Chapter 147: Explaining, shifting blame, putting on a show—all in one breath!

Song, lightly and casually exposed the Wu Clan's reincarnation strategy, laying everything bare under the sunlight.

And, in passing, gave a brief evaluation.

He had ideas, and his courage was also great.

But to shake the stability of the entire Demon Race?

Still not enough.

Far from enough.

The speaker was quite casual, but the listener felt anything but comfortable.

Fengxi sat in the chair, feeling as if sitting on pins and needles, his inner emotions tumultuous beyond measure.

Anxious, resentful…

And so on.

He felt uneasy about the grand strategy being known to outsiders, and also resentful that his own plans were being dismissed.

He opened his mouth to say something—either directly deny the so-called reincarnation, or counter Song's evaluation.

But when the words reached his lips, he ultimately did not speak them, instead swallowing them back.

Instead, he let out a long sigh, as if to vent all his negative emotions, to calmly reassess the situation.

"Huuu..."

At this point, Fengxi finally realized with a start that since this 'Song' appeared, the two had begun an invisible clash of minds… Unfortunately, he had been completely unaware beforehand, nearly being led by the nose from start to finish, subdued invisibly.

Fortunately, he now reacted, able to stabilize his emotions, lay down a defensive line, rally his forces, and fight again.

Once his mind cleared, many problems ceased to be problems.

Fengxi's mindset instantly returned to being as steady as an old dog.

Not the slightest bit false, not the slightest bit afraid.

Is he, Fengxi, someone who grew up being scared?

"You know the reincarnation strategy… so what?"

"Would I worry that others know?"

"From the very start, I never dared imagine that all beings in Honghuang are fools… Those old foxes who have lived through immeasurable ages and witnessed countless civilizations rise and fall would each and every one lose their intellect."

"So, the original intention behind this strategy's design is an open plot. Even if it now looks sneaky and covert, as if it cannot see the light…"

"That is merely to make its execution go more smoothly."

"To avoid premature exposure, not out of fear of exposure."

"Death upon exposure to light?"

"For the grand reincarnation plan, such a thing does not exist."

"As long as sentient beings struggle in the sea of suffering of birth, aging, sickness, and death, and as long as they feel the deepest despair brought by dark ages… they will place their hopes, entrust them to the miracle of reincarnation."

"This cannot be extinguished."

"After all, you can't strangled people's dreams for this life and then also extinguish their hopes for the next, can you?"

"From Fengxi's perspective."

"As for the Demon Race's current situation…"

"Hey!"

"You want to prevent the dream of reincarnation from taking root among the lower-ranking demons?"

"How could that be possible?!"

"Of course, if a Holy Emperor were to rise to power, governing with supreme might, supreme public spirit, and supreme wisdom over Honghuang… perhaps the situation could be reversed, suppressing reincarnation."

"But if a Supreme Holy Emperor were to actually appear… well… my Wu Clan wouldn't need to fight."

"Just surrender."

"That cannot be fought."

"There's also no need to fight."

"After all… that is the founding principle of my Wu Clan, the slogan we proclaim."

"Ideally, there is no reason to continue war; realistically, there is likewise no excuse to continue war."

The Wu Clan's ideal is world peace, with humanity flourishing and prospering.

The practical demand is for humanity to become the protagonist of heaven and earth.

Why is a protagonist's status needed?

Naturally, because the protagonist can obtain the greatest resources, have the best development, be respected by other peoples… while satisfying both material and spiritual needs.

But what if all this could be resolved?

The whole world lacks no resources, distribution is fair, every sentient being is spiritually at ease, conducting affairs and treating others with sincerity and respect…

Having reached this point, there is no longer any need to speak of a heavenly protagonist or to set up a symbolic benchmark.

Because every sentient being has already become a protagonist!

……

Reincarnation, is an open plot.

It has never feared being known.

Because, the ways to counter it are few, and the demands are too stringent.

It would take a Holy Emperor supreme in spirit, power, and ability—unmatched and unsurpassed!

This is locked down!

Of course.

Considering the principle that reality is forever more fantastical than imagination.

Fengxi had also made thorough preparations.

Didn't you see him giving orders to all those trumpets?

He delved into studying how the Holy Emperor's path counters the reincarnation path, exhausting himself to patch the great reincarnation plan of Ancestor Wu Houtu, and firmly set up a firewall.

Although, so far only the flaws in reincarnation have been seen, with no good countermeasure in sight…… but Fengxi firmly believes.

Where there's a will, the task is accomplished!

He will surely lay the most solid foundation for the great reincarnation edifice of Ancestor Wu Houtu!

