"Fuxi, who is this fellow Daoist...?"
Youchao Clan spoke first, his voice carrying the steadfastness and weight of a builder of a home. His sharp gaze swept over Yuanfeng, as if assessing whether she would pose a threat to humanity's last "nest".
Fuxi took a deep breath, stepped forward, and first respectfully bowed to the three ancestors. Then he briefly reported what he had seen and heard during his travels, especially the problem of the great river flooding he had observed, as well as his preliminary ideas for dredging and management.
You must first demonstrate your thinking and growth before you can better introduce more important topics.
After listening to Fuxi's insights on flood control, the three ancestors all showed approval in their eyes. Suiren Clan nodded slightly. "You are concerned about the suffering of your people, observe things carefully, and think of solutions. Very good. It seems that you have deeply understood the teachings of Xuan Du."
After laying the groundwork, Fuxi's expression turned serious, and he stepped aside to introduce Yuanfeng, his tone extremely solemn:
"Three Ancestors, the more important reason for Fuxi's return this time is to introduce this senior. This is the Emperor of the ancient Phoenix Clan, Senior Yuanfeng!"
"The Ancient Phoenix Lord?!"
This time, even the most composed Ziyi Clan couldn't help but gasp, and the three patriarchs simultaneously showed expressions of disbelief.
Among the fragments of memories inherited from their ancestors, vague and terrifying images of the Dragon-Han Primordial Calamity and the ancient struggle for supremacy among the Three Clans are faintly imprinted.
The Phoenix Clan was once a supreme being that soared above the primordial Primordial Wilderness, vying for supremacy with the True Dragon and the Qilin!
Their clan leader is a powerful being comparable to Quasi-Sage at the peak!
How could such a being suddenly descend upon the small Ancestral Land of humanity?
The atmosphere inside the Cave Mansion instantly became extremely tense.
At this moment, Yuanfeng took a step forward. Facing the three ancestors whose cultivation was far lower than hers but who represented the original will and dignity of the human race, she did not have any condescending attitude. Instead, she bowed slightly with an attitude of equality and even a little respect.
Then, in a clear and peaceful voice, she reiterated her observations of the heavens, her knowledge of the impending rise of the human race, and her desire for the Phoenix Clan to become the totem of the human race, to share in auspicious Luck, and to protect the development of the human race. She also reiterated her wish to use the new vitality and faith of the human race to diminish her own karma and seek a nirvana and rebirth.
At the same time, she reiterated the three core promises she had previously made to Fuxi—
The oath addresses the denial of the risk of karmic transference, the specific fulfillment of the responsibility of protection, and the stance of standing with humanity in the face of great calamity, emphasizing that this oath can be witnessed by the will of Heavenly Dao.
A long silence fell over the Cave Mansion once again.
The three patriarchs exchanged glances silently in the air, engaging in a fierce and profound exchange of thoughts.
The impact of this matter is enormous; the weighing of its pros and cons, and the far-reaching implications, far exceed any ethnic affairs they have handled before.
Is being bound to the destiny of an ancient Divine Beast Luck a blessing or a curse? Is the karmic residue truly as Yuanfeng claimed, untransferable?
How long can the Phoenix Clan's sincerity last? Will it attract karmic Karma and enemies that humanity is currently unable to handle?
Suiren Clan, as the first of the Three Ancestors, finally raised his head slowly, his eyes, which contained both fire and wisdom, staring directly at Yuanfeng, his voice carrying the vicissitudes of time and the solemnity unique to a tribal leader:
"Fellow Yuanfeng, your identity and purpose have truly astonished me."
Your promises and vows are sincere.
However, fellow Daoist, you must know that since our birth, our human race has been weak and feeble, struggling to survive in the cracks between the Ten Thousand Races of the Primordial World. We have endured countless hardships and sacrifices to finally have this meager foundation and a corner of peace.
Totems are not merely simple symbols; they are the embodiment of our human spirit, the carrier of our Luck, and the very soul of our people!
