"Go ahead."

Go... Eh? Did the Sect Master agree so easily?

「Xuan Nu Sect, the Sect Master's Abode.」

Ling Xiaolan looked up at the Sect Master, her Grandmaster, and the pillar of the Xuan Nu Sect, who was meditating by the window, feeling genuinely astonished.

She had thought that the Sect Master would try to stop her, persuade her, or even scold her. But when she broached the subject of living and cultivating with Wu Wang, the Sect Master agreed without any hesitation, speaking in a very casual tone.

This powerful figure in the Human Domain, who maintained a middle-aged appearance, exuded an elegant and tranquil aura. She now radiated a faint light, making her seem almost illusory.

"What is it?" Jing Yue opened her eyes and said warmly, "Is there anything difficult? Does the Sect need to do anything for you?"

"Reporting to the Sect Master, I have no difficulties!"

Ling Xiaolan hesitated slightly but still said softly, "I am just a little worried that being outside the Sect and cultivating with someone else might lead to criticism and finger-pointing."

"Then let them point and criticize." Sect Master Jing Yue revealed a slight smile, her voice remaining gentle. "Our Xuan Nu Sect has stood firm in the Human Domain to this day, not because of so-called reputation, but because of the arduous cultivation of generations of our Sect's disciples and our outstanding contributions to the Human Domain. If they want to talk, let them talk. If they want to curse, let them curse. If their words are too offensive, you can fight back. As long as we are in the right, your Grandmaster will handle any trouble for you. In the Human Domain today, which power doesn't have sons-in-law from our Xuan Nu Sect? What is there to fear?"

Ling Xiaolan found herself momentarily speechless, only able to furrow her brows slightly as she looked at Sect Master Jing Yue.

Previously, she had little contact with the Sect Master; it was only after her promotion to Tianyan Saintess that she had several meetings with the Sect Master. Normally, the Elders taught her to be cautious, and her Master also told her to be mindful of the Sect's reputation. Ling Xiaolan knew that she was under the scrutiny of many, and a single misstep could lead to all sorts of criticism.

But she hadn't expected the Sect Master to be so... unconstrained.

Sect Master Jing Yue seemed to perceive Ling Xiaolan's thoughts. She rose slowly, lifting the hem of her robe. Describing Jing Yue with words like 'beauty' somehow didn't seem quite fitting. Her every gesture exuded an immortal charm, as if heaven and earth actively harmonized with her. The stars could not hide her brilliance, nor could mountains and great rivers surpass her Daoist cultivation.

Sect Master Jing Yue walked up to Ling Xiaolan and raised her hand to tidy a wisp of hair by Ling Xiaolan's ear.

She said gently, "Xiaolan, our Xuan Nu Sect has never restricted our disciples' marriage or relationships. We only assign experts to guard you because you have attracted so much attention. You wish to go and cultivate with Wu Wangzi; how could the Sect obstruct you? Speaking of this, I also wish to ask you something... Have you and Wu Wangzi shared a pillow yet?"

"We have not."

"Do you have plans to share a pillow then?"

Ling Xiaolan hurriedly said, "Sect Master, Brother Wuwang and I have not discussed the matter of becoming Dao companions!"

"So what will you cultivate together?"

"It's just sitting together and cultivating..."

Sect Master Jing Yue laughed and said, "Your Grandmaster thought you were about to build a hut to live with him, appearing everywhere as a pair, and perhaps I'd be holding a little grand-disciple soon."

Even though Ling Xiaolan was accustomed to maintaining a cool composure, her face flushed a burning red before the Sect Master now. "Sect Master, I... I am truly going there to cultivate."

Jing Yue chuckled twice, leaving Ling Xiaolan unsure how to explain.

Then, the Xuan Nu Sect Master's tone shifted, her expression growing somewhat stern. Jing Yue said, "Xiaolan, there's something I need to tell you in advance."

"Yes, I am listening."

"You need to be cautious with Wu Wangzi." Jing Yue clasped her hands behind her back, her voice calm as she said slowly, "He previously wrote several scriptures, completing what was lacking in the Human Domain's ideology. He also successively destroyed the Second and Fourth Main Halls of the Ten Evils Hall and has fought Qiong Qi, the head of the Ten Evil Gods, several times, winning more often than not. His intelligence and wit alone are enough to bear great responsibilities. Even if His Majesty suddenly declared he wanted to cultivate him as the next Human Emperor, none of us would find it strange. But Xiaolan, this is all that you know."

