The moment Wu Wang took a seat beside Liu Baiyi, the atmosphere within the valley instantly shifted.

The middle-aged men and women, who had previously been standing slightly towards the back, now moved a bit further forward, each appearing much more spirited than before.

The White Jade Seal, the Yan Emperor's command, had already been put away by Wu Wang.

To the side, Vice Pavilion Master Wang Jian maintained his bowing posture, his forehead glistening with sweat, his eyes somewhat vacant.

He knew his path at the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion had come to an end. If he could retire peacefully to a secondary role, it would only be because Master Liu remembered their past connection and rewarded him with a post guarding the ancient coffin to delay his end.

The majority of those elders who had dedicated themselves in the Southeastern Region were outstanding figures of their time; not just anyone could form the foundation of the Human Domain.

While Vice Pavilion Master Wang lowered his head to apologize, Wu Wang no longer paid him any mind.

In all matters concerning the Human Domain, harmony was prized; unless it was a matter of life-or-death enmity, actions should not be taken to extremes.

Logically, since Vice Pavilion Master Wang had already yielded, Wu Wang should have seized the opportunity to display his own tolerance and magnanimity. But Wu Wang… was not in the mood to play such hypocritical games today.

"Why did you suddenly bring that out?" Liu Baiyi asked via voice transmission.

Wu Wang leaned closer to Master Liu and transmitted back, "What difference does it make now whether I bring it out or not? Heaven Palace already detests me to my core. The Human Domain is also touting me as the one chosen by His Majesty. This Yan Emperor's command is merely icing on the cake, meant to bolster the troops' morale. Since they're afraid I'll seize that position, I might as well let them know I don't even need to fight for this thing."

Liu Baiyi's eyes crinkled into a smile. Just as he was about to speak, he heard Wu Wang mutter via transmission, "Senior, what kind of team are you leading here?"

"What do you mean by that?" Liu Baiyi glared at Wu Wang and transmitted, "The Human Domain is vast, its powers numerous. Internal affairs and relationships are complexly intertwined, with networks of connections and intermingled factions. My task is to weigh and balance them. Do you think being the Pavilion Master is easy? Xiao Jian was indeed a bit too impulsive this time. I had almost finished grooming him. How has it come to this? Now he's started indulging in such luxurious talk about 'original intentions'?"

Wu Wang laughingly transmitted, "Having original intentions is always good. Being worldly-wise isn't necessarily the right way."

"Now you're preaching to me," Master Liu transmitted. "Let's solve the Lin Family matter first... Why are they all staring at us? Their expressions are a bit strange."

"They probably heard us transmitting to each other. After all, everyone present is an expert," Wu Wang transmitted.

Liu Baiyi transmitted calmly, "How could they hear my private transmission? Is my cultivation for nothing?"

"They can hear *my* voice transmissions," Wu Wang transmitted calmly. "And as for what you said, Senior, they can probably infer it."

A few soft snickers were heard, as some middle-aged women couldn't suppress their amusement.

Several dark lines appeared on Liu Baiyi's forehead. He glanced at Wu Wang, who was seated casually beside him, couldn't help but draw in a sharp breath, and said aloud, "Ah, Wuwang Palace Lord! With such an awe-inspiring presence and grand ambitions, it seems you have a plan. You must have a solution for this matter. Why not share a few words with everyone?"

Instantly, all eyes turned openly towards Wu Wang.

Wu Wang scanned the area, noticing his companions had already taken seats to his left. A slight smile touched the corners of his lips.

He said, "Pavilion Master, you truly flatter me. I've just arrived and am still unaware of the situation. How could I have a plan? I had no intention of coming here to cause trouble for everyone; I was merely disturbed during my secluded cultivation and comprehension. Please, just act as if I'm not here. Of course, if I do have any ideas, I will promptly share them for discussion with everyone."

The elders on both sides cupped their hands in salute.

"Wuwang Palace Lord, you are too courteous."

"Then, Wuwang Palace Lord, we will continue with the battle strategy arrangements. Please point out anything you find unsuitable."

"If we can replicate today the glorious victory of the City Amongst the Clouds, Heaven Palace will no longer be a threat!"

Wu Wang merely nodded with a smile.

Liu Baiyi, on the other hand, showed a knowing smile. This fellow is finally willing to step forward.

「In the northwest of the Human Domain, beyond the Long Wall.」

Above the army of the Hundred Races, which pressed down as dark and dense as storm clouds, a magnificent palace stood amidst the clouds. Within it, the presence of dozens of Great Dao could be felt, and Golden-Armored Divine Guards were often seen entering and exiting.

A rather anxious voice called from outside the palace. Qiong Qi sprang from the shadows, eyes shining, expression excited. He rushed before the main seat and said firmly to the Head Manager, "Wuwangzi has arrived!"