We must ask: the Phoenix Clan, descended from the Primordial Wilderness era, possessing noble bloodlines and boundless power, are they truly willing to live and die alongside us, the seemingly weak human race, like flickering candles in the wind, never to abandon us, until the day our sparks ignite a prairie fire and illuminate the Primordial Wilderness?
Rather than merely viewing it as... a temporary tool to eliminate your karma, to be discarded like worn-out shoes once its value is exhausted?"
This question was more pointed and went straight to the heart of the matter than the one asked by Fuxi, filled with the deep sense of crisis and almost instinctive caution that humanity had accumulated through countless lessons learned in blood and tears. The eyes of the Youchao Clan and Ziyi Clan were also fixed on Yuanfeng, awaiting her answer.
Yuanfeng's expression was solemn. She met the piercing gazes of the three human ancestors, her exquisite face remaining unwavering. She spoke each word clearly, her voice not loud, yet carrying the penetrating power of a phoenix's cry, echoing distinctly throughout the Cave Mansion:
"I feel the same way about what you three fellow Yuanfeng are worried about."
In the Primordial Wilderness world, the law of the jungle prevailed, and humanity struggled to survive. I have witnessed this firsthand on my journey and know the hardships involved.
However, it was only after witnessing firsthand how humanity persevered in adversity, creating the civilization of "drilling wood to make fire," the peaceful dwelling of "building nests in wood," and the ritual of "wearing black clothes to cover the body," that Yuanfeng became truly convinced.
The potential of humanity is not a flickering ember in the wind, but rather a seed buried deep beneath fertile soil, destined to break through and grow into a towering tree, its canopy sure to shade the future sun of the Primordial Wilderness!
"The Phoenix Clan's actions today are not merely for exploitation, but rather an investment in a bright future that we firmly believe in, and a search for spiritual resonance and support!"
The true meaning of our people lies in 'Nirvana', in rebirth after Destruction, and in the ever-burning Fire of Life!
Looking at the human race, aren't they a race that constantly rises from the ashes, reborn, and grows stronger and wiser through repeated Destruction and hardship caused by natural disasters, wild beasts, and even internal strife?
In my heart, this alliance is not a master-servant contract, but a covenant of symbiosis, a fusion of two 'newborn' wills!
Today, I swear not only on the eons of honor of the Phoenix Clan, but also on the very foundation of our clan's survival—to share glory and shame, life and death with the human race! If I betray this vow, may heaven and earth forsake me, and may my clan's fate perish forever!
Her voice carried a sincerity and determination that came from the depths of her soul, especially the phrase "not master and servant, but symbiotic," which perfectly matched the indomitable growth history of the human race with the true meaning of the phoenix's rebirth. It was like a strong light that instantly shone into the hearts of the three human ancestors, dispelling the gloom and doubts that had accumulated in their hearts.
The three elders fell silent again, but this time, the silence was no longer filled with doubt and struggle, but with a gradually clearer intention and decision.
One could feel the genuine resonance in Yuanfeng's words that transcended self-interest, and one could also vaguely sense that the surrounding celestial mysteries and Daoist energy seemed to have become exceptionally active and harmonious because of this conversation. There was a powerful force in the dark, acknowledging and facilitating this alliance.
After a long while, Suiren Clan, Youchao Clan, Ziyi Clan looked at each other, and finally, a resolute look flashed in their eyes, and they nodded heavily.
Suiren Clan slowly stood up, his originally slightly hunched and aged body straightening up at this moment, as if bearing the weight and hope of the entire tribe.
His gaze was intense, like a burning torch. He first looked at Yuanfeng, then swept over Fuxi, who stood silently to the side, his eyes filled with expectation. His loud and firm voice rang out like a declaration:
"Excellent! If Heaven grants something and you do not take it, you will suffer the consequences! If the time comes and you do not act, you will suffer the calamity!"
Fellow Daoist Yuanfeng has treated us with utmost sincerity, made such a solemn vow, and clearly explained the true meaning of symbiosis. If our human race continues to hesitate, wouldn't we be betraying the Will of Heaven, chilling the hearts of our allies, and cutting off our own chance to become strong?
This totem alliance benefits the present and will last for eternity! We, the human race, accept it!