Chapter 40: Conspiracy, Peacock, Business

Surprised and happy?

Unexpected?

Too damn surprised and happy!

Also too damn unexpected!

Fuxi listened as Di Jiang's seemingly sneaky but actually blatant 'revelation' of Hongjun's past secrets, the unspeakable secret of the Dao-Demon Great Calamity buried in the dust of ages…… He slapped his thigh, paying mourning to the former Rahu Demon Ancestor.

"If what you say is all true." Fuxi sighed, "Then it's no wonder Hongjun could become the Dao Ancestor, establish the Purple Dawn Palace, transmit sound through heaven and earth, summon the gods…… He truly is a formidable deity!"

"What I say is naturally not false." Di Jiang patted his chest to guarantee, "Don't look at this period of time, unable to be traced back through the ages…… Actually it's merely been covered up by someone!"

"This segment of history has been trimmed into a normal timeline…… and then, using immense divine power, reordered and edited history to achieve a seamless, flawless connection, making it appear without any contradictory evidence."

"But those events from back then, the utmost top-tier mighty gods and sages…… who doesn't know? Who is unaware?"

"After Hongjun defeated Rahu and gained dominion over heaven and earth, he did not let it rest. Instead, he pursued the victory, summoning back the Rahu who had previously uttered harsh words and then turned cold, bringing his soul back to life."

"Then, he secretly sealed Him in some unknown place, imposing strict control——waiting for some future day to release Him to bite people!"

Di Jiang Zu Wu sneered, 'By then, the demon ancestor Rahu will stir up a demonic calamity in the Honghuang universe, acting recklessly in his campaigns of conquest, disturbing the four directions so they cannot know peace…… It's possible that Hongjun is secretly supporting and strengthening Rahu behind the scenes, allowing his power to swell beyond comparison; even a sage or a half-step sage might not be his match.'

"The Mystic Gate and Buddhist Gate, half-paralyzed, the Heavenly Court's Spirit Mountain, suffered brutal slaughter. After the major forces suffered heavy losses, Hongjun then leisurely issued a slogan, organizing the so-called anti-demon campaign."

"Constantly fighting demons, yet the demon sect can always rise from the ashes, impossible to eradicate…… Behind this, is it the decline of morality, or the distortion of divinity?!"

Di Jiang Zu Wu spoke eloquently, summarizing past information and forecasting future possibilities, blending them into one, quite influential.

Fuxi the Great Sage furrowed his brows——he genuinely felt the threat emanating from Hongjun, and could not help but begin to guard against Hongjun's existence.

This, too, is for the benefit of the demon race!

After all, if in the Lich Great Tribulation the demon race achieved final victory, eliminating the Wu Clan…… losing this primary contradiction, then the positional relationship between ourselves and Hongjun would have to be reconsidered!

"As the saying goes—Under heaven, all land belongs to the king; wherever the soil reaches, all are the king's subjects." Di Jiang noticed a fleeting worry and doubt on Xihuang's face, smiled slightly, and said, "When the demon race's Heavenly Court gains victory and you rule the world, could you tolerate someone like Hongjun, a transcendent recluse who occasionally points and gestures?"

"If one day he feels like it, he'll summon you and say outright—The Heavenly Earth Great Calamity entangles you; some of your disciples ought to face the calamity, or be listed on whatever Investiture of the Gods, or have their cultivation path broken, or should simply fade away, perish and vanish from the Dao……"

"What should you do?" Di Jiang's expression hinted at a bit of mischief, "The demon race defeated by us, suffering five labors and seven injuries, facing the Heavenly Dao formed by those who stayed out of the Lich Great Tribulation, rested, recuperated, and greatly developed—ultimately becoming the Heavenly Dao—a assembly of saints—do they still have any power to resist?"

The ancestor Wu said meaningfully, 'Sometimes, the enemies we see in each other's eyes are not necessarily absolute foes…… they could also be potential partners.'

"At the very least, in certain aspects and certain fields, this is the case!"

"We should reach some consensus——this benefits everyone."

Fuxi the Great Sage remained silent, wisdom light flickering continuously in his eyes.

The atmosphere in the venue momentarily stagnated.

Suddenly, Xihuang let out a long breath, gave a light chuckle, 'Ah…… really sorry.'

"Look at me…… I actually stood outside the main gate chatting with you for so long, which is really improper etiquette for receiving guests!"

"This really makes me feel too ashamed."

Fuxi the Great Sage showed a gentle smile on his face, 'No matter what matters, if you have any ideas for cooperation, let's first enter the hall and then talk!'