The Head Manager put down the scroll inscribed with Divine Runes and said calmly, "He has arrived then. Why are you so agitated?"

"My Lord, I am not agitated," Qiong Qi grinned, a hint of excitement in his eyes. "This time, I will make Wuwangzi understand what it means for the tables to turn, what a true war between heaven and earth is! Those previous minor skirmishes allowed him to gain too many advantages, so much so that he now holds a significant position in the Human Domain. This time, I am confident I can crush him and reveal his true, insignificant form!"

The Head Manager chuckled, a sharp glint in his eyes. He said, "This isn't the all-out assault, merely a preliminary probe of the Human Domain to wear down their experts. The forces of the Hundred Races I've dispatched are not all elites. Remember, the primary goal this time is to deplete the Human Domain's strength; targeting Wuwangzi is secondary. The strategic situation is different now."

Qiong Qi pressed his hands to his sides, bowed, and answered, "Yes, My Lord." He then smiled and said, "My vision is limited; I rely entirely on your guidance, My Lord."

The Head Manager nodded in satisfaction and waved his hand. "Go. Keep a close watch on that Lin Nuhao; such a fine pawn is rare. As long as the Human Domain suffers grievous losses this time, your promotion to Main God will be duly considered."

"Thank you, My Lord! Thank you, My Lord!" Qiong Qi grinned with naive delight, his face beaming with pleasure.

There, his lifespan felt more secure again.

Afterward, Qiong Qi hurried from the palace, transforming into a black shadow and heading towards the Lin Family's Stone City.

He could see the vast armies of the Hundred Races below, each contingent enveloped in Divine Light. They appeared spirited, yet their eyes held a hint of numbness.

He also heard some clan leaders and generals murmuring secretly amongst themselves, their words careful enough not to be faulted by Heaven Palace.

Furthermore, he could see the Great Dao crisscrossing and illuminating the world. Beneath the southern sky, the rich Power of Living Beings surged.

How beautiful, Qiong Qi marveled, already envisioning the great battle that would soon erupt here. Living beings, like scattered and withered blossoms, would be crushed into pulp by the overwhelming power of the world.

The wails of creatures, their suffering—these were the fuel for his growing strength.

But then, Qiong Qi cast a covert glance at that magnificent palace.

There was something he had never revealed to any creature or Divine Spirit. He had no friends to begin with and would never disclose such a secret to anyone.

If a Divine Spirit began to harbor inner demons, he could hear them, he could perceive them.

The voice from the depths of the Head Manager's heart... was a bit too loud, almost jarring.

Why is that? Qiong Qi was deeply puzzled.

For a Strong God like the Head Manager, Heaven Palace would surely protect him and prevent any issues from arising.

The Head Manager was also the Innate God who met most frequently with the Heavenly Emperor. Indeed, his meetings were even more frequent than those between the Heavenly Emperor and the two Imperial Empresses.

Why hadn't the Heavenly Emperor reminded the Head Manager, intervened personally, or even made the Head Manager slumber for a period to dispel the inner demons plaguing his heart?

Could it be that the Heavenly Emperor had long been dissatisfied with the Head Manager?

But isn't Heaven Palace deeply concerned with the stability of each Great Dao? This relates to the Heaven and Earth Seal, an absolute line that Heaven Palace cannot afford to cross.

Waves of confusion washed over Qiong Qi. When he furtively glanced north, he felt he could only perceive a swirling black mist.

In this upcoming battle in the Human Domain, I'd better prioritize my own survival. I can't stake everything on the Head Manager.

With these thoughts, the black shadow that was Qiong Qi slipped quietly back into the rear courtyard of the Lin Residence, vanishing without a sound.

「At the same time, in the valley where the experts of the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion were gathered.」

"Wuwang Palace Lord, what problems do you see with the current deployment?"

A group of elders surrounded Wu Wang, with several maps laid out before him. He was intently studying the various markings on the maps, occasionally nodding or frowning to himself.

The crowd of people around him continued to grow steadily.

Looking again at the Pavilion Master beside Wu Wang, he sat relatively isolated, able only to lift his teacup for a few sips, his eyes filled with the sentiment that things remain, but people change.

Separated by only a few feet, and in less than an hour, the situation had become entirely different.

Within this valley, aside from the truly foolish or dull-witted, who could not understand where the great power of the Human Domain would fall in the future?

The Little Golden Dragon, of course.

Wu Wang's display of the Yan Emperor's command had indeed boosted the overall morale of the Human Domain's side.

Previously, Wu Wang was adorned with many glories: the bane of Qiong Qi; Hall Master of the Punishment Hall; the Dream Breaker of the Ten Evils Hall; the Head Manager's youngest opponent; the Little Golden Dragon of the Human Domain, and so on.

