Chapter 107: Gongsun Xuanyuan

“Gongsun will surely triumph! Gongsun, you’re amazing—” Someone in the crowd shouted, and like a spark igniting dry tinder, Gongsun Xuanyuan’s name echoed around the arena. Yan Ju felt a surge of panic and confusion.

“No, this can’t be true, this can’t be true—” Yan Ju simply couldn’t accept the reality before him. He had fought for this day for so many years, yet at this crucial moment, he was defeated by an outsider. His heart burned with resentment and disbelief.

Meanwhile, Gongsun Xuanyuan sat calmly on the ground, completely ignoring Yan Ju’s angry shouts.

Gongsun’s supporters tried to rush forward to protect him, but Yan Ju’s followers blocked their way, and a fierce quarrel erupted between the two sides.

The arena quickly descended into chaos. This was no longer a contest to choose the Human Emperor; it resembled a bustling marketplace haggling over prices. Neither side would yield. Men rolled up their sleeves, ready to clash with their “enemies.”

“Enough! Stop this bickering!” The Flame Emperor could no longer bear the spectacle. His son’s behavior was utterly disgraceful. “I will now announce the choice for Human Emperor.”

His words silenced everyone instantly. Even Guang Chengzi, seated in the VIP area, narrowed his eyes with a tense expression.

As Gongsun Xuanyuan’s mentor, Guang Chengzi was deeply invested in the Human Emperor election, for it concerned the fate and fortune of the Chan Sect within humanity. He was alert and focused.

Xuan Daozi, on the other hand, paid little mind to the Flame Emperor’s declaration. After all, he and the Emperor had agreed from the start to select Gongsun Xuanyuan as the Human Emperor. No matter the turmoil, these were the only two candidates, weren’t they?

“The result of this selection is—Gongsun Xuanyuan is chosen as the new leader of humanity.” The voice was calm but carried immense authority. The Flame Emperor’s decision stunned Yan Ju and his followers into silence.

“Why is it like this? Why?!” Yan Ju could no longer restrain his fury. He shouted at the Flame Emperor, “Am I wrong? I have never been wrong! Before others, I was a loyal minister, a model of service; behind closed doors, a filial son to his parents, a paragon of respect. Where have I erred that my own father would break his promise?”

He could not fathom it, nor accept it.

“Precisely because you stubbornly cling to status at this critical moment, disregarding reason! When the world is in peril, any place is a battlefield for you and me. Serving the people is not the sole duty of the ruler; ministers share in this responsibility,” the Flame Emperor roared at Yan Ju. His son was too clever, too fixated on trivial pride.

“A single phrase awakens one from a dream,” Yan Ju finally realized he was trapped in a vicious cycle of power struggles. True service to the people requires no concern for titles or rank; one must act wholeheartedly and bear a clear conscience.

“I, Yan Ju, finally understand. I see now. Ha ha ha!” Yan Ju laughed heartily, bowing deeply to his father and Xuan Daozi. Then he approached the still calm Gongsun Xuanyuan and gently patted his shoulder. “Humanity’s future rests with you. If anything happens to the people, I won’t let you off easily!”

“Everyone, there’s no need to fight over this. Those who govern serve the people; those who assist serve the realm. The two are connected. I, Yan Ju, concede today. Let Gongsun be the Human Emperor.” With that, Yan Ju stepped down from the arena.

Yan Ju’s followers rushed forward, questioning, “Why do this? Why?” But Yan Ju paid them no mind. Without looking back at an elder who spoke, he walked away.

Immediately, Gongsun Xuanyuan’s supporters surged onto the arena, tossing him high into the air with cheers. The atmosphere burst into jubilant life. Gongsun’s laughter echoed through every corner of the arena.

“Today, I am the leader of humanity.” Before he could finish, the crowd erupted, chanting “Gongsun! Gongsun! Gongsun!” He spread his arms wide and gently pressed his hands forward to calm them. The shouting ceased; all eyes shone with admiration for their soon-to-be ruler.

“To better govern humanity’s affairs, I hereby establish official posts to facilitate our people’s greater development.

“Today, I appoint Yan Ju as one of the Three Dukes, bestowing upon him the title of Grand Tutor. I appoint my master, the True Immortal Guang Chengzi of the Chan Sect, as the Grand Preceptor. And I appoint my friend, Qi Kun of the Cangjie clan, as Grand Protector—” Gongsun Xuanyuan declared loudly at his inauguration.

