I am submissive in Journey to the West, I strike hard at the gods

"You fiend, how dare you!"

He exerted all his strength to activate the Heavenly Dao and barely managed to seal Rahu back into the depths, but his blood and qi were already churning.

Yuanshi Tianzun stood there dumbfounded, then hurriedly stepped forward: "Master, what has alarmed the Demon Ancestor? Could it be that Jiang Wang's curse..."

Hongjun sighed, a trace of weariness flashing in his eyes for the first time: "The power of the Heavenly Dao is damaged, and I am unable to take action."

Once the seal on the human realm is broken, we will settle accounts with that demon.

"Yuanshi, you must quickly go to Kunlun to stabilize the fortunes of the Three Pure Ones, and lest this brat succeed."

His voice, though calm, carried an undeniable air of authority.

Yuanshi Tianzun's heart sank, and he bowed and withdrew. In Zixiao Palace, only Hongjun remained, stroking the dim Creation Jade Disc and murmuring, "Jiang Wang... you variable will eventually stir up the spring waters of the primordial world."

In the hidden realm of the human world, Jiang Wang opened his eyes, and the eleven layers of the Three Pure Ones phantom appeared around him, his strength and foundation reaching a new level.

He gazed at the churning chaotic essence within the Heaven-Swallowing Gourd, a smile playing on his lips: "Step by step, the fortunes of all things will fall into my hands."

"Hongjun, I, Jiang Wang, am determined to have your position as the Dao Ancestor!"

In the void of the hidden realm, Jiang Wang sat cross-legged, surrounded by a faint blue light that rippled like water, reflecting on his handsome yet somewhat cold face.

The Hidden Realm was a secret realm he created himself. It was vast and boundless, yet shrouded in layers of restrictions, making it difficult for outsiders to find its trace.

At that moment, he took a deep breath, a resolute glint in his eyes: "It's time."

"One breath transforms into three pure ones!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Jiang Wang formed a hand seal and a burst of innate energy erupted from his chest.

The energy swirled like a tornado, instantly transforming into three figures, each identical to his original self, their brows and eyes revealing the same sharpness.

Immediately afterwards, the Three Pure Ones split into three more clones, layer upon layer, until finally they condensed into thirty-three clones, all of which floated in the void.

The void trembled, and the spiritual energy of the hidden realm surged in like a tide, pouring into these clones.

However, apart from the three fully formed clones, the remaining thirty clones were all devoid of divine power, their shadowy forms hazy, like candle flames in the wind, ready to dissipate at any moment.

Jiang Wang frowned slightly. How could he allow such a flaw? He was prepared. With a flick of his sleeve, crystal-clear pills rained down.

These pills were personally refined by him and contain immense divine power; a single pill can enable an ordinary immortal to break through their bottleneck.

At this moment, they transformed into rays of light and entered the space between the clone's eyebrows.

"Swallow it!"

Jiang Wang gave a low shout.

The thirty illusory clones opened their mouths to devour the pills, which then entered their bodies and immediately burst forth with dazzling light.

The spiritual energy in the void surged and boiled, as if the sky of the hidden realm was torn apart, revealing layers upon layers of illusory stars.

Jiang Wang closed his eyes and regulated his breathing, sensing the recovery process of his clones.

The process was long and agonizing. On the first day, the thirty clones barely solidified, their outlines clear. On the second day, divine power flowed back like a river, with faint thunderous sounds emanating from within. On the third day, the clones finally opened their eyes, each one radiating divine light and exuding a majestic aura, no different from the original.

Jiang Wang opened his eyes and smiled, a hint of satisfaction on his lips: "Thirty-three clones, plus the main body, thirty-four times the divine power."

That's enough!

He stood up, and thirty-three clones surrounded him, like thirty-four celestial gods, all raising their hands, with golden runes blooming from their palms.

The runes intertwined into a net, enveloping the entire hidden realm.

Jiang Wang's comprehension of the laws of time has reached 99%, almost reaching the origin of the Great Dao. When he uses it now, it is as if the Dao itself has descended.

"First, lift it!"

Jiang Wang pointed his finger, and the original time dilation effect receded like a tide.

Within the hidden realm, the flow rate, which was already hundreds of times faster than the outside world, instantly returned to normal.

The flowers and plants swayed more slowly, the babbling of the stream was clearly audible, and everything returned to its natural state.

