Chapter 256

Anyone who can make a name for themselves in the Honghuang era as a great divine adept is by no means simple.

Translation: Anyone who can make a name for themselves in Honghuang as a great divine adept is not simple.

We need to keep Honghuang as Honghuang (from glossary). The term should be translated as great divine adept.

That cannot be explained merely by hard cultivation and excellent talent.

Translation: That absolutely cannot be explained merely by diligent cultivation and excellent talent.

Upon reaching the Daluo realm, differences in comprehension, physique, and talent disappear; they can all be actively cultivated.

Translation: Because once one reaches the Great Luo realm, there is no longer any difference in comprehension, physique, or talent—these can all be actively honed through effort.

To a certain degree, they begin on equal footing, standing on the same starting line.

Translation: To a certain extent, they start from the same point, standing on the same starting line.

Unfortunately, even then, differences in level quietly arise, even to the extent of being worlds apart.

Translation: Unfortunately, even so, differences in level quietly emerge, to the point of being worlds apart.

An ordinary Daluo is a Daluo, and Pangu is a Daluo too—but how can they be compared side by side?

Translation: An ordinary Great Luo is a Great Luo, and Pangu is also a Great Luo—but how could they be placed together for comparison?

This is entirely because of their various unique shining points, enabling them to excel even within the Daluo Heavenly Will.

Translation: This is entirely because of their various unique shining points, allowing them to stand out even within the Great Luo Heavenly Will.

The stronger a Daluo is, the more this applies.

Translation: The stronger the Great Luo, the more this holds true.

Fengxi marvels at the many clever maneuvers of the ancient god great sage, and Xin Yin directly approves, considering it only natural.

Translation: Fengxi sighed that the ancient gods and great sages had many clever tricks, and Xin Yin also directly agreed, saying it was only natural.

Although the witch and demon factions now dominate Honghuang, there are still some outstanding beings of the Heavenly Will who remain outside, flourishing and living carefree.

Translation: "Although the Wu and Demon factions currently dominate Honghuang, in fact there are still some outstanding beings of the Heavenly Will who wander outside, living prosperously and carefree."

As long as they don't cause trouble, we also can't be bothered to hassle them—after all, in a more ancient age we all had acquaintances and had dealt with each other. The incense bond remains; each holds a mental scale, knowing an invisible red line that is not lightly crossed.

Translation: "As long as they don't cause trouble, we also can't be bothered to seek trouble with them—after all, in a more ancient era we all still had friendships and had dealings. The bond of incense remains; each side keeps a measure in their hearts, knowing there is an invisible red line that is not lightly crossed."

Xin Yin laughs and says, 'They do not contend for hegemony, nor participate in Pangu's competition; they merely run their own small businesses, entirely within our tolerance limits.'

Translation: Xin Yin laughed, "They don't vie for hegemony, nor participate in Pangu's competition; they just run their own little businesses, entirely within our tolerance's bottom line."

In the end, no matter how prosperous they become, whenever either the witch or demon side wins a great victory and establishes the Supreme Heavenly Court, they all must come to bow and pay tribute.

Translation: "In the end, no matter how prosperous they become, if either the Wu or Demon side wins a great victory and establishes the Supreme Heavenly Court, they will all have to come bow in submission and pay taxes."

Fengxi clicks his tongue.

Translation: Fengxi clicked his tongue.

From this goddess's words he heard boundless majesty—as if he had once experienced the most glorious era, witnessed the Supreme Heavenly Court ruling the universe, with all gods bowing and jointly worshipping the Heavenly Emperor Sacred King.

Translation: He heard boundless domineering aura from her words—as if she had once experienced a most glorious era, witnessed the Supreme Heavenly Court ruling the universe, myriad gods bowing, jointly worshipping the Heavenly Emperor Sacred Sovereign.

Under the will of the Sovereign of No Heaven, all sentient beings—from the Daluo Heavenly Will down to mayflies and ants—must contribute their due strength to civilization's progress and the era's development; none can avoid it.

Translation: Under the will of the Supreme Sovereign, all sentient beings—from the Great Luo Heavenly Will down to mayflies and ants—must contribute their due strength to civilization's progress and the era's development; none can escape.

