Chapter 641

In terms of scheming, the Heavenly Emperor Di Jun is far more so than Empress Nüwa.

——People are just eating this bowl of rice!

Unlike Nüwa who could rely on her elder brother, Di Jun could only rely on himself, striving to develop and grow… With difficulty finding a backer—Hongjun, yet still thinking of arranging a pawn.

Therefore, although now Nüwa, with intentional scheming, still has grasped Fengxi, this trump card that secretly achieved the Taiji realm, not showing mountains or revealing water, only holding ill intent in heart, wanting to strike the Demon Court with a heavy stick.

However, Di Jun acts cautiously, the further he goes into the stages, the more careful he is, with no trace of overconfidence, still maintaining a serious and steady attitude, both like an experienced hunter and like a cunning prey.

Hunter, prey…… this is inherently between the two, the boundary can blur at any time, naturally switching.

"Too smooth, instead it makes me feel uneasy."

Di Jun said softly to Yingzhao Dasheng, "During the Dragon-Phoenix Calamity, I had already been walking in the Honghuang… At that time, I was still immature, along the way I have not lacked experiencing setbacks, various hardships emerging one after another."

"The gods' lives are not smooth, hardships endless."

"Now, in the Wu-Yao Calamity, we are about to achieve great things, yet everything goes smoothly, all as I planned, progressing step by step… yet it makes me very unaccustomed."

The Heavenly Emperor himself said, he used to endure bitter days, often fighting with a group of old schemers, wins few losses many not to that extent, but there are indeed many things where effort fell short.

These days, everything goes smoothly, both the human and dragon races have fallen into the trap, overly smooth, conversely making his mind unsettled.

"Heavenly Emperor Majesty!" Yingzhao Yao Marshal after a little thought, murmured, "Perhaps, it's your bitter end turned sweet, fortune turning?"

"Empress Nüwa is indecisive, the Dragon Ancestor is reckless, Hongjun the Dao Ancestor has extraordinary means, yet was forced under house arrest… When it comes to tactics, conversely you have the upper hand."

Yingzhao Dasheng picked some pleasant words to comfort the troubled mood of the Demon Emperor—of course, this is not entirely false.

Among the highest leaders of the factions in this generation, the Heavenly Emperor truly is the most outstanding in scheming and layout!

"Now, you employ an open and aboveboard strategy, using positive schemes to rally momentum, forcing the human and dragon races to respond to your call, walking the road you prearranged——the Dragon Corps suffered heavy losses, beginning to preserve strength; the Fire Corps, compelled by righteousness, 'voluntarily' sent troops to support, unable to develop to its peak, went straight to the front battlefield."

"Next, the initiative on the battlefield will wholly belong to us…… destroying the Fire Corps, weakening the Human Emperor, expanding the Dragon Corps, breaking the original balance of the Wu Clan's decision-making layer; furthermore, opening another path, using reincarnation rules, to bypass the Wu Clan's various safeguards of the Netherworld, successfully stationing troops there, usable as a surprise force……"

"All these actions are both unrestrained and imaginative, and exquisitely precise, just right."

"Heavenly Emperor Majesty, you have devoted yourself thus; the Great Dao rewards diligence, letting you proceed smoothly, fortune turning; perhaps there is nothing to doubt."

Yingzhao Dasheng, amidst flattery, also has genuine sincerity, truly admiring and praising Di Jun's calculations and plans.

As a high-ranking official of the Heavenly Court and one of the commanders of the Demon Race, he personally witnessed how Di Jun strategized, and it was not just empty talk; he truly put it into practice.

If this continues, the Demon Race's chance of defeating the Wu Clan is truly not small!

Such an achievement, placed on the Heavenly Emperor Di Jun, is a very glorious achievement.

After all, at the start, this Demon Emperor's hand was practically the worst…… not as good as the Dragon Ancestor, who inherently has dragon race support; not comparable to Empress Nüwa, who is rich enough to rival a realm; let alone Hongjun's existence, this generation's Heavenly Court's 'orthodoxy' still requires his approval, Di Jun was inherently at a disadvantage!

Holding a lousy hand, yet playing to such an excellent degree…… Yingzhao Dasheng feels that, if there is justice in the dark, one should not shortchange this person, and ought to give them support.

