Chapter 652

~19 min read 3,760 words

"This is also my fault, it's my inadequacy."

Yandi sighed, "If I could be a bit stronger, why would such an outstanding person have to sacrifice themselves like this, or die in such an unworthy place!"

"I feel ashamed toward him!"

Yandi looked sorrowful, his grief endless.

"Now even the honor that was originally to be conferred upon him has been forced by the changing circumstances, causing him to fall into the Netherworld and bear endless guilt... Ji, do you think I am a failure?"

Though she was nominally Yandi, in truth she was Nüwa; gazing at Yinglong standing beside her, she felt sorrow and heaviness.

"Your Majesty..." Yinglong's lips trembled; as one who knew the inner situation, she actually wasn't very sad, even wanting to laugh a little, but in front of Nüwa she absolutely dared not laugh, only able to twist her expression and say a few comforting words: "Since you know clearly, Qingjia is a generation of heroes."

"Then one should naturally understand the aspirations and breadth of such a person, possessing great wisdom, great courage, and great fearlessness..."

"Even if he faces death, it is to seek benevolence and attain benevolence—if he does not wish it, no one can force him to die!"

"Fengdu Great Emperor, since he chose death to eliminate the blemish of humanity in the Underworld... that is to place the hope of the great life upon his comrades, hoping that those still alive can bear witness to a beautiful future, an ideal world, for him."

"And you, you are the one he entrusted!"

Yinglong encouraged and motivated Nüwa to cheer up, not to feel sorrow over Qingjia's impending demise, but instead to rally her spirit, accomplish a great deed, so as to comfort the sacrifices made along the way.

"You must become the strongest, to conquer all difficulties, to overturn all obstacles... only then can Fengdu Great Emperor die in peace."

Yinglong struggled to suppress the urge to burst out laughing, giving Nüwa mental guidance, spouting nonsense, pouring a bellyful of chicken soup into her.

As for what "die in peace" means... just listen, don't believe it.

Rather, the hope that Nüwa would become strong and be able to rise up in this era is still somewhat genuine—

This is not just Yinglong's idea, but that of many people, even including some behind-the-scenes black hands whose names are inconvenient to reveal!

Of course, making Nüwa strong is one matter.

In the process of becoming stronger, digging pits, waiting for the right moment, then a brutal beating to secure the imperial throne—that's another matter altogether.

Yinglong kindly concealed these.

Nüwa was completely unaware of the big pit behind her; at this moment her eyes shone bright, her expression resolute, and she was filled with fighting spirit.

"What you said is correct!"

"I cannot wallow in self-pity; instead I must use concrete actions to comfort Qingjia in the future and prove his sacrifice was not in vain."

The Human Emperor's stature gradually became tall and straight, a most sharp and terrifying aura brewing, "Blood debts must be repaid with blood!"

"Di Jun! Hongjun!"

She murmured these two names, the killing intent in her eyes so thick it could not dissipate, "You all just wait for me..."

Like an oath.

Nüwa did not say how she would take revenge, but that actually makes it even more frightening!

That repressed killing intent made Yinglong obediently shut his mouth, honestly act as a background panel, observing his nose, his nose observing his heart, only watching Nüwa's performance.

After a period of dreary time, Nüwa, in the identity of Yandi, began some deployment planning, preparing for a bloody battle.

She mustered troops and officers, applying in the name of the Human Emperor, secretly also mobilizing Houtu's authority to cooperate, letting some of the formidable Wu tribes stationed in the four regions draw out their elites to converge toward this place.

Moreover, she even directly issued an official document to summon peak combat power—the Ancestral Wu!

Deploying troops, arranging formations, mustering troops and officers... at first glance it looks like strengthening defensive posture, yet it also harbors an opportunity for counterattack.

But in the eyes of the knowing Yinglong, this is practically fishing, luring the opponent into a bottomless pit!

The whole set of operations proceeded smoothly like flowing clouds and water, and the reasons presented on the surface were more than sufficient.

——Yandi not only gave a speech on one occasion, reminding the troops; the Yao Court's attempt to interfere in reincarnation proves that evil forces are unwilling to stay quiet, and humanity's most urgent moment has arrived!

——As the main force representing orthodoxy among humanity, we must prepare for further escalation of the war and face a more brutal future conflict.

