The Primordial Era

Eastern Emperor Tai Yi, along with four Quasi-Saint guest elders of the Demon Clan, nine Demon Marshals, and countless Demon Generals, followed suit, each spraying their vital essence onto the Star Banners. In an instant, the power of the Zhou Tian Star Formation surged, and the previously violently oscillating formation gradually stabilized. However, the residual waves within the formation had not subsided and continued to spread, with numerous demon soldiers and generals perishing every moment.

After an unknown amount of time, Di Jun finally managed to completely stabilize the Zhou Tian Star Formation. His eyes were bloodshot as he continuously searched for Li Wu's trace within the formation using his divine sense. At this moment, Di Jun only wished to find Li Wu and tear him to shreds.

Meanwhile, Li Wu, who had just used a secret technique, was weak and his cultivation was rapidly declining, falling from the peak of early Martial Saint all the way down to the peak of the Body Refining Realm before stopping. His Blood Essence was depleted, his martial intent dissipated, and his meridians were severed, leaving him on the brink of death. Looking at the still-operating Zhou Tian Star Formation, Li Wu sighed softly, "In the end, I couldn't break this formation? My main body, I've done my best. I hope you return soon, otherwise the Human Race is in danger." With that, he closed his eyes, awaiting death.

At this moment, Di Jun found Li Wu, who was closing his eyes and waiting to die. Seeing how weak he was, Di Jun's killing intent instantly diminished by more than half. He came before Li Wu and asked, "Was this sacrifice worth it?" Li Wu opened his eyes and smiled faintly, "It doesn't matter if it's worth it or not, I only seek a clear conscience."

"Well said, a clear conscience! You are indeed a competent Clan Leader, but unfortunately, you cannot escape death today." Di Jun sighed and raised his palm, striking down towards the top of Li Wu's head.

At that very moment, the Zhou Tian Star Formation trembled violently, and then shattered with a roar. Di Jun's expression changed drastically. He knew that only a few Saints and Pangu's true form could break this formation. Could it be that Saint Golden Peng, Saint Nuwa, or Saint Fuxi had returned? Or perhaps the Twelve Ancestor Witches of the Witch Clan had come to aid the Human Race? Just as Di Jun's mind was in turmoil, a figure quietly appeared beside Li Wu.

Upon seeing this person, Di Jun exclaimed in shock, "Saint Golden Peng, how are you here?"

Li Peng ignored Di Jun and only turned to Li Wu, saying, "You're too reckless. It will take a long time to recover from this."

"I'll leave this place to you. I'm going to rest now," Li Wu said with a smile before fainting.

He was truly exhausted. If it weren't for his concern for the safety of the Human Race, he would have collapsed long ago. Now that Li Peng had arrived, he could finally rest easy.

Li Peng looked at the unconscious Li Wu and sighed helplessly. He then took out a bottle of Three Lights Divine Water from his system space, dripped it onto Li Wu, and began to repair his shattered meridians, which had been impacted by the violent energy, and nourish his severely damaged soul.

A moment later, Li Wu's injuries were temporarily stabilized, and his life was no longer in danger. Only then did Li Peng breathe a sigh of relief and put Li Wu into the Hunqi Yin-Yang Pagoda.

After doing this, Li Peng finally turned his gaze to Di Jun.

He said coldly, "You have quite the nerve, daring to conspire with the Three Pure Ones and the Western Second Saints against me, and even daring to slaughter my Human Race. Since that's the case, you shall die!"

With that, Li Peng struck Di Jun with a palm. An imprint of his palm shot out instantly.

Di Jun felt the power of the palm strike and hurriedly tried to dodge, but he despaired to find that he couldn't move at all, as if time and space had been frozen.

At this moment, Di Jun finally truly understood what it meant to be "an ant beneath a Saint."

He watched helplessly as the palm print approached. Just as it was about to strike, a sigh rang out.

Dao Ancestor Hongjun reappeared, blocking in front of Di Jun and taking Li Peng's attack.

Li Peng's eyes were unfriendly, and he said coldly, "You're not going to protect Di Jun too, are you?"

"The Demon Clan should not be destroyed. You should retreat," Hongjun said calmly.

"The Three Pure Ones were defeated by me, and you protected them when I wanted to kill them. Di Jun slaughtered my Human Race, and now he's in my hands, and you still protect him. Do you really think I, Li Peng, am a pushover!" Li Peng feigned anger.

At the same time, he silently recited in his heart, "Use the Hunyuan Limitless Grand Unity Golden Immortal Trial Card."

"Ding! Hunyuan Limitless Grand Unity Golden Immortal Trial Card used successfully! Countdown begins: 23 hours 50 minutes 12 seconds, 23 hours 50 minutes 11 seconds..."

The countdown started, and Li Peng's cultivation began to soar madly.

In a short period, Li Peng's cultivation skyrocketed to the peak of Hunyuan Limitless Grand Unity Golden Immortal.

