The divine kingdom by the lake gleamed with gold and jade.
After days of frenzied construction, it had become a massive city stretching for hundreds of miles. Starstones were set into its walls, streets paved with spirit jade, altars piercing the clouds, banners snapping in the wind.
Sects, dynasties, demon clans, fiend hordes, and foreign powers from across the nine heavens and ten lands had all gathered here, a vast and overwhelming force.
Today, they had chosen to proclaim the coronation of the Ancient God, the Heavenly Emperor.
"This is a ceremony unseen since the dawn of time!"
"The Ancient God is Heaven's only spokesman—today it must be declared to all realms!"
"The Heavenly Emperor ascends the throne, with heaven and earth as witness!"
A mighty tide of millions surged to the lakeside, crying as one: "Hail the Ancient God!"
…
Inside his hut.
The black-haired youth carried a basket of freshly fried fish balls, fragrant and steaming.
"Hehe, with so many people at the temple fair today, the stalls must be even livelier than yesterday. Perfect time to trade these for some candied chestnuts."
He stepped outside—straight into a sea of cultivators kneeling across the hills.
"Hail the Ancient God, the Heavenly Emperor, ascending the throne!"
The roar shook the lake into waves a hundred feet high.
…
The youth nearly dropped his basket in fright.
"Whoa! Why are they shouting louder than a pig slaughter?!"
Then he scratched his head, suddenly realizing: "Ahh! So today's the temple fair opening!"
Beaming, he raised the basket: "Come, come! Temple fair's open—try some of my fried fish balls!"
…
The crowd froze.
A heartbeat later, millions wept as one, crying aloud:
"The Ancient God himself bestows sacred balls!"
"The coronation begins with a divine offering!"
"This is the proclamation of all realms united!"
…
The youth handed them out one by one: "Don't push, don't shove—everyone gets one!"
Trembling, people took the fish balls like holy relics.
One bit down—and instantly the heavens roared, his aura skyrocketed, and he broke through on the spot!
"I… I became a saint!"
The crowd went mad.
"The Heavenly Emperor ascends—sacred balls reveal themselves!"
"This is the Ancient God's grace!"
"Hail the Heavenly Emperor!"
…
At the lakeside plaza, a golden throne stood tall. The dynasties of the nine heavens cried out:
"Please ascend, Heavenly Emperor!"
Hundreds of thousands knelt, foreheads to stone, tears streaming.
…
The youth was pushed into the throne, sitting awkwardly on its gleaming surface.
"Damn, this chair's too hard. My little wooden stool at home is way comfier."
He muttered without thinking—instantly carved into steles:
"Sacred Words of the Ancient God: The Dao must not seek luxury—return to simplicity."
Countless voices wept: "Profound beyond measure!"
…
The ceremony continued.
A holy son held the jade edict, shouting: "We proclaim the Ancient God as Heavenly Emperor, ruler of the nine heavens and ten lands, sovereign of all races, revered across all realms!"
Billions cried in unison: "Long live the Heavenly Emperor!"
…
The youth blinked, thinking: "Wow, this temple fair opening is really elaborate—there's even a host reading lines."
He waved his hand, chuckling: "Alright, alright, enough shouting. The opening's over—go enjoy the fair, buy some food and drinks, that's what matters."
…
His words exploded through the crowd.
"Sacred Words of the Ancient God: In cultivating the Dao, do not cling to empty titles—be practical!"
"He scorns worldly acclaim—this is the highest realm of selflessness!"
The masses collapsed, sobbing.
…
Night fell.
The divine kingdom glowed with lights, songs shaking the skies. Billions knelt, chanting together:
"The Heavenly Emperor is supreme!"
"Sacred Words of the Ancient God!"
"All realms united in reverence!"
…
Meanwhile, in his hut, the black-haired youth munched happily on a bag of candied chestnuts.
"Hehe, this temple fair's great—the opening was lively, and the stalls are packed. Gotta come again tomorrow!"
Licking the sugar from his fingers, he lay down content and drifted into sleep.