This is so dishonest!

Chapter 408 The Grand Stage of the Primordial World, Come and Do Your Job (6k words, bonus chapter)

[Interesting, really interesting!]

In the Heavenly Emperor's Palace, the Three Pure Ones looked at the dashing Taiyi with admiration in their eyes.

Yu Chen Daojun chuckled and transmitted his voice: "He was the one who said he would usher in a new era and establish the God Race; now, he's also the one who's seizing the opportunity to acknowledge the name of the Demon Race."

Our Emperor is truly adept at handling matters.

"These are not contradictory," Xuanqing replied.

[While remaining true to his original aspirations, neither the initial 'god race' nor the current 'demon race' can hinder his plan to 'integrate all races' and pave the way for future generations.]

Taishang nodded slightly and said, "To be honest, I really admire Fellow Daoist Taiyang. He truly lives up to his reputation as a deity of our Taiwei Enclosure; he is truly extraordinary."

The Wu Clan not only avoided falling into the trap they had set, but they also cleverly used the enemy's propaganda to adjust their strategy, intending to use their opponent's strength against them.

The Supreme Lord was lavish in his praise of the Supreme One.

Now, from the perspective of the Three Pure Ones, who are "outsiders," they are looking at the clash between the Heavenly Court and the Witch Clan and feel that the leaders on both sides are masters of creating drama.

Taiyi created a huge pitfall involving the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, but the Wu tribe didn't fall into it. Instead, they countered with a "divine fabrication of a demon".

Taiyi didn't fall into this trap.

Instead of getting angry and launching a major attack, he redefined the concept of "demon" and used it to steadfastly promote his own path.

Yu Chen Daojun said, "Leaving aside other matters, the Heavenly Emperor's current statement about education for all is quite to my liking."

If the Three Pure Ones hadn't already decided to act as referees in the upcoming great calamity, they wouldn't have easily stepped in.

Based on Taiyi's current display of charisma and his new interpretation of the "demon race" concept, he might choose the Heavenly Court's side.

Similarly, the brothers Jieyin and Zhunti were also moved by Taiyi's spirit.

[Junior brother, there's a reason why you Taiwei Gods have been able to achieve victory after victory!]

The guide transmitted his voice with considerable emotion: "The demonic sect doesn't care about origins or backgrounds; it only values ​​one's Dao heart and destiny, and treats all beings equally. This philosophy truly resonates with us."

[I was initially skeptical about your involvement as the White Emperor.]

Now that I understand Fellow Daoist Sun's intentions, I feel that the position of White Emperor is not entirely unacceptable!

Zhunti smiled and said, "Since you've chosen to support me, Senior Brother, would it be alright if I lent you your Pure World White Lotus?"

Upon hearing this, Jieyin asked rather warily, "Don't you have the Golden Lotus? What do you need the White Lotus for?"

Zhunti patiently explained: "The Golden Lotus of Merit, in Taiwei, belongs to the Venerable Venerable Taibai."

【I, the White Emperor, use white lotus; this is more befitting of my status!】

"Don't be nervous, senior. I have no other intentions."

[Really?] This is a bit of a lead-in.

【Of course! 】

Zhunti confidently declared, "We're brothers, how could I possibly harm you?"

Seeing that Zhunti was constantly talking about brotherhood, Jieyin didn't press further.

So I nodded in agreement.

"Be careful, this white lotus was just taken from the Great God Pangu, don't ruin it!" Jieyin warned worriedly.

[Senior brother, don't worry!]

After receiving Jieyin's promise, Zhunti smiled smugly to himself.

'Senior brother, oh senior brother, you always impersonate me when you have nothing to do.'

'This time I'm definitely going to find you something to do!'

Zhunti thought of the great universe he had visited when he traveled through the heavens.

He already had some plans in mind.

Nuwa was also somewhat surprised by Taiyi's reaction.

[When the deity Taiwei gets serious, even I, the Taiwei Minister, am a little unaccustomed to it.] Nuwa had to admit that Taiyi had made a good move.

Follow the path of the Wu tribe, leaving them with nowhere to go.

In any case, the Heavenly Emperor has not yet revealed the true plan of the God Race.

The Protoss and the Protoss are still just plans.

Since the plan hasn't been implemented, of course it can be modified!

Moreover, changing the race from gods to demons seems to make it more relatable.

"His Majesty!"

Just after Taiyi put forward the new theory of the demon race, Kunpeng, who had been summoned back to the Heavenly Palace, also stepped out without hesitation.

He bowed deeply to Taiyi and said in a loud voice, "Your Majesty is wise!"

