In front of Elder Miao's small building.

The Grand Elder stood with his hands behind his back, his aura completely enveloping the small building.

Zhang Moshan and Yang Wudi also stood behind the Grand Elder. Their expressions were somewhat frozen, as if they were wooden sculptures, seemingly soulless, and they had been unable to catch their breath for a long time.

Standing within the barrier of the Grand Elder's aura, they could still hear voices coming from the small building behind them:

"Drink this? Our replenishing wine from the Northern Wilderness."

"Drink mine instead, fine wine from thirty thousand years ago."

"Can this thing even last that long without spoiling? Thirty thousand years? The Spiritual Energy in the wine must have dissipated long ago."

"Still picky, are you? Don't anger me today! This is Daoist liquor brewed by a Transcendent master of the Great Dao of brewing! It's the only drink that can intoxicate me. If you don't want to drink it, I might just not offer it to you then."

"Alright then! I'll pour you a full cup to celebrate your display of divine might today, thrashing the Head Manager!"

Is this real?

Peering out the window, Mao Aowu kept a vigilant eye on the surroundings. After all, as a man who had once dined with the Human Emperor, he was not overly surprised by this scene.

Ji Mo and Lin Qi were somewhat more shocked, their faces turning a bit pale.

The two exchanged glances, each seeing the disbelief in the other's eyes. Then, they turned to look at the elder and the youth seated on the couch, pinching each other's thighs to repeatedly confirm whether this was a dream.

Wu Wang asked, "Why not have those two join us at the table? Aren't they the young generation you've taken a liking to?"

"That's not appropriate, Teacher!" Lin Qi hastily said, "What merits do Brother Ji and I have to deserve drinking at the table with Your Majesty? We are fine standing here. If Teacher has any commands, just call us!"

Ji Mo was speechless.

He actually quite wanted to join them.

Shen Nong said with a smile, "Only wine and no dishes? As the Sect Master, is this how you treat your guests?"

"Suqing, go prepare some good dishes, and don't alarm the others."

"Yes, yes!"

Lin Suqing's voice quivered slightly. She went to the window, jumped down directly, and swiftly ran off without a trace.

Elder Miao walked down to the stairwell and quickly changed into a warm yellow long dress that was fitting, elegant, and not the least bit revealing. She stood quietly in the corner, ready to step forward at any moment to pour wine and serve dishes, performing the duties of a maiden.

Seeing this, Wu Wang thought, What a pity.

If Fairy Ling were here, with the Saintess and the Witch pouring wine and serving dishes, while having a small drink with the senior Human Emperor... That too would be a small climax in life, a minor peak of existence!

Wu Wang held the wine cup with both hands and gently clinked it with the old senior. Each took a small sip. The taste from thirty thousand years ago spread from the tips of their tongues, revealing a true spiciness.

Such a strong kick!

Shen Nong asked, "Do you know everything that happened up north?"

"The Head Manager, this reputedly mighty god, is truly ruthless," Wu Wang sighed with a smile. "He directly orchestrated a major defeat for the Heaven Palace."

"A major defeat? We only achieved a minor victory at best."

Shen Nong said quietly, "The Divine Spirits who died or were injured have their Dao rules suppressed by the Heaven Palace. Given some time, they can cultivate new lesser gods. Those we lost, however, were Transcendent beings who had truly attained Enlightenment. What you just said to them has indeed happened; I've only suppressed the news. But who knows how long I can keep it under wraps?"

Wu Wang said, "Relying on Divine Spirits to spread rumors in the Human Domain is not a difficult feat... Keep drinking."

CLINK!

The wine cups gently touched again, and the weariness on the Human Emperor's face lightened a bit.

Shen Nong smiled. "Indeed, take Qiong Qi for example. It's best at beguiling people and fomenting trouble, yet it hides farther away than anyone when it comes to a Duel. I wish I could give it a good thrashing, but it's not easy."

"You weren't injured, were you, Senior?"

Shen Nong said, "It was just the Head Manager, not the Heavenly Emperor... You've mentioned many troubles just now. If you were to make decisions for the Human Domain, how would you deal with them?"

Wu Wang said, "The decisions I would make, Senior, you definitely wouldn't accept."

"Just say it," Shen Nong glared at Wu Wang. "Are you beating around the bush, criticizing me for not being open to advice?"

"That's a misunderstanding! How could I speak like that about a Senior I deeply admire?" Wu Wang smiled. "I'm simply saying that my nature is different from yours, Senior, and so the decisions I would make would also be different. If I were in your position, I wouldn't hesitate too much. I'd gather the experts, attack the Heaven Palace directly, and call upon one or two allies. The initiative must be in our own hands."

Shen Nong cursed, "As if it's that simple! If the Heaven Palace were so easy to deal with, would I have waited until today? You understand nothing!"