But today, all these halos shone brightly. And because of a Yan Emperor's command that had evolved to an 'advanced stage,' these glories became more tangible, more profound.

Now, only a final half-step remained: for the Human Emperor himself to declare that Wu Wangzi was his chosen successor.

At this moment, in this place, many elders were overcome with emotion.

His Majesty Shennong was admirable in all aspects, except for his lack of clarity regarding his successor's appointment; he always kept it hidden, telling no one.

As time went on, those under him naturally grew unsettled.

The trials of great fortune arranged by the old Pavilion Master of the Four Seas Pavilion, the internal strife within the Human Domain, and even the cracks appearing in Lin Nuhao's Dao heart—all were related to this uncertainty.

But Shennong, before his final moments, would never publicly disclose his successor.

Even if Shennong himself were to perish, he likely would not directly name a successor.

The Human Emperor must forge a path through blood and fire, tear open the darkness shrouding the Human Domain; only then could he lead the Human Domain to continue resisting Heaven Palace in the next era.

Thus, the 'casting a wide net' strategy with the Yan Emperor's command came to be.

Although establishing a successor early would indeed foster greater internal unity, the devastating blow to the Human Domain would be far greater if Heaven Palace could simply dispatch a minor god to assassinate the Human Emperor's chosen heir.

Between two evils, one must choose the lesser.

And now, Wu Wang had shown everyone a glimpse of future hope—a hope that, even at dusk, eagerly began to radiate its own light.

Ji Mo watched Wu Wang, surrounded by experts, his gaze somewhat complex.

He muttered, "When exactly did Brother Wuwang obtain the Human Emperor's command?"

Not far away, Ling Xiaolan pondered for a moment and said, "It must have been before his arrival in the Human Domain."

"Is the Young Master truly the future Human Emperor?" Lin Suqing, still in a daze, hadn't fully processed it.

"Ah, you must be precise," Ji Mo said with a smile. "One can only say there's a ninety-nine percent chance he'll become the future Human Emperor. One should never speak with absolute certainty."

"Sigh." Xing Tian sighed with a chuckle, the wooden chair beneath his robust frame groaning precariously.

"Suddenly, it feels like there's something to look forward to."

They each smiled faintly.

The Grand Elder was grinning from ear to ear, completely lacking the cold, reserved demeanor befitting the Blood Hand Demon Lord.

Yang Wudi was transmitting voice messages from the side, muttering, "Grand Elder, Grand Elder, in the future, will we also become subordinates to the Human Emperor? Would we be considered close retainers? When our Sect Master ascends the throne, can we all become minor officials or something?"

"Your perspective is too narrow!" the Grand Elder transmitted back, reprimanding, "Are we following the Sect Master merely for power and authority? We follow the Sect Master because he is worthy of our loyalty, worthy of our trust, and capable of achieving things we cannot. From now on, curb such thoughts! Think more about how to serve the Human Domain, and do not bring shame upon our Sect Master!"

"Absolutely, absolutely." Yang Wudi's eyes darted about, the nine-foot-tall brute chuckling to himself.

Elder Miao, however, who sat nearby, had not spoken. There was no trace of joy on her face; her gaze rested on Wu Wang, a hint of worry in her eyes.

Suddenly, the sound of horns echoed from the north.

A messenger rushed in to report that a large number of Immortal Soldiers were pouring out from the Lin Family's northern stronghold.

Almost simultaneously, the figures of a dozen or so Strong Gods appeared high in the sky, their presence vaguely suppressing the airspace below.

Mobilization.

Liu Baiyi's previously relaxed expression vanished. Radiating intense majesty, he soared high into the sky.

Hundreds of figures followed him upwards, while large groups of Benevolent Emperor Pavilion deacons shouted orders.

Across the land, numerous experts of the Human Domain revealed themselves.

The surging blood-qi of the Body Cultivators rose like beacon smoke to the heavens, while the Spiritual Energy channeled by the Spiritual Cultivators stirred up boundless tidal waves of power.

In the blink of an eye, they suppressed the imposing aura of the Strong Gods.

Suddenly, a cold laugh was heard.

To the north, amidst roiling clouds and piercing sunlight, the phantom of a colossal divine statue slowly materialized. It towered over ten thousand feet, its form and features exceptionally clear.

The Head Manager.

The Lifespan Dao bore down on all living beings!

Liu Baiyi declared loudly, "The Human Domain is punishing a traitor, yet Heaven Palace shamelessly intervenes! Have you all abandoned even your final vestiges of honor?"

