Compared to the hidden pain within the Human Clan and the flourishing development of Western Teachings, the once mighty Primordial World Heavenly Court is now permeated with a completely different atmosphere.
After Demon Emperor Di Jun returned to the Thirty-Three Heavens, he did not hold court as before, nor did he urge the forging of the "Witch Slaying Sword" stained with the blood of the Human Clan.
On the contrary, the Lingxiao Treasure Hall was closed, leaving only Taiyi, Kunpeng, and Fuxi to discuss matters.
Di Jun sat upright on the imperial throne, his Emperor's Robe still magnificent, but the sharp, domineering air he once possessed between his brows had been replaced by a calm and profound composure that came with having seen it all.
"Let's put the Witch Slaying Sword aside for now." Di Jun's voice was calm, yet it was like a stone thrown into a deep pool, stirring up huge ripples in the hall.
"Your Majesty!" Ji Meng was the first to exclaim, his face full of astonishment.
That Witch Slaying Sword is the key to our victory over the Ancestral Witch!
We've already given so much, and we're almost there. It would be such a waste to give up now.
"Next time we clash with the Witch Clan, will those brutes of the Witch Clan continue to swagger and bully us?"
"Ji Meng is absolutely right! The Witch Clan is pressing us relentlessly, how can we back down now!" The Jiu Ying snake heads of Jiuying hissed in unison, filled with anxiety.
Di Jun raised his hand and pressed down, an invisible force instantly suppressing all the noise.
His gaze swept over the assembled officials before he slowly spoke, saying:
"Haven't you seen reality yet what happened last time?"
The conflict Witch-Demon, the Prove Dao with Fortune, the destined protagonist... the appearance of these things may be inevitable, but after careful examination, I found that there are some aspects that we have overlooked.
Where did that method of Prove Dao with Fortune come from? Why did it suddenly appear at that time, and why were both my clan and the Witch Clan aware of it at the same time? This was probably not a coincidence.
What I want to say is that what we hoped to obtain in the past now seems to be nothing more than a scene destined to unfold in a larger game.
Friends, ask yourselves honestly, even if our Demon Clan exerts all its strength to slaughter the Witch Clan and ultimately ascends to the top of the Primordial World, what will the result be?
He paused, his gaze sharp as a knife, then chuckled, his voice filled with intense sarcasm.
"The Saint are high above, while we are but ants beneath the Heavenly Dao."
Hongjun Union with the Dao, and held the mandate of Heaven in his mouth; the Three Pure Ones Nuwa sat and watched as sentient beings struggled to cross the river.
Even if Demon Clan become the ultimate victors, we are merely pawns, growing from smaller pieces to larger ones. Besides, would they just sit idly by and watch us emerge as the final winners? Probably not.
The Primordial World chessboard of the primordial world may seem immense, but for those of us who are nearing our peak, it has become a constraint.
By using this Chaos Star Chart, one can learn from Dao Venerable Jiang Yun and Old Ancestor Yang Mei's transcendence, which is the true path to escaping this game and taking control of one's own Tongtian Great Dao!
If Jiang Yun were here, upon hearing Di Jun's words, he would probably sigh, "Chong'er abroad, while Shen Sheng Shensheng at home."
In a complex political environment, external circumstances may offer opportunities for survival, while internal struggles may lead to destruction.
With the Six Saints emerging together, the waters of the Primordial World were already unfathomably deep, which was far too dangerous for them.
Taiyi stepped forward, his expression resolute as he followed, saying, "
I wholeheartedly agree with what my Elder Brother said!
The Primordial Desolation World has become a prison for us!
The destiny woven by Saint and the Heavenly Dao cannot accommodate the true pride of an emperor. If we want the Demon Clan to stand at the pinnacle of the Primordial World, we must have sufficient strength to have any chance of success.
Rather than wasting our time and struggling under the watchful eyes of Saint, we should take a gamble!
