Chapter 326

Today is special, a great joyous occasion for the Heavenly Court; those present need not be formal.

Translation: "Today is special, as it is a great joyous event for the Heavenly Court; those present need not be formal."

We need to keep meaning. Could be: "Today is special, being a great joyous occasion of the Heavenly Court; those present need not be restrained."

Let's produce: "Today is special, as it is a great joyous event of the Heavenly Court; those present need not be formal."

Emperor Jun set down his cup, looked around, and said, "Feel free to speak openly, move about as you wish, catch up with old friends—the Heavenly Court won't take offense."

Translation: "Di Jun set down his wine cup, looked around, and said, 'You may freely converse, speak your mind, move about at will, contact old friends and renew affections; the Heavenly Court will not take offense.'"

Your Majesty Emperor Jun, your lofty righteousness!

Translation: "Your Majesty Emperor Jun, your righteousness is lofty!"

Emperor Jun, Your Majesty, your lofty righteousness!

The gods offered their praises.

Translation: "The gods offered praise."

Emperor Jun sat down with a smile.

Translation: "Di Jun sat down with a smile."

Afterward, it seemed his words came true—no need to observe Heavenly Court formalities, and the hall bustled with activity.

Translation: "Afterward, it seemed as if his words had truly taken effect—no need to observe the Heavenly Court's formalities—and the hall bustled with activity."

Ancient gods discussed profound doctrines, great sages rekindled old friendships—it was lively indeed.

Translation: "Ancient gods discussed profundities and the Dao, great saints renewed old friendships… for a moment it was exceedingly lively."

As one would expect, this state continued for a while; when the time came, Emperor Jun announced the banquet's end, then everyone went together to watch some song and dance, concluding the welcoming ceremony for the new allies.

Translation: "Logically, such a state would continue for a while; when the time came, Emperor Jun would announce the banquet's end, then everyone would collectively go watch some song and dance, and this welcoming ceremony for new allies would be considered concluded."

But will it really be like that?

Translation: "But, will it really be like that?"

Xi's face remained calm, but his heart gradually tightened.

Translation: "Xi's face remained composed, but his heart gradually grew tense."

No, it won't.

Translation: "'It won't.'"

The work of welcoming the Heavenly Court's new allies has already been completed...

Translation: "'The work of welcoming new allies to the Heavenly Court, although already completed……'"

But we haven't yet shown our might.

Translation: "'But, showing off might and prestige hasn't even begun yet.'"

We just don't know what method will be used against us humans and the witch clan.

Translation: "'I just don't know what means will be used to target my human race and that Wu Clan.'"

Xi's fighting spirit rose; he prepared himself with the mindset of meeting force with force and water with earth.

Translation: "Xi's fighting spirit rose; he had prepared himself with the mindset of meeting soldiers with generals and water with earth."

He was curious to see what tactics the demon tribe might use to cause trouble.

Translation: "He actually wanted to see what methods the demon race could employ to create difficulties."

Not long after, someone could no longer restrain themselves and began to act.

Translation: "Not long after, it seemed someone could no longer restrain themselves and began to act."

Within the small clusters of three or five Luo cultivators, a group that had been in a somewhat secluded spot suddenly erupted in loud clamor, drawing the attention of many divine beings in the hall.

Translation: "Among the small clusters of three or five Great Luo cultivators, a group that had originally been in a somewhat remote position suddenly burst into a fierce clamor, drawing many divine gazes of attention in the hall."

Xi also turned his gaze toward the source of the disturbance.

Translation: "Xi also turned his gaze toward the source of the disturbance."

It was a Luo star god, utterly ordinary—usually hundreds of star deities would gather together, and he blended in completely unnoticed.

Translation: "That was a Great Luo Star Lord, an ordinary sort; usually hundreds of star deities would gather together, and he would be utterly unremarkable among them."

But at this moment, his behavior was anything but low-key.

Translation: "But at this moment, his behavior was anything but low-key."

He took out a piece of auspicious cloud, gave it a slight shake, and it transformed into an endless sea of clouds that quickly spread throughout the hall.

Translation: "Only see this Star Lord take out a piece of auspicious-cloud-shaped object, give it a slight shake, and it transformed into an endless cloud sea that swiftly spread throughout the hall."

Even more, the cloud sea rapidly expanded, bearing the majestic aura of the Heavenly Court and the boundless expanse of the universe.

