'Your Majesties, is the head of the Sun Ritual so powerful?'

「At the Peak of the Snow Mountain, within Cang Xue's residence.」

Perhaps because others were present, Cang Xue did not manifest the starry phenomenon inside the wooden hut, instead keeping it in its original state. Describing the abode of the Bear Hug Clan leader's wife as 'bare walls' was slightly improper, yet exceedingly apt.

Cang Xue warmly invited Xiao Jian Daoist and his companions to take their seats. Dressed in a white gown with blue patterns, she radiated a powerful affinity.

She gave Ling Xiaolan a gentle wink, causing the latter's cheeks to redden as she lowered her head, not daring to speak.

She gave Lin Suqing a slight smile, and Suqing moved about making tea for the guests as if she had been to this place many times before.

Lin Suqing: ... She was clearly left waiting outside last time!

When Cang Xue looked toward Xiao Jian Daoist, the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion Heavenly Immortal, and the Xuan Nu Sect Heavenly Immortal, the three felt a chill in their hearts, their Daoist hearts experiencing a slight disturbance.

"Thank you for escorting my son all this way. My humble dwelling is simple; I hope you won't mind," she said.

The tone of Cang Xue's voice was like the gentlest breeze on the prairie, soft and soothing, yet able to make the undulating grass bow.

Wu Wang also called out, "Brother Xiao Jian, please don't be reserved. Two Seniors, please take your seats."

After saying this, he went behind his mother, pulled out a soft cushion from his sleeve, spread it out, and lay down beside her, making room for Xiao Jian Daoist and the others.

"Great Cang Xue, this is my master, Liu Baiyi, the Pavilion Master of the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion, who has instructed me to deliver this gift to you," Xiao Jian Daoist said as he cupped his hands, groped in his sleeve, and carefully placed a brocade box on the low table in front of Cang Xue.

Although this Daoist cultivated the Sword Dao and seemed very proud, he was an 'old fox' who had gained much experience in the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion over many years. In such a situation, praising Cang Xue's beauty would seem frivolous, and sending gifts for no reason might diminish the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion's standing.

In Cang Xue's presence, he had to lavish praise on Wu Wang.

Xiao Jian Daoist said with a smile, "This gift isn't given without cause.

"The Benevolent Emperor Pavilion, as well as the Human Domain, must thank you for raising such an outstanding son. After Wuwang Palace Lord went to the Human Domain, he accomplished remarkable feats. He also made a tremendous contribution to the perfection of the Human Domain's cultivation techniques.

"My master regrets not being able to personally visit..."

"That's enough, that's enough!" Wu Wang hurriedly interjected, exclaiming, "Do I have any face left to lose here?"

Xiao Jian Daoist laughed, "But these are all true words."

Wu Wang said, "Mother can see whatever I do in the Human Domain with the power bestowed by the Star God."

"This... is awkward." Xiao Jian Daoist spread his hands, and everyone chuckled lightly.

The combination of Xiao Jian Daoist's flattery and Wu Wang's deflection actually made the initially somewhat constrained atmosphere feel more relaxed.

Ling Xiaolan showed a slight smile. Cang Xue's smile grew even brighter, and she beckoned Ling Xiaolan to sit beside her.

Although they had met in dreams before, Ling Xiaolan was still slightly nervous and seemed a bit uncomfortable.

She took out a small wooden box from her sleeve and said softly, "This is my first visit, and I haven't prepared a gift for Auntie. I made this item myself. Please don't disdain it."

Cang Xue took the wooden box and said with a smile, "You're thoughtful."

Ling Xiaolan took out her own cushion, sprinkled a bit of Immortal Light to the side, and gave Cang Xue an apologetic smile, explaining, "This is my own..."

"I know," Cang Xue said softly. "Just make yourself comfortable and don't worry about these formalities. There aren't so many rules here.

"You must have seen the ways of the Northern Wilderness on your journey. Although the culture and manners of the Northern Wilderness people may not compare to the Human Domain, where illustrious sages provide teachings, the people here are simpler in heart, without so many complications.

"Please, everyone, take your seats... though you might have to squeeze together a bit."

