Chapter 77: The Fuxi Eight Trigrams Diagram—The First Collision Between East and West?

Unlike others, the Ice Fairy knew all the causes and effects. She understood that Celestial Technology had not revealed the whole truth. At the same time, they were using Asura as bait to lure out Lu Yuan, planning to deliver the final killing blow. She was clever and immediately deduced the purpose behind these actions. What surprised her, however, was that Celestial Technology was willing to sacrifice Asura for the sake of those Westerners. Clearly, their cooperation had reached an unprecedented depth; otherwise, such actions would have been impossible.

Judging from the online discussions, nearly all domestic Awakened were deeply dissatisfied. Yet Celestial Technology was resolute, offering no response whatsoever.

Finally, the Ice Fairy sought out the highest authority of Beidou Biometrics, who happened to be her relative. In fact, the Ice Fairy herself held a distinguished status, connected to a prominent official. Thus, among the five great Awakened, her position was quite favorable, especially compared to Asura, who was merely a puppet.

“So, from the very beginning, it was those Western cultists who started the trouble?” The leader of Beidou Biometrics, a graceful woman in her forties named Ji Yuzhen, listened as the Ice Fairy recounted everything that had transpired during their mission in Shennongjia.

“Yes, Aunt. When we carried out the task in Shennongjia, our meager gains were due to those people’s cunning and greed,” the Ice Fairy explained, detailing the entire incident. After all, Celestial Genetics had only accused Lu Yuan of murder without mentioning the reason. Many were unaware of the truth, and she believed it was necessary to make it public, at least to apply pressure on Celestial Technology.

“Ruoru, let's proceed as you suggest,” Ji Yuzhen said after a moment’s thought. “Certain truths must be revealed to the public, and this will serve as Celestial Technology’s final warning.” Her words carried a weight of authority, her brow radiating the majesty befitting her position.

Yet what she said caught the Ice Fairy off guard, highlighting the most crucial point. “Final warning? Aunt, what do you mean?”

“Celestial Technology has crossed the line,” Ji Yuzhen replied. “Those above are very displeased and are gathering strength to prepare for its removal. Previously, we lacked a suitable excuse or method to deal with them—now we have one.”

Clearly, both Beidou Biometrics and Sundan Academy, the two powerful factions with official backing, had been eyeing Celestial Technology for some time, though they had been unable to act freely. As a major force, its elimination would be troublesome, possibly causing chaos. Now, however, Celestial Technology’s actions had provoked both the public and the Awakened. At this juncture, the Ice Fairy’s revelation of the truth would fuel the fire.

“I see. That makes sense,” the Ice Fairy nodded. Indeed, certain domestic forces needed to be reined in.

“Oh, by the way,” Ji Yuzhen suddenly asked, “do you think Lu Yuan will appear?”

The trap set by Celestial Technology was obviously aimed at Lu Yuan, as Asura was already under their control and could be killed at any time. Ji Yuzhen was keen to know whether this member of the Five Great Awakened would dare show himself, especially since this time not only Celestial Technology but also the Western Church’s apostles were involved—a formidable alliance.

“I believe he will,” the Ice Fairy replied after some thought. She had interacted with Lu Yuan more than anyone else; he was not one to tolerate the slightest threat. Whenever provoked, he would retaliate with overwhelming force. He had always acted thus from the very beginning, and so she gave a definite answer.

In fact, she had acquired Lu Yuan’s contact information at Ancient Shu Mountain. After Celestial Technology released their statement, she had tried to reach him immediately but failed, confirming that he was still in Shennongjia, where there was no signal. Nevertheless, even if he did not know the situation, she was certain that if informed, he would come.

“Oh?” Ji Yuzhen smiled. “In that case, things will get interesting. But Lu Yuan must not come to harm; those above value him highly. If he does appear, we must assist him at the crucial moment.”

The Ice Fairy nodded silently, knowing that both Beidou Biometrics and Sundan Academy shared the same attitude. Lu Yuan’s sudden rise had attracted attention from all sides. Though forceful, his actions aligned with the goals of both factions, as Wu Zhou Group and Longevity Genetics needed to be suppressed. She even knew that those above hoped someone would emerge to break the balance.

