On Yingzhou Island in the East Sea, the abode of the Immortal Court, Dong Wang Gong and Xi Wang Mu faced each other with troubled expressions, both deeply perplexed.
"As Fellow Daoist Xu Fang said, the Witch and Demon races are indeed our greatest challenges ahead!" Dong Wang Gong sighed, recalling Xu Fang's reminder upon their parting in the Sea of Chaos.
Dong Wang Gong and Xi Wang Mu had both agreed with this foresight and had been agonizing over how the Witch and Demon races might treat them.
"Now it's clear. The intentions of the Witch and Demon races are no longer ambiguous." Dong Wang Gong shook his head. This time, both races had jointly declared their dominion over the heavens and earth, gaining the recognition of the Heavenly Dao and the legitimacy of the Primordial Era.
The rest was obvious: to vie for the sole legitimacy of the Primordial Era, their primary objective would be to overthrow the Immortal Court, the former legitimate ruler of the Primordial Era.
"Perhaps, the situation is not as dire as you imagine. The Witch race once dispatched troops to Penglai in the East Sea and fought alongside our Immortal Court against the Demon race," Xi Wang Mu comforted Dong Wang Gong, "Perhaps this is our opportunity, who knows."
Dong Wang Gong's heart stirred at her words, but he still shook his head.
"Even so, involving the interests of their respective races, the Witch race will likely not remember such past favors." Dong Wang Gong said. Seeing Xi Wang Mu about to speak, he changed his tone.
"Alright, perhaps you can try to contact the Witch race and gauge their stance, but don't hold too much hope." Dong Wang Gong, not wanting to bear too much pressure, readily agreed to Xi Wang Mu's request to contact the Witch race and explore the possibility of cooperation. If successful, it would be a delightful surprise: an alliance between the Immortal Court and the Witch race to first eliminate the Demon race.
However, Dong Wang Gong knew the hope was slim, as the Witch and Demon races would most likely want to eliminate them and the Immortal Court first.
Xi Wang Mu acknowledged his words and, after a moment of hesitation, spoke again.
"Even if the Witch race does not agree, they will not invade the East Sea."
"As for the Demon race, intimidated by Fellow Daoist Xu Fang, they should not come again. If all else fails, we can defend the East Sea and reap the benefits of the ensuing conflict between the Witches and Demons."
Dong Wang Gong understood the reasoning behind Xi Wang Mu's words. Given the Witch race's relationship with Xu Fang, it was unlikely they would bring the war to the East Sea. The Demon race, having suffered losses last time and sworn an oath to the Heavenly Dao, would likely consider the East Sea a place of sorrow and would not seek further humiliation. Therefore, remaining in the East Sea was a wise choice.
Dong Wang Gong fell into thought, recalling Xu Fang's earlier words, and nodded.
"Very well, this course of action is not unfeasible." Dong Wang Gong sighed. It was a delicate moment, with three legitimate powers coexisting in the Primordial Era, making a major conflict highly probable. At such a time, inaction was the best strategy.
"That's wonderful! We can recruit disciples in the East Sea and strengthen our forces, without bothering with them," Xi Wang Mu said, beaming at Dong Wang Gong's agreement. What need was there for grand ambitions or the affairs of the Primordial Era? As long as they could live peacefully in the East Sea, it was a blessing for their immortal lives.
Dong Wang Gong looked at the overjoyed Xi Wang Mu, a smile gracing his lips, though his heart felt a touch of bitterness. Were the Witch and Demon races foolish enough to let them profit from their conflict? Was he truly destined to let his great ambitions wither away in the East Sea? While this path would bring peace to those near and far, was it truly what he desired?
Regardless of Dong Wang Gong's thoughts, Xu Fang, witnessing the strategy of inaction through the live broadcast of the dragon head staff, felt immensely relieved.
"Finally, they are not stirring up trouble. Live a quiet life as a reclusive immortal in the East Sea!" Xu Fang thought to himself. For Dong Wang Gong, once a pawn, this peaceful existence, filled with beautiful sights and fleeting moments, was the best possible outcome.
"Senior, is this Kunlun Mountain?" The cry of the Golden-Winged Great Peng Bird interrupted Xu Fang's musings, pulling his attention back.
Xu Fang looked up and saw a majestic, towering mountain before them, with spiritual energy soaring into the sky, an astonishing sight. It stretched for a thousand li, its end unseen. Within the mountain, auspicious clouds drifted, and vast seas of mist enveloped the land. Amidst the strange peaks and crags, spiritual energy flowed like water, nurturing countless rare flowers and exotic herbs. Ancient trees and peculiar rocks were scattered throughout, and spiritual birds perched upon them, chirping melodiously. Looking upwards, the mountain soared into the clouds, its height immeasurable, veiled in swirling, ethereal mist.
"The mist scatters colors, the sun and moon shimmer; this is indeed Kunlun Mountain," Xu Fang said, his voice filled with admiration. "Fellow Daoist San Qing is truly blessed to have such a spiritual domain. It is befitting of someone born with the fortune of creation!"
Xu Fang marveled at the breathtaking beauty of Kunlun Mountain, a rare blessed land in the Primordial Era. The Golden-Winged Great Peng Bird and Ao Xue also gazed at the magnificent scenery, offering their praise.
Of course, amidst such beauty, there were still those who failed to appreciate it.
"Senior, aren't we looking for the Qilin Seal? Why have we come here?" The little Qilin, ever mindful of its mission to help its clan retrieve the supreme treasure, the Qilin Seal, promptly spoke up as Xu Fang and the others seemed lost in admiration.
Xu Fang smiled faintly at its words. The Golden-Winged Great Peng Bird and Ao Xue immediately understood Xu Fang's intention.
"You little one are truly dull. We are here for treasure hunting. Don't you understand why we landed on Kunlun Mountain?"
"Exactly, little Qilin, when will you ever be a bit smarter? If you keep this up, we won't take you with us anymore!" The Golden-Winged Great Peng Bird and Ao Xue weren't deliberately bullying the little Qilin, but they seized every opportunity to flaunt their seniority as veteran members.
The little Qilin did not mind their taunts. Upon confirming that the Qilin Seal was indeed on Kunlun Mountain, it joyfully looked to Xu Fang for verification.
Xu Fang nodded and immediately led the three of them into Kunlun Mountain, soaring towards the summit.
Before long, a voice echoed from the mountain peak.
"Fellow Daoist Xu Fang?" The voice was filled with surprise. Before Xu Fang could respond, a rainbow bridge descended from the summit of Kunlun Mountain, landing before Xu Fang and his companions.
"What is this?" The Golden-Winged Great Peng Bird and the other two were startled by this sight.
Xu Fang, however, was not surprised. Kunlun Mountain was now the Daoist sanctuary of the San Qing. It was only natural that any intruders would be detected.
"It seems the masters of this place are aware of our arrival. It's a good opportunity to pay them a visit. Let's go!" Xu Fang said, taking the lead and stepping onto the rainbow bridge. The Golden-Winged Great Peng Bird and the other two followed closely. As they stepped on, the rainbow bridge rapidly retracted, soaring towards the summit of Kunlun Mountain.
Gazing at Xu Fang, who stood calmly ahead, the Golden-Winged Great Peng Bird and the other two were filled with curiosity. Since Senior was so confident that the Qilin Seal was within Kunlun Mountain, where exactly could it be?