When the enemy comes, we block them; when water comes, we cover it with earth. When the Heavenly Emperor makes his move, the Human Emperor reacts.

"Marvelous."

Once Wu Wang reported the matter to Elder Shen Nong, his mindset became incredibly relaxed. He felt refreshed throughout his body, without any overly complex thoughts.

When the sky falls, a tall person will be there to hold it up; it's always nice to enjoy the shade under a big tree.

At this moment, Wu Wang held a teacup made to imitate white jade porcelain, leisurely looking at the six-foot-long and six-foot-wide map of the Southeastern Region floating in front of him.

The map was densely dotted with dozens of small triangular flags. These flags, split into two main color schemes, clearly depicted the distribution of power between the Heaven Palace and the Human Domain in that part of the Great Wilderness.

This was the latest war report from the Southeastern Region, current as of twelve hours ago. Both sides were still engaged in minor skirmishes, but a major battle had not yet begun.

Earth God and Pavilion Master Liu seemed to have reached some tacit agreement not to fight. However, both were on edge, and any slight disturbance in the contested area would draw scrutiny from numerous experts.

Wu Wang was not studying military tactics or strategies. He left professional matters to the professionals. The Human Domain had trained so many skilled military leaders that he didn't need to offer any ingenious plans.

Wu Wang was just casually looking, keeping himself occupied. Meanwhile, he contemplated how to arrange a meeting between the ThreeOld Daoist Sanxian and Elder Shen Nong without alarming Emperor Shun.

He savored a sip of tea. A refreshing fragrance spread from the tip of his tongue, slowly infusing his entire body, stabilizing his Primordial Spirit and calming his spiritual mind. This tea is very smooth.

Not far to his side, the Sleep God yawned. Lying leisurely in a rocking chair, he suddenly mumbled, "That old Daoist has woken up and is hesitating about whether to come find you. Handle it as you see fit."

Wu Wang put the teacup down and transmitted his voice, "No matter what, we should still show this senior the utmost respect later and avoid saying anything offensive."

"Don't worry," the Sleep God yawned again. "I'm going back to sleep. Don't call me if it's not important, and preferably, don't call me even if it is. If you need to leave, I can watch the house for you, but I can only protect two or three people at most. That's the limit of our friendship."

Wu Wang couldn't help but smile wryly and then looked at the inner cave where he had previously been in seclusion. A fluctuation of Dao Rime emanated from it, indicating that Ling Xiaolan had awakened.

As it happened, just as Ling Xiaolan stepped out of the inner cave with light footsteps, a warm smile on her face and deep affection in her eyes, brimming with laughter, the ThreeOld Daoist Sanxian also wandered over from the cave entrance. His complexion was slightly pale, and his expression somewhat desolate.

Wu Wang glanced left and right, then decisively made a choice, turning his head… "Xiaolan, how were your gains?"

"My understanding of the Dao Realm has improved a lot," Ling Xiaolan said softly. Then she added to Wu Wang, "You go ahead with your business. I'm going to enter seclusion again for a while to consolidate my cultivation. Thank you for this time."

"No need to be so polite," Wu Wang responded warmly, watching as she floated out of the cave-dwelling.

The ThreeOld Daoist Sanxian cleared his throat, smoothly floating into Wu Wang's line of sight. His expression, no matter how one looked at it, seemed somewhat guilty. "Wu Wang, well, I've come to take my leave," he said.

Wu Wang feigned surprise. "Taking leave? Senior, are you planning to return to the Southeastern Region now? A great battle is about to break out there. The Heaven Palace previously launched an unannounced attack and is now in a standoff with us."

"Ahem, COUGH!" The ThreeOld Daoist Sanxian presented his rehearsed lines, speaking slowly, "It is precisely because of this that I want to return sooner, to see if there's anything I can do to help my friends from other clans. I am nearing the end of my days and no longer of much use. If I can return to lend them a hand, it would be a good thing."

Wu Wang gazed at the ThreeOld Daoist Sanxian, who met his gaze with a look of helplessness.

"Have you decided, Senior?" Wu Wang asked softly.

"I have made up my mind."

"In that case," Wu Wang said, "I will accompany you, Senior, to the Southeastern Region."

