Chapter 122: Jimeng Secretly Observes, Peng Demon Gets a Beating [4k]

Within the palace, it was utterly desolate.

Above the high platform, immortal mists were suffused with five-colored hues, accompanied by layers of auspicious clouds and radiant vapors.

Baize gazed at the figure of Fang Longye, who had just exited the palace gate with a look of bewilderment, having bowed to him in salute before departing with Jiao Mowang.

He turned his head to look at his side and smiled, "It seems, old friend, this junior of yours is truly quite interesting!"

"To have been touched by such great fortune—if he still couldn't catch the eye of an old fellow like you, then he would have lived in vain."

A heroic middle-aged man, clad in battle armor, sat coldly on another cloud couch. However, the smile in his eyes and at the corners of his mouth betrayed his true emotions.

Clearly, he had been present the entire time and had made no deliberate attempt to conceal himself, yet neither Jiao Mowang nor Fang Longye had sensed his existence.

One could see flying dragons and tracing phoenixes all around him, with green patterns burgeoning and flowing freely.

Beneath him was a expanse of water, rippling in circles; within it, Dao Patterns formed naturally, resembling magatama and the Taiji, deriving hexagrams, as vast as the starry sky.

A semi-circular halo projected from behind him, presenting scenes of the sun, moon, stars, mountains, and hidden clouds.

Cold, clear light filled the surroundings.

It flickered in and out, shifting between shadow and brightness.

Within the mountain scenery, a deity was spraying mist to bring rain, altering the weather. Its form was human-bodied with a dragon's head, possessing bird claws and feathered arms, and wherever it went, it was accompanied by gale-force winds and torrential rain.

Baize shook his head and laughed, "You call me an old fellow, but aren't you, Jimeng, one as well?"

The *Classic of Mountains and Seas: Central Classic VIII* states: "Guangshan; there is much jade above it and much wood below it. The deity Jimeng dwells there. Its form is human-bodied with a dragon's head. It constantly roams Zhangyuan, and its arrival is always accompanied by gale-force winds and torrential rain." It is the deity in charge of rain, also known as the Rain Master.

This heroic middle-aged man sitting with Baize was none other than the famous ancient demon god—Jimeng. "Stop putting on airs; be happy if you should be happy. This time, you Dragon Clan members have really picked up a huge bargain." Baize rubbed the Jade Ruyi in his hand and said with annoyance.

"Dragon Clan?"

Jimeng stood up and walked to the left side of the high platform, near a Lingchi below.

One could see stacked stones forming a mountain below, rising three to five zhang out of the water, a stretch of green jade, craggy and elegant.

Lotus leaves stood tall and graceful, casting shadows all around; flowers bloomed in clusters, crowded together. When the wind blew, fragrance drifted down and fell into the waves.

Gurgle, gurgle, gurgle—

Fish paved with silver scales caught the scent of the lotus and leaped from the water, jumping three feet high—there were hundreds, if not thousands of them, rising and falling, splashing countless droplets of water.

It looked very lively.

"Old friend, I have, at the very least, shed blood and sacrificed for the Demon Clan, and my 'Heavenly Demon Slaughtering Art' has reached the pinnacle. What do you mean by 'you Dragon Clan'? I am also a member of the demon gods."

"My apologies for the slip of the tongue, old friend, do not take offense." Baize waved his hand.

In truth, he understood very well that although this old friend was still ranked among the demon gods, his ties to the Demon Clan were not deep.

Firstly, before he practiced the secret technique of the 'Heavenly Demon Slaughtering Art' to Reverse Innate, he belonged to the Dragon Clan. Secondly, the Xihuang and Wa Huang he followed had a perception of the later Demon Clan that was far from favorable.

Especially after his good friend's master, Xihuang, transcended, leaving behind only the Human Clan incarnation Fuxi, the ties to the Demon Clan became even thinner.

"You came here in person this time; you weren't disappointed, were you?"

"Haha!" Jimeng nodded and let out a loud laugh, expressing his satisfaction.

"This time, the Dragon Clan has a chance to produce a figure who can truly shoulder the burden!" Jimeng adjusted the high crown on his head, his face full of smiles.

"Indeed! Such a junior—"

"It is a pity that the jade tree grows in another's courtyard. It makes one sigh with regret—" Baize thought about the situation of the Demon Clan and shook his head with a long sigh.

Upon hearing this, Jimeng's expression changed, "Old friend, you aren't planning on harboring any crooked thoughts, are you!"

"I'm telling you now, the guidance you gave in your final words just now was already the limit."

"If you go any further, let alone you old fellows harboring crooked thoughts, even the Demon Master himself—we few old fellows of the Dragon Clan will absolutely not make any more concessions."

