Chapter 302: with translation of chapter title

302. Chapter 302 Mortal Star, Chaos Refining Grand Formation

Yet the first to detect the starry sky's change were not the Primordial gods, but the tribes within the Primordial who worshipped and sacrificed to the stars.

At that moment, they fell into panic and anxiety, even believing it to be an omen of destruction.

Now we need to translate each line faithfully, not adding extra words.

Let's go line by line.

We'll need to decide on translation style: natural English, not overly literal but faithful.

We'll use the glossary terms exactly.

Let's start.

Yet on the outer side of the Primordial continent's heavenly realm, newly born stars were lit, though they emitted no light of their own, merely reflecting the sun and moon.

"According to past patterns, when a star dims in the starry sky, a corresponding star appears outside the heavenly realm; but now, looking at it, there is again an unforeseen change."

Alternatively we could drop the duplicate "302." and just output "【1】 302. Chapter 302 Mortal Star, Chaos Refining Grand Formation". I'll keep as is.

Among the Three Pure Ones, the Yuanshi Daoist had the highest cultivation, and he therefore understood this more clearly, speaking up to explain:

Translate: "In the Primordial, the gods quickly noticed the changes in the starry sky; after all, the gradual dimming of countless stars and the ever-thinning starry sky could not escape the gods' eyes."

The Daoist of Virtue merely sighed and said:

Let's produce: "【2】 In the Primordial, the gods quickly noticed the changes in the starry sky; after all, the gradual dimming of countless stars and the ever-thinning starry sky could not escape the gods' eyes."

Check: we kept all clauses.

"As for those losses, what cannot be kept will ultimately be lost; destroying some can only be considered their fate."

Translate: "Within just a few months, several stars vanished from the starry sky and never reappeared; at first one might not notice, but when compared with memory, one would naturally sense it."

Let's produce: "【3】 Within just a few months, several stars vanished from the starry sky and never reappeared; at first one might not notice, but when compared with memory, one would naturally sense it."

Those primordial spiritual roots that fall into the hands of the witches mostly have no chance of survival; they are usually mixed with flesh and blood and eaten together.

Translate: "However, the first to notice the change in the starry sky were not the Primordial gods, but those tribes in the Primordial who worshipped and offered sacrifices to the stars."

Let's produce: "【4】 However, the first to notice the change in the starry sky were not the Primordial gods, but those tribes in the Primordial who worshipped and offered sacrifices to the stars."

During their sacrificial prayers, they found that the star representing their tribe no longer responded, and even the vast night sky's stars had lost their brilliance.

Translate: "In their rituals and prayers, they found that the star representing their tribe no longer responded, and in the vast night sky, the stars no longer shone brightly."

Let's produce: "【5】 In their rituals and prayers, they found that the star representing their tribe no longer responded, and in the vast night sky, the stars no longer shone brightly."

This instantly plunged them into panic and dread, even making them think it was a sign of impending doom.

Translate: "At that moment, they fell into panic and anxiety, even believing it to be an omen of destruction."

Let's produce: "【6】 At that moment, they fell into panic and anxiety, even believing it to be an omen of destruction."

Fortunately, the star‑worshipping tribes in the primordial wilderness were few and only of moderate size, so they caused no significant turmoil.

Translate: "Fortunately, the tribes in the Primordial who believed in the stars were not many, and their scale was only moderate, causing no major disturbance."

Let's produce: "【7】 Fortunately, the tribes in the Primordial who believed in the stars were not many, and their scale was only moderate, causing no major disturbance."

They were the most sincere believers in the stars among the primordial peoples, seeking only inner peace and treating it as faith—yet they were also the most overlooked.

Translate: "They were the most sincere believers in the stars in the Primordial, seeking only peace of mind and taking it as faith; unfortunately, they were also among the least regarded people."

Let's produce: "【8】 They were the most sincere believers in the stars in the Primordial, seeking only peace of mind and taking it as faith; unfortunately, they were also among the least regarded people."

Though the waning star‑power had little practical effect on them, they grew grieved and enraged, feeling that heaven, earth, and the gods had forsaken them.

Translate: "The decline of star power had no substantive effect on them, yet they felt sorrow and anger, believing that heaven, earth, and the gods had abandoned them!"

