Chapter 462

The Cook Majesty steps down; we humans, to commemorate his achievements, bestow upon him the title 'Enthroned as Emperor of the East'!

You see, wouldn't this be quite interesting?

Fengxi's smile is warm-hearted, yet every word he speaks is like a blade.

"East Thearch, we likewise honor him as emperor, acknowledge his status and authority, but his domain is in the east, while his title is in the west."

"This name is proper, but the phrasing is awkward!"

"One day in the future, when humanity prevails and obtains the position of the protagonists of heaven and earth, we will sit in a row and share the fruits."

"The subtlety between East Thearch's name and reality might be Lady Nüwa's breakthrough."

"First, Fuxi Majesty would never show favoritism to outsiders."

"Second, the Grand Emperor Emeritus—August Emperor—and the actual power holder—Lesser Yang—how could there be no friction at all?"

Fengxi smiled faintly.

The contest of the two Haos!

This is a full-blown scheme layout, yet it does not appear sinister and deceitful; rather, it is grand and magnificent.

August Emperor, that is the Cook, once ruled the world, taking that as the highest imperial title—August Emperor Majesty who opened heaven and earth!

Lesser Haotian, that is East Heaven; its formal title on the household register is 'East Heaven Purple Palace Lesser Yang Thearch'……the noble Yang is like the sun at high noon.

When the sun is in the sky, that is Haotian.

East Thearch, Lesser Yang Divine, honors his imperial title as Lesser Haotian……Any problem? No problem.

August Emperor and Lesser Haotian both reside on the eastern lands, overseeing the Eastern Barbarians; that would certainly be an interesting matter.

Of course, this will surely make a dragon go mad.

Gonggong Ancestral Witch's gaze is like blades and swords, looking at Fengxi, as if wishing to give him three cuts and six holes.

However……this is absolutely not the end.

Fengxi's gaze was gentle; he returned a glance to Gonggong Ancestral Witch, then turned to the assembled Twelve Ancestral Witches and said: 'Thank you, Gonggong Ancestral Witch, for laying bare your scars, using your own bloody history to solemnly warn us to beware of Fuxi Great Sage and East Thearch colluding.'

"According to the principle 'whoever asserts must prove'."

"In the premise that most people consider past events settled, everything mere coincidence, not a script arrangement, Gonggong Great God has the determination and courage to go against the current……At the same time, please, in the years to come, bear responsibility, defend strictly, pay close attention to the interaction between these two great divine beings, obtain solid evidence as soon as possible, do not just talk big, spread rumors—this will tarnish the overall image of our Wu Clan, making others think our Wu Clan is a gathering of nitpickers, like the incident experienced by Nanhua True Person."

Fengxi's words and smiles are tranquil, yet they surpass myriad swords.

He spoke of Nanhua True Person……this true person is indeed the top debater of the Daoist school, as well as a philosopher and thinker.

Nanhua believes the fish is happy; his friend says, 'You are not a fish, how do you know whether the fish is happy or not?'……Thus unfolded the nesting doll competition.

Nanhua believes the fish is happy; his friend says, 'You are not a fish, how do you know whether the fish is happy or not?'……Thus unfolded the nesting doll competition.

Finally, Nanhua True Person set the question straight back to its root, saying 'Please follow its essence,' and ended the debate.

— He stood in a high position, knew more, understood the principle that a fish out of water will die.

Fish swim in the water, at the very least still alive…… Whether human or fish, is it happier to die or to be alive?

No matter how miserable, as long as one is alive, there is always the possibility to pursue happiness.

Friend, if you want to refute me, at least base it on reality, find concrete evidence, prove that 'life is worse than death,' instead of asking me why I think fish are happy, thereby starting an argumentative game.

At this moment, Fengxi, taking this as an example, earnestly instructed the ancestral witch Gonggong — the organization has now entrusted you with an important task; I hope you will fulfill your duties faithfully!

You aren't doubting that Emperor Donghua has a problem, are you?

You don't think that Fuxi and Emperor Donghua are colluding in wickedness, forming a corrupt clique, do you?

Regarding your report, the Wu Clan conglomerate could not possibly mobilize organizational power to investigate something baseless just for you.

But!

We will grant you the authority to oversee…… Go, go within the scope of the game rules, properly supervise whether those two are violating the rules, and slap solid evidence in our faces!

Don't say you're unwilling, okay? If even you, the 'victim' whose personal interests are harmed, don't give your all, then I have reason to suspect that what you said before was pure fabrication, just to achieve your own ambitions and desires.

"If the dragon clan doesn't put in the effort, I think…… the privileges previously promised to the dragon clan can largely be revoked."

Fengxi said to Houtu.

"Good!"

Houtu clapped her hands and laughed, feeling greatly relieved and satisfied.

Having a loyal minister like Fengxi is truly a great joy for the divine realm!

It easily turned back many disadvantages, no longer as embarrassing as before.

