiao Jiantian shrugged as he saw Long Bai hesitating. "You fell in love?"

"... Well, yes."

"I see, I see." Xiao Jiantian nodded. "I'm glad you got together with Shen Xi and made her your Dragon Queen in the end. You're a real inspiration to us men all over Primal Chaos!"

"I'll drink one for the Dragon Monarch on that one, hahaha!" Cang Shitian grabbed his wine and toasted in Long Bai's name.

"Yea... yeah, it was all worthwhile." Long Bai nodded.

He rubbed his hands like birdman, albeit with a smile on his face. "Okay... so we'll have Ying'er go next."

"..." From the beginning until the end, Qianye Ying'er did not look at him for more than a second let alone speak. Now... she was forced to.

"Come now, I didn't teach my Ying'er to be silent. Speak your mind..."

"It would be the moment that you agreed to be my husband." Qianye Ying'er finally answered, her expression being fully concealed by the golden mask on her face.

"That's rather sweet... the moment is close to my heart too." Xiao Jiantian nodded. "What about you, Billy?"

Billy's highlight was becoming the God Emperor of the Purple Micro Realm, Zhou Xuzi's was meeting his wife, Qing Que's was meeting Qi Tianli, Qi Tianli's was seeing Qing Que ascend to the seat of Blue Dragon Emperor, Cang Shitian's was the birth of his sister, Yan Wu's was being named Xiao Jiantian's successor, Feng Daojun's was seeing the birth of his son and the Moon God Emperor's was meeting Yue Wugou.

"Xisu, what do you believe was the highlight of your life? What moment is it that you hold dearest to your heart?"

"It's a hard pick between the day that your shadow saved my life and the birth of my precious sister. Though, if I absolutely had to pick, I'd have to choose my sister over you."

"Fair enough. I'd actually expect you to say that... otherwise, what the hell are you thinking?" Xiao Jiantian chuckled. "Right, Nan Wansheng, you're second to last."

"Uh... if I were to be honest, it would be the moment I saw Qianye Ying'e'rs face."

"Wasn't that also the day I smashed your face into the ground?" Xiao Jiantian wondered, recalling that moment.

"Haha... no need to bring up previous grievances, Your Radiance. It was also a great day because I managed to witness a glimpse of your true strength. Even at that time, I'm certain that Qianye Fantian would've stood no chance against you."

"You're not wrong..." Xiao Jiantian turned to Chi Wuyao. "Now, what was yours?"

"Is that even a question? It would be the first moment I saw you." Chi Wuyao's eyes narrowed onto Xiao Jiantian. "It was love at first sight... seeing you crush all your opposition with such ease and grace. You did not even break a single sweat as you cut through the profound practitioners of the Northern Divine Region like a sword through butter."

"We... would not have lost so miserably that day if you weren't there. Then again, we all know that you repaid the favour by sending the other Divine Regions packing like some lost dogs."

"I feel rather touched." Xiao Jiantian gestured towards his heart, though his tone was pretty jestful. "That was a rather thrilling day for me too."

He turned to everyone who he had brutally beaten up. "No offence..."

"Alright, now it's your turn." She replied. "What was the highlight of your life?"

"Bad choice of words..." Xiao Jiantian wagged his finger. "Because I've lived multiple lives. Though, this is rather fitting. In my second life, it was meeting my Master who was a most righteous saint. In my third, it was marrying my wife. In my fourth... there was no highlight that I'm proud of. Then, many reincarnations later, I suppose it would be seeing Qianye Ying'er grow up. And in this life... it's too soon to say."

"You forgot your first life..." Chi Wuyao noticed. Surely, the first life was the most important of all.

"In my first life, there were no profound practitioners. Everyone was mostly normal... though, they were certainly some physical specimens compared to the rest. This King was ordinary without any outstanding talents whatsoever... hell, I was too shy to even pull a girl."

"Looking back, I was... insignificant. If I were to reborn there again... oh boy, I'd tear shit up. I'd rule my school, become an NBA superstar, get any celebrity I wanted, make art and music, perform on a massive concert stage, vibe on a yacht while watching fireworks in the night, become the world's best-seller... fly a jet... oh man. I'm sure that sounds like a bunch of nonsense to you all."

"As for the highlight... I can't recall any worthy of note, actually."

"It all sounds rather fun." Billy nodded. "Not having to spend every day focusing on one's cultivation strength... must've been peaceful."

"Working for money was a bloody drag, though..." Xiao Jiantian replied. "Ya boy had no business mind or talents at that time."

And so, the hours went by as they all were somewhat forced to be in each other's company. Although slow at first, there was certainly some progress being made. Xiao Jiantian carried the entire atmosphere, making it rather relaxing by his sheer presence.

...

The God Realm of Absolute Beginning.

"Alright, let's do a clean sweep of the place all the way to the Abyss of Nothingness! The more you assist each other, the greater the rewards you'll earn!"

Knowing what this meant and having seen just how generous he was, the God Emperors were naturally inclined to work with each other - even if they were different to each other. Eventually, as they drew deeper, Xiao Jiantian created projections of his own to halt their progress... or, more accurately; give them a greater challenge.

