Investiture of the Gods: I am Bigan, the Master of Conspiracy

Within the realm of his mind, Yin Ziyu listened to Luo Shen's question and slowly explained to her, "Now, the heart of transcendence has been achieved. Although in terms of cultivation, this realm is equivalent to that of a quasi-saint, its essence is completely different."

Luo Shen's beautiful eyes sparkled with curiosity as she softly asked, "What exactly is the difference?"

Yin Ziyu remained calm and composed as he explained, “Currently, the cultivation stages, from severing one corpse, to severing two corpses, to severing three corpses, and finally to the unification of the three corpses, have become fixed stages for cultivation above the Great Luo Golden Immortal level. However, the realm of the Heart of Transcendence is achieved through the comprehension of the Great Dao of Sentient Beings, transcending one's own heart, and thus generating the power of transcendence. This realm is actually a preparation for transcendence; this realm is the realm of leaping into the abyss.”

These two differences are equivalent to the fact that the original Great Luo Golden Immortal was the end of the path, while the Corpse Slayer realm was pushed up three realms, thus reducing the prestige of the Great Luo Golden Immortal.

The state of transcendence is itself a special state of preparation for attaining enlightenment, and its essence is still that of a Great Luo Golden Immortal.

The difference is that the transcendent heart brings about a change in power, which is the initial stage of qualitative change. Quasi-Saints can remain in the Quasi-Saint realm indefinitely, such as Zhen Yuanzi and others who have remained in the middle stage for countless eons.

The desire for transcendence has been achieved, and staying is no longer possible. As the power of transcendence grows, after a certain period of time, it will be time to break the shackles of the Heavenly Dao.

They either leap into the abyss, soar through the sky like a dragon, or fall to their deaths and are shattered to pieces; there is no way back and no way to stop.

Upon hearing this, Luo Shen nodded slightly, seemingly understanding something, and sighed softly, "So that's how it is. Ziyu, once you've reached this realm, will you be proving your Dao through force?"

Yin Ziyu's gaze was serious as he nodded in agreement: "That's right, it is indeed about proving the Dao through force. To cultivate a transcendent mind, one must break through hidden shackles, while proving the Dao requires breaking free from explicit shackles."

Upon hearing this, the Goddess of the Luo River hurriedly asked, "What are hidden shackles? What are explicit shackles?"

Yin Ziyu slowly said, "The so-called hidden shackles are the order that all living beings have accepted and become accustomed to under the shroud of the Heavenly Dao, which is the name and the Dao. As the sage Lao Tzu said, 'The Dao that can be spoken of is not the constant Dao,' that constant Dao is the true Great Dao. However, what living beings accept is the Dao that is spoken of, and thus the shackles that arise in their hearts are the hidden shackles. The hidden shackles require living beings to see through countless things, and even see through the Three Corpses to attain the Dao. Only by seeing through all the hidden shackles and finding the original heart can one generate the power of transcendence."

Upon hearing this, Luo Shen frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and then asked, "The realm of transcendence requires breaking through hidden shackles, so proving the Dao and transcending requires breaking free from the true shackles of the Heavenly Dao? But even a saint can hardly contend with the Heavenly Dao, let alone someone who is not a saint!"

Yin Ziyu's expression was resolute: "The path of love is the only one that must be taken. Even if I find the Primordial Purple Qi, I must fight with all my might. As an insignificant being, to try to transcend the shackles of the Heavenly Dao is indeed a punishment from Heaven. I need to plan carefully for the future. Right now, the most important thing is to win the Great Tribulation."

Upon hearing this, the Goddess of the Luo River's face instantly showed a mixture of shock and worry.

Seeing this, Yin Ziyu said gently, "Mi Fei, there is no need to worry. This matter may still have a chance of success."

The easiest way to attain enlightenment is through merit, but even becoming a saint does not guarantee liberation. The ultimate outcome of attaining enlightenment through the Three Corpses is to merge with the Dao. Only by attaining enlightenment through force can one achieve liberation.

This final, ultimate leap will inevitably bring divine punishment, which even I cannot withstand. How can someone with the cultivation of a quasi-saint withstand it? This is why Mi Fei began to despair.

Yin Ziyu was not too desperate about this. He knew he would need to rely on the Dao-proving methods of the outer heavens in the future. He would make plans after the Great Tribulation of Journey to the West. What he needed to do now was the final battle of the Great Tribulation.