"Your subject Kunpeng is also willing to serve as the Celestial Master of my demon race, using all my life's learning to create a written language for my demon race, compile a demon canon, enlighten the people, and pass on the Great Dao!"

"To contribute to His Majesty's great cause, to the well-being of all people, and to the future of this primordial world!"

"This heart is as clear as heaven and earth, as splendid as the sun and moon!"

"What the Celestial Master says is exactly what we want to say!" Subsequently, Bai Ze, Ying Zhao, Shang Yang, Fei Lian, and other Zhou Tian Star Gods who were originally part of the core team of Taiyi's "Cabinet," as well as those independent cultivators who were invited to listen in and were not from innate powerful clans, also excitedly signed their statements.
They expressed their willingness to join the Demon Cult and contribute their strength to the rise of the demon race!
In an instant, the entire Heavenly Emperor Palace was filled with excitement, and voices of response rose and fell!
In just a short moment, the prototype of a brand-new "demon race" leadership team, with Taiyi at its core and powerful figures such as the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, Kunpeng, and Bai Ze as its backbone, has already taken shape!
Looking at the scene before him, where everyone was in high spirits and united in spirit, Taiyi felt a surge of pride in his heart.

He knew that he had made the right first move!

"Fellow Daoists, what do you think?"

Taiyi then turned his gaze to the six directors of the Heavenly Dao Committee.

The Three Pure Ones, Nuwa, Jieyin, and Zhunti all stated: "We are responsible for overseeing the operation of the Heavenly Dao and the educational work of the Heavenly Dao Academy."

"Whether the Heavenly Emperor establishes a divine religion or a demonic religion, we will not interfere."

Non-intervention is, in effect, a form of support!
"Thank you, fellow Daoists!" Taiyi cupped his hands in thanks.

Next, the Heavenly Emperor discussed the issue of the authority of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors with the gods.

Not long after, the small meeting that decided on the Heavenly Court's development strategy ended, and the Three Pure Ones and the Guide of Heaven left.

~~~~~
After the Three Pure Ones and the others left.

The Heavenly Emperor held a large meeting with his cabinet members.

"Your Majesty!"

Kunpeng said solemnly, "Now, although the titles of 'Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors' have been established, to a certain extent, they have indeed divided the forces opposing us and won the support of many centrists."

"But the stigma of 'demon race' spread by the mastermind behind the scenes still has a far-reaching influence. If it is not clarified at its root, it will eventually become a major hidden danger to our great cause!"

"Therefore, in my opinion, the most urgent task, in addition to continuing to promote the 'unification of the written language' to eliminate cultural barriers, is to launch a new set of 'combined measures' that can turn the tide!"

"What strategy does the Celestial Master have?" Taiyi listened attentively.

Kunpeng said, "Firstly, we must 'proclaim to the Three Realms and confer divine titles'!"

"Theoretical definitions and the publication of lists on the StarNet are far from sufficient!"

"We must hold an unprecedented, solemn, and sacred formal investiture ceremony to demonstrate to the entire primordial universe our determination and sincerity in establishing the 'Demon Cult' and the 'Demon Race'!"

"Therefore, in this formal decree of investiture, Your Majesty should once again solemnly and publicly announce the sacred establishment of the positions of the 'Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors,' and elaborate in detail on the authority and responsibilities represented by each divine position!"

"Your Majesty, think about it. When all living beings in the primordial world see with their own eyes that even top-tier beings with such esteemed status and prestige as the Great God Fuxi, Goddess Nuwa, and God Emperor Taiyi are willing to join our 'demon race' system and assume the most core divine positions, will all living beings still question us?"

"Makes sense!"

The cabinet ministers nodded.

Although the Heavenly Emperor's ideals are good, due to the smear campaign by the mastermind behind the scenes, the concepts of demon race and demon emperor still have a great negative impact.

If the selection of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors can be announced at the appropriate time, it will not only effectively refute this rumor, but also allow the primordial gods to re-examine the Heavenly Emperor's plan.

Kunpeng continued, "Secondly, and most importantly, we must 'open wide the paths to divinity and leave vacant positions for those in need!'"

"At the end of this decree of investiture, Your Majesty, in the name of the Heavenly Emperor, you should clearly and solemnly declare to all living beings in the entire primordial universe that the positions of the 'Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors of the Divine Race' are not fixed and cannot be for life!"

"It can be replaced!"

As he spoke, Kunpeng cupped his hands toward the sky and said, "The rotation system is absolutely the most precious wisdom left behind by the Holy Heavenly Emperor of the past!"

"The core of this system lies in selecting the virtuous and capable!"

"The vast and boundless stage awaits you; if you have a dream, come and join us!"

He looked at everyone and said excitedly, "Since the position of the Heavenly Emperor can be rotated, then everyone will definitely believe that the positions of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors can also be rotated."

"In addition, there are many other equally prestigious and powerful divine positions that are yet to be filled!"

"Any race, any lineage, any living being, regardless of your origin or background."

"As long as you make outstanding contributions to the development of the primordial universe, as long as you accumulate enough merit and fortune, and as long as you demonstrate extraordinary wisdom and powerful abilities."

"Then you will have the opportunity to compete for these supreme divine positions through a selection and assessment mechanism established by the Heavenly Court that is absolutely fair, just, and transparent!"

"In this way, we can successfully attract all those ambitious, capable, and powerful top talents and forces to the 'rules of the game' we have set!"

“Transform them from ‘potential opponents’ or ‘cold-eyed bystanders’ into ‘active participants’ and ‘steadfast advocates’!”

Kunpeng began to imagine: "Fellow Daoists, imagine this: when the elite class of the entire prehistoric universe begins to strive, cultivate, accumulate merit, and display their talents in order to compete for these divine positions and resources within the 'Demon Race'."

"Their focus naturally shifted from the 'battle between gods and demons' to 'internal competition'."

"By then, those statements spread by the mastermind behind the scenes, aimed at sowing discord and creating antagonism, will naturally lose their fertile ground and will no longer be able to stir up any waves!"

Kunpeng's strategy was progressive and intricately linked, striking directly at people's hearts and every word was precious, demonstrating the ultimate application of the concept of "open conspiracy"!

After listening, Taiyi clapped his hands in praise, his eyes filled with admiration and trust for Kunpeng!
He knew that with the assistance of Kunpeng, a man of exceptional talent, he would be in a great position.

With his grand ambition of becoming the "Demon Emperor," what is there to worry about but his success?!