Wu Wang immediately glared back. "Perhaps I don't understand, but you haven't explained those secrets either!"

The few others in the room were truly anxious, afraid that their Sect Master, Brother Wu Wang, their Teacher, would be turned into a meat patty by the Human Emperor with a single slap. The honest Lin Qi was already thinking about how to defend his Teacher; while the far-sighted Ji Mo had already begun to consider what to write on the funeral wreaths and banners!

Elder Miao, standing beside them, bowed her head, pursed her lips, and suppressed her flirtatious charm as much as possible while refilling the Human Emperor's cup.

The door was carefully pushed open. Lin Suqing, drenched in fragrant sweat, brought in seven or eight carefully selected dishes using her Mana and placed them on the low table.

At last, it looked somewhat like a proper drinking session.

The two men—father-in-law and son-in-law—drank sullenly for a moment, each feeling a bit tipsy. This thirty-thousand-year-old wine had a unique flavor.

"How do you plan to deal with it?" Wu Wang asked.

"Feign illness," Shen Nong said indifferently. "Employ a strategy of meeting changes with constancy. Just say it's the price of extending my Lifespan, that I can't move around freely afterward. The Heaven Palace wants us to think they're no longer a threat, so let's make the Heaven Palace think their opportunity to strike is fast approaching."

A feint against a feint? Wu Wang raised an eyebrow. This was something I hadn't considered before. Upon careful reflection, it's indeed a clever strategy.

"Wu Wang," Shen Nong said, "although I know your heart isn't set on the Human Domain, and your ambition isn't to take my place, I still hope you can step forward in the next hundred years and do a few things for me."

Wu Wang frowned slightly. "Being an official in the Human Domain is too restrictive for me. As a Sect Master, I constantly have to worry about the Sect's affairs, the Cultivation of the Sect Disciples, and I have to guide their principles of conduct. I really can't be an official in the Human Domain."

"Could it be that the young man I have the highest hopes for is scared?"

"Such a simple goad won't work," Wu Wang laughed. "Are the Elders in the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion and the Four Seas Pavilion not capable enough anymore? Can't they satisfy your personnel needs?"

"They are all exceptional talents, of course." Shen Nong laughed. "Previously, to ensure a smooth transition for the position of Human Emperor, I cultivated a group of talents for the next Human Emperor. You've already met one of them, Xiao Jian."

Wu Wang fell silent.

"Senior, can the Cold Light Thirteen Swords really be condensed into a single sword strike?"

"Of course. Actually, that statement isn't quite accurate. It should be about him eliminating superfluous moves to unleash all his strength in an instant."

Shen Nong leaned forward with his cup. Wu Wang dared not refuse and raised his own cup in response.

The old Senior added, "Don't change the subject. I came to you personally. Isn't that giving you enough face?"

Wu Wang forced an awkward smile. "I was going to say..."

"How could I not understand you? We're as close as grandfather and grandson." Shen Nong smiled. "You have strong self-respect. You think that by asking you to take up an important position, I want to tie you to the Human Domain's war chariot. There's no need for that; don't overthink it. The Human Domain has never held expectations for any Divine Spirit. It relies only on itself and can only rely on itself. Otherwise, throughout its long history, from the three Human Emperors until now, the Human Domain would have long been dismantled by the Gods.

"I value three things about you: first, you are of the Human race; second, you always have all sorts of peculiar and brilliant ideas; and third, it's that spirit you have."

"What kind of spirit?"

"Speaking of which, I also find it a bit strange." Shen Nong looked Wu Wang up and down, puzzled. "You clearly grew up under the radiance of Divine Spirits. So why do I feel that you believe in Gods even less than I do?"

"Well..." Wu Wang picked up a peanut-shaped Spirit Fruit, tossed it into his mouth, and chewed, releasing a burst of fragrance. "My mother taught me that."

"Oh?" Shen Nong took a sip of Daoist liquor. "How did she teach you?"

"Ahem, Senior, look... all things in this world..."

Quick, make something up! If I don't baffle the old Senior today, I'll be betraying those philosophy classes that took up a third of my volunteer training in my past life!

Not just Shen Nong, but everyone else in the room fixed their gaze on Wu Wang's face, their expressions filled with anticipation.

After all, this was a discussion of Dao with the Human Emperor.

Wu Wang said, "My mother told me that all things in the world actually exist on their own. Senior, look at this wine cup. The original material used to make it—clay—was it created by us?"

"Certainly not."

"All things are like this: not created by us, but they can be influenced by us. Here, I want to introduce two concepts. One is consciousness—the thoughts and ideas of all living beings, notions produced by our physical bodies. The other is the material world—the environment we inhabit, encompassing earth and sand, wind and frost, rain and dew, and the vast Stars. Consciousness and matter are the foundations of this world, and consciousness is the product of matter accumulated over a long period."