Let's produce: "【9】 The decline of star power had no substantive effect on them, yet they felt sorrow and anger, believing that heaven, earth, and the gods had abandoned them!"

Yet the ones hit hardest were the primordial deities at the height of the wilderness and practitioners who drew their cultivation from stellar power.

Translate: "Yet those most severely affected were the innately divine beings at the pinnacle of the Primordial and cultivators who relied on stellar power as their cultivation resource."

Let's produce: "【10】 Yet those most severely affected were the innately divine beings at the pinnacle of the Primordial and cultivators who relied on stellar power as their cultivation resource."

They were indifferent, or rather unconcerned about the stars' changes; they only wondered why the stellar power manifesting in the wilderness was suddenly decreasing—especially after the yin power within the moonlight had vanished entirely—leaving them angry and even eager to ascend to the heavenly court for an answer.

Translate: "But they were indifferent to it, or rather unconcerned about the change in the stars, only caring why stellar power in the Primordial was suddenly dwindling; especially after the yin power contained in moonlight had completely vanished, they grew furious and even wanted to go to the Heavenly Court to seek an answer."

Let's produce: "【11】 But they were indifferent to it, or rather unconcerned about the change in the stars, only caring why stellar power in the Primordial was suddenly dwindling; especially after the yin power contained in moonlight had completely vanished, they grew furious and even wanted to go to the Heavenly Court to seek an answer."

As the gods prepared to move, they witnessed the western continent slowly plunging into darkness, the great sun fading to a dull glow, with only pale moonlight illuminating the earth.

Translate: "Just as the gods set out, they saw the entire Xifang Dalu gradually falling into darkness, the great sun in the sky growing dim, leaving only faint moonlight to shine upon the earth."

Let's produce: "【12】 Just as the gods set out, they saw the entire Xifang Dalu gradually falling into darkness, the great sun in the sky growing dim, leaving only faint moonlight to shine upon the earth."

The dramatic shift in celestial phenomena made the gods' hearts shudder, their eyes locked tightly on the heavens.

Translate: "The drastic change in heavenly phenomena made the gods' hearts tremble, their gazes fixed firmly on the sky."

Let's produce: "【13】 The drastic change in heavenly phenomena made the gods' hearts tremble, their gazes fixed firmly on the sky."

In just one day, day and night turned; the great sun rose slowly from the eastern horizon and began to set from the western horizon, making eastern sunrise coincide with western nightfall.

Translate: "Within a day, the sun rises slowly at the eastern extreme and sets from the western extreme; when the sun rises in the east, it is exactly nightfall in the west."

Let's produce: "【14】 Within a day, the sun rises slowly at the eastern extreme and sets from the western extreme; when the sun rises in the east, it is exactly nightfall in the west."

For the common folk of the western continent, it was just an extra night compared to the day before; yet for many primordial deities, heaven and earth had undergone a sudden transformation.

Translate: "For the common folk of Xifang Dalu, it was merely an extra night compared to the previous day, but for the many innately divine beings, heaven and earth underwent a sudden change."

Let's produce: "【15】 For the common folk of Xifang Dalu, it was merely an extra night compared to the previous day, but for the many innately divine beings, heaven and earth underwent a sudden change."

The sea tides shifted as well, frequently spawning massive waves tens of thousands of feet high; the four seas churned restlessly, shifting with the times, and even the water‑dwelling peoples were affected.

Translate: "Sea tides also changed thus, often giving rise to towering waves tens of thousands of feet high; the water vapors of the four seas surged unsettled, shifting with the time, and even the water-dwellers were disturbed."

Let's produce: "【16】 Sea tides also changed thus, often giving rise to towering waves tens of thousands of feet high; the water vapors of the four seas surged unsettled, shifting with the time, and even the water-dwellers were disturbed."

At Eastern Kunlun, the Three Pure Ones turned their eyes to the heavens, watching each star fade gradually until its light disappeared from the primordial wilderness.

Translate: "At East Kunlun, the Three Pure Ones also focused their gazes on the starry sky; star after star gradually dimmed until their light vanished in the Primordial."

