Chapter 547: Fengxi directs the play, Emperor Jiang sends gifts

Madam, you have been binge eating for three consecutive months, every meal is overeating…… This is somewhat inappropriate.

In the Human King Holy Hall, Fengxi wore a solemn expression, admonishing Nüwa.

You don't understand……

Nüwa put down her bowl and chopsticks, answering in a faint tone, 'I am trying to use external force to forget some sorrowful matters……'

Alas!

Empress Nüwa let out a long sigh to hide her tears, mourning the fall of Donghua.

Whenever I think of it, Donghua died because of my mistaken decision, blood staining heaven and earth, sleeping eternally, I feel grieved, vexed, helpless, and indignant……

Nüwa said this emotionally.

'Then she drank three large bowls while holding back tears?'

Fengxi appeared respectful on the surface, but deep down dared not agree, constantly criticizing in secret.

'Turning grief into appetite is simply outrageous!'

'I don't know what mood Fuxi would be in if he found out.'

Fengxi wanted to speak but stopped, stopped then wanted again, feeling very torn.

One side is the soul of complaining, the heart of self-destruction; the other side is the instinct to survive, the god of caution. The two sides fight, battling until heaven and earth shatter.

Nüwa did not know that her 'loyal and sincere' confidant general was caught in a heavenly-human conflict, and she thought he was a frank minister whose loyal advice was hard to hear, meddling too much.

'For this small matter, you don't need to worry; I have my own sense of proportion in my heart.'

Nüwa, having eaten and drunk her fill, wiped her mouth, let out a belch, 'It won't delay important affairs.'

'Yes.' Fengxi blinked, indicating understanding.

'Come walk with me.'

Empress Nüwa rose, hands clasped behind her back, a great leader's aura spreading, leading the way.

Fengxi pursed his lips, urging his trumpet to wash the dishes quickly, while on the other side he followed closely, trailing Nüwa by half a body length, listening to this human race's holy mother for any new arrangements.

They strolled through the human race's royal court, wandering aimlessly, not knowing where to go.

At some point, Nüwa seemed tired, she nearby found a pavilion open on all sides, sat down inside, rested her legs, and took a break.

Fengxi sat opposite her, took out a teapot, poured tea, going through the motions.

Nüwa paid no attention, gazing into the distance, seeming somewhat absent-minded.

At the end of the heavens, in the world of stars, boundless blood-red light was rising, dyeing one ancient star after another red, letting the myriad ancient star sea turn entirely crimson!

Standing on the Honghuang earth, gazing afar at the star sea, what was seen was no longer glittering silver light, but a expanse of blood spreading everywhere.

This is the portent of the heavenly-earthly killing calamity.

The Demon Race, up and down, under the Heavenly Court's orders, with drums beating loudly, turned the stars, assisted in arranging the Grand Formation of the Zhou Tian Stars, condensing the entire clan's vigorous killing intent.

The terror of this killing intent moved the mighty power of humanity, penetrated the ages of doubt, reflected a corner of the future, mountains of corpses and seas of blood, a layer of skin covered over, letting the once fine Zhou Tian star sea become this very appearance.

Any living being, at a glance, could inexplicably feel a bloody scent assailing the nostrils, blood qi swirling, smelling it induces nausea…… That is the buried bones of myriad beings, the myriad races of humanity turned to ash!

Three months ago, after the Three Pure Ones inserted a veto, letting the Wu and Demon sides temporarily cease hostilities, such a scene appeared.

Even if the heavens have sunrise and moonlight, light remains.

But all stars are red, bloodlight permeates, making the entire Honghuang seem like the most terrifying hunting ground!

'The killing calamity is approaching; who knows how many living beings will meet their end in lament?'

After a long while, Nüwa sighed, 'The cause of death of these beings, part of the responsibility lies on me.'

'This is sin.'

'Madam, why say such things?' Fengxi shook his head, not accepting.

