After the Heavenly Court's grand banquet, the cultivators returned to the Primordial World. However, many felt that the Demon Race, with a Saint's protection and great momentum, was ascendant, and thus joined their ranks.
Numerous powerful beings also came to pledge their allegiance to the Demon Race, and were consequently bestowed the title of Demon Saint.
This influx of power alleviated the Heavenly Court's pressing manpower shortage.
It's worth noting that the current strength of the Demon Race surpassed that of the ancient Dragon Race. The 365 main star Demon Saints were all Great Luo Golden Immortals!
However, the Zhou Tian Star Array was in constant operation, used since its establishment to suppress the Demon Race's destiny. Although its might typically only required about thirty percent of the Demon Race to maintain, this still accounted for over a hundred Demon Saints in the Heavenly Court.
The Heavenly Court also required many Demon Saints to hold official positions, to educate its populace, and to guard its key locations. Furthermore, with the lower realms' twenty-eight domains being re-divided, over a hundred more Demon Saints were needed for their defense.
Thus, even though the Demon Race's strength far exceeded that of the Dragon Race in their heyday, manpower remained a critical issue. After all, each Great Luo Immortal had spent eons in cultivation, and their numbers could not be rapidly increased, unlike recruited individuals.
Following the grand banquet, Qing Ling and others proceeded to Wa Huang Palace.
Within Wa Huang Palace lay the Wa Huang Realm. Nuwa, clad in a cloud-brocade palace robe with flowing sleeves, stood at the highest point of Wa Huang Heaven. The wind billowed her sleeves, leaving her alone, a solitary figure standing aloof as if the heights were too cold to bear.
"You have arrived," her voice, though plain, resonated with the divine power of a Saint.
The Heavenly Emperor, Empress, Eastern Emperor, Demon Ancestor, and Demon Master of the Demon Race bowed. Although a casual bow, it was laced with profound respect.
Di Jun smiled, "Thank you for waiting, Saint."
Nuwa gestured, "Observe. This world was created by me using the Shan He She Ji Tu (Mountain and River Society Map). Therefore, all destruction and reincarnation within this world originate from the Shan He Tu.
I reside beyond this world, witnessing the rise and fall of its beings without ever intervening, for this is the principle of the Great Dao, the order of rules.
It is the same for the Demon Race."
The final four words caused the complexions of the four Royal Class beings present, excluding Qing Ling, to change.
Taiyi asked, "Has the Saint seen the future?"
Nuwa did not answer, but instead said, "There are matters, and there are words, that are bottom lines. Even I cannot speak them."
Qing Ling pondered, understanding her meaning. Though Nuwa was a Saint, capable of defying the Heavenly Dao, there was a limit. Within this limit, the Heavenly Dao would take no action against a Saint, no matter how they transgressed. But if that limit was crossed, exceeding the Heavenly Dao's tolerance, then it would fight back.
Qing Ling inquired, "Then may I ask, Saint, have you made arrangements for the Demon Race's future, a fallback plan?"
A flicker of surprise crossed Nuwa's eyes. She chuckled softly, "The Demon Ancestor is indeed the Demon Ancestor.
In the past, before I attained Sainthood, I found you unfathomable. Now, even as a Saint, I still cannot fully comprehend you.
However, the more I cannot see through you, the more extraordinary you are, and the greater our opportunity as the Demon Race."
The Royal Class beings couldn't help but glance at Qing Ling. Taiyi was particularly moved. Even before Qing Ling embarked on the Great Dao, he had sensed his mystery. It seemed his companion truly held significant secrets.
Qing Ling cupped his hands and smiled, "You flatter me. I have simply endured more hardship and pondered for longer than you might imagine."
Di Jun, hearing this, chuckled and said, "Then, Demon Ancestor, do you believe that if our Demon Race truly faces impending doom one day, will we have any recourse?"