Soon after, the two ended their conversation.

The Ice Fairy promptly issued a statement, asserting that she had been present in Shennongjia and that it was the Western cultists who had first provoked her, seized resources, and struck first, driving Lu Yuan to retaliate when he could no longer endure. Asura had tried to mediate, but the other side refused, leading to the tragic outcome.

This revelation immediately drew widespread attention, inciting heated debate online.

“What? So that's the truth? Those Westerners are despicable!”
“They come to our territory and act so arrogantly!”
“Well deserved—if I were there, I’d have intervened too.”
“Celestial Technology must explain themselves. Killers must be prepared to face death!”

As one of the Five Great Awakened, the Ice Fairy had a positive image and many followers; her words were naturally credible. Soon, countless people directed their anger at Celestial Technology, demanding an explanation. Crowds gathered outside the Celestial Building in Shanghai. Yet, the company’s leadership remained silent, issuing only a statement that the trial would continue in a month as planned, and nothing would stop it. Their attitude was both forceful and domineering, further inflaming public outrage and calls for accountability. Still, it did little to affect Celestial Technology’s formidable position.

Beidou Biometrics and Sundan Academy, on the other hand, were pleased by the public’s reaction—it was exactly what they had hoped for.

As time passed, more people learned the truth, and the story spread nationwide, drawing ever greater attention. Celestial Technology’s reputation plummeted, while many wondered whether Lu Yuan would appear at the trial. Some suspected it was a trap aimed at him, given how obvious the setup was. Photographs even surfaced showing the Western Church’s eleven apostles had all arrived at Celestial Technology.

Everyone now understood that Asura was merely bait—the real target was Lu Yuan.

With the involvement of the eleven apostles, the incident was elevated further, seen as the first major clash between East and West in the new era. Previously, both sides had focused on adapting to the times, unable to engage each other. Now, as extraordinary powers became more widely mastered, conflict was inevitable.

Lu Yuan and the eleven apostles were all among the vanguard of Awakened. If they met, especially given this incident, a battle would surely ensue.

So the question remained: Would Lu Yuan, one of the Five Great Awakened, appear?

Some believed he would not, as the combined forces of Celestial Technology and the eleven apostles were overwhelming. Such a force could hunt beast kings; going up against them would be extremely dangerous.

Others thought differently, believing Lu Yuan’s strength was unfathomable and that after so much time, he had surely grown even stronger, perhaps reaching the Shackles Realm. With the fortune gained from Ancient Shu Sword Mountain, he was among the most powerful Awakened. Beyond that, only those who could single-handedly fend off beast tides and slay eight beast kings qualified as human monarchs.

In short, opinions varied, and everyone awaited the day.

Meanwhile, Sundan Academy and Beidou Biometrics were moving in secret. Whether Lu Yuan appeared or not, they paid attention but were not overly concerned, for regardless of the outcome, both factions would confront Celestial Technology to exert their influence. Thus, the situation became increasingly delicate during this period.

Deep within Shennongjia, in a certain area, the Golden-Winged Roc stood atop a mountain stone, wings folded. Nearby lay the corpse of a giant beast—a powerful creature that had broken through fourteen shackles in life, now lying broken on the ground, its bones shattered, a pitiful sight.

Not far from the beast was an enormous lake, its outline resembling a Bagua from above. The water was unfathomably deep and perfectly still, the atmosphere extraordinary even from the shore.

“Master has been inside for over ten days. Why hasn’t he come out yet?” The Golden-Winged Roc glanced at the sky, anxious, though it knew its master was in no danger, being far too powerful. Still, after slaying the beast and entering the Bagua lake, its master had yet to reappear. It had waited for a long time, growing uneasy, wondering whether it should enter as well.

Just then, a figure appeared on the tranquil lake surface—Lu Yuan. Thanks to the protection of innate qi, not even a strand of his hair was wet.

“Master!” The Golden-Winged Roc rushed over, peering curiously. “Master, what were you doing down there?”

