Chapter 655

Yandi watched Donghuang leave in a carefree manner, seeming unable to catch up, painfully missing a good opportunity for a breakthrough, feeling great regret.

However, in the depths of his eyes, a trace of dark, deep gaze flickered, infinitely profound.

"Almost there!"

"The timing… should be just right!"

"After this, Donghuang's resolve to kill me should be firmer, and the deployment of personnel will be swifter……"

Yandi withdrew his fist, his clothes stained with blood, yet his heroic bearing remained undiminished, transcending the mortal world.

"It's a pity… Taiyi has become a force, always cautious, and he still holds the Chaos Bell; even if I have the Human Emperor's blessing, it's truly not easy to keep him—any slight disturbance could let him escape."

"After all, my main combat form has been restrained!"

"I can only bully the weak, wait for the moment to suddenly erupt, press down a Yao Marshal or two, slay a batch of great powers, then see if I can reap any unexpected surprises, gaining a bit more advantage."

Yandi coldly regarded the world, his figure gradually fading from this battlefield, manifesting on the front lines, directing a single strike at the many Demon gods who were angered by the "unvirtuous" conduct of the human troops and who did not hesitate to wage slaughter with their Great Luo forms—

"Boom!"

Catastrophic light blazed splendidly, like the grandest ascension, causing the earth to sink, earthly fire to roar, the heavens to crack, and stars to fall like rain.

In the most dreamlike scene lay the most terrifying carnage, stretching out a expanse of scorched earth, extreme in its brutality.

"Cough… retreat!"

The Demon god grunted, his form flung backward, sweeping the Demon army along as he withdrew.

Yandi watched, seeming about to pursue, but just then the bloodstains on his clothes suddenly expanded, as if wounds burst open, dyeing his whole body red.

"Majesty!"

The human god-generals, freed from entanglement with the Demon god, were startled, swiftly descending to stand guard beside him, one side watching outward for defense, the other loyally asking, "Are you alright?"

"It's fine."

Yandi's staggering form halted, he wiped the blood from his lips, his eyes gleaming, "Just a minor wound, nothing serious."

"Since the Demon army has withdrawn, you too should cease hostilities and tally the losses."

"Reward the brave soldiers, arrange the attire of the fallen, let the living be at peace, let the dead rest in peace……"

Having said that, Yandi's face showed a hint of sorrow, but it quickly faded, leaving only resolve: "After we finish these, let all the god-generals gather in my commander's tent to discuss military affairs!"

"Yes, sir!"

One by one, the human god-generals responded in unison.

Thereafter, amid a hard-to-describe atmosphere of sorrow, various trivial matters were settled; the human troops, rarely given a chance, seized the time to relax their tense spirits, adjusting their minds between work and rest, tempering their will, preparing for the next battle that might come at any moment.

At the same time, the Human Emperor's commander's tent rose high, a magnificent hall standing here, where the Human Emperor and the god-generals convened to discuss military affairs, aiming to reach a conclusion on the future course of war.

……

"You've all come……"

After a simple adjustment and recovery of his condition, the Human Emperor took full command, with numerous human god-generals lined up below him: Hougang, Yinglong, Kuafu, Mu, Changxian, Kuawa, Luzhu……

The two great royal courts of the human race have fought for years; these god-generals often charge ahead, also sustaining injuries. Yet what cannot defeat them only makes them stronger…… forged repeatedly in blood and fire, they are far more excellent and outstanding than before.

Standing here now, they inherently possess an invisible momentum, bearing the essence and spirit of the human race, with a peerless vigor to tread through myriad obstacles.

Yandi looked satisfied at these troops, yet his tone carried heaviness as he spoke words of warning, startling the god-generals.

"From now on, the war will be very dangerous; you need to be careful."

"Perhaps a single misstep could cause someone to be buried here, grieving their comrades."

"I hereby solemnly remind you all to be cautious…… possibly in the next moment, the Demon court will go utterly mad, sparing no cost, to breach this strategic pass."

"What's going on?" Hougang spoke first, his expression shifting dramatically, "These years of constant friction and skirmishes, our Fire Corps' capabilities have also been seen by everyone!"

