Chapter 228: The Duel Between the Heavenly Dao and the Earthly Dao

On the edge of the Nether Blood Sea, Zhenyuanzi held the Earth Book, observing the movements within the Netherworld with a solemn expression.

He hesitated repeatedly, but in the end, he lacked the courage to step into that unknown Netherworld. He knew that although he possessed considerable strength, in the face of this impending Great Desolation upheaval, he might only be an insignificant bystander.

Inside the Netherworld, the atmosphere at this moment was tense to the extreme.

The figure of Hongjun Daozu stood there like a towering mountain; his gaze was cold and profound, as if it could pierce through all falsehoods.

Nuwa stood at Hongjun's side with a helpless expression on her face. She glanced at Houtu, a flash of complex emotion crossing her eyes, but ultimately, she chose to stand on Hongjun's side. After all, she was still a Heavenly Dao Saint.

As for Fuxi, he had retreated far away, looking as if he did not intend to participate in this struggle.

Seeing this situation, Minghe Laozu suddenly felt an inexplicable sense of crisis surge in his heart.

He looked up toward the direction of Hongjun and the Ancestral Witches, pondering to himself: "In this current situation, what should I do? If I stand on Hongjun's side, I fear I will offend the Wu Clan; if I stand on the side of the Wu Clan, I fear I will anger Hongjun..."

Minghe Laozu was hesitant and indecisive.

Fortunately, neither the side of Hongjun nor the side of the Ancestral Witches paid any attention to him.

In the end, he chose to quietly retreat to the side, just like Fuxi, to watch the changes unfold. He knew that in this Great Desolation upheaval, he could perhaps only play the role of a bystander.

Seeing Minghe's appearance from within the Nether Blood Sea, Zhenyuanzi could not help but curl his lip, but he did not say anything more.

Under their tense gaze, Hongjun Daozu's eyes swept over everyone present, finally fixing on Houtu and the other Ancestral Witches.

His voice was cold and majestic, seemingly carrying endless pressure: "You of the Wu Clan, since you have obtained Earthly Dao merit today and attained the status of Earthly Dao Saints, you shall henceforth remain in the Netherworld and must not interfere in other matters of the Great Desolation."

Once these words were spoken, the Ancestral Witches were furious.

Although their Wu Clan acted in a domineering manner, they also had their own dignity and pride.

Now that Hongjun actually wanted to completely seal them within the Netherworld, this was undoubtedly an insult to their Wu Clan.

Ancestral Witch Dijiang shifted his figure and stood at the very front. He glared at Hongjun, his voice exploding like thunder: "Hongjun, you are merely a Heavenly Dao Saint, what qualification do you have to boss our Wu Clan around? The actions of our Wu Clan are not for you to interfere with!"

Zhurong, Gonggong, and other Ancestral Witches also stepped forward one after another. The aura on their bodies surged like a volcanic eruption, as if they were about to overturn the entire Netherworld.

Hongjun's expression sank; he had not expected these Ancestral Witches to be so arrogant as to openly defy his will.

However, he was, after all, the Heavenly Dao Spokesperson and possessed his own majesty and bottom line.

He let out a cold snort and waved his hand, and an invisible force pressed down toward the Ancestral Witches.

"Boom!"

This force was incomparably powerful, as if it could suppress all resistance.

Dijiang and the others felt immense pressure for a moment, to the point where it was difficult for them to even stand straight.

However, just at this moment—

"Hum!"

A brilliant golden light suddenly shot up from the depths of the Netherworld, meeting Hongjun's force head-on.

This golden light was emitted by the Twelve-Rank Reincarnation Purple Lotus in Houtu's hand. After absorbing the Earthly Dao merit, its power had greatly increased, and at this moment, it was actually able to contend with Hongjun's force.

Hongjun was slightly startled, clearly not expecting that Houtu could block his strike.

His gaze was like lightning as he swept it toward Houtu once more, his heart also sinking.

At this moment, Houtu was perfectly in tune with the Six Paths of Reincarnation, and with the help of the Earthly Dao power, she was actually emitting a pressure that was not at all inferior to his! Hongjun also knew that Houtu had now attained the status of an Earthly Dao Saint, and the other Ancestral Witches had also greatly increased in strength; if they truly resisted to the death, even he would find it difficult to suppress them easily.

Fortunately, he had not come here alone.

He glanced indifferently at the six people behind him: the Three Pure Ones, the Western Two Sages, and Nuwa.

The six Saints also knew they could not avoid this, so they all stepped forward in unison, each of them also emitting Saintly pressure!

The difference was that Yuanshi and the Western Two Sages were eager to kill the Twelve Ancestral Witches, Laozi was firmly supporting Hongjun, Tongtian was relatively casual, and Nuwa did not want to have a conflict with the Twelve Ancestral Witches but had no other choice.

In an instant, the entire Netherworld shook violently under the pressure erupted by both sides.

