Chapter 59: Unnecessary Trouble

"Human Ancestor, I have a request," Fang Yun said respectfully.

The words not only piqued Zhou Yi's interest, but even Hou Tu perked up their ears.

Although Fang Yun's realm is not top‑tier, the ability they possess is unique throughout Honghuang, and cultivators of any level can receive a boost.

"Tell me, and I'll see what I can do for you," Zhou Yi said.

At that moment, Yu Hao arrived and answered first: "He wants to create characters."

As soon as the words fell, everyone present looked at Yu Qiang, who couldn't help but laugh, then realized his faux pas.

He hurriedly wiped the food crumbs from his mouth.

However, his demeanor seemed completely indifferent as he said, "Sorry, it's just too funny, I couldn't hold back."

"What's that? Do you have a problem?" Yu Qiang asked provocatively.

Yu Hao gave him a dissatisfied glance, a hint of displeasure in his eyes. The remark enraged Yu Qiang, who suddenly stood up and retorted loudly:

"I only said a few truths; what's wrong with that? Don't forget, even our Wu Clan lacks its own script, which shows how complex the issue is."

"In the Vast Wilderness World, everyone uses Dao script; this writing is like a threshold—without sufficient cultivation one cannot comprehend it," Yu Qiang continued. "Even among your Human Race there are gifted individuals, but what level can they reach?"

Hou Tu gently tugged Yu Qiang's sleeve to signal calm; although she agreed with his view, the understanding of script in Honghuang is generally like that.

But speaking bluntly on Human Race territory might damage the friendly relations between the two races.

"The Demon Race has its own script, doesn't it?" Yu Hao retorted, "And your Wu Clan claims descent from Pangu yet lacks its own writing—aren't you even inferior to the Demon Race?"

Those words pierced Yu Qiang's heart like a sword; the air around him seemed to freeze, the cold aura spreading outward to encircle Yu Hao and Fang Yun.

Fang Yun immediately wielded righteous vigor, forming a solid barrier to repel the icy assault.

For a moment, the cold and the righteous energy clashed, emitting a sizzle.

"Stop!" Zhou Yi and Hou Tu shouted in unison, halting the conflict.

"Actually, regarding creating characters, I already have some preliminary ideas, but implementing them isn't easy," Zhou Yi said calmly.

Since witnessing Fang Yun's divine technique, he had been pondering the issue; after all, Confucian and Daoist cultivation is quite alluring, yet due to a busy schedule the matter was set aside until now.

Hearing Zhou Yi, Hou Tu whispered, "Honestly, this is extremely difficult; your Human Race urgently needs development, and there's no need to divert effort into such an unattainable project right now."

She knows well how hard it is to forge script; there are no templates to copy, and merely imitating Dao scriptures could end in nothing.

However, Zhou Yi already had another writing system in mind, needing only reconstruction. "Excellent, Human Ancestor, let's begin right now!"

Fang Yun was thrilled, realizing this was a key opportunity to break through oneself.

Yu Qiang, though not shouting this time, still let his disdainful tone be heard: "Hmph, sister, if they succeed, I'll write my name backwards."

He could never believe that, although the Human Race can achieve many astonishing feats on its own, the creation of script is, in his view, entirely under Elder Hongjun's control.

Otherwise, the Wu Clan should have developed its own writing system long ago.

Yet the Human Race has repeatedly put the Saint in awkward positions, so how could Hongjun readily agree?

"I can't say for sure about that," but they always manage to create miracles; perhaps this time there will be a breakthrough.

When Hou Tu said this, she actually had little confidence, only hoping Yu Qiang wouldn't cause more trouble.

"Just wait and see; you'll end up wasting hundreds of years for nothing, achieving nothing."

Today Yu Qiang, having enjoyed roasted meat and Zhou Yi's specially brewed new wine, was in high spirits, only thinking of bragging to Zhu Song and others later, no longer caring about the script creation.

At this moment, he turned his back on the crowd, ignoring the matter.

Hou Tu remained where she stood, slightly dazed, as if pondering something.

Zhou Yi lightly shook his head and said to Hou Tu, "It seems our centennial pact must be set aside for now; later, when there's a chance, come find me again, and I'll host another feast."

Although Hou Tu thought Zhou Yi's efforts might be in vain, she didn't know how to dissuade him.

Fang Yun and Yu Hao looked at Zhou Yi with eager anticipation, their eyes showing the belief that as long as she participates, the script creation will surely succeed.

"You can try, but don't spend too much time; if there's no result within a hundred years, abandon it early," Hou Tu suggested sincerely.

Zhou Yi smiled and said firmly, "Why don't you join us, see firsthand how we create characters; it might help you."

Upon hearing this, Hou Tu hesitated; deep down she wanted details, yet subconsciously felt it was a waste of time, the two thoughts tugging within her.

"Fine then? Don't end up achieving nothing, merely wasting our time; you know our time is extremely precious," Yu Qiang said bluntly.

Fang Yun and Yu Hao instantly shot sharp gazes at him, while Yu Qiang showed no fear, instead widening his eyes in return.

"Then, give me ten years, and I'll give you a result," Zhou Yi said confidently.

The surroundings fell silent instantly; even the previously scornful Yu Qiang couldn't help but feel a hint of unease, silently wondering whether Zhou Yi truly had full confidence.

"What's the matter, scared?" Yu Hao provoked directly. For the straightforward Yu Qiang, this move was especially effective: "What am I afraid of? Ten years is ten years; that amount of time means nothing to us."

"If after ten years you have no results, what then?" Yu Qiang stared at Zhou Yi, his words full of challenge.

Zhou Yi hadn't expected to be drawn into their verbal clash, but he was indeed confident: "If I can create characters within ten years, you agree to a condition of mine; if I can't, I will unconditionally agree to a condition of yours."

Hearing this, Hou Tu's complexion changed; she didn't know what those two were scheming.

Once spoken, given Yu Qiang's stubborn nature, it was impossible to retract, and Zhou Yi was not the type to break his word easily.

Thus, amid the chaos, a wager quietly formed.

Hou Tu sighed softly, silently resolving: never bring Yu Qiang along next time.

He is too impulsive, always causing unnecessary trouble.

"Since that's the case, everyone follow me," Zhou Yi finished, stepping forward first.

Fang Yun and Yu Hao quickly kept up, taking opposite sides, while Hou Tu and Yu Qiang walked quietly at the rear.