Shen Nong asked, "How do you explain Innate Gods then?"

Wu Wang's eyes darted thoughtfully. He said earnestly, "The Dao is an intangible entity with tangible principles. Innate Gods are born from the Great Dao, nurtured by heaven and earth. The Hundred Races can be considered extensions of the consciousness of Innate Gods, yet they are independent of it. You see? Matter and consciousness—it all lines up, doesn't it?"

The Shennong Family representative laughed. "It seems there's some truth to that."

Wu Wang continued, "From this perspective, is there anything to fear about Divine Spirits? Every independently thinking consciousness has the right to survive in this world. Those who cannot respect this right in others are destined to be overthrown by a greater number of consciousnesses. Senior, tell me, can those Innate Gods, who can only control the Great Dao but not alter it, truly call themselves gods? They are merely stewards of this world."

"HAHAHAHA! HAHAHAHAHAHA!" The Shennong Family representative burst into laughter, slapping his thigh. "You lad, you always manage to say things that cheer me up!"

"This is called a meeting of minds."

CLINK.

The prospective father-in-law and son-in-law clinked their cups, each downing their drink before bursting into hearty laughter.

"Your mother's insight is admirable," the Shennong Family representative praised. "If there's a chance, I would indeed like to discuss the Dao with her for a bit."

Wu Wang grinned. "You'll meet her at the engagement banquet."

"Still thinking about an engagement banquet?" The Shennong Family representative glanced at Wu Wang, a slight flush already on his aged face. "I won't force you, lest I be accused of an old man bullying the young. Ah, I just slaughtered an Evil God. That creature had a great deal of Divine Power, and it took me considerable effort to erase the remnants of its consciousness, preserving its Divine Power completely. Forget it; it seems no one can use it..."

"Senior!" Wu Wang grabbed the Shennong Family representative's hand that was holding the wine, his eyes shining. "I can!"

"Oh? You can now?"

"Of course!" Wu Wang patted his chest, his face flushed, and declared righteously, "Just tell me what to do! I am but a brick in the wall of the Human Domain; I'll go wherever I'm needed! Do you want me to be the Pavilion Master at the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion or an Elder at the Four Seas Pavilion? Or should I start a new pavilion and help you catch the 'rats' in the Human Domain?"

The few others present were already stunned. Lin Suqing couldn't help but rub her eyes, while Elder Miao frowned and pursed her lips, somewhat incredulous at what she was seeing. Ji Mo and Lin Qi, however, had stars in their eyes, looking at Wu Wang with utter admiration.

The Shennong Family representative repeatedly waved his hand. "That would be forcing you too much."

"As a member of the Human race, shouldn't I make my contribution to the Human Domain?" Wu Wang declared loudly, "Senior, your affairs are my affairs! Just give the order; overcoming difficulties is our duty! My great-grandfather put it well: even if there are no difficulties, we must create them and then rise to the challenge!"

The Shennong Family representative smiled, his eyes squinting, as he produced a scroll from his sleeve. He said slowly, "This is a letter of introduction. In a few months, once the storm outside subsides, go and report to the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion. Take up a minor official post and manage the ensuing situation. You'll still spend most of your days cultivating at the Annihilation Sect, only appearing when you're needed."

"No problem." Wu Wang snatched the scroll and then smiled. "You see, about that Divine Power... others can't use it anyway."

"You'll get ten percent each year. It's all with Liu Baiyi."

So it's an installment plan?

"Ten years..."

"Even if I gave it all to you at once, could you absorb it directly?"

"Hehe, true enough," Wu Wang picked up his wine cup. "Then, I'll be relying on your guidance in the future, Senior."

"Of course, of course," said the Shennong Family representative, squinting and smiling—a smile that made Wu Wang feel slightly uneasy.

But that was a genuine Evil God, not just Evil God blood or Essence Blood! My chance for a leap in combat prowess has arrived!

Shen Nong said, "Wu Wang, since your Cultivation level is relatively low, yet your Divine Thought and physical strength are commendable, why not practice some Body Cultivation techniques of the Human Domain?"

"I've had that thought before; I've just been too busy to get around to it."

"You should know, Xing Tian abandoned his original Divine Power baptism and switched to Body Cultivation. His strength has since progressed by leaps and bounds." Shen Nong praised, "If that fellow wasn't so slow-witted and overly stubborn, I would have wanted to groom him as my successor. He's already capable of battling a Heavenly Immortal now."

Wu Wang chuckled inwardly. Xing Tian is practically the embodiment of a headless war god.

Shen Nong advised via voice transmission, "For Body Cultivation, as long as one can endure hardship, possesses sufficient talent, and has ample Cultivation resources, strength can improve quite rapidly. You possess such transformative abilities, and with the divine power of Stars tempering your body, it would be a pity not to pursue Body Cultivation. It's always good to master some combat techniques, you know."