Without pausing, Jiang Wang clasped his hands together, and the power of eleven layers of spellcasting poured out like a landslide and a tsunami: "Time dilation, divine power manifests!"

A buzzing sound filled the air as the void twisted and golden halos appeared on the sky above the hidden realm, each halos representing a layer of time enhancement.

The first level doubled the flow rate; one day in the outside world was equivalent to two days in the hidden world. The second level quadrupled the flow rate. The third level increased it eightfold. Fine sweat beaded on Jiang Wang's forehead as his divine power poured out like a river. Thirty-three clones followed closely behind, each spewing out a mouthful of primordial essence and injecting it into the main formation.

The figures of the clones trembled slightly, but none of them retreated. They were all Jiang Wang's body, sharing both honor and disgrace.

When the flow rate increased a hundredfold, Jiang Wang's divine power was exhausted, his face was as pale as paper, and his body felt as empty as if it had been hollowed out.

He gritted his teeth and growled, "Inject!"

Three fully-formed clones stepped forward first, placing their palms on the back of the original body, and divine power flowed into it like a warm current.

Jiang Wang's spirits lifted, and he continued to urge it on.

One hundred times, two hundred times, five hundred times... With each doubling, the hidden realm gains another layer of ripples, the phantom stars in the void spin faster, and the spiritual energy density of the hidden realm increases a hundredfold, turning into swirling mist.

Jiang Wang's eleventh level of spellcasting limit finally stopped at 1,089 times when his divine power was on the verge of exhaustion.

"to make!"

Jiang Wang let out a long sigh of relief, and the thirty-four figures simultaneously withdrew their hands.

In the hidden realm, time rushes by like a raging storm; one year in the outside world corresponds to one thousand and eighty-nine years in the hidden realm! Such a heaven-defying act, if it were to spread, would surely alarm all the saints of the Three Realms.

Jiang Wang wiped the sweat from his forehead, a sly glint in his eyes: "Haotian, Yuanshi, and Hongjun... taking advantage of this time difference, I will curse you to death as easily as slaughtering chickens and dogs."

Hidden quests, level by level, will quickly boost your strength.

Just as Jiang Wang was immersed in joy, a strange movement suddenly occurred at the edge of the hidden realm.

A gentle yet powerful azure light tore through the barrier, transforming into a majestic figure that stepped into the void.

The man was dressed in hemp clothing, holding a bamboo staff. His face was ancient, but his eyes held endless vicissitudes. He was none other than Fuxi, one of the three sovereigns of the human race.

Jiang Wang raised an eyebrow, and his thirty-three clones instantly vanished into the void, leaving only his true self. He cupped his hands and said, "Fellow Daoist Fuxi, what brings you here? Is there trouble for the human race?"

Fuxi nodded slightly, his voice as clear as a mountain spring, yet carrying a hint of urgency: "Fellow Daoist Jiang Wang, the revival of humanity is imminent, and in less than two years, the Heavenly Dao will awaken."

At that time, the Heavenly Dao Society joined forces with Hongjun to launch a full-scale attack on the human realm.

If humanity perishes, the human race will face its end, and billions of lives will be lost.

Fellow Daoist, you possess great supernatural powers; would you be so kind as to lend a hand?

Upon hearing this, Jiang Wang sighed inwardly.

He did indeed have some intention to help the human race. When he took Li Bai, Guo Ziyi, and Du Fu as his disciples, it was because he saw their potential and secretly helped the human race grow stronger.

But facing Hongjun, a monster whose body was in harmony with the Heavenly Dao, he knew that his strength was not enough to match him.

Jiang Wang shook his head and said, "Fellow Daoist Fuxi, matters of humanity concern the fate of the Three Realms. How could I dare to stand idly by? However, Hongjun is one with the Heavenly Dao and his strength is unfathomable. If I were to help him with all my might, I fear I would not be able to protect myself."

We can only do our best.

A hint of disappointment flashed in Fuxi's eyes, but he did not back down.

He stepped forward, his voice low and deep: "Since you are unwilling to help me with all your might, could you consider merging with the Dao of Humanity? For example, Hongjun merged with the Dao of Heaven and used its power to control the laws of the Three Realms; merging with the Dao of Humanity can also use its fortune to increase your strength a hundredfold! When the Dao of Humanity is revived, those who merge with it will become the guardians of the human race. When Hongjun and the Dao of Heaven join forces, you can stand alone and block thousands of attacks."