Ling Xiaolan was taken aback and muttered softly, Could it be that Brother Wuwang has sides to him not known to others?

Jing Yue asked, "Are you aware that he is from the Northern Wilderness?"

Ling Xiaolan replied, "I met Brother Wuwang in the Northern Wilderness during the Four Seas Pavilion's trial. He saved both my life and Ji Mo's at that time."

That Ji Mo is quite fated to have lived to this day... AHEM, that's not important.

Sect Master Jing Yue hesitated slightly before finally speaking in a gentler tone, "Then do you know that he actually has a woman he fancies in his heart?"

Ling Xiaolan couldn't help but be stunned.

Jing Yue sighed. "Your Grandmaster tells you this not to persuade you to stop, but rather hoping that you at least know these things. You are my grand-disciple. I naturally don't want you to suffer heartbreak or endure a love tribulation, so I can only advise you to be cautious. There's no absolute right or wrong in matters between men and women. As for Wu Wangzi's disposition towards women, your Grandmaster doesn't understand it very well. But he is the Young Master of a Large Family Clan. He certainly won't lack women around him, and you shouldn't expect him to still be a virgin. Xiaolan, you must be prepared. You might be facing the heir of a Large Family Clan with a courtyard full of beauties..."

PFFT.

Ling Xiaolan suddenly covered her mouth and giggled lightly.

Jing Yue frowned slightly, putting on a stern face. "What are you laughing at? Your Grandmaster is kindly advising you, yet you find it laughable?"

"Please forgive me, Grandmaster, I have been rude!" Ling Xiaolan's bright, almond-shaped eyes sparkled as she said softly, "But Grandmaster, he has never touched a woman. I know this. As for the matter of Dao companions, I believe it all depends on fate. No matter what is compared, I am not inferior to others. Even if, in the future, when I wish to become Dao companions with him, I have to compete with other women for that position, I am confident I can win it."

There were other words Ling Xiaolan kept hidden in her heart for now; after all, she had promised that 'auntie' not to reveal them. Even if Brother Wuwang wished to become Dao companions in the manner of spouses... circumstances wouldn't allow it.

Jing Yue revealed a somewhat gratified smile.

Confidence was written all over Ling Xiaolan's pretty face as she continued, "My Master has instructed me and explained the different aspects of love between a man and a woman. Right now, I care a great deal for Brother Wuwang. It feels like affection, but it hasn't reached the point where I can't cultivate or live without him. This is what my Master called 'unfulfilled love'."

Jing Yue frowned and asked, "Do you remember your Master's Daoist title?"

"Jue Tian..."

"She herself doesn't even understand love between men and women, yet she shamelessly teaches you!" Jing Yue said solemnly, "Don't listen to your Master's theories. It's enough for you to make your own decisions on this matter... Forget it, forget it. Your Grandmaster won't say too much more. It's good that you have your own opinions. Go back now. When you go, remember to take more Spirit Stones, Elixirs, and treasures for auxiliary cultivation. Consider it a token of gratitude from our Xuan Nu Sect to Wu Wangzi; he has already done many great things for the Human Domain."

"Yes, I understand."

Sect Master Jing Yue turned and walked back to meditate beside the window, while Ling Xiaolan bowed respectfully, excused herself, and left.

After Ling Xiaolan departed, Jing Yue's incarnation ceased to move. Jing Yue's main body, meditating beside the Spirit Pool on the back mountain, opened her eyes. Her gaze was somewhat complicated as she looked at the ball of Spirit Light in the pool.

This Wu Wang...

If, in the future, my junior martial sister and my disciple come to blows over a man, wouldn't that become a laughingstock in the Human Domain?

A question then arose in Jing Yue's mind. If that time truly comes, should she support her own disciple, support her junior martial sister, or turn a deaf ear and pretend not to know?

Upon reflection, this truly seemed to be a troublesome matter.

「Meanwhile, at the Main Hall of the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion.」

A silver shuttle glided out of the grand array, heading southeast without attracting anyone's attention. The sky was azure, and a thousand paper cranes flew outside the window.

Inside the shuttle, Wu Wang sat quietly, his expression solemn, seemingly very downcast.

