Absurd.

「The hidden rift valley hot springs near the Annihilation Sect.」

The slight, crisp sound of water accompanied Wu Wang as he slowly sank into the mist-shrouded water, his hands resting on the stones at the edge, his eyes swirling with a trace of sentiment. The sky was dotted with stars, the two intersecting Milky Ways spilling starlight all over the Rift Valley.

Reflecting on the event that had ended half a day ago, two words rose in Wu Wang's mind.

Absurd.

He actually understood why this had happened. The cultivators in the Human Domain varied greatly in their levels, with significant gaps in their worldviews and emotional intelligence. Many times, the event itself was merely a trigger. Private desires, intertwined with greed, could easily give rise to all sorts of varied, even absurd, situations. This was not to mention those with ulterior motives who, within a short time, spread rumors on a large scale, stirring the emotions of the Human Domain cultivators.

Most of those who had gathered in Floating Jade City, constantly blaming him and trying to stand up for the Liu Family, were merely caught up in the emotions. Wu Wang saw an abyss in them—an abyss that had tried to swallow him.

Fortunately, he had barely managed to avoid it this time.

To the left and right of the Rift Valley, the Grand Elder and Yang Wudi were patrolling. Although the people of the Annihilation Sect were overjoyed with the outcome, they still seemed a bit tense.

Below the Rift Valley, Wu Wang sat in the warm spring water, letting his thoughts diverge. He also found himself worrying about those who had stayed behind in the Northern Wilderness.

Ming Snake stood silently behind him. She watched Wu Wang's back, which looked as if it were carved from unyielding stone, and it was hard to know what she was thinking. But one could surmise that one of the former Ten Great Evil Gods, the Great Wilderness beast that had threatened the Northern Border for countless years, was unlikely to entertain any 'inappropriate' thoughts.

Hmm... I want to rub against him.

Wu Wang lifted his hand to scoop some spring water onto his shoulder. His Immortal Consciousness registered his friends hurrying to this place, but he didn't interrupt his contemplation. He was pondering which path to take in the future.

The Human Domain was good, and he had many friends, but this incident served as a stark warning to Wu Wang. The Human Domain wasn't entirely bright. Light and darkness coexisted; good and evil were intertwined. There could be no absolute light, nor could there be purely good intentions. It was like a phrase he'd heard somewhere but couldn't recall the source of...

Everyone fears nightmares, but humans themselves are nightmares fed by a sense of superiority.

"Ah—" Wu Wang sighed softly.

"Master, are you somewhat displeased?" Ming Snake asked softly.

"It's nothing much. I've cleared up what I needed to think about in the past two days," Wu Wang said quietly. "The Human Domain is good, but it's not really for me. This place is flourishing, but it's not my utopia."

"Utopia?"

"A kingdom of one's own imagination." Wu Wang smiled. "What's the point of telling you this? You're an Evil God; naturally, you wouldn't understand."

Ming Snake nodded slightly. She coolly crossed her arms behind her back, showcasing her fine figure, and said no more.

Before long, several figures came rushing from the direction of Floating Jade City; it was Xing Tian and his group.

——Ji Mo had already left stealthily. He had been unable to convince his maternal and paternal aunts to appear in Wu Wang's defense when Wu Wang was the target of public animosity. Consequently, he did not heed the advice of his family elders to come here and cozy up to Wu Wang.

Xing Tian was now awake. Though his neck was still somewhat askew, he jumped alone into the Rift Valley. The slap from his teacher must have been too forceful, as Xing Tian still hadn't fully recovered.

"This!" Xing Tian widened his eyes at Wu Wang in the water. He wanted to say something but only heaved a sigh.

Wu Wang silently added a few more layers of Barriers around his vulnerable areas and smiled. "What are you sighing for, Bro?"

"Hey!" Xing Tian strode forward, and Ming Snake stealthily concealed her form.

This former Young Master of the largest clan in the Northern Wilderness silently sat down on a large rock by the shore. He remained silent for a while before saying, "We can't stay here. Let's go back."

"Back to the Northern Wilderness?"