"Now our loss ratio against the Demon court is already high; if the Demon race still spares no cost…… do they truly regard their foundation as inexhaustible?"

"Exactly!" Yinglong responded, his expression solemn, acting as if it were true, lifelike, "We are rooted here, with favorable timing and terrain, and we have a Human Emperor who is wise and mighty, rarely erring…… to destroy us, the Demon race would surely suffer a loss not worth the gain!"

"Unless some sudden change forces them to act this way……"

Yinglong said this, then glanced at Yandi.

"It's nothing major," Yandi rare ly showed a smile, "After repeated death battles, clashing with Donghuang, I have gained some insights between life and death; my true cultivation may not be far from the Great Simplicity."

The generals listened, for a moment their minds went blank.

After a while, they then showed surprised looks, their tone envious, in unison congratulating, "Congratulations, Majesty! Congratulations, Majesty!"

"The Great Dao advances another step, achieving an inconceivable fruition; from now on, no calamity will affect the body, transcending even the greatest divine abilities!"

"The achievement of the Great Simplicity, this is the pinnacle of the Great Luo!"

"They cannot help but envy."

Thinking again of Yandi's life experience since his debut, it feels as if he had bitten into a lemon, very sour.

"Don't congratulate too early."

Yandi waved his hand, signaling everyone to stay low-key, "I merely saw a hint of that level; whether I can cross it remains uncertain, far from a sure thing."

"However, in the opponent's eyes…… even if it's not one in ten thousand, but one in a million, it's still necessary to nip it in the bud."

"Taiyi and I have fought and killed for years; my progress is clear to him…… I estimate that at this very moment he surely harbors endless killing intent, becoming my obstacle to the Dao."

"And the Fire Corps, is a quite suitable target to strike."

"My foundation relies largely on the human race…… in the prelude to achieving one verification, eternal verification—before feigning cultivation, the Fire Corps must not be destroyed."

"I understand this principle, and Donghuang does as well."

"So he will not let me get my wish easily; he will surely try every means to do something…… regardless of cost, destroying the Fire Corps' army could very well become reality."

Yandi did not reveal his inner plan; he was originally just fishing, setting a trap, deceiving, luring the Demon court into action.

But he also did not want his troops, unwittingly, to become bait, turning into needless cannon fodder in the impending terrifying encirclement by the Demon race.

Simply put, after a series of performances, it was reasonable to instill in them the idea of heightened vigilance, which at that time could also give them a bit more chance of survival.

"If so, your Majesty's cultivation has reached a critical point; we had better withdraw the troops and retreat, that would be the best course!"

-> translate.

- Starts with "Contains:" English, not a Chinese sentence to translate. So skip.

- Starts with "Other names:" English, skip.

- Starts with "Other names:" English, skip.

Jimeng Yao Marshal, Qinyuan Yao Marshal, Feilian Yao Marshal, Guiche Yao Marshal

the Eastern Emperor

Zuchi Yao God, E'e Yao God, Fengpeng Great Sage, Xiushe Great Sage, Dafeng Yao God

Great Luo Heavenly Venerable, Great Luo Divine Saints, sovereign

Buzhou Heaven-Pillar

Now we need to output each line translation.

We must keep each translation on a single line after the 【N】 prefix.

We must not add extra explanation.

We need to ensure we keep the quotes and punctuation as in original? We should translate the meaning, but keep the same punctuation style? The instruction: "Natural, fluent English prose — not stiff, not word-for-word literal, but never verbose." So we should translate into natural English, preserving meaning, but we can adapt punctuation to English norms. However we need to keep the content exactly, not omit anything. We'll translate each Chinese sentence into English.

Let's go line by line.

-> translate (the line includes inner 【61】 but we treat index as 89).

Interpretation: Changxian Divine General looks serious, "Wait until the Human Emperor's divine skill is perfected, the human race gains another true pillar, then comparing superiority with the demon race won't be late."

We need natural English: "The Ever-Vanguard Divine General wore a solemn expression. 'Let the Human Emperor's divine skill reach perfection, giving humanity another true pillar; then we can compare ourselves with the demon race—it won't be too late.'" But we need to keep meaning. Let's produce: "The Ever-Vanguard Divine General looked grave. 'Wait until the Human Emperor's divine skill is perfected, giving humanity another true pillar; then comparing ourselves with the demon race won't be too late.'"