"That's how it is……" Di Jun listened, but only shook his head, "but there are many secrets unknown to you."

"We should consider things more thoroughly…… for example, bold speculation, perhaps there could be unexpected factors interfering under certain circumstances."

Saying this, he fell somewhat silent.

If only what Yingzhao said were true, Di Jun would naturally be delighted.

Unfortunately.

Good things always meet obstacles, making the Heavenly Emperor often have to hold worries, act cautiously.

"Fuxi Imperial Elder Brother…… Qingdi! Qingdi!"

As a standby reserve for the White Emperor, Di Jun clearly understands that aside from the obvious players and pieces on the surface, in the dark there are still people lurking, lying in wait, ready to act when the time comes.

For example——the Human Race's Five Directional Heavenly Emperors!

Although it is said that at the beginning, Fuxi openly sought him to connect and arrange the matter of the Five Directional Heavenly Emperors, with an ambiguous attitude, saying this was merely a spare move, the 'Xihuang Insurance' service going online, leaving a backdoor for the wise.

Incidentally, he, Fuxi, earned a little money from it, barely maintaining his livelihood.

Leaving that aside, does this 'Xihuang Insurance' have gossip about echoing and competing with the 'Empress Nüwa Real Estate'?

Just speaking of that so-called 'spare move'…… Di Jun privately expressed that he does not really believe it!

Normal people, who buys insurance?

Or this kind of insurance that specially seeks the most unusual clients, with extremely high claim rates and extremely high coverage!

Is Fuxi a philanthropist?

The Heavenly Emperor deeply thinks this is very much open to discussion.

He has sat in a position similar to that of the August Emperor Heavenly Emperor for many years, being worn down by various scheming subordinates under his command, to the point of almost losing his temper; he often wants to have them all killed in sacrifice to heaven, and even the best disposition gives rise to wicked thoughts.

Fuxi's work in this has lasted longer; even if some good intentions remain, his scheming nature has largely been cultivated, various ill intentions bottled up, making it impossible to be without firing off.

So the question arises!

Will the Five Directional Heavenly Emperors really be utterly useless, held back until death?

"Impossible……"

When the question arose, the Heavenly Emperor naturally gave his own answer.

"The only problem is when and under what circumstances it will erupt……"

"For now, I basically understand the Qingdi, Bai Di, and Chi Di……"

"Only the Huangdi and Heidi…… the waters here are still deep!"

As the policyholder, Di Jun feels he is undoubtedly a Bai Di.

Fuxi is the most restless, and as the founder of the 'Xihuang Insurance', his identity as Qingdi is beyond doubt, plus with Xihuang's retirement, he presents as a wavering fence-sitter.

And earlier probes, the Human Emperor Yandi truly shone, with limitless potential, and having steadied his stance, he is the pillar of the human race, a backbone that will neither waver nor be bought.

But as for the remaining Huangdi and Heidi…… despite countless calls, they simply refuse to come out!

Di Jun once tried to probe Xihuang indirectly, but all were brushed off——business secrets, meant to protect the policyholder's privacy!

This also made the Heavenly Emperor's heart feel like ten thousand alpacas galloping, his mood in turmoil; after a solemn review, he considers everything from the worst possible scenario.

"——He has already prepared himself, for when he slays in all directions and shatters Yandi, Huangdi and Heidi will leap out from nowhere, side by side to thwart his plans——the mental readiness for that!"

These are also a very important source of the myriad worries currently in Di Jun's heart.

If that's the case, he couldn't speak frankly to Yingzhao Yao Marshal.

Translation: "But saying that, he couldn't speak frankly to Yingzhao Yao Marshal."

If that's the case, he couldn't speak frankly to Yingzhao Yao Marshal.

—— Hard to bring up.

Translation: "——Hard to bring up."

As the leader of the Heavenly Court, he doesn't even look favorably on the development of his own power, seeking a retreat?

Translation: "As the leader of the Heavenly Court, he doesn't look favorably on his own faction's development, seeking a retreat?"

Would that person's heart explode any minute?

Translation: "Wouldn't that person's heart explode any minute?"