"Yes, back to the Northern Wilderness," Xing Tian said. "What's the point of staying here and enduring this frustration? On the plains of the Northern Wilderness, we can go wherever we want!"

Wu Wang spoke earnestly, "Are you serious, Bro? If we're going, let's go together. It's fine if the Human Domain doesn't want us."

"This..." Xing Tian was slightly startled, as if he hadn't expected Wu Wang to be so easily persuaded. He scratched his head and muttered, "I can leave, but I need to give the Human Emperor Pavilion a heads-up first. Although there are many annoying people here, overall, it's quite nice."

"Ha!" Wu Wang laughed. "See? You still can't bear to leave this glitzy world behind. You think life in the Northern Wilderness is a bit monotonous, huh?"

Xing Tian smiled awkwardly, but then his expression became serious. "The Human Domain may be good, but home is still better. Brother, we're treated like outsiders here. Maybe in the eyes of some elders, our cultivation methods are nothing more than charity from them. I think you've been putting up with too much here! And this whole Human Emperor business—in the future, would you become Human Emperor only to protect those who stab us in the back? Wouldn't that be suffocating?"

Wu Wang said, "I only brought up the Yin and Yang Path as a stalling tactic to prevent the situation from worsening. If this continues to escalate, the Human Emperor's credibility could be affected."

Xing Tian: ...

A bit confused.

"What's that got to do with the Human Emperor's credibility?"

"I've always been protected by Elder Shen Nong and considered a successor fully supported by the Human Emperor Pavilion." Wu Wang said solemnly, "I can disappear from the Human Domain without a trace, but my reputation must remain untarnished. If I were labeled an agent of the Heaven Palace today, turmoil would inevitably erupt within the Human Domain. I'm just trying to avoid that situation."

"Disappear without a trace..."

"Commonly known as 'slipping away,'" Wu Wang said, raising an eyebrow.

Xing Tian's eyes lit up, and he laughed, "That's fine then. As long as you don't want to be Human Emperor, that's good. I was worried you'd feel constrained. Becoming Human Emperor would be incredibly suffocating!"

"The title of Human Emperor carries too much weight." Wu Wang yawned. "Anyone who wants it can have it; I'll just lend a hand at most. I didn't storm out today solely out of consideration for... well, how's the interrogation going over there?"

"Not bad, we've caught quite a few spies." Xing Tian undid his boots, revealing feet as large as an elephant's, and plopped them into the spring water.

Instantly, Wu Wang felt an urge to flee, but out of consideration for his Bro, he remained still.

Xing Tian murmured, "Anyway, I heard from my teacher that it's now confirmed: the Heaven Palace plotted against us this time. Everyone is furious. Many cultivators are still gathered in Floating Jade City and haven't dispersed. They're all petitioning the Human Emperor Pavilion to counterattack Central Mountain... But I still feel like someone else is scheming behind this."

"Don't worry, it should be the Human Emperor Pavilion making arrangements," Wu Wang said with a smile. "Although I still don't know what Elder Shen Nong intends, it's true that the Human Domain will be in a precarious position if it does nothing about this."

"So, are we really going to fight?" Xing Tian frowned. "Central Mountain is the domain of Innate Gods. If we take the offensive, the Human Domain will lose the protection of the many arrays left by Emperor Fu Xi. The casualties would undoubtedly be severe."

Casualties? Wu Wang pondered briefly, a vague idea forming in his mind. But he soon let it go with a relieved smile. Let Elder Shen Nong busy himself with it. Wu Wang didn't need to meddle in these matters.

"Bro, why don't you come down and soak for a bit?"

"Still calling me 'Bro,' 'Bro,'" Xing Tian grumbled, starting to undress. Wu Wang sensed that Ming Snake's presence had vanished from the area. Xing Tian cursed, "I'm not your Bro, so don't call me that! Isn't your real bro that little Heavenly God, the Sleep God? Hmph!"

Wu Wang raised an eyebrow and called out, "Big Wave Bro!"