As an existence unclear with humanity, his stance is more transcendent and special compared to many.

'You can face these sins squarely, but there's no need to overcompensate, deliberately bearing them all on yourself.'

'You are not wrong.'

'Do not let the Heavenly Court's day-long propaganda sway your original intent, ultimately leading to the tragedy where kin suffer and foes rejoice.'

Fengxi was very earnest.

At this moment, he was not only speaking for himself, but also a part of the benevolent thought of the great humanity speaking, carrying an inexplicable persuasiveness and influence.

'You also represent justice!'

'You raised troops to contend for hegemony, no matter what the original purpose was…… but up to today, you have been walking the correct path!'

Fengxi spoke with conviction, his voice resonant and powerful.

'This era was originally the age of the demons.'

'Demons, they represent humanity.'

'But in such a situation, Empress, you could rise unexpectedly, first with the Wu Clan, then with humanity, and even came with a victorious rendezvous, gaining humanity's support…… what does this show?'

'This shows that the path you practice likewise gained the support of some living beings, and you have your own base!'

'In the eyes of those living beings, your actions and the policies you enact represent justice!'

'So……'

'Even if you started the war, fighting for the people you protect, speaking for this part of humanity, raising demands, seeking benefits…… how could this be called a sin?!'

'The Wu-Demon great calamity is not a simple contest of good versus evil, but a critique of one justice against another, each having the firmest and most sincere supporters and followers.'

'During the war, there is no sin.'

'Only after the great calamity ends, conclusions are drawn, victory and defeat decided…… then can the victors write, clarifying merits and faults.'

Fengxi calmly expounded the merits and demerits, right and wrong during the great calamity.

Under the great calamity, there is no sin, no karmic retribution!

Killing is blameless, without fault!

Even if slaughtering heaven and earth, washing the world in blood, one would not be judged…… the red lotus does not burn, the karmic fire does not scorch.

It will only be silently recorded…… merely a record.

Until the war ends and victory or defeat is determined.

At that time, the victor can take this record and make a judgment.

For the same degree of slaughter, one's own side gains great merit, rewarded according to contribution, promoted and ennobled.

The enemy, however, are war criminals, to be brought before a humanitarian court for trial!

"So, Your Majesty, instead of feeling sympathy and pity, sighing endlessly, you'd better think more about how to secure victory in the war."

"After all, others' lives are lives—aren't the lives of those peoples who firmly support us also lives?"

"Since they have supported us, we cannot let them down; we must lead them toward a beautiful new era."

Fengxi spoke solemnly, "If Your Majesty still has worries, you might as well set an aspiration."

"Today's blood debt from slaughter will be repaid tenfold by future achievements in governance."

"Those who know me condemn me; only the Spring and Autumn Annals can judge!"

Fengxi, impassioned, gave Nüwa vigorous encouragement, cheering her on like chicken soup.

Don't say it.

Nüwa thus felt a surge of hot blood for three snaps of time.

But in the end, her salted-fish nature reasserted itself, the hot blood cooled again…… there was no way; her brother, the August Emperor, expended great effort, yet could not brainwash or delude Nüwa into weakness, so he had to resort to a "hatred-stimulus" therapy, an alternative form of goading.

What virtue or ability does Fengxi currently possess to make a salted fish turn over?

To be able to have hot blood for three breaths is already not bad.

Of course.

With this brief surge of hot blood, Nüwa's mindset adjusted accordingly, no longer so sorrowful over spring, lacking sympathy, able to handle problems with a relatively calm and rational state of mind.

"All right!"

Nüwa opened her mouth with a smile, "Just now I was being self-conscious."

"But..."

"Little Fengxi, have your wings hardened?"

"You keep lecturing me with such gall?"

Nüwa looked at Fengxi, sizing him up from head to toe, half-smiling.

