Chapter 287: line with translation of chapter title

Taiyi's question left the strange person stunned in place, and Qijianzhuang also spoke from the side:

"Since you wish to acquaint yourself with us, yet you disregard our wishes and forcibly drag us in, neither introducing your name nor stating your origins—is this how one makes friends?"

The strange person hesitated a moment, then burst out cursing:

"If you don't wish to associate with me, you could say so straight; why put on an act and spout such nonsense—it's utterly unreasonable!"

The strange person seemed to sense something; as his words fell, he immediately tried to turn and leave, but he discovered that an invisible obstruction seemed to surround him, preventing him from moving.

Lowering his gaze, he saw that the surrounding mist seemed to possess tremendous force, imprisoning him in place.

Not to mention thinking of leaving—even just trying to twitch was difficult. Seeing this, the strange person panicked and hurriedly said:

"Exalted ones, please forgive me; I was truly blind, offended you both, disturbed your refined pursuits—sorry, my fault!"

Qi and Taiyi saw this, and his flustered expression was rather amusing; Qi laughed, saying, "At first I didn't notice, but seeing your appearance, the demonic qi emanating from your whole body makes one feel joy at first sight, thus I know who you are."

"Let's speak plainly, Eye-sees Joy: you have wandered the Xifang Dalu for years—how could you today be so oblivious as to come seeking us?"

"Don't put on an act. You are a demon, a product of heterodox cultivation; wherever there is joy and delight in the world, it falls within your gaze."

"If you claim it's just bad luck that you fell into our hands, I don't believe that."

"Your kind is the most deceitful; rather than scheming to deceive us, you'd be better off speaking plainly to avoid suffering."

"Nor claim you don't know our identities; in this Treasure Boundary Mountain, only the Heavenly Court could harbor such carefree cultivators—there are no outsiders."

Eye-sees Joy, after several attempts to free himself to no avail, and upon hearing Qi and the others reveal his identity, ceased struggling.

Feeling the bonds on his body vanish, Eye-sees Joy immediately dropped to his knees begging for mercy:

"Eye-sees Joy pays respects to the God-Heavenly Speech Pure Universal World Embracing Vast Trust Wise Teacher Cloud-Dream Solve-Calamity Pure World Great Heavenly Venerable, Bei Fang Primordial Qi Great Emperor, and pays respects to the East Emperor."

"This visit is not of my own volition as a petty beast; I am left with no choice, disturbing Your Majesties' interests—truly not my wish."

"Were it not for the current demonic-path crisis entangling this petty beast, making escape impossible, I would not have resorted to desperate measures to seek Your Majesties."

Upon hearing this, Qi found the demonic-path crisis quite interesting, as it would involve a famed strange object within the demonic path.

Moreover, Eye-sees Joy's shamelessness in calling himself a petty beast truly surprised Qi and Taiyi, for the other party is, after all, a renowned demonic-path adept.

As a Great Luo Heavenly Demon and a heterodox cultivator, his myriad magical arts make him hard to guard against; such people excel at preserving life and are most adept at currying favor with superiors while bullying inferiors.

Usually, they wouldn't even come looking for them; if they merely encountered an ordinary heavenly soldier, they'd likely avoid him altogether.

Yet now he can set aside his pride and willingly risk life and death to seek them, which causes Qi to pay him greater heed.

Furthermore, he wishes to know what sort of crisis could ensnare those Great Luo Heavenly Devils who excel at prudent self-preservation and avoiding mishaps.

Please elaborate; I'd like to see what kind of crisis could drive you to take such risks and even dare to interfere with us using magic.

Taiyi crossed his arms before his chest, his eyes full of interest as well; under their gazes, Eye-sees Joy could only reply helplessly:

"Reporting to Your Majesties, this petty beast truly has no other recourse, which leads him to risk offending heavenly majesty—this is his fault."

"Your Majesties are unaware that something recently went awry in the demonic path; originally, the Demonic Sovereign had sworn that when the Dao thrives, the demon wanes, and when the demon thrives, the Dao wanes. Yet the present situation ought to be a time of great flourishing for the demonic path."

"But suddenly, we Great Luo Heavenly Devils can no longer sense the Demonic Sovereign's presence, and the demonic path's qi fortune has consequently undergone a great change."

"At present, cultivating the demonic path makes it hard not only to advance but even to maintain one's own qi fortune—it is extremely difficult."