He pointed, and the front doors opened, revealing the vast interior space…… The hall's ceiling also had countless real stars suspended and shining, making one standing here feel as if they had arrived at a sea of stars.

"Please come in quickly, let us freely exchange ideas, discuss the Dao and talk about the law." Xihuang said with a smile, his voice loud, as if addressing all the Grand Luo Supreme Emperors paying attention here in the vast Honghuang, "We also shouldn't talk about the Lich Great Tribulation being a life-or-death struggle, nor need to mention whoever harbors ill intentions with a wicked heart…… The future is unpredictable, anything could happen."

"We pursue solid, practical action, not empty talk about the future."

"At present, the Wu and demon sides have only just encountered a slight unpleasantness, not yet risen to the level of war; we should engage in more meaningful exchanges." Xihuang beamed, "For example, exchanging cultivation experiences."

"And moreover……" he remarked, "Regardless, the Wu and demon races are both part of the Honghuang world…… therefore everyone can share their views on how to better build Honghuang…… this is correct and reasonable."

"Exactly right!" Di Jiang also agreed, "This is my mistake…… the baseless great calamity should not be clung to obsessively."

"Standing in the present, we should consider present matters…… we are all lovers of peace, living in the Honghuang world, inheriting Pangu's spirit; what we ought to do is to build Honghuang!"

"Mutually providing technological support for building Honghuang, to bring a good life to all beings, is our proper duty!"

A demon emperor and an ancestor Wu burst into loud laughter together at this moment.

In that smile, there seemed to be some unspoken mutual understanding hidden.

Thereafter, they stepped forward together, leading their respective retinues into that grand hall.

Xihuang, with Nüwa following behind.

Di Jiang, leading Houtu…… several great Wu positioned further back, serving as attendants.

When these two sides entered the hall, the doors shut with a booming sound, sealing off the internal spacetime from the external world, so that whatever happens inside remains unknown to outsiders.

This is a closed-door meeting jointly held by the leadership of the Wu and demon sides!

The implications contained herein are enough for anyone who probes here to savor for a long time, feeling the portent of an approaching storm.

"Peaceful coexistence? Building a beautiful Honghuang?"

Countless powerful beings paying attention here spat in unison, expressing their indignation and dissatisfaction.

"I spit!"

"Who the hell would believe such talk!"

"If you truly want to maintain world peace, you ought to broadcast it openly and fully!"

"Sneaking around to make a backroom deal…… who are you trying to fool!"

Too many deities scorn it, yet they cannot do anything about it.

When the Wu and demon races reach consensus in certain aspects, they will become a force of terrifying extremity!

Facing this force, how many people can block it?

Perhaps, Pangu is one.

That which aligns with the Heavenly Dao, Hongjun, can also be counted as one.

……

In the Purple Dawn Palace, an ancient Daoist with a vast, aged aura sat quietly cross-legged on a mat.

His gaze was profound, reflecting endless spacetime, the myriad heavens and elements within his pupils.

This is an extremely terrifying supreme giant, whose name is——Hongjun!

In legend, the supreme powerhouse who ended the previous era, who promoted the righteous Dao of heaven and earth and was the final victor who suppressed the Demon Ancestor Luo Hou, because he saved the Honghuang world from possible destruction, was thus loved and praised by all beings as the Dao Ancestor.

Dao Ancestor, his power is profound and unfathomable, far surpassing the many primordial divinities of the present age——otherwise, he would lack the ability to summon the gods and gather together in the the the Zixiao Palace.

He felt worried and sighing, the average cultivation level of today's powerhouses is too low, therefore he will open lectures on the Saint's Dharma, select outstanding potential seedlings, and let them carry out heaven's will.

However, just today…… his good intentions seem to have been misunderstood, and he's been labeled a conspirator.

The Wu Clan and the Demon Race, two massive and terrifying factions, their wise strategists have gathered together, seemingly plotting to overthrow him.

Hongjun quietly watched the rise and fall of heaven and earth, observed the myriad forms of the mortal world, and suddenly let out a soft sigh.

After the sigh, a hint of killing intent began to rise.

Even a good person, after being slandered like this…… besides feeling heartbroken, who wouldn't have anger burning?

「Di Jiang……Fuxi……」

Muttering those two names, he stroked the dragon-headed cane at his side, on which seemed to be stored a special past event.

「Heh……」

After his indifferent light laugh, the palace dimmed, time grew gloomy, and myriad ways withered.

「You won't be able to feel pleased for just a few days……」

……

「Fellow Daoist? Fellow Daoist! 」

A low whisper called out, allowing Fengxi, whose mind had been stirred and whose thoughts were wandering from listening to Di Jiang Zu Wu's revelations, to come back to his senses.

