Wu Wang felt a slight disappointment when he arrived at Annihilation Sect Mountain. He had thought there would be two rows of people with banners to welcome the Sect Master back. At the very least, the Elders should have come out to meet him, or they could have simply shut down the Mountain Protection Array for a while beforehand.

At this moment, the Sect's great Formation was calm and quiet. It even had two more layers activated than usual, all shrouded in turbid blood-red light. The cliffs on both sides were tinged with the damp charm of recent rain. The land for dozens of miles around the Rift Valley remained as desolate as ever, swarming with venomous insects and overgrown with poisonous plants.

Weren't Zhang Moshan and Yang Wudi, those two, supposed to have returned earlier?

After the Fourth General Hall was destroyed, the sub-hall where Yang Wudi was under house arrest was also swept away by the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion's forces. To avoid unnecessary trouble, Wu Wang had discussed with Yang Wudi letting him slip away secretly. Wu Wang had ordered the Punishment Hall to quietly withdraw the full-scale wanted notice for Yang Wudi, but he did not widely publicize Yang Wudi's heroic deeds. After all, the First General Hall of the Ten Evils Hall was still within the Human Domain, and Yang Wudi himself... didn't reject the role of an inside agent. Yang Wudi had hinted to Wu Wang multiple times that being an inside agent within the Ten Evils Hall was the happiest period of his life.

Seriously, he was the renowned Hall Master of the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion's Punishment Hall and the Sect Master of such a large Demonic Sect. He had returned to the mountain, yet there wasn't even one person to welcome him? Didn't the Grand Elder backing him care about face?

Wu Wang frowned slightly. With his hands behind his back, he flew out from the silver Flying Shuttle, followed by Ji Mo and Lin Qi. The Grand Elder casually retracted the Flying Shuttle.

"COUGH!" Wu Wang cleared his throat. Seeing no reaction below, he could only turn around and call out to Le Yao himself. One had to fulfill the duties of a host, after all.

"Le Yao, please. Our Annihilation Sect is a small household, naturally not as grand as your Sun Demolition Sect."

Le Yao smiled and shook her head, saying, "Brother Wu Wang, please. With you at the helm of the Annihilation Sect, it will surely set sail tomorrow and break through the Nine Heavens."

Wu Wang laughed and said, "Brother Ji, look, Le Yao has a much better way with words than you do."

Ji Mo, fanning himself with a folding fan, smiled without speaking, though he grumbled internally: Brother Wuwang doesn't even consider what he's done—fighting Qiong Qi, uprooting the Ten Evils Hall... Even if Le Yao has high standards, how could she dare look down on the Hall Master of the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion's Punishment Hall?

"Please." Wu Wang made a gesture, and everyone rode their white clouds, slowly descending. In reality, the white clouds were merely to conceal the hems of their robes and long skirts; they served no other purpose.

As they approached the top of the great Formation, the Grand Elder stepped forward. The blood-red light of the Formation surged and a gap opened. In that instant, the Grand Elder suddenly retreated. A deafening drumbeat sounded from below, making Wu Wang and the others wince, their ears aching from the noise!

Vast streams of light shot up, and throngs of figures came whistling! Drums and gongs thundered, bloodlust surged, and a murderous aura filled the valley. Demonic flames blazed to the nine heavens; such was the wild spirit of these men of passion.

Several hundred male Demonic Cultivators charged forward. At this sight, Wu Wang almost summoned his Golden Armor and Star Sword. The worshipful gazes on their enthusiastically smiling faces made Wu Wang feel somewhat embarrassed.

Yang Wudi, with a giant bronze gong hanging from him, bellowed, "Welcome back to the mountain, Sect Master!"

Hundreds of Demonic Cultivators roared in unison, "Welcome back to the mountain, Sect Master!"

Wu Wang was surrounded and escorted down by the crowd. Ji Mo, Lin Qi, and a few others blended into the throng, their smiles widening as they watched the scene.

The spectacle within the valley was even grander. Guantao Tower had closed for the day, and an orchestra of dozens had been summoned to play music. The increasingly captivating members of the Annihilation Sect's dance troupe swayed their bodies. Around them, dozens of young female disciples from the Black Desire Door, dressed in high-slit long gowns, danced gracefully.

Ji Mo quickly covered his eyes with his fan, feigning his inability to look upon such a beautiful sight—then he secretly surveyed the surroundings with his Spiritual Sense.

