"Just, awake?"

Within the Human Emperor Pavilion, in the depths of a solemn and majestic hall, several figures sat behind a curtain on wooden chairs, each frowning and deep in thought.

These were several Pavilion Masters, with Liu Baiyi and Feng Zhizi occupying the principal seats, joined by the Pavilion Masters of the Fire God Pavilion and the Heavenly Craft Pavilion.

They had serious expressions and eyes filled with contemplation, analyzing the lingering light and shadow before them.

It was a piece of cloth with two somewhat twisted characters written on it.

[Just woke.]

Liu Baiyi said in a deep voice, "This item has already been sent to Central Mountain, carried by a Heavenly Immortal who can be trusted."

"Just woke? Just now woke up?"

The Pavilion Master of the Fire God Pavilion, dressed in a fiery red robe, furrowed his crimson, wing-like eyebrows and said in a rough voice, "Could there be some hidden meaning that we do not comprehend?"

"What meaning could it have?" Liu Baiyi replied impatiently, inadvertently humming. "I have been staring at these two words until I almost can't recognize them anymore!"

"From my perspective, we are perhaps needlessly worrying," Feng Zhizi said as he picked up his teacup and gently swirled the clear tea inside, smiling. "I believe that since His Majesty has silently allowed Wuwang Palace Lord to correspond with the Heavenly Emperor, what is there for us to worry about here? Can we still not trust the character of Wu Wang? This victory in the Southeastern Region, if not for Wu Wang's orchestration from behind, would likely have resulted in many more casualties."

"Alas," the Pavilion Master of the Heavenly Craft Pavilion sighed with a laugh, "I always feel uneasy at heart. After all, Wuwang Palace Lord is not a member of the Human race born and raised within the Human Domain."

"Speaking of such things at this time seems somewhat inappropriate," Liu Baiyi said, clearly displeased. Resting a hand on his portly belly, he stated lightly, "Setting other things aside for the moment, Wu Wang is of the Human race first and foremost; he only possessed Divine Power later."

"But, Old Liu, the Heaven Palace first bestowed a God position, and now the Heavenly Emperor keeps sending letters to Wuwang Palace Lord. There were even rumors that in Jiuhuang City, the Heavenly Emperor met with Wuwang Palace Lord... We are, of course, aware of the inner details, but rampant speculation and fearsome gossip abound."

"Hmph!" Liu Baiyi's face darkened, a stark contrast to his usual cheerful demeanor. He scolded, "It's bad enough that those below speculate wildly. If even we start to harbor doubts, wouldn't Wu Wang feel disheartened?"

The others each fell into their own contemplations.

Feng Zhizi smiled and said, "In fact, the root of the problem is that Wu Wang has an unstable foundation and shallow roots in the Human Domain. If we could devise a way for him to establish a foundation that commands respect, wouldn't these problems be easily resolved?"

"Oh?" Liu Baiyi frowned and said, "Old Feng, if you have a solution, just say it. What's with the suspense?"

The Pavilion Master of the Heavenly Craft Pavilion chuckled. "Master Liu, you have become somewhat irritable lately."

"Hmph," Liu Baiyi cursed, "I am still being patient. If it were thirty thousand years ago, I would have slapped those pretentious fools to death!"

The Pavilion Master of the Fire God Pavilion explained, "These past few years, reforms in the Human Emperor Pavilion have irked Old Liu."

"Quick, tell us the solution!"

"Actually, it's like this," Feng Zhizi said softly. "Think about it: Wu Wang and the Tianyan Saintess Ling Xiaolan of the Xuan Nu Sect have mutual affection. Why don't we push this matter forward and arrange for Wu Wang to have a grand marriage with Fairy Ling? That way, wouldn't these problems be solved? Many powerful figures in the Human Domain are effectively sons-in-law to the Xuan Nu Sect. If Wu Wang also gains this status, he would share this connection with them, and his own position would immediately stabilize."

"HISS—No way!" Liu Baiyi shouted loudly from the side, startling Feng Zhizi so much that his hands trembled.

Frowning slightly, Feng Zhizi asked, "Why not?"

Liu Baiyi shook his head like a rattle-drum, replying, "It just won't do! Fairy Ling is absolutely out of the question!"