This journey to the West begins with Wuzhuang Temple participating, Wuji Kingdom proclaims it to the Three Realms, Chechi Kingdom breaks the Buddhist gate's loopholes, Tongtian River perfects the heart of transcendence, and what remains is the period of great tribulation competition.

Now that it was time to discuss the decisive battle, Yin Ziyu informed Jinling Shengmu and the others.

In a corner of the Mind Realm, Yin Ziyu and Luo Shen stood side by side. Not far away, Jinling Shengmu, Sanxiao Xianzi, Guiling Shengmu, Wudang Shengmu, Wuyun Xian, and other members of the Jie Sect filed in.

As soon as everyone saw Yin Ziyu, they noticed that his aura was completely different from before, and his transcendent power made everyone gasp in surprise.

With a piercing gaze, the Golden Spirit Mother spoke first, asking in surprise, "Ziyu, you've finally advanced?"

Yin Ziyu nodded calmly and said, "Yes, now we are gathering the heart of transcendence."

Fairy Yunxiao's beautiful eyes lit up, and she said with delight, "That's wonderful! What kind of realm is the Heart of Transcendence?"

Yin Ziyu's eyes flashed, and he slowly said, "This realm is equivalent to a quasi-saint, but not quite a quasi-saint. It can barely be considered a quasi-Primordial Realm. In terms of magical power, it should be a qualitative change compared to a quasi-saint."

After speaking, Yin Ziyu briefly explained the unique aspects of this realm to everyone.

Upon hearing Yin Ziyu's words, the members of the Jie Sect were all utterly astonished, their expressions filled with disbelief.

The qualitative change in magical power is completely different from that of a quasi-saint. Although he is not a saint, the profoundness of this realm is prepared for breaking the shackles of the Heavenly Dao, so it is naturally completely different from that of a quasi-saint.

It should be known that in this primordial world, there is only one path: severing the three corpses. Yet Yin Ziyu has opened up such an unprecedented realm, and even achieved a qualitative leap in his cultivation as a Quasi-Saint. This is truly astonishing.

The Holy Mother Jinling composed herself and asked with a solemn expression, "Ziyu, the pilgrims have arrived at Mount Jilei. What should we do now?"

Yin Ziyu looked towards the Journey to the West, pondered for a moment, and said, "The decisive battle will take place at Lion Camel Ridge. Bai Suzhen wants to vindicate the demon race, Yang Chan wants to seek justice for the human race, and Wukong is also determined to find the truth. All of these are for the greater good, making this the perfect opportunity. The Buddhist sect cannot afford to lose Xiniu Hezhou under any circumstances. If Bai Suzhen gathers demons and wipes out Lion Camel Ridge, the demon race will inevitably become too powerful and take over Xiniu Hezhou. This is a loss that the Buddhist sect cannot tolerate. Lion Camel Ridge will definitely become the decisive battleground. I'm sure the other side has already guessed this and is making preparations!"

Luo Shen nodded and said, "What Ziyu said is true. Lion Camel Ridge is a place where the survival of Buddhism and the survival of the demon race are intertwined. Lion Camel Ridge is the foundation for the survival of Buddhism's pure faith. This place is the site of the decisive battle."

Golden Spirit Mother nodded slightly and said in a deep voice, "If Lion Camel Ridge is not destroyed, the demon race will perish; if Lion Camel Ridge is destroyed, Buddhism will be difficult to survive. Therefore, this Immortal Slaughtering Sword Formation will be set up at Lion Camel Ridge. Compared with them, we Quasi-Saints are far too far apart, and our treasures are also inferior. Only this Immortal Slaughtering Sword Formation may be able to fight against them."

Yin Ziyu nodded in agreement, saying, "The other side has clearly prepared many methods, intending to achieve their goal in one fell swoop. Do not tell anyone about my advancement. I will reveal myself at the decisive battle."

Yin Ziyu made a series of arrangements for the decisive battle of the Great Tribulation. After hearing them, the members of the Jie Sect all nodded silently with solemn expressions.

Yin Ziyu will not appear for the time being, because Yin Ziyu himself belongs to the realm of certain victory and transcendence, which is beyond the sage's expectations. This is Yin Ziyu's world, which cannot be predicted.

When Sun Wukong and his disciples arrived at Mount Jilei, they saw a large banner fluttering in the distance, like a surging black wave.

Countless demon soldiers gathered together in dense formation, their imposing aura seemingly capable of dispelling the gloom between heaven and earth, causing the surrounding air to tremble.

