"What did you say? Say it again!"
The young Taoist priest, whose appearance had lost much of its childishness, was tall and straight, with glossy black hair that looked like it had been carved from black jade. Even when he tried to suppress it, his body still emitted a faint five-colored spiritual light. With each breath he took, he resonated with the spiritual energy around him. Without any effort, the essence of the five elements would surge into his body, enhancing his foundation.
However, at this moment, this extraordinary Supreme Daoist Master showed a hint of surprise in his expression, lacking his usual composure, simply because what he was experiencing was too bizarre and beyond his imagination.
"His Majesty the Demon Emperor has issued a decree: You fought with Her Highness the Princess some time ago, tainting her reputation. Therefore, you must take responsibility for this matter and become her Daoist partner!"
The Golden Crow Clan envoy, who was in charge of delivering the message, remained expressionless. He had just received the order to deliver the message and was extremely shocked, angry, surprised, and puzzled.
And that was it. The Demon Emperor simply gave the order, and these ordinary Golden Crows had no right to disobey; they could only obey the Demon Emperor's command.
"What kind of logic is this?"
Feng Bingwen frowned, his displeasure clearly showing on his face.
"I am engaged in a fierce battle with your princess. In the midst of a life-or-death struggle, do you, the Golden Crow Clan, still need to concern yourselves with such ridiculous etiquette? Qingbai, when has your Golden Crow Clan ever cared about such things?"
"First of all, your battle with my princess is not a life-or-death struggle, but merely an exchange between our two clans. Neither my princess nor you intended to take the other's life, did you?"
Therefore, some of your actions were extremely inappropriate and embarrassed our princess. You must take responsibility for this. As for your questioning of her innocence, times change, and our Golden Crow clan must naturally adapt to the times.”
The envoy from the Golden Crow clan spoke slowly and deliberately. These words went against his own will, but he had no choice but to say them; he had to complete his mission.
In his view, what right did a mere human have to become a Daoist partner with a pure-blooded golden crow? There had already been an absurd incident in the clan before, but now a second one was about to happen, and it was ordered by the Demon Emperor.
No matter how excellent humans are, how can they compare to these darlings of heaven and earth, born from the sun? Not to mention anything else, even the most ordinary golden crows in their race have a lifespan of ten thousand years, and with a little cultivation, they can multiply that lifespan several times over.
As for humans, even among celestial immortals, how many can live for over ten thousand years? Why would they need to form marriage alliances with them? It would be beneath their status, something he couldn't understand.
"..."
Feng Bingwen's face darkened. In his view, this matter was completely inexplicable and illogical. Jinwu was so arrogant that he would "lower his status".
"His Majesty has made it clear that if you are unwilling and wish to refuse, you may do so, but he will personally visit the Supreme Dao Sect to discuss this matter with your Dao Master, and the Supreme Dao Sect must provide an explanation."
Don't you think this is ridiculous?
At this moment, Feng Bingwen was even more unable to understand what the demon emperor of the Golden Crow clan was thinking. Why did he have to go to the Supreme Dao Master for such a trivial matter?
Marrying a golden crow, a creature favored by heaven and earth, is something most human cultivators would covet, though few in this world are qualified to do so, as they simply cannot withstand the scorching heat of the sun's true fire.
However, Feng Bingwen was not interested at all. He wouldn't mind considering a nine-tailed fox demon or a celestial dragon maiden, but a giant golden crow was nothing to him.
To put it bluntly, the Golden Crow is a golden crow with three claws. It may be dozens or even hundreds of times more handsome than an ordinary crow, but that doesn't change the fact that its appearance is that of a crow.
Feng Bingwen really couldn't bring himself to like this kind of divine bird. At present, his interests were still limited to the realm of humanoid beings, and he had no interest in the Golden Crow at all.
Not to mention that he had even been in contact with the so-called Golden Crow Princess. That little Golden Crow had never transformed into human form—although such a noble divine bird would surely have a flawless appearance once it transformed into human form, he had never seen one before.
Races with a history predating the rise of humans hold the idea of adopting human form in utter contempt. They usually travel in their original form, and if they feel slightly uncomfortable, they might at most shrink their size.
"I find it ridiculous too!"