If anyone dares not to obey…

Translation: If anyone dares not to obey……

Fengxi thought of something quite interesting—Honghuang possesses both karmic fortune and virtue, a veritable panacea that even great beings covet, and also karma, which is known to be troublesome.

Translation: Fengxi thought of something quite interesting—Honghuang possesses both karmic merit, a universal panacea that even great beings covet, and karma, something that sounds troublesome at first hearing.

Who would go looking for trouble and refuse to obey orders?

Translation: Who would go looking for trouble for no reason and refuse to obey orders?

That must be a certain powerful being who, having earned a 'license to kill' while being honored as the ancestor of the Dao in the Sea of Blood, can lawfully and justifiably execute people to hone his own killing Dao, expressing utmost satisfaction—this kind of steady, long‑running business, he hopes for another thousand or eight hundred, the more the better.

Translation: That must be a certain mighty one who, being honored as the Dao Ancestor in the Sea of Blood, having a "license to kill," can lawfully and justly execute people to hone his own Killing Dao, expressing a hundred-thousand-percent satisfaction—this kind of steady, long‑term business, he wishes for another thousand or eight hundred, the more the better!

Those beings who stand outside the factional conflict are just so many fat sheep—for now everyone is scrambling for turf, not bothering to manage them. But once the dust settles and a decree is issued, they will have to meekly obey. Fengxi grasps Xin Yin's meaning, clicking his tongue, 'For example, if someone's disciple commits the mortal‑world killing calamity, they ought to go to the Heavenly

Translation: "Those powerful beings who wander outside the factional conflict are just a bunch of fat sheep… Right now everyone is scrambling for pasture, with no mind to manage. But once the dust settles and a decree is issued, they will have to obediently accept orders." Fengxi grasped Xin Yin's meaning, clicking his tongue in wonder, "For example, if someone's disciple commits the mortal calamity of slaughter, they ought to go to the Heavenly Court to work as laborers—that means they must honestly contribute their disciple…"

Even if they remain resentful, they can only go pick a fight with someone else, passing the danger along… instead of truly solving the problem at its source, they refuse to let their disciples be used by the Heavenly Court, so they simply march up to the Heavenly Court and kill the Heavenly Emperor.

Translation: "Even if they remain unwilling, they can only go fight others, shifting the crisis… rather than supposedly solving it at the root, not wanting their disciple to be driven by the Heavenly Court, so they directly storm the Heavenly Court and slay the Heavenly Emperor."

Exactly so. Xin Yin nodded, "This is the true authority and overbearing power of the Heavenly Court!"

Translation: "Exactly so." Xin Yin nodded, "This is the true authority and domineering might of the Heavenly Court!"

To challenge the Heavenly Court, one needs a fully organized team just as complete; only then are they qualified to measure up. A single great divine ability is nowhere near enough to match that power.

Translation: "If one wants to contend with the Heavenly Court, one must also have a similarly complete organization to have the qualification to weigh against it… a single great divine adept falls far short; how could they oppose such power?"

Taking advantage of this chaotic era, one can make some quick money and lay deep foundations… once the situation stabilizes, all operations will inevitably be forced into order and reason; one must fulfill obligations while reaping benefits.

Thus, taking advantage of the current tumultuous era, one can earn some quick money and deepen one's foundations… after the situation settles, all operations will inevitably be forced into order and reason; one must bear one's obligations while reaping benefits.

Like Zhenyuanzi. Xin Yin smiled, "He's now leveraging the Shaoyang immortal tribe platform and Hongyun's publicity channel to create an earth immortal platform… This platform, to a certain extent, complements Yun cultivation, focusing on transforming and utilizing primordial cultivation resources."

Translation: "Take Zhenyuanzi, for example." Xin Yin chuckled, "He now relies on the Shaoyang immortal clan's platform, and also uses the Red Yun publicity channel to create an Earth Immortal platform… This platform, to a certain extent, complements Cloud Cultivation, focusing on the transformation and utilization of Honghuang's cultivation resources."

By mobilizing low-level cultivators, deeply cultivating edge grass, using local resources for planting, management and processing, promoting short, small, fast cultivation arts as the mainstream, and then selling and consuming via the platform… individual entrepreneurship is pushed to a new height.