Qing Ling shook his head, "With the Demon Race's current momentum, though prosperous, there are countless powerful beings who wish for our complete annihilation. Furthermore, there are five Saints who have not yet attained the Dao. If they preach their teachings, the Wu and Yao races will inevitably decline. Even Madam Nuwa would be powerless to reverse this. Therefore, there is no recourse."
His words plunged everyone into silence. How could they not have considered what Qing Ling said? However, with the Demon Race currently at its peak, they felt that day was still distant and preferred not to dwell on it.
"However, there is a path, albeit not a conventional one, for retreat. That is to emulate the three Primordial Races!" Qing Ling looked at the gazes of the Royal Class beings and slowly revealed his true thoughts.
The hope that had just lit up in Di Jun's eyes dimmed once more, as did Taiyi's. Taiyi even seemed to cast him an annoyed glance.
The Empress, however, showed some interest. Kunpeng remained expressionless, making it impossible to gauge the old fox's true thoughts.
Nuwa nodded, "If not for a series of coincidences that presented me with another path, this would have been my thought as well. I had even considered a destination. I am on good terms with the Phoenix Clan, and the Demon Ancestor has ties with the Dragon Clan. If the Demon Race truly faces great calamity, we would emulate the three ancient races, go south to the Tian Nan and the Zhen Hai Yan, and then to a part of the West. With the compassion of Zhun Ti and Jie Yin, and the scarcity of beings in the West, we would naturally be safe.
But the Demon Race numbers in the billions, and still, countless would perish."
Di Jun's eyelids twitched. "Then what is this other path?"
Nuwa said calmly, "Reopen Heaven, Earth, Wind, and Water, and establish a new realm!"
A collective gasp echoed. This idea was too audacious.
Nuwa looked at everyone, "What? Are you afraid?
If such a day truly comes for the Demon Race, it will be a moment of life and death for all of you. Not just you, Di Jun, do you think your ten sons will survive?
Xi He, do you think your sister, the Nine Heavens Moon Goddess, can protect your ten sons?
Taiyi, do you believe you can truly return to life and pursue what is in your heart?
Kunpeng, do you think the distant Northern Sea will truly allow you to escape the Demon Race and live in peace?
You are all indulging in wishful thinking!"
Nuwa's words carried a chilling edge, "I know Di Jun and Taiyi, you are not men who fear death. But on that day, the Demon Race will face five Saints as adversaries, countless enemies who wish the Demon Race ill, and cunning old ancestors whose power is not inferior to yours.
If Heaven intends to destroy you, and all paths are cut off, will you simply wait for death? If you are unwilling, then why bother with the Heavenly Dao or the Human Dao? Why care about the order of Heaven and Earth? Better to cast life and death aside and create a new, bright universe, opening up a new world!"
Everyone trembled inwardly. Nuwa was truly a fearless challenger of Heaven!
Nuwa then turned her gaze to Qing Ling, her tone softening, "Of course, these are merely considerations for them. The Demon Ancestor's merit is deep. With the Jian Mu (Firmiana Tree) supporting the heavens, he can exist anywhere in the Primordial World. Even if the Demon Race perishes, the Demon Ancestor still has a path of retreat.
If the Demon Ancestor lacks this ambition, I would not force him."
Qing Ling forced a smile, "Empress Nuwa thinks highly of me. Even if the Demon Race perishes, and I remain safe, with Jian Mu supporting the heavens, I have committed many acts against Heaven's will. I fear that by then, all the Saints will have ways to scheme against me, and I will not be able to remain unscathed.
As long as I am the Demon Ancestor for a day, I will act for the Demon Race for a day. Did you not, Madam Nuwa, attain the Dao as a Saint of Hunyuan, yet still strive tirelessly for the Demon Race?"
Nuwa's smile widened upon hearing this, "Good! If fellow Daoist Qing Ling holds this intention, my heart is greatly pleased!"
The expressions of the others changed again. When Nuwa addressed him as a fellow Daoist, they knew she did not speak carelessly.
