"Why did I sleep so deeply?"

The next day, Wu Wang sat up from his soft couch, clutching his neck. His pillow had become round, and the old auntie was nowhere to be seen.

His Nascent Soul sensed that he had slept for seven or eight hours; a beautiful half-day had unwittingly passed.

"Suqing, why didn't you wake me?"

There wasn't the slightest response.

Wu Wang released his Spiritual Sense, only to see that another bedroom in the small building was enveloped by a Barrier of Immortal Mu's immortal power. He could vaguely hear the sound of water being splashed, as if someone were bathing.

Hmm...

Not a ripple stirred in the Sect Master's heart; he even felt a slight urge to laugh.

Why, upon seeing such a scene, did he unconsciously think of the time he had directly faced the Evil God Serpent, and of the moment after he had rendezvoused with Fairy Ling in the woods?

Ling Xiaolan, the second Tianyan Saintess of the Tianyan Xuan Nu Sect, currently widely rumored in the Human Domain to be the "next consort of the Human Emperor"... he, Sect Master Wu Wangzi, would like to dub her—the Bathing King!

That was truly strong.

With his hands clasped behind his back, Wu Wang hummed a little tune and walked behind a screen to change into looser clothing, letting his long hair down.

Ascension to immortality.

He was only a step away from becoming an Immortal.

Looking inward, his Nascent Soul looked as if it had been carved from jade, radiating brilliant light from time to time. Occasionally, one could even see the shadow of the Nascent Soul seated in a galaxy.

In his abdomen, the Qi Sea, shaped like an oval 'galaxy,' rotated serenely, its Golden Core having become semi-transparent.

This Golden Core, which had traversed the major realms of Golden Core, Spiritual Silence, Nascent Soul, God-leaping, and Ascension, would fulfill its ultimate mission when Wu Wang achieved Immortality—raising the 'Self' Dao it had nurtured, merging with the Nascent Soul to transform into a Primordial Spirit.

Primordial Spirit, the god of the self indeed.

When the Golden Core is formed, the Dao of the self is initially condensed. The Nascent Soul elevates the 'spirit' of the self. Step by step, the two merge to accomplish the Primordial Spirit and the Immortal Spirit Body, unlocking the Immortal Realm.

Should I first try to achieve the realm of Yuanxian through the Dao of Fire?

So pondered Wu Wang. He found a bamboo stool in the attic, went outside to bask in the sun, took out a scroll of bamboo slips, and continued considering the matter.

The Dao of Fire, the Star Dao... both are top-level Great Daos. But due to the existence of the Yan Emperor's command and the old senior's widespread net strategy, he absolutely could not prioritize the Dao of Fire.

There was always the risk that while cultivating, this Great Dao could disappear with a POP, and the new Human Emperor would ascend, leaving him with nothing but wasted effort.

On the other hand, with his mother's help on the Star God side, the choice was actually quite clear.

Leaning back in his chair, Wu Wang relaxed.

Yang Wudi and Zhang Moshan were standing not far away, both dressed in black robes and martial attire. At the moment, they stood with their legs apart, hands behind their backs, intimidating the young disciples into keeping their distance.

Well, they're performing well today, barely giving him a chance to speak.

He had just fined Mao Aowu twenty years of salary, so he was not in a hurry to squeeze Yang Wudi.

Why not fine Zhang Moshan?

Mainly because Zhang Moshan was so serious. As for Yang Wudi, if one were to crack open that bald head of his, his brains would probably be pitch black!

Wu Wang immersed himself in reading the scroll and, before long, became engrossed in thought, sitting there for a long time without moving.

In a corner of the Annihilation Sect's Rift Valley, the Sect Master's new residence was taking shape. It was a grand hall-style cave abode, embedded in the cliff face. Deep within the cliff, over ten layers of sturdy stone had been laid, sealed layer upon layer with formations, and tightly connected to the Mountain Protection Array. The main doors of the cave abode were still under renovation; a Heavenly Immortal Realm Elder skilled in carving was engraving two fierce beasts, each five zhang high. The interior of the cave abode was quite spacious. The four stone walls were being polished smooth. A shallow pool, ten zhang square in the center, had been carved out, where two female Demonic Cultivators from the Black Desire Door were planting lotuses. They would later ask Wu Wang whether they should place a large bed in the center of this Lotus Pond or set down a meditation cushion here. Those Sect Masters of Demonic Sects with numerous consorts favored such arrangements; the female disciples of the Black Desire Door were not too knowledgeable about these preferences—after all, they were all pure cultivators of enchantment.