The opportunities hidden in that Chaos Graveyard, the treasures and origins in those World Ruins, can strengthen the Spirit Root. This is a clear path for us to attain the Dao of Hunyuan and break free from being pawns!
The enmity between humans and demons may seem deep at present, but compared to the transcendence and future of their race, it is nothing more than that.
Kunpeng's expression shifted, and after a moment's thought, he offered his advice:
The Demon Emperor and His Eastern Emperor the Your Majesty Emperor have admirable ambitions, but the dangers of Chaos far exceed imagination. The World Ruins are a place of great terror, a great opportunity as well as Great Tribulation.
Our clan's foundation lies in the Primordial World; if we were to mobilize our entire clan, we risk total destruction.
As Demon Master, he must consider the overall situation and be instinctively wary of risks.
Fuxi then spoke up, saying:
The Demon Master's concerns are certainly valid, but I think time is of the essence. The million-year period mentioned by the Dao Ancestor is already halfway over, and we must hurry.
The Witch-Demon are like a dagger hanging over our heads, and Human Clan has gained divine favor. If we continue to indulge in this Primordial World game of chess, the outcome is destined to be perilous.
Dao Venerable Jiang Yun has paved the way forward; the Star Chart lies ahead, and we cannot afford to miss it. Conquering Chaos is imperative, but we must proceed with meticulous planning and steady progress.
Di Jun slammed his hand on the table and declared, "Fuxi said resonates deeply with me!"
Kunpeng, the Demon Clan is never afraid of danger. As long as we can overcome the current predicament, a little risk is still worthwhile!
The Emperor's edict:
First, immediately cease all actions against the Human Clan, regardless of scale, and simultaneously consolidate the defensive line to avoid large-scale conflict with the Witch Clan, allowing the people to recuperate and accumulate strength.
Secondly, the Witch Slaying Sword Project was indefinitely postponed, and the main resource reserves were gradually shifted to the needs of Chaos exploration to ensure the project's success.
Thirdly, we will assemble an elite vanguard force, led by Taiyi and assisted by Fuxi, consisting of Jiu Ying, Bai Ze, and 30,000 Primordial Unity Golden Immortal elites, carrying supplies and the magic array sealed by the original Fetal Membrane Plan. This force will advance to construct a frontline outpost fortress in the Chaos Realm. The Demon Master can then travel to the Primordial Desolation Earth to see if he can recruit any like-minded individuals interested in venturing into the Chaos to participate in our plan!
"We accept the order!" Taiyi clasped his hands in acceptance, Kunpeng and Fuxi also bowed in agreement.
Grayness and deathly silence form the eternal background of Chaos.
Guided by the Star Chart coordinates given to them by Jiang Yun, the vanguard of the Demon Clan led by Taiyi carefully traversed the Chaos Void known as the "Near Side Stable Domain" outside the Primordial Desolation Membrane using a shuttle crafted from the Chaos Stubborn Stone.
The journey forward was far more difficult than imagined.
The Chaos Aura, like an invisible giant hand, tore at the formation, and fragments of spacetime drifted erratically, containing the danger of annihilation.
Taiyi personally piloted the air shuttle, traversing the vast and boundless Outer Chaos.
"Your Majesty Eastern Emperor, in this Chaos... is it truly possible to establish a stronghold?" Jiu Ying asked breathlessly, his voice filled with exhaustion.
Taiyi's eyes shone brightly as his Divine Sense locked onto a Spatial Anchor Point marked on the Star Chart: "No matter how difficult, we must build it! This is the foundation for our race to escape the chessboard! Look ahead!"
Following the Star Chart and after much effort, they finally arrived at a node with a relatively stable spatial structure.
This place is not too far from the Primordial Desolation Membrane, and the Chaos Turbulence are relatively calm thanks to the guidance of the Heavenly Dao.
"This is the place. Fuxi, you will command everyone to build the city and set up the formation!" Taiyi gave the order.