"Old Liu," the Pavilion Master of the Fire God Pavilion glared and scolded, "what business is it of yours to interfere in the young people's affairs? Why won't it work? Fairy Ling and Wu Wangzi are a match made in Heaven, a perfect couple! In my view, it's a very good match!"

Liu Baiyi was speechless.

Feng Zhizi also said, "I think that for this matter, we only need to broach the subject. If you do too much, it might just backfire and Wu Wang might resent it."

Holding his forehead, Liu Baiyi scolded, "This matter must not even be mentioned!"

"Why?"

"Do you look down upon the Tianyan Saintess of the Xuan Nu Sect?"

"Old Liu, you must provide a proper explanation. I feel that this indeed might be a solution."

"That Blue Bird, the one beside Wu Wangzi, is none other than the princess herself. She has undergone soul transmigration and is now shaped into the body of a Demigod. You three must keep this to yourselves. Remember, it must remain a secret; if word got out, it would undoubtedly cause an uproar."

Liu Baiyi muttered:

"Do you think His Majesty would shape the princess into a Demigod for no reason? In recent years, of the Divine Power of Innate Gods we've retrieved from the Southeastern Region, His Majesty has taken thirty percent for the princess. We need not concern ourselves with her current strength. His Majesty chose this path for her, perhaps to give her someone to rely on in the future. Wu Wang is also a Demigod."

The other three Pavilion Masters fell silent simultaneously.

Liu Baiyi rubbed his brow, saying softly, "Let's discuss this matter another time."

"Then, shall we suggest to His Majesty that the Human Domain hold a joyous celebration?"

"Do you wish to meddle in His Majesty's personal affairs?"

Liu Baiyi glared, and the Hall Master of the Fire God Temple immediately fell silent.

Liu Baiyi mumbled:

"Our Emperor has been cultivating his character for the last several tens of thousands of years, but let's not forget that His Majesty also emerged from a life-and-death struggle. The princess is the last of His Majesty's kin. As for us, we should not interfere or ask too many questions. How Wu Wangzi chooses his path in the future is his own business."

The Pavilion Master of the Fire God Pavilion raised his crimson, wing-like eyebrows and let out an embarrassed laugh. "I also feel that between Wu Wangzi and Fairy Ling, perhaps they need more time to settle and refine their relationship."

The other three Pavilion Masters looked at him, the calls of "match made in Heaven" and "perfect couple" seeming to still echo in the air, a hint of amusement in their eyes.

Liu Baiyi said, "Enough. We must continue to discuss important matters; let's not idle away time in chit-chat."

Thus, the three Pavilion Masters each brought out several scrolls, discussing various matters concerning the Human Domain.

「...」

"ACHOO!"

In the quiet chamber of the attic, Wu Wang raised his hand to rub his nose. Something seems odd, he thought.

He gathered up the freshly finished Jade Talismans in front of him. They contained insights from the great Emperor Fu Xi, with many elements pertaining to cultivation and the methods of Cultivation, any phrase of which could serve as the core canon for an Immortal Sect's inheritance.

In turn, Wu Wang began to ponder, Could I upgrade the three major cultivation techniques of the Annihilation Sect?

A flood of insights surged up within him.

Wu Wang couldn't help but laugh softly, finding himself once again taking out pristine record-keeping Jade Talismans to carefully organize his gains.

The heritage of Fu Xi's Dao was immensely vast and complex. Even if Wu Wang spent hundreds of years, he would have difficulty mastering it completely. To integrate and thoroughly comprehend the Great Dao of the Yin Yang Eight Trigrams would perhaps take a thousand or several thousand years.

The path of cultivation was inherently a long and tedious affair.

Wu Wang acknowledged that, in terms of patience, he was actually somewhat lacking and needed to gradually improve.

Hence, another half a month went by.

Wu Wang categorized the mountain of record-keeping Jade Talismans before him and systematically stored them in two storage bracelets previously provided by the Human Emperor Pavilion. The original treasures inside them had already been distributed by him to Lin Suqing and the others.

The rewards from the Human Emperor Pavilion were, to Wu Wang, largely unnecessary, consisting mostly of Spirit Pills, magical medicines, and rare fruits—many of which were Spirit Pills and elixirs beneficial to female cultivation. Clearly, the Human Emperor Pavilion had also racked their brains over these rewards.