Countless wandering souls within the Netherworld prostrated themselves one after another, terrified, fearing that they would be wiped out of existence if they were not careful.

The situation within the Netherworld became increasingly tense.

The standoff between Hongjun and the Ancestral Witches led by Houtu became the focus of the entire Primordial World.

In the eyes of many, a clash between the Heavenly Dao Faction and the Earthly Faction was now unavoidable, and for a time, everyone's heartstrings were pulled tight.

After all, the result of this clash would affect the order of the Great Desolation heaven and earth.

In the Outer Space.

Inside the Sun Star Palace, the atmosphere was exceptionally tense and full of anticipation.

Di Jun sat on the throne, his gaze fixed tightly on the direction of the Netherworld, his gloomy expression revealing a trace of imperceptible excitement.

If the Wu Clan could fight with Hongjun Daozu and the others, preferably to the point of mutual destruction, then the Demon Race could take the opportunity to rise and become the new masters of the Primordial World.

Thinking of this, a sharp glint flashed in Di Jun's eyes. He looked at the Ten Great Demon Sages below and said in a deep voice through telepathy: "Everyone, today's events are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our Demon Race. The clash between the Wu Clan and Hongjun Daozu will surely trigger a great upheaval in the Primordial World. What we must do is watch the changes and wait for the best opportunity."

The Ten Great Demon Sages nodded in agreement upon hearing this.

They all understood Di Jun's meaning, which was simply to be prepared. If the Wu Clan were directly wiped out by Hongjun and the others, that would naturally be best, but if the Wu Clan were not wiped out, they could completely deliver a fatal blow to that mortal enemy at the critical moment!

Thinking of this, they could not help but rub their hands in anticipation.

In reality, what they did not know was that what Di Jun was thinking at this moment was even more thrilling.

Di Jun was even thinking that if the Three Pure Ones, the Western Two Sages, Nuwa, and even Hongjun all perished together with the Wu Clan! By then, if he alone held the Hongmeng Purple Qi in the Great Desolation, as long as he proved the Dao and became a Saint, he could truly rule the Great Desolation and replace Hongjun's original position! The more Di Jun thought about it, the more excited he became, just hoping that the Twelve Ancestral Witches would hurry up and fight with Hongjun and the others! In this tense atmosphere, Houtu suddenly spoke: "This place is not suitable for a battle. If you all wish to fight, why not head to the Chaos to battle, how about that?"

Hongjun glanced at the countless terrified souls below and knew that if he were to forcibly start a war with Houtu and the others here, he would also have to bear considerable Karma. Although it would not affect him much, he did not want to add trouble to himself for no reason.

Therefore, Hongjun nodded and said coldly: "In that case, let us go!"

Dijiang snorted coldly: "Then let us head to the Chaos and settle the outcome with one battle!"

Following the decision of Houtu and Hongjun, the powerhouses of both factions set off one after another, preparing to head to the Chaos to launch a world-shaking battle.

This battle not only concerned the honor and status of the Earthly Faction and the Heavenly Dao Faction, but would also affect the order and future of the entire Primordial World.

Minghe Laozu stood in the Netherworld, watching the backs of Houtu and the others as they left, and an unprecedented excitement surged in his heart.

Seeing that Fuxi had already rushed toward the direction of the Chaos, Minghe no longer hesitated; his figure transformed into a streak of light, following closely behind, and also rushed toward the Chaos.

Zhenyuanzi stood on the edge of the Nether Blood Sea, a determined light flickering in his eyes. He knew the importance of this battle and decided not to hesitate any longer; holding the Earth Book, his figure flashed, and he sped toward the direction of the Chaos. He wanted to witness this showdown that was enough to change the history of the Great Desolation, and at the same time, he wanted to find a glimmer of opportunity for his own future.

In the North Sea, Kunpeng spread his wings and soared high, his massive body carving a brilliant streak of light through the air. As one of the top powerhouses of the Primordial World, he naturally would not miss this epoch-making battle. Although heading to Chaos required passing through the Outer Space, where he might run into Di Jun and the others, he felt that Di Jun and his group likely had no mind to concern themselves with him right now. Thus, with a flap of his wings, he had already crossed the endless space and flew toward the direction of Chaos.

Above West Kunlun, the Queen Mother of the West was draped in rosy clouds, her expression dignified and majestic. She was likewise filled with anticipation for this battle between the Earthly Dao and Heavenly Dao factions. With a movement of her figure, she vanished from where she stood, appeared in the Outer Space, and headed straight for Chaos.

In the East Sea, Zhulong let out a long cry, the sound shaking the entire sea region. As an ancient Quasi-Saint, Zhulong was also full of interest in this battle. After giving some instructions to the Dragon Clan, his figure transformed into a stream of light, instantly traversing the endless sea and flying toward the direction of Chaos.

