Chapter 263: Hongjun Advances the God Conferment Plan

Inside Zixiao Palace, the atmosphere was heavy and gloomy.

The several Saints of the Heavenly Dao Faction, including Laozi, Yuanshi, Tongtian, Jieyin, and Zhunti, as well as the newly joined Kunpeng and Minghe, all sat on their respective meditation cushions with heavy expressions, their gazes occasionally cast toward Hongjun, who sat upon the cloud bed.

They had just witnessed everything that occurred on Wanshou Mountain, and their hearts were filled with frustration and bewilderment.

They had originally thought that by collectively opening their dojos, they could demonstrate the powerful strength of the Heavenly Dao Faction and consolidate the status of the Heavenly Dao in the Great Desolation; they had not expected that Zhenyuanzi would comprehend the Earth Immortal Dao at this very moment and, in one stroke, prove the Dao and become a Saint, stealing the limelight entirely.

The fortune that the Heavenly Dao Faction had previously contended for was instantly and rapidly carved up by the Human Dao and Earthly Dao factions, which made them feel unprecedented pressure.

After all, they all understood in their hearts that this matter was not just about face, but about the future direction of the Great Desolation's landscape.

Hongjun sat upon the cloud bed, his expression as calm as water, yet deep, profound light flickered in his eyes.

He looked at the several Saints of the Heavenly Dao Faction, and his own heart was also surging with waves.

He truly had not expected that Lu Yun could actually guide Zhenyuanzi to comprehend the Earth Immortal Dao at this time, and even less did he expect that Zhenyuanzi could take this opportunity to prove the Dao and become a Saint in one stroke.

However, Hongjun was, after all, the Heavenly Dao Spokesperson; his thoughts were profound, and he did not let his joy or anger show on his face.

He took a deep breath and spoke slowly: "Everyone, today's events, though unexpected, need not cause excessive worry."

Hearing this, the several Saints all looked toward Hongjun in unison, waiting for what he would say next.

Hongjun continued: "Zhenyuanzi proving the Dao and becoming a Saint is indeed a major breakthrough for the Human Dao and Earthly Dao. But the Heavenly Dao also has the advantages of the Heavenly Dao; as long as you all work together with this poor Daoist and manage your respective dojos well, the future landscape of the Great Desolation will still be under the control of our Heavenly Dao Faction."

Hearing Hongjun's words, although the several Saints still felt heavy-hearted, they also breathed a slight sigh of relief.

At the very least, Hongjun did not blame them.

Hongjun then said: "Kunpeng, Minghe, you two have newly joined the Heavenly Dao Faction and perhaps do not yet fully understand the rules and concepts of the Heavenly Dao. Next, this poor Daoist will personally instruct you on how to better integrate into the Heavenly Dao Faction and enhance your strength."

Upon hearing this, Kunpeng and Minghe could not help but be overjoyed, and they respectfully replied: "We will strictly follow the Dao Ancestor's decree."

Hongjun nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the other Saints once more: "Everyone, after returning to your respective dojos, you must manage them carefully to ensure their prosperity. At the same time, you must also constantly monitor changes in the Great Desolation; if there is any anomaly, report it to this poor Daoist immediately."

The several Saints responded in unison, then rose one after another to take their leave.

With the departure of the several Saints, the atmosphere inside Zixiao Palace gradually returned to calm.

Hongjun sat on the cloud bed, gazing into the distance with deep eyes, while silently pondering future layouts and countermeasures in his heart.

Ten years of management, countered in one move by Lu Yun—this was naturally something he found difficult to endure.

But for now, he could only accept reality and then quickly think of a countermeasure.

Moreover, having the various Heavenly Dao Saints open their dojos was not without gain for him; it was that his connection with the Heavenly Dao had deepened a few degrees.

Previously, Hongjun was still thinking about how to regain dominance over the Great Desolation.

But now, he had to admit that he could not achieve it, at least not in the short term.

Being able to maintain the Heavenly Dao so it would not be suppressed by the Earthly Dao and Human Dao was already good enough!

"Next step, let Haotian begin the God Conferment Plan!"

Hongjun muttered to himself, finally making the decision.

God Conferment was originally a plan made for the next Great Calamity, but now he urgently needed to increase the power of the Heavenly Dao Faction and had no choice but to advance it.

After all, with the Earth Immortal Dao passed down by Zhenyuanzi, the Human Dao side would have more and more powerful individuals, so the Heavenly Court under the Heavenly Dao Faction naturally had to start operating rapidly! On the Primordial Land.

Near Wanshou Mountain, the enthusiastic discussions about the Earth Immortal Dao still echoed, and a wave of passion for cultivation spread among the living beings of the Great Desolation.

At this moment, Lu Yun led a group of powerful individuals from the Human Dao and Earthly Dao factions to Witch City beneath Mount Buzhou.

