Chapter 684

The era of the witch-demon war was filled with too many treacherous clouds and waves.

A group of acting emperors coordinated the performance; the acting relied entirely on tacit understanding, and each had their own delicate little abacus.

It can be said that both humans and ghosts are showing off!

There is the Dragon Ancestor angrily profiting from the dead, bullying the lonely widow programmer—Hongjun secludes himself in the Purple Sky Palace.

There is an Emperor who uses death to escape, secretly spying.

There is a Heavenly Emperor making off‑field deals, riding two boats.

There is the Dao Ancestor feigning recklessness and impotent rage, thereby removing the last monitor.

There is……

One after another, the ancient god great sages, the strongest of the peak, are full of dirty tricks…… If Human Dao had self‑awareness and saw this scene, would they laugh or be angry?

Most likely they also need to secretly sharpen their knives, planning to sweep the world clean!

"These guys, they do have individual ability."

"Too bad, but if there isn't someone above them to rein them in, that talent and ability wouldn't belong on the proper path!"

The Human Emperor looks back at the era's beginning, and gazes forward at the curtain about to rise on the new era, thinking thus in his heart.

"If Heaven had feelings, Heaven too would grow old; the righteous path of humanity is full of vicissitudes!"

"Still good!"

"My side isn't lacking either!"

"The most ancient and supreme deity is setting up a scheme."

"Moreover, the perfected Human Dao with supreme authority secretly cooperates."

"Thus they can jointly weave an unprecedented black curtain, entrap and enforce the law, join forces to entrap and kill!"

"When the great calamity ends and the era draws to a close…… those fellow Daoists, I hope they are sensible and have no complaints."

"After all, how did Human Dao become so sly and crafty? Isn't it because you, these vacillating 'loyal subjects', with your bellies full of dirty tricks, have befouled the integrity and pure hearts of the myriad beings?"

"This is the stone you yourselves lifted, and in the end it fell on your own feet!"

Fengxi sums up the era, determines the era's contradictory theme, and figures out which figures are his opponents to contend with.

Of course!

In this process, he selectively ignores certain issues…… for example, who is the true mastermind behind the scenes? Who is the strongest Heavenly Emperor, the most scheming and deep‑minded between heaven and earth? Who, having plotted every yin and yang scheme, has calculated all the gods, making them dance in his palm?

No matter how you think about it, it's not Fuxi…… right?!

This is absolutely not from the heart…… it is not the astonishment after Human Dao's spirit finally comprehended the truth of the era's beginning, shocked by the elder brother's methods, deeply feeling the gap, and there are still many places to learn……

Yes, absolutely not from the heart!

Human Dao, hand on heart, asks himself, thinking he is merely setting aside the dispute and moving forward together with August Emperor, with no mortal enmity between them, so there's no need to elevate the issue to a higher level……

Just to offend such a ruthless person over a "trivial" debt…… is completely unnecessary!

Human Dao isn't stupid either!

——Perhaps he used to be stupid and stubborn, but now Human Dao has opened his wisdom, gained a heart, and knows right from wrong!

"Mm, that's how it is."

Fengxi summed up on behalf of the Human Dao, sighing at the former recklessness of the Human Dao, feeling that in the past Fuxi finally went easy on the Human Dao, leaving some room… Otherwise, even if the Human Dao had mastered the Dao fruit of Honghuang and, like the August Emperor, both were Pangu, could one really have driven this Heavenly Emperor to roam outside the realm, barred from entering and causing chaos?

We have changed the sun and moon, remade the new heaven—nothing more!

That's exactly what Fuxi is doing now!

Thinking of this, Fengxi suddenly felt a surge of sympathy for the Dragon Ancestor… Considering how stubborn the Human Dao once was, and seeing the Dragon Ancestor's current swelling, it's remarkably similar—perhaps they too must endure a comparable cruel ordeal.

——To this day, how many myriad beings have lost their lives in the great calamity!

This is the price paid in blood!

Even if, afterward, a supreme being could reverse time and space and reshape creation, the harsh lesson would remain etched to the bone, unforgotten just because scars healed; one could remember it for a lifetime.

That feeling is like stubbing one's little toe on a table leg; afterward, thinking of it brings a faint phantom pain that is hard to dispel.

