Chapter Forty: The Ambition of Emperor Jun

Phoenix Perching Mountain is renowned as the foremost immortal mountain in the primordial wilderness, situated in the Western Kunlun. Of course, in these times, the mountain of Buzhou has yet to collapse, and the Eastern and Western Kunlun are not divided, still collectively known as the Buzhou Mountain Range, encircling and guarding the central Buzhou. Since the dawn of the wilderness, when Pangu opened the world, many innate powers have been born in the Western Kunlun, and even the Dao Ancestor Hongjun established his Dao on Jade Capital Mountain, making it a supreme spiritual land of the Great Thousand World. Only those with extraordinary magic and providence could claim a place there. Yet, Nuwa and Fuxi, siblings endowed with remarkable gifts and a harmony of innate yin and yang, are among the rare supreme beings of the wilderness; thus, their Dao domains are also established in Western Kunlun.

The Palace of the Empress Nuwa stands atop Phoenix Perching Mountain, overlooking a vast expanse of hundreds of thousands of miles. Lofty peaks surround it, with forests, flowers, cascading waterfalls, tranquil streams, mystical birds, and exotic beasts. Golden clouds form its walls, white jade its steps, and auspicious lights and immortal radiance swirl endlessly. Rainbows hang in the sky, phoenixes and luans soar, while inside the palace, immortal maidens gather and young attendants form teams, all in the utmost display of opulence and grandeur. Truly, as a saint’s domain, the majesty and magnificence of the Palace of the Empress Nuwa is rivaled only by the Jade Void Palace.

At this moment, two figures stand before the main gate of the palace. Both are clad in golden robes embroidered with the emblem of the Golden Crow embracing the sun. The leader’s appearance is handsome and refined, with sword-like brows, starry eyes, and a nose like a suspended gall. He wears a hair crown, hands clasped behind his back, radiating a noble, kingly aura. At his side stands another, bearing a striking resemblance but with rougher features and an air of domineering power. These two are none other than the Solar Star Gods, the brothers Emperor Jun and Taiyi.

"Brother, Nuwa’s airs are truly excessive," Taiyi said with dissatisfaction, feeling stifled. He prided himself highly; in lineage, cultivation, and even magical treasures, what did he lack compared to Nuwa? If only fate had been kinder in the Purple Firmament Palace, allowing him to seize a saint’s position, he would not have to curry favor with Nuwa now.

"Be careful with your words, brother. The times are changed. Without proving to be a Hunyuan, we are but ants. Our plans must rely on the Saint Nuwa," Emperor Jun admonished, startled by Taiyi’s indignation. He could not let his rash brother jeopardize their grand designs!

"Hunyuan?" Taiyi mused, thinking of someone, a cold smile curling at his lips as he began to plot.

While Emperor Jun and Taiyi conversed, Lingzhuzi arrived to escort them inside. Seeing this, Taiyi’s expression subtly shifted, and Emperor Jun, too, felt a surge of anger. Nuwa’s disregard was clear; even as a Hunyuan Saint, she should not so lightly dismiss them. Yet, for the sake of their greater plan, he swallowed his pride and followed Lingzhuzi.

They passed through corridors, pavilions, winding paths, and gardens, until at last they entered the Palace of the Empress Nuwa. Immortal vapors drifted, maidens adorned in rosy clouds and wielding golden staves, cranes exhaling auspicious light, exotic beasts swallowing purple smoke. Jade scepters and golden lingzhi were common sights. At the head, upon a golden phoenix throne, sat the Supreme Creator, Lady Nuwa. Her beauty was radiant, her eyes like autumn waters, brows as distant mountains, cloud-like hair elegantly piled, dressed in splendid attire with fluttering ribbons.

"Emperor Jun pays respects to the Saint Nuwa!"

"Taiyi pays respects to the Saint Nuwa!"

Upon seeing Nuwa, the brothers dared not be negligent. They saluted with great ceremony—not quite bowing to the ground, but bending deeply enough to show ample respect.

"Fellow Daoists, no need for excessive courtesy. May I ask what brings you here?" Nuwa raised her hand in a gentle gesture.

"Emperor Jun dares to ask, does Lady Nuwa know the plight of our demon clan?" Emperor Jun inquired directly.

