"If Pei Xuanjing has solved this problem, it could be good news for our Demonic Way," an all-powerful demon practitioner interjected.
For demon practitioners, as long as a technique was not bound to lead to death and there was a shred of hope for survival, that was enough.
They did not expect Pei Xuanjing to fully solve the problem at hand. If Pei Xuanjing could address part of the problem, lower the death rate, or ensure that death was not certain, it would be good news for the Demonic Way.
"You have successfully cultivated this technique, you have earned a place in my esteem," said the Lion Emperor earnestly to Pei Xuanjing.
The Lion Emperor was all too familiar with this technique or, more specifically, he was intimately acquainted with the demonic practitioner who had initially created this technique. He had never thought that any human could successfully cultivate it.
"You flatter me, Lion Emperor, my success was merely a fluke," Pei Xuanjing replied dismissively.
However, faced with his modesty, the other powerful demons dared not treat him as they had before, recognising that in this world, the strong ruled. Pei Xuanjing had demonstrated enough power to be considered their equal.
The situation was also somewhat defused due to Pei Xuanjing's intervention.
The Lion Emperor addressed the Master of Mystiq Sky, "You know why we're here. Let's get to the point, there must be a satisfactory resolution today, otherwise…"
The Lion Emperor did not finish his sentence, but everyone understood what he meant.
Now that the Human Race's scheming had failed and been detected by the Demon Race, either the humans would have to make concessions, or no one would be able to accomplish anything.
Were anyone else or any other force to make such demands or threats, the Master of Mystiq Sky and other powerful beings would not necessarily resort to confrontation, but they would be less than civil.
However, the Demon Race was fully qualified and capable of making such demands; they had the power and the credentials to do so.
Unless the human race was willing to abandon their plan completely or choose to engage in a fierce war with the Demon Race, they would have to accept a compromise and make some concessions in executing their current plan.
"Gentlemen, what do you think?" The Master of Mystiq Sky did not speak but conveyed his question to the surrounding powerful humans telepathically. "Shall we agree, or not? We need to reach a resolution today."
"We cannot agree!"
"But if we don't agree, these old demons are not going to give up easily!"
"These old demons are more trouble than they're worth, relying on them for the plan will not be easy."
"And if we don't agree, we'll inevitably end up in a situation where both sides are badly hurt after the fallout with these old demons."
"…"
Various opinions were raised by the most powerful beings, each holding their own views.
However, many shared a similar perspective; a compromise seemed inevitable no matter which way they looked at it. Who could realistically stand up to the Demon Race, considering their potent strength and capability to be bullies?
If the tables were turned and the Human Race was calculated by the Demon Race, the Demons would inevitably have to compromise and make concessions, as long as the humans wanted them to.
This was the inevitable outcome of a balanced situation between both sides. Unless one side was clearly aiming for total war, the final result was already predestined.
"In fact, my Taoist friends, we could consider this from a different perspective. If we go ahead with the plan using our original strength, we would not have sufficient power to infiltrate the entire Tianhuang World. However, if we bring these demons into the fold, our benefits will increase substantially.
Pei Xuanjing's perspective on the matter differed from the others.
Suppose the many strong humans and forces worked side-by-side to push for the accomplishment of their benefits. In that case, the benefits they would receive would only amount to what the Tianhuang World Human Race could take hold of.
However, if they could coerce these demons into joining their cause, they could undoubtedly maximize their benefits and increase the size of the metaphorical cake. Even if they had to share a portion of the cake, they would still stand to gain the most.
Upon hearing Pei Xuanjing's words, the surrounding powerful beings were enlightened and started to consider these possibilities.
"In fact, if we can combine the power of the human and demon races, we can surely accelerate the plan and save time," said Pei Xuanjing. "So, the most critical task at hand is to reach an agreement on the terms of partition with the Demon Race."
The Master of Mystiq Sky and the others nodded subtly. The rationale behind Pei Xuanjing's words was impossible to overlook.
In the absence of sufficient power to either wipe out the mighty from the Demon Race or prevent them from sabotaging, their only option was to push the plan forward as Pei Xuanjing suggested.
"It seems you have reached a decision," the Lion Emperor commented, surveying the group of powerful humans.
Even though he could not fully grasp what had been said during their covert exchanges, he could tell from their expressions that some consensus had been reached.
And it was not as if there weren't wise beings within the Demon Race. They had a fair idea of how events would unfold based on their concerted appearance today and were quite confident that they could force the humans into a compromise.
