Hearing Lin Qi's invitation, Wu Wang's first reaction was...

Could this be a trap?

It wasn't that Wu Wang didn't trust Lin Qi, but rather Lin Qi's father, Lin Nuhao, didn't leave a good impression on Wu Wang.

Not to mention anything else, the setup of sending dead soldiers to the Women's country to cause trouble and ruin Ji Mo's reputation must have been arranged by Lin Nuhao.

Furthermore, the inner demons that Lin Qi had previously struggled with were also a shadow left by General Lin Nuhao.

However, Wu Wang couldn't just refuse Divine Power when it was offered on a silver platter.

Especially since it was freshly harvested Evil God's Divine Power, which might even be purer than the older batch of Divine Children, bringing some innovative changes in flavor!

After some contemplation, Wu Wang agreed to the matter.

"Lin Qi, wait for me a while, I need to think about whom to bring along," Wu Wang said.

"Teacher, will you be accompanying this disciple?"

A smile immediately bloomed on Lin Qi's face, which became somewhat excessively joyous, and he said, "I'll send a letter home right away to prepare for Teacher's arrival!"

"Hey, hey," Wu Wang quickly stopped him, "What's there to welcome about me? The Lin Family is a military aristocracy, a pillar of the Human Domain, and I'm just the Sect Master of a small Demonic Sect."

Lin Qi hurriedly said, "Not small anymore. These few days the rankings have changed. With a Transcendent in presence, we've definitely moved into the top forty spots."

Wu Wang said, "Just treat it like you're bringing a friend home, and don't call me Teacher after we get there. Let's pretend we're peers to avoid your father taking offense."

Lin Qi couldn't help but frown and hum lightly, and after a while, he agreed with a formal bow.

"Teacher, your disciple has overstepped his bounds."

"Call me Brother Wuwang to see how it sounds."

Lin Qi looked as if his mouth was glued shut, and he spoke with some difficulty.

"Thi-this... Bro-Brother Wuwang..."

"HAHAHA! That's how you should call me! What's with the hesitation for a grown man!"

Wu Wang couldn't help but laugh heartily, hands on his hips. "Hearing you call me Teacher all the time was almost making me feel guilty... Suqing! I'm going out for a bit, do you and Immortal Mu want to come along?"

Before Lin Suqing could respond, Immortal Mu had already jumped down from the second floor.

"Of course, we'll come along. My orders are to protect you every step of the way!"

Wu Wang laughed and said, "I think you just want to protect Suqing every step of the way."

Lin Suqing floated down gently from the second floor, laughing softly. Having consumed Xun Grass Spirit Pill again, there didn't seem to be any noticeable changes in her—there wasn't much room left for improvement in terms of her fair skin and beauty.

"Young Master, should we prepare any gifts for Lin Qi's father?"

"Take out two jars of my treasured wine and prepare two bags of ore," Wu Wang thought for a moment, "there's nothing else good to give."

Lin Qi hastily said, "How can I accept gifts from Teacher?"

"It's for your father, not for you! And what did you call me?"

"Brother Wuwang..."

"Ha, that's more like it."

Wu Wang, finding it amusing, called everyone to prepare, and sent the True Immortal guards waiting outside to invite the Grand Elder to come out with them.

An hour later, a Flying Shuttle left the gates of Annihilation Sect Mountain.

The Flying Shuttle was the aerial Magic treasure of the two Lin Family experts, commonly seen in the army of the Human Domain, known for its fast escape speed and good concealment. Its only downside was its overly understated and ordinary appearance, not favored by the widespread 'Love for Face Alliance.'

Having been stuck at the Annihilation Sect for two or three years, these two experts were now smiling faintly at the chance to return to the Lin Family.

This time, Wu Wang was traveling light, as the destination was the dangerous borderlands, not like last time when he went to the Xuan Nu Sect for drinks and banquets.

As the Young Master was leaving, naturally Lin Suqing would follow, to prevent Wu Wang from falling into the embarrassing situation of "Cyclic Female Touch."

The Grand Elder had just entered the Transcendent Realm, and Immortal Mu was half a step into Transcendence. Together, they constituted a force that couldn't be ignored. With these two accompanying them, it was apt to call the four of them strong reinforcements for the borderlands.

Everyone sat in meditation, with the two Heavenly Immortal Realm experts from the Lin Family taking turns to propel the Flying Shuttle at great speed towards their destination in the northwest borderlands.

Lin Suqing was bustling about, arranging a fruit platter for the Young Master one moment, and brewing tea the next, keeping herself busy.

Halfway through the journey, Lin Qi suddenly said, "Alas, it's truly a pity that Brother Ji could not join us."