——Ordering the Wu armies from all four directions to come as reinforcements, and moving top combat power, are all reasonable measures to strengthen the central main force!

That is the reason.

However, in Yinglong's eyes…… this is actually secretly telling the opposite side——you don't have much time left, hurry up and come exterminate this main force of mine!

Otherwise, once the opportunity passes, you won't even be able to think of doing anything else!

Yinglong, in a daze, already saw that soon there would be a blood rain pouring from the heavens, covering the human world…… all of it the blood of peak powerhouses, flowing through Honghuang, and a lifetime of fame would come to an end!

……

「The time has come! 」

In the Heavenly Court, the Yao Emperor's gaze pierced the vast thousands, looking down upon the boundless heavens and earth, and suddenly let out a soft sigh, somewhat delighted.

「Congratulations, Majesty! 」 the Yao God congratulated, 「Great things can be accomplished! 」

「Yes…… great things can be accomplished. 」 Di Jun felt somewhat moved, 「Interfering in the Netherworld, though we did not fully accomplish our goal, we disturbed the Underworld. 」

「But as soon as the Ghost City ascended, he transformed himself into a Nether Sun, burning his own body to illuminate the Netherworld, making it no different from death! 」

「In that case, this could have been the key turning point to assist Houtu in lightening the burden and releasing combat power, but it has lost its effectiveness; everything returns to square one, the reform of the Underworld is nearly futile, and the Wu Clan has made a wasted move. 」

「With the Ghost City abolished, the Underworld suffers a setback…… the system of the netherworld has been thrown into turmoil! 」

「With the abilities of Yingzhao and Bifang, it is enough to grasp the measure here, carry out an Absolute Kill strike, and turn the Netherworld upside down. 」

「Perhaps the only pity is……」 Di Jun shook his head, 「My excessive interference in the Ghost City affair let Yandi notice something was wrong, and he began to strengthen his own forces. 」

「This prevented me from preparing the plan I had originally made, wherein the six Yao Marshals would secretly encircle…… we could only muster four divisions of Yao troops, with Taiyi commanding the battle, sparing no cost to behead the human emperor! 」

「Feilian, Qinyuan, Guiche, Jimeng……」

「At that time, wielding the Slayer-Wu Sword, turning the Starry Void Formation, I will partially descend, and let Taiyi seal the path of life with the Chaos Bell, cutting off reinforcements…… then it should be possible to have our wish fulfilled, letting the human emperor lose his head. 」

The Heavenly Emperor's fingertip lightly tapped the case, as he told his close aides of the arrangement in his mind.

In order to kill Yandi and break the cycle of reincarnation, Di Jun has truly exhausted all his efforts.

In the grand strategic standoff and clash of the Wu and Yao, elite troops are silently transferred one after another, along with peak combat power, to reach the destination without letting the enemy detect them, with information tightly sealed, all just waiting for the moment of revelation to unleash a shocking Absolute Kill!

This is a huge and arduous undertaking!

After all, it's just the troops; under the pretext of resting and redeploying, they can still be broken up and reassembled elsewhere.

Yao Marshal and the Wu Ancestor, top-tier combat power of this level, are staring each other down!

We have terms: Yao Marshal and Wu Ancestor.

Also top-tier combat power.

Thus line translation: "Yao Marshal and the Wu Ancestor, top-tier combat power of this level, are staring each other down!"

Yao Marshal and the Wu Ancestor, top-tier combat power of this level, are staring each other down!

If you don't move, neither will I.

Translation: "If you don't move, I won't move either." Or "You don't move, then I won't move." Keep concise: "You don't move, I won't move either."

If you move, I will move too!

Translation: "If you move, I will move too!" Or "If you move, I also move!" Use natural: "If you move, I'll move too!"

To silently approach Yandi and the heart of reincarnation from the grasslands… no one knows how much effort Di Jun has expended for this.

To secretly get close to Yandi and the heart of reincarnation from within the grasslands… no one knows how much effort Di Jun has expended for this.

Wanting to, in silence, reach from the grasslands near Yandi and the heart of reincarnation… no one knows how much effort Di Jun has spent for this.

We'll produce: "Wanting to, in silence, reach from the grasslands near Yandi and the heart of reincarnation… no one knows how much effort Di Jun has spent for this."

And such effort, the gains from the plot are also terrifying.