But we need to keep the quotes. We'll keep the quoted speech.

Thus: 【61】 The Ever-Vanguard Divine General looked grave. "Wait until the Human Emperor's divine skill is perfected, giving humanity another true pillar; then comparing ourselves with the demon race won't be too late."

The Ever-Vanguard Divine General looked grave.

-> translate.

Translation: "I've thought of that too." Yandi shook his head. "But... I can't, and I don't want to."

We need to keep the ellipsis. So: "I've thought of that too." Yandi shook his head. "But... I can't, and I don't want to."

-> translate.

Translation: He pointed at the ground. "How much blood of our young men has been shed on this land?"

Better: He pointed at the ground. "How much blood of our young men has soaked this land?" But keep meaning: "How much blood of our young men has flowed on this land?" We'll do: He pointed at the ground. "How much blood of our young men has flowed on this land?"

-> translate.

Translation: "Again and again we have waged war, and under the demon race's overwhelming assaults we have barely held this territory... If we just give it up, how could we face the spirits of the dead in sacrifice?"

We need to keep meaning. Let's produce: "Again and again we have waged war, and under the demon race's overwhelming assaults we have barely held this territory... If we simply abandon it, how could we face the spirits of the dead in sacrifice?"

-> translate.

Translation: "Furthermore, we cannot retreat!"

-> translate.

Translation: "Because behind us lies an entire logistical tribal system supporting the Fire Army's great forces... This cannot be lightly withdrawn!"

Better: "Because behind us is an entire logistical tribal system supporting the great army of the Fire Masters... This cannot be easily withdrawn!"

-> translate.

-> translate.

Translation: "A slight negligence, allowing the demon race to seize an opportunity to breach, would result in countless lands shattered and countless citizens perishing!"

Better: "Even a slight lapse, letting the demon race seize an opportunity to break through, would mean countless lands shattered and countless citizens dead."

We'll produce: "Even a slight lapse, letting the demon race seize an opportunity to break through, would mean countless lands shattered and countless citizens dead."

-> translate.

Translation: "The defenses here cannot be lightly abandoned!"

-> translate.

Translation: "I must bear responsibility for my people... As long as I hold the position of Yandi for a single day, this duty outweighs a day of my cultivation!"

We need to keep the meaning: "I must be responsible for my people... As long as I hold the position of Yandi for one day, this responsibility outweighs a day of my cultivation."

Thus: "I must be responsible for my people... As long as I hold the position of Yandi for one day, this responsibility outweighs a day of my cultivation."

-> translate.

Translation: "Although Taoyi is rare in this world, it is not lacking."

Although the Great Simplicity is rare in this world, it is not lacking.

Thus: "Although the Great Simplicity is rare in this world, it is not lacking."

-> translate.

Translation: "And the sovereign of humanity, there is only one per generation!"

Better: "And the sovereign of mankind, there is only one per generation!"

Thus: "And the sovereign of mankind, there is only one per generation!"

-> translate.

Translation: Yandi's face shone with a holy radiance, causing all the generals to feel reverent and bow.

We need to keep meaning: "Yandi's face shone with a holy radiance, making all the generals revere and bow."

Thus: "Yandi's face shone with a holy radiance, making all the generals revere and bow."

-> translate.

Translation: "Since that is the case, we should support our allies and let all sides send aid." Kuafu Divine General spoke in a low tone, his armor humming, "Let one problem become everyone's problem, let us share the burden together, and overcoming the calamity will not be difficult."

-> translate (the line starting with "We need to keep the quoted speech..." is English commentary, skip.)

-> translate.

Translation: "What Kuafu Brother said is quite right!" Chang'e Divine General interjected, "It ought to be so!"

"What Kuafu Brother said is quite right!" Chang'e Divine General interjected, "It ought to be so!"

-> translate.

Translation: "I also know." Yandi nodded. "In fact, earlier I had a premonition; I had already sent messages to all quarters, even straight to Buzhou, letting the Wu Clan headquarters know the war situation is urgent, requesting to draw peak forces from each war zone..."