By now, distinctions of rank mattered little. After all, he was Guang Chengzi’s disciple. The master would not quarrel over the title of the Three Dukes; they had already agreed on this the previous night.

Moreover, Yan Ju received the first appointment because the Flame Emperor still held great influence among humanity. It was only proper to accommodate Yan Ju.

In addition to these appointments, a special position was created specifically for the study of battle formations—a crucial matter affecting Gongsun’s authority among humanity. This could not be taken lightly.

As Gongsun finished his proclamation, auspicious clouds gathered in the sky, sunlight sparkling, filling the space with a sacred and peaceful aura.

Xuan Daozi focused his gaze and realized—it was the Heavenly Way itself. What was happening?

It turned out the Flame Emperor’s merits were complete, and he was to ascend to the Fire Cloud Cavern, transcending worldly affairs.

But the matters of the mortal realm were not yet settled. How could he depart now?

Xuan Daozi promptly transmitted this to Tong Tian, who understood the gravity of the situation and reported to the Dao Ancestor Hongjun. The response was simply: “Follow the will of Heaven.”

Xuan Daozi gave up. Let it be as it may. Humanity had joined the Chan Sect; let them manage their own affairs.

“Below, the Yan Mountain Clan’s Yi Qi, heed the decree.” The voice was ethereal yet powerful. No one dared to challenge the Heavenly Way’s authority now. This was a serious matter, and one could never predict when calamity might strike.

“I am here,” Yi Qi responded. The Flame Emperor was also a disciple of the Human Sect, so he accepted the Heavenly Way’s grace with reverence.

“Yi Qi of the Yan Mountain Clan was born of the Southern Shaodian lineage. His mother belonged to the Youjiao clan. At twenty-eight, he became the second Human Emperor. During his reign, he fashioned plows and hoes, sowed the five grains, laying the agricultural foundation for humanity;

“He established markets, pioneering commerce and allowing surplus goods to flow freely, meeting the needs of the people;

“He crafted bows from wood, greatly reducing injuries during hunts;

“He created pottery, improving daily life;

“He tasted countless medicines and compiled the medical text ‘Shennong’s Herbal Classic’—” The Heavenly Way tirelessly recounted the Flame Emperor’s merits for the people.

“Now, with his merits complete, he shall be one of the Three Emperors of humanity, ascending to the Fire Cloud Cavern, free from worldly karmic ties, untouched by countless kalpas.” The Heavenly Law Wheel radiated thousands of golden beams, dazzling all who looked upon it.

“From now on, humanity shall rely on the Holy Father and you,” the Flame Emperor bowed deeply to Xuan Daozi and Xuanyuan. His greatest concern was not the power he relinquished, but the fact that war still raged and he was leaving humanity vulnerable. The safety of his people weighed heavily on his heart.

“Senior Flame Emperor, rest assured. I vow to protect humanity with my very life.” Though brief, Gongsun Xuanyuan’s words brimmed with unwavering resolve.

“Yi Qi, your happiness lies ahead. I wonder where my own path leads. Well then, congratulations on your complete merits!” Xuan Daozi, as the Holy Father of humanity, bore great responsibility and care for his people.

The Flame Emperor nodded deeply at these words, his face alight with the glow of triumph. The Holy Father’s burdens surpassed even those of the two great Emperors Fuxi and Nüwa. Rather than rulers, the Holy Father was the teacher, leader, and guardian of all humanity.

“Father,” Yan Ju spoke, knowing this might be their last conversation. His eyes brimmed with sorrow and reluctance. The only family he had was about to leave him. Those nearby silently stepped aside, allowing the two a quiet moment to share.

“Child, all words have their end. As the steward of humanity, I must contribute to its welfare. This couplet is a gift from the Holy Father to me, and now I give it to you, to inspire and guide you forward.” The Flame Emperor handed the couplet to Yan Ju, who, like a boy who never grew up, stepped forward and embraced his father tightly. “Father!”

With that, the Flame Emperor’s merits were complete, and he ascended to the Fire Cloud Cavern.

Watching his father depart, curiosity urged Yan Ju to open the couplet.

“Worry before all under heaven worry; rejoice after all under heaven rejoice.”

Clutching the couplet tightly, Yan Ju shouted, “I will not fail your expectations!”