Let's produce: "【17】 At East Kunlun, the Three Pure Ones also focused their gazes on the starry sky; star after star gradually dimmed until their light vanished in the Primordial."

Beyond the heavenly realm of the primordial continent, new stars were lit, but they emitted no light of their own—only reflecting the sun and moon.

Translate: "Yet outside the heavenly realm of the Primordial Continent, newly born stars were lit, but they emitted no light of their own, merely reflecting the sun and moon."

Let's produce: "【18】 Yet outside the heavenly realm of the Primordial Continent, newly born stars were lit, but they emitted no light of their own, merely reflecting the sun and moon."

"Look, another common star has appeared in the southeast corner—I don't know which earlier star it's replacing."

Translate: "\"Look, another mortal star has appeared in the southeast corner; I don't know which former star it replaces. \""

Let's produce: "【19】 \"Look, another mortal star has appeared in the southeast corner; I don't know which former star it replaces. \""

"By the old rule, a fading star in the sky is matched by a new one appearing beyond the heavens—but now an unexpected change has occurred."

Translate: "\"According to past precedent, when a star dims in the starry sky, a corresponding star is added outside the heavenly realm; but now, looking at it, there is again a variable. \""

Let's produce: "【20】 \"According to past precedent, when a star dims in the starry sky, a corresponding star is added outside the heavenly realm; but now, looking at it, there is again a variable. \""

The Lingbao Daoist spoke with a hint of doubt, unable to determine what the newly added ordinary star corresponds to. In fact, this is normal, since that ordinary star arose naturally from heaven and earth, not forged by the star gods.

Translate: "The voice of the Numinous Treasure Daoist carried a hint of doubt; he seemed unable to find what the newly added mortal star corresponded to. Actually, this is normal, for that mortal star is naturally generated by heaven and earth, not forged by the star deities."

Let's produce: "【21】 The voice of the Numinous Treasure Daoist carried a hint of doubt; he seemed unable to find what the newly added mortal star corresponded to. Actually, this is normal, for that mortal star is naturally generated by heaven and earth, not forged by the star deities."

Moreover, the corresponding stars that had been born earlier were actually the star deities of the primordial wilderness, who, after stabilizing their own stars, additionally forged them.

Translate: "Previously, the corresponding stars that were born were actually the star deities of the Primordial starry sky; after stabilizing their own stars, they additionally forged them."

Let's produce: "【22】 Previously, the corresponding stars that were born were actually the star deities of the Primordial starry sky; after stabilizing their own stars, they additionally forged them."

The starlight they reflected was also transmitted from the earlier starry sky, not from the sun and moon; though it held no stellar power, starlight of different origins appears naturally clearer to the primordial deities.

Translate: "The starlight they reflected was also transmitted from the former starry sky, not coming from the sun and moon; although it contained no stellar power, the starlight from a different source naturally appeared clearer to the eyes of the innately divine beings."

Let's produce: "【23】 The starlight they reflected was also transmitted from the former starry sky, not coming from the sun and moon; although it contained no stellar power, the starlight from a different source naturally appeared clearer to the eyes of the innately divine beings."

Among the Three Pure Ones, Yuanshi Daoist had the highest cultivation and understood this best, so he spoke up to explain:

Translate: "Among the Three Pure Ones, the Primordial Daoist's cultivation level was the highest, and he had a clearer view of this; he spoke up to explain:"

Let's produce: "【24】 Among the Three Pure Ones, the Primordial Daoist's cultivation level was the highest, and he had a clearer view of this; he spoke up to explain:"

"This star is not a projection of past stars; it is an ordinary star naturally born of heaven and earth, so it has no counterpart."

Translate: "\"This star should not be a projection of past stars; it is a mortal star naturally born of heaven and earth, thus it has no counterpart. \""

Let's produce: "【25】 \"This star should not be a projection of past stars; it is a mortal star naturally born of heaven and earth, thus it has no counterpart. \""

"I don't know what change has occurred in this starry sky that forced the heavenly court to forge another starry sky; thereafter, in the primordial wilderness, the Three Lights Divine Water will be a swan song."

