Nuwa's Scheme

Later, Ancestral Witch Zhurong said quietly, "Who is this little fellow? Why does Empress Nuwa think so highly of him?"

Houtu transmitted, "His name is Bai Jin. He is a disciple of Tongtian from Mount Kunlun. We crossed paths once before, and I lent him a hand on a whim. I just never expected his relationship with Nuwa to be this good as well."

Dijiang and the others gave Bai Jin a few more looks. There was nothing particularly special about him; even his aptitude was far from outstanding.

Because of Empress Nuwa's favor this time, Bai Jin had made quite a name for himself before the great powers of the prehistoric world. At the very least, they all remembered him: among the younger generation was an extraordinary figure named Bai Jin, whom Empress Nuwa valued greatly.

Taiyi rose to his feet, cupped his hands in salute, and said with a smile, "Congratulations, Senior Sister Nuwa, on attaining the Dao and becoming a Saint. From now on, our Demon Race will have someone to rely on, and the Demon Race is destined to flourish."

Nuwa nodded with a smile, showing no intention of refuting him.

All Twelve Ancestral Witches underwent a drastic change in expression. The Saint Nuwa had acknowledged the Demon Race? How was that possible?! Was Nuwa planning to become one with the Demon Race?

The other great powers all wore strange expressions as well. Had Empress Nuwa just become a Saint only to interfere in the struggle for supremacy between Heaven and Earth? As an innate divine being, what did you have to do with the Demon Race?!

The Three Pure Ones also looked grave. For a moment, they could not fathom Nuwa's true intentions. Could she truly be planning to interfere in the greater situation of Heaven and Earth?

Taiyi froze for a moment, then his face lit up with wild delight. Empress Nuwa had tacitly agreed? If Empress Nuwa joined the Demon Race, the Wu Clan could be wiped out with a turn of the hand, and the Demon Race would truly become the rulers of Heaven and Earth.

Dijun could no longer remain seated. He immediately rose, cupped his hands in salute, and said, "My ten children have always admired the Saint's great renown, and their hearts in pursuit of the Dao are steadfast. I beg Your Empress Majesty to accept them as disciples."

The ten golden-haired youths all prostrated themselves in worship and said excitedly, "This disciple greets Master!"

Empress Nuwa looked at them and shook her head slightly. "You do not share a master-disciple fate with me."

The Ten Golden Crows could only rise regretfully.

Dijun and Taiyi exchanged a covert glance, their eyes full of confusion. Wasn't a master-disciple fate decided by a Saint's word? Even without such fate, she could have accepted them as nominal disciples. Why had Nuwa refused?

Empress Nuwa said with a smile, "The lecture has ended. I still need to consolidate my Saintly Dao, so I will not keep you fellow Daoists any longer."

Dijiang said coldly, "Leave!" He took the lead in striding out, with the other ten Ancestral Witches following behind him.

Ancestral Witch Houtu also cupped her hands to Empress Nuwa in salute before quickly following them out.

The other great powers also rose and saluted before departing one after another, all carrying grave thoughts in their hearts. The prehistoric world was becoming increasingly troubled—better return and seal their mountain gates.

Bai Jin left with the Three Pure Ones as well. In the blink of an eye, only Nuwa and Fuxi remained in the great hall.

Fuxi asked in confusion, "Sister, why did you acknowledge our identity as members of the Demon Race? With your current status, intervening in the Demon Race would only lower your own standing. It is truly inappropriate."

Nuwa said, "Brother, there is no need to worry. I have my own plans. I must trouble you to take up a post in the Demon Court and earn their trust."

Fuxi nodded. "Since you have your own designs, I will say no more. I will head to the Demon Court at once."

"Thank you for your trouble, Brother!"

Fuxi laughed heartily. "Why speak of trouble between siblings? I will go at once."

Fuxi strode outside, and his figure instantly vanished into the chaos.

Empress Nuwa looked below and said leisurely, "With Big Brother maneuvering among the Demon Race, and the Wu Clan strong but lacking in wisdom, there is no need for elaborate schemes. We need only follow the course of events."

