Before Wu Wang made the "Human Emperor Successor Declaration," though he anticipated being besieged by various Human Domain factions, he truly hadn't expected them to go to such lengths!

Spirit Pills, magic elixirs, marvelous Divine Power techniques, rare treasures, exotic pets—there was nothing he could think of that these Human Domain 'gangs' couldn't offer!

They were going all out to curry favor!

Brother Xing Tian, fearing Wu Wang would feel uncomfortable, stayed at the Annihilation Sect for half a month. He personally witnessed the changes in these Human Domain factions and almost rolled up his sleeves to brawl with them then and there.

In Brother Xing Tian's words—

"Where were they when we needed them? Now they're all attentive, but where were they when it was time to speak up for justice!"

Wu Wang's simple summary was just three words:

Pah! Disgusting!

Regarding this, Wu Wang could only try to console Xing Tian with a few words.

The principle was actually not complicated. An individual might maintain their purity in this murky world, "remaining clean without being sullied, emerging from mud unstained."

But when a group of people formed a faction, one had to dialectically examine the relationship between the individual and the faction.

Wu Wang applied the "holistic method of analyzing physical forces" he learned during his compulsory education in his previous life to analyze the behavior of these factions, and he quickly found some peace with it.

Sometimes it wasn't that people's hearts were impure, but that the will of a small group was imposed on individuals, prompting them to do things against their conscience.

Just like... those ordinary employees in the large conglomerates from his previous life that Wu Wang vividly remembered.

Ultimately, these internal disputes in the Human Domain boiled down to four words:

Human sentiments and worldliness.

Seen through, faded, numb.

Gifts quickly piled up in Wu Wang's dwelling within the Annihilation Sect.

Treasures from all Nine Wildernesses of the Great Wilderness could be found there.

Wu Wang selected dozens of treasures that even he found rare and had the rest moved to the Human Emperor Pavilion, counting it as a contribution to the Human Domain's provisions.

The Human Emperor Pavilion then widely publicized this, and words of praise for Wu Wang spread far and wide.

This time, there wasn't a single irritating voice.

The rank of the Annihilate Heaven Dark Desire Wind Great Demon Sect in the Human Domain's Demonic Sect rankings rose directly to eleventh place.

Its failure to enter the top ten was a gesture to save a little face for those larger sects boasting tens of thousands of disciples and over a dozen Supreme Elders.

Miao Cuijiao, with her outstanding looks, climbed the Human Domain's demoness rankings to challenge the top three, leaving far behind those demonesses famous for their allure and numerous Dao companions.

The unique cultivation techniques of the Black Desire Door earned her a significant following.

The number of communication Jade Talismans and heartfelt paper cranes sent to the Human Domain increased daily.

The entire Annihilation Sect was jubilant.

The Grand Elder had even built a grand temple using Spirit Mines on the old Sect Master's burial mound...

In short, it was all exceptionally dull.

Wu Wang waited half a month, then the Annihilation Sect closed its doors.

The Human Emperor Pavilion directly dispatched heavily armed guards to this location. They brought in eight Transcendent Realm masters, all giants of the Demon Path, to take up residence within the Annihilation Sect and, while they were at it, mentor the cultivation of everyone there.

Wu Wang could distinctly feel it: the treatment he received, the attention granted to him by the entire Human Domain, far surpassed that of before.

Truly Crown Prince treatment.

Yet Wu Wang, far from feeling any joy, felt an inexplicable sense of anxiety rise within him.

He took the initiative to speak with Senior Shen Nong via the Yan Emperor's command token. Shen Nong merely smiled, told him to be at ease, and said there was no need for excessive concern. However, he didn't mention a single word about the matter of succession.

This left Wu Wang somewhat puzzled.

Logically, Senior Shen Nong should have a true successor in mind; the old senior had said as much before... Could it be that His Majesty, the Yan Emperor, has always been feigning strength, secretly hoping I would see through his stubborn facade sooner?

Wu Wang...

He mentioned that he wanted to return to the Northern Wilderness to live for a while, since he had returned from there on short notice this time.

Shen Nong did not hesitate at all; he agreed almost without a second thought.

The venerable elder also carefully reassured Wu Wang not to worry. He suggested Ming Snake could take him away quietly, and the Human Emperor Pavilion would announce to the outside world, "Wu Wangzi begins his closed-door cultivation today."