Translation: "Mobilizing groups of low‑level cultivators, digging deep into edge grass, using local materials to plant, operate and process, launching short, small, fast cultivation arts as the mainstream, then selling and digesting via the platform channel… pushing individual entrepreneurship to a new height."

The ultimate overseer of micro‑vendors—Zhenyuanzi!

Translation: "The ultimate manager of tiny vendors—Zhenyuanzi!"

He devised a new cultivation‑resource trading model, drawing on Yun cultivation principles, relying on his earth‑immortal platform, using living beings as tools and a degree of social ties as a link, vastly circulating cultivation resources and gaining influence in the human realm.

Translation: "He has built a new model for trading cultivation resources, borrowing the concept of Cloud Cultivation, relying on his Earth Immortal platform, using sentient beings as tools, employing a certain degree of social connection as a bond, greatly turning over cultivation resources, and grasping some speaking power in the human realm."

This approach is superb… yet as it has evolved, many problems have arisen.

Translation: "This method is excellent… but as it has developed to the present, problems are also many."

In promotion, good and bad are mixed, trust issues gradually arise, and quality versus inferior products become hard to tell apart; as numbers increase, hidden problems inevitably surface.

Translation: "In promotion, fish and dragons are mixed together, trust crises gradually emerge, good and bad products are hard to distinguish… as the quantity rises, hidden dangers naturally surface."

The point is, Zhenyuanzi now also ignores it, letting things take their course—which is understandable. Xin Yin shook his head, "To him, this is a strategic window… responsibility to users and to all beings? What's that? Can you eat it?"

Translation: "The key is, Zhenyuanzi now also doesn't care, letting things run their course—this is actually understandable." Xin Yin shook his head, "To him, this is a strategic window of opportunity… being responsible to users and all beings? What is that? Can it be eaten?"

Compared with a caring user experience and strict internal audits, what could be more important than wildly expanding one's system's reach? Besides, the profits now don't need reporting or taxation—everything earned is pure gain.

Translation: "Compared to thoughtful user experience and strict internal audits of the platform, what could be more important than wildly expanding the coverage of one's system? Moreover, the profits of this period still need no accounting, no taxes—whatever one earns is entirely one's own."

In the age of the supreme Heavenly Court's rule, such actions would already have drawn top‑level invitations to talk… even if he avoided being too blunt, merely issuing a warning would prompt a great being neutral yet inclined toward the Heavenly Court to send a summons, inviting him to a tea gathering—say, Yuanshi Tianzun.

Translation: "If it were the era of the Supreme Heavenly Court's rule, Zhenyuanzi doing this would already have prompted top‑level figures to request a talk with him… even if he didn't want to be too blunt, merely giving a warning or a prod, it would cause a neutral‑leaning great being to send an invitation to a tea gathering—for example, Yuanshi Tianzun."

In the Miro Palace, discussing the fruits of the Dao, speaking of the era's theme and civilization's development without needing to spell it out… afterward, if Zhenyuanzi is aware and tactful, he will naturally vomit blood, telling the Heavenly Court that he is a clever person who will act accordingly.

Translation: "In the Miruo Palace discussing Dao fruits, talking about the era's theme, civilization's development, without needing to spell it out, without needing to make it explicit… afterwards, if Zhenyuanzi is aware and tactful, he will naturally vomit blood profusely, telling the Heavenly Court that he is a smart person who will do what a smart person ought to do."

Put simply… even a great divine ability is destined to have its wool plucked by the Heavenly Court, more or less.

Translation: "Put bluntly… even a great divine adept is destined to have his wool plucked by the Heavenly Court, more or less."

Fengxi Shen agreed.

Translation: Fengxi deeply believed this.

Take history as a lesson.

Translation: Take history as a mirror.

Even Nüwa had her wool plucked by Fuxi, nearly to baldness; saving bit by bit and withdrawing all at once emptied the treasury, and they also took the labor the Wa Empress contributed to make herself prosperous… even being harsh toward her own sister, which of those other great divine abilities could escape?

Translation: Even Nüwa was sheared by Fuxi, almost to baldness—saving bit by bit, withdrawing the treasury, and even taking away the labor that the Wa Empress contributed to enrich herself through hard work… even being harsh toward her own sister, which of those other great divine adepts could escape?

