On the sixth day of the all-out war in the Southeastern Region.

「Human Domain, Floating Jade City.」

"Southeast war situation, Southeast war situation! Our Human Domain warriors have battled fiercely for days, shattering the Divine Spirits of Heaven Palace and slaying over a dozen of them. We have retaken nine-tenths of the territories in the Southeastern Region that had been dominated by Heaven Palace! By imperial edict, all regions are to be strictly guarded against surprise attacks from Heaven Palace! In the Northern Lands, each Military Family is to defend with full force, and scouts are to venture deep into Central Mountain to monitor the movements of Heaven Palace! The Southeastern Region is about to have a decisive battle!"

Several inspection immortal envoys stood high in the sky, repeating these words over and over, carrying their voices to the ears of all cultivators and mortals below. Special Image Projection Beads also fell from the sky above Floating Jade City, exploding and revealing various scenes.

There were countless streaks of Liu Guang shooting across the horizon; men and women, old and young cultivators of varied faces, scattering Liu Guang throughout the sky as they bombarded the dense crowd ahead. There was also boundless blood rain, the dying wails of creatures, and the angry roars of Divine Spirits. Members of the Giant Race lifted their Battle Axes, reducing several Immortal Soldiers to fragments; senior Human Cultivators held the azure sky in their palms, eradicating successive shadows with a flip of their hands. And there were elders prepared to burn themselves, carrying flames and the sparks that swirled around them, resolutely charging towards those Strong gods, only to witness them fleeing in disarray.

The images dissipated. The cultivators within Floating Jade City fell into a silent stillness, unsure who it was that suddenly let out a long howl towards the heavens, as figures one after another rushed into the sky, gazing towards the Southeast. Within and outside the city, the howling continued, and numerous cultivators above the Immortal Realm were ready to join the great war in the Southeast.

Such was the situation within the Human Domain. Transcendent experts were highly concentrated, with only a small number remaining at their own sects to pass on the immortal arts and teach their disciples.

Once the 'fervor' had subsided, most cultivators in the city grew somewhat restless. They gathered either on the streets, seated upon clouds, or in teahouses and taverns for enjoyment, discussing the war situation and debating 'Several Theoretical Guidelines on How to Flatten Heaven Palace.' Also known as—chatting and boasting.

In the city, various rumors circulated, all deliberately released by the Human Emperor Pavilion.

A cultivator said, "I heard that in this great battle, our Human Domain owes its turnaround from defeat to the timely arrival of Little Golden Dragon."

"That's overstating things. Isn't Little Golden Dragon just at the True Immortal Realm? Even if he has the Evil God Ming Snake as his mount, how could he reverse the tide of the battle?"

"Fellow Daoist, you really shouldn't say that. Hasn't Little Golden Dragon already been confirmed to cultivate both body and spirit independently? His Body Cultivation strength has long matched that of the Pavilion Masters. Otherwise, how could he possibly subdue the Ming Snake? However, I did hear about the specifics. Little Golden Dragon indeed played a significant role in this battle, but it had nothing to do with Duels."

"Oh? Is Fellow Daoist's information reliable?"

"Hey! Don't look down on me for my modest cultivation level; I'm only at the later stages of the Yuanxian Realm. But the sister of the Daoist from the cave dwelling next to mine has a nephew who has already attained Heavenly Immortal status and serves as an official in the Human Emperor Pavilion. Although he stayed behind in the Human Domain without going to the battlefield, it's precisely because of this that he could share the news circulating within the Human Emperor Pavilion with us idlers who are lagging behind. In this battle, it's Wu Wangzi who's commanding. The strategies all originated from him, causing the Earth God from Heaven Palace to suffer back-to-back defeats."

"I've heard of this as well. Who would've thought Wu Wangzi was not only talented in Cultivation but also versed in military strategy! Originally, there was a lot of arguing in the great tent, with seniors each sticking to their own views on whether to fight or retreat. Wu Wangzi went there, first stood by and listened for a while, realizing that the seniors were too indecisive, lacking in battle spirit and fighting will. Although he intended to keep a low profile, he had no choice but to step forward. Guess what happened next?"

The crowd in the teahouse quickly gathered around.