Although things aren't great now, there are many traitors... but on the surface we patch things up, and we can still get by.

Translation: "Although things aren't great now, with many traitors… but on the surface we patch things up, and life can go on."

Especially, if we can win a few more battles against the Wu tribe, demonstrating the might of the demon tribe's arsenal, gaining the favor of the ancient god sages as a whole and boosting our standing... then those fence-sitters will straighten up and strive to show their loyalty to the Heavenly Court.

Translation: "Especially, if we can win a few more battles against the Wu Clan, proving the strength of the Demon Race's firearms, letting this camp be favored by the Ancient God Great Sages, driving up the stock price… then the fence-sitters will straighten their stance and strive to show their loyalty to the Heavenly Court."

Loyalty— that sort of thing— is just that in Emperor Jun's view!

Translation: "Loyalty, in Di Jun's view, is just that!"

It is priceless.

Translation: "It is priceless."

This priceless thing can be limitless, yet it can also be fundamentally unsellable, controlled by the capable!

Translation: "This priceless thing can have no upper limit, yet it can also be fundamentally unsellable, controlled by the capable!"

Getting your person is enough; why worry about your heart?

Translation: "Getting your person is enough; why care about your heart?"

However.

Translation: "However."

Considering the need to look after the lower classes, the broadest source of human strength—the idea of all demons under heaven—he, this demon emperor, still needs basic integrity.

Considering the need to look after the grassroots, the broadest source of human strength—the idea of all demons under heaven—he, as the Demon Emperor, still needs basic integrity.

But we need to keep meaning exactly. Let's translate more directly: "Taking into account the need to look after the lower classes, the broadest source of human strength—the idea of all demons under heaven—he, this Demon Emperor, still needs basic integrity."

But "the lower classes" is generic; we can translate as "the lower classes". However we should not add explanation. Let's translate: "Considering the need to look after the lower classes, the broadest source of human strength—the idea of all demons under heaven—he, this Demon Emperor, still needs basic integrity."

But maybe better: "Taking into account the need to look after the lower classes, the broadest source of human strength—the idea of all demons under heaven—he, this Demon Emperor, still needs basic integrity."

We'll keep.

Emperor Jun simply skips some words, merely showing his seriousness and caution before his ministers, leading by example, emphasizing to avoid the tragedy of failing at the last minute.

Translation: "So for certain words, Di Jun simply skips them, merely showing his seriousness and caution before his ministers, leading by example, emphasizing the avoidance of the tragedy of failing at the last moment."

Besides, let's pool ideas to see if anyone can provide some clues as preparation for any eventuality.

Translation: "Besides, pooling wisdom, see if anyone can provide some clues as preparation for any eventuality."

Perhaps it could also let him see through the Yellow and Black Emperors' flaws, perceive their true forms, and take corresponding precautions.

Translation: "Perhaps it could also let him see through the flaws of Huangdi and the Black Emperor, discern their true forms, and take appropriate precautions."

The fire masters are defeated, the underworld in turmoil... When Emperor Jun's plans can be carried out, these will inevitably occur.

Translation: "The Fire Master's defeat, the Underworld's turmoil…… When Di Jun's plans can be implemented, these will inevitably happen."

At that point, the human side will shift from prosperity to decline.

Translation: "At that time, the Human Race's side will go from prosperity to decline."

The so-called Five Directional Heavenly Emperors, if anyone truly supports the human race... at this point they must reveal themselves no matter what!

Translation: "The so-called Five Direction Heavenly Emperors—if anyone truly supports the Human Race… at this juncture, they must inevitably come forward!"

Perhaps the demon tribe's most glorious moment could also be its most dangerous, should it erupt suddenly.

Translation: "Suddenly occurring, perhaps the Demon Race's most glorious time will also be its most dangerous moment."

The Heavenly Emperor worries about a certain future moment.

Translation: "The Heavenly Emperor worries about a certain future moment."

Just.

Translation: "Just."

In this heavenly palace, many demon tribe leaders, one ancient god sage after another, yet few can share his worries.

Translation: "In this heavenly palace, many demon race leaders, one after another Ancient God Great Sages, yet few can share his worries."