"Why would you go, Wu Wang?" the ThreeOld Daoist Sanxian said hurriedly. "The Southeastern Region is now engulfed in turmoil. The Heaven Palace has deployed so many troops, and a great war is imminent. You are the Little Golden Dragon of the Human Domain. Having just made a name for yourself and gained prestige, you've become quite influential for the Human Domain and the human race. It's even rarer given how young you are. If you go to the Southeastern Region, won't you be making yourself a target for the Heaven Palace? You should stay at home and cultivate in peace!"

"Hey!" Wu Wang laughed. "Senior, you underestimate me. It's precisely because the situation in the Southeastern Region is so tense that I must go to the front lines."

"This?!" The ThreeOld Daoist Sanxian widened his eyes, flailing his arms and waving his sleeves, shouting, "Then I will not go! I won't go! You mustn't escort me!"

Wu Wang's eyes brightened, and he said with a smile, "Are you truly not going then?"

The old Daoist immediately hesitated. His gaze alternated between cloudy and clear, but in the end, he just sighed and looked down. "You will only escort me to the edge of the Southeastern Region. You must not enter the Southeast with me."

"Okay," Wu Wang readily agreed. His mind flickered with memories of his various encounters and the development of his acquaintance with this old Daoist. "Regardless, I will see you off, Senior."

"Good." The ThreeOld Daoist Sanxian, hands behind his back, sighed lightly and didn't argue further on the matter.

「Four hours later.」

The silver-gray Flying Shuttle, which had been hovering above the Annihilation Sect for some time, opened its 'hatch' doors on both sides. Over a dozen figures flew out from the Rift Valley—men, women, elders, and youths—entering in an orderly fashion and filling the shuttle.

Soon, the Flying Shuttle closed its doors, its surrounding defensive formations activated, and it gradually accelerated towards the southeastern sky.

Wu Wang, of course, had made some 'arrangements' for this outing and initially didn't want to bring too many people. But as soon as Lin Suqing heard that the Young Master was heading to the Southeastern Region, her heart became greatly unsettled, and she finally pleaded with Wu Wang to let her accompany him.

Wu Wang didn't insist much. He entrusted Immortal Mu with a few words, asking the half-step Transcendent to constantly stay by Lin Suqing's side.

Wu Wang had actively invited the accompanying Blue Bird. The reason was simple: they would 'happen upon' His Majesty Shennong, and there could be no more suitable companion than Little Jingwei. At the very least, with her accompanying them, it would ensure the old senior wouldn't recklessly bully him, the disadvantaged Young Master of North Wilderness.

Ling Xiaolan had resumed her seclusion and did not accompany them on this trip. Ji Mo and Le Yao had originally planned to go to the Southeastern Region together, but Wu Wang sternly stopped them. This young couple's cultivation wasn't high, but their backing involved considerable powers. If anything happened to them, Wu Wang would find it difficult to explain to the Ji Family's matriarch.

The people from the Annihilation Sect accompanying them naturally included the Grand Elder and Yang Wudi, who were considered the peak of the Annihilation Sect's combat power and 'unconventional' strength.

This time, Wu Wang had specifically invited Miao Cuijiao and Mao Ou Wu to accompany them. He hoped to give them an opportunity to make an appearance before Elder Shen Nong, which would be beneficial for them.

After the Flying Shuttle had flown for several hours, just as the sun was setting in the west, the Grand Elder, who had already received Wu Wang's secret instructions, opened his eyes from a corner of the shuttle. He frowned and said, "Sect Master, on our way to the Southeastern Region, I wonder if we will encounter a major battle. I, known as the Blood Hand Demon Lord, may not have achieved Transcendent status long ago, but I do have quite a few friends in the Human Domain. The path ahead happens to pass by the residences of several keen friends. Why don't I make a trip and invite them to join us in heading to the Southeast? That way, we'll have more support."

Wu Wang was about to nod in agreement when, from another corner, the Whistling Snake opened its eyes, looking at the Grand Elder somewhat strangely. Luckily, the Whistling Snake didn't get a chance to speak before Wu Wang's gaze stopped it.

"Then I'll have to trouble you, Grand Elder," Wu Wang said with a smile.

The Grand Elder immediately left the Flying Shuttle, which then hovered in place for a while. The ThreeOld Daoist Sanxian didn't notice anything unusual.

