Chapter 368: Fengxi swings the hoe, a master of the Eight Trigrams

"Today, another beautiful day."

The Heavenly Court's Eastern Emperor Department Lord of the Clouds—Fengxi, was striding with steps that ignored his six relatives, walking onto the path he had already walked over seven thousand five hundred times, to swing his beloved little hoe, to break open a new piece of heaven and earth.

Along the way, Fengxi could always see enthusiastic demon gods greeting him—

"Hey ya! Lord of the Clouds is here for inspection again?"

"This inspection is good! It reflects Your Highness's lofty virtue of selfless impartiality, exhausting effort and thought for the Heavenly Court's great spirit!"

This is high praise for him.

"Your Highness!"

"We haven't seen each other for three days, but in my memory it feels like thirty years… Good brother, come to my mansion, shall we set a table?"

"What? You're talking about official business?"

"Eh!"

"Official business? We can discuss it over drinks!"

"By the way, we can even get reimbursement… oh no, I mean, enhance our feelings."

In this brief period, Fengxi, the Lord of the Clouds, has formed an ironclad friendship.

In short.

Fengxi's personal charm is extremely high.

His time in the Heavenly Court is not very long.

Yet even so, he has gotten along well with many demon gods.

From the initial ostracism, each commander of the Heavenly River Naval Force regarded him with cold eyes; when discussing him, though they didn't say it to his face, behind his back they often called him things like "that asshole".

Now they are as close as family, achieving among countless heavenly soldiers and generals the accomplishment of "known by all, unknown to none," becoming the true first person of extensive social connections… Whenever the topic turns to Fengxi, they always clasp their hands in a respectful salute twice and affectionately call him "that great Highness"!

Don't ask.

To ask is to show respect!

It is a deep respect for the noble virtue and selfless dedication Fengxi has shown over the years, and a deep respect for his great personality in cherishing the lives of heavenly soldiers and generals and repeatedly emphasizing equipment upgrades and replacements!

Of course in this…

Perhaps, maybe, it also has something to do with the Lord of the Clouds' generous and open-minded personality—this Highness has money, and is willing to spend it to help friends living in straitened circumstances; more importantly, he likes everyone to prosper together when there's wealth, and can generously advise good friends on money-making ways, how to find good buyers for some secondhand, soon-to-be-eliminated equipment…

Regarding this.

Fengxi is not at all arrogant.

He feels the burden is heavy and the road long, and the life path of swinging a hoe is still very long.

For those demon god friends who politely come forward to greet him, for them extending both hands, tightly gripping Fengxi's hand and shaking it up and down, for each and every banquet invitation delivered to him…

Fengxi refuses none who come, responding to each with complete courtesy, showing an approachable demeanor, and also embodying the breadth of mind of a Heavenly Court princely Highness who shares joy with the people.

When receiving the invitations and making responses, he further declares to those demon gods who plan to set up banquets to entertain him—

Now is the time for the Heavenly Court to develop and advance; with all tribes submitting under the demon banner, it is a crucial point for rising upward. As members of the Heavenly Court, we must not lag behind, but take the lead in avoiding bad habits. So remember, for banquet tables and such, never arrange special treatment; just follow the simple standards of the Heavenly Court's founding era.

Upon hearing the words of the Lord of the Clouds Highness, the demon gods each understood, their smiles radiant.

Finally, amidst a sea of laughter and cheer, Fengxi bade farewell to the demon gods he met along the way and entered a vast encampment.

And this is merely the beginning of this inspection tour.

……

Entered the encampment.

Routine review.

Routine nitpicking.

Routine speech.

Under the gaze of countless demon soldiers and generals, Feng so-and-so spoke at length.

His face didn't flush, his breath didn't quicken, he wasn't the least bit flustered; all he needed was a mouth, and he could blather on endlessly—

He detailed the development goals the Heavenly River Naval Force should have: to wholeheartedly build the finest army, from troop quality to weaponry, ensuring the best of the best, and emphasizing to each unit's commander the core theme of "loving the soldiers as one's own children," with all regulations being reasonable and appropriate.

"We must understand what the original intention behind building the Heavenly River Naval Force is."

"This is a question worthy of deep thought!"

"Where does each of our soldiers come from?"

"They come from countless tribes, after layers of screening, and are the fine young men of each tribe!"

"You carry hope!"