"Precisely because the Demonic Sovereign has vanished, leaving the Demonic Path Sovereign's position vacant, the current demonic-path crisis has arisen, dragging us into it."

"Your Majesties are unaware that, long ago, a great demon often roamed the Xifang Dalu, being the highest achiever of the demonic path under the Demonic Sovereign."

"He is also an anomaly in the demonic-path qi fortune of heaven and earth, the greatest variable within the demonic path."

"Yet one day, while the great demon was wandering, he chanced upon the Dao Sovereign and the Demonic Sovereign discussing the Dao, and the great demon thus attained the Dao as well."

"I too was born thereby."

"After the great demon attained the Dao that year, numerous demonic-path anomalies were born from his body; in the wilderness today, many of the famed Great Luo Heavenly Devils originate thus."

"The great demon's five viscera leapt forth to become the Five Ghost Heavenly Lords; when gathered, they are most adept at shifting wealth and qi fortune, each belonging to the five phases."

"In early years, the five dwelt together in the Xifang Dalu, leading a comfortable life, but later disputes arose, they parted ways, and still each gained considerable fame."

"Moreover, the great demon's six bowels were dug out and transformed into the Six Heavenly Guilty Ghosts; they scattered, and in the Xifang Dalu they fared poorly."

"And I and my five remaining brothers emerged from the great demon's seven apertures, named Eye-sees Joy, Ear-hears Anger, Nose-smells Love, Tongue-tastes Thought, Mind-desires Desire, and Body-holds Worry."

"They represent the six thieves and six senses of the human heart—eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, mind—leading people into the three poisons of greed, hatred, and delusion."

"After we scattered, relying on the demonic path's mysterious arts, we managed to get by fairly freely in the Xifang Dalu."

"As for the original great demon and his fleshly form, long ago, having lost his five viscera and six bowels, sealed his six senses, lost the three flowers atop his head, and seen his five vital energies incarnate in his chest—"

"—buffeted by the clashing thoughts of Dao and demon, he became obsessed with the principles of immortal and demon, yet thereby gained extraordinary means, actively leaping into heavenly-earthly portents and vanishing without trace."

"We have also deliberated and guessed that he most likely fell into the origin of the demonic path, merged with it, and returned to primality."

"By common sense, he ought not to have reappeared; yet now, with the Demonic Sovereign missing and the Demonic Path Sovereign's position vacant, somehow he has employed some method to emerge."

"But precisely because of this, it has instead brought great harm upon us."

"Now that demon is drawn by the demonic-path qi fortune; the great demon naturally seeks the Demonic Sovereign's seat, but having lost his six senses, three flowers, and five vital energies, to attain that position he must reclaim them all. Yet we are all free beings in the wilderness, our lives unhindered, and who would willingly return to his body?"

"Even if we returned to the great demon's body, our consciousness and intellect would remain intact, yet we would forever be subject to another's control."

"As demonic-path cultivators who pursue ultimate freedom, how could we accept this? Even if he thereby attained the Dao, it bears no relation to us."

"If it is not our own selves who attain the Dao, what good is it? Better death than lack of freedom!"

Eye-sees Joy's voice revealed firm resolve, its unequivocal meaning unmistakable.

Yet Qi and Taiyi, from his words, discerned his fear of the great demon himself, or rather his dread of losing freedom and being controlled.

Qi paid no heed, saying, "So what? Demonic-path affairs have nothing to do with our Heavenly Court, and the demonic-path turmoil will not involve us in the slightest."

"Your coming to us will surely end in disappointment; moreover, the Heavenly Court never partakes in Daoist disputes, and we pay no heed to who is the Demonic Path Sovereign."

"As long as one does not rashly challenge heavenly majesty, violate heavenly statutes, or offend the Heavenly Court, demonic-path matters can be settled internally."

Qi naturally knows why Eye-sees Joy came to seek them, and also knows why the demonic-path turmoil arose, for Rahu was sealed before his very eyes.

He is merely seeking help; yet should the Heavenly Court enter the Daoist dispute, aside from staining itself with a speck of filth, Qi can see nothing worthwhile in it.

On the contrary, they might even be suspected by the various forces of the Wilderness for participating in it; after all, having taken part in the Demonic Dao's contention today, they might later interfere in their internal elections.

Possible translation: "On the contrary, they might even be suspected by the various forces of the Wilderness for participating, after all, taking part in the Demonic Dao's conflict today, they might very well interfere in their internal elections later."

