"Hmph, I see how it is."

A large crowd of humanoids possessing animalistic features, particularly avian features, stood surrounding a second group of men. Two parties, one demonic, the other human with clear animosity glared unhappily with one another.

In the background, an old temple dedicated to a member of the ancient avian empire. It used to be an idol of worship for early humans who migrated out and came into the servitude of certain avian races. Later, as avians joined the Heavenly Court, it became a place of worship for the Eastern Emperor. It was also in the process of being desecrated by human cultivators.

"Because of our good relationship I am being nice." a human cultivator, a Heavenly Immortal dressed like a minister said to the avian demon. Ever since the Yellow Emperor's total control over humanity was completed, the standard of power has improved drastically.

Now there existed numerous immortal experts in the human race. Each successive generation walked further and further away from the sects controlled by foreign powers, and into the arms of their race's sole ruler. Gongsun Xuanyuan who up till this point existed side by side with the Demon Heaveny Court, the Earthly Divinities, and the daoism sects.

A ripple of murmuring ran through the avian crowd. The speaker, an older falcon-type demon in a green ceremonial sash, took a single step forward.

"We once protected the early humans who could not even harness true qi," he said with slow gravity. "Yet instead of showing gratitude, you instead choose to turn your backs on us?"

"You asked for a blood born sacrifice," a human mother screeched at them from behind the cultivator. "His Majesty has outlawed such practices. We will not embrace such barbarism."

"Your celestial emperor did nothing for my people when the divinities came. I was only a child then, but I clearly remember the mountain god ordering his ilk to flee back to the Starry Skies," the Heavenly Immortal minister said. "Under the orders of Marquis Protector of Yunlian province, I will renovate the old temple to venerate our Yellow Emperor, supreme ruler of the earth."

The avian elder, unhappy and a little scared of his own higherup's reaction to a potential failure, flexed his cultivation. He was a Heavenly Immortal with a single flower crown, a small fry in the grand scheme of things. But still a monumental threat to your average civilian.

"Civil discussion is beyond you?" the human minister unleashed his own cultivation. The people around him were thrown to the ground. The area around them began quaking from the pressure.

"Wai…wait my lord," several humans coughed out from beneath the pressure. It was only because they had somewhat decent cultivations that they weren't immediately crushed.

If it were some lower realm, their auras would undoubtedly crush it to smithereens.

"You two, enough!"

Suddenly, two spears appeared in front of both immortal experts. Startled, they flinched back and found themselves unable to unleash their crushing cultivation bases.

Haotian appeared before them wearing traveling garbs and a disappointed face. Lowering both his hands, he gestured for the human expert to stand back and for the avian demon to stand down.

Eyes widening in recognition, the human expert grew extremely confident. "It's Great Prince Zhang!"

Haotian frowned slightly at the mention. His titled recognition as Xuanyuan had called it for a hero who saved humanity.

"Your cultivation base almost crushed these people," Haotian said to him. "Several villages over would've started convulsing had I not intervened."

Then he turned to the avian demons and said much the same. "There isn't a need for conflict anymore. Especially not so close to settlements," he made sure to add.

The demons humphed. "Great Immortal, forgive my offence but my court will not be happy with this."

"Taiyi's war with Zhurrong, Gonggong, Jumang, and Rushou are his business and should not spill over to innocent people's lives," Haotian warned. "I understand his plight but I will not tolerant senseless fighting

The avian warriors relaxed their wings. One by one, they lowered their stances in concession.

Likewise, the human cultivators behind the minister murmured among themselves, some sheathing their weapons, others stepping back from the mess.

The minister cleared his throat. "Then… shall we wait for a directive from the court, Great Prince?"

Haotian gave him a tired glance. "I'll speak to the Marquis. Until then, no further changes to this site. And I will not have it be the start of another war."

The avian elder approached him, wings partially folded. "The Yellow Emperor preaches how he'd work with the other races. I can respect uplifting humans to be part of the wider community. But desecrating my kind's belongings? My ancestor's legacy? The symbol of my emperor's goodwill?"

Haotian's jaw tensed slightly at the name and the inference of politics again. "He did what he thought necessary. There have been hiccups, but order is maintained. You can't disguise your urgent need for incense from me.

"…Xuanyuan is a good person."

"Do you believe that?" the elder asked with deep weariness.

At the end of the day, Haotian procured another prolongment of peace. Humans since the end of the war had done well for themselves as an advancing society. Gongsun Xuanyuan kept to his promise of developing his species further.

