Chapter 330: The Four Sea Dragon Kings Regret, the Demon Court's Sorrowful Gloom Is Bleak!===GLOSSARY===

Xuan Du's words were astonishing.

As a disciple of a sage, he proactively proposed to withdraw from the Ren Sect.

Among all Dao lineages, this was probably unprecedented.

However, Xuan Du was actually deeply conflicted.

Know that he originally chose to become Laozi's disciple precisely because he saw Laozi preaching and teaching, transforming the myriad beings of humanity.

Moreover, he was moved by the might of the sage's Dao lineage, which led him to actively take Laozi as his master.

Yet now, by the workings of fate, Laozi himself stood on the opposing side of humanity.

In this situation, how could he, as a disciple of the Ren Sect, possibly explain himself clearly?!

Even, could it be that one day he would also have to turn his slaughtering blade against the countless beings of humanity?!

That was absolutely not what Xuan Du wished.

After pondering, it seemed that only withdrawing from the Ren Sect could free him from this dilemma of advancing and retreating with difficulty.

Xuan Du spoke calmly, yet also carried a sense of despondency and disheartenment.

But upon hearing this, Laozi was utterly shocked.

"Withdraw from the Ren Sect?"

"How can this be?!"

As a sage, Laozi could not help but let out an involuntary exclamation of surprise.

Immediately afterward, his brows furrowed tightly, and his expression changed slightly.

What kind of joke is this?!

Know that Chen Ku's previous antics had already caused humanity to harbor many grievances against the Ren Sect, and the former reverence was gone.

At this moment, the fortune of the Ren Sect had already suffered a great loss, causing Laozi great anguish.

Now, if this sole disciple, Xuan Du, were to choose to withdraw from the Ren Sect as well.

Then, the sole karmic bond between the Ren Sect and humanity would be equivalent to being severed.

How could he possibly obtain humanity's fortune's support again in the future?!

The Ren Sect would likely thus completely decline.

It can be said that, for Laozi at this moment, he could no longer bear the enormous loss of Xuan Du's withdrawal.

But seeing Xuan Du's darkened expression, as if unmoved.

At this moment, Laozi could only endure with patience, and solemnly explain:

"Xuan Du, my disciple, you must absolutely not act rashly!"

"I have not slaughtered a single human being; on the contrary, that was merely a tempering for humanity."

"Which of us cultivators has not achieved great accomplishment after enduring endless blood and fire in slaughter?!"

"Humanity is the same; only such trials can arouse their vigor."

Laozi could only explain in this way.

After all, his blocking of the Buddhist sect's attempt to save humanity is an indisputable fact.

Hearing his words, Xuan Du was half-believing, half-doubting.

"Tempering?!"

"Even if it is tempering, should there not be proper measure?!"

And now, humanity is weak and powerless, while those who have achieved success in cultivation are already few and far between.

Yet the Demon Race has launched slaughter without reservation?!

Do you call this tempering?!

This is clearly the strong preying on the weak, oppressing humanity so they cannot resist.

Xuan Du did not fully believe Laozi's words.

However, at this moment, Yuan Shi beside him also spoke up.

"Xuan Du, my junior nephew, the words of your senior uncle Tai Shang are correct!"

"You must know, as the saying goes, the Heavenly Dao is supreme, and the great trend of heavenly fate cannot be altered."

"Although we are sages, we too are subject to greater shackles of the Heavenly Dao."

"Only by enduring this great calamity can humanity rise."

"At that time, Tai Shang elder brother, as well as myself and others, will naturally bestow blessings to assist humanity's rise."

Yuan Shi also clearly understood the predicament the Ren Sect currently faces.

Therefore, his words were also meant to support Laozi.

Even, as he spoke to the end, it was as if making a promise to Xuan Du, attempting thereby to temporarily pacify him.

Indeed!

After the two sages spoke in succession, following their "earnest and heartfelt" persuasion.

Xuan Du could not help but feel somewhat shaken.

"Is it truly so......"

He seemed still somewhat hesitant.

But after a long while, he also did not say anything more, and could be considered as tentatively agreeing with everything Laozi and Yuan Shi said.

He departed, turning away with a heart full of doubts.

And Laozi and Yuan Shi exchanged a glance, their expressions both not exactly pleasant.

To bestow blessings upon humanity again in the future?!

This remark, I fear, can only be empty talk.

After this incident, the human race has become extremely resistant to the Three Pure Ones and others.

Even if they truly wish to assist the human race, the latter may not necessarily accept.

After all, the trust of sentient beings of the human race in Western Buddhism has clearly surpassed that of the Three Pure Ones.

At the same time, Laozi also clearly sensed it.

Originally, the human race's fortune that should have surged toward him is still flowing away in large amounts.

In the dark, it has instead flowed into Mount Wanshou, onto Zhenyuanzi.

As the saying goes, all phenomena are empty, but karma is not empty!

This is the price that the Three Pure Ones must bear for their previous actions.

After a long while, Laozi could not help but show a trace of a bitter smile.

"Could it be... that I, the Venerable One, have truly been wrong?!"

Such a thought arose in his heart.

