Chapter 372: Phoenix: Need More Money

Huh!

A huge storm swept across, a mutual heavy panting of the divine emperor sovereigns and Grand Luo Supreme Emperors.

Whether it be the strong ones of the human race or the experts within the Heavenly Court.

When Pangu showed a little skill, they came and went…… Their hanging hearts finally relaxed, and they congratulated each other.

——The old leader finished his inspection, finally leaving!

Being with Pangu, the pressure on the gods is too great…… That gleaming heaven‑splitting axe being waved about makes the gods feel insecure.

Even the Great Luo standing on humanity's side holds utmost reverence for this supreme divine sovereign…… but if possible, they still hope the old leader won't stand behind them watching, for that would scare the gods to death.

After all, as Great Luo, as high‑level administrators of the Honghuang world, though everyone's virtue is full and nature exalted, they cannot resist the many "troublemakers" in this world who always seek shortcuts, often tempting them with trivial gains, unknowingly luring them into committing a "small mistake".

And there is a saying: knowing one's mistake and being able to correct it is the greatest goodness.

A small mistake! Generally speaking, it's not a big problem; just fix it and don't be too nitpicky.

We are all Great Luo, sharing one innate indestructible spiritual light that runs through eternity, undying and imperishable, heads down not seeing heads up—you're good, I'm good, everyone's good.

He gave a slight smile, then punished himself with three cups, indicating that next time he would certainly…… no, that it would not happen again.

It's a pity, Pangu—especially the Pangu who opened the great era—is invincible and supreme, his eyes cannot tolerate even a speck of dust, and with the heaven‑splitting axe firmly in his hand, he could cleanse all the Great Luo in one sweep……

That's not so wonderful.

Both reverent and fearful——this is the consensus of all the gods toward a responsible Pangu.

Like Lord Ye who loved dragons…… the best Pangu is forever just a backdrop; never step down from the divine altar to quarrel with everyone and settle accounts.

Please, Supreme Pangu, govern in quietude, rest easy in retirement, and leave the trivial matters to us capable Great Luo!

——Three thousand gods gave a thumbs‑up together.

On the altar, Sui Ren's deep eyes took in the vast Honghuang; he saw too many Great Luo relaxing, their mouths twitching slightly.

However, he ultimately expressed no opinion on it, merely using a weapon called "Critique"…… at most he just recorded the names and faces of those divine beings.

With a sweep of his gaze, he knew the count, and additionally marked some names in big red——those are the divine powerhouses who are completely certain Pangu will never rise from his coffin, whose faces break into smiles.

Like Nüwa.

Also like Hongjun.

These are strong contenders for the next generation of Pangu.

Sui Ren silently recorded it.

After recording it, he then severed the channel communicating Pangu's lingering thoughts, dispelled the supreme power gained from summoning souls, and took charge of himself—not a puppet following a set procedure, but acting in line with beings' impression of Pangu, not breaking character.

The divine light faded, and Sui Ren lost that heaven‑shaking might; he could no longer shock heaven and earth or make the gods tremble…… yet his mission was accomplished, and he gained the most precious thing.

In his hand there is a torch that is burning and will burn forever.

That is the holy fire representing the beautiful hope of humanity, the most brilliant civilization's holy fire!

The holy fire's radiance burst forth.

It illuminated eternity, dispelling the fog ahead for humanity's myriad beings, and can point the way to the most glorious prosperous age.

Holy fire, it seems only a tiny cluster.

But it deeply entwines the fire seed within humanity, lodging it in the heart of every living being.

Even if one day this firelight goes out…… at any time a spark may reignite elsewhere, dispelling darkness and dispelling despair!

Of course, at this moment the final interpretive authority over what the holy fire represents belongs to humanity.

……

The holy fire burns.

Humanity has achieved its goal, heart full and content.

It's just that a certain clan is pitiful, their whole upper and lower stunned——

After all, the carrier of the holy fire is none other than wood from the Chinese parasol tree!

This spiritual root can serve as a resting place for one of the supreme fires, the phoenix; its fire‑endurance is beyond doubt.

What can rival it in heaven and earth is the fusang tree where the golden crow dwells.

So, without much thought, Sui Ren directly struck at the Chinese parasol tree.