Under his watch, society advanced with coinage, music, farming, construction, and numerous other cultural advancements. Along with it came the worship of Xuanyuan himself and his many generals from the early days. Incense merit from collective belief fueled karmic luck, the manifestation of destiny, into the greater species.

He'd also been quiet on the cosmic side of things. The Demon Celestial Court acknowledged him as a fellow leader and there was a seemingly mutual respect between them. The daoism lineages like always kept out of it. Without the direct presence of the Three Pure Ones, they cannot do much anyway.

Haotian left after everything was settled feeling empty. This type of conflict had not been a unique occurrence, but a regular conflict among human communities. Sentiments to other races deteriorated even without Xuanyuan's involvement due to an incredible sense of nationalism.

This past year, it had happened fifteen times.

Having seen the weakness of the Earthly Divinities, Eastern Emperor Taiyi ordered his people to attack his age old rivals. The relationship between divinities and demons reassembled that of his foreknowledge, but the former were already so diminished that the conclusions seemed forgone.

But it didn't stop the demons from desiring to stack the deck in their favour as much as possible. This came in the form of gathering karmic luck, particularly from incense merit from worshippers.

Returning to the capital Xuanyuan had built, which was where the old Bear tribe had been, Haotian saw with his own eyes how much grander the city has become. He'd scarcely came back after all, traveling around human and nearby nonhuman territories.

In his travels, harassment of mortals was unacceptable. Conversely, humans harassing mortal demons settlements was also unacceptable. He didn't think Xuanyuan would appreciate the trouble either so did what he felt best.

Human arrogance had also surged, leading to many thinking they can push around demon communities and daoist sects. This was where Haotian had to sigh and step in too. Whether the local marquises liked it was another matter entirely.

In the court of Xuanyuan, the Yellow Emperor appeared aged. Nowadays, due to his personal feelings, he'd advanced to an older gentleman appearing wise, firm, and kind. Though Haotian was a rare sight in court, he was happy to see his old friend again.

His court of ministers were noticeably quieter, yet clapped all the same for his return. The quality of cultivators here had improved too, with Golden Immortals appearing more commonly. Even so, they knew better than to get between them.

The two caught up with one another, Xuanyuan expressing a desire for Haotian to stay longer. He'd also waved around, bragging more of what he'd done.

"Look at it, Zhang. A thousand years ago, we fought to preserve a people who didn't even know how to shape qi without a charm scroll. Now? Golden Immortals walk openly in the outer provinces. Sect infighting is down. No one bows to foreign gods without cause."

"You've done much," Haotian admitted, his voice unreadable. "The peace holds."

"I could use you here, you know. A seat on the council. Or even a command of the Heaven-Earth Bridge Legions. You still inspire loyalty. A stronger front is needed now more than ever."

"You are referring to the Demon-Divinity war."

"Taiyi has refused to stand down," Xuanyuan said flatly. "He's waging his war against the Divine Ancestors with all the subtlety of a fire god in a lantern shop. Gonggong and Jumang have resurfaced near the fractured spiritual veins of the Northern Reaches, and even Rushou has been sighted near the Void-Wind Steppe."

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

"I know your little adventures around the borders, putting out fires before they can start. So you should know the chance is there. For the sake of our people, we must take precautions."

'Our huh?' Haotian observed the way Xuanyuan spoke. There was something he wasn't speaking clearly about. But he acted as if Haotian was on the same page. He was about to reply but got interrupted when a concerned woman and a teenage boy teleported to them.

Xuanyuan frowned at the intrusion, "Teleportation is forbidden in my palace."

"Please forgive me emperor-husband. But my daughter…" the concerned woman said rapidly.

"Emperor-father, my little sister left the purview of her tutors again. My divination arts aren't advanced enough to track her," the teenager said.

"And you came to me first?"

"This is…" Haotian stepped in front. "Shaohao right? Last time I saw you, you were just a baby."

"Ah…G…Great Hero Zhang," Shaohao lept back in recognition and amazement.

"Your father and I are oath sworn brothers. Just call me uncle," Haotian said fondly. Shaohao seemed like a nice kid. "What's the matter anyway?"

…

In the streets of the city, a young girl wondered beneath a hood. She carried a small box of dumplings and eagerly headed towards a reclusive shelter where several other young children hung around. The oldest among them didn't appear more then twelve.

"He…he…hello," she called out with a slow stutter. "I…I b…brought some dump…plings I made."

"Oh wow, weird big sister's back."

"It's weird big sister."

"Wierd big sister can cook?"

Small children crowded around the stuttering girl excitedly. They all knew her for many months, all part of a playgroup from different walks of life in the city. Some from wealthier homes, some from cultivator homes, and but most were from orphaned backgrounds.

