"What exactly is Senior Sanxian's identity?"

Perhaps it was because Wu Wang had witnessed an old Daoist feeding a human race child in a teahouse; after returning to the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion, this confusion always plagued his mind.

With no pressing matters, Wu Wang decided to seek out His Majesty Shennong for a 'heart-to-heart' talk.

Settling accounts and the like—those were just quips made in jest.

Could he really use a heavy hand against the Human Emperor? Could he truly be rude to his father-in-law?

If only he could defeat that wily old man!

Stay calm, stay peaceful, don't get angry.

He took Evil God Ming Snake and requested the Grand Elder to accompany him. He also entrusted Pavilion Master Liu to break through Heaven and Earth to find the exact location. Thus, Wu Wang smoothly arrived in the continuous mountains of the Northern Region of the Human Domain.

He found the small courtyard, saw the familiar pavilion, and heard the familiar laughter coming from the front of the building,

"Ohoho, has the great hero who outsmarted Heaven Palace and wounded Head Manager with his anger returned?"

Wu Wang's blood pressure shot up on the spot!

"Your Majesty," Wu Wang said grimly, raising his voice, "Wu Wangzi, Hall Master of the Punishment Hall of the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion, accompanied by Evil God Ming Snake, has come to seek an audience with Your Majesty."

Shennong's smile faded. He stood up under the tree in the courtyard and formally called out, "Come over. There's no need for formalities."

Only then did Wu Wang step inside and bow to Shennong.

Ming Snake again lifted her proud neck and stood behind Wu Wang, her gaze drifting to the side.

The Grand Elder, his expression solemn, gave a deep Daoist bow to His Majesty Shennong.

Shennong looked Ming Snake up and down, chuckling, "This Divine Spell is truly extraordinary. Such an Evil God without a rank, and yet you just happened to pick up a bargain."

Wu Wang twisted his mouth, casually responding,

"Your Majesty has piercing insight, spotting the problem at a glance.

Grand Elder, Ming Snake, step outside and wait for me. I have important matters to report in detail to His Majesty."

Ming Snake bowed her head in agreement. The Grand Elder, seeming to catch on to something, allowed a slight smile to touch his lips.

After they left the small courtyard, the surrounding area was enveloped by the Human Emperor's Daoist charm. Shennong watched Wu Wang with a smile that wasn't quite a smile and spoke gently,

"Well, are you still going to be impudent and physical with this old man? You're a grown man now; you should learn to be mature and steady."

"Hmph!"

Wu Wang, his face dark, remained silent as he walked over to the opposite side of the stone table, lifted the hem of his Daoist robe, and sat down.

Officially, he was a subject of the Human Domain, so he could not be disrespectful.

But in terms of personal relations, Wu Wang had shared Daoist liquor with the Human Emperor several times, and the Human Emperor himself had said they would be friends despite their age difference, as close as grandfather and grandson.

Considering matters beyond the Human Domain, Wu Wang had his mother, Cang Xue, backing him, and he was also the current 'spokesperson' for the Candle Dragon Divine Faction, one of the three great powers in the world.

This position, he certainly deserved to occupy.

"Three hundred years! What a three hundred years!

Old senior, Human Emperor, you just exploited a young man's innocent feelings!"

Wu Wang gritted his teeth and cursed, though he didn't actually pounce on him.

"Innocent feelings?"

Shennong almost laughed out loud. He took out a clay teapot, added a bit of tea dust, and casually boiled some spring water, pouring it into the pot.

Gently shaking the clay pot, the fragrance of the tea leaves filled the air, feeling particularly comforting just by smelling it.

Shennong chuckled, "It was just a whim of this old man. Originally, I indeed planned to nourish it for a while."

He actually admitted it directly!

Wu Wang's fists cracked, but he wisely suppressed the urge to become violent.

Shen Nong casually picked a green leaf, gently chewed it, and exhaled a hint of fragrant herbal aroma. It was as if he had instilled life into the plants within a few hundred-mile radius.

The tree crowns swayed, and the vines danced.

The old senior was clearly in a very good mood.

What Wu Wang cared about most was still the matter of Jingwei.

He asked, "Why not wait a little longer and directly use Divine Power to shape a demigod body for her?"

"Couldn't wait," Shennong casually remarked, "if we delay any further, my poor daughter might lose her beloved Dao companion to someone else, sigh."

Black lines ran across Wu Wang's forehead.

"Your Majesty, let's be serious."

"Haha," Shennong chuckled, stroking his beard, "the truth is, I'm worried that if Heaven Palace launches a full-scale attack and the Human Domain falls into chaos, she wouldn't be protected."

Wu Wang frowned, "Is the situation really so dire? Is there any other information about the Human Domain that I've missed?"

Shennong gently sighed while looking at the teacup in front of him.