Translation: "And such effort, the benefits of the plot are also terrifying." Or "And the rewards of such effort are also terrifying." Keep: "And such effort, the benefits of the scheme are also terrifying."

Let the flames of war ignite in the netherworld, dealing a heavy blow to the Wu Clan's rear!

To utterly destroy the human race's Fire Master, cut off their spiritual faith, destroy the symbol of orthodoxy, thereafter the dragons will be leaderless and fall into chaos.

The latter is even more crucial than the former.

Translation: "The latter is even more crucial than the former."

After all, Houtu presides over reincarnation… It's hard to say, when driven to the extreme, does Houtu the Wu Ancestor have some miraculous trick, shouting—'Even if I bear the netherworld, I am still invincible in the world!' Then he beats the incoming attackers into a pulp.

After all, Houtu sits in command of reincarnation… It's hard to say, when pushed to the extreme, does Houtu the Wu Ancestor have some miraculous method, shouting—'Even if I bear the netherworld, I am still invincible in the world!' Then he beats the incoming attackers into a pulp.

Even if I bear the netherworld, I am still invincible in the world!

And as for Yandi…

Di Jun assessed his abilities.

Di Jun weighed his abilities.

He has talent, but it's not enough.

Translation: "He has ability, but it's not enough."

This one can be killed!

Translation: "This one can be killed!"

The Heavenly Emperor plotted in every way, just to be able to slay Yandi with thunderous force, to start war in the shortest time, and end it in the shortest time, giving the Wu Clan's reinforcements no chance at all.

The only thing that makes Di Jun slightly regretful is that worldly affairs rarely come to a perfect conclusion.

Now, the forces in place according to the original plan are still somewhat lacking, not yet at peak condition, so we need to launch early.

No specific names. Translation: "For now, the forces in place according to the original plan are still somewhat lacking, not yet at peak condition, so we need to launch early."

However, even if launched early, the prepared lineup is already formidable enough.

Translation: "Nevertheless, even if launched early, the prepared lineup is already terrifying enough."

The Demon Race's Killer's Trick—here we have two and a half of them!

"Yandi dying here is fitting for his status."

Di Jun sighed, "With the death of the Human Emperor, the human race is like losing an arm."

"Without the mainstay, we also have to face the Dragon Race's challenge for power."

"Fangxun… hey! Fangxun!"

"That old dragon behind him is no law-abiding fellow."

"I'm actually quite curious—what a disgraceful sight his eating habits would be back then!"

No specific names. Translation: "\"I'm actually curious what his table manners will be like then—how ugly they'll be. \""

Di Jun was thinking of the Dragon Ancestor.

After all, this is nothing but a 'spare tire'!

No names. Translation: "After all, this is a 'backup plan'!"

If an unforeseen accident occurs and we fail among the human race, we'll need to make up for it from the Dragon Race.

However…

Translation: "However…"

As the saying goes, when you gaze into the abyss, the abyss gazes back.

No names. Translation: "As the saying goes, when you gaze into the abyss, the abyss gazes back."

The Heavenly Emperor keeps the Dragon Ancestor in mind.

At the same moment, the Dragon Ancestor also misses Di Jun.

"……"

Translation: "……" (just ellipsis). We'll output "……" as is.

"My opportunity… has come!"

No names. Translation: "\"My opportunity… has come! \""

A similar sigh came from Fangxun after he had investigated countless pieces of intelligence.

The leader of the Dragon Master, his eyes deep and his mouth hinting at a smile… lately, disgusted by Chonghua's various power grabs, his mood seems greatly elated.

"Father King, why say such a thing?"

Dan Zhu asked doubtfully.

"The Demon Court is up to something!"

Fangxun chuckled, "The Fire Master's side is in danger!"

"Really?" Dan Zhu was moved.

"That's no lie." Fangxun's eyes brightened, "Although the Demon Court disguises itself well, they've done everything thoroughly."

"But… back then, the opponents I faced were even better than them!"

Terms: none specific. So translation: "\"But… back then, the opponents I faced were even better than them! \""

Fangxun said, suddenly gritting his teeth, "In the midst of movement, readjusting peak combat power, constantly reshuffling the situation, letting those who need to be in special positions…"

"Hey!"

Translation: "\"Hey! \""

"How did I end up alone back then, being trapped by that scoundrel Luohua in the Zhu Xian Sword Formation and cut down?"