"I'll practice them, I'll practice them later," Wu Wang laughed. "But how can I improve my Dao Realm without comprehending the Great Dao? And without improving my Dao Realm, how can I extend my Lifespan?"

"There's no rush for that right now," Shen Nong said. "With your current Lifespan, you have at least several thousand, if not tens of thousands, of years. You don't need to force advancements in your Dao Realm amidst such a complex situation. Rapidly enhancing your combat strength is what's most important."

Wu Wang nodded seriously. "Later then, Senior, please help me find a teacher."

"I'll have Liu Baiyi personally guide you."

"Master Liu practices Body Cultivation?"

"He's proficient in both," Shen Nong smiled. "That fellow can withstand a full-powered palm strike from me. He contributed the most to killing that Evil God."

"Then I'll have to prepare even more gifts for Master Liu."

"HAHAHA! Don't you go corrupting the good customs of my Benevolent Emperor Pavilion!"

CLINK! CLINK! The two continued to toast each other. They chatted about the ever-changing situation in the Human Domain, casually remarking that Divine Spirits weren't all that special. If their figures were hidden, anyone listening from outside the window would probably think, These two are really full of hot air!

As the wine flowed freely and spirits were high, Shen Nong called Lin Qi over. He patted Lin Qi's shoulder, initiating the first stage of transformation for the Yan Emperor's Decree within him. "You're a promising youngster. I can still contend with the Gods for another thousand years. In this millennium, I hope you will dedicate yourself to Cultivation."

"Yes!" Lin Qi mustered all his strength and declared with determination, "This junior will surely follow Teacher and strive to serve Your Majesty with utmost loyalty!"

Shen Nong held out his wine cup. "Good ambition. Have a drink."

"Yes!" Lin Qi took the cup with trembling hands, tilted his head back, and gulped down the wine. He then smashed the cup on the floor, kowtowed deeply, and retreated to the side, standing tall with his head held high.

Shen Nong was stunned. That was a wine cup I'd used for tens of thousands of years...

Beside him, Lin Suqing quickly brought over three small wine cups.

Just then, Wu Wang laughed. "Brother Ji, come have a drink."

Ji Mo repeatedly backed away. "No, no, I couldn't."

Wu Wang asked, "Senior, is there a suitable Cultivation method for Ji Mo? He's always going to brothels to seek Enlightenment. If word of this spreads, it'll make us a laughingstock."

"Can't he engage in dual Cultivation after getting married?" Shen Nong frowned. "Young people should be prudent in their words and actions. Don't be too outrageous."

"Yes, yes," Ji Mo said, his forehead covered in cold sweat. "Your Majesty, rest assured, I'll find someone right away."

Shen Nong, slightly drunk, laughed again. "Come, have a drink with me."

Ji Mo quickly stepped forward, took the cup with both hands, and downed it in one gulp. Mimicking Lin Qi, he then smashed the cup and kowtowed before going to stand beside Lin Qi. As for why he smashed the cup, it was likely to display his resolve; it certainly seemed spirited.

In the small building, with wine and meat consumed, their drunkenness became more apparent.

Shen Nong sighed. "Looking back on my life, my old friends and relatives are gone. Now, I can only find this little rogue to drink with."

"We're prospective father-in-law and son-in-law with deep affection for each other; why stand on ceremony?"

"First, sort out your own damn affairs before you talk about being my son-in-law!" Shen Nong slapped the table. "Let me make it clear to you today: our relationship is currently limited to that of grandfather and grandson!"

Wu Wang retorted, "Aren't you just taking advantage of my parents then? Would they have to call you 'Father' when they see you?"

"We'll address each other according to our respective relationships. When I meet them, I'll call them Dao Companions."

"Your daughter and I are mutually devoted, and you know it! Why should you make decisions for her? Every consciousness is free!"

Shen Nong said, "Fine. Then the betrothal gift is the Heavenly Emperor's head. You figure it out."

"Can I write an IOU? HIC!" Wu Wang frowned. "If not, I can pay in installments. I'll figure out a way to get some of his beard or hair for a down payment."

"That's... not entirely impossible. But how would you manage that?"

"You don't worry about that; I have my ways! HIC! I, Wu Wang, always keep my word! I'll definitely get this... HIC! ...done for you!"

Inside and outside the door, everyone present now looked at the world around them with increasing skepticism.

That day, the Human Emperor and the Young Master drank themselves into a stupor. The specifics were not recorded in any texts. Those in the know maintained a profound silence, daring not to speak further on the matter.

...

[Volume Two: End.]

[Teaser for the next volume: "Ten Gods' Temple, your father has returned!"]

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