"Execute on the spot, burn the corpse, erase the name."

In the Flying Shuttle, hidden within the grey mist and speeding outside the Heaven and Earth painting realm.

Wu Wang's voice was still reverberating. The special Cloud Mirror at the center of the Flying Shuttle had yet to completely dissipate.

Before Yan Emperor Shen Nong, this Cloud Mirror displayed everything that had occurred within the central military encampment of the Human Domain to everyone inside the Flying Shuttle.

Through the Cloud Mirror, they could still see:

Wu Wang sat in the main seat, his Longsword resting diagonally beside his leg. His expression was calm, his gaze slightly fierce, and his words were laden with threats.

Yet, at this moment, this scene felt as if it was lacking something.

It was as if the impact was insufficient; there was always a feeling, a feeling…

Although he appeared menacing, it didn't quite hit the mark.

The old Daoist beside Shen Nong pondered for a moment, then smiled and said, "Your Majesty truly has a discerning eye. Young friend Wu Wangzi really couldn't resist stepping forward."

"He's just like that; sometimes he needs a little push," Shen Nong said, a faint smile on his lips.

The old man watched Wu Wang's figure in the Cloud Mirror, his gaze tinged with gratification.

The members of the Annihilation Sect in the Flying Shuttle, all sitting upright, also revealed faint smiles.

However, the old woman on Shen Nong's other side looked displeased.

This old woman, clad in Battle Armor, hesitated several times but finally voiced her thoughts:

"Your Majesty, in this subordinate's opinion, Wu Wangzi is ultimately not ruthless enough. He cannot control such a situation himself, which is why he resorted to verbal threats."

"Ah, one shouldn't say that."

Shen Nong chuckled. "The incident with the Southeast Division previously placed Wu Wang in opposition to many people, and he seldom appears at such gatherings.

It can be considered a lack of experience, nothing more."

"Your Majesty, I'm not referring only to this incident, but to Wu Wangzi's general approach; it truly lacks ruthlessness," the old woman said with concern.

"Mere words are far less effective than rolling up one's sleeves and taking action.

Those who defy me should be slain!

Only then can one quell disputes and turn the tide. In the situation just now, what would have happened if Wu Wangzi had drawn his sword and killed one or two of them?

Some of these vermin are far more corrupt than the Mi Zhong he killed previously. He should be well aware of this.

How can someone like him intimidate dissenters?

If he cannot be more ruthless than the Heavenly Emperor, how can he contend with the Heavenly Emperor?

Without being tempered by dark upheavals, he truly lacks that vital spirit... Your Majesty, you must consider these matters thoroughly."

Shen Nong smiled without speaking, raised his hand to dispel the Water Mirror, and noticed the complex expressions on the faces of the Annihilation Sect's Grand Elder, Miao Cuijiao, and Mao Ou Wu.

Their Sect Master was being criticized by an old minister close to the Human Emperor. As mere ordinary Cultivators in the Human Domain, they held no sway here; speaking out would be rather impolite…

Shen Nong said, "Red Rose, times are different now."

"Your Majesty."

The old woman in armor, known as Elder Red Rose, glanced at the Annihilation Sect members and the Blue Bird on Lin Suqing's shoulder, then sighed and said:

"If this is all he's capable of, Wu Wangzi indeed cannot bear great responsibility.

We have been observing this Wu Wangzi for some time now. He has always lacked one crucial thing: ambition.

For someone without ambition to hold a high position is not necessarily a good thing for the Human Domain."

Shen Nong closed his eyes, remaining silent, his brow slightly furrowed.

"Senior, what you said is... not entirely correct..."

The Grand Elder rose and performed a Daoist salute, speaking in a low voice:

"Your Majesty, esteemed Seniors, I... it might be inappropriate for me to say this, but as it concerns my Sect Master, I feel compelled to speak up."

Shen Nong offered a kind smile and said gently, "Blood Hand Demon Lord, please sit. Speak your mind; there's no need for reservations."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

The Grand Elder paused in thought for a few moments, then continued:

"When our Sect Master succeeded to the leadership of our humble Annihilation Sect, it was something we imposed on him.