Translation: "Even more, the cloud sea was rapidly spreading, possessing the magnificent atmosphere of the Heavenly Court and the ultimate panorama of the universe."

That cloud sea was magnificently splendid, its colors so vivid they encompassed every hue imaginable, combined in the most beautiful way, captivating the mind and soul so utterly that one dared not even blink.

Translation: "That cloud sea was gorgeous and splendid beyond compare, dazzling to the extreme; every color imaginable to mankind could be found within it, combined in the most beautiful way, captivating the heart and soul so much that one dared not even blink."

"Tianlin, what do you mean by this?"

Translation: "'Tianlin, what do you mean by this?'"

Even though Emperor Jun had said the gods could act freely, he could not remain silent; he felt some displeasure, as if angry at Tianlin's star god for such presumptuous behavior.

Translation: "Such a commotion—even though Emperor Jun had said the gods could act freely—he could not help but come forward to express his stance, feeling some displeasure, as if he were angry at the Tianlin Star Lord for such reckless behavior."

"Your Majesty Emperor Jun, I have no other intention," the Tianlin star god proclaimed loudly, "We few star gods have considered that today, as a grand celebration of the Heavenly Court, with many sages formally joining, the future prosperity of the primordial heaven, earth, and human Dao is already foreseeable."

Translation: "'Your Majesty Emperor Jun, I have no other intention,' the Tianlin Star Lord said in a booming voice, 'We few Star Lords have considered that today, being a great joyous occasion of the Heavenly Court, with many sages formally joining, the future prosperity of the Honghuang world, earth, and human Dao is already foreseeable.'"

"With such a splendid scene, how could we not present a gift to express our joy, wishing the Heavenly Court eternal prosperity?!"

Translation: "'With such a grand scene, how could we not present a gift that displays our joyful sentiments, wishing the Heavenly Court eternal prosperity?!'"

The Tianlin star god burst into laughter, saying, "Then I shall present a length of cloud brocade as a gift!"

Translation: "The Tianlin Star Lord burst into laughter, 'Then I shall simply present a length of cloud brocade as a gift!'"

"You have thought well, star god," said Donghuang Taiyi, the assistant of Emperor Jun, clapping his hands in praise, "To my eyes, this bears the aura of the heavens, encompasses the colors of all realms, is of high essence, and hides a primordial spiritual light that signifies eternity—surely achieving such a feat would not be easy."

Translation: "'The Star Lord means well,' said Donghuang Taiyi, who stood beside Emperor Jun, clapping his hands in praise, 'In my view, this object bears the aspect of the Myriad Heavens, encompasses the fragrant colors of all worlds, its essence is also quite high, with a thread of innate spiritual light faintly visible, binding an undying intention… I imagine achieving this must not be easy.'"

"Your Majesty Donghuang truly has eyes like a torch," the Tianlin star god replied admiringly, "This cloud brocade is the result of my wandering through endless ages, traversing the vast world's void sea, gathering the finest treasures of heaven and earth—where the rising sun paints a momentary dawn, gathering countless numbers, which I then wove together."

Translation: "'Your Majesty Donghuang truly has eyes like a torch.' The Tianlin Star Lord looked admiring, 'This length of cloud brocade is what I gathered while wandering through endless ages, traversing the vast world's void sea, collecting from the places of utmost natural splendendor—where the great sun rises and for a moment illuminates the morning clouds, gathering countless numbers—before it could be woven.'"

"Gathering the most beautiful colors, it conceals the vital energy of the rising sun… I now present it, precisely to match the current atmosphere of the Heavenly Court!"

Translation: "'Gathering the most beautiful colors, concealing the vital energy of the rising morning sun…… Now I present it, precisely to match the current atmosphere of the Heavenly Court!'"

The Tianlin star god spoke with great confidence.

Translation: "The Tianlin Star Lord spoke with self-assured confidence."

To Xi's eyes, this fellow was either the top-notch flatterer or a rehearsed extra hired to pave the way for the main act.

Translation: "In Xi's view, this fellow was either the top-notch flatterer become a spirit, or a pre-rehearsed extra actor laying the groundwork for the main character."

"Gathering the clouds and mists of all heavens and worlds, just as my Heavenly Court hangs high over the universe, governing countless billions of species."

Translation: "'Gathering the clouds and rosy hues of the Myriad Heavens and myriad worlds, just as my Heavenly Court hangs high within the universe, governing tens of millions of billions of species.'"

"Absorbing the breath of the morning sun, it is directed toward the newly allied sages; future ages shall be like the rising sun, its light shining eternally."