Although they encountered many monsters along the way, this kind of spectacle made Sun Wukong suddenly pause in surprise.

Even Sun Wukong, who now knows part of the truth, is still deeply shocked.

At that moment, Sun Wukong moved with lightning speed and arrived at Mount Jilei in an instant.

All around, demons of all sizes thronged the mountains and plains, like a surging black tide. This scene once again astonished Sun Wukong.

Just then, a powerful shout came from afar: "Is it Seventh Brother?"

Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong immediately replied, "It is indeed me, Old Sun. Am I Brother Bull?"

The Bull Demon King's voice rang out again: "Seventh Brother, please come and have a chat."

Sun Wukong used his supernatural powers and arrived at the mountaintop in the blink of an eye.

Before his eyes came six familiar figures, the other six great saints who had once sworn brotherhood with him.

The Great Sage Equaling Heaven, the Bull Demon King, stood tall and imposing like a mountain, exuding an aura of unparalleled power, like a primordial beast appearing in the world. His spiritual energy surged and roared, seemingly capable of shaking the heavens and the earth.

The Great Sage Dragon Demon King of the Overturning Seas has a slender figure, with scales that shimmer with a cold luster. His eyes reveal a deep, dark light, as if they contain endless mysteries of the ocean. With every move he makes, wisps of water vapor surround him, as if he can control the power of the four seas.

The Great Sage of Chaos, Peng Demon King, is agile and powerful. His wings spread wide, blotting out the sky and the sun. His feathers shimmer with a metallic luster, and his eyes are sharp as lightning, as if he can see through all the illusions of the world. His claws seem capable of tearing the heavens apart.

The Lion Camel King, the Great Sage Who Moves Mountains, is enormous, resembling a walking mountain. His muscles are bulging, radiating a chilling aura. With every move he makes, it seems he can move mountains and fill seas, and the earth trembles slightly under his footsteps.

Sun Wukong was quite pleasantly surprised to see his six brothers. His former hatred had disappeared after learning the truth. He bowed respectfully and said, "Greetings, my six brothers."

The Bull Demon King laughed heartily and said, "Brother, it's been many years. How have you been?"

Sun Wukong looked ashamed and said, "Back then, I was ignorant. I had just sworn brotherhood with my six brothers and then went to the Heavenly Court. Only now do I realize that the Heavenly Court is not a place of iniquity, and I have caused my brothers so much trouble. I have been unjust."

Peng Demon King waved his hand and said, "Seventh Brother, there's no need for that. Ignorance is no excuse. Congratulations to Seventh Brother for understanding the past."

Sun Wukong scratched his head and asked curiously, "Why are you all gathered here for a discussion, brothers?"

Upon hearing this, the Bull Demon King angrily said, "At the foot of the Western Spirit Mountain lies Lion Camel Ridge. Three demon kings, leading hundreds of thousands of demons, have swept across the Western Niuhe Continent, claiming to be demons and devouring countless people every day. This time, the demons are being raised to punish Lion Camel Ridge. Otherwise, the demon race will be classified as demons, and their fortune will surely be lost."

Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong was stunned for a moment, then scratched his head in anger and said, "Brother Bull, is what you said true? Why is there such a terrible place at the foot of Mount Ling?"

The Bull Demon King shook his head helplessly and said, "The reasons behind this are unknown. The only thing we can do is to first eliminate the three demons in this place."

Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong said resentfully, "Since that's the case, I, Old Sun, will join my brothers in destroying this demon!"

The Bull Demon King stared intently at Sun Wukong and said in a deep voice, "Seventh Brother, the grand plan to destroy this demon awaits your arrival."

Without hesitation, Sun Wukong straightened his chest and asked, "Please give your orders, Brother Bull."

The Bull Demon King remained calm and composed, saying methodically, "Since you, Seventh Brother, are protecting Tang Sanzang on his journey to the West, you will inevitably pass through Lion Camel Ridge. Once the demons of Lion Camel Ridge capture Tang Sanzang, you can come to us for help. At that time, we can join forces from within and without to wipe out these demons in one fell swoop."

Upon hearing this, a resolute glint flashed in Sun Wukong's eyes, and he immediately replied, "Alright, I, Old Sun, will follow Brother Bull's arrangements."

The Bull Demon King nodded slightly, then looked worried and said, "Mount Jilei is relatively peaceful with us brothers protecting it. But beyond Mount Jilei, it's like a ghost town. Seventh Brother, you must be careful."

