The memory of once being a human was too distant. Although it was deeply engraved in his mind, it still took some time to retrieve it from the depths of his memory. After a while, Ye Chuanze finally remembered who Kong Xuan was.
In the primordial times when the world was first created, the Dragon and Phoenix Clans were vying for supremacy. During the first great calamity, both clans faced disaster and perished. At that time, the leader of the Phoenix Clan, Pan Feng, laid two eggs before dying. One of these eggs hatched into Kong Xuan, later known as the foremost figure under the Sage. Kong Xuan was the son of Pan Feng, but his original form was not that of a phoenix; he was actually the first peacock in existence. After the calamity that befell the Dragon and Phoenix Clans, the heavens forbade the Phoenix Clan from reemerging. One egg gave birth to the first peacock in the world, while the other produced the first Roc.
Kong Xuan was known as the foremost figure under the Sage. His cultivation made him nearly unmatched below that level, and he could even contend with a Sage. His Five-Color Divine Light illuminated all tangible things in the world; during the War of the Gods, he captured Zhun Ti with this light. Ultimately, however, due to his inferior cultivation compared to Zhun Ti, he could not subdue him and was ultimately subdued by Zhun Ti and sent to the West.
After this battle, although Kong Xuan was defeated, he gained honor by having captured Zhun Ti with his Quasi-Saint cultivation. Even though he was ultimately captured due to his lower cultivation level, he was still regarded as the foremost figure under the Sage. No one else dared to challenge a Sage with Quasi-Saint cultivation and even gained an upper hand for a time.
There can be at most nine Sages in total. However, when all nine Sages appear together, it signals a great calamity for the world. Currently, there are seven Sages in Primordial; the eighth and ninth have yet to emerge. In the future, Kong Xuan is among those most likely to become a Sage. He is known as the foremost figure under the Sage, with his peak cultivation reaching Quasi-Saint perfection.
Kong Xuan's name became renowned in Primordial; after the War of the Lich, he became a leading figure among the demon race, shouldering their burdens and supporting their young leader.
Upon recalling who Kong Xuan was, Ye Chuanze couldn't help but be astonished; he never expected this proud young man to be such an extraordinary figure. A thought crossed his mind about taking on an apprentice. After Three Pure Ones established Three Teachings and widely accepted disciples, Ye Chuanze also contemplated founding a sect and taking disciples. However, due to not finding any suitable candidates that met his expectations, he had not established a sect until now. Seeing Kong Xuan sparked his desire to take on an apprentice.
"Kong Xuan, is it? Would you be willing to take me as your master?" Ye Chuanze asked.
Kong Xuan fell silent for a moment before replying, "Friend, please do not jest."
"Why? Are you unwilling? Do you think I am unworthy of being your master?" Ye Chuanze said.
"I would prefer to befriend you instead; masters are respected but can be distant. You have shown me great kindness; I wish to become close friends with you," Kong Xuan replied.
Ye Chuanze pondered this response; it sounded rather insincere. However, since Kong Xuan had said so, he couldn't rebuff him and thus replied smoothly, "If that's how you feel, then so be it; I won't force you."
"Thank you for your understanding," Kong Xuan said.
After leaving Flame Mountain, Ye Chuanze did not return to Buzhou Mountain but instead headed to Purple Cloud Palace.
Bamboo Forest, Red-Tiled Pavilion.
In the Pavilion, the Purple-Clad Daoist sat on the ground, holding a Wine Jug and pouring wine for the Elegant Man in Black across from him. Ye Chuanze picked up his cup, drank it in one gulp, and complained, "Master, do you think that Kong Xuan looks down on me? I always feel that his last sentence was just a formality."
Hongjun smiled slightly at his words and said, "You are overthinking it. He spoke the truth."
"Truth? It didn't sound like it to me. This is our first meeting; how could he want to befriend me so much? I doubt it; he must be just being polite," Ye Chuanze replied.
Hongjun's smile remained as he spoke calmly, "Some people take a master on their first meeting, while others make friends right away."
Ye Chuanze felt disheartened; he had been so eager to cling to Hongjun and insist on taking someone as his master.
Ye Chuanze took another sip of wine and teased, "That was because I fell in love at first sight. When I first met you, I developed feelings for you. Could it be the same for Kong Xuan?"
Upon hearing this, Hongjun calmly poured him another cup of wine and said lightly, "Kong Xuan? I will remember that."
Ye Chuanze's lips curled into a sly smile, reminiscent of a proud fox.
The future disciple of Intercepting Teachings and the favored disciple of the Sky-Connecting Master, Kong Xuan, thus left a deep impression in his master's mind.
Ye Chuanze and Hongjun sat together on the ground, drinking and chatting until dusk.
"Stay for the night!" Hongjun said.
"Sure."
Another night of a full moon brought lovers together.
***********
Since Demon Emperor Di Jun built the Heavenly Palace and gained recognition from the Heavenly Dao, the demon race has ruled over the heavens. All demons submitted to the Heavenly Palace, honoring the Demon Emperor as their Demon Lord. The prestige of Demon Emperor Di Jun soared to unprecedented heights, and under his governance and leadership, the demon race rapidly thrived and developed.
The Witch Clan is one of the earliest races in Primordial history, led by the Twelve Ancestor Witches. They established twelve tribes and have been thriving on the Primordial road since Pangu opened up the heavens and earth; they have long been the rulers of the land.