As his cultivation increased, a terrifying aura spread from him without reservation.

In an instant, the entire Primordial Era was enveloped by this aura.

Li Peng knew that Di Jun and Eastern Emperor Tai Yi, and other members of the Demon Clan, could not be completely eliminated. If the Demon Clan were wiped out now, who would be mutually destroyed with the Witch Clan in the future?

How could the Human Race become the protagonist of heaven and earth?

Did the Human Race have to fight the Witch Clan themselves?

But Li Peng also didn't want to let Di Jun and Eastern Emperor Tai Yi off easily.

The Demon Clan had slaughtered countless humans; how could they not pay a price?

He planned to use this opportunity to severely reprimand the Demon Clan.

As for the hatred between the Human Race and the Demon Clan?

There would be plenty of time in the future. After the Demon Clan declined, the Human Race would have countless opportunities for revenge.

Witch Clan, Pangu Hall

"What a powerful aura! What realm has Saint Golden Peng reached?" Zhu Rong exclaimed, sensing the aura emanating from Li Peng.

"Did you hear that just now? Saint Golden Peng claimed to have defeated the Three Pure Ones. If Dao Ancestor hadn't appeared, the Three Pure Ones would have already been annihilated by him!" Houtu's expression was solemn.

"He even wants to kill Saints? How ferocious!" Gonggong was full of shock.

All the Ancestor Witches marveled at Li Peng's strength, and their praises were endless.

"We made a mistake by not helping the Human Race this time. After this incident, the relationship between our clan and the Human Race can no longer be the same as before," Di Jiang sighed.

Xuan Ming nodded upon hearing this, "The Human Race has the backing of Saint Golden Peng, and they will surely rise. As for our Witch Clan's future path... alas." At this point, Xuan Ming couldn't help but sigh.

All the Ancestor Witches fell silent upon hearing this, and all began to worry about the future of the Witch Clan.

Kunlun Mountain

The Three Pure Ones heard Li Peng's words, and their faces turned ashen.

They never expected Li Peng to publicly announce their defeat.

"Li Peng! Yuanshi and I are enemies for life!" Primordial Heavenly Venerate was furious.

Fortunately, Laozi promptly set up a formation, sealing Yuanshi's voice within the Jade Void Palace.

If it were allowed to spread, half of the Primordial Era might hear it, and that would likely attract that scourge, Li Peng, again.

"Second brother, be careful with your words! If your nonsense attracts that demon Li Peng again, our spiritual treasures might not be enough to buy our lives a second time," Laozi said helplessly.

Upon hearing this, Primordial Heavenly Venerate instantly recalled the scene of being crushed by Li Peng in Chaos. He couldn't help but shiver, a wave of unbearable pain surging in his heart. That one incident had cost the three of them more than half of their wealth. If it happened again, they might even have to part with their Innate Supreme Treasures. For a moment, the Three Pure Ones fell silent, no one daring to speak further.

Western Spirit Mountain.

"Li Peng really doesn't give the Three Pure Ones any face, exposing their shortcomings in front of the Demon Clan. It will be difficult for them to reconcile in the future; they can only be sworn enemies," Zhunti said with a hearty laugh.

"Indeed. With the Eastern Saints fighting amongst themselves, this is a great opportunity for the West to develop," Jieyin agreed with a smile.

"Perhaps we can even instigate them to fight more fiercely!" Zhunti continued to chuckle.

"This... that might be difficult. Have you forgotten that Li Peng's strength is far beyond ours? I even suspect he's strong enough to challenge Dao Ancestor Hongjun," Jieyin reminded him with a grave expression.

Zhunti fell silent upon hearing this, recalling Li Peng's terrifying power.

Throughout the Primordial Era, other Great Powers heard Li Peng's words and felt the astonishing aura emanating from him. They all listed Li Peng and the Human Race as existences that absolutely could not be provoked.

On the battlefield.

Hongjun's expression darkened as he saw Li Peng's aura rise to the peak of the Heavenly Dao once more. He was all too familiar with this move – he had experienced it once before in Chaos.

However, the numerous divine senses probing their surroundings made Hongjun frown. He let out a cold snort, instantly scattering all the probing divine senses.

The Great Powers who were spying understood that Hongjun was truly angered and no longer dared to direct their divine senses toward this place.

After doing this, Hongjun asked helplessly, "Then what do you want this time?"

"It's not what I want, but what are you willing to pay for me to spare the Demon Clan?" Li Peng replied calmly.

Upon hearing this, Hongjun's gaze shifted to Di Jun, the meaning clear: it's time for you to pay the price.

Di Jun, seeing Hongjun's gaze, was dumbfounded – judging by this practiced response, Hongjun had clearly been treated like this by Li Peng before.

In an instant, Di Jun understood the deeper meaning behind Li Peng's earlier words: "The Three Pure Ones were defeated by me, and when I was about to kill them, you wanted to protect them."

It seemed that "protecting them" indeed came at a considerable price!