The Human Emperor mourned silently for the Dragon Ancestor.

Then he took action……

He decided, while the Dragon Ancestor was still shining and fervent, to do a trifling little task, laying groundwork for the future and arranging the Responding Dragon's succession.

——In the capacity of a final condoler and testamentary notary, let the Dragon Ancestor expend his remaining vigor for the cause of the Human Dao!

"Is there a problem? No, there isn't."

"The Human Dao is me, and I am the Human Dao."

"The August Emperor and I are thick as thieves, wearing the same pants."

"The showdown between the Human Dao and the August Emperor—how it turns out, I decide!"

"As for the old Dragon, this ill‑fated wretch stuck in the middle… claimed to fight side‑by‑side with the Human Dao, but he's merely a tool."

"The Dragon Ancestor Great Sage, at the final moment when struck back by Xihuang's trump card, what exactly did his testament say… As long as the Human Dao is this witness, later how the content is fabricated is still up to me, isn't it?"

"The Dragon's spirit?"

"The final say belongs to me!"

"During the time when the Dragon Ancestor was unexpectedly gravely wounded and unable to manage the Dragon Clan, I obtained from him an edict of accession bearing the Human Dao's witness, supporting the Responding Dragon as temporary heir to ascend and act as regent—is this reasonable?"

"Very reasonable!"

"Afterward, the friendship between the Human and Dragon clans will last forever—who could oppose it? Who would dare to oppose it?!"

Fengxi faced his own heart very honestly.

He is nothing but the Dragon Clan's holdings, plus those countless temporary laborers, intending to borrow and use them—nothing more.

What evil intentions could little Fengxi possibly have?

He merely wanted to get a wave of labor for free!

Fengxi is very honest; he deserves praise.

Translation: Fengxi is very honest; he deserves praise.

We need to keep as single line.

Human Dao and the myriad beings will never forget the contributions Dragon Ancestor once made!

Human Dao and the myriad beings will never forget the contributions Dragon Ancestor once made!

They will be recorded in the merit ledger; when Dragon Ancestor has a need, one can choose to cash out, or choose to exchange for some permit that the world jokingly calls 'dog management'.

Translation: They will be recorded in the merit ledger; when Dragon Ancestor has a need, one can choose to cash out, or alternatively choose to exchange for some permit that the world jokingly calls "dog management". Need to keep meaning.

They will be recorded in the merit ledger; when Dragon Ancestor has a need, one can choose to cash out, or choose to exchange for some permit that the world jokingly calls 'dog management'.

At most, there is only a 'little' limit on cashing out; one must reach a 'certain' amount to do so.

Translation: At most, at most, there is only a "little bit" limit on cashing out; one must reach a "certain" amount before it's allowed.

Or exchanging the permit is like inviting friends to cut price for zero‑dollar shopping, then forever falling short by just a 'little'.

Translation: Or the exchange of the permit is just like inviting friends to slash for a free shopping spree, yet forever lacking that "little bit"!

At the moment his intelligence was restored, Human Dao naturally understood all kinds of miraculous operations without a teacher, intending to become a law‑abiding good person.

Translation: At the moment his intelligence was restored, Human Dao naturally grasped all kinds of miraculous operations without a teacher, intending to become a law-abiding good person.

——Well, speaking of which… after relentless effort, Human Dao has already grasped the ultimate authority to interpret laws and virtue?

Translation: —Um, speaking of which… after relentless effort, Human Dao has already mastered the final interpretation of laws and virtue?

"I am too kind!"

Translation: "I am too kind!"

Fengxi felt his heart pounding, "Clearly, as the strongest and most special Pan II generation, as long as I inherit Human Dao's legacy, I would instantly become the supreme Pangu, even surpassing Hongjun; with such advantage, I choose not to use the permit's violence to solve problems, but only handle affairs within the rules."

Translation: Fengxi felt his conscience throbbing, "Clearly, as the strongest and most special second-generation Pangu, as long as I inherit Human Dao's legacy, I would immediately surpass Pangu, even Hongjun would be a bit inferior to me; such an advantage, yet I do not choose to use permit violence to solve problems, but only handle matters within the rules."

We need to keep quotes.

"Although these rules are all formulated and controlled by me……"

Translation: "Although these rules are all formulated and mastered by myself……"

"Does this count as both engaging in a service industry and establishing a landmark building?"