Within the Demon Court, Dijun and Taiyi stood in the great hall.

Eastern Emperor Taiyi asked doubtfully, "Big Brother, what do you think Empress Nuwa means? Since she is willing to acknowledge her identity as part of the Demon Race, why is she unwilling to accept the little Golden Crows as disciples?"

Dijun said leisurely, "How could we possibly see through a Saint's thoughts? I only fear that she has come with ill intent!"

Eastern Emperor Taiyi laughed loudly. "Big Brother, you worry too much. In my view, Empress Nuwa merely wishes to use the fortune of our Demon Race to cultivate. There is destined to be more than one Saint. By drawing us to her side, she will gain the initiative in the struggle among Saints."

Hurried footsteps sounded, and Emperor Taiyi immediately fell silent.

A demon god covered in golden fur hurried into the hall, dropped to one knee, and cried, "Your Majesty, Fuxi is outside requesting an audience. He claims that he wishes to join our Demon Race."

Eastern Emperor Taiyi immediately cried out in delight, "Quick, invite him in—no! We will go welcome him ourselves." He turned to Dijun and said excitedly, "Big Brother, Fuxi joining our Demon Court already reveals Empress Nuwa's attitude."

A trace of joy also appeared in Dijun's eyes. He said, "Go! Let us welcome the great god Fuxi." The two hurried outside.

Within Pangu Hall on the prehistoric earth, the Twelve Ancestral Witches sat upright.

A burly man carrying a bow and arrows entered. Bang! He cupped his hands and bowed respectfully. "My lords, the Ancestral Witches, Fuxi has joined the Demon Court."

Flames burst from atop Zhurong's head. He abruptly rose and roared, "Damn it! Nuwa has truly made up her mind to become one with the Demon Race."

From the seat of honor, Dijiang said gravely, "Houyi, convey my order. Prepare the entire clan for war."

"Yes!" Houyi answered respectfully, then turned and strode out of the Ancestral Witch Hall.

In an instant, the lands of the prehistoric world were filled with the cry of the wind and the call of cranes, permeated by a grim and murderous atmosphere.

At the summit of Taiqing Peak on Mount Kunlun, the Three Pure Ones sat beneath a tea tree. Duobao and Wudang stood behind Tongtian, while Bai Jin stood respectfully before the three of them. It looked exactly like a three-court interrogation.

Tongtian said calmly, "Tell us, how did you get involved with Nuwa? I was wondering how you vanished in the blink of an eye. So you ran off to Buzhou Mountain. What, is Mount Kunlun not big enough for you?"

The more Bai Jin listened, the stranger it felt. Could Master be jealous? He quickly explained, "Reporting to Master, this disciple went to Buzhou Mountain under First Martial Uncle's orders to deliver tea leaves to Empress Nuwa. First Martial Uncle knows about this!"

Taishang nodded and said with a smile, "I sent him there, but I did not instruct him to leave and never return."

"Hmph." Tongtian made a sound through his nose and continued glaring at Bai Jin unfavorably.

Bai Jin hurriedly explained, "Wasn't it an unexpected situation? Empress Nuwa suddenly became a Saint. Who could have anticipated that?"

Yuanshi said sternly, "When Nuwa became a Saint, you were right in front of her?"

Bai Jin nodded. "Yes!"

Yuanshi said, "How did she become a Saint? Explain in detail."

Tongtian asked suspiciously, "Did Nuwa's attainment of Sainthood have anything to do with you? Otherwise, why would she take such care of you?"

"Perhaps because I am rather handsome!"

"Cough, cough!" Taishang choked on a mouthful of tea and hurriedly set his teacup on the table.

Yuanshi said sternly, "Be serious!"

Bai Jin quickly answered respectfully, "At the time, Fuxi and I entered the place where Empress Nuwa was comprehending the Dao, and we saw many strange and peculiar things."

Yuanshi hurriedly asked, "What things?"

Taishang and Tongtian also looked at Bai Jin expectantly. Though their Saintly Daos differed, there would always be something to learn from another's path to Sainthood.