Xu Fang appeared at the Southern Heavenly Gate of the Demon Clan's Heavenly Court and was met with a full-scale welcome from the entire demon race.
There was no helping it, Xu Fang had cast too deep a shadow over the demon race. The moment the Treasure Distribution Rock appeared before the Southern Heavenly Gate, the demon race descended into chaos.
Fortunately, Di Jun and Donghuang Taiyi, upon learning of the situation, had hastily deployed their forces. Now, before the Treasure Distribution Rock, stood countless members of the demon race.
"Xu Fang, we have no time to entertain your games. Please depart immediately!"
Di Jun spoke, his displeasure evident. Donghuang Taiyi, without any politeness, chimed in.
"Indeed! Xu Fang, if you seek death, it's not now. We demons are currently dealing with the Wu Clan. You should fall in line!"
Xu Fang heard their words and felt nothing, but his myriad magical treasures were already seething with anger.
"Are these two demon emperors truly so forgetful of the past troubles we caused the demon race?"
"Heh! What's there to say? Should we remind them of it today?"
"Master, there's no need to waste words with them. Let us strike!"
The myriad magical treasures, unable to bear the arrogance of Di Jun and Donghuang Taiyi, clamored to fight, wanting to make the demon race remember the fear they once instilled.
Xu Fang waved his hand, silencing their incessant chatter. He had come for peace, how could he make the first move?
Seeing Di Jun and Donghuang Taiyi's demeanor, Xu Fang knew this visit would likely not be smooth. However, since he had come, Xu Fang still wanted to try.
"Di Jun, Donghuang Taiyi, I have not come to oppose the demon race. I wish to offer the demon race a way to survive."
Di Jun and Donghuang Taiyi heard this and were instantly amused to the point of laughter.
"Xu Fang, I admit you possess great power and once caused our demon race considerable trouble."
Di Jun spoke, shaking his head with a look of regret.
"But times have changed. You are still a Quasi-Saint, while I am already a half-step Saint. The fact that I haven't made a move is already a courtesy to Saint Nuwa. You dare to speak so boastfully?"
Xu Fang ignored Di Jun's provocation. He had already attained Sainthood; why would he bother with an incomplete Saint?
"Di Jun, if the Wu and Demon clans continue to fight like this, it will only result in mutual destruction. Do you wish to see such a situation?"
"Xu Fang, this is not your concern. Aren't you meddling too much?"
Donghuang Taiyi roared, "Leave the demon race immediately, or we won't hesitate to destroy you and Penglai Immortal Island before we wipe out the Wu Clan."
Seeing this, Xu Fang knew he could not persuade the demon race.
"So be it. I have advised you, but you have refused. Fellow Daoist Nuwa also has instructions."
Xu Fang sighed. He had intended to prevent the Wu-Demon war. Because of Nuwa and Fuxi, he did not wish to see the demon race perish as he remembered them.
However, since the demon race was determined to be the overlords, Xu Fang knew it was futile.
He immediately commanded the Treasure Distribution Rock to leave, and it disappeared from before the Southern Heavenly Gate.
Di Jun and Donghuang Taiyi watched Xu Fang depart, both heaving a sigh of relief.
Given the current disparity in strength between them, Di Jun was confident he could capture Xu Fang.
However, Xu Fang had connections with the Saints of this world, so it was not convenient for them to act. If he left, it would naturally be for the best.
"Brother, that Xu Fang's arrival is indeed strange. Why would he say such things?"
Donghuang Taiyi was puzzled. Xu Fang had traveled so far just to ask them to cease hostilities with the Wu Clan, which was truly preposterous.
Di Jun was also confused, but he quickly dismissed his thoughts and said.
"Never mind him! The Wu-Demon war is at a critical juncture. We should focus all our efforts on dealing with the Wu Clan."
Donghuang Taiyi nodded in agreement.
Once the Wu Clan was dealt with, the demon race would be the undisputed overlords of the world. By then, even if Xu Fang had Saints protecting him, if he fell into the demon race's hands, he would surely never return!
Xu Fang, having been rebuffed by the demon race, turned and headed towards the Wu Clan.
The Wu Clan, as expected, welcomed Xu Fang warmly. The eleven Ancestral Witches all appeared, their enthusiasm undiminished.
However, upon hearing the purpose of Xu Fang's visit, the Ancestral Witches' expressions turned complex, and they repeatedly shook their heads.
"Fellow Daoist Xu Fang, are you jesting?"
"Indeed! This battle between our Wu Clan and the demon race is unavoidable. Though you are well-intentioned, this war truly cannot be stopped!"
"Precisely! Fellow Daoist Xu Fang, why not bring your Penglai Immortal Island to aid the Wu Clan? After we pacify the demon race, we shall cede the East Sea to you!"
The Ancestral Witches spoke one after another, not only stating that the Wu-Demon war was inevitable but also trying to persuade Xu Fang to join them, promising favorable treatment in the future.
Xu Fang listened to their words, unable to help but feel amused and exasperated.
He had come to persuade the Wu Clan to cease fighting, and now, they were trying to persuade him to join the battle.
Xu Fang quickly waved his hand to stop their entreaties and said.
"Fellow Daoists, I thank you for your goodwill, but there will be no winner in this battle."
"I cannot say too much. I can only tell you that I promised Fellow Daoist Houtu that I would help the Wu Clan. Have I ever harmed you?"
The Ancestral Witches, hearing Xu Fang's words, found them difficult to refute.
Hadn't Xu Fang not only not harmed the Wu Clan but consistently helped them?
However, Xu Fang's current proposal put them in a difficult position, and they exchanged glances, unsure of what to say.
As the conversation stalled, a voice emanated from Pangu Hall.
"Brothers and sisters, let us cease the war. The Wu Clan has no future if we continue like this."
The Ancestral Witches and Xu Fang both looked up towards Pangu Hall, recognizing the voice as belonging to Houtu's manifestation.
In the past, the Ancestral Witches would have merely chided their sister for being ignorant.
But now, with Houtu as the spokesperson, her words demanded serious consideration.
Seeing the Ancestral Witches pondering Houtu's words, Xu Fang seized the opportunity.
"Fellow Daoists, since Fellow Daoist Houtu has spoken, you should seriously consider it."
Since there was no hope with the demon race, Xu Fang placed his hope on the Wu Clan.
As long as the Wu Clan could be persuaded to stop fighting, then who the demon race fought would be irrelevant, and the plans of that certain individual would surely be foiled.
He had undertaken this arduous journey for this very purpose. With Houtu assisting, he would certainly not let this opportunity pass.
The Ancestral Witches wore grave expressions, and finally, their gazes fell upon Di Jiang. Di Jiang pondered for a moment and then spoke.
"Fellow Daoist Xu Fang, although we also understand that continuing this fight is not viable, the battle has already begun, and it is difficult for us to extricate ourselves!"
Di Jiang spoke, and the Ancestral Witches all nodded in agreement.
"Yes, what our sister says is naturally for the good of the Wu Clan, and we dare not disregard her words."
"However, if we wish to lay down our arms, would the demon race agree?"
"Fellow Daoist Xu Fang, you cannot expect us to sit idly by and await our doom, can you?"
The Ancestral Witches spoke one after another. They naturally attached great importance to Houtu's words, especially with the Earthly Dao's blessing, she must have glimpsed something.
However, although they knew that with the strength of the Wu and Demon clans, continuing the fight would only result in mutual destruction.
But now that the Wu-Demon war had fully erupted, if they wished to retreat, would the demon race agree? They would surely insist on determining the overlord of the Primordial World before ceasing.
This was no longer merely a matter of pride; it was a battle for the survival of their race!