Nuwa led the assembly of living beings into the Chaos.
Gazing out, the currents of energy were in absolute disarray—a grey, lifeless expanse where primordial gales howled. The elements of earth, water, fire, and wind interlaced in a violent dance, and black holes manifested like the maws of giant beasts, ready to swallow anything that drew near.
In this place, there was no distinction between clear and turbid; Yin and Yang were unrecognized, and the Five Elements remained unformed. Any ordinary immortal or god without a supreme treasure for protection would find their physical and spiritual forms annihilated in an instant.
Nuwa used her magic power to protect the weaker beings. She then took a single step, traversing millions of miles. With a wave of her delicate hand toward the firmament, the clear and turbid separated, and the Five Qi began to roll and rise.
Within a few breaths, a new world began to expand at a staggering rate, reaching hundreds of millions of miles in an eye-blink. All things were born from the void. It was a miracle—the assembled living beings watched in awe, gaining a terrifying new understanding of a Saint's power.
"Too strong!" The Sanqing and other great powers were shaken, their desire to Achieve Sainthood (achieve sainthood) swelling uncontrollably.
Once the world was formed, Nuwa pointed a finger. From nothingness, a hundred-foot stone appeared, etched with three massive characters in Dao-script: Empress Wa Heaven (Wa Huang Tian).
With a wave of her hand, she could destroy a universe; with a flip of her palm, she could create all things. This was the method of a Saint.
"Everyone, please follow me inside to listen to the sermon."
Nuwa spoke, and in the next moment, she was already within the Nüwa Palace. With her phoenix hairpin and noble, natural grace, she radiated the Life Qi of creation. She sat high above, looking down upon all beings with a detached majesty.
The great powers did not dare to delay. Each utilized their Divine Ability to reach the palace gates, scrambling to find the best seats. Those who had attended Hongjun's sermons understood the protocol: the closer you sat, the better the reception of the Dao.
Di Jun and Tai Yi were unhurried, casually finding spots to sit. Seeing everyone settled, Nuwa didn't waste time and began her sermon.
The sermon lasted a thousand years. As the final syllable left Nuwa's lips, the lecture concluded. The assembly slowly returned to their senses with varying expressions. Those who had heard Hongjun's sermons felt that something was missing—Nuwa's lecture lacked a certain "Dao-resonance" (Dao) compared to the Dao Ancestor. They understood, however; she had only just achieved her rank.
For those who had never heard Hongjun, it was the sound of heaven itself. Many achieved immediate breakthroughs on the spot.
"The sermon ends here. If you have any questions, you may ask," Nuwa's Dao-sound was soft and refreshing. She answered several questions from the immortals.
"Does the Saint intend to hold a second or third sermon?" one immortal asked, still wanting more. Nuwa shook her head, the meaning clear.
During this time, Jieyin and Zhunti were harboring their own schemes. They wanted to ask about the "Way of Creating Humans," but they didn't want to do so in public, fearing others might snatch their opportunity. Once the other beings began to disperse, the Western Duo finally moved.
They approached Nuwa and created a sealing barrier for privacy, even using mental transmissions to ensure absolute secrecy.
"You wish to know the Way of Creating Humans?" Even as a Saint, Nuwa was taken aback by their bluntness.
"Saint Nuwa, do not misunderstand. We do not covet your opportunity. It is simply that the West is barren, and we wish to create a new race to bring vitality to the land," Zhunti explained quickly.
"Fellow Daoists, this path... I fear it will not work for you," Nuwa said honestly. The Human Race she created was the future protagonist of the world; that was why she achieved Sainthood. There could only be one protagonist race. No matter what they created, it wouldn't grant them the same rank.
The faces of the Western Duo stiffened, but they quickly regained their composure. "We only wish to fill the West with life. We have no other intentions," they said with forced smiles.
"I have given you my advice. Whether you believe it is up to you," Nuwa said, giving them a deep look before waving her hand to signal their departure.
"This..."
Jieyin and Zhunti were stunned, their smiles frozen. They turned and walked away, their faces turning cold. As fellow disciples of the Dao Ancestor, they also had "Face" to maintain. In their eyes, Nuwa simply didn't want to share her secret for fear of diluting her own power.
Hmph! Such a narrow-minded Saint!Do you think we can't create a new species without your help?
They looked at each other, knowing they both shared the same thought. They already had a general idea of how to do it; they had only wanted a guide to save time. To be rejected so bluntly by a fellow disciple was an insult.
Soon, the other great powers departed, leaving only the members of the Yao Race. They looked at Nuwa with reverence and hope.
"Mother Empress, when will you exterminate the Wu Clan?" one blunt demon king asked with a hopeful grin.
Other demons laughed and scolded him. "Don't be talkative! The Empress has her own plans. Why would she need you to ask?" "Indeed! A mere Wu Clan—the Empress can wipe them out with a wave of her hand!"
Nuwa's expression turned mysterious as she listened to their chatter. Finally, she let out a silent sigh and spoke.
"Now that I have achieved Sainthood, I can no longer interfere in the affairs of the Great Desolation. Henceforth, all Yao Race matters shall be decided by Bai Ze."
She looked at Bai Ze solemnly. Though she felt a pang of guilt, she was bound by her new rank.
The demons were dumbfounded. They stared at her, unable to believe her words. Bai Ze was equally shocked, standing as motionless as a statue.
"Sister, what is the meaning of this?" Fuxi asked, his voice heavy.
Nuwa remained silent, appearing high and unreachable, radiating a detached, otherworldly aura.
"Empress, please reconsider! The Yao Race cannot be without you!" "We beg the Empress to take back her command!"
The demons began to wail, some even banging their heads against the floor. Not long ago, they had mocked the Witches for being abandoned by Pangu. Now, they were being abandoned by their own Saint.
At least kill the Ancestral Witches before you quit! We can't beat them alone!
"The command is given; the mandate of heaven cannot be defied," Nuwa said, shaking her head.
"Get up, all of you. She is no longer your Empress," Fuxi said with a self-mocking laugh. He turned and led the demons away without a second look.
Nuwa watched her brother's retreating back, wanting to speak but holding back. She had wanted Bai Ze to take over precisely because she didn't want Fuxi involved in the coming slaughter, but it seemed fate had already set its course.