"Going to your Lin Family, it's probably for the best that Ji Mo doesn't come along."

Wu Wang said with a smile, his words pregnant with deep meaning, subtly referring to the matter of Women's country in the Western Wilderness.

Lin Qi frowned and pursed his lips, whispering, "Brother Wuwang, if it really was my family that framed Ji Mo, ruining his reputation and chances..."

"There's no need to ponder on it. If you didn't do it, then it's not your doing."

Wu Wang laughed and said, "Brother Ji is no longer concerned about this matter. He is currently at the brothel seeking Enlightenment, and who knows, he might achieve a great breakthrough after coming out."

The Grand Elder, stroking his beard, fell into a deep musing. "Enlightenment at a brothel? Could it be that he's taking the path of dual cultivation?"

"I haven't actually asked Brother Ji about that."

Wu Wang smoothly shifted away from this topic and inquired of Lin Qi, "What kind of General is Lin Nuhao?"

Lin Qi's spirits sank even darker, bowing his head without much to say.

But the two Generals from the Lin Family perked up, each discussing animatedly for a while.

In their description, General Lin Nuhao was compassionate towards his subordinates and prioritized righteousness and benevolence. He was bright and martially talented, proficient in strategies and warfare, possessing transcendent strength and the courage of a thousand men. He always led the charge in battle, serving as a role model for all Generals. Furthermore, he had even received vocal praise from the Human Emperor, with countless commendations from the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion.

This General Lin Nuhao did not come from a noble family, but he, all by himself, had established today's Lin Family.

Wu Wang already had a rough image in his mind. Strong, valiant, capable of winning people's hearts...

Given such traits, why must he force Lin Qi to compete for the Yan Emperor Token? Wouldn't his own declaration to contest for the candidacy of the Human Emperor be more successful?

Let it go, it's better to have fewer troubles.

Wu Wang would soon greet them with a smile anyway, go through the necessary pleasantries, make small talk, all in consideration of Lin Qi's face.

After crossing numerous mountains and rivers, flying through sunrise and sunset, they finally arrived at the northwestern border of the Human Domain.

As one of the house Generals from the Lin Family said, "We have reached the front-line military camp, Sect Master Wuwang, please look to the north."

Wu Wang looked out the window to the north and saw a winding range of mountains on the horizon, far too regular in appearance, with all sections at an even height, like a wall hundreds of feet tall.

Vaguely, he could hear the roars of beasts emanating from beyond the wall and see Liu Guang moving back and forth atop it.

Upon focusing, the Spiritual Energy there washed back and forth like ocean waves; were the Spiritual Energy tangible and colored, the sight would surely be quite magnificent.

Wu Wang praised, "Is that the wall of the Northern Region that defends against the Beast Tide? Truly majestic."

Everyone nodded with a smile as Lin Qi spoke about the history of the Northern Region's wall, making the last leg of the journey a little less dry.

Their destination was Stone City, built atop a mountain peak.

Stone City was level with the Northern Region's wall and was mere hundreds of miles from the front line. The mountains on which the city was based had also been moved there from elsewhere, now standing boldly above a vast plain.

The buildings within Stone City were very orderly, with uniform small buildings and equidistant spacing; even the colors of the various Protective Arrays were alike.

The General's Residence at the center was imposing, with high towers abounding and the main hall constructed like a grand palace, its cornices fashioned in the shape of dragon heads.

Scanning with his Spiritual Sense, Wu Wang could tell there were indeed many Cultivators stationed here.

In Stone City, there were no mortals. Even the patrolling teams started at the Immortal Realm. Around the mountain's base, twelve major camps were distributed. Although half were empty at this time, tens of thousands of Cultivators were still stationed there.

On the nearby plains, there were even dozens of towns scattered around, presumably to accommodate the families of these Cultivators.

For these Cultivators, this place was their home, and the Lin Family was their 'lord.'

Wu Wang couldn't help asking, "Are these all private troops of the Lin Family?"

"It's the first time I've heard the term 'private troops,'" laughed one of the house Generals. "These are followers of our General, all within the number permitted by the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion."

Wu Wang nodded with a smile, but sighed inwardly: The deep-rooted problems of the Human Domain aren't limited to the strife between Immortals and Demons; no wonder my father-in-law is under so much pressure.

Without any obstruction, the Flying Shuttle passed through three layers of Protective Arrays and landed in front of the magnificent gates of the Lin Residence.

The house Generals from the Lin Family stored away the Flying Shuttle, and the seven of them stood firm on the stone-paved path, with the Immortal Soldiers guarding the entrance immediately bowing and saluting.