Translation: "'Capturing the breath of the rising sun, yet it is directed toward the sages' alliance; the future time shall be like the initial rise of the great sun, its light shining eternally.'"

"I humbly offer this to express my heartfelt wishes for the Heavenly Court's utmost blessings!"

Translation: "'I hereby present this, merely to express my heartfelt intent, offering my most sincere blessings to the Heavenly Court!'"

The Tianlin star god's tone was extremely generous and impassioned.

Translation: "The Tianlin Star Lord's tone was extremely generous and impassioned."

"Good! Good! Good!"

Translation: "'Good! Good! Good!'"

Emperor Jun heard it, repeatedly said "good," and clapped without pause—thus setting the rhythm.

Translation: "Emperor Jun heard it, repeatedly said 'good,' and clapped without cease—this set the rhythm."

The banquet's hosts all clapped; could anyone else refrain from showing their approval?

Translation: "The hosts of the banquet all clapped; could anyone else fail to show some response?"

Instantly, the grand, splendid hall filled with thunderous applause; countless ancient gods and sages praised the Tianlin star god, saying his thoughtful consideration for heaven, earth, and all beings was vividly demonstrated, worthy of emulation by all.

Translation: "Instantly, in this vast and splendid hall, applause surged like a tide; who knows how many ancient gods and great saints praised the Tianlin Star Lord, saying his consideration of heaven, earth, and all beings was vividly manifested, worthy of study and emulation by the world."

This made Xi's eyes twitch repeatedly.

Translation: "This made Xi's eyes twitch repeatedly."

"Is this… the real show beginning?"

Translation: "'This… is the main show coming?'"

He had already sensed what was coming.

Translation: "He had already sensed something."

Indeed, what followed proved his intuition correct.

Translation: "Indeed, the events that followed proved his intuition was correct."

With the Tianlin star god's grand, righteous conduct and words as a prelude, the ensuing banquet seemed to turn into a treasure‑showing contest.

Translation: "With the Tianlin Star Lord's pompous conduct and words as a prelude, the ensuing banquet seemed to turn into a treasure-showing assembly."

One after another, star gods and demon deities shouted to prove their loyalty and support for the Heavenly Court, to vent its might and hasten the prosperity of heaven, earth, and humanity, presenting their offerings.

Translation: "One after another, Star Lords and demon gods shouted to demonstrate their loyalty and support for the Heavenly Court, to vent the Heavenly Court's might and thus hasten the joy of prosperity of heaven, earth, and humanity, producing offerings to present."

Piece after piece of dazzling treasure flashed with brilliance, almost blinding everyone present.

Translation: "One precious treasure after another flashed and glittered with light, almost able to blind everyone present."

If one were to say, this still seemed normal.

Translation: "If one were to say, this still counts as normal."

But then, unbeknownst when, the atmosphere grew frenzied and the theme twisted—it became that anyone who did not present a sufficiently substantial gift was deemed insincere, indifferent to the beautiful future of heaven, earth, and humanity, morally corrupt, lacking in virtue, and subject to criticism, rebuke, and attack!

Translation: "But then, at some unknown point, the atmosphere grew increasingly frenzied, the theme gradually twisted—becoming that whoever did not present a sufficiently substantial gift lacked sincerity, was indifferent to the beautiful future of heaven, earth, and humanity's myriad beings, was morally corrupt, lacked virtue, and became a target for criticism, rebuke, and attack!"

This was certainly not normal!

Translation: "This was quite abnormal!"

What could be done?

Translation: "What could be done?"

This is the Heavenly Court's home ground.

Translation: "This place is the Heavenly Court's home ground."

The demon kings and commanders gathered together, with hundreds or thousands of demon gods providing comic relief and rhythm, forming a mighty, imposing presence.

Translation: "The demon sovereigns and marshals gathered together, with hundreds or thousands of demon gods providing comic relief and keeping the beat, forming a grand, imposing momentum."

This overwhelming momentum compelled even the reluctant envoys of small tribes, whose outward allegiance to the Heavenly Court was hollow, to hesitate painfully and search their own pockets for contributions.

Translation: "This momentum swept along, compelling those envoys of minor tribes whose outward compliance hid inner estrangement from the Heavenly Court—even if they were extremely unwilling—under the pressure of the momentum, they had no choice but to hesitate, heartbroken, as they rummaged through their own purses."

Until this surging wave collided with a single person.