The Sect Master has no desire for fame or fortune. He is, in fact, only interested in longevity and achieving immortality. Of course, he also has a natural inclination towards women, which is somewhat puzzling.

Logically speaking, our Sect Master was the Young Master of a Northern Wilderness clan, and the customs there are much more liberal than in our Human Domain…"

"Um," Lin Suqing reminded him in a low voice, "Grand Elder, please don't talk about that."

However, Shen Nong was already showing a knowing smile.

The Grand Elder instantly understood, and a hint of worry appeared in his eyes.

Could it be that our Sect Master truly…

He hurriedly changed the subject and continued:

"Your Majesty, my Sect Master indeed lacks ambition, but this shouldn't be considered his weakness, or rather, a shortcoming.

The Sect Master is merely looking after those around him.

If the Sect Master were truly as ambitious as Lin Nuhao, I'm afraid the Human Domain would have long ago descended into turmoil."

"You young Demonic Cultivator, your perspective is too narrow."

Elder Red Rose countered:

"Are we afraid of internal turmoil in the Human Domain? We old bones haven't all died off yet.

Those people you see in the mirror, apart from Liu Baiyi and Feng Zhizi, were all promoted later to manage the daily affairs of the Human Domain.

As a result, many have become corrupt or complacent. Very few are down-to-earth and diligent. Once their descendants and relatives grow numerous, they proclaim themselves local magnates.

His Majesty is too soft-hearted to discipline them, and they are the ones who have made a mess of the Human Domain.

As for them, they can't stir up any significant trouble!"

The Grand Elder, the Blood Hand Demon Lord, smiled, his expression a bit awkward.

Young Demonic Cultivator…

She's right. Whether in terms of Cultivation realm or age, compared to this old woman, he really would have to call himself 'junior'.

Red Rose continued worriedly:

"With a disposition like Wu Wang's, how can he establish himself in the Great Wilderness?

How can he lead the Human Domain against the Heaven Palace? Does he really believe Emperor Shun's methods are limited to those Beast Tides? The Beast Tides are merely a way to deplete the resources of our Human Domain and the South Wilderness.

A little internal unrest in the Human Domain is insignificant compared to the darkness that will eventually engulf it.

Living beings will be like weeds, Divine Souls like floating dust.

A Human Emperor who matures sooner could save our people from countless deaths and injuries. That is what's most critical."

The Grand Elder was momentarily speechless.

"But, Senior," Lin Suqing rose and saluted, her pretty face somewhat pale, her voice trembling slightly, "my Young Master has his own plans."

Elder Red Rose frowned slightly and looked at Lin Suqing.

Lin Suqing immediately lowered her head, kept her legs together, her entire body tensed, and shielded Immortal Mu behind her.

Shen Nong chuckled. "Suqing, don't be afraid. Red Rose is just a bit quick-tempered and speaks bluntly; she is actually very caring towards juniors."

"Yes, thank you, Your Majesty," Lin Suqing replied softly. The Blue Bird on her shoulder lowered its head and sighed softly.

"Father, are you all again expecting others to become the way you want them to be?"

Shen Nong's smile couldn't help but stiffen slightly.

The Blue Bird spoke softly, its girlish voice clear and ethereal, yet tinged with unconcealable disappointment:

"So, you all still think, just like before, that only someone who conforms to your expectations is a whole person, right?"

Shen Nong said in a deep voice, "My daughter…"

"Father," the Blue Bird looked up at Shen Nong. A flash of emerald light streaked past, and the Blue Bird transformed into a young girl in green, clenching her small fists, standing before Shen Nong and the two elders.

The two elders flanking Shen Nong rose and saluted, addressing her as "Your Highness."

Nearby, the Grand Elder, Yang Wudi, and Mao Ou Wu stared wide-eyed, not daring to breathe too loudly.

Jingwei gently bit her lip, her pretty face somewhat pale. Her fists clenched, then slowly relaxed.

"Father, you told me that I spent too long in the East Sea, and that the Human Domain is vastly different from when I was born.

Is that really true?"

"Your Highness Nüwa," Elder Red Rose's expression suddenly softened like melting ice and snow, becoming incredibly gentle. She said warmly, "His Majesty is very weary from supporting the entire Human Domain."