The three from Xiao Jian Daoist's group expressed their thanks and took their seats.

The expert from the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion, like Wu Wang, took a seat at the back.

Unfortunately, the table was too small, and it became a bit crowded.

With outsiders present, Wu Wang couldn't bring up confidential matters, so he merely chatted with his mother about recent news from within and outside the clan.

Lin Suqing quickly brought over the tea, then quietly sat beside Wu Wang, waiting for the time to refill their cups.

The topic inevitably shifted to the recent events in the East Sea.

Xiao Jian Daoist asked, "Great Cang Xue, in your opinion, will the Heaven Palace continue to trouble the Human race in the Northern Wilderness?"

"The concern of the Human Domain's Human race is appreciated," Cang Xue replied softly. "The Northern Wilderness is ruled by the Star God, not under the jurisdiction of the Heaven Palace. Why would there be any trouble?"

Ling Xiaolan said, "Brother Wuwang is indeed worried about this and hurried back to the Northern Wilderness without stopping day or night."

"He's silly. He didn't know to ask me in time and instead tried to be clever by rushing back. But it's good that he's back; I certainly couldn't stop him," Cang Xue said. She spent most of the time looking at Ling Xiaolan and then spoke again, "You always call him Brother Wuwang, which creates some distance between you two. I've heard you call him Wu Wang a few times before. Why did you revert to calling him Brother Wuwang?"

Ling Xiaolan felt somewhat at a loss and could only reply, "Calling him Brother Wuwang is more respectful."

"AHEM!" Wu Wang cleared his throat and finally managed to steer the conversation, discussing matters that could be spoken of in front of outsiders like Xiao Jian Daoist.

"Mother, do you think the Heaven Palace will make a move against the Northern Wilderness?"

Cang Xue said, "Normally, they wouldn't."

"What about exceptional circumstances? For example, if the Heaven Palace found out about Xing Tian's cultivation in the Human Domain, or if they discovered my high position in the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion?"

Wu Wang lay with his arm pillowed under his head, pondering for a moment. "No matter how I think about it, this is a threat to the Heaven Palace."

Cang Xue watched Wu Wang with a faint smile, speaking softly, "You are looking at those gods through the eyes of mortals."

Xiao Jian Daoist countered, "What do you mean by that?"

"Gods and mortals see the Great Wilderness differently," Cang Xue's voice was incredibly soothing.

"Their concerns also differ. Gods care only about controlling the Great Dao, whereas mortals care about how to survive in this world. If the Heaven Palace were to take action against the Northern Wilderness, it wouldn't be over something as trivial as a clan's descendant practicing cultivation in the Human Domain. That reasoning is too narrow. Although it might be inappropriate to say so, they simply don't care."

Wu Wang asked, "Mother, has the Heaven Palace already begun to probe the Northern Wilderness?"

"That's right," Cang Xue said, "They have set their sights on the Star God Cult, trying to determine the Star God's current state through it."

She paused, then added, "If the Star God had not permitted it, how could we have established the Star God Cult?

"The cult prays to the Star God at all times, supplying a continuous stream of votive power from living beings to her. The Heaven Palace both respects and fears the Star God. Indeed, their concern has made them restless."

Wu Wang said, "Mother, let's not talk about this in front of the experts from the Human Domain."

Xiao Jian Daoist hastily said, "It's fine, it's fine.

"The Northern Wilderness and the Human Domain are different, but we all belong to the Human race. Whether in the south or the north, whether united under the Human Domain or standing firm in the Northern Wilderness as a Large Family Clan, we all carry on the legacy of the Human race. We are all continuing the will of Nuwa."

Lin Suqing covered her mouth, giggling softly at the side.

Such a speech was indeed too formal.

Wu Wang also received the answers he sought from his mother, and the weight he had been carrying finally eased. He yawned and started chatting about everyday family matters.

Outside the wooden hut, the wind and snow grew stronger, while inside, the sounds of laughter and conversation became clearer.

Snow eagles soared high in the sky, and even higher, nestled behind the snowstorm, the brilliant light of stars twinkled.

