Fuxi passed the throne of the Human Emperor to Shennong. His mission as the Heavenly Emperor of the Human Clan was complete. With the infusion of Merit, his cultivation and foundation were fully restored. He even made further progress, achieving the perfection of Quasi-Saint. After merging with the position of Heavenly Emperor of the Dao of Humanity, he had reached the realm of Sub-Saint.
The Sub-Saint is a state between Quasi-Saint and Saint, and is the effect of a special position in the world.
Because they have not integrated with the Hongmeng Purple Qi or the Earth Spirit Origin Qi, they cannot be in harmony with the Dao, and therefore cannot freely manipulate the Laws of Heavenly Dao or Earthly Dao. However, through the Heaven and Earth Fruit Position, they can mobilize some of the power of the Heaven and Earth Laws. Therefore, they are neither the best nor the worst, surpassing the Quasi-Saint but not reaching the Saint level.
Laozi that the succession ceremony was complete and Fuxi had fulfilled his mission, Laozi began to implement his own plans.
He took a step forward, rising from the Viewing Platform to mid-air above the altar. Then, expressionless, he lightly waved his whisk and announced the arrangements for Fuxi, which had been agreed upon with Nuwa in the Empress Nuwa's Palace that day.
"The Heavenly Emperor Fuxi has completed his merits and is destined to return to the Saint Realm of Fire Cloud, where he will forever guard the foundation of the Human Race's fortune, and will not be able to leave except Great Tribulation!"
This is Contract between heaven and earth, and cannot be disobeyed!
If not now, when?
Empress Nuwa looked at Fuxi, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes.
There was joy at his Elder Brother's success, but also helplessness at Fuxi's subsequent imprisonment in the Huoyun Cave.
However, this was unavoidable, as it was a long-standing exchange of interests: exchanging temporary freedom for Fuxi's ascension to the throne of the Human Emperor, escaping the calamities of the Tribulation Cycle, embracing the new life of the Human Race's fortune, and Great Dao path to the future!
Fuxi had already deduced everything through his awakened memories and the cause and effect.
He calmly looked at Laozi and Nuwa:
Fuxi received the imperial decree.
"I wish to enter the Huoyun Cave and safeguard the eternal Human Race's fortune."
He knew that for such great beings as them, the long years that ordinary people saw were merely a scene along their path of seeking enlightenment.
Although, given his current status as the Human Emperor, he was deeply angered by Laozi's imprisonment of him in the Fire Cloud Cave as the leader of the Human Cult, the human race had no choice but to accept this outcome given the latter's overwhelming power. They could only hope that one day he could break through his current realm and possess the strength to rebel against a sage.
A passage leading to the Primordial World cave, Huoyun Cave, slowly opened before Fuxi, filled with a peaceful and tranquil aura of rosy clouds.
Fuxi glanced one last time at Shennong, who had just ascended to the throne and was carrying great expectations, and at the countless kneeling descendants of the Human Clan below. He then gave Nuwa an incredibly warm smile. No words were needed; the brotherly and sisterly affection was evident in their hearts.
Without looking back, he stepped into the passage and disappeared into the rosy clouds.
Nuwa gazed at the spot where the passage had vanished, remained silent for a long time, and then transformed into a stream of light and departed.
After giving Shennong a few words of encouragement, Laozi Dao Ancestor, the founder of Daoism, also disappeared from the spot.
The newly appointed Earth Emperor Shennong stood on the altar, looking at the departing Saint Laozi, and the Human Emperor Fuxi, who was nominally stationed in the Huoyun Cave to suppress the Human Race's fortune but was actually imprisoned by Laozi. He felt an unprecedented sense of responsibility and pressure.
He understood that he bore the heavy responsibility of bringing prosperity to the Human Clan, while also facing suppression from the Saint.
Just as Shennong was pondering how to proceed, a Daoist priest dressed in a crimson robe, with white hair and a youthful face, and eyes filled with endless gentleness and a sense of vicissitude, arrived gracefully on auspicious clouds. He was none other than the former Ancestor Hong Yun.
