The Ancestral Witches were stunned by Houtu's idea. For now, it was indeed an excellent strategy. They would delay as long as they could—after all, who doesn't want to live a little longer?
In a strange twist of fate, the Wu and the Yao races' plans coincided perfectly. Both sides began massive, earth-shaking military drills, each more intense and louder than the last. On the surface, they were fierce; in reality, the leaders of both races were terrified, praying the other side wouldn't actually attack.
In their eyes, the enemy was "invincible," capable of crushing them easily. This standoff felt like a celestial blade hanging over their heads, ready to drop and end their lives at any moment. While both sides were busy bluffing with borrowed confidence, the world changed elsewhere.
The Human Race, after years of development, had multiplied several times over. It was a picture of rising prosperity. Though the newborn humans were isolated and physically weak, lacking the power to defend themselves in the dangerous Honghuang World, most inhabitants knew they were the creation of Saint Nuwa and dared not provoke them.
Furthermore, with the Witch and Demon Races busy posturing in the Void Realm (all thunder, no rain), the Great Desolation entered a brief period of peace. More importantly, Nuwa's Saint-majesty still lingered over Shouyang Mountain, protecting the humans from wanton slaughter for ten millennia.
The humans lived comfortably, battling only natural disasters and solving the basic needs of survival as they developed their civilization. Shouyang Mountain sat in the East, bordering the East Sea. Proximity to both mountain and sea allowed for a rich resource base. Countless tribes were established, and every day saw the birth of thousands of new humans.
On this day, in a certain tribe, a baby was born. His birth was accompanied by the omen of "Purple Qi coming from the East". Born with the ability to speak, he was clearly extraordinary; his bloodline was in no way inferior to the original Innate Humans.
The tribal Clan Chief was overjoyed, declaring: "This child must be nurtured well; he will surely become a pillar of the world." He intended to name the boy "Zi Qi Dong Lai" (Purple Qi Descendant), but the parents strongly objected.
During his youth, the boy's performance was even more incredible. At three years old, he physically tore apart a mountain-sized wild beast, providing enough meat for his tribe to eat for three days with leftovers. Such miracles became routine for the child. His legendary path had only just begun.
Western Mount Sumeru.
Upon returning to the West, Jieyin and Zhunti immediately began their journey of creation.
"The Sanqing's Primordial Violet Qi was stolen by Ling Xiao; they are likely finished. This is our chance! We must Achieve Sainthood (achieve sainthood) before them and prove who the true Disciples (Personal Disciple) of the Dao Ancestor are!"
Zhunti spoke with grand bravado to his Senior Brother, though he pointedly avoided making eye contact to prevent his "occupational disease" from flaring up.
"A blessing in disguise!" Jieyin replied. Their trip to the Chaos had been brutal, but it had its perks—namely, the Sanqing had it even worse.
"I observed the Human Race created by Nuwa; they are weak and frail. If we create a race that is stronger, more perfect, and more talented, the Karma (Merit) should be even greater," Zhunti said with absolute confidence. After a period of observation and experience, their plan had matured. The creation of a new species was inevitable.
"Excellent!" Jieyin nodded to the air with a smile.
Time flew. On this day, atop Mount Sumeru, a brand-new being was created. It was entirely golden, stainless and pure, without even a trace of hair. Its stature was tall, and its Aura (Aura) was imposing.
"Perfect. I can only call it perfect," Zhunti said, looking at the being with immense satisfaction. It was created from their own Dao-methods; a reflection of their own divine charm. Though it didn't possess even a ten-thousandth of their own power, it was enough to crush most other living beings.
"Infinite times stronger than a Human. Junior Brother, do not delay. Let us work together and create more," Jieyin said, equally pleased.
They focused all their energy, sparing no effort to mold the remaining beings. Nuwa had made so many; they naturally couldn't be shown up. Soon, the peak of Mount Sumeru was covered with tens of thousands of "Golden Little Men"—the masterworks of the Two Sages of the West.
"Almost there. Twelve thousand, nine hundred and sixty in number," Zhunti said, wiping his hands and looking excited. Sainthood was right before him. He had waited eons for this day.
"Complete the final step," Jieyin nodded, his face solemn and much more steady than Zhunti's. They breathed a mouthful of Immortal Qi (Immortal Qi) into the figures, granting them life. Then, they looked toward the heavens and swore an oath.
"Heavenly Dao (Heavenly Dao) witness! We, sensing the lack of vitality in the Western Honghuang, create this race to replenish life. They shall be the 'Buddha' (佛) race! Henceforth, the Buddha Race is established!"
The two spoke in unison, their Dao-sound (dao sound) echoing across the entire universe. As the words fell, the world shook.
Infinite living beings looked toward the West in shock. The feeling was all too familiar; it was exactly like the day Nuwa became a Saint.
"Jieyin and Zhunti are following the path of creation? Are they about to become Saints?"
"The world is responding; it seems they've actually succeeded! Dammit, why didn't I think of this?" one great power lamented, his heart filled with regret. If the Western Duo could do it, why couldn't they? Isn't this just 'modeling 101'?
Yujing Mountain.
Laozi, Yuanshi, and Tongtian stood up in shock, their faces turning incredibly solemn as they looked toward the West. This move was too sudden. Would those two really become Saints? If so, where would the "Face" of the Sanqing go?
"Bastard! If we hadn't lost our Primordial Violet Qi, how could they ever get ahead of us?!" Yuanshi roared in fury and humiliation. He could tolerate Ling Xiao and Nuwa being first, but the Western Duo—the two "beggars" of the world—surpassing the Sanqing? It was an insult of the highest order. In his eyes, it was as if two beggars had suddenly become emperors. He couldn't accept it.
"Sainthood is imminent!" Laozi said, his voice heavy. A massive sense of urgency rose in his heart.
The Sea of Blood.
Styx (Styx) looked toward the West with joy. In the blood-sea around him, countless half-formed beings were standing—his own grand project was nearing completion. He had been worried, but seeing the Western Duo's success gave him absolute confidence.
"It is time for me to swear my own oath..."