Suddenly, shouts erupted from within the Residence.

"The young master is back!"

"General, the young master has returned to the residence!"

The doors of the Lin Residence were already being pushed open by the Immortal Soldiers, and many figures could be seen scurrying about inside.

Lin Qi hurriedly said, "Brother Wuwang, please wait here; I will go inform my father."

Wu Wang nodded with a smile, and Lin Qi, lifting the hem of his robe, rushed into the residence with two house Generals, soaring straight towards the main hall.

Faint shadows could be seen in the front hall of the Lin Residence; they must have been discussing matters before.

"HAHAHA! HAHAHA!"

Laughter echoed from within the residence, as a robust middle-aged man clad in grey armor, accompanied by several generals, strode forward to meet them.

At this moment, there were also a dozen men and women sitting in the front hall, each dressed differently.

Lin Qi followed closely behind the middle-aged man, and as they approached the main door, he pointed at Wu Wang with a smile and said, "Father, this is the friend whom your son trusts and respects most, the Sect Master of the Annihilation Sect, Wu Wangzi."

"Oh?"

The middle-aged man turned his gaze towards Wu Wang, his dignified face momentarily softening with a nod in greeting. His attention then shifted to the Grand Elder, and he exclaimed joyfully, "Is this perhaps the newly ascended Transcendent, Blood Hand Demon Lord? I have long admired you!"

Wu Wang was speechless.

A show of strength?

Lin Qi's face turned dark, Lin Suqing's elegant eyebrows slightly frowned, and Immortal Mu pouted and glared; the Grand Elder's brows knitted fiercely, and he was about to turn and leave.

But at that moment, the Grand Elder still managed to hold back, stepping back half a pace to stand behind Wu Wang, remaining silent.

Lin Qi stepped forward from behind the generals and stood in front of the middle-aged general, declaring firmly, "Father, this is an honored guest I have invited!"

"Go to the backyard and greet your mother."

Lin Nuhao spoke calmly, his bearded face imposing without a trace of anger, but his gaze was somewhat stern.

Lin Qi's arm trembled slightly. "Father!"

"What, you've been out cultivating for a while and you've forgotten all the rules?" Lin Nuhao said with a smile, yet he cast a glance at Wu Wang.

Wu Wang was also secretly amused. There was no doubt; he was being targeted by Lin Nuhao.

Lin Qi's face turned pale as he looked up at his father, lips pursed, still unwilling to bow his head.

Suddenly, Wu Wang spoke with a chuckle, "Brother Lin, haven't you often said that you miss your mother? Go and pay her a visit."

"But this..."

"No worries."

Wu Wang said with a smile and a wave of his hand, "I lured you away to cultivate in the Annihilation Sect, so it's natural for General Lin to be somewhat dissatisfied with me, but it's no big deal. We all work for the Human Domain, serving the Human Emperor. How could General Lin truly make things difficult for me? Suqing, present the fine wines I brought."

"Yes," Lin Suqing replied softly, using Mana to carry two pots of fine wine forward but did not take out the two Treasure Sacks and the treasure mine.

Generals behind Lin Nuhao stepped up to receive the two pots of wine.

Lin Qi stepped back two paces, turned to Wu Wang, and made a formal bow, saying, "Teacher, your disciple will go greet my mother first."

He had returned to such a formal address.

Without delay, Lin Qi turned and walked back into the residence. As he passed by his father, both father and son wore a somber expression, strikingly similar to each other.

Lin Nuhao gazed at Wu Wang for a while, but Wu Wang did not back down, holding his gaze.

It was as if several bolts of lightning were flashing back and forth between them.

Lin Nuhao said in a moderated tone, "Sect Master Wuwang, I appreciate your efforts in disciplining my unworthy son."

"Great General Lin is too courteous," Wu Wang replied with a smile. "Lin Qi and I are actually peers, but he often asks me about the principles of life, hence he calls me teacher."

"Is that so?"

Lin Nuhao smiled indifferently and turned to gesture. "With the esteemed guests of Benevolent Emperor Pavilion here, I hope Sect Master Wuwang will pay attention to the proper etiquette and not cause any trouble for the Annihilation Sect."

"General Lin can rest assured, I always pay attention to etiquette and propriety in my actions."

A folding fan appeared in Wu Wang's hand, and he gently fanned himself, exuding somewhat of the poise of Young Master Ji.

"After you, my Daoist friend."

Without saying more, Lin Nuhao led the generals ahead.

Wu Wang was actually ready to leave, but feeling that it would be unfair to Lin Qi to do so, he suppressed his irritation and stepped into the Lin Residence.