Far beyond the vast timespace lies Phoenix Nest Mountain; all the phoenixes, big and small, looked dumbfounded as they saw their ancestor's most precious spiritual root suffer a vicious blow—under the axe's light the whole root simply slid away, not a single branch left, leaving them speechless and unsure what to do.

"What to do?"

"What to do ah!"

A little phoenix of this era cried to heaven and earth, feeling a chilling dread…… it's simply been bullied to the extreme!

"What can we do?"

"Can we still go ask humanity for an explanation?"

The old phoenixes who have lived long rolled their eyes, "Oh come on!"

"Just treat it as losing money to ward off disaster."

"Indeed…… we can only do this."

After a while of sighing, the phoenixes made the best of a bad situation, "Actually, we're not really losing out……"

"Because of this tree‑cutting karma, the holy fire burns our Chinese parasol tree…… our phoenix clan thus gains considerable favor with humanity."

"This is like a ticket…… I've heard the dragon clan gets along well with humanity, even playing around to obtain dragon master official posts."

"Relying on this access permit…… like the dragon clan, merging all totems isn't realistic, but seeking a half‑official post? That should be possible."

"Can we earn back today's loss?"

Big and small phoenixes racked their brains, pondering how to turn today's sudden misfortune into a good thing.

"Mm…… if humanity truly succeeds in the future……"

"When we do business and advertise in the future, couldn't we just say—humanity's holy fire, special sponsor?"

Well... seems like it could work?

Hmm… seems like it could work?

By then, we'll package the sacred fire culture, then each year we'll harvest a few paulownia branches, process them, and sell them as souvenirs—the price could easily be inflated ten- or eightfold.

By then, we'll package the holy‑fire culture, then each year pluck a few paulownia branches, process them, and sell them as souvenirs… the price could easily be inflated ten‑ or eight‑fold, right?

The Phoenix clan always settles only where there is treasure.

The Phoenix Clan has always been a land that never lacks treasure.

However, the treasures in this world are limited; you can't just settle wherever you please.

However, the treasures in this world are limited; they don't just appear because you wish for them.

With no other option, the clan devoted considerable effort to developing a skill tree.

Left with no choice, this clan poured considerable thought into developing a skill tree.

If there's no treasure land, we'll create our own!

No treasure land… then we'll create one ourselves!

They dove headfirst into the money-making opportunity.

They plunged headfirst into the money‑making opportunity.

The Phoenixes muttered for a while, feeling that this sudden encounter, though unexpected, wasn't unacceptable.

The phoenixes muttered for a while, feeling that today's sudden encounter wasn't unacceptable.

All set.

Operation ready.

A short-term loss can yield long-term future gains.

A short‑term loss can yield long‑term gains.

But then the problem came up.

But then the problem comes.

A little peacock, oblivious to the mood, said, "This business concerns the big picture, the game between humans and demons... with our small capital entering, how can we operate to profit rather than lose, leaving the whole clan to suffer?"

A little peacock, oblivious to the mood, said: "This business concerns the big picture, the interplay between humans and demons… with our little capital entering, how do we operate to profit rather than lose, leaving the whole clan to drink the northwest wind?"

In an instant.

In an instant.

The Phoenixes were speechless.

The phoenixes were speechless.

Fortunately,

Fortunately.

At the critical moment, reinforcements descended from the sky.

At the critical moment, reinforcements descended from the sky.

A figure shrouded in mist silently descended, arriving at the delicate moment when all the ancient gods and sages had their attention drawn to Suiren.

A figure shrouded in mist silently descended, landing at the subtle moment when all the ancient gods and sages had their attention drawn to Suiren.

Phoenix clan, how about we discuss a business deal?

Honored members of the Phoenix Clan, shall we discuss a business deal?

Do you want to make a long-term investment in humanity? Do you want to earn karmic merit? I can help you!

Do you want a long‑term venture with humanity? Want to earn luck and merit? I can help you!

As long as you're willing to transfer this entry ticket to me, letting me go public via a shell...

As long as you're willing to transfer this entry ticket to me, letting me go public via a shell…

Once successful, the related profits will be split 20-80—you get two parts, I get eight.

After success, the related profits will be split 20‑80… you get two parts, I get eight.

How about that?

How about it?

The mysterious visitor laughed loudly.

The mysterious guest laughed loudly.

The presiding Phoenix clan elder was startled, then instantly calmed and switched into business mode.

The presiding Phoenix Clan elder was startled, then instantly calmed, switching into business mode.