"That's more like it." Xing Tian immediately nodded in satisfaction. He waded into the spring water opposite Wu Wang, settled down comfortably, and they began discussing their future plans.

Wu Wang glanced at Xing Tian a few times, calmly undid the Barriers around himself, and sat up a bit straighter.

Tsk. Not lacking.

「Meanwhile, in the central region of Central Mountain, bathed in starlight.」

"Head Manager, I believe I told you to sever Wu Wangzi's connections with the Human Domain."

In the highest reach of the Heaven Palace, within a grand hall blanketed in golden light, the serpentine-bodied Heavenly Emperor, dressed in a dark brocade robe, reclined on his elevated throne. Around him floated silks painted with profound and mysterious images. Emperor Shun's slender fingertips stirred lightly, and the Head Manager standing below couldn't help but lower his head.

"Your Majesty, this matter wasn't..."

"I have been watching all along. Are you trying to say it wasn't a miscalculation on your part? That, rather, Wu Wangzi is too cunning and was hiding the Yin and Yang Path which he hadn't revealed?"

The Head Manager couldn't help but bow his tall figure even lower. "Your Majesty's discernment is clear."

"Clear discernment? Indeed, I do see clearly." Emperor Shun sighed softly, gradually sitting upright, his serpentine tail transforming into legs wrapped in long trousers. He said, "Everything that has transpired in the Human Domain has been under my watch. It didn't surprise me at all that Wu Wangzi managed to navigate this situation. Your ability to consider using those fearless and ignorant people was quite good, showing much more flexibility than before. Never mind. The matter regarding the Yin and Yang Path can hardly be blamed on you. Wu Wangzi using Emperor Fuxi's decree to convince the Human Domain was also within my expectations."

The Head Manager was visibly startled.

Emperor Shun chuckled lightly and slowly descended from the high platform. On the four 'distant' walls of the great hall, a series of strange figures flickered in and out of existence, their gazes seemingly fixed on the Head Manager. Emperor Shun's footsteps were very soft, yet they made the Head Manager's breathing become somewhat irregular.

The Heavenly Emperor let out a gentle sigh. The Head Manager frowned slightly, his gaze trembling.

THUD!

Emperor Shun's right hand suddenly pressed down on the Head Manager's shoulder, causing the Head Manager to furrow his brows even deeper.

"Are you afraid of me?" Emperor Shun's voice carried a hint of ethereal quality.

The Head Manager immediately said, "Your Majesty, due to the failure in the Human Domain, I am willing to accept my punishment."

"Failure?" Emperor Shun laughed. "You have actually already accomplished it."

The Head Manager was taken aback.

Emperor Shun raised his hand and tapped lightly. A light mist appeared behind the Head Manager, condensing into two soft couches and a tall table, upon which sat a chessboard. Then, the Heavenly Emperor gestured casually. As the Head Manager kept his head bowed, his field of vision shifted, and he found himself standing between the soft couches and the table.

"Sit."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." The Head Manager slowly took his seat, his eyes reflecting a complex mix of emotions.

Emperor Shun began to speak softly, "You and I have known each other for countless eons. Together we drove out the Candle Dragon and jointly inaugurated the current flourishing of all living beings. So many long years have passed. How many years has it been? It must be several hundred thousand by now." His voice was very gentle, as if he were simply reminiscing with an old friend.

The Head Manager looked up at the figure who had just taken a seat. A wry, bitter smile touched the corners of his mouth. Even though he was deeply ensnared in the situation, the Head Manager knew this: the Heavenly Emperor reminiscing instead of inflicting punishment was even more disadvantageous for him.

However... "Your Majesty, please speak frankly."

"I just wanted to reminisce with you, that's all." Emperor Shun continued softly, "Head Manager, between us, there really shouldn't be so much distrust. I can tell you candidly: when I was pressuring and forcing you step by step, it wasn't merely the Order incarnation at work. I have been orchestrating this affair ever since the Heaven Palace was established and Emperor Suiren was stripped of the Dao of Fire. And the only one aware of this has been myself."

The Head Manager asked, "Does Your Majesty truly desire my Great Dao?"