A group hurried to the entrance of the main hall. Wu Wang, waving his paper fan, had not yet stepped inside when a hearty laugh suddenly echoed from within.

"Sect Master Wuwang, are you well and unharmed?"

Lin Nuhao's brows furrowed slightly.

The one speaking inside was a middle-aged Daoist with his hair tied up in a high crown, carrying a Longsword on his back. He had previously been sitting in the secondary seat in the main hall.

Wu Wang responded with a smile, finding the man somewhat familiar. After thinking carefully... a beach, moonlight, the soles of the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion Master's shoes...

The Thirteen Swords of Cold Light?

Looking at the dozen people who got up to welcome him, Wu Wang recognized them as well. They were the same team that had last ambushed the second main hall of the Ten Evils Hall—just minus Master Liu and those Transcendents.

He laughed and said, "It seems that all of you are the elite backup team of the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion during battle, moving wherever support is needed? HAHAHA!"

The Daoists each revealed a hint of a smile.

The Thirteen Swords of Cold Light laughed and said, "Last time, Sect Master Wuwang left in such a hurry that I didn't get a chance to introduce myself. My Daoist title is Xiao Jian, which conveys the intent of 'a sword reaching the high heavens'!"

Wu Wang clasped his hands and smiled, "So it's the esteemed Senior Xiao Jian. Have the thirteen swords been refined into one yet?"

"HAHAHA, it's not so easy to refine! Calling me 'senior' is too formal. Just call me Daoist Brother, as I'll take the liberty of claiming a small advantage."

Xiao Jian Daoist winked at Wu Wang with his left eye and shifted to the side, raising his voice: "Now that Sect Master Wuwang has arrived, we have no further business here. General Lin, please discuss directly with Sect Master Wuwang how to capture the Divine Child. This Sect Master Wuwang is known for his strange strategies and quick wits and has the full trust of our Pavilion Master. We also hold him in high regard."

Lin Nuhao replied indifferently, "Matters of military operations are no child's play. Is Sect Master Wuwang not too young for this?"

Xiao Jian Daoist said with a smile: "Heroes need not come from prestigious origins, and ambition is not confined to the old. Since General Lin has put it this way, let me be frank. Sect Master Wuwang was actually invited by our Benevolent Emperor Pavilion. The Pavilion Master has ordered that he take full responsibility for dealing with matters concerning the Divine Child. If General Lin does not believe it, he can ask my fellow companions."

The other experts of the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion immediately said, "That is indeed the case."

"We have faith in Sect Master Wuwang's strategies."

"Sect Master Wuwang, please take the seat of honor!"

"If General Lin doesn't believe it, he can go and ask our Pavilion Master."

Listening to these experts' calls, Wu Wang almost laughed out loud, pondering in his heart... Could it be that the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion has a gripe with the Lin Family?

Lin Nuhao's expression changed from the previously stern look to a slight smile as he gestured to Wu Wang: "It appears I was mistaken. I was rude before. Please, Sect Master Wuwang, take the seat of honor!"

Wu Wang turned to head towards the lowest-ranking seat, waving his hand, "No need. Please, Daoist Brother Xiao Jian, take the seat. I'm just here to join in on the excitement."

After saying this, he had already taken a seat next to the Grand Elder, with Lin Suqing standing quietly behind the two of them.

However, Immortal Mu stood stiffly at the door, holding a Short Sword.

Lin Suqing called softly, "Immortal Mu, come over here."

"Hmm," Dongfang Mumu responded, but then fixed her gaze on Lin Nuhao.

As soon as Lin Nuhao took his seat, she suddenly said, "General Lin Nuhao, do you recognize me?"

Lin Nuhao naturally frowned and asked in a deep voice, "May I know how to address you?"

The experts from the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion next to her struggled to hold back their laughter.

"You don't need to worry about what I'm called. The current Pavilion Master of the Four Seas Pavilion is my master, and the previous Pavilion Master was my grandmother."

Immortal Mu crossed her arms and said indifferently: "This Wu Wangzi is my good friend, and he doesn't just have the backing of the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion. You'd best not get any funny ideas."

"That's enough now," Wu Wang patted the seat beside him. "Come back, Immortal Mu."

"HMPH. HMPH." Immortal Mu flicked her head and hopped back. "Such a big general, and yet he doesn't even know how to show courtesy. Such a small-hearted man."

Lin Nuhao smiled faintly, showing no sign of his emotions. He went straight to the point: "The military situation is urgent, and the Evil God may act at any moment. Where did we leave off previously?"

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