Chapter 751

The great sages of the human race are unwilling to see a future where their people are subjugated.

On what basis?

The Heavenly Court's Weak Water wreaks havoc on the mountains and rivers of the Eastern Yi, yet it can openly use it as an excuse, forcing us to bow and compromise, abandoning our ideals and beliefs?

What we do is only because we want to do it; there is never any justification for being forced!

Gun's words carried great weight.

He represented the will of the Xiahou clan, challenging the authority of the Bird Master Chonghua, providing theoretical weapons for those mourning the sacrificed, and shaking the foundations of the peace talks.

——Does controlling water necessarily mean accepting the Heavenly Court's kidnapping and extortion?

——I don't see it that way!

——The Dragon Master failed at flood control, but the human race never admits defeat!

——In this world, besides fighting water with water, there is the most basic principle of the Five Elements' mutual generation and overcoming… earth overcomes water!

And coincidentally… there exists such a supreme divine object that can indeed restrain the Heavenly River's Weak Water!

Nine Heavens' Living Soil!

This is a divine object that no human race can ignore or forget.

This is because, in the origin of the human race, Nüwa shaped humans from clay, and one of the most important materials was precisely it!

Living Soil, one of the supreme divine objects of the earth path, possesses the property of creation, able to grow spontaneously and never diminish.

Using it to restrain the flood‑causing Weak Water…

"It seems… feasible!"

Each and every member of the human populace among the Eastern Yi tribes felt their hearts surge with passion and fervor; in the grand deliberations, they affirmed and supported Gun's proposal.

——Whose heart does not contain a fire?

Even if the Bird Master reaches an agreement with the Heavenly Court and can resolve the disaster of the Weak Water,

But how could this not give the self‑strengthening human race up to now the feeling of a 'treaty under the city walls'?

If there is no way, then so be it.

If there is a way…

Then we must certainly try to break the deadlock.

After all, even if we handle the problem with the simplest thinking, we can understand——

As long as we depend on others, it's hard to straighten our backs!

In the Bird Master's negotiations with the Heavenly Court, are their positions equal or not?

It is precisely determined by such bargaining chips.

For a time, Gun's prestige rose, stirring the people's hearts, gaining countless followers and support, leaving Chonghua somewhat caught off guard.

However, even if Chonghua dislikes Gun, at this moment he must not firmly oppose him… for that would easily scatter the people's hearts.

He wishes to govern through virtue, peacefully annex and reorganize, and does not want to recklessly launch a full‑scale war.

Over these many years, Chonghua clearly knows the human race's resilience and determination, understanding that this is a people that cannot be coerced.

We can erode, we can evolve; boiling a frog in warm water is the way.

Thus there is division and disintegration, thus there is control of economic lifelines.

Otherwise, if they really come hard… even many humans, even if they tighten their belts and live on grass roots, would fight the enemy to the bitter end!

Under countless eyes, Chonghua faced Gun, making concessions and listening, never harshly suppressing or coercing, appearing to respect dissenters.

"Using Living Soil to restrain the Weak Water, taking the principle of the Five Elements' mutual generation and overcoming?"

"Your method sounds quite reasonable."

Chonghua, in the Eastern Yi's highest hall, convened the many tribal leaders, summoned Gun, and spoke kindly, "However, Living Soil is hard to come by!"

"This earthly holy object is held by very few in the present age… foremost among them are Houtu and Nüwa."

"What a pity!"

"Houtu is trapped in reincarnation, and Nüwa's whereabouts are elusive; neither can be seen."

"Gun! How do you intend to obtain Living Soil?"

Chonghua's tone was gentle, yet his eyes flickered with an inscrutable light.

"Existing stock is hard to find, so naturally we turn to reserves!" Gun faced immense pressure yet displayed heroic mettle, unafraid, "As far as I know, a portion of Living Soil still exists in the world…"

"Back then, Nüwa shaped humans from earth, using part of the Nine Heavens' Living Soil to accomplish our human race… but those Living Soils were not fully used, leaving some reserves."

"This is enough… after all, this holy object, if properly cultivated, is endless and never diminishes."

"I have examined the classics and gathered materials, and can confirm——the remaining Living Soil is sealed within Nüwa's Imperial Palace!"

"As long as we reach this sacred realm of Nüwa's Imperial Palace, open the treasury, and take out the Living Soil, we can save the world!"

"The so‑called Weak Water will no longer be our disaster!"

"Is that the Imperial Palace of Nüwa?" Chonghua pondered, then suddenly said, "This is no benevolent place!"

"The Heavenly Court controls the passage to this hall; who can enter?"

"Moreover, there is Xihuang; it's hard to say his attitude, whether he would allow anyone to barge into Nüwa's Imperial Palace."