「Half a day later.」

The Flying Shuttle was put away. Xiao Jian Daoist and his party, led by Lin Suqing, were escorted to the Royal Court for a brief stay by a welcoming party of giant wolf riders.

However, Wu Wang and Ling Xiaolan were kept behind by Cang Xue.

Of course, this "keeping" was very proper, merely allowing the two of them to cultivate together with Cang Xue providing guidance.

A jest is not a falsehood, and cultivating together is not dual cultivation.

Cang Xue said, "Xiaolan, could you prepare yourself first? I'm taking Ba'er into the starry sky to experience the Star Dao."

Ling Xiaolan asked, "Is there anything I can help with?"

"He lacks neither comprehension nor Mana at this time." Cang Xue looked at Wu Wang. "Since you chose the Star Dao and wish to become an Immortal, you must first overcome a threshold."

Wu Wang nodded, as if struck by realization.

His mother must want to discuss some private matters with him; these secrets were not to be revealed to Ling Xiaolan.

With a gentle wave of Cang Xue's slender hand, starlight spread from the wooden table, and Ling Xiaolan's figure vanished. The mother and son found themselves surrounded by a sea of stars.

Wu Wang sat up and assumed a proper meditation posture, sensing that his mother was about to discuss something significant…

Indeed, Cang Xue's opening words shocked Wu Wang deeply.

"My son, do you wish to replace the Star God?"

Wu Wang was stunned and struggled to speak. After a long pause, he could only mutter, "Mother, is that even possible?"

Cang Xue pursed her lips slightly, gazing intently at Wu Wang, and said in a low voice, "If you know it's impossible, then why pursue a path identical to the Star God's? Why insist on comprehending the Original Dao of the Stars?"

Wu Wang...

He was startled, thinking for a moment that his mother had the power to directly transfer the Star God's Dao to him. He wished it were so simple.

If such things were that easy, why would the three Human Emperors—Suiren, Fu Xi, and Shen Nong—have found it so challenging?

Wu Wang asked, "Mother, what exactly is the current state of the Star God?"

"Relax your Spiritual Mind."

Cang Xue raised a finger to Wu Wang's forehead. Just as he was about to speak, darkness overtook his vision, and he passed out.

The curse of the God of Fate was still so domineering.

But in a daze, Wu Wang heard his mother's call. Barely 'opening his eyes', he saw endless expanses of starry sky.

It was similar to a dream, but more like his Nascent Soul had exited his body, wandering Taixu.

Wu Wang saw his mother standing quietly ahead. She was surrounded by pale blue Immortal Light that rippled like water. She wore an elaborately styled ancient dress with many layers, yet it appeared light and ethereal.

"Mother?"

Cang Xue turned around, revealing a gentle smile to Wu Wang.

Wu Wang was slightly stunned because, although his mother still had her original appearance, he felt that there were some subtle differences.

"This is how your mother truly looks; even your father has never seen it," Cang Xue spoke softly, yet her expression gradually hardened as she gritted her teeth, playfully batting Wu Wang's head back and forth like a ball.

"I don't even know how I ended up giving birth to you, you little rascal! You have so many cunning schemes, making me change my plans several times! And you even ran off to the Human Domain to become a Hall Master. Do you really think the Human Emperor is a pushover?"

I'm not fainting?! Ugh, I must be going mad. This is a Dream Realm, an Illusionary Realm; of course I wouldn't faint.

"Mother, Mother, esteemed Mother!" Wu Wang kept pleading for mercy and also spoke a heartfelt statement, "Mother, your son harbors a special affection for the Human Domain, and I feel the same towards the Human Emperor."

What Wu Wang meant, in fact, was the cultural imprint left from his past life.

But when these words reached Cang Xue's ears, they bore another meaning entirely.

She sounded slightly angry as she said, "Everyone says having sons is good, having sons is good! But once you have one, isn't it all for nothing? They just end up serving their father-in-law!"

"Mother, how can you view this matter with such a worldly perspective?" Wu Wang spread his hands. "Mother, conflicts between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law are best avoided. You mustn't harbor such thoughts."

Cang Xue smiled, her eyes curving like crescent moons. It was only at this moment that Wu Wang realized his mother's true countenance, when not smiling, was quite majestic.