Most of them cannot grasp the root of Emperor Jun's concerns; even though the Heavenly Emperor posited a hypothetical enemy, it's baseless, making it hard to propose constructive solutions.

Translation: "The vast majority of them cannot understand the root of Di Jun's worries; although the Heavenly Emperor set up a hypothetical enemy, without basis it's also hard to propose constructive plans."

Acting cautiously is necessary, but worrying like the man who feared the sky would fall and seeing enemies in every bush is unnecessary... Sadly, people often struggle to tell the difference, unable to define its boundary.

Translation: "Prudent action is necessary, but worrying needlessly and seeing enemies everywhere is not… Sadly, people often struggle to distinguish this difference, unable to define its boundary."

"We can't give up eating just because of choking…" Báizé Yao Marshal listened to the discussion between Yingzhao and Emperor Jun for a while, pondered, and interjected a few sentences: "Our jointly designed plan is already extremely thorough, having brought our available forces close to their full potential."

Translation: "\"We can't give up eating because of choking, \" Báizé Yao Marshal listened to the discussion between Yingzhao and Di Jun for a while, pondered, and interjected a few sentences: \"Our jointly designed plan is already extremely thorough, having brought our available forces close to their fullest extent. \""

We need to keep quotes? The Chinese includes quotation marks. We'll keep them as English quotes.

"At this point, wanting to adjust? Never mind the difficulty, the earlier investments and sacrifices would all go down the drain!"

Translation: "\"At this point, wanting to adjust? Not to mention the difficulty, the initial investment and sacrifice would all go to waste! \"

"The four demon marshal armies have been wiped out… even though we could still replenish troops."

Translation: "\"The four divisions of the Yao Marshal's army have been wiped out…… Although we could still replenish troops. \"

"But the blow to morale and fighting spirit is also real."

Translation: "\"But the blow to morale and spirit is also real. \"

Báizé Yao Marshal is very reasonable.

Translation: "Báizé Yao Marshal is very reasonable."

—— No turning back once the bow is drawn!

Translation: "——Once the bow is drawn, there's no turning back!"

However, his eyes flickered a bit as he said these words.

Translation: "However, as he said these words, his eyes flickered somewhat."

—— Although Mr. Bai isn't fully aware of the details, he can understand one thing… the current Human Emperor has serious problems!

Translation: "——Although Mr. Bai isn't fully aware of the details, he can understand one thing…… the current Human Emperor has serious problems!"

Once they used to be shoulder-to-shoulder with him, sharing a common boss—Fuxi—who harbored ill intentions toward Lady Nüwa, colluding in spy-upon-spy-upon-spy schemes, but now they've actually become upright!

Translation: "Once they rubbed shoulders, sharing the same boss—Fuxi—with ill intentions toward Lady Nüwa, they teamed up to stage spy within spy within spy, and now they've actually become proper!"

Just based on this performance, Hougang instantly looked upon the "Flame Emperor" with new respect, likewise becoming upright; these days he is very serious and low-key, constantly mindful of his conduct, occasionally not sparing flattery.

Translation: "Based on this performance, Hougang instantly looked upon the \"Yan Emperor\" with new eyes, likewise becoming proper, these days being very solemn and low-key, constantly watching his own behavior, occasionally not sparing flattery."

—— The leader's words are good!

Translation: "——The leader said well!"

—— The leader's words are correct!

Translation: "——The leader said correctly!"

—— His Majesty the Flame Emperor is invincible under heaven, peerless in the world!

Translation: "——Yandi Majesty is invincible under heaven, peerless in the world!"

That's quite proper.

Translation: "That's quite proper."

Báizé, through special channels, furtively glimpsed a corner of some truth, suspecting that certain places might truly have a big pit waiting.

Translation: "Báizé, through special channels, furtively glimpsed a corner of some truth, suspecting that certain places might really have a big pit waiting."

If anyone underestimates the Human Emperor's actual ability, undervalues his talents… they're likely to suffer a big loss.

Translation: "If anyone underestimates the Human Emperor's actual ability, undervalues his talent…… they're likely to suffer a great loss."

But it's a pity.

Translation: "But it's a pity."

They've given too much!

Translation: "They've given too much!"

—— Various promises for the future.

Translation: "——Various promises for the future."