Sun Wukong's expression turned serious, and he hurriedly asked, "Why is this happening?"

The Bull Demon King sighed and said, "This is caused by the arrival of the Great Calamity, and the energy of the Great Calamity is sweeping across the land like a raging torrent. This power has caused chaos in the world, and demons and monsters are running rampant."

Sun Wukong frowned and asked, "Does Mount Ling not care?"

The Bull Demon King shook his head with a wry smile and said, "Seventh Brother, how can there be a Buddha without demons? The reason behind this is not so simple. It is a matter of mutual dependence. You will understand in the future. Therefore, only our demon race can eradicate the evil that is Lion Camel Ridge."

Of course, these principles were taught by Yin Ziyu, and these great demons could not understand them yet. Yin Ziyu taught them to Luo Shen, who was in charge of controlling the progress of the Journey to the West and informing Bai Suzhen.

Sun Wukong was taken aback, his face full of doubt, and asked, "What is the reason for this? Brother Bull, please explain it clearly!"

After hearing this, the Bull Demon King gave a wry smile: "Seventh Brother, once we pacify Lion Camel Ridge, you will naturally understand the reasons behind it. I, Old Bull, have only heard this from the White Fairy."

Sun Wukong was taken aback: "White Fairy, is that the White Fairy from Wuji Kingdom?"

The Bull Demon King nodded: "It is indeed this White Fairy!"

Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong suddenly realized that the White Fairy had left a deep impression on him during the ordeal in Wuji Kingdom, and many of his insights came from her.

Sun Wukong couldn't help but ask curiously, "Brother Bull, who exactly is this White Fairy? Why are you all so obedient to her? You even know so much about our sworn brotherhood?"

The Bull Demon King explained, "Seventh Brother, the White Fairy wields the Demon-Summoning Banner and is the future Demon Emperor! It was the White Fairy who gathered the demons to exterminate the demons of Lion Camel Ridge."

Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong was immediately astonished: "The future Demon Emperor? Is it that purple-green gourd? So the White Fairy is going to attack Lion Camel Ridge. It's so far away, why is she making such a big fuss?"

Sun Wukong immediately recalled that terrifying moment when he waved the Demon-Summoning Banner, which summoned a powerful demon that defeated him in a single blow. It was truly terrifying.

The Bull Demon King, with a serious expression and piercing gaze, stared at Sun Wukong and slowly said, "Seventh Brother, the demon race in the Three Realms encompasses many other races besides the human race. Just like my Bull Clan and your Monkey Clan, in essence, we are all beings who cultivate by relying on the spiritual energy of the Three Realms. Cultivating with flesh and blood would increase one's own evil energy and karma, so it would not be like this."

The Bull Demon King paused, his eyes revealing deep worry and indignation, then continued, "But the demons who have risen up on Lion Camel Ridge are behaving quite differently. They've gathered some lesser demons whose minds have been clouded, and they cultivate by devouring the flesh and blood of humans. They've even absorbed the malevolent energy of the Three Realms, completely transforming themselves into demons. Such actions have already deviated from the righteous path of the demon race. If they aren't completely eradicated, the entire demon race will surely perish!" Sun Wukong, upon hearing this, suddenly looked somber: "So that's how it is! I understand now. Thank you, Brother Bull, for enlightening me. Along this journey, I, in my ignorance, have taken it upon myself to vanquish demons, yet I've never understood the reason behind it all."

When demons achieve their goal, the three realms will be divided into the world of humans and the world of demons. Ordinary demons will be thoroughly hunted down and killed, and all races will perish as a result.

The Three Realms will become a world of demons and humans, which means the demise of Nuwa's Way. Nuwa's Way is the great path of creation that balances all races. This is the great crisis contained in the Lion Camel Ridge incident.

Why are demons rampant at the foot of Mount Ling? Is Lion Camel Ridge the only one in Xiniu Hezhou?
No, there are countless Lion Camel Ridges throughout Xiniu Hezhou, but it is because this is the route of the Journey to the West that it is a typical one.

Because Lion Camel Ridge at the foot of Lingshan Mountain is the most effective way to maintain pure faith, it is easy to wipe out Lion Camel Ridge, but difficult to wipe out the entire system.

Only the evil of demons can highlight the compassion of Buddha, thus forming the foundation of pure faith. This is the deeper concept behind it.

