Chapter 363: The Demon Emperor? Xiang Xuanqing
Black Water Basin, Immortal Mountain.
Xiang Xuanqing rose from the coffin, manifesting eighty-one Heavenly Demon Kings, truly startling everyone.
“There’s no need to be surprised—I merely practiced the Heavenly Demon Secret Scripture by the way,” Xiang Xuanqing smiled at the gods.
He then waved his hand, and the demons behind him shifted their forms.
“If you’re uncomfortable with them, they can also take on this appearance.”
In the next instant, the churning demonic energy transformed into vast divine radiance; each Heavenly Demon King changed into a Celestial Emperor.
Their divine presence and bearing were majestic and overwhelming.
“Can these avatars withstand the suppression of the Severing Corpse Technique?” Luo Hou asked curiously.
“Hmm, hard to say.”
Xiang Xuanqing’s answer was ambiguous.
“Then what’s the point?” Luo Hou shook his head; he had thought he could land a combo on Hong Jun and enjoy the thrill of a group beatdown.
In the end, they were just for show.
“Don’t say that—they can at least become Celestial Emperors in the Taiwei Celestial Realms,” Xiang Xuanqing thought, and the eighty-one Celestial Emperors turned into streaks of light, ascending above the Zhou Tian and entering countless Huan Yu Worlds.
[Taiyang Shangzun] Di Jun saw this and clapped his hands, laughing: “Excellent! Excellent! Saves me the trouble of creating new gods myself!”
Ever since he and his brother devised the Divine Path (or Immortal) path to enlightenment, the task of reforming the divine court in the Taiwei Celestial Realms had fallen to them.
Currently, the Taiwei Celestial Realms operate under the guidance of the Dao, but having Celestial Emperors personally manage them would be ideal.
After all, this is the Celestial Emperor showing benevolence toward his ministers!
“By the way, what have you all found?” Xiang Xuanqing, who had gained much, looked at the gods.
“I’ve recovered some residual arrays and am studying their uses,” said [Suixing Shangzun] Fu Xi, the first to speak.
He pointed to a distant sheer cliff: “There are records of Shen Ni’s early ideas—quite interesting.”
“Hehe, I picked this up!” [Zhenxing Shangzun] Zhen Yuanzi pulled out a fragment of demonic bone covered in runes.
He grinned: “Do you think there’s a Demon God of Symbols in Chaos?”
“You mean Him?”
The gods glanced at the demonic bone and nodded slightly: “Probably. After all, Chaos is vast, and the Three Thousand Demon Gods is just a figurative term—having one Symbol Demon God isn’t unusual.”
“I tried tracing back the flow of time and accidentally found a spiritual treasure,” [Taiyin Shangzun] Wang Shu flipped her hand, and a silver, supple whip appeared in her grasp.
A tranquil, timeless aura clung to the treasure, radiating an extraordinary presence.
“You can trace back time here?” Other gods stared at [Taiyin Shangzun] Wang Shu in astonishment.
When they first arrived, they had all tried—Immortal Mountain was too peculiar, as if it had no past, no future, existing at an extremely mysterious node.
Retracing time was out of the question.
“You can’t do it?”
[Taiyin Shangzun] Wang Shu was even more surprised: “It’s actually quite simple.”
She extended a finger toward empty space, and time unfolded like a gentle curtain, parting to either side.
A vast, turbulent river of spacetime surged backward from the “now,” crashing forward without pause.
The gods: “.”
“You’re rewinding time?”
The gods looked at Wang Shu with strange expressions: “You’re not rewinding—you’re recreating time, redefining the past!”
“Then tell me—is this time rewound or not?”
[Taiyin Shangzun] Wang Shu blinked, as if it were obvious: “This place has no past, no future—it’s like the Dao: no before, no after. It seems impossible to grasp, but it isn’t.”
“After all, the Dao is elusive and profound, yet still verifiable—solving this should be simple.”
Wang Shu swung her silver whip through empty space, creating another river of spacetime flowing backward.
“No past? Create one. No time? Redefine it. Look carefully—you’ll always find something.”
Who says rewinding time must mean returning to the original, fixed timeline?