"Look at that, just a moment ago you said you were also a demon god! Now it's 'we Dragon Clan' at every turn." Baize shook his head and laughed.

He stood up and walked to Jimeng's side, looking at the pool where the waves were deep and the brocade scales shone with color, then continued: "Set your heart at ease, it was just a moment of sentimentality. Do not overthink it."

Baize stared at the lotus pond; he understood the reason why this old friend was so nervous.

Every family has its own difficult scriptures to recite.

The Dragon Clan appears to be flourishing with flowers and brocade, full of splendor. It seems as if the Human Clan is first and the Dragon Clan is second.

In reality, one dare not say they are in a precarious position, but they are certainly not sitting securely on a high pillow.

There are still significant flaws.

The greatest flaw, just as his old friend Jimeng said earlier, is that the Dragon Clan lacks someone who can truly shoulder the burden.

It seems that the Dragon Clan has the Azure Dragon, Zhu Long, and Yinglong—these three great figures—existing in the world.

But in reality? The Azure Dragon, as the Spirit Venerable of the Four Poles, has always lived in seclusion, devoted to the Dao, and cares nothing for the life or death of the Dragon Clan.

Zhu Long, as an ancient existence who has appeared since the opening of the heavens and earth, acts basically the same as the Azure Dragon.

It was only during the Lich Era that he appeared and condensed an Ancestral Witch incarnation—Zhu Jiuyin. Other than that, he has always been in deep cultivation within the River of Time.

Yinglong, because she attained the Dao later, acts frequently and is currently the undisputed head of the Dragon Clan.

The key is that Yinglong's Dao companion is the Xuanyuan Huangdi of the Human Clan. As the saying goes, a married daughter is like spilled water.

To truly count on this goddess who is the Dao companion of the Human Clan's Yellow Emperor to always favor the Dragon Clan is unrealistic.

In fact, the Human Clan has long had many complaints about her. Because of her presence, the Dragon Clan has clung to the Human Clan over these years and reaped too many benefits.

To the Human Clan, the Dragon Clan has long since become a tail too heavy to wag.

Before Yinglong, no matter how much the Dragon Clan seniors like Jimeng, who joined various factions, struggled, the momentum of the Dragon Clan was just so-so; it could not be called withered, but it could not be called prosperous either.

After Yinglong, the momentum of the Dragon Clan truly developed and grew hundreds or thousands of times over, like oil poured on a raging fire.

In the eyes of the Human Clan's upper echelons, this was all brought about by Yinglong, the Heavenly Consort of Xuanyuan, favoring her own kin.

The criticism she has endured is not small.

If possible, Yinglong Niangniang would naturally be happy to step behind the scenes and yield to the virtuous.

A candidate for the future head of the Dragon Clan would naturally make Jimeng, this old fellow who is in the Demon Clan but whose heart is with the dragons, so concerned.

"Do not take offense, old friend! It is indeed a matter of great importance. I cannot help but be nervous." Seeing Baize's earnest assurance, Jimeng let out a breath and apologized with a look of regret.

"There is no need for that; it is only human nature," Baize said, waving his hand, though he was secretly grumbling in his heart.

It is nothing but your own Dragon Clan's insatiable greed, including Yinglong, that leader of yours, all hoping for a new head to take the throne, to shake off the shackles of the Human Race, and to let go and have a grand go at it.

Two great Demon Clan powers who have existed for a long time were there, reminiscing with each other.

Fang Longye had already left the palace grounds with Jiao Mowang, drifting above the sea of clouds on the Green Leaf Dharma Boat, touring the scenery of this world.

Since leaving the palace, Fang Longye had been ruminating on the last words of that senior, Baize.

There seemed to be a flash of realization in his mind, but his thoughts were somewhat chaotic, and for a moment, he could not piece them together.

The sea of clouds was vast and boundless.

He let Jiao Mowang steer the Green Leaf Dharma Boat, taking him to tour this world.

He witnessed many strange and magnificent sights.

Suddenly, he looked at the Panlong Spear in his hand, his eyes flickering uncertainly.

"Divine weapon, Witch Clan, Turbid Qi?"

Fang Longye stared straight at the Panlong Spear, but his mind had already flown off to who knows where.

He saw that the exterior of the Panlong Spear had not changed much; it was still a silver-white shaft with a bright, sharp blade. Apart from the solid gold dragon patterns becoming increasingly distinct, it was almost identical to before.

However, above the spear blade, which was shaped like a ring-pommel saber tip, a layer of spear-light divine radiance was swirling.

It was a frosty white color, fine and dense, and peerlessly sharp.