At the same time, we cannot tolerate the Bull Demon King and his ilk wiping out Lion Camel Ridge, and we must make them stand on the side of justice to judge them.

Actively eradicating the Lion Camel Ridge system destroys the root of the belief system, while leaving Lion Camel Ridge becomes the opponent's moral high ground and a machine for generating merit and reputation.

Now, Bai Suzhen and Yang Chan both want to get a piece of this cake to grow, plus they are both from Nuwa's faction, and the Jie Sect and Yin Ziyu are also eyeing it covetously.

Now, the demon race is gathering to seize this opportunity to make itself a force that protects the survival of all people. Yang Chan also wants to use the Lion Camel Ridge phenomenon to unite the great compassion of Buddhism. This is also a battle for faith.

Every demon's lair is a source of pure faith for Buddha. When all the demons are wiped out, Mount Ling will collapse. Can Mount Ling turn on itself?

Therefore, whether from Yin Ziyu's side or in the eyes of the Sage, the final battleground must be Lion Camel Ridge.

After leaving Mount Jilei, Sun Wukong protected Tang Sanzang and his disciples as they continued their journey westward.

After experiencing several more tribulations arranged by the Buddhist sect, Sun Wukong finally arrived at the Lion Camel Ridge, a place that struck fear into the hearts of many, after years of overcoming numerous obstacles.

Before even approaching Lion Camel Ridge, the dense, impenetrable demonic aura rushed towards us, like a heavy dark cloud pressing down on our hearts.

The entire Lion Camel Ridge resembles a demonic mountain rising from the depths of hell, its eerie aura soaring to the heavens, obscuring the sun and turning the once clear sky a deep, inky black.

As soon as Sun Wukong stepped onto the territory of Lion Camel Ridge, he felt a chill run down his spine.

But all over the mountains and fields, there were all kinds of ferocious and terrifying demons.

Some were as huge as mountains, their every step causing the earth to tremble, while others were as elusive as ghosts, appearing and disappearing in the eerie mist, their eyes gleaming with a ghostly green light.

The trees on the ridge were all twisted like demons, their branches entwined with black miasma, as if they had been eroded by this endless demonic energy and lost their vitality.

Hanging upside down from the branches were heads that were not yet completely rotten, with black viscous fluid flowing from their empty eye sockets, pooling on the ground into puddles of foul-smelling sewage.

In the valley, piles of white bones lay like mountains, some gnawed and mutilated, others burned into pale powder by demonic power, flying wildly in the wind, just like the shadow of death spreading everywhere.

Some of the skeletons that had not yet turned to dust were strung together into eerie wind chimes and hung on the cliff. As gusts of cold wind blew by, they emitted a chilling "whooshing" sound, as if countless wronged souls were wailing in agony.

Dark clouds filled the sky above Lion Camel Ridge, with lightning bolts crisscrossing the clouds. Each flash of lightning illuminated this terrifying region as if it were daytime, but also exposed the demons and monsters hiding in the darkness.

Deep within that dense demonic aura, faint, sinister roars and eerie laughter could be heard; the gathering of demonic energy was terrifying.

Lion Camel Ridge is like a living hell, exuding a terrifying aura that chills the heart, even moving Sun Wukong, the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, who has experienced countless battles.

Beneath the deep, endless abyss of demons in some unknown place, darkness surges and churns like thick demonic energy.

The Great Protector Ri Biao knelt on one knee before the black-robed figure seated atop the Black Lotus of Annihilation, and loudly reported, "Reporting to the Master, the pilgrims have arrived at Lion Camel Ridge!"

The black-robed figure atop the Black Lotus of Annihilation, upon hearing the report, slightly raised his head and slowly said, "The decisive battle will begin at Lion Camel Ridge. These few demons at Lion Camel Ridge are no match for the pilgrims. However, due to various reasons, the Buddhist sect cannot openly wage war. They even need to feign annihilation, and when the enemy's army besieges Lion Camel Ridge, you will secretly lend your assistance."

Upon hearing this, Ri Biao frowned slightly, his face showing worry, and said, "Master, according to my estimation, the Golden Spirit Mother and others from the Jie Sect will definitely lend a hand in this battle."

The man in black robes sneered, his expression disdainful, and said, "Do not be afraid! Demonic thoughts are growing in the hearts of all living beings. As long as these demonic thoughts do not die, you will not perish. There is no need to worry about this. Even if you die by accident, I have the means to resurrect you. Even the Blood Droplets of the Styx are nothing more than this."

