Primordial Era: I am a treasure trove, full of magical treasures.

As soon as Emperor Jun finished his grand and majestic declaration from the heavens above, the atmosphere around the entire Western White Tiger Sect fell into a strange stagnation.

Meanwhile, at this time, on Kunlun Mountain, at the Sanqing Hall...

Laozi, Yuanshi, and Tongtian, the three sages, sat side by side, their reflections shimmering in the Jade Purity Mirror before them, mirroring the vast scene surrounding the Western White Tiger Sect. Every detail was meticulously displayed: the torrent of immortal light emanating from the disciples of the three religions, the immense aura of the innate divine races such as the dragon, phoenix, qilin, and black tortoise, the savage, malevolent energy emanating from the ancestral witches of the Wu tribe, the golden light of the Buddhist chants that bloomed like lotuses with every step from the Ling Mountain Buddhist sect, and even the faintly fluctuating power of the celestial constellations above the nine heavens.

"The demon race certainly knows how to pick its timing." Yuanshi Tianzun's expression was calm, but his voice carried a hint of coldness. "This Di Jun is a cunning and scheming man. This time, he is using the power of the stars in the heavens as a bargaining chip. He wants to share in the merits and also take this opportunity to show that the Heavenly Court 'benefits all living beings' and salvage the demon race's fortune that was damaged by the previous events. He has certainly made a good plan."

The Tongtian Sect Leader raised an eyebrow, a hint of disdain flashing in his eyes: "While the power of the stars is helpful, the Zhou Tian Star Array is incomplete, and forcibly drawing upon the Taiyin has lost the harmony of Yin and Yang. The descended star power is predominantly Yang and deficient in Yin; prolonged use will inevitably generate a dry and violent energy. For repairing the earth's veins, it's nothing more than drinking poison to quench thirst, and will only increase hidden dangers. I'm afraid that Di Jun and Taiyi are only thinking about sharing the merits and haven't considered the long term."

Lao Tzu slowly opened his eyes, a illusory Tai Chi diagram swirling within them. His voice was calm and even, yet it caused the air in the hall to freeze: "The demon race's actions are to be expected. Going with the flow to gain merit is the norm in the primordial world. But the West…"

His gaze fell upon the golden path stretching out in the Jade Purity Mirror, and the solemn and compassionate faces of the two sages. His tone rarely carried a hint of obvious disgust: "Jieyin and Zhunti, you previously feigned modesty, wanting to wait for Xuanbao to come to you so you could take the initiative. Now that the situation is settled, you immediately changed your tune, putting on this 'who else but me, so compassionate and merciful' act. It's all hypocrisy and pretense, utterly despicable. Furthermore, you used the Spirit Mountain Warning Bell to ring nine times, announcing to the West, trying to claim credit for yourself. Your intentions are despicable."

The Primordial Celestial Venerable snorted coldly: "The two Western Saints have always been like this. They have yet to repay the debt of gratitude that Hongyun gave up his seat in the Purple Cloud Palace years ago, and instead they have plotted to take Hongyun's life. If it weren't for Xuanbao's intervention, Hongyun would have already perished. Now that Xuanbao wants to repair the Western ley lines, it is a meritorious act, but instead of giving their full support, they are secretly ostracizing the White Tiger Sect and other local Western forces. Such behavior is not the demeanor one would expect of a saint."

The Tongtian Sect Leader's eyes flashed with sword intent: "What the second brother said is absolutely right. The Western Sect's high-profile entry this time is not without its ambitions. They are familiar with the local conditions in the West and have the advantage of the terrain. In subsequent specific affairs, they will definitely try to seize more say, making it more convenient for the Western Sect to spread its doctrines and expand its power. Although the Xuanbao can unite all parties, if the Western Sect secretly interferes, our efforts will inevitably be hindered."

For example, as Tongtian spoke, he began to touch the Qingping Sword in his hand, clearly indicating that he wanted to make a move. Laozi raised his hand and gently waved it, signaling Tongtian to calm down. "Third brother, do not be impulsive. Now that the situation has been initially stabilized and various forces have gathered, if we act rashly at this time, it may cause conflict and ruin Xuanbao's important task of repairing the earth's veins. Although the Western Sect has ulterior motives, Xuanbao is exceptionally intelligent and will surely have a countermeasure." Yuanshi Tianzun nodded slightly. "What elder brother says is absolutely right. Let us observe the situation and support Xuanbao from behind. If the Western Sect really does something excessive, it will not be too late to make a move." Tongtian Sect Leader slowly put down the Qingping Sword in his hand, his eyes filled with dissatisfaction and coldness as he looked at Jieyin and Zhunti.