The speaking Daoist rolled up his sleeves and slapped the sheathed Longsword on the table. His right foot on the stool, he lifted the hem of his Daoist robe, and with clear diction and eloquence, he proclaimed:

"Wu Wangzi pulled out a Treasure Sword at that moment. The sword, three feet six inches long, released the sound of a roaring Fire Dragon upon being drawn, and it even bore the Dao rhyme of His Majesty. He directly questioned the Pavilion Masters: what had the Human Emperor said when the Human Domain's army set off for the Southeast? The Pavilion Masters were speechless, only then realizing that they had fallen into Heaven Palace's trap, with a large number of forces and experts confined to the Southeastern Region. The battle had to be swift and decisive! No sooner had Wu Wangzi finished speaking than the voice of His Majesty Shen Nong rose in response; the imperial edict that descended hardly differed from Wu Wangzi's words. That is what it means to grasp the overall situation and be decisive when necessary..."

With great flair and a torrent of words, embellishing his tale with all sorts of details, the Daoist spoke extravagantly. His words left the male cultivators silent and the female cultivators with lowered gazes, all wearing eager expressions. Even though these events had already happened, listening to them now still caused ripples in their Dao hearts. This person seemed as if he had witnessed everything himself, describing the scene inside the tent quite clearly, although there were certainly exaggerations.

After listening carefully, others couldn't help but associate it with the image of the 'Southeast Division Stored Grain Case' that had been continuously circulating in the Human Domain. The image of the Little Golden Dragon of the Human Domain holding a sword and cursing loudly inside the great tent of the Human Domain, then turning around and leading a charge, had taken shape in everyone's minds.

This wasn't unique to Floating Jade City; in many major cities of the Human Domain at this time, one or two unknown storytellers vividly narrated the great battle of the Southeastern Region, and in their tales, the name 'Wu Wangzi' came up every few sentences.

「Meanwhile, at the site of the great battle in the Southeastern Region.」

Within the left-wing army of the Human Domain, Xiao Jian Daoist stood on a mountain ridge with his hands clasped behind his back, gazing at the land ahead. A hundred miles away was the enemy line. Hundreds of giants holding large shields, in coordination with countless warriors of the Hundred Races, had constructed a solid defensive front. Xiao Jian Daoist could feel the fluctuations of the Great Dao there and deduced that at least a dozen Divine Spirits were guarding that position. After all, if this line of defense were breached, the central formation of Heaven Palace would be directly exposed to their sight. If one were to look past the hilt of the sword on Xiao Jian Daoist's back, countless figures could be seen arranged between the mountains, standing silently above the clouds, uncountable and indiscernible.

Several streaks of light fell from the edge of the sky, transforming into several middle-aged men and women, who then bowed with clasped hands towards Xiao Jian Daoist.

Xiao Jian spoke slowly, "How is it going?"

"The message has already been spread, please rest assured, sir."

"Furthermore, there isn't a single untruth in the message that was circulated; it simply recounted Wu Wangzi's feats once more."

The individuals replied one after the other, their gazes drifting toward the distance, barely concealing the eagerness for battle in their eyes.

Xiao Jian Daoist chuckled faintly and sighed, then said no more, continuing to stand with his hands behind his back, a few Jade Talismans floating before him.

A female Daoist asked in a low voice, "Sir, why don't we wait until after the battle to publicize Wu Wangzi's deeds?"

"By then it would be too late." Xiao Jian Daoist replied with a smile, "Don't overthink it. Our actions benefit the Human Domain and bolster its strength; there's no need for any doubts."

The few nodded in agreement.

One of them said, "Sir, could you arrange for us to also go to the front and fight the enemy?"

"Follow the orders of the Main Commander," Xiao Jian Daoist's face grew serious. "Wu Wang was right; what the battlefield fears most is disordered military commands, where everyone has their own ideas. Military orders must be executed as given. If the transfer order hasn't reached you, then diligently do your part as messengers."

The few bowed their heads in acknowledgment, their demeanor rather relaxed as they turned and headed back.

Xiao Jian Daoist continued to look ahead, waiting for the Jade Talismans before him to light up and emit sound. Then he would rise, his sword sending cold light scattering across the sky.

「At this moment, Wu Wang—」

This Art of War, cough, this man's military strategy, is truly a wonderful thing.

Inside the inner tent of the Human Domain camp, military counselors and strategists stood quietly around the sand table. Only Wu Wang sat in a wooden chair at the center, holding a cup of tea, his legs crossed leisurely, watching the continuously changing lights on the sand table. At this moment, he was the picture of calm and composure. It was because of Wu Wang's relaxed demeanor that the surrounding generals, originally full of the impulse to pursue victory and make a name for themselves, had suppressed their urges.

After five days and six nights of fierce fighting, and suffering some casualties, the Human Domain had pushed the forces of Heaven Palace back to the Northern Border of the Southeastern Region. The final victory of this battle was almost within reach. Heaven Palace had also been constantly calling in reinforcements; soldiers from the Eastern Wilderness had been rushing to the Southeastern Region without stop, but were beaten back by the overwhelming assault of the Human Domain.