We need to keep the ellipsis at end. So: "I also know." Yandi nodded. "In fact, earlier I had a premonition; I had already sent messages to all quarters, even straight to Buzhou, letting the Wu Clan headquarters know the war situation is urgent, requesting to draw peak forces from each war zone..."

-> translate.

Translation: "However, even with external reinforcements, my Fire Masters must not relax in the slightest; caution is paramount."

Thus: "However, even with external reinforcements, my Fire Masters must not relax in the slightest; caution is paramount."

-> translate.

Translation: Saying that, Yandi paused, gazed deeply at his many divine generals beneath him, let out a long sigh, "I hope that after the battle, I can see you all still alive..."

Thus: "Saying that, Yandi paused, gazed deeply at his many divine generals beneath him, let out a long sigh, 'I hope that after the battle, I can see you all still alive...'"

-> translate.

Translation: "We are incompetent, causing Your Majesty to worry."

Thus: "We are incompetent, causing Your Majesty to worry."

-> translate.

Translation: The divine generals all spoke in unison, their voices carrying a hint of helplessness and emotion.

Thus: "The divine generals all spoke in unison, their voices carrying a hint of helplessness and emotion."

-> translate.

Note: The line uses Chinese corner brackets 【】. We'll keep them as is? The instruction: translate meaning, but we can keep the brackets as they are punctuation. We'll translate the content: "Such, the army's morale can be used." Actually meaning: "Thus, the army's morale can be relied upon." We'll translate: "Such, the army's morale can be relied upon."

Thus: 【80】 【Such, the army's morale can be relied upon.】 But we need to keep the brackets. We'll output: 【Such, the army's morale can be relied upon.】 However we need to keep the line starting with 【80】 then space then translation. So: 【80】 【Such, the army's morale can be relied upon.】

-> translate.

Translation: The Yandi-Nüwa Emperor murmured in his heart, "Great things can be accomplished."

Thus: 【81】 The Yandi-Nüwa Emperor murmured in his heart, "Great things can be accomplished."

-> translate.

Translation: '"A genuine performance... will be enough to win the enemy's trust."'

Thus: 【82】 【A genuine performance... will be enough to win the enemy's trust.】

-> translate.

Translation: '"——If I were truly the Yandi!"'

Thus: 【83】 【——If I were truly the Yandi!】

-> translate.

Translation: '"It is truly the state of being in the midst of crossing the border pass!"'

Thus: 【84】 【It is truly the state of being in the midst of crossing the border pass.】 Wait exclamation. Keep exclamation: "It is truly the state of being in the midst of crossing the border pass!" We'll keep exclamation.

Thus: 【84】 【It is truly the state of being in the midst of crossing the border pass!】

-> translate.

Translation: '"But alas... I am not the Yandi!"'

Thus: 【85】 【But alas... I am not the Yandi!】

-> translate.

Translation: Nüwa schemed in her heart; everything had its calculations.

Thus: 【86】 Nüwa schemed in her heart; everything had its calculations.

-> translate.

Translation: The stage, she had already prepared; she only awaited the moment, then she would call heaven to overturn and earth to collapse, gods falling like rain!

Thus: 【87】 The stage, she had already prepared; she only awaited the moment, then she would call heaven to overturn and earth to collapse, gods falling like rain!

-> translate.

Translation: '"Let's calculate the time..."'

Thus: 【88】 【Let's calculate the time...】

-> translate.

Translation: '"The demon race ought to show something..."'

Thus: 【89】 【The demon race ought to show something...】

-> translate.

Translation: Nüwa silently counted down, "Three, two, one, zero!"

Thus: 【90】 Nüwa silently counted down, "Three, two, one, zero!"

-> translate.

Translation: When the "zero" appeared, at that very instant, a swift and vigorous gust surged, and suddenly a divine general appeared in the commander's tent, kneeling on one knee.

Thus: 【91】 When the "zero" appeared, at that very instant, a swift and vigorous gust surged, and suddenly a divine general appeared in the commander's tent, kneeling on one knee.

-> translate.

Translation: "Report!"

Thus: 【92】 "Report!"

-> translate.