"As the Lion Emperor rightly pointed out, we indeed discussed it," the Master of Mystiq Sky nodded, returning the Lion Emperor's gaze, "We are willing to accept the Lion Emperor's terms, so long as the Lion Emperor can offer suitable compensation?"
They were ready to accede to the Lion Emperor's demands after some consideration. Given that the opposition had enough power to turn the tables and had seen through their scheming, their acceptance was only appropriate.
However, since the Demon Race had the power to put pressure on them and force them into making concessions, they could do the same. If the Demon Race was not willing to offer sufficient compensation, the Human Race would not get what they desired, and the cultivation would be in vain.
It was undeniable that the tide had turned.
As long as both the Human Race and the Demon Race remained unwilling to abandon the plan to further fusion with the Ancestral Land, subsequently yielding colossal benefits and potentially opening up the Immortal Dao Realm, both parties would need to compromise.
"What do you want?" the Lion Emperor asked the Master of Mystiq Sky after a moment of contemplation.
Although they had anticipated a compromise from the human race when they had arrived, they had also prepared for the likelihood of having to make the first move. Their expectation was a stalemate, eventually leading to a mutually agreeable resolution.
However, the humans' speedy agreement to the proposal, shifting the ball back into the Lion Emperor's court to fulfil the requested terms, left him in a bind. Now that the humans had made concessions, a stingy response from the demons would seem excessive.
The Dao Debating Conference on Shenxiao Mountain had come to a successful conclusion. Every participant was highly satisfied; they had all received the gains they sought.
Even the Demon Race, after paying a certain price, came to an agreement with the human race's strongest beings. Both parties agreed to collaborate temporarily, working together to integrate the Sky Wasteland into the Ancestral Land in a plan to advance the realm.
The human race's summit powers were also content. With the addition of the Demon Race's most powerful beings, they managed to obtain even greater benefits at a smaller cost. The rewards they received after the division were almost identical to their initial predictions.
In addition, the conditions proposed by the Demon Race were enough to compensate for their losses. After all, as a powerful clan equal to the human race, the Demon Race had a profound foundation and many precious treasures that even the strongest humans were coveting.
Of course, with the addition of the Demon Race, the original shares of benefits had changed. Even though Pei Xuanjing's portion seemed to have decreased proportionally, the net profit had not decreased considerably due to the increase in total gains.
All the participants left satisfied. At this moment, only the native forces of the Daming World, or those who relied on Pei Xuanjing's protection, remained on Shenxiao Mountain.
"You all should be aware of the specifics of this plan already. There is no need for me to participate in discussions of the finer details. Everything depends on your negotiations with the various parties," Pei Xuanjing addressed the crowd.
At the moment, apart from Pei Xuanjing, only Emperor Zhu Houji of Daming, Wu Shijiu, Wang Boan, Taoist Qingxu, Zhao Baiyang, Xue Wuheng…and others, were present in the grand hall.
Although they each held different statuses and alliances, overall, they were still in sync with Pei Xuanjing, marking a temporary alliance.
The plan to merge the Sky Wasteland into the Daming World to trigger the ascent of Heaven and Earth was already set. It was a collaboration agreed upon by many of the human and Demon Race's summit powers. Unless a True Immortal emerged to dominate all under heaven, no one or force could defy this. Their will represented the current general trend.
However, for these summit powers, they only needed to control the overall direction of the plan. The specifics and finer details needed to be executed by the cultivators under them.
Pei Xuanjing had already established an agreement with these summit powers, ensuring Daming World's stake in the upcoming plan. Hence, they also needed to bear corresponding responsibilities. The details of these duties were not meant for Pei Xuanjing to handle, but for the individuals present to push forward.
"We adhere to the orders of the national master," everyone nodded in agreement.
Regarding this matter, none of them had any objections. After all, to gain something, one must give something in return—this is a very logical concept. Nobody would naively think that they could just sit idly by and reap the rewards in the end.
Those who would entertain such foolish thoughts would not have achieved their current realm or made it to today.
Pei Xuanjing nodded, then addressed Xue Wuheng, "Regarding the matter with the Hell Demon Sect, I have already sent word. Regardless of your future grudges, at least before the launch of this plan, the Hell Demon Sect will not act against you."
At present, all summit powers are focused on integrating the Sky Wasteland into the Daming World. This is the most critical matter. Everything else, no matter what it is, must give way to this.