In addition, after Wu Wang opened up new strategies and displayed the flair of Blue Star, tactic followed tactic relentlessly. Whenever encountering formations with many experts from the Hundred Races, he would have Human Cultivators sing the folk songs of their opponents' homelands, utilizing a strategy akin to 'the sound of besieging music.' When facing the main force of the Heaven Palace Divine Guards, he simply deployed his ultimate technique that he had prepared for several days—a toxic miasma Formation—that buried nearly a hundred thousand Divine Guards. What he was destroying wasn't just the layered defenses arranged by the Earth God. Besides the 'looting tactic' that had yet to be successfully executed, the 'Mental Warfare' Wu Wang had begun to plan since the middle phase of the war was also yielding good results. Now the remainder of Heaven Palace's Divine Guards and the large army of the Hundred Races, along with many minor gods, appeared listless and confused.

But then, Wu Wang began to ponder over and over a question he had asked himself countless times. Why haven't these fellows retreated yet? There's definitely a conspiracy.

And at this moment, all clues pointed to ThreeOld Daoist Sanxian, who was personally being shadowed by the venerable Shen Nong.

Wu Wang truly was baffled. What kind of scheme involved ThreeOld Daoist Sanxian that would make Heaven Palace commit so much of its strength to sustaining that 'suspected remnant soul of Emperor Fuxi'? He couldn't figure it out, and felt like he was standing on a small wooden hut, looking up at a towering skyscraper. Emperor Shun stood on that Outer Sky layer. What on earth was the Heavenly Emperor up to? If it was aimed at Sanxian Daoist, why not stealthily eliminate him instead? Why here, and why now? What kind of issue could make the Heavenly Emperor enact such a plan... Ah, my head hurts.

Wu Wang groaned inwardly and turned his head to give an order, "Inform Brother Xiao Jian Daoist: full army attack. Tear through the enemy's defenses and immediately retreat afterward. If it draws out Strong gods, activate the 'Heaven' strategy; if it draws out lesser gods, use the 'Earth' strategy."

"Yes!" Several elders responded at the same time, their voices filled with indescribable respect.

Thereupon, these individuals rushed to the row of Jade Talismans, sending out secret commands through whispered communication. On the Formation-constructed sand table, swathes of Liu Guang once again dragged long trails, yet the inner tent fell into silence, so quiet that one could hear a pin drop.

「An hour later.」

"A great victory!"

"Heaven Palace's defenses broken!"

"All troops retreat, several Strong gods have fled!"

Wu Wang's spirit lifted. He set down his propped-up left leg, hands bracing his knees, his eyes flickering with sharp light.

"Just as I thought, there's a problem," Wu Wang muttered softly. "These Strong gods were actually able to hold back from taking action, choosing instead to retreat... Ask Brother Xiao Jian Daoist, what was the mood of these Strong gods like?"

"Yes!"

The generals immediately took orders. Another round of communication through Jade Talismans buzzed, quickly resulting in a response. The expressions of the Heaven Palace gods were very stable, some angry, but the anger was actually less than during the previous battle.

Wu Wang fell silent for a moment. Then, he and several elders spoke almost in unison:

"Could it be that the Heavenly Emperor is here?"

"The Heavenly Emperor might have already arrived."

Afterward, everyone nodded in agreement, their expressions becoming somewhat solemn.

Just then, the Yan Emperor's mandate within Wu Wang's heart began to pulse, forming the visage of Shen Nong with furrowed brows, who said:

'Wu Wang, have you ever used the Divine Power of the God of Spring?'

Wu Wang immediately answered, 'I have used this Divine Power to save the people of the Small People Kingdom.'

'The intent of reviving dead wood to spring,' Shen Nong contemplated with a few hums, a hint of hesitation in his eyes. 'I have a premonition that this matter might be a calculation of the Heavenly Emperor, yet we cannot but save the remnant soul of the former emperor. Later, come to my location. I will bear all the consequences of this affair.'

'Understood.'

Without much hesitation, Wu Wang stood up, looked around, and summoned the six military strategists who remained there, as well as two old-standing Vice Pavilion Masters. He produced a Jade Talisman he had already prepared, containing plans for subsequent operations and suggestions for dealing with different situations.

"My lord," an elderly woman voiced her concern, "as the battle draws to a close, where do you intend to go?"

Obviously, Wu Wang couldn't disclose the matter of 'Emperor Fuxi's remnant soul.' After a brief internal deliberation, he had a perfect and somewhat amusing excuse.