「Not far from this 'under construction' cave abode was Lin Qi's dwelling.」

Lin Qi inhaled softly. Looking at the empty bed in front of him, he closed his eyes with some nervousness and slowly lay down upon it.

He could definitely do it!

The first step in learning Enlightenment in Dream was to control entry into dreams!

What his teacher could achieve, he must achieve as well!

Before long, Lin Qi stood up straight again, his entire being revitalized, but the insights accumulated for Enlightenment in Dream were overwhelming; he could only regretfully leap to the meditation cushion and sit down to meditate.

He would continue trying after breaking through in this upcoming retreat!

He was also full of drive.

The Lin Family's guards had also settled in the Annihilation Sect, taking turns to stand watch and keeping an eye on their Young Master of the Lin Family, while simultaneously contributing their strength to the Annihilation Sect's security system. With Transcendent experts in residence, along with two groups of stationed masters—a supervisory team from the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion and the Lin Family guards—plus the Annihilation Sect's own experts, the Annihilation Sect now indeed felt considerably secure.

Unbeknownst to Wu Wang, he had been sitting in front of the door for almost half an hour until Lin Suqing, graceful as ever, brought tea and pastries, breaking the stillness of the scene.

"Young Master, it's time for a break."

"Hmm," Wu Wang's gaze did not leave the book before him as he picked up the teacup and took a sip. "This tea is very sweet. How did you make it?"

Lin Suqing said proudly, "I added honey!"

"Well done!"

Wu Wang laughed. "Drinking tea is about savoring its inherent flavor. When a tea leaf is plucked, what processes does it undergo? When it's steeped in this boiling water, what natural essence does it release? Although the taste produced by this combination is pleasant, it somewhat loses the true spirit of tea."

Lin Suqing blinked and stuck out her tongue slightly, murmuring, "Then I won't do this much anymore."

"Make it, of course! Why wouldn't you?" Wu Wang took a big gulp and calmly said, "I was just making an offhand remark to sound more cultivated—bring me another cup."

Lin Suqing almost threw the tray at him, made a face at Wu Wang, and flounced back inside the loft. She was clearly heading off to make more honey tea.

Wu Wang was about to continue pondering the reading material in his hands, but the necklace on his chest trembled slightly, and a reminder echoed in the depths of his heart.

"Ba'er, do not venture to the Northern Region of the Human Domain in the coming days."

"Mother, what's happened?" Wu Wang asked mentally, but received no response.

His mother's tone hadn't been urgent, but calm, with a touch of severity. She had hastily cut off communication, seemingly worried that their voice transmission would be intercepted.

It must be that Heaven Palace is about to make a move against the Human Domain.

Wu Wang closed his eyes and took several deep breaths, repeatedly telling himself that no matter how the situation changed, if any disturbance appeared in the northern part of the Human Domain, there was no need to be overly anxious.

If Heaven Palace could settle things with one strike and obliterate the Human Domain, they wouldn't have allowed the Human Domain to grow to this extent.

If the Human Domain had the power to launch a punitive expedition against Heaven Palace, the predecessors wouldn't have had to endure and hide for a thousand years.

At this moment, whatever moves either side made, whatever grand displays they put on, could all be seen as conspiracies, schemes, probes, and calculations.

Wu Wang introspected his Spirit Platform. Staring at the flame and after a bit of thought, he sent in a thread of Spiritual Sense, calling out mentally, "Father-in-law? Father-in-law? Your son-in-law has urgent matters to report."

No response?

"Old guy, I've found where Jingwei is! I'll take her to elope tomorrow!"

"You dare!"

A loud shout came from within the Yan Emperor's command, causing Wu Wang's entire Spirit Platform to tremble.

Wu Wang chuckled and said, "Heaven Palace might make a move soon, Senior. Please be cautious of their tricks. Their ultimate goal is still to take the Dao of Fire."