For Wu Wang, however, he only cared about the Human Emperor Pavilion's attitude.

Wu Wang muttered to himself, "The nail that sticks out gets hammered down; the prominent tree in the forest is the first to be toppled by the wind. This is no place for a long stay," as he pondered his next destination.

He had previously considered returning to the Northern Wilderness to cultivate for a while and had already informed his mother of this decision, making her wait for a long time.

Let's go back to the Annihilation Sect to settle some matters, pass on the position of Sect Master, and then I will return to the Northern Wilderness, Wu Wang thought as he wandered to the windowsill.

With a flicker of his mind, a gentle breeze wafted through, slowly nudging the windowsill open to reveal the scenery outside.

A figure approached from the horizon.

Amidst the sweeping white clouds and the clarity of the sky and land, cranes circled, and tendrils of azure smoke rose gracefully. One's chest broadened at the sight of the sea of clouds, and aspirations soared at the sight of the distant mountains. The calls of cranes and the chirping of young beasts filled the air; all beings existed in natural harmony, and mountains and rivers were inherently nurtured by spirit.

As the figure drew nearer, Wu Wang couldn't help but reveal a gentle smile. He had not probed intentionally before, but now he recognized the figure as his fellow cultivator and friend, Saintess Xiaolan.

Wu Wang raised his hand and waved vigorously. Ling Xiaolan, approaching on a cloud from afar, blinked, then bowed her head to remove her veil and offered Wu Wang a respectful curtsy.

Wu Wang brought his hands together in a Daoist salute, equally formal and proper.

As she drew near, Wu Wang found himself somewhat entranced. Perhaps because they used to meet often, Wu Wang usually thought Fairy Ling beautiful but lacked a sense of stunning surprise. Now, after not having seen her for several years, or maybe because Ling Xiaolan had employed some wondrous technique, Wu Wang felt his Daoist heart beat a tad faster.

He admired her delicate brows, almond-shaped eyes, pearly teeth, and thin lips. The lotus mark between her eyebrows radiated spirituality, and her flowing, cloud-like hair had an elegance that seemed out of this world. Her already exquisite facial features, enhanced by her immortal grace and Spiritual Energy, made her the epitome of divine beauty.

Yet, this beauty was like a green lotus in clear, still waters or a unique orchid shrouded in the light mist of an empty valley, untouched by the slightest trace of the mundane world.

In fact, Wu Wang was so captivated by her features that he forgot to appreciate her graceful figure. He also forgot it was somewhat rude to gaze so intently, and he certainly didn't take the time to admire the outfit she had spent half a day preparing just for him.

"What are you staring at…" The Fairy Immortal arrived at the window, pursing her lips lightly in reproach, yet not daring to meet Wu Wang's gaze, instead shifting her eyes away.

Wu Wang came back to his senses and said admiringly, "Fairy Immortal, have you learned some new immortal technique?"

"What kind of immortal technique?" Ling Xiaolan was somewhat puzzled.

Wu Wang's eyes twinkled with amusement, and he smiled. "An immortal technique that makes it impossible for one to look away, of course."

"PFFT!" Ling Xiaolan chided softly, a light blush spreading across her cheeks. Her slender waist and legs swayed gently as she flashed downstairs. "I… I'm going to chat with Suqing."

Huh, why did she run off? Wu Wang chuckled, then stood before the window, falling into contemplation once more.

This matter... it truly isn't easy to handle, he thought.

Wu Wang stretched lazily. Forget it, he mused. I should first consider how to establish myself before thinking about settling down and starting a family.

He stood at the window, admiring the view of the Human Emperor Pavilion for a while. Then, with a thought, he closed his eyes in concentration. A sliver of Divine Thought flew from between his brows, wandering through the world.

This feeling was quite extraordinary. He perceived the many patterns that existed in the world; he 'saw' Heaven and Earth as though they were a translucent sea, with faint yet constant ripples.

With this, Wu Wang understood the true value of the "Riding the Wind With Empty Spirit" technique. With this secret technique, he could enter a state of cultivation at any time without worrying about insufficient enlightenment. Furthermore, in comprehending Great Daos such as those of Heaven and Earth, Yin and Yang, and the Five Elements, it was doubly effective, bringing him even closer to these Great Daos than cultivators who specialized in them.

