An hour later.

Behind the lavish residence in Jiuhuang City, the windows of the pavilion surrounded by flowing water were wide open.

The Blue Bird flashed its wings and landed by the window, inspecting the interior.

Inside, Wu Wang, Ling Xiaolan, Xiao Jian Daoist, and Yang Wudi were sitting properly below, while Sanxian Daoist, who had changed into an appropriate wide robe, was seated in a wooden chair behind a long table, speaking solemnly about the basics of the "Simple Five Elements Formation Theory."

From the smile that Sanxian Daoist couldn't suppress at the corner of his mouth, it seemed he was thoroughly enjoying the role of a teacher.

In the distant pavilion, the Grand Elder and Old Snow Eagle were playing Go with the Sleep God. The Sleep God's clean-shaven face bore a faint smile, while both the Grand Elder and Old Snow Eagle had sweat on their foreheads.

This minor deity from the Celestial Court, who inexplicably accompanied the Sect Master, had very strange Go moves, making it difficult for the two of them to counter even when they joined forces.

Not long after, rhythmic snoring sounds came from the thatched cottage.

Surveying with Immortal Consciousness, they saw the bald, brawny man tilting his head, fast asleep in a corner.

Wu Wang: ...

How could one wake up a classmate who had fallen asleep in the same hall with just one sentence?

Especially since Sanxian Daoist held no deterring force over Yang Wudi at all.

'You've lost your salary.'

Wu Wang had wanted to say this, but then he felt he was being too harsh on Yang Wudi; his salary was suspended until two thousand years later—there wasn't much room for squeezing more from him.

So, he transmitted his voice, "I've found the first main hall of the Ten Evils Hall."

"Where is it!"

Yang Wudi suddenly got up, his bare head gleaming, eyes bursting with eerie light. He patted his chest, making it resound with loud THUMPS, and shouted, "Sect Master! To infiltrate behind enemy lines and conquer those female elders, Wudi is the man for the job!"

ThreeOld Daoist Sanxian was full of question marks, while Xiao Jian Daoist held his forehead in his hand.

The Grand Elder, who had been trapped by the Go board, furrowed his brows as a bloody hand condensed out of thin air next to Yang Wudi. It grabbed him, dragged him out of the door, and plunged him into a nearby pond for a thorough scrub.

"You're embarrassing us!"

The Grand Elder huffed coldly as Wu Wang raised an eyebrow.

Lin Suqing and Immortal Mu, who came with soups and refreshments to pay their respects to Wu Wang, burst into laughter upon seeing this.

Wu Wang said sternly, "If you don't want to listen to the lecture, don't linger here; you also don't need to accompany me any longer. After all, these are the formation arts that I myself need to comprehend and accept."

Ling Xiaolan smiled, "Such formation lessons are quite interesting."

Xiao Jian Daoist laughed, "Rest assured, I wouldn't dare to claim I'm within the top ten in formation arts throughout the Human Domain... but being in the top three thousand should not be an issue."

Wu Wang almost staggered—the gap between the top ten and the top three thousand seemed a bit too vast.

ThreeOld Daoist Sanxian couldn't help but sit up straighter, treating Xiao Jian Daoist as the key student in his lecture.

The lesson proceeded:

Formations vast and myriad start, with simple studies of the Five Elements at heart.

In the straw hut, the old teacher imparts knowledge and moral conduct apart.

ThreeOld Daoist Sanxian's lectures had a certain unique charm, or at least a peculiar hypnotic effect—Xiao Jian Daoist, a Transcendent, fought to stay awake for an hour but his eyelids began to battle one another.

Fairy Ling endured an entire morning but was also seated cross-legged on a pristine cushion, breathing evenly, her demeanor serene.

Only Wu Wang, who had been listening all morning, not only showed no sign of sleepiness but remained alert throughout and even actively posed several questions.

This behavior brought satisfaction to Sanxian Daoist, whose gaze on Wu Wang became even gentler.

It was also thanks to Brother Sleep God, who had taken away his power to fall asleep.

Listening to Sanxian Daoist's lectures came with a... very unique, very special hypnotic effect, which, to some extent, could be matched with the divine skills of Brother Sleep God.

He didn't really desire anything from Sanxian; he simply wanted to repay an old favor and accompany Sanxian for this stretch of his journey.

Whether it was the charm of Fu Xi or those mysteries, they didn't matter to Wu Wang—without his attention, they were meaningless.

Finally, dismissal time arrived.

Wu Wang, patiently listening to Sanxian Daoist's reminders about the homework until Lin Suqing's call rang out, dashed out of the school as if escaping.

Sanxian Daoist stroked his beard and chuckled lightly. As the thatched cottage quieted down, he too let out a slight sigh, packing up the various Jade Talismans and scrolls that had been prepared for a long time.