He said, "The battle is decided; it is time for me to return."

With that, he rose to proceed.

"Wuwang Palace Lord! You have made a great contribution this time; the primary credit should go to you. Why leave in such a manner?"

"Fame is fleeting."

Wu Wang waved his hand dismissively and turned towards the two curtains he had ordered drawn. His pace was neither hurried nor slow, and his silhouette was neither tall nor particularly striking. Yet, it inspired shock and utmost respect from the seasoned elders watching his departing figure.

Wu Wang: ...

So comfortable, taking the initiative to play the sage for once is truly comfortable.

Exiting the inner tent, Wu Wang immediately saw Lin Suqing and the others, and heard that familiar cry. The members of the Annihilation Sect immediately rushed over, and the Evil God Ming Snake appeared behind Wu Wang.

"Sect Master! Are you alright?" Yang Wudi greeted, his eyes showing real concern.

Lin Suqing also let out a sigh of relief, blinked at Wu Wang, and revealed a touch of a tender smile, not letting Wu Wang see how anxious she had been.

Wu Wang said with a smile, "Rest here for a while. Grand Elder, Immortal Mu, please take good care of everyone. I need to make another trip."

Lin Suqing asked, "Young Master, where else do you have to go?"

"There are still some matters shrouded in fog." Wu Wang raised his hand, wanting to pat the small head of the Blue Bird on her shoulder, but remembering his strange illness, he could only reluctantly refrain.

He conveyed through a voice transmission, "You don't need to worry, I am going to seek His Majesty."

Lin Suqing murmured softly, "That is precisely what worries people the most…"

"Hm?"

"Young Master, may you achieve swift success and return in glory, mighty and powerful!" Lin Suqing clenched her tiny fists and waved them. "Do your best!"

"Time is tight, I must go now," Wu Wang said with a smile. "We will discuss things in detail after the battle."

Behind him, the Evil God Ming Snake stepped forward half a step. The Evil God Ming Snake did not touch Wu Wang. He simply lifted his hand and then lowered it. In that motion, Wu Wang vanished from the spot, passing directly through a dozen major Formations.

—After staying here for six days, the Evil God Ming Snake had already thoroughly understood the construction of the Formations in this area.

...

「An hour later.」

In the center of the northern part of the Southeastern Region, a place enveloped by dark clouds, previously unaffected by the great battle. A figure skimmed low across the ground, hovering at the entrance to the valley right in the middle of the dark clouds, his eyes revealing a hint of confusion and hesitation. It was none other than Sanxian Daoist.

Suddenly, he spoke, murmuring to himself, "How did I end up here?"

Then, he slightly leaned back, his Dao rhyme becoming abstruse and vast, as if he held heaven and earth within his palm, and the sun and moon were hidden in his eyes.

'San Xian' said again, "Emperor Shun, our battle is ultimately going to return to this place."

With that, his figure slowly flew into the valley.

「Meanwhile, in the mountains a few hundred miles away from this location.」

The Flying Shuttle emerged from 'outside the painting' into the painting, with several figures standing one behind another. Shen Nong, leaning on a wooden staff and donning a straw raincoat, had Divine Light in his eyes. Seeing this situation, he sighed softly. Wu Wang stood beside Shen Nong, consciously keeping half a step behind him. Behind them were the Evil God Ming Snake, Elder Red Rose, and the unimportant old man. Their figures were each enveloped in a mist of gray fog.

Wu Wang whispered a reminder, "Senior, this matter still seems quite odd. It feels like Senior Sanxian deliberately said those words for us to hear."

"He most likely did say them for us to hear," replied Shen Nong with a slight nod and a faint smile. He said, "The cleverness of Emperor Shun's calculations lies precisely here. If we do not enter this place, we will never know what follows. But by entering, everything will fall into passivity."

Wu Wang muttered softly, "Then why are we going in?"

Shen Nong said with a smile, "To battle the Heavenly Emperor."

As he spoke, he raised and lowered his wooden staff. With a CLANG, a ripple of light green light spread from this place. From near to far, the woods grew denser, and the heavens and earth were enveloped in a unique Dao rhyme, which blended perfectly with nature.

"Wu Wang, you must remember," Shen Nong said with a smile, "the ultimate goal in seeking the Dao is actually to satisfy one's own desire for knowledge."

After speaking, Shen Nong moved forward with his staff. Before Wu Wang could even speak, the light and shadows shifted, and he was already following Shen Nong, appearing at the entrance of the valley.

He…

Determinedly reached for his necklace and silently called out twice, Mother, watch me! Mom, don't be rash!

At once, his heart felt much more at ease.

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