The Demon Clan controls the heavens, while the Witch Clan governs the earth. These two originally unrelated races have now come into conflict.
With the abundance of primordial energy shortly after the creation of the world, many spiritual beings have taken form and begun their cultivation. The population of the Demon Clan has rapidly increased, overwhelming the Heavenly Palace, which can no longer accommodate so many demon citizens. Many have chosen to establish their own caves in blessed mountains on the Primeval Continent, which has displeased the ruling Witch Clan.
The Witch Clan has a special and profound connection to the land they depend on for survival. They yearn for locations rich in spiritual energy, with clear waters and favorable geography for living. The demons also seek to inhabit these areas and build their caves. This led to friction between the two clans over settlement locations. Gradually, this friction escalated into disputes, which turned into conflicts, and eventually armed violence erupted. The Lich Clan has become embroiled in ongoing disputes.
Moreover, the current strength and rapid growth of the Demon Clan have fostered a sense of racial superiority and pride among its members, leading them to act arrogantly and bully others. The nature of demons is inherently unruly; they often resort to violence at the slightest provocation. As a result, how could they avoid offending others? The Witch Clan has been rooted in the Primordial world since its inception by Pangu. Now that the Demon Clan is rapidly proliferating, occupying mountains and building caves, any disagreement with members of the Witch Clan often leads to violence. Over time, animosity has accumulated between these two clans that previously had little interaction.
The conflicts between the Lich Clan have gradually intensified from small-scale skirmishes to broader battles. What began as personal grievances has evolved into a racial struggle between the Lich clans, prompting the Twelve Ancestor Witches to organize forces against the heavenly soldiers led by Demon Emperor Di Jun.
After several rounds of fighting, both sides have become increasingly agitated. The war has escalated, with neither side willing to back down. The once peaceful Primordial world is now once again thrown into turmoil due to this conflict between the two clans. Both the Witch Clan and the Demon Clan are among the most powerful forces in Primordial, with large populations and great strength. Once war breaks out between them, it will have far-reaching consequences and devastating effects.
Some perceptive immortals who can foresee trouble have already sensed impending doom; they closed their caves and entered seclusion for cultivation, refusing visitors or any outside contact. At this moment, the Primeval Continent is filled with turbulent winds and dark clouds looming ominously.
Recently, Ye Chuanze felt a sense of foreboding after a period of seclusion. Just as he emerged from his retreat, he heard his attendant report, "Your Highness Eastern Emperor Taiyi has come to visit."
Upon hearing this, Ye Chuanze thought to himself about the current situation of the Demon Clan: why would Taiyi come to see him instead of preparing for battle against the Witch Clan in Heavenly Palace? With many thoughts swirling in his mind, he speculated on Taiyi's reasons for visiting at this time and said, "Please invite him in."
Dressed in white robes, Eastern Emperor Taiyi entered. Ye Chuanze sat on a soft couch and looked at him. Since the establishment of Heavenly Palace and Di Jun's ascension as Demon Emperor followed by Taiyi's title as Eastern Emperor, Ye Chuanze had rarely seen him. Now seeing him again suddenly made Ye Chuanze almost unrecognizable; Taiyi had changed significantly—not in appearance but in demeanor.
Previously, Taiyi was gentle and distant, dressed in white with a mild smile that made people feel fondness at first sight; he was an exceptionally kind-hearted person. However, there was an undeniable aloofness in his eyes that made him hard to approach despite his gentleness. Now, although Eastern Emperor Taiyi still appeared gentle on the surface, there was an imposing aura about him that exuded authority—a kingly presence. His previous detachment gave way to a more commanding demeanor befitting someone who wields power.
Can power truly change a person so drastically? Ye Chuanze pondered.
"It has been a long time; Mr. Ye's cultivation has advanced again—truly makes us feel ashamed," Eastern Emperor Taiyi remarked as he took a seat opposite Ye Chuanze.
Ye Chuanze smiled lightly and replied, "You flatter me; I see your cultivation hasn't lagged either—clearly you haven't neglected your training."
"Haha," Eastern Emperor Taiyi chuckled but did not respond further.
Ye Chuanze poured him a cup of wine and said, "Your timing is perfect; if you had come a bit earlier, I would still be in seclusion and unable to meet you."
"Then just come later; you will eventually leave," Eastern Emperor Taiyi said casually as he picked up his wine cup.
Ye Chuanze glanced at him and smiled, "If that's the case, then it's my fault for making you wait, my friend."
"It is only right; I came uninvited to visit, so waiting a little longer is expected," Eastern Emperor Taiyi replied.
Hearing this, Ye Chuanze thought to himself that Taiyi was quite persistent and polite in his words. It seemed he had significant intentions for coming today. With a hint of humor, he joked, "Taiyi, why are you here instead of accompanying your brother in the Heavenly Palace? Aren't you afraid that Di Jun will think I'm trying to steal his brother and blame me for it?"
Eastern Emperor Taiyi looked at him and said, " Mr. Ye need not worry; my brother is aware of my visit today."
Ye Chuanze watched him, waiting for him to continue.
Eastern Emperor Taiyi set down his wine cup and said, "To be honest, I have come today with a request for you."
"What is it?"
Eastern Emperor Taiyi fixed his gaze on him and spoke slowly, "I would like to ask you to fight for the demon clan."
Comment 0 Comment Count