Mother must hold a high rank within the Candle Dragon Divine Faction.

"Mother, where are we going?"

"This place is an Illusionary Realm constructed from my memories," Cang Xue spoke slowly. "We are not going anywhere; rather, I want you to directly experience the Star God's Dao.

"You must have been troubled before, wondering why you could not attain immortality.

"I can tell you that I have a solution to this. However, this method requires you to wait for dozens, perhaps hundreds, of years before you can continue your cultivation to become an Immortal.

"However, by then, whether you become an Immortal or not won't matter much."

Wu Wang pondered slightly. "Mother, once your true self returns to the Great Wilderness, you can suppress the Star God's Dao and extract the Star Dao."

"'More or less,' Cang Xue replied. Her fingers swiped left and right, and the endless stars slipped away from beside the mother and son, as the Star God's figure appeared in the deepest part of the starry sky.

When they first saw the outline of the Star God, it was only the size of a grain of rice.

But in the blink of an eye, as the celestial sphere turned and the stars shifted positions, they were already standing before the Star God, an intense oppressive feeling rushing toward them.

The scene was no different from the last time they saw it.

A goddess with a human torso and a serpentine tail, her form as vast as a mountain range, marred by that terrifying, penetrating wound...

The Star God still maintained the posture of covering the wound with one hand and holding a disc in the other. As Cang Xue led Wu Wang forward, an old crone's figure emerged upon that disc.

"You're back?" the old woman asked warmly, leaning on her cane, hunched over, and bowing respectfully to Cang Xue.

This was a phantom formed from memory; of course, it didn't require attention.

Cang Xue turned around and explained, "This is the Artifact Spirit of the Star Disc, the Divine Artifact the Star God uses to command the stars. It is also the executor of the Star God's blessings.

"When the Star God was grievously injured and fell into slumber, this spirit monitored the entire Northern Wilderness.

"The downfall of the Kuafu clan, which you know of, was manipulated by it. In the past tens of thousands of years, the Large Family Clans it has destroyed number in the dozens, if not hundreds.

"The number of powerful individuals it has erased is countless."

Wu Wang frowned slightly. Just as he was about to say something, Cang Xue added, "To perfectly control the Star Dao, this Artifact Spirit is indispensable. It acts as a medium between the Star God and the Great Dao, allowing the Star God to wield the power of the Star Dao to its fullest extent.

"A Divine Artifact is quite significant to a Divine Spirit.

"Those Divine Weapons, though also called divine artifacts, still fall short compared to an artifact like this."

Wu Wang nodded slightly.

So, if the Star God's Artifact Spirit has been subdued, wouldn't that mean...

"Mother, is the Star God still alive?"

"I have already wiped out her consciousness." Cang Xue spoke as if mentioning a trivial matter, and took Wu Wang to fly into the eyes of the Star God, slightly lifting her left hand.

The Star God slowly opened her eyes. If she were the size of an ordinary person, those slender eyes would possess a unique beauty. Unfortunately, there was no Divine Light left in those vibrant, multicolored pupils.

"She was on the verge of death from grievous injuries, which gave me the opportunity to gradually erase her final vestiges of consciousness."

Cang Xue paused and motioned for Wu Wang to touch the Star God's forehead.

Wu Wang complied. Standing before the Star God, he was akin to a mere sesame seed.

Soon after, Wu Wang grunted. His 'figure' was pulled back by Cang Xue. He gasped for breath, unable to regain his senses for a long time.

Cang Xue asked, "Did you feel it?"

"Yes," Wu Wang closed his eyes and took a breath.

In that brief moment, he had seen the boundless Star Sea, the limitless Spiritual Power it contained, and the Great Dao beneath it, on the verge of manifestation.

It was like a tree, like an essence, like an innate divine body, and seemed to be in endless flux.

The Great Dao is formless; what he saw was merely his own conceptualization.

Wu Wang could clearly feel the existence of the Star Dao.

At this moment, he also understood why he had never been able to become an Immortal.

Cang Xue sighed and said, "Although I have erased the Star God's consciousness, she isn't dead. She simply can no longer think… Can you understand this?"