The Taiwei gods gave her a thumbs-up.
“Professional! No wonder you’re Taiyin Shangzun.”
Wang Shu happily accepted the gods’ praise.
“You should all try it too.”
“Good!”
Everyone tried.
Tracing upstream, flowing downstream, expanding sideways—after several investigations, they found nothing.
“As expected.”
Xiang Xuanqing glanced at Wang Shu, recalling the Wheel of Rebirth Demon God who had sought him out—perhaps Taiyin Shangzun had her own destined connection.
Next, the gods displayed their discoveries.
Shen Ni fell, and the gods feasted.
Even without Shen Ni, his legacy enriched the gods’ treasuries.
Soon, Immortal Mountain was filled with joyful energy.
“This Chaos coffin greatly aids in comprehending Tai Su essence—friends, take turns entering to test it.”
Xiang Xuanqing pointed to the coffin suspended in empty space.
“Oh? I’ll go in then.”
Mo Zu Luo Hou was quite interested and didn’t hesitate—he simply lay down inside.
After a long while.
“Boom!”
Luo Hou rose from the coffin.
“How was it?” Xiang Xuanqing asked, his tone suggestive.
Luo Hou’s expression was calm.
He smiled: “It works. Everyone should try it.”
[Chenxing Shangzun] also entered.
When he emerged, Xiang Xuanqing asked again: “How?”
“Not bad!” [Chenxing Shangzun] beamed.
“Then let’s go in too.”
Next came [Taibai Shangzun], [Suixing Shangzun], [Yinghuo Shangzun], [Zhenxing Shangzun]...
Swish, swish, swish~~
When each god emerged, they all smiled, laughing with delight.
“How was the experience?” Xiang Xuanqing asked.
“Excellent!”
The gods’ faces beamed, showing no trace of deceit: “This is truly a divine artifact for enlightenment!”
Xiang Xuanqing nodded slightly.
[They’re all good at hiding things!]
“Since this artifact is so effective, let’s stay here for a while to cultivate before returning to Taiwei.”
“Your Majesty is wise!”
The gods cheered joyfully.
The battle between Taiwei Yuan and the Immortal Path was known to few gods.
But the supreme cultivators all sensed an unusual aura—something monumental was about to happen in Hong Huang!
After the Three Tribes War ended, the three primordial tribes announced the deaths of their ancestors, then accused each other of being the culprits behind the destruction of peace, launching prolonged warfare.
Meanwhile, both sides actively recruited followers.
The Immortal Path, using the Immortal Court and Dao Alliance as its vanguard, promoted the doctrine of spreading the Dao to all beings, gathering countless celestial and divine beings—its power surged like the midday sun.
Taiwei, deploying Star Gods and Demon Dao, gathered the might of the starry heavens and the profundity of Demon Dao, calling for the renewal of heaven and earth, and also attracted countless adherents.
Both held half of the Creation Jade Tablet and wielded the authority of the Dao.
This ensured their conflict was, from the start, a struggle of the Dao itself—a final confrontation shaping the future of Hong Huang.
During this time, the gods of heaven and earth and all races faced anxiety but also unprecedented opportunities for growth.
Because both the Three Tribes and the Immortal-Demon factions were pouring vast resources into recruiting them.
Across Hong Huang’s four seas and eight wastes, the three mountains and five peaks, countless grottoes and blessed lands, ancient cultivation sites, welcomed wave after wave of envoys.
This era was a feast of diplomacy and a breeding ground for conspiracy.
Countless promises intertwined with betrayals; countless friendships and hatreds took root.
The waters of Hong Huang grew murkier and deeper.
“Why are our Hong Huang gods so cunning!”
The hardworking Celestial Emperor of Taiwei sighed.
“Isn’t that normal?”
The Taiwei gods smiled at Xiang Xuanqing: “Hong Huang is now a storm of factions—all trying to profit from our conflict with the Immortal Path. Your Majesty, any good strategies?”
“Hey, hey, hey—you’ve turned against heaven!”
Xiang Xuanqing protested: “My ministers are useless—everything falls on me, the Celestial Emperor! I’m resigning!”