Therefore, even if the various forces of Sky Wasteland returned to the Daming World, they could not initiate conflicts with the local forces of Daming World. Of course, this did not include retaliation.
This did not need to be expressly mentioned, since none of the local forces of the Daming World had the time or the capability to truly contest the forces of the Sky Wasteland at this point. Even if they had the power, they would not act at this time to avoid angering the summit powers.
Of course, if it were not for this matter, given Pei Xuanjing's status, he could still buy time for Xue Wuheng by warning the Hell Demon Sect.
However, that was all. Pei Xuanjing would only need the Hell Demon Sect to hold back temporarily. He would not mediate the grudges between them, nor try to dissipate the hostility.
Regardless of whether Pei Xuanjing had the ability to do so, as an outsider, why should he interfere in their conflict? The fact that he mentioned it at all was already going out of his way to help Xue Wuheng, due to their past alliance.
"Thank you, master." Xue Wuheng sincerely thanked him.
Although the Hell Demon Sect was just a first-class force on the Sky Wasteland without a Nine Realms of Spirit summit power presiding over it, it was still not someone Xue Wuheng could truly contend with at the present moment.
Especially after his previous duel with a Hell Demon Sect cultivator left him injured, he knew that if he couldn't handle it, he might have to hide from the public eye as the leader of the Demonic Cult.
Now that Pei Xuanjing was willing to temporarily buy time for him, he was very grateful. As for clearing up grudges, he never thought about it.
As the leader of the Demonic Cult, Xue Wuheng understood the Demonic Way better than anyone else—to resolve a grudge in the Demonic Way, one side must completely obliterate the other. Otherwise, the hatred can never be dissolved.
Regarding Xue Wuheng's issue, Pei Xuanjing did not dwell. He brought the conversation back to other matters, "This time's plan is a golden opportunity for the many summit powers of the Sky Wasteland, and also for all of you. I hope you grasp it because if you miss out…"
Pei Xuanjing stopped mid-sentence, but his meaning was clear.
If this plan to integrate the Sky Wasteland into the Daming World were to succeed and trigger the world's ascent, it would be akin to revisiting the scene of primeval world revival.
Among the many present, excluding Wu Shijiu, the rest were not inferior at all in talent to the cultivators from the Sky Wasteland. Their deficiency was simply in terms of time. If they had enough time to accumulate and complement their foundation, they would surely catch up.
The primeval world revival had already saved them a lot of time, reducing countless years of hard cultivation. If they seized this plan, their power would advance further.
After calculating, in essence, with this world ascension, they stood to gain more than many cultivators of the Sky Wasteland. The majority of those cultivators had already reached their potential. Despite the advantage brought by this world ascension, their actual improvements would certainly be less than those of the people here today.
"We will not miss this opportunity," Zhao Baiyang and the others answered solemnly with nods.
Time, for these people standing here now, is incredibly significant.
Whether it's Zhao Baiyang, Qingxu Taoist, Xue Wuheng, or those once standing on the edge of the Mortal Realm in the Daming World, if anything, they lacked time.
The revival of Heaven and Earth indeed compensated for their spent time, elevating their abilities dramatically, surpassing centuries of cultivation of many cultivators in the Sky Wasteland. However, for them, it was still insufficient. They desired more time for their talent to be transformed into explicit and dependable strength. Especially in this day and age, no one wants to be left behind.
They all understand just how important their current plan is. Perhaps, this could be the only opportunity for them to overcome their own deficiencies against these more formidable competitors. If this chance were missed, there would never be another one.
"I'm about to retreat and cultivate for a while. If you all don't have any other issues, you may leave now," said Xuanjing Pei to everyone.
"We understand and take our leave."
Everyone nodded in agreement and departed, but two people stayed silent, as if they had something to discuss with Pei Xuanjing.
Zhao Baiyang and others cast their eyes at Emperor Zhu Houji and Qingxu taoist, without inquiring any further, turned around and left.
"What can I do for you two?" Pei Xuanjing inquired.
Now within the palace, only the Qingxu Taoist and Emperor Zhu Houji remained, but both seemed hesitant to start the conversation.
Pei Xuanjing understood their hesitations and turned to Qingxu Taoist, "Taoist friend, I surmise I might have an idea about your intentions. If you don't mind, please wait for me for a moment in the rear hall."
"That should be fine." The Qingxu Taoist nodded, followed by an address to Zhu Houji, "Your Majesty, excuse me, I will take my leave."
