Shadows receded, the bright moon emerged, and clear radiance bathed the Fengtian Platform, covering it with a silvery veil. The Four-Color Divided Landscape Painting gradually faded into obscurity, as if merging into the sacrificial altar’s range, connecting seamlessly with Changle, the imperial capital at the heart of the Zhou Dynasty’s territory.
The Human Emperor, Gao Lan, let his sword hang low, its faint golden radiance shimmering upon the imperial seal. His towering figure stood unyielding. Even under the overwhelming pressure from the ancient supreme cultivators—Maitreya Buddha and the Demon King Peng—just moments ago, he had not bent or faltered in the slightest. It was as though his spine could bear the weight of all humanity and the brilliance of civilization itself, with his feet planted in the Nine Nether Depths and his head reaching the Immortal Realm above!
Hearing Maitreya and Demon King Peng’s declarations, Shaoxuan and Xi’e were plunged into deep worry. Witnessing this scene, they felt a renewed conviction in their hearts—as if Gao Lan were the legendary master, and they were not.
After carefully considering her thoughts and clearing away external distractions, Xi’e finally frowned and said, “Your Majesty, with war imminent across the land, the return of the formidable remaining Yaozu Sage in full force, and Maitreya’s intricate schemes spanning over a hundred thousand years, even with Yuanhuang’s aid, we cannot hold out for long. Moreover, the Fengtian Platform still requires at least another month to complete. Not to mention, the ambitious Luojiao sect has already incited the premature awakening and strategic maneuvers of the legendary experts and will undoubtedly seize this opportunity. What should we do?”
During the later stages of the demonic chaos that swept the land, the Human Emperor had already grown immensely powerful. At that time, with the backing of Amitabha Buddha, Maitreya attempted to establish a Buddhist kingdom on earth. Many events unfolded in between, but in the end, he suffered a devastating defeat and was forced to reassess his plans, biding his time until the final cataclysm. Thus, Xi’e described Maitreya’s schemes as having been in the making for over a hundred thousand years.
Seeing Gao Lan’s cold and indifferent expression remained unchanged, Xi’e paused before continuing, “When Your Majesty decided to construct the Fengtian Platform, you must have assessed the situation thoroughly, knowing full well that not only must the platform be defended, but the entire Zhou territory must be protected as well. Thus, the current circumstances must have been foreseen. Given your past depth of strategy and planning, you should not be unprepared or without contingencies.”
She had always admired Gao Lan’s royal vision and grand strategy.
Gao Lan retracted the imperial seal and emperor’s sword, clasped his hands behind his back, and took a few steps forward. Just as he was about to speak, outside the Fengtian Platform’s range, suddenly, jeweled ornaments drifted through the air and golden lotuses bloomed, outlining a figure. Clad in dark robes and wearing an ancient Daoist crown, his handsome features exuded an otherworldly charm akin to a primordial deity—none other than Meng Qi, who had directly manifested here through his omnipresence.
Witnessing the arrival of this newly emerged legendary expert, both Shaoxuan and Xi’e felt an inexplicable pressure, as if Meng Qi possessed certain qualities far surpassing those of ordinary legends.
As Meng Qi entered the vicinity of the Fengtian Platform, he let out a light chuckle and remarked, “When things seem abnormal, there must be something sinister at play. Your Majesty, before constructing the Fengtian Platform, you neither forged extensive alliances nor engaged in mutual favors. Facing imminent threats from the demon race, the Buddhist Kingdom, and the Luo Sect in such an isolated and vulnerable position—even with hidden strategies like the Landscape Painting—you remained in a highly passive stance. That was unwise. There must be a deeper reason behind it.”
It was precisely because he trusted that Gao Lan was no rash or reckless man that, despite concerns about Luojiao’s probing, he had placed a hidden piece through Yu Banshan and Qi Jinxiu when the time was right.
After Xiaosang’s analysis, the issue had become even more apparent.
