"Is Wuwang Palace Lord still not awake?"

"This… making His Majesty wait so long, isn't it somewhat improper?"

"His Majesty said to let Wuwang Palace Lord rest well. Wuwang Palace Lord has made great contributions in places we didn't see."

「The Lin Family's rundown backyard.」

Wu Wang slept soundly, full of vitality, with a ruddy complexion. No one could tell how much vital energy he had expended before.

Ling Xiaolan had already donned her bamboo hat and wrapped Wu Wang's figure with immortal power. She sat with an unconscious dignity, a warm-toned Immortal Light spreading around her.

Behind them, Ming Snake and the Grand Elder stood like two door gods. The Xiao Jian Daoist had guarded the place for a while before going to busy himself with other matters.

The Grand Elder deployed a Barrier, preventing the surrounding voices from disturbing the two of them.

At dawn, Wu Wang had slept through the entire night.

Finally, someone mustered the courage to quietly address the Grand Elder, who seemed the most approachable, "Blood Hand Demon Lord, my friend, do you think we should wake Wuwang Palace Lord up first?"

The Grand Elder pondered for a moment before responding softly, "My Sect Master is sleeping soundly. Can't you wait?"

"His Majesty is waiting over there."

The elder quickly said, "His Majesty said to discuss matters after Wuwang Palace Lord wakes up. From the Human Emperor's eight pavilions to the four major Imperial Guards, hundreds of leaders and subordinates, both large and small, are all waiting there. Although His Majesty told us not to disturb him, if this continues, it's somewhat inappropriate, isn't it?"

The Grand Elder said, "If that's the case, I will try calling out."

With that, under the gaze of many eyes, the Grand Elder walked slowly behind Ling Xiaolan and whispered a few words.

Ling Xiaolan nodded slightly and gently pushed Wu Wang. Her slender hand retracted.

Wu Wang, who had been deeply asleep, woke with a start, his eyes wide open and unusually alert.

The Sleep God, hiding in the shadows, almost laughed out loud upon seeing this.

"Sect Master, His Majesty invites you over."

"Oh, alright."

Wu Wang immediately stood up. A hint of fatigue washed over him, and he yawned. Don't ask why his eyes were brimming with tears; even cultivators at the Yuanxian Realm experience physiological reactions when yawning.

"Brother Wuwang, are your injuries better?"

"Much better…"

Only then did Wu Wang notice that Ling Xiaolan had put on her bamboo hat.

He was about to say a few words of thanks, but Ling Xiaolan had already stood up abruptly. The bamboo hat swayed as she stammered, "I'll head back first."

As soon as she said this, she turned and fled, not even caring to maintain the elegant poise of a Fairy Immortal. The tightly fastened bodice and underblouse shook slightly as she transformed into a streak of light and quickly disappeared from sight.

Wu Wang was speechless. This?

To be frank, the Fairy Immortal's figure was indeed outstanding.

"Ming Snake, protect the Fairy Immortal in secret. This place is in chaos, and there might be remnants of the Heaven Palace."

"Yes, Master."

Ming Snake responded softly, stepping back half a step and vanishing into the air.

Immediately, an attendant from the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion came forward, presenting Wu Wang with a black brocade robe, a pair of black cloud-riding boots, and a golden sash.

Wu Wang didn't understand what these clothes symbolized, but he put them on, tied up his long hair under a tall coronet, and inserted a hairpin in the center. He appeared refreshed and spirited.

He pulled out a porcelain bottle from his sleeve, poured out an Elixir, and swallowed it. This was an Elixir that the old predecessor had produced during Wu Wang's second regression.

Although this was his third regression, Wu Wang still managed to obtain this Elixir. Consuming it made his vital energy surge, and his perception of the world and understanding of the Great Dao became much clearer.

Thinking it over, Wu Wang took out another one and crunched it in his mouth. His essence, qi, and spirit visibly rose. His whole body felt at ease, and he was quite content.

In life, one shouldn't mistreat oneself.

Several attendants gestured for him to proceed. Wu Wang invited the Grand Elder to accompany him, and they departed, riding the clouds with his hands behind his back.

No sooner had he left than the Human Domain experts nearby became restless…

"Was that a Shennong Mending Pill?"

"Elixirs named after His Majesty's personal title are either simple in ingredients and extraordinary in effect, thus widely circulated in the Human Domain, or they are Elixirs with heaven-defying effects. This Shennong Mending Pill…"

"Did he eat it like candy? Did he just eat it like candy? Isn't it said that one such Elixir can allow a Transcendent to live to their natural limit?"

"Now *that's* what you call the future Human Emperor!"

"Why are you craning your neck? It's not for you!"