In the Human Domain, directly to the north, atop the long wall, Shennong listened to Wu Wang's voice. The corners of his mouth twitched involuntarily, but he paid little attention to this fellow.

Speaking too much now would only make this young fellow worried.

Further to the north, in the space between heaven and earth, a large mass of dark clouds was slowly approaching the Human Domain. Dozens of astonishing auras were already upon it, and one could vaguely see the gigantic bodies of the Ten Evil Gods. There was no Beast Tide, no masters from the Hundred Races. Minor gods served as soldiers and major gods as generals. Atop the dark clouds stood a figure, impossible to identify as male or female, adorned with a strangely designed vertical-eye mask, standing silently with hands clasped behind their back.

Heaven Palace. The Head Manager.

「...」

Half a day after Wu Wang's friendly exchange with the Human Emperor, a thunderous rumble echoed in the Northern Region of the Human Domain, with streaks of Liu Guang shooting towards the southern sky. A message, spread via communication Jade Talismans, swiftly circulated throughout the Human Domain.

[Dozens of Divine Spirits from Heaven Palace launched a surprise attack on the Human Domain. The Human Emperor is leading masters to face them head-on, initiating a large-scale battle within a radius of ten thousand li at the Northern Border.]

In front of Elder Miao's pavilion, Wu Wang heard the news, unsurprised, and continued to read his book with his head lowered.

But all the experts of the Annihilation Sect could no longer sit still and gathered there spontaneously.

"Sect Master!" an Elder shouted but was then motioned by the Grand Elder beside him not to make any noise.

Wu Wang acted as if nothing had happened, continuing to focus on his book.

The crowd in front of the pavilion grew larger. It seemed that only by gathering together could they alleviate the tension in their hearts.

Such a battle would truly decide the fate of the Human Domain.

The Head Manager of Heaven Palace, the revered deity rumored to control the life and death of all spirits, had finally descended from the lofty Heaven Palace. Appearing before the Human Domain for the first time, he was about to engage in a great battle with the Human Emperor.

Immortal Mu and Lin Suqing also appeared at the window, joining the others waiting for news.

Cultivators with profound cultivation like the Grand Elder could already sense the state of the great battle in the northern sky. There, the originally orderly Great Dao had turned into a chaotic mess, with a mix of pure and murky energy filling the space between heaven and earth; occasionally, a Dao rule would shatter. Even from this distance, the Spiritual Energy between heaven and earth began to rush towards the Northern Border.

For the next few months, the Spiritual Energy would likely struggle to return to its usual levels.

「Eight hours later.」

A Jade Talisman flew through the clouds of the South Wilderness, landing in Lin Qi's hands. He then rushed towards Wu Wang with it.

"Teacher! A temporary victory in the Northern Region! The Head Manager is no match for the Human Emperor, but the Head Manager gathered several Gods from Heaven Palace and trapped the Human Emperor in the Heaven and Earth Shackles!"

Wu Wang, holding a scroll, asked, "Is there any mention of casualties among the other masters?"

"The Human Domain lost eleven Transcendents, and Heaven Palace lost three minor gods!"

Wu Wang nodded slightly. "Inform everyone immediately once there's news."

"Yes!"

Lin Qi agreed and took the communication Jade Talisman to wait to the side.

"Sect Master," the Grand Elder spoke in a low voice, "I wish to go to the Northern Region to confront the enemy."

"Grand Elder, please wait for instructions from the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion," Wu Wang said. "Rushing over hastily may disrupt our own coordination. If you have reached Transcendence, you should continue to advance until you can no longer proceed. Then think about how to fight against even higher Gods. The Human Domain will be fine this time, rest assured."

The Grand Elder nodded slightly at this but was somewhat uneasy, pacing back and forth beside him.

「Four more hours passed, and the sky had brightened.」

Ji Mo, holding a Jade Talisman, leaped in front of Wu Wang. From it, the voice of an old woman rang out, "The Human Emperor has won a great victory! My dear grandson, you need not worry; your grandma is currently chasing after several Divine Spirits together with Master Liu!"