As his thoughts turned, Fengxi's mindset grew ever more calm and composed.

Just as he once stood on stage, commanding countless Great Luo incarnations below, he remained composed and confident.

"Senior Song has misunderstood."

Fengxi sighed, "What use are reincarnation schemes, diverting the lower strata of the demon race's strategy…… it's utterly baseless."

"This is simply Houtu lamenting heaven and pitying humanity, wanting to carry out a great merit that benefits the whole Honghuang world." He put on a very sincere expression, "You must not slander us!"

Fengxi refused to admit it.

Before an unknown Great Luo, he acted cautiously, seeking to avoid any mistake, lest a loophole be found and exploited.

"I…… slander you?" Song raised his brows, gave a silent chuckle, "But as I see it, your covert propaganda is just fanning the flames in this direction."

"Moreover, if Houtu is so inclined, why not immediately establish reincarnation? That would let all beings sincerely praise it, enjoying boundless blessings for eternity."

"These questions?" Fengxi said solemnly, "You see…… building reincarnation couldn't possibly be just Houtu slapping his forehead, deciding to build a reincarnation site, and then immediately going ahead with construction, could it?"

"Those who seek reincarnation are the beings longing for it, not we, the adults of Houtu."

"As our clan deeply upholds the 'people-first' ideology, we pay great attention to user experience……"

"So before implementing reincarnation, we should first conduct some research…… isn't that normal?"

"Look, the vast multitudes have demands for reincarnation facilities…… this shows the benevolent spirit of our great Wu Clan; if we do it, we must do it well!"

"From the start we set the construction plan and all requirements; building in one go wouldn't that be convenient and swift?"

"Compared to a hasty build, later discovering the need for massive overhaul…… how many times better would that be?"

Fengxi spoke in official tones, with a ready set of excuses; anyone else here would have been brushed off.

"We accept the suggestions of the vast demon populace, heeding their voices…… this is a down-to-earth, pragmatic work attitude!"

"Perhaps, though, some oversight in this process made Mr. Song think we harbor ill intent…… for this I sincerely apologize, and will thoroughly investigate upon returning."

"If there are errors, we will certainly improve further."

"But if there are no problems, it's purely Mr. Song's malicious intent…… then."

"Our Wu Clan will sue and hold Mr. Song accountable!"

Fengxi spoke righteously.

"Lawsuit?"

"Accountability?"

"Hah, bring it!"

After hearing that, Song slapped the table and laughed loudly, laughing for a long time.

It seemed Fengxi's argument was quite laughable.

Suddenly the laughter ceased, Song leaned back, "What gives you the right?"

"Because this age belongs to the Wu and the Demon." Fengxi said in a low voice.

His words weren't loud, yet they carried an inexplicable authority.

"Because our Wu Clan has twelve Ancestor Wu, each a mighty being capable of traversing heaven and earth!"

Song's relaxed, content expression faded.

Fengxi's words weren't pleasant to hear.

But they were true.

Fengxi's strength, naturally, is not great.

But the Wu Clan behind him is one of the two supreme powers of this age!

Aside from the Demon Race, equally terrifying, which solitary mighty being would dare ignore it?

Perhaps such a person exists, but it's certainly not "Song" himself.

"What you say is correct." Song nodded, "The Wu Clan does have the ability to hold me accountable."

"But that's far away, beyond the horizon." Song gave a half-smile, "Between us, however, it's only three feet."

"So what?" Fengxi drew a deep breath, "I fear neither life nor death——especially when upholding the clan's great righteousness!"

"In the future, war will blaze across the skies; no one can guarantee they'll survive unscathed to the era's end…… a single battle could bury thousands of Wu like me."

"Yet for the Wu, one death could be heavier than Mount Buzhou or lighter than a goose feather!"

"Though I, Xi, am lacking, I also have a loyal heart and an ambition…… just ask, what is the weight of Mount Buzhou?"

Fengxi spoke passionately, "Though we're only three feet apart, our strength differs like heaven and earth…… yet I will not disgrace the Wu Clan's reputation, nor betray Houtu's great expectations!"

With loyal courage and clear righteousness like Fengxi, how could he fear others' threats?

Hearing this, Song was speechless, seemingly at a loss for words.

At the same time, his hand unconsciously moved to the hilt of the long sword hanging at his waist.

A faint thread of sword-light, as if drawn from the sheath, entered Fengxi's eyes; that blade seemed to possess a supreme edge that could sever past and future eternity, capable of shattering being and non‑being, annihilating the Myriad Heavens!

"Damn!"

Fengxi, his face grave and composed, felt his heart pounding wildly, "What does this person intend to do?"