Moreover, humanity is inherently all-encompassing, and your extraordinary abilities are perfectly suited to this.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Wang felt a chill run down his spine. To merge with the human way? It sounded tempting. Hongjun used the power of the Heavenly Dao to suppress the immortals of the Three Realms; if he merged with the human way, he would be even more powerful, and cursing and killing Haotian and Yuanshi would be as easy as turning his hand.

But then he thought about it again and Jiang Wang shook his head with a cold laugh: "Fellow Daoist, I appreciate your kindness."

However, the path of self-harmony is too risky.

After Hongjun merged with the Heavenly Dao, his consciousness dominated the Heavenly Dao and remained indestructible for billions of years; if the Human Dao were to merge with it, I, Jiang Wang, would likely cause controversy since I am not of human origin.

Moreover, after merging with the Dao, who will control my consciousness? If humanity were to turn against me, wouldn't I be digging my own grave? I cannot comply with this request.”

Upon hearing this, Fuxi sighed but did not insist.

He cupped his hands and said, "Fellow Daoist, please be cautious. I understand."

If that's the case, the human race has its own backup plan.

I know that my three disciples, Li Bai, Guo Ziyi, and Du Fu, have all attained the status of sages and possess extraordinary supernatural abilities.

Why not choose one of them to follow the Dao? Li Bai's poetry and swordsmanship are astonishing, Guo Ziyi's military strategies are divine, and Du Fu's benevolence benefits the world; each has their own merits.

What do you think, fellow Daoist?

Jiang Wang smiled slightly, neither confirming nor denying: "The three disciples each have their own destiny. As for the affairs of the human race, fellow Daoist, you will be in charge."

I will then restrain Hongjun and prevent him from launching a full-scale attack.

Upon hearing this, a glimmer of hope appeared in Fuxi's eyes. He cupped his hands in farewell and said, "Thank you, fellow Daoist! Humanity's only chance of survival depends on you."

With a flash of blue light, Fuxi's figure vanished, and the hidden realm returned to tranquility.

Jiang Wang stared into the void, his brows furrowed.

The humane proposal sounded respectable, but he always felt there was something fishy about it.

After Hongjun merged with the Heavenly Dao, his temperament changed drastically, becoming decisive and ruthless; if the Human Dao were to merge with it, who knows if things would change? Moreover, Jiang Wang has always been cautious; how could he sacrifice himself for his people? "Hmph, I believe that Fuxi cares for the human race."

However, the disciples should be reminded to be cautious about this matter.

"Only when I devour the heavens and mend the earth, curse and slay the saints, and help humanity overcome its tribulation, will I find the right path."

He muttered to himself, and thirty-three clones reappeared, sitting cross-legged in unison, ready to immerse themselves in that long period of hidden time and complete hidden quests.

On the other side, at Shouyang Mountain, the ancestral land, shrouded in clouds and mist, three figures stood side by side on the mountain peak, namely Fuxi, Suiren, and Shennong.

All three were ancient emperors of the human race, their auras as steady as mountains, yet at this moment their brows were deeply furrowed, as if they had something on their minds.

Fuxi spoke first: "My two imperial brothers, Fellow Daoist Jiang Wang has refused to merge his body with the human way."

He had many concerns; being of non-human origin, he feared it might cause controversy.

We can only choose one of his three disciples who were considered saints.

Suiren stroked his beard in deep thought. He was the master of fire among the human race, and his eyes were like torches: "My three disciples are all outstanding members of the human race."

That young Li Bai, his poems became swords, and his swordsmanship became the Dao. His song "Bring in the Wine" could intoxicate even the gods and immortals of the Three Realms, and his killing power was unmatched.

If he attains enlightenment, the fortune of humanity will surely transform into boundless sword intent, slicing through the sharpness of the Heavenly Dao.

Shennong nodded in agreement. He controlled the life force of plants and trees, and his voice was gentle yet firm: "Li Bai is more than capable of killing, but humanity needs benevolence."

Du Fu's benevolence was as vast as the sea. After becoming a sage, he could comfort millions of people and solidify the foundation of humanity by reciting a single poem.

After achieving Dao, the human race's fortune, like spring rain nourishing all things, continues uninterrupted.