"That's exactly how he died!"

Translation: "\"That's how I died! \""

"On this, I, as this king, have the most say!"

"Having tasted that despair once, I never want to experience it again."

No names. Translation: "\"Having tasted that despair once, I don't want to taste it a second time. \""

The Dragon Ancestor, in midnight reveries, whenever he recalls the past, grits his teeth and has often drawn circles cursing Emperor Donghua.

——Just how desperate he was back then!!

No names. Translation: "——Just how desperate he was back then!"

Originally he was beating up that stray dog, the Demon Ancestor Luohua, but as he fought, he suddenly realized everyone around was the enemy, he had gone deep alone, and then… there was no afterwards.

From then on, the Dragon Ancestor Great Sage remained ever vigilant, always assuming the worst, suspecting 'there must be corrupt officials harming me'… this severe persecution paranoia gave him an unusual train of thought, thinking what others never would.

Thus.

Translation: "Thus."

When he instinctively felt that the front between the Fire Master and the East Emperor was somewhat subtle, following this instinct, he carried out various searches and detections.

With suspicion as a premise, jumping to conclusions, everything seemed worth doubting.

No names. Translation: "With suspicion as a premise, he assumed the worst and found everything suspect."

Especially, the Demon Court indeed has designs on Yandi!

This let Fangxun pierce through all the mist, nearly striking at the root, and he discerned part of Di Jun's scheme.

After several rounds of probing, Fangxun also found that the demon army and the Yao Marshal he was stalemated with seemed rather empty…

Perhaps they didn't want to suffer mutual destruction with the Dragon Master, thus benefiting the human race; or perhaps they had long since prepared a covert route, feigning a repair while secretly moving supplies, on their way to give the Fire Master a 'surprise'!

What kind of situation would it be?

Fangxun's smile on his face gradually became wanton and arrogant.

He bets…… it's the latter!

And if it comes true…… the Fire Master is in peril!

However.

What does the Fire Master's life or death have to do with him?

"The Fire Master is in trouble."

Fangxun repeated, emphasizing.

"From the perspective of the overall situation, if the Fire Master suffers losses because of this, it will greatly affect the strength balance of the Wu-Yao camp."

"I do have a responsibility to remind Yandi."

"But……"

Fangxun sneered, "Thinking back, Yandi was so stubborn, messing with my mindset…… I now feel that his life or death doesn't seem important either."

"But Father, the bigger picture……" Dan Zhu hesitated.

"The bigger picture? There are many ways to safeguard the bigger picture." Fangxun's mind was made up, and he decisively said, "Emergency support, joining forces to resist the enemy, is one way to safeguard the bigger picture."

"The mantis stalks the cicada, the oriole waits to strike—this is also a dynamic rebalancing of the bigger picture!"

"If the Wu Clan's total gains are calculated to be about the same as before, that counts as safeguarding the bigger picture!"

The Dragon Ancestor, iron-blooded and ruthless, made a decision.

"Father, your meaning is to take advantage of the Yao court's attack on the Fire Master to launch a sneak attack from behind…… no, to wage war on the Yao court?"

"Not bad!" Fangxun nodded, "What's the point of fighting a hard battle compared to the profit of striking a muffled stick?"

"Launching a sneak attack would also make it easier to inflict a heart-wrenching loss on the Yao court!"

Fangxun pondered, his gaze gradually deepening, "However, even a sneak attack…… is not a simple matter."

"The target of the strike must be a soft persimmon that's easy to crush."

"Hmm…… I might have thought of something."

Fangxun raised his head, narrowed his eyes, and looked at the Sun Star, "I recall that lately, the Yao court's imperial princes have been quite active…… right?"

"Yes!" Dan Zhu replied.

"Tsk! They're also bold." Fangxun teased, "If they lack strength, so be it, yet they dare to rush to the front line…… if they don't die, who will?!"

"Father, doing this…… isn't it a bit underhanded?" Dan Zhu asked embarrassedly.

"Who said we did it?" Fangxun wore a strange expression, "This kind of despicable act is naturally done by the people of the Eastern Yi Bird Master!"

"I'll write a letter now to request personnel from the Eastern Yi…… Dayi, the greatest divine archer of Honghuang, ought to come and obey orders!"

(End of chapter)

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Ch. 652 / 87874%