Laozi nodded slightly, tapping his fingertips lightly on his knee: "Xuanbao's plan has already seized the initiative. Gathering the power of the Three Teachings, the Witch Clan, and the Primordial God Clan, he comes with overwhelming momentum, which even a sage would find difficult to stop head-on. Repairing the Western Earth Veins is a feat of mending the heavens, and both the Heavenly Dao and the Earthly Dao are pleased to see it succeed. This plan is set in stone and cannot be reversed."

He paused, a profound light flashing in his eyes: "However, the variables in this situation must be guarded against. The power of the demon race's stars can be used, but yin and yang must be harmonized, otherwise the consequences will be endless. The Western religion's geographical advantage can be used, but it needs to be restrained and balanced to prevent them from using their territory to their advantage and secretly hindering us. Both of these require the Xuanbao to handle properly."

The Primordial Celestial Venerable said, "Since Xuanbao is the chief of the three sects, he should naturally have this ability. However, as his teachers, we must also support him. If the demon race and the Western Sect resort to underhanded tricks and secretly obstruct him, we cannot sit idly by."

The Tongtian Sect Leader declared loudly, "Of course! Xuanbao is the chief disciple of the Three Pure Ones. He has performed a meritorious deed. If anyone dares to sabotage him in secret, they will be an enemy of the Three Pure Ones! At that time, don't blame my Qingping Sword for being ineffective!"

Laozi raised his hand in a gesture of reassurance, indicating to Tongtian to calm down: "Please be patient. Xuanbao has his own plan. Let us observe the situation quietly, and we will act when necessary. Now..."

His gaze returned to the Jade Purity Mirror, landing on the young figure standing calmly on the White Tiger Sect's viewing platform, facing the arrival of people from all directions and the changing winds and clouds. A hint of approval appeared in his eyes: "Let's see how Xuanbao makes his move, orchestrating the most complex game of chess since the beginning of time."

At this moment, because the representatives of the various forces involved in the demon race, from the Great Luo Golden Immortals to the Quasi-Saints, and even the divine senses of several old monsters watching from afar, all fell into a brief silence. Their gazes, whether bright or dim, ultimately converged on one point—the young figure standing at the highest point of the viewing platform, his black Daoist robe fluttering slightly in the wind, his expression so calm that it revealed not the slightest ripple.

At this moment, Xuanbao felt that everyone in the prehistoric world was as cunning as a monkey. Of course, no one who could become a leader was a fool. Oh, but we can't be so sure. Take, for example, that Eastern King Duke who used a chicken feather as an imperial command. Isn't that right?

Now I have become the most crucial piece on this chessboard that influences the entire primordial world, and of course, one of the players.

Di Jun's entry with the power of the celestial stars was indeed somewhat unexpected, but it pushed the already delicate balance to a more complex and explosive tipping point. Accepting the offer would allow the demon race to rightfully share in the merit, and they might even gain more influence in the western prehistoric world due to the unique nature of the celestial power; refusing would give them grounds for criticism, labeling them narrow-minded. Xuan Bao quickly weighed the pros and cons, knowing this move was crucial. Just when everyone thought he would be caught in a dilemma, Xuan Bao's lips curled into a meaningful smile. He stepped forward.

Everyone's eyes were filled with inquiry, expectation, and scrutiny, and some even carried a hint of deeply hidden schadenfreude, wanting to see how Xuanbao, the Fengdu Emperor who had repeatedly gained merit, would deal with Dijun's open scheme.

Xuanbao did not respond to Dijun immediately. He did not even look at the stars in the sky. Instead, his gaze slowly swept over the representatives of the various forces gathered below, passing over the expectant yet worried faces of the disciples of the three religions, passing over the calm yet weighing eyes of the elders of the Dragon and Phoenix clans, passing over the undisguised disgust and impatience of the Ancestral Witches of the Witch Clan, passing over the gloom that could not be completely concealed beneath the solemn appearance of the Western Buddhist group, and finally, it landed on the face of the White Tiger Clan Chief, who was not far away from him, whose face was even more sorrowful due to the sudden intervention of the Demon Clan, yet who was trying to remain calm.

He suddenly smiled slightly.

This smile, like a spring breeze melting snow, or a stabilizing force, instantly dispelled much of the heavy atmosphere in the arena. Many disciples with lower cultivation levels, who had been unsettled by the continuous and immense aura, inexplicably felt a sense of peace.

"The Demon Emperor has the well-being of all living beings in his heart and is willing to use the power of the stars in the heavens to assist him. This is a blessing for the West and also a blessing for us." Xuanbao spoke, his voice clear and peaceful, neither hurried nor slow, yet clearly reaching the ears of every living being present. It must have also responded to Emperor Jun in the heavens above in some way.

