Chapter 136: Boss, I've already played along with the script—can you move the sword away?

"Who is number one?"

"That must be Lady Houtu!"

"Even if not, the Ancestor Witch Houtu doesn't seem to have any particularly outstanding strategies…… but we still have to praise her!"

"In front of Leader Houtu, not praising Houtu as number one under heaven—do you not want to get by? Has Houtu become unable to lift her knife?"

"Even though this Ancestor Witch hasn't had any particularly outstanding deeds so far…… but isn't there Fengxi? Fengxi aspires to be the greatest loyal minister and most attentive subordinate under Houtu—how could he not be anxious for what Houtu is anxious about, worry for what Houtu worries about, and figure out Houtu's most outstanding qualities? So at this moment, he put on a solemn expression and spoke—"

"It's Xi's oversight."

"In this entire era, the only one who can be called peerlessly elegant and surpassing heaven and earth is you, Lady Houtu!"

"Your wisdom is lofty, your virtue exalted—different from us who play at temporary schemes and plots; you truly lay pieces across the Myriad Heavens and all worlds, arranging past, present, and future……"

"The law of reincarnation covers the Honghuang…… boundless ages all revere, the Myriad Heavens and all worlds chant——Great Mercy and Great Compassion, Lady Houtu!"

"Such profound wisdom, such vast bearing…… you have long stood at the pinnacle of the Honghuang; which divine being could be compared to you?"

"……"

"Fengxi's tone was filled with infinite reverence and admiration."

"He was praising Houtu."

"It wasn't just baseless boasting."

"At least he found a reason."

"Under the banner of reincarnation, Fengxi placed one lofty hat after another on Houtu's head."

"As the praise went on, Houtu was about to stand shoulder to shoulder with the great god Pangu."

"Indeed."

"In many legends, establishing reincarnation is a supreme merit, comparable to the great deeds of creating humanity and opening heaven."

"So……"

"This can't count as my boasting, right?"

"Fengxi found reasons for himself, to be worthy of his conscience: 'At least I still have some professional ethics.'"

"Naturally, he felt no psychological burden in his praising."

"Listening to Fengxi's flattery of his own Houtu, there was a hint of embarrassment, his face slightly flushed."

"It seemed…… she was feeling embarrassed? But soon, the Ancestor Witch's eyes shifted, as if she had thought of something."

"Afterward, the embarrassment vanished, the flush faded, and she accepted Fengxi's praise with a clear conscience, listening with relish."

"Whether it was justified or not is unclear, but his courage was bold."

"This scene fell into the eyes of Fengxi, who is adept at reading words and expressions, making the Wu who had turned into a flatterer secretly curious——what inner journey had the Ancestor Witch Houtu gone through behind this? But Fengxi, considering that asking would involve others' privacy and fearing to touch a nerve, finally suppressed his urge to court disaster."

"……"

"Although what you say is all true."

"Houtu waited until Fengxi had finished speaking, all worn out, then reservedly opened her mouth: 'But really, if we get down to it, I'm only a bit better than Fuxi.'"

"The Ancestor Witch extended a hand, indicating with thumb and forefinger…… showing that it really was just a little bit."

"So, according to the supreme status I hold in your judgment…… this god Xihuang is absolutely a formidable foe." Houtu said leisurely, "Therefore, when you encounter his layouts ahead, try to avoid direct confrontation as much as possible and use more indirect containment."

"But…… I fear that Xihuang will press step by step, and someday soon he will take away all the advantages we have built in our welfare affinity business." Fengxi looked worried.

"No problem." Houtu seemed completely unconcerned, "Even if we lose these, what then?"

"At least we have already achieved part of our strategic goals, right?"

"Among the demon race in Kunlun Mountain, many are addicted to gambling…… the corrupting influences spread, invisibly weakening their war potential."

"The Ancestor Witch is broad-minded, able to take up and let go, not overly demanding Fengxi to do difficult things, and also gave some comfort."

"Moreover, it's true that Xihuang's strategies are top-notch…… but in this world, it's not purely a matter of whose wisdom wins!"

"Why do I cultivate?"

"It's so that when I cannot solve a problem, I solve the source that creates the problem!"

"A faint, inexplicable smile touched Houtu's lips, her whole being exuding an ultimate, powerful confidence from within and without."