The surrounding crowd from the Demon Path breathed a long collective sigh of relief. A group of strong Body Cultivation men excitedly waved their fists and stomped their feet, uttering silent roars.

"Grandmother, please be careful," Ji Mo said aloud, looking at Wu Wang after hearing his voice transmission. "Do not pursue a desperate enemy; they may have set a trap."

The old woman promised repeatedly, her tone full of satisfaction. Just as she was about to praise her grandson, she suddenly shouted, "There's a trick ahead! Stop!"

The surrounding cultivators, who were still cheering, froze. Wu Wang also leaned forward anxiously; after all, this was Ji Mo's own grandmother. Resounding roars came from the Jade Talisman, and one could faintly hear the hisses of Mingshe and the roars of Fei. The voice of Liu Baiyi came from the distance, "Don't be afraid! Follow me and slay this nine-tailed fox!"

CRACK!

The Jade Talisman directly shattered. Ji Mo's face turned pale, and his lips trembled a few times.

"My... grandmother..."

"Calm down," Wu Wang immediately gave up his seat, pulling Ji Mo to sit down. He called over two female disciples from the Black Desire Door to help him regulate his breath, and Ji Mo quickly calmed down. "Grandmother will definitely be fine. She will definitely be fine."

The entire Rift Valley fell silent. Many looked up at the narrow strip of sky, wondering when the next Jade Talisman would arrive.

They waited from dawn until noon, when several Jade Talismans suddenly shot over in quick succession!

A dispatch order from the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion! A communication Jade Talisman from the Lin Family, a communication Jade Talisman from the Ji Family, and a message for Wu Wang from the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion!

Fortunately, the dispatch order wasn't for the Grand Elder but landed in the hands of Mao Aowu, directing each branch pavilion to allocate personnel to rush to the Northern Region. The contents of the other three communication Jade Talismans were largely the same: all battle reports from the Northern Region.

Wu Wang passed a Jade Talisman to Yang Wudi, asking him to read it aloud.

"A great victory in the Northern Region. The Human Emperor personally slew seven Primordial God Spirits, while the masters of the Human Domain collectively defeated six Innate Gods. Sixteen Transcendent Realm cultivators from the Human Domain were killed, and more than thirty were wounded. After the initial battle, the Gods of Heaven Palace retreated. The Human Emperor ordered cautious pursuit and several times foresaw the enemy's ambushes. The Head Manager was heavily injured. Longzhi of the Ten Evil Gods was slain by combined efforts. In this battle, the wall of the Northern Region collapsed for six thousand li, and there were no casualties among the cultivators below the Transcendent Realm; the masters of the Human Domain pressed deep into the depths of Central Mountain..."

Yang Wudi shouted loudly, "A great victory!"

A chorus of cheers erupted from the Demon Path. Their spirits soared high, their momentum thunderous.

"Tonight, we drink deep!"

"The Human Emperor is invincible! The Human Domain stands eternal!"

"The Human Domain stands eternal!"

Mao Aowu cheerfully said, "Sect Master, shall we celebrate tonight? Shall we send the news to the various sects?"

"This indeed calls for celebration. There's no need to send word to each sect; they'll know when the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion makes the announcement," Wu Wang said with a smile. "Although I just ordered no grand feasts, one must consider the circumstances. Everyone, celebrate! But this is a one-time occasion only."

"Thank you, Sect Master!"

"Let the youngsters make some noise!"

The valley erupted with joy. Men and women, old and young, sang and danced. A group of Body Cultivators set up a wine pond and started a drinking competition.

Wu Wang, however, did not join the raucous celebration but returned to his chair to continue reading.

Before long, Elder Miao floated over and leaned silently against the doorframe next to Wu Wang. Her seemingly demure attire, in reality, only used fabric to cover areas that didn't strictly need covering, which actually enhanced her allure.

"Sect Master, how about you and I have a drink?" she proposed.

Wu Wang replied indifferently, "How much can you drink?"

Elder Miao leaned forward. Wu Wang instinctively moved back, but she still managed to breathe softly beside his ear.

"One cup and I fall over," she confessed.

"Then forget it. I prefer to drink with women who can hold their liquor."

"Hmph!" Clenching her teeth in annoyance, Elder Miao nearly kicked Wu Wang but instead floated away in a huff.