"Taoist friend, don't be overly polite. It's my fault for keeping you longer." Zhu Houji responded with a nod.
The Qingxu Taoist chuckled, didn't say anything else, and turned to retire into the rear hall.
Once he departed, Xuanjing Pei turned his gaze toward Zhu Houji.
At this appropriate moment, Zhu Houji started, "Master Pei, about the Xuanyuan Divine Sword, it's not that I didn't wish to tell you. However, this issue is of great importance, and I am worried about leaks…"
No matter Pei Xuanjing's demeanor, he still needed to justify himself to Pei Xuanjing and express his stance.
Zhu Houji had complicated feelings about Pei Xuanjing's presence. The protection provided by such a mighty advisor was the reason for the stability of the Great Ming Divine Dynasty today and gave them enough time to grow.
Even today, though Pei Xuanjing had stopped participating actively in the affairs of the Great Ming Divine Dynasty, his shadow still loomed large over it and had a profound impact.
Think about the existence of the Taoist Academy. Countless disciples graduate from the academy every year and enter the offices and rivers and lakes of the Great Ming Divine Dynasty. This is a formidable force, and something the council elders fear. They worry that one day the Great Ming Divine Dynasty will no longer belong to them.
Attaining the Xuanyuan Divine Sword, Zhu Houji has become infinitely stronger, boosting his confidence in handling any situation.
Naturally, even with Xuanyuan Divine Sword at his disposal, he didn't think he could challenge Pei Xuanjing, much less have the thought of turning against him.
"This matter is of no consequence. As long as the Great Ming becomes stronger, it will be beneficial to me without any harm. You don't need to overthink it," Pei Xuanjing interrupted Zhu Houji from continuing on, as it was unnecessary.
Concerning the trade between the Witch Deity Teaching and the Great Ming Divine Dynasty, Pei Xuanjing was not concerned or interested in it. Even otherwise, if he sought to know the specifics of the transaction, the Sect Leader of Witch Deity Teaching wouldn't have concealed it.
As for Zhu Houji keeping the Xuanyuan Divine Sword a secret, Pei Xuanjing thought it didn't matter. Wu Shijiu once mentioned the existence of the Xuanyuan Sword in the Witch Deity Teaching. However, Pei Xuanjing expressed no interest. He was surprised that such a thing was directly given to Zhu Houji.
After all, observing the actions that the Witch Deity Teaching took in trading with them, they seem to have given up a lot. However, to ask for something, they must also deliver something of equal value in return. Their contribution must mean the things they seek is of greater value.
"Regardless of their intentions, the Witch Deity Teaching paid a hefty price. The things they want will surely not be simple. Please be mindful of your actions moving forward, Your Majesty," Pei Xuanjing warned Zhu Houji.
Despite the negligible assistance he now provided to the Great Ming Divine Dynasty, Pei Xuanjing remained somewhat devoted. Unless absolutely necessary, Pei Xuanjing did not wish to see the court situation of the Great Ming Divine Dynasty worsen.
Without mentioning his old friends and relatives there, the development of the Taoist Academy also relied on the assistance of the Great Ming Divine Dynasty. Moreover, the current order, whether perfect or not, at least it maintained peace in the world.
If the court situation of the Great Ming Divine Dynasty were to collapse, it would be a catastrophe for the ordinary martial artists of the world.
"I understand," Zhu Houji nodded seriously and said, "This is what I wanted to discuss with Master Pei."
The Witch Deity Teaching is a top force in the world. Zhu Houji knew very well the power of the Witch Deity Teaching through Wu Shijiu, much more than many other first-class forces did.
Such powerful forces giving so much to them, as an emperor, Zhu Houji naturally understood there was no such thing as a free lunch. They must have a larger conspiracy in mind.
Connecting it with the secret of the Human Emperor's Heavenly Court he discovered, he thought that's probably the conspiracy of the Witch Deity Teaching.
"As for the true intentions of the Witch Deity Teaching, even now, I can't be certain," Pei Xuanjing shook his head slightly.
For such a power as the Witch Deity Teaching, without deep understanding, there was no way to discern what they were planning.
The Witch Deity Teaching that has been passed down for thousands of years could be considered the oldest power in this world without exaggeration. Besides the conflicts between the human race and the demon race, they have never involved themselves in any internal disputes within the human race.
Therefore, not even Pei Xuanjing, let alone the other top powers in the Sky Wasteland, could figure out what the Witch Deity Teaching intended to do.