An oppressive atmosphere hung over the river valley.

Li Changshou gazed at the figures before him, feeling as though he was facing a blood-soaked chapter of human history.

Grand Magister sat by the riverside grilling fish. Behind Li Changshou stood Ling’e and Youqin Xuanya, their brows furrowed as they watched the hundred-plus figures standing by the river.

These figures could hardly be called living beings. They had no trace of spiritual energy fluctuations, their eyes were lifeless and unmoving, like statues carved from clay or stone.

But they were indeed living beings. They were still alive, most bearing various wounds, half with missing limbs. Beneath their ancient-style armor seemed to lurk slumbering fierce beasts.

“Senior Brother, they are…”

“Humans,” Grand Magister said.

The Grand Magister stood up holding the grilled fish and smiled, making a gesture. A man and woman stepped out from the hundred-plus people.

The man was nearly ten zhang tall, his entire body rippling with dark muscles, the iron armor seemingly fused with his flesh.

The woman was petite and delicate, with a scar on her cheek, but she still gave off a predominantly gentle impression.

The two raised their right hands to their hearts, knelt on one knee, and said in unison:

“Greetings, My Lord.”

Behind them, the hundred-plus figures stood silently, indeed more like clay statues.

Ling’e instinctively shrunk behind Li Changshou, while Youqin Xuanya stared at these figures, slightly lost in thought.

“Ah…” Grand Magister sighed, “Communicating with them is somewhat troublesome. I spent several months just to have one conversation with each of them. They are willing to return to Hongmeng under your command to hunt down the demon race that escaped in ancient times. Junior Brother, use them wisely.”

Li Changshou, however, maintained an uncharacteristic silence.

Ling’e asked softly, “Grand Magister Senior, where did these seniors come from?”

“Xuandu City,” Grand Magister smiled and said. “In ancient times, when Xuandu City was pressed by war, the Human Emperor sent these soldiers to assist in defending Xuandu City. Now Xuandu City’s battle situation is stable, and Dao soldiers are sufficient to guard it. They’re just idle there, so they might as well return to Hongmeng to fight the demon race again.”

“I can handle today’s demon race,” Li Changshou spoke up. “Senior Brother, let these seniors return to Xuandu City to recuperate.”

“Yes,” the man and woman bowed their heads in acknowledgment, stood up, and walked back to their ranks, standing still as before.

Grand Magister asked curiously:

“Why? Do you know their strength? Though there are only one hundred and eight people here, they are all human elites who survived from ancient times. The strongest human army that knocked down the Demon Court and broke through the Great Array of Heaven and Earth – they are their predecessors.”

Li Changshou smiled bitterly and said: “Senior Brother, what virtue or ability do I have to command them?”

“So that’s what you’re worried about. Come, sit down,” Grand Magister smiled and beckoned. “Would the two commanders please come over as well?”

Presently, everyone sat around the campfire. Ling’e volunteered to take over the fish-grilling stick, while Youqin Xuanya went to the stream to catch more spirit fish.

The man and woman sat formally, keeping their eyes lowered.

Li Changshou sat opposite these two, lightly steering the conversation.

“Senior Brother, what battles could Xuandu City have?”

Grand Magister spoke slowly: “Minor matters, just some outer realm demons wandering around the edges of the Chaos Sea. When Pangu created heaven and earth, some primordial gods and demons escaped from his axe and created some living beings of their own. These beings are mostly bloodthirsty and covet Hongmeng deeply. Fortunately, the power of the Heavenly Dao wraps around Hongmeng’s three thousand worlds, preventing them from invading. But the Heavenly Dao isn’t complete, there will always be oversights, so the Dao Ancestor personally acted, establishing Xuandu City, actively exposing the Heavenly Dao’s weakness, and using Xuandu City to block these beings’ path into Hongmeng. At the end of the ancient war between shamans and demons, both sides were devastated, the power of living beings in heaven and earth fell to its lowest point, affecting the operation of the Heavenly Dao, those outer realm demons caused trouble, and Xuandu City became quite lively for a while…”

Ling’e exclaimed softly: “So outer realm demons exist.”

“Tsk,” Grand Magister shook his head, “Those fellows have completely unstable appearances, quite ugly, never as handsome as your master.”

Ling’e laughed: “That’s not comparable.”