A plant god?

Wu Wang immediately nodded.

Cang Xue continued, "The Star God was born from the Stars' Original Dao, and she is intrinsically intertwined with this Great Dao.

"The so-called Stars' Original Dao is the Great Dao that governs the stars, the very source of all Daos related to the stars. It is a supreme Great Dao.

"You can also understand it as the Star God's imprint pervading this entire Great Dao. The Star Dao recognizes only the Star God.

"Before my true self returns, it's impossible to erase the Star God's imprint. I can only utilize the Star God herself to control this Great Dao."

Wu Wang suddenly asked, "Is the Dao of the Star God truly the ultimate truth of the stars?"

Cang Xue smiled and said, "Could there be a Star Dao that surpasses the Star God's own Dao? After all, she is an Innate God born from the Star Dao itself."

"Mother, your son is just habitually being contentious."

Wu Wang sighed softly. "Then why did you say I could achieve the Transcendent realm within a hundred years…"

"Cultivate the Dao of Fire," Cang Xue smiled.

"If you can obtain the Dao of Fire, then with my Original Dao and the Star Dao, you can rest easy in the future, no matter which Divine Faction comes to rule the world.

"Just like the Queen Mother of the West."

Wu Wang...

"Mother, isn't the Dao of Fire impossible?"

"'What's impossible about it?' Cang Xue said, a meaningful look in her eyes. 'With Fairy Ling's help, you have at least a thirty percent chance of ultimately obtaining the Dao of Fire.'"

Wu Wang retorted, "What about the Human Domain?"

"If you become the Human Emperor, you can certainly protect the Human Domain."

"But I don't want to become the Human Emperor," Wu Wang sighed. "Mother, let's not discuss this further. I'll try to find a way myself to see if I can gain the recognition of the Stars' Original Dao."

Cang Xue said, "That is nearly impossible."

"Mother, I also think it's quite improbable," Wu Wang smiled, "but your son has a flaw: he likes to be contentious."

Cang Xue's smile was filled with tenderness as she sighed, "Have it your way then. Who asked you to be the flesh of my flesh?

"I originally just wanted to muddle through life and do my job. All these plans were made so you wouldn't be wronged in the future."

"I've made you worry, Mother."

Wu Wang said with a smile, "Let's not keep Fairy Ling waiting. We should leave this Illusionary Realm."

With a gentle tap of Cang Xue's finger, the surrounding starlight quickly dimmed, and the Illusionary Realm dissolved.

「On the North Sea, a pale white sand beach.」

Dongfang Mumu gazed indecisively at the 'barren' sea area before her. With her Immortal Consciousness, she scanned the giant crab squatting in the deep sea, a hint of discouragement in her eyes.

I've been fooled! There's no swarm of crabs! This giant crab is a loner! And because of it, this whole stretch of sea is practically devoid of fish and shrimp—only seaweed and kelp. Did I travel all this way just to drink kelp soup? Forget it, I'd better go back to the Human Domain and find Suqing.

Immortal Mu huffily kicked the white sand. Just as she was about to retract her Immortal Consciousness, she suddenly caught sight of two furtive figures drifting above the sea's surface.

She blinked her eyes, took out a conch, blew into it, and her Immortal Consciousness instantly picked up the voices of the two figures.

After all, she was a former professional operative of the Four Seas Pavilion.

She listened to the two alien experts murmuring:

"Don't blame your uncle for being so blunt. The waters in the Heaven Palace run deep. You're still young; you can't handle it.

"Why did you have to take this job? Can the Heaven Palace really give you any benefits?"

"Uncle, what do you suggest I do?"

"Give this chance to your uncle. I'll handle it for you. If there's any credit, we'll split it. If the Heaven Palace assigns blame, Uncle will take the fall for you."

"This…" the younger one hesitated.

Immortal Mu's head nearly tilted onto the sand, her eyes wide with bewilderment.

What these two were saying was truly bizarre.

But the mention of 'Heaven Palace' was enough to grab her attention!

Is this great Immortal about to perform a great meritorious deed?

Her large eyes instantly lit up with a cunning gleam.

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