Translation: "Does this count as both engaging in a service industry and establishing a landmark building?"

"Ah! Who cares?"

Translation: "Ah! Who cares?"

"Good people don't live long, while calamities leave a legacy for a thousand years!"

Translation: "Good people don't live long; calamities leave a legacy for a thousand years!"

"Cang!"

Cang!

"This time I'll let you suffer!"

Translation: "This time I'll wrong you!"

Fengxi made up his mind and then connected with Dragon Ancestor.

Translation: Fengxi made up his mind and then connected with Dragon Ancestor.

At this very moment, it is the time when the Azure Dragon Great Sage feels most proud and satisfied.

Translation: At this very moment, it is precisely when the Dragon Ancestor Great Sage feels most triumphant and satisfied.

——When he joins forces with Human Dao, they become invincible under heaven, unmatched in the world!

Translation: —He and Human Dao joining forces would be invincible under heaven, unparalleled in the world!

"Who——else——is there?!"

Translation: "Who——else——is there?!"

Dragon Ancestor lets out the loudest shout.

Translation: Dragon Ancestor let out the loudest shout.

His true form turns into light, pulsing in sync with Human Dao, becoming the supreme conquest.

Translation: His true form turned into light, pulsing in sync with Human Dao, transforming into the supreme conquest.

Under the Dao Patriarch's 'panic', he chose to let a piece of auxiliary equipment, the Creation Jade Disc, resist damage; on the spot it was struck by a critical hit, the delicate jade shattered into countless cracks…… This further bolstered Dragon Ancestor's confidence, swelling his spirit.

Translation: Faced with the Patriarch Dao's "panic," he chose to let the Fortune Jade Disc, a piece of auxiliary equipment, resist the damage; on the spot he was struck with a critical hit, the exquisite jade vessel shattered, cracks countless…… This further bolstered Dragon Ancestor's confidence, swelling his spirit.

Under the Dao Patriarch's 'panic'.

Hongjun is already at his wits' end; looking across the world, who could still block Dragon Ancestor's path to transcend?!

Translation: Hongjun is already at his wits' end; looking across the world, who could still block Dragon Ancestor's steps to godhood?!

Dragon Ancestor looks down upon heaven and earth.

Translation: Dragon Ancestor looks down upon heaven and earth.

The Eastern Sovereign, unwilling to accept his fate, brandishes the Primordial Bell and charges forward, hoping to resist.

Translation: There is East Emperor, unwilling to accept his fate, brandishing the Chaos Bell as he comes to resist.

Yet at this moment, the Azure Dragon Great Sage doesn't even glance at him; with a casual wave of his hand, he shatters the Primordial Bell's body, striking Taiyi so hard he coughs up blood and staggers backward.

Translation: Yet at this moment, the Dragon Ancestor Great Sage didn't even glance at him; with a casual wave of his hand, he shattered the Chaos Bell's body, striking Taiyi so hard he coughed up a mouthful of blood and staggered backward.

——He is hardly an opponent of the same level; a flick of the finger crushes him!

Translation: —This is hardly an opponent of the same level; a flick of the finger crushes him!

The wonderful ease bestowed by Human Dao lets Dragon Ancestor deeply feel what it means to be lonely and invincible!

Translation: The exhilarating splendor bestowed by Human Dao let Dragon Ancestor deeply feel what it means to be lonely and invincible!

But good times don't last.

Translation: But good times don't last.

When Dragon Ancestor was about to take off, seeing that he would destroy the Creation Jade Disc here, shatter the heavenly order on the spot, and completely lose balance, a basin of cold water was poured from nowhere—a voice transmission from the Human Emperor.

Translation: As Dragon Ancestor was about to take off, seeing that he was about to destroy the Fortune Jade Disc here, shatter the Heavenly Dao's order on the spot, and completely lose balance, a basin of cold water came pouring down from nowhere — it was the Human Emperor sending a mental transmission.

"Cang! Be careful!"

Translation: "Cang! Be careful!"

The Human Emperor spoke somewhat incoherently, his tone urgent: "Be careful of the demon clan playing the Pangu card!"

Translation: The Human Emperor spoke somewhat disjointedly, his tone urgent, "Beware the Demon Race playing the Pangu card!"