Soon, Old Snow Eagle approached and raised an eyebrow at Sanxian.

"Old friend, are you now content?"

"Ah," sighed ThreeOld Daoist Sanxian, "Back in the day, on a whim, I thought of entrusting what I had learned to someone else before my time was up. I never expected to encounter a remarkable person like Chi Xia.

It's all due to time and destiny.

The concept of fate is indeed quite wondrous."

Old Snow Eagle shook his head slightly and admonished, "I truly cannot understand why you are so stubborn... Never mind, I've said this to you hundreds of times already. It's your life, your decision.

However, Sanxian, there's something you should be very clear about.

Young Master Yan is no ordinary man; there are many important matters waiting for him in the Human Domain. The time he spends here with us should not be too long."

"Very well."

Sanxian Daoist nodded with a smile, his eyes also conveying a sense of relief. "Just three or five days, that's all. If he doesn't leave, I'll have to send him on his way."

Old Snow Eagle let out a sigh of relief and then praised, "The ways of fate in this world are truly indescribable."

The two old friends exchanged smiles and did not bring up any other matters.

...

「Wu Wang attended the lectures for three consecutive days.」

With the strongest assistance from the Sleep God, Wu Wang's knowledge of formations had indeed advanced significantly.

Of course, the main contribution was the post-lecture sessions where Wu Wang, taking the initiative, had 'forcibly' been enlightened by Xiao Jian Daoist.

The Main Hall of the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion kept sending him Jade Talismans, with six or seven transmitted each day, urging him to return for a discussion of important matters.

But as for what these important matters were, they gave no hint.

This made Wu Wang somewhat impatient, so he pretended to be ill and refused to leave, saying that he had suffered serious injuries in his last great battle and had found a picturesque spot in the Southeastern Region to rest.

As for whether anyone took advantage of the situation to spread rumors and slander him, Wu Wang ignored it entirely.

When the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion couldn't persuade Wu Wang to come, they changed their approach and reached out through the Xuan Nu Sect to Ling Xiaolan, asking her to be a go-between.

Ling Xiaolan felt quite speechless about this.

But since the one who had sent the message was her master, and she found herself somewhat helpless, she hesitated for a long time, and under the urging of a few accompanying Elders, she eventually went to the pavilion where Wu Wang was staying in the back courtyard.

When she pushed the door open, Wu Wang was sitting behind a desk, engrossedly reading a scripture written by Sanxian Daoist.

The Blue Bird was dozing off not too far away, while Lin Suqing was meditating on a soft couch in the corner.

"Brother Wuwang..."

Ling Xiaolan called out softly.

Wu Wang blinked and asked with a smile, "What's the matter? Do you want to cultivate together?"

The 'Wuwang' nickname, used only twice before, had made a comeback.

"It has nothing to do with cultivation."

Ling Xiaolan seemed a bit troubled, her toes lightly touching the ground as she floated gracefully and sat down in a wooden chair beside her.

She said, "I just wanted to ask when we are planning to return to the Human Domain."

"They found you?" Wu Wang's face showed displeasure.

"Yes," Ling Xiaolan's eyes showed a trace of apology, "they found my master, and my master sent a Jade Talisman... you don't need to worry about what happens to me. I'm only speaking to you about this matter because I cannot disobey my master's command."

Wu Wang put down the book and exhaled slightly.

He asked, "Xiaolan, what do you think about the campaign against the North?"

"It seems a bit rushed."

Ling Xiaolan said,

"At first, I also thought this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but on second thought, the news that 'the coming twelve years will be when the power of the Heaven Palace is at its weakest' came out too suddenly and without any valid reason.

It was as if overnight, everyone was suddenly talking about it.

The Emperor's lack of a stance became tacit approval; the silence of the Pavilion Master turned into ambiguous attitudes.

Now that they keep looking for you and want you to come back to the Human Domain, it could be because they want to hear your opinion and then..."

"Blame me if something goes wrong, right?"

"Blame?"

"Since the bottom of a pot is black, to be blamed is to be tainted," Wu Wang explained, "meaning that they want me to bear the consequences."

"Yes," Ling Xiaolan solemnly agreed, "that's exactly it."

Wu Wang tapped his fingers on the desk, his gaze unfocused, settling on Ling Xiaolan's face.

'She truly is exceedingly beautiful.'

Ling Xiaolan, feeling his gaze, turned her face slightly red and shifted her eyes to the side.

Somehow, after that one time, months ago, when she had bolstered her courage with alcohol and spoken some embarrassing words in front of Wu Wang, their relationship had not progressed substantially.

In fact, they seemed to have regressed, and the tacit understanding between them had significantly diminished.

This left Ling Xiaolan with an uneasy heart, even feeling that being close friends was not bad; hastily moving forward always seemed to have one problem or another.

