In the memory of this peach spirit, the “Yaohuang Hall” had been sealed since the War of Investiture, with no demon able to enter. It was only rumored to contain items like the “Yaohuang Canon” and the “Summoning Demon Banner,” which would only be revealed during a great calamity for the worthy.
This particular lineage of demons possessed the “Map of Land and People” left behind by the Demon Emperor and was responsible for guarding the Yaohuang Hall, remaining hidden deep in the mountains without ever interfering in the mortal world. However, on that day, the demon clearly remembered the sudden arrival of two of their kind. One had hair displaying five colors—red, cyan, yellow, white, and black—and was both handsome and proud, with a terrifying aura that made all other demons tremble as if encountering a true great demon. It was only when the then “Hall Master” confronted him with the Map of Land and People that the demon barely managed to suppress the urge to kowtow.
The other was charming, innocent, and beautiful. Every move she made, though not overtly seductive, stirred the deepest desires within. A mere sniff revealed her to be a fox spirit from the Qingqiu lineage!
They secretly approached the “Hall Master,” and after some unknown words exchanged, the “Hall Master” led them to the Yaohuang Hall.
After devoutly kowtowing for seven days, the gates of the Yaohuang Hall surprisingly opened—marking its first opening in centuries!
Unfortunately, the Yaohuang Hall opened solely for them. The demon race, which had been guarding the site for generations, was unable to enter, watching helplessly as the two entered. After forty-nine days, the gate closed again, impervious to any external force.
Following this incident, the “Hall Master” became more ambitious, relocating the “Xiaoqian Cave” from an endless mountain range to the nearby “Yuxu Mountain,” closer to the mortal world. He changed his title to “Grand Master” and assigned demons to take turns guarding the Yaohuang Hall at its original location, though his intentions remained unclear.
As for what the man with five-colored hair and the Qingqiu fox spirit saw or obtained within the Yaohuang Hall, the peach spirit had no knowledge.
“Five-colored hair… Could it be Kongque, the Demon King, Taili? Were they reincarnated travelers or had they entered the Investiture World through demon secrets?” Meng Qi had already calmed his surprise, frowning as he pondered but could not reach a conclusion.
What surprised Meng Qi even more was the “Chuiyi Zi” from the back mountains of Shaolin in ancient times—the annoying chatterbox of a descendant of the Kunpeng. Surprisingly, he hadn’t been boasting. The Yaohuang Hall truly existed!
In his own world, there were legends of the Demon Emperor from ancient times, almost mythic like the three revered Daoist figures, Yuanshi and others, with few actual tales surviving. It was said he attained enlightenment before the Demon Sage but had always kept aloof from demon affairs, not favoring them, leaving only the “Yaohuang Canon” to posterity, slightly less revered than the Demon Sage among demonkind.
Yet, in his own world, there had never been any mention of the “Yaohuang Hall,” not even in rumors. The chances of “Chuiyi Zi” guessing correctly through mere boasting were extremely low. Could it be that his family’s heritage held many secrets?
As his thoughts churned, Meng Qi temporarily set the matter aside, as there were neither clues nor sufficient strength to pursue it. At most, it could be reported to Xianji as intelligence or become a topic of conversation with his companions.
“Yuxu Mountain…” After the events involving the Yaohuang Hall, the little fox spirit, and Chuiyi Zi, Meng Qi found the name strangely familiar, differing from “Yuxu Palace” by only one character. Could there be a connection or some hidden meaning?
Thus, using “Yuxu” as a keyword, Meng Qi recalled related memory fragments from the peach spirit—flickering images and fleeting voices in his mind.
These memories were limited, mostly related to “Yuxu Mountain,” not the “Yuxu” Meng Qi had hoped for. For example, on a certain date, the peach spirit had eaten a woodcutter on Yuxu Mountain.
As Meng Qi was about to give up, one memory fragment expanded, revealing a conversation between the peach spirit and his junior apprentice:
“Junior apprentice, what are the Grand Master and Bo Le discussing in secret?” the peach spirit asked.
The big-headed junior apprentice rubbed his ears: “Doesn’t the Grand Master know us well enough? He was prepared in advance, with constant noise interference around!”
“I only vaguely heard the words ‘Yuxu Remnant’—and that was only because Bo Le momentarily lost control of his voice.”