His Majesty Shen Nong seemed entirely unconcerned about Wu Wang's personal safety.

Before departing, Wu Wang specifically invited two friends who had been deliberately avoiding him—Ji Mo and Xiao Jian Daoist.

It was rather strange.

Now that he had stepped forward to become the "brightest star" in the Human Domain, Xiao Jian Daoist and Ji Mo had shown no reaction whatsoever.

It was only after Wu Wang took the initiative to invite them that the two of them agreed to come.

Miao Cuijiao personally cooked a table of dishes that looked, at best, barely edible. Wu Wang had dragged the Grand Elder along to keep them company, and several jars of fine wine were prepared.

Afterward, the four of them gathered around the water-encircled platform for a banquet among close friends.

Le Yao did not accompany them today.

Ji Mo's expression was somewhat gloomy. He kept his head down, staring at the wine goblet in front of him, and only looked up after Wu Wang called him twice.

"What's the matter?"

Wu Wang asked with a smile, "Did you argue with Le Yao?"

Ji Mo sighed. "My wife and I have loved each other deeply for a long time."

"Then you seem quite downhearted."

"It's just that, when you were besieged by everyone before, I couldn't help you much. Sitting here now, I feel rather ashamed."

"You're overthinking it," Wu Wang said, picking up a leg from some unknown spirit beast and placing it on the plate in front of Ji Mo.

He smiled and added, "You represent the Ji Family, after all. From the Ji Family's standpoint, your considerations are naturally different. Don't dwell on it."

Xiao Jian Daoist, laughing beside them, said, "Come, let me offer you a toast."

Wu Wang raised his wine goblet and gently clinked it with Xiao Jian Daoist's.

Seizing the opportunity, Wu Wang asked about the resolution of the recent incident. Xiao Jian's expression immediately became somewhat enigmatic.

The Grand Elder asked, "Does the Human Emperor Pavilion intend to trivialize major issues and ignore minor ones, letting those who slandered our Sect Master go unpunished?"

"Not at all," Xiao Jian glanced at Ji Mo, leaned in slightly, and said in a low voice, "On the contrary… This is top secret, known to no more than six people within the Human Emperor Pavilion. His Majesty has ordered us to use this as a pretext to launch a punitive expedition against Central Mountain."

Ji Mo, who was drinking, trembled and spat out a mouthful of wine in a spray.

"Attack Central Mountain?"

Ji Mo's decent-looking eyes lit up. "Really?"

"Silence! Silence!"

Xiao Jian Daoist grabbed Ji Mo, glanced around, and then set up several layers of barriers around the wine table.

He said,

"The reason for this is somewhat complicated, yet also quite simple. Human Domain cultivators have a lifespan limit, forcibly imposed by the Heaven Palace's Head Manager. It is also a shackle imposed on the Human Domain by the entire Dao of Order. This shackle was imposed after the fall of Emperor Suiren, when the Heaven Palace found an opportunity.

"Above the Transcendent Realm are three major realms: Breaking Transformation, Breaking Dao, and Breaking the Void. The third realm was deduced by Emperor Fuxi, and perhaps only His Majesty, the Human Emperor, can reach it. I, unworthy as I am, with guidance from Wu Wang, have now stepped into the Breaking Transformation realm.

"According to Emperor Fuxi, as long as one enters the Breaking Dao Realm, one can achieve immortality, roam the heavens and earth freely, and even confront the Heaven Palace's Strong gods head-on. However, during the first dark era, the Heaven Palace imposed numerous restrictions on the Human Domain. What exactly was taken from cultivators in the Breaking Transformation realm... I've only heard rumors about these secrets."

Wu Wang nodded lightly to the side, holding his wine and pondering for a moment.

After Xiao Jian Daoist paused, Wu Wang found an opportunity and whispered,

"It's those experts who followed His Majesty back then and stepped into the Breaking Dao Realm—they must be approaching the end of their lifespans, right? After all, His Majesty extended his lifespan, and paid an unknown price to do so. Considering His Majesty's original lifespan, plus his rapid cultivation progress during the era of his rise... indeed, those old seniors who went into seclusion to protect the Human Domain don't have much time left."

"Mm," Xiao Jian Daoist said. "The three-year limit likely means some seniors are due to pass away within the next three years."

The atmosphere at the dinner table suddenly became somewhat oppressive.

