Chapter 645

"Dragon Master..."

Taiyi's gaze was dim and deep: "If that day truly comes, I will give Cang a surprise."

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Having this confidence is enough. The Heavenly Emperor nodded and said, "Right."

A rare soft light flashed in Di Jun's eyes, "How are the ten youngsters adapting on the front line?"

Not bad.

The Eastern Emperor commented, "These ten nephews of mine, when they go to the battlefield, are also sensible and understand the bigger picture."

They put on no airs of imperial princes, yielding when they should, standing firm when they should, never rash, they listen to the teachings of their senior instructors, mature and steady, in the army they can barely be said to win the hearts of the troops.

That's good. Di Jun nodded satisfactorily, "Having received all kinds of education, even if it cannot be called stunning through the ages, being steady and preserving the status quo is enough."

What I fear most is reckless impulsiveness, unrepentant... At this critical moment when the Heavenly Court decides the fate of ages, if they become a calamity, I will have to grit my teeth, bear the killing intent of my two wives, painfully seal them, even send them to roll in reincarnation a few times to temper their nature.

Saying this, the Heavenly Emperor sighed a little.

Being a parent is no easier than being a demon emperor.

After all.

As a demon emperor, to select talented ministers, one can screen the entire demon race, appointing the capable, taking as many as needed.

But as a parent... if the children are like that, it truly takes an unknown amount of painstaking effort to hammer them into talent.

The Heavenly Emperor also felt a bit fortunate—these ten of his children, at least not useless, each has a fair amount of self-awareness.

This also allows some of his ideas to be tried out.

Since they are now quite qualified, let's increase the difficulty for them. Di Jun said to Taiyi, "Taking advantage of the situation now seemingly under our control, create an opportunity for them to see the blood of a Great Luo."

Best... to kill a fellow Daoist as a sacrifice to heaven!

The light in the Heavenly Emperor's eyes suddenly shifted—one like the midday sun, one like a dim dusk, light and darkness intertwining, suddenly acquiring a terrifying demonic nature: "Seize the fortune of a Great Luo, enjoy unsurpassed glory, sublimate in blood and fire, and forge a Great Luo body."

This also counts as giving the youngsters of the demon race an uplifting encouragement... wealth and honor are sought in danger!

I'll do my best. Taiyi rubbed his brow, "But at this moment, the human realm's descent indeed weakens a bit of the heavenly moat above and below the Great Luo, enough to kill a true dragon with ant hills... yet the gap remains obvious."

Let the ten nephews, with the bodies of Taiyi, reverse-kill a Great Luo to ascend... Difficult! Difficult! Difficult!

I know... but this matter is hard if you say it's hard, not hard if you say it's not hard. Di Jun lowered his voice, meaningfully, "If you make good use of things, then everything can be accomplished."

Killing one-on-one by personal hand is one method of killing.

Ten against one, ganging up, is another method of killing.

Using one's status to request covert aid from the guards protecting the imperial prince... this is also a killing method!

Taiyi listened, his eye twitching and mouth corner twitching, "This... is it reliable?"

Of course! Di Jun waved his hand, "Reverse-killing a Great Luo to prove the Dao is not about how strong the so-called seizure of fortune can be—it's not like everyone is like the Daoist of the Underworld River, relying on slaughter to establish the Dao, killing opponents to become stronger, born to eat this bowl of rice."

For others, it's merely making a tempering concrete!

Having the courage to strike the strong with weakness, this tempers one's gall and will.

Being able to arrange a layout for encirclement and slaughter, this tempers wisdom and cognition.

Achieving the Dao of a Great Luo is said to be hard to rely on external things, only internal seeking in the heart... but, being unable to help, it does not hinder setting up an opponent for oneself, inwardly believing one can stand on whatever stage, using wisdom and courage to steady oneself, eliminate all difficulties, and ascend to eternity.

However, the premise for doing this is that the foundation is sufficient... otherwise, it's not confidence but arrogance.

A trial, through life and death to fully comprehend the self, firm the inner heart, and finally make a ultimate leap, we can gain another fellow Daoist.

Di Jun concluded.

I hope so. Taiyi had no confidence, yet still reluctantly believed, "I will dispatch the Candlelight Guard to covertly protect them, striving to give them a sufficiently thrilling and exciting trial."

Relax your mind, act boldly.

Di Jun said calmly, "Even if it's a nine-deaths-one-life chance, if the surviving child proves the Dao in the great calamity, it's worth it."