More than ten Elders, leading a group of young disciples, came forward to greet them, all bowing respectfully. Wu Wang made a gesture with his hands to help them up. Before he could even 'casually say a few words,' the music nearby suddenly became gentle and subdued. A beam of light shone on the roof of a stone house, drawing the gazes of over a thousand people.

Dressed in red, Elder Miao tapped her jade-like foot. Accompanied by a curling pink mist, she gracefully moved forward. Her eyes seemed capable of ensnaring one's very soul. In just a few steps and several flashes of her figure, she stood before Wu Wang, her snow-white, delicate hand reaching for his shoulder.

Wu Wang: ...

The atmosphere isn't quite right for this, but I'll have to risk offending her.

"Elder, please conduct yourself with dignity."

Wu Wang retreated, executing an exquisite movement technique. He narrowly escaped Elder Miao's fingertips—a true 'escape from the tiger's mouth'—and appeared behind several of the elderly Elders.

Several dark lines appeared on Miao Cuijiao's forehead. A few Demonic Cultivators nearby couldn't help but chuckle, and soon the entire place erupted in hearty laughter. Since Wu Wang became Sect Master, Elder Miao's ability to intimidate had sharply declined.

At this moment, Elder Miao even showed a hint of a young girl's petulance, her cheeks flushing pink as she lightly bit her vermilion lip, before vanishing into the pink mist.

Immediately, a large group of Elders and deacons surrounded him, their aged faces brimming with smiles that spoke of 'youth long past.'

"Sect Master! I heard you drove away Qiong Qi?"

"Sect Master, Sect Master! Why didn't Fairy Ling come back with you?"

"Sect Master, aren't you about to become the official Hall Master?"

"HAHAHA!"

Wu Wang waved his hand, laughing. "Let's not talk about it, let's not talk about it. Is the banquet ready?"

"Sect Master! Three hundred jars of the best wine from Guantao Tower!"

"Today, we drink until we drop! I want to see who will be the last one standing!"

The Demon Path followers roared their approval.

That day, Wu Wang promoted a bit of drinking culture within the Annihilation Sect. For a time, clamorous shouts of "Are you raising fish?" and "Drink this cup of wine, and we're all good friends!" filled the air. As the Young Master of the Northern Wilderness, Wu Wang also defended the honor of Northern Wilderness men with his drinking capacity. He drank all the Heavenly Immortal Realm Elders under the table and finally carried Lin Qi away from the Technique Teaching Hall.

Incidentally, Lin Qi hadn't touched a drop of alcohol that day.

The Sect Master's Grand Hall, which had been completed for some time, was finally officially inaugurated. The location of Wu Wang's original small building had been excavated and turned into a Lotus Pond, with three stone arch bridges spanning it. On the other side of the arch bridges, two statues of fierce, exotic beasts flanked the main gate. The beast on the left was posed as if roaring at the sky, while the one on the right looked down, its gaze incredibly fierce.

Carrying Lin Qi, Wu Wang looked around and wondered aloud, "Why put two huskies in front of the gate?"

"Sect Master, what is a husky?"

"Those things there."

"Those are Celestial Dogs, Sect Master. They are exotic beasts from the Great Wilderness that can ward off evil."

Wu Wang examined them closely and muttered, "With these two mutts here, why do I feel like it's going to be somewhat unsettling? Replace them. Change them to... put a house sparrow on the left and a swan on the right. Alas, how can the sparrow understand the swan's ambition!"

Lin Qi's eyes lit up upon hearing this. He struggled to take out a Jade Talisman and wrote down his teacher's words.

Behind the stone sculptures, the gilded main gates pulsed with abundant Spiritual Energy. These gates, several zhang high, were also part of the main hall's Formation. If Cultivators were to attack the Annihilation Sect, the normal approach would be to break through the main gate. Considering the Sect Master's safety, the Annihilation Sect had made the gates exceptionally sturdy—their defensive strength was more than ten times greater than that of the surrounding mountain walls!

Lin Suqing pushed forward on the gate. Despite her cultivation at the peak of the Spiritual Silence Realm, half a step into the Nascent Soul Realm, she couldn't budge it even half an inch. It was only with Immortal Mu's help that they managed to enter the hall.

Stepping into the main hall gave one an immediate sense of openness. Directly ahead was a shallow pool with gently rippling water. Treasure Beads scattered throughout the pool emitted a soft glow. Behind the curtains on either side were murals depicting flying immortals. In the center of the pool were a low table and prayer cushions, clearly a place for receiving guests, shielded by Screens on three sides. Behind the main Screen was a spacious area equipped with a soft couch, a desk, and other furniture, obviously for Wu Wang's personal use, all selected and arranged according to his preferences.