Translate: "\"I just don't know what change has occurred in the starry sky that actually forces the Heavenly Court to create another starry sky; from now on, in the Primordial, the Three Lights Divine Water can be called a swan song. \""

Let's produce: "【26】 \"I just don't know what change has occurred in the starry sky that actually forces the Heavenly Court to create another starry sky; from now on, in the Primordial, the Three Lights Divine Water can be called a swan song. \""

The shifts in the sun, moon, and stars had long been expected by the gods, and the Three Pure Ones felt this especially deeply. Now what showers upon the primordial wilderness is merely pure light and heat—their power long gone.

Translate: "The changes of the sun, moon, and stars had long been anticipated by the gods; the Three Pure Ones felt this even more deeply. Now what falls upon the Primordial is merely pure light and heat, the power within having long since vanished."

Let's produce: "【27】 The changes of the sun, moon, and stars had long been anticipated by the gods; the Three Pure Ones felt this even more deeply. Now what falls upon the Primordial is merely pure light and heat, the power within having long since vanished."

The Morality Daoist merely sighed and said:

Translate: "The Virtue Daoist merely sighed and said:"

Let's produce: "【28】 The Virtue Daoist merely sighed and said:"

"We can't alter the starry sky's change; it's just a shame that the sunflower in my hand will probably never grow again."

Translate: "\"We cannot interfere with the change in the starry sky; it's just a pity that the sunflower in my hand will likely be unable to grow anymore. \""

Let's produce: "【29】 \"We cannot interfere with the change in the starry sky; it's just a pity that the sunflower in my hand will likely be unable to grow anymore. \""

"It feeds on solar power, normally storing it in its blossoms; looking at it now, perhaps there will still be a use for it in the future."

Translate: "\"It feeds on solar power, normally storing it in its blossoms; looking at it now, there may still be a time for its use in the future. \""

Let's produce: "【30】 \"It feeds on solar power, normally storing it in its blossoms; looking at it now, there may still be a time for its use in the future. \""

The three fell into a brief silence; the Three Lights Divine Water, though rarely seen in the past primordial wilderness, was still present in considerable amount.

Translate: "The three fell into a brief silence; the Three Lights Divine Water, though not dare to say it was abundant in past Primordial times, still had a considerable stock."

Let's produce: "【31】 The three fell into a brief silence; the Three Lights Divine Water, though not dare to say it was abundant in past Primordial times, still had a considerable stock."

Going forward, we'll likely have to use it sparingly; they still cultivate many innate spiritual roots, and without the Three Lights Divine Water, they'll probably lose a lot.

Translate: "In the future, we will likely use it bit by bit, depleting what little remains; they still nurture many innate spiritual roots in their hands, and without the Three Lights Divine Water, they will probably lose a great deal in the future."

Let's produce: "【32】 In the future, we will likely use it bit by bit, depleting what little remains; they still nurture many innate spiritual roots in their hands, and without the Three Lights Divine Water, they will probably lose a great deal in the future."

Finally, Yuanshi Daoist said: "Forget it; the heavenly court will surely explain this later; you and I can't intervene, we just have to wait for the answer."

Translate: "In the end, the Primordial Daoist spoke: \"Forget it; the Heavenly Court will surely explain this matter in the future; we are powerless to intervene, we can only await the forthcoming answer. \""

Let's produce: "【33】 In the end, the Primordial Daoist spoke: \"Forget it; the Heavenly Court will surely explain this matter in the future; we are powerless to intervene, we can only await the forthcoming answer. \""

"As for those losses, what cannot be retained will ultimately be lost; destroying some can only be chalked up to fate."

Translate: "\"As for those losses, what cannot be kept will ultimately be lost; destroying some can only be considered their fate. \""

Let's produce: "【34】 \"As for those losses, what cannot be kept will ultimately be lost; destroying some can only be considered their fate. \""

"Going forward, I'm afraid the elder brother will have to work hard, refining those spiritual roots into pills to preserve some usefulness and reduce loss as much as possible."

Translate: "\"I fear we will have to work harder, elder brother, refining those spiritual roots into pills to retain some usefulness and minimize loss as much as possible. \""

Let's produce: "【35】 \"I fear we will have to work harder, elder brother, refining those spiritual roots into pills to retain some usefulness and minimize loss as much as possible. \""

The Morality Daoist let out a long sigh, saying helplessly: "We can only do this; we hope the heavenly court will soon tidy and perfect the starry sky, restoring the Three Lights power to the primordial earth."

