As Xu Fang’s two figures ascended, everyone’s gaze fell upon them.
“Fuxi? Nuwa?”
“Aren’t these two helping Xu Fang? Why have they gone to the demon race’s side?”
“Speaking of which, aren’t these two also of the demon race? They were so friendly with Xu Fang just now, could it be that they were cooperating with brothers Dijun to put on an act?”
These two figures were none other than Fuxi and Nuwa. Seeing them now, the assembled great powers recalled their identities and began to speculate.
Could the relationship between Fuxi, Nuwa, and Xu Fang be nothing more than a show, merely to gain Xu Fang’s trust? Now that the demon race army had arrived, were they revealing their true forms and preparing to strike at Xu Fang?
Xu Fang found these speculations amusing and paid them no mind. However, as he watched Fuxi and Nuwa’s figures, he couldn’t help but shake his head, sighing inwardly. “These two fellow daoists are too naive. How could this be possible?”
As Fuxi and Nuwa flew into the sky, the demon race army, upon seeing their figures, immediately prostrated themselves once more, bowing in unison.
“We pay homage to His Majesty Fuxi!”
“We pay homage to His Majesty Nuwa!”
These two were noble existences within the demon race. Although they did not come out to manage affairs like Dijun and Donghuang Taiyi, the demon race held them in immense respect and dared not neglect them.
Dijun and Donghuang Taiyi frowned upon seeing this. However, with the demon race army present and under everyone’s watchful eyes, they did not say much.
Fuxi and Nuwa showed no intention of acknowledging them. They directly addressed the prostrating demon race members, speaking loudly.
“Everyone, fellow daoist Xu Fang and I share a deep friendship. This Penglai Immortal Island is his natural dojo.” Fuxi spoke first, getting straight to the point.
“I do not care who commanded you to gather here. All of you, withdraw and do not offend fellow daoist Xu Fang.”
Nuwa followed closely, also speaking in a loud voice.
“Indeed. If you still hold us, your brother and sister, in your hearts, then quickly withdraw and cease this disturbance.”
Fuxi and Nuwa intended to use their status and position within the demon race to dismiss the assembled demons, aiding Xu Fang and blocking the demon race’s path to obtaining Penglai Immortal Island.
However, upon hearing this, the demon race army did not respond with the expected thunderous applause. Instead, they looked conflicted and extremely troubled.
Seeing this, Fuxi and Nuwa became greatly displeased and immediately rebuked them.
“What? Are our words no longer effective?”
“Are you still refusing to withdraw, intending to make enemies of us?”
The demon race army, hearing this, wanted to say something but ultimately did not know how to articulate it. Thus, their gazes all shifted towards Dijun and Donghuang Taiyi.
Dijun and Donghuang Taiyi, seeing this, looked at Fuxi and Nuwa in mid-air, a smile appearing on their faces. These two, who had always remained aloof from demon race affairs, were now remembering their status and attempting to dismiss the demon race with their words. How could they possibly know that while the demon race respected them, they had also grown accustomed to the siblings’ indifferent nature and their habit of obeying the two brothers’ commands? At this moment, with the commands of four demon emperors conflicting, it was obvious whom they would obey.
However, even knowing that the two brothers were present, Fuxi and Nuwa could not command the demon race. Dijun and Donghuang Taiyi did not dare to become overconfident and openly break ties with Fuxi and Nuwa. Thus, after some thought, Dijun spoke first.
“His Majesty Fuxi, His Majesty Nuwa, since you are the Fuxi and Nuwa of the demon race, how can you be unaware of the enmity between Xu Fang and our demon race? Our demon race once waged war against the Phoenix race, and it was precisely because of him that their efforts ended in failure, resulting in countless demon casualties.”
Donghuang Taiyi, hearing this, immediately understood Dijun’s intention and quickly chimed in.
“Indeed, how can our demon race forget such a deep enmity? Our mobilization this time is not solely for Penglai Immortal Island; it is also to avenge the fallen demons.”
Having said this, Donghuang Taiyi looked at Fuxi and Nuwa and asked sternly.
“Can it be that as the Fuxi and Nuwa of the demon race, you would be so biased towards an outsider, ignoring your own kin?”