Upon hearing Feng Bingwen's question, the Golden Crow Clan's envoy silently thought to himself, but he could not say it aloud. To say it would be tantamount to questioning the Demon Emperor's decision, and the Demon Emperor must not be offended.
"Supreme Daoist, please be careful with your words. This concerns the reputation of my Golden Crow Clan's princess, and it is no small matter, much less a joke!"
"..."
Feng Bingwen was speechless. He couldn't help but wonder if he had fallen asleep at some point and then had such an absurd and illogical dream. However, he was very clear-headed and confirmed that he was in reality, and the Heavenly Book was shining brightly deep in his consciousness.
"I am the Supreme Dao Child, and the matter of my Dao Companion is not something I can decide on my own. Since your Emperor has said he wants to visit my Dao Master, then you should go back and ask him to set off!"
Feng Bingwen had no good solution to this matter. The Golden Crow Clan was using such tactics, and he couldn't defend himself at all. They didn't even care about the face of the Ten Thousand Demon Royal Family.
In just a short while, Feng Bingwen decided to pass the buck. Didn't the Demon Emperor of the Golden Crow Clan say he wanted to ascend the gates of the Supreme Dao? Then let's invite him. Anyway, his Dao Lord is idle, so he might as well have a good chat with this old Golden Crow.
"good!"
Upon hearing Feng Bingwen's clear answer, the Golden Crow Clan's envoy readily agreed, even feeling a touch of joy. He was somewhat worried that the Supreme Daoist might be overjoyed and readily agree.
But now it seems he was overthinking things. This Supreme Daoist was arrogant and even looked down on such a wonderful opportunity.
Thinking about it this way, it was truly infuriating. How could a mere human be so arrogant, not even taking their Golden Crow Clan seriously? But even so, he still felt a sense of joy in his heart.
"Take care, and don't bother seeing me off!"
Feng Bingwen's attitude was quite clear. Although they did not explicitly say they refused, his attitude was enough.
After all, the Golden Crow Clan is one of the most powerful clans in the world, so we should still consider their feelings, especially since he is on their territory.
However, what happened next was once again beyond Feng Bingwen's expectations. As the saying goes, there are no secrets in the world, not to mention that there are some things that are desperately trying to let the wind in through the broken wall.
Less than half a day after the Golden Crow Clan's envoy left, news that the Golden Crow Clan wanted to form a marriage alliance with the Human Race's Supreme Daoist Master and marry off a princess began to spread in the Demon Race's territory, and spread throughout the entire world at an astonishing speed.
Initially, anyone who heard such news would instinctively think it was fake news and would scold the person who spread the message because it was too absurd.
Because any race, like the Golden Crow Clan, that values bloodline above all else, would do everything in its power to maintain the purity of its bloodline, and would hardly tolerate the outflow of a powerful bloodline through intermarriage with other races.
This is completely illogical. If you think about it for a moment, any rational demon would realize that this is fake, that someone is trying to fool and play tricks on them.
Almost all the demons thought it was fake news and couldn't possibly be true. But even though almost all the demons thought it was fake, this absurd and illogical thing spread wider and wider, and the matter escalated.
Especially when the Golden Crow Clan did not come out to "refute the rumors," some demon clans felt something was wrong. Some major clans even sent people to Tang Valley to inquire. After receiving a positive answer, they were even more astonished, feeling that their understanding of the world was about to be shattered.
Regardless of the outside world's turmoil, this matter also caused a great stir within the team composed of many outstanding talents of the human race.
Their discussion was even more prominent than that of many other demon clans, and they even confirmed the truth of the matter earlier than the vast majority of demon clans, because many people saw the envoy sent by the Golden Crow clan visiting Feng Bingwen.
No sooner had the Golden Crow Clan envoy left than a prodigy familiar with Feng Bingwen came to inquire about the matter. Feng Bingwen told him everything and clarified that he had no interest in the Golden Crow princess.
"Oh dear, Brother Feng, you are truly foolish!"
When they heard that Feng Bingwen had encountered such a situation and was even going to refuse, one of the human prodigies immediately cried out, his face showing a look of heartache and distress.
What do you mean by that?
"This is a benefit offered to you for free, why are you turning it away, fellow Daoist?"