After a short while, four figures swiftly arrived from the distant woods and entered the Flying Shuttle, making the space inside suddenly feel a bit congested. Elder Miao went to squeeze in with the Whistling Snake. For a time, this 'gathering of villains' attracted attention.

Lin Suqing hugged Immortal Mu. At this moment, he seemed to sense something. Without his usual mischief, his big eyes blinked rapidly; he was exceptionally well-behaved.

Let's look at the three experts the Grand Elder brought back. The most conspicuous was an old woman with graying hair and a stern face. Her hair was coiffed up, and she held a Treasure Sword. She wore fiery red Battle Armor identical in style to that of Xia Official Fire Plume. Divine Light shone in her eyes. After taking her seat, she ignored everyone else and just sat quietly on a low stool.

The old man in the middle wore a black robe. His face seemed to be somewhere between middle and old age, and his Dao Rime was quite serene. However, Wu Wang recognized him at a glance, sensing the familiar scent of 'Transformation Qi.'

It was none other than Emperor Yan of Shennong. But… how come this Transformation Qi of his is purer and richer than the Transformation Qi he provided me? So he really did hold something back! Does the Great Wilderness also harbor such an old-fashioned notion as 'teaching the young starves the old'? Hmph! Serves him right if I do the same. In the future, when dealing with this senior, I'll need to keep a few more aces up my sleeve.

The other old man beside Emperor Yan of Shennong had a lean face and lifeless eyes. He showed clear signs of severely waning vitality and bore a resemblance to the ThreeOld Daoist Sanxian. The end of their lifespans is not far off.

After Emperor Yan of Shennong brought these two masters inside, they each glanced at the ThreeOld Daoist Sanxian but made no other gesture, occasionally casting their gaze on Wu Wang.

The Flying Shuttle flew on for a while and then entered the East Sea.

"Seniors," Wu Wang said with a bow and a smile, "the journey to the Southeastern Region is somewhat long. I hope we can all contribute to the Human Domain."

Emperor Yan of Shennong, with a smile, nodded gently and said warmly, "What an honor it is to travel with the Little Golden Dragon."

"CHIRP?" The Blue Bird tilted its head, eyeing this 'unfamiliar' senior curiously, then flapped its wings and flew towards Wu Wang from the side.

Wu Wang immediately thickened the layer of ice on his shoulder, forming a protective film so she could perch firmly without causing him to faint from her aura. The Blue Bird stared intently at Shen Nong's disguise.

Wu Wang was face to face with Shen Nong, but he heard a sigh transmitted from the Yan Emperor Command Token within his Immortal Platform's God's Mansion. The voice, Emperor Yan's, said, "Similar, but not a reincarnation of the First Emperor's lingering soul."

Communicating face-to-face was no longer the only method; conversing through treasures even when in person was considered the new trend in the Great Wilderness!

Hearing Shen Nong speak thus, Wu Wang felt an inexplicable sense of relief. His Primordial Spirit asked via the Yan Emperor Command Token, "If he is not the reincarnation of the First Emperor's lingering soul, then why does he possess the First Emperor's aura and is directly threatened and targeted by the Heavenly Emperor?"

"That's still unclear." Shen Nong's expression remained smiling, devoid of any ripples, yet his voice carried a hint of hesitation and thoughtfulness as he explained these matters to Wu Wang.

"However, I can sense that the Sanxian Daoist is related to the First Emperor, and may be some kind of contingency left by him."

Senior... Your Majesty, Wu Wang pursued mentally, why did the First Emperor leave no corporeal remains behind?

Shen Nong was silent, a trace of helplessness flickering in his eyes. Wu Wang continued, addressing the Yan Emperor Command Token, "I beseech Your Majesty to clarify, to avoid misjudgment."

Shen Nong's voice resonated within Wu Wang's God's Mansion via the token: "According to the rumors at the time, on the day the First Emperor's end came, he entered the Heaven Palace alone, and then all trace of him was lost. After that, the Heaven Palace's forces advanced from the north. The Human Domain's Dao of Fire was concealed, the Great Dao of Emperor Fuxi collapsed, and the Human Domain was plunged into darkness.