Translation: "Until, this great momentum wave struck a certain person."

Xi!

Translation: "Xi!"

This envoy representing humanity could not remain aloof; he was forced to be drawn into the vortex.

Translation: "This envoy representing humanity could not remain outside, and was forced to be drawn into the vortex."

Or perhaps it should be said, the reason this vortex formed is that his and Gong Gong's existence is a quite crucial factor.

The gods presented treasures, but the core purpose was certainly not to scrape the wealth of those small tribes.

"Today is truly delightful… the Heavenly Court's virtue and prestige have penetrated the hearts of all; the tribes and cultivators of Honghuang all know to promote positive energy, cheer for the Heavenly Court's many outstanding contributions, present gifts to encourage it, and hope that in the years to come the Heavenly Court will do even better."

At this moment, Ying Zhao, the Yao Marshal, seemed to have drunk too much; his whole divine form was a bit tipsy, he raised his wine cup and came before Xi, laughing heartily and saying, "I don't know what gift the human envoy has prepared?"

"I imagine it must be quite extraordinary, right?"

"After all, in recent years the human race has developed rapidly and well, on the verge of becoming the greatest factory of Honghuang, with countless resources flowing in and myriad products flowing out."

"Moreover, relying on the nascent tribe agreement signed between the Heavenly Court and the human race, resource imports and commodity exports are exempt from many taxes, which is why the human race's development myth has arisen."

"The human race has benefited greatly from the Heavenly Court!"

Ying Zhao, the Yao Marshal's voice was loud and resonant, almost booming in the hall, drawing the gaze of all the guests to that spot.

At the same time.

One after another, the Great Luo-level stork-badger apes also knew… the feast had finally arrived!

The clash between the human race and the demon race truly began at this moment!

"The demon race seems to have seized the initiative, looking down from above to strike the human race." Lingbao Heavenly Venerable sent a mental transmission to his two elder brothers, "Should we stir things up a bit?"

"No rush, no rush." Yuanshi smiled faintly, "Whoever represents the human race on this mission certainly isn't an easy pushover; we should have some confidence in him."

"Exactly." Dao-De Heavenly Venerable also smiled and said, "This is a good chance to see the level of the human race's leader, the Sage, and then decide on our future support."

"If he is strong enough, we can also relax, having taken that person's advance pay yet still have hope of winning effortlessly."

"If not… then we will have plenty to worry about."

The Three Pure Ones Heavenly Venerables were discussing in low voices.

And elsewhere, those great beings who had personally experienced or even led even older eras were also looking forward with anticipation, waiting to see the confrontation between the human race and the demon race.

One must know.

This great calamity, on the surface, is titled the conflict between the Wu Clan and the Demon Race.

But the true core is the two camps of the human race and the demon race, each upholding a certain principle from the human way, contending for the protagonists of heaven and earth.

The contest of strength belongs to the Wu and the Demon.

But the internal spiritual contest lies between humans and demons!

At this moment, Ying Zhao, the Yao Marshal, was still chirping in Xi's ear.

"I have heard that the human race places great importance on repaying kindness… given that the Heavenly Court's treatment terms for humanity are so good, one would expect the human race to offer sincere gratitude, like supporting elders and relatives."

The Yao Marshal's words sound quite normal on the surface, but they conceal malicious intent.

In response, Xi made a firm note in his little mental notebook, then rose calmly to respond.

"What Ying Zhao, the Yao Marshal, said is indeed correct!"

He stood tall and vigorous, his bearing magnificent; facing Ying Zhao, the Yao Marshal's imposing questioning backed by great momentum, he remained radiantly outstanding, possessing the aura of a great hero.

"The Heavenly Court's grace and glory, we humans have our own reckoning in our hearts." Xi raised his head and puffed his chest, "At this very moment, as the Heavenly Court evaluates merit and virtue, we humans ought naturally to prepare gifts to express our sentiments."

"These gifts are two; please allow me to present them one by one."

As Xi spoke these words, he appeared somewhat to be showing weakness.

It let some heavenly court demon gods conceal smugness in their eyes, and also caused some who did not get along well with the demon race, or even were great witches of the Wu Clan among the Great Luo, to frown.

However, not long after, their attitudes reversed.

Xi strode away from his seat and stood before the Demon Emperor's throne.

The Demon Emperor has four.

Di Jun, Taiyi, Fuxi, Nüwa.