“Just searching for something. I’ve found it now.” Lu Yuan smiled, producing a scroll he unfurled. It was made not of paper but of some kind of beast hide. The surface was unremarkable, but when opened, a yin-yang Bagua appeared. Unlike ordinary Bagua diagrams, this one contained sun, moon, and stars, all slowly moving, extraordinary in every way. Arranged, the celestial bodies formed a star path.

The Golden-Winged Roc was astonished. “Master, what is the origin of this Bagua diagram? It looks incredible.”

“Its origin is immense, naturally remarkable. It was left by one of the three Human Sovereigns—Taihao Fuxi!” Lu Yuan pointed to four characters on the scroll: “Left by Fuxi.”

The Golden-Winged Roc’s curiosity turned to shock, speechless. Not long ago, its master had obtained an artifact left by the Human Sovereign Shennong, and now another from Fuxi? Though it was merely a beast, these were two true Human Sovereigns, legendary figures even in the Roc’s own heritage.

“Master, you—” The Roc was at a loss for words. Its master seemed impossibly mysterious, always encountering or obtaining great fortunes.

Lu Yuan ignored its reaction, focusing on the diagram. Its full name was the Fuxi Bagua Diagram, created by Fuxi himself. It had two major functions: first, to calculate the cosmic cycle and locate places of fortune—in other words, it could help him precisely find divine artifacts. However, it was limited to divine artifacts; ordinary spiritual fruits or herbs did not respond, as the diagram’s level was too high. Its use was not simple, tied to one’s strength: dripping blood upon it, the stronger the blood, the greater the chance and quality of divine artifacts located.

The second function was to find the correct path through the stars.

Lu Yuan did not fully understand these abilities. In his previous life, as the anomaly persisted, the Fuxi Bagua Diagram emerged and was seized by a group of extraterrestrial beings, ultimately falling into the hands of a notable figure. But now, knowing the opportunity in advance, Lu Yuan had claimed it early, just like he had at the Lishan Imperial Tomb.

Still, he wondered how a relic of Taihao Fuxi could end up in Shennongjia. Though both were Human Sovereigns, they belonged to different eras. He pondered this, especially after obtaining Shennong’s essence blood. What was the great calamity Shennong mentioned on the stone tablet? The stronger he became, the more places he could access—and the more mysteries arose, none of which could be explained.

Perhaps in the end, answers would come, such as those extraterrestrial beings who surely knew—otherwise, they would not descend from the depths of the stars to seize things like the Ancestral Dragon Breathing Method or the Fuxi Bagua Diagram.

Lu Yuan took out the Da Luo Sword Embryo, preparing to drip his blood onto the scroll and see if any other divine artifacts remained in Shennongjia. The sword embryo had already absorbed the Church’s cross scepter, though its rare divine material was limited, resulting in only minimal power increase, which disappointed him. Divine materials were difficult to find; if only he had a dozen more cross scepters, the sword embryo might evolve again.

He cut his palm, and thanks to his advanced bloodline, his blood was now entirely golden. The golden blood dripped onto the Fuxi Bagua Diagram, causing the celestial bodies to revolve and emit dazzling light, but after a long while, nothing happened. It seemed there were no more divine artifacts in Shennongjia, though this was also related to Lu Yuan’s own strength—he could not maximize the diagram’s calculations to cover the entire area.

“Forget it. Some things cannot be forced.” Lu Yuan put away the Bagua Diagram, realizing that for now, he had enough divine artifacts. Unless his strength advanced further, or he adapted to the many treasures he already possessed, there was no need to keep collecting; he could wait for another opportunity, just as with the Human Sovereign’s blood.

“Let’s go. It’s about time to leave.” Lu Yuan stretched and glanced at the Golden-Winged Roc. “I wonder what’s changed outside during my time in Shennongjia.”

The previous chapter was banned—something couldn’t be written. It took a long time to revise before it was released, so these two chapters were hard to write and needed to be cautious. This plot will also accelerate and finish sooner, but rest assured, it won’t have much impact. Lastly, please vote~

(End of chapter)