"The Demon Emperor has the well-being of all living beings in his heart and is willing to use the power of the stars in the heavens to assist him. This is a blessing for the West and also a blessing for us."

Xuanbao's voice, neither hurried nor slow, echoed clearly between heaven and earth, reaching the ears of the two golden crow brothers high in the nine heavens. However, his next words instantly froze the slight smugness that had just arisen in Dijun and Taiyi.

"However," Xuanbao paused slightly, his gaze seemingly piercing through the endless void, meeting Dijun's gaze across the void in the Lingxiao Palace, his calm demeanor carrying a hint of all-knowing understanding, "the power of stars, pure and pristine, is the supreme treasure for nourishing all things. However, since the Taiyin was deficient, the Zhou Tian Star Array has long been imbalanced in Yin and Yang. Forcibly operating it will cause the drawn star power to be excessively Yang and deficient in Yin, generating rampant dryness and violence. It may provide some temporary nourishment, but prolonged application will be like adding fuel to the fire, further agitating the damaged earth veins and causing endless harm. I believe the Demon Emperor and the Eastern Emperor are well aware of this."

Upon hearing this, all around fell silent.

The elites of the three sects—Jade Cauldron Immortal, Daoist Duobao, and Holy Mother Jinling—saw a flash of realization and admiration in their eyes. So that's how it is! No wonder the energy of the Zhou Tian Star Array always seemed a bit off; it had lost the harmony of Taiyin and was no longer perfect. Senior Brother Xuanbao had seen through it at a glance and pointed out the hidden danger without hesitation—his insight and courage were truly unmatched by them.

Nowadays, Xuanbao's words carry more weight in the Heaven, Earth, and Human Sects than even the Three Pure Ones. Everyone knows that as long as you follow Xuanbao, your senior brother, you can gain a lot of merit...

Upon hearing Xuanbao's words, Dijiang, Zhurong, and the other Ancestral Witches were initially taken aback, then burst into laughter without restraint. Zhurong slapped his thigh, his voice booming like thunder: "Hahaha! Brother Xuanbao is right! What bullshit Star Power? It's just poison mixed with fire! Dijun and Taiyi, you two flat-feathered crows, trying to fool people with this junk and gain merit? Dream on! ... Beep... Beep... Beep."

Xuanbao: ...

Myriad races of the primordial era: ...

The elders of the myriad races of the primordial world exchanged glances, their evaluation of Xuanbao rising even higher. So this was the demon race's scheme: exchanging the potentially dangerous power of a star for merit. If they succeeded, who would be responsible for the future problems left by the western ley lines? Xuanbao's ability to directly expose this meant he was already in an invincible position.

At the forefront of the Western Religious group, several bodhisattvas, including the Medicine King and the Sun God, lowered their heads, their chanting pausing almost imperceptibly. The divine senses of Jieyin and Zhunti, deep within Mount Ling, rippled slightly, carrying a hint of surprise, and also a… indescribable complex emotion. They had naturally seen the problem with the Zhou Tian Star Array, but they hadn't expected Xuanbao to reveal it so directly and ruthlessly. This was tantamount to a resounding slap in the face to all the prominent forces in the primordial world, and it also severed the demon race's possibility of using the power of the stars to accumulate merit.

Di Jun's composure vanished instantly, replaced by a livid expression. Donghuang Taiyi's eyes blazed with fury, and the Chaos Bell in his arms emitted a low hum, reverberating through the void. The demon saints within the hall, from Ji Meng to Ci Tie, all wore grim expressions, filled with shock and rage. Their supposedly brilliant scheme, designed to control Xuan Bao, had been so easily exposed by the opponent, its most fatal flaw revealed! Even more alarming was the profound understanding Xuan Bao possessed of the Zhou Tian Star Array!

"Your Majesty's words are somewhat alarmist," Di Jun's voice rang out again, still maintaining its majesty, but upon closer listening, it had lost some of its composure and gained a hint of suppressed anger. "The Zhou Tian Star Array has been operating for countless years, regulating Yin and Yang, harmonizing the stars. How can it be considered 'abnormal'? Even if there is a slight excess of Yang energy, with the array's exquisite control and gradual guidance, it can be transformed into vibrant life force, greatly benefiting the repair of the earth's veins. If Your Majesty still has doubts, I can order the Taiyin Star Lord..."

Before Di Jun could finish speaking, Xuan Bao interrupted him, his tone still calm but carrying an undeniable resolve: "The Great Dao is impartial, and Heaven will judge truth from falsehood. Whether the Zhou Tian Star Array is perfect, and whether the stellar power it draws is pure, all of you here are not ordinary people and can perceive it yourselves. Repairing the Western Earth Veins is an unparalleled merit in restoring the foundation of the primordial world, and it also concerns the future well-being of billions of beings in the West. Since I have taken on this responsibility, I cannot afford to fail, and I dare not use any potentially dangerous power to perform this task of mending the heavens. If there is any mistake, not only will the merit be lost, but it will also cause a great disaster. I cannot bear such consequences, nor can any of you here, or even the Heavenly Court of the Demon Emperor."