~~~~~
After the Heavenly Emperor Taiyi revised the plan.

A silent war, revolving around the legitimacy of the titles "god" and "demon," has quietly begun throughout the entire primordial universe.

This struggle, concerning not only ideals but also the future dominance of the primordial universe, is more intense than any previous calamity of true conflict. It is more like a "Great Dao Chess Game" that has swept across all sacred realms and affected countless lineages. And on this vast chessboard, the entire primordial universe itself is the chessboard.

The chess player is none other than the gods and saints of the heavens.

In an instant, the undercurrents of the entire primordial universe became more turbulent than ever before.

Those innate deities who enjoyed stirring up trouble, or who had doubts about Taiyi's "unification of all races," began to spread, openly or secretly, the stories and "historical records" created by the Wu tribe about the "Demon Emperor wreaking havoc in the prehistoric world" within their respective dojos and spheres of influence.

They would not openly challenge the Heavenly Court.

However, they cleverly spread the negative concept of "demon" more widely under the guise of "learning from this lesson" and "exploring ancient history".

Meanwhile, some other deities with a long-term vision and quick thinking, or those who were moved by Taiyi's grand ideal of "all spirits are equal and can become demons," began to express their "investment" intentions in another way.

Some deities began to actively send their most outstanding disciples to the missionary sites set up by the demon cults to conduct friendly exchanges, show goodwill to the Heavenly Court, and send signals of cooperation.

Some traditions began to subtly incorporate positive concepts about "change," "evolution," and "defying fate" into their own scriptures and doctrines, in order to echo the doctrines of the demonic cult.

Furthermore, some powerful independent cultivators, while maintaining neutrality, would occasionally post "rational" and "objective" comments on the Star Network.

While seemingly impartial, the text actually defends the legitimacy of the "demon cult" and the "demon race" between the lines.

The entire primordial universe was divided into two enormous, invisible camps because of this silent "choosing sides" and "making moves".

Between them, a fierce struggle is taking place concerning the hearts and minds of the people and the direction of the great path.

In this delicate atmosphere of watching and betting on the game, the Celestial Master Kunpeng, who shoulders the arduous mission of clearing the name of the "Demon Emperor" and paving the way for the "Demon Cult," is undoubtedly the most stressed and busiest core figure.

He observed the open and covert clashes of opinions on the StarNet with crystal clarity.

He knew that to win the final victory in this "grand game," the support of the common people alone was far from enough.

We must win the support of enough influential "chess players" and "chess pieces"!

Thus, over the next few thousand years, Kunpeng devoted almost all the wisdom and methods he had learned in his life to a series of highly effective public opinion guidance and image reshaping efforts that can be described as "textbook-level".

