Chapter Seventy: The Guest Arrives and Wine is Served

  Just as Zhuang Xiong was perplexed, Fu Xi arrived.

  Zhuang Xiong and Zhen Yuanzi went together to welcome, but before they could even exchange greetings, Zhuang Xiong was looking at Fuxi with a puzzled expression. However, Fuxi directly opened his mouth and said: "Will you, Big Foolish Bear, intervene in this great war?"

  Zhuang's eyebrows furrowed, and he was about to ask Fuxi for information. However, it turned out that Fuxi had also come to gather news. After some thought, Zhuang realized that the impending war had nothing to do with him, and the people he cared about wouldn't be participating either. So, he spoke up: "I won't be taking part in the war, but you have to tell me what's going on. Why is a big war suddenly about to break out?"

  Fuxi furrowed his brow and said, "To be honest, I'm not entirely clear about it either. However, on the day of Emperor Jun's grand wedding, which was originally filled with joy and festivity, he suddenly flew into a rage because he didn't see any members of the Wu tribe present to offer their congratulations. He then proposed that the establishment of the Heavenly Court was based on the ancestral laws and decrees of the Dao, and that it was recognized by Heaven's merits and virtues. If it were just the Emperor's wedding, it would have been fine, but this move was also meant to demonstrate the unity and harmony of the Primordial Chaos. The Wu tribe's actions were undoubtedly disrespectful to the ancestral laws and decrees, and went against the Heavenly Way. They didn't want to resolve the conflicts in the Primordial Chaos peacefully, so they decided to go to war. However, to be honest, both Nuwa and I felt that there was something fishy about the whole thing, and we wanted to oppose it, but since there were too many people advocating for war, nothing came of it."

  Zhuang Xiong couldn't help but laugh and said: "If you think there's something fishy going on, why did you come here?"

  Fuxi sighed and said, "I don't know why you have a bad impression of Emperor Jun and Taiyi, but after all, I am also a member of the demon clan. I still hope that you will not conflict with the demon clan. I think Nüwa is also in a difficult position."

  Zhuang Xiong was taken aback, Ah, it seems that he hadn't thoroughly considered Nüwa's stance. Zhuang Xiong's heart skipped a beat, and suddenly he blurted out the conspiracy between Emperor Jun and Taiyi, then said: "So, I think this move is just Emperor Jun trying to provoke a conflict, test the strength of the Wu tribe, or establish his prestige. He can't possibly be ready for a big war so soon. Then he'll have time to plot, as for the future wars, conflicts will arise, and excuses can be found anywhere."

  Zhuang Xiong couldn't help but sigh after saying this, "Emperor Jun was indeed impatient, seeing the Purple Firmament Palace's sacred position, he decided to speed up his plan, and actually came up with such a lame excuse."

  Zhuang Xiong's words were spoken as if it was just yesterday that he had eaten something, or today he had walked a few steps, completely natural. But the words that came out of his mouth shocked Fu Xi to the point where he couldn't speak for a long time. Zhen Yuanzi was also shocked and couldn't say a word. He knew that although Zhuang Xiong sometimes acted recklessly, when he spoke seriously, his words were like a single spit could create a pit, absolutely without any deceit.

  Fuxi, however, knew that Zhuang Xiong couldn't help but poke him with his finger to bring him back to his senses. He furrowed his brow and thought for a moment before speaking in a serious tone: "It's not that I don't believe you, Big Bear, but this matter is no trivial thing. I want you to tell me again carefully, to make sure I didn't mishear or that it's not one of your jokes."

  Is there a difference between saying it once and twice? Can't jokes be told twice? You really trust me, Fuxi. As long as I say it again, that's enough. Zhuang Xiong couldn't help but roll his eyes and repeated what he said earlier, then asked: "Fuxi, after hearing this, what do you think? What decision will you make?"

  However, neither of them noticed that Kun Peng was hiding in a corner eavesdropping. He had been following Fuxi because he thought Fuxi's behavior was suspicious and he also held some grudges against Nüwa's demon-attracting banner. Hearing this conversation, he was shocked and quickly retreated quietly.

  Fuxi furrowed his brow, thought for a moment, and sighed: "For the time being, it's still difficult to make a decision. After all, although this matter is just Emperor Jun's personal scheme, it ultimately involves countless demon tribes. I can ignore Emperor Jun, but I cannot disregard the demon tribes. However, I understand your meaning, and I will talk to Nüwa about it, trying to get her not to participate in this matter anymore."

  Zhuang Xiong couldn't help but smile and said: "As long as you understand my meaning, that's good. Not only will it save her from being torn between the two of us, but I can also let go freely and do what I want."

  Fuxi said with a sullen face, "You only care about Nüwa, what about me? I also participated in the great war, don't you have any regard for me? It's really hurtful. I treated you as a good brother and wanted to entrust Nüwa to your care, but you treat me like this?"

  Zhuang Xiong sneered, "Do you think you're stupid or I'm stupid? Or is Emperor Jun the stupid one? You have me and Nüwa behind your back. Unless it's a critical moment, I don't believe Emperor Jun would dare to send you out. Even if it comes down to the wire, there will be someone who can protect you. What are you worried about?"

  Fu Xi didn't smile awkwardly, nor did he refute anything. After a long while, he let out a sigh and hesitated, saying: "Do you really have to go to the opposing side? What reason do you have for participating in this battle? Although I know no one will ask you, you'll definitely find a reason for yourself, right? Is that reason really so important that it can't be avoided?"

  Zhuang Xiong also fell silent for a long time before responding, "Since you and Nüwa exist, I have decided to join the opposing side. What do you say?"