“Haha,” Li Changshou laughed a few times, then looked at the two commanders, taking out a tea set from his sleeve, brewing six cups of tea, and using immortal power to float them before everyone.

“Please, seniors.”

“Thank you,” the tall man said softly, his square face beneath the loose hair completely calm.

The woman held the hot tea with both hands, took a sip, and her gaze changed slightly.

“It tastes very good.”

“I’m glad you like it, Senior,” Li Changshou said warmly.

Grand Magister smiled and said: “Junior Brother, do you know why these two are commanders? It’s not because of their strength, but because only they can still communicate normally with people now, maintaining their seven emotions and six desires, quite similar to us. However, these two have also suffered the most… You should talk with them more.”

Li Changshou nodded slowly, naturally knowing that Grand Magister was persuading him to keep this force.

For a moment, he hesitated and fell silent again.

Ling’e once again played the role of atmosphere livener, asking softly: “Grand Magister, are these seniors from the ancient human race?”

“Yes,” Grand Magister’s gaze became distant as he held his teacup, looking at the clouds in the sky.

They sat on the low rocks, listening to Grand Magister tell the story of the past…

[The human race, created by Goddess Nuwa, was born with innate Dao bodies, weak, good at cultivation, and close to the Dao. At that time, humans were just one of the myriad races of heaven and earth. Because Nuwa became a sage, most races avoided humans, allowing humans to multiply and thrive, with human footprints spreading across the plains and wilderness of the Southern Continent.

But disaster followed.

Because human souls are close to the Dao, Demon Master Kunpeng presented to East Emperor Taiyi the method of refining treasures using human souls. To completely defeat the shaman race, the demon race began to massacre humans extensively, capturing human souls to refine Shaman-Slaying Divine Weapons. The human race was killed until less than one in a hundred remained, yet the demon race still wouldn’t stop, wanting to eliminate them…]

This part of human history becomes blurry here as if later generations deliberately obscured this part of the story.

Grand Magister was a witness and participant in history, knowing the full picture.

“…Although Master and Goddess Nuwa joined forces to protect the remaining humans, hatred had already been written into their bones.”

Grand Magister spoke calmly:

“The humans who survived after the disaster hated the demon race to the extreme. They raised their cultivation regardless of consequences, even deviating from the correct path of cultivation, transforming themselves into demons. Although the sages intervened to preserve the human bloodline, that was humanity’s weakest period, and the demon race, fearing to leave trouble behind, wanted to eliminate humans…

That was humanity’s most difficult kalpa, which is why they came to be.”

Li Changshou said: “Ten thousand demon soldiers, stomping through the heavens.”

Ling’e pursed her lips on the side, carefully passing a grilled fish to the female commander closest to her.

“Senior…”

The latter shook her head slightly, showing a slight smile to Ling’e, continuing to sit formally.

Grand Magister casually took the grilled fish, smiling: “Give it to me, don’t waste it.”

Ling’e hurriedly passed the grilled fish over.

Youqin Xuanya asked: “Ten thousand demon soldiers… can you explain in detail?”

Li Changshou sighed and explained:

“Taking the demon path means transforming obsession into Dao realm, gaining Dao realm advancement in a short time, but easily leading to heart collapse and loss of control. These seniors, to gain power in a short time without losing control, first entered the demon path, using secret methods to advance their Dao realm, then severed their hearts, sealing their seven emotions and six senses, cutting off all external perceptions. They locked their souls within their bodies, only distinguishing friend from foe through special secret methods, transforming into demon soldiers, obeying the Human Emperor’s command, protecting the human race.”

Grand Magister clicked his tongue in amazement: “As expected of my Junior Brother, even knowing such secrets!”

“I saw this matter on a sheepskin scroll…”

Li Changshou sighed: “Originally I thought this was just a legend, but after visiting the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors in the Fire Cloud Cave and learning about Senior Suiren’s matter, I realized human demon soldiers truly existed. Mortal lifespan is too short, Hongmeng’s moments too long, too much history is lost in the long years…”

“Junior Brother, do you know that after the Demon Court’s destruction, only 3,623 of them remained?”

Grand Magister said: “I brought them to Xuandu City, and after so many years, those with limited lifespans have all passed away. These remaining ones… Junior Brother, take them to kill demons. Letting them find dignified release on the battlefield is the most benevolent thing you and I can do for them.”