On either side were several entrances leading to meditation rooms, a kitchen, a study, and bedrooms. One inner cave housed a hot spring jade pool. Another was arranged with an illusionary formation depicting a starry sky. Yet another contained miscellaneous books, unique stratagems, and out-of-print erotic art that the Annihilation Sect had spent a great deal of Spirit Stones to acquire.

They had thought of everything for the Sect Master.

Wu Wang entered the main hall, placed Lin Qi on a cushion in the middle of the pool, and patted his shoulder.

"Not bad. Hmm, not bad."

Lin Qi dared not move, allowing his teacher to pat him.

Afterward, Wu Wang, staggering slightly, leaped over the Screen. He found the soft couch and, without making any noise or fuss, took off his robe and let down his long hair. Dressed in the special long pants Lin Suqing had sewn for him, he took a deep breath, his cheeks puffing up like a goldfish, then dove headfirst onto the couch. With his hands clasped above his head, his robust body swaying from side to side, he sang a ballad from his previous life.

"Need you, I'm a fish, the air in the water..."

Lin Suqing patted her forehead and hurriedly went to attend to him. She then had Immortal Mu set up a Barrier, leaving herself inside to look after the drunken Wu Wang.

Lin Qi sat upright in the middle of the pool and suddenly let out a soft chuckle.

"Has Brother Wuwang fallen asleep?" Ji Mo drifted over, his hands clasped behind his back, also carrying a faint scent of alcohol. He sighed, "He really can hold his liquor. The Grand Elder almost had to step in personally."

"Actually, I'm quite happy." Lin Qi glanced at Ji Mo and said softly, "After Teacher went to the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion, he seems much more cheerful and relaxed."

"Why do you say that?" Ji Mo asked, puzzled.

Lin Qi smiled. "Perhaps I was mistaken before, but I always felt that Teacher wasn't completely at ease with the Annihilation Sect. But today, he drank himself into a stupor. I think he has finally let down his guard towards the Annihilation Sect."

Ji Mo drifted to sit opposite Lin Qi, across the low table. He smiled and said, "That's understandable. After all, Brother Wuwang came here from far away, leaving his home behind. It's normal for him to be cautious. I almost forgot, Brother Lin, you haven't been to the Northern Wilderness. You don't know what it's like there. It's much simpler and more straightforward than our Human Domain."

Lin Qi gritted his teeth. "Can we not talk about this? When Teacher goes back to visit his homeland, I absolutely must make a trip there!"

Ji Mo smiled without saying anything. Female disciples from the Black Desire Door brought them tea and refreshments, and the two continued to chat and laugh, talking about everything under the sun.

As for Le Yao...

Currently, she was in Miao Cuijiao's loft, sleeves rolled up, one foot on a long bench, playing finger-guessing games. Having returned to the Annihilation Sect, this young lady of the Sun Demolition Sect was like a fish in water. She quickly blended into the atmosphere, so much so that Ji Mo felt somewhat neglected.

A temporary farewell to the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion, and all the demons celebrated joyfully.

Wu Wang cultivated a carefree mind; there was no need for any disturbances.

...

「The Great Wilderness, the vast expanse of Central Mountain.」

In every era of the Great Wilderness, Innate Gods divided the land into two parts—Central Mountain and the lands beyond Central Mountain. Central Mountain was the capital for the Hundred Races and myriad nations, a magnificent, sprawling city stretching for thousands of miles. Continuous mountain ranges formed its towering city walls. Numerous great rivers nourished the countless living beings there. They lived near the statues of gods, and their one essential daily task was to pray. As long as they prayed, there would be an inexhaustible supply of food. As long as they prayed, they would receive the protection of the Divine Spirits. And they became the beings among the Hundred Races who were closest to the gods.

Above this grand city, more mountains floated upon a sea of clouds. The majestic Heaven Palace stood tall amidst these clouds, with only a corner of it visible to the living beings below. The sun, moon, and stars revolved around this place, and two Milky Ways converged here. Groups of rare and exotic beasts were often seen being herded in and out by heavenly beings. Occasionally, a few Divine Spirits, identical in appearance to the statues below, could be seen strolling among the clouds.

In a remote corner of the Heaven Palace, on an unusual rock that jutted into the sea of clouds, a grand hall floated silently. In the four corners of the hall knelt beautiful beings—women from the Hundred Races whose forms resembled that of Innate Gods. Their wrists and ankles were adorned with golden clasps. Their appearances were frozen at their most beautiful age, and their gazes were exceptionally bright. So bright they were all identical, devoid of any emotional fluctuation.