I represent the Phoenix Venture Capital Company; I'd like to hear your proposal.

I represent the Phoenix Clan Venture Capital; I'd like to hear your proposal.

When the phoenix birds arrive, the bird master gets the bird's name... how about that?" the mysterious visitor retorted.

"When the phoenix birds arrive, the bird master gets a bird name… how about that?" the mysterious guest retorted.

"If that's all, we could probably do it ourselves." the Phoenix elder mused, "A 20-80 split isn't good."

"If it's just that, we could probably do it ourselves," the Phoenix elder mused, "a 20‑80 split isn't good."

"You could do it, but you should know whether, with your level, operating it would be a profit or a loss?" the mysterious visitor laughed, "If you truly had that ability, you wouldn't be idle now."

"You could do it, but you should know whether, with your level, handling it would be profit or loss?" the mysterious guest laughed, "If you truly had that ability, you wouldn't be idle now."

The Phoenix elder fell silent for a moment, then nodded, "You're right."

The Phoenix elder fell silent for a moment, then nodded, "You're not wrong."

After saying that, the elder narrowed his eyes, flicked his hand, and erased the memories of the vigilant large and small Phoenixes nearby, sending them away, then continued, "You... are you with Suiren?"

Having said that, the elder narrowed his eyes, waved a hand, wiping the memories of the wary big and small phoenixes nearby, sending them off, then continued, "You… are you with Suiren?"

No wonder... no wonder he was so ruthless today, directly taking an axe to chop the paulownia tree, while Fuxi just stood by and did nothing.

"No wonder… no wonder he was so ruthless today, grabbing an axe and chopping the paulownia tree, while Fuxi just stood by and did nothing."

This was intentional... to give my Phoenix lineage a reason to participate in the integration and management of human totems, more precisely to lay the groundwork for your entry!

"This is intentional… to give my Phoenix lineage a reason to participate in the integration of human totem management, more precisely to pave the way for your entry!"

This Phoenix clan elder has lived long enough, having rolled around and fought in the Dragon-Phoenix era, witnessing far too many shady maneuvers.

This Phoenix Clan elder has lived long enough; since the Dragon‑Phoenix era he's been through thick and thin, witnessing too many shady maneuvers.

At that moment, a thought crossed her mind—it became clear—the Phoenix clan was being used as a pawn!

At this moment, a thought flashed in her mind—it became clear—the Phoenix Clan has been used as a spear!

Our Phoenix clan is naturally pure and refuses to mingle with worldly corruption... we will absolutely not be used by others!

"Our Phoenix Clan is innately pure, we do not mingle with the vulgar… we will absolutely not be used by others!"

The Phoenix elder's gaze suddenly turned icy, and he firmly refused.

The Phoenix elder's gaze suddenly turned cold, and he sternly refused.

Provide you cover?

"Provide you cover?"

Help you infiltrate humanity?

"Help you lurk into humanity?"

Affect the prestige of our Goddess Alliance leader, Lady Nüwa?

"Affect the prestige of our Goddess Alliance leader—Nüwa?"

Dream on!

"Dream on!"

The Phoenix elder slightly lifted his head, "You may go!"

The Phoenix elder slightly lifted his head, "You may go!"

"Don't rush..." the visitor shook his head, flipped his hand, and produced an object, "Take a look at this."

"Don't rush…" the guest shook his head, flipped his hand and produced an object, "Take a look at this."

The elder glanced at it, initially unimpressed, then turned pale with shock.

The elder glanced at it, first dismissive, then shocked pale.

"This..."

"This…"

She gritted her teeth, straightened her back, "You think you can coerce me with this? You're mistaken!"

She gritted her teeth, straightened her back, "You want to threaten me with this? You're mistaken!"

We Phoenixes have never feared authority!

"Our Phoenix Clan has never feared mighty power!"

Might cannot bend us!

"Might cannot bend us!"

Having said that, the elder's voice trailed off.

Having said that, the elder's voice trailed off.

Unless... you add more money!

"Unless… you add more money!"

A 20-80 split is really too little.

"A 20‑80 split is really too little."

The Phoenix's tail showed itself.

The phoenix's tail was revealed.

Easy to say! Easy to say!

"Sure thing! Sure thing!"

The mysterious visitor calmly said, "Price, we can discuss it slowly."

