*Jacheongbi POV*
As Haeun and I made our way to the Heavenly Emperor Hall, I came across more than 20 plus chambers each titled by its unique name. I could see rooms that I had never seen before. I was sure I had never seen such beautiful scenery in my entire existence.
The path we were walking was paved with shimmering stones radiating a soft, soothing light. Alongside the path, flowers in hues not found in the mortal realm bloomed in exquisite arrangements, their fragrances filling the air with an otherworldly sweetness. The beauty of the surroundings stirred a sense of wonder in me as I strolled beside Haeun, who seemed to have been used to the beauty of this place.
The Heavenly Emperor Hall loomed in the distance, a grand structure adorned with intricate celestial patterns that glowed with an ethereal luminescence. As we approached the entrance, ornate doors carved with divine symbols swung open, revealing a vast and opulent hall adorned with heavenly tapestries and adorned with divine artefacts.
A cosmos chamber adorned with glistening golden accents and ethereal clouds that seemed to float in mid-air, the atmosphere was charged with an otherworldly aura. The grandeur of the hall matched the magnificence of its occupant, a man in his early fifties who sat regally upon a throne that radiated divine energy.
'He must be my father! The Heavenly Emperor!'
Clothed in a gown woven from the fabric of the cosmos itself, the emperor's attire seemed to shift in colour, reflecting the cosmic dance of galaxies. His heavenly robe flowed elegantly, embellished with constellations that twinkled like precious gems. The fabric bore symbols of the elements and the bodies, indicating his mastery over the forces that governed the realms.
The emperor's visage exuded wisdom and benevolence, with eyes holding ancient knowledge of aeons. His silver hair cascaded like a waterfall of stardust, framing a face adorned with the marks of experience and divine authority. A radiant halo hovered above his head, casting a gentle glow that illuminated the hall and imbued it with a divine luminescence.
Before my Father, uhm! I mean the Heavenly Emperor, representatives from every realm and pantheon stood in solemn attendance. Gods and Goddesses, each a manifestation of power from their respective domains, bowed respectfully as they awaited the commencement of the assembly. The atmosphere crackled with anticipation, and the air seemed to vibrate with the energy of the divine gathering.
As the man on the thorn raised his hand, a hushed silence fell upon the hall. His voice, resonant and commanding, echoed through the space. "Deities of the cosmos, beings of light and shadow, I summon you to this sacred assembly. Let the wisdom of the heavens guide our deliberations."
With a gesture, the emperor signalled the beginning of the official meeting, and the Gods from every corner of existence prepared to discuss the matters that required their divine attention. "I ask you all to please sit down and discuss the matter at hand"
"Your Excellency, the entire assembly acknowledges the presence of demonic entities within our cosmic realm!" declared a man attired in resplendent light purple robes, his gaze piercing like a hawk's and his forehead adorned with a crimson lotus emblem. His discontentment with the surroundings was palpable, etched across his countenance. "Yunjae, it is imperative that you confront this issue, irrespective of the collective awareness!"
The deity known as Yunjae, evident from the distinctive sound of his long, ebony tresses swaying with his movements, casually distanced himself from the assembly. "Huh! It's the same old script in these gatherings, nothing new," he remarked in a hushed whisper, though audibly enough to pique my curiosity about his demeanour.
"Your Excellency, the assault on the artefact was an unfortunate error on the part of the God of War," conveyed another figure among the assembled Gods and Goddesses, garnering nods of agreement from many in attendance.
As for the God of War, he was conspicuously absent. Seizing the opportunity of his absence, some took advantage and laid the blame at his figurative doorstep. My eyes scanned the numerous figures in the room, yet the eligible deity remained elusive, hidden from view.
"Who dares to cast blame upon the God of War?" The thunderous voice reverberated, sending shivers down my spine, if not anyone else's. The origin of the commanding voice emerged from the rear of the assembly of men standing before the Emperor.
Stepping out from the crowd, a man in his early fifties emerged, draped in the most exquisite silk robes that my eyes had ever beheld. His very presence exuded an unmistakable aura of authority.
As though the deity who had just unleashed his words had wielded a potent enchantment, a hushed silence enveloped the room, and none dared to respond to his inquiry. His anger permeated the air.
"If you, Son Jang, dare to accuse the God of War, my flesh and blood! Then muster the courage to justify your claim. I demand concrete evidence to support your reckless accusation." The demand resonated with authority, leaving an unmistakable air of anger and intensity in its wake.
"Lee HonJae, ease your temper and sheath your sword," resonated the Emperor's authoritative voice, its volume cutting through the tense atmosphere and diffusing the escalating situation.
"Your Excellency, I hold deep admiration for these newfound deities who have ascended the throne. However, I must assert that they do not, and I emphasize, do not possess the authority to accuse my child. He has done nothing but safeguard the empire with unwavering devotion throughout his entire existence," declared God Lee HonJae, presumably the father of my supposed fiancé, his voice dripping with anger.
"Let no accusations be hurled, for in the absence of proof, Son Jang, as the God of Mortality, you should exercise caution in your choice of words," admonished God Lee HonJae, fixing his gaze directly upon the mentioned deity, who now averted eye contact.
"The God of Peace and Justice has undeniably exhibited genuine wrath upon hearing his Son's name. However, the truth remains that under the protection of Lee JonHo, Min Hyun Wok managed to assail the celestial ground and abscond with a precious artefact," declared one of the Gods who stepped forward. Clad in ominous black robes, his countenance held a peculiar smirk, and his intimidating presence added an air of foreboding to the atmosphere.
'I don't like his smirk!'
As if sensing my thoughts, his gaze locked onto mine, causing me to come to an abrupt stop. Feeling exposed, I averted my eyes and attempted to conceal myself behind the figure standing before me. I reassured myself with the thought, 'He can't possibly hear my thoughts!' Yet, the smirk on his face widened, and he maintained unbroken eye contact, sending a shiver down my spine.
"Maybe staying under the water has given you too much damage, Jirsan," Said another man from behind the God of Peace and Justice.