Chapter 560: Wedding Ceremony, Yinglong Meets Hongjun!

Fengxi felt despair.

——Clearly I've given you so many chances, why are you still useless, Nüwa?!

Side reminders, covert warnings, gentle persuasion……

By now, I've even just come out and stated it directly.

——Melted the Five Emperors' Seal!

Too bad.

Reminders were useless.

Warnings had no effect.

Persuasion was ineffective.

Direct statements bore no fruit.

——What the hell are we even playing at?!

Medicine cannot cure fatal illnesses; Buddha saves those with affinity.

Nüwa……

No hope left.

Just wait to die.

Farewell!

Great Immortal Fengxi, though his magic is boundless, ultimately could not save Nüwa, nor free her from Fuxi's sea of suffering.

He shook his head in secret.

From this moment on, Fengxi personally severed his last hope and expectation placed on Nüwa.

This heavenly pit, I can't move it, really can't move it.

Simply, then I won't move it.

Walk his own path, persevere to the end, carve out a realm of heaven and earth, and save humanity from peril.

When victory is won and he has enough sway, he will then try to harmonize the relationship between Nüwa and Fuxi, letting Nüwa breathe a little easier under the August Emperor's oppression… which would also count as repaying the kindness shown to him over the years.

Once Fengxi's resolve was set, he became decisively unfathomable.

His face betrayed no emotion; on one hand he praised the girl who had become heir apparent, saying she would surely become a qualified human emperor, capable of leading humanity to grow stronger, to strike horizontally at the Heavenly Dao, and to thrash the Heavenly Court.

On the other hand, he directly demanded the treasury access permit promised by Nüwa, wrote a list, got it approved, and the resources and treasures stored over ages in the Central Royal Court began flowing incessantly to the southern lands, to build foundations and establish a regime.

Under Fengxi's governance of humanity, time was not short.

When he spread the word that he would follow the White Emperor's precedent and establish his own princely court, supporters came like clouds.

One by one, the high-ranking ministers of the court followed his footsteps, leaving Buzhou for the southern reaches of Honghuang.

Among them were not a few talents who had helped Nüwa assist Fengxi in building the Fire Masters, and indeed there were many.

When the ministers had taken their sides, even Fengxi himself was somewhat surprised——

Holy shit!

The Central Royal Court is half empty, and then some?!

You know, many of them have backgrounds as Great Luo beings, or even personally descended, their true selves holding office, binding their faction.

But now.

They've thrown in with Fengxi and no longer linger in the Central Royal Court.

"Hmm… what's going on?"

Fengxi stroked his chin and asked Hougang, "Her Majesty Nüwa holds power as regent, benefits are good, treatment top-notch—how could you still not keep your hearts?"

"Let me explain first," he smacked his lips, "going south is basically starting from scratch, and you don't get the same good treatment as in the Central Royal Court."

"Lady Nüwa…" Hougang pondered a moment and gave his reply, "Looking at the salary sheet Lady Nüwa issued, saying one isn't moved is a lie."

"For her highness's deep affection, we are truly moved…… yet after careful consideration, we still chose to refuse her attempt to retain us."

Moved, then refused.

"Then… what are you after?" Fengxi wondered.

"Maybe we're just betting on the future?" Hougang hesitated, "Similarly being a leader…… I admit, Lady Nüwa has great personal charm, easily making people swear to follow her to the death."

"If it were a peaceful era, it would be great if Lady Nüwa were monarch—everyone would be happy."

"Too bad, this is an age of great calamity and conquest."

"Lady Nüwa isn't shameless enough, not wicked enough, not unscrupulous enough…… so although benefits are high, the future always makes us feel insecure."

"Compared to short-term high returns, a result that guarantees victory…… is still more important."

Hougang explained it clearly.

Everyone's an adult; we all know how to vote with our feet.

——Although Nüwa pays more.

——But we still think following Fengxi is reliable.

——After all, in wartime, it's all about pushing past the lower limit!

——On this point, we admit Fengxi is more reliable than Nüwa, and has greater hope of accomplishing something!

——At the very least, during war, a leader skilled in strategy can push past the lower limit, guard against the enemy pushing past the lower limit, and thus the casualty rate will be much lower!

"Thank you!" Fengxi replied weakly.

Although his approval rating is high, Hougang's kind of statement makes the reason why the vast Fire Master faction ministers support him really not let him feel happy.

He actually won because of character issues!

"Fuck!"

The only word lingering in Fengxi's mind was this.

