Yi Fei’e was not a name many remembered anymore. The image of a powerful female immortal, also known as fairies, who thought in the anti-devil war were well known. But over the years since, where multiple yuanhui passed amounting to millions of regular years, iconographies became jumbled up.

  Legends became intermingled and proper historical records became harder and harder to find. The legendary deities who existed in that prehistoric era didn’t speak up about it often. Even civilizations that survived that era had more important things to worry about then another name that ‘perished’.

  In that regard, Yi Fei’e had long since faded from history. With no appearance made since her disintegration at the hands of Luohu, who but those who personally knew her would remember?

  Even more so when she wore a new face, practiced a new cultivation technique, and inherited a distinct phoenix qi signature.

  In Haotian’s memories, he remembered the silkworms Da Hai adopted to do chores around Yingzhou. He remembered how they grew from wriggly insects to flying moths, before demonifying into humanoid girls.

  As their cultivation grew, they surpassed what one would expect from mere servants. So in a moment of gratitude, he made them disciples. Six were not worthy enough so were named such in name, but the oldest and most talented of them all was accepted properly as a true disciple.

  Haotian began recalling the final hours of the anti-devil war with a mix of anger and sadness. The sight of those daughters being pulverized one after another while Da Hai failed to stop it infected him with shame.

  “You recovered in Wangshu’s care,” Haotian said. Intrinsically, he understood what likely happened having remembered her final moments.

  “Aunt master spared no expense. Though she was banished from the Primitive World proper, she still has access to all the Lunar Star’s resources.” The fact that she barely hid her rage when she finished her sentence did not escape Haotian’s notice.

  Yi Fei’e, being a creature born in the earliest days of Pangu’s Chaos World still referred to it by its old name. Modern beings, and even old powers still active took to calling it the Three Realms.

  “How…how is she these days?” Haotian inquired, feeling an odd sense of nostalgia at her name. He knew her, yet he can’t say he knew her. She was Da Hai’s friend and one of the most important people in that man’s life.

  “As well as could be. That monster Hongjun’s verdict has trapped her from any real activity. What’s more the heavens don’t want anyone to leave the Primitive World’s vicinity.” Yi Fei’e’s face scrunched into an angry scowl.

  “Aunt master doesn’t talk about it much but I know she misses you and I know she despairs how everything turned out. We were so afraid that he quietly got rid of you after ascending to the Dao realm. Because nothing could escape an omnipotent being’s gaze.”

  Then her expression shifted to a sadistic smirk.

  “Hmph, looks like he’s arrogant enough to think he can control my master, venerable Da Hai,” she said with a snort. “Master, since the anti-devil war many have been disatisfied by Hongjun and the Heavenly Dao’s treatment. We’d all want nothing more than to destroy those monsters.

  “Aunt master and I, even senior brother in the ocean world have been waiting for you. When we felt your presence manifest earlier we knew it was the right time to overthrow them. What’s the plan master?”

  Haotian’s mouth remained a flat line as Yi Fei’e spoke more and more passionately. All the while he became more downcast as she expressed her hate and desires.

  “Fei’e stop,” he told her, halting her in her tracks. He looked away towards Bear tribe’s main settlement with an empty expression. Because unlike Yi Fei’e, and from the sounds of it Yinglong and Wangshu as well, he didn’t know if he felt the same way.

  While he’d sometimes thought of them, when confronting her now he didn’t react how he assumed he would. It felt a lot more hollow, and impersonal. He realized he’d never truly met these people.

  “I am not Da Hai,” he said after a moment of silence. “I don’t…I think I don’t quite agree with that plan. Hongjun is invincible.”

  “Huh? But master…”

  “Please don’t call me that,” Haotian denied. “Da Hai died when Hongjun annihilated him on a fundamental level. I am a clone, my psyche was born when he tore a piece of himself and merged it into the white jade that transformed into me. I’m not Da Hai.”