"Elder Miao," Wu Wang suddenly called out, his eyes reflecting contemplation. He quickly made up his mind.

"What now?" Miao Cuijiao rolled her eyes. Crossing her arms, she turned back. "I've lost interest!"

Wu Wang raised an eyebrow and said with a smile, "Go and invite the Grand Elder, Elder Mao, Ji Mo, Lin Qi, Yang Wudi, and Zhang Moshan over. I have something to say to you all. It's a serious matter."

"Got it," Miao Cuijiao agreed and floated off towards the distant crowd. As she left, she muttered things like, 'I've never seen a man like you,' and 'Not a romantic bone in your body,' making Lin Suqing, who was leaning by the second-floor window, laugh non-stop.

「...」

「A short while later, in the foyer of Elder Miao's loft.」

Wu Wang sat behind the desk, with eight people standing or sitting before him. Apart from Immortal Mu, who had fallen asleep amidst a pile of exercise books, all the members of the Annihilation Sect closest to Wu Wang had gathered here.

"Ji Mo, your grandmother should be fine, right?" Wu Wang asked.

"She sustained some minor injuries but has already recovered," Ji Mo replied with a smile. "Thank you, Brother Wuwang, for your concern."

Lin Qi actively added, "My father wasn't hurt, and during the fight, he helped slay a minor god."

"What do you all think of the battle reports we've received?" Wu Wang asked.

Yang Wudi, who had had some drinks, couldn't help but mutter, "It's a victory. Of course, it's a good thing."

Ji Mo smiled. "The Benevolent Emperor Pavilion didn't exaggerate the results. Our messages have all been cross-checked, and there's hardly any difference. This time, our Human Domain has indeed achieved a great victory."

The Grand Elder pondered for a moment and then spoke: "There's some rhetoric here. The only truly significant Divine Spirit mentioned by name is Longzhi, who doesn't rank very high among the Ten Evil Gods. He's likely the strongest Divine Spirit that Heaven Palace lost. The actual achievement isn't that great."

"Compared to the casualties among our Human Domain's Transcendents, it was actually a pyrrhic victory," Lin Qi said. "But a victory nonetheless."

"That's not what I want to discuss." Wu Wang tapped his fingers lightly on the desk and spoke calmly: "Everyone here is someone I can completely trust. What I'm about to say won't change the Human Domain's overall situation, but I'm thinking of it as a reminder for you all. The greatest challenge since the Human Domain's founding is about to arrive."

The crowd was puzzled, and even the Grand Elder looked at Wu Wang with some confusion.

Wu Wang did not leave them in suspense and said slowly: "The words I'm about to say are all speculation; just listen. Following the great victory in the Northern Region, the Head Manager was personally wounded by the Human Emperor, one of the Ten Evil Gods was slain, and over ten Divine Spirits were killed or injured—such news will quickly spread throughout the Human Domain. This matter cannot be concealed. Even if the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion wants to hide it, it will still be leaked through different channels. But this is just the beginning. I estimate that as this news spreads, another piece will soon follow. The experts who chased into Central Mountain will discover that a vast area of Central Mountain has turned into a lifeless desert, as Heaven Palace's long ages of nurturing Beast Tides have drained the vitality of Central Mountain. Along with this, there will also be news of the Head Manager's injuries worsening, the Heavenly Emperor reaching his twilight years, and so on. Soon, you will find that Heaven Palace is no longer terrifying, no longer makes one feel suffocated. For the next few decades, there will be no Beast Tides in the Northern Border, and there may even be rumors that the Ten Evil Gods no longer obey Heaven Palace's commands. In short, in the eyes of most cultivators, the Human Domain's archenemy will soon seem like nothing to fear."

"Sect Master..." The Grand Elder quietly said, "Is this Heaven Palace's scheme?"

"It should be," Wu Wang said. "Of course, if it's not a scheme, even better. But if it really is a scheme, then that Head Manager is truly ruthless."

Lin Qi anxiously asked, "Don't His Majesty and the others know this is a scheme? What's the benefit of such a scheme for them?"

"This should only be the first step of their plan. A series of actions will follow, aiming to provoke internal strife within the Human Domain and fragment it from within."