But we need to be faithful, not add extra info. Let's break down:

On the contrary, they might also be suspected by the various forces of the Wilderness because of participating in it.

After all, having taken part in the Demonic Dao's contention today, they might later interfere in their internal elections.

We can combine: "On the contrary, they might also be suspected by the various forces of the Wilderness for participating, after all, having taken part in the Demonic Dao's contention today, they might very well interfere in their internal elections later."

Make it concise but faithful.

We'll produce: "【61】 On the contrary, they might also be suspected by the various forces of the Wilderness for participating, after all, having taken part in the Demonic Dao's contention today, they might very well interfere in their internal elections later."

On the contrary, they might also be suspected by the various forces of the Wilderness because of participating in it.

After all, having taken part in the Demonic Dao's contention today, they might very well later interfere in their internal elections.

Now line 62.

Qi cannot afford to overlook this possibility; the Heavenly Court must ensure it remains absolutely exalted, staying clear of the mortal realm.

Translation: "Such a possibility is something Qi cannot ignore; the Heavenly Court must ensure it remains absolutely aloof, staying clear of the mortal realm."

Qi cannot ignore this possibility; the Heavenly Court must ensure it remains absolutely exalted, staying clear of the mortal realm.

Line 63.

Only in this way can relative neutrality and fairness be guaranteed; when handling Wilderness affairs, only then can we ensure we act in the interests of both the Heavenly Court and the Wilderness.

Translation: "Only thus can relative neutrality and fairness be assured, and when handling Wilderness affairs, only then can actions be taken from the standpoint of the Heavenly Court and the Wilderness' interests."

Only in this way can relative neutrality and fairness be guaranteed; when handling Wilderness affairs, only then can we ensure we act in the interests of both the Heavenly Court and the Wilderness.

Line 64.

If this is lost, the Heavenly Court will also lose its foundation, and its heavenly rules and statutes will ultimately come to nothing.

Translation: "If this is lost, then the Heavenly Court will also lose its foundation, and the Heavenly rules and statutes will ultimately come to nothing."

Heavenly rules and statutes

Line 65.

The Heavenly Court's painstakingly built dignity and reputation, in the current situation where the Wilderness' atmosphere is thriving, Qi would not lightly destroy it.

The Heavenly Court's painstakingly built dignity and reputation, in the current situation where the Wilderness' atmosphere is thriving, Qi would not lightly destroy it.

Translation: "The Heavenly Court's hard-won dignity and reputation, in the current situation where the Wilderness' atmosphere is flourishing, Qi would not lightly destroy it."

The Heavenly Court's painstakingly built dignity and reputation; in the current situation where the Wilderness' atmosphere is thriving, Qi would not lightly destroy it.

Line 66.

Qi's reaction seemed to be exactly what Yanjanxi expected; all we saw was him giving a rather fawning smile and saying:

Translation: "Qi's reaction seemed to be exactly as Yanjiansi had expected; only saw him give a rather fawning smile and say:"

We need to keep the colon at end as original has a colon before quoted speech. We'll keep colon.

Yanjianxi

gave a rather fawning smile and said

Line 67.

The Heavenly Court and Your Majesties will naturally not be involved in this; after all, even I, the humble one, know that Your Majesties are all noble and reputable—how could you casually meddle in the internal affairs of the Dao lineage?

We need to keep quotation marks. Translate inside.

The Heavenly Court and Your Majesties will naturally not be involved in this; after all, even I, the humble one, know that Your Majesties are all noble and reputable—how could you casually meddle in the internal affairs of the Dao lineage?

Thus: "【67】 「The Heavenly Court and Your Majesties will naturally not be involved in this; after all, even I, the humble one, know that Your Majesties are all noble and reputable—how could you casually meddle in the internal affairs of the Dao lineage? 」"

We need to keep the Chinese quotation marks? The original uses 「」. We'll keep them as is? The instruction says translate faithfully, but we can replace with English quotes? Usually we keep the original punctuation? It says translate, not necessarily keep the Chinese quotation marks. We can use English quotes. But to be safe, we can keep the Chinese quotation marks as they are part of the text. However the output is English; we can keep them. I'll keep the original 「」.

The Heavenly Court and Your Majesties will naturally not be involved in this; after all, even I, the humble one, know that Your Majesties are all noble and reputable—how could you casually meddle in the internal affairs of the Dao lineage?

