A Wagered Duel

Houtu looked at the Daoist in green robes before her with a complicated expression.

'Taiyuanzi possesses profound merit and his fortune is enduring.'

'It seems to have roots in Archaic Era.'

'I should have befriended someone with such Great Divine Ability User.'

Unfortunately, the shadow of the Demon Clan lurked behind him.

Her visit to Langlang Mountain Marketplace was certainly not a spur-of-the-moment decision.

Instead, they pinpointed Zhou Yuan's location by sensing the earth's veins.

The development of the Acquired Merchant Dao objectively solved the problem of the internal divisions within the Demon Clan, enabling various races to gradually communicate through these Acquired Merchant Dao.

They gradually became connected through Marketplace.

The Empress Houtu lowered her gaze from the Grand Void.

They were scattered throughout the numerous Marketplace of this vast, Primordial World.

An old demon with white hair was selling spirit tea. The price of the tea was not spiritual materials or Five Virtues Coins, but the Demon Clan Demon Script created by the Kunpeng Demon Master. Writing a piece of Demon Script could earn you a cup of spirit tea.

A bull demon, wrapped in animal skin and sporting a broken horn on his head, was telling the story of the rise of the Demon Clan, surrounded by many younger Demon Clan who had come to listen.

Through the Marketplace, the young Demon Clan met many like-minded companions, and their clans became bound together.

In the various Marketplace, people from all ethnic groups shared their customs and discussed their different ideas.

In Empress Houtu's perception, countless small things are converging into an unstoppable torrent of civilization.

This torrent of civilization flows silently, yet it conceals a colossal surge.

'If our Witch Clan does not take further action...'

'If this continues, they will likely face certain death and the extermination of their entire clan.'

A look of sorrow flashed in Empress Houtu's eyes.

Conflicts between ethnic groups are never just about force.

Even in the Primordial Great World, a world of gods and demons where supernatural powers are manifest and the Dao is flourishing, all living beings still need to compete for destiny.

As long as one possesses good fortune, even a Great Luo Dao Lord or Quasi-Saint Heavenly Venerate would not dare to casually attack a race.

If they take action, they will Offended Heaven, and there will be no hope of salvation.

The formation of a group is not merely a collection of individuals.

'It's not about agreement on principles.'

The formation of civilization.

'And without a doubt, the Demon Clan before us has embarked on the path of creating civilization.'

Even a newly emerging civilization.

The overwhelming Human Dao spirit revealed in it is already astonishing enough.

Human Dao is the way of all living beings, the way of gathering all people.

The way to unite people lies in the mind, in civilization, and in the profound and mysterious concept of racial identity.

Empress Houtu lowered her gaze, concealing the desolation in her eyes.

'Our Witch Clan should have taken this step much earlier.'

'But the Demon Clan race beat them to it.'

The Demon Clan is an aggregate of all spirits, encompassing countless races.

There are still animosities and grudges between different races.

Logically speaking, even if a race formed through such hybridization were to develop into the Demon Clan civilization, it would require countless years of subtle and gradual influence.

However, under the influence of the Acquired Merchant Dao and driven by the Demon Clan Marketplace, this process was greatly accelerated.

'In contrast, our Witch Clan, though originating from the same source, is scattered across different regions and has little interaction due to practicing different laws.'

'The Heavenly Gang has reversed.'

'We cannot allow our elder brother to continue prohibiting the spread of the Acquired Merchant Dao among the various tribes of the Witch Clan.'

Zhou Yuan could naturally discern some of the thoughts in Empress Houtu's mind.

'Due to various factors, Di Jiang was unwilling to allow the Acquired Merchant Dao to enter the Witch Clan.'

But people's hearts yearn for change.

Things always move forward.

Thinking of this, Zhou Yuan solemnly addressed the Empress Houtu:

"The Acquired Merchant Dao Primordial World and developing civilization."

"Although I have an avatar stationed among the Demon Clan, this is a karmic debt I incurred before I attained enlightenment."