After confirming the authenticity of the news, more prodigies came to seek out Feng Bingwen. Even those who were not very familiar with him gathered around. The Golden Crow Clan and the Supreme Dao, two of the most important events in the world, came together, making it difficult not to attract attention.
"If I don't turn them away, does that mean I'll agree?"
Feng Bingwen asked in return.
"Of course I'd agree to something like this! If it were me, I'd agree without even thinking!"
One of the prodigies spoke up, his face showing envy. Why hadn't he encountered such good fortune? If he had fought that golden crow in front of this Daoist before her that day and defeated her, would he have also encountered this good fortune?
"So the Golden Crow clan looks down on someone like you, who has no integrity whatsoever. I agree with Brother Feng's approach. How can a mere Golden Crow, a defeated opponent, be qualified to be your Daoist partner?"
“That’s right, Brother Feng is the Supreme Dao Child, how could his Daoist partner be a demon!”
Many prodigies also agreed with Feng Bingwen's approach, believing there was nothing wrong with it. As the Dao Child of the number one Dao Sect of the human race, he should have such arrogance. So what if he is a member of the Ten Thousand Demon Royal Family? So what if he is a direct descendant of the Demon Emperor?
"Brother Dao, if you are to choose a Daoist partner, you should choose from among my human race. When will it be the turn of the demon race?"
Some people's gazes subtly fell on a girl with an extremely low profile among the prodigies. She was an imperial princess sent by the Blood Qin Empire, and her status could be said to be the most noble among the people sent by the Blood Qin Empire.
"What's wrong with you guys? Do you even know what a Golden Crow is? Ask yourselves honestly, don't you want to catch a Golden Crow as your mount?"
A young man dressed in brocade robes and a jade crown spoke with a face full of envy, jealousy and hatred. He was one of the few elites among the many prodigies who still maintained a perfect record.
However, despite his impressive record, his image was not very good at the moment. He lacked the solemnity of a Daoist-level figure and instead had a roguish air about him.
Against the Gods
"Given the chance, I doubt anyone wouldn't want to!"
"Isn't that settled? The Golden Crow Clan has practically offered up a Golden Crow for free, a mount given away for free! Why should Brother Feng refuse? What a tremendous opportunity! Can you afford to lose it? How dare you make such a racket here and offer such terrible advice!"
Tianyan Daozi Wu Yong continued to refute.
"But the Golden Crow Clan wants Brother Feng to become a Daoist couple with the Golden Crow Princess, not to be her mount."
One of the female cultivators spoke up, pointing out the errors in Tianyan Daozi's words.
"What's the difference between a Daoist companion and a mount?"
Tianyan Daozi stood before the group awaiting the results, his posture arrogant and ready to debate with the assembled scholars.
"Only a bunch of naive kids like you who haven't seen much of the world would care about these empty titles."
"As long as Brother Feng can take that little golden crow back, he can sit on it and ride it however he wants. It's just a matter of giving him the title of Daoist partner. What's the big deal? He can just give it to the demon race."
"Pooh!"
"shameless!"
"Dirty!"
Tianyan Daozi's unrestrained words caused many female cultivators to blush slightly, refreshing their understanding of this immortal sect Daozi. They never expected him to be so unrestrained and unconventional.
"What did I say? You call me vulgar. Don't slander me without reason. You're the ones who have misunderstood!"
Wu Yong's serious expression and righteous words made some people feel embarrassed.
Then, the Heavenly Evolution Dao Child turned to look at Feng Bingwen, who was sitting on a futon with a thoughtful expression on his face.
"Brother Dao, what do you think of what I've said? Does it make sense?"
"It seems there's nothing wrong!"
Feng Bingwen responded that, to put it bluntly, this matter boils down to a question of whether to prioritize face or substance.
As this Heavenly Daoist said, if he didn't care about his reputation, he could really abduct a pure-blooded golden crow back to the mountain gate. Once inside, he could ride it however he wanted, and even the Demon Emperor wouldn't be able to do anything to him.
However, the problem with doing this is that in some ways he will really ruin his reputation. His current status as the Supreme Daoist Master imposes great restrictions on him. There are some things he really cannot do, otherwise the consequences will be far-reaching.
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