—— Current allocation of text compilation and attribution.

Translation: "——Current allocation of text compilation and attribution."

—— Willing to mediate, considering taking from the Demon Master Kunpeng the final interpretive authority over the "demon script," thereby carrying out a complete buyout.

Translation: "——Willing to mediate, considering taking from the Demon Master Kunpeng the final interpretation rights of the \"Demon script, \" to carry out a complete buyout."

This money is hot to handle, but Báizé Yao Marshal really finds it hard to let go.

Translation: "This money is hot to handle, but Báizé Yao Marshal really doesn't want to let it go."

Moreover…

Translation: "Moreover……"

In the past, Báizé worked alongside Fuxi to jointly raise the Way of Humanity, not to the point of being both father and mother, yet toward all the world's beings he still held a special fondness, having watched them grow up.

Translation: "In the past, Báizé worked together with Fuxi, jointly fostering the human way, not to the point of being both father and mother, yet for all the world's people he still held a special fondness, watching them grow up."

Not to the point of helping them lose heads and shed blood, but since humanity is willing to bear the banner of the Way and speak out to correct certain errors… turning a blind eye, one can still manage.

Translation: "Not to the point of helping them shed blood and sacrifice, but since the Human Race is willing to bear the banner of humanity, to speak out and correct certain errors…… turning a blind eye, one can still manage."

Calling him a fence‑sitter or a wall‑grass is fine.

Translation: "Calling him a fence-sitter, a opportunist, is fine."

Or we could beautify it, describing him as "when poor, cultivate personal virtue; when prosperous, benefit the world."

Translation: "Or we can beautify it, describing him as \"when poor, cultivate oneself; when successful, help the world, \" which is also acceptable."

In short, Báizé Yao Marshal occasionally suffers intermittent blindness, and his stance is very complex.

Translation: "In short, Báizé Yao Marshal occasionally has intermittent blindness, his stance very complex."

Of course.

Translation: "Of course."

After all, he currently holds a position in the Heavenly Court, with the corresponding moral integrity.

Translation: "After all, he currently holds a position in the Heavenly Court, with corresponding moral integrity."

His lofty integrity bottom line leads Báizé to ponder giving him a way out.

Translation: "The lofty integrity bottom line lets Báizé ponder giving him a way out."

—— To sit idly by while the Heavenly Court falls into a pit, integrity does not allow.

Translation: "——To sit and watch the Heavenly Court jump into a pit, integrity does not allow."

—— To betray humanity in turn, the conscience aches a little.

Translation: "——To betray the Human Race in turn, the conscience aches a bit."

So, is there a way to have the best of both worlds?

Translation: "Then, is there a way to have both?"

It seems there really is.

Translation: "It seems there really is."

After all, the world is vast; there are certainly more than just the human race and the Demon Race among the renowned and outstanding clans!

Such a huge dragon clan just sitting there!

"If His Majesty the Heavenly Emperor truly can't set his mind at ease, constantly worrying about what to do if we fail, how to stem losses…"

"Báizé Yao Marshal tapped the table, 'Then we can consider the dragon clan.'"

"This time we will openly let the dragon clan run free, mutually understanding each other to achieve 'nurturing the bandit to guard himself,' and place the pressure on the human fire masters."

"This is an open scheme."

"This is an open scheme."

"But if no one demands it, we can't play a conspiracy."

"We shift our battle to the human race, oppressing the fire masters… the dragon masters might perhaps become complacent, sitting on the mountain watching the tigers fight, and thus actually relax their vigilance."

"But this, however, is a good opportunity."

"After all, the dragon ancestor himself laid down the biggest stake… if we heavily wound and annihilate it, the dragon clan can be said to be ruined!"

"Báizé Yao Marshal's eyes flashed with a cold light: 'Before, we oppressed the dragon clan but did not utterly crush it, for fear of giving an advantage to the human race.'"

"But this premise is based on the situation where 'we only exterminated the dragon clan at a heavy cost.'"

"If the loss is small enough… it becomes a living support force capable of annihilating the human race, and instead can exert sufficient deterrence, making those who wish to aid the human race carefully consider their losses."

"This becomes 'killing the chicken to scare the monkey'!"

(End of Chapter)