Nuwa's Visit
Wu Ming smiled, his tone calm yet solemn. "The kindness of you two fellow Daoists is deeply appreciated by our Wu Clan."
He paused, then continued, "We anticipated the situation with the Demon Clan and have our own countermeasures."
"However, the Wu Clan will forever remember the kindness of our two fellow Daoists in coming at this time."
Hearing Wu Ming say this, Hong Yun and Zhen Yuanzi exchanged a glance and secretly breathed a sigh of relief, their worries dissipating considerably.
Hong Yun laughed heartily, his tone much more relaxed. "Fellow Daoist Zhen Yuanzi guessed very accurately."
"Fellow Daoist Wu Ming was indeed well-prepared. It seems we've come here as spectators, just to watch the show and boost our morale!"
"Fellow Daoist Wu Ming, when your Wu Clan displays its might, you must reserve good spots for us to watch!"
His tone was relaxed, with a hint of teasing.
Zhen Yuanzi smiled and nodded slightly, "It's good to watch the show."
"The more relaxed we are, the more it proves that Fellow Daoist Wu Ming is well-prepared, and the more at ease I feel."
He picked up the teacup on the stone table and offered a toast to Wu Ming from afar. "This humble Daoist wishes you a resounding victory in advance."
Wu Ming listened to his two friends' teasing, smiled, and said nothing more.
The atmosphere Pangu Hall instantly became much more relaxed.
The three sipped their spiritual tea and chatted casually about recent events in the Primordial Wilderness, creating a peaceful atmosphere in the hall.
Just as the three were chatting and laughing, and the atmosphere was just right--
Pangu Hall, a clear, cold female voice suddenly rang out, breaking the tranquility inside the hall.
"Fellow Daoist Wu Ming, this humble Nuwa, here to pay you a visit."
The sound was clear and reached the hall.
"Um?"
Wu Ming, Hong Yun, and Zhen Yuanzi were all taken aback upon hearing this.
Nuwa?
What is she doing here?
Hong Yun and Zhen Yuanzi exchanged a glance, both seeing deep confusion in each other's eyes.
At this moment, the War of the Wu and Demon and the Demon Empress Wa is about to break out. Nuwa, as the Demon Clan Queen, has come to the Wu Clan's stronghold. What... what is she up to?
The two of them looked at Wu Ming simultaneously, awaiting his decision.
Wu Ming's brow twitched almost imperceptibly, then he regained his composure.
He said to Hong Yun and Zhen Yuanzi, "Fellow Daoists, since Fellow Daoist Nuwa has arrived, we should not be impolite. Please come with me to greet her."
Zhen Yuanzi and Hong Yun exchanged a glance and nodded, saying, "Good."
The three of them then got up and walked together out of the Pangu Hall.
Pangu Hall, Nuwa, dressed in an elegant palace gown, stood quietly before the temple gate. Her expression was aloof, her demeanor extraordinary, yet her unparalleled beauty was undeniable.
When she saw Wu Ming walk out with Hong Yun and Zhen Yuanzi, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes, but she quickly recovered.
Wu Ming bowed and said, "Fellow Daoist Nuwa, how have you been?"
Zhen Yuanzi and Hong Yun also bowed, saying, "Greetings Fellow Daoist Nuwa."
Nuwa nodded slightly in return. "Greetings, Three Fellow Daoists."
Her gaze swept across Zhen Yuanzi and Hong Yun's faces, and she said softly, "I didn't expect that Fellow Daoist Zhen Yuanzi and Fellow Daoist Hongyun would also be here."
Wu Ming stepped aside and gestured for her to enter. "Fellow Daoist Nuwa has come from afar; please come into the hall for a chat."
Thank you for your help.
Nuwa spoke softly, and then followed Wu Ming and the other two into the Pangu Hall once more.
Inside the hall, everyone took their seats.
Unlike the relaxed atmosphere just now, the atmosphere Pangu Hall was now imbued with an indescribable subtlety due to Nuwa's arrival.
Wu Ming sat upright in the main seat, his gaze fixed on Nuwa, and broke the silence first. "Fellow Daoist Nuwa is not at Phoenix Nest Mountain, but is diligently cultivating and comprehending the Great Dao."