"The plight? You refer to the Wu tribe?" Nuwa furrowed her brow, but quickly understood. The mortal enmity between the Wu and demon clans was well known throughout the wilderness; it was no secret.

"Precisely the Wu tribe. Our demon clan is free-spirited, lacking the unity of the Wu. In our many contests, victory is rare and defeat common. Were it not for Lady Nuwa attaining sainthood, extinction might not have been impossible. Yet, if things continue thus, our younger generations are left in peril, reduced to slaves and food for the Wu, an endless misery."

"I am aware of your concerns, but though a saint’s powers are vast, the Wu tribe’s fortune is enduring and cannot simply be destroyed. Moreover, I am not the only saint," Nuwa said, her heart troubled. She was the first of the heavens’ saints to attain the Dao, yet now, at the tail end, her status equal to Zhunti, sharing the early phase of sainthood; the disappointment and frustration could only be understood by her.

"Lady Nuwa’s concerns are justified. The Three Pure Ones and the Twelve Ancestor Witches are all descendants of Pangu. In matters of life and death, they may well intervene."

"If you have ideas, do not hesitate to speak. Should it benefit my clan, I shall do what I can," Nuwa said, faintly guessing Emperor Jun’s intentions.

"In fact, to contend with the Wu tribe, or even surpass them, is not difficult for our demon clan. If only the strong unite and the overall situation is consolidated, then in power and influence we would be equal to the Wu. Why fear a battle?" Emperor Jun said excitedly.

"A snake without a head cannot move. Unifying the demon clan is imperative—but who shall lead?"

"Would Lady Nuwa be willing to serve as leader of the demon clan?" Emperor Jun ventured.

"Impossible. I am a saint; I cannot govern the demon clan. You, however, are well suited," Nuwa replied. She was not immune to the allure of leadership, but saints are bound by their own rules. Just as mortal emperors cannot live forever, so too saints cannot serve as clan leaders; this is the law of Heaven, and violating it brings disaster.

"Many thanks, Lady Nuwa. I shall govern the demon clan well and live up to your high hopes!" Emperor Jun eagerly accepted, taking Nuwa’s words at face value and firmly claiming the role, thereby sealing Nuwa’s support. Should she renege, even a saint’s reputation would be tarnished.

Nuwa was momentarily stunned by Emperor Jun’s swift acceptance, a small anger rising in her heart. She realized she had been outmaneuvered and felt displeased, but her words could not be taken back. Thus, she went along: "You too heard the Dao in the Purple Firmament Palace, a Solar Star God. In lineage and magic, you are first-class beneath the saints. You are well suited to lead the demon clan."

"With Lady Nuwa’s support, I am confident in unifying the demon clan," Emperor Jun said, his objective achieved and mood elevated.

Nuwa, as the demon clan’s saint, holds unmatched status. With her backing, Emperor Jun has a righteous cause for subduing dissent among the demon clan. Yet his ambitions are vast, and Nuwa alone cannot satisfy them. His thoughts turned to the one above the Thirty-Three Heavens. If he could obtain a single word of approval from that one, not only would he unify the demon clan, but he could also suppress the Wu tribe. Then…

"Brother, there’s no time to waste. We must act swiftly to rescue the countless demon clan members from their suffering. With Lady Nuwa’s support, surely those proud demon powers will not dare oppose us," Taiyi urged, eager to leave now that their business was concluded. Facing Nuwa’s lofty presence, he felt impatient.

"Do not be rude, brother. Lady Nuwa, forgive him; Taiyi is simply concerned for the demon clan. Thus, Emperor Jun takes his leave for now and will return another day to thank you for your kindness," Emperor Jun said, eager to depart now that his goal was attained. With Taiyi providing an excuse, he had a graceful exit.

"Farewell, fellow Daoists!" Nuwa replied coldly, feeling displeased at being outmaneuvered. She pondered silently: Taiyi is of little concern, but Emperor Jun is deep and patient, with cunning and resolve beyond the ordinary. Should he attain sainthood, she would immediately have to relinquish her position as foremost among the demon clan. Yet, as his mind is now set on conquest, leaving little time for cultivation, the Dao will only become harder to attain.