Translate: "The Virtue Daoist let out a long sigh, helplessly saying: \"That's all we can do; we hope the Heavenly Court will soon tidy and perfect the starry sky, restoring the Three Lights power to the Primordial earth. \""

Let's produce: "【36】 The Virtue Daoist let out a long sigh, helplessly saying: \"That's all we can do; we hope the Heavenly Court will soon tidy and perfect the starry sky, restoring the Three Lights power to the Primordial earth. \""

Yuanshi Daoist and Lingbao Daoist merely nodded, saying nothing; the three all knew deep down that this matter likely held little hope, otherwise the heavenly court wouldn't have undertaken creating another starry sky.

Translate: "The Primordial Daoist and the Numinous Treasure Daoist merely nodded, saying nothing in reply; the three all knew that this matter likely held no hope, otherwise the Heavenly Court would not have undertaken the creation of another starry sky."

Let's produce: "【37】 The Primordial Daoist and the Numinous Treasure Daoist merely nodded, saying nothing in reply; the three all knew that this matter likely held no hope, otherwise the Heavenly Court would not have undertaken the creation of another starry sky."

On the western continent, the Twelve Ancestor Witches also gathered to discuss this heavenly change, but they were mostly indifferent, since the witch clan does not cultivate the Primordial Spirit Great Dao and thus has little need for the Three Lights power.

Translate: "In Xifang Dalu, the Twelve Ancestral Witches also gathered to discuss this heavenly change, but for the most part they were indifferent, since the Wu Clan does not cultivate the Primordial Spirit Great Dao and has little need for the Three Lights power."

Let's produce: "【38】 In Xifang Dalu, the Twelve Ancestral Witches also gathered to discuss this heavenly change, but for the most part they were indifferent, since the Wu Clan does not cultivate the Primordial Spirit Great Dao and has little need for the Three Lights power."

The Three Lights Divine Water was naturally a good thing for them, but its lack of effect wasn't a major concern.

Translate: "To them, the Three Lights Divine Water was naturally a good thing, but having no effect was not a major concern."

Let's produce: "【39】 To them, the Three Lights Divine Water was naturally a good thing, but having no effect was not a major concern."

Most of those innate spiritual roots that fell into the witches' hands would not survive; they were mostly mixed with flesh and blood and eaten together.

Translate: "Those innate spiritual roots that fell into the hands of the Wu Clan mostly had no chance of survival; they were mostly mixed with flesh and blood and eaten together."

Let's produce: "【40】 Those innate spiritual roots that fell into the hands of the Wu Clan mostly had no chance of survival; they were mostly mixed with flesh and blood and eaten together."

Except for the relatively precious ones, which would be handed over to the heavenly court in exchange for tax relief, the rest were treated this way; regarding the changes in heaven and earth, they were even more pleased to do so.

Translate: "Except for the comparatively precious ones, which they would hand over to the Heavenly Court in exchange for tax reductions, the rest were treated this way; regarding the changes in heaven and earth, they were all the more pleased to do so."

Let's produce: "【41】 Except for the comparatively precious ones, which they would hand over to the Heavenly Court in exchange for tax reductions, the rest were treated this way; regarding the changes in heaven and earth, they were all the more pleased to do so."

After all, the gradual disappearance of these treasures undoubtedly weakens the future foundation of all tribes in the primordial wilderness, and is even more advantageous for the witches' future warfare.

Translate: "After all, the gradual disappearance of these treasures undoubtedly weakens the future foundation of the myriad tribes of the Primordial, and is more advantageous for the Wu Clan's future warfare."

Let

The deities of the wilderness quickly noticed the change in the starry sky, after all the gradual dimming of each star, the ever‑thinning heavens, could not escape the gods' eyes.

In just a few months, several stars vanished from the whole starry sky and never reappeared; at first one might not notice, but comparing with memory naturally brings a sense.

Yet the first to detect the change in the starry sky were not the wilderness deities, but the tribes within the wilderness who worshipped and offered sacrifices to the stars.

In their sacrificial prayers they found that the star representing their tribe no longer responded, and in the vast night sky the stars were no longer bright.

