Houtu's rapid-fire questioning was filled with unwavering gratitude for what had been forgotten.
The Gonggong all the Ancestral Witch, including Gonggong who had just mocked them, became somewhat unnatural.
Even the mighty Zhurong Rong's flames flickered slightly, his aura weakening somewhat.
Even the Qiang Liang Qiangliang had sheathed his fangs; even Di Jiang's indistinct face seemed to have become more profound.
The Ancestral Witch were not ungrateful; it was just that their long-held belief in absolute power and their natural hostility towards the demon race had led everyone to subconsciously reject any positive associations with the "Demon Race Celestial Venerable."
Houtu's question was like a key, unlocking long-sealed memories.
The vow made to the Father God, the heavy burden of Karma and effect, weighed heavily on the hearts of all the Ancestral Witch. An awkward and reflective silence fell over the area in front of the temple.
The illusion of the River of Time in the eyes of the Time Ancestral Witch Zhu Jiuyin, slowly subsided, and he spoke slowly, his voice carrying a sense of worldly wisdom, breaking the silence. "Alright."
His gaze swept over the Ancestral Witch, finally settling on Houtu.
"Fellow Daoist Qing Huan has never harbored any ill will towards our Witch Clan. His actions have been guided by profound meaning and principles, as evidenced by his past actions."
The tone shifted, and his voice lowered:
"However, times have changed. Fellow Qing Huan is now a Celestial Venerable of the Demon Race, and his position is delicate. How much affection does he still have for the Witch Clan? How much responsibility does he still bear for the Demon Race? It is difficult to grasp the right balance in this matter."
Then he looked at Houtu, his eyes filled with a hint of worry and expectation typical of an elder brother:
"Little sister, what you say makes sense; that Karma does indeed exist."
Since that's the case, instead of arguing endlessly here, why don't you go first, personally visit Yingzhou Island, and probe Fellow Qing Huan Qinghuan's current attitude and sound out his intentions?
If they still cherish old feelings, perhaps there is a glimmer of hope; if their stance is firm, it's not too late for us to make a decision then."
Zhu Jiuyin's analysis was steady and pragmatic, taking into account Karma and effect and the variables of reality, and immediately gained the approval of the Ancestral Witch.
Di Jiang's majestic gaze also revealed approval, and he nodded slightly, stabilizing the Power of Space.
"Hmm, not bad. This is the only feasible method at the moment."
Do as the second brother says! Little sister, be careful in everything you do, and act according to circumstances. Yingzhou Island is a long way away, go there quickly.
The Heavenly Court was now filled with dignitaries and distinguished guests.
All the Innate Deities the Primordial Wilderness world gathered at the Lingxiao Treasure Hall, their gazes fixed on the surging sea of Luck outside the palace, their eyes revealing undisguised envy and jealousy.
Especially the 490,000-foot- Golden Dragon of Destiny that circled above the Heavenly Court, its scales shimmering, its claws gleaming, its aura magnificent and imposing, made everyone's hearts burn with excitement—such a prosperous Luck.
Di Jun and Tai Yi, along with other core members of the demon race, steadily inserted the last array flag into the eye of the Great Formation of the Stars. They watched as the array operated on its own, drawing upon the Power of the Stars slowly flow into the Primordial Earth. Only then did they turn around and step into the hall.
At this moment, Di Jun was in high spirits, his brows brimming with ambition and pride.
He never expected that adopting Qing Huan's suggestion to transform the Great Formation of the Stars from a battle formation into a "Merit formation" to nourish the Primordial Wilderness world would bring such a rich reward to the demon race.
Endless Luck surged in like a tidal wave, and the entire Primordial Wilderness was revitalized by the nourishment of spiritual energy. Unconsciously, all living beings owed the demon race a debt of Karma.
This convergence of Karma forms the most solid foundation of the demon race.
"Di Jun, we extend our congratulations."
Taiqing Laozi spoke first, his voice calm yet respectful.
"Fellow Daoist, you are deeply righteous. You used the great formation to bring blessings to the Primordial Wilderness and to fight for Thread of Life for heaven and earth. We, the Three Pure Ones, admire such a righteous act the most."
