Honghuang: Fire De Huaguang, I am the Horse King of Human Education

"but……"

The Tongtian Sect Leader's eyes suddenly sharpened, and a powerful sword intent that could seize the Heavenly Dao and fight for the survival of all living beings erupted from his body!

Sensing its master's intentions, the Qingping Sword emitted a clear and resounding sword cry, and the azure light on its blade surged, as if it were about to tear the sky apart!
"Although the Great Tribulation is perilous, it is also an opportunity for my Jie Sect to revive its orthodoxy! The arrival of ten thousand immortals is no illusion! I want to see just how many disciples of my Jie Sect this Investiture of the Gods can take away!"

A fierce fighting spirit ignited in the eyes of the Tongtian Sect Leader, sweeping away his previous slight dejection and replacing it with a resolute determination to fight for survival!

In the Western Paradise, beside the Pool of Eight Treasures and Merits.

As Lu Ya felt the fortune within his body, which had become more solid and substantial due to its fusion with the Western religious fortune, and the rich and pure Buddhist spiritual energy around him, a sense of relief and ease, like surviving a calamity and having a strong backing, arose in his heart.

However, this moment of relief did not last even a moment!

A vast and boundless, majestic divine might, seemingly representing the order of the heavens yet containing icy rage, descended without warning upon the skies above the Blissful World!

This oppressive aura was so familiar! So chilling!

The chanting of Buddhist hymns in the entire Pure Land instantly ceased! The light of the golden lotuses scattered everywhere dimmed slightly!
Countless Buddhist disciples and bodhisattvas looked up in horror and gazed at the sky!
Lu Ya felt a chill run from the soles of his feet straight up to the top of his head!

His body, which had just relaxed, instantly stiffened! Cold sweat slid down his forehead, soaking his brand-new monk's robe!

He struggled to lift his head and looked up at the sky shrouded in Buddha's light, his eyes filled with indescribable fear!

"Yuan...Yuanshi Tianzun!"

Lu Ya's golden crow body trembled violently under the terrifying holy might of the Primordial Heavenly Venerable, with every feather burning with the true fire of the sun shaking uncontrollably.

Cold sweat soaked his undershirt, and immense fear, like a cold, venomous snake, coiled tightly around his heart.

He could almost feel the cold gaze of the Primordial Celestial Venerable piercing through the void, locking onto him, filled with undisguised killing intent!
However, just as this suffocating pressure reached its peak, Lu Ya felt a sudden surge of relief!

He is no longer alone!
He is already the Dharma Protector King of the Western Sect!

Two Western saints stood behind him! This immense pressure was naturally borne by his two senior brothers, Zhunti and Jieyin!
He just needs to lower his head and be patient!
"Brother Yuanshi! Why are you so angry? Why have you descended upon my Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss and disturbed the tranquility of all beings?"

A gentle yet solemn voice rang out.

The figure of Daoist Zhunti appeared silently above the Eight Treasures Merit Pool, standing in opposition to the majestic heavenly power.

The Seven Treasures Tree in his hand shone with light, and the seven-colored light transformed into a gentle yet resilient barrier, keeping the terrifying holy might of the Primordial Heavenly Venerable outside the Pure Land and protecting the terrified beings below.

"Humph!"

A cold snort rang out, like a thunderclap from the heavens!
The illusory image of the Primordial Celestial Venerable's talisman shone brightly, instantly condensing into a figure wearing a jade-pure Daoist robe and holding an ancient and profound banner!

The banner was surrounded by chaotic energy, and the Daoist rhyme of creation flowed endlessly. It was the innate treasure - the Pangu Banner!

"Zhunti!"

The illusory image of Yuanshi Tianzun spoke in a cold voice, carrying an unquestionable majesty.

"You Western Religion, how dare you! You actually harbor remnants of the demon race!"

With a gentle sway of the illusory Pangu Banner in his hand, an invisible blade of creation instantly tore through space. Although it did not actually strike, it caused the entire space of the Blissful World to groan under unbearable pressure!

Countless Buddhist disciples and bodhisattvas turned pale, and those with weaker cultivation collapsed to the ground!
"In ancient times, the demon race was ravaged by ten suns that ravaged the primordial world, causing immense suffering and disrupting the balance of heaven and earth! The great war between the demons and the sorcerers shattered the primordial world, bringing it to the brink of destruction!"
What right does this clan, so wicked and depraved, have to exist between heaven and earth? What right do they have to receive the protection of your Western religion?!

The voice of the Primordial Celestial Venerable was like the imperial decree, every word carrying the meaning of judgment, pointing directly to the past sins of the demon race!

Lu Ya lowered his head, his fists clenched so tightly that his nails dug deep into his palms, and golden blood dripped from between his fingers.

Every word from Yuanshi Tianzun was like a red-hot branding iron, searing his heart!
That was a shame he could never wash away! It was a blood debt left by his father and brothers!
His heart was filled with boundless hatred, and he almost couldn't help but rush up and fight Yuanshi Tianzun to the death!

But his remaining rationality forcefully suppressed this impulse.

