The evil gods had actually sent a Marshal to negotiate peace.

"Peace talks?" Qi Yuan was somewhat taken aback. "Go on then, how do you propose we make peace?"

Right now, his followers were still consolidating and digesting the God Visualization Arts. There was no rush at all.

Marshal Wukui hurriedly replied, extremely respectful, "The Mortal Heart World is a Primordial World. Surely, Heavenly Sovereign is aware of its extraordinary nature?"

He went on explaining, "A Primordial World is condensed at the very dawn of creation. Though human in form, beings born in such a realm are of a different kind. Those not of our kind cannot share our hearts. Since the Heavenly Sovereign awakened the innate wisdom of your past life, you are no longer a primordial being. Why trouble yourself with these aliens? The human race and primordial beings have always been enemies."

Qi Qi’s eyes gleamed murderously. "If we are not human, then what are you?"

For some reason, a chill ran through Wukui’s heart. He had a sudden premonition that if this woman made a move, he wouldn’t survive. His heart trembled in shock. Another Mythic?

As for the Qiyuan Sovereign’s past-life identity, countless speculations crossed his mind. One thing was certain—he had to be a supreme power.

Marshal Wukui carefully explained, "It’s simple to distinguish primordial beings from humans, or even demons. Born from chaos itself, a thread of chaotic aura lies within them. As a result, they can transform into demons, devils, humans and even evil entities. They are inherently evil, wreaking havoc upon all living beings. Everyone has the right to execute them! They are the Upper World’s mortal enemy! If one wishes to determine whether a cultivator is a primordial being in disguise, give them God Visualization Art. Only primordial beings can practice it." 𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ𝓋𝑒𝑙.𝑐𝘰𝑚

Taken purely at face value, he was not lying to Qi Yuan. Primordial beings embodied limitless possibility. Not only did they resemble humans, demons, or beasts, they even believed themselves to be one. With the thread of chaotic aura, they could practice visualization arts, rapidly advancing their strength. However, they were also the most susceptible to the temptations of certain outer-domain evil gods.

To ordinary cultivators, primordial beings were heretics—hunted and despised by all. Yet what they truly inspired was not resentment, but jealousy and fear. After all, a prodigy would require tens of thousands of years to reach the Yin Spirit realm, while a primordial being could do so overnight.

Yet ironically, everyone coveted Primordial Worlds for their ability to give birth to countless primordial beings. After all, to step into the Yang Spirit realm, a Seventh Step Mythic had to cultivate their own forces. The more Yin Spirits pledged loyalty within one’s Divine Domain, the greater one’s potential and foundation as a Yang Spirit.

In fact, Primordial Worlds were crucial not only to Mythics, but also to Yang Spirits. Marshal Wukui did not know the details, but he knew a complete Primordial World could elevate even a Yang Spirit to a higher level. Considering a cultivator of that level could overturn and annihilate an ordinary world with the flick of a wrist, the implication was terrifying enough.

How difficult would further advancement be for such an existence? He really couldn’t imagine. What an irresistible temptation. Moreover, the Mortal Heart World drifted alone, unconnected to the Greater Realms. As a result, its primordial beings could never become Yang Spirits. The strongest among them was merely a Mythic, making it a fine delicacy for a Yang Spirit. They only feared Primordial Worlds that had long been connected to the Greater Realms. Who knew what kind of monsters could have grown within?

Qi Yuan watched him, listening to fragments of his inner thoughts. Finally, a smile appeared on his face. "Interesting."

If only primordial beings could visualize, then what was he? He could even visualize the Three Pure Ones.

Marshal Wukui added, "Heavenly Sovereign's origins are mysterious. Unfortunately, the Primordial World has left you stuck as a Mythic. My lord wishes to befriend the Heavenly Sovereign and share the Primordial World with you. You can bring your people and let them enter your Divine Domain. With these primordial beings serving you, you could become an extraordinary Yang Spirit the moment you leave the Mortal Heart World."

Qi Yuan smirked. "So I can take my people and leave the world right now?"

Marshal Wukui lowered his head, uneasy. "If Heavenly Sovereign agrees to peace, the people and the Primordial World shall be yours. Once Her Highness the Princess fully devours the Heavenly Dao within the Heavenly Pillar, you and your people are free to depart from this world."

The proposal was simple: the Blood Sun Great Sage got the Primordial World, while Qi Yuan could keep the primordial beings. However, they could not let Qi Yuan leave for now, fearing he would become a Yang Spirit. As for whether they would truly release him afterward, that remained to be seen.

"Not sincere enough." Qi Yuan shook his head. "I want both the people and the land."

Marshal Wukui trembled slightly. "Heavenly Sovereign's demand is somewhat overbearing."

