Chapter Fifty: Nuwa’s Gentle Refusal

“Elder Brother, now that all matters are settled, I must go in search of the Holy Sages Fuxi and Nuwa, as well as the Demon Master Kunpeng. Affairs here will depend on you.” For this moment, the demon clan had waited over ten thousand years; the hour to become rulers of the primordial world was at hand, and neither Eastern Emperor Taiyi nor Demon Emperor Dijun wished to let this opportunity slip away.

Eastern Emperor Taiyi was aware of internal discord among the demon clan, but he never imagined it would be so severe, causing even saints to refuse to pay homage. This was the demon clan’s chance, yet there were always a few powerful beings unwilling to cooperate. Such were Nuwa and Fuxi.

Just then, a distant voice called, “Your Majesty, forgive the delay.” Upon seeing who had arrived, it was none other than the Demon Master Kunpeng himself.

In truth, Kunpeng was reluctant to assist in battle, for this meant facing the twelve Great Luo Golden Immortals—descendants of Pangu. The risk of defeat was high, and who knew what potent formations or treasures they might possess? The consequences could be disastrous. Kunpeng wished first to observe, but the heavens hinted that his fate was entwined with these events; if he could seize his chance, fortune might favor him. Thus, he came to lend a hand, albeit only in name.

Kunpeng had resolved to exert himself little, acting merely as a bystander. When everyone else’s power was exhausted, would it not be his time to rise? That would be his moment of opportunity! The thought delighted him greatly.

“Now that the Demon Master has arrived, only the two Holy Sages Nuwa and Fuxi remain,” Dijun remarked, patting Kunpeng on the shoulder in a gesture of reassurance. In fact, whether or not these three were invited made little difference to the outcome; Dijun merely wished to display the demon clan’s unity to all the races of the primordial world—a formality, nothing more.

Eastern Emperor Taiyi nodded to the pair and vanished into the horizon.

Dijun, smiling warmly, said to Kunpeng, “Demon Master, I trust you have been well? These days offer a chance for relaxation; let us gather as brothers and enjoy ourselves.”

“Your Majesty is too kind; well then, I shall obey,” Kunpeng replied, unable to refuse such sincerity. Besides, who would not seize such an advantage? Led by Dijun, Kunpeng followed him deep into the celestial palace.

Meanwhile, Eastern Emperor Taiyi rode a cloud to the abode of Fuxi and Nuwa, arriving just as the siblings were playing chess together. Taiyi was surprised—how could they be playing chess at such a critical time?

On the board, Nuwa had already decimated Fuxi’s pieces, leaving his position perilous. Taiyi, a master of the game, silently observed their contest without uttering a word.

“Elder Brother, you have lost. Do not forget your promise,” Nuwa said, placing a stone on the board. Instantly, the chaotic situation began to clarify; the dragon of Fuxi’s pieces was on the verge of being vanquished by Nuwa’s. Defeat was imminent. At their level, immortals could foresee each other’s moves, and Nuwa’s victory was all but certain.

“But there is still hope,” Taiyi interjected. His words immediately caught Nuwa’s attention.

“And what advice might you offer, Fellow Daoist Taiyi?” Nuwa asked. She already knew Taiyi would come, for the demon clan’s fate and unity demanded that he invite the siblings. This game was, in fact, a calculation for the demon clan’s future fortune.

Though Nuwa’s merit for creating humankind had not directly elevated her to a Hunyuan Great Luo Golden Immortal, her cultivation was among the highest in the world. She understood the tides of fate clearly; this game was her forecast for the demon clan. Nuwa, representing the emerging human race, played white; Fuxi, representing the demon clan, played black. Clearly, the human race under Nuwa’s guidance was prevailing, and the demon clan’s defeat was drawing near.

Taiyi picked up a black stone and placed it on the board. Immediately, the board glowed, dazzling all three.

“What is this?” Nuwa exclaimed, hardly believing her eyes. The previously advantageous position now dissolved into confusion. Unwilling to concede, Nuwa continued to play against Taiyi. Fuxi, who had been playing against Nuwa, now stood silently aside, fixing his gaze on the board.

In the end, neither Taiyi nor Nuwa won; the game ended in a draw.

“Fellow Daoist Nuwa, your skill is truly remarkable,” Taiyi praised. The game itself was not difficult, but what mattered was whether Taiyi had the courage; his strategy was to stake everything on a desperate move, seeking rebirth from destruction. Rubbing his temples, Taiyi felt mentally exhausted, and when he looked at Nuwa, his admiration deepened. Women must not be underestimated.

“You flatter me, Daoist. But may I ask what brings you to visit my brother and me?” Nuwa inquired. Though she knew Taiyi’s purpose, she maintained decorum, offering him a polite reception.

“My clan is about to battle the sorcerer tribe, and I have come to invite both of you to strengthen our cause,” Taiyi replied. The game had cost him precious time, so he spoke directly. This matter concerned the survival of the demon clan, and time was of the essence.

Once you join, there’s no chance of being a mere spectator—this was Taiyi’s inner thought. He knew that everyone, saints included, harbored their own schemes, but before the tide of destiny, all plots would dissolve to dust.

“We cultivators ought to remain secluded, chanting the Yellow Court, untouched by mortal karma, and avoiding the three taboos—this is the proper path,” Nuwa replied gently, yet her meaning was clear: she would not go. She continued to toy with the chess pieces, as if the survival of the demon clan had nothing to do with her.

Fuxi, however, could not let go of his affection for the demon clan. He said to Nuwa, “Did I not win the chess match just now? By our agreement, we should—” Before he could finish, Nuwa interrupted, “That game was between me and the Daoist, not you, Elder Brother.”

Taiyi, listening nearby, finally understood the situation. So this was the wager—a game of chess! How ridiculous.

“In that case, let Fellow Daoist Fuxi come with me to aid the cause. Should anything unforeseen happen, I hope you will forgive us, Nuwa,” Taiyi said, knowing time was short. He pulled Fuxi onto his cloud and addressed Nuwa.

Nuwa wished to protest, but Fuxi stepped forward and reassured her, “It will be fine, do not worry.” With that, he joined Taiyi and departed for Buzhou Mountain.

Nuwa’s face darkened. She swept her sleeve, knocking the chessboard to the ground, scattering pieces everywhere. Her eyes reddened as she murmured, “Heaven’s will cannot be defied, heaven’s will cannot be defied.” With an angry cry, she returned to her cave, conjured an illusion, and quietly observed the battle at Buzhou Mountain.