"How come you have time to come to my Pangu Hall on Buzhou Mountain today?"
Upon hearing Wu Ming's question, Hong Yun and Zhen Yuanzi both looked at Nuwa with inquisitive eyes.
They were equally curious about Nuwa's true purpose in coming here.
It is important to know that a great war between the Lich and Demon races is imminent and could erupt at any moment!
Nuwa, as the Empress Wa of the Demon Clan, has maintained a superficial relationship with Di Jun and Taiyi over the years.
Even so, it is truly puzzling that she came to the Wu Clan alone at this sensitive time.
Upon hearing Wu Ming's question, Nuwa glanced at Wu Ming, then subtly looked at Zhen Yuanzi and Hong Yun beside her. She hesitated, her lips moving slightly, but ultimately remained silent.
The expression and posture made the meaning very clear—there were some things that were inconvenient to say in front of outsiders.
Zhen Yuanzi and Hong Yun were both shrewd and perceptive; they could easily see through Nuwa's intentions.
The two exchanged a glance, Zhen Yuanzi was the first to stand up, cupping his hands in greeting to Wu Ming, saying, "Fellow Daoist Wu Ming."
"Since Fellow Daoist Nuwa has important matters to discuss, Fellow Daoist Hongyun and I will excuse ourselves for a moment. This will allow you and Fellow Daoist Nuwa to have a peaceful conversation."
Hong Yun quickly stood up as well, echoing, "Exactly, exactly. It is indeed inconvenient for us to be here."
"Fellow Daoists, there's no need for that."
Wu Ming waved his hand, stopping the two who were about to leave.
Then, he turned to Nuwa and said calmly, "Fellow Daoist Nuwa, Zhen Yuanzi and Hong Yun are both my close friends."
"With the War of the Wu and Demon imminent, these two have made a special trip to Buzhou Mountain to lend a helping hand to our Wu Clan. Their friendship is profound and their loyalty is deep."
"They are not outsiders. Fellow Daoist, please speak freely without any reservations regarding their presence."
Upon hearing Wu Ming's words, Hong Yun and Zhen Yuanzi felt a warmth in their hearts.
Hong Yun, in particular, was so moved that he almost patted his chest and promised on the spot that he would go through Hong Yun and water for Fellow Daoist Wu Ming!
So Zhen Yuanzi and Hong Yun stopped insisting and sat down again, their eyes still filled with curiosity as they looked at Nuwa.
Nuwa remained silent for a moment.
Looking at Wu Ming's open and honest expression, and then at Hong Yun and Zhen Yuanzi beside her with their different expressions, a thousand thoughts raced through her mind.
She had indeed planned to discuss it privately with Wu Ming, since the matter was of great importance and the more people who knew about it, the more Variables there would be.
But Wu Ming had already said this much, so it was clear that he did not intend for Hong Yun and Zhen Yuanzi to leave.
So be it.
Now that things have come to this, trying to cover it up would only make one appear petty.
Moreover, since Wu Ming trusts these two so much, they must not be the kind of people who spread rumors.
With this in mind, Nuwa took a deep breath and finally made up her mind.
She raised her head, looked directly at Wu Ming, and slowly spoke, her voice carrying a hint of earnestness. "Fellow Daoist Wu Ming, I have indeed come here today with a request."
"I hope... Fellow Daoist Wu Ming will agree."
Upon hearing this, Wu Ming's mind raced, but he calmly replied, "Oh? What is it?"
"How could Fellow Daoist Nuwa use the words 'seeking'?"
"What is it, fellow Daoist? Please speak frankly. If it is within my power, I will not refuse."
Nuwa lightly bit her lower lip, as if she had made a tremendous decision. "In this War of the Wu and Demon, my Elder Brother Fuxi had no choice but to participate due to various reasons."
"I know that with the strength of the Wu Clan, the Demon Clan has little chance of winning this battle; the Wu Clan will inevitably be the final victor."
She raised her head, her gaze earnest, with a barely perceptible tremor. "Therefore, I would like to beg you, fellow Daoist... to show mercy to my Elder Brother and spare his life!"