Only by achieving such accomplishment can they be worthy of the various treatments and benefits they have enjoyed since birth... their father—me, still willing to brave extraordinary dangers, lurking undercover to the front line... what is that bit of trial they endure?

The Heavenly Emperor lowered his eyes, gazing upon the vast Honghuang mountains and rivers, his eyes twitching, his face half-smiling, "Look at other people's kids, how bold they are!"

And that Cang fellow, how able he is to let his face drop!

Sending nine 'sons' to my side, saying they want to observe and learn my virtue and conduct, how to become sincere and loyal... I spit!

Disgusting! Disgusting!

Di Jun's expression was furious, as if he had the urge to kill.

As a demon emperor with considerable scheming and depth, to be driven to such a state of mind... it shows that among the Dragon Masters, there is some kind of pleasing drama being performed.

As for this, the Four Peaks God Lord and the Great Sage of Lei Ze ate melons the whole way, calling it exhilarating.

……

I've heard your reputation is excellent.

Fangxun said to Chonghua.

At this time, the Dragon Masters had already finished discussing public affairs, concluding the major matters concerning the overall situation.

Naturally, it was then time for the host to perform.

——The main contradiction having been resolved, it was time for the secondary contradiction to surface.

The Four Peaks praise you, the clanspeople pay you respect—all are boasting of your virtue and loudly praising your character.

Is that so?

Fangxun's eyes flickered, with an inscrutable meaning.

It's all the clanspeople and like-minded friends lifting you up; Chonghua feels ashamed to accept it. Chonghua responded cautiously, his heart rising.

——He sensed it, this guy before him, his heart full of malice, without any concealment.

Wind does not rise from a hole for no reason?

Fangxun burst into loud laughter, "If there's no cause, then isn't it saying that the offspring of humanity are spreading baseless rumors?"

How could that be reasonable!

Fangxun's eyes widened, looking very angry.

Chonghua's mouth twitched, he didn't reply……this remark was hard to answer.

I once heard that when you farmed on Mount Li, the Dongyi tribespeople never quarrelled over territory size; when you went fishing, the people living in the Qiángliáng Ancestral Witches' territory all modestly took the best spots and never returned empty-handed……When you took the lead, encouraging production and development, everyone worked diligently, and not a single defective product could be seen.

From these words I see the world's praise for you……you are a true gentleman!

Possessing fine virtue, adept at leading by example, filial and righteous, your moral character is unsurpassed……

Good! Very good!

Fangxun sighed, 'Seeing such an outstanding young person like you makes even me feel old.'

'Your Highness Fangxun, you're still far from old,' Chonghua replied with a false smile, 'If you considered yourself old, you wouldn't still be the leader of the Dragon Master.'

'Alas! If I could, I wouldn't want to sit in this position either!' Fangxun said wistfully, 'But there's no help for it……who let my successors all be talentless and useless?'

I can only reluctantly hold on for a few more years before considering abdicating in favor of the worthy.

Fangxun's words were hardly sincere.

At the very least, the many powerful beings present all shared the same view.

'No, you don't need to force yourself……as long as you have the will, I'll immediately build you a retirement home where you can rest.' The gaze of the Great Sage Lei Ze was too bright, the meaning too clear, drawing much attention.

However, Fangxun pretended he didn't exist and continued speaking to Chonghua: 'Seeing you today, I suddenly feel that some things might not be without a solution.'

'Huh?' Chonghua made a puzzled expression, his heart suddenly rising a bit.

'I have ten successors.' Fangxun's smile was very bright, 'Like this.'

'I will send nine of them to stay with you, to observe and learn your conduct abroad, subtly imbibing your exalted virtue……'

'Chonghua, you……what do you think?'

Chonghua's expression stiffened.

He gazed at Fangxun wistfully, the corner of his mouth twitching once or twice, as if about to say——

I think this won't work!

However, as the words reached his lips, he seemed to think of something, his eyes turning deep and gloomy, like a bottomless pool.

'Good!'

'As the Bird Master of the Dongyi, I am warm and hospitable, welcoming all friends who come to visit me.' Chonghua said with a smile, 'However, Your Highness Fangxun, please note——'

'These days, with warfare rampant, even on the road one sometimes sees tigers, leopards, wolves and jackals leaping out to harm people……your nine successors should be careful.'

'——Be careful, they are 'killed'!'

'Don't worry! Don't worry!' Fangxun likewise smiled, 'As for my nine sons, aside from other matters, they are still trustworthy in valor.'

'——Rest assured, they won't die!'

This matter was thus temporarily concluded.