Immortal Mu, currently shrunk and nestled in Lin Suqing's arms, didn't dare to say much either. Lin Qi simply watched his teacher. He had initially wanted to celebrate his teacher's success, but now it seemed somewhat inappropriate. Ji Mo and Le Yao, who had come specifically for this, sat hand-in-hand in a corner, discussing via voice transmission how to cheer Wu Wang up. The Grand Elder's old eyes were filled with pity. He wanted to advise Wu Wang not to blame himself too much, but he feared mentioning the Heaven Fire Sect would worsen Wu Wang's mood. The burden on his shoulders was simply too great…

Wu Wang spoke in a deep voice, "Grand Elder, erect a Barrier to prevent outsiders from peeping on us."

"Yes." The Grand Elder immediately agreed, and a faint red light enveloped the exterior of the silver shuttle.

AHH—

Wu Wang let out a long sigh of relief. The corners of his mouth, which had been turned down, gradually lifted, and his eyes quickly regained their sparkle. He turned his head to look at Ji Mo and Le Yao and wondered, "Why did you two follow? We are going back to the Annihilation Sect. Do you want to live there?"

"That's not it!" Ji Mo raised his hand and made a series of aimless gestures, glaring at Wu Wang. "Are you alright?"

"What could be wrong with me?" Wu Wang didn't understand.

Ji Mo cursed, "Brother Wuwang, where's your guilt from just now? You sighed twenty-eight times at the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion! That's more than all the sighs I've heard from you since I've known you!"

Wu Wang glared right back at him. "Without that act, do you think they would let me leave? They're just working me like a rented mule, not afraid they'll wear me out! You probably haven't experienced how black-hearted Liu Baiyi is! Taking advantage of the fact that I need something from him, he orders me around, making me run here and there. He doesn't even work his own disciples that hard. Could the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion not function without me? That's absurd."

The Grand Elder asked softly, "Then, the Heaven Fire Sect…"

Wu Wang said seriously, "There are regrets, yes. What needs reviewing are the gaps in my thinking and deficiencies in strategy and tactics. But this isn't enough to truly dishearten me, your Sect Master." He spread his hands and continued, "Why should we carry the burden of Qiong Qi's evil deeds? I'm not some great saint of humanity who feels the world's suffering is because my aid was insufficient. How could I have such an ability? Being able to take care of the people around me is already a remarkable achievement."

"Sect Master, you... hahaha…" The Grand Elder laughed and waved his hand. "It seems I was the one worrying too much."

Le Yao frowned and pursed her lips on the side, obviously still a bit uncomfortable with the situation. Lin Qi took out a Jade Talisman and recorded these words. His gaze towards Wu Wang was filled with emotion... My teacher is truly a man I cannot fathom.

Wu Wang leaned back. Lin Suqing immediately reacted, using her Mana to move a few soft cushions over, allowing Wu Wang to recline comfortably.

"After returning to the Sect, I, your Sect Master, need to sleep well. Grand Elder, don't let anyone disturb me."

The Grand Elder spoke softly, "Rest assured, Sect Master. There's nothing major happening in the Sect."

Wu Wang's gaze swept over Ji Mo, Lin Qi, and the Grand Elder's faces as he slowly spoke, "Actually, this clash with Qiong Qi has made me seriously reflect on a few things. What do you think I've been reflecting on?"

Ji Mo said, "Miscalculations in strategy?"

Lin Qi asked, "Insufficiently thorough consideration?"

The Grand Elder pondered for a moment. "An insufficient understanding of human nature?"

"Wrong. You're all still thinking from the perspective of an individual." Wu Wang raised his index finger and shook it, smiling. "The first thing I reflected on is that human ability is ultimately limited; an individual's energy is finite. Previously, when formulating plans, it was almost entirely me thinking and considering alone. I'm not omniscient or omnipotent, so how could my plans be infallible? Henceforth, when formulating plans, we must brainstorm collectively and utilize the think tank's capabilities. This way, we can consider everything comprehensively enough. Establishing a think tank is the prevailing trend. As long as we ensure the efficiency of decision-making output, then naturally, the more independent thinkers in the think tank, the better."

Ji Mo and Lin Qi couldn't help but exchange glances.

Wu Wang, looking at the two of them, said slowly, "Knowing people well and using them wisely is the mark of a true leader."

Ji Mo couldn't help but mutter, Brother Wuwang's family... has such a grand vision?