Before he finished speaking, he took out a jade box, gently opened it, and inside lay ten round and full golden pills, shimmering with rosy light and exuding Daoist charm.
"This is a small token of our appreciation from the Three Pure Ones: ten Nine Revolutions Golden Elixir. We hope you will accept them with a smile."
A glint of light flashed in Di Jun's eyes, and he quickly cupped his hands in a respectful bow:
"It is already an immense honor that the Pangu Three Pure Ones have graced the Heavenly Court of the Demon Race. How could I, a humble Daoist, dare to accept such a generous gift?"
Although he made excuses, he honestly accepted the jade box—this Nine Revolutions Golden Elixir was a supreme treasure. One pill could help a cultivator steadily step into the Daluo Golden Immortal realm. Even for Quasi-Sage, it would be of great benefit in accumulating Magic Power. He simply couldn't refuse.
The other Innate Deities reacted differently to the Three Pure Ones' lavish spending.
Daoist Zhunti clicked his tongue inwardly, his resentful gaze secretly glancing at the Three Pure Ones, silently grumbling to himself:
"Come on in, bring your gifts! But to throw in ten Nine Revolutions Golden Elixir right off the bat—what are the others supposed to do?"
The Daoist Jieyin understood his junior brother's thoughts, his lips twitched slightly, and his heart ached so much it felt like it was bleeding.
The West is inherently impoverished; what treasures could it possibly have to offer?
But with everyone watching, it wouldn't be right not to give a gift, so he had no choice but to bite the bullet and take out an Innate Spiritual Root from his sleeve. Although it wasn't a top-tier item, it was still a rare treasure from the West.
Subsequently, powerful figures from all walks of life stepped forward to offer their congratulations, presenting spiritual treasures, offering spiritual roots, or presenting elixirs they had meticulously crafted.
In an instant, the Lingxiao Treasure Hall was filled with treasures, and the dazzling light was breathtaking.
Qing Huan stood aside, watching all this with a smile, without saying a word.
He was already satisfied that the Great Formation of the Stars could provide a safeguard for the demon race.
After all, the secrets of heaven are unpredictable, and no one can guarantee whether the Witch-Demon War can ultimately be avoided.
If it really erupts, with this Merit Luck, even if the demon race loses its position as the Protagonist of Heaven and Earth and retreats to the northern land, it will not become a "cash machine" for others to farm Merit, as it did in later generations.
Of course, Qing Huan was also secretly warned that if any demons dared to use this Merit to do evil in the future, he would definitely clean up their own ranks first and would never allow this foundation to be ruined.
"Fellow Daoists, I am deeply grateful to have gathered in the Heavenly Court today to celebrate the grand occasion of my Di Jun race."
Di Jun looked around at everyone and said loudly.
"Guards, prepare a banquet! Treat our fellow Daoists well!"
At his command, the demon guards filed in and quickly set out prayer mats and tables.
Everyone took their seats, and soon, Nectar and Ambrosia, delicacies, Immortal Fruits were served in a continuous stream—there was the Fusang Fruit, which blooms once every three thousand years and bears fruit once every three thousand years; there were Purple Gold Grapes containing the Innate Geng Metal Qi; and there were also Jade Nectar and Ambrosia brewed with the essence of the Lunar Star, their fragrance filling the air and making people feel refreshed and happy.
Tai Yi picked up his wine cup, walked up to Qing Huan, his eyes filled with gratitude and admiration:
"Heavenly Venerate Qing Huan, if it weren't for you, my demon race would never have achieved its current prosperity. This cup of wine is a toast to you!"
He downed the drink in one gulp as soon as he finished speaking, his movements swift and decisive, displaying a bold and unrestrained spirit.
Qing Huan smiled, waved his hand, and raised his glass in response:
"Eastern Emperor is joking. This is the result of everyone's joint efforts, and it is also inseparable from Di Jun's wisdom and martial prowess."
If you hadn't been willing to trust my advice, all of this would have been nothing but empty talk.