“Giving up the throne is out of the question—why not stick it out, Your Majesty? Your term is nearly over anyway.” [Tai Bai Shang Zun] Qian Ti smiled.
“Great Tian Di, how should we balance the growth of the Dao Alliance?” [Tai Yin Shang Zun] Wang Shu asked.
“Their slogan of spreading the Dao throughout Hong Huang and saving all sentient beings is still very powerful.”
“After all, the Dao is the fundamental pursuit of all beings in Hong Huang; their move has stirred the hearts of countless lives.”
Tai Wei hangs high in the nine heavens, ruling the entire starry expanse—this is indeed their advantage.
But on the battleground of Hong Huang’s land, they and the Immortal Dao are roughly evenly matched.
Moreover, due to the Dao Alliance’s clear path and inclusive nature, they hold a certain edge.
“To strengthen Tai Wei’s influence over Hong Huang’s land, we must also begin with the Dao itself. Regarding this point—”
Xiang Xuanqing suddenly shifted tone: “Sun Dao you, share your thoughts.”
“Hm?”
Dazed, Di Jun blinked, then chuckled: “How did Tian Di know I had ideas?”
“Guessed.” Xiang Xuanqing blinked, expression serious.
“I see.”
[Tai Yang Shang Zun] Di Jun didn’t overthink it; he pulled a scroll from his sleeve: “I do have some thoughts—feel free to consider them.”
With a flick, he cast the scroll, which transformed into a streak of light and plunged into the churning mist at the center of the chaotic table.
Whoosh~~
The mist churned violently, light and shadow shifting rapidly, unfolding before them a clear, three-dimensional image.
The scene showed a desolate, silent landscape—mountains and rivers with sparse spiritual energy.
Jagged rocks, withered grass and trees—utterly lifeless, as if abandoned.
Di Jun extended a finger and swept it lightly across the image.
Instantly, the light of countless stars in the nine heavens seemed drawn by an invisible force, forming visible beams of pure stellar energy that precisely descended into the barren land.
Gradually, the spiritual energy in this region thickened.
“Huh?”
[Zhen Xing Shang Zun] Zhen Yuanzi exclaimed: “The plants and rocks here are actively absorbing stellar radiance… Wait, are they developing a faint consciousness?”
“Zhen Xing Dao you observes with remarkable precision—your words are correct!” [Tai Yang Shang Zun] Di Jun smiled with quiet confidence and declared loudly.
“All things under heaven and earth can attain the Dao. The Dao Alliance preaches to all sentient beings, focusing primarily on those already endowed with innate wisdom and capable of deliberate cultivation. This naturally covers most potential cultivators in Hong Huang—but overlooks a broader, more fundamental layer.”
“If we wish to compete with them for authority over the Dao and the right to teach, we must lower our stance and direct our gaze toward those beings the Immortal Dao ignores—the seemingly emotionless, mindless, soulless things of heaven and earth: every blade of grass, every tree, every mountain, every stone, every grain of sand, every speck of dust!”
Di Jun’s voice rang strong and compelling: “Our plan is ‘Stellar Awakening of All Beings!’”
“Using the infinite radiance and energy of the Zhou Tian stars as a source, we shall bestow spirit upon these dormant things, awaken their latent wisdom, and guide them onto their own paths of the Dao!”
Thus, our Tai Wei Yuan will not merely be the ruler of the stars—but the universal enlightener of all things, the guide who leads them onto the path of cultivation!
“What do you all think of this plan?” Di Jun scanned the assembly, eyes filled with anticipation.
“Brilliant! This plan is magnificent!”
After a brief silence, the divine hall erupted in enthusiastic praise.
The eyes of the Tai Wei gods gleamed; they pounded the tables in admiration.
“The Zhou Tian stars radiate endlessly across the cosmos, eternal and unceasing—this is the most natural, widespread, and enduring medium for preaching!”
“We hold dominion over the Zhou Tian stars, possessing a primordial advantage. As long as stellar light shines upon Hong Huang’s land, all things under heaven may receive the grace and teachings of our Tai Wei Star Dao!”
