If Haotian would describe Youxiong in a anyway he deemed fit, he’d choose cautiously optimistic. The young daoist who’d descended from Kunlun to return to his tribe of origin loved his fellow man. He thrived in the leadership position he assumed upon returning.

People gravitated around him when he sorted situations out. People listened to him for they themselves did not understand where they wanted to go. In that regard, he was similar to Di Jun who’s charisma alone united numerous demon races.

Haotian would at times sigh in his heart as he was not much different from the men in the Bear tribe. Youxiong was difficult to not get along with. He however, never revealed his exact cultivation to Youxiong, but had otherwise formed a friendship with the man. Cultivators too far apart would often find themselves belonging to two different social classes in the days of Dragon and Phoenix courts.

In the hundred and sixty nine years since Haotian became Zhang Youren. The Bear tribe transformed from a village in ruin to a stable town, then a thriving city. Humans, mortal ones moved quick while cultivators moved slow, but they united in this era as a single entity.

The Three Sovereigns, Suiren, Fuxi, and Shennong were august existences who were extremely far away. Youxiong’s tribe’s rapid growth caused the neighbouring to gravitate towards them for protection. After all, Haotian as well as Zhang Youren were both recognized as a bigwig immortal even if he only hung around Youxiong.

The two repelled many intruding monster gaining a reputation as heroic saviours of humanity, locally at least. Youxiong especially was eager to play into that image, as he described to Haotian about forming a sphere of influence where no demons, divinities, or monsters dared to bully his people.

News gradually spread.

“This arrived yesterday evening brother,” Youxiong said. He handed a scroll to Haotian, who sat across from him. The two met up almost daily, discussing worldly affairs as well as the Dao. Mostly worldly affairs and gossip as Youxiong’s understanding of the Dao was far from Haotian’s.

Haotian hummed, receiving and reading its contents. “Congratulations, you’re in the political big leagues now.”

“Haha, inevitable wasn’t it? But we shouldn’t joke at a time like this. I need to think.”

The scroll was an invitation. One to a social gathering occurring every thousand years in Shennong’s court in his city, Gengfen located by the eastern shore. Shennong, the youngest and latest of the Three Sovereigns reportedly liked doing this so humanity would stay connected despite the enormous distance between tribes.

“I want to go, but I fear for the Bear tribe without me being present,” Youxiong admitted. “Brother, could you serve as a representative for me?”

“Me?” Haotian was flattered but he had to refuse. He played the role of a human advisor and protector well but he didn’t see himself as the face of the Bear tribe. He admitted as such to a visibly disappointed Youxiong.

“I see…gah if only that swarm of bugs didn’t take root. Otherwise, leaving for a little bit shouldn’t bee too difficult.”

“For you it would still a be trip lasting thousands of years. You’re still a True Immortal,” Haotian reminded.

“Well its a good thing I come from Kunlun. My master didn’t leave me many things, but among them is a shuttle that can travel many times faster then I can.” Shuttles like the ones Youxiong described were created by the Heavenly Venerable of the Primordial Beginnings. Youxiong’s was a memento from his master and needed space and time to launch unlike better models.

“If you improved your cultivation, you would’ve taken the trip easily.”

“Oh you know me, I’ve got more important things to worry about.

Haotian revealed a small smile at Youxiong’s words. Unlike many, cultivation and combat was an afterthought for Youxiong. It wasn’t like he was unaware of their importance, but he more often then not focused on running administration for the ever growing Bear tribe and its internal disputes.

“I’ll deal with the locusts demons,” Haotian offered.

“Really? I didn’t want to annoy you before. But these bugs are very dangerous even for…”

“I know and I’ll be fine.”

A favour for a friend was hardly worth mentioning.

…

After dealing with some issues and setting up a defensive formation just in case, Haotian under the Zhang Youren name, Youxiong, and a gaggle of guards left for Gengfen.

Haotian was interested in meeting Shennong. He’d only ever know of him from his inherited memories, and as he learned many times those held little weight.

“One of the human leaders, our human leaders. Brother can you believe it?”

Youxiong could barely contain his excitement. Haotian found it quite funny his friend was so giddy. It was like a man about to meet his childhood hero.

“You know when I was a child my mother will tell me bedtime stories. The Three Sovereigns of humanity repelled countless evils and created a haven for the nascent human race. At the expense of their own safety, they’d even dare to brawl against divinities and demons alike.

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“Theres a famous story where lord Suiren beat Zhurrong black and blue. And another where lord Shennong slew numerous dragons to rescue his beloved daughter. These are ancient powerhouse factions, even Kunlun can’t be too sure.”