Nuwa smiled, "If fellow Daoist Qing Ling had departed just now, I would naturally say nothing. However, this subsequent opportunity would then be lost to him.
Among the Demon Race, I believe fellow Daoist Qing Ling has the greatest chance of achieving Hunyuan. With this opportunity, that chance will double!"
Qing Ling's eyelids suddenly shot up. "May I ask what opportunity the Empress speaks of?"
Nuwa's smile vanished, and she said with solemnity, "To open Heaven and Earth, to stand tall, to create a realm with the Four Symbols!"
Kunpeng's heart leaped. The words of withdrawal he had been about to speak instantly vanished.
Di Jun and Taiyi were also shocked, and Xi He's eyes were filled with disbelief.
However, Qing Ling's eyes held confusion. "Heaven and Earth have already been opened, how can they be divided again? The Four Symbols are already established, how can they be recreated? Does Empress Nuwa possess the power to recreate chaos?"
Nuwa shook her head. "Although my magical power and realm are no longer inferior to my former teacher, Hongjun, I do not possess such great divine abilities.
As I said, if not for a series of coincidences, I would not have conceived of this method.
If not for you comprehending the Star Array in the past, allowing me to witness the birth and death of the universe, I would only have been able to say I am a Saint who attained the Dao through merit.
If I had not observed the Star Array and glimpsed the mysteries of the universe, I would not have thought of this method.
If you had not incorporated the Human Race into the Demon Race, extending the Demon Race's destiny, I would not have had this time.
If you had not cultivated the Wood Dao, with Jian Mu supporting the heavens, I would not have devised this plan.
There are also many seemingly coincidental events. When viewed together, they are no longer coincidences.
Fellow Daoist Qing Ling, you ask how Heaven and Earth can be reopened and the Four Symbols re-established, but perhaps you already have a plan in mind?
I, Nuwa, have received your kindness. I would not be so narrow-minded. As long as one's heart is with the Demon Race, regardless of whether it is for personal gain, for other reasons, or if one has harbored any ill intentions in the past, I will not pay it any mind."
As Nuwa spoke the last sentence, her eyes seemed to casually glance at Kunpeng.
Kunpeng's heart tightened. He could only bitterly smile. The divine abilities of a Saint were truly beyond his imagination.
Di Jun, hearing this, understood. "Demon Ancestor Qing Ling, you need not worry. Since our Demon Race addresses you as Ancestor, we regard you as an elder. How could we be angry with an elder?"
Qing Ling sighed inwardly. Saints knew all, could do all. Although there were limitations, truly, all affairs under Heaven and Earth were within their grasp.
From when he spoke of the word "Demon" to Di Jun and Taiyi, to the countless schemes over a hundred Yuanhui, after Nuwa attained Sainthood, with her ability to comprehend past, present, and future, to manipulate time and space at will, and to know all heavenly secrets and earthly knowledge, it had all been seen through by her. Yet, she only spoke of it now.
The supreme ability of a Saint, an unfathomable being, truly allowed him to witness its marvel.
Qing Ling bowed to them. "Since you all say this, then the past shall not be brought up again. My actions within the Demon Race, aside from borrowing the Demon Race's destiny to establish the current era and prevent the depletion of luck and the five decays of heaven and man, were also to borrow the Demon Race's power, and even the power of Saint Nuwa, to pursue the path of Hunyuan and establish a Demon Realm!"
Hearing that she too was calculated, Nuwa laughed instead of being angry. Such a person, who could even scheme against a Saint, being a member of the Demon Race was a blessing to them.
At this moment, Nuwa felt a sense of relief. If not for the Wu Race being an exclusive clan with blood ties from birth, with their initial fortune far surpassing the Demon Race, Qing Ling might well have joined the Wu Clan and become their Wu Ancestor.
After contemplating this, Nuwa smiled and said, "Since all is clear, let us depart together. I will explain further on the way. We shall journey to chaos and create a new universe!"