At that moment they fell into panic and anxiety, even believing it to be an omen of destruction.

Fortunately, the tribes that worshipped the stars in the wilderness were not many, and their scale was only moderate, so they caused no disturbance.

They were the most sincere worshippers of the stars in the wilderness, seeking only peace of mind and regarding it as faith; unfortunately, they were also the least valued.

The decline of star power had no substantive effect on them, yet they grew sorrowful and angry, thinking heaven, earth, and the gods had abandoned them!

But those most severely affected were the primordial deities at the apex of the wilderness and cultivators who used stellar power as their cultivation resource.

Yet they were indifferent to it, or rather unconcerned about the change in the stars; they only cared why stellar power in the wilderness was suddenly dwindling, especially after the yin power contained in moonlight had been completely exhausted, making them feel angry and even wanting to go to the Heavenly Court to seek an answer.

As the deities prepared to move, they saw the entire Xifang Dalu gradually fall into darkness, the great sun in the sky growing dim, leaving only faint moonlight to illuminate the land.

The drastic change in heavenly phenomena made the deities' hearts tremble involuntarily, their gazes fixed tightly on the sky.

Within a single day, day and night cycled; the great sun rose slowly from the eastern extreme and began to set from the western extreme, so that sunrise in the east coincided with nightfall in the west.

For the common folk of Xifang Dalu it was merely an extra night compared to the previous day, but for many primordial deities the heavens and earth had undergone a sudden change.

The sea tides also changed thus, often raising ten‑thousand‑zhang waves; the water qi of the four seas surged uneasily, shifting with the times, and even the water‑dwelling peoples were disturbed.

At East Kunlun, the Three Pure Ones also focused their gazes on the starry sky, each star gradually dimming until its light vanished in the wilderness.

Yet outside the heavenly realm of the wilderness continent, newly born stars were lit, but they possessed no light of their own, merely reflecting the sun and moon.

"Look, another mortal star has appeared in the southeast corner, replacing some former star, though we don't know which."

"According to past pattern, when a star dims in the starry sky, a new one appears outside the heavenly realm to correspond; but now we see another variable."

Lingbao Daoist's voice held a hint of doubt; he seemed unable to find what the newly added mortal star corresponded to—actually this is normal, for that mortal star was naturally generated by heaven and earth, not forged by the star deities.

Previously, the corresponding stars that were born were actually the star deities of the wilderness starry sky, who, after solidifying their own stars, additionally forged them.

The starlight they reflected was also transmitted from the former starry sky, not from the sun and moon; although it contained no star power, the differing source made the light naturally clearer to the primordial deities.

Among the Three Pure Ones, Yuanshi Daoist had the highest cultivation, and he understood this more clearly, speaking to explain:

"This star should not be a projection of past stars; it is a mortal star naturally born of heaven and earth, thus it has no counterpart."

"I just don't know what change occurred in the starry sky that forced the Heavenly Court to create another starry expanse; thereafter, in the wilderness, the Three Lights Divine Water may be said to have reached its final song."

The changes of sun, moon, and stars had already been anticipated by the deities; the Three Pure Ones felt this deeply, and now what falls upon the wilderness is merely pure light and heat, the power within having long vanished.

Daode Daoist merely sighed and said:

"The change in the starry sky is beyond our interference; it's just a pity that the sunflower in my hand will likely never grow again."

"It feeds on solar power, usually storing it in its blossoms; now it seems there may no longer be any use for it."

The three fell into a brief silence; the Three Lights Divine Water, though not abundant in the past wilderness, was still present in considerable quantity.

Thereafter we may have to use it sparingly drop by drop; they still keep many innate spiritual roots at hand, and without the Three Lights Divine Water they would likely lose much in the future.

In the end Yuanshi Daoist spoke: "Forget it; the Heavenly Court will surely explain this matter later, and we cannot intervene, so we merely await the forthcoming answer."

"As for those losses, what cannot be kept will ultimately be lost; destroying some can only be deemed their fate."

"In the future we may have to trouble Elder Brother to refine those spiritual roots into elixirs, to retain some utility and minimize loss as much as possible."