The Yellow Emperor's city was large and not all corners were pretty. People dying was common and less fortunate children were hard pressed for sympathy from people busy with their lives.

The stuttering girl returned the favour smiling brightly. She turned and saw a familiar boy, the oldest of the group sitting by himself.

"Hu…Hu Jiaren…ren," she called out to him. "Wa…why are yu…you standing over…ver…ver there?"

Hu Jiaren snapped to her with an annoyed look, startling her. As far as she's remembered, they got along great.

She remembered first meeting him when he led the group of children playing. He was a orphan who knew the streets well and spoke about joining the royal academy one day and becoming an official.

But today, he didn't greet her like he'd used to. He was just sitting there with a dark look. When he stared into her, it sent a shiver down her spine.

He scrutinized her with a gaze she'd never seen before. The imperial tutors had taught her some easy ways of reading people, but she was still confused as to his thoughts.

Unknown to her, Hu Jiaren was staring at something.

[Ding!]

[Name: Gongsun Heng'e

Relationship: Gongsun Xuanyuan(father), Lian Yuexin(mother), stepmothers-open list, brothers-open list, sisters-open list.

Cultivation: Foundation Establishment(can crush you like a bug)

Bloodline: Imperial human, (secret)]

[reccomendation, run for your life. Alternatively, buy items from shop to enhance chances of survival.]

[Open shop]

'FUCK YOU LUCKY DIPSHIT.' Hu Jiaren was furious at the analysis. This lucky daughter of heaven born with a golden spoon in her mouth was arrogantly flaunting her immense wealth in front of him like some kind of degenerate. He should just bash her face and and teach her a lesson.

He was completely broke right now and the system was useless.

Only a day ago, he crossed over from the far future blue star into the primordial world. He didn't realize it at first, but his system quickly activated and informed him. Here, immortals were abundant, demons roamed everywhere and lives were cheap.

It was ridiculous, his worthless cheat gave him nothing to use. What the hell was this 'Amazement system' even good for?

Didn't it know the world was super dangerous? A little mortal like him will never be safe. Immortals were as common as dirt, Golden Immortals were bugs, even Saint to Be cultivators were ants in front of the six saints. Unless you are a saint, you'll just be worthless trash.

"He…here," the stupid girl that barged in to his hideout unwelcomed was handing him a dumpling. His stomach grumbled which only made him angrier. Who the hell did this 'whore' think she is?

She strutted in here with that pathetic stutter despite her background. Giving handouts that were no doubt poisons so she could refine them as pills. He knew her type well, people everywhere around here were opportunistic and without any semblance of the word moral.

He had to play ball unless he's killed. Playing along like some kind of dog wagging its tail for its master disgusted him. The thought made him ill. Bowing to anyone, much less this weak Foundation Establishment ant. He was transmigrator, not a pathetic dog.

[Ding!]

[New mission received]

[Click to open mission tab]

Without hesitating, he clicked the menu full force. To any outside observer, Hu Jiaren went from staring into the offered dumpling to poking. His extremely serious face made the children around him giggle.

"What are are are you doing?" the girl stuttered as she spoke. Inwardly, she cursed at how difficult it was to say a word out. It wasn't like she was shy, it was just difficult to finish her words.

[Tutorial Mission issued]

[The amazement system allows for powerful heaven defying techniques to be exchanged by amazement points. Amazement points are issues from reactions.]

"I see," Hu Jiaren muttered.

[This arrogant daughter of heaven reveals herself. Teach her a lesson and gain amazement points in return.]

[Goal: 1000]

[Reward: immortal starter pack]

"YOU STUPID LOW-BRAINED CHARITY SLUT!"

Hu Jiaren exploded, slapping the dumpling from her hand like it was a cursed object made of dog piss and humiliation. The poor girl flinched, eyes wide with innocent confusion, but he wasn't done. Oh no. Not even close.

"Do I look like I need your sympathy? Do you think I'm some starving stray mutt you can throw scraps at?! You walk in here uninvited reeking of spirit herbs and third-rate family lineage, like some kind of jade lotus pretending to be merciful. Spare me!"

[Ding!]

[shock]

[shock]

[shock]

[schock]

He jabbed a trembling finger at her like she'd personally murdered his dignity. "You foundation-stage gutter mole! Do you think you're generous? Kind? Do you think this cheap lump of dough is going to earn you karmic points? This isn't a storybook this is the Primordial Era! Your sweet act is worth less than dogshit baked in the sun!"