Wu Wang said, "You can send a reply to the Xuan Nu Sect, and say that we had an argument over this matter."

"That works," Ling Xiaolan nodded slightly, "then I will go and reply to my master right away."

After speaking, she stood up, gave Wu Wang a nod as a gesture, and then turned to float out the door.

In the corner, Lin Suqing's eyes cracked open just a bit, her mouth twitched slightly, as she continued to cultivate.

Just as Wu Wang breathed a sigh of relief, a familiar call came from the yard:

"Teacher! When did you arrive in the Southeastern Region, and why didn't you notify your disciple? Hahaha!"

Without looking, the only one who would call Wu Wang 'Teacher' was that young master from the Lin Family, Lin Qi, who had always managed to thrive amid the vortex of major powers and was still lively to this day.

Having been banished from the Human Domain for just over half a year, the Lin Family had already made strides in the Southeastern Region.

Thanks to the Lin Family's years of operation in the Southeastern Region, before the last great battle above the clouds, the Lin Family had rapidly expanded its influence there, establishing a dominant presence upon entering the Southeastern Region.

As for what Emperor Yan of Shennong was really scheming with the Lin Family's move, Wu Wang still couldn't fully understand.

"Teacher!"

Lin Qi strode forward, his cloak billowing behind him and the brocade inside shining with a faint light. Upon seeing Wu Wang, he gave a deep bow.

"Your disciple pays his respects."

"Why the formality? It feels distant."

Wu Wang laughed, placing his teacup down, and gesturing for Lin Qi to sit beside him, he said, "We just met recently, so I thought there was no need to call for you separately, that's why I didn't inform you.

Where did you hear I had come to Jiuhuang City?"

"It's the talk of the town," Lin Qi smiled. "On the western side of the Southeastern Region, it's all under the influence of the Human Domain; news spreads even faster than within the Human Domain itself.

Teacher, how long are you planning to stay this time?"

Lin Qi's smile stiffened, then he said, "I'm too ashamed to invite you to stay at my place."

"I should be staying for a while," Wu Wang said. "You must have heard, those great masters in the Human Domain can't stop arguing."

"That's right," said Lin Qi. "Now is indeed a good opportunity. We are not fully prepared, and neither is Heaven Palace. If we strike directly, it might just work wonders.

My Lin Family also wishes to atone for our sins and make meritorious deeds!"

Wu Wang: ...

This young man, so impetuous.

That's not right, actually, Lin Qi was much older than him.

"Have you and your father recently improved your relationship?"

Lin Qi shook his head and said softly, "After all, I am me, and my father is my father. I cannot become him, nor can he change me."

"It's good to have mutual respect."

"Teacher, the disciple hurried over here actually for another matter."

"What is it?"

Lin Qi said warmly, "A lady dressed in green, claiming to be a Divine Spirit of the Four Seas, came to the Lin Family yesterday. She wishes to arrange a meeting with you."

Wu Wang wondered, "A lady in green? A Divine Spirit of the Four Seas? Wants to meet with me?"

"She's quite good-looking," Lin Qi blurted out the key point.

Wu Wang's forehead creased with several lines as he laughed and scolded, "Are looks that important? If a male god came, would I just not meet him?"

"This goddess, you definitely know her," Lin Qi laughed. "The Rain Mistress Nation of the East Sea, that giant crab..."

"Her!"

Wu Wang's eyes brightened, "She wants to see me?"

This could be one of the few Acquired Gods one could hope to bring over to the Human Domain's side!

"That's what she said," Lin Qi carefully recalled for a while and then spoke. "However, she also warned that she was only passing on a message, and the real person who wants to meet you might be another divine being."

Wu Wang thought for a moment, exchanged a few glances with Lin Qi, and almost simultaneously, they uttered the name.

"Young Master."

"Right, Teacher, the disciple also feels the same," Lin Qi said.

Lin Qi laughed, "This Acquired God named Nu Chou came into being by Young Master's enlightenment. It is rumored that now the Young Master and the Head Manager are being marginalized in the Heaven Palace."

Wu Wang got up and began pacing back and forth.

He said, "According to information from Central Mountain, the great power of the Heaven Palace has now fallen into the hands of another Strong God, whose identity we still don't know, but whose strength should be no less than the Head Manager's.

If that's the case, it could also be a trap set by this Strong God."

Lin Qi asked in confusion, "What should we do then?"

"Let them come see me," said Wu Wang. "I'll just wait here in Jiuhuang City. Let Nu Chou and the Strong God behind her come to me. There's no need for secrecy."

"Alright! Your disciple will go and spread the word right away."

Lin Qi immediately got up, not even having warmed the seat, and hurried away from Wu Wang.

Wu Wang spent another two days cultivating in Sanxian Daoist's thatched cottage, and even Sanxian Daoist began to urge Wu Wang to return to the Human Domain sooner.