In the Wuliang Sihai!

Aoguang, Ao Shun, and the other four great true dragons gathered together.

Having undergone countless ages of development.

Moreover, the mixed-blood aberrant dragons among the dragon race had long been brought by the black dragon to the Western realms.

Thus, the vast dragon race now enjoys an unprecedented tranquility.

Now, Aoguang and the others have already become the Four Sea Dragon Kings, each guarding one sea domain and ruling over countless dragon race beings.

But at this moment, the expressions of Aoguang and the others are rather gloomy.

"That Senior Chen Ku of the West truly possesses terrifying combat power!"

Ao Yun spoke, his face full of astonishment that could not be concealed.

Obviously, they had long been aware of the previous battle of the myriad sages and the scene of Chen Ku suppressing the Three Pure Ones.

In the past, they had also received Chen Ku's protection, which is why they did not fall victim to the red dragon's treachery.

And after the passage of endless ages, upon seeing it again, the Four Sea Dragon Kings were even more shocked.

The might of a Hunyuan Daluo Jinxian — who in ancient times could be compared to it?!

Upon hearing Ao Yun's words, Aoguang and the others also deeply agreed, their faces solemn.

"Although we are the Four Sea Dragon Kings, we are merely nominal in name."

"Now, the strength of that black dragon is probably even greater; we still cannot compare with it."

Aoguang expressed such a sigh.

These words could be described as shocking to the world and contrary to convention.

How can the venerable Four Sea Dragon Kings actually admit they are merely nominal?!

Little do they know that only they, the Four Sea Dragon Kings, truly understand the current state of the dragon race.

What is the position of Dragon King worth?!

Know that, nowadays, most of the true dragon powerhouses are still imprisoned in the Four Seas, guarding the sea eyes.

And although the primordial dragon Zhulong was immensely powerful and unparalleled, it has long remained unseen for endless ages.

Moreover, because the true dragon lineage has not had deep ties with Chen Ku, the development of the dragon race is now inferior to that of the phoenix and qilin races.

How unbearable!

It is truly too unbearable!

"That black dragon, on the contrary, made the correct choice; now, following Buddhism, it has soared to great heights."

"If blame is to be assigned, it is only us — why did we not......"

Ao Qin spoke.

His words were not finished.

But several people all understood his implied meaning.

Had they known this earlier, these four great true dragons would have been better off clinging tightly to Chen Ku's thigh.

In short, the hearts of the Four Sea Dragon Kings now hold nothing but deep regret.

However, after a moment, Aoguang came to his senses.

"We should not be overly despondent."

"Fortunately, our relationship with Senior Chen Ku is not bad, and we have not turned hostile."

"Although we cannot leave the Four Seas to go to Buddhism, we can select some descendants and juniors with extraordinary talent."

"Send them to Buddhism to study the Dharma; surely Senior Chen Ku will not refuse."

Aoguang's words immediately alleviated the despondent feelings of the other three Dragon Kings by more than half, and their eyes brightened.

Indeed!

This is also an excellent path.

Dispatch the astonishingly talented descendants and juniors of the clan to bring back the wonderful Dharma of Buddhism to the Wuliang Sihai.

In this way, the dragon race still has hope — to grow stronger through this and revive its supreme divine might.

For a time, the Four Sea Dragon Kings immediately began to ponder, eager to speak.

"My son Ao Tian can undertake this important task!"

"In my South Sea, there are two nephews with extraordinary talent; they must not miss this opportunity."

"In my North Sea, there is also a nephew named Ao Zhan, who is among the dragon race's top-tier talents."

"Hey, in my East Sea, there is also Ao Li, who is certainly capable of undertaking the responsibility of bringing back Buddhism's wonderful Dharma."

The Four Sea Dragon Kings spoke in turn, fearing they might miss the opportunity.

Obviously, although the Dragon Clan is now said to be of one origin.

But among the Four Seas, there is also a notion of competing for superiority.

Moreover, even if they have a good relationship with Chen Ku, they cannot dispatch too many Dragon Clan beings.

Thus, the quota for going to the Buddhist sect has become all the more precious, and no one wants to miss out.

And with the discussion among the Four Sea Dragon Kings, the vast Dragon Clan has also become busy.

The reactions of Laozi Yuanshi, the Dragon Clan, and other beings are secondary.

As for the previous battle, if one were to say whose reaction was the most astonishing, it naturally belongs to the Demon Race without doubt.

Outside the Thirty-Three Heavens, in the Demon Court.

At this time, Di Jun Taiyi, the Ten Great Demon Saints, and countless Demon Race beings have already returned.

Di Jun Taiyi sat in the upper seat, yet bore no semblance of the majesty of a Demon Race ruler, only a gloomy atmosphere enveloped him.

Below, Bai Ze spoke in a deep voice, reporting something.

"In this battle, our Demon Race beings have suffered losses exceeding a hundred million."

"Under our Ten Great Demon Saints, Taiyi Golden Immortals, Daluo Golden Immortals, and other strong ones, many have died with hatred, their bodies and Dao extinguished."