Shennong took over the position of the Human Race Co-Lord from Fuxi, and the burden on his shoulders was heavy.
Unlike Fuxi, who used civil administration and Qiankun to determine the fate of the world, Shennong deeply felt that the people's suffering lay in food and clothing and disease.
At this time, the Ancestor Hong Yun, who was entrusted by Zhenyuanzi to serve as the Teacher of the Earth Emperor, had already quietly arrived at the mountains near the Human Race tribe and built a hut.
Hong Yun was deeply grateful to her old friend Zhenyuanzi for giving her this opportunity to perform such a great Merit, and she knew that she bore a heavy responsibility.
He observed Shennong for a long time and saw him toiling in the fields and forests every day, sharing the hardships with his tribe, and worrying about the suffering of the common people from hunger and disease. He secretly praised this man, saying that he truly had the qualities of a benevolent ruler.
Hong Yun seized the opportunity and descended from the mountain on clouds, appearing before Shennong with an air of otherworldly grace.
"The Lord is deeply concerned, and I, Hong Yun, am also moved by his sentiments."
Heaven and earth nurture all things. Five Grains and cereals originally grow in the wild. If we can select the best ones, tame them, and plant them in fertile soil, why worry about not having enough to eat and wear?
Hong Yun appeared Deification. With a wave of his hand, several tenacious Millet and Wheat, wheat, and bean plants on the hillside emitted a spiritual light, as if demonstrating their growth habits.
Shennong's eyes gleamed with wisdom, and he bowed deeply, saying, "Please teach me, Immortal Master!"
From then on, Hong Yun carefully taught Shennong to identify edible and easily domesticated wild plants.
Shennong was extremely practical, personally turning the soil, sowing seeds, observing, and recording.
Hong Yun further used his Magical Power to transform stubborn stones into the prototype of tools, guiding Shennong to comprehend them.
Inspired by the Hong Yun, Shennong used tough wood to bind sharp flint, creating the earliest prototypes of agricultural tools such as hoes, plows, and ploughs; he also observed birds and animals carrying seeds, which gave rise to the methods of selecting superior seeds and deep cultivation.
He promoted these tools and methods to various tribes, teaching them to cultivate wasteland and plant the Five Grains: millet, sorghum, beans, wheat, and rice. Humanity thus bid farewell to the unstable life of hunting and gathering and officially entered the agricultural era!
Hong Yun continued, "As resources become more abundant and Hundred Crafts flourish, there will be a surplus of goods. Only by exchanging what we have can we enrich the people and strengthen our nation."
Shennong had an epiphany, so he designated a place and set a date in a strategic location where the tribes lived, and ordered people to maintain Order, thus establishing the earliest market.
People exchanged surplus grain, tools, game, salt, etc. here, each taking what they needed. Trade was in its infancy, which greatly promoted the social division of labor and economic development.
However, even after solving the above problems, the Human Clan still had a deeper worry lingering in Shennong's mind.
Among the tribes scattered throughout the Primordial World, whenever a member of the tribe falls ill or is accidentally poisoned, there is often no way to help them.
Hong Yun was very worried about this and hoped to find a way to resolve the matter, so he asked Hong Yun for advice.
"The Earth Emperor desires to taste Hundred Herbs, discern their medicinal properties, and relieve the suffering of the people; his heart shines as brightly as the sun and moon."
However, the properties of plants vary greatly, with some being poisonous and others not, posing numerous dangers. Hong Yun looked at Shennong's pale face, which had turned bluish from tasting wild herbs for so long, and felt a pang of pity.
He took out a branch of Red Jade Tree, a specialty of Longevity Mountain, which contained the Earth Qi gathered by Zhenyuanzi using Formations. He then used a wisp of Pure Void Dao Fire from Laozi's Eight Sceneries Lamp to refine it for forty-nine days, finally creating a unique whip that was entirely crimson and as warm and smooth as jade— the Crimson Whip.
Hong Yun handed the Crimson Whip to Shennong: "This whip was forged by me using rare treasures, and it contains the Vitality of the Primordial Desolation Earth and the spirit of the plants."
When you swing this whip at herbs and medicinal plants, the whip will display different colored luster: green for coolness, red for warmth, yellow for neutrality, and black for extreme poison.
While it may not provide complete details, it can help you identify the general properties of medicinal herbs, such as their cold, hot, neutral, or toxic properties, allowing you to avoid extremely poisonous substances that can corrode the bones and burn the body. It can also guide you to focus on herbs that may be used in medicine.
Remember, even with this whip in hand, you must still act cautiously and proceed step by step!
Shennong was deeply grateful and held the Crimson Whip as if it were a priceless treasure. He then devoted himself to the great work of tasting Hundred Herbs and identifying their medicinal properties, which was much more systematic and relatively safe. He gradually accumulated experience, compiled and recorded his findings, and laid the foundation for the Human Clan medicine. He was later revered as the "Ancestor of Medicine".
Shennong cared deeply for all Human Clan, working tirelessly day and night, devoting all his energy to farming, running markets, and tasting Hundred Herbs. Inevitably, he neglected to spend time with and care for his daughter, Nuwa.
The Nuwa is naturally lively, cheerful, and intelligent. Although she knows that her father has a heavy responsibility, she also longs for his care in her young heart.
One day, the Nuwa went to play on the Shore of the Eastern Sea with some of the older children in the tribe.
The golden sand, colorful seashells, and occasional crashing waves allowed her to temporarily forget all her troubles, and her silvery laughter echoed along the beach.
However, the joyful laughter was soon broken by shrill cries of supplication.
Several ragged fishermen knelt beside the rocks on the beach, weeping incessantly at the surging waves.
It turned out that Ao Bing Third Prince of the Dragon Palace Ao Bing, was out at sea and got annoyed that the fishermen's small boats were blocking his way. Without a word, he stirred up a huge wave, which not only capsized the fishermen's boats, but also overturned several small boats that were about to dock. Two fishermen were swept into the sea and disappeared!
Although the Nuwa was young, as the daughter of the Human Emperor, she was influenced by what she saw and heard and could not stand the strong bullying the weak and oppressing the Human Clan.
Taking advantage of her status, she stepped forward like a little adult and pointed at the sea in a crisp voice, "Hey, you big dragon in the sea!"
How can you be so unreasonable?
Fishermen work hard to make a living, how are their boats in your way?
"Quickly release the uncles who fell into the water!"
Her childlike words stood out clearly amidst the storm.
"Hmph, where did this wild girl come from, daring to meddle in my business?" A haughty, cold voice came from the seabed.
The waves suddenly parted, revealing a majestic little dragon with shimmering silver scales and prominent horns—it was Ao Bing!
His dragon eyes were filled with ferocity. "A few ants dared to block the Dragon Clan's path. It is already a great favor that I did not let them fill my belly!"
If you keep chattering like that, I'll feed you to the fish too!
Before he finished speaking, Ao Bing flicked his dragon tail, Dao Charm divine power Space-Piercing at the shore like a whip!
Their target was none other than that small figure who stepped forward— the Nuwa!
The Nuwa had never seen anything like it before. She felt an immense force bearing down on her, with no way to avoid it. In an instant, she was swept away from the shore by the water column and was about to be swallowed by the raging waves!
The people on the shore cried out in despair.
Just when things were at their most critical, a clear and melodious whistling sound suddenly came from the horizon!
Three Paths dazzling beams of Immortal Light streaked across the sky like shooting stars, instantly reaching the sky above the coast!
"What kind of demonic dragon dares to lay such a cruel hand on the Human Clan children in this coastal land!" The leader, Fairy Yunxiao, raised her eyebrows and spoke in a voice as cold as a spring.
Qiongxiao and Bixiao followed closely behind, also glaring angrily at Ao Bing.
The three of them had once helped the Human Clan with Kong Xuan, and they also knew about the relationship between their Senior Brother Jiang Yun and the Human Clan, so they took extra care of the Human Clan.
This time, they were on their way from the Three Immortal Islands to the Spirit Bamboo Mountain when they passed through this place and happened to see Ao Bing bullying the weak Human Clan by taking advantage of his status as a true dragon, so they naturally stepped in to help.