He knew that charging forward would only lead to his death!
He could only endure it! He suppressed all the humiliation and hatred in his heart!
Zhunti Daoist's expression darkened slightly. The title of Yuanshi Tianzun was extremely weighty!

He clasped his hands together, his voice still calm, yet carrying an imperceptible chill.

“Amitabha. Brother Yuanshi, you are mistaken. The events of ancient times are entangled in cause and effect, and it is difficult to distinguish right from wrong. However, the Buddha is compassionate and saves all sentient beings.”

"Fellow Daoist Lu Ya and the Northern Underworld Demon Clan have already converted to our sect, repented, and wholeheartedly turned to good. They have laid down their weapons and instantly become Buddhas. Their past sins will naturally be borne by the grand vow of our Western Sect, helping them to be resolved. Why must you, Senior Brother, cling to the past and drive them to extermination?"

He paused, then his tone turned stern.

"Moreover, Senior Brother's accusations are probably not solely about the so-called 'primordial sins,' are they? The Great Calamity has begun. Could it be that Senior Brother intends to use my Western Sect to push the demon race into the vortex of the Great Calamity, making them cannon fodder to consume the power of humanity?!"

Zhunti directly saw through Yuanshi Tianzun's intentions! The so-called reckoning of sins was nothing but an excuse!

The real purpose was to have the demons under the Western Sect fill the Investiture of the Gods list, thus depleting the power of the Shang Dynasty and humanity!
"presumptuous!"

The phantom of the Primordial Celestial Venerable roared, and the phantom of the Pangu Banner trembled violently, the sharpness of the Heaven-Opening Blade almost piercing through its body!

"Zhunti! How dare you speak ill of the Holy Heart! Slander me?! The sins of the demon race are witnessed by Heaven and Earth! As a Heavenly Saint who presides over the Investiture of the Gods, how can I allow you to cover up their sins and disrupt the will of Heaven?!"

His gaze swept over the fearful demons below, his voice icy.

"These wicked creatures can only atone for their sins by being thrown into the great calamity, by stopping killing with killing, and by washing blood with blood! This is the will of Heaven! It is also their only way to survive!"

"Senior Brother Yuanshi!"

Zhunti Daoist's face darkened completely, and anger surged in his eyes.

He never expected that the Primordial Celestial Venerable would be so domineering, actually trying to force him to hand over the demon race! This was simply a slap in the face to his Western Sect!

Just as Zhunti Daoist was about to refute again—

"Amitabha."

A louder, more peaceful Buddhist chant rang out.

The Guide, standing on a twelve-petaled golden lotus of merit, appeared silently beside Cundi, his body radiating boundless pure Buddhist light.

The twelve-petaled golden lotus slowly rotated, sprinkling golden light rain that instantly smoothed the space torn apart by the Pangu Banner's energy blades and stabilized the turbulent Bliss World.

"Brother Yuanshi, please calm down."

The guide's face was filled with sorrow, and his voice carried helplessness and earnestness.

"The demon race has indeed committed sins in the past. However, Heaven has the virtue of cherishing life. Fellow Daoist Lu Ya led his followers to convert and sincerely turned to good. Our Western Sect is willing to use its supreme vow to convert their sins and guide them to good. This is an act of compassion and also in accordance with the cycle of Heaven."

He looked at the illusory figure of the Primordial Celestial Venerable, his tone becoming even more sincere. "Moreover, when we listened to the Dao at Zixiao Palace back then, my fellow disciple and I were also fortunate enough to receive your care. I have always kept this cause and effect in my heart."

Today, could you, senior brother, please, for the sake of our past relationship and the fact that our Western Sect is willing to bear the karma of the demon race, show mercy and give these demon youths a chance to repent? My fellow Daoist Zhunti and I would be eternally grateful.”

The guide adopted an extremely humble posture, even bringing up the old story of how Yuanshi Tianzun had "taken care" of them when they listened to the Dao at Zixiao Palace (although Yuanshi Tianzun may not have been sincere at the time), pleading for the demon race by owing them a favor.

This is already a huge concession.

However, the illusory image of Yuanshi Tianzun merely stared coldly at Jieyin, the illusory image of Pangu Banner in his hand remaining completely still, and his voice showing no ripples whatsoever.

"not enough."

Two words, cold as a knife, severed all of the Guide's expectations!

"The sins of the demon race cannot be atoned for by grand ambitions! Throwing themselves into the great calamity, using killing to stop killing, is their only path to atonement!"

The voice of the Primordial Celestial Venerable was resolute.

"Furthermore, your Western religion's so-called responsibility for cause and effect is nothing but empty talk! During the great calamity, the human realm's fortune is at its peak. Without sufficient power to check and balance it, how can the Investiture of the Gods be completed? How can the Heavenly Order be established?!"

His gaze was like lightning, piercing straight at Jieyin and Zhunti.

"My requirements are not high! Among the demon race, all those with cultivation levels above the Great Luo Golden Immortal must undergo tribulation! This is the bottom line! Otherwise..."