Wu Wang said, "No wonder His Majesty wants me to go to the Northern Wilderness to lie low."

"That's a war we can't participate in," Xiao Jian Daoist said. He lifted his cup, tilted his head back, and drained it in one gulp, letting out a soft 'HAH'.

The Sword Cultivator said with a smile,

"I will go to send these seniors off when the time comes, but my teacher probably won't let me get too close. This battle is of utmost importance. If these veteran Human Domain experts fail to kill the Heaven Palace's Strong gods, the power balance between the Heaven Palace and the Human Domain will rapidly destabilize. Although the Heaven Palace is already stronger than us, the Heaven and Earth Seal limits the number of Innate Gods they can mobilize. But if our old seniors fall in vain, the Heaven Palace will have the spare capacity to attack us. Fortunately, the great battle in the Southeastern Region cost the Heaven Palace a large number of the Hundred Races experts they had been cultivating..."

Then the Human Emperor Pavilion will have to be quite meticulous.

Wu Wang tapped his fingers on the table, Divine Light already flowing in his eyes.

There are many exploitable opportunities here. If we can fully leverage the Hundred Races' dissatisfaction with the Heaven Palace, divert the Heaven Palace's attention, and draw out those Strong gods from the Heaven Palace… However, the Human Domain has its own strategists, so I won't elaborate further.

Xiao Jian gave a slight nod and whispered, "You really should lie low for now. Going into seclusion is indeed a wise choice."

"I will return to the Northern Wilderness tomorrow."

Wu Wang laughed. "I'll take this opportunity to go back and spend more time with my parents. After this war, who knows what situation will arise within and outside the Human Domain."

Ji Mo asked, "Returning to the Northern Wilderness at a time like this… wouldn't it be somewhat inappropriate if people found out?"

"Then just don't let anyone find out," Wu Wang said, arching an eyebrow at Ji Mo.

Ji Mo, for some reason, immediately said, "Brother Wuwang, don't look at me like that! I'm a married man now. Appreciating the supple waists of Northern Wilderness maidens… such things are no longer for me."

Wu Wang...

"Grand Elder, get the Image Projection Bead and record this!"

"Excellent," the Grand Elder said, stroking his beard with a soft chuckle.

Ji Mo hastily begged for mercy. Xiao Jian, watching from the side, roared with laughter, and the atmosphere became quite jovial.

Unfortunately, before the wine was half-drunk and their conversation finished, several streaks of Liu Guang approached from the horizon. A few communication Jade Talismans were allowed through the Mountain Protection Array by an Annihilation Sect Elder, addressed separately to Wu Wang and Xiao Jian Daoist.

They each took a Jade Talisman and glanced at it. Wu Wang's brows furrowed deeply, while Xiao Jian Daoist shot to his feet, his eyes filled with rage.

Xiao Jian drew his sword and slashed at a nearby wooden chair, instantly pulverizing it.

"This Heaven Palace! Utterly outrageous! Utterly outrageous!"

Wu Wang also wore a grim expression. He passed the Jade Talisman in his hand to the Grand Elder and Ji Mo, then sat down, lost in thought.

What is Heaven Palace up to? The Four Auxiliary Ministers? Could it be that Emperor Shun... his head suffered a heavy blow from the Candle Dragon's hoof...

...

By the decree of the Heavenly Emperor, all beings shall listen.

From ancient times until now, the Heaven Palace has constructed the Dao of Order, sheltering all life in Heaven and Earth.

The sun and moon follow their courses, each with its reason; wind, frost, rain, and dew are each governed by their respective gods.

Today, the living beings between Heaven and Earth are restless, powerful demons from beyond lurk, the gods of the Heaven Palace find no peace, and the hearts of all beings are uneasy.

Therefore, His Majesty the Heavenly Emperor intends to appoint Four Auxiliary Ministers for the Heaven Palace. They shall be entrusted with great responsibilities, vested with divine authority, serve as exemplars for all gods, and embody the aspirations of all living beings.

The First Auxiliary Minister of the Heaven Palace: the God of Lifespan, the Head Manager, to oversee all matters concerning the Hundred Races.

The Second Auxiliary Minister of the Heaven Palace: the God of Earth of the Five Elements, to command the Heaven Palace's military forces.

The Third Auxiliary Minister of the Heaven Palace: the God of Reproduction, the Young Master, to promote the prosperity of all living beings among the Hundred Races.