"In my early years, I was chosen by the First Emperor and became one of the candidates for Human Emperor. I fought my way through those dark times, regained the lost territories of the Human Domain, and eventually became the new Human Emperor. The transition of Human Emperors did indeed happen as you described; it was not dictated by any single individual, nor could it be decided by a single command from the First Emperor. It was gradually achieved amidst darkness and turmoil. I searched for the First Emperor's remains for many years but found not a single clue."

Wu Wang asked again via the token, "Did the Dao of Fire reconvene within Your Majesty? Or was it entrusted to Your Majesty upon the collapse of the First Emperor?"

Shen Nong remained silent and did not answer this question. The current Human Emperor gazed at Wu Wang and continued speaking to him mentally via the token, "The circumstances of Emperor Fuxi's fall are unknown to anyone in the Human Domain, and few in the Heaven Palace know either. The Sanxian Daoist indeed bears a resemblance to the First Emperor, but it is only a resemblance. I suspect that the Sanxian Daoist may have been touched by Emperor Fuxi's aura; the specifics are still inconclusive. You discovered this matter concerning Sanxian, Wu Wang. How do you wish to handle it?"

Wu Wang thought it over carefully and didn't dwell on Elder Shen Nong avoiding his question. He replied mentally, "No matter what, we cannot let Emperor Shun have his way."

"Good." Shen Nong nodded lightly, first agreeing through the Yan Emperor Command Token, then speaking aloud with a smile, "Sect Master Wu Wang, do we have a specific destination in the Southeastern Region?"

"Let's go find Pavilion Master Liu," Wu Wang replied firmly. "As you all know, I have good relations with the ministers under His Majesty, our Human Emperor. Currently, Pavilion Master Liu Baiyi is in charge of the Southeastern Region. We can go directly to him and let him arrange some tasks for us. Even though I hold no official position, given our past rapport, Pavilion Master Liu should offer us an assignment."

Far away in the wild mountains and forests of the Southeastern Region, Liu Baiyi suddenly felt his Transcendent immortal body squirm uncomfortably.

In the Flying Shuttle, as Wu Wang finished speaking, the three elders before him nodded in agreement. The elder beside Shen Nong even praised Wu Wang, saying he was young and promising, upright and unyielding, full of righteousness, and so forth.

Wu Wang listened with amusement but didn't take it to heart. The Blue Bird flapped its wings and left Wu Wang's shoulder, returning to Lin Suqing's side. It bent its legs and closed its eyes, feigning sleep.

The Whistling Snake had long noticed the anomaly, but she obediently piloted the Flying Shuttle, fulfilling her duty without uttering a single word. My master's order is my everything.

The ThreeOld Daoist Sanxian maintained a slightly awkward smile, occasionally drifting off in thought, remaining silent.

Finally, the Flying Shuttle crossed the East Sea and approached the Southeastern Region.

The ThreeOld Daoist Sanxian hesitated repeatedly but still addressed Wu Wang, "Wu Wang, as we agreed, you were to leave me at the border."

Wu Wang replied, "Since I'm going to Pavilion Master Liu's anyway, if you're heading the same way, Senior, you might as well accompany me."

"This is far enough, truly." Sanxian inadvertently revealed a hint of panic, then forcibly composed himself again, his smile looking somewhat strained. He said, "Wu Wang, we have known each other for some time. I have a few words I want to leave with you."

"Senior, please don't make it sound like a life-and-death farewell."

"This is indeed a farewell of life and death," Sanxian spoke softly. He heaved a gentle sigh and seemed to relax considerably.

Under everyone's gaze, the old Daoist grasped Wu Wang's wrist, patted the back of his hand, and said slowly, "In this world, many things are often beyond our control; such is human destiny.

"I sometimes envy you. You are very decisive and have your own ideas. Throughout the many years I've known you, every conversation with you has given me new insights and understanding. Wu Wang, you will surely be a great figure in the future. No, that's not right, you already are one, making quite a name for yourself in the Human Domain.

"I am merely in the Ascending Immortal Realm, not even having reached the Yuanxian realm. Yet, when I am with you, I feel not the slightest sense of pressure from you…

"Never mind, my thoughts are muddled, and I don't quite know what to say.

"In any case, you must take good care of yourself. Don't recklessly put yourself in danger, and always think things through carefully. Also, don't try to carry everything on your own shoulders. Consult more with others, and try to trust those you feel are dependable. What one person can achieve is always limited; it takes many people working together to accomplish great things.

