Negotiations

In the Northern Darkness, after hearing Bai Ze's words, Kunpeng understood Bai Ze's purpose in seeking him out: to make him acknowledge Lu Ya's status.

However, Bai Ze oversimplified the matter. Even if he acknowledged Lu Ya's status, others in the Primordial Wilderness would not. Moreover, not only in the prehistoric world, but even within the demon Primordial Wilderness, there would be no consensus.

Why would Di Jun and Taiyi's ruthless subordinates acknowledge a mere youth? Besides, the attitudes of Nuwa and Fuxi of the demon race are unclear; what use is the title of Demon Emperor if these two don't agree?

Thinking of this, Kunpeng said, "Since the Demon Saint Bai Ze has come to me, then I, Kunpeng, will not say anything. As for Lu Ya's status and position, my Northern Darkness Demon Master Palace will not say anything more. Do as you please!"

Upon hearing Kunpeng's reply, Bai Ze happily said, "Thank you Demon Master! You will always be our Demon Master!"

Kunpeng shook his head indifferently, a glint of cunning in his sinister eyes, and looked at Bai Ze, saying, "While I don't object, you cannot use my name to act, or I will personally skin you alive!"

They were all intelligent people, so how could Kunpeng not know what Bai Ze was thinking? If he hadn't made things clear beforehand, Bai Ze would definitely have used his name to win over a group of people.

After all, the title of Demon Master is not given lightly. Having been in the demon race for so long, he has a certain prestige and connections; otherwise, he wouldn't have the name of the Northern Darkness Demon Master Palace.

After Kunpeng exposed Bai Ze's little scheme, he didn't feel embarrassed at all, but just chuckled and said, "How dare I, how dare I!"

Kunpeng snorted coldly and said, "Show the guest out!"

After Bai Ze rose and bowed, he left the Northern Darkness and then entered the North Sea, traversing endless time and space to reach the Western Continent.

"Brother Bai Ze, the matter you asked me to investigate has been clarified. Crown Prince Lu Ya is indeed in the Western Continent, specifically in the Western Spirit Mountain, in the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss!" As soon as Bai Ze arrived in the Western Continent, the Demon Saint Shang Yang came to him and said this.

Before setting off, they had each made their own arrangements: Bai Ze was responsible for persuading Kunpeng, while the other three Demon Saints, Shang Yang, Ying Zhao, Ji Meng, were responsible for finding Lu Ya.

Shang Yang was responsible for searching in the Western Continent, Ying Zhao went to the Wa Huang Palace to seek Nuwa's help, Ji Meng went to other demon kings and Demon God to search.

As Bai Ze had predicted, Lu Ya is now on the Western Continent.

Bai Ze said to Shang Yang, "It's alright, don't worry. The Spirit Mountain Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss isn't some place that eats people. Why would the two Saints, Jieyin and Zhunti grudge against me? If they really made things difficult for me, it would be beneath their dignity. So you should go back first!"

"Hahaha, I agree with what Fellow Daoist Bai Ze said. Our Western Spirit Mountain is not some dangerous place like the Demon Realm, but Primordial Wilderness sacred land of the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. What is there that we cannot come to?" A burst of laughter resounded between heaven and earth, followed by the voice of Zhunti.

However, upon hearing this voice, Bai Ze's expression remained somewhat composed, while Shang Yang's face instantly changed, becoming extremely angry and disrespectful. Instead, he said mockingly:

"Shang Yang has met the Saint, but he never expected that the Saint Zhunti would be so fond of eavesdropping on people's conversations!"

A beam of light appeared, Zhunti's figure appeared before the two.

"No, no!"

"It's not that I, Zhunti, wanted to eavesdrop on your conversation, but Shang Yang has been staying in my Western Land for many days and has even used his divine sense to explore various places. How could I, a poor Daoist, ignore this?"

Upon hearing Zhunti's words, Shang Yang's expression changed. He had been very careful in his investigation, but he hadn't expected to be acting right under Zhunti's nose from the very beginning. It was truly laughable.

Bai Ze stepped forward and said, "Greetings, Saint Zhunti! My younger sister was ignorant and made a fool of herself. I hope the Saint will forgive her!"

Zhunti his smiling expression and said softly, "Not at all, not at all. It's just that Fellow Shang Yang hasn't visited my Western Land in a long time, and this is his first time here, so his casual exploration has aroused my slight curiosity."

"I, Zhunti, do hope that more fellow Daoists will come to my Western Land. I will certainly prepare a small feast at Spirit Mountain to welcome fellow Daoists from all directions. If there is anything you don't understand, you can ask me directly."

Zhunti's smiling words instantly embarrassed Shang Yang, who realized that she had indeed been impolite this time.

However, Zhunti really went too far. As a Saint, he discovered his presence but didn't reveal himself, instead secretly spying on him. What kind of Saint is that?

Zhunti raised his hand and gestured, "Since you two fellow Daoists have come to my Western Land, would you do me the honor of coming to Spirit Mountain for a cup of wine before you leave?"

"It is my honor, my greatest honor!" Bai Ze said, bowing.

The two then followed Zhunti to the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss of Spirit Mountain, where Jieyin was giving a sermon to Buddhist Teachings disciples, who listened with rapt attention.

Lu Ya was among them!

"Shariputra, all dharmas are empty in nature, neither arising nor ceasing, neither defiled nor pure, neither increasing nor decreasing. Therefore, in emptiness there is no form, no sensation, no perception, no volition, no consciousness..." Jieyin's lips parted slightly, but his voice was like the roar of the Great Dao, the Brahma sound resounding throughout the entire Spirit Mountain Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, and then echoing between heaven and earth.

Even after the Jieyin finished explaining, the traces of the Great Dao lingered for a long time, as if frozen in time.

"Fellow Daoist Bai Ze, what do you think of my Western Region methods?" After the three sat down, Zhunti performed a Daoist curtsy and asked.

Bai Ze respectfully said, "The Saint Bai Ze beyond my comprehension; I dare not speak lightly of it. I only feel that the Great Way is right before my eyes, but I cannot say anything more!"

Zhunti persuade Bai Ze to stay in the Western Land by giving a sermon, but Bai Ze refused without saying a word.

Both of them were intelligent and didn't want to speak openly, so they just exchanged a few words and moved on. Besides, Zhunti didn't want to force Bai Ze to join.

He valued Bai Ze's wisdom and vision, not his Mid Quasi-Saint strength. Although the Western Region lacked top-tier experts, it did not lack Quasi-Saint.

Most importantly, Bai Ze's status does not allow Zhunti to use force; otherwise, he would have already enforced it. This is because Bai Ze's cultivation level is neither high nor low, and he is an excellent person who treats his subordinates and the demon race very well.

Therefore, Bai Ze is now the last ruler of the demon race, more like a symbol of the demon race in the open, or a spiritual sustenance for the demon race. Even Kunpeng cannot compare to him in this respect.

This is also why Donghua has always ignored Bai Ze and the demons of the Ten Thousand Mountains, only sending Fuxi to spread the word and appease the people, waiting for Fuxi's return before officially appointing the Demon Emperor.

However, plans can change quickly. If Fuxi successfully Attain Hunyuan Dao, he will naturally no longer be able to assume the position of Demon Emperor. This is one of the reasons why Donghua is troubled and why he went to the Sun Star to find Lu Ya.

The purpose was to see if, by combining the power of the Golden Crow's origin with the power of the Sun Star's origin, a new Golden Crow could be conceived, successfully nurtured, and finally placed on the throne of the Demon Emperor.

However, Donghua's plan was delayed because Lu Ya was in the Western Region. Bai Ze could go directly to the Western Region to search for him. If he went directly to Jieyin and Zhunti someone, he would either have to fight or make concessions.

So he put the matter aside until he had a better plan.

Zhunti his hands together, performed a kowtow, and said, "Since Fellow Daoist Bai Ze has come to my Spirit Mountain, I must give him a proper welcome."

Then, Zhunti his hand, and a row of tables appeared in the main hall, while the meditation cushions of Yaoshi, Dizang, Maitreya, and others disappeared.

The group sat down at the table, Zhunti a few fingers, and delicious dishes, various Spirit Fruit and wines appeared on the table.

Zhunti raised a cup of wine and said, "Fellow Daoist Bai Ze, this wine was brewed by me using Eight Treasures Merit Pool of the Western Region. Although it cannot compare to some famous wines, it has its own unique flavor. Please have a taste!"

Seeing Zhunti's attitude, Bai Ze felt his scalp tingle. He wasn't afraid of Zhunti getting angry or Zhunti him, but he was afraid of this kind of person who was especially nice to him.

A person who is polite must have a request!

"Hopefully, Zhunti's appetite will be smaller!"

Bai Ze quickly sat up straight, picked up a cup of wine, and said, "Thank you for your hospitality, Your Saint. It is Bai Ze honor to drink this wine!"

Then he drank it all in one gulp!

As the first cup of wine was served, the atmosphere in the hall became quite pleasant, but this situation increasingly made Bai Ze uneasy.

After a round of toasts and pleasantries, Bai Ze finally spoke up, saying, "Your Saint, I have come here to find the tenth prince of my demon race. Our demon race is currently leaderless. I hope Your Saint will show mercy and allow our prince to return and take charge of our demon race."

After Bai Ze finished speaking, Shang Yang beside him also said, "We hope that the Saint will show mercy and allow our clan's crown prince to return and take charge of the overall situation of our demon race."

Zhunti, holding the prayer beads in his hand, said with a smile, "Fellow Daoist, you are mistaken. Prince Lu Ya is devoted to my Western Great Dharma, so he has come here specifically to seek the Dao. How could I possibly force him to stay?"