"No such thing! No such thing!" Fengxi waved his hands repeatedly, "I will forever be Your Majesty's loyal aide, ready to plunge a dagger into your ribs for you; hardened wings? fat gall? Nonexistent!"

"You know this…… I, Fengxi, am the most honest!"

"Really?" Nüwa laughed and shook her head, "I believe you when you say you're loyal… but as for honesty, I think we'll skip that."

"I don't know who you learned this from, or perhaps it's just your natural talent."

"Your schemes to trap people come in sets, your belly full of bad water."

"……" Fengxi felt embarrassed, unsure whether to respond or not.

"Forget it, scheme against people if you wish, as long as you don't drag me into it." Nüwa said indifferently, yet this made Fengxi's eyes unconsciously dart about.

He…… feels guilty!

"Right." Nüwa suddenly straightened her back, her eyes gleaming, fixed on Fengxi without blinking, "I have completed the preparations; I can now open the cycle of reincarnation."

"Ah? Ah!" Fengxi gathered his spirits and hurriedly offered flattery, "Your Majesty is mighty! Your Majesty is overbearing!"

"Don't praise me……" Nüwa waved her hand, "I want to ask you…… after the reincarnation system is completed and the Underworld administration is established, do you have any idea of taking a post there to oversee it?"

Nüwa seemed offhand, but her attention was wholly on Fengxi, "To be the Lord of the Underworld, overseeing all netherworld spirits?"

"Ah this! I think…… I might not be suitable." Fengxi really wanted it, but as the words reached his lips a sudden alarm arose, and he naturally changed his tone, "I, a Human King, what business do I have becoming a Lord of the Underworld?"

"The system seems incompatible?"

"What's unsuitable about it?" Nüwa shook her head, "I think there's no problem."

"The so-called compatibility issue—just broaden the authority of the Human King system to cover the past, and it'll be fine."

Fengxi listened, then blinked, "Expand?"

"Yes, expand." Nüwa said leisurely, "Expand the Human King's authority, incorporating the right to oversee reincarnation…… from then on, control life and death!"

"Fengxi, you are the Human King…… what do you think of this?"

Nüwa gazed at Fengxi with a smile, her eyes holding a hidden gleam.

"If I may speak plainly…… this would be a challenge to Your Majesty's authority." Fengxi pondered a moment, then continued, "You hold the two great powers of creation and reincarnation; controlling life and death is your proper duty."

"Now the Human King has been authorized by you, gaining supervisory authority over reincarnation……"

"This implicitly involves a contention over the Great Dao."

"Are you certain?"

"I am certain." Nüwa said lightly, "I have my own ideas."

"As for the reason, you need not concern yourself."

"Is that so……" Fengxi blinked, "Since Your Majesty has decided, I will no longer question it."

"However, the work of the Lord of the Underworld, I, your servant, will continue as before, not intending to take it up…… unless there are special circumstances."

Fengxi wore a face of loyal sincerity, "I do not know what thoughts Your Majesty harbors, but in any case, reincarnation is your creation; its natural orthodoxy ought to reside in your hands."

"But I want to centralize authority in the Human King, to increase his leverage." Nüwa said.

"That's simple too." Fengxi replied cheerfully, "I will abdicate and let the worthy take my place—let the girl ascend!"

He spoke bluntly, which instead left Nüwa stunned.

"The girl as heir apparent will act as regent; I will enter retirement procedures…… at that time, Your Majesty may arrange things as you wish."

"One could simply take reincarnation as a political achievement, establish authority, and boost the girl's prestige." Fengxi mused, "That would also be good."

After all, the relationship between the girl and you is merely circulated among the upper echelons; the lower ranks don't know, and it's not appropriate to find out, giving the impression of a hidden agenda.

With this achievement added, tell the clanspeople that from now on they need no longer worry about life and death, and have blessings in the next life… the cohesion of the group will increase by seventy or eighty percent, no problem!

Speaking of this, Fengxi clapped his hands and said, "Exactly, that's it!"

When the reincarnation has mostly fermented, the girl will ride her merit to rise, her position will be firmly secured, she will dominate all directions—who would dare not obey?

They're jumping about like the dragon clan of Gonggong the Ancestor Witch; it's time to give them a good thrashing.

At that time, the girl, driving the imperial carriage of a human king, will tour the eastern sea, awing the petty villains, and will surely cause the Dragon Ancestor to lose heart and courage.

Fengxi offered his plans and strategies, compiling a script for Nüwa.

In his account, the girl's future path is arranged in a crystal‑clear manner.

The regent prince—taking over reincarnation—supreme prestige—touring the eastern sea—Dragon Ancestor submits……

It makes perfect sense, it makes perfect sense.

All set!

At this moment, Fengxi changed professions.

He became——

Xidao!

"Mm… not bad." Nüwa dispelled the strange light in her eyes, turned her thoughts to herself, and said, "This is a natural progression."

But this might wrong you.

Nüwa looked apologetic, "You need to finish your term early, becoming a washed‑up human king, and can no longer shine for the people."

"Your Ladyship, why say such a thing?" Fengxi declared solemnly, "I am just a brick—move me wherever needed!"

Besides, gold shines wherever it is!

Washed‑up? It's impossible to be washed‑up!

I dare to ask Her Ladyship for a favor, modeling after the old tales of the Qing Emperor and the Bai Emperor.

I will be relocated to the south, establish a Small Royal Court, accept the command of the Human Race's Supreme Central Royal Court, but retain a certain autonomy, be self‑sufficient, and also share the burden of the Royal Court while opposing a flank of the Heavenly Court!

Fengxi put forward his own demands.

This is somewhat taboo.

However, Fengxi had just carried out the 'sacrifice', willing to give up his own interests to pave the way for the girl; Nüwa pondered briefly and then readily agreed.

Okay!

Having obtained this heavenly‑sounding permission, Fengxi was filled with joy.

One deal, seemingly a loss, forfeiting the supreme authority of the central authority.

But after going south and rebuilding the Royal Court, he came fully alive!

Many things that cannot see the light will gather there.

Rather than now, being watched by Nüwa, not daring to overstep slightly for fear of heavenly thunder.

"Transfer to the locality, organize troops……"

"Unbeknownst to me, I seem to have gone my separate ways with Nüwa……"

"Have I betrayed her……"

"No…… I haven't……"

"My goals are the same as hers; we share the same main contradiction…… only the form of expression differs."

"I intend to correct the chaos and error of the human way, while striking at the vested‑interest groups built on these problems…… this is also the object of Her Ladyship's struggle, a necessary process of her Pangu."

"As for after victory……"

Fengxi's train of thought hit a snag, and he fell silent.

It's not right to speak against one's conscience.

Fengxi, he wants to be a good person.

Unfortunately, his fate is fraught with hardship.

Thinking of some things, his head feels like it's about to explode.

However, his head hasn't exploded yet, but Nüwa's side has run into a snag.

She suddenly turned her head, glanced sideways at a certain spot, where a silent, soundless figure had appeared at some unknown time, eerily frightening.

"Di Jiang, what are you doing here?"

Nüwa looked askance, her tone unfriendly.

Lately, Nüwa has found many people displeasing to the eye.

For example, the Dragon Ancestor.

And also Di Jiang!

After all, Hongjun had previously suffered a terrible ordeal, earning the nickname 'Kōshuǐ Jūn'… has Nüwa fared any better?

The 'sacrifice' is also huge!

As the 'chief culprit', Nüwa merely gave a surface‑level cold shoulder, without escalating to shouting and beating…… this already shows her mindset is not bad.

"I'm here to deliver something." Di Jiang, not annoyed, chuckled, "I'm easing tensions with you, Nüwa, counting it as an apology; please, Your Majesty Nüwa, don't hold a petty person's grudge."

(End of chapter)