  Fuxi sighed and said, "It can't be your obsession, right? It's just Emperor Jun's small scheme, which has nothing to do with you. According to your silly bear nature, it definitely wouldn't be this reason. Forget it, I won't ask anymore. You're a secretive guy, if you don't want to say, that's fine. Anyway, I know you must have your own reasons."

  Zhuang Xiong fell silent for a moment before saying, "As long as Emperor Jun doesn't cross my bottom line, I will try not to make a move."

  Fuxi just nodded, knowing that Zhuang Xiong was a stubborn person who wouldn't easily change his mind once he made a decision. The fact that he had kept his little secret for so many years was proof of this. Having such assurance was already a special consideration, and he didn't press the matter further.

  Townsend, who was thoroughly ignored beside him, couldn't help but say: "I said you're all good, why do you always talk about these heavy topics? Once the war starts, everyone will have their own stance, and it's unlikely that we'll meet again to chat like this. Why not enjoy ourselves while we can?"

  Zhuang Xiong burst out laughing and said, "I thought you were a honest and courteous Town Yuanzi, but I didn't expect you to have such a good idea. Alright, we won't return until we're drunk." After finishing speaking, this goods' violent nature was triggered, he looked up at the sky and shouted loudly: "Zi Yu, Kong Xuan, all of you little ones, get out here! Today, I want to have fun to my heart's content, come over and accompany me. Wait until I've had enough fun before going into seclusion."

  Fu Xi Town Yuan Zi didn't get away with it, Zhuang Xiong was just letting loose and that's all. That sentence rolled out, waiting for him to have his fill but still wanting several people to go back and close the door, what he said is really enough... That overbearing guy.

  When they heard Zhuang Xiong's loud and rough voice, Zhao Gongming and the kitchen staff rushed out in a hurry. Zi Yu and Kong Xuan, on the other hand, walked over with a smile, hand in hand, not too fast or slow. They had already figured out Zhuang Xiong's temperament and knew that although he was shouting loudly at this moment, his mood was actually good and he wouldn't blame anyone.

  Zi Yu and several others arrived in front of him. They naturally paid their respects one by one, but Fuxi Zhenyuanzi simply waved his hand to let them do as they pleased.

  Everyone is a senior fellow practitioner, and when it comes to drinking, with just a wave of the hand, all the tools such as tables, chairs, and wine cups are ready. Zhuang Xiong took out the blue gourd and smiled at Fuxi, saying: "In those days, you gave me this blue gourd, I've been carrying it with me all along, didn't I, brother?"

  Fuxi sneered: "I think you're not carrying it because of me, but because of the things inside, right?"

  Zhenyuanzi smiled and said, "I've long heard that Dunhuang's gourd contains something unique to the desolate expanse, with a flavor all its own. I've always wanted to try it, and now today I have the chance."

  Ziyu and Kongxuan's eyes rolled a few times, and the clever Kongxuan roughly understood the personalities of Zhenyuanzi and Fuxi. She smiled and said: "Fuxi Shibo, Zhenyuanzi Shibo, what exactly is in my father's gourd? He often drinks alone with a sullen face, but he's very fierce, so we don't dare ask."

  Zhuang Xiong couldn't help but laugh and scold: "You dare to say such a thing, what do you mean I'm very fierce?"

  Kong Xuan made a face and said, "You say he's not fierce? Look at Gong Ming and Cai Bangzi, they're so stiff. I know they've been intimidated by you every day."

  Fuxi smiled and said, "You little girl are also a clever ghost, I can tell from your personality that the silly bear won't be too fierce, I reckon those two little guys were scared off by the silly bear's personality?"

  Kong Xuan stuck out her cute little tongue and said, "Master Fuxi is indeed clever and meticulous, nothing can escape your notice. However, what's inside the gourd that my father treasures so much? Looking at how he usually cherishes it."

  Fuxi also quite liked this clever and lovely little girl, so he smiled and told her about the story of Mount Buzhou that year, explaining the origin and abilities of the gourd. Then he laughed and said: "At that time, I didn't know what this thing called wine was either, I just thought this foodie collected countless spiritual fruits, wanting to try something new, who knew..."

  Zhenyuanzi smiled and took over, saying: "Who knows that the last time this silly bear drank with Tongtian Daoist friend, after which Tongtian Daoist friend actually fell in love with the taste of this wine. So he collected spiritual fruits everywhere to brew them, but always couldn't get the flavor right. Fuxi Daoist friend naturally also knew about it, where didn't know that this gourd was a good treasure."

  Zhuang Xiong smiled and said, "I knew it. I only drank with Tongtian once, so he must have spread the word. However, this wine is indeed brewable, but I don't know the method, that's why I'm so obsessed with this gourd. If I try a few more times, I'll definitely be able to brew some."

  As soon as Zhuang Xiong's voice fell, a loud laughter echoed from the sky, and someone shouted from afar: "Good wine! I smelled it all the way from Kunlun Mountain, so I rushed over. Today, you silly bear, let me drink to my heart's content. Consider it compensation for your badmouthing me earlier."

  As soon as the words were spoken, Tongtian also landed with a whoosh, and with a few casual nods, he turned to Ziyu and others who were about to come forward to pay their respects. Tongtian casually waved his hand and said: "Don't do this, it's annoying." He then called out to Zhuang Xiong: "Dumb bear, why aren't you hurrying up to refill the wine? What are you waiting for?"

  Zhuang Xiong smiled and said, "You three brothers have always been together, you came first, where are Laozi's friend and the original Daoist friend? You're being so unruly, isn't that a bit inappropriate?"