“Yuxu Remnant…” Meng Qi furrowed his brows. This was indeed an astonishing term.
But upon reflection, according to the information provided by Xianji, soon after the War of Investiture, the Twelve Golden Immortals either disappeared, entered Nirvana, or joined the Buddhist sect. The Chan Sect’s lineage had long declined. Even those disciples who entered the Fengshen Bang or achieved physical immortality had ceased to descend to the mortal world after the fall of Heaven’s Court, leaving only various legends behind, much like other immortals.
Thus, among today’s secret Daoist sects, many claimed connections to the Kunlun lineage, though mostly distant branches. They lacked Yuanshi’s teachings, not to mention those of the Twelve Golden Immortals. They were even less connected than some noble families related to the Yuxu Palace or than Xianji, which had discovered the place where Yunzhongzi attained Nirvana and many Golden Immortal lineages!
Those called the “Yuxu Remnant” were likely even more distant branches. Considering the Biyou Palace on Kunlun Mountain and the things suppressed by Yang Jian, the second son of Yang, everything seemed to make sense.
This world was indeed strange, explaining why the Heavenly Venerable dared not act rashly… Finding no further clues, Meng Qi killed the peach spirit with a single palm strike, revealing a twisted peach tree.
“This is indeed quality material!” Meng Qi assessed the peach spirit’s true form.
As he spoke, he suddenly noticed Zhao Bai, Bai Song, and others looking at him oddly. He calmly added: “Though Heaven is merciful, those who recklessly kill innocents must not be spared. Leaving them alive is equivalent to killing ten or a hundred people. Killing one demon to save countless lives—how can we be hypocritical and refrain? Though a thousand men oppose me, I shall go forth!”
“Though a thousand men oppose me, I shall go forth…” Bai Song was initially startled, but after pondering, his eyes grew excited as he repeated the phrase, feeling his soul and spirit elevated, eager to die for righteousness immediately.
This was the demeanor of a Sage!
This was where righteousness lay!
Oops, I’ve plagiarized the words of the ancient Sages and the late Subhuti… Meng Qi, momentarily careless, blurted out, feeling quite embarrassed. If he had been alone, he could have brazenly claimed it, but his companions were watching!
Though the Mohist task was aside, quoting the “Dao De Jing” was for argument’s sake. But if he stole the words of the Sage again, wouldn’t he be hunted down by divine weapons or sacred artifacts left behind by the Sage?
Jiang Zhiwei and the others looked at the “virtuous-looking” Meng Qi, barely suppressing their smiles, telepathically transmitting: “The peach spirit has one Jiezi Ring, three heavenly treasures, one personal item, and a ‘Soul-Confusing Bell’ that should still be usable once…”
With a smile, she added: “I know you’re most concerned about this.”
Do I have “greedy” written on my face? Meng Qi stroked his beardless chin.
From the previous encounter, the “Soul-Confusing Bell” had power between the fourth and fifth Outer Manifestation Heavens, specializing in the soul—a strange and secret treasure that could prove useful. As for the “Map of Land and People,” even a replica could deceive a Zongshi-level expert, possibly trapping or slightly affecting them.
Frankly speaking, unless the secret treasures had special and powerful functions, Meng Qi barely noticed offensive or defensive secret treasures below the fifth heaven. Even though his current cultivation level couldn’t fully utilize the “Liu Huo,” as a top-grade treasure, it had the power of a fourth-heaven secret treasure in a single strike, which was why he could kill the big-headed demon earlier.
“Pity, though. Their other items were likely used to set up the killing formation…” Meng Qi reluctantly glanced at the remaining formation, fearing further reinforcements, so he didn’t dare delay dismantling it. He rode the clouds and mist, fleeing rapidly while changing directions repeatedly.
During this, Meng Qi shared the peach spirit’s memories with Jiang Zhiwei and the others, concluding: “The Grand Master of the Xiaoqian Cave on Yuxu Mountain is a demon at the Semi-Dharma Body level, with several Zongshi-level demon lords under him, and possesses the authentic “Map of Land and People.” With our current strength, it’s better not to provoke them.”
Even if the Celestial Venerable Lingbao himself were to intervene, it would be perilous in the extreme. The genuine “Map of Land and People” was a supreme treasure, a peerless divine artifact. Though it might not slay a Celestial Venerable outright, it could imprison one within its confines, gradually eroding their vitality over a century or two until their natural lifespan reached its end.
