The Demon Race Departs, Kunpeng Creates a Rift

Now that Liu Mang understood the true Hong Huang, he was completely immersed in his own thoughts, which in the cultivation world would be called entering a state of meditation.

No one would have imagined that someone who couldn't even cultivate could enter meditation. Even Hong Jun, if he encountered such a situation, would be bewildered.

Therefore, no one noticed any of this. Everyone was still shocked by the news Hong Jun had thrown out about the impending Wu-Yao Tribulation.

After Di Jiang and Di Jun finished giving instructions to their people, they seemed to sense something and simultaneously turned to look at each other.

Where their gazes met, it was as if sparks flew in the air.

Without any visible movement, the next second they appeared before each other, less than a fist's distance apart.

Their actions caused the Witch and Demon races to instantly become tense. Everyone glanced at each other, having already found their opponents.

For a time, the situation became deadlocked once more.

The two stared at each other for a long time. Di Jiang spoke first, "I hope your Demon Race keeps its word and does as it says!"

Di Jun sneered, "Worry about your own Witch Tribe first. You don't need to concern yourself with the affairs of the Demon Race."

After speaking, the two smiled at each other and returned to their respective camps.

Both sides understood that their next meeting would not be so amicable; it would be a matter of who was more capable.

Di Jun led the Demon Race members to Nu Wa. "Saint Nu Wa, if there is nothing else, we will take our leave. After all, there are many matters in the Heavenly Court."

Nu Wa nodded. After a moment of thought, she looked up at Di Jun and Tai Yi and advised, "The Dao Ancestor's words, as the rulers of the Heavenly Court, I hope you will take them to heart."

"In the current situation, I also hope that everyone will prioritize the survival of the Demon Race in all matters and not act rashly. If anyone dares to plunge our Demon Race into dire straits, I will ensure they perish and their Dao is destroyed."

Upon hearing Nu Wa's words, the faces of the Demon Race members tightened.

Especially Nine Infants and Gui Che. Although they kept their heads down, they felt a scorching gaze locked onto them, not daring to even breathe heavily.

If they truly dared to act against the grain, they might face thunderous retribution.

Everyone quickly said, "We respectfully obey the Saint's command."

"Of course, our Demon Race cannot be bullied by others because of this." Nu Wa said, looking at Di Jun and Tai Yi, and continued, "The specifics of how to handle this are up to the two of you to decide."

Hearing Nu Wa's words, Di Jun and Tai Yi exchanged glances, both seeing joy in each other's eyes.

They had clearly heard what Hong Jun had warned Nu Wa about: even Saints risked falling when interfering in a Calamity.

Originally, they thought that after hearing Hong Jun's words, Nu Wa would no longer care about the fate of the Demon Race.

Now, learning that Nu Wa would not completely abandon them meant that the Demon Race had a Saint backing them. How could Di Jun and Tai Yi not be pleased?

Di Jun (Tai Yi) suppressed his inner joy and bowed, "Thank you, Saint!"

Nu Wa nodded and no longer paid attention to the Demon Race members. Di Jun understood this was a dismissal and prepared to leave.

As Di Jun turned, he happened to see Liu Mang, who had been silently standing by.

Di Jun thought for a moment and said to Liu Mang, "Fellow Daoist Liu Mang, would you be willing to return to the Heavenly Court with me?"

Liu Mang was lost in his thoughts and did not speak. Instead, Nu Wa glanced at Di Jun.

With that one glance, Di Jun felt as if his thoughts were completely exposed to Nu Wa's gaze, and his face involuntarily flushed slightly.

He invited Liu Mang, of course, because Liu Mang was recognized as Nu Wa's son. He wanted to use Liu Mang to better tie Nu Wa to the Demon Race's cause.

Di Jun looked at the thoughtful Liu Mang and suddenly remembered what Liu Mang had told him earlier. Liu Mang had told him before Dao Ancestor that the Demon Race might suffer the same fate as during the Dragon-Han Tribulation.

At that time, although he was surprised, he still didn't believe it and didn't take it to heart.