With a slight movement, the spear blade, under his control, did not tear the space, yet it carved a long, narrow fissure into the sea of clouds.

No matter how the clouds on both sides surged, there was not the slightest sign of them merging back together.

This was because the spear blade had sliced even the most minute particles in two. At the same time, it left behind traces of powerful Dao principles.

If no one were to erase them, these traces could last for thousands or ten thousand years.

Seeing this from the side, Jiao Mowang's eyes lit up, and he praised, "A fine weapon! In terms of power alone, it is already enough to rival a Superior Spiritual Treasure!"

"That would only be a slightly weaker Superior Spiritual Treasure; if it were truly a Superior Spiritual Treasure of the consummate level, it would never be able to compare."

Fang Longye himself possessed a fully refined Cai Xian Sword, so he naturally could feel the gap between the two. He did not dwell on this issue, but instead asked a question to verify his own thoughts from just a moment ago.

"Brother, you are many years my senior; do you know the greatest difference between the Witch Clan and the Demon Clan?"

"The greatest difference?" Jiao Mowang was stunned upon hearing this and muttered to himself.

"That's right, the greatest difference," Fang Longye confirmed.

"The greatest difference lies in the fact that the Witch Clan does not cultivate the primordial spirit, but cultivates the physical body and will~" Jiao Mowang pondered for a moment and spoke eloquently.

"Fellow Daoist must know that the cultivation method of the 'Human Immortal Dao' only cultivates the physical shell, not the primordial spirit. This path is said to come from the Witch Clan, just like the casting method of divine weapons."

"Then is the reason as the rumors say, that the Witch Clan was tainted with Turbid Qi when they were first born, resulting in a weak primordial spirit?"

"I am not clear on that, but I do know that the Witch Clan is most adept at using Turbid Qi to refine the body, which is completely different from other living beings," Jiao Mowang responded.

"I understand! Many thanks, Fellow Daoist!" Fang Longye felt a surge of joy upon hearing this. It could be considered a confirmation of Baize's earlier words.

He apologized to Jiao Mowang and paced on the Green Leaf Dharma Boat, his mood excited.

That was it!

He should have thought of it sooner.

It was just that he had been distracted for a moment and had not thought it through clearly.

The One produces the Two, the Two produces the Three, and the Three produces all things.

He had previously realized what Yinglong Laozu was pursuing: to become the ancestor of the Dragon, Phoenix, and Qilin clans, and indirectly become the Ancestor of All Things.

And that senior, Baize, had relayed the words of the Demon Master, saying that all things in the world are within Yin and Yang.

If the Dragon, Phoenix, and Qilin clans as the first generation of protagonists of the Human Dao could be called the "Three," then the Witch and Demon clans were the "Two," and the Human Race was that "One."

The Demon Clan and the Witch Clan are exactly one in the sky and one on the earth; they are both the representatives of the Clear and Turbid Dao and the embodiment of the Yin-Yang Dao.

If he were to follow the path of reversing his bloodline to the innate, imitating Yinglong Laozu by melting the bloodlines of the Witch and Demon clans, what kind of achievement would that be? In any case, it should be no weaker than the choice made by Yinglong Laozu! Of course, how to specifically carry this out would still require careful consideration.

But at the very least, he had one more option, and he was naturally overjoyed.

Coming back to his senses, he apologized to Jiao Mowang again: "I have neglected you, Brother; I just realized a key point in my cultivation."

"It is of no matter; cultivation is the most important thing," Jiao Mowang waved his hand, not minding at all.

Fang Longye looked around and smiled: "Thanks to the Mansion Master's summons and the bestowal of a stroke of fortune, I had forgotten the true purpose of this trip. May I ask where I should register to become a Yaofang Master?"

Jiao Mowang sat at one side of the table, drank some Immortal Brew, and smiled brightly: "The confirmation of a Yaofang Master can be done by leaving an image for registration outside."

"Brother can have a good tour of this world and witness the customs and scenery different from Beiju Luzhou."

Fang Longye shook his head: "Having received some guidance from the Mansion Master, I have gained some insights into my cultivation. To tell the truth, I no longer have the heart to tour."

"Alright then!" Seeing this, Jiao Mowang immediately drove the Green Leaf Dharma Boat and headed in one direction.

At the same time, he did not forget to explain that the ways to enter and exit this world were different.

When entering before, one needed to pass through that Star Sea-like ocean; when leaving, one only needed to reach a teleportation point to directly open a portal that would lead straight to that immortal mountain and treasure land outside.

Fang Longye looked at the vast and boundless territory below; he, of course, also wanted to experience the customs and scenery of this world at a closer range.