"Here, take these."

The old Daoist paused, withdrew a bracelet from his sleeve, and placed it in Wu Wang's palm.

Wu Wang hurriedly said, "Senior, I can't accept this!"

"The treasures and scriptures within may be nothing to you," the old Daoist's eyes flashed with a keen light, "but it also contains many paintings to which I've dedicated half my life."

Wu Wang closed his hand over the emerald-green bracelet, saying firmly, "It would be disrespectful to refuse. Thank you, Senior!"

"HAHAHA!" The ThreeOld Daoist Sanxian laughed heartily, stroking his beard.

In the presence of His Majesty Shennong and several other seniors, Wu Wang calmly accepted the bracelet. His expression was unchanged, his breathing steady, as he added, "I will not disappoint your painstaking efforts."

"Learn to apply them," the old Daoist laughed. "That's the key, to learn and apply what you've learned."

"Yes, yes!"

"Alright, it's time for me to leave," the ThreeOld Daoist Sanxian spoke softly, only relief remaining in his eyes.

The Whistling Snake brought the Flying Shuttle to a slow halt above a forest. The old Daoist stooped through the hatch, turned his head for a last look, and waved at Wu Wang, who had followed him to the doorway.

The old Daoist said with a smile, "Go attend to your important matters. Don't think too much about me." With that, he stepped onto a Lotus Platform and descended slowly towards the forest below.

Wu Wang stepped forward and stood at the hatch, looking down as the ThreeOld Daoist Sanxian entered the forest and continued flying low towards the northeast. The old Daoist's cultivation was not high, so his flight was not particularly fast. For a moment, a tide of thoughts welled up in Wu Wang's heart, but he promptly suppressed them. It's not yet time for sentimentality.

The Flying Shuttle vanished into the void of Heaven and Earth. A wisp of gray mist appeared in the cabin; Emperor Yan of Shennong had revealed his true form. The Grand Elder and the others quickly rose to greet him solemnly. (Previously, although the Grand Elder had gone out to bring back these three experts, he was unaware of their identities, simply following Wu Wang's instructions.)

The Blue Bird CHIRPED twice, its tone slightly joyous. His Majesty Shennong smiled and lifted his left hand, expecting the Blue Bird to fly over and display their close father-daughter bond. Unexpectedly, the Blue Bird tilted its head and hopped behind Lin Suqing, deliberately pretending not to recognize Shen Nong. She couldn't afford to reveal herself. Though at this moment, only she and Immortal Mu were unaware that her cover had already been blown.

"Let us follow in secret," His Majesty Shennong said softly, his raised hand falling to calmly stroke his beard. "If this matter involves the conflict between the First Emperor Fuxi and Emperor Shun, then I cannot stand idly by. I must also lend my strength."

The others, not understanding the full context, stood and bowed to accept the command.

Wu Wang, however, suggested, "Your Majesty, perhaps we should split up. I'll take Whistling Snake to Pavilion Master Liu's place. As for Senior Sanxian's matter, Your Majesty can handle it as you see fit."

He also feared that if he followed, his friendly relations with the ThreeOld Daoist Sanxian might influence Elder Shen Nong's judgment.

"That's a good idea." Shen Nong looked at Wu Wang. "Do you need my seal or command token?"

"No need, no need. I'm just going for a casual visit." Wu Wang waved his hands dismissively. He signaled Whistling Snake to follow him but intentionally left the others with His Majesty Shennong. Letting Old Auntie Miao, the Grand Elder, and the others stay here to make an impression might yield many benefits, perhaps even some of Shen Nong's famed Beauty Pills.

Wu Wang, assisted by Whistling Snake, turned into a wisp of green smoke and exited the Flying Shuttle. He then reappeared on a distant mountaintop, gazing in the direction the main shuttle had departed.

This Southeastern Region…

"Master, do you need me to teleport us there?" Whistling Snake asked.

"No rush. Flying there normally will suffice," Wu Wang said calmly. His necklace trembled slightly as Cang Xue stood up in the Starry Sky Temple, and the stars throughout heaven and earth shone brilliantly.

A great conflict was imminent.

A fierce battle was about to begin.

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