Jingwei asked in a small voice:

"So then, can you impose things you yourselves cannot do onto others, and in the name of this imposition, have others do them for you all?

Father, you once said the new Human Domain you wanted to build was one where everyone could do as they pleased… Have you abandoned that wish?"

You could hear a pin drop inside the Flying Shuttle.

Lin Suqing watched Jingwei's back with some worry.

"I have never expected Wu Wang to do anything specific."

Shen Nong said softly, his eyelids lowered.

"The Human Domain has no designated successor to the Human Emperor. Those Yan Emperor Edicts are merely seeds I scattered, nothing more than keys to unlock the Dao of Fire.

If a third dark upheaval truly descends, then these seeds will slowly take root and sprout. One seed will eventually grow into a colossal tree, supporting the future of the Human Domain.

These are things I cannot control, nor have I tried to.

However, whether the dark upheavals will reoccur remains unknown.

If I can end the threat of the Heaven Palace in this generation, then what the Human Domain will need is not an overly assertive Human Emperor. Whether the Human Domain itself will still need to exist is also an unknown.

We must never forget that the Human Domain is the Human Domain because living beings united to resist the oppression of Divine Spirits.

What my daughter just said, Wu Wang actually told me as well. That was in the Western Wilderness, in front of the wooden cabin he built himself.

He put it more bluntly, and it was harsher to hear;

However, what he said was very insightful, and it helped me make my decision.

If we leave problems to the next generation, then what have we been fighting and toiling for all these years? What would be the point?"

Having said this, Shen Nong smiled serenely.

He slowly opened his eyes, his aged eyes filled with gentleness.

Shen Nong said, "My only hope for him, from start to finish, has simply been for you to have someone to look after you in the future. It's merely a personal wish."

Jingwei was slightly taken aback, a faint blush creeping onto her pretty face.

Shen Nong continued:

"Our older generation still has many things left undone.

My daughter, you need not worry about these things. Whether it's your father, or elders like Red Rose who have endured through long ages, we are all waiting for one particular thing.

But we aren't very confident, so we thought that if a young person could step forward now, stabilize the Human Domain, and unite the people's hearts, then we could make such an attempt without any lingering worries.

What Wu Wang embodies is a hope. To put it more grandly, it might also be another path that we are currently unable to realize.

He has his own Dao to walk. If he wishes to contend for the position of Human Emperor, I will personally set up many trials for him, to help him quickly become what the Human Domain needs.

If he has no heart for it, how could I possibly force him?

Perhaps in the future, the Human Domain will still need his care and assistance. If he could show some extra consideration for my sake, that would be for the best."

Jingwei muttered, "You'd better not be trying to fool me with all this."

"Silly child."

Elder Red Rose said warmly:

"You are His Majesty's beloved, his treasured pearl. How could His Majesty possibly fool you?

Yes, it was I who misspoke earlier.

I do indeed feel that Wu Wangzi's disposition lacks a certain dominance. I worry that after we old ones pass away, the Human Domain will face trouble against the Heaven Palace.

His Majesty is correct; Wu Wangzi is not necessarily the future Human Emperor;

And the future of the Human Domain is not necessarily a third dark upheaval.

Setting those concerns aside, he is indeed a good young man—opinionated and resourceful, just a bit too indolent. We won't demand that he do anything for the Human Domain.

You can rest assured."

The old man on Shen Nong's other side chuckled, "It's too early to talk about these things. Who can say how matters will ultimately unfold?"

"Yes," Jingwei bowed her head slightly in a salute. "Please forgive my rudeness earlier, esteemed Seniors."

With that, she transformed back into the Blue Bird. Accompanied by several gazes she couldn't help but attract, she flapped her wings and landed back on Lin Suqing's shoulder.

The Blue Bird then seemed to recall something and said in a human voice:

"Just now… no one saw anything. He doesn't know I've come over yet."

Everyone smiled kindly and nodded gently at the Blue Bird.

The Grand Elder, in particular, wore such a warm smile that Miao Cuijiao, standing beside him, felt a little secretly annoyed.

Lin Suqing thought for a moment and roughly understood what had just transpired.