Under the command of Fuxi and Bai Ze, the Demon Soldiers, relying on their experience from countless rehearsals, began to busily build the city, using a large amount of precious stones, Heavenly Crystal, and other treasures and materials.
Taiyi used the Chaos Bell projection to suppress space, creating a safe space in the Chaos land. Then, countless rare materials were taken out and the construction of a fortress began. Fuxi guided the lighting and connection of Spatial Dao Patterns and Protective Runes inscribed with the inheritance of the Demon Clan, which were slowly integrated into this Chaos Void.
Soon, a somewhat rudimentary but incredibly stable Chaos "Floating Island"—or rather, the prototype of a giant Space Fortress —was born amidst hardship.
The fortress emitted a faint light, like the first star to light up a dark ocean.
Then comes the most important step: they need to inscribe the Membrane Formation on the outermost layer to protect against the invasion of Chaos Aura.
"We succeeded!" The demons cheered as they looked at the thin barrier that kept the Chaos Aura out. All the previous hardships seemed to have been worthwhile.
A surge of excitement welled up in Taiyi's heart, for this meant that the Demon Clan had taken its first step in conquering Chaos.
After completing the main construction, Taiyi arranged for Bai Ze to oversee the daily operation of the stronghold, while Fuxi continued to improve the other parts of the fortress. He himself decided to explore deeper on his own, aiming at the "Medium Chaos Vortex Corridor" anchor point closest to the current fortress on the Star Chart, where he might be able to find some materials or energy unique to Chaos.
Protected by the Chaos Bell, Taiyi carefully followed the coordinates, traversing increasingly Chaos regions.
After flying for an unknown period of time, just as the marked cyclone corridor anchor point came into view, a strange phenomenon occurred.
Against the vast, Chaos backdrop ahead, a thin yet incredibly resilient barrier faintly emerges.
It was not a physical wall, but rather a giant spider web invisibly woven from countless Heavenly Dao Laws and threads of Karma and effect.
The closer you get, the more pronounced the pulling sensation originating from the depths of your soul becomes.
After arriving in the Chaos, although the aura of the Primordial Desolation World faded considerably, it felt as if invisible threads were still entwined within him, with the other end of the threads being the Primordial Desolation World.
Taiyi cautiously stopped, tentatively extending a hand and channeling his demonic power to touch the invisible barrier.
Buzz--!
This seemed to have touched upon some taboo!
An overwhelming and terrifying pressure, containing the Primordial World will of the Heaven and Earth Origin, descended instantly!
That wasn't a physical attack, but rather a rejection and constraint originating from the Rule Level!
Taiyi felt his own Dao Fruit roaring, and the demonic power within his body, even the part of his origin that originated from the Primordial World Sun Star, generated a strong reverse impulse, as if trying to break free from his control and return to the world behind him!
The Chaos Bell projection vibrated wildly, but it could only protect itself from the chaos; it was utterly unable to resist the "sense of loss" originating from its own core.
"What's going on?" Taiyi's pupils shrank, and for the first time, his face showed an expression of utter horror.
He suddenly remembered the legend of Yang Mei leaving the Primordial World.
"He severed the last thread of Karma connection between the Hollow Willow's original form and the Primordial World Earth Veins, shedding the Innate Dao Body nurtured in the Primordial World, and reshaping the True Spirit Dao Body with the origin of Chaos!"
When I first heard Jiang Yun talk about it, I was shocked. But now that I have personally experienced this invisible barrier, I truly understand the difficulties behind it!
Why didn't Jiang Yun mention how this Rule Barrier imprisoned the Primordial World Living Beings?
Is it because the opponent's realm is too high, and these Rule Barrier can no longer restrain him?
Or did he simply not encounter this problem and not feel any limitations?
Taiyi's mind raced, but he felt a profound sense of loss and anxiety.