Gao Lan stood still, hands clasped behind his back, his gaze growing even more profound as he slowly said, “Third Brother, worldly affairs are like a game of chess. At our level, even if we weren’t noticed before, we certainly are now by the great powers above. Some matters I cannot yet disclose in detail. I can only briefly say this: when I was sealed and imprisoned in Changle, all my belongings were taken. How did the Sage Emperor’s Demon Command and the item that conceals heavenly punishment return to my possession?”
Meng Qi had always harbored doubts about how Gao Lan had secretly attained the Body of Laws. If he had been imprisoned, who would have left him with the Sage Emperor’s Demon Command and the item that conceals heavenly punishment? Had he hidden them so well that they were not found, or had he won over his guards through his kingly aura, eventually retrieving them after many trials?
Both possibilities seemed extremely unlikely. Back then, Gao Lan had turned Changle into a bloodbath. When sect experts intervened, even if their priority had been to subdue rather than search him at first, after the return of Chonghe Daoist and Master Lu, with their divine perception as Law Bodies, how could anything have remained hidden? As for the guards, whether appointed by the sect or bearing deep grudges against him, they would have been vigilant to the utmost. How could they have been swayed by a seemingly madman?
Now, hearing Gao Lan directly confirm it, Meng Qi finally had his suspicions confirmed. As for the exact details, he would have to speculate with Xiaosang later.
“So it truly was the case,” Shaoxuan and Xi’e both exhaled in relief.
Gao Lan gazed at Meng Qi, a faint smile playing on his thin lips. “Third Brother, from what you just said, it seems you’re suggesting forming extensive alliances to resist the demon race, the Buddhist Kingdom, and the Luo Sect?”
“Indeed,” Meng Qi nodded with a smile.
How clever his jester-like elder brother was. Even though Meng Qi had only pointed out the abnormality, Gao Lan had understood his deeper meaning.
“In the late ancient era, when the Human Emperor opposed the Demon Race, the Buddhist Kingdom, and the Luo Sect, his broad and inclusive heart won him many allies. These included Daoist immortals from the Yu Xu and Bi You sects, certain Buddhist factions, as well as surviving deities and experts from the fallen Heavenly Court. Many of them still exist today,” Gao Lan said calmly.
Guangcheng Senior Brother was the Human Emperor’s teacher, and Jiutian Xuannü had once aided the Human Emperor… Meng Qi nodded slightly, knowing his jester-like elder brother spoke the truth. “If that is the case, why didn’t Your Majesty reach out to these allies first, instead of directly constructing the Fengtian Platform?”
Gao Lan let out a slight laugh, tinged with a hint of madness. “If I had informed them beforehand and coordinated with them, the construction of the Fengtian Platform would certainly have been delayed, as various factions are still returning. None would want the situation to escalate prematurely.”
“Now, the Fengtian Platform is nearly complete, and the situation has become perilous. The Yaozu, the Buddhist Kingdom, and the Luojiao sect have already formed an alliance. The matter is settled. If they still wish to maintain the balance of power and prevent one faction from dominating the three-way alliance, they will have no choice but to accept the situation. At this point, if we lower our stance and approach them with a respectful attitude, seeking their aid will be much easier.”
“Cooperation is based on mutual benefit, not mere obedience or passivity.”
At this point, his expression turned solemn:
“I am the current Human Emperor, the Son of Heaven of the Zhou Dynasty. Even in cooperation, I must hold the dominant position. How could I allow myself to be manipulated by others?”
His tone remained calm, his figure standing proudly. This was still the same sworn elder brother Meng Qi knew—whether the bold and reckless madman, the cold and ruthless emperor, or the present Gao Lan who had fused both personas—each bore an indomitable and proud spirit within his chest.
“But… isn’t it already too late?” Shaoxuan did not hide her concern.
If they were crushed too quickly, would those factions abandon the Zhou Dynasty entirely?
Gao Lan turned to Meng Qi, his gaze calm.
“Third Brother, your composure suggests you must have a plan.”
Meng Qi chuckled, “Your Majesty’s insight is as sharp as ever.”
Then, he grew serious and said, “I will need to borrow the sacrificial altar for a moment.”