"The cause and effect are intertwined, and this is inevitable."

"But I harbor no animosity towards the Witch Clan."

To Zhou Yuan, both the witches and demons were merely passing through.

"Rest assured, fellow Daoist."

"Our Acquired Merchant Dao will enter the Witch Clan, naturally with the Witch Clan as the primary focus."

"No Demon Clan race beings will lead the construction of the Marketplace."

The expression on Empress Houtu's face changed.

But he still didn't speak.

"How about I make a bet with Your Highness?"

"The two of us Dao Performance."

"If I lose, I will abandon the Demon Clan and join the Witch Clan."

"If Your Highness loses, you must agree on behalf of the Witch Clan to allow the Acquired Merchant Dao to enter the Witch Clan."

Zhou Yuan lightly waved his bamboo staff, and rays of clear light fell into the Grand Void.

He looked at Houtu and spoke slowly.

"What is Your Majesty's opinion?"

Empress Houtu hesitated.

A strong, powerful voice reached her ears:

"Say yes."

My elder brother has indeed hidden himself in the Grand Void.

A hint of joy rose in Houtu's heart.

She knew that Di Jiang must have seen an opportunity in this gamble.

Dao Lord Taiyuan practices Great Dao of Water Element.

He himself cultivated the Earth Element Dao.

It is naturally able to restrain Water Essence.

Both Di Jiang and Houtu knew that this was the bait set by the Water Essence Dao Lord Taiyuanzi.

A blatant and overt conspiracy.

Taiyuanzi was eager to promote the Acquired Merchant Dao.

'My elder brother hopes to bring Taiyuanzi to the Witch Clan.'

'What I seek is for the Acquired Merchant Dao to enter the Witch Clan.'

The three parties involved in the betting game each have their own agendas.

Empress Houtu's expression remained as calm as a still well.

'This bet is open to all, win or lose.'

'It's inevitable that the Acquired Merchant Dao will enter our Witch Clan's territory the day after tomorrow.'

If he wins, then Taiyuanzi will need to give up his interests in the Demon Clan and join the Witch Clan.

Therefore, Di Jiang will certainly not hinder the spread of the Acquired Merchant Dao to his own people.

Conversely, according to the bet, the Witch Clan has no reason to oppose the entry of the Acquired Merchant Dao into their Witch Clan.

After all, this was a duel between two great Great Divine Ability User.

It is a vow made under the witness of Heavenly Dao.

Empress Houtu was one of the Twelve Ancestor Witches.

They are qualified to act on behalf of the Witch Clan.

"Since you say so, fellow Daoist..."

"I accept this bet."

This goddess was extremely decisive.

As soon as she finished speaking, a colossal Dharma form appeared in the Grand Void dimensions of the void.

The ancient god, with a human body and a snake tail, holding Teng She, nodded slightly to Zhou Yuan and chuckled softly:

"Dao Brother, behold my methods."

The Empress Houtu her mind into a dark yellow halo, illuminating the six directions and ten directions.

Her hands loosened slightly.

Two ten-thousand-foot-long, earth-yellow Teng She, shrouded in boundless divine light, roamed in the Grand Void, raising earth-yellow clouds.

Amidst endless clouds and mist.

Mountains rise in clusters, and roots grow on the earth.

When the five elements combine, the five energies condense and support the mountains, forests, and houses.

This goddess cultivates the Way of Thick Earth, and with every movement she makes, the earth's veins emerge, creating layer upon layer of mountains.

This entire Grand Void is imbued with the scent of Thick Earth.

If a being practicing the Earth Path were to cultivate here, their cultivation speed would surely advance by leaps and bounds.

This is a man-made Blessed Lands and Grotto-heavens.

Dao Performance, Dao Performance.

Nature evolves its own unique path and characteristics.

Let's have a showdown.

Therefore, the Empress Houtu lightly waved her sleeves.