Xiang Xuanqing listened, nodded in approval, and cast a deep glance at Di Jun.
[Tai Yang Shang Zun] Di Jun seemed unaware of Xiang Xuanqing’s gaze; he remained immersed in his grand vision, growing ever more excited:
“My fellow Daoists, this is only the beginning! After awakening the wisdom of all things, we can use the Star Dao to craft unique cultivation methods and ascension paths tailored to each.”
“When they achieve cultivation, we may summon them to ascend to the nine heavens, join our Tai Wei Yuan, and grant them ‘Celestial Star Talismans,’ making them members of the Zhou Tian Star Gods, jointly maintaining cosmic order.”
“Of course, receiving a Celestial Star Talisman does not require them to serve in the heavens.”
For those whose hearts remain devoted to Hong Huang’s land, we may accommodate their wishes, enfeoff them as gods of mountains and rivers, spirits of trees and plants, essences of the Five Elements… Let them return to their homeland, govern their waters and lands, and benefit the living beings there.
“Thus, our Tai Wei Star Dao’s philosophy and grace will be deeply woven into the very workings of Hong Huang’s land.”
“Let our Tai Wei Dao become the true, living source that nourishes all things and propels Hong Huang’s progress!”
“To summarize with a phrase Tian Di once said: ‘From all beings, to all beings!’”
“Excellent, excellent.” [Sui Xing Shang Zun] Fu Xi nodded repeatedly, then added: “We can also establish a comprehensive ‘Celestial Dao Merit Evaluation System.’”
“Whether celestial star gods or earthly deities, all shall be assessed by their contributions to Hong Huang’s stability, the flourishing of all things, and the prosperity of the Dao.”
“Those with outstanding merit shall be promoted and rewarded with higher-grade stellar origins and cultivation resources; those negligent or derelict shall be warned, punished, or even stripped of their divine positions.”
“Thus, we shall establish a virtuous cycle of clear rewards and punishments, survival of the fittest, and constant upward progression.”
“I have a supplement to this plan!”
Ying Huo Shang Zun raised his hand, actively contributing: “We can draw inspiration from ‘Spiritual Realm Worlds’ and create ‘Star Realm Projections.’”
“Project the Dao resonance and power of the Zhou Tian stars in a gentler, more accessible manner onto spiritual energy-rich regions across Hong Huang, forming ‘Starlight Secret Realms.’”
“Any being who aspires to our Tai Wei Dao may, at designated times, enter these realms through starlight to cultivate, meditate, and receive stellar transmissions.”
“Those who excel may even receive direct guidance from star gods…”
[Tai Wei Shang Xiang] Nu Wa said: “Using starlight to awaken wisdom and teach must also emphasize the diversity of the Dao—do not limit it solely to the Star Dao. All three thousand Dao paths must be balanced.”
“Simple!” On the main seat, Xiang Xuanqing waved his hand, and half of the Creation Jade Disc appeared.
“This artifact records the three thousand Dao paths—it is both a tool of creation and a treasure of teaching. Perfect for enriching the diversity of starlight transmissions.”
The Tai Wei gods smiled knowingly.
This was perfectly balanced—perfectly suitable!
Di Jun, seeing the Creation Jade Disc, suddenly understood.
【No wonder Tian Di was so certain I had a plan—he must have had this divine artifact as a tool for deduction.】
【Then does that mean Tian Di himself already knew this plan—or perhaps he had long held similar ideas? Otherwise, why would he have seized Hong Jun’s Creation Jade Disc and called it a teaching treasure?】
Di Jun pondered, and the more he thought, the more reasonable it seemed.
The pieces fit perfectly—front and back!
Finally, he gazed deeply at Xiang Xuanqing on the main seat.
【Tian Di is truly unfathomable!】
“Alright, I approve this plan. Continue refining it—strive for perfection.” Xiang Xuanqing said.
“Yes!”
After Di Jun proposed the plan, the Tai Wei gods pooled their wisdom, continuously adding and perfecting it.
From macro strategy to concrete implementation steps, from resource allocation to talent cultivation, from teaching systems to promotion mechanisms—
Every detail was meticulously considered, interlocking seamlessly into a vast, intricate plan.
