Afterwards, the Jade Emperor took back the Heavenly Dao Treasure Scroll and then said to the Five Imperial Emperors and the Four Sky Emperors: "A grand court meeting will be held in nine days. I, Taiyuan Daozu, and Tathagata Buddha will restore order."

"Today I have ordered all of you to come to Taiwei Yuqing Palace to discuss with you the issue of redefining the official ranks of the gods in the heavenly court." The Jade Emperor said slowly.

At this point, the Jade Emperor said, "This redesign of the Heavenly Court's official ranks will be different from previous ones. The Heavenly Court has undergone numerous changes to its official ranks, with limited success. Therefore, this time, I will select someone to oversee the reforms. However, this person must possess immense prestige and ability, as this reform affects numerous Emperors, from the Five Imperial Sovereigns on down. The resulting Heavenly Court system must endure for eternity, remaining effective no matter how many epochs pass, unleashing the full power and responsibility of Heaven as the ruler of the Three Realms."

"Therefore," the Jade Emperor said solemnly, looking at everyone present. Everyone stood straight, their faces solemn. "Please recommend yourselves or nominate someone who can lead this major reform."

After the Jade Emperor finished speaking, Erlang Shen, Nezha and Sun Wukong immediately lowered their heads and voluntarily withdrew from the election. They all knew in their hearts that they did not have such prestige and ability.

At this time, the Duke of Dong was the first to speak: "Your Majesty, the Jade Emperor, I would like to recommend someone."

The Jade Emperor asked, "Who is it?"

Dong Wang Gong said: "Tai Su Dao Zhen Xuan Tian Pu Hua Emperor, Fang Jian."

Upon hearing this, the Jade Emperor smiled slightly and asked, "Why did you bypass the Five Imperial Guards and directly recommend Fang Jian?"

This question was not only of concern to the Jade Emperor, but also to the Five Imperial Emperors. Even Fang Jian was extremely surprised. He and the King of the East had never met before and had barely exchanged a few words. Why did he recommend himself at the very beginning?

Dong Wanggong's response was straightforward. "Reporting to the Jade Emperor, the Five Imperial Emperors, in terms of prestige and ability, are indeed more suitable to preside over the reforms. However, according to the Great Celestial Venerable's plan, this transformation of Heaven will inevitably involve various factions within the Three Realms, such as Taoism, Buddhism, and the Demonic Sect. Therefore, neither the Five Imperial Emperors, nor I, nor fellow Taoist Queen Mother of the West, are suitable to preside over this reform. Only Emperor Hongqing possesses both prestige and ability, and is free from the ties of old friendships and favors with Taoism and Buddhism. Therefore, I believe that, apart from you, the Great Celestial Venerable, only Emperor Hongqing is qualified for this task within the entire Heavenly Court."

After hearing the report from the King of the East, the Emperor Ziwei, the Emperor Nanji Changsheng, the Emperor Gou Chen and the Emperor Hou Tu all suddenly realized that what the King of the East said was indeed reasonable.

But the first person to stand up in support surprised everyone present. This time, Queen Mother of the West actually beat Yu Luan to the punch and reported to the Jade Emperor, "I, Queen Mother of the West, wish to make a statement to the Jade Emperor. I also recommend Emperor Hongqing."

Yu Luan was stunned for a moment, looked at the Queen Mother of the West in surprise, then stepped forward and bowed, saying, "I also recommend Emperor Hongqing."

At this time, Erlang Shen, Nezha and Sun Wukong also followed one after another and recommended Fang Jian to the Jade Emperor.

The Jade Emperor saw so many people recommending Fang Jian, so he asked the Purple Star Emperor and the other three, "What do you think, my dear ministers?"

At this time, Emperor Gou Chen and Emperor Hou Tu said, "Your servants believe that what the Duke of Dong said is reasonable. Only Emperor Hong Qing can handle this matter."

The Great Emperor of Longevity in the South Pole replied, "Replying to the Great Celestial Venerable, the Eastern King's words make sense. Our origins are deeply intertwined with Taoism and Buddhism, so it is indeed unsuitable for us to preside over such a major undertaking. Emperor Hongqing has no ties to Taoism or Buddhism, so he is the right person to preside over this important matter."

The Purple Star Emperor also said: "Your Majesty, the achievements, majesty, and ability of Emperor Hongqing are not inferior to those of other emperors. I also recommend Emperor Hongqing."

'Unanimous approval,' the Jade Emperor was very satisfied with the result. He then looked at Fang Jian and asked, "Fang Jian, what do you think?"

Fang Jian immediately bowed and said, "Fang Jian thanks all the emperors for their kindness, but I have little merit and virtue, and I have little experience in leadership. I am afraid I cannot take on this great responsibility. This is not out of modesty. I ask the Great Heavenly Venerable to choose another wise man."

Ziwei Emperor smiled and said, "Don't be so modest, Emperor Hongqing. The other great emperors and I have already decided to recommend you to oversee the transformation of the Heavenly Court."

The Jade Emperor smiled and said, "Fang Jian, since all the great emperors have recommended you, then you should not refuse. As the emperor of the heavenly court, you should take the initiative to shoulder the power and responsibility at this critical moment that will determine the future of the heavenly court and all beings in the three realms."

Upon hearing this, Fang Jian's expression froze. He bowed respectfully and solemnly, saying, "I thank the Jade Emperor for his trust, and I thank all the Great Emperors and Monarchs for their kindness and recommendation. For such a great cause that benefits all beings in the Three Realms, I will not consider fortune or disaster, life or death, and will face the challenge head-on. I will devote myself to it until my death, and will never let down the Great Emperor and the Great Emperors, nor the expectations of all beings in the Three Realms!"

"Good." The Jade Emperor nodded and smiled. "Nine days from now, at the grand court meeting, I will personally grant you a new title and bestow authority upon you."

Upon hearing this, Fang Jian immediately bowed and said, "I will follow the command of the Great Heavenly Venerable. I thank the Great Heavenly Venerable for his great grace."

The Jade Emperor nodded and smiled, "Now that this matter has been settled, you may return to your respective residences. The Divine Sky Jade Palace will be fully responsible for the preparations for the grand court meeting."

Upon hearing this, Erlang Shen immediately stepped forward, holding the jade scepter, and bowed, saying, "Your servant will obey the command of the Great Celestial Venerable."

(I haven't had a good rest these past two days, and I want to rest early tonight, so I'll only update this chapter. There will be no more tonight, but I'll make it up tomorrow. Everyone, rest early too. Good night.)