Wu Wang, however, seemed oblivious to this. Even if he were aware, he would probably have just responded with a calm smile.

Wu Wang was escorted by several attendants, speeding east for hundreds of miles, until he saw the sky and earth interwoven with continuous clouds. On every cloud layer, numerous Immortal Soldiers were stationed, mostly meditating, resting, or gathered together drinking and chatting. The joy and relaxation after a victorious battle were evident on the faces of all the Immortal Soldiers.

Wu Wang felt even more at ease.

He journeyed through the clouds and mist until he arrived before a palace floating in the sky.

Dozens of young generals guarding the entrance immediately came forward, greeting Wu Wang with fist-and-palm salutes and bows. Wu Wang nodded with a smile, doing his best to display his affinity.

Upon entering the palace, he was greeted by a different scene.

The Human Emperor, dressed in black robes, sat at the center, with Pavilion Masters and commanders standing on either side. Aging Transcendent experts stood in rows at the back. The number of formidable Body Cultivators, brimming with blood qi, present here was unknown. A few beautiful Fairy Immortals played soothing melodies in a corner, the music blending with the prevailing fierceness, inducing a more peaceful state of mind in those present.

Wu Wang stopped in the center of the great hall, looking left and right for his place. Vice Pavilion Masters, Hall Masters, and other officials were arranged according to the hierarchy of the Human Emperor's eight pavilions, likely positioned on the left side…

"Wuwang," Shen Nong, seated on the main throne, spoke with the Human Emperor's authority, "come forward."

Liu Baiyi shifted to the side, revealing the position beside Shen Nong.

Wu Wang hesitated slightly. Although he had done a great deal in this major battle, others were unaware of his actions. And to be honest, he didn't need others' recognition. At this moment, there was no need for excessive limelight. Keeping a low profile and returning to secluded cultivation to restore his vital energy was more important than anything else.

Wu Wang said, "Your Majesty, I will stand over here."

Shen Nong smiled and nodded, replying, "As you wish."

Upon this remark, the expressions of the Human Domain experts turned subtly complex.

Ponder it! Ponder it carefully!

Wu Wang calmly walked to the side to find Fire Plume, the Xia Official. Fire Plume immediately moved down one position, allowing Wu Wang to stand next to Feng Zhizi.

Shen Nong spoke slowly, "Wuwang has arrived. Bring Lin Nuhao up."

As his words fell, a booming sound of drums resonated from outside the hall.

Soon after, Lin Nuhao, bound in iron chains, was escorted by several Transcendent Realm experts. He stepped into the hall, approached the front, and stood where Wu Wang had just been.

Lin Nuhao lowered his head and sighed softly. Gazing at Shen Nong, he slowly knelt and said in a low voice, "Your Majesty."

Shen Nong did not speak, his expression revealing neither joy nor anger.

Liu Baiyi spoke, "Your Majesty, Lin Nuhao rebelled against the Human Domain and deserves to be tried for his crime, which should be deemed utterly unforgivable. However, it is said that Lin Nuhao secretly colluded with Wuwang Palace Lord to lure the Heaven Palace into a trap. This matter must be clarified before his guilt can be determined."

Shen Nong nodded slowly and said, "Proceed."

"Yes."

Liu Baiyi acknowledged, then straightened his sleeves and turned to Lin Nuhao, his eyes glinting. He said, "Lin Nuhao, in the presence of His Majesty, I expect you to recount the events truthfully. If there is any falsehood, you will not be spared!"

Wu Wang, at the side, remained calm and composed. There was a simple reason for his composure: the Human Domain didn't practice guilt by association, and Lin Nuhao's fate only concerned Lin Qi's personal feelings.

Lin Nuhao said, "Now that it has come to this, I shall indeed tell the truth."

"Good! Why did you rebel against the Human Domain?" Liu Baiyi asked, "Was it truly because you collaborated with Wuwang Palace Lord to thwart the Heaven Palace's conspiracy?"

Lin Nuhao turned his head towards Wu Wang, about to speak.

Liu Baiyi added, "Think carefully before you answer. If that is the case, you and Wuwang Palace Lord would bear the responsibility for your fault and for acting without authorization, but you would also be credited with an extraordinary feat, relieving much pressure from the Human Domain."

This was almost a clear hint. As long as Lin Nuhao followed Liu Baiyi's lead, satisfying the Human Emperor's desire to credit Wu Wang, Lin Nuhao could save his own life. Anyone would have answered thus, or at least nodded and said 'Yes.'

But Lin Nuhao suddenly chuckled twice and said softly, "When Wuwang Palace Lord found me, it was already just before the great battle."

The expressions of everyone in the hall changed. Even the seasoned Master Liu felt a twinge of anxiety.