Even Nüwa had her wool plucked by Fuxi, almost getting plucked bald, the treasury emptied by saving nothing and withdrawing everything at once, and even the labor Nüwa contributed to make herself work hard and get rich was taken away—being able to be ruthless toward her own younger sister, which of those other great divine powers could escape?

And unfortunately.

Translation: And unfortunately.

The more responsible and capable the Heavenly Emperor Sage King is, the more he resembles Fuxi, wanting to pluck even a single hair and snag a big goose.

Translation: The more responsible and capable the Heavenly Emperor Sacred Sovereign is, the more he resembles Fuxi, wishing to snatch a great goose from a single floating hair.

Heartless and ruthless, yet also full of great love and selflessness.

Translation: Ruthless and cold‑hearted, yet also possessing great love and selflessness.

As a great divine ability, if one wishes to escape being seized and forced to have wool plucked… that hope is not impossible.

Translation: As a great divine adept, if one wishes to escape the fate of being seized and forced to have wool plucked…… this hope is not nonexistent.

"All one needs to do is reach the position of Heavenly Emperor…"

Translation: "'As long as one attains the position of Heavenly Emperor……'"

——If I become the Heavenly Emperor, only I will get to pluck others' wool, with no chance of anyone plucking mine!

Translation: "——As long as I become the Heavenly Emperor, only I will have the share of plucking others' wool, with no possibility of anyone plucking mine!"

So he asked Xin Yin: "If that's the case, will those great beings outside the factions make any small moves?"

Translation: So he thus asked Xin Yin: "Given that…… will those powerful beings who wander outside the factions not make some small moves?"

I see, they're all quite excellent, pulling off clever maneuvers one after another, each a talent… and their numbers are not small.

Translation: "I see, they are each quite excellent, with clever tricks coming one after another, each a talent… and their numbers are not few either."

What if they joined forces, becoming a third pole outside the two major witch‑demon factions, forming a three‑way standoff in today's era… then the problem would suddenly become far more complicated?

Translation: "If they were to unite, becoming a third pole outside the two Wu and Demon factions, forming a tripartite stand in the present era… the problem would suddenly become much more troublesome."

The risk you mentioned is indeed real. Xin Yin first nodded then shook his head, "But how to put it?"

The risk you mentioned is indeed real. Xin Yin first nodded then shook his head, "But how to put it?"

They want to unite, but some of that is unrealistic.

Translation: "They want to unite, but that's not very realistic."

On one hand, although they bear a neutral name, they actually have some investments in the witch‑demon camps.

Translation: "On one hand, although they bear a nominal neutral label, they actually have some investments in the Wu and Demon sides."

They just can't see the situation clearly, don't dare to go all in, so they invest a little on each side while their main stays outside, wandering.

Translation: "They just can't see the situation clearly, dare not go all in, so they invest a little in each side while their main body remains wandering outside."

On the other hand, uniting? Easier said than done.

Translation: "On the other hand, forming a union? Easy to say."

But who could serve as the key figure in this?

Translation: "But who could be the most crucial soul figure in this?"

The demon clan has Hongjun and Emperor Jun Taiyi; the witch and human clans have Houtu and Nüwa.

Translation: "The Demon Race has Hunyuan and Di Jun Taiyi; the Wu Clan and humanity have Houtu and Nüwa."

Outside the witch‑demon factions, which of those great beings could make an ordinary Luo fight to the death?

Translation: "Outside the Wu and Demon, which of those great beings could make an ordinary Great Luo fight to the death?"

And most importantly… it's authority!

Translation: "And most importantly… it's authority!"

And the most important... is authority!

Xin Yin gave Fengxi a detailed analysis, "the Demon Race, is grasping the Mandate of Heaven... Hongjun supports them, meaning that most of the Heavenly Dao's power supports them!"

The Wu Clan is meant to speak for the human Dao, to point out the most glorious and splendid path, and to push the human Dao forward…… In conjunction with Nüwa's creation and reincarnation authority, this has already resonated with part of the human Dao.

And the third party?

Do they have such a level of foundation?

Absolutely not!

The Wu Clan and the Demon Race have seized the great trend, possessing the most righteous and proper power; they can overwhelm others and beat them to death.