This led to a never-seen-before-sight of all the God Emperors joining their hands, devil or not. While they fought his projections, Xiao Jiantian sat in the back recording the whole thing while also making a painting out of it.

"Hehe... I'll make good money out of this!" Xiao Jiantian let out an evil laugh. "Muahahaha..."

"Is he... planning to monetise us God Emperors?" Qing Que questioned, looking back.

"Sword God Xuanyuan always had a predictable edge to himself... don't pay much heed to it." Qi Tianli replied.

"... Leave it to Devil Master Emperor Xuanyuan to find a way to earn mountains of cash." Yan Wu chuckled.

"A genius... that's what he is!" Cang Shitian laughed, turning back to the battlefield of mighty shadows. "If the sight of devils and gods at the level of God Emperors spread all across the Realm of the Gods, more people will be inclined to follow our example."

"Oh... I never thought of it in that way." Zhou Xuzi remarked, nodding along.

"If that's the case... let's put on a show for everyone!" Xisu raised his heavy sword, exercising the full strength of the Heavenly Wolf Hell God's Tome and cleaving straight through a shadow.

"Your enthusiasm... it can only be matched by your strength, Star God Emperor." Fen Doajun stated.

"Uh... thanks."

...

Eventually, they all reached the Abyss of Nothingness and stood right before it.

"Now this is where I died as Xuanyuan Jiantian... maybe if someone reached deep enough, they'd find my skeleton somewhere." Xiao Jiantian stated, looking down. Its looking darkness was strangely inviting... wanting him to fall into it. However, he retraced his steps.

He turned back to face everyone.

"Now... do you all see how easily we can accomplish things if we simply join together? I didn't even have to lift a finger... well, in truth, I had to make your opposition stronger so that you all wouldn't progress too quickly."

"As for the reward... it's the friendships and bonds you all made along the way!" Xiao Jiantian smiled rather cheekily.

"Oh, you deceiving devil..." Cang Shitian laughed. "As expected of the Sword God Xuanyuan to pull such a cruel trick!"

"Actually, while you all were fighting, I took the time out of my day to make a sweet... massive painting of the action. Everyone will get a free copy of it." Xiao Jiantian gave them all spatial rings containing a copy. "If you look at it long enough, a reward might emerge..."

"Hahaha... I'd gladly take every last copy. My Emperor's handiwork is among the most valuable things in this world, after all." Chi Wuyao stated.

"Right... if you don't keep the painting, a shadow of mine will appear from underneath your bed and cut your eyes out for being disrespectful!" Xiao Jiantian stated rather seriously before laughing.

"Ahaha... then I'll have to hang it in my chamber to ensure that doesn't happen." Cang Shitian nodded.

"Anyways, paintings aside, it's time we return to the Eclipse. Long Bai... why don't you transform into a dragon and fly us to the ship?"

"..." Long Bai didn't give a reply for some time, before sighing. There were only two people who could order him around in this world; Shen Xi and Xiao Jiantian. Although, he was far more willing to follow the former... as Xiao Jiantian's methods were more-so through intimidating.

"Fine... I'll do it."

"Hehe... this feeling reminds me of my old dragon, Violet." Xiao Jiantian stated as he watched Long Bai take flight. "Soar high, Long Bai!"

"Do a barrel roll!"

"What's a barrel roll?"

"It's like this..." Xiao Jiantian imprinted his memories to avoid the explanation.

"Oh... I'd rather not-"

"Do it!"

"..." It was embarrassing for him but he kept flying, following Xiao Jiantian's every directional order until he reached the Eclipse where everyone returned inside.

...

After the God Emperors settled down, they each were sent off to their given rooms. This was an opportunity he had made for himself...

Strolling inside of Qianye Ying'er's chamber, he sat down beside her.

"What do you want?"

"Yikes... does Ying'er hate master now?" Xiao Jiantian frowned, tilting his head slightly. "You know... I'd be willing to do almost anything for you, right? You are one of the dazzling lights in my life... so I can't afford to abandon and lose you."

"The reason why you become how you are was my fault. I left you isolated in the world and I did not consider how much that would've impacted you. This... is one of the regrets of my many lives."

"But as you know... I had to be reborn. Otherwise, the True God Realm would've most likely still been a dream..."

"It's not your fault..." Qianye Ying'er replied, her body shaking slightly. "Ying'er was the one who disregarded your teachings. Ying'er was the one who burned countless people. Ying'er was the one who..."

"It's alright..." Xiao Jiantian ripped off her mask, embracing Qianye Ying'er. "As long as you are willing to admit your faults and grow from them... then that's all that matters to me."

"It's not who you were that is important... it's who you want to become!"

Qianye Ying'er rested her head against his chest. "I... still failed you, master."

"And I failed you too." Xiao Jiantian smiled lightly, admitting his faults as he moved his hand across her face.

"Let's forgive each other and become better people together, alright?"

Qianye Ying'er's golden eyes widened as a few tears flowed down. She slowly nodded, taking his words seriously.

"Mn... Ying'er... will be good again."