Later, when Chonghua saw the nine successors Fangxun had sent to observe and study, despite his prior expectation, his brows furrowed tightly and he silently cursed, 'Shameless.'

'——The Nine Sons of the Dragon, present!'

'Shameless!'

'Disgusting! Pah! Really disgusting!'

'What does this mean?'

'Study?'

'I think it's surveillance!'

'Such blatant surveillance truly opens my eyes!'

Although Chonghua's scheming was deep, his mindset also felt somewhat explosive.

But soon he composed himself, a divine light flickering in his eyes, alternating bright and dim, as if contemplating how to turn disadvantage into advantage.

In the following period, Chonghua began to act frequently.

Carrying nine huge lightbulbs, he was nevertheless very composed and unabashedly visited each clan chief and rebel leader who were not on good terms with the Dragon Master.

In terms of talent and power they fell short of the Dragon Master, yet each had its own strengths. Ordinarily, perhaps due to ancient grudges in their background, they were not favored by the Dragon Master and thus suffered neglect—at critical moments, Fangxun did not employ them, assigning them to important posts.

Among them, eight clan chiefs of outstanding talent and virtue were called the 'Eight Yuan'; and eight brave and decisive rebel commanders were called the 'Eight Kai'.

These heroes, looking at the courteous and humble Chonghua, then at Fangxun's nine sons 'guarding' him……first they were startled, then sympathy appeared in their eyes, and next they each warmly greeted him, opening their hearts to Chonghua, asking after his well‑being, host and guest enjoying themselves fully.

'——The enemy of my enemy is my friend!'

'——As long as you are at odds with the Dragon Ancestor, you are my dearest kin in this life!'

'Chonghua openly formed factions for personal gain, showing off to Fangxun's nine sons.'

'And that's not all.'

After confirming the threat posed by the Dragon Master, he resolutely and actively communicated with the Fire Master, even conveying some hidden meanings through the mouth of the 'Human Emperor' to Nüwa's ears.

Soon he obtained some tacit approval; the Human Emperor hinted that Chonghua could increase contact and communication with those friendly to the Houtu Ancestral Witches.

Chonghua understood implicitly.

He performed solemn rites, first offering distant sacrifices to famous mountains and rivers, then universally sacrificing to all deities.

After completing this procedure, Chonghua went to personally contact the relevant great beings……indeed, the Four Peaks deities showed him added kindness, and the Ancestral Witches' troops were exceedingly friendly toward him.

A full set of alliances and maneuvers, sleeves adept at dancing, Chonghua's performance was superb, he drew in a large retinue to escort him, deeply penetrating the organization……leaving Fangxun somewhat dumbfounded, feeling the turn of events was beyond expectation.

Having reached this point, Fangxun wanted to again rein in the deeply rooted Chonghua, which was no easy task……considering the larger situation, he had to hold his nose and allow Chonghua to participate in part of governmental affairs, thus giving him a voice.

However.

How could Chonghua be satisfied with this?

After making acquaintance with the clan chiefs and winning over the Wu Clan's forces, his power indeed grew, but it appeared merely large on the outside while hollow within.

It was all others' strength……he needed his own foundation.

Thus he entered into competition with the slanderous stelae established by Fangxun, taking advantage of wartime lulls to recruit talent and silently accumulate his own strength.

A host of heroes gathered under his tent!

Wenming, Houji, Gaotao, Qi, Boyi, Kui, Xie, Yi, Pengzu……

And so on, and so on.

Among them, some are people whose very origins are extraordinary, with unfathomable backgrounds and patronage that is unclear with the Heavenly Court… like that Kui.

There are also some whose origins are pure, spotless and clean, with verifiable records—human heroes.

——For example, Wenming is indeed!

"This Wenming is not bad at all!"

Occasionally, in his leisure time, Chonghua looked at the various achievements of Wenming's work, very satisfied: "The human race's fortune is thriving, still having some ability… giving birth to such a hero!"

"I don't know, is it perhaps an innate counterattack of the human race itself? To resist the infiltration of the dragon race's spirit?"

"This little guy Wenming, however, has considerable innate potential in dealing with Faxun…"

"It seems I will focus on supporting him a bit…"

Chonghua put a check mark beside Wenming's name, reserving it for future promotion.

Having done these, his gaze deep and distant, he looked toward the Netherworld.

"Fengdu… is about to emerge!"

Shun in The Records of the Five Emperors is truly terrifying… with such a family background, still being filial, hard to imagine.

(End of chapter)