Thus: 【67】 "The Heavenly Court and Your Majesties will naturally not be involved in this; after all, even I, the humble one, know that Your Majesties are all noble and reputable—how could you casually meddle in the internal affairs of the Dao lineage?"

But we need to keep the original punctuation? Not required. We'll use English quotes.

Line 68.

I dare not even think of letting the Heavenly Court intervene; I only hope that, when the situation becomes uncontrollable, Your Majesties will allow the Heavenly Court to step in and put an end to this conflict.

Translate: "I dare not even think of having the Heavenly Court intervene; I only hope that, when the situation becomes uncontrollable, Your Majesties will allow the Heavenly Court to step in and put an end to this strife."

We'll keep quotes.

Line 69.

After all, although the Demonic Dao has fewer practitioners than the Immortal Dao, when placed within the entire Wilderness, it is still one of the few great Dao lineages in the world.

Translate: "After all, although the Demonic Dao has fewer practitioners than the Immortal Dao, when placed within the entire Wilderness, it is also one of the few great Dao orthodoxies in the world."

We'll keep quotes.

Line 70.

Surely Your Majesties would not want to see the entire Wilderness thrown into chaos because of internal strife within the Demonic Dao, turning this thriving land into a scene of disorder, would you?

Translate: "Surely Your Majesties would not want to see the entire Wilderness thrown into chaos by internal strife of the Demonic Dao, turning its thriving land into a scene of disorder."

Line 71.

I, Yanjanxi, may not be a good person, nor can I be called virtuous, but I also do not wish to see the now peaceful and stable Wilderness fall into chaos.

Translate: "I, Yanjiansi, may not be a good person, nor count as virtuous, but I also do not wish to see the now peaceful and stable Wilderness fall into chaos."

Line 72.

Yanjanxi spoke these words with righteous fervor, which left both Qi and Taiyi somewhat speechless.

Translate: "Yanjiansi spoke these words with righteous solemnity, which left Qi and Taiyi somewhat speechless."

Line 73.

The Five Ghost Heavenly Kings, the Six Heavenly Ghosts, together with their six roots and six emotions that disturb people's hearts, are denounced everywhere in the Wilderness.

Translate: "The Five Ghosts Heavenly Lords, the Six Heavenly Ancient Ghosts, together with their six roots and six natures that disturb people's hearts, in the Wilderness they are cursed everywhere."

Line 74.

In the formerly tranquil Wilderness, it was precisely these Great Luo Heavenly Demons who constantly stirred up trouble.

Translate: "In the formerly tranquil Wilderness, it was precisely these Great Luo Heavenly Devils who constantly caused trouble."

Line 75.

However, most of the time they flee with incredible speed and leave no trace, so the Heavenly Court has never been able to find their whereabouts; otherwise, these individuals would likely have to ascend the Execution Platform.

Translate: "However, most of the time they flee with incredible speed and leave spotlessly; the Heavenly Court has never been able to find their traces, otherwise these people would mostly have to go to the Gods' Execution Platform to meet their fate."

Line 76.

After saying this, Yanjanxi gave a dry cough twice, as if feeling somewhat embarrassed by his own shamelessness.

Translate: "After saying that, Yanjiansi gave a dry cough twice, as if also feeling somewhat embarrassed by his own shamelessness."

Line 77.

Qi, however, caught the hidden meaning in Yanjanxi's earlier words; they seem to have another method and are confident they can contend with the Great Demon.

Translate: "Qi, however, caught the hidden meaning in Yanjiansi's earlier words; they seem to have other means, confident they can contend with the Great Devil."

Line 78.

Moreover, they seem to plan to escalate this matter, confident they can draw the Heavenly Court to intervene actively and stop their clash, while also ensuring that the beings of the Wilderness can find no fault.

Translate: "Moreover, they seem to plan to magnify this matter, confident they can provoke the Heavenly Court to act decisively and stop their clash, while leaving no fault to be found among the Wilderness' beings."

Line 79.

Qi, now somewhat intrigued, asked curiously: 'What exactly are you planning, and what kind of commotion do you intend to stir up, that you have such confidence?'

Translate: "Qi now unexpectedly became interested and asked curiously: 'What exactly are you planning, and what magnitude of disturbance do you intend to cause, that you have such confidence?'"

Line 80.