On the one hand, he continued to vindicate the original meaning of "demon" in the "Great Way Open Class" and portray the "demon cult" as the "Alliance of Hope" for all acquired beings, in order to win the hearts and minds of the people at the grassroots level and consolidate his base.

On the other hand, he transformed into countless "alternate accounts," taking on different identities such as "wise man," "senior," and "passerby," and personally participated in this "Great Dao Debate" that affected the entire prehistoric world!
He would sometimes cite classical texts to analyze the situation and cleverly refute the slander against the "demonic cult," providing theoretical justification for those wavering centrists to "support the demonic cult."

At other times, they would transform into "mysterious insiders" and reveal "insider information" on some high-end forums, such as "a certain powerful figure actually appreciates the ideology of the demonic sect," in order to shake the opponent's camp.

In a sense, Kunpeng is undoubtedly the most hardworking person in the Heavenly Court.

The other party not only participates in the teaching work of the Heavenly Dao Academy on a daily basis, but also goes to the Heavenly Court's government affairs hall to work from time to time.

In their spare time, while busy creating a unified written language, they even turned into online trolls to defend the Heavenly Emperor.

Who wouldn't like such a loyal and devoted minister?

"The Celestial Master is truly a pillar of our Heavenly Court!" Taiyi exclaimed.

After Kunpeng's series of fruitful efforts.

In the primordial universe, the widespread hostility and rejection of the "demon race" originally initiated by the witch race has indeed been effectively eliminated and reversed to a large extent.

The voices supporting the "demon cult" are growing louder and louder among the vast number of people born after birth.

However, Kunpeng's series of publicity efforts, while successfully winning the hearts and minds of many born beings, did not achieve their full potential.

But this also touched the core interests and sensitive nerves of another group of innate saints, the masters of various races, and the masters of many universes.

For them, Taiyi simply wanted to create a so-called "demon race" to open up a new path for advancement for those born from ordinary backgrounds.

To some extent, people can understand, and even agree with, this point.

However, the key issue is that you said you wanted to use the concept of "demon race" to merge all races and implement the so-called "all living beings can become demons" to ultimately achieve "the great unification of all races".

This made many innate saints, innate race masters, and even some top rulers who had already created their own great universes very dissatisfied!

Your demon race's desire for "inclusivity" is your own business; we will not interfere.

You can even observe this grand game of chess and see how far you can go.

But isn't it a bit too unethical of you to try to "include" us, the naturally noble, pure-blooded, and ancient races, in the same way?!
Our race, our world, the path we uphold—which of these is not unique and extraordinary?

Why should we abandon our innate pride and heritage to integrate into your so-called "demon family"?
Doesn't what you, the Heavenly Emperor, are doing contradict your lofty ideal of "opening up a new path for future generations"?
What is the essential difference between this and the actions of the treacherous Beast Emperor Shenni, who was despised by the entire prehistoric world back then?