"Between the lines, she seemed ready to press Xihuang to the ground and beat him."

"Solving problems with violence?' Fengxi realized, 'Flipping the board, smashing Xihuang's face?'"

"Lady Houtu, doing this is neither gentle nor ladylike at all!"

"He let out a long sigh from the depths of his heart."

"Ancestor Witch Houtu, too violent! But……"

"Houtu beating Xihuang—what does that have to do with him, Fengxi? If he could really get a beating, Fengxi would surely clap his hands in approval."

"Houtu gave him a sideways glance, "Of course, don't pin all your hopes on me using force to break the situation.""

"Especially now."

"We Wu Clan, together with the demon race side, still need to keep up appearances—compete without breaking, coexist without uniformity."

"At least, before we confirm locking up that powerful third party in a cage, it's like this!"

"Houtu earnestly instructed, letting Fengxi take it easy for now, first grasp the scale, rely on himself as much as possible to resist the demon race's strategic edge."

"I understand, sir." Fengxi said in a low voice, "I will do my utmost to maintain the well-run foundation…… perhaps we will earn little or nothing from the welfare affinity aspect, but besides that, the reputation and status we have established must be preserved at all costs."

"Very good." Houtu nodded satisfied, "Your earlier efforts in publicity, stirring up a great commotion, did indeed make a name for my Wu Clan."

"But after all, these are just empty talk."

"From now on, you need to be practical."

"What about your charitable foundation…… without the windfall profits from the welfare affinity investments, could you really not keep it going?"

"It's not that bad."

"At most, the pace would just be slowed down."

"But without those profiteering incomes, we can still pursue industrial construction, arrange employment for the demon race members who have been spiritually assimilated, create value and wealth—coincidentally, you have unconsciously touched on some of these aspects before, laying a certain foundation." Houtu's composed and calm command proved she also had sufficient big-picture vision: "The Kunlun demon race, most of them involved in that kind of gray industry, always dream of getting rich overnight."

"Unfortunately, in this field losses always outweigh gains……Even more tragic is that, essentially, this behavior does not create actual wealth; it's merely a porter of wealth!"

"The demon race of Kunlun Mountain has embarked on a degenerate path—let them continue down it!"

"We, let us take the correct path……When contrasted and paired with the education of harsh reality, it can always enable some redeemable demons to awaken, realizing that following behind whom is the most appropriate."

Houtu waved her hand grandly, "Thus, we have truly entered the rhythm of our Wu Clan!"

"Our Wu Clan, compared to the entire demon race, lacks numerical advantage and territorial advantage……Yet why can we still stand toe-to-toe?"

"It is precisely because our Wu Clan possesses a resolute determination to execute the finest system, capable of guiding all beings onto a glorious prosperous age!"

"Throughout the demon race, most are petty profiteers, each carving out territories, placing personal gain above the progress of humane civilization, harming the public while enriching themselves……I despise them!"

The demon race practices exploitation; the majority of its lower strata must use their own lives and wealth to sustain the greedy upper strata.

The Wu Clan is different.

This can be seen literally.

The character "wu" breaks down into "from" and "work".

It can also signify that every person should have a lofty, indomitable spirit.

It can also signify that everyone is equal, with work providing food and clothing without worry, and everyone must work to create value! If the Wu Clan triumphs over the demon race, it will necessarily be a victory of the greatest spirit and system! ……

Fengxi accepted Houtu, the ancestral witch's, instruction and let go of the heart that had been lifted by tension.

He felt his abilities and talents were insufficient, still quite immature, unable to match the opposing Xihuang, and feared he would suffer successive setbacks in the welfare and opportunity ventures in the future.

If he were thus punished by the Wu Clan's superiors, it would truly be unjust.

But with the calming pill given to him by Houtu, Fengxi became composed.

Success is gratifying, failure is no problem.

Holding a light and good mindset, Fengxi cut off contact, began drafting documents, commanding the Wu Clan stationed in Kunlun Mountain to adjust the upcoming strategic layout.

Shrinking the welfare and opportunity betting business, beginning a batch‑scale and large‑scale transformation toward industrial production.

This will require some genuine ability.

Surveys across regions, resource supply and demand, labor costs……How to construct the Wu Clan's buildings on a loose‑sand foundation is no simple task.