"Huh? What?"

Translation: "Huh? What?"

The Azure Dragon Great Sage initially didn't take it to heart—given his current strength, what trump card could the demon clan possibly have to slap him in the face?

Translation: The Dragon Ancestor Great Sage initially didn't take it to heart — given his current strength, what trump card could the Demon Race possibly pull to strike him in the face?

But when the Human Emperor mentioned the two words 'Pangu', he instantly became alert.

Translation: But when the Human Emperor mentioned the two characters "Pangu", he instantly became alert.

Thus we see that although Dragon Ancestor is proud and arrogant, he hasn't gotten carried away completely; his intellect remains intact.

Translation: Thus it can be seen that although Dragon Ancestor is proud and arrogant, he hasn't gotten completely carried away; his intellect remains intact.

But it's already too late!

Translation: But it's already too late!

The Human Emperor gave the hint at just the right moment, precisely so that Dragon Ancestor couldn't make too many preparations in advance.

Translation: The Human Emperor gave the hint only at the critical moment, precisely so that Dragon Ancestor couldn't make too many preparatory moves.

Thus, as Dragon Ancestor felt a sense of alarm, a certain unnamed historian, whose thoughts had been worked over, unwilling to reveal his name, was compelled to board the thief's ship; his low spirits, muffled tone, and weak actions fully show a worker's passive response to oppression and exploitation, yet he ultimately carried out his own courier duty.

Translation: Thus, as Dragon Ancestor's sense of alarm rose at the same time, a certain Historian who did not wish to reveal his name, having been persuaded through ideological work, involuntarily boarded the thief's ship; his low spirits, dull tone, and weak actions fully showed a worker's passive response to oppression and exploitation, yet he ultimately carried out his own courier duty.

Yes.

Translation: Yes.

Bai Ze, holding the 'Pangu History', is just delivering a courier!

Translation: Báizé, holding the History of Pangu, is just making a delivery!

"Cang! Do you think heaven has no one to oppose you?!"

Translation: "Cang! Do you think the Heavenly Court has no one?!"

The sorrow and indignation in Bai Ze's words are genuine; although his aim is questionable, his body remains honest.

Translation: The sorrow and indignation in Báizé's tone are genuine; although his target is doubtful, his body is still quite honest.

At this very moment, the Pangu History personally signed and certified by August Emperor suddenly blazes, emitting the most brilliant light; a seal shines forth, illuminating the ages, letting all heavens be filled with light!

Translation: At this very moment, that copy of the History of Pangu personally signed and certified by August Emperor suddenly blazed forth, emitting the most brilliant light; a seal shone, illuminating the ages, letting the Myriad Heavens be filled with light!

A great dread arises spontaneously in the hearts of the gods, making them dazedly recall an unbearable epoch of ages.

Translation: A great terror arose spontaneously in the hearts of the gods, causing them to vaguely recall an unbearable-to-recall age of ages.

——Pangu wields his axe, sweeping away three thousand demons!

Translation: —Pangu wielded his axe, sweeping away three thousand demons!

That day, August Emperor held an axe, tears in his eyes, yet a suspicious smile played on his lips as he furtively flipped through a little notebook, slaying untold numbers of chaotic demons.

Translation: That day, August Emperor held an axe, tears in his eyes, yet the corner of his mouth bore a suspicious smile, furtively flipping a small notebook as he slew countless chaos demons.

And these demons, so many, so many, were all transformations of innate divinities!

Translation: And these demons, so many, so many, were all transformations of innate divinities!

"The Opening Heaven Seal?!"

Translation: "The Genesis Seal?!"

The ancient gods were shocked, the heavenly sovereigns trembled; they lost composure and shouted in near unison, revealing the essence of that seal.

Translation: The ancient gods were shocked, the celestial venerables trembled; they lost composure and shouted in near-unison, revealing the essence of that seal.

The Opening Heaven Seal glows, rending eternity, shining at the origin of all realms; it is the greatest act of creation!

Translation: The Genesis Seal glowed, rending eternity, shining at the origin of all worlds, the greatest act of creation!

"Is this the 'Pangu card'?" The Azure Dragon is also startled, then forces himself to suppress his inner fear, saying, "I'm not afraid!"