“Sun Dao you, may I adapt your scripture?” Wang Shu asked.
“Of course!”
Di Jun distributed copies to all present gods: “I intended for everyone to revise it, so we may jointly create a grand Dao outline.”
With the purpose established and the Dao outline drafted, next we mobilize the masses.
I’ve got this!
“Have the star gods study the Dao outline deeply, then write one or several detailed cultivation scriptures and awakening techniques based on their own stellar traits and Dao understanding, to enlighten the myriad beings of Hong Huang and spread our Tai Wei Dao.”
“We can then reward them generously with merit, stellar origins, and even divine promotions based on the quality of their scriptures, their dissemination scope, and the actual teaching effects produced.”
“Let’s call this event—the First Annual Zhou Tian Starry Sky ‘Qiming Cup’ Ten Thousand Dao Unification Essay Competition!”
Well then, they’d even invented an essay contest.
An unnamed [Dao Ran Tian Zun] couldn’t help but chuckle, eyes filled with satisfaction.
The gods received Di Jun’s scroll, studied it briefly, and quickly produced results.
[Tai Yin Shang Zun] Wang Shu focused her mind; high above, the cold, solitary Tai Yin star suddenly blazed with brilliance.
The pure moonlight was no longer a faint halo—it coalesced into countless visible golden threads, shimmering with silver specks, like an inverted Milky Way, gently descending to a secluded valley near Kunlun Mountain in Hong Huang.
“Ah~~”
Chang Xi, the little moon goddess who had sneaked out again, was startled.
She jumped like a frightened rabbit, nervously glancing around.
The ordinary grasses and vines, upon touching the golden lunar threads, instantly glowed with faint spiritual light—pure, newborn wisdom emerged from them.
Countless faint yet reverent wills surged toward Chang Xi like a tide, expressing adoration and gratitude toward the little moon goddess.
“Mother!” countless wills transmitted messages.
“Mother?”
Chang Xi’s luminous eyes widened; her face flushed crimson. She shook her head frantically, denying it outright.
“I’m not! I didn’t! Don’t say that!”
Chang Xi retreated backward, then spun around and fled in panic back to the Moon Palace.
She didn’t even attend the Goddess Assembly.
“Huh? Why did Jade Xiao Shen Nü leave?” Lu Wu, the mountain god, watched Chang Xi come and go, his eyes filled with confusion.
In Tai Wei Yuan, Wang Shu withdrew her gaze from Kunlun Mountain, a faint smile curving her lips.
She addressed the gods: “My fellow Daoists, I merely experimented briefly, combining the purity, nourishment, and gestation of my Tai Yin star, and created a new form of Tai Yin moonlight called ‘Di Liu Jiang.’”
“This substance not only awakens the wisdom of plants and trees, but also purifies worldly turbidity and accelerates the cultivation of all life—its uses are boundless.”
“Excellent!” All the gods nodded in approval.
"I altered the orbit of Tai Bai Star, making it the brightest star in the night sky after Tai Yin Star."
【Tai Bai Shang Zun】 said Qian Ti half-jokingly: "From now on, this star’s alternate name shall be Qiming Star—the Star that Awakens the Wisdom of All Things and Points the Way to the Dao. Don’t you dare compete with me for it!"
Upon hearing this, all the gods burst into laughter: "Hahaha, dear friend, rest assured—the honor and merit of the name 'Qiming Star' belong solely to you. We absolutely will not compete with you, absolutely will not!"
Subsequently, the other divine beings each displayed their own abilities, synthesizing their mastery over their respective stars and their understanding of the Dao, to compile a comprehensive and universally applicable 《Zhou Tian Xing Dou Wan Wu Qi Ling Zong Gang》.
Then, this compendium, forged from the wisdom of the gods of Tai Wei Yuan, was solemnly posted to the official announcement board of the Star Network, accompanied by detailed guidelines and reward structures for the essay contest.
"Come quick! The Star Network has just released a new announcement!"
"Let me see, let me see! What big move is this? Are we finally going to war with the Immortal Dao?"