But sitting in front of this Human Emperor, Wu Wang, for a moment, felt the mountainous pressure.

The entirety of the Human Domain rested on the shoulders of this aged Human Emperor; the old man had sustained the Human Domain for far too long, even painstakingly prolonging his life to continue safeguarding it.

"Senior, if you have something to say, just speak," Wu Wang said softly, "I might be able to take on more for you."

"You have already done enough," Shen Nong spoke slowly, "The reforms within the Human Domain and its external promotion have both improved significantly with your intervention.

If this stable development continues, it's possible that the situation could be reversed in a thousand years.

More importantly, you have given many of the old folks hope for the future of the Human Domain.

It's a pity that I know this hope is but a mirage; you will ultimately not take up the mantle of the Human Emperor."

"I'm not nearly that capable."

With a wry smile, Wu Wang picked up the aged cup in front of him, blew on it vigorously, and took a sip of the hot tea.

A fragrant aroma burst forth from the tip of his tongue, shot up to his forehead, then slowly slid down his spine, settling into his Sea of Qi.

He asked,

"What I've never understood is, if Heaven Palace was truly determined to take action, what are they waiting for?

During that battle in the Southeastern Region three years ago, they didn't make their move directly. Could it be they are brewing some kind of ultimate weapon?

You really should have told me these things earlier, Senior."

Shen Nong spoke slowly,

"They must wait fifty years; that is the time it takes for them to gather the armies of the Hundred Races.

To minimize injuries to the Innate Gods, they will temporarily unlock the shackles on the Hundred Races, unseal a batch of experts who have been selected over the years, and immerse them in the Divine Pool.

This was originally a generous gift that Emperor Shun had prepared for the Candle Dragon, but now it seems destined to be used against us.

The Divine Spirits control authority; they bestow power upon their followers to avoid sacrificing themselves in a great war. This was Emperor Shun's method when he launched the Divine War.

Take a look.

This situation once occurred when Emperor Fuxi passed away."

Shen Nong lightly tapped his finger forward, and a slight mist spread over the stone table, within which various images flashed by.

Giants a hundred zhang tall, clad in divine armor, smashed their long staffs against a formidable pass before them, shattering it outright. Archers from the Feather Country, with three or four pairs of wings unfolded behind them, launched arrows that tore through the sky. Beast-headed, human-bodied powerhouses, appearing berserk, were besieged by a dozen elders in ancient robes; their bodies were battered, yet they regenerated from every drop of blood and rose again and again...

Wu Wang felt a prickling at his scalp as those images rapidly faded away.

"Among these, there are powerhouses from the Hundred Races who have survived from ancient times.

Heaven Palace had to seal them to prevent their own collapse;

but as long as the Divine Power in the Divine Pool maintains a high level, they can awaken these armies at any time.

During your recent confrontation with Heaven Palace in the Southeastern Region, didn't you feel that among the Innate Gods—aside from strong gods like the Star God—there actually weren't many skilled fighters?"

Wu Wang thoughtfully nodded.

Innate Gods hold authority, bestowing Divine Power upon the experts of the Hundred Races.

"Isn't that the same as what Evil Gods do?"

"Evil Gods are among the finest of these powerhouses," said Shen Nong with a smile, "but there are only ten of them, and the Heavenly Emperor is reluctant to waste so much of the Divine Pool's Divine Power to turn all those beings of the Hundred Races into Evil Gods.

This is the real foundation of Heaven Palace."

Shen Nong waved his hand to disperse the mist, saying with a smile, "You needn't worry too much; the Human Domain also has its own foundations."

Wu Wang thought for a moment.

If the old senior were confident in protecting the Human Domain when Heaven Palace takes action, there would have been no necessity to have Jingwei reborn so soon, much less using Divine Power to consolidate her body.

If people knew that the Human Emperor's daughter had become a Demigod, it would inevitably lead to endless condemnation.

Although the old senior spoke lightly of it, when Heaven Palace strikes in a few decades, the Human Domain will inevitably face a great war.

What else could he do?

Wu Wang's gaze gradually grew more profound, as if traversing the decades ahead, envisioning the dark clouds that would span Central Mountain.

"If the Human Domain fails to hold, I'll take her back to the Northern Wilderness."

After thinking it over carefully, Wu Wang said softly, "This is a promise I can make to you, Senior, because I'm confident that I can achieve it."

After all, a strategic retreat is the least difficult among all options.

"We will surely hold," Shen Nong said with a chuckle, "The important thing now is what price we will have to pay.

You've seen a portion of the Human Domain's foundations, and you've experienced their power."

Wu Wang thought of the more than thirty elders who had ignited their own Dao, and he couldn't help but show his utmost respect.

Shen Nong sipped his tea, saying in a low voice,

"If the Great Dao that the Ancient Emperor of the Suiren Clan had trapped back then wasn't the Dao of Fire, there likely wouldn't be a Human Domain as we know it today.