This is not comparable to the previously planned training platform, charity fund, and welfare betting……

Those fields focus more on publicity.

Sometimes, a good idea of innovative breakthrough can outweigh a million soldiers.

Now, however, it is different.

One must stay grounded.

Moreover, there lurks hidden scheming and conflict.

Fengxi, representing the Wu Clan stationed here, is not merely bringing his own rations and purely contributing to the demon race——before crushing the demon race's superiors.

At this stage, everything revolves around sowing discord among the demon race, from spiritual domination to thoroughly assimilating a batch of demons, transforming them into loyal adherents of Wu Clan doctrine who, at critical moments, can carry a resolute death‑wish, clutching self‑destruction talismans to perish together with the enemy—this is the core.

"Having industry is not enough; we must also establish Wu Clan corporate culture."

Fengxi seemed lost in thought.

"From now on, life makes the demon a Wu Clan member; death makes him a Wu Clan ghost!"

"Such a tactic seems more advanced than all those previous promotions, doesn't it?"

"After all, that which exists is merely fame……Once it fades, even if once renowned, no one will continue to care, forever remembered." "Thus, what is cultivated is die‑hard loyalty, a complete convergence of interests, ideals, and faith!"

"Even if we continue to expand……I feel I could still play on a larger, crazier scale?"

The foul water in Fengxi's belly began to gurgle upward.

After opening his mind, he inexplicably discovered that he possessed an extraordinary talent in this area, moreover a kind of faintly familiar experience.

It seems that in his past life, and even another past life, he had done similar things, leaving an indelible mark in the deepest reaches of his true spirit.

Even if the ages shift, even if past memories fade, he can still instinctively walk the same path, various operations self‑taught.

Easily, he then followed his recent thought, formulated the upcoming plan steps, not subject to subjective will.

"Corporate culture influence lets like‑minded people support each other, with a high degree of alignment in worldviews, interests, etc., making them regard our Wu Clan's enterprise as home."

"Afterward, begin infiltration……industry, capable of creating value, capable of creating wealth."

"Because with wealth and value comes status——at the very least within a group, also within the family."

Countless plans, only profit is unbreakable.

"In fact, having a family is enough; gradually the connections spread upward, tracing from family to clan, or even to a divine dynasty……"

"Afterward, expose the demon race's dark side, clash with our path, forge the threat narrative of the demon race against us, erect a wall……In this process, all suppression of the Wu Clan by the demon race can be shifted downward, while also deepening the threat narrative……Because the reality of damaged interests means the vast majority of demons will not consider the big picture or right versus wrong, but will act from their own stance, targeting all those denounced as destroyers……"

"Inside and outside the wall, two worlds, two consciousnesses……"

"The conflict of interests itself is already adding fuel to the fire."

"If at that time I rely on the substantive superiority of the Wu Clan system to package the Wu Clan entirely as a savior, the sole torch rescuing the dark age……this also represents the ideal!"

"Just like many proclaimed justice……how many people have been duped onto the thief's ship?"

"Our Wu Clan is the torch, is the light. And since it is light, it naturally ought to illuminate the darkness completely, bringing progress to all darkness; the right to interpret the Honghuang world should belong to us……A holy war, a war for brilliance to shine upon heaven and earth, has arrived!"

"And to defeat that evil, terrifying darkness……as long as the path is correct, as long as the ideal is radiant, we need not worry about how many dark means we use……"

——What morality is there to speak of with those heretical evildoers? All stand shoulder to shoulder!

That's roughly how it is.

Fengxi, holding a mixture of panic and trembling he could not control, wrote the strategic plan for future planning.

This differs from the infectiousness of prior rhetoric and propaganda; it is an infiltration built upon an industrial foundation, yet seems even more frightening.

After Fengxi set down his pen, looking at the proposal, his whole person felt somewhat dazed.

"Guilt, guilt……"

I'm so kind, how could I have so many wicked, vicious ideas?

It must be that I've been invaded by a heart demon!

It must be the doing of Luohou Mozu Qian!

Yes!

It must be like this!

The Dao is one foot high, the demon is ten feet high…… My former self was lured and led astray by the demon ancestor.

The kinder one was before, the more terrifying after falling…… So this isn't my fault, it belongs to the demon ancestor.