Upon hearing this, the eight guardians shouted in unison, "Your subordinates obey!"

Soon, the eight guardians flashed like eight black streaks of light and disappeared into the Demon Abyss.

Both the Demonic Cult and Buddhism originated in the West, and naturally have their own unique logic of survival. The two are like Yin and Yang, and as the saying goes, Yin cannot produce life, and Yang cannot grow. It is absolutely impossible for them to sit idly by and watch Lion Camel Ridge be easily wiped out.

In an instant, countless demonic shadows surged toward Lion Camel Ridge like a black tide, while the eight guardians also hid in the darkness.

While Sun Wukong was exploring Lion Camel Ridge, Tang Sanzang was unfortunately captured by demons.

Of course, the reason for their arrest was tacitly agreed upon by both parties; these troublesome individuals were simply asked to be moved aside.

Upon seeing this, Sun Wukong immediately went on a killing spree. Wherever his golden cudgel passed, demons fell down screaming in agony, and blood mist splattered everywhere.

However, the demons of Lion Camel Ridge seemed endless, surging forward like a tide, impossible to kill completely.

Sun Wukong roused himself and fought with increasing ferocity. Soon, the Green Lion and White Elephant arrived, and before long, they had defeated the two demon kings, the Green Lion and the White Elephant, and forced them to retreat in defeat.

Just then, a gust of wind howled in, and the Golden-Winged Roc arrived with overwhelming power.

The Yin-Yang Bottle in the Golden-Winged Roc's hand shone brightly, and the innate Yin and Yang energies within surged forth like two ferocious dragons, instantly annihilating all the laws unleashed by Sun Wukong.

The innate Yin-Yang principle is the source of all things' evolution. The primordial chaos, the Yin-Yang duality, naturally restrains many other principles.

Wherever the Yin and Yang energies passed, space twisted and deformed, emitting a series of chilling "crackling" sounds.

After all, he was Kong Xuan's younger brother. Although Sun Wukong tried his best to resist, he was ultimately unable to withstand the innate Yin-Yang power. Helpless, he could only turn back and run away.

When he returned to his original spot, he found that Sha Wujing, Zhu Bajie, and the White Dragon Horse had also been captured. Without hesitation, Sun Wukong immediately used his supernatural powers and headed straight for Mount Jilei.

Upon arriving at Mount Jilei, Sun Wukong found the Bull Demon King, who and his men were all waiting for him.

Upon hearing this, the Bull Demon King roared, "Fellow demons, heed my command! Some evil demons are running rampant in Xiniu Hezhou in the name of our demon race, causing us to be regarded as demons and spurred to fight and kill. I beg the White Fairy to give the order, and we will march on Lion Camel Ridge to restore the innocence of our demon race!"

No sooner had the words left her lips than a graceful figure appeared, none other than Bai Suzhen.

Bai Suzhou smiled and looked at Sun Wukong, saying, "Great Sage Sun, we meet again!"

Sun Wukong quickly cupped his hands in greeting and said, "Fairy Bai, it's been a long time. Seeing you again today feels like a lifetime has passed."

Bai Suzhen chuckled and said, "In the past, Sun Wukong was deceived and fought demons and monsters all the way. Today, we need to borrow the power of the Great Sage to distinguish between the demon race and demons."

Sun Wukong cupped his hands again and said firmly, "This is my duty!"

Bai Suzhen's expression was solemn, her spiritual power surging, and she suddenly revealed the demon-summoning banner in her hand.

The demon-summoning banner fluttered in the wind, its surface shimmering with Daoist runes, and the countless heroic spirits of the demon race roared.

Bai Suzhen let out a soft shout, her voice echoing across the summit of Jilei Mountain: "Listen up, demon warriors! This battle at Lion Camel Ridge is the first battle in which our demon race will exterminate the demons of Xiniu Hezhou! From ancient times to the present, our demon race has been dormant for far too long. Now, demons roam this land, confusing the public and attempting to tarnish our demon race's reputation. As the saying goes, 'A name that can be named is not a permanent name.' If we do not rise up and fight today, and allow the demons to do as they please, then our demon race will lose its name. Just as the Western teachings were destroyed when they were supposed to reform the barbarians, our demon race will surely perish and become nothing more than demons in the eyes of the world!"

