Chapter 1049 — Thrashing the Underworld Son of Heaven
The Herdsman of the Wasteland · Page 3 of 5
"That was me boasting to you. " He could not help sighing. "In those days, how well we few got on, how deep our feelings ran — and you alone were imprisoned by your honored father and mother for six hundred thousand years over some trifling matter. To speak plainly, how could I ever match a ten-thousandth of your abilities, worthy brother?
Yet I can sit in the Black Emperor's seat and stand as your parents' equal. Had you not been imprisoned, your achievements would surely have far surpassed mine — perhaps even a Heavenly Worthy's throne would have been yours!
What a pity.
. . " He shook his head and smiled. "Today my worthy brother is free; let us not speak of such dispiriting things. Drink! " Crown Prince Youming drank, and his heart was somewhat bleak.
In those years the Underworld Son of Heaven's abilities had truly been no match for his own.
He came of good stock, bearing the blood of both Emperor Xuan and Emperor Wu, and he had cultivated with diligence and bitterness; his attainments were deep and his understanding keen. Yet he had been imprisoned for six hundred thousand years, while his playmate of old now sat as a Great Emperor. It would be a lie to say he did not envy him. The Underworld Son of Heaven watched his face and said, "Now that my worthy brother is free, he cannot go on living as muddled as before. What are your plans?
" Crown Prince Youming said, "My father sent me to the Yuan World to try my luck. " The Underworld Son of Heaven sneered.
"What is there to see in the Yuan World?
A poor backwater, with not a drop of profit in it. Go there, and you will only be Heavenly Worthy Xiao's errand boy, his servant. Do you know Heavenly Worthy Xiao? Heavenly Worthy Yun's disciple — you met him in those days. He snarls and bares his teeth at everyone, and looks down on ancient gods and half-gods alike.
" Crown Prince Youming remembered Heavenly Worthy Xiao and said in surprise, "That one? We said back then that we would give him a beating, but he was forever hanging about Heavenly Worthy Yun and the others, and we never had the chance. " "Who else could it be?
" The Underworld Son of Heaven pressed more wine on him.
"A worthless brat like that, and now he has risen — he is a Heavenly Worthy! His abilities back then were nothing to yours; he was not fit to carry your shoes, brother! And now — heh heh.
.
. " Crown Prince Youming drained his cup in one go, his mood growing blacker by the moment. The Underworld Son of Heaven plied him again and again, and called the ship's divine officials and generals to come and toast him, while the singing girls and dancers crowded close, nestling in his lap and against his legs, toasting him over and over.
Unknowingly, Crown Prince Youming drank himself dead drunk — the wine was exquisite beyond measure, and it could intoxicate even the primordial spirit. Drunk as he was, he wept and laughed by turns.
The Underworld Son of Heaven watched him, and after a while, the crown prince collapsed and lay slumped over the table. "Worthy brother?
Worthy brother?
" The Underworld Son of Heaven called twice.
Crown Prince Youming mumbled a muddled reply and sank back into deep sleep. "This wine is truly extraordinary — even I am somewhat drunk.
It was worth gathering the souls of so many gods and brewing it with ancient jade blossoms all these years. " The Underworld Son of Heaven rose unsteadily to his feet.
Upon the tower ship, gods and singing girls and dancers lay drunk in heaps. He clapped his hands, and several divine generals, their faces hidden behind masks, emerged from the cabin and stood in attendance, bowing.
"Kill everyone on this ship, leave not one alive, and send their souls down to the Nether Capital. Leave him alone; take him to the rear palace of the Heavenly Court, where someone will receive you.
" The Underworld Son of Heaven said calmly, "Put him on Consort Yu's bed, and let him sleep beside Consort Yu.