Wu Wang, of course, agreed on the surface, but had his own plans at heart. He still stood by his words: if the Human Domain were united in their decision to mount a northern expedition, he would definitely provide his full support; but now, expecting to use him as a human shield in an argument, to persuade the Human Domain experts of differing stances, that certainly was out of the question.

Even if it were the revered elder Shennong who asked him to make a stance, Wu Wang could think of a way to 'slip' out of it.

Lin Qi returned after leaving and, using the cover of night, knocked on Wu Wang's door.

"Teacher, I have brought that honored guest," Lin Qi said.

Wu Wang, who was struggling to read about Formations and was too sleepy yet unable to fall asleep, became instantly energized at these words.

He made a gesture, and the Hissing Snake revealed itself from a corner; the Grand Elder and Xiao Jian Daoist appeared in the cool pavilion of the courtyard.

Brother Sleep God sniffed in his dreams, turned over, and continued his profound sleep.

CREAK—

The wooden door was pulled open. Lin Qi ducked his head and swiftly entered the dwelling, followed by a tall figure in a cloak. A delicate hand as white as jade reached out from under the cloak, lifted the hood, and revealed the face that Wu Wang somewhat recognized.

In her aura and in her divine powers, it was indeed Nu Chou beyond question.

She brought a hand to her chest and made a formal bow, following the etiquette of the ancient Rain Mistress Nation.

"My lord, we meet again," she said.

Wu Wang rose to greet her, returned the bow with the courtesy of the Northern Wilderness, and with a smile said, "I hope you've been well. Please, take a seat."

"No need, my lord," Nu Chou revealed a slight smile and said softly, "Don't worry. I've brought a wisp of the Divine Soul of Young Master, who wishes to discuss something with you."

As she spoke, Nu Chou presented a pearl from which tendrils of white mist emerged.

A young girl in black materialized out of the mist, quickly solidifying from a transparent state.

Wu Wang teased, "What, have you also become a go-between now?"

"My lord jests," Nu Chou sighed gently. "I do owe Young Master a debt of gratitude. And in the Heaven Palace, she is definitely a unique existence."

"You two."

The Young Master frowned slightly, "Can you not discuss this in front of me?"

Wu Wang raised an eyebrow, and right away the Hissing Snake acted, sealing the Heaven and Earth around Wu Wang to guard against Young Master's divine skill of 'changing puppets with living beings'.

"Please," Wu Wang said with a symbolic invitation before settling back into his seat.

Nu Chou did not say much more but walked to a corner to sit down.

The avatar of the Young Master floated above the pearl, gazing at Wu Wang, her eyes slightly complex.

Wu Wang inquired, "What brings the Young Master here?"

"First, I... I have come to express my gratitude," the Young Master reigned in her condescending self-reference, her voice becoming somewhat soft, and continued, "Although I'm not sure how you accomplished it, you indeed thwarted the Heavenly Emperor's plan. Because of that, I avoided falling into the Heavenly Emperor's trap.

I have done some calculations, and if everything had gone according to the Heavenly Emperor's arrangements, there would have been a seventy percent chance that I would have chosen to consume the Lifespan Dao of my brother who had fallen into malevolence."

Wu Wang nodded slowly, replying, "I accept your gratitude. What else is there?"

"Second, I would like to seek your assistance," the Young Master sighed softly, her expression turning somewhat gloomy. "I cannot stop my brother's desire to self-destruct. He intends to give me the Lifespan Dao and merge it with the Dao of Life.

I hope you can help him.

If the Dao of Life becomes unified, it will ultimately not be good for the Human Domain, and neither will it be beneficial for the lives within Heaven and Earth, as living beings will then be completely controlled by the Heaven Palace.

The Heavenly Emperor wants to see this come to pass, hence I am isolated and without support in the Heaven Palace."

The Young Master looked up at Wu Wang, her light-colored eyes filled with a hint of helplessness.

"After much thought, you, as my opponent, are the only one who could help me.

You certainly would not want to see the Dao of Life returned, right?"

Wu Wang's expression instantly became a bit peculiar.

...

[PS: Great news! Great news! To show gratitude to the readers for their genuine support, the author's 'friend' has already arranged a COS event, which is now live!

Eight beautiful young ladies are cosplaying online; international-class photo retouchers have worked overnight, and finally, just before no significant holiday, the edited photos have been completed!

Participants can find the event page in the bonus chapter or by searching around, and cast votes for the young ladies!

Please show lots of support in the book review section, to cheer on the ladies! Also, try not to be too critical in the comments, let the young ladies feel the goodwill of Qidian readers~

Although the budget is limited, we spare no effort in having fun!

In the past few days, I've been working hard on updates, and the next big plot is coming soon!]

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.