The Teng She was still driving away the yellow clouds and generating dust in the void, was put away.

She smiled and looked at Zhou Yuan, who was standing to one side.

"Greetings, fellow Daoist."

As far as he knew, this person cultivated the Great Dao of Water Element.

The five elements interact in a generating and restraining relationship, with earth controlling water.

'Taiyuanzi knows that I cultivate the Way of the Thick Earth.'

'Yet they still dared to propose using the method of deduction to determine the outcome of the Dao Performance.'

'But I don't know what skills he has.'

As a descendant of Pangu, Empress Houtu naturally possessed a certain arrogance.

She was confident that although she had not reached the pinnacle of the Earthly Element Dao, few could match her.

Now, Taiyuanzi seems certain that he can steadily suppress the Thick Earth Great Dao of Earth with the Water Essence.

How can I avoid secretly angering this lady?

Therefore, once they make a move, they go all out.

They intended to teach the arrogant Taiyuanzi a lesson.

Upon seeing this, Zhou Yuan laughed heartily.

He suddenly stood up.

The Great Dao suddenly roared.

It seemed as if towering waves were rolling in from the horizon.

"In that case, Your Highness, please take a good look."

Having said that, Zhou Yuan pushed aside the Auspicious Cloud above his head.

Twelve Sea -Sea-Calming Divine Pearls leaped out from the Auspicious Clouds.

A series of wave-like sounds emanated from the surging primordial spiritual light.

In an instant, the Twelve Sea-Calming Pearls transformed into twelve enormous oceans.

It falls within the realm of Daoism evolved by the Empress Houtu through the Tao of Thick Earth.

The sea waves surge and splash.

Wisps of water vapor condensed into clouds and mist.

Seeing this, Zhou Yuan lightly waved his sleeve.

Suddenly, a strong wind swept from east to west and from south to north.

The clouds and mist blown by the anime.

Then, clouds and mist gathered in the central void above the Thick Earth Dao Realm.

In a short while, dark clouds had formed, with lightning and thunder flashing within them.

A torrential downpour began.

Heavy rain fell on the ground, instantly creating rivers and lakes.

Just a few movements.

Half of the territory of the Thick Earth Dao Realm has already been occupied by the Water Essence.

"Your methods are excellent."

Upon seeing this, the Empress Houtu's beautiful eyes flickered, a strange light flashing within them.

They clapped their hands in admiration.

The Water Essence are already contained within it.

The way of Water Essence lies in Rivers, Lakes, and Seas, and in clouds, mist, rain, and water.

Various waters transform into one another.

This demonstrates the profound mystery of the Water Essence.

"But if that's all there is to it?"

"Fellow Daoist, you cannot break through my Thick Earth Dao Realm."

As the Empress spoke.

A new change suddenly occurred within the Dao Realm.

All that could be seen was the Teng She rising from the mist, which then turned into dust and ash.

Dust and sand piled up on the tower.

They transformed into mountains that filled Rivers, Lakes, and Seas.

Zhou Yuan shook his head and chuckled softly.

He stepped into the sea.

With a wave of his sleeves, endless giant waves surged toward the sky.

He rode the towering waves.

It rushed straight towards the mountains that filled the Rivers, Lakes, and Seas.

Rumble.

Rumble.

Giant waves crashed against the mountains, producing a series of thunderous roars.

On the vast ocean, a Daoist priest in a green robe stood with his hands behind his back, riding the towering waves.

At the summit, the goddess in yellow stood serenely, unmoved.

The waves surged and the wind suddenly rose.

In the blink of an eye, all the rivers and lakes in the Thick Earth Realm were engulfed in towering waves.

It constantly crashes against the mountains that rise amidst the rivers and lakes.

"The earth is receptive, and its Thick Earth bears all things."

"The Thick Earth is the foundation of all things."

Within the Dao Realm, in the Grand Void.

A divine voice resounded throughout.

Then you will see.