Witch City was towering and magnificent, with mysterious Witch clan totems carved upon the city walls, emitting an ancient and mysterious aura. Although no one had been here for a long time, everything here still looked as if it were new.

After the group arrived, they immediately displayed their respective Supernatural Powers.

To celebrate Zhenyuanzi becoming a Saint and Lu Yun's return, Witch City was decorated with lanterns and colored banners, a grand banquet was being prepared, and all kinds of Human Race delicacies were presented.

It is worth mentioning that the culinary arts of the Great Desolation, after these years of development, had become better and better.

Lu Yun saw many dishes he had never seen before, yet they were very delicious; he felt very gratified in his heart—it was not in vain that he had vigorously promoted gourmet food back then!

Powerful individuals from various clans took their seats, and amidst the clinking of cups, laughter and joy rose one after another.

During the banquet, Dijiang suddenly stood up, raised his cup to toast Lu Yun, and said: "Saint Emperor Lu Yun, I have always had one thing I wanted to ask; I wonder what plans the Saint Emperor has for the future of this Witch City?"

Hearing this question, the others also looked at Lu Yun with curiosity.

Ever since the Wu Clan moved into the Netherworld, Witch City had been handed over to Lu Yun to manage. Everyone had originally thought this would become the base camp for the Human Race, but they did not expect that Lu Yun would not do so, and instead let the Human Race continue to use Shouyang City as their ancestral land.

Witch City was temporarily sealed by Lu Yun, and no one knew what he intended to use it for.

It couldn't just be a venue for everyone to gather, could it? Lu Yun smiled slightly and raised his cup to toast Dijiang: "Fellow Daoist Dijiang, I do indeed have a plan for the future of Witch City."

He put down his wine cup, scanned the crowd, and said slowly: "After such a long period of development, the Human Race has gradually grown strong and become a force on the Primordial Land that cannot be ignored. However, a powerful race not only needs sufficient strength, but also needs a leader who can unite the hearts of the people and lead the race forward."

"Therefore, I believe it is time for the Human Race to welcome a true Human Emperor. This Human Emperor will not only be a symbol of the Human Race, but also the spiritual sustenance of the Human Race, capable of leading the Human Race toward a more glorious future."

Hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement.

Especially the Three Ancestors of the Human Race who were also at the scene; they understood the deep meaning contained in Lu Yun's words even more, and they also looked forward to the appearance of such a wise leader for the Human Race.

As for Lu Yun, he had actually stepped out of the single race of the Human Race and become the leader of both the Human Dao and Earthly Dao! Lu Yun continued: "As a unique place on the Primordial Land, Witch City has its special status and value. It is located beneath Mount Buzhou and backed by the Netherworld, with an extremely superior geographical position. Therefore, I have decided to use Witch City as a gift for the first generation of the Human Emperor, hoping that he can establish his imperial palace here and lead the Human Race toward new glory."

Once these words were spoken, everyone suddenly realized.

Dijiang could not help but laugh out loud and said: "So that's it! Such an arrangement is excellent; this is also the honor of Witch City!" The other Ancestral Witches also echoed in agreement.

By now, they actually had to admit that the status between the Wu Clan and the Human Race had been completely reversed.

But who asked the Human Race to have a monster like Lu Yun? Not to mention, the Wu Clan had benefited from the Human Race; if it weren't for following Lu Yun, they, the twelve Ancestral Witches, would likely have been turned into dust just like Di Jun and Taiyi!

Moreover, Lu Yun had always treated them with great respect, so they naturally had no more objections to the Human Race!

It was Nuwa, on the side, who, upon hearing Lu Yun mention the Human Emperor, immediately thought of her brother Fuxi!

At this time, more than a decade had passed since Fuxi reincarnated as a human, and she had always missed him very much.

However, for the sake of caution, Lu Yun had obscured the heavenly secrets regarding Fuxi's reincarnated body, and he had used the Kongtong Seal, a supreme treasure of Humanity, so even Nuwa could not calculate the situation of Fuxi after his reincarnation.

Naturally, there had been no way to meet for these ten-plus years.

At this moment, Nuwa could not help but transmit her voice to ask Lu Yun: "Lu Yun, the Human Emperor you speak of, could it be my brother Fuxi after his reincarnation?"

Lu Yun nodded and smiled: "Exactly. Fellow Daoist Fuxi reincarnated into the Human Race and has experienced many hardships; now he has gradually grown up. I believe he has sufficient wisdom and courage to shoulder the heavy responsibility of the Human Emperor and lead the Human Race toward a brighter future."

Nuwa immediately asked, "Since that is the case, can I go see my brother? Just a glance from afar will do!"

Lu Yun pondered for a moment, then nodded and said, "No problem! Let's wait until the banquet ends. At that time, I will take you to see Fuxi, and I happen to have some things to hand over to him."