At this moment, Xi stationed himself not far before Nüwa, first bowed respectfully, then presented with utmost reverence a delicate jade cauldron, within which lay a misty, condensed vapor.

Among the Great Luo present, none had poor vision nor lacked learning; all could see this cauldron and discern its hidden secret.

"The destiny covenant…" someone whispered softly.

Nüwa gazed at the cauldron, then at Xi, her lovely eyes blinking as she awaited an explanation.

"This is the human race's destiny covenant, a repayment to Lady Nüwa, the Creator Holy Mother who let us descend into the world and experience all joys, anger, sorrow, and happiness."

Xi's voice was solemn.

"This is my first gift… taking a drop of heart's blood from each person of our tribe, then a handful of Buzhou soil, forging them into a jade cauldron to bear the eternal covenant; Lady Nüwa shall forever hold the human race's destiny, and we humans will not shy away from braving fire and water."

"The human race is grateful to Lady Nüwa, just as all tribes in the world ought to be thankful to her."

"Without Lady Nüwa's creative grace, whether this vast Honghuang is good or ill, whether the Heavenly Court practices benevolent or malevolent governance, what does it have to do with us at all?"

Xi's eyes flashed like lightning, his words ringing with power.

At this moment, he possessed a peculiar charm; his words were convincing.

Even though he openly elevated Nüwa's status, it also made others hard-pressed to refute him.

Moreover, Gonggong, the Wu Ancestor, who loved a spectacle and shunned no trouble, shouted loudly, "Good! That's right!"

"Without Lady Nüwa as a fellow Daoist, where would the Heavenly Court go to… achieve such feats as it has now?"

Nüwa's mouth twitched; she glared at Gonggong, silencing him.

Then she turned back to him, looking at Xi with great satisfaction, her tone very gentle, "Good child… you, the human race, are very good, very good."

"Human race, you are born to hardship… although you bear many halos, you also face countless hardships that must be dealt with."

"But since you are my children, if you encounter any injustice, you may freely come to me; I will find a way to help you."

"Thank you, Lady."

Xi again bowed low, his posture humble.

And when he rose again and moved his steps, his whole being began to change.

When he approached Di Jun's seat, he was neither humble nor arrogant, showing no sign of servility; it seemed he inwardly believed he should stand equal to Di Jun, with no trace of humility, his personal standing being on par.

In an instant, Di Jun's gaze turned icy cold; he stared at him coldly, a flash of cold light passing through his eyes.

Xi showed no fear, flipped his hand to take out an object, and placed it calmly and composedly on the table before Di Jun.

This is the second gift I prepared, and it is specially sent to the Heavenly Court.

I don't know if Your Majesty Emperor Jun is satisfied.

Xi straightened his back, unlike when he faced Nüwa and bowed.

Di Jun glanced lightly at the object, his eyes narrowing.

Before this demon emperor could speak,

Then a demon god rose up in shock and anger, shouting, "Human envoy, how bold of you!"

You send up a dog made of grass?!

Are you bullying my Heavenly Court?!

As the demon god shouted, his hand had already pressed onto the sword at his waist.

Only hearing a clear sword cry, the long sword left its sheath, cold light flashing, a sword qi burst forth, brilliant and dazzling, illuminating the ten directions of the starry sky, the cold penetrating the vast Honghuang.

The might of the sword qi poured forth, at this moment cleaving the sea of stars, rending the firmament, reflected in the eyes of the countless beings of Honghuang, causing them shock and panic.

"Where does this come from, Star Lord?" Xi said calmly, his tone unperturbed, "How could I bully the Heavenly Court?"

"This grass dog represents my people's sincere respect for the Heavenly Court."

"Oh? Is that so?" Emperor Jun finally spoke, smiling and asking back, "Then I would like to hear the lofty views of humanity."

The demon emperor appeared to be smiling.

But at this moment, the vast qi of the Demon Race was under his command, together secretly guarding a Golden Crow Dharma Aspect… the sovereign of fire spread his wings, seeming to destroy everything blocking his path.

What lay before it?

It was Xi!

But this moment's Xi was also extraordinary.

The qi of humanity surged and roared.

In a daze, the gods seemed to see an emperor of fire stepping through ages, through eternity, walking here, entering the Heavenly Court, and confronting the fire sovereign of the Golden Crow head‑on.

Yandi versus the Fire Sovereign!

At this moment.

Countless Great Luo Divine Saints changed color, their pupils contracting.

Of course, their interest grew even stronger.

(End of chapter)