"But is that all?"

"No!"

"Those of your kin who failed to enter the Heavenly River Naval Force are also contributing with their own strength!"

"How did the equipment protecting you and the weapons punishing slaughter come to be?"

"Did they appear out of nowhere? Obviously not!"

"Each piece embodies the blood and sweat of the vast masses, the crystallization of labor."

"Mining ore veins, refining and processing, designing blueprints, setting molds, mass production…"

"In the end, you represent not just yourselves, but also bear the condensed essence of humanity!"

"So naturally, you too must reflect and consider: where should the Heavenly River Naval Force, bearing such a concept, go? For whom should it fight?"

"Who is the true object that needs your protection?"

"……"

Blah blah.

Fengxi routinely gave speeches, conducting subversion of the entire encampment's Heavenly River Naval Force.

Let them learn to think, break free from lowly tastes, stand on the overall situation to consider, and be able to strive for a beautiful ideal.

Of course he also knows this effect may be scant.

However, being able to hoodwink… no, it's about waking one up, one by one.

Who knows which day the witch‑demons will go to war; then a certain Heavenly River Navy unit might directly abandon darkness for light on the battlefield, joining the camp with a better ideal.

Everything is possible.

Even if that possibility is only a slender thread.

Fengxi felt he should also give it a try.

After he repeated the situation thirty‑six times, having given lectures at the camps of the thirty‑six Heavenly River Navy units, he stood by the Heavenly River, gazed at the endless remaining camps, clicked his tongue, and said, "The rest, next time."

"Next, it's time to attend the gathering."

"All along the way, I've picked out millions of pieces of equipment, preparing to enter the elimination list… all that's left is negotiation."

Pondering the price in his heart, Fengxi hummed a little tune and chose the road to the White Tiger God Lord's manor.

There, a banquet had already been set out, welcoming the God of Wealth… ah, no, it was the Lord of the Clouds, pure‑sleeved and lofty‑principled, who arrived.

……

"When a distinguished guest steps through the door, even a humble dwelling shines!"

"Your Highness, please come inside!"

The White Tiger God Lord laughed loudly and welcomed Fengxi inside.

He is a rough and unrestrained big man… at first glance, he seems not scheming, merely possessing bravery.

But facing him, Fengxi also dare not put on too many airs.

After all, a demon god who can control the Seven Lodges and guard a region—how could he be simple?

Back then, he had a hope of competing for a seat among the top ten Yao Marshals, was a first‑rate great talent, and excelled at conquest!

But unfortunately, the Yao Marshal currently in office is even more overbearing and terrifying, ultimately causing his defeat; he could only settle for second best, taking charge of military authority in one region and commanding the Western Seven Lodges Star River Grand Army.

His status is not low, his strength is great… if he were to switch to the Wu Clan's side, he would be roughly on the level of the Great Witch You and Yi, commanding the Imperial Guard Army.

However.

Even such a person.

After Fengxi's persistent efforts to dig corners, the results seem very gratifying.

Directly winning them over, that's hopeless.

But over the years, with 'relying on closeness,' everyone became good friends outside of work, not far from becoming sworn brothers, able to talk about anything.

So, for now, with many demon gods inviting guests, Fengxi didn't think too much and placed him first.

Wait until we finish eating at this place.

Then go to the next, the Azure Dragon God Lord's place, to be a guest and eat another meal.

"Alas…"

"I've had it rough."

"Without realizing it, we've all been forced to become Time Management Masters."

Fengxi sighed with feeling in his heart.

"I have to give face to those demon‑god friends who sent invitations."

"I have to attend each and every banquet."

"Wait until I've gone through them all once."

"Then I'll have to go inspect the remaining Heavenly River Navy units."

"On the way, I'll also run into other demon‑god friends by chance, who will give me invitations…"

"Then I'll have to attend again."

"For the Lady's cause, I've also struggled enough."

"If it weren't for my cultivation accomplishments, just relying on this nonstop feasting would make my stomach unable to bear it."

Fengxi pitied his own stomach.

Being invited to a meal once is naturally a good thing.

Being invited ten times in a row is also so‑so.

But what if it's a hundred times without interruption?

Then it would be unpleasant.

The Zhou Tian Star Lords number three hundred sixty.

These Star Lords each command a Heavenly River Navy unit.

And Fengxi gets along well with them… just think, how much time does a year have with the stars turning?