On this point, the core demands of these proud and arrogant innate deities are surprisingly aligned with those of the Wu Clan, who have been dedicated to discrediting Taiyi!
This also provides the Wu Clan with an excellent opportunity to maneuver!

~~~~
Mount Buzhou, the Pangu Palace.

In response to the changing situation, the Wu tribe held another expanded meeting.

Xi Zi (Xuan Qing), the Ancestral Witch of Electricity, summarized the recent changes in the Celestial Realm.

Finally, he exclaimed, "I never expected that the Heavenly Emperor would actually take advantage of the situation, abandon the name of the gods, and directly redefine the concept of 'demon'!"

"As expected of the successor chosen by the Holy Heavenly Emperor, he is truly extraordinary!"

"Indeed, we underestimated the Heavenly Emperor."

[Space Ancestral Witch] Dijiang nodded slightly and said, "Fortunately, we acted quickly enough to plant a seed of doubt in the hearts of the gods in advance."

"Even if the Heavenly Emperor wanted to turn the tide now, it wouldn't be so easy."

"In fact, because the Heavenly Emperor confirmed the demon race's plan, even the gods who originally wanted to wait and see began to gravitate towards us."

Zhu Rong, the Ancestral God of Fire, laughed and said, "Then we can move up the schedule for purging the court of corrupt officials."

Wu Luo, the Ancestral Witch of Martial Arts, said: "I have no objection."

If the current Heavenly Emperor is sent to reincarnation, then perhaps the original Heavenly Emperor can return during the next election.

"We have no objections!"

Many great shamans, such as Julong, Kuafu, Houyi, Pingyi, and Xingtian, were eager to fight.

Since their reincarnation, they have been teaching at the sorcery academy.

I've been wanting to stretch my muscles for a while now.

The great shamans said, "The Heavenly Emperor has been deceived by treacherous ministers and wants to emulate the rebellious gods and the ancient Chaos Gods, to wreak havoc on all races and overthrow the primordial world!"

"We, the Wu tribe, have a responsibility and an obligation to save the world from the primordial crisis!"

The first sword strike after landing is to slay the Great Demon God.

The great shamans learned from history and identified themselves entirely as the shaman race, never mentioning their origins as the Chaos God.

They are now the true descendants of Pangu!

Even if one day, the wise demon god leads other demon gods back from the chaos of outer heavens, they will still be at the forefront of protecting the primordial world!
Faced with the ancestral witches and great witches who were full of fighting spirit, Xi Zi (Xuan Qing) shook his head and advised, "The Heavenly Emperor's prestige is at its peak now. If we rashly launch an attack, we will not be purging the court of corrupt officials, but rebelling."

"If we want to conquer the Heavenly Court, we must unite all forces that can be united in order to succeed."

He said, "Now, many gods have expressed their dissatisfaction with the Heavenly Emperor's plan to control the demon race."

“We can raise the righteous banner of ‘opposing the annexation by the demon race and upholding the independence of all races’ to win over those innate saints and ancient races who are also dissatisfied with and wary of the demon race’s plans.”

"Thus forming a massive 'anti-demon united front' capable of rivaling the Heavenly Court!"

"An anti-demon united front?" Many ancestral witches and great witches seemed to be deep in thought.

Xi Zi (Xuan Qing) explained to everyone: "Yes!"

"In order to build this united front against the demon race, we must do this."

Next, Xi Zi (Xuan Qing) explained the rationality and necessity of this united front from multiple perspectives, and personally taught the Wu tribe how to rebel against the Heavenly Court.

"Hmm, this plan is excellent!"

Houtu, the Ancestral Witch of Earth, had her eyes shining after listening to Xuanqing's explanation.

She lowered her head and immediately began a new round of story writing.

Actually, she didn't care much about the Heavenly Emperor Taiyi's reaction.

In any case, in her book "The Chronicles of the Heavenly Emperor", the Heavenly Emperor established the demon race, not the god race.

Taiyi's move was exactly what she wanted, confirming that what she wrote was "official history"!
Now inspired by Xuanqing, she wants to continue enriching the content of "official history"!
Soon, the Wu tribe actively implemented Xi Zi's (Xuan Qing's) plan and began to establish a united front.

They secretly spread and sold various storybooks to contact "anti-heaven patriots" in order to accumulate strength.

At that very moment, the Heavenly Emperor Taiyi launched a counterattack.

He then formally and publicly announced the final list of the "Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors of the Divine Race," which had already been discussed and approved within the Heavenly Dao Committee, as well as the more crucial "Divine Position Rotation System," to the entire primordial universe through the Star Network!
Public opinion throughout the entire prehistoric world was instantly ignited!

"What?! The positions of [Xi Huang], [Nuwa Huang], and [Dong Huang] have actually been held by these three top-tier powerhouses: Fuxi, Nuwa, and Taiyi God Emperor?!"

"Heavens! This...this is the Heavenly Court announcing to the entire prehistoric world that their 'Demon Race Plan' has received the full support of these three top beings! In this game, the Heavenly Court's momentum has instantly gained!"

"The most crucial point is that you all saw the last one, right? The positions of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors were not for life! They could be rotated!"

"Any living being, as long as it has enough merit and strength, has the opportunity to compete!"

This news was like a bombshell, instantly causing a stir in the hearts of those innate masters who were still hesitant and wavering!

Because the Holy Heavenly Emperor had already abdicated the throne, they all believed that the Heavenly Emperor was serious this time!

He didn't want to establish a "demon race dictatorship," but rather he genuinely wanted to create a completely new, more open, and fair "game of power" that would allow all the top experts to participate!
The immense impact of this list, coupled with the irresistible allure of the "rotation of divine positions," was palpable.

The innate gods who originally harbored resentment towards the "demon race" plan and had even secretly "invested" some resources in the witch race.

Their stance has also begun to show subtle divisions and wavering.

The voices supporting the Heavenly Emperor Taiyi began to grow louder and louder.

Meanwhile, throughout the entire primordial universe, undercurrents were surging due to the announcement of the list of "Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors" and this silent "Great Dao Chess Game".

Tian Shi Kunpeng, the "chief planner" and "director of public opinion" of the entire incident, did not feel any slackening because of this.

He knew that now was the most crucial moment!

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

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P.S.: I've been a bit busy lately and haven't been able to update as much. I'll gradually catch up by adding more chapters later.

(End of this chapter)