  A vaguely horrified expression on Yi Fei’e’s face turned into an angry one. “But you’re still master’s clone. You inherit his will. You can’t just…”

  “Yi Fei’e just stop.” Haotian leveled her with a sad gaze. “I know what Da Hai meant to all of you but you have to stop your delusions. I’m just an immortal cultivator named Zhang Youren minding my own business away from the mess of politics between you all.”

  He felt a change in the air. A furious contortion of spacetime localized in their immediate vicinity curtesy of Yi Fei’e. She obviously hadn’t lost herself in anger else the palace would’ve exploded.

  But Haotian just couldn’t feel the deep connection that was supposed to exist. Even if he remembered it all, there was still a wall of strangers that was there.

  “You coward,” she spat. “Did master’s sacrifice, my sisters sacrifice, Cinnebar’s sacrifice, senior brothers banishment mean nothing to you?”

  “You should take a step back and think for a moment what you’re actually intending to do,” Haotian retorted. He gazed up at the sky, past Yuxu’s immortal boat to the heavens above.

  “Fighting omnipotence is a pointless endeavor. The gap between a Limitless Supreme Chaos Immortal and a Dao realm being can only be measured by the word infinity.

  “And you really cannot claim the current regime is any worse then when the Beast Sovereigns and the Devilish Dao were in charge. It was super powers having minor jabs at each other but otherwise maintained an orderly equilibrium, it still is super powers making minor jabs at each other but otherwise maintaining an orderly equilibrium. No truly massive conflicts have occured and no one wants to poke the bears that are the six saints nor master. Nothing like the anti-devil war would occur again.”

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  “Hongjun as master huh?” Yi Fei’e scowled at his unapologetic words. He knew she felt hurt, but this was what he felt after the anti-devil war.

  “You know, a genocide of these humans you’ve been living with might just occur soon with the stunt you pulled,” she said.

  “Hm.” Haotian regarded her with a troubled gaze. “You should go, I’m happy to see you’re alright. But I cannot be what you or they hoped. Or enjoy the banquet Youxiong’s prepared. Bear tribe’s hospitality is second to none.”

  As he walked away, he heard her mutter.

  “You’re broken.”

  …

  Youxiong was not blind, he could see Guang Chengzi felt proud, approving even of how he’d built up the Bear tribe. But because he was part of Yuxu palace and the Jade Pure Lineage, he disproved of him.

  The Heavenly Venerable of the Primordial Beginning’s teachings naturally lead to immortals becoming lofty venerable beings standing tall in the mountains. They were by nature far away from the earth where mortal men and women tolled the land.

  The saint never exerted much pressure on his students after they’d become immortals. But his disproval was evidently felt and obeyed. No one wanted to disappoint the Heavenly Venerable, a hero from the anti-devil war and an omnipotent being above all but the Dao Ancestor.

  “I can sense your disapproval,” Youxiong said aloud after his 4th concubine walked off. Neither Perfetced Cihang nor Guang Chengzi hid it well compared to his ministers. Whatever initial pride from how glorious Bear tribe appeared had worn off in the hours since.

  “If you have any respect for me, then voice them,” He demanded with a twitch of his brow. Both senior Chaos Immortals appeared embarrassed.

  “Disciple,” Guang Chengzi began. “I do see the greatness of how much you’ve built up. But I feel that your path diverges from the teachings of the Heavenly Venerable. The Bear Tribe is strong, prosperous, and well-governed, yet it remains bound to the mortal realm, to the toils and struggles of men. This is not the way of the immortals.”

  Youxiong’s gaze darkened slightly, though his expression remained calm. “And what, pray tell, is the way of the immortals?”

  Perfected Cihang spoke without hesitation. “The path of transcendence, of detachment from worldly affairs. To cultivate one’s Dao free from mortal burdens. Your achievements are commendable, but tie you too closely to the material realm.”

  Youxiong scoffed. “I would’ve thought you, a princess of the human race’s many tribes would be less opposed. I am saving my people. Honestly, you really should live among your people more aunt master.”