Unfortunately, he could figure out with his toes how unwelcoming the Demon Clan cultivating inside this pure world of demons would be to a Dragon Clan member like himself.

He was now just a small dragon who had not yet reached the Golden Immortal realm, so he had better not go and get beaten up.

Just as he was pondering, a bird cry came, the sound unique and extraordinary—clearer than the cry of a crane, prouder than the cry of a phoenix, and more domineering than the roar of a dragon.

It came in a mighty, sweeping wave.

Fang Longye frowned; he felt a trace of disgust arising from his bloodline.

As for Qingli beside him, she let out a soft groan, her legs went weak, and she nearly could not stand.

There was a gurgling sound in her bloodline, and she was exceptionally agitated. Her whole being felt as if she were facing a great disaster.

"Ang—"

Without waiting for Jiao Mowang to act, Fang Longye immediately let out a dragon roar, drowning out and dispelling the cry that had come from some unknown avian creature.

Before the sound of the dragon roar had even faded, a brilliant, dazzling radiance emerged.

At the beginning, it was merely a glowing point, but after half a breath, it revealed its true form.

It was a magnificent Great Peng; one could see its bird head and golden wings, its red pupils and divine eyes, its wings spread wide to cover the surroundings, and its long tail feathers rising into mid-air, obscuring everything in the vicinity.

With a single flight, it arrived above the Green Leaf Dharma Boat.

With a shake of its body, it transformed into a youth wearing golden armor and a brocade cloak.

His brows were like bright stars, his face cold and handsome.

"So you are that little mud loach who formed a karmic connection with Father God?"

The youth stood above the Green Leaf Dharma Boat, looking down at Fang Longye, and spoke arrogantly.

His head was held high, the image of an overbearing, unreasonable second-generation heir leaping vividly before one's eyes.

After speaking, he did not bother with reason, directly pressing forward, turning his palm into a claw, and striking at Fang Longye's vital points.

Rippling layer upon layer, the hexagram images flickered in and out of existence.

There was a sharpness, ready to burst forth.

"Junior Martial Brother! Do not be rude!" Jiao Mowang shouted.

"Good!" Fang Longye stopped Jiao Mowang, laughed aloud, and without using any weapon or Spirit Treasure, he pulled his body up and leaped before the youth.

He clenched his fist into a seal, holding the universe in his grasp, fierce and unparalleled, and struck out directly.

The fist seal was like the azure sky, vast and mighty, towering and profound; as the fist seal turned, it instantly collapsed, covering the four poles and permeating the space above and below.

It was as if the Lord of Heaven were enraged, driving the celestial phenomena to shift.

Boom—

A brilliant, bright radiance illuminated everything!

Covering everything—the spiritual energy was in chaos, the Dao laws ceased to exist, and for a moment, neither Jiao Mowang nor Qingli could see the figures of the two.

One claw and one fist, like the collision of a force that could tear the sky and a force that could topple the sky, were earth-shattering.

When everything dispersed, the result of the struggle between Fang Longye and the youth appeared before Jiao Mowang and Qingli.

They saw that the youth transformed from the Great Peng had already revealed his original form.

His sky-draping wings were spread, light like halos and wheels bursting forth from between his feathers, reflecting into the surroundings, suffusing a crimson gold that dyed the void with Generating Light.

The golden feathers stood upright, crystal clear, entwined with fine rays of light.

However, his posture did not match the majesty of his appearance at all; instead, it made Qingli forget his previous divine might and burst into laughter.

They saw this Great Peng above the sea of clouds, having taken a nosedive.

The Peng's head was buried downward into the clouds, struggling and flapping its wings like a wild pheasant.

Fang Longye stepped on its body, suppressing all its strength, and kicked its backside repeatedly.

"I'll teach you to act cool, I'll teach you to be arrogant, I'll teach you to launch a sneak attack—do you submit?"

"Well, do you submit?"

"Do you submit?"

……

This Great Peng was quite stubborn; no matter how Fang Longye humiliated him, he did not make a sound, refusing to soften in the slightest.

Knowing his identity from his words and Jiao Mowang's shout, Fang Longye found it difficult to go too far.

Facing this bird-man who was like a stone in a latrine—stinking and hard—he was momentarily out of ideas.

Fortunately, Jiao Mowang and a figure who had arrived from afar gave him a way out.

"Fellow Daoist, calm your anger, give me some face! Just spare my Junior Martial Brother!"

The implication in the words was self-evident.

"Dragon Lord, calm your anger, please let go of Big Brother Huntian! Meng Huai is willing to take his place—"

……

Today's chapter~ Also, thanks to book friend 190hhhh for the 100 Qidian coin tip, thank you all for your support~(End of chapter)