The Kongtong Seal, wise enough to know a hero when it sees one, accepted Xu Fang's refinement and began to impart its ancient techniques.
Meanwhile, the magical artifacts in the chat group remained oblivious to this development, still embroiled in their lively debate.
[Seven Treasures Wonderful Tree]: Speaking of which, what happened to that human treasure? Did it get obliterated?
[Chaos Bell]: That's certainly a possibility! It was quite unyielding earlier; it shouldn't have surrendered so easily!
[God-Slaying Spear]: Obliterated my ass! I was still polishing my spear, and this guy just submitted!
[Treasure-Dropping Gold Coin]: Exactly! I was thinking of unleashing my divine power and making it drop, but it cowered too quickly. I wasn't even ready!
[Sea-Calming Divine Pearl]: Alas! I came in feeling depressed, hoping to stretch my legs, but it didn't even give me a chance. How detestable!
[Kongtong Seal]: Alright, alright! What else could I do? With so many artifacts bearing down on me, how could I possibly resist?
[Heaven-Measuring Ruler]: Enough, enough, you few. The Kongtong Seal is one of us now. There's no need to belittle it like this.
[Taiji Diagram]: Sigh! I really didn't expect it to be so steadfast and unyielding, only to capitulate so quickly. It's strange, though; Tai Shang seemed somewhat lost.
[Coiling Dragon Cudgel]: Is there a possibility that the Kongtong Seal was actually meant to fall into the hands of our Tai Shang?
[Nine Dragon Golden Staff]: There's a possibility!
[Kongtong Seal]: Get lost! Get lost! Why weren't you talking like this earlier? What's the point of second-guessing now?
[Heaven-Measuring Ruler]: Haha! Exactly, exactly. Don't think about it anymore. The Kongtong Seal has joined us. You can only blame your Tai Shang for being so incompetent.
[Chaos Bell]: Joined? Wasn't it coerced into submission, forced into prostitution? I know your tricks.
[Ruyi Jingu Bang]: Oh! This leading artifact of the demon race seems unconvinced!
[Heaven-Measuring Ruler]: Haha! Never mind him, never mind him. Those demon tribes should be returning by now, right? A grand gift will soon be presented.
The chat group buzzed with the lively conversation of the artifacts.
Xu Fang glanced at it amidst his busy schedule and chuckled.
The artifacts of Tai Shang guessed correctly. This Kongtong Seal was indeed originally Tai Shang's. It was meant to become the symbol of the Human Religion after Tai Shang established it and spread the Way of Cultivation among humanity.
However, as the Heaven-Measuring Ruler said, one could only blame Tai Shang for his lack of effectiveness. No one waits forever; opportunities flash by in an instant.
"However, my actions have altered the course of events in the Primordial Era."
Xu Fang knew that by acquiring the Kongtong Seal and comprehending its techniques to be passed down to humanity, even without the intention of intercepting Tai Shang, the merit and destiny would likely fall to him.
In this way, he would essentially have preempted Tai Shang in civilizing humanity. He wondered what impact this would have on Tai Shang's path to sainthood.
Xu Fang pondered for a long time but found no answers. He decisively cast aside these extraneous thoughts.
"I won't worry about it. Things will naturally sort themselves out when the time comes. I should focus on human affairs first!"
Xu Fang sighed, closed the chat group, and devoted himself to comprehending the techniques within the Kongtong Seal, aiming to complete the deduction as soon as possible and pass them down to humanity.
Meanwhile, in the Heavenly Court of the Demon Race.
The Lingxiao Treasure Hall had undergone repairs. Although not fully restored, it was no longer dilapidated.
This gave Emperor Jun, Eastern Emperor Taiyi, and the other demon race members within a sense of renewed confidence.
They were currently in the Lingxiao Treasure Hall, discussing matters of the demon race.
"According to our original plan, the Witch-Slaying Sword has been refined. It only awaits the infusion of the blood and souls of a million humans to be completely forged," Eastern Emperor Taiyi said, reporting the progress to Emperor Jun and encouraging the other demon race members.
As Eastern Emperor Taiyi had predicted, upon hearing these words, joy bloomed on the faces of the assembled demons.
"Indeed, Heaven blesses our demon race! With this, the Witch Clan will have nothing to rely on!"
"Haha! The Witch Clan probably never imagined the grand gift we've prepared for them!"
"Our two Emperors are truly wise! This time, the Witch Clan has nowhere to escape!"
The assembled individuals were all high-ranking members of the demon race. They were aware of the Witch-Slaying Sword's plan and its implications for both the demon and witch clans. They spoke with great joy.
They knew that once the Witch-Slaying Sword was fully refined, it would become an unparalleled weapon for the demon race against the Witch Clan.
Their hearts surged with excitement, already envisioning scenes of the demon race, with the Witch-Slaying Sword, chasing the Witch Clan in disarray!
Emperor Jun and Eastern Emperor Taiyi nodded in satisfaction, pleased with their attitude.
However, amidst this joyous occasion, an ill-timed voice arose.
"Your Majesties, while that is true, Kunpeng, who was sent on a mission, has not yet returned. I wonder what has happened!"
As this voice sounded, the faces of the assembled demons froze. They turned to see who had spoken, and upon recognizing the speaker, they chuckled.
It was the Demon Master Kunpeng!
The demons recognized Kunpeng and understood why he had spoken thus. They paid him no mind.
He was simply resentful that An Jiuying had stolen his credit, and now he was complaining. It was hardly worth considering!
Besides, no one liked this so-called Demon Master. Recently, when he imitated Nuwa's preaching, only a handful of demons had attended. Was he still trying to make a name for himself?
"Demon Master, there's no need to say more. Jiuying is a demon saint of our race. What possible accident could happen dealing with mere humans?" Eastern Emperor Taiyi waved his hand dismissively, signaling Kunpeng to stop talking.
As if to verify Eastern Emperor Taiyi's words, just as he finished speaking, a figure rushed in hastily, shouting loudly.
"Report! Demon Saint Jiuying has returned!"
"Haha! Speak of Jiuying and Jiuying appears! Demon Master, how dare you accuse him of incompetence?" Eastern Emperor Taiyi laughed heartily, mockingly addressing Kunpeng.
He then turned his gaze to the reporting demon, issuing an order.
"Quickly invite Jiuying in to speak!"
With Jiuying's return, the human affairs must have been thoroughly resolved. Today, with the high-ranking demon race members present, they could finalize the matter of the Witch-Slaying Sword and boost morale. How delightful!
However, Eastern Emperor Taiyi's pleasant thoughts were dashed as the reporting demon soldier did not comply with his order. He stood rooted to the spot, stammering, hesitating to speak.
"What? Hasn't Jiuying returned? He is a great contributor to our demon race. Why aren't you inviting him quickly?"
Eastern Emperor Taiyi was puzzled and urged him on.
Yet, the reporting demon soldier grew more conflicted with each word. Finally, under Eastern Emperor Taiyi's intense gaze, he mustered his courage and said.
"Reporting to Eastern Emperor Your Majesty, Demon Saint Jiuying has returned, and yet he hasn't fully returned!"
"Hmm?"
This statement left not only Eastern Emperor Taiyi but also all the demons bewildered.
What kind of words were these? What did it mean, he had returned, and yet he hadn't fully returned?