Translation: "Urgent military intelligence!"

Thus: 【93】 "Urgent military intelligence!"

-> translate.

Translation: "The demon court mobilizes en masse, the Zhou Tian Xing Dou great formation is activated, someone saw nine demon marshals waving flags to marshal troops, seemingly intending to intimidate the four borders!"

Thus: 【94】 "The demon court mobilizes en masse, the Zhou Tian Xing Dou great formation is activated, someone saw nine demon marshals waving flags to marshal troops, seemingly intending to intimidate the four borders!"

-> translate.

Translation: "Demon Master Kunpeng stirs the Northern Sea, evolves demonic mist, sweeping across the heavens and earth!"

Thus: 【95】 "Demon Master Kunpeng stirs the Northern Sea, evolves demonic mist, sweeping across the heavens and earth!"

-> translate.

Translation: "Heavenly Emperor Di Jun hides the sun and conceals the moon, leaving the myriad worlds without light!"

Thus: 【96】 "Heavenly Emperor Di Jun hides the sun and conceals the moon, leaving the myriad worlds without light!"

-> translate.

Translation: "Kunlun is in peril!"

Thus: 【97】 "Kunlun is in peril!"

-> translate.

Translation: "Shouyang is in peril!"

Thus: 【98】 "Shouyang is in peril!"

「……」

Translation: "......"

Thus: 【99】 "......"

-> translate.

Translation: "The Buzhou Pillar has entered an emergency state, the flag of the Twelve Ancestral Witches rises!"

Thus: 【100】 "The Buzhou Pillar has entered an emergency state, the flag of the Twelve Ancestral Witches rises!"

-> translate.

Translation: As each piece of bad news was conveyed, the generals were moved.

Thus: 【101】 As each piece of bad news was conveyed, the generals were moved.

-> translate.

Translation: At the same moment, heaven and earth grew dark, overcast with gloomy clouds, and blood-red lightning suddenly flashed, illuminating each person's face devoid of color.

Thus: 【102】 At the same moment, heaven and earth grew dark, overcast with gloomy clouds, and blood-red lightning suddenly flashed, illuminating each person's face devoid of color.

-> translate.

Translation: "It seems we may not be able to wait for reinforcements in a short while."

Thus: 【103】 "It seems we may not be able to wait for reinforcements in a short while."

-> translate.

Translation: Yandi suddenly laughed, "The demon court... is going to launch a full-scale attack!"

Thus: 【104】 Yandi suddenly laughed, "The demon court... is going to launch a full-scale attack!"

-> translate.

Translation: "I just don't know whether this display... is a feint to the east while attacking west."

Thus: 【105】 "I just don't know whether this display... is a feint to the east while attacking west."

-> translate.

Translation: "If so... then I am truly honored."

Thus: 【106】 "If so... then I am truly honored."

-> translate.

Translation: He rose to his feet, his eyes gleaming.

Thus: 【107】 He rose to his feet, his eyes gleaming.

-> translate.

Translation: At that moment, beneath the blood-red lightning, the expression that appeared on this Human Emperor's face was a bloodthirsty one!

Thus: 【108】 At that moment, beneath the blood-red lightning, the expression that appeared on this Human Emperor's face was a bloodthirsty one!

-> translate.

Translation: However, when the lightning faded, he returned to normal.

Thus: 【109】 However, when the lightning faded, he returned to normal.

-> translate.

Translation: Even Hougang, who had remained calm and observant, began to doubt whether what he saw was an illusion, or if he had gone mad.

Thus: 【110】 Even Hougang, who had remained calm and observant, began to doubt whether what he saw was an illusion, or if he had gone mad.

-> translate.

Translation: '"Interesting..."'

Thus: 【111】 【Interesting...】

-> translate.

Translation: He lowered his brows and eyes, observing his nose, his nose observing his heart, like a clay-and-wood puppet, his face showing no expression, burying all his curiosity deep within.

Thus: 【112】 He lowered his brows and eyes, observing his nose, his nose observing his heart, like a clay-and-wood puppet, his face showing no expression, burying all his curiosity deep within.

-> translate.

Translation: '"It seems this time... will be quite interesting..."'

