Chapter 55: Plotting the Future

Seeing this, the other races also appeared one after another. Taiyi Shen and Di Chong, upon witnessing the scene, had their expressions change abruptly.

They silently speculated that the forging of the Witch-slaying Sword should have been highly secret; could it be that the Human Race leaked it to the Wu Clan?

If so, the next opportunity will be hard to come by.

Thus, the two transformed without hesitation into their Golden Crow true forms and swiftly flew to the sky above the Desolate Kingdom.

In an instant, the dominant Wu Clan of the Vast Wilderness, Saint Nüwa, Taiyi Shen and Di Chong, together with the Human Race whose fame had recently surged, gathered here, the atmosphere tense as a drawn bowstring.

"Dong Huang Emperor, please stop them," Nüwa ordered; although Taiyi Shen and Di Chong were unwilling, they dared not defy her command and had to act.

Just as the two sides were about to clash, a flash of light streaked across the sky like a falling meteor, accompanied by a shrill wind.

The sound seemed capable of tearing the heavens and cutting through everything.

Sharp sword qi spread outward, causing a jolt in the hearts of the Wu and Demon Race's strongmen.

Nüwa's expression grew serious; a long sword landed before her, and the hand that had been clenched loosened.

"Tongtian," Nüwa exclaimed.

With a bright laugh, a young man in white descended onto the sword, standing steadily and calmly surveying his surroundings.

Yet no one dared meet his gaze, Nüwa included, for behind him, four long swords had mysteriously floated, their sword qi as tangible as solid matter, chilling to the bone.

"Tongtian, you also wish to intervene in this matter?" Nüwa's brows furrowed.

Tongtian smiled, lifted his wine gourd, took a sip, and said slowly, "You've already run out of arguments; why are you still standing here?"

"Compared to you, she is more suitable as the Human Race's guardian, right?"

Seeing Tongtian appear ready to aid the other side, Nüwa couldn't help but question his motive: "Tongtian, are you also on their side? What is your purpose?" She was full of confusion, not understanding why a member of the Daoist sect would help outsiders.

Tongtian calmly explained, "There's no special reason; I just couldn't stand by, so I decided to intervene. You'd better leave this place." As soon as he finished speaking, the four swords behind him flew out automatically, scattering around.

A flash of cold light flickered in Nüwa's eyes, but she quickly concealed it. The Zhu Xian Sword Formation cannot be broken except by four Saints, and that is no idle claim. Immediately, one of the swords slashed toward the Kongtong Seal, instantly severing the golden light that had bound Zhou Yi, causing him to fall heavily to the ground, panting heavily.

"Tongtian," Nüwa roared, the space around trembling with her anger. Yet Tongtian seemed unfazed, continuing to sip his wine, his gaze like a hunting hawk fixed on Nüwa, ready to act at any moment.

After landing, Zhou Yi immediately activated the Human Race's Mandate within him, manifesting a law image.

Although this law image was far smaller than the original and merely a shadow, he did not hesitate to reach out and manipulate, forcibly extracting the Human Race's Mandate from the Kongtong Seal.

Nüwa's complexion changed dramatically; she knew she was far inferior to Zhou Yi in controlling and wielding the Human Race's Mandate.

Though hard to believe, it was indeed true.

As she prepared to intervene, a blood‑red long sword hovered before her.

Tongtian continued to drink leisurely, his eyes cold as a winter star, fixed on Nüwa. She could feel the other three swords silently drifting behind her.

"Tongtian, you will regret today's actions," Nüwa said through clenched teeth.

"What is there to regret? You and Taishang Laojun are in the same camp, and I chose to help them because I am willing."

Tongtian replied indifferently, warning, "I suggest you not act rashly; should the Four Zhu Xian Swords fall accidentally, it would not be favorable to you."

Thus, under Tongtian's deterrence, Nüwa could only watch helplessly as Zhou Yi retrieved the Kongtong Seal: "Tongtian, I have noted that."

"The Kongtong Seal is in my hand," Zhou Yi said, his face beaming with a victorious smile, a mix of relief after surviving a calamity and the joy of a successful treasure snatch.

Fang Yun, Ye Yi, and Hen Ren stood quietly beside him.

Nüwa felt the Kongtong Seal had completely lost its connection to her, realizing the Human Race's already unstable Mandate was stirring again. She was startled, deeming it unwise to linger, fearing Zhou Yi might seize the last fragment of the Human Mandate.

"Tongtian, I have recorded today's enmity," she said through clenched teeth, then turned and left.

Taiyi Shen and Di Chong, seeing this, also departed silently, having confirmed Nüwa's stance and needing not stay.

Zhou Yi and his companions hurried forward, bowing deeply to Tongtian and the Wu Clan, "Thank you, Saint Tongtian, thank you all for your assistance," Zhou Yi said respectfully.

"Don't be so formal, we just can't stand her," Zhu Song laughed heartily, his laughter causing those around to laugh as well. Zhou Yi also smiled and waved.

"We only gave a small help; from now on it's up to you," Di Hong added, "Call back those Human Race who fled far, lest they fall again into the Demon Race's hands."

The Wu Clan members were unwilling to linger; seeing Zhou Yi and the others unharmed, they left.

Zhou Yi watched their departing silhouettes, noting two women in particular; they seemed familiar, though he couldn't recall where he had seen them.

Nevertheless, he believed there would be a chance to find out later.

"Saint, would you like to come in and sit together?" Zhou Yi invited respectfully.

"Your Human Race's Desolate Kingdom has become ruins; where else can we sit?" Saint Tongtian retorted.

"Here then, youngster. Your wine is fine, ranking among my top few; pour me some more," Tongtian said, shaking the wine gourd in his hand toward Zhou Yi.

Zhou Yi did not hesitate, flicking his sleeve; the newly crafted white wine from the Eight Altar appeared instantly before Tongtian. The wine, infused with numerous spiritual fruits, exuded a fragrance that marked it as a rare fine liquor.

Tongtian simply opened a jar, inhaled, and laughed happily, "Helping you is worthwhile; this fine wine is enough."

"But kid, you need to keep a low profile lately; many are watching you. With Nüwa here today, I can lend you a hand, but if those unreasonable strong foes arrive, you'll have trouble," Tongtian warned.

Zhou Yi knew exactly who Tongtian referred to; he intended to continue flattering the Saint, but found his efforts had no effect on the carefree Saint.

"Carefree and unrestrained, Daoist Tongtian," Zhou Yi thought to himself.

At this moment, the Renzu Buluo was in chaos; valleys were leveled, fissures crisscrossed the earth. Fortunately, casualties were few; the hunting squad suffered many injuries but no deaths.

With the help of Xiao Ling'er and the mountain, everyone gathered in a safe zone.

"Everyone, the task is heavy and the road long," Zhou Yi said, gazing at the valley's devastation, brows furrowed, calculating the future in his mind.

Although Nüwa had been temporarily repelled, the Human Race's future remained fraught with challenges, requiring even more careful and prudent planning.