[confusion]

[confusion]

[shock]

[shock]

The girl tried to speak, tried to explain she only meant well. But Hu Jiaren's eyes were bloodshot with righteous madness.

"Shut your face, you airheaded ornamental cabbage! You walk in here with that trembling stutter like it's endearing, like it's supposed to make me lower my guard. Ha! I've seen your type! Act meek, act soft, and when I'm vulnerable you'll sell me to the Alchemy Pavilion and laugh while they boil me down into a human-core pill for your next breakthrough!"

He took a shaky breath and pointed to the sky like he was laying down divine judgment.

"Don't you dare act like you're doing me a favor. I know what you are: a walking luck vacuum wrapped in rich-girl skin, probably gifted ten chaos-grade treasures at birth and still couldn't comprehend a basic mantra without a tutor spoon-feeding you. You're the reason the heavens are unjust!"

[shock]

[shock]

Each notification was a new point. He was getting so much that he was having a blast. So he continued even more, walking up to her. She was about the same height as him, being ten herself. But now he appeared akin to a hulking demon in front of a small child.

He took a lumbering step forward, and then another, looming over the poor girl who now looked like a pale little sparrow caught in a hurricane of karmic nonsense.

"You're shaking?" he asked mockingly, crouching slightly, his face level with hers. "Good. Be terrified. Let your privileged little soul remember this day. When your padded slippers and peach blossom body fragrance didn't save you

[System Update Unlocked: "Domineering Aura – +5% system efficiency when publicly ridiculing nobles or lucky daughters of heaven."]

[goal reached, dispensing reward]

'YES!' he howled in victory within his own mind. The girl was left trembling with tears after his rant. But the amount of points he got went well over the goal. The starter pack opened revealing amazing contents.

[Nine-nine revolution pills(supreme grade)]

[True Dragon Slaying Dagger]

[Cultivation ticket: Foundation Establishment(peak)]

Without hesitation, he used the ticket and elevated himself.

"You you you," the girl stuttered but Hu Jiaren was having none of it.

"Shut up you brainless moron. What kind of stupid idiot talks like that huh? Did you get dropped on the head fuckwit huh? How are you so weak huh?"

"Huh Huh Huh"

With each 'huh,' he progressively loomed over the demoralized girl who was now brimming with tears after his tear down. He seemed so scary that she was scared into running.

"Yeah you better run. Hmph." Hu Jiaren felt good. The muscles on his twelve year old body rippled with denseness that weak humans from his home world knew nothing about.

The children around him had also scattered, terrified of him for the first time since meeting him.

A little while later, Haotian and Xuanyuan walked through a veil of invisibility. Shaohao immediately singled out the crying girl sobbing in an alley with several children accompanying her.

"Little sister!" Shaohao called out. Hence Haotian extended the veil for her.

"Waaaaaagh! Shao," she cried into his arms. Her wet eyes locked onto Xuanyuan too and she continued further. "Dady!"

"Uuh..Heng'e," Xuanyuan said after a brief second.

The children surrounding them quickly gave off a confusion of cries. Each explanation being weirder than the last. But what Haotian understood was that a friend suddenly verbally assaulted her

"Come back here! I'm not done with you you weak stupid…huh where did they go?"

Haotian turned around to see a preteen child glancing around. He was unable to piece his veil despite his strange cultivation. What's more, there was an oddly familiar feeling about him.

Deep mental scars from the anti-devil war was dredged up. Haotian analyzed the boy with a disbelieving glare. Hearing about something and seeing it was two completely different things.

'That Dao still functions I see.' Haotian frowned thinking on what he should do. Logically, this boy was still very young and obviously was infected unknowingly. He had yet to commit any real crimes either.

"Interesting." he heard Xuanyuan say. "So young and already on the cusp of Core Formation."

"He's different from other humans," Haotian reminded him. "The curse Shennong spoke about is him…"

"He's a talent for sure," Xuanyuan carried on. "If I can…"

"Xuanyuan," Haotian said firmly. "He hurt your daughter. Then he followed her to harass her more."

"Wait mr…" Gongsun Heng'e, the little girl called out. "I'm I I sure he did didn't ma mean it," she said through her tears. "He's jus just hurting from his mom's da dea death."

"See?" Xuanyuan gestured. "Don't worry brother Zhang. I'll handle things here."

"Are you sure?" Haotian asked. Hu Jiaren had already walked off pleased with himself. But the desire to study him had not left Haotian.

"Positive," Xuanyuan assured him. "Let's go back, I still have imperial duties."

Haotian may've nodded along then and there. But unseen by Xuanyuan's senses, a lotus shaped mark appeared on Hu Jiaren's back.

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