The Great Desolation

Back then, the Demon Race launched a full-scale attack on the Human Race. It was precisely because Lin Fan intervened that the Witch-Slaying Sword's refinement failed, causing the Heavenly Court to lose face.

Previously, Laozi had personally visited and, after a secret discussion with Di Jun and Donghuang Taiyi, the two Demon Emperors had decided to set up a killing formation to lure Lin Fan into a trap and eliminate him. Now, the great formation was complete, and the time had come.

Di Jun's expression turned cold, and he said sternly, "Since an irreconcilable enmity has been forged, there is only one path. If this child is not removed, he will surely become a great threat."

Before he finished speaking, Fuxi suddenly arrived.

He strode forward and said urgently to Di Jun and Donghuang Taiyi, "Your Majesties, please reconsider! Lin Fan is highly valued by my sister. If we act rashly, I fear that in Nuwa's rage, even I will be unable to dissuade her."

In the past, it was Lin Fan who enlightened him, enabling him to create the Demon Script and rapidly increase his cultivation, earning him the position of Demon Master. This kindness had always been in Fuxi's heart.

"No need to say more!" Di Jun coldly rebuked, waving his sleeve. "I have given him many chances, but he insisted on opposing the Demon Race. Annihilation is his own doing!"

With that, he raised his hand and pressed down in the air. The Myriad Stars suddenly lit up: "Activate the formation! Once he is within our grasp, we will join forces to suppress and kill him."

This protective formation, perfected through the deductions of the two Emperors, had now become a deadly trap.

"The Demon Race has already angered my sister."

"If this encirclement and suppression fails, the hatred will only deepen, leading to endless trouble."

Fuxi's words were filled with anxiety.

As Nuwa's elder brother, he understood her nature well.

Nuwa was usually indifferent and uncontested, appearing peaceful.

But in reality, she was very determined. If something she cherished was touched, she would unleash astonishing power.

If Nuwa became enraged, she would disregard the consequences, which the Heavenly Court could not bear.

He was now a high-ranking official in the Heavenly Court, revered by countless demons. He harbored great ambitions and did not wish for the Demon Race to perish thus.

However, Di Jun and Donghuang Taiyi, having received Laozi's promise, were practically unrestrained.

If they could eliminate Lin Fan, the Demon Race's path forward would be unimpeded.

They could then smoothly ** [REDACTED] the Demon Race and refine the sword of slaughter.

At this moment, the two seemed to already envision the scene of the Demon Race dominating the Great Desolation.

Under such circumstances, how could they listen to Fuxi's advice?

"No need for further words."

"Anyone who tries to dissuade me again will be severely punished by this Emperor."

Di Jun said coldly:

"Fuxi, if you are unwilling to act, you may simply observe."

"Do not hinder the Heavenly Court's grand plan."

Fuxi had not acted when the Demon Race previously attacked the Human Race.

Now, not only was he unwilling to contribute to the encirclement of Lin Fan, but he was also obstructing it, causing Di Jun to lose all patience.

He decided to isolate Fuxi from then on.

Afterward, Di Jun and Donghuang Taiyi, along with Kunpeng and the other Demon Saints, left the Heavenly Court and headed directly for the lower realms.

Lin Fan returned from his travels in the Great Desolation. As soon as he arrived at Shouyang Mountain, Youchao Shi and Ziyi Shi rushed to meet him.

"Holy Venerable, something terrible has happened!"

"What has caused you both to be so flustered?" Lin Fan asked.

Youchao Shi's face showed urgency:

"Holy Venerable, Suiren Shi was previously out educating the remote human tribes when he was suddenly attacked by Kunpeng. Many of our Human Race were injured, and Suiren Shi was abducted."

"What?"

Lin Fan's expression instantly turned as cold as ice.

Kunpeng's brazen act was truly unforgivable.

Not only did he fail to repent after his previous injured retreat, but he dared to raid and abduct the human populace again.

However, despite his rage, Lin Fan maintained a clear mind.

Thinking carefully, Kunpeng and Suiren Shi had no prior enmity. This sudden attack must have a hidden reason.

He then calmed his mind and began to deduce the Heavenly Secrets.

The vast river of time and space unfolded before him, his divine sense tracing its flow downwards.

In an instant, a grand panorama unfolded in his sea of consciousness:

On the shores of the East Sea.

A million elite demons were hidden in the void, their killing intent soaring to the heavens.

Di Jun and Donghuang Taiyi led the demons, arrayed in formation according to the positions of the Myriad Stars.

The Myriad Stars Formation?

Lin Fan's eyes snapped open, his mind instantly grasping the conspiracy.

It turned out Kunpeng had kidnapped Suiren Shi precisely to lure him into a trap.

The Demon Race had set up this killing formation, clearly intending to draw him into a death trap.

Lin Fan sneered inwardly.

Di Jun and Taiyi's treacherous hearts were truly incorrigible.

They actually dared to scheme and surround him.

However, while this Myriad Stars formation was powerful, it was hardly worthy of his attention.

Just as he was about to head east, he saw ripples appear in the void.