His gaze swept across the entire area once more, his voice suddenly rising, carrying an aura of righteous indignation: "Furthermore, the Demon Emperor claims that the demon race 'bears the mandate of heaven' and 'benefits all living beings.' Xuanbao dares to ask, who was it that, beneath Mount Buzhou, sought to use the power of the celestial stars to bombard the earth's veins, shaking the foundations of the primordial world? And who was it that allowed their demon army to ravage the primordial world, enslaving all races? This caused resentment to soar to the heavens and bloodshed to engulf the land! Now, the war between the witches and demons has just ended, and the wounds of all races have not yet healed. Countless beings still harbor fear and resentment towards the demon race. Under such circumstances, the Demon Emperor claims to 'benefit all living beings,' intending to intervene with the flawed power of the stars to repair the western earth's veins… Please forgive Xuanbao's bluntness, but not only will the beings of the west find it difficult to feel at ease, but I fear that all the beings of the primordial world will also ask—is the demon race truly helping us, or do they have ulterior motives?"

"Well said!"

"The Emperor of Fengdu is absolutely right!"

"Demons, get out of the West!"

Xuanbao's words were like igniting a raging fire in dry wood. Among the various forces that had long harbored resentment and fear towards the demon race, especially the representatives of the small clans from the western homeland who had suffered greatly from the demon race's invasions, as well as some rogue cultivators who had witnessed or personally experienced the demon race's atrocities, they could no longer hold back and began to echo each other, with angry shouts rising.

Although the elders, such as Ao Guang of the Dragon Clan and Huo Feng of the Phoenix Clan, remained silent, their eyes revealed deep agreement. The atrocities committed by the demon race in the Lich War were far too great, especially their enslavement of all races. Their indiscriminate and reckless slaughter and enslavement had long made the demon race synonymous with "brutality and tyranny" in the hearts of all the races of the prehistoric world. Could such a reputation be washed away by a few kind words from Di Jun?

Needless to say, the Wu tribe's ancestral witches, such as Zhu Rong and Gong Gong, were already itching for a fight. If Di Jiang hadn't stopped them with a look, they probably would have already started cursing at the heavens.

Even among the Western Religious forces, some guardian monks and low-ranking monks couldn't help but show disdain. Having lived in the West for a long time and being relatively isolated from information, they had heard of the demon race's infamy. Although Jieyin and Zhunti had conflicts with Xuanbao, the Three Pure Ones, and the Witch Clan, in this matter, they were actually inclined to reject the demon race. After all, who would be willing to let their mortal enemies share the merits of their territory, especially given the potential for hidden dangers?

High above, within the Lingxiao Palace, the atmosphere had plummeted to freezing. Emperor Jun's face was ashen, the veins on the back of his hand resting on the armrest bulging. The True Solar Flame emanating from Donghuang Taiyi surged uncontrollably several feet, scorching and distorting the surrounding void. Ji Meng, Ying Zhao, and the other demon saints were filled with shame and rage, wishing they could immediately storm the Heavenly Court. However, their remaining reason told them that if they acted now, they would be waging a full-scale war against the behemoth below, which comprised most of the top forces of the primordial world—a war with unimaginable consequences.

"Xuanbao! Stop spouting nonsense! You're tarnishing the reputation of my demon race!" The Ghost Chariot Demon Saint, with the most violent temper, roared from afar. His voice, transmitted through the great formation, was somewhat distorted.

"Reputation?" Before Xuanbao could speak, a group of people emerged from nowhere and sneered. Their voices were not loud, but they carried clearly. "Ghost Chariot, what reputation do you demons have to speak of?"

"So this is you!"

Upon seeing the newcomer, even the arrogant Ghost Cart looked incredulous.

The speaker was none other than a survivor from among the myriad races of the primordial world, enslaved by the demon race. These survivors bore scars of varying depths, their eyes filled with hatred and rage. They walked step by step into the arena, each step carrying the weight of their heavy past.

"In the past, our race was enslaved by your demon race. Our homeland was destroyed by you, and countless of our people perished under your swords." His words were like sharp blades, piercing the hearts of everyone present. The other survivors also spoke up, recounting their tragic experiences. The faces of the demons turned extremely grim, and Di Jun's face was so dark it seemed to drip water.

Xuanbao looked at the survivors, then looked at Dijun with eyes full of "You're so unlucky. This slap in the face came so suddenly. The demon race is going to lose face big time now."