Should I promote this technique in the Human Domain? Wu Wang thought deeply. He raised his hand to his chest, and his Primordial Spirit unconsciously called out, "Predecessor? Your Majesty?"

Then he came back to his senses. His Yan Emperor's Command had not been returned since he lent it to Emperor Fuxi. The Blue Bird had even asked him about it before, to which he had casually replied, 'It was returned.' In reality, deep down, there was still a tad bit of concern.

「...」

Not far from Wu Wang, in a bedroom on the second floor of the Human Emperor Hall.

Shen Nong put down the stone slate in his hand, a faint smile spreading across his lips. He turned over his left hand, and a small flame danced gently in his palm. It appeared like an ordinary fire from dry firewood—orange-red with a hint of color in its core. But if a cultivator were to sense it carefully, they would detect that this flame contained an almost boundless Dao charm within it.

Yan Emperor Command, final stage. The true key to unlocking the Dao of Fire, Emperor Suiren's complete understanding of the Dao of Fire, was all contained herein.

With a flick of Shen Nong's finger, the flame slowly solidified, turning into a pale red, square jade pendant. There were no carvings on its exterior, and its interior seemed to hold flowing magma, as if fire was about to leap out at any moment.

"Wu Wang," Shen Nong muttered, his eyes filled with a hint of hesitation. He whispered, "What do you all think?"

A ripple appeared on the dark red wall, and several figures walked out from within, Elder Red Rose among them. They each paid their respects and fell silent as they looked at the jade pendant in Shen Nong's hand.

Red Rose was the first to speak. "Your Majesty, Wu Wangzi is a junior worthy of trust and entrustment. Although he is still some distance from meeting your requirements, the hope he carries is incredibly important for the Human Domain."

Shen Nong nodded slightly, smiling. "Yes, Wu Wang is indeed outstanding in his own right, with so many clever ideas. He always manages to surprise people in unexpected ways. The only issue is his lack of experience; his mindset isn't mature enough. Without seeing how he behaves when he loses his composure, it's hard to entrust him with this heavy responsibility."

An elder said, "Your Majesty, why not have an honest talk with him and let him enter some Illusionary Realms?"

"Illusionary Realms won't be able to hold him."

Another old woman added, "And we can't harm him without reason."

"Then get him drunk," mumbled a burly, towering old man. "Just get him completely drunk and see what he's like when he's had too much... However, he has only ever gotten a headache from Daoist liquor and has never been truly drunk, so it's hard to say. What are you all looking at me for? Did I say something wrong?"

"Enough." Shen Nong waved his hand, weighing the jade pendant. "This item was already his. That these changes occurred ahead of time is also his own opportunity. Let's return it to him later."

"Your Majesty, why not add some restrictions to it?"

"There's no need," Shen Nong waved his hand. "I trust this young man's character."

Everyone nodded.

Red Rose lamented, "It's a pity that the succession cannot be decided merely based on character. What's truly important is his own self."

Shen Nong smiled calmly, the hesitation in his eyes already fading.

「Meanwhile.」

At Central Mountain, in the Heaven Palace, within the highest temple.

Emperor Shun's expression was stern as he sat on the throne. His majestic pressure fluctuated, causing tiny cracks to appear in the surrounding Heaven and Earth. By his side, Xihe sat regally on the Queen of Heaven's throne, a slight smile on her lips. On either side of the royal couple stood several Golden-Armored Heavenly Gods, the Heavenly Emperor's trusted aides.

The gods standing below all felt the Heavenly Emperor's wrath. They anticipated that an all-out war to obliterate the Human Domain was about to erupt. Even if it meant the Heaven and Earth Seal would fail and a war for the succession of a new divine era would begin, His Majesty would still recklessly tear the Human Domain apart...

"Your Majesty!" A deep baritone echoed from outside the temple. "An Envoy from the Human Domain has delivered a letter, signed by the Human Domain cultivator Wu Wangzi."

"Hmm?" Emperor Shun's anger dissipated in an instant. "Bring it here."

The gods below were somewhat at a loss.

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