Fuxi's figure suddenly materialized.

"Do not go to the East Sea coast!"

Fuxi urgently warned as soon as he appeared:

"Di Jun and Taiyi have already set up a deadly formation, specifically waiting for you, fellow Daoist, to walk into their net."

Lin Fan nodded calmly: "I am already aware of this matter."

Fuxi was slightly taken aback, then continued:

"Since you know the danger, you must not go. This formation is the Heavenly Court's world-suppressing grand formation; even a Quasi-Saint would find it difficult to escape misfortune within it. The Demon Race's plan this time is meticulous; fellow Daoist, do not fall into their trap."

Lin Fan's gaze turned as cold as frost:

"Suiren Shi was captured, and the Human Race was slaughtered. This vengeance must be repaid."

His voice was filled with immense rage.

As soon as he finished speaking, his figure tore through the void and streaked eastward.

Fuxi couldn't stop him and was filled with anxiety.

He understood that this killing game, orchestrated by Di Jun and Taiyi, had been planned for a long time. Now, with Lin Fan venturing into danger alone, he feared the worst.

Di Jun and Taiyi dared to set up a formation to ambush Lin Fan, showing no fear of Nuwa--

This blatant disregard must mean they had the tacit approval of a Saint.

He suspected his sister was currently being held back.

Rushing to Wa Huang Palace now would likely be too late.

A sharp glint appeared in Fuxi's eyes as he suddenly recalled an old piece of information.

He remembered that Lin Fan had saved Houtu in the East Sea in the past, thus owing a debt to the Witch Race, and perhaps he could seek their help.

With this thought, he immediately transformed into a stream of light and flew towards Buzhou Mountain.

At this moment, within Wa Huang Palace--

Laozi and Yuanshi arrived together.

Nuwa's expression turned cold upon seeing them: "Please leave, both of you. This palace does not receive outside guests."

However, suspicion began to grow in her heart.

Since the last ** , the two sides had been at loggerheads. Now, their sudden visit could only mean something was amiss.

Facing her dismissal, Laozi did not get angry but smiled instead:

"Junior Sister, please do not be offended. It was indeed Senior Brother's fault last time. Today, I have brought my second brother to discuss the Dao and offer apologies."

Yuanshi also bowed with a smile.

Seeing this, Nuwa had no choice but to allow them into the palace.

The two Saints showed none of their usual arrogance and even spoke of old times with Nuwa.

This abnormal behavior made Nuwa even more vigilant.

In reality, Laozi was already aware of the Demon Race's killing game--

This visit was specifically to stall Nuwa, causing her to lose her kin.

The venom of this scheme was to retaliate against Lin Fan for repeatedly ruining their opportunities to become Saints.

If Lin Fan, the leader of the Human Religion, were to die, then he could seize the Human Religion's destiny.

The Buzhou Mountain region.

As soon as Fuxi appeared, he was detected by the Great Witch Xing Tian. Xing Tian's eyes widened, and he roared, "Arrogant Fuxi, how dare you trespass on Buzhou Mountain!"

Fuxi's expression remained calm as he replied, "I have important matters to request an audience with Ancestral Witch Houtu. Please inform her."

"Hmph! Do you think you can just see Ancestral Witch Houtu whenever you please?"

"Retreat quickly, or don't blame me for showing no mercy."

Xing Tian berated him coldly.

Before his voice even faded, his body moved like lightning, and his iron fist, as large as a millstone, slammed towards Fuxi.

Fuxi had no choice but to meet the attack.

In an instant, their magical powers surged, and the wind and clouds changed color.

Inside Pangu Hall, Houtu, Gonggong, and Zhurong were all alarmed and appeared together.

"Arrogant Fuxi, how dare you trespass on our Witch Race territory!"

"You're seeking death!"

Seeing Fuxi battling Xing Tian, Gonggong and Zhurong were instantly enraged. Without a word, they attacked Fuxi.

Fuxi activated the Innate Eight Trigrams, fighting as he shouted to Houtu, "Ancestral Witch Houtu, Lin Fan is in grave danger. I've come to request reinforcements!"

"Lin Fan is in trouble?"

Houtu was taken aback.

"Xing Tian, stand down."

Xing Tian glared at Fuxi resentfully but obeyed and withdrew his hand.

Zhurong and Gonggong also stopped their attacks, staring at Fuxi with suspicion.

Houtu stepped forward and asked, "Fuxi, is this true? What exactly happened?"

"Di Jun and Donghuang Taiyi intend to surround and kill Lin Fan. I was powerless to stop them, so I could only come here for help."

Fuxi replied with a solemn expression.

"Little sister, don't believe him! Lin Fan's cultivation is profound, how could he be in danger?"

Zhurong immediately questioned.

"Exactly! With Lin Fan's incredible abilities, how could those feathered beasts be a match for him?"

Gonggong echoed.

Having personally witnessed Lin Fan's power and harboring a grudge against Fuxi, they naturally didn't believe his words.

Upon hearing this, doubt flickered in Houtu's eyes.

Although Lin Fan's safety worried her, Houtu felt that Fuxi's appearance was too sudden, and his actions were truly suspicious.