The Dao of Fire represents activation and burgeoning within the Five Elements. It is the stimulation of the Dao of Fire that allows cultivators at their limit in the Human Domain to burn themselves one final time.

What Emperor Shun feared was me with the full power of the Dao of Fire unleashed.

The Human Domain's development of the Dao of Fire extends far beyond just that. This is what foundations are, young man from the Northern Wilderness."

Wu Wang curled the corner of his mouth and said indifferently, "Then I won't worry too much."

"You still need to worry; you must have a sense of urgency," Shen Nong said gravely, "Now that we have opened up the situation and made a show of force, we certainly can't just sit back and wait for death."

"What do you want to do, Old Senior?" Wu Wang asked.

"We strike," Shen Nong said calmly, "Strike beyond the Human Domain, repel the darkness and chaos at the gate. Once the flames of war reach the Human Domain, low-level cultivators and mortals there will surely suffer heavy casualties.

The problem now is that the Human Domain's overt strength is somewhat insufficient. Venturing out to fight will only suffice against part of Heaven Palace's forces. Regarding the overall situation, the Human Domain's strength is still insufficient."

Wu Wang tapped his finger lightly on the tabletop, having already finished his cup of tea.

After he drank this cup, there was another; Shen Nong poured him more.

Wu Wang muttered, "Old Senior, are you thinking of allying with the enemies of Heaven Palace?"

"No," Shen Nong shook his head, "Innate Gods are ultimately Innate Gods. We cannot harbor any hope for them. This is a principle Emperor Fuxi taught me back in the day.

Their existence has a different purpose from ours."

"What should we do then?"

Shen Nong smiled, "You think of a way. Set up a coalition of the Hundred Races. The more of the Hundred Races that stand with us, the Human Domain, the more likely it is that those powerful beings from the Hundred Races who have served Heaven Palace for countless years will turn their weapons against them."

"I wish!"

Wu Wang glared, feeling dizzy with frustration.

This casual tone of his made it seem as easy as going out to buy groceries.

"I can't do it. You'll have to find someone more capable!"

Wu Wang drained his cup of tea and said directly,

"Unless Heaven Palace is a basket case, with Head Manager continually making blunders and driving the Hundred Races to desperation.

Otherwise, this so-called grand coalition of the Hundred Races is simply impossible.

Old Senior, you shouldn't overestimate the Hundred Races either. They're currently watching to see whether the Human Domain or Heaven Palace will win. They'll only side with whoever is clearly victorious.

If we can't strike out, we can't strike out; defense and counter-attack are still options.

We could develop the Southeastern Region a bit, to give mortals and low-level cultivators a way out. This is a more stable approach."

Shen Nong nodded slowly and said earnestly,

"That's indeed a good idea.

So let it be. The task of developing the Southeastern Region falls to you. Act quickly and relocate the mortals and cultivators of the eastern and southern coastal areas as soon as possible.

When the great war erupts, the freed space in the east and south can be used as a retreat for mortals and low-level cultivators from the north and west."

"It's not too...difficult..."

Why do you make it sound so simple and swift, as if you had it all planned out in advance?

Wu Wang keenly detected something, but Shen Nong merely stroked his beard with a chuckle.

Ah, this.

The longest road he had ever walked in this life was this old senior's web of schemes!

「」

Outside the mountain forest cottage, Shen Nong's hearty laughter drifted beyond the nearby barrier.

The Grand Elder sighed lightly, leaning on his armrest, and said with a smile, "His Majesty the Human Emperor and the Sect Master have a truly good relationship."

"Hmm," Ming Snake unconsciously nodded beside him, then realized she shouldn't submit so quickly.

"Hmph!"

She gave a light snort, standing her ground with composure.

He is just the Human Emperor, after all.

No, that's not right. She hadn't dared to step foot in the Human Domain before, fearing this old man would slap her to death. Such a powerful being still deserved the necessary respect.

The appreciation of the contemporary Fire God also carried some weight.

「」

Wu Wang spent half a day outside the wooden tower he had built himself and did not leave until the stars appeared.

Liu Bairen had torn open Heaven and Earth for his arrival; his departure was through a path opened by Ming Snake, leading directly to the outside of the Main Hall of the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion.

—She had no way to bypass the great arrays near the Main Hall.

Just as he neared his small tower, Wu Wang saw Immortal Mu chasing Blue Bird, with Xiao Deng from the Small People Kingdom riding an ear-mouse and shouting in pursuit—a truly lively scene.

Wu Wang's mood lightened considerably.

"CHIRP!"

Blue Bird flew to greet him. She was about to land on Wu Wang's shoulder but seemed to remember something, circled Wu Wang instead, and perched on a nearby window frame.

The Grand Elder smiled, "Sect Master, you should rest early. I will be in the dwelling nearby, ready for your summons."