"Furthermore, among those at the quasi-saint realm, more than ten have been severely wounded and will need thousands of years to recover..."

No need to say more.

Bai Ze's words are precisely tallying the losses of the Demon Race in that previous battle.

Upon hearing his report, Di Jun Taiyi's countenance grew even uglier, and his heart grew heavier.

"Damn it!"

"Our Demon Race's hundreds of millions of elite soldiers have come into being, yet we did not expect..."

"... that in the end, we would still be destroyed by the hands of the Buddhist sect."

Di Jun heavily struck the Demon Emperor's throne, the dull thunderous sound making everyone present tremble in their hearts.

His words were also full of hatred and unwillingness.

One must know, seizing the essence of the human race to forge the Slaughter Witch Sword is regarded by all in the Demon Court as the greatest hope for defeating the Wu Clan.

Even the Three Pure Saints have already intervened in this matter.

But in the end, it was only because the Buddhist sect intervened that the effort fell short.

How could Di Jun not hate?!

On the side, unlike Di Jun's hatred and anger, Taiyi seemed thoughtful, sighing as he spoke:

"Such losses are indeed heartbreaking."

"But we have managed to preserve the remaining countless Demon Race beings, which is no easy feat."

"Fortunately, we did not act rashly in the chaos, and waited for the outcome of the saints' battle before we could make a decisive move and directly cease hostilities."

How fortunate!

In Taiyi's words, there is a sense of relief.

He has always cared little for so-called authority and status, merely devoting himself to studying offensive and killing techniques to enhance combat power.

Precisely for this reason, perhaps only Taiyi truly understands how terrifying and peerless Chen Ku's strength is.

During the previous battle of the myriad saints, if they had taken advantage of the chaos to attack and continued slaughtering the human race,

it would surely have provoked Chen Ku's frenzied retaliation.

In that case, who knows how many Demon Race beings would die at Chen Ku's hands.

It would not be impossible to utterly ruin the foundation of the Demon Court.

This, too, can be said to be a million-fold blessing in misfortune!

Upon hearing this, Di Jun also knew that Taiyi's words made sense.

Yet, the anger in his heart remained unresolved.

"Hmph, after all, it's still that Chen Ku."

"This brat is truly..."

Di Jun spoke again, wanting to utter a few rebukes.

But as soon as the words left his mouth, the Ten Great Demon Saints all changed countenance dramatically, looking at Di Jun in disbelief.

Instantly, Di Jun also suddenly awoke, realizing his slip of the tongue.

One must know, the current Chen Ku is already a Hunyuan Daluo Golden Immortal, comparable to a saint... no... an existence capable of suppressing saints.

Such an existence, even if one mutters a complaint behind his back, would not escape inviting death by one's own hand.

Put differently, no matter how towering the fury in Di Jun's heart, the current Chen Ku is not someone he can rashly comment on.

Thinking of this, he felt even more aggrieved!

Yet Di Jun still forced himself to swallow the words he had not spoken.

On the side, Taiyi also hurriedly shifted the topic:

"Elder brother also need not be too disheartened!"

"Although this scheme was thwarted by the hands of the Buddhist sect saints."

"But fortunately... the Slaughter Witch Sword has also been roughly completed."

"Even if somewhat strained, using it to break the Wu Clan's physical bodies is no problem."

This may be the only good news for the Demon Race.

Even if previously, figures like Zhenyuanzi and Chen Ku had intervened.

Yet the Demon Race still slaughtered over a hundred million human beings.

With their essences gathered, they have already condensed into a single, magnificently peerless Slaughter Witch Sword, its blood-light soaring to the heavens.

Feeling the chilling aura emanating from the Slaughter Witch Sword, Di Jun's expression finally eased somewhat.

Not bad!

This scheme, after all, cannot be said to have been completely in vain.

"The Slaughter Witch Sword has been forged, but the Zhou Tian Star Dou Grand Formation must not be abandoned just like that."

"Bai Ze, you and the Ten Great Demon Saints, quickly replenish new demon race elite troops, to take command of the Star Subjugation Banner, and as soon as possible restore the might of the Zhou Tian Star Dou Grand Formation."

Di Jun thus gave this order.

Most of the demon race beings who had previously set up the formation were mercilessly slaughtered by Chen Ku.

Now, only by replenishing more demon race powerhouses can this formation be re-established in this direction.

Upon hearing this, the Ten Great Demon Saints received the command and departed.

But just at this moment, the demon shaman Kunpeng, who had been standing silently to one side before, suddenly spoke:

"Reporting to the Demon Emperor, Your Majesty Dong Huang!"

"Apart from the Slaughter Witch Sword and the Zhou Tian Star Dou Grand Formation, perhaps we may also consider other ways of enhancement."

Upon hearing this, Di Jun Taiyi was somewhat surprised.

Other ways of enhancement?!

Has our demon shaman thought of some good idea again?!

"Please, demon shaman, speak plainly!"

Taiyi spoke with doubt, gesturing for Kunpeng to continue.

And Kunpeng's expression turned stern as he spoke loudly:

"That is... to attempt to prove the Dao of Hunyuan!"