“In doing so, are you living up to the deceased demon brethren and the demon race members who respect you?”
Donghuang Taiyi’s barrage of questions caused the demon race army to look uniformly at Fuxi and Nuwa, filled with questioning intent.
Seeing this, Fuxi and Nuwa were momentarily at a loss for how to respond. They were unaware of the past grievances between Xu Fang and the demon race. Their intervention was merely to help Xu Fang. Now, with Dijun and Donghuang Taiyi bringing up the enmity between Xu Fang and the demon race, they had seized the moral high ground. If they were to speak further for Xu Fang, in the eyes of the demon race, would it not be seen as betrayal?
Xu Fang, seeing this, knew that things had unfolded as he had predicted. These two fellow daoists were indeed too naive. Having been detached from demon race affairs for so long, how could they contend with the cunning brothers Dijun and Donghuang Taiyi? However, for stepping forward on his behalf, Xu Fang was grateful for their kindness and did not wish to see them in such a predicament. He quickly spoke out.
“Two fellow daoists, public matters are public matters, and private matters are private matters. It is true that I have grievances with the demon race, but my friendship with you two is also genuine.”
“Therefore, please withdraw. Do not involve yourselves in what happens next.”
Xu Fang’s words brought a sense of relief to Fuxi and Nuwa. However, they quickly realized that this feeling was unfair to fellow daoist Xu Fang. Turning back to look at Xu Fang, their faces were filled with shame.
Xu Fang said nothing more, shaking his head and signaling them not to take it to heart. After all, placing them in such a position was truly difficult, leaving them caught between a rock and a hard place.
Fuxi and Nuwa said nothing further, cupped their fists towards Xu Fang, and quietly retreated to the side. They mused that even if Penglai Immortal Island could not be saved, if Xu Fang were truly in mortal danger, they could risk everything to protect him.
With Fuxi and Nuwa’s withdrawal, Xu Fang’s forces were further diminished. Facing the demon race army, his chances of victory became even slimmer. Dijun and Donghuang Taiyi could not help but laugh with delight.
“Well, fellow daoist Xu Fang, facing imminent danger, do you still refuse to repent?”
“Fellow daoist Xu Fang, if you hand over Penglai Immortal Island, we can let bygones be bygones and consider it settled. How about it?”
Dijun and Donghuang Taiyi knew that although Fuxi and Nuwa had retreated, they would absolutely not stand idly by while Xu Fang faced death. They also wished to avoid escalating the conflict further. Thus, they decided to negotiate, allowing Xu Fang to cede Penglai Immortal Island, and find another opportunity to deal with him later.
“I apologize, but Penglai Immortal Island is my home. I feel I can have nothing, but I cannot be without my home.” Xu Fang smiled slightly, responding, while secretly transmitting a message to Zhen Yuanzi and others, asking them to buy him time to set up the treasure array.
Zhen Yuanzi and the others nodded silently. There was no other way at this point; they could only resort to their usual tactics. However, looking at the tide-like demon race army, they held little hope. With so many demons, they wondered how long Xu Fang could hold out.
“Very well, very well! Fellow daoist Xu Fang is indeed resolute and unyielding!”
“His Majesty Fuxi, His Majesty Nuwa, we offered him a chance, and he refused. We hope you will act wisely.”
Dijun and Donghuang Taiyi spoke, mocking Xu Fang while also warning Fuxi and Nuwa. Fuxi and Nuwa remained noncommittal, their fists clenched silently.
Dijun and Donghuang Taiyi waved their hands, and Jiuying immediately roared.
“Attack! Seize Penglai Immortal Island! Kill Xu Fang!”
This Xu Fang had previously ruined his plan to conquer the Phoenix race. Now that he had such an opportunity, he naturally wouldn't mind crushing Penglai and making Xu Fang regret opposing the demon race!
Upon hearing this, the demon race army surged, moving like a tide and rolling towards Penglai Immortal Island. Xu Fang and the others were also prepared to meet the coming battle.
Just then, a voice suddenly rang out.
“Who intends to kill fellow daoist Xu Fang? Such bold words, have you asked me?”