The mysterious guest calmly said, "The price, we can discuss slowly."

However, if the price is raised... the Phoenix clan must also do the corresponding work well.

However, if the price goes up… you Phoenix Clan must also do the corresponding work well.

For example, confidentiality.

For example, confidentiality.

"You can rest assured about that." the Phoenix elder calmly said, "Back then, no matter what we said, we had participated in the entire primordial struggle, crossing swords with the dragon clan many times."

"You can rest assured on that," the Phoenix elder calmly said, "Back then, no matter how we spoke, we also participated in the whole Honghuang struggle, having crossed swords with the Dragon Clan many times."

Confidentiality work will naturally be carried out thoroughly.

"The confidentiality work will naturally be done properly."

Of course, I have a few more requests here.

"Of course, I still have a few demands here."

The precondition for confidentiality is that my Phoenix lineage sees hope of your victory.

"The precondition for confidentiality is that my Phoenix lineage sees hope of your victory."

The elder got straight to the point: "We can be bribed, but it's not enough just to be bribed... in terms of money, selling the reward you received from Nüwa would earn us more than cooperating with you."

The elder got straight to the point: "We can be bribed, but it's not enough just to be bribed… speaking of money, selling the reward you got from Nüwa would earn us more than cooperating with you."

We think highly of you, and more importantly, we think highly of the overall ability of your Five Direction Heavenly Emperors; there is hope you will become the final victor.

Only with steady, long-term effort can the returns exceed the bonus profits.

"You won't be disappointed." Bai Di laughed, "In that case… our deal is set on a pleasant note."

…

Bai Di is taking action.

Yet few know of it.

After all, at this special moment, everyone is watching the most promising one.

Suiren!

But soon, the gaze shifted slightly—

Mainly as the holy fire moved.

At this very moment, Fengxi straightened his chest, his expression solemn and sacred to the utmost, also devout to the extreme, reverently receiving the fire passed down by Suiren.

He replaced Suiren, becoming the focus of the world.

In that instant.

Fengxi felt something unusual.

Though the gods' gaze brought great pressure, it actually was just that.

But that holy fire… is different!

A tiny cluster of flame, yet he felt in his hands an infinite weight, the weight of the entire human Dao!

If he were not a Daluo, with boundless spacetime eternal and free, he could not withstand it; he would be instantly shattered into calamity ashes.

"Holy fire…"

In Fengxi's eyes, firelight flickered, his heart beating violently.

At the moment he received the holy fire, he sensed another batch of similar things stirring.

The "Capital Sports Games" he had once messily organized, those repeated events, those repeatedly lit holy fires, having duped too many tribes into believing his proposed ideals…

Although there are many indifferent demon gods in the Heavenly Court,

yet below, the common people's hope for a beautiful future remains unchanged.

These holy fires exist, and they have always existed.

Fengxi spared no expense, nurturing them with merit and qi fortune.

And now.

These holy fires, containing the expectations of countless tribes of the entire Demon Race above and below, together with the civilization holy fire that Pangu temporarily ignited, when all are held in one person's hands, thus produce a most special and wondrous resonance!

They wish to unite!

"After unification… what will happen?"

Fengxi is not quite sure.

But in a hazy moment, he seemed to hear a voice revealing a certain future—

Ding!

Congratulations, Yandi, you have received an epic-level enhancement!

"The strongest flame, containing the beautiful hope of the entire human Dao… if one day I implement this idea thoroughly, using systems and institutions to write it down, in short, it is—Fire Master Official."

"At that time… Yandi will no longer be in the future, but will stand firm in the present!"

Fengxi suddenly understood.

"There is no need to wait for the so-called Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors era."

"Nor need to care whether others bestow a title."

"The greatest ability of a Daluo is to reverse cause and effect, refine the false into the true… what one can strive for oneself needs no reliance on others."

"Yandi… can fully enter ahead of time!"

Fengxi lowered his eyelids, burying all his thoughts deep in his heart, revealing nothing on the surface.

After all, so many people are watching.

If he shows a flaw, how will he continue to serve under Nüwa?

The Fire Master's team still hopes this great figure will deliver.

However.

Yandi's early entry is still within the fifty-fifty range.

But Qing Di's taking position… is already becoming reality.

When the holy fire is transmitted, at the moment Fengxi raises it high,

from the east comes a world-shaking dragon's roar.

(End of chapter)