Laozi's "conversion of the barbarians" essentially means that the name that can be named is not a constant name. It is about using the right to define a name to carry out the destruction of a religion. The same is true for the Lion Camel Kingdom. The Lion Camel Kingdom system's sweeping across the three realms was itself a usurpation of the word "demon," which was then tainted and ultimately led to the extermination of the race.

This blood-feeding cultivation system attracts countless newly transformed demons, and the demon race cannot break it without fighting back.

Bai Suzhen's eyes were filled with determination as she continued, "Once this battle begins, we must take the annihilation of Lion Camel Ridge as our primary objective, and then pursue our victory to completely wipe out all the demons in the entire Xiniu Hezhou, restoring the innocence and dignity of our demon race! I hereby issue this Demon Banner as my command: all demons, heed my order! Issue this proclamation to the Three Realms and raise an army to destroy the demons!"

No sooner had Bai Suzhen finished speaking than the Bull Demon King responded first, letting out a deafening roar: "Destroy the demon!"

The great sages behind him also raised their arms and shouted, their voices rolling as if they could pierce the clouds.

In an instant, the entire Jilei Mountain was in an uproar, and demon warriors from all directions gathered rapidly like a tide.

Tigers and leopards roared, wolves howled, and eagles circled and cried in the sky as the 100,000-strong army quickly assembled.

With a command given, this mighty demon army, like a galloping black dragon, surged toward Lion Camel Ridge.

Wherever it passed, dust billowed, its imposing momentum aimed at crushing the demonic aura and evil of Lion Camel Ridge.

The proclamation was sent to the Three Realms, and soon the prepared proclamation resounded throughout the Three Realms.

This is an act to establish the authority of the demon race and to consolidate the momentum and legitimacy for Bai Suzhen's ascension to the throne as the Demon Empress. Naturally, an excellent manifesto is necessary.

All beings in the Three Realms have heard my words!

I am Bai Suzhen, and in the name of the demon race, I hereby proclaim to the world the crimes of demons.

Since ancient times, the demon race has multiplied and thrived between heaven and earth, cultivating with spiritual energy, following the way of heaven and earth, and living in harmony with all races. This is the righteous path of our demon race.

However, in this day and age, demons and monsters abound in Xiniu Hezhou, with Lion Camel Ridge being the most prominent source of chaos.

Some demons gathered a group of lesser demons, disregarding the righteous path of heaven and earth, and took the path of cultivation by devouring the flesh and blood of humans, frantically absorbing the evil energy of the three realms, and fell into the demonic path.

The origins of these demons are unknown, yet they operate under the banner of the demon race, committing atrocities of burning, killing, looting, and plundering throughout Xiniu Hezhou, causing immense suffering and displacement of the people, with cries of despair echoing across the land. Such acts are intolerable to Heaven and Earth, and arouse the wrath of both gods and men; their sins are blatant and beyond description.

This not only turned Xiniu Hezhou into a living hell, but also tarnished the reputation of my demon race, causing us to bear an infamy for no reason and be misunderstood and hated by the world.

The evil deeds of demons have distorted the name of our demon race to this extent. If we do not clarify and cleanse it, the demon race will be doomed to eternal damnation, just like the sects that disappeared in the past, vanishing into the dust of history.

At this critical juncture of life and death, how can my demon race sit idly by?

The battle of Lion Camel Ridge was not about fighting for luck, but about vindicating the demon race. This battle began with the extermination of the demons of Lion Camel Ridge, and then swept across the entire Xiniu Hezhou, vowing to cleanse all the evil spirits.

I hereby issue this Demon-Summoning Banner as a command, summoning all righteous demons of the world. All sons of my demon race should uphold the ancient traditions, unite in hatred against the common enemy, and march together onto the battlefield.
In an instant, the proclamation spread throughout the Three Realms, and all eyes were now on Bai Suzhen, to see if this person, appointed by Nuwa to hold the Demon-Summoning Banner and gather the demon race for a battle, could shoulder this great responsibility.

At the same time, the Great Sun Buddha in Wuchao opened his eyes instantly, his eyes filled with solemnity. If he could successfully annihilate Lion Camel Ridge, he would have the status to ascend the throne.

At this moment, a murderous intent rose in the eyes of the Great Sun Tathagata Buddha. He was determined to kill this person in the battle of Lion Camel Ridge, for he himself was the true next Demon Emperor.

When the demon army arrived at Lion Camel Ridge, countless demons and monsters gathered there as well. All three realms were focused on the outcome of this great calamity war. (End of Chapter)