After all……

"'Whether the dragon clan puts in the effort or not…… in the end, isn't it up to me to decide?'"

"'If no evidence is found, it means they aren't putting in the effort!'"

"'Unconvinced…… then we can take a collective vote!'"

"'Even if we cannot retrieve the advantages taken from the dragon clan and completely suppress the dragon totem, we can still dampen their spirit, so they dare not act as arrogantly as before and dare to challenge the emperor!'"

Houtu thought optimistically.

She firmly believed that Gonggong could not possibly find evidence——not because she trusted Fuxi's character to think he wouldn't collude with Emperor Donghua——but because she believed in his methods; even if he cheated, he could wipe away all evidence completely!

"Old Dragon, you're really lacking insight…… what kind of opponents have you picked?"

"'Mmm…… although my elder brother in this era doesn't share my sentiments, but I, Nüwa, have countless capable ministers and generals skilled at using the 'kill with a borrowed knife' tactic; I can drag him into this.'"

"'That works too.'"

"'On one hand, we can cleverly draw the elder brother into the situation to check the Dragon Ancestor's ambition; on the other hand, we can use the Dragon Ancestor's power to keep a close watch on the elder brother, so he won't quietly cause any big news again!'"

"'Perfect!'"

Houtu inwardly applauded; regarding Fengxi's proposal to invest heavily to win over Emperor Donghua, she could also let down her guard…… but this is the awakened nature of an emperor.

An emperor rules; how could he tolerate others arbitrarily moving authority?

What they constantly think is——there will always be treacherous subjects who want to harm the emperor!

Fortunately, Fengxi's answer sheet given to her at this moment satisfied her.

With his guard slightly lowered, Houtu's bearing underwent a subtle change imperceptibly…… Others didn't notice, but Fengxi instantly sensed it, feeling as if a heavy stone on his chest had been moved.

Fengxi inexplicably came to this realization——the madam again wanted to lie down, to become a salted fish, needing whip and urging to let her rise quickly……

This realization came out of nowhere, making him inwardly cry out that it was a sin.

"'Going with the wind, a good-for-nothing; against the storm, he walks; in dire straits, he slaughters wildly?'"

"'With full health, he plays the erhu; with low health, he wanders everywhere?'"

"'When the health bar is empty, imperial tactics can be self-taught, leader charisma, balancing power arts…… all conditions maxed out, becoming the most terrifying opponent, is this the desperate-burst type player?'"

Fengxi strained to gather his scattered, racing thoughts, and only with difficulty did he calm down.

His performance was effective, making Nüwa feel she could lie down again; thus the restraint was lifted, and Fengxi could be lazy again.

"'Someday, I'll figure out what's behind this cat's grease……'"

Fengxi let out a long sigh, then immediately rallied his spirits, continuing to work hard to put some eye drops on a certain dragon, while also being a means to guard against the situation getting out of hand.

"Emperor Donghuang and Gonggong Zu Wu mutually…… refine, urge each other, progress together, this is a great boon for humanity." Fengxi said leisurely, "However, I think…… just this alone is still not enough."

""We still need to add something.""

""Huh?" Gonggong Zu Wu revealed a truly murderous gaze."

""Hmph!" Houtu let out a heavy snort, his sleeves billowing, cutting off the killing intent."

The two Zu Wu had a slight friction.

The struggle of water and soil, the vast expanse of time and space, an absolute nothingness spreading.

""Young man, go ahead." Di Jiang Zu Wu smiled faintly, stretched his hand to carve open eternity, and enveloped Fengxi."

""Yes." Fengxi obeyed, "When two strong contenders clash, it's easy to go overboard…… a tripartite balance is just right."

""Although Majesty Paoxi will also be placed in the east, he has already abdicated to enjoy his old age, and moreover serves as Xihuang in the Heavenly Court, so it's hard to say how devoted he will be."

""Therefore, we need to arrange another capable team to go over, so that it can simultaneously form covert supervision and balance for Emperor Donghuang and the Dragon Ancestor."

""Considering various reasons, this capable person must himself be strong enough, and also share historical origins with them…… most importantly, he must not have Pangu's ideas."

Fengxi explained, "Only strength lets his words carry weight; having origins lets some issues be communicated; lacking Pangu's ideas makes his conduct fair."

""What do you mean……?" Di Jiang Zu Wu appeared thoughtful.

""Please, Zu Wu Jumang, sincerely invite the earliest ancient ancestor of the phoenix lineage, to go east to the Dongyi!"

Fengxi turned, bowed deeply to Zu Wu Jumang, showing full respect.

This bow made Jumang, who had been nonchalantly watching the play and even now had his mind wandering elsewhere, focus his spirit, saying, ""Let me…… no, is it to let the phoenix go east to the Dongyi?""

""Exactly!" Fengxi nodded, "When Shaohao ascends the throne, the phoenixes will arrive!"