Translation: "Is this the 'Pangu Card'?" Dragon Ancestor was also shocked, then forcibly suppressed his inner panic, "I am not afraid!"

"Then, what about adding this?"

Translation: "Then, what about adding this?"

……

Translation: …… (ellipsis)

His armor stained with blood, Taiyi's face full of fatigue; he suffered severe injuries, nearly losing the strength to fight again, yet at the moment his life's fire wavered, he had a brief instant of dazed comprehension, as if he suddenly understood or had received some message.

Translation: His battle armor stained with blood, Taiyi's face full of fatigue, he had suffered severe injuries, nearly losing the strength to fight again; just as the flame of his life flickered, he had a momentary blank stare, as if he suddenly understood, or perhaps had received some kind of message.

The Eastern Sovereign first fell silent, his gaze cold, as if unwilling to be used like a pawn.

Translation: East Emperor first fell silent, his gaze cold, as if unwilling to be used, like a mere pawn.

But when he turned around, he saw the shattered sea of heavenly stars, countless demon subjects being ravaged and slaughtered by the dinosaur army...

Translation: But when he turned around, he saw the shattered Starry Sea of the Heavens, countless Demon Race civilians being ruthlessly slaughtered by the dinosaur army……

Taiyi finally let out a sigh.

Translation: Taiyi finally let out a sigh.

"Already an emperor."

"Already an emperor."

As long as I sit on this throne for a day, I will guard this clan for a day.

This can be considered my share of pride……

Proud as I am, how could I be compared to those trash who only rely on exploitation and extraction, never considering equal return!

Donghuang has pride and also backbone.

Among all the world's common folk, few are worthy of his gaze, few are respected by him.

This is his pride.

Though his pride reaches the extreme, even if he looks down on the common folk and they never enter his sight… yet precisely because of this, he has been worshipped by the Demon Race for myriad ages, and when needed he will step forward.

There's not much to speak of in terms of protection.

He is merely repaying a trade contract in equal measure.

One coin, one task—nothing more.

Proud as Taiyi, he is unwilling to owe a debt to the weak.

Once such a resolve is set, he has no choice.

He can only inherit a mantle and receive a true transmission… belonging to Pangu!

The source of the Great Dao, the root of Chaos……

At this moment, all the secrets of the Chaos Bell open to him, letting him instantly comprehend many supreme profundities.

When Taiyi again sees Pangu's seal of opening heaven and the fruit of the opening-up Dao, he suddenly knows what he must do.

Opening up!

Great opening up!

Even if after the opening up life and death are unspeakable, after all he is to become a pawn, contending against the might of the Human Dao…… perhaps he will die swiftly and cleanly in an instant, unable to raise even a ripple.

In a daze, Taiyi recalls a scene from the past: his elder brother talking with him, worry in his brow.

"All affection is a burden!"

"Little brother, do you know? I am very worried about you."

"To be called emperor in this Heavenly Court is a boundless blessing, yet also a great karma."

"But those who dare to take on this karma mostly have their own miraculous methods; even if the Heavenly Court falls, they can withdraw intact, not binding themselves to it and perishing together."

"Only you!"

"Your mindset may perhaps lead you into a dead end, with no way back……"

"Become the sole Demon Emperor who dies in battle!"

Di Jun sighs, endless sorrow.

At that time, Taiyi was full of vigor, flourishing upward, confidence soaring—"What of it?"

"My heart, I walk my own path!"

"Unable to turn back? No, I simply do not want to turn back!"

"Die in battle? No problem!"

"If they can kill me, that's their skill; I have no regrets!"

Taiyi replied in this way.

And today……

"I seem to be about to fulfill my words……"

Donghuang lowered his eyelids, his eyes slightly closing.

When he opened them again, his gaze was clear, shining upon the world, nothing but resolve.

"Dang!"

The Chaos Bell shuddered violently!

A vast surge of Chaos's primordial source engulfed his body, as if completely transforming him, instantly granting him an aura of supreme antiquity.

He turned into light, into electricity, into an eternal legend, stepping through layers of spacetime to meet that seal of opening heaven, laughing as he said to the Dragon Ancestor:

"Opening heaven and earth, the universe is Xuanhuang!"

"Cang! Please... go on your way!"

(End of chapter)