Essentially, an old minister by Shen Nong's side felt that Wu Wang had handled the dispute in the central military encampment too gently, not incisively enough, and couldn't help but voice a few criticisms.

Then Jingwei had stepped forward and refuted those criticisms.

Lin Suqing truly wanted to reach out and stroke the Blue Bird's smooth feathers, but in the presence of His Majesty Shennong, she genuinely didn't dare.

At this moment, Shen Nong personally acted, reopening the Cloud Mirror. The Cloud Mirror showed:

Wu Wang offered a few words of encouragement to everyone, then shifted the topic to preparations for the upcoming great war.

The first order of business was to select a 'Military Advisor Group', composed of seven Cultivators skilled in military strategy and planning.

Wu Wang considered all aspects for the Military Advisor Group's composition and quickly made a decision: Xiao Jian Daoist would lead, supported by three veteran generals and three middle-aged commanders.

All were seasoned veterans who had participated in major battles such as the 'Repulsion of the Head Manager in the Human Domain's Northwest' and the 'Battle of Yun City in the Southeastern Region.'

Following this, Wu Wang called out to Shen Nong in his mind for a while.

"Your Majesty? Your Majesty?"

Inside the Flying Shuttle, Shen Nong showed a slight smile as Wu Wang's voice emanated from his palm.

For a moment, everyone found it rather novel.

Lin Suqing had wanted to speak up and remind him, lest her Young Master be 'too ashamed to face the Annihilation Sect elders' later on.

But Lin Suqing glanced at the old man in the straw raincoat, then looked down at the Blue Bird perched on her shoulder, and decisively… hugged Immortal Mu in her arms tighter.

Wu Wang's voice was heard coming from Shen Nong's palm:

"Are we really going to fight? Go head-to-head with Emperor Shun? How is Senior Sanxian?"

Shen Nong glanced at Sanxian Daoist, who was 'advancing slowly' directly below the Flying Shuttle, and said to his palm:

"He's still searching. He seems to be constantly hearing guiding voices, as he originally had no clear place to land."

Wu Wang said, "Mm, be careful, Old Senior. Don't fall into Emperor Shun's trap. Senior, did you see the situation here just now? After this is over, I'm staying far away from these ministers of yours. It's really tedious."

The expressions of everyone inside the Flying Shuttle were wonderfully varied.

Shen Nong chuckled. "What, scared already?"

"It's not a matter of being scared or not; I simply don't want to get involved in these things."

Wu Wang grumbled:

"What am I contending with them for? These things are all superficial, intangible.

Do I need their respect, or do I want their praise?

If it weren't for Senior Sanxian suddenly having some trouble, I wouldn't have shown my face this time. It's not like the Human Domain can't function without me.

By the way, Senior, there's something I've been pondering for a long time and still want to ask."

"What is it?"

"The active aspect of Emperor Shun nowadays is just his will, vested in the Dao of Order, like an avatar or, shall we say, a part of himself."

Wu Wang asked, "Then why does his main body need to slumber? In the ancient war of gods, it was actually the Star God who fought the final battle against the Candle Dragon. The Star God also suffered the gravest injuries, while Emperor Shun sustained little damage."

Shen Nong mused for a few moments.

"Thinking about it carefully, it is indeed rather strange."

Wu Wang added, "Also, Senior, you previously said that Emperor Shun sending a dream to Senior Sanxian might have been intended for us to see. In that case, does Emperor Shun know the Sleep God's secrets? Or is he deliberately revealing an opening to the Sleep God?

If Brother Sleep God coming to the Human Domain was all meticulously planned by Emperor Shun, then we might as well not fight him. We'd definitely be no match."

"If Emperor Shun knew the Sleep God's secrets, he would never allow him to come to the Human Domain."

Shen Nong stated, "That's Emperor Shun's way. If it's something he cannot obtain, he will destroy it."

"Mm, so, are we initiating the attack from our side?"

"Do you have a brilliant plan to defeat the enemy?"

"We can only make thorough preparations," Wu Wang said. "I definitely won't hold back any help I can offer, but Senior, you don't need to have high expectations of me in this aspect.

Collective wisdom and effort, that's what's most crucial."

"Very well, then…"

Shen Nong's words suddenly stopped.