""If we say the Dragon Ancestor represents the supervisory faction of the Wu Clan, then the phoenix represents the fair and transcendent faction."

""Under heaven, there is no one more suitable than the phoenix to be sent forth and to appear as a deterrent."

""One of the hegemonies of the first era can stand equal to the Dragon Ancestor."

""Or it is an auspicious symbol in the eyes of the common folk, which also counts as giving enough face to Emperor Donghuang and helping him initially gather popular support."

""With the phoenix's power mediating in the middle, surely many matters can reach a pleasant consensus between Emperor Donghuang and the Dragon Ancestor, working together for humanity's cause, rather than undermining each other, constantly filing petty reports, even up to the human royal court."

""What do you think, what does everyone think, how is this proposal?"

Fengxi asked with a smile.

""Not at all!" Gonggong immediately protested vehemently.

This damn thing is stealing bamboo shoots!

Arranging an Emperor Donghuang to mutually check and balance with him is already enough.

And then a phoenix comes, bringing her entourage?

Damn!

A few petty temple sprites in the wind…… no, this broken Dongyi place, far inferior to the human royal court, arranging a few Taiyi to gather?

The retirement-bound August Emperor, the lazy phoenix, the ambitious Emperor Donghuang, the aspiring Dragon Ancestor.

This is just absurd!

Death opening, hell mode, nightmare opponent!

Crazy!

Gonggong felt that, just because of Fengxi's mouth, he had to give him a past retaliation.

""I think it's fine." Houtu said with a smiling squint, "As for the phoenix, I still trust her…… she once clearly stated that in this era she does not participate in the Pangu conflict."

""She represents us to patrol Dongyi, keeping some contradictions and conflicts within an acceptable range…… I deem it feasible."

"But..." Houtu this time looked at Gonggong, with a hint of sympathy in her eyes, "We can't be too hard on honest people, can we?"

"Just have the phoenix move some of its entourage over; it shouldn't be too active there itself, so as not to put too much pressure on the competitors."

"Just let a few small birds under its command jump around, give it an honorary title, do no work, still collect the pay, and serve as a mascot."

Houtu said, and Gonggong's expression eased a bit.

If not for that, he would have been ready to turn hostile!

"Fine." Jumang replied cheerfully, "No problem, I'm familiar with this work!"

"Being a rubber stamp is what I'm best at!"

Jumang smiled, eyes narrowed, "Getting an extra payment, I have no objections, and I definitely won't meddle too much."

"Um... later, if someone shows proper respect and offers a little extra tribute to this phoenix, they might turn a blind eye to certain annexations."

Jumang was quite unrestrained, causing about half of the ancestral witches present to sigh while rubbing their foreheads.

"You... still need to keep up appearances." Fengxi coughed twice, solemnly reminding, "Mind your bounds; at the very least, when the Heavenly Court comes knocking, don't let them fight among themselves—present a united front."

"As for ordinary times, there's no need to worry about their life or death... they're all ambitious sorts; it's fine if they die, as long as the cover-up is thorough."

He spoke candidly, completely oblivious to Gonggong still being present, his eyes revealing a desire to devour him alive.

"I understand, I understand." Jumang said lazily, "I have too much experience in this... Back then, I was the conscience officer of the Phoenix faction, responsible for all face-saving projects."

"Those who do bad deeds are these few—Fuxi, Báizé, Jieyin... The corrupt waters flow endlessly under the August Emperor, the fee‑changing historian Báizé god, the lending‑profit‑taking Jieyin Buddha."

"Many evil gods linger there, but only the Phoenix is the conscience of the whole faction, tasked with one person pulling up the collective integrity."

"After doing this kind of work a lot, I also know the limits... I know when to do what, able to just right shift the populace's gaze, covering over the internal heated disputes that draw attention."

Jumang showed the look of an old hand.

As he spoke, the ancestral witch's gaze toward Fengxi was full of deep meaning: "Young man... you're not simple."

"Too kind! Too kind!"

Fengxi bowed with clasped hands.

"That's settled then—we'll do it this way!"

Houtu looked at the everyone-happy scene, delighted, took up the brush: "I'll write the edict now, awaiting the day we swear with the Donghua Alliance, promising its forces autonomy and a righteous justification!"

She wielded brush and ink, under the gaze of all the ancestral witches, writing the words that would decide the great trend.

However.

Houtu didn't notice that one of the ancestral witches had such a subtle look in his eyes.

"The Qing Emperor's system is you yourself rushing to show off your sister's authority, ordering the construction of the kitchen dwellings in public."

"The Yan Emperor's system is you yourself personally planning and promoting it, with your own power supporting the talent allocation."

"The Bai Emperor's system is also you yourself proactively writing the edict, justifiably letting him operate independently of jurisdiction."

"What's done is done, cannot be changed... This, it's all your own doing..."

(End of chapter)