Daode Daoist let out a long sigh, helplessly saying: "That's all we can do; we hope the Heavenly Court will soon tidy and perfect the starry expanse, restoring the Three Lights' power to the wilderness earth."

Yuanshi Daoist and Lingbao Daoist merely nodded, saying nothing; the three all knew there was little hope, otherwise the Heavenly Court would not have undertaken to create another starry sky.

In Xifang Dalu, the Twelve Ancestral Witches also gathered to discuss this heavenly change, but they were mostly indifferent, for the Wu Clan does not cultivate the Primordial Spirit Great Dao and thus has little need for the Three Lights' power.

The Three Lights Divine Water was naturally a good thing for them, but having no effect was not a major concern.

Those innate spiritual roots that fell into the Wu Clan's hands mostly had no chance of survival; they were usually mixed with flesh and blood and eaten together.

Except for the comparatively precious ones, which are handed over to the Heavenly Court in exchange for tax relief, the rest are treated thus; regarding the heavenly and earthly changes, they are all the more pleased.

After all, the gradual disappearance of these treasures undoubtedly weakens the foundation of all wilderness tribes' future, which is even more advantageous for the Wu Clan's future campaigns.

Perhaps a decline in the quality of blood food will also affect them considerably, slowing the clansmen's cultivation speed greatly.

But compared to the myriad tribes of the wilderness, the impact on them is undoubtedly much less, and they may even compensate by having more blood food for cultivation.

As for those who have not become immortals, the residual acquired spiritual qi within them is irrelevant to the Wu Clan, which never cared for it anyway.

Even the turbid qi mixed within can better help them temper their flesh; this current great change in heaven and earth can almost be counted as reducing considerable difficulty for the Wu Clan's future warfare.

Their loss is our gain; the Twelve Ancestral Witches naturally welcome this, their gathering merely realizing this point, their ambitions swelling, and they assemble to look ahead to the future.

Even among them, Hou Tu, who had previously been the most opposed to contending with the Heavenly Court, now feels hesitation arise.

Given the present situation, it seems heaven and earth are aiding the Wu Clan; Hou Tu's steadfastness and understanding of the Heavenly Court also make his state of mind inevitably waver.

Di Jiang's gaze swept over the crowd; Hou Tu's wavering fell into his sight, his heart growing ever more heroic, and Di Jiang could not help but speak:

"This sudden change in heaven and earth is a great boon for the Wu Clan—it is heaven aiding us! Truly a blessing from the Father God!"

"But precisely now we must restrain our emotions; the heavenly change has only just begun, and the longer it lasts, the greater the Wu Clan's advantage."

"Given the Wu Clan's current strength, which is far inferior to that of the Heavenly Court, we must not be arrogant and invite heavenly reprisal; endure a while, and in the future all wilderness will surely crawl beneath the Wu Clan's feet!"

"Now the Heavenly Court clearly has lost its footing, even undertaking tax reform at this time of great change, evidently because the heavenly change has caused heavy losses."

"Therefore they increase taxation to draw resources from the wilderness to compensate their losses, unaware that this only deepens the rift between them and the myriad wilderness tribes."

"In such times we must steady ourselves, lest the Heavenly Court seize upon any oversight, find a pretext, launch great military campaigns, and suppress the wilderness."

Many of the Ancestral Witches present nodded, indicating their approval of Di Jiang's words; indeed, as the situation stands, the longer we delay, the greater the Wu Clan's advantage over the wilderness tribes.

Having gained confidence, they will no longer rush; like prey fallen into a trap, they will first let it expend its strength before moving in for the kill.

Otherwise, if the opponent still has ample strength, they will inevitably resort to a desperate struggle of a trapped beast, especially since the Heavenly Court still possesses power beyond outsiders' reach.

Beside him, Gong Gong seemed to think of something, a sly smile flickering across his face, and he spoke to ask:

Big brother, the Heavenly Court is currently in chaos, and in the wilderness they are also carrying out tax reforms; there are strange changes in the starry sky, so they certainly won't have the energy to investigate our previous actions at Mount Buzhou.

The Father God's essence blood is the Wu Clan's supreme treasure; although the Heavenly Court knows there is something strange in Mount Buzhou, after thinking they still don't know what it is, we might as well take action, so as not to let this treasure be taken by outsiders.