Fuxi explained solemnly, "This time, Di Jun and Donghuang Taiyi have mobilized all the Demon Gods and Demon Sages of the Heavenly Court to set up a death trap."

"Especially the Myriad Stars formation, which is the Heavenly Court's ultimate formation. After being deduced and perfected by the two Demon Emperors, its power has reached a terrifying level."

"Even though Lin Fan is incredibly powerful, if he accidentally enters this formation, he will likely face certain death."

Seeing Fuxi's solemn expression, Houtu couldn't help but hesitate: Could what he said be true?

Gonggong questioned, "Why didn't you seek Nuwa's help instead of coming to us?"

"My sister is likely also being held back by the Saints at this moment and cannot extricate herself." Fuxi's expression was calm.

As powerful beings of the Demon Race who had been enemies for many years, he understood the Ancestral Witches' wariness.

Hearing that Saints were involved, Houtu was secretly shocked but still skeptical.

Seeing the Ancestral Witches hesitating, Fuxi was extremely anxious—Lin Fan had already gone to the East Sea, and there was no time to delay.

He suddenly stood in the air and his voice shook the heavens, "I, the Demon Master Fuxi, swear here today that if any part of what I have said is false, I wish to be annihilated by the Heavenly Dao, my body and soul scattered!"

The rules of the Heavenly Dao above the firmament trembled, and the oath was established.

Witnessing this, Houtu, Gonggong, and Zhurong were all shocked and paled.

A Heavenly Dao oath was no trivial matter; Fuxi would absolutely not deceive them for this.

"Di Jun and Taiyi, those despicable beasts!"

"The worst of them all!"

Gonggong and Zhurong were furious, their crowns nearly flying off.

Though they had been defeated by Lin Fan before, the Witch Race men were honorable and held respect for their benefactor.

Upon hearing that Lin Fan had been ambushed, their rage instantly soared to the heavens.

Houtu's eyes blazed with fury as she cupped her hands solemnly and said, "Fellow Daoist Fuxi, your righteousness is profound. This kindness is etched in my heart. If Lin Fan is in danger, the Witch Race will not shirk our duty."

Before her words even fell, she had already appeared before Pangu Hall. The Ancestral Witches gathered upon hearing the news. Dijiang raised his arm and shouted, "Lin Fan's kindness to our race is as heavy as a mountain. How can we stand idly by at this moment!" In an instant, all twelve Ancestral Witches emerged, leading a large contingent of Witch Race elites, charging towards the East Sea like a dark cloud descending upon the city.

***

The wind and clouds surged on the shores of the East Sea. Lin Fan stood on the waves, seeing Kunpeng holding Suiren Shi captive, looking down disdainfully from the sky.

"Old thief! Release Suiren immediately!" The roar was like cold iron from the deepest abyss, causing the sea water to churn in reverse.

The restrained Suiren Shi's eyes were blood red: "Holy Venerable, hurry and leave! This is a poisonous scheme by the Demon Race!" The elder, bound by ropes, struggled desperately, preferring to have his Primordial Spirit shattered rather than see Lin Fan fall into their trap.

Kunpeng's sinister laughter echoed through the heavens: "Too late!" With a flap of his wings, the world suddenly changed color. The originally clear sea and sky transformed into a ghostly realm of hell—Di Jun wielded the River Diagram and Luo Script to lock down all escape routes, Donghuang Taiyi held the Chaos Bell to suppress the void in all directions, and three hundred and sixty Demon Gods formed the Myriad Stars array, their killing intent like a tidal wave!

"Today, we will annihilate your body and soul." Di Jun's fingertips flowed with True Sun Fire. "Those who oppose the Heavenly Court will all meet this fate."

Lin Fan stood with his hands behind his back, his robes fluttering in the fierce wind: "Mere rubble, how dare you flaunt your might?"

"Arrogant!" Donghuang Taiyi roared and lunged forward. Before the sound of the bell could reach him, Lin Fan pushed his palm forward—a blast of air, like the shattering of the firmament, sent the supreme being of the Demon Race flying backward. The Chaos Bell let out a mournful cry and plunged into the deep sea.

Lin Fan's figure leaped up abruptly, charging directly towards the colossal Kunpeng beast.

"Kunpeng, hand over Suiren Shi!"

"You court death!"

Seeing Lin Fan dare to attack first under heavy encirclement, Di Jun's expression suddenly turned grim. He roared, and the power of his Solar origin erupted, striking directly at Lin Fan. The other Demon Gods and Demon Sages also attacked simultaneously, and killing intent crisscrossed the air in an instant.

Lin Fan activated the Sacred Emperor Golden Body Technique, golden light surging around him like waves. His figure moved as fast as lightning, and where his fists landed, the void cracked.

Each blow carried the power of violent laws, stirring up spatial turbulence and shaking the firmament.

Those arrogant Demon Gods and Demon Sages were sent flying one after another. In just a few breaths, Di Jun, Donghuang Taiyi, and the other powerful members of the Demon Race were suppressed and forced into continuous retreat.