Nüwa, as a Sage, naturally received congratulations from all directions on her birthday. Although Fuxi had not yet become a Saint, he was powerful in his own right. After the battle with the Lich, he gained great renown in the Primordial realm and held high prestige among the demon race. Furthermore, he had always been well-liked, maintaining good relationships with many powerful beings in the Primordial realm. When the two held a birthday banquet, guests gathered, including many of the reclusive powerful beings who usually stayed hidden in their caves.
At a time when the situation in the Primordial realm was so sensitive, being able to invite these old foxes who were adept at seeking benefits and avoiding harm spoke volumes about Fuxi and Nüwa's influence. As relations with the Lich Clans deteriorated and war loomed, these old foxes, who typically roamed freely in search of treasures, changed their usual behavior and collectively shut themselves away in their caves. Consequently, the Primordial realm became much quieter, regardless of how heated the battles were on the Lower Realm.
The atmosphere in the Primordial realm was bleak and desolate after experiencing the war with the Lich Clans, bearing the scars of conflict. In this context, Nüwa and Fuxi's birthday celebration took on significant meaning; such a festive occasion seemed capable of breaking the long-standing gloom in the Primordial realm. The emergence of those powerful beings from their caves underscored this point. On that day, whether among humans or demons in the Lower Realm, there was a pervasive atmosphere of joy and celebration.
Demon Emperor Di Jun seemed to seize upon Fuxi and Nüwa's birthday banquet as an opportunity to alleviate the heavy atmosphere within the demon race caused by war. He also aimed to use this occasion to foster friendly relations with various powerful beings in the Primordial realm to gain their goodwill and support for a more advantageous position in future conflicts against the Witch Clan. Therefore, he placed great importance on this birthday banquet. He even dispatched personnel to assist Fuxi and Nüwa in preparing for the event, but was politely sent away by Nüwa, who bluntly stated, "My brother and I's birthday banquet does not require your concern, Demon Emperor."
Seeing her firm attitude and displeasure, Di Jun refrained from further involvement but felt a sense of regret. If possible, he would have liked to host a grand banquet at Heavenly Palace to celebrate Fuxi and Nüwa's birthdays to achieve his political goals. However, although he could not directly intervene in their celebration, he could strengthen vigilance across various regions, especially around Buzhou Mountain, to prevent any disruptions from the Witch Clan.
Having experienced disruptions during the previous Demon Prince's birthday banquet caused by the Witch Clan, Di Jun was particularly sensitive and ordered Eastern Emperor Taiyi to personally monitor any movements from the Witch Clan. If they showed any signs of abnormal activity, he would not hesitate to mobilize troops for battle. This was not merely about Fuxi and Nüwa's birthday banquet; it represented significant political implications for the demon race. Gaining support from various powerful beings in the Primordial realm was essential for securing an advantageous position in future Wars of the Lich.
While it was too far to discuss matters in the West, regarding powerful beings in the East—specifically the Three Pure Ones—their strength should not be underestimated. The Three Pure Ones were direct disciples of Dao Ancestor and possessed Sage-level cultivation. They established their teachings at Kunlun Mountain and propagated Three Teachings: Creation, Expansion, and Interception. If they could gain their support, how could the demon race fear being unable to suppress the Witch Clan?
Di Jun's plans were well thought out; why should the Witch Clan act so arrogantly? They only had twelve Ancestral Shamans and claimed descent from Pangu, the Primordial Father God. The demon race had a Sage! Did you have one? The demon race also had favored disciples of Dao Ancestor; did you? With two invincible war gods who could conquer anything—could you withstand them? If they could also secure support from Three Pure Ones and other powerful beings in Primordial realm, then victory over Witch Clan would be assured!
As for why Di Jun was so confident about gaining support from Three Pure Ones and other powerful beings in Primordial realm—there were reasons for that. Hadn't they all once attended Dao Ancestor's teachings together at Purple Cloud Palace? They had shared a teacher and were thus considered classmates or brothers; there was some camaraderie there. If he lowered his stance a bit more to actively seek friendship and support, wouldn't that be an easy task? Moreover, his war god Ye Chuanze was a close disciple of Three Pure Ones! Nüwa Sage of his demon race was also a sibling disciple with Three Pure Ones—surely their relationship was closer than that with Witch Clan!
It must be said that Di Jun's calculations were indeed clever; his ideas were quite optimistic. However, while thinking this way, he completely forgot about their past conflicts over treasures where they fought fiercely against each other with cold words exchanged. He forgot how they had squeezed each other out during power struggles at Purple Cloud Palace. Perhaps this is a common flaw among those in high positions! After being elevated for so long, one tends to become self-righteous and assume one's thoughts are correct while overlooking others' opinions.
For instance, he boldly used Fuxi and Nüwa's birthday celebration to achieve his political goals by courting favor with powerful beings in Primordial realm—turning what should have been a joyous occasion into one tinged with political significance. Did he ever consider whether Fuxi and Nüwa would be pleased? Were they happy? Perhaps in his mind these concerns were trivial; after all, as members of the demon race, it was expected of them.
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Fuxi and Nüwa hosted a banquet at Buzhou Mountain to entertain guests from all directions. Both Fuxi and Nüwa were not ostentatious individuals; their birthday celebration did not invite many people but only those with whom they had established friendships among powerful beings in Primordial realm. In contrast, Demon Emperor Di Jun’s banquets at Heavenly Palace often invited nearly every demon race member from Primordial realm—his actions appeared extravagant or even ostentatious by comparison.