He prayed to Yuanshi Tianzun, activated the Law of All Causes, and, as the Sect Leader, summoned the Four Demon-Slaying Swords!
Gao Lan gave a slight nod and stepped aside. Shaoxuan and Xi’e spoke in unison, “Please, Sect Leader Su.”
Meng Qi adjusted his robes, slowly ascended the steps, and a solemn and sacred atmosphere arose.
Upon arriving at the Fengtian Platform, he first bowed toward the lofty Yuxu Palace in the heavens, then paid homage to the Five Emperors of the Five Directions. Standing at the center, he summoned the Daoist Glazed Lamp from his eyes. It soared forth, transforming into an illusory talismanic decree, radiating dazzling starlight patterns.
As the decree shimmered with radiant light, Meng Qi pointed his finger and proclaimed loudly, “In the name of the Yu Xu Sect Leader, I summon Guangcheng Senior Brother from Jiuxian Mountain to lend the Demon-Slaying Sword!”
As soon as the words were spoken, one of the brilliant starlines flared to life. High above, a star rivaling the moon suddenly blazed with intense light, revealing a majestic mountain peak glowing with a verdant glow!
……
Within the Tianhai Source, a colossal figure with twin horns atop its head rose with the might of toppling mountains and overturning seas, laughing loudly, “It’s time to crush the Zhou Dynasty!”
In one stride, it reached the desert, trailed by a sinuous celestial dragon and a colossal Peng that blotted out the moon and stars. Its overwhelming presence pierced the cosmos, unsettling countless stars in the distant universe.
Truly, it devoured the heavens and earth!
At that moment, the verdant glow pierced through the darkness, and sharp sword qi spread. A jade-green sword beam, towering like a mountain supporting the sky, crashed down into the vast sea.
This “mountain” was an ancient, straight, jade-green greatsword, upon which Daoist runes formed two words:
“Demon-Slaying!”
Its piercing and annihilating aura spread outward. The horned giant involuntarily took a step back.
A chorus of voices cried out in alarm:
“The Demon-Slaying Sword?”
At the edge of the Eastern Sea, the Maitreya Buddha descended in a magnificent manifestation, riding upon auspicious clouds that radiated golden glazed light and scattered white lotus petals. Flanked by Dharmalaksana and Mahamaya, and encircled by tiers of Bodhisattvas and Arhats, he made a grand and widely celebrated arrival.
He was about to carry out his salvation mission!
“Namo Amitabha Buddha.” Maitreya softly chanted the Buddha’s name, ready to enlighten Jiangdong and rouse the hidden Buddhist followers throughout the land to rise up. Suddenly, a sharp sword qi struck his body. A crimson beam tore through the void and plunged into the Eastern Sea, not sinking beneath the waves but soaring straight into the clouds.
This was a blood-red sword, ancient and terrifying, bearing the same Daoist runes forming two words:
“Slaying the Heretics!”
Maitreya’s divine form halted. In his omnipresent perception, a white sword beam descended from the stars above the border between the Southern Wilderness and the Zhou territory, transforming into the “Slaying the Heretics Sword.” Above the northernmost icy plains, a black, straight sword pierced through the heavens and earth, its dark blade named “Annihilation Sword!”
Boom!
With the four swords in place—East, West, South, and North—their sword qi interwove, forming layers of storm clouds and gales that enveloped Changle, the imperial capital, Jiangdong, and the entire Zhou Dynasty’s twenty-seven provinces and countless living beings. The surging sword intent surged into the Heavens, spreading across myriad worlds.
“The Four Demon-Slaying Swords…” Maitreya’s ever-present smile stiffened slightly.
In the Fengshen World, within an abandoned cave dwelling, Nezha sat silently, his eyes slightly red.
At that moment, the sword intent reached him. He lifted his head, his right hand gripping the spear handle as he murmured softly, “Has it begun?”
Deep within the Eastern Sea, the Golden Tortoise Island suddenly emerged, and an enormous white ape stood towering above all.
“The Four Demon-Slaying Swords?” Yuan Hong’s eyes reflected the four divine swords.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage