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

In the Youxiong clan, the extraordinary phenomenon of Xuanyuan's descent into the world lasted for three whole days.

For three days, auspicious five-colored clouds lingered, and the twin dragons and phoenixes hovered there. Plants and flowers bloomed in profusion, and the spiritual energy within a thousand miles was several times denser than usual. Countless human cultivators rushed to the scene upon hearing the news, paying homage in the direction of the Youxiong clan as if on a pilgrimage.

The news spread throughout the wilderness, and naturally reached the Jiuli tribe in the southwest.

The Jiuli tribe is nestled amidst towering mountains, in a strategically important and easily defensible location. The tribe's perimeter is encircled by high walls built of massive stones, studded with sharp bone spears, exuding a chilling aura. Inside, stone houses are built into the mountainside, arranged in a harmonious and orderly fashion. In the central plaza stands a colossal totem pole, carved with the Jiuli tribe's totem—a giant bull with its feet firmly planted on the earth and its head reaching for the heavens.

At this moment, the atmosphere in the tribal council hall was solemn.

Chi You sat high on the throne, his upper body bare, revealing his bronze skin and his rock-like, angular muscles. He wore a helmet made from the horn of some strange beast, the two curved horns pointing straight to the sky, exuding a primal wildness and domineering power. A massive battle axe hung at his waist, its blade faintly glowing with blood, clearly having drunk the blood of many enemies.

Standing before him were several generals and elders of the Jiuli tribe, each of whom looked rather grim.

"Chief, the news has been confirmed." A burly general with a scar on his face said in a deep voice, "The Youxiong clan, Shaodian's grandson, named Xuanyuan. When he was born, there were strange phenomena in the sky, with two dragons and two phoenixes coming to congratulate him, hundreds of birds paying homage to the phoenix, and plants flourishing ahead of time... It has already spread throughout the human race, saying that this is an omen of the birth of the Human Emperor."

"The Human Emperor?" Chi You chuckled self-deprecatingly. He felt a pang of displeasure; after all, he was considered a prodigy of the human race, having reached the Taiyi Golden Immortal realm at just over a hundred years old. For tens of thousands of years before, no human had produced a genius like himself—excluding those who increased their strength through merit.

"But even if you work hard your whole life, you may not be able to become the ruler of the human race. And now, a newborn baby has already obtained the position that he has been pursuing all his life."

"But after calming his mind, Chi You put these worries out of his head. So be it, as long as the human race becomes the overlord of the prehistoric world, it doesn't matter who is in charge."

Chi You picked up the huge stone bowl in front of him, tilted his head back and gulped down a mouthful of strong liquor. "As long as it's good for the human race, it doesn't matter who it is."

"What the leader says is true!" another general chimed in. "But that's the throne of the Human Emperor! Don't you want to be the supreme ruler of the Human Emperor, leader?"

"Um!"

Upon hearing what the general in front of him said, Chi You looked at the general with an indescribable expression.

"Haha, who wouldn't want to be the Human Emperor? Sigh, I'm a bit tired today, I'm going to rest now. You all protect the Jiuli tribe!" With that, Chi You turned around and went back to his residence.

……

Night Talks of Jiuli

The night was as dark as ink, enveloping the southwestern mountains.

Inside the council hall of the Jiuli tribe, Chi You sat on the main seat, the huge stone bowl in his hand suspended in mid-air, the wine swirling slightly, reflecting on his angular face. His gaze fell on the general who had spoken, his eyes calm, yet carrying a hint of barely perceptible sharpness.

The general felt somewhat uncomfortable under his gaze and chuckled awkwardly, "Chief, what I'm saying is... why should the throne of the Human Emperor be occupied by a newborn baby? Chief, you are a prodigy, cultivating to the Taiyi Golden Immortal realm in just a hundred years. In terms of strength, prestige, and achievements, in what way are you inferior to that mere child? This throne of the Human Emperor should rightfully be yours!"

Chi You did not answer immediately, but slowly put down the stone bowl, his fingers gently tapping the rough stone tabletop, producing a dull and rhythmic sound.

"A-Mang," Chi You spoke, his voice deep and steady, "How many years have you followed me?"

The general named Amang was taken aback, not understanding why Chi You suddenly asked this, but he still honestly replied, "Chief, I have been fighting alongside you for fifty-three years."

"Fifty-three years..." Chi You nodded. "Back then, you were just a greenhorn who couldn't even hold a decent weapon properly. I taught you martial arts, I led you into battle, and I promoted you step by step to your current position."

Amang's expression changed slightly, and he quickly bowed, saying, "Chief, your great kindness will be forever remembered!"

"Remember it in your heart?" Chi You suddenly laughed, but the laugh was devoid of warmth. "If you remember it in your heart, then why are your words today pushing me into a pit of fire?"

Ah Mang's face changed drastically: "Chief! I'm innocent! I was just speaking up for you..."

"Discontent?" Chi You abruptly stood up, a sharp aura erupting forth, causing the temperature in the entire council hall to drop several degrees. "Why should you complain about my actions? The throne of the Human Emperor is ordained by Heaven; how can you and I presume to discuss it? If your words were to spread today, how would outsiders view my Jiuli tribe? How would they view me, Chi You? Would they say that I, Chi You, am a wolf in sheep's clothing, coveting the throne of the Human Emperor, and harboring treacherous intentions?!"

Ah Mang broke out in a cold sweat after hearing his words, his legs went weak, and he knelt on the ground: "Chief, please calm down! I... I really just felt sorry for you, Chief, I had no other intentions!"

Chi You looked down at him, his eyes flickering, lost in thought.

After a long silence, he slowly sat back in the main seat and waved his hand: "Fine, considering you've followed me for so many years, I won't pursue this matter today. But remember—I don't want to hear those words again. Step down."

"Yes! Yes! Thank you, Chief!" Amang felt as if he had been granted a pardon and scrambled out of the council hall.

Only Chi You remained in the hall.

He sat there, motionless, like a stone statue. After a long while, he slowly picked up the stone bowl, but did not drink. He simply stared at the swirling liquid in the bowl, his gaze deep and unfathomable.

"A-Mang...you've followed me for fifty-three years and never questioned my decisions. Yet today you suddenly say such things..." he muttered to himself. "Not only A-Mang, but also A-Hu, A-Lie, A-Yan...in the past few months, they've all mentioned the Human Emperor to me more than once."

He put down the stone bowl, stood up, walked to the window of the hall, and looked out at the bright moon.

"They... seem like completely different people."

Although Chi You appeared rugged, his mind was far more delicate than most people imagined. He was able to develop the Jiuli tribe from an unknown small tribe into a powerful force that dominated the region in the dog-eat-dog southwestern wilderness, and that was not solely due to force.

He could sense that his old subordinates had become increasingly distant lately. Their words and actions carried an inexplicable eeriness, as if an invisible hand was manipulating everything from behind the scenes.

"Someone is up to no good."

Chi You made up his mind. He didn't know who it was, nor what their purpose was, but he knew one thing—he absolutely could not follow their path.

He turned and strode out of the council hall.

The night was deep, and the moonlight was like water.

Chi You passed through the tribe's stone houses, avoiding the patrolling guards, and arrived at a secluded stone house. This stone house was a forbidden area of ​​the Jiuli tribe; no one except Chi You was allowed to approach it. The tribe members all believed that this was where Chi You secluded himself for cultivation.

But in reality, a being is enshrined here.

Chi You pushed open the stone door and went inside.

The interior was very simply furnished, with only a stone table, a lamp that burned continuously, and—a few statues.

These statues represent Nuwa, the Three Pure Ones, and Xuanbao.

The statue is carved entirely from a warm and lustrous jade. Although it is just a statue, it seems to have a life of its own, exuding a sense of peace.

In all the major human tribes, there is a custom of worshipping certain deities. After all, these deities are the father gods and mother gods of humanity, and the greatest support for humanity's rise to power. Although the Jiuli tribe is located in a remote area, it is no exception.

Chi You walked up to the Xuanbao statue, knelt down respectfully, and kowtowed three times.

As for why he sought out Xuanbao, the Father God, it's simply because Xuanbao is now the big brother of the prehistoric world, and Chi You naturally knows who to approach first.

"Father God above, Chi You, leader of the Jiuli tribe, reports to you."

He raised his head, looking at the gentle statue, and said in a deep voice, "Father God, Chi You is a rough man and doesn't know how to speak eloquently. But Chi You knows that in the past few months, my brothers seem to have become different people. They always intentionally or unintentionally mention the throne of the Human Emperor in my ear, urging me to compete for it. Although Chi You doesn't know much, he also knows that the throne of the Human Emperor is ordained by Heaven, and cannot be forced by human power."

"Chi You suspects that someone is plotting against him, trying to use him to attack humanity and the Father God. Chi You refuses to be a pawn, and even less does he wish to be an enemy of the Father God. He humbly requests the Father God's guidance on how Chi You should respond."

His voice was sincere and genuine, carrying a heartfelt trust and reliance.

The words had barely left his mouth—

The warm, smooth jade statue suddenly emitted a faint golden light!

The golden light was not dazzling, but rather very gentle, like the warm spring sun shining on Chi You, making him feel an unprecedented warmth and peace of mind.

Immediately afterwards, a gentle and calm voice resounded in Chi You's mind:

"Chi You, I know your intentions."

Chi You shuddered, his eyes flashing with disbelief! Although he had worshipped the Mysterious Treasure for many years, this was the first time he had truly felt the Father God's response!

"Father God! It really is you!" Chi You's voice trembled with excitement.

"No need to get agitated." Xuanbao's voice remained gentle. "You can remain clear-headed in the face of temptation, and you can ask me for help when you are confused. This quality surpasses that of 99% of the creatures in the primordial world. I am very pleased."

Chi You took a deep breath, suppressing his excitement, and said in a deep voice, "Father God, Chi You is foolish and does not know how to deal with the current situation. I humbly request your guidance!"

Xuanbao was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "Chi You, do you know who is behind this?"

"Chi You did not know."

"It is Rahu."

"Rahu?!" Chi You's pupils constricted sharply. "The legendary Demon Ancestor Rahu?! Wasn't he killed by the Dao Ancestor in the battle between Dao and Demon?!"

"Kill him? Heh..." Xuanbao chuckled. "If Luo Hou were so easy to kill, he wouldn't deserve to be called the Demon Ancestor."

Chi You was stunned, and it took him a long time to come to his senses: "Then... then why did they come looking for me?"

"Because you are strong enough, have enough potential, and are qualified to be a strong contender for the Human Emperor's throne," Xuanbao said bluntly. "They want to support you and help you seize the Human Emperor's position. Once you become the Human Emperor, they will be able to control the fate of the human race through you."

Chi You's face turned ashen: "What a treacherous scheme! I, Chi You, may not be a gentleman, but I will never be someone else's puppet!"

"I know," Xuanbao's voice carried a hint of approval, "That's why I responded to your call."

Chi You took a deep breath and solemnly said, "Father God, what should Chi You do? Please instruct me!"

Xuanbao didn't answer directly, but instead asked, "Chi You, do you want to become the Human Emperor?"

Chi You paused, remained silent for a moment, and then said frankly, "To be honest, I have thought about it. Who wouldn't want the throne of the Human Emperor, ruling the human race and being revered by all? But I know that the throne of the Human Emperor is not something one can simply decide to take. It is a destiny ordained by Heaven, a responsibility, a duty, not power, much less glory."

"Well said." Xuanbao's voice was filled with obvious admiration. "The fact that you understand this shows that you are indeed qualified to become the Human Emperor. But you must know that the Human Emperor destined by Heaven is not you, but the newly born Xuanyuan."

Chi You felt a chill run down his spine, but instead of disappointment, he felt a sense of relief: "Chi You understands. Chi You is willing to assist Xuanyuan and work together to prosper the human race!"

"No," Xuanbao denied, "You don't need to assist Xuanyuan."

Chi You was taken aback: "Father God, do you mean...?"

"The chosen emperor is Xuanyuan. But the future of humanity doesn't only have one path." Xuanbao's voice deepened. "Chiyou, have you ever considered—what if you were to play that 'villain'?"

Chi You was completely stunned.

Xuanbao's voice, carrying an air of complete control, slowly unfolded in Chi You's mind:

"Rahu wants to support you in vying for the throne of the Human Emperor. Then do as they wish—pretend to be bewitched by them, pretend to be ambitious, and pretend to want to seize the throne of the Human Emperor."

"You and Xuanyuan, one represents conquest and expansion, the other represents benevolence and education. The two of you can stage a magnificent duel. This duel will temper Xuanyuan's character, allowing him to truly grow into a human emperor; it will also unite the human race, making them more cohesive in battle."

"And you, at the most crucial moment, will turn against Rahu, allowing all the races of the prehistoric world to see the true face of the Western Religion. At that time, you will not only not be a sinner of the human race, but rather a hero of the human race."

Chi You was deeply moved by what he heard, and suddenly felt a sense of clarity and enlightenment!

He was still worried about how to deal with Rahu's schemes, but he never expected that the Father God would give him such a bold and ingenious plan!

"Does Father God mean... that I should pretend to join Rahu and become an 'undercover agent'?" Chi You's voice carried a hint of excitement.

"That's right." Xuanbao's voice carried a hint of amusement. "Of course, you must carefully consider the risks involved. Once you embark on this path, you will bear the brunt of infamy, endure misunderstandings, and may even be injured in your duel with Xuanyuan. Are you willing?"

Chi You knelt down without hesitation: "Chi You is willing! As long as the human race and the Jiuli tribe can be preserved, I am willing to give up my life!"

"Good!" Xuanbao's voice was filled with undisguised praise. "Chi You, you have not disappointed me. Don't worry, I won't let you take the risk for nothing. I will find you some powerful helpers, just in case others become suspicious."

"Chi You understands!"

"Good." Xuanbao's voice gradually faded. "In that case, proceed according to plan. Luo Hou's people will come looking for you soon. At that time, you only need to pretend to be persuaded by them."

The golden light slowly dissipated, and the statue returned to its original appearance.

Chi You stood up, looking at the warm and gentle statue, his eyes filled with determination and gratitude. He bowed deeply, then turned and walked out of the stone house.

A gentle night breeze stirred his long hair.

Chi You stood under the moonlight, gazing towards the distant Ling Mountain, a meaningful smile playing on his lips.

"You're trying to use me?"

"Let's see who's using whom."

A few days later, an uninvited guest indeed arrived at the Jiuli tribe.