However, Fuxi told Nüwa that the value lies not in quantity but in quality. Although there were not many guests, each one was a significant figure whose mere stomp could shake the Primordial.
Ye Chuanze, as a friend of Fuxi and Nüwa, naturally would not miss this joyous banquet. He specially changed into a purple robe for the occasion, as his usual black attire felt too heavy for such a festive event. He arrived neither early nor late and noticed Zhen Yuanzi, who had come early, sitting nearby, so he smiled and walked over.
"Zhen Yuanzi, my friend, long time no see!" Ye Chuanze greeted as he took a seat to his left.
Zhen Yuanzi looked up at the sound and, seeing him, returned a smile and said, " Mr. Ye, long time no see."
"Indeed! Mr. Ye." Suddenly, a cheerful voice came from Zhen Yuanzi's side. Ye Chuanze couldn't help but glance over at Zhen Yuanzi.
Ye Chuanze's expression showed slight surprise before he seemed to understand something and hesitantly asked, "Was that Red Cloud just now?"
A smile appeared on Zhen Yuanzi's face as he nodded and replied, "Indeed."
"He insisted on coming with me upon hearing about Fuxi and Nüwa's birthday banquet. I couldn't refuse him, so I brought him along," Zhen Yuanzi said with a tone of helplessness, though his expression was indulgent and even affectionate, lacking any displeasure or annoyance.
Ye Chuanze looked at him and shook his head with a smile, saying, "It seems you are enjoying it as well."
Zhen Yuanzi did not respond but merely rubbed the jade pendant at his waist with his thumb. It seemed that Red Cloud's Primordial Spirit was likely attached to this pendant. The jade naturally carried spiritual energy, making it an excellent vessel for nurturing the Primordial Spirit.
Seeing this, Ye Chuanze said no more and turned his gaze to the jade pendant hanging from Zhen Yuanzi's waist, asking aloud, "Red Cloud, how have you been lately?"
"Very well, thank you for your concern, Mr. Ye," Red Cloud's voice sounded as cheerful and vibrant as ever; he indeed did not seem to be in poor condition.
It seems Zhen Yuanzi has taken very good care of him! Ye Chuanze thought to himself.
"Speaking of which, I must thank Mr. Ye. If it weren't for your timely assistance that day, I would have long since perished with my Primordial Spirit," Red Cloud said.
"It was merely a small effort on my part; you need not be so polite. We have known each other for some time, and I couldn't bear to see you meet such a tragic end," Ye Chuanze replied.
"That may be true, but in the end, it was still you who saved me," Red Cloud said, his tone suddenly turning somber and his voice low. "At that time, you were the only one willing to help..."
"You are mistaken, Red Cloud," Ye Chuanze shook his head in disagreement.
"Ah?" Red Cloud responded with a puzzled tone.
Ye Chuanze said, "There were others willing to help you at that time; if Zhen Yuanzi had been present, he would have certainly intervened as well. He would never allow you to perish; he would have saved you."
The person fell silent for a moment before saying, "Yes! If it were him, he would definitely have saved me."
"I dragged you down, my friend!" Red Cloud lamented.
"Nonsense! This was my choice; it has nothing to do with you," Zhen Yuanzi reprimanded. "Do not overthink it. If you feel indebted to me, then focus on your cultivation and solidify your spiritual body as soon as possible. That way, my efforts to protect your Primordial Spirit will not be in vain."
"Rest assured, I will not be lazy! I will solidify my spiritual body as soon as possible!" Red Cloud vowed with determination.
Listening to their conversation, Ye Chuanze couldn't help but smile. This truly exemplified the bond of good friends among the Primordial, a relationship that outsiders found hard to intrude upon.
"What are you two discussing over here?" Suddenly, a clear voice rang out. Ye Chuanze and Zhen Yuanzi looked up to see a handsome young man dressed in a crimson robe, adorned with a jade pendant and wearing a purple-gold glass crown standing before them.
The newcomer was none other than the leader of the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox clan, Fox King Kitsunetsu. Ye Chuanze maintained a calm expression while feeling secretly surprised; many old acquaintances had unexpectedly appeared today. "Long time no see, Fox King. It must have been at least a thousand years since we last met!" Ye Chuanze said.
"Yeah! I don't know what you've been busy with; I can't seem to find you anywhere," Kitsunetsu complained.
"Eh?" Ye Chuanze widened his eyes in surprise. "Why would the Fox King say that?" In truth, he wanted to ask when they had become so familiar; he didn't appreciate being spoken to in such a casual tone. They really weren't that close!
"I visited your Cave several times recently, but each time your little attendant said you weren't inside," Kitsunetsu said.
"Oh, you're talking about that! I was out traveling and happened to visit my master, so I wasn't at the Cave," Ye Chuanze replied.
"I see. I went through all that trouble for nothing, but it's fine," Kitsunetsu said. "At least I've found you now."
"Hm? What is it? Why does the Fox King seek me?" Ye Chuanze couldn't help but ask curiously.
Kitsunetsu's expression suddenly became extremely serious. His purple eyes, bright and clear like glass, gazed intently at him, shimmering with a captivating light. His rosy lips parted slightly, "Please, marry me!"
"Ha!"
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