Wuzhuang Temple.
Under the Ginseng Fruit Tree, Fellow Daoist Hong Yun and Zhenyuanzi sat facing each other. Spiritual tea steamed on the stone table, but no one was in the mood to savor it.
Ever since Fellow Daoist Hong Yun learned of the Yao Race's movements, he knew that Dijun and Taiyi, those two guys, were probably really going to make a move against the Witch Race.
He didn't dare to delay for a moment, hurrying to Wuzhuang Temple to discuss with Zhenyuanzi.
"The Yao Race, after all, couldn't hold back anymore," Fellow Daoist Hong Yun spoke first, his voice carrying a hint of unconcealed solemnity.
"The Yao Race has been silent for tens of thousands of years, and now they are mobilizing their troops with such great fanfare."
"It seems they are determined to fight the Witch Race to the death, to have a true decisive battle!"
Zhenyuanzi picked up his teacup, gently blew on the floating tea leaves, and said in a steady voice, "Hmm, Dijun and Taiyi have been enduring for tens of thousands of years; their ambitions are not small."
"This time, they are coming out in full force, so they must feel that the time has come and they have a sure victory."
"When Fellow Daoist Wu Ming came to return the Earth Book, I also discussed this matter with him."
"It's just that I didn't expect Dijun and Taiyi to be able to endure for tens of thousands of years."
Upon hearing this, Fellow Daoist Hong Yun's spirits lifted. "Oh? What did Fellow Daoist Wu Ming say at the time? Did he have a countermeasure?"
Zhenyuanzi recalled the scene at the time and slowly said, "Fellow Daoist Wu Ming once said that the Yao Race... doesn't yet have the qualifications to truly fight his Witch Race."
"What?" Fellow Daoist Hong Yun stood up abruptly, his face full of disbelief.
"No qualifications? Fellow Daoist Zhenyuanzi, did you hear wrong? How many forces has the Yao Race integrated?"
"Dijun and Taiyi, those two guys, which one of them is easy to deal with? Fellow Daoist Wu Ming is a bit too..."
He spoke halfway, then suddenly slapped his forehead, sat back down to himself, but his tone softened considerably. "Sigh! Look at my memory!"
"I almost forgot! The Witch Race still has Fellow Daoist Zhou Ming holding the fort!"
"With Fellow Daoist Zhou Ming present, the Witch Race indeed has the confidence not to fear the Demon Clan Heavenly Court!"
Upon mentioning Fellow Daoist Zhou Ming, Zhenyuanzi's expression also eased slightly, and he nodded. "Fellow Daoist Zhou Ming is unfathomable; I naturally trust him on that point. It's just..."
His tone shifted, and a hint of worry appeared between his brows. "It's just... I still feel a slight unease in my heart."
"Why does Fellow Daoist say that?"
Zhenyuanzi looked at Fellow Daoist Hong Yun, his expression a bit more serious. "If it were tens of thousands of years ago, when the Yao Race first unified all the demons of the Primordial World and their arrogance was at its peak."
"If they had started a war with the Witch Race then, I certainly wouldn't be so worried."
"I believe that with the Witch Race's strength, they would surely achieve an easy victory."
"But now..."
He paused, his tone heavy. "The Yao Race has endured for a full tens of thousands of years before choosing to strike now."
"During these ten thousand years, Dijun and Taiyi, those two ambitious individuals, would never have wasted their time."
"No one knows what kind of power they have secretly accumulated, or what trump cards they have prepared."
"If they didn't have absolute certainty, how could they choose this moment to come out in full force and engage in a final decisive battle with the Witch Race?"
"Can the current Witch Race, facing a Yao Race that has prepared for tens of thousands of years, still easily win as Fellow Daoist Wu Ming said?"
Hearing Zhenyuanzi's analysis, the relaxed expression on Fellow Daoist Hong Yun's face gradually faded, replaced by solemnity.
That's right...
The Yao Race was once a colossal entity that contended with the Witch Race as equals.
Dijun and Taiyi were even top-tier ambitious figures in the Primordial World; their intellect and methods were beyond what ordinary people could compare to.
The Yao Race prepared for tens of thousands of years before deciding to go to war with the Witch Race. Could the Witch Race... truly still easily crush the Yao Race as Fellow Daoist Wu Ming said?
Fellow Daoist Hong Yun also felt uncertain.
He shook his head, forcefully suppressing those chaotic thoughts, and his eyes became firm again.
"No matter what!" Fellow Daoist Hong Yun said decisively, "This muddy water, I, Fellow Daoist Hong Yun, am determined to wade into!"
"No matter what conspiracies and tricks the Yao Race has prepared! And no matter what the Witch Race's chances of winning this battle are! In this battle, I, Fellow Daoist Hong Yun, must go and help out!"
"If not for Fellow Daoist Wu Ming's guidance back then, the Karma between me and Kunpeng would have been entangled for who knows how long."