Fengxi whispered, consoling himself.

After a good while, his mental state finally recovered.

He carefully sealed away the latter part of the plan, leaving only the front part's industrial construction.

Houtu said Xihuang is terrifying…… So let's meet him with the highest specifications.

The grand strategy is confidential; no one but me will be told…… Hope to gain even a slight edge in information.

Ah…… Xihuang.

Just thinking of Xihuang gives Fengxi a headache.

Poor little trumpet 999, we still don't know if he's alive or dead.

I…… should I check? Fengxi rubbed his chin, "If I confirm he's dead, I can also offer him an incense stick?"

As the big trumpet, Fengxi feels he still has a conscience.

If the little trumpet sacrifices himself, he will set up a memorial tomb and offer three sacrificial animals.

Of course, the rites of collecting the corpse are waived.

He fears waiting by the stump for Xihuang like a fool.

Besides, it's a good chance to verify…… whether I and Xihuang really have some special affinity?

In hesitation, Fengxi activated the Innate Spiritual Treasure, started the Qi Luck External Plugin, and checked 999's status.

The result surprised him.

999 actually…… isn't dead! 'Eh?'

Fengxi's head was full of question marks.

This makes no sense?

999 has even stormed the Heavenly Court—could Xihuang really endure it?

In an instant, hope's fire ignited in Fengxi's eyes.

He suddenly thought of a possibility.

Perhaps.

The Heavenly Emperor that the little trumpet 999 saw…… might really be, due to a fortunate coincidence, identical in appearance to the Great Sage Fuxi? Then 999 himself got scared? And in passing, he also scared the big trumpet Fengxi, issuing a declaration that rescue was ineffective.

Thinking like that……

Mom! That makes sense! 'If that's really the case……'

Ten thousand mistakes, all are 999's fault!

Fengxi first sighed in relief, then angrily shifted the blame.

He scared me out of nowhere!

He put on a stern face, began a consciousness link, and called little trumpet 999.

This is Cave Cave, calling Ding Ding Dong…… Please reply if received! Please reply if received!

The next moment, the familiar consciousness fluctuation reappeared for Fengxi—it was 999, 'This is Ding Ding Dong, received……'

999's consciousness fluctuation was as normal as could be, letting Fengxi lower his last guard.

Afterward, he began asking eagerly, 'How's your situation?'

Are you safe?

The Heavenly Emperor looks just like Xihuang—what's going on?

……

Considering his previous rash behavior of clearing out and fleeing, Fengxi decided to make amends, showing concern to his little trumpet.

In response, on the other end of the consciousness call, 999's voice choked, 'I'm quite safe now…… I was really scared to death before!'

The Heavenly Emperor really is related to Xihuang…… Don't hang up!

Fengxi's motion to cut off communication froze.

999 continued, 'That's Xihuang, yet not Xihuang…… just an imprint.'

An imprint is also dangerous, right? Fengxi doubted.

But the consciousness in that imprint, according to my observation, withdrew long ago…… only a faint instinct remains, just for show.

Right!

I now take hold of this imprint, and have learned some secrets.

The Myriad Heavens worlds are as numerous as the sands of the Ganges. And in this boundless world, Xihuang has left deep traces—some even suppressed the Great Luo trumpets that dared to contend with him, solely honoring one realm, self-proclaiming himself Heavenly Emperor!

But I don't know why, suddenly one day, all the consciousness in the imprints withdrew……

999 narrated the great secret.

Fengxi's eyes lit up: 'You mean, many of the Myriad Heavens and worlds are empty, lacking Great Luo trumpets?'

It should be so…… 999 said, "The a thousand-plus worlds we've dipped into should be like this."

Wonderful! So wonderful! Fengxi rejoiced, "You've rendered great service!"

I have a new plan…… you develop your side well!

He hurriedly hung up the call.

At the same moment.

On the other end of the consciousness call.

Feeling the Tuba's severed connection, 999's face showed neither joy nor sorrow.

His eyes had no luster whatsoever.

After a long while, he swallowed a mouthful of saliva and spoke, his voice heavy with sorrow.

"This... Great Sage Fuxi, I have already followed the script you arranged."

"Now, can you take the sword off my neck?"

"Today I'm meeting with friends, so I'll make up what I owe... tomorrow?" (End of chapter)