Li Changshou: “Senior Brother, is there no way to help them restore their perception?”

Grand Magister frowned: “That would be too cruel to them.”

“How can we know their hearts’ desires without asking them?”

Li Changshou pondered for a few sounds, light flashing in his eyes, having already formed an idea.

“They are heroes of the ancient human race, they shouldn’t have to fight in the current era. Senior Brother, let me take them to Anshui City for a hundred years, to see if we can help them regain their seven emotions and six desires. If they seek release, it needn’t be sorrowfully on the battlefield. The dignity and respect due to human ancestors cannot be lacking. They protected humanity to reach today’s prosperity – it doesn’t seem right that they should still have to stand at humanity’s forefront… I don’t think this makes sense.”

Grand Magister showed a surprised expression, asking curiously: “You’ve already thought of a solution?”

“Just an idea…”

Li Changshou spoke two words, causing Grand Magister to first freeze, then clap and laugh heartily, repeatedly praising Li Changshou’s quick thinking.

Ling’e blinked…

Little Ai?

Why did she feel she still didn’t understand her master well enough?

While the two Dao School brothers discussed this matter, the two demon soldier commanders maintained their silence. But their gaze toward Li Changshou gradually filled with gratitude.

Seeing that Li Changshou had no intention of using these hundred-plus ancient human warriors for battle, Grand Magister didn’t try to persuade him further.

Speaking of which, Grand Magister was somewhat dejected.

He had personally gone to Xuandu City to ‘invite’ these one hundred and eight ancient human demon soldiers back, but not only did they fail to become Li Changshou’s ‘anti-demon weapon,’ they instead gave Li Changshou more work to do…

As the senior brother, Grand Magister felt somewhat embarrassed deep down.

So, Grand Magister actively inquired about the demon race’s rebellion against heaven, saying that if the Heavenly Court was under too much pressure, he, as an elder of the human race, could appropriately intervene directly…

Li Changshou truthfully reported the current ‘war achievements,’ making the Grand Magister laugh heartily.

However, when Ling’e and Youqin Xuanya heard about the various methods of the Heavenly Court, their expressions became somewhat strange.

Ling’e naturally showed some disgust, after all, the methods of the Latrine God Palace were, in various ways, too dirty…

But Youqin Xuanya said: “What do matters of marriage have to do with fighting? The demon race deserves death, we should defeat them honorably. Acting like this, isn’t it too unscrupulous?”

Li Changshou and Grand Magister exchanged glances, both laughing.

Grand Magister said: “Being unscrupulous isn’t always derogatory.”

“Junior Sister Youqin,” Li Changshou said seriously, “In the Heavenly Court, now ninety percent of the heavenly soldiers and generals are of human origin. Currently, the world is dominated by humans, and the Heavenly Court can be considered a court that protects humanity. I don’t care about the life or death of these demons who openly rebel against heaven, let alone their marriage matters. Effectively reducing enemy forces, dissolving their morale, and increasing internal conflicts among enemies is protecting our heavenly soldiers and generals. Naturally, I don’t hate all beings who are friendly to humans, and there are also humans full of evil, but these rebelling demons, were they persecuted by the Heavenly Court? The Heavenly Court has only been established for how many years? These rebelling demons are just feeling threatened, and scared in their hearts. Supporting the Heavenly Court is because the Heavenly Dao is supremely fair, the Heavenly Court acts according to the Heavenly Dao, and the stronger the Heavenly Court becomes, the sooner good and evil in the world will reach balance.”

Youqin Xuanya fell into contemplation.

Ling’e mumbled softly: “Master, Senior Sister Youqin isn’t criticizing you, don’t be angry…”

Li Changshou smiled and said: “Don’t worry, don’t I know Junior Sister Youqin’s personality? The Heavenly Court exactly needs talents like Junior Sister Youqin.”

Ling’e’s mouth twitched slightly – he had just called her Xuanya earlier!

“Mm,” Youqin Xuanya lowered her head in acknowledgment but hadn’t given up her persistence on this matter.

Grand Magister watched quietly from the side, thinking of something else, his smile never fading.