Nuwa asked curiously, "What things do you want to personally hand over to my brother?"

Lu Yun smiled slightly and said, "The River Chart, the Luo Book, and a cultivation technique!"

Nuwa could not help but be stunned.

She naturally knew that after Di Jun died, the River Chart and Luo Book had fallen into Lu Yun's hands, but she did not know why Lu Yun would want to give them to Fuxi. However, she did not ask further; after all, if Fuxi could obtain these two Supreme Innate Spiritual Treasures, it would be of no small help to him.

As for the cultivation technique Lu Yun mentioned, she also felt it must be extraordinary and had the intention to ask about it, but Lu Yun kept her in suspense, saying, "You will know when the time comes!"

……

The banquet went on for a long time, and finally, it came to an end.

Firstly, Zhenyuanzi needed to continue preaching, spreading the Earth Immortal Dao to the Primordial Land, and Hongyun also had to go and help.

Secondly, Dijiang and the other Ancestral Witches of the Underworld had to return to operate the Netherworld, and the Three Ancestors of the Human Race, Zhulong, and many other great powers from various clans also had to return to attend to their own affairs.

Fortunately, everyone had thoroughly enjoyed themselves this time, so they left one after another in satisfaction.

In the end, those who remained by Lu Yun's side were Nuwa, Houtu, Xihe, Changxi, and the Queen Mother of the West—the five top goddesses of the Great Desolation today.

The sisters Xihe and Changxi had long been enamored with Lu Yun, and having not seen him for such a long time, they naturally wished they could stay by his side forever.

The Queen Mother of the West had witnessed Zhenyuanzi becoming a Saint with her own eyes, and her desire to prove the Dao became increasingly urgent.

However, she also knew that this matter could not be rushed, and she did not dare to urge Lu Yun, only silently following by his side, feeling that this way Lu Yun would at least notice her more, and perhaps one day he would guide her in proving the Dao! Lu Yun naturally did not refuse this.

Thus, he simply took Nuwa and the others to roam the Primordial Land together, while heading toward the reincarnation of Fuxi.

In the Great Desolation, the Human Race had a Leize City, which was situated near a vast thunder marsh and thus named after it.

This marsh was filled with lightning and thunder all year round, with the power of thunder surging, full of mystery and danger. However, Leize City stood firm amidst this thunder, becoming the center of human habitation in the surrounding area.

Inside the city, the buildings were simple and solemn, and the streets were spacious and tidy.

In the center of the city, a school stood towering, which was the place where the children of the city studied. At this moment, a group of teenage humans were studying and learning to read in the school. They were either bowing their heads in hard study or discussing with each other, and the learning atmosphere was quite intense.

However, among this group of teenagers, there were a few who seemed absent-minded.

Because outside the classroom was the martial arts arena, where another group of human teenagers were learning martial arts.

Fuxi sat in a corner of the school, and although he was also flipping through books, his gaze would occasionally look out the window, as if he were more interested in practicing martial arts. A teenager sitting next to him even muttered directly, "Reading and learning characters is truly boring; I might as well go practice martial arts."

Hearing this, Fuxi could not help but agree in his heart.

Since he was young, he had shown a strong interest in the Martial Dao, feeling that practicing martial arts could strengthen the body and, more importantly, protect himself and others. In contrast, although reading and learning characters were important, they lacked sufficient appeal to him.

Just then, the teacher in the school heard the teenager's muttering; he frowned and stopped his lecture.

This teacher was a highly respected elder among the Human Race. He looked at the teenager sternly and said in a deep voice, "The Dao of Literature and the Martial Dao are equally important to the Human Race. Reading and learning characters can open the door to wisdom, allowing us to understand the mysteries between heaven and earth; while practicing martial arts can strengthen the body and defend our home. The two complement each other and neither can be dispensed with. If you only value one and despise the other, how can you become true heroes of the Human Race?"

The teenager was shocked by the teacher's words; he lowered his head and dared not speak again, but it was clear that he still disagreed with this statement.

The elderly teacher also knew that it was difficult to change the mindset of these students just by saying this.

He suddenly had an idea and asked, "Who among you knows the origin of the Literature Dao and the Martial Dao?"

"I know!"

Fuxi immediately raised his hand.

The old teacher's gaze fell upon him, vaguely recalling the teenager's background: it seemed his mother had gone to play by the side of Leize, fell asleep when she was tired, and had a strange dream; after returning home, she became pregnant, but it took several years before she gave birth to Fuxi.

Therefore, at the beginning, many people in the city suspected that Fuxi was a demon.

Fortunately, the clan elders in the city were tolerant and stepped forward to quell the criticisms of others, which allowed Fuxi to have a normal life. It was also because of this that Fuxi had always been quite diligent, which made the old teacher very fond of him.

The old teacher said, "Fuxi, then you stand up and tell everyone about it!"

"Yes!"

(End of this chapter)