  “I once asked master, the Heavenly Venerable for help regarding my father’s kingdom’s absorbance into a neighbouring warlord’s realm,” Perfected Cihang said. “He was indifferent to their plight. I feared for my father, but the result was his kingdom settled peacefully and now mellenia later live in harmony with the rest of that warlord’s realm. Nature played its course without our involvement and the problem solved itself.”

  Perfected Cihang raised a flat palm to her chest. “As immortal cultivators, we do defend weaker races from savage evils. Yet we do not belong in the same world. However, you have bound yourself to the mortal world. You entangle yourself in their karma, thus polluting your mentality. I highly suggest your return to the sect and reflect.”

  “You speak as though I have shackled myself. Yet, what I have built here is different. The people birthed me, and raised me, and in return, I provide them with peace, order, and strength. If the teachings of the Heavenly Venerable require me to abandon my people, then perhaps I was never meant for that path.”

  Guang Chengzi’s expression remained neutral, but a trace of regret flickered in his eyes. “That choice will have consequences, Youxiong. Cultivating mortals, raising your own kingdom. Does it not steer close to the Devilish Dao?”

  Youxiong’s eyes widened in rage. “How dare you. I am an honorable, responsible, righteous ruler of humanity.”

  “That is not what I…” Guang Chengzi paused to compose himself. “You can feel your own Dao fruit can you not?”

  The human chieftain scoffed and turned from his teacher’s accusations. “What I do is merely continuing the work of my ancestors and their ancestors before them. Far more then the lofty Chan sect sitting atop Kunlun.”

  “Hmph, feel free to stay. I have an important announcement to get to.” Youxiong left with a huff. But the power radiating from him, originating from his vibrating Dao fruit caused both Chaos Immortals to sweat.

  To elevate humanity above all. To raise the human race to the peak of the world. The advance the human race beyond their limits. To be the guiding light of humanity for all eternity.

  Guang Chengzi had not noticed the seeds of such a Dao for the longest time, chalking it up to the hopes and dreams of a child.

  “The troubles of the mortal realm belongs to them and we immortals deal with cosmic events. Why does your disciple not understand that?”

  Guang Chengxi shrugged. “I do not know. But I will consult master when he returns on the best course of action.”

  “Yuanshi is not in Kunlun?”

  Both Chaos Immortals were startled as they did not sense Haotian’s approach.

  “Daoist friend, it is rude to sneak up on others,” Perfected Cihang chided. “As to your question, no my saintly master has not been home for some time.”

  “I see. From the sounds of it, it seem Yuanshi is a bit detached from all of you yes?” Haotian asked.

  “Please do refer to my master by his etiphet. It is rude to a saint so casually.”

  “You were listening,” Guang Chengzi accused even as Cihang chided him.

  “None of you are exactly quiet.” Haotian brushed pass them to follow after Youxiong. “Though I get the feeling none of you really understand your own teacher at all.”

  …

  The throne hall of Youxiong was inhabited by numerous guests, not just those from the human race but also representatives from local sects, and demon warlord. Youxiong sat on his throne with a confident look, displaying his newfound immense cultivation.

  Haotian leaned against a pillar, appearing bored of all the waiting. Lesser guests were socialising among themselves while bigger powerhouses were much like him.

  He could see Guang Chengzi and Perfected Cihang discussing something together. Both appearing uneasy, occasionally shooting glances at Youxiong.

  “Your Highness,” he heard Yi Fei’e say which startled him. He did not her to just appear after sneakily meeting him. Turning his attention he saw her greeting an older gentlemen with white hair tied up in a princely ornament. His ones were lit up resembling balls of fire.

  “Di Jun’s son?” Haotian gasped at the chance from the infant he saw in Xihe’s arms so many years ago. The two party’s eyes met, though no recognition appeared in the demon prince. Yi Fei’e whispered something to him to which he nodded.