This Human Emperor was seldom interrupted while speaking and rarely showed any overly obvious changes in expression.

But at this instant, an astonishing aura erupted from around Shen Nong. He abruptly stood up and, looking through the Flying Shuttle's cabin, gazed down at the mountain forest below.

The Flying Shuttle, hidden beyond Heaven and Earth, had slowly come to a stop.

Shen Nong raised his left hand. His fingers trembled slightly as he drew an ancient, intricate command seal. A cloud of mist appeared beneath everyone's feet. When the mist dispersed, it revealed the scene in the mountain forest.

Not only the Annihilation Sect members here, but the same scene also materialized in Wu Wang's mind.

They saw ThreeOld Daoist Sanxian fly for a long time before stopping here. He landed beside a Great Tree so thick it would take three people to encircle it. He paced back and forth beneath the tree, head down, searching for something.

Soon, Sanxian called out, "I have arrived."

It was silent beneath the tree.

Shen Nong frowned inwardly. He was just about to temporarily withdraw from this location to see if the Heavenly Emperor would appear.

Suddenly, at the roots of the Great Tree, the earth roiled, and an earthen-yellow Treasure Bead slowly ascended.

ThreeOld Daoist Sanxian's eyes were somewhat glazed. A faintly sinister smile suddenly appeared at the corners of his mouth as he murmured:

"Eat it. Eat it, and you can awaken your Divine Soul and know where to go next."

Then, ThreeOld Daoist Sanxian's eyes cleared. Frowning at the Treasure Bead, he said in a trembling voice:

"What exactly are you trying to do? If you want me to die, I will end my life here and now! Why must you provoke such a great war!"

With that, ThreeOld Daoist Sanxian snatched up the Treasure Bead and swallowed it whole.

The next moment, ThreeOld Daoist Sanxian clutched his neck and slowly collapsed, his entire body convulsing, eyes rolling back. His face twisted in struggle as he let out continuous low growls.

This eerie scene made Lin Suqing and Immortal Mu cling to each other, trembling uncontrollably. The Blue Bird even hid itself in their embrace.

Suddenly, ThreeOld Daoist Sanxian's body went still, as if he had fainted to death.

The forest was utterly still;

Inside the Flying Shuttle, it was deathly silent.

Suddenly, ThreeOld Daoist Sanxian opened his eyes, which were filled with fury.

He slowly climbed to his feet. A blurry, illusory figure materialized behind him. The figure was not tall or remarkable, yet it seemed to prop up Heaven and Earth.

The Daoist rhyme that subsequently emerged initially felt ordinary, as if it were interpreting the simplest principle, telling others:

"Look, Heaven and Earth are simply Heaven and Earth."

But upon careful perception, that Daoist rhyme was incomparably abstruse and profound.

The illusory figure stood with its hands clasped behind its back, sighed softly with closed eyes, then returned to ThreeOld Daoist Sanxian's back, merging with him.

"Emperor Shun, this battle between us—just how long do you intend to delay it?"

As he finished speaking, streaks of Immortal Light burst forth from Sanxian Daoist. His figure shot up into the sky, transforming into a beam of light that sped straight towards the northwest!

The Flying Shuttle, hidden beyond Heaven and Earth, immediately gave chase.

And at this moment, inside the Flying Shuttle, Shen Nong's expression was incredibly grave.

"Your Majesty…" Shen Nong murmured. Then, clenching his left fist, he called upon Wu Wang by name, his voice directly appearing at the Human Domain's central military encampment:

"Pay no heed to losses! A swift battle, a swift decision! Drive the Heaven Palace's Divine Guards out of the Southeastern Region!"

The experts of the Human Domain were all profoundly shaken.

It was the first time any of them had felt such intense pressure from His Majesty Shennong, and the fury concealed beneath it.

Wu Wang instantly rose to his feet. His Longsword was unsheathed, its ring drawing everyone's gaze.

The confrontation with Emperor Shun would be left to His Majesty the Human Emperor.

As for the struggle against the Earth God, that would be his—Wu Wang's—responsibility: to urge the Human Domain's commanders to accomplish it together.

"By Your Majesty's command! All forces, prepare for battle! We deploy today!"

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