Upon hearing this, the myriad ancestor witches felt somewhat moved in their hearts, about to speak in agreement, but Emperor Jiang shook his head to refuse, only hearing him say: 'I know what you're thinking; nothing more than wanting to take advantage of the Heavenly Court's inability to be distracted to carry out a "substitute a peach for a plum" move, or simply gloss over it.'

I think you haven't taken my words to heart, nor do you regard me.

Having said that, Emperor Jiang let out a cold snort, not waiting for others to speak, and continued: 'If it's according to your ideas, the Heavenly Court might, because of this current turmoil, be forced to let this matter slide, suffering this loss.'

But you haven't even thought about it, used your brains; the Heavenly Court certainly wouldn't be someone who, after suffering a loss, would not seek revenge.

The tax reform in the wilderness will definitely succeed; among all those tribes, they are all soft-boned, nobody will be the first to stand up and oppose the Heavenly Court.

And once the Heavenly Court regains its strength and settles the tax reform, how could we possibly benefit? By then we might not even be able to protect the Father God's essence blood, and might even invite the Heavenly Court's crackdown.

The matter of Mount Buzhou is originally a warning from the Divine One to the Wu Clan; if we just gloss over it, the subsequent troubles and losses will likely exceed our imagination.

Therefore, the more the Heavenly Court is unable to be distracted in the turmoil, the more we ought to stay low-key; otherwise the Heavenly Court will likely again perform a "kill the chicken to scare the monkey" action.

You idiot, do you want the Wu Clan to be that chicken? Believe it or not, if someone now dares to have different ideas, jumps out to argue with the Heavenly Court, they will definitely end up dead and their Dao extinguished, possibly even implicating the clan.

Gongong heard this and was instantly startled; the people present also immediately reacted; in a chaotic age, heavy punishments are used, and it's likely that the current Heavenly Court would actually welcome someone jumping out, so they can establish their authority.

You should know, Yinglong, Fuxi, and Nüwa are still in the Heavenly Court; not long ago someone also sent word that the Divine One has also returned to the Heavenly Court.

With the current strength of the Heavenly Court, wiping out the Celestial Court once more would probably be enough; realizing this, the many ancestor witches present also immediately calmed down.

Houtu saw this, felt quite satisfied, her gaze focused on Emperor Jiang; she finally felt that her elder brother had acquired a bit of a leader's bearing.

Houtu thought for a moment, then spoke: 'Elder brother's words are reasonable; right now we must not provoke the Heavenly Court; the Father God's essence blood is ultimately an external thing; what the Wu Clan lacks now is time, not those irrelevant resources.'

Moreover, there are still many Heavenly Court spies among the Wu Clan; after we return to the tribe this time, we must properly manage the atmosphere, lest we cause trouble again.

All the ancestor witches nodded in agreement, and then summoned the newly appointed Wu Na to ask some questions, carefully examining the details, and decided the future development direction of the Wu Clan.

Meanwhile, in the heavenly realm, Qi looked at the grand formation before him that already had a rough outline, and a faint smile appeared on his face.

All formations are interconnected; although the grand formation before us is somewhat crude and rough, it is still usable, at least sufficient to hold up for a while.

It's fine if the efficiency is a bit low; we can later make changes and reset; as long as the first step is taken, the future will naturally be a vast path of the Great Dao.

Qi looked at the many busy divine generals and said with a smile: 'Please everyone persist for a while longer; now the Chaos Transformation Grand Formation already has a rough outline, only needs further remodeling afterward, and then it can be put into use.'

By then, everyone won't have to work so hard; once the grand formation is completed, there will naturally be rewards bestowed, and their richness will surely satisfy everyone.

The many divine generals on the field, under the joint leadership of Kunpeng and Bai Ze, spoke in unison:

We will surely give our all, contributing our modest strength to the completion of the grand formation, and will not disappoint His Majesty Qi's expectations.

Qi was quite pleased with this, and said with a smile: 'This is not merely my expectation; it is also what all beings in the wilderness hope for; our actions are all for the sake of great merit, to bring blessings to the wilderness.'

From now on, all cultivators under heaven who receive your kindness should remember your merit. (End of chapter)