Somewhere between reality and fantasy in the ancient dimention realm…
A magnificent golden palace that blocks out the sky and sun stands suspended in the void.
It radiates endless golden light at all times and appears solemn and dignified.
At this moment—
Golden lights began flashing across the void, then coalesced and entered the palace.
As the golden lights increased, the area surrounding the palace grew ever brighter, and the palace itself expanded in size and grandeur.
…
Although Gu Penjing left following the pull of a mysterious force, to him, it felt instantaneous.
He sensed the world around him shift.
He found himself seated on a magnificent golden throne, the surrounding scenery bathed in divine golden light.
This was a rectangular palace space.
Just as he was about to rise and investigate, Gu Penjing paused, then sat back down, silently observing the strange phenomena unfolding.
Dozens of thrones began materializing to his left and across from him. Blurry figures appeared on each one.
More and more thrones and figures manifested in the void, until Gu Penjing stopped bothering to count them.
To his left extended an endless row of seats.
Opposite him sat a similar line of thrones occupied by peculiar and awe-inspiring figures.
As Gu Penjing observed, the others did as well.
Even the milky white figure seated directly opposite him gazed at him unabashedly.
A long time passed.
At last, no more thrones or figures appeared.
As if by tacit agreement, the divine seats fully manifested, and with them emerged the Avenues (Daos) each being represented.
Thunder, ocean, the sun—each throne displayed a unique Avenue, some even stranger.
These manifestations were short-lived; the Avenues engraved themselves upon the thrones.
Gu Penjing's throne was no exception.
Then, a surge of information appeared in the depths of his consciousness.
> Projection of the Temple of the Gods — the crystallization of divine will — repository of the gods' authority.
This was the Shinto treasure Gu Penjing had acquired: the Projection of the Temple of the Gods in the prehistoric universe.
The will of the gods here was formed by the Tablet of Fate, designating Gu Penjing as the appointed host of the Gods' Assembly.
But—
Upon learning this, Gu Penjing's heart sank.
To preside over the Assembly in his own name would make him the mouthpiece of Shinto, under the direct gaze of divine will.
That was not a path he desired.
It wasn't that being Shinto's spokesperson was undesirable—but Gu Penjing already had a better path. Choosing Shinto would entangle him in endless divine, immortal, and demonic disputes.
The Tao-Demon calamity would eventually evolve into a greater catastrophe—one involving gods, immortals, demons, monsters, ghosts, and Buddhas.
Would such a world even resemble the original primordial desolation era?
Originally, the Immortal Way had emerged victorious and become the mainstream.
But now, with Shinto present and growing, would the Immortal Way still dominate? Would the Demon Way vanish again as it did in history?
If Gu Penjing accepted control over Shinto…
Perhaps with his system and divine will at his side, Shinto might break free from being a subordinate to the Immortal Way.
But with someone like Hongjun, blessed by Heaven and steeped in the Immortal Path…
Things wouldn't be so simple.
Gu Penjing sighed deeply.
---
"Temple of the Gods? I didn't expect such a place to exist in the ancient times." said the figure across from Gu Penjing.
Everyone present had received messages from their thrones.
But only Gu Penjing was given the role of meeting host.
Still, the attendees were no fools—they were all Innate being who had existed for countless ages.
From the seating order alone, they knew who the strongest among them were.
The front two thrones—one occupied by Gu Penjing, the other by the white figure—clearly marked the top contenders.
So, most remained silent, turning their attention to the two.
Gu Penjing, after a moment of thought, smiled faintly and spoke:
> "I have good news and bad news. Which would you like to hear first?"
The room stirred.
"What news?" the figure opposite asked with thinly veiled irritation.
The rest leaned in with curiosity.
Gu Penjing continued with a light chuckle:
> "Have you all received the message about the Temple of the Gods?"
No one answered.
He went on.
> "Unfortunately for all of you, I received an invitation from the Lord God—to preside over this Assembly."
The second-ranking innate sacred being across from him sneered:
"Ridiculous! The divine will is formed from our collective will. None of us consented to your invitation—how could you host us?"
Gu Penjing didn't argue, simply laughed.
> "The good news is—I've already declined it."
"What?!"
The gods were stunned.
Whispers filled the air—shock, suspicion, speculation.
Gu Penjing ignored them all.
"Hah! Funniest thing I've heard today," sneered the second figure again.
"Why would you reject such a position?"
A different voice now asked—this one from the first seat to Gu Penjing's left.
Gu Penjing smiled calmly.
> "Because this is not my Dao."
The chaos that followed was silenced by the figure opposite, who shouted:
"Enough. Silence!"
His words, heavy with power, stunned the hall.
The lesser being quieted instantly.
He looked satisfied.
But some of the higher being snorted coldly at his display.
Gu Penjing only looked on with amusement.
Not yet the master of the Temple of the Gods, and already trying to command it? He's clearly ambitious.
---
"My name is Vorthalyn ," the figure opposite declared.
"Peak of the Daluo Realm. Master of the Law of Light. Also versed in Creation, Fortune, Thunder, and the Five Elements."
"I possess the Book of Creation, the Supreme Scepter, and the Angel Pool."
He paused to glance at Gu Penjing, face proud.
"Therefore, I believe the role of Master of the Gods should be mine."
Gu Penjing remained unmoved.
But the lower-ranked gods gasped.
Three Innate Spiritual Treasures?!
Among the hundreds of front-seated being, most possessed just one at most—if that.
They all knew Vorthalyn was powerful.
But this much?
Even they were surprised.
Still, those sitting closest to the front sensed the truth from their thrones.
Yes,Vorthalyn was strong.
But many present were also at the peak of the Daluo Realm.
Even so, possessing three Innate Treasures made him extremely formidable.
---