"This kindness, I, Fellow Daoist Hong Yun, will never forget! Now that the Witch Race is in trouble, how can I stand by and do nothing!"
Zhenyuanzi nodded gravely upon hearing this. "What Fellow Daoist says is very true."
"The matter of Kunpeng was indeed thanks to Fellow Daoist Wu Ming's guidance. This time, I shall go with Fellow Daoist!"
Fellow Daoist Hong Yun was stunned for a moment, then hurriedly waved his hand and said, "Oh, Fellow Daoist Zhenyuanzi, why bother?"
"You and I both know that the Witch and Demon War is no small matter; it often ends in death and the dissipation of one's Dao."
"Going to Mount Buzhou this time will undoubtedly be extremely perilous, with life and death uncertain."
"There isn't much Karma involved between you and the Witch Race, so there's really no need for you to take such an enormous risk for my personal matter."
"I, Fellow Daoist Hong Yun, appreciate your intention. But it's better if you don't get involved in this matter."
Upon hearing this, Zhenyuanzi let out a hearty laugh, his laughter carrying a hint of carefree determination.
"Fellow Daoist Hong Yun, what are you saying!"
"You and I have been friends for countless years; do you really think I am someone who fears death?"
"You and I became acquainted with Fellow Daoist Wu Ming in our humble beginnings, sharing similar aspirations and becoming close friends."
"Can this friendship be obstructed by mere words like 'peril'?"
"He, Fellow Daoist Wu Ming, was able to go to great lengths for Fellow Daoist's matter back then; today, his Witch Race has a problem."
"How can I, Zhenyuanzi, stand idly by and watch my friend fall into danger without doing anything?"
"So, Fellow Daoist, there's no need to persuade me further. My mind is made up!"
"I am definitely helping with this!"
He paused, then showed a relaxed smile, trying to ease the solemn atmosphere. "Besides, the situation might not be as dangerous as we imagine."
"The Yao Race has been dormant for tens of thousands of years; could it be that Fellow Daoist Wu Ming was completely unaware of this and made no preparations?"
"With Fellow Daoist Wu Ming's wisdom and methods, perhaps he has long since seen through all of the Yao Race's schemes."
"Perhaps he has already set up a net, just waiting for the Yao Race to fall into it!"
"Perhaps, our trip this time is merely to add icing to the cake, boost morale, act as spectators, and enjoy the show, hahaha!"
As Fellow Daoist Hong Yun listened to Zhenyuanzi's words, his worries lessened slightly, and he was also influenced by his optimistic attitude, unable to help but laugh heartily.
"Haha, good! I'll take your auspicious words, Fellow Daoist! I hope it's truly as Fellow Daoist says, that this trip is just to watch a show!"
"However, even if it's just to wave flags and shout, we must let Fellow Daoist Wu Ming know that he still has us two friends!"
"Since that's the case, there's no need for us to delay here. The Witch and Demon War is imminent and could break out at any moment!"
"We should hurry to Mount Buzhou and rendezvous with Fellow Daoist Wu Ming and the others. The sooner we arrive, the more confidence Fellow Daoist Wu Ming will have!"
Zhenyuanzi nodded. "Good. Without further ado, let's depart!"
As his voice fell, the two no longer hesitated, their figures transforming into two streaks of light, rushing directly out of Wuzhuang Temple and speeding towards Mount Buzhou.
...
Mount Buzhou.
In front of Pangu Hall, two figures landed; it was Zhenyuanzi and Fellow Daoist Hong Yun, who had rushed all the way from Mount Wanshou.
"Is Fellow Daoist Wu Ming present?" Fellow Daoist Hong Yun said loudly, "I, Fellow Daoist Hong Yun, along with Fellow Daoist Zhenyuanzi, have come specifically to visit!"
His voice spread far and wide, penetrating into the ancient and weathered Pangu Hall.
Before long, the hall doors slowly opened, and Fellow Daoist Wu Ming's figure appeared at the entrance.
"It turns out to be Fellow Daoist Hong Yun and Fellow Daoist Zhenyuanzi. You two have come a long way; I apologize for not welcoming you sooner. Please come inside for a chat."
"Fellow Daoist Wu Ming is too polite."
"We have come uninvited; we hope Fellow Daoist does not mind."
The two followed Fellow Daoist Wu Ming into Pangu Hall.
...
Inside Pangu Hall.
Fellow Daoist Hong Yun, being impetuous, spoke first. "Fellow Daoist Wu Ming, I presume you already know that the Yao Race's army has already gathered, their forces aimed directly at your Witch Race!"
"My brother, Fellow Daoist Zhenyuanzi, and I have come this time for no other reason than to lend you a hand and resist the Yao Race together with the Witch Race!"
Zhenyuanzi also nodded gravely from the side, saying in a deep voice, "What Fellow Daoist Hong Yun said is also my intention."
"Although the two of us are weak, we are willing to contribute our meager strength for the Witch Race and for Fellow Daoist!"