Then, Lin Nuhao continued, "A loss to Qiong Qi is a loss to Qiong Qi. I failed to hold onto my conviction, allowing Qiong Qi to take advantage, corrupt my mind, and damage my cultivation. This is also my defeat; there's no excuse for it. I was controlled by Qiong Qi for a time, issued proclamations, and committed wrongdoings. I am not trying to defend myself. My sins deserve death. It's just a pity that the Heaven Palace retreated too quickly, denying me the opportunity to die."

Liu Baiyi asked, "Qiong Qi controlled your mind? Then how did you awaken?"

Lin Nuhao did not reply.

Wu Wang spoke from the side, "If it were only Qiong Qi, it would probably be difficult to suppress General Lin's Dao heart. In fact, it was due to the Head Manager's secret intervention. It was the Head Manager's excessive suppression of General Lin that allowed him to reclaim his true self. I can prove this, and a friend of mine can also prove it."

Lin Nuhao looked enlightened, then gave a self-deprecating smile.

Liu Baiyi asked again, "Wuwang Palace Lord, why did you secretly approach General Lin?"

"General Lin was a crucial part of this plan," Wu Wang said. "I previously presented a strategy to His Majesty, and His Majesty issued a decree to plot against the Head Manager. Pavilion Master Liu can ask His Majesty about this."

At this, Liu Baiyi's eyeballs nearly popped out, and his lips quivered slightly.

Shen Nong, on the main seat, revealed a slight smile. Mimicking Wu Wang's tone, he said slowly, "Indeed, I can vouch for this matter."

The crowd smiled without speaking, and the somewhat solemn atmosphere became much more cheerful.

"In that case, the matter is clear." Liu Baiyi turned to Emperor Yan of Shennong and made a Daoist salutation, speaking gently, "Your Majesty, Lin Nuhao's Dao heart faltered, and he was exploited by Qiong Qi to commit treason. Although it was not his intention, it resulted in too many deaths and injuries. However, considering Lin Nuhao awoke in time, and that the main culprit is the Evil God Qiong Qi, the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion requests Your Majesty to spare his life, allowing him to do more for the Human Domain."

Lin Nuhao said indifferently, "I, Lin, simply seek death."

"Your Majesty," Liu Baiyi immediately said, "perhaps we should grant him his wish."

Shen Nong gazed at Lin Nuhao, a hint of emotion in his eyes. "Wuwang, what do you think is the most appropriate way to handle this?"

Wu Wang, who was usually focused with his eyes on his nose and his ears listening to his heart, was caught slightly off guard. He said, "Your Majesty, I am on good terms with Lin Qi. It would be somewhat improper for me to speak now."

The tall and slender Fire Plume sneered, "If he wants to die, he can simply end his own life later. Why put on an act here?"

Lin Nuhao's expression darkened. He bowed deeply to Shen Nong. "Your Majesty, I thank you for nurturing me."

With that, he stood up and struggled against his chains, but several Transcendent experts stepped forward and held him down.

"Enough. You may all step back." Shen Nong waved his hand and sighed softly. "Nuhao, I am well aware that you have always resented me for not giving you the Yan Emperor's Order."

Lin Nuhao's expression flickered. He gave a self-deprecating smile and lowered his head without speaking.

Shen Nong's gentle voice continued, "Back then, you were brought before me. You had outstanding talent, a bold character, a gift for leading troops and setting formations, and possessed exceptional bravery. I thought to myself, what a fine prospect. But there was always that hint of pettiness… You might not know, but every young person from the Human Domain brought before me has been observed for over ten or twenty years. I've watched how you conduct yourself daily. You always handle matters too hastily, are overbearing, and have an innate arrogance. The position of the Human Emperor is very difficult. It's not enough to just be powerful. The Human Emperor must not only confront the Heaven Palace but also be responsible for the countless beings within the Human Domain. You were indeed not my ideal choice."

"Your Majesty, I understand," Lin Nuhao said softly, then raised his head and stated firmly, "But I am not convinced!"

Shen Nong sighed, "That is why I suppressed you twice."

Lin Nuhao's eyes were bloodshot.

Shen Nong said, "You lost control of your Dao heart; I also bear some fault. You guarded the Northern Region with great effort and merit. The Human Domain still needs you to continue to 'dedicate your life.' Go to the Southeastern Region. Take your men with you, as a convicted criminal of the Human Domain, and pioneer new lands for the human race in the Southeastern Region. I need you to accomplish certain things there, to achieve merit. I have already activated the first layer of transformation for Lin Qi's Yan Emperor's Order."

Lin Nuhao's expression shifted as he stared at Shen Nong. "Your Majesty… You don't blame me?"

