The entire clan of demons begging for mercy, to the unity of their hearts, stunned all the beings present.
Seeing that they had all discarded their weapons and treasures, and appeared genuinely repentant, everyone was at a loss for what to do.
Even the humans, who had been harmed by the demons, now found themselves looking at each other and smiling wryly, unable to bring themselves to strike down the unarmed demons who had surrendered.
However, since they could not decide, there were those who could. Thus, all eyes turned to the Treasure Distribution Rock, awaiting the arrival of a certain figure.
Under the gaze of countless eyes, Xu Fang's figure appeared at the edge of the Treasure Distribution Rock. He scanned the demons below, his gaze falling upon Jiu Ying.
"Jiu Ying, you make things difficult for me!"
Xu Fang sighed. He had rushed back in such haste, naturally fearing that the human race might be in danger. Yet, it seemed his intervention was not needed.
And Jiu Ying and the demons had surrendered so quickly that he hadn't even had a chance to act, let alone intimidate the demon race.
Therefore, this indeed put Xu Fang in a difficult position!
Seeing Xu Fang's conflicted expression, Jiu Ying was overjoyed and repeatedly responded.
"Not difficult! Not difficult! Fellow Daoist Xu Fang, just consider us as passing gas and let us go!"
Jiu Ying only wished to leave this place quickly, far from the west. Face and treasures were secondary; their lives, no matter what, had to be preserved.
Looking at Jiu Ying's attitude, Xu Fang became even more conflicted. However, he did not dwell on it for too long and directly turned his gaze to the three figures opposite him.
"You three are likely the three Old Ancestors of the human race, correct?"
Sensing Xu Fang's gaze and hearing his words, the three human ancestors quickly replied.
"We dare not accept such praise, True Person Xu Fang. You need not be so formal."
"Indeed. True Person Xu Fang attained enlightenment before us, and it was you who single-handedly facilitated the birth of the human race and protected them. The human race is eternally grateful!"
"True Person Xu Fang above, please accept our bow!"
As the three human ancestors spoke, they immediately bowed towards Xu Fang on the Treasure Distribution Rock. The other human clan members also bowed, looking at Xu Fang with eyes full of reverence.
"Alright, alright, you may rise!"
Xu Fang waved them up and spoke directly.
"Now is not the time for such formalities. The demons came because of the human race. Now that the demons have surrendered, the human race can decide their fate."
"This!"
The three human ancestors were astonished and exchanged shocked glances.
They could never have imagined that the human race would reach a point where they could decide the fate of the demon race, such a powerful entity!
"Do not fear. We are here, and we can support the human race. We will continue to support you in the future. Why should you be afraid?"
Xu Fang said, comforting and encouraging the three human ancestors.
The three human ancestors nodded gratefully, feeling somewhat more at ease.
Only Jiu Ying and the demons felt indignant.
They had never imagined that after their race had dominated the Primordial Era for so many years, they would one day have their lives decided by this mere human race. It was simply too humiliating and stifling.
However, the situation was beyond their control. No matter how much resentment they harbored, they had to suppress it.
After a brief whispered discussion among the three human ancestors, a decision was quickly reached. Suiren Shi stepped forward and bowed to Xu Fang, saying.
"True Person Xu Fang, the demons offended our human race. Although no great harm was inflicted, it was only due to the assistance of so many friends."
"Therefore, while their lives may be spared, their crimes cannot go unpunished. We can release the demons, but not completely."
Suiren Shi paused here, his gaze falling upon Jiu Ying and the other demon experts, making them feel a great sense of impending danger.
"Suiren Shi! What do you mean by that!"
"Do not be so presumptuous just because you have support. If you harm us, your human race will face severe consequences!"
"Precisely! We advise your human race to be sensible, or be prepared to face the wrath of the demons!"
However, no matter how they threatened, Suiren Shi remained unmoved. He ignored them and looked at Xu Fang with unwavering determination.
"Good! I understand!"
Xu Fang nodded, comprehending the human race's decision. He then turned to the demons and spoke loudly.
"Hear me, demons! You offended the human race, and your crimes were unforgivable. However, the human race is benevolent and does not wish to commit further bloodshed."
"Therefore, the ringleaders shall be executed, and the followers absolved. Jiu Ying and the other demon experts shall pay with their lives today for offending the human race. Make way!"
Upon hearing this, Jiu Ying and the other demon experts were filled with rage. Just as they had feared, the three human ancestors intended to have them killed!
"The human race dares to bully us like this, truly hateful!"
"You wait and see, how could our demon race yield so easily? Warriors of the demon race, how mighty is our race, how can we allow ourselves to be slaughtered?"
"Indeed, pick up your weapons and treasures quickly! Let them witness the power of the demon race!"
Jiu Ying and the other demon experts, naturally unwilling to perish, shouted out, preparing to rally the demons to resist.
However, when the other demons heard their words, instead of picking up their weapons and treasures as they were told, they recoiled, moving away from them and isolating them completely, exposing them to everyone present.
They had heard it clearly: the ringleaders were to be executed, and the followers absolved. Why would they accompany these high-ranking officials to their deaths?
Seeing this, Jiu Ying and the other demon experts knew that the demon hearts were in disarray. They immediately flew away together, preparing to escape.
However, as a multitude of treasures unfurled, a great formation of treasures instantly rose, giving them no opportunity to flee.
With a wave of Xu Fang's hand, the Dragon Kings of the Four Seas and others, who had been waiting in readiness, swarmed forward, joining Jiu Ying and the other demon experts.
With the assistance of the treasure formation, these demon experts were naturally unable to resist. Soon, with cries of agony and wailing, they all perished.
Only Jiu Ying and a few powerful great demons were still struggling.
Jiu Ying now revealed his true form, appearing frenzied. On his nine-headed bird body, large eyes opened, staring intently at Xu Fang, he shouted.
"Xu Fang, if you do this, their Majesties Di Jun and Donghuang Taiyi will not let you off!"
Jiu Ying knew that if this continued, he would eventually meet his death. He naturally wished to make a final effort, to threaten Xu Fang in an attempt to save his life.
However, Xu Fang was completely unfazed by these words, even laughing.
"I do not care if they forgive me or not. This human race is protected by my Penglai Immortal Island. Even if Di Jun and Donghuang Taiyi were to come, I would say the same, if they dare to come!"
"Xu Fang, do you truly believe you are invincible in this world?"
"I do not know if I am invincible or not, but my stance is firm. Their corpses are the best response to the demons. Jiu Ying, farewell!"
As Xu Fang spoke, he immediately willed it, and the treasures in the treasure formation all flew up, emitting powerful surges that pressed down upon Jiu Ying!