Chapter 43: A Plan Already in Place

Di Qu said slowly, his eyes flashing with light as he contemplated a countermeasure.

The Human Race's current strength cannot be underestimated.

Li Yun, Ye Yi, and Hen Ren can already match the Demon Race's Grand Marshal.

If it were not a life‑or‑death battle, the outcome would be hard to decide.

"However, the Human Race's might is limited to those few strong ones; the rest are not worth fearing."

"If we truly fight, victory belongs to us."

"But now it's different; they have allied with the Wu Clan, which is troublesome."

Di Qu continued, saying that once the alliance solidifies, it will pose a huge threat to the Demon Race's ruling position.

"The Wu Clan has even learned to use scheming; their union with the Human Race is disadvantageous to us."

"Brother, I will go into seclusion; you handle the Heavenly Court's affairs."

"Just record the Xiajie matters; don't act impulsively."

Di Qu took out the River Diagram and Luo Book, drew inspiration, and resolved to seek aid for the Demon Race.

Taiyi Shen nodded in agreement.

Outside the city, the Human Race's territory has held a barbecue feast for a month.

The Wu Clan took turns coming, never stopping.

This large‑scale interaction made the Honghuang clans notice something amiss, and they came to investigate.

Seeing the Wu Clan gathering merrily within Human Race territory left everyone stunned.

The Wu Clan and Human Race have allied, and the news spread rapidly across the Honghuang lands.

Both large and small groups have heard the rumor.

Xuan Du, upon receiving the news, was burning with anxiety.

The Human Race's moves are too bold, and his master Taishang's relationship with the Human Race is delicate, leaving him in a dilemma.

Reporting fears displeasing his master; not reporting worries him about dereliction of duty.

He paced in place, indecisive.

"What's the rush? Come in."

Taishang's voice came from inside, and the door opened.

Xuan Du was startled for a moment, then slowly entered and told Taishang the matter.

Taishang suddenly opened his eyes, a cold glint flashing in his pupils.

Xuan Du felt a chill, realizing his master had murderous intent.

For years, the Taishang he had seen was always as calm as water; now his emotions surged dramatically because of the Human Race.

Xuan Du sensed that the situation was unfavorable.

After a while, Taishang regained his composure.

"Step back for now; I will handle this, you need not attend to the Human Race's news," Taishang's voice became steady again.

"Understood," Xuan Du said after a respectful bow, then left quickly.

Watching Xuan Du's departing back, Taishang's gaze flickered with an elusive emotion.

"If Xuan Du had not kept the Ren Sect's final spark of vitality, I truly would have had my foundations shaken by that person."

He thought to himself, "Since you chose death by mixing with the Wu Clan, you shall be buried together in the Wu‑Demon war."

Taishang's resolve was set. He knew a momentary peace did not mean forever. If the Human Race grew stronger, the fact that his own Mandate had been severed would be repeatedly cited by others. That could not happen.

In the Vast Wilderness World, some groups have not joined the Demon Race's camp; among them, the Spirit Race formed by plant and tree spirits is the largest. They ally with each other, forming a unique race.

When the Demon Race attacked the Human Race, the Spirit Race saw it as an opportunity and tried to expand into Human Race territory.

However, seeing the Human Race ally with the Wu Clan, some Spirit Race members became extremely panicked.

Many Spirit Race members began contemplating how to befriend the Human Race for self‑preservation. Even Zhenyuanzi, who usually stayed away from conflicts, learned of the Human and Wu Clan's major shift.

"The Human Race has risen, destined to become an undeniable force in Honghuang," Zhenyuanzi whispered, "Demon Race, you sowed deep hatred by slaughtering the Human Race; now they ally with the Wu Clan, your days may be few."

Originally Zhenyuanzi had few objections to the Demon Race, but their cruelty changed his view.

Now the Human Race's rise, in his eyes, is a good thing.

However, how could the Wu Clan so easily ally with the Human Race? Zhenyuanzi was full of doubts. He knew the Wu Clan prized strength and often fought internally. Even though the Human Race has strong ones like Zhou Yi, most are ordinary folk.

Zhenyuanzi decided to investigate the reason behind the Wu‑Human alliance.

"This time we must trouble our friend Hou Tu," he said, "but it's fine; with our rapport, a simple inquiry should be harmless."

Zhenyuanzi, having formed a plan, said a few words to his disciples and left, his figure vanishing instantly.

In the Pangu Temple, Di Hong, Hou Tu, and Yu Qiang sat face‑to‑face. Di Hong first broke the silence, asking Hou Tu why she was unwilling to see that person, as he felt there should be some connection between them.

Hearing the question, Hou Tu lowered her head, avoiding his gaze, unwilling to elaborate—both because it was hard to speak and fearing the elder would blame her. She gave a vague response.

Seeing Hou Tu's awkwardness, Yu Qiang decided to speak the truth for her.

"Big brother, don't pressure sister; let me speak," Yu Qiang stood up and detailed what happened that day.

Di Hong's expression shifted from puzzlement to surprise, then to helplessness. He imagined his little sister secretly barbecuing, feeling both angry and amused.

After listening, he exhaled, stating he would not overly interfere with Hou Tu's relations with the Human Race.

"Thank you for understanding, big brother," Hou Tu said softly.

Yu Qiang pretended to be dissatisfied, saying, "Sister, don't forget to thank me, because I went with you, and now I don't even dare to eat barbecue." She was actually a bit aggrieved; she had wanted to enjoy the feast with Hou Tu, but could only watch from afar.

Seeing Yu Qiang's demeanor, Hou Tu smiled and thanked her.

After understanding the situation, Di Hong, considering the Wu Clan's increasingly close dealings with the Human Race, decided to depart to take charge of the overall situation.

At that moment, a golden beam surged forward, halting outside the Wu Clan's settlement. Hou Tu realized Zhenyuanzi had come to visit, her heart stirred, knowing this visit must have a purpose.

This matter may concern the relationship between the Wu Clan and the Human Race. Mentioning Zhenyuanzi, Yu Qiang also recalled something. The scene of that battle instantly replayed in her mind.

"This troublesome guy is back again; I definitely won't go see him."

"Sister, handle it yourself; I'm going to get some barbecue."

Yu Qiang harbors fear toward Zhenyuanzi and does not want to be drawn into trouble related to him again.

At the thought of delicious barbecue, she turned and ran away.

"Hou Tu, fellow cultivator." Zhenyuanzi's voice broke the temple's silence.

"Zhenyuanzi, fellow cultivator, why do you have time to come find me today?" After bowing, Zhenyuanzi said directly, "I heard you have allied with the Human Race; I'm here to inquire about the situation."

The rise of the Human Race and its interactions with the Wu Clan made him realize this could be a major event that reshapes the world order. He wants to learn the details, see if he can take part, and secure a place for himself.

Upon hearing this, Hou Tu pondered before replying, explaining that it was not an alliance, but that the two sides had grown much closer, and recently had only engaged in some exchanges.

She felt conflicted inside, not wanting Zhenyuanzi to misunderstand yet unwilling to reveal too many details.

Zhenyuanzi, after hearing that, became even more certain, thinking that the Wu Clan and the Human Race had long had a plan.

He thought that Zhou Yi of the Human Race was no ordinary person—smart, brave, and powerful—and that now allying with the Wu Clan further amplified his strength.

So he said, "I also want to join you; may I?"