Chapter 73: The Ancestral Sage Fantuo

Since the era when the Three Sovereigns opened the heavens and the Five Emperors established their order, the human body has been regarded as a natural vessel for cultivating the Way. Whether they are innate deities or later-born monsters and spirits, their inherent strength may surpass that of humans, yet once cultivation begins, the advantages of the human form far exceed those of these other races and creatures.

A gifted human cultivator may, within decades or a century, attain powers that pierce through heaven and earth; for these other races, a hundred years is but a fleeting moment. If humanity had never appeared, all beings would be equal, and so it would remain. Yet with the advent of humankind, the innate strength of these other races is no longer sufficient; upon reaching a certain stage in their cultivation, they must emulate humans—refining the five elements and organs, awakening the three hundred sixty-five acupoints, and forging thirty-three vertebrae.

Only by aligning with the celestial order can they compete with human cultivators on equal footing. Of course, there are mythic tales that claim humanity was fashioned by Lady Nuwa, who modeled her creation after the divine beings of old. Whether the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors seized the role of main actors in the world, subduing myriad spirits, or whether it was Nuwa’s reference to the sacred that rendered humans so unique—both theories abound, each with its own origin.

As to which is true and which is false, or whether both are true or both are false, Chen Yang did not know. As for the so-called monkey evolution theory from his previous life, he considered it utter nonsense.

The Horned Demon Clan, through ages of evolution, had long forgotten their original form; now, they resembled humans in many ways. Lower-ranked members still bore a small rhinoceros horn upon their heads, but those of the divine transformation stage and above were nearly indistinguishable from humans. Their bodily structure was much the same, save for minor imperfections—not quite as flawless as the human form.

For example, in their three hundred sixty-five acupoints corresponding to the stars, the Horned Demon Clan fell short by a few; and in the thirty-three vertebrae representing the heavens, they possessed only thirty-one. Among their ranks were three ancestors of the Grandmaster realm, who had contractual relationships with true spirits; though far less powerful than Fuxi, they were considered a major clan in the Spirit Realm, occupying a vast and fertile territory.

In this lively, bustling immortal marketplace built along the mountains, resplendent robes, elegant attire, and all manner of shops, taverns, and even brothels could be found. Compared to the wild, ancient atmosphere that pervaded the lands of the Fengyang Clan, the Horned Demon Clan was...

This left Chen Yang both amused and bewildered, unsure what to say. Within this immortal marketplace, aside from the Horned Demon Clan, there were other races as well. Though each displayed unique features, most appeared in human form. There were even humans present; and even those with scant magical power seemed to hold significant status here—so much so that lower-ranked Horned Demon Clan members would often step aside when encountering them.

This truly confounded Chen Yang.

“Greetings to you both. I have not seen you before—are you new to the Cloud Mountain Immortal Marketplace?”

As the master and disciple wandered at leisure, a youth of the Horned Demon Clan, dressed in fine robes, shaking a folding fan and acting very much the part of a young gentleman from the mortal realm, stepped before them.

Zhong Shenxiu frowned slightly, but Chen Yang smiled. He had just found the oddities of this place puzzling, and now someone had come forth.

“Yes, we have just arrived at the Cloud Mountain Immortal Marketplace. May I ask, young master, what guidance do you have for us?”

Hearing Chen Yang address him as 'young master,' the Horned Demon youth smiled even more broadly. Folding his fan, he clasped his hands in imitation of human etiquette and said, “I am Fantuo Tata. Seeing both of you so distinguished, I wish to make your acquaintance. Would you honor me by sharing a drink?”

He spoke his name with pride and his intentions with candor. He had learned most of the mannerisms but not the true essence.

Chen Yang smiled to himself, nodded, and said, “That would be no trouble.”

The youth was delighted and, imitating human customs, invited them to a nearby tavern, whose proprietor was human. Upon seeing the youth, the owner greeted him with familiarity and ordered the kitchen to prepare drinks and dishes.

Seeing this, Chen Yang’s curiosity grew.

“Are you both human cultivators ascended from the lower realm?”

After several rounds of wine and a sampling of dishes, the youth, feeling more acquainted, no longer concealed his intentions.

“And what makes you so certain?” Chen Yang set down his cup and smiled.

“It’s nothing. Our ancestral patriarch loves to meet talented humans who have ascended. We descendants, though far from matching our ancestor’s wisdom, have gained some discernment ourselves.”

Chen Yang nodded, smiling, and asked, “Indeed, we have ascended from the lower realm. Since you have shown us such hospitality, I presume you have something to teach us. We are all ears.”

The youth did not answer immediately, but after refilling Chen Yang’s cup, he asked, “You must have visited the lands of Fuxi. What do you think of the Fuxi Clan nowadays?”

“Wild, powerful, closed off, but united,” Chen Yang replied without hesitation.

The youth applauded, exclaiming, “Your insight is extraordinary, just as our ancestor says.”

“The Fuxi Clan are the people of destiny, the origin of our cultivation civilization. It is thanks to Fuxi that the hundred clans can cultivate independently, no longer bound solely by bloodline. For this, all the clans are grateful in their hearts. But the Fuxi of today are not what they once were.

They are strong, domineering, stagnant, unwilling to advance, suppressing all other clans with their own.”

The youth pointed outside the tavern, toward the bustling immortal marketplace. “Look, how does my immortal marketplace compare to the Fuxi Divine City?”

“I have not visited the Divine City, but I imagine it is not as prosperous as this place,” Chen Yang replied.

The youth laughed heartily, nodding. “Exactly. In terms of prosperity and civilization, this small immortal marketplace surpasses the Divine City tenfold, and it has only existed for a thousand years.”

At this point, the youth’s tone grew more impassioned, a peculiar light shining in his eyes. “Our ancestor, besides the name Fantuo, bears another surname—Jiang. He says Fuxi should not be judged by bloodline, but by spirit.

We, as intelligent beings, if we learn manners, understand virtue, and discern right from wrong, should not be scorned or oppressed. Fuxi represents civilization, the spirit of progress guiding the world of living beings, not a tool for one person or one clan to oppress others...”

Before the youth could finish, a murderous gleam flashed in Zhong Shenxiu’s eyes, and a faint sword hum sounded. Chen Yang chuckled, discreetly gesturing for him to remain calm.

The youth did not notice Zhong Shenxiu’s intent, and continued at length, detailing the thoughts and ambitions of the Fantuo Patriarch—who had named himself Jiang Shu—and his aim to supplant humanity and inherit the legacy of Fuxi for the Horned Demon Clan.

Chen Yang kept smiling, though a similar murderous intent welled within him.

This Fantuo was truly a remarkable figure, and the elders of the Feng Clan had indeed decayed, mistakenly believing that youth could be easily subdued. They failed to recognize that such a person was the true threat.

Bloodline is both a support and a barrier; no matter how powerful one becomes, one can never be Fuxi, nor truly inherit his legacy.

For there is only one Fuxi.

The Great Emperor Taihao, the Celestial Sovereign Fuxi.

Only one’s own wisdom, one’s own spirit, is the foundation of transcendence and the source of infinite possibility.

Although Fantuo has yet to fully grasp this principle, he is already walking this path. This is a formidable adversary indeed.