Haotian sent him an odd look.

“Hey I know they’re just exaggerations. I read the actual records in Kunlun’s library.” Youxiong quickly defended understanding what Haotian’s look meant. “But still, these are the leaders of humanity.”

Gengfen city did not resemble any previous city Haotian had seen in his life. Even if most of them were only ever from a distance or in ruins, the architecture of Gengfen was more in line of his picture of ancient china rather than what the early races had built.

As a metropolis, countless human lives resided within its walls. Protected by hordes of humans who’d stepped into the realms of immortality, the population had reached a staggering thirteen trillion souls.

It was a large gathering even by more archaic standards, sustained only by the transcendent magic of its rulers. Yet when Haotian compared it to what he knew the dragons, phoenixes, even devils, it still had a ways go.

Shennong resided within Great Flame palace, a building complex with red walls and artistic renderings of various herbs and farm animals as its decorations. Lines of imperial soldiers stood on guard projecting a great aura of dominance.

Youxiong and his entourage was one of many lesser tribes of men who’d arrived in attendance. Many of whom couldn’t even attend due to the immense distance. The Bear tribe would’ve been no different were it not for Youxiong’s tutelage under Kunlun and Haotian’s help as Zhang Youren.

“Patriarch, Lord Zhang, it seems our table was set there,” one of Youxiong’s assistants pointed.

The group made their way to their designated seats. Shennong’s banquet hall was a full social event, after settling down Youxiong stood back up to make some connections. Everyone here where leaders of their own tribe or representatives of some group. All of them were human.

But as Haotian peered into many of them, he found the illusionary shadow of many beings he recognized. ‘As populated as humanity is, its no surprise many of their greats ground their way as disciples of older powers.’

In this gathering, Youxiong’s status as a disciple of Kunlun could also be leveraged to make friends. The Bear tribe was isolated, close to territories of demons, and lacked cultivation resources to raise more experts. Wether because of his personality or because of this need, Youxiong’s spent much of the party speaking with others.

That was until a great announcement came, Shennong had arrived to commence the banquet. This caused Youxiong to immediately bolt back to his seat. His face giddy at the mention of such an icon.

“Flame Emperor Shennong, heavens above I am meeting him,” Youxiong said in disbelief.

“Shennong, the divine farmer,” Haotian nodded alongside. ‘He’s known as the Earth Sovereign according to myth. Legend say he personally tasted and compiled an encyclopaedia of herbs. Novels say this act granted him endless merit that raised his cultivation. I wonder how much of that is true.’

Haotian pondered on the middle aged man(Shennong) who made his way up to the main seat. Two empty seats were beside him, no doubt assigned to Suiren and Fuxi, neither of whom came.

“Hail Earth Sovereign, hail Flame Emperor!”

Shennong took his seat, his aura constrained but felt. It smelt of burnt herbs and odours from various types of traditional Chinese medicine. There was also a soil like feel to his aura reminiscent of a cultivated fertile land.

“He’s a Chaos Immortal,” Haotian exclaimed. But without him displaying his Dao, Haotian could not judge how far along that path he was. But just as quickly as he exclaimed, he narrowed his gaze.

He had judged too quickly based simply on how he appeared on the surface. There was a distinct difference that can be identified at a closer second glance. Something golden and heavenly.

“That olden term hasn’t been used in eons.” Youxiong chuckled at Haotian’s choice of words. He knew Haotian was an immortal who’d secluded himself until he found him. Sometimes he’d find him blurting out language unheard of for many yuanhui. Only his education at Kunlun allowed him to keep up.

“Saint-to-Be,” Haotian corrected himself.

“This realm has always been so rare. His majesty is the only one present.” Youxiong nodded in agreement. “Even among my uncle masters, very few have even touched that realm.”

Up high on his throne like seat, Shennong welcomed and congratulated all the chieftains of humanity. His voice was warm, fatherly, and joyful at all the fresh faces. He exclaimed sadness at all those who could not make it, before encouraging the attendees to improve once again.

“My friends, honoured sons of humanity, descendants of mother Nuwa, lord Suiren, Lord Fuxi, Lord Youchao, and Lady Ziyi. I welcome you all to Gengfen.”

Shennong spoke humbly, only subtlety portraying his superior power. It was a good performance, very unlike the grandiose introductions Zulong or Zufeng would perform in the past. Haotian considered Shennong, then nodded approvingly.

He sat back, merely enjoyed the atmosphere again. Watching and occasionally chatting with Youxiong was enough to satisfy him. Seeing his friend become so animated to speak with his fellows, he couldn’t Help but consider his own life.