"Furthermore…"

"We have not obtained Nüwa's permission!"

"To enter her hall privately and use her treasures… such conduct of taking without notice, how is it different from theft?"

"One day, when the Lady returns, how will she look upon our human race?"

Chonghua's worries never ceased, unsettling the people's hearts and stirring up new turmoil.

What he said seemed to be all of that.

From the danger of the action to the severity of its consequences, he explained everything clearly and distinctly.

Just as the finest way to lie is to speak nine true sentences as a smokescreen, then skip the one crucial, game-changing sentence that turns everything.

To destroy a person's resolve to act, it suffices to tell them the most dire consequences!

The Heavenly Court's blockade, Xihuang's obstruction, and Nüwa's blame… were all laid before Gong by Chonghua.

But, Gong… who the hell is he?!

Even in the face of danger, he dares to step forward, wise and brave, outstanding—how could he be frightened!

"I actually wanted to apply to Lady Nüwa, but she's not here!"

So, I have no choice but to resort to this inferior plan—act first, report later.

Gong said solemnly, 'As for the Heavenly Court… I have already spoken my piece beforehand.'

Steal!

Although the means of stealing may be unsavory… as long as the goal is achieved, that's enough.

Furthermore…

Gong's expression was solemn; facing the many tribal leaders present, the corner of his mouth twitched slightly, pulling out a smile.

If we can obtain the treasure in Nüwa Emperor's Palace under the Heavenly Court's layers of blockade, then it proves we can use the same method to take the lives of the Heavenly Court's high officials!

Let them know… the human race cannot be bullied!

Gong's words were shocking to the deaf and dumb.

The entire operation has been raised to a new height.

Stealing the Self-expanding Soil is no longer merely for controlling the Weak Water and avoiding the Heavenly Court's strangulation; it is now an infiltrative combat drill, a warning to the Heavenly Court!

We all know… among those bandit strongholds flooded by the Weak Water, who knows how much heavenly court aid lies behind them—at the very least, those standard weapons and equipment are surely provided by the Heavenly Court!

The enemy has already infiltrated our heartland!

The lesson from Long Shi's past mistakes is not far off… the Heavenly Court's hand reaching into our human race is certainly not the posture of a gracious host!

If the bandits can go, so can we!

We need an operation to launch a powerful counterattack!

If we can succeed…

Gong looked at Chonghua, his eyes deep and inscrutable, 'During the negotiations, our Dongyi will also have more leverage, right?'

Only with equal strength can there be peace!

So I think… Chonghua Majesty, you will surely support me, right?!

Gong's tone carried deep meaning.

Chonghua stared at him, his gaze sweeping up and down, then suddenly broke into a silent laugh, continually clapping.

Good!

What you said is good!

Gong!

Go ahead and do it!

However, I also have a word to say beforehand.

At the juncture of negotiations, Gong, your actions like this are quite damaging to diplomatic relations…

If the control of the Weak Water succeeds, that's fine.

Once it fails, it will become an extremely grave diplomatic incident.

Tearing up the peace agreement and provoking war is not scary… what's scary is that we still lose!

If we can win, anything can be said.

Tearing up the peace agreement is no big deal.

It's just a people!

It's just a state!

Integrity can exist, but it's not absolute… interests! Interests are what matter most.

There are no eternal friends, only eternal interests.

When interests are satisfied, tear the peace agreement if you want—after all, agreements are meant to be torn up!

But the premise of all this is that victory must be achieved after tearing up the agreement.

If we break the agreement, provoke a dispute, and still lose…

In such a weak yet meddlesome situation, don't blame others for striking back hard.

The reasoning, I naturally understand.

Gong smiled, 'I am willing to sign a military pledge.'

If not, then death!

Good! Chonghua clapped, 'Truly a mighty warrior!'

I will herewith wish you success in advance!

Obtain the Self-expanding Soil, control the Weak Water, deter the Heavenly Court, and exalt the divine might of our Dongyi!

Chonghua's face was full of support and encouragement.

I will not let Chonghua Your Highness down! Gong gave Chonghua a deep look, then strode away.

Gazing at his back, Chonghua's eyes flashed with a strange light.

He showed nothing further, suppressing all his movements, as if truly awaiting good news of Gong's action.

However…

At some point, the Heavenly Court's defenses became ever stricter.

Especially the palace of Nüwa, one of the Four Great Demon Emperors, which had heavy troops deployed, lying in ambush in the dark, awaiting the thieves' arrival.

Unintentionally, a Yao Marshal strolled about, conducting a vague, almost undetectable investigation.

Even the Eastern Emperor cast a glance over!

Taiyi was very curious, waiting with amusement.

That Gun…… what abilities does he actually have? He dares to speak such bold words!