The Fourth Auxiliary Minister of the Heaven Palace: the God of Welcoming Spring, Wu Wangzi, to forge new paths for the Heaven Palace.

These Four Auxiliary Ministers shall have the authority to act decisively as circumstances require, the power to discipline the gods of the Heaven Palace, and the right to directly address His Majesty, the Heavenly Emperor.

All living beings in Heaven and Earth shall respect and obey their orders.

...

This was the decree of the Heaven Palace, issued from its highest temple, and delivered in the shortest possible time to every corner of the Nine Wildernesses of the Great Wilderness.

The Human Domain and the Northern Wilderness, in particular, were the first two major regions, aside from Central Mountain, to receive this news.

Most critically, this message resounded directly in the hearts of all living beings in the Human Domain's Northern Region, making it impossible to conceal.

Consequently, a tremendous uproar of 'curses' erupted anew across the Human Domain.

But this time, the outcry was noticeably different from the last.

"Does the Heaven Palace take us for fools? They're using that ancient trick of sowing discord to an absurd degree!"

"Truly outrageous! Wu Wangzi is the future Human Emperor of our Human Domain! What right does the Heaven Palace have to interfere so blatantly!"

"If you're so capable, why don't you offer the Heavenly Emperor's throne to Wu Wangzi? Our Human Domain would immediately pledge allegiance and even help you clean out the old gods!"

"Does the Heavenly Emperor think we are all idiots?"

"I can't stand this! Let's go to Central Mountain and settle scores with them!"

Amidst the chaotic cursing, the cultivators' emotions ran high, and gatherings of cultivators appeared in the major cities of the Human Domain.

With covert encouragement from the Human Emperor Pavilion, these assembled cultivators began to clamor, "We request to go to battle!"

This Heavenly Emperor's decree clearly ignited the Human Domain's long-suppressed emotions, conveniently facilitating the Human Emperor Pavilion's mobilization for the impending war.

—Although the upcoming war did not directly involve ordinary cultivators, the Human Emperor Pavilion had to consider the will of the countless cultivators.

A strategy aligned with the cultivators' sentiments would naturally further stabilize the Human Domain.

Thus, less than half a day after the Heavenly Emperor's decree, brilliant streaks of Liu Guang filled the skies high above the Human Domain.

The Human Emperor Pavilion activated its inspection immortal envoys and tens of thousands of messengers, employing various means to disseminate the order just issued by Emperor Yan of Shennong throughout the Human Domain.

This decree quickly spread not only within the Human Domain but also to the Southeastern Region, Central Mountain, the Eastern Wilderness, and the Western Wilderness.

The Human Emperor's decree was, in essence: "The Heaven Palace has bullied us too far, insulted our Human Domain, and brought disaster upon our Human Race! Today, we shall raise arms and launch a punitive expedition against the Heaven Palace!"

Wu Wang made his own simple summary, also in three bold words:

Crush them!

It was a rare, decisive move from Senior Shen Nong. However, Wu Wang, thinking of the "inevitable sacrifices" it entailed, didn't hesitate much and still quietly left the Human Domain according to his own plans.

As he "transited" through the Western Wilderness, he looked back towards the eastern sky.

Faintly, he could see two dark clouds looming over the Great Wilderness. One bore the figure of Emperor Shun; the other was entwined with a fiery Azure Dragon.

Emperor Shun seemed to offer a cold sneer; the fiery Azure Dragon roared in fury.

"Master, shouldn't we take this opportunity to plunder Divine Power during such a great war?" Ming Snake suggested, posing it as a question.

Wu Wang smiled.

"Let's go home. I need to calm my mind."

"Yes, Master."

...

「Meanwhile, in the land of the Bear Hug clan of the Northern Wilderness.」

The Sleep God suddenly bolted upright from his bed, his nightcap flying off his head.

His expression was normal, but a flicker of fear crossed his eyes. An extremely strong Dao aura began to emanate from him, but thankfully, he reacted in time to suppress it, preventing it from drawing the attention of the world's powerful experts.

"Wu Wang! Brother Wu Wang!"

He shouted twice before dashing out of his tent and racing off.

In the temple deep within the starry sky, Cang Xue gazed at the Sleep God's retreating figure. At this moment, she couldn't help but feel a touch of suspicion, tilting her head slightly.

Hm?

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