Upon hearing this, Fuxi shook his head with a wry smile: "Li Bai's swordsmanship is unparalleled, and Du Fu's benevolence is unmatched, but what about Guo Ziyi? That fellow's military strategy is divine, and he commands the three armies. After reaching the Saint Realm, a single military treatise can lay a net of heaven and earth to trap and kill even a Saint."

After merging with the Dao, humanity can transform into an unparalleled military formation to resist the torrent of the Heavenly Dao.

Each of the three has their own strengths; how should I choose?

The three exchanged a glance and all sighed.

A hint of worry flashed in Suirenshi's eyes: "What's even more troublesome is that Jiang Wang is cautious, and his three disciples may follow his master's example and refuse to attain the Dao."

Would a sage willingly become a pawn? If no one is willing to unite, the revival of humanity will be like a rootless duckweed, collapsing at the slightest touch.

A wind rose on the mountaintop, clouds and mist surged, and the Three Sovereigns fell into deep thought.

Humanity's chance of survival hangs by a thread; in Jiang Wang's hidden realm, time flies, and the plan to kill him with a curse is quietly unfolding.

The Three Realms are in turmoil, with undercurrents surging. Who knows what kind of bloody storm will rage two years from now? Jiang Wang closed his eyes to rest in the hidden realm, the words of Fuxi echoing in his mind.

The allure of that humane body lingered like a bewitching melody, making him think about it more.

If he could truly borrow the power of humanity to greatly increase his strength, wouldn't it be a piece of cake to curse and kill Haotian and Yuanshi? But then he shook his head and mocked himself: "Jiang Wang, Jiang Wang, you have relied on caution to get to where you are today. How can you gamble the Great Dao for a moment's gain?"

He opened his eyes and summoned thirty-three clones: "All of you, prepare the curse-killing formation."

Haotian will be the first to bear the brunt; he's been sitting on the Jade Emperor's throne for far too long.

The clones responded in unison, their divine power surging, and blood-red runes appeared in the hidden realm—forbidden techniques to curse and kill saints.

In the outside world, a day is but a day; in the hidden world, a thousand years have passed. Jiang Wang's strength is quietly rising. Each curse kill is a reward for the hidden mission, which is transformed into the vast magical power within his body.

Haotian, in the Lingxiao Palace, suddenly felt a pang of fear, clutched his chest and coughed: "Who is this petty thief who dared to plot against me?"

Little did they know, Jiang Wang's sharp sword was already silently approaching.

On Shouyang Mountain, Fuxi and the other two discussed the matter but could not reach an agreement, so they finally decided to split up and act separately.

Suirenshi said, "I will go find Li Bai. That boy is wild and unrestrained. Perhaps I can persuade him."

Shennong nodded: "I visited Du Fu. He is a man of benevolence and would surely go to great lengths for his people."

Fuxi gazed into the distance and murmured, "Guo Ziyi's military strategy is unparalleled, but he is also arrogant. If we can persuade even one of them, it will be a great blessing."

The three figures transformed into streaks of light, scattering in all directions. In the ancestral land of humanity, the faint sound of dragon roars could be heard, indicating that the human destiny was stirring and foreshadowing an imminent revival.

As Jiang Wang was casting the curse, he suddenly sensed something and opened his eyes to look into the void: "The human race is making quite a commotion."

Very well, since I have promised to restrain Hongjun, I cannot go back on my word.

However, the disciples must decide for themselves whether to align themselves with the Dao.

With a thought, he transmitted his voice to his three disciples: "My disciples, Fuxi may visit you to discuss the matter of merging with the Dao."

The master did not object, but caution was advised.

Humanitarianism is commendable, but the risks are unpredictable.

Upon hearing this in the Poetry and Sword Cave, Li Bai smiled and said, "Master, rest assured, my sword heart will never perish, what is there to fear in achieving the Dao?"

Du Fu murmured in the Renze Mountains: "For the sake of my people, Du Fu is willing to try."

Guo Ziyi stroked his beard amidst the military formations and said, "Warfare is based on deception."

Whether something aligns with the Dao depends solely on the timing of the times.

In the hidden realm, time flew by like a white horse galloping past a crack. Jiang Wang's curses had already struck three times in succession, greatly damaging Haotian's magical power. Yuanshi Tianzun went into seclusion to heal his injuries.

Hongjun, atop the Heavenly Dao, sneered as he looked down: "Jiang Wang, you little brat, you've got quite the ambition."

Two years from now, when humanity has recovered, I will settle accounts with you. (End of Chapter)