Though Jiang Zhiwei and the others had never heard of the “Map of Land and People” or knew its true form, they vaguely recalled its mention on the Six Paths’ exchange list. Having witnessed the replica’s wonder and mystery, they could roughly estimate the authentic’s power, so they had no objections to Meng Qi’s suggestion. However, they were quite interested in the matter of the Demon Emperor.
“The Lady Nuwa is one of the Celestial Deities (Tiansheng Shenling), a naturally born divine being. Legend has it that she attained enlightenment in ancient times, even earlier than Fu Xi, leaving behind only the myth of creating humanity. She is the mother goddess of our human race. Who would have guessed she might be the Demon Emperor…” When discussing such topics, Ruan Yushu, with her scholarly background, would reveal a hint of interest beneath her usual composed demeanor, speaking more than she typically would.
“It is said the Lady Nuwa has a human head and serpent’s body, indeed resembling a demon,” Zhao Heng speculated.
Ruan Yushu shook her head: “The Tiansheng Shenling are neither human nor demon, each with their own forms.”
“A human head and serpent’s body—the beginning of the word ‘Dao’—not a symbol of demonkind,” Jiang Zhiwei agreed.
The character “Dao” resembles a human-headed serpent.
But she paused and added: “Many demons are descendants of the Celestial Spirits. Perhaps…”
Meng Qi took over, nodding: “In the ancient and primordial eras, great sages often had multiple identities, either dual aspects of one being or specifically severed forms. Perhaps the Lady Nuwa was both the mother goddess of humanity and the Demon Emperor.”
For example, the Green Emperor might have three identities: the Green Emperor, the Celestial Venerable of Salvation, and the Medicine Buddha, or even more!
Smiling, he looked at Qi Zhengyan: “The Lady Nuwa has never left a lineage, but now the Demon Emperor has the ‘Yaohuang Canon.'”
“Senior Qi, your ‘Huntian Baogian’ appears to be connected to her. It may be linked to the lineage of the Mother Goddess of Humanity or a Celestial-Born Divine Spirit. Perhaps the Demon Emperor’s Hall is fated for you!”
The Six Paths’ exchange list didn’t specify the founder of the “Huntian Baogian,” only vaguely mentioning Nuwa. But Meng Qi knew it came from a Nuwa figure in a certain comic book. According to the characteristic of “legendary” level beings being “unique across all worlds,” it might indeed be the Lady Nuwa herself!
Qi Zhengyan turned his face away, ignoring Meng Qi’s nonsense. Even if the “Huntian Baogian” was truly Nuwa’s lineage, what kind of person would he become if he became involved with the Demon Emperor’s inheritance?
Would he become neither human nor demon?
At this moment, Zhao Bai, seeing they had fled far enough, asked: “Master Su, where do we go next?”
“We’ve offended Bo Le and the Xiaoqian Cave on Yuxu Mountain. We must leave immediately, entering the territories of other secret Daoist sects and feudal lords to use external forces to deter any future pursuit,” Meng Qi said clearly. “Then find a small country.”
Bai Song immediately said: “Tang and Chu are major feudal states, slightly stronger than Han. Nearby are powerful Daoist sects like the Wudang Mountain Golden Light Cave. The Xiaoqian Cave on Yuxu Mountain would certainly not dare to enter rashly.”
“Wudang Mountain Golden Light Cave?” Meng Qi narrowed his eyes slightly, recalling Xianji’s intelligence. Since the world’s chaos began, over several centuries, six overlords had emerged, subduing other feudal states to become “Alliance Lords.”
Some attained the Dharma Body early, while others did so after ascending the throne of overlord. Though different, all mysteriously retreated in their prime, retreating to secret Daoist sects or Buddhist lineages, sparking suspicion.
A century ago, the King of Chu had withdrawn to the Wudang Mountain Golden Light Cave, after which the world lost its overlord, and chaos intensified.
Seeing Meng Qi deep in thought, Bai Song added: “Tang and Chu have been at war for years, with a dozen small states sandwiched between them, each aligning with one side. It’s the perfect place for you, Master Su, to display your talents!”
Meng Qi inhaled slightly and nodded:
“Good!”
Just as the Mohist reforms had been completed, they all knew well which ideas could be discussed in small states and which could not. It was the perfect opportunity to test the results!
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