His face dark, he sent Hougang packing, telling him to scram and go help move the main force.

And somehow, this conversation reached the girl's ears.

Just after she became regent, her seat still not warm, she was gloomy because many workers had fled; hearing this, for a moment she was no longer gloomy, no longer troubled about people's loyalties scattering, she laughed until she bent forward and backward, unable to contain her joy.

"Hahaha…"

The girl kept slapping the table, tears almost coming from laughter, "I thought something else was going on—Fengxi could win people's hearts better than I? Turns out it's like this!"

"Your Highness, should we recall some of the personnel?" the captain of the guard—Great Shaman You—stepped forward and asked solemnly.

"Never mind, never mind… people's hearts are like that; let them go." The girl shook her head, unconvinced, "After all, Fengxi is still my trusted aide… his things aren't they just mine?"

"Hmm…" the girl's face lit up with a bright smile, as if she had thought of something, "Little Fengxi, my fine minister… over the years, I owe him a lot for devising schemes for me, overseeing one cunning, devious plan after another."

"Given this situation, the harm to his reputation is severe—just look at it!"

"Ah, poor child."

The girl rested her chin on her hand, took up paper and brush, scribbling, "Never mind, I'll give him some compensation for the mental damage to his reputation."

"Hehe, while I'm at it I'll tease him a bit… now that he's calling the shots, he shouldn't meddle in those scheming tricks and demonic mischief; he ought to walk the upright path."

……

When Fengxi received the compensation for his reputation damage, he felt terrible.

"Although I know you mean well, Your Highness, I can't help feeling you're deliberately mocking me."

He sighed, "Besides, what path to take—is that even up to me?"

"With such a lopsided balance of power, the upright path is out of the question; scheming is what suits me now!"

"Build high walls, stockpile grain, develop covertly, sow discord… when I rise, I'll make the whole world tremble!"

After the hesitation, his fighting spirit rose.

He did a finger count, the schedule clear in his mind, "Hmm, is it time for Houyi's grand wedding?"

"Besides, the reincarnation-reform project Her Highness has been preparing in secret is ready—can we sell it?"

"Let's handle both things at once… perfect, let's deal with them together."

"Taking advantage of Houyi's big wedding, we can somehow attract attention, and it also counts as lowering the difficulty a bit for Yinglong's move, reducing the chance of exposure."

Fengxi set off leisurely, heading east to the Yi lands, to serve as witness and officiate the wedding.

Along the way, the procession was grand, fully displaying the majesty of the Human Emperor.

—Even though the regent girl is the crown princess, he remains the nominal emperor and has not abdicated!

When the Human Emperor goes out, his bearing must not be lacking.

At the same time, the Eastern Yi camp began hanging lights and tying ribbons, holding grand ceremonies, building a stage for the Novice, as if to sweep away the heavy atmosphere left by the death of the White Emperor Shaohao.

On that day, even the Demon Race's Heavenly Court was unusually quiet, rarely halting their armed clashes, the standoff with the Wu Clan on the front line ceased, and there was no more shouting of battle.

After all, this is the grand wedding of the White Emperor's daughter, who married a fairly capable hero.

That certain nameless demon monarch, as the father-in-law, also did not want to make things difficult for his son-in-law.

It goes without saying.

In the coming days, Honghuang will likely be peaceful; the father-in-law will give the daughter and son-in-law a tranquil honeymoon period, so they need not worry about tribal affairs or war.

Besides a few people, no one could understand this cat's boredom.

However.

Thus, another mighty figure was drawn in, observing the wedding throughout, unable to attend to anything else—good news for Fengxi.

Amidst a sea of shifting, mysterious clouds, Fengxi arrived at the scene, feeling countless gazes that crossed time and ages, the vast Myriad Heavens, falling upon this place, and a thoughtful smile appeared on his face.

While greeting Chang'e and Houyi on one hand, and secretly directing on the other, he personally pushed the wheel of history forward relentlessly, stepping out with strides that shook the era.

"It's decided—you're the one—Yinglong!"

He issued the order.

Thus, the Teng Snake that had obtained half of the Dragon Ancestor's origin and completely digested it, thereby achieving the ultimate leap in life level—now called Yinglong, the baby just out of its eggshell, responded with a cry, face full of tears, turned around, leapt into the river of ages, and quietly appeared in a corner of Honghuang.

When its true form appeared, all dragon kinds between heaven and earth faintly felt the stirring of their bloodlines, and in the dark had a premonition that some great event was occurring.

The Dragon Ancestor was the most reactive.

At the first moment, he widened his dragon eyes, wanting to take in all of Honghuang.

Unfortunately.

This time, the Dragon Ancestor's divine powers failed!

Honghuang didn't see it.

He only saw a big face, which startled him.

The Dragon Ancestor was shocked, his heart skipping a few beats.

Who did he see?

He saw Fuxi!

This ancient god sage, unknown when, squatted at the entrance of his cave, drawing circles on the ground and counting ants, looking very bored.

Fuxi... has come to block the door!

"Gulong!"

The Dragon Ancestor swallowed saliva with difficulty, repeatedly telling himself—

Don't be afraid!

Don't be afraid!

That guy outside is being blacklisted by the Human Dao, basically unable to exert full strength, and will be strongly interfered with by the Human Dao.

But...

Still, I'm so nervous!

How?

Dragon Ancestor flustered, Xihuang not at all flustered.

You knew I was coming, yet you didn't invite me in for a cup of tea?

Dragon Ancestor remained silent.

After a long while, he hesitantly opened the cave abode gate and ushered Xihuang inside.

August Emperor Majesty, what brings you?

After serving tea, Dragon Ancestor got straight to the point.

What can be done?

Xihuang merely smiled, took out a chessboard, set it down, and said, "Just bored, looking for someone to play a game of chess—nothing more."

I've been watching you for a long time; I know, Old Dragon, your chess skills are superb, rare in the world, so I've come specially to ask for a few pointers—hope you don't find it presumptuous.

Dragon Ancestor grinned, clearly sensing the visitor's ill intent, perhaps harboring some mischief.

However, after some hesitation, he still picked up a chess piece and played a game with Xihuang.

Of course, he also secretly diverted some attention to probe and explore the Honghuang world.

But the opportunity has passed.

The Responding Dragon had perfectly mastered the authority to command the dragon clan, wielding it with ease, even able to don Dragon Ancestor's guise, as if truly representing the will of the dragon clan's lord!

A veil of mist shrouded it, mysterious and sneaky, hiding its head and tail, yet deliberately leaking a bit of genuine information… To an ordinary Great Luo, nothing would be noticeable.

But to a top-tier Great Adept, it was almost as if it wore a badge saying 'I am Dragon Ancestor's spokesperson' on its head.

That's exactly the effect we want!

It's all about making people guess… People might not believe facts laid out straight, preferring to trust their own guessed answers, constantly brainstorming and rationalizing.

Thus, all sorts of wonderful or not-so-wonderful misunderstandings arose.

This, too, was the Responding Dragon's first step.

Having completed the first step, the second step follows.

It was heading to the the Zixiao Palace!

From the newbie village straight to the final boss!

I'm having such a hard time!

The Responding Dragon sighed, feeling sorry for itself.

A tragic fate for a dragon, encountering a terrible master, stuck with one mired in a quagmire, only able to follow that path to darkness.

Enough, what's done is done; overthinking helps nothing.

It rubbed its hands, steadied its mind, and consoled itself: 'Although the risk is great, the future rewards are equally high.'

'Starve the timid, stuff the bold… Let's go for it!'

I don't know if it truly has such a gambling mindset.

Or perhaps it had completely given up struggling, adopting a 'broken pot, broken lid' attitude.

In short, it sneaked onto the road to the the Zixiao Palace.

With Fengxi's covert protection, the journey went smoothly.

Thank you, East Emperor!

Thank you, August Emperor Majesty!

Fengxi kept them safe all the way, watching the Responding Dragon tread the Chaos Sea, walk the Time-Space Road, and overcome some obstacles unknown whether natural or man-made, breathing a sigh of relief in their heart.

Fortunately.

Fortunately, before the East Emperor left, he slew the Blue Dragon, reducing it to a mere novice in the Taiyi realm!

Thus, the Blue Dragon and Fengxi had no difference in cultivation level, so when facing the Dao Ancestor's possible probing, there would be no risk of exposure due to insufficient cultivation.

This differs from the situation with the Five Fortunes Dao Lord alliance.

The Five Fortunes Dao Lords dare not act against the Fortune Dao Lords, remaining entirely polite.

When the Dragon Ancestor faces the Dao Ancestor, they are actually on the defensive.

Not enough strength, leaving them helpless.

Thinking of this, both Fengxi and the Responding Dragon felt a bit worried.

——If Grand Harmony sees the Blue Dragon weakened and wants to show off, acting tyrannically…

——Would they retaliate, or not?

——Should they shout back, yelling 'Thirty years east, thirty years west!'—'Grand Harmony, you prick, watch your step—I, the dragon, will someday kill you!'

——'Hmm… this might actually be okay?'

Fengxi stroked their chin, feeling this might not be a bad choice—it could help draw some hatred toward the Dragon Ancestor.

Of course, the Responding Dragon was firmly opposed.

It's easy to spout harsh words, but what if Grand Harmony strikes them dead on the spot?

——'Let you have thirty years east, thirty years west… I'm so scared, might as well just beat you to death now instead of waiting thirty years—how about that?'

Just imagining that scene, the Responding Dragon's mindset began to crumble.

This is practically courting death!

'I think I should sacrifice myself where I can have the greatest impact.'

The Responding Dragon earnestly conveyed its feelings.

'Alright.'

Fengxi regrettably abandoned that nonsensical idea.

……

Facts prove.

Yinglong is a lucky bastard.

Having encountered no face‑slapping plot, it naturally doesn't need to defend its dignity; even a dead duck must put on a tough front.

Things went fairly smoothly—at the very least, Hongjun didn't make things difficult for it.

On the contrary, they warmly received it, serving tea and adding seats, without arrogance.

"Eh!" the Dao Ancestor chuckled, "Cang, you're here again!"

"I am not Cang." Yinglong, adhering to the principle of speaking less rather than lying, spoke truthfully: "Hongjun, don't misunderstand."

I have no relation to Cang at all.

While saying that, Yinglong unintentionally released a hint of refined dragon-blood essence, making his words seem utterly unconvincing.

But this also created enough room for people to misunderstand and imagine things.

Hongjun first stared, then pondered, and then a smile of understanding appeared on his face: "Okay, okay, I get it…"

You are not Cang.

Cang stands with the Wu Clan, so how could he be related to me, the major backer behind the Demon Race?

Between us, there has never been any transaction.

No matter what happens, it's just a coincidence!

Hongjun hammered out the decision, setting the tone, indicating that the esteemed guest had arrived and wanted to feign ignorance?

Good!

Then let's feign ignorance!

The Dao Ancestor is very considerate, never letting guests be embarrassed.

After a conversation, one feels genuinely at ease—how could such a distinguished figure as the Dao Ancestor be so courteous to scholars?

Remarkable!

Fengxi watched from afar, couldn't help but sigh: the Dao Ancestor is a figure slighted by the gods.

Don't look at Hongjun—he works overtime day after day, year-round until the Great Calamity… but his personal charm and bearing are absolutely not to be ignored.

"Besides Princess Nüwa, the players of this era are actually not lacking."

"Dragon Ancestor set up a scheme that killed Red Cloud and Eastern Splendor—if Eastern Splendor's pit weren't so deep, he wouldn't have fallen."

"Heavenly Emperor Di Jun draws his Slaughter-Wu sword, cutting straight to the vital point, making even the Human Dao tense."

"Dao Ancestor Hongjun appears to sit in silent meditation in the the Zixiao Palace, aloof from the world… yet looking at his few moves, how could it be simple?"

"If I weren't operating from the shadows, the Human Dao would have dealt everyone a surprise that even the gods didn't expect—the foolish consciousness of mortals would also play dirty… now the road will be hard to travel, every step a struggle."

"Perhaps we won't even see tomorrow's sun."

"Too bad there are no ifs… now, I've seized the initiative!"

Fengxi smiled, presiding over the wedding of Houyi and Chang'e, and called out loudly, "Please, Novice, step forward!"

……

"Let me tell you something—don't laugh when you hear it."

Yinglong spoke in a faint tone, nudging the Dao Ancestor.

"Please go ahead, I won't laugh," said Hongjun.

"Fuxi, come… block Cang's door." Yinglong's words were heavy, tinged with regret and helplessness.

To ensure genuine emotion, Yinglong immersed himself in the helpless state of mind of this journey.

"Huh?" the Dao Ancestor glanced, seeing clearly through the Myriad Heavens and all worlds, and simply smiled, "Pfft!"

"Cough cough!" The laughter burst out, Hongjun immediately stopped, gave a dry cough twice to ease the embarrassment, "This… really is a shocking matter!"

"The mighty Pangu, blocking someone's door… what is this?"

"Morals have collapsed!"

"Divinity is warped!"

"Nothing else but this!"

(End of chapter)