The illusory image of the Pangu Banner trembled slightly once more, and an even more terrifying aura of destruction spread out! The threat was self-evident!

For the first time, an extremely solemn expression appeared on the sorrowful face of the guide.

He stared intently at the undeniable phantom of Yuanshi Tianzun, then glanced at Zhunti beside him, whose face was ashen and who was almost unable to resist taking action.

He knew perfectly well that the Primordial Celestial Venerable was determined to make the Western Sect bleed!

The Three Pure Ones, united as one, possess unparalleled power in the primordial world. If they were to truly break ties, the Western Sect would be no match for them!
Moreover, behind Yuanshi Tianzun stands the Dao Ancestor who resides high in Zixiao Palace!

"Senior brother..."

The guide's voice was hoarse and strained.

"The Great Golden Immortal...this is the foundation of our Western Sect's Dharma Protector..."

"Foundation?"

Yuanshi Tianzun sneered.

"Under the great calamity, all beings are equal! Since your Western Sect intends to take in the demon race, you must bear the consequences! If you are not even willing to pay this price, then don't blame me for being ruthless!"
Today, I, acting on behalf of Heaven, will wipe out this paradise, along with these remnants of the demon race!

A terrifying killing intent, like a tangible cold wave, instantly enveloped the entire Paradise!
Below, Lu Ya and tens of thousands of demons felt the overwhelming killing intent, their faces turned ashen, and they trembled in fear!
Their newly ignited hope was once again crushed by the cruel reality!

All their gazes were fixed on the two Western saints in the air, their eyes filled with despair and pleading! At this moment, their life and death rested entirely on the saints' decision!
The guide's sorrowful face showed a constantly shifting expression.

The cold, hard word "not enough" from the Primordial Celestial Venerable struck his heart like a hammer blow. The destructive aura emanating from the illusory Pangu Banner, like tangible ice, froze the entire Blissful World.

Below, the desperate and pleading gazes of tens of thousands of demons pierced him.

He took a deep breath, and his sorrowful face finally settled into a resolute calm.

He clasped his hands together and slowly bowed to the phantom of the Primordial Celestial Venerable.

“Amitabha. What Brother Yuanshi said is reasonable. The demon race has committed many sins in the past. To be cast into the Great Tribulation, to stop killing with killing and to wash blood with blood, is indeed the way to atone for their sins. Our Western Sect is willing to follow Brother Yuanshi’s instructions.”

"Brother!"

Zhunti Daoist suddenly turned his head to look at Jieyin, his eyes filled with disbelief and astonishment.

But when he saw the calm yet unquestionable look in Jieyin's eyes, he instantly understood Jieyin's helplessness and dilemma.

In the end, he could only let out a silent sigh, lower his head again, and clasp his hands together.

"This humble Taoist priest...has no objection either."

"very good."

The icy voice of the Primordial Celestial Venerable echoed, and the illusory image of the Pangu Banner slowly withdrew its terrifying aura of destruction.

"Among the demon race, those with cultivation levels above the Great Luo Golden Immortal, prepare immediately to enter the tribulation and answer the call when the Great Tribulation begins! There must be no mistakes!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the phantom of Yuanshi Tianzun vanished into the void, and the suffocating holy might also faded away.

However, the oppressive atmosphere hanging over the paradise did not dissipate; instead, it became even heavier.

"Do not--!!!"

A shrill roar suddenly erupted from the demon camp below!

That was a bull-headed demon, a hundred feet tall, covered in crimson scales, and with a single horn on its head!

His eyes were bloodshot as he stared intently at the two Western saints in the air, his massive body trembling violently with extreme rage!
"Why?! Why us?! We've just converted to Buddhism in the West! We've just found a place to settle down and make a living! Why must we go and die again?! For countless eons!"

That's a death trap where even a Great Immortal would perish!

The bull-headed demon's voice was filled with grief, indignation, and despair.

"shut up!"

Another emaciated, winged eagle-faced demon shouted angrily, but his own voice trembled uncontrollably.

"The decree of the sage is not to be questioned! We...we will obey!"

Although he said this, his clenched fists and the deep resentment in his eyes betrayed his true thoughts.

Regret spread through the hearts of all the powerful demons at the Great Luo Golden Immortal level!

They regretted following Lu Ya! They regretted believing that the Western Religion could protect them!
Now, having just escaped one tiger's den, they've fallen into another! Their so-called conversion is nothing more than being used as cannon fodder in another place!

The one who started all of this was Lu Ya, who brought them to the Western religion!
Their gazes, like poisoned arrows, were all directed at Lu Ya on the lotus platform!

If it weren't for the dignity of the sage, they would have rushed up immediately and torn this so-called "demon emperor" to pieces!
What worries them even more is the new generation of demons who were taken away by the guide!

Their cultivation was still shallow, not yet reaching the Great Luo level. They seemed to have escaped a calamity, but they were sent to Mount Sumeru and baptized in the Eight Treasures Merit Pool, completely integrating into the Western Religion... This was more terrifying than letting them die!
This means that the last spark of the demon race will be completely assimilated! The demon race will truly exist in name only! (End of Chapter)