Bixiao moved the fastest. With a Golden Light ring flew out instantly, arriving first despite being behind, and precisely ensnaring the jet of water that was about to sweep away the Nuwa.
"Certainly!"
Bixiao uttered a soft sound, and the violent water column suddenly froze, turning into ice blocks that shattered and fell into the sea.
With a casual wave of her hand, Qiongxiao unleashed a burst of light, and a gentle yet powerful suction force appeared out of nowhere, catching the terrified Nuwa who was falling from the sky and gently bringing her back to her side.
Then another beam of Immortal Light shone down, rescuing all the other Human Clan who had fallen into the sea and healing their injuries.
"Don't be afraid, little girl!" Qiongxiao gently comforted the little Nuwa, whose face was pale with fright and who was clutching her sleeve tightly.
Ao Bing was startled to see that the ones who had interfered were three ethereal female immortals with unfathomable Magical Power, but being arrogant as always, he remained defiant:
Who are you?
How dare you ruin the plans of the Third Prince of the Dragon Palace of the East Sea Palace?
"Those who know what's good for them, leave right now!"
Yunxiao's gaze swept over the still-shaken fishermen on the shore and the destroyed boat, and he said coldly, "Ao Bing, as the Crown Prince of the Dragon Palace, instead of thinking about Commanding Clouds and Rain and blessing all living beings, you stir up trouble over trivial matters, harm living beings, bully the weak, and even poison Human Clan children!"
Such behavior disregards the Heavenly Mandate and is unworthy of one's position!
Since we have come across this matter, how can we stand idly by and allow you to act recklessly!
As soon as she finished speaking, the Three Xiao Fairies Maidens of Sanxiao erupted with power. Although they did not immediately use their powerful Magic Treasure, the pressure of the Daluo Golden Immortal pressed down like a raging sea, instantly making Ao Bing feel as if he had fallen into an ice cave. His huge dragon body trembled slightly, and the Dragon Pearl inside his body vibrated!
He then truly realized that he had kicked a hornet's nest; this momentum was far stronger than that of ordinary Dragon General!
"Considering that you haven't yet caused greater bloodshed, I'll punish you a little today as a warning!" Yunxiao made a hand seal, and a cold, clear immortal energy transformed into an invisible hand, slamming it hard onto Ao Bing's massive dragon body.
"Aow!" Ao Bing howled in pain, feeling his Primordial Spirit shake violently. Most of his magical Magical Power was temporarily sealed, and his massive dragon body was like being hit by a boulder. With a "plop," he fell back into the sea in a sorry state, stirring up huge waves.
"Return to the Dragon Palace immediately to reflect on your actions!"
If you dare to cause trouble again, don't blame us for storming the Dragon Palace and asking the East Sea Dragon King how he disciplines his offspring!
"Oh, and if the Dragon King asks, just say that the other party is Three Fairies of Spirit Bamboo Mountain!" Bixiao shouted sternly.
Upon hearing the words "Spirit Bamboo Mountain" and "Three Xiao", Ao Bing trembled with fear and dared not utter another word. He reluctantly tucked his tail between his legs, splashed a puff of water, and slunk away back into the deep sea.
As the storm subsided, the Yunxiao gently bathed the Nuwa in their Immortal Light, dispelling her fear and the damp chill.
The Nuwa, slightly shaken, looked at the three fairy sisters who seemed to have stepped out of a painting. Her eyes were filled with gratitude and curiosity. Her little mouth twitched, but thinking of the fishermen who had fallen into the water, she immediately became anxious again, pointing to the sea and stammering, "Fairy... fairy sisters! Uncle... dragon... fishermen have been taken away!"
"Don't worry, don't be afraid," Yunxiao said gently, his divine sense already scanning the surrounding seabed. "Those fishermen have already been rescued by our Magical Power and brought ashore. Their lives are safe, so you don't need to worry."
She then looked at the destroyed ships. "As for these destroyed ships, the Dragon Palace will surely compensate us double afterwards." Her tone was certain, as if a decision had already been made.