What do you take the Heavenly Court for?

You think you can just come and go as you like?

"An ignorant wretch..."

The Eastern Emperor shook a small bell, 'ding-dong' sounding a tremor through time and space, echoing at the end of the ages, 'Do you intend to trample the Heavenly Court's face and rise to prominence?'

"You're really bold, apparently you don't even know how to write the word 'death'."

"Entering the Nüwa Palace to pilfer the Nine Heavens' living soil... hum!"

"I'd like to see how you plan to steal it!"

Taiyi's gaze fell upon the Nüwa Palace.

At the same time, a similar focus lingered on the Nüwa Palace, bearing a slightly bewildered look.

An innocent yet bewildered gaze came from the true master of this palace.

The girl led the Spirit Mountain guards, commanding the Ten Shamans as generals, running herself ragged from Spirit Mountain all the way to East Yi, preparing to personally relieve disaster and exterminate bandits.

But then, sudden spy intelligence arrived, leaving her completely bewildered, plunging her into doubt about her own life.

At this moment.

The girl began to doubt her own memory, letting her thoughts wander, wondering if she should see a doctor.

Let's check—

Could she be old and suffering from senile dementia!

"Is there?"

"Really?"

"When I created humans back then, was there any leftover Nine Heavens' living soil?"

The girl racked her brains, recalling: "When was I ever so hard-pressed?... If I needed materials, I could just whip them up on the spot—how could there be any left over?"

"Normally, I'm thrifty and manage the household well—there's never any leftover food or rice."

The girl was lost in thought.

If others don't know, how could she not be aware?

There's no living soil at all in the Nüwa Palace!

Back when I created humans, there was certainly none of this material left over!

Then the question arises……

Obviously there is none, yet Gun…… where did he get this information, citing classics with such conviction?

"This Gun…… I feel something's off..."

The girl muttered to herself, stopping in her tracks.

The Ten Shamans of Spirit Mountain followed her orders, commanding the guards, and halted not far from the East Yi camp.

"Something's not right..."

The girl raised her vigilance to the utmost, "This East Yi... the problem is no small matter!"

"Or... are you trying to fish for me?"

The girl felt uneasy, sensing an air that made her anxious.

At this very moment, in her eyes, East Yi suddenly changed... becoming a place with ambushes on all sides and a hundred killing formations.

Originally, after rushing along, the plan was to become a surprise force that descended from the sky at the juncture where the Fire Master and Cloud Master were restrained and unable to attend to other matters, to go collect the Dragon Master's corpses and, by the way, look for a chance to drive out the Bird Master in one fell swoop.

Now then...

The girl very much suspected, this is a scheme, a scheme aimed at her!

Otherwise, how would there be mention of a 'Nüwa Palace'?

The girl raised her alert to the maximum, observing carefully, daring not to act rashly.

……

"Is there really living soil in the Nüwa Palace?"

Yinglong widened his eyes, looking at Wenming, asking curiously.

As Nüwa's driver, Yinglong had been to the Nüwa Palace more or less, feeling his memory was fairly good, and the palace's stores seemed to have nothing worthwhile, let alone living soil.

That's right.

Who would dare put valuables in a safe placed in such a dangerous location as the Heavenly Court!

So, when Gun's story spread, others might not be clear, but Yinglong was just as bewildered as Nüwa.

Bewildered tree bears bewildered fruit; under the bewildered tree, you and I.

"How would I know?" Wenming said offhandedly, "Just randomly made up."

"After all, in other places, Di Jun and Taiyi could still go verify, but the Nüwa Palace... to trespass and search the bedchamber of a top goddess—what are you trying to do?"

"Xihuang is still breathing!"

"With Xihuang present, we can ensure the plot doesn't deviate from its track, existing in a superposition of being and non-being."

"As for the living soil... " Yinglong hesitated.

"Oh, I happen to have some of this stuff in stock... Anyway, when the time comes I'll pull it out and claim it came from the Nüwa Palace—no one can verify it!" Wenming waved his hand, "As long as the result is right, the process can be made up arbitrarily."

"Your arrangement would be better said as there being living soil in the Houtu Palace..." Yinglong said, embarrassed but polite.

"Getting living soil from the Houtu Palace—how could that compare to directly taking it from the Nüwa Palace amidst the Heavenly Court's myriad troops, for a greater shock effect?" Wenming glanced calmly at Yinglong, "Little one, you still have much to learn in this regard!"

Otherwise, with your cultivation like this, you won't be able to hold the Dragon Ancestor's position!

When the Dragon Ancestor returns someday, in the contest for the dragon clan's orthodox lineage, it will still depend on your abilities…… But please, don't let us down!

(End of chapter)