Lin Suqing gently asked, "If they do this, wouldn't it undermine the morale of Heaven Palace's side?"

"What does Heaven Palace need with morale?" Wu Wang laughed. "They are the victors in the shift of the divine era, concerned only with interests. Gods are different from us humans. See, you all find it hard to accept what I'm saying, which shows how tricky their strategy is. Under Heaven Palace's oppression, the Human Domain has lived in fear and repression for too long. That Head Manager is playing on human sentiment, using strategies that are both overt and covert. At this moment, our Human Emperor must have a terrible headache."

Miao Cuijiao quietly said, "Sect Master, you might as well go to the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion and become a Vice Pavilion Master, so you can influence high-level decisions."

Ji Mo said solemnly, "What can we do?"

"What we can do now is limited, but in the future, we will certainly be able to do something," Wu Wang said. "Grand Elder, Elder Miao, you two focus on refining magic treasures. Starting with Floating Jade City, first ensure magic treasures become widespread. Use the earned Spirit Stones to hire Refining Masters. If they aren't interested in Spirit Stones, I have ores that are rare in the Human Domain, which they can use to craft magic treasures. What we aim to build is a Refining Master Alliance."

The Grand Elder and Elder Miao responded simultaneously.

"Brother Mao, strive to climb higher in the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion," Wu Wang said. "I will also speak to Master Liu. I need someone to speak for me."

Mao Aowu frowned. "I may not be cut out for that."

"You will have to be," Wu Wang said. "The time Heaven Palace has left for the Human Domain will probably not exceed a hundred years. Their ultimate goal is to reclaim the Dao of Fire. What does that imply?"

Mao Aowu sighed. "They are determined to destroy the Human Domain... I'll try my best in the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion."

Wu Wang turned to Lin Qi, advising earnestly: "Lin Qi, you need to go out regularly, act chivalrously, and accumulate reputation. You also need to learn to fully utilize the fame you already have. Soon, you will need to speak up to influence the atmosphere in the Human Domain."

Feeling the pressure, Lin Qi said in a low voice, "Teacher, your disciple will try his best..."

Ji Mo laughed. "And what should I do?"

"Secretly build good relations with the various Military Families." Wu Wang smiled. "You and Lin Qi, one in the light and one in the shadows, will coordinate. Lin Qi will influence the Cultivation Sects, while you will focus on the heirs of the Military Families. Then, through these young generals, you will influence the old generals. Don't think that just because there are only a few of us in this room now... perhaps in a few decades, we'll truly be able to sway the course of the Human Domain."

The group chuckled amongst themselves.

"Huh?" Elder Miao suddenly voiced her confusion. "Sect Master, you've assigned so much. What will you be responsible for yourself?"

Wu Wang: ...

"Of course, to cultivate diligently," Wu Wang said earnestly, "to gain the power to slay Evil Gods in the shortest possible time!"

Everyone looked at each other, momentarily speechless.

PFFT!

A light laugh came from outside. The Grand Elder instantly rushed to the door, his aura swelling.

A renowned Transcendent master like himself, yet he hadn't noticed someone approaching!

Wu Wang had already stood up, his expression a bit odd, as he said to the person outside, "Would you care to show yourself?"

The person outside said, "I came especially for you all."

These words, this understated tone... A formidable enemy!?

The Grand Elder immediately raised his palm. The Blood Killing Dao was activated, and the sky for hundreds of miles around roiled with killing intent.

"Grand Elder, just open the door; this is not an outsider."

"Sect Master, be careful. I am no match for this person."

The Grand Elder said in a low voice and pulled open the wooden door. Upon seeing the person outside, the Blood Hand Demon Lord first showed a moment of surprise, then promptly stepped back several paces, bending his knees as if ready to kneel in salute.

"Your Majesty, forgive me!"

"Ah, there's no need for such formalities."

The elder from outside lifted his hand slightly, his black robe with golden patterns shimmering faintly. Leaning on a wooden staff, he stepped inside, looked at the group of people with stunned expressions, and sighed slightly towards Wu Wang, weariness evident on his weathered face.

"Young man, join me for a few drinks."

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