If Junior Sister Yunxiao were to join the discussion, who knows what the situation would be like…

Li Changshou, concerned about the ‘expert’ behind the demon race, took the opportunity while Grand Magister was here to inquire directly:

“Senior Brother, I keep feeling someone is guiding Luya from behind the scenes.”

It wasn’t that he looked down on Luya.

“It’s just that if Daoist Luya had such a vision, the demon race wouldn’t be in their current situation.”

“A small matter, let me calculate.”

Grand Magister made calculations with his fingers and soon made a surprised sound.

Li Changshou hurriedly asked: “The Red Embroidered Ball?”

“It’s not Mother Goddess’s intervention, the other party can erase destiny’s threads!”

Grand Magister slightly narrowed his eyes, raised his hand to summon the Taiji Diagram to his palm, and closed his eyes in concentration.

This time it took a full quarter hour, with the Taiji Diagram’s Dao rhythm flowing without pause…

Finally, Grand Magister softly spoke a name:

“Baize.”

Li Changshou was slightly stunned, then showed understanding: “No wonder, so it’s this ancient demon general. A demon general who could survive the war between shamans and demons is no simple opponent! Senior Brother, we absolutely cannot let this Baize remain. Could I trouble Senior Brother to take action, and eliminate this Baize early? If he helps Luya again, the Heavenly Court will truly have some trouble.”

“Good,” Grand Magister said, “I hadn’t expected Baize to actively enter this tribulation. I’ll go find him trouble! However, Baize is considered a primordial auspicious beast, with the ability to seek fortune and avoid calamity. I’ll need to spend some effort and time.”

Li Changshou pondered for a while, then said: “Perhaps we can use his ability to seek fortune and avoid calamity, reverse yin and yang, and lead him into a trap.”

“Oh? Interesting, tell me more.”

Thus, by the riverside campfire, these brothers began researching… a hundred ways to persecute an auspicious beast.

A hundred ways was naturally an exaggeration – Li Changshou only provided Grand Magister with seven or eight approaches, and based on Grand Magister’s understanding of Baize, found several potential weaknesses.

For example, this type of auspicious beast skilled in calculations, whose innate divine ability was survival, had always been smooth sailing, and might overly trust their intuitions.

From noon until sunset, they discussed. Grand Magister was already eager to meet Baize, taking two grilled fish to eat on the way, breaking through space and directly disappearing.

Before leaving, Grand Magister left Li Changshou two jade talismans containing the method of refining demon soldiers – for Li Changshou to find a way to restore the demon soldiers’ seven emotions and six desires.

In front of Ling’e and Xuanya, Li Changshou took out a paper avatar, which rode clouds to lead these one hundred and eight puppet-like demon soldiers away.

They didn’t speak half a word throughout, now only following Li Changshou’s orders.

What a terrifying force this was!

Their cultivation started at the Eternal Life realm, they followed orders absolutely, knew neither fear nor retreat, excelled in formation battle tactics, utilized their immortal power most efficiently, and each possessed several spirit treasures…

Grand Magister giving them to Li Changshou to command was actually hoping they would perish together with the high-level demons in the Northern Continent, giving these demon soldiers a final resting place.

This thinking wasn’t wrong in itself, but Li Changshou preferred to let them make their own choices…

Currently, humanity was in a golden age of peace, and the Heavenly Court was sufficient to suppress the demon race – why require these elite human spirits to die heroically?

[Surely, they would also want to see how magnificent the prosperous age they fought for had become…]

Regarding the settlement of these demon soldiers, after much consideration, Li Changshou still decided to bring them to Anshui City, letting them live in the mortal world for a period.

He planned to wait until the demon situation at the Northern Continent’s border was more stable before trying to find a way.

Who knew if Goddess Houtu’s power of emotional resonance could help restore them to normal…

However, before Li Changshou could reach Anshui City with the demon soldiers, Ling’e hurriedly flew to the pill room, holding in her small hand a jade talisman wrapped in more than ten layers of immortal power.

“Master! Someone at the mountain gate delivered this jade talisman, the gate disciples said!”

Li Changshou’s attention returned, asking: “Said what?”

“It was left by a cultivator calling himself Zebai, specifically naming you as the recipient!”

Li Changshou was also stunned.

Zebai… Baize?

If it was him, this ancient demon general absolutely could not be allowed to remain!