"Traitors to the Human Domain?" The Head Manager's voice reverberated between heaven and earth, immensely powerful, its original tone almost indiscernible. He said, "Lin Nuhao abandoned darkness for light, submitted to Heaven Palace, and now serves it. How does that make him a traitor to the Human Domain? Since the Human Domain exists within this world, the Human Emperor should kneel in homage to the Heavenly Emperor. You people of the Human Domain have slain Divine Spirits, disregarded the cosmic order, and thrown the Great Wilderness into chaos for countless years. Today, we shall obliterate you all and return the Human race to the correct path!"

"Truly shameless!" Liu Baiyi laughed heartily and proclaimed, "My Human Domain stands proud and righteous! In our long war against you so-called Divine Spirits, when have we ever yielded or shown weakness? If you have the guts, then bring it on! Let us show you if there's even one more spineless coward like Lin Nuhao among the heroes of the Human Domain!"

The Head Manager laughed ceaselessly, his laughter dripping with ridicule.

Wu Wang stood in the valley, feeling the intense essence of the Lifespan Dao, when suddenly a flicker of Spirit Light flashed in the depths of his mind.

He reacted instantly, barely catching the tail end of that Spirit Light, and began to deeply contemplate and experience it.

The God position of the God of Spring was simply of a lower grade, completely suppressed by the Head Manager's God position.

Otherwise, the divine authority of this God position was actually a natural counter to the Head Manager.

After all, the Head Manager, who controlled Lifespan, had one-sidedly transformed the Lifespan Dao into an 'Ending Lifespan' Dao. Wu Wang's God position of the God of Spring, however, could bring withered trees back to life, embodying the profound meaning of the rejuvenation of all things.

In this interplay, there seemed to be a principle of endless cycles.

Profound realizations surged within him, and around his body, Daoist rhythms began to undulate.

A breakthrough?

The dozen or so figures remaining in the valley looked towards Wu Wang with some surprise.

(Vice Pavilion Master Wang Jian had already taken advantage of the chaos to leave and was now at the rear, composing himself.)

Ling Xiaolan immediately said, "Why don't we enter seclusion to cultivate right here? It's unlikely there will be a fight today; both sides are just exchanging harsh words."

Wu Wang nodded in agreement and was about to close his eyes to concentrate.

"Wuwangzi!" A powerful voice boomed from the north. Below the assembly of Strong Gods, a middle-aged man clad in blood-red Battle Armor stood proudly, a broad-bladed Longsword in his hand.

The Lin Family Patriarch, the Human Domain's traitorous general, Lin Nuhao, had appeared.

He bellowed, "Step forward and answer!"

Silence fell between heaven and earth. The Divine Spirits watched with smiles, while all living beings waited quietly.

A moment later, three figures flew out from the valley.

Lin Suqing's forehead was marked with dark lines, her pretty face somewhat pale, yet she held herself rigidly upright, terrified of any breach of etiquette.

Behind her, the Grand Elder and the Whistling Serpent flanked her.

In the valley, Wu Wang and Ling Xiaolan sat cross-legged in mid-air, Yin and Yang energies swirling around and enveloping them in an orb of qi. Several Transcendents stood guard nearby.

When Lin Suqing reached the front lines between the two armies, flanked by the Whistling Serpent and the Grand Elder, this young Cultivator—merely at the late Nascent Soul Realm and half a step from godhood—spoke, "My Young Master has suddenly had an epiphany. He says he is on the verge of comprehending a method to overcome the limitations of lifespan. At this moment... he has no time for idle chat with General Lin."

After a few sentences, Lin Suqing found her composure and stood taller. Her pretty face held a measure of confidence, and her voice was steady as she continued, "My Young Master also says: General Lin, since you have betrayed the Human Domain, all past connections are severed. We are now mortal enemies! If you wish to fight, then let us fight. Why waste words on nonsense? Disloyal and unrighteous—how can you face your ancestors? That someone like you, General, bears the Lin surname is a true disgrace to our ancestors! That last part is from me, to you."

Lin Nuhao's expression was one of cold indifference.

Lin Suqing nodded slightly, turned, her long dress and hair swaying in the wind, and returned with the Grand Elder and the Whistling Serpent.

Many experts from the Human Domain smiled faintly.

Liu Baiyi said, "Lin Nuhao, if you possess even a shred of conscience, end your own life."

"Hmph!" Lin Nuhao snorted coldly, his expression unreadable. He turned and walked back the way he had come.

"Who will ultimately prevail is yet unknown, Pavilion Master Liu. Let us wait and see."

「In the valley, at Wu Wang's temporary place of seclusion.」

As Lin Suqing entered the great formation and landed, her legs gave way, and she nearly collapsed, but Elder Miao, who had come to meet her, quickly steadied her.

"Did I... Did I say something wrong just now?"

Elder Miao squinted, smiling faintly, and whispered something in Lin Suqing's ear. Lin Suqing's cheeks flushed red. Covering her face, she hurried over to Immortal Mu and the Blue Bird.

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