Thus: 【113】 【It seems this time... will be quite interesting...】

-> translate.

Translation: His indestructible innate spiritual light hung high in the void, each perspective corresponding to another, recording the epic of the ages for posterity to read and evaluate.

Thus: 【114】 His indestructible innate spiritual light hung high in the void, each perspective corresponding to another, recording the epic of the ages for posterity to read and evaluate.

-> translate.

Translation: Until a certain moment, when one of them was invited and stepped into another commander's tent.

Thus: 【115】 Until a certain moment, when one of them was invited and stepped into another commander's tent.

-> translate.

Translation: There, numerous demon gods and great sages stood together, paying homage to the Eastern Emperor and obeying his commands!

Thus: 【116】 There, numerous demon gods and great sages stood together, paying homage to the Eastern Emperor and obeying his commands!

-> translate.

Translation: Zuchi Yao God, E'e Yao God, Fengpeng Great Sage, Xiushe Great Sage, Dafeng Yao God... these are all Great Luo Heavenly Venerables, ancient divine heroes.

Thus: 【117】 Zuchi Yao God, E'e Yao God, Fengpeng Great Sage, Xiushe Great Sage, Dafeng Yao God... these are all Great Luo Heavenly Venerables, ancient divine heroes.

-> translate.

Translation: Besides these, there are also some domineering figures who ought not to be standing here; they are the sovereigns among the Great Luo Divine Saints, capable of being the overlords commanding one side——

Thus: 【118】 Besides these, there are also some domineering figures who ought not to be standing here; they are the sovereigns among the Great Luo Divine Saints, capable of being the overlords commanding one side——

-> translate.

Translation: Jimeng Yao Marshal, Qinyuan Yao Marshal, Feilian Yao Marshal, Guiche Yao Marshal!

Thus: 【119】 Jimeng Yao Marshal, Qinyuan Yao Marshal, Feilian Yao Marshal, Guiche Yao Marshal!

Four Yao Marshals!

They are all still at the peak combat stance!

Amidst all the intelligence, they were originally stationed in far-flung places where even wind and horse could not meet, commanding their troops to break through the Great Wall defense line jointly built by the human and dragon races.

Yet now, against all reason, they have appeared, standing ready for orders in the East Emperor's commander's tent.

'A major event!'

Báizé the Yao Marshal felt somewhat moved, 'Such covert operations have even deceived the human race's intelligence system...'

'It seems the Heavenly Emperor's resolve and courage are still not to be underestimated.'

Báizé the Yao Marshal decided to take it easy.

However, his strength is there for all to see; it will never be ignored.

'Please take a seat, fellow Daoist,' the East Emperor gestured, inviting Báizé the Yao Marshal to sit at his left, nearly shoulder-to-shoulder, 'I have long been plotting with the Heavenly Emperor's elder brother; now is the time to see the outcome.'

'This mission carries great responsibility, entrusted to you, fellow Daoist. Considering the salary and dividends you have received over the years, as well as your personal sacred reputation, please do not decline.'

The East Emperor laughed as he spoke, yet the Chaos Bell had already shrouded this realm, sealing off space-time and cutting off all passage.

Báizé composed himself and replied, 'Please instruct us, East Emperor Majesty.'

'This time, the Human Emperor must fall.' The East Emperor's eyes were clear, 'To prevent his death from being disadvantageous, and also to prevent any unexpected complications.'

'Please, fellow Daoist, lie in ambush in the dark, guard against the two opponents, and stop them from coming to reinforce.'

'Accomplish this… fellow Daoist, you will naturally reap benefits.'

At this moment, the East Emperor seemed like a different person—calm and wise, showing none of the earlier agitation provoked by Yandi—'I and my Imperial Elder Brother can take the lead for you, fellow Daoist, and negotiate with the giant fish-bird fellow Daoist.'

'The ownership of the monster script… perhaps we can trade it, assisting fellow Daoist in an alternative claim to the throne.'

'For…'

'History Emperor!'

Báizé the Yao Marshal first stared in surprise, then his eyes blazed as he looked at the East Emperor, remaining silent for a long while.

After a long, long time, he finally laughed, 'I understand.'

(End of chapter)