"No. I used to think so, but it's no longer necessary." Emperor Shun waved his hand, smiling. "We both know that the Heaven and Earth Seal could be established during the ancient battle primarily due to the Power of Living Beings. After the Dao of Fire was taken, we Innate Gods grew restless, fearing that the great calamity of living beings, foretold in ancient times, would soon arrive. What's laughable is that the foundation of the Heaven and Earth Seal is the Power of Living Beings. Therefore, we must maintain a certain number of these intelligent beings in the world. Only then can we consolidate the Heaven and Earth Seal and prevent the return of the Candle Dragon. Therefore, I placed my hopes on your... sister."

The Head Manager closed his eyes and sighed softly. The great hall fell silent for a while. The only sound was the breeze rustling the golden curtains. It was as if one could hear the whispers of the shadows on the walls, but on closer listening, nothing could be detected.

The Head Manager said, "Your Majesty, I am indeed inferior to her."

"She cares more about living beings than you do. That is the sole reason. As the Heavenly Emperor, I must consider these things." Emperor Shun explained in a gentle voice, "I want to bring back the Dao of Life, upgrade the cosmic order, and thereby completely block the Candle Dragon's path of return. Actually, my Order incarnation should have succeeded, but something very peculiar happened. For some reason, I failed that time. You survived, and you developed a hatred for me."

The Head Manager frowned and asked, "Your Majesty, should I not hate you?"

"Of course, you should." Emperor Shun smiled. "That you can still sit here and listen to me now is quite comforting. I am telling you this today, not with any particular motive. Head Manager, do you know? This time, you have actually already won."

"What do you mean, Your Majesty?" the Head Manager asked with a bitter smile. "Are you perhaps mocking me? That Wu Wangzi now has the support of the Human Domain. He is protected by the Human Emperor and possesses the Yin and Yang Path. As the Earth God said, this attempt was simply a case of being too clever by half; instead, it became a stepping stone for Wu Wangzi to ascend. Ultimately, I underestimated the trump cards Wu Wangzi held."

"Allowing Wu Wangzi to perceive the foolishness of those beings is enough. As for the Yin and Yang Path, you truly don't need to dwell on it—that was related to me." Emperor Shun stated emphatically, "I'm telling you this simply to urge you not to be discouraged by this event, but to rally once more."

"Perhaps my destiny is simply to sacrifice myself."

"No need," Emperor Shun said. "I already have a way to deal with the Candle Dragon. There's no longer a need to sacrifice you or any other good friends who have followed me since ancient times."

Good friends... A hint of puzzlement flickered in the Head Manager's eyes as he looked up at Emperor Shun, their gazes meeting. The master of the Heaven Palace sat casually on the soft couch, his gaze serene, yet tinged with a hint of apology.

The Head Manager's tightly furrowed brows slowly relaxed. A self-deprecating smile appeared on his lips, and he slowly bowed his head. "At Your Majesty's command."

"Won't you ask what I intend to do?"

"I can never fully comprehend Your Majesty's thoughts. You need only tell us what to do." The Head Manager paused for a moment and then added in a low voice, "If Your Majesty requires this Great Dao, please speak plainly. If your previous concern was that my sister would harbor resentment towards the Heaven Palace, then I can devise ways to ensure her loyalty to it."

"It will be enough if the two of you are well." Emperor Shun smiled, his eyes narrowed. "Having reviewed the memories of the Order incarnation, I have discovered something. If I move too quickly or act too ruthlessly, some peculiar things tend to happen. Later, I will issue a decree appointing the Four Great Assistants of the Heaven Palace. You and your sister will both be included, along with the Earth God."

The Head Manager was clearly taken aback. He had assumed His Majesty's words were meant to persuade him... he had never anticipated such an outcome...

The Head Manager almost blurted out, "Who will be the fourth assistant god?"

Emperor Shun uttered two words with a smile: "Ah, Feng Chun."

「In the Northern Wilderness, the domain of the Bear Hug clan.」

A certain Innate God was still deep in sleep, his green sleeping cap having shifted a bit.

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.