Did Qiyuann Sovereign forget that two Yang Spirits stood guard outside this world? No matter how supreme he used to be, he was stuck at Seventh Step, with no hope of breaking through.

Qi Yuan replied calmly, "My demand isn't high at all."

His task was to protect Clearwater Village. How could he give up the land? Above all, he had gone to war with the evil gods, killing countless of them. He doubted they would be kind enough to let him go.

Qi Yuan considered himself a gentleman. However, not even a gentleman would remain courteous when pressed and plotted against. When the Black Mountain Sect oppressed him, he had bravely lifted his vegetable knife and destroyed them. The evil gods were no gentlemen, merely narrow-minded knaves. They were just feigning compliance, waiting to settle accounts.

He said plainly, "I don’t shoot the messenger. Go back and tell your master: peace is simple. I might consider giving up the Mortal Heart World, but only on one condition."

Marshal Wukui felt a stir of hope, thinking Qiyuann Sovereign was relenting. The earlier talk of taking both people and the land had to be intimidation, like threatening to tear off the roof just to open a window.

"Heavenly Sovereign, please state your condition. I will relay it truthfully!"

"Your master and all the evil gods must apologize to me, soothe my wounded heart, and commit suicide to atone. I will let the Mortal Heart World be your final resting place. How about that? The land goes to you, the people to me. Fair, right?"

Qi Yuan felt he was a genius. After all, he had quickly devised a win-win solution, one that left him with no future worries.

Cold sweat formed on Marshal Wukui's forehead. Everyone must commit suicide? Qiyuann Sovereign is truly brazen beyond words! This isn't negotiation, but outright provocation!

Still, he dared not argue or curse, instead saying with difficulty, "I will relay your words faithfully to my lord."

Qi Yuan beamed. "No wonder a great figure once said proposals are born from discussion! This plan is flawless. Quick, tell your master exactly as I said. I'm sure they'll be thrilled. Heck, they’ll surely applaud my perfect proposal!"

Marshal Wukui dared not linger. Forcing a smile, he took his leave and departed in silence.

Qi Qi stepped forward, confusion in her eyes. "Godfather, why not pretend to agree first and buy some time?"

For the people of Mortal Heart World, what they lacked most was time. Given enough time, the four thousand Yin Spirits under her godfather's command would grow to terrifying heights. That way, their victory would be far more certain.

Qi Yuan replied seriously, "Why do I need to pretend? Didn't I already state a condition?"

Qi Qi fell silent. Wait, he’s actually being serious?! Who negotiated like that?!

"Godfather, they will never agree."

Qi Yuan said earnestly, "Fifty routes form the Great Way, of which forty-nine are determined by fate, leaving one undefined. One hidden variable representing hope, free will, or the possibility of change. Nothing in this world is absolute. What if their master got kicked in the head by a donkey and agreed? Once, an ancient even said, ‘Do not dismiss a good deed because it seems small, nor commit an evil because it seems insignificant.’ No matter how small the chance, we must not abandon it. What if it actually happens?"

Ever since visualizing the Three Pure Ones, he felt sharper, more logical. Each word he spoke carried profound truth.

Qi Qi was speechless.

***

News that the evil gods had sent an envoy spread rapidly through Feiwu City, along with the details of the discussion between Qiyuann Sovereign and the Marshal.

The people’s thoughts varied.

"The Mythic Plan we pursue so desperately is not even as promising as the slim chance in the evil gods' peace proposal!"

"If Heavenly Sovereign agreed, billions in the Mortal Heart World could live!"

"How many could the Mythic Plan save?"

Meanwhile, Shi Zhongshan didn’t find Qi Yuan’s answer surprising. "He’s a true Heavenly Sovereign for refusing."

Just then, Lingzhong stood with eyes open upon his chest, exuding imposing authority. Complex emotions flickered within his gaze.

***

A while later, Lingzhong found himself standing before Qi Yuan. The latter was resting, his eyes shut.

Lingzhong said slowly, "Heavenly Sovereign, before the Heavenly Pillar collapsed, No-Food Goddess entrusted me with something. She told me to give it to the one who can save the Mortal Heart World."

Qi Yuan opened his eyes in surprise. He recalled No-Food curled up by the pond, hugging a large fish as she slept. Then he remembered her beneath the Heavenly Pillar, her gaze complex and strange.

A specially crafted storage pouch appeared before him. Lingzhong vanished, leaving him alone in the courtyard.

With a trace of nostalgia and curiosity, Qi Yuan opened the pouch. A faint fragrance drifted out right away. Inside were various fish dishes—spicy fish, grilled fish, pickled mustard fish. They appeared exactly like the ones he had cooked during their second meeting.

She hadn't eaten them?

He could not help but recall when No-Food offered him a half-eaten fish by the pond.