Wu Wang just smiled without answering, continuing to speak, "The second thing I reflected on is that I somewhat underestimated the cruelty of the Evil Gods' methods. They view living beings as mere weeds. We must develop methods to guard against Qiong Qi's erosion of our Dao hearts as soon as possible. When we return to the Annihilation Sect, aside from cultivation, we must focus on figuring out how to resist Qiong Qi's Divine Skills. Once this problem is solved, Qiong Qi will just be a fierce beast that bites, nothing more to fear."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Wu Wang said, "There's a third matter, which I consider taking precautions for."

Precautionary measure?

"I've been too prominent in the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion recently. After destroying the Fourth Main Hall, if I take one more step from Acting Hall Master to official Hall Master... And with Fairy Ling about to cultivate with me, my title as the next Human Emperor will likely be solidified. That would be a huge problem." A hint of sharpness flashed in Wu Wang's eyes as he smiled and said, "Retreating bravely at this peak moment is also a way to actively cool things down. Later, I'll spread some news that my cultivation has hit a bottleneck and I can't achieve Immortality, to reduce the wariness the major powers have of me. I'm not actually afraid of them making a move against me. After all, I can directly call out a certain old senior and question him if this Human Domain can still go on. I'm just worried that I'll become the fuse for internal conflict in the Human Domain. Then I'd have to go around putting out fires everywhere, and that would be the real trouble."

As he said this, Wu Wang couldn't help but sigh.

Lin Qi was lost in thought, apparently having the deepest understanding of this matter. Ji Mo and Le Yao exchanged glances, the couple sharing a tacit understanding.

Le Yao asked, "Brother Wuwang's considerations are so far-reaching; it has truly broadened Le Yao's horizons. But aren't you worrying unnecessarily, Brother? Are the various forces in the Human Domain you mentioned the different Sects?"

Wu Wang responded with a smile, yet no words.

Lin Qi, however, calmly pointed to himself, then to Ji Mo and Le Yao.

The couple understood instantly but found themselves unable to find the right words to argue.

"Don't overthink it. Let's go back to the Annihilation Sect, have a few drinks, and enjoy ourselves for a few days. If you two want to live there, I'll arrange a place for you." Wu Wang seemed to be in high spirits, tapping his fingers on his knee and reciting:

"A youth untouched by worldly tunes, by nature loves the hills and fields.

Fell into the dust-laden nets, lost for years one goes.

Tired birds long for old woods, and fish in pools recall past depths.

Long caged in the trap, at last to return to nature's realm."

He had memorized it during school in his previous life.

Lin Qi and the Grand Elder repeatedly exclaimed 'Wonderful!', while Lin Suqing's eyes also showed a hint of captivation. Le Yao couldn't help but lean on Ji Mo's shoulder, recalling their first meeting in front of the restaurant. Ji Mo, however, was rather nervous, repeatedly winking at Wu Wang, urging him to quickly move past the poetry recital.

Although Wu Wang was rather puzzled, he cooperated in changing the topic. "It's a pity Fairy Ling has returned to her Sect. In this mood, we should be clubbing!"

"Speaking of this clubbing, there's a lot of knowledge in it!" Ji Mo winked at Wu Wang, immediately picked up the thread of conversation, and began recounting a few amusing anecdotes from the Women's Country.

Of course, any stories involving the beautiful State Preceptor were strictly off-limits.

SWISH—SWISH—

The water and sky merged, a vast expanse of clear waves stretching for thousands of miles.

The sturdy ship sometimes flew high in the air and sometimes sailed on the sea, speeding southward rapidly and smoothly.

Many figures stood on this great ship, all of them powerfully built women. They wore leather Battle Armor, with axes, halberds, knives, and spears on their backs. Among them were a few white-haired old women in wide robes, their bodies surrounded by strong fluctuations of Divine Thought.

In the most spacious cabin of the great ship, a figure was sprawled over a low table, taking a nap with even breaths. Her face was exquisite and adorable, with a small round face and cherry-like lips. Her medium-length hair, tied in a simple ponytail, looked quite capable. Her snow-white swan-like neck was particularly thought-provoking.

Her attire was similar to that of the brawny women outside, but clearly much more exquisite. A tight-fitting undergarment enveloped her upper body, her fragrant shoulders draped with a soft and rare Spirit Beast hide. Her slender waist, too small to grasp, was openly displayed, and the material of her short leather skirt was also exceptionally rare.

Of course, the most eye-catching thing in the room was not this youthful beauty, but the item lying beside her...

A jade-inlaid, gold-and-silver-wrapped, spiked Wolf Fang Club.

"Brother Xiong Ba..."

The soundly sleeping young woman murmured as if talking in her sleep.

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