In the Outer Space, Di Jun and other Demon Race powerhouses stood within the Sun Star Palace, looking toward the direction of Chaos, their eyes flashing with excitement. After some discussion, they decided to also head to Chaos to watch the battle. Di Jun personally led the Ten Great Demon Sages, and with a flash of their figures, they vanished into the starry sky.

Within the Heavenly Court, the Great Witches of the Wu Clan, such as Dayi, Xingtian, and Jiufeng, also decisively headed for Chaos. As the top powerhouses of the Wu Clan, they naturally had to bolster the momentum for the Ancestral Witches. Their figures transformed into streams of light, instantly traversing the Nether Blood Sea and rushing toward the direction of Chaos.

Besides these top powerhouses of the Primordial World, many other experts also set off one after another, rushing toward Chaos. Some did so to watch the battle, while others did so to seek opportunities.

For a time, the gaze of the entire Primordial World was focused on Chaos; even those who had not set off were trying every possible way to investigate the situation in the Outer Space, as no one wanted to miss out.

……

In Chaos, the powerhouses of the Earthly Dao and Heavenly Dao factions finally gathered together, confronting one another with imposing momentum.

Chaos Qi swirled around their bodies, as if setting the atmosphere for the impending great battle.

Hongjun stood before the six sages of the Primordial World, his face cold and his gaze like a torch, sweeping across the many Wu Clan powerhouses opposite him.

He spoke slowly, his voice cold and majestic: "Since you have all decided to fight, then this poor Daoist will ask one thing: if you lose, will you truly do as you said before, remain peacefully in the Netherworld, and no longer interfere in other affairs of the Primordial World?"

Ancestral Witch Dijiang heard this and did not reply directly, instead turning his head to look at Houtu.

Houtu nodded slightly, her eyes flashing with a resolute light.

After receiving confirmation from Houtu, Dijiang then sneered and responded to Hongjun: "Hongjun, since you have spoken, we will naturally keep our word. But if we win, what will you do?"

Hongjun raised an eyebrow, seemingly not having expected the Wu Clan to put forward such a demand.

Although he did not believe his side would lose, if he did not offer these Ancestral Witches a satisfactory bargaining chip, the other side might very well refuse to fight.

He pondered for a moment, then said indifferently: "If you win, the Heavenly Dao Faction shall naturally grant you corresponding compensation."

Zhurong asked: "What corresponding compensation? Make yourself clear!"

Hongjun took a deep breath; he knew he could not be vague at this moment and had to provide a concrete answer.

He swept a glance at the Three Pure Ones, the Western Two Sages, and Nuwa behind him; the Three Pure Ones and the Western Two Sages all nodded slightly, indicating their agreement with his decision. As for Nuwa, she merely stood with a calm expression, but her individual attitude was not important.

Thus, Hongjun spoke slowly, his voice echoing in Chaos: "If you win, the Heavenly Dao will no longer interfere in the affairs of the Netherworld, and the Netherworld will be entirely self-governed by your Wu Clan. Furthermore, the Heavenly Dao will recognize the status of the Wu Clan in the Primordial World; the Wu Clan will no longer be viewed as an anomaly of the Primordial World, but as a part of it. Additionally, the Heavenly Dao Faction will provide the Wu Clan with a certain amount of resource support to help the Wu Clan develop."

Once these words were spoken, smiles of satisfaction appeared on the faces of all the Ancestral Witches.

They knew that such conditions were already generous enough and were the greatest concessions Hongjun could make.

Ancestral Witch Dijiang laughed heartily, his voice echoing in Chaos: "Good! Hongjun, you keep your word, and we of the Wu Clan will accompany you to the end!"

As Dijiang's voice fell, the atmosphere between the two factions instantly became tense to the extreme. In Chaos, it was as if an invisible force was brewing, waiting for the moment of eruption.

At the same time, top powerhouses of the Primordial World such as Minghe Laozu, Zhenyuanzi, Kunpeng, the Queen Mother of the West, and Zhulong also arrived at the edge of the battlefield. They stood in the distance, their gazes fixed on the center of the battlefield, their hearts filled with anticipation and curiosity.

Di Jun and other Demon Race powerhouses also arrived at the edge of the battlefield; although they stood on the side of the Heavenly Dao Faction, they had their own plans in mind. They watched the battlefield quietly, waiting for the best opportunity to arrive.

The Great Witches of the Wu Clan, such as Dayi, Xingtian, and Jiufeng, stood on the side of the Earthly Dao Faction, their gazes resolute and sharp, filled with a longing for victory.

The gaze of the entire Primordial World was focused on this great battle within Chaos, tensely waiting for the fight to begin.

Yet at such a critical moment, Hongjun's expression changed abruptly, and his gaze suddenly shifted away from the Ancestral Witches, turning instead toward the Primordial Land.

Because, at this very moment, another matter suddenly appeared without warning—Lu Yun had actually brought a group of Human Race powerhouses and suddenly appeared at Shouyang Mountain! (End of chapter)