"Huh? 《Zhou Tian Xing Dou Wan Wu Qi Ling Zong Gang》? The First Zhou Tian Starry Sky 'Qiming Cup' Ten Thousand Dao Unification Essay Contest? What’s this?"
Across the cosmic heavens, in countless star domains, countless Star Gods, Star Lords, and Star Officials—whether meditating in their star palaces, patrolling their domains, or lurking and spamming on the Star Network’s forums—all saw and reposted this announcement.
"I get it! This is about establishing and expanding the Star God Sect!" said Tian Lu Star Lord in 【Original Star God Sect Forum】.
"Back when I planted radishes in the Sea of Hostile Stars, now I’m planting Dao radishes in starlight—feeding radishes to all things to awaken their wisdom!"
"Yay! It’s Radish Star Lord—the salvation of all things in the Hong Huang!" A god immediately replied on the forum.
"Radish Star Lord, just give the word and we’ll immediately crown you as the Pope of the Radish Sect!"
Tian Lu Star Lord continued spamming the forum: "No thanks, I’m busy. I only like planting radishes."
"Also, don’t forget—even though our Star God Sect disbanded, the Pope is still alive. I don’t want to join your rebellion."
"Damn! Was I really that obvious?"
【The Chairman’s Support Group Forum】.
The group leader, Zao Hua Qing Lian, said: "The Chairman has posted an announcement—our Ling Gen must participate in this first essay contest!"
"Absolutely! We must join. Cultivation for celestial plants and trees is already difficult enough—we should answer the Chairman’s call and contribute to building a better Hong Huang!" said the first vice-leader, Xian Tian Yue Gui, in support.
"If the scriptures we write become widely circulated and teach entire regions, wouldn’t that… help us recruit more family members into the Chairman’s support group!" exclaimed the second vice-leader, Xian Tian Fu Sang Tree, excitedly.
"Exactly!"
【Liu Da Ye】 glanced at the forum and immediately replied: "Chairman, Chairman, extraordinary! Chairman, Chairman, strongest in all heavens!"
【San Hua Niang Niang】 criticized: "Liu Da Ye, we are a rational and high-quality support group!"
"Don’t casually post slogans related to the Chairman on the forum. We should learn from the Chairman’s spirit and turn it into real action."
"Yes yes yes, San Hua Niang Niang is right—I’ll be more careful next time." 【Liu Da Ye】 replied sincerely and immediately deleted a post.
"I just bought some scriptures from the neighboring forum—want to take a look?" 【Hu Lu Shang Ren】 Xian Tian Hu Lu Teng acted swiftly and acquired a batch of results.
"No!" The support group unanimously rejected it.
"A rational and high-quality support group must not commit academic fraud—that’s an insult to the Chairman!"
"But… I paid with merit coins." 【Hu Lu Shang Ren】 replied weakly.
"Still no."
The group leader, Zao Hua Qing Lian, held firm.
"Alright."
【Bu Zheng Jing Ju Le Bu Forum】
Tian You Zhen Jun asked: "This matter is serious—should we study serious scriptures or unserious ones?"
"What kind of question is that? When has Tai Wei Yuan ever been serious?" replied Wu Qu Star Lord.
"That’s not entirely true. In the matter of being unserious, Tai Wei Yuan is still very serious," said Tian Peng Zhen Jun.
"Also, our club’s spirit is serious yet lively."
"Serious means doing real work. Lively means causing trouble in unserious ways."
"So we must faithfully carry out the Emperor’s orders: write unserious scriptures with a serious attitude!"
The Star Gods all agreed: "Tian Peng summed it up perfectly—let’s get to work!"
Tian Peng reminded: "Also, don’t forget to test your results in the Spirit Realm!"
"Hehe, we won’t forget—pranks must always start with pranking our fellow cultivators!"
Thus, a top-down, star-spanning essay contest erupted in full force.
And all beings in heaven and earth—whether sentient, emotional, and wise, or devoid of spirit, emotion, and intellect—would undergo a brand-new transformation!
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Portal: 【Monthly Tickets】【Recommendation Votes】
(End of Chapter)
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