The mountains, which had been battered by the waves, collapsed and turned into dust that filled the surrounding Rivers, Lakes, and Seas.

It felt like a moment had passed, yet also like an eternity.

The once bustling and lively Dao Realm suddenly became completely silent.

The surging waves have long since disappeared.

Within the entire Dao Realm, the aura of Water Essence could no longer be sensed.

Above the Grand Void.

The Empress Houtu smiled slightly, her beauty fading in an instant.

"Fellow Daoist Taiyuan."

"It seems that I was the superior one in this Dao Performance."

"In that case, fellow Daoist, you shall abandon demonic cultivation and embrace witchcraft."

He gained a Greater Divine Ability- level assistance for nothing.

How could Houtu not be happy?

Moreover, this Great Divine Ability User was also the master of the Acquired Merchant Dao.

With great fortune and abundant merit, one is blessed.

He's definitely a great teammate in the Primordial World.

Just as the Empress Houtu was overjoyed...

Ripples also surged in the void.

Then a dashing young man emerged from the Grand Void.

He first glanced at Houtu, then gently reprimanded her:

"Little sister."

"The Earth elemental path already has a huge advantage over the Water Essence."

"Fellow Daoist Taiyuan's Dao Cultivation is profound; if it weren't for the conflict of the Five Elements..."

The outcome of this match is still uncertain.

How dare you speak so presumptuously about winning or losing?

Di Jiang's gray pupils reflected boundless majesty.

That's what they say,

He turned around and smiled at Zhou Yuan:

"Fellow Daoist Taiyuan."

"Welcome to the Witch Clan."

They recruited a Greater Divine Ability who was originally friendly with the Demon Clan race into the Witch Clan.

The impact and effect it brings are far more than just one plus one equals two.

Rather, one plus one is greater than two.

It can both enhance the strength of the Witch Clan and weaken the strength of the Demon Clan.

Double winner, swoon!

Therefore, even Di Jiang couldn't help but reveal himself from the Grand Void and personally extend an invitation to Zhou Yuan.

The plan is to use the cause and effect of this bet to bring Taiyuanzi into the Witch Clan's camp.

A cold glint flashed deep in his eyes.

If Taiyuanzi truly doesn't know what's good for him.

Unwilling to join the Witch Clan.

We can take advantage of this situation to defeat him.

In this way, one will not suffer from the backlash of good fortune and merit.

Zhou Yuan was not surprised by the appearance of Di Jiang.

Faced with Di Jiang's welcome, he simply laughed heartily:

"I am but a recluse in the mountains."

"But they cannot enjoy the wealth and luxury of the Witch Clan."

"I appreciate the Lord's kind intentions."

Di Jiang said in a deep voice:

"So, fellow Daoist, you intend to break your oath?!"

Di Jiang's words had barely finished when

The entire Grand Void seemed to freeze.

Strands of energy locked onto Zhou Yuan.

All that remains is for him to admit he broke his oath.

This Ancestral Witch of the Witch Clan then had no more scruples.

When they strike again, it will surely be with thunder and lightning.

Faced with such a threat.

The green-robed Daoist in the Grand Void, however, paid no attention.

He chuckled and pointed his Nine-Section Bamboo Staff slightly towards the still-dissipating Dao realm:

"Who said I lost?"

Upon hearing this, Di Jiang and Houtu's expressions changed drastically.

I looked up.

He immediately sensed something was wrong.

All that could be seen was the Thick Earth that had once covered the Dao realm.

A touch of golden yellow quietly emerged.

This touch of golden yellow seems like a signal.

In the blink of an eye.

Countless amounts of Geng metal were generated throughout the entire Dao Realm.

But the next moment, water was born from heaven, and the five elements interacted.

Upon looking again...

The Dao Realm was now a raging, devastating ocean.

"The five elements interact in a cycle of mutual generation and restraint."

Zhou Yuan's tone was low and somber:

"My path can be the Great Dao of Water Element, or it can be the Great Dao of Cycle."