"Lu Ya, what do you think of Bai Ze's words? Do you wish to continue your cultivation on my Western Spirit Mountain, or will you ascend to the throne of the Demon Emperor?"

Zhunti passed the buck to Lu Ya, not wanting to bear such infamy, since Lu Ya had indeed willingly come to his Western Spirit Mountain.

Upon hearing these words, Lu Ya, who was below, stepped forward and bowed. He first paid his Jieyin and Zhunti, and then to Bai Ze Shang Yang.

He then said softly, "What the Saint says is absolutely right. Lu Ya's heart is set on the Western Great Dharma, which is why I came to the Western Region to seek the Dao. I am very grateful to the Saint for his compassion and for generously imparting the Great Law to me. Lu Ya is deeply grateful."

Faced with Lu Ya's statement, Bai Ze felt a headache coming on. He didn't care whether Lu Ya genuinely wanted to stay in the Western Region or had already been Zhunti, but this was definitely not the answer he wanted to hear.

In truth, Lu Ya was also conflicted at this moment. He knew that Bai Ze's visit to him this time was definitely an opportunity for him. If he could become the Demon Emperor of the Demon Clan, with the accumulation of his cultivation over two lifetimes, he would definitely be able to achieve great things.

But things didn't go as planned. Now that Donghua was in power, he was genuinely afraid and dared not, especially since he was going to take over the mess that was the demon race.

Although he knew that Donghua wouldn't really retaliate against him given his current status, he didn't dare to take any chances.

That's why he came to the Western Region to seek the Jieyin and Zhunti. Fortunately, he had some use and moved Zhunti's heart. Zhunti not only concealed his Heavenly Secret but also taught him the Western Great Dharma.

But there's no such thing as a free lunch. Isn't Zhunti so nice to him just because she's after his status as the crown prince of the demon race?

Bai Ze was still unwilling to give up. He looked at Lu Ya and said, "Your Highness, I have already sent the Demon Saint Ying Zhao to the Wa Huang Palace. With the protection of the Saint Nuwa, you will definitely not encounter any accidents. I, Bai Ze, am willing to guarantee with my own head that as long as I live, you will be safe. Are you willing to come with me to the Demon Clan?"

Bai Ze's words were sincere, and not only Lu Ya understood the meaning behind them, but everyone in the hall did as well.

As soon as Baiye finished speaking, Lu Ya's eyes flickered, clearly tempted. With Nuwa and Bai Ze around, his life was absolutely guaranteed. With that guarantee, why would he be afraid of not being able to subdue these demons?

But Zhunti was immediately displeased. He had risked antagonizing Donghua to protect Lu Ya, and now he wanted to leave like this? No way!

"Fellow Daoist Bai Ze, since Lu Ya is unwilling to leave with you, then let him continue his cultivation in the Western Region. My senior brother and I are even planning to appoint him as a Grand Zen Master of our Buddhist Teachings, so that he can share some of the sect's affairs."

Zhunti appeared calm, his words remaining unchanged, but the smile on his face gradually disappeared.

Bai Ze knew that the main event was about to begin. Now that Lu Ya had been persuaded by his words, all that remained was for Jieyin and Zhunti and Zhunti to negotiate.

"Thank you both for Saint kindness towards my demon prince, but as the crown prince of my demon race, Prince Lu Ya is born with responsibilities to bear. Now that the demon race is in decline, it is time for him to shoulder everything."

After saying this, Bai Ze rose and went to the center of the hall, bowed three times to Jieyin and Zhunti, and then said, "I once again thank the Saint for his guidance to my clan's crown prince!"

Zhunti glanced at Bai Ze, then at Lu Ya who was sitting upright, knowing that Lu Ya already had the idea of leaving the Western Region, and then said:

"Not at all, not at all Lu Ya is exceptionally talented and is also the descendant of an old friend. There is no need for me to express my gratitude. It is just that without Crown Prince Lu Ya, the Western Region is as if it has lost 100,000 men, which pains me greatly!"

Upon hearing this, Bai Ze cursed inwardly. Zhunti's appetite was truly enormous. In just a few years, he had demanded 100,000 demons. Was he really desperate for money?

The 100,000 people they spoke of were definitely not just lowly minions; at the very least, they were all accomplished Immortal Dao. The demon race was already fragmented, and losing another 100,000 would truly be adding insult to injury.

However, once they 'Zhunti conditions, you either agree or leave; there's no room for negotiation.

Even Saint like him wouldn't haggle with you. He's a man of his word, and the main reason is that the difference in strength is too great. Don't think that just because he calls you a fellow Daoist, you're nothing.

But now that he's at their mercy, Bai Ze has no choice but to accept it, no matter how unwilling he is.

"I never expected the Saint to value my clan's crown prince so highly. This truly moves Bai Ze. Some members of my demon clan are admiring the Western Great Dharma. I wonder if the Saint would be willing to take them in?"