"I only blame you for being too arrogant." Shen Nong waved his hand and said slowly, "Power and status are what corrupt the heart most. If you harbored no envy, this disaster would not have occurred. Everyone, if you forget why you stepped forward, why you stand at the borders of the Human Domain, before all living beings, it is indeed easy for such problems to arise. So you must always remember. You carry the hopes and expectations of the Human Domain. We are not above mortals. Otherwise, we would merely be an internal Heaven Palace within the Human Domain. Even if we were to overthrow the Heaven Palace one day, it would only be to place another collar on all beings. Lin Nuhao, from now on, you live not for yourself, but to properly guide Lin Qi. Think carefully about what you said to me when we first met."

Lin Nuhao's lips trembled, and he squeezed his eyes shut.

"And all of you." Shen Nong's gaze swept over them. Many unconsciously lowered their heads and sighed. "Do not harm others, do not lose your true selves. Let us all strive together."

「Several months later.」

In the southeastern heartland of the Human Domain, at the Sect residence of the Heaven-Annihilating Dark Desire Wind Great Demon Sect.

Outside the window, several peach trees were in full bloom. Xiao Deng, a tiny denizen of the Small People Kingdom with fluttering wings, wielded a toothpick-sized wooden sword, shouting "HIYA! HIYA!" non-stop as he chased several innocent butterflies.

The doors to Wu Wang's cave dwelling were open today, and the Formation was deactivated, attracting many Immortal Consciousnesses and Spiritual Senses to probe inside.

Inside the dwelling, Wu Wang sat beside a round, low table, surrounded by familiar faces.

The Sleep God, wearing a grass-green sleeping cap, was rubbing his somewhat tired face. He stood next to Wu Wang's newly replaced bookshelf, engrossed in two miscellaneous immortal writings Wu Wang had collected.

"Young Master, would you like some honey in your tea?" Lin Suqing called gently. Today, she wore a pink and white short skirt, her slender legs particularly eye-catching. Her hair, specially styled with a flowing cloud hairpin, gave her a youthful and vibrant look. Even mature women can have their spring.

Wu Wang sat upright on a cushion, a smile in his eyes as he watched the Blue Bird beside him cracking sunflower seeds.

Ling Xiaolan sat on his right, currently polishing several jade straws of varying lengths.

Ji Mo sat on Wu Wang's left, gently waving a folding fan.

Across from Wu Wang, the Xiao Jian Daoist was roaring with laughter, animatedly recounting various situations the Human Domain scouts had discovered in the Central Mountain.

"Wuwang, you slept too long this time and missed a lot of excitement. There are problems within the Heaven Palace. That great battle a few months ago had a significant impact on them. The Young Master and the Head Manager defied the Heavenly Emperor's decree. The Head Manager lost his authority; it seems he was 'cast into a cold palace,' as they say."

Wu Wang smiled and said, "Seeing their deep sibling affection, I can rest assured."

Ji Mo, puzzled, asked, "Why? Is there a story behind this?"

The Sleep God murmured from the side, "If the Head Manager and the Young Master stood together, the Heavenly Emperor couldn't touch them. If the Head Manager hadn't retreated time and again before, the gods' current situation would surely be much better."

Ji Mo's face showed sudden realization.

As they were talking and laughing, a streak of light descended from the sky, entered the Annihilation Sect Formation, and headed straight for Wu Wang's dwelling.

It was Lin Qi, returning from the Southeastern Region with two Heavenly Immortal Realm guards, specifically to find Wu Wang.

Seeing Lin Qi, the Xiao Jian Daoist suddenly remembered something. He took out a Treasure Sack from his sleeve and stuffed it into Wu Wang's hands. "This is for you. It's not public yet, but the higher-ups already know."

"What is it?" Wu Wang opened it with some confusion, and his lips twitched slightly.

Seals, specially made robes, several tokens, a manual, and a golden scroll.

So it was that matter. Liu Baiyi had mentioned it before: he was to be promoted to Vice Pavilion Master and concurrently Hall Master of the Punishment Hall. The Vice Pavilion Master ranked third in the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion and sixth among the Human Emperor's eight pavilions.

He casually put away the Treasure Sack, leaned back, propping himself up with his hands, and watched the handsome youth approach.

"Teacher!" Lin Qi called out happily.

Wu Wang smiled and said, "Didn't you just go to the Southeastern Region last month? Why are you back so soon?"

Lin Qi smiled somewhat sheepishly and said, "That place was too boring. It was just like cultivating in a different location. Instead of staying guard there, I thought I'd come back for a visit. Oh, Teacher, disciple previously… found the Sanxian Daoist."

Wu Wang's eyes immediately lit up.

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