Yanjanxi merely gave a hesitant smile, making his already ugly face even uglier, and said with a bit of excitement: 'Your Majesty, please forgive me for this; after all, it concerns our lives, and it truly cannot be spoken of to others. You only need to know that, when the time comes, the Wilderness will have a great celebration.'

Translate: "Yanjiansi merely gave a bitter smile, making his already ugly face even uglier, and then said with some excitement: 'Your Majesty, please forgive us for this matter, after all it concerns our lives and truly cannot be spoken of; Your Majesty only needs to know that, when the time comes, the Wilderness will have a great source of amusement.'"

Line 81.

Upon hearing this, not only Qi but even Taiyi felt a spark of interest, asking curiously: 'What exactly are you planning, that you can be so confident as to claim you can shock the Wilderness?'

Translate: "Upon hearing that, not only Qi but even Taiyi felt a spark of interest and asked curiously: 'What exactly are you planning, that you can be so confident as to claim you can shock the Wilderness?'"

Line 82.

Yanjanxi merely lowered his head and said nothing; his mouth, usually hardly visible, twisted upward in a frenzy, as if he had already seen the future.

Translate: "Yanjiansi merely lowered his head and said nothing; his barely visible mouth twitched upward in frenzy, as if he had already seen the future."

Line 83.

Seeing that Yanjanxi really did not want to reveal anything, Qi did not press him, and simply said calmly:

Translate: "Seeing that Yanjiansi really did not want to reveal, Qi also did not press him, and simply said plainly:"

Line 84.

'You want to do something big; the Heavenly Court does not object, as long as you do not involve the ordinary beings of the Wilderness. Otherwise, whether it be you or the so-called Great Demon, you will die!'

Translate: "If you want to do something big, the Heavenly Court does not object, as long as you do not involve the Wilderness' ordinary beings; otherwise, whether it be you or the so-called Great Devil, you will die!"

Line 85.

As he spoke on, the killing intent revealed in his voice almost made Yanjanxi tremble incessantly.

Translate: "As he spoke on, the killing intent revealed in his voice almost made Yanjiansi tremble uncontrollably."

Line 86.

Feeling the tremor emanating from his primordial spirit, and the pressure on his life force like a

Translate: "Feeling the tremor emanating from his Primordial Spirit, and the pressure on his life force like being crushed by a great mountain, Yanjiansi instead became somewhat more excited, feeling that his grand plan had gained a bit more confidence."

Line 87.

Chinese sentence inside quotes. Translate.

Translate: "In response, Yanjiansi laughed and said: 'We will certainly keep Your Majesty's command in mind, absolutely not disturb the Wilderness' order or affect ordinary beings; as for that Great Devil, we will also try to ensure that our contention with it does not affect the Wilderness.'"

Line 88.

【252】

Translate: "But seeing Qi and Taiyi with calm expressions, Yanjiansi finally could not help but reveal a bit, saying: 'This time I have come to see Your Majesty; I am still a Great Luo Heavenly Devil, my body full of karmic sins, and when we meet again, I will surely make Your Majesties change their opinion of me.'"

Line 89.

Chinese sentence, no equals. Translate.

Translate: "Qi and Taiyi, hearing this, felt somewhat surprised, but did not consider it overly important; in the Wilderness, changes of identity are quite normal."

Line 90.

【262】

Translate: "Given such words, it is likely they intend to draw in some major force, planning to use others to kill their enemies in order to preserve themselves."

Line 91.

Chinese sentence, no equals. Translate.

Translate: "This too counts as one of the Demonic Dao's usual tactics; however, as long as we meet again, those few strange cultivators will not appear as Heavenly Court Divine Generals, and Qi would not be surprised."

Line 92.

【272】

Translate: "Moreover, Qi has become even more interested, not knowing which side those few strange cultivators intend to drag into the fray."

Line 93.

Chinese sentence, no equals. Translate.

Translate: "At present, the Demonic Dao, as one of the world's Great Dao orthodoxies, naturally attracts the attention of some great figures, after all, its qi fortune is quite appealing."

Line 94.

【282】

Translate: "Although the Demonic Dao counts as one of the Wilderness' greatest calamities at present, a source of karmic entanglement, yet if the profit is sufficient, it could still win over many powerful households."

Line 95.

Chinese sentence, no equals. Translate.

Translate: "But what Qi did not know was that the other side actually produced a top-tier Innate Divine Sage who is currently renowned throughout the Wilderness."

Line 96.

PS: Everyone guess who they invited? (End of chapter)