On one side of the hall, two figures knelt before a long table carved from exquisite jade.

The figure on the left was veiled in a light mist, revealing a peerlessly graceful silhouette—undoubtedly a Goddess of matchless beauty. She bore a five to six-tenths resemblance to the young woman of the White People who had vanished before Wu Wang and Shen Nong, but this Goddess was even more stunning and far colder. Her fair skin was flawless. Her facial features seemed sculpted, yet possessed a natural grace. The simple act of her lifting the teacup seemed to embody some profound truth.

A true goddess, peerlessly beautiful.

Heaven Palace・Young Master.

As for the middle-aged man opposite her... let's skip that.

Heaven Palace・Head Manager.

The Head Manager was eating pastries made from the delicacies of the Nine Wildernesses. His expression was somewhat grim as he said in a low voice, "Two of the Ten Gods' Temples have been destroyed, both by Qiong Qi. This Qiong Qi truly needs to be punished."

"Destroyed by Qiong Qi?" The Young Master was somewhat puzzled. Her long eyelashes fluttered as she asked, "Could it be that Qiong Qi deliberately exposed them?"

The Head Manager made some calculations with his fingers, which were wreathed in Yin Yang Qi. He then said slowly, "Qiong Qi used the power of the Ten Gods' Temples to plot against two sects. He controlled one Immortal Sect and intended to use it to incite internal strife in the Human Domain. The Benevolent Emperor Pavilion picked up his trail. Qiong Qi is too impetuous and too shortsighted. Do those ten truly believe that the Ten Gods' Temples were nurtured by their own sacrifices? They only grew strong so quickly because we protected them with the rules of the Heaven Palace."

The Young Master said nonchalantly, "Trash will always be trash. Why did you ever have faith in the likes of Qiong Qi?"

"You're getting a bit arrogant." The Head Manager's displeasure was unconcealed. He stated bluntly, "Qiong Qi's Divine Skills—can you replace them?"

The Young Master snorted. "Instead of beating around the bush, why not just besiege and kill the Human Emperor and reclaim the Dao of Fire?"

"You know as well as I do that we cannot venture too deep into the Human Domain." The Head Manager's fingers swept across the Treasure Mirror before him, upon which the illusory images of many exotic beasts appeared. "Instead of such useless talk, let's discuss which new Evil God to select. Longzhi's divine power has not been recovered. Promoting a new Evil God will require using the reserves of the Divine Pool. His Majesty will likely be displeased again."

"Hmph. As the great steward of the Heaven Palace, you truly account for everything." The Young Master's eyes shone with a seven-colored light as she gazed at the illusory images of dozens of fierce beasts and exotic creatures, selecting a suitable candidate for the new Evil God.

Outside the main hall, the sea of clouds churned. Within it, several giant serpents seemed to be swimming leisurely.

Above the Heaven Palace, the Solar Star was slowly moving across the sky, but the rumored imperial sun-driving chariot was nowhere to be seen.

...

「Human Domain, the Annihilation Sect's encampment.」

The lively commotion in the Rift Valley had lasted for a day and a night and still showed no signs of dying down. Even the Demonic Cultivators patrolling inside the Mountain Protection Array carried a few jugs of wine, discussing the interesting gossip their Sect Master had stirred up. The Grand Elder could finally return to his familiar thatched hut. He changed into a red robe, his blood-red hair dyed even more vibrantly, and began to hold his 'Grand Elder's Little Life Lessons' for the sect's youths. Previously, he always started by talking about the creation of the Human race by the Holy Mother Nuwa. But now, after just a few sentences, he would start recounting the Sect Master's glorious achievements.

Unfortunately, just as the Annihilation Sect was about to return to its usual tranquility, a Flying Shuttle brought two uninvited guests—Xing Tian and his Body Cultivation teacher.

The moment Xing Tian arrived at the Annihilation Sect, his expression was grave and his brow deeply furrowed. The intense aura of blood emanating from him made even the Heavenly Immortal Realm Elder who greeted him feel alarmed and terrified.

Xing Tian smiled sheepishly. "I just broke through a few minor realms and can't quite suppress my aura... Where's my little brother?"

"The Sect Master is still drunk and hasn't woken up."

"Quick, wake him up!" Xing Tian's eyes were filled with urgency. He said in a grim voice, "If he keeps sleeping, his head is going to burst open!"

The Elder didn't understand, but he sensed the urgency. He dared not delay and quickly led Xing Tian and the expert from the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion straight to the Sect Master's bedchamber.

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