"Thank you for your concern, Grand Elder."

Wu Wang watched the Grand Elder leave and then turned to look at Ming Snake.

After considering, Wu Wang said, "Stay under the tree for now. After some time, when we return to the Sect's residence, I'll arrange a place for you."

Ming Snake remained silent and flashed back to her old spot, closed her eyes, and entered a state of deep meditation, as if she had achieved tranquility.

A moment later.

Wu Wang returned to his desk and began writing down the content he had discussed with the old senior.

Lin Suqing brought over some warm water, and Wu Wang naturally placed it next to his desk. The Blue Bird landed with outstretched wings and dipped its beak, creating a few ripples on the water's surface.

The room was quiet, and the soft light from the magic treasure lamp shone gently on the few living beings present, casting different graceful shadows on the wall.

The Blue Bird watched Wu Wang as he wrote.

She didn't notice what Wu Wang was writing, only that his well-defined, handsome face had sharper angles than when they were on the deserted island.

Before long, Wu Wang had drafted a rough plan.

He reviewed it from the beginning several times, then had Lin Suqing fetch a large amount of information about the Southeastern Region to find the details he sought.

Lin Suqing was also busy flipping through the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion's archives, not having a moment's rest.

As half the night went on, the Blue Bird couldn't help but yawn. Seeing this, Wu Wang chuckled, "You... Senior, if you're tired, you can go rest first. This matter is rather critical, so I need to work on it a bit more."

"CHIRP CHIRP."

The Blue Bird immediately perked up and hopped around a bit to show her vigor.

However, less than an hour later, she was already sleeping soundly, her head resting on a thumb-sized pillow.

Lin Suqing smiled tenderly as she covered the Blue Bird with a handkerchief, her eyes full of warmth.

Wu Wang whispered, "Have you two grown so close?"

"Isn't that the Young Master's wife?" Lin Suqing whispered back. "I'm just someone paid with Spirit Stones to work, so of course, I try to curry favor."

Wu Wang chuckled, gazing at the Blue Bird's figure. For a moment, he seemed to see the young girl in green, curled up and sleeping soundly in the night.

Lin Suqing whispered a question, "Young Master, do you need me to create a warm environment for your reunion?"

"It's up to her," Wu Wang said. "After recognizing each other, we can't even hold hands, and I'm afraid she will be disappointed. Today, I asked His Majesty's intentions, and he has entrusted her to my care.

I will definitely not leave her behind in the future, regardless of where I go.

Well, except in certain dangerous situations."

Lin Suqing couldn't help but smile with narrowed eyes as she gazed at Wu Wang's figure.

"What's wrong?" Wu Wang looked up.

"Hmm... I can't really say."

Lin Suqing clenched her little fists, waving them, and whispered, "You can do it!"

Wu Wang let out a chuckle and continued to busy himself with his head lowered.

Only when dawn approached did Wu Wang have Lin Suqing send the plan to Master Liu. If it was deemed satisfactory, she was to present it to the Human Emperor.

After finishing the important business, Wu Wang couldn't help but take out a jade ring from his sleeve.

This was the token given by the Sanxian Daoist. Wu Wang had shown it to Old Senior Shennong before. It seemed as if Old Senior Shennong had seen something in it, yet also as if he hadn't seen anything at all.

It was all quite subtle.

'Just keep this with you, and maybe someday it really will help you.'

Wu Wang: ...

Riddlers should be struck by lightning!

"Hall Master—"

An urgent call came from afar. Several streaks of light swept across the sky of the Main Hall, landing in front of Wu Wang's small building. The arrivals greeted him with bowed heads and folded hands.

The Blue Bird was awakened by the shouting and stood up dazedly.

Wu Wang raised his hand to rub her head but stopped himself in time and used the motion to push himself off the desk, standing as he called out to the window,

"Speak."

"Urgent report from the Northern Region! The envoy from Heaven Palace will soon reach the long wall! The border guards do not know how to deal with it!"

Lines of frustration crossed Wu Wang's forehead as he cried out,

"Go find the Pavilion Master next door! Why is everything brought to me!"

The several messengers exchanged glances. One hastily said, "The message came from the Pavilion Master. He went to the border an hour ago and is seeking your opinion..."

Wu Wang then nodded and explained,

"Then say so clearly. Don't you worry that others might misunderstand and think I harbor ambitions for a higher position?

Bring the detailed report. Who is among the Heaven Palace envoy? The Young Master?"

"There is no sign of the Young Master. It is said that the Innate God who has come this time is a... Deposed God."

A Deposed God?

In an instant, Wu Wang's mind conjured up several grand court dramas of Heaven Palace, like *Heaven Palace Ballad*, *The Legend of Xihe*, or *The Temptation of Yang Valley*.

'My dear consort, why are you wearing Xihe's clothes?'

This could be interesting.

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