High vision? Good at publicity? Good at planning? Good at management?

Useless.

Xinyin declared.

Unless they can find an extraordinarily solid cornerstone as their support, truly having a steadfast bone, only then can they go all-out against the Wu-Yao.

But is that possible?

That foundation is all accounted for, all under the Wu-Yao's control…… If they join forces, could they siphon off the Demon Race's core backbone? Or seize Hongjun's mandate from the Heavenly Dao?

Could they take away the Wu Clan's creation and reincarnation? Or take away the human race's supporting strength?

Without these, even with the flashiest maneuvers, it's only temporary support…… Over time, the Wu Clan and the Demon Race could beat them to death with mere clumsy punches.

The simplest truth——we can afford to lose ten times, but they cannot afford to lose even once.

Moreover……

You only see their excellence, but you don't see the shining points of our Wu Clan and the Demon Race!

If those neutral great beings unite, the pattern is difficult…… but once the Wu Clan and the Demon Race truly operate, they will become the deepest shadow and nightmare of the entire era.

You should be glad——glad that you picked the right side." Xinyin said wistfully, "Sometimes, as one of our own, you can't feel how strong your teammates are…… But if you switch positions and face the Demon Race or the Wu Clan as an enemy, confronting their sharp edge……

Heh, you wouldn't even be able to cry.

Do you think these great divine beings' maneuvers are flashy now?

But you don't know that situations ten times, a hundred times flashier than theirs have happened before!

Like the Zhou Tian Xing Hai and the vast starry sky—how did they develop? How could they grow to stand on equal footing with the lands, rivers, and earth of Honghuang?

Like the Dragon Ancestor's divinity, promoting everyone to become dragons, letting all the world transform into dragons…… but how did it end in such a miserable defeat? What exactly happened behind the scenes?

If you understood, you'd know——the present maneuvers of those neutral great beings are just like that.

Xinyin sighed, his tone filled with an indescribable complexity.

There is danger…… but to say breaking the lower limit, creating a historical low?

We still need to focus our gaze on the two major camps of the Wu-Yao…… Why can we compete for the ownership of Pangu in this era?

Precisely because we are more dangerous! More terrifying!

That is, right now, Hongjun the Dao Ancestor is not yet bound in the Zixiao Palace; both sides are still restrained, using various means in a hesitant way, not daring to go all out.

But just you wait…… once it's certain that Hongjun merges with the Heavenly Dao, that's when gods, ghosts, demons, and monsters will all show off!

Fengxi clearly saw the emotion in Xinyin's eyes.

It was both anticipation——the gossipy souls burning hot with excitement——and fear——realizing that a bunch of show-offs taking the stage to perform their flaming acts would inevitably blaze onto her, impossible to dodge——perhaps there lurked nearby an agent of a supreme master of the conspiracy-and-yang realm, who might one day plunge two knives into her back, leaving her dead without a clear cause.

This is a brilliant era, and also a cruel era.

The two camps gather the most numerous and dangerous old yin bastards…… If not careful, even Honghuang could be ruined.

And that day is actually not far off.

Because, the Second Zixiao Palace Assembly…… is already within reach!

According to Xinyin's revelation.

This is an extremely crucial assembly.

In this assembly, there will be competition for the holy throne, the gods will storm the palace, the Dao Ancestor will strike back…… all happening together.

Just thinking about it, you can know how lively and noisy it will be.

I have crossed the ages to reach the era of the Wu-Yao…… If I don't go to the Zixiao Palace for a visit, it's as if I never came.

Good, good.

I am so proud of myself—having attained the Dao and reached Daluo, I can also join in…… even if just as a bystander.

Fengxi let out a long sigh, expressing heartfelt praise for the results of his talent and effort…… He was truly impressed with himself!

Xinyin glanced at him sideways, like advice or warning: 'Pay attention…… At that time, even just being a bystander carries danger!'

"Ah?!" Fengxi exclaimed in astonishment.

I bet my big head…… that day will definitely see a fight!

Xinyin said solemnly.

Hongjun won't swallow that anger; he will surely act!

Under the great beings, take it easy…… don't get killed by the aftershocks!

(End of chapter)