It was only now, seeing Liu Mang in deep thought, that the memory was rekindled.

Seeing that Liu Mang still didn't speak, Di Jun continued earnestly, "If you are willing to come, young friend, I am willing to treat you with the same status as the Demon Master."

If Di Jun had wanted to build a connection before, now he genuinely wanted to keep Liu Mang.

Di Jun felt that Liu Mang must have more thoughts about the Wu-Yao Tribulation.

If he could learn more, not to mention changing the Demon Race's destiny, it would at least allow the Demon Race to be somewhat prepared to face the Calamity.

Di Jun's words not only stunned Tai Yi and the Demon Gods but also made Nu Wa look over with curiosity.

The position of Demon Master was second only to Di Jun and Tai Yi; even Fu Xi could not compare to it.

If Di Jun had merely wanted to get close to her, he could have just given Liu Mang a leisurely post and kept him, without going to such lengths.

Nu Wa couldn't help but wonder what Liu Mang had said to Di Jun to make him so determined.

Tai Yi stood beside Di Jun and whispered, "Big Brother, should we reconsider?"

Di Jun ignored Tai Yi's words. Instead, he lowered his head and looked earnestly at Liu Mang, waiting for his answer.

Tai Yi didn't understand, but Di Jun did. He was the one asking Liu Mang now, not the other way around.

If he could lead the Demon Race through the Calamity, even if he didn't give Liu Mang the treatment of a Demon Master, he would be willing to treat Liu Mang like royalty.

The premise was that Liu Mang was willing to return to the Heavenly Court with him.

A moment later, seeing Liu Mang still silent, Di Jun knew there was no hope and gave a wry smile. "It seems, young friend, that you are unwilling! I hope there will be an opportunity to seek your guidance again."

After speaking, Di Jun cupped his hands to Nu Wa again and led his people away.

He didn't know that Liu Mang had completely immersed himself in his own thoughts, showing no reaction to anything happening outside.

Passing by Kunpeng, Di Jun glanced at him expressionlessly and asked coldly, "Demon Master, are you returning to the Heavenly Court with us?"

In fact, Di Jun had been a little displeased with Kunpeng for a while. Although this person held the esteemed position of Demon Master, he seemed more like a demon than a member of the Demon Race.

Upon arriving here, he didn't join the rest of the Demon Race. After paying his respects, he went off to the side alone, thinking about who knows what.

Now, faced with Di Jun's invitation, Kunpeng not only didn't take it as an opportunity to save face, but instead considered it carefully.

Di Jun couldn't help but frown.

"Your Majesty, I still have some personal matters to attend to. After I've dealt with them, I will return to the Heavenly Court!"

"This is a time when we need all hands on deck. I hope the Demon Master will prioritize the overall situation of the Demon Race and return as soon as possible."

After speaking, Di Jun left without waiting for Kunpeng's reply.

As Liu Mang looked up, he happened to see Di Jun and the others leaving. They looked as small as grains of rice and disappeared into the sky in the blink of an eye.

Liu Mang was taken aback. They had been chatting so happily before; why did Di Jun leave without a word?

"He's leaving already? He got so much information from me, and he didn't even say goodbye when he left. And he's the Lord of the Heavenly Court? A little bit of manners, but not much! Next time I see him, I'll trick him a bit more and help him learn some manners."

Nu Wa: ...

Hearing Liu Mang's words, Nu Wa's face was filled with dark lines. Tricking people was one thing, but finding so many excuses for it was another.

Di Jun was truly bearing a false accusation.

Although Di Jun, who was far away, was enveloped in the True Sun Flame, he suddenly felt a chill all over his body, as if a great terror was about to descend. He divined for half a day but could calculate nothing.

What Nu Wa was truly curious about was what Liu Mang had said to Di Jun to make him willing to grant him a status comparable to Kunpeng's.

Nu Wa (with dangerous eyes): It seems you still have many things you're hiding from me.

Before Nu Wa could think further, Zhen Yuanzi and Hong Yun stepped forward.