  “Hellow, I hear you’re an old acquaintance of Lady Xuannu,” he said after approaching. “Lady Xuannu helped me alot in my cultivation and is a valued friend of the court. I doubt a venerable Chaos Immortal like you is in much need, but if you ever find trouble you can always come to us Demons for aid.”

  He seemed friendly enough to Haotian. He looked at Yi Fei’e and shrugged at the use of that name. “Jiutian Xuannu became a member of the Heavenly Demon Court?”

  “She has been a trusted beneficiary,” he said.

  “I’m not, I just did a few favours for Changxi,” she clarified.

  “She is downplaying her involvement,” the white haird demon said. “I Luya would not be where I am without her. Anyway, we can speak more later. I’d like to speak with humanity’s new expert as well.”

  “Taiyi is in agreement with me,” Yi Fei’e said after Luya walked off.

  “So he is.”

  A disappointed frown appeared on Yi’ Fe’es lips. “My master wouldn’t just stand by.”

  Haotian scoffed. “Da Hai isn’t here. What’s up with the different name?”

  “Same reason you’re going by Zhang Youren.”

  “Seriously? Mysterious girl from the nine heavens? Hahaha.” If Yi Fei’e found humour in it, she didn’t speak up.

  By Youxiong’s chair, Luya was obviously trying to buy him into the Demon Heavenly Court’s faction. But it seemed his friend only found annoyance at the golden crow.

  Then, the door was opened by guards on the outside. In came all three of the biggest names in humanity.

  Suiren, Fuxi, and Shennong all arrived to witness the newest and youngest Chaos Immortal in human history.

  “Ah, perfect timing,” Youxiong said while also standing up. “I was waiting for you three.”

  The three sovereigns nodded in tandem. “We are happy to see humanity to have gained another powerful expert,” Suiren said at the head of the group.

  “I do wonder,” Youxiong muttered.

  “Since everyone is here, I have a very important announcement to make.”

  The Bear tribes chief glanced around at all his guests and steeled his resolve. There were many powerful beings in this room. Many of whom his Dao fruit would glare it if it had eyes.

  By extension, he also disliked many of those who approached him. Luya came to mind, immediately attempting to swoop in and offer him vassalage under the Eastern Emperor up on the Starry Skies.

  The representatives of Daoism here to dissuade him and bring him back to Kunlun.

  “When I ascended to Golden Immortality I awakened my Dao and rode its course to obtaining the great principle. For that I have to thank my trusted friend, brother in all but blood Zhang Youren.

  “And in the days since, I consolidated my cultivation. It gave me a realization.” He started directly at the three sovereigns with disapproval.

  “Humans are now the most populated race in the Three Realms. Our numbers spread everywhere, many of whom had fallen into the control of vicious enemy tyrants.

  “To the Earthly Divinities, we are just roaches to be trampled on. To Daoism, we are a resource to recruit and offer worship. To the demons, we are either food or also a resource to offer worship.”

  Luya’s friendly smile turned into an angry frown alongside all other demon representatives. Daoism representatives had glares of anger. The three sovereigns narrowed their eyes in disproval.

  “What is the meaning of this welp!” A demon court representative called out.

  “Let me finish,” Youxiong silenced him. “In times past, the Mother Nuwa and the three sovereigns have staved off incursions. But now our creator goddess is gone. Our sovereigns’ methods are no longer adequate.”

  “Youxiong,” Fuxi called out with fury. “Are you just going to mock us?” His cultivation flared up with an eight pointed star manifesting behind him.

  “I am merely telling reality as it is.” Youxiong’s Dao fruit spun vividly until hard light consolidated into a crown on his head and robes depicting dragons draped onto his body.

  “Humans have lost their way. That is why I have opted to step forward to guide them once more. I reject the authority imposed upon my kind by you all.

  “Today I declare, with the heavens as my witness, that I Youxiong, no. That I Gongsun Xuanyuan after the land of my birth, shall be the spearhead of humanity and the shield of man. I shall assume to mantle of Emperor!”

  “!”