Di Jun gritted his teeth and said in a deep voice, "Our Demon Clan is willing to offer five High-Grade Innate Spirit Treasures, ten Mid-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasures, and thirty Low-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasures, in exchange for Golden Peng Saint sparing the Demon Clan."

Li Peng sneered upon hearing this, "Are you trying to dismiss a beggar? It seems the Heavenly Emperor of the Demon Clan – His Majesty Di Jun – has no sincerity in talking with me."

He deliberately emphasized "Heavenly Emperor Di Jun" with a sarcastic tone.

Before his words even fell, Li Peng's terrifying aura, at the peak of Hunyuan Limitless Grand Unity Golden Immortal, pressed down on Di Jun.

Di Jun was shaken by the aura and immediately spat out a mouthful of blood.

Hongjun sighed and stepped forward, blocking Li Peng's pressure.

"What are your conditions? Just say it directly," Hongjun said helplessly.

"My demands are not high. I only want half of the Demon Clan's spiritual treasures and materials, plus the Chaos Bell," Li Peng replied calmly.

In truth, he was just naming an exorbitant price, waiting for Hongjun and Di Jun to bargain.

"Pfft—"

Di Jun, upon hearing this outrageous demand, was so enraged that he spat out another mouthful of blood.

Half of the Demon Clan's spiritual treasures and materials? And the Chaos Bell too?

Unable to contain his fury, he roared at Li Peng, "The Chaos Bell? Absolutely impossible!"

Li Peng's brow twitched, and he said coldly, "So, you are unwilling to pay the price?"

As he spoke, his aura surged towards Di Jun again, but it was blocked by Hongjun once more.

Hongjun blocked the aura, pondering in his heart: If the Chaos Bell is lost, what right would the Demon Clan have to contend with the Witch Clan?

He then said calmly, "The Chaos Bell cannot be given to you."

Li Peng's expression darkened, and the aura around him suddenly became violent.

"It seems Dao Ancestor Hongjun wants to start a war?" he asked with a chilling tone.

Hongjun's heart also burned with anger, but considering the consequences of a great war, he could only suppress his rage.

"How about this: I have an Innate Supreme Treasure – the Qiankun Ding. I will give it to you. You take half of the Demon Clan's spiritual treasures and materials, and we'll let this matter rest. What do you say?" Hongjun said meaningfully.

Li Peng also understood Dao Ancestor Hongjun's unspoken meaning. The Heavenly Dao still needed the Demon Clan for now and couldn't touch them. Once the Demon Clan lost its usefulness, they could be dealt with as he pleased.

Upon hearing Dao Ancestor Hongjun's words, Li Peng couldn't help but be stunned. He had originally just wanted to take the opportunity to gain some benefits, but he never expected Hongjun to be so generous, directly bestowing an Innate Supreme Treasure. Li Peng couldn't help but shout in his heart: Big shot, if you have any unused Innate Supreme Treasures, why not give them all to me!

Seeing his eyes light up, Hongjun Dao Ancestor could guess his thoughts and felt a chill run down his spine. He had experienced Li Peng's methods quite a bit recently.

"What do you think of this proposal?" Dao Ancestor Hongjun asked, clearly not wanting to linger any longer with Li Peng.

Li Peng nodded without thinking, "Since the Dao Ancestor has spoken, I naturally have to give you this face. We'll do as you say."

Hongjun Dao Ancestor muttered inwardly: If you really wanted to give me face, you would have stopped long ago. Now that the conditions are settled, you say you're giving face – your face changes faster than a flipped book!

After complaining internally, Hongjun tossed the Qiankun Ding to Li Peng. Just as Li Peng was about to thank him, he looked up and found that Hongjun had already vanished.

"Why are you leaving so quickly? I'm not going to chase after you for treasures," he muttered to himself.

Di Jun, standing by, was completely bewildered. Hearing Li Peng's words, he was utterly speechless.

It seems Li Peng has an extraordinary background, otherwise, how would he dare to negotiate with Hongjun? Di Jun sighed inwardly: I really made a wrong move this time. The Demon Clan has offended such a person, and their future will likely be difficult.

Li Peng glanced at Di Jun, who was still ** , and said irritably, "Aren't you going to take me to the Heavenly Court's treasure vault yet?"

Di Jun finally snapped back to reality and replied dejectedly, "Alright."

He then commanded the assembled demons, "All listen to my order, we return to the Heavenly Court!"

With that, he mounted a auspicious cloud and prepared to leave. Li Peng frowned, "Too slow. I'll give you a ride."

Before his words had even fallen, he had already lifted Di Jun and torn open a space channel, departing.

Eastern Emperor Tai Yi and the other members of the Demon Clan saw Li Peng's actions and did not worry about Di Jun's safety.

After all, they had just witnessed Li Peng reach an agreement with Dao Ancestor Hongjun with their own eyes.

Not long after, Li Peng arrived at the Heavenly Court with Di Jun.