"Could it be that kind——'since I can't beat you in argument while you're alive, I'll cut you down and then continue the debate' type of person?"

Considering his own life, caught between empty fame and contributing more to his clan in the future, Fengxi felt he needed to tread carefully, to give both sides a step down so they could retreat, not letting the words become final.

"The Wu Clan's honor must not be sullied!" Fengxi continued solemnly, "Anyone who dares to defame will have to pay the price!"

"However..."

"Our Wu Clan isn't that sort of dead‑serious tribe…… we accept the principle that knowing one's mistake can be corrected."

"Assigning blame is merely a means…… the goal is to let others recognize their mistakes in this process and sincerely repent and correct themselves."

"If one can truly reform past wrongs and make appropriate compensation…… then past events can be let go."

"Moreover."

"Our great Wu Clan longs for talent; we are willing to open our doors to any cultivator who is capable and harbors no ill intent."

Fengxi stepped onto the steps.

"Oh?" Song gave a noncommittal response.

"Although Mr. Song, you greatly misunderstand the Wu Clan and suspect our motives……" Fengxi blinked, "but you could conceive of using reincarnation to squeeze out ingenious ideas from the lower ranks of the Demon Race."

"That truly earns Fengxi's admiration!"

"With a single utterance, the cauldron of the reincarnation strategy's designer was flung flying and directly installed on Song's back."

"Although Houtu is kind‑hearted and dreams of bringing blessings to Honghuang's children…… she is first and foremost a member of the Wu Clan."

"If there could be a perfect plan that satisfies both public and private interests…… I think Houtu would be very happy, wouldn't she?"

Fengxi rose and bowed, "Mr. Song, with your great talent, please join our Wu Clan to devise strategies for realizing the grand dream of a beautiful Honghuang and to fulfill Houtu's magnificent vow."

"Fengxi, I am willing to step aside and yield the position to a worthier person."

Fengxi put on a full show of demeanor.

Striking and defending, he protected himself while also trying to ensnare his opponent.

Despite such a turnabout, even Song, with his wealth of experience, was stunned for a moment.

This mysterious Great Luo at that moment raised a finger and pointed at himself.

"You're telling me…… the reincarnation strategy was devised by me?"

Song's eye twitched.

"Heaven's conscience, isn't that so?" Fengxi feigned great shock, "No matter which great power looks back into the past and checks past records…… they can see clearly that the discussion on this topic was first opened by you."

"Mr. Song's talent makes Fengxi feel ashamed to compare…… he dare not claim this heaven‑stealing achievement."

His tone was sincere and obedient, but that petty scheming was clearly seen by Song.

Flattering on one side, digging pits to bury people on the other—this practiced method……

"Tsk." Song sighed, "I have misjudged you."

"Your courage isn't the issue…… it's that your whole person is rotten to the core."

"What are you saying, Mr. Song? I can't understand……" Fengxi kept a smile, "I represent the Wu Clan's highest authority stationed at Kunlun, always upright, with countless good deeds……"

"Running academies, providing employment, charitable public works, saving the clan…… many demon spirits here mention Fengxi and give a thumbs‑up!"

"Well, setting up academies is to deepen cooperation with the Dao Gate, providing employment is to bind the collective, charitable works are to steer public opinion, saving the clan is to make them sell their lives and strength……" Song nodded repeatedly, "Despite doing so many ill‑intentioned things and still earning praise, you truly deserve commendation."

Fengxi's smile began to falter.

"Since you don't want to admit it, forget it." Song shook his head, "I won't force you either."

"You quibble in every way, saying the reincarnation strategy is my pot…… it doesn't matter." Song tapped his fingers on the table, "I, as an adult, don't blame petty faults and don't want to quarrel with you."

Fengxi shrank his neck, stayed silent, and was very obedient.

"I will come see you mainly to check what kind of person Yandi's Trumpet is."

"Also, I want to try, through you, to discuss a business with the Houtu behind you."

"Don't look at me with such strange eyes…… yes, just as you heard, I am seeking cooperation."

"Why don't you, Mr. Song, go to Mount Buzhou to talk with the Wu Clan's ancestral witch?" Fengxi widened his eyes.

"First, it's inconvenient; some ancestral witch takes a dislike to me. Second…… your Wu Clan's great ship might sink, so how dare I completely bind myself to it?" Song spoke naturally, uttering words of abandoning principle, with not a trace of a great power's dignity, "I must prepare to withdraw investment at any moment."

"That's why."

"Carrying out cooperation through somewhat indirect means, I think it's still necessary."

"(End of chapter)"