He blinked, only to find that the big shots had all entered the palace, leaving this poor fellow outside.

He gazed longingly at the hall, lamenting his insufficient strength, unable to participate in such an important discussion—not to satisfy his gossip craving, but out of zeal for his clan's development and the peace of Honghuang.

Dejectedly turning his head, he looked at the figure calling him from beside——a youth who looked very young.

Of course, in the Honghuang world, immortal demons roam everywhere; many who look young are actually old demons putting on a young act.

However, the youth before him, his eyes were full of vigor and curiosity…… this fresh feeling toward the world is something an old man who has experienced too many vicissitudes cannot possess.

「A little guy. 」 Fengxi evaluated in his heart, then he dejectedly discovered a situation——this 「little guy」's cultivation surpasses his by not just a little bit.

At a glance, you couldn't tell the depth…… in short, as long as he's stronger, that's fine!

「Greetings, fellow Daoist. 」 Fengxi politely said, 「You called me…… what's the matter? 」

「Of course, I'll take you to the designated place to park the carriage and mount. 」 The youth said somewhat shyly, 「Arranging these things is my job. 」

「Oh oh oh! 」 Fengxi exclaimed in realization, 「I understand…… thank you for the trouble. 」

「It's no trouble, just a small matter. 」 The youth shook his head, 「Please follow me. 」

Fengxi straightened his posture, took out the token he carried, waved it to his side…… the dragon carriages of the two ancestral witches and the mounts of the great witches naturally followed behind him.

——Fengxi doesn't just manage the carriages of Di Jiang Zu Wu; he can manage other things too!

If you were to give him a title, he'd roughly be the chief administrator of the Imperial Stables.

The mount followed Fengxi, Fengxi followed the youth…… midway, he took the initiative to chat, probing the youth for information.

「You're asking for my name? How should I address you? 」 The youth pointed at himself, 「I am Kong Xuan. 」

「Uh…… great name! Great name! 」

If it weren't for his self-control cultivated over countless ages, Fengxi might very well have spat out a mouthful of saliva right now.

The name Kong Xuan…… is more than just good!

That's a tough guy, a ruthless one, daring to oppose Saint Zhunti, a renowned great divine ability holder in the Fengshen Catastrophe!

There is a poem as proof——

He has witnessed the creation of heaven and earth, and also seen the sun, moon, and stars; his spirit and virtue are deeply rooted, and he shares an affinity with the West.

This person, who knows how many transmigrators consider him as a disciple candidate, is the unique existence that brings glory to the family gate.

However, speaking reasonably, wanting to take him as a disciple is not ordinarily difficult.

Having witnessed the creation of heaven and earth…… to have such a foundation, he must either be an ancient demon god from the Chaos era, or a powerhouse who has achieved the Great Luo and attained eternal verification, able to trace back time to witness Pangu's creation of heaven.

In any case, wanting to take him as a disciple…… without being a supreme great ability, one simply cannot afford to.

After all, some rumors say that Kong Xuan also has the identity of the phoenix's son, heir to the phoenix clan's endeavors!

Born with a golden spoon in his mouth, who knows how many years of struggle he's saved.

Fengxi indirectly probed; this little peacock lacks deep scheming, and after a bit of probing, the information came out……

He is indeed the phoenix's offspring; living in this Phoenix Resting Mountain makes sense…… Likewise, because Fuxi and Nüwa have taken residence here, he can often listen to the Dao under the seats of these two great beings.

The reason he holds this job is also to improve his ability to communicate and socialize with outsiders; it's mostly just for fun.

As he listened, Fengxi's tears streamed in his heart, almost bursting out with a wail.

——How can the gap between people be so great?

Of course, on the surface he remained as calm and composed as ever, appearing to chat happily with the little peacock.

The little peacock, pleased, spoke freely and told Fengxi many features of Phoenix Resting Mountain—like where there is a wholesale market for feather garments? From which channel can one obtain credentials to enter the Undying Fire Vein for high‑quality fire‑vein forging?

And what places specialize in providing special services…… for example, selling processed semi‑finished smelting materials?

Etcetera, etcetera.

Fengxi noted each one in his heart.

Because what he most wants to do next is——buy low and sell high!

「Bringing in a batch of high‑quality, low‑cost specialty products from the phoenix, then selling them at a high price upon returning to the Wu Clan or elsewhere…… no matter how you say it, you'll make a big profit! 」

Fengxi's mental abacus clacked, 「Even later, when my cultivation is higher…… I could specialize in this kind of channel business! 」

「The four necessities of cultivation——wealth, partner, method, land; wealth comes first! 」

(End of chapter)