If even leaving the Primordial Desolation World requires paying a terrible price like Yang Mei, how many of the hundreds of millions of the Demon Clan beings can emulate Old Ancestor Yang Mei's ruthless abandonment?
Is the plan to conquer Chaos doomed to fail at its very first step?
"Retreat first!" Taiyi was decisive. Despite the immense pressure and discomfort, he fully activated the Chaos Bell projection and flew backward.
Only when one is far enough away from that barrier does the terrifying feeling of being bound and losing one's essence recede like the tide.
He turned back with lingering fear, staring at the seemingly invisible yet indestructible area, his face ashen.
What lies before us is no longer an obstacle, but an insurmountable chasm blocking the future path of the Demon Clan!
Without pausing, Taiyi returned to the Outpost Barrier as quickly as possible. He entrusted the construction of the area to Fuxi, Bai Ze, and Jiu Ying, and then, carrying heavy news, rushed back to the Heavenly Court.
Lingxiao Palace, the atmosphere was so heavy it seemed as if water could drip from it.
After listening to Taiyi's detailed report, Di Jun's expression turned ashen.
He took out the River Diagram and Luo Shu, connected them with the Primordial Desolation Heavenly Dao Laws, and quickly performed a series of deductions. He stopped after a long time, his brows furrowed in thought.
Upon hearing Kunpeng 'Taiyi news, Kunpeng's usually gloomy face revealed immense astonishment and worry for the first time. "Severing the original body? Reshaping the Dao Body?"
These conditions are too harsh!
How can our people achieve widespread adoption?
If we cannot enter the Chaos on a large scale, then so-called conquest is nothing but empty talk!
"Dao Venerable Jiang Yun truly not know this detail, or... did he deliberately omit it?"
"He probably doesn't know, or he didn't care." Di Jun slowly shook his head, his tone certain. "With his Hunyuan Great Luo realm, perhaps such a barrier is meaningless to him."
Old Ancestor Yang Mei, an ancient being, was able to abandon everything and reshape himself; his Dao Heart and perseverance were beyond our comprehension.
"But our race, with its billions of beings, each with its own roots, its Bloodline intertwined Primordial World, its Karma entanglements so profound, how could they be severed with a single sentence?"
Di Jun seemed to be deep in thought:
The way of Heavenly Dao is both impartial and selfish.
The Primordial Desolation World nurtured all living beings, and the growth of these living beings also contributed back to the world.
The vast and Chaos, though rich in resources, is also threatened by the Origin Leakage Primordial World.
If living beings are allowed to come and go freely without any feedback, over time, the Primordial Desolation Origin will be weakened.
Therefore, this barrier is not merely an obstacle, but rather Lock of Balance set up by the Heavenly Dao.
Those who wish to leave the Primordial World must settle the Karma of 'taking' and ensure that their 'contribution' to the Primordial World outweighs their 'consumption', only then can they travel freely back and forth.
"Contribution outweighs taking? Settling the Karma?" A glint flashed in Taiyi. "Elder Brother's words hit the nail on the head, hitting the essence of the problem! I understand!"
He suddenly stood up and said,
Heavenly Dao values individual interests, hence this rule binds us!
This barrier is not meant to be difficult, but rather it is a natural Laws that maintains the continuity of the Primordial Desolation World!
By abandoning his physical cultivation and severing all Primordial World Karma, Yang Mei was essentially 'paying back his debt' to the Primordial World, proving that he no longer consumed the Heaven and Earth Origin and was free from any entanglements or constraints, thus attaining true freedom!
If we wish to continue our journey through Chaos, we must first make contributions to the Primordial Desolation World, not merely take from Primordial World!
The demons looked at each other in bewilderment.
The Demon Clan's goal remains clear—to conquer Chaos!
However, on this path, an additional hurdle must be overcome: how to resolve the karmic Karma between the Demon Clan as a whole and the Primordial World, and achieve the standard of "contribution exceeding reward"?