Cultivators and rulers, so intermingled yet such different experiences.

“Another year of human prosperity. Soon enough our little race will catch up to the older powers. Mark my word friends.” Youxiong continued to socialise with enthusiasm.

“Too true, too true. At our rate of development, surpassing the Heavenly Demons or Earthly Divinities is guaranteed.”

“Praise the Three Sovereigns, praise Mother Nuwa.”

“Hey brother Zhang, let me introduce you…”

Haotian only occasionally took part, giving off the image of a introverted scholar. In other’s eyes, he was Youxiong’s trusted adviser but still a servant. Only Shennong’s gaze lingered on.

Haotian felt the Divine Farmer’s gaze, thus he returned it albeit only briefly. Shennong had retracted his, seemingly speaking to others.

…

“When I trained on Kunlun, I’d always wanted to meet the heroes of my race. The ones who dragged us from out of mother Nuwa’s protection, and endured endless storms. The ones who heralded the rise of humanity as a species. Earth Sovereign Shennong is every bit as impressive as I thought.

“Oh how I wish this can go on just a little longer.”

The event had winded down, and with it came Youxiong’s lament at its ending. The young chieftain was sad to see what he perceived as an event of a lifetime go.

“Every thousand years, give or take he’d host another one,” Haotian said shrugging. “Get used to attending many.

Youxiong frowned at his friend’s nonchalance, the distinct lack of reverence somewhat bothered him. “I have to ask brother Zhang, how could so quiet this whole time. Was lord Shennong not brilliant?”

Haotian chuckled, “He is mighty to be sure.”

Another servant approached their group. This one dressed in flame like robes signifying a high status in Shennong’s court. “Excuse me, will the one named Zhang Youren follow me?”

“Brother Zhang!” Youxiong gasped at the invitation.

‘He’s asking for me?’ Haotian was startled at the abruptness, but unsurprised. He turned to reassure Youxiong, then followed the servant. He had a guess as to what Shennong wanted.

When their eyes met that one time, he could see Shennong analyzing him. One of the sovereigns of humanity, how could he be simple? He most likely noticed Haotian scanning his cultivation, and also noticed Haotian’s own suppression of his own cultivation.

The servant, separated Haotian from Youxiong and his guards. Then he led him to a room within Shennong’s palace. There, Shennong stood alongside two others. The three were clearly discussing something in hushed tones.

“Your majesty,” the servant greeted. Haotian respectfully did the same.

“Next time my friends,” Shennong said to the two he was speaking with. These men, both appearing middle aged had some scaled texture on their skins. Deer like antlers sprouted from their heads.

“Are you from Kunlun fellow daoist?” Shennong did not beat around the bush.

“Youxiong is a student of Kunlun,” Haotian replied giving nothing away to his own origins.

“Has the Primeval Heavenly Lord taken an interest in humanity?” Shennong asked again, this time his own assumptions took over.

“Who can say. Youxiong only trained as an immortal cultivator learning all magical and martial arts. Just as any individual from any other race.”

“You do not need to hide it,” Shennong sighed. “I am aware of how many sects and ancient masters raising representatives in my race. Most of the chieftains today represents someone, many from the same sect too.”

“Is that such a bad thing?” Haotian poked purposefully.

“Haha, of course not.” Shennong shook his head and turned his gaze to the two antlered men from earlier now talking amongst themselves a distance away. “How can humanity survive all on its own? Compromises are a must in life”

“Tell your masters that I, Shennong of the Three Sovereigns would like to invite the Enlightenment Sect of Kunlun to a Dao discussion. I believe this will foster great benefits for the younger generation.”

“I understand.”

Haotian walked away from this conversation pondering. Shennong truly was cosmopolitan, were Suiren and Fuxi the same? Fuxi would be a no brainer, he wasn’t human to begin with.

When Haotian returned to Youxiong, the latter excitedly asked how was meeting Shennong personally like.

“It was intense,” Haotian told him. “As I’d imagine it’ll be like when a child from down the road of Bear tribe meets you the great chieftain.”

“Oh please don’t compare us, how could I ever be mentioned in the same breath as lord Shennong?”

“You know, He, Fuxi, and Suiren single-handedly uplifted humanity once we left mother Nuwa’s embrace. They fought and defeated countless catastrophes through their might and made humans a dominant force…”

“I know, I know.”

They left with Youxiong still singing his heroes’ praises. Yet Haotian couldn’t help but think.

‘What were dragons doing at a human chieftain gathering?’