How many banquets must he then attend?

"Since the relationship network was established,"

"My year's worth of food and drink hasn't cost me much… my good brothers have taken care of it."

Fengxi finds joy in hardship.

Just that.

No matter how vexed and suffering.

His social work still must go on.

On one hand, it's digging corners of various Heavenly Court tactics and equipment.

On the other hand, it is also the covert task he bears—as the highest‑ranking person in charge of intelligence work under Houtu, he must personally go to the front lines, enter the heart of localities, and by various means seek out as much genuine intelligence as possible, sum it up, and capture crucial clues.

Fengxi pondered, while at the banquet clinking cups with the White Tiger God Lord, and good brothers together made a fortune.

These are all the newest standard equipment……

At this moment, the White Tiger God shook his head, "You scrapped so much in one breath, making it hard for me, old brother!"

It's exactly because it's the newest equipment, considering mass production, a few technical problems are completely normal! Fengxi after a few drinks, his eyes brighter, "Moreover, there's no problem in the world that money can't solve... if there is, it's definitely not enough money!"

"I'll add this number..." He held up three fingers, also hiccuped, "Old brother, what do you think?"

"Your Highness is indeed generous!" The White Tiger God patted his chest, boom boom, "With money, things are easy!"

But still, directly scrapping is not advisable... but old brother, I've come up with a good method for you.

Tomorrow, I'll gather a few colleagues and organize a large-scale drill...

Drills... naturally, the more realistic the better! The White Tiger God said bluntly, "Once it gets real, there will definitely be equipment losses."

Don't even mention equipment.

Sometimes even casualty indicators exist... anyway, it's just a bit of trouble afterward, which star official will read the file.

But the lives of soldiers are precious, they can continuously create value... as for equipment, nobody really cares much.

This is our opportunity.

A just-right 'scrapping', then use a little money to bribe the investigators reviewing the aftermath, letting them gloss over and ignore the past...

Find some time, Your Highness picks them up from the scrap recycling place... everything will be all set!

The White Tiger God, he's a veteran.

Trading with Fengxi isn't just once or twice... at this moment, serving the big patron is extremely thorough, minimal risk, maximum profit.

Excellent!

Fengxi beamed with joy, "I'm just waiting for good news from Brother White Tiger!"

……

Two Great Luo beings, after settling the business, their spirits relaxed.

Everyone chatted about heaven and earth, started discussing gossip.

From a certain perspective, the Great Sage Fuxi's achievements shine through the ages, his virtue passed down for myriad generations.

Even if others are not in the martial world, the martial world will still have his legend.

Like this gossip.

This is the precious spiritual wealth left to humanity by this great deity.

Whether it's orthodox gossip or weird gossip.

As for the latter... even a Great Luo-level powerhouse is very enthusiastic about it.

Whether male or female, as long as one retains curiosity and a thirst for knowledge about the outside world, the spirit of gossip will be passed down forever!

They first secretly discussed the demon emperor, focusing on Di Jun——

As the demon emperor's wedding day approaches, the legend of the three-legged golden crow returns to people's eyes.

In this regard.

A certain unnamed Majesty of the Clouds also contributed a little bit of strength here!

Of course.

In order to avoid the tragedy of being beaten to death through the network line.

He always goes with a shameless face to borrow Houtu's halo for protection, and in the attacking wave of a certain unnamed powerhouse of the Sea of Blood, he does some insignificant fanning the flames.

At this moment, as a semi-senior gossip expert, Fengxi and the White Tiger God casually discussed the "three-legged golden crow," whether it truly has the legendary efficacy.

Talking and talking, they ended up on the dragon clan.

This tribe was originally the largest tribe outside of the witches and demons.

However.

Some scoundrels, with a single move of "moving the disaster eastward" executed too smoothly, directly shoved the dragon clan into a pit.

I recently bought some good stuff on the black market of the Demonic Sect's clandestine organization!

The White Tiger God laughed wickedly, then pulled out the treasure he had purchased, "I want to thank the dragon clan's good brothers!"

It's precisely because they stepped forward, drawing attention.

My tiger clan finally has some breathing room.

Saying this, the White Tiger God sighed.

Fengxi cooperated by showing a sympathetic gaze.

Indeed.

Before the dragon clan, the tiger clan... was really miserable.

(End of chapter)