A Message for Wu Wangzi:

I, the Heavenly Emperor, ascended to the Dao in the distant age of gods and established my authority before ancient times. I overthrew the Candle Dragon and secured order, and now I form the warp and weft of Heaven and Earth.

Now, Heaven and Earth are fraught with troubles.

The Candle Dragon covets us from beyond the Outer Sky, and the strife between living beings and Divine Spirits intensifies.

As the Human Domain's Shen Nong wields his sword to this day, I have undergone reincarnation within the Human Domain to comprehend what it means to be a living being, and what it means for Heaven and humans to coexist.

Today, I return to Heaven Palace to face the vast living beings. I wish to transform the affairs of gods and spirits, yet beside me are too many Innate Gods and too few living beings.

Innate Gods, though born with celestial talents and earthly virtues, have always been indifferent to living beings, enslaving them—a common nature among Divine Spirits.

I know of Wu Wang's remarkable talents. He has made significant contributions in the Human Domain; his military strategies rival those of the Earth God, and his understanding of the human heart is not inferior to that of the Head Manager. Furthermore, he is on good terms with the Young Master.

I intend to offer Wu Wang a high position in Heaven Palace.

Should Wu Wang come here, a non-aggression pact can surely be agreed upon between Heaven Palace and the Human Domain, and the Northern Wilderness would have nothing to worry about.

It has been a long time since the fall of the Si Fire God, and the conflict between Heaven Palace and the Human Domain has been unceasing for years. Living beings suffer, and order collapses. Should the Candle Dragon return, the gods and spirits of this world will inevitably not be spared.

I understand that Wu Wang is deeply connected to the Candle Dragon Divine Faction, but the Candle Dragon is certainly not a benign ruler; its will of chaos brings endless calamities.

All of this is for the sake of order.

I, too, harbor personal sentiments.

In bygone days, when I was trapped in the Human Domain, I assumed the name Sanxian. In my confusion, I was oblivious to my true identity, writing and preaching for years without any attachment. Upon our encounter in the Southeast Sea region, I regarded Wu Wang as a friend beyond years, recognizing a kindred spirit.

Now that I have returned to Heaven Palace, though the inclinations of Sanxian no longer exist, I must still stand at the heart of Heaven Palace, leading the Innate Gods. The fondness that Sanxian held for the Human Domain also influences me somewhat.

Hence, I have decided to try once more: to reconcile with the Human Domain and together construct the order of Heaven and Earth.

Yet the animosity between Heaven Palace and the Human Domain runs deep, and to resolve it is no easy task.

Would Wu Wang be willing to give it a try?

Let us set aside right and wrong, merits and demerits for now. Should Wu Wang wish to come to Heaven Palace, he would be treated with the hospitality due to a principal god of the palace, granted land, clans, concubines, and treasures at his disposal.

For now, in this world, my friends are few.

Emperor Sanxian.

…

Silence.

In Wu Wang's attic, a dozen or so figures stood beside the writing desk. At this moment, one could hear a pin drop.

The words, wrapped in golden light and embodying the Dao of Order, slowly unfolded before Wu Wang.

Around him, a few Image Projection Beads twinkled, and in the distance, an elder holding two Image Projection Mirrors had a somewhat dazed expression.

"Ahem!"

Wu Wang calmly raised his hand to erase the words in front of him. He wanted to say something, but for the moment, he couldn't find the right words.

After some thought, Wu Wang turned his head to look at Liu Baiyi beside him and said softly, "Don't worry, I'm not… acquainted with Emperor Shun."

"This!" Liu Baiyi's eyes nearly bulged out as he cursed, "Is Emperor Shun trying to poach someone from right under our noses? What on earth is this!"

"Alas, woe is me! Heavens above!" The Sleep God, standing beside him, sucked in a breath of cold air and exclaimed at Wu Wang, "That ThreeOld Daoist Sanxian is the Heavenly Emperor?!"

"A part of the Heavenly Emperor," Wu Wang considered carefully. "Brother, no need to worry. When Senior Sanxian was here, you didn't reveal anything."

"But here I am, the humble Sleep God of Heaven Palace, chatting with you about everything under the sun, cursing Heaven Palace, all the while in the Heavenly Emperor's presence."

With a slap to his head and a quick glance around, the Sleep God turned and sprinted toward the palace doors.

"Mountains are high and waters distant, but even the Four Seas have their bounds! Wu Wang, we have been like brothers. From this day forward, let us pretend we have never met. Farewell!"

Wu Wang smiled silently, making no effort to stop or persuade him.

He always felt that this Sleep God brother, though he often talked about running off, was actually quite composed each time and didn't truly fear the gods of Heaven Palace.

Moreover, once the Sleep God brother recovered his wits, he would inevitably saunter back…

"Wu Wang," Xiao Jian Daoist stood to the side, his arms behind his back, a look of contemplation on his face. He then asked, "What do you make of this?"

"I wouldn't rule out the Heavenly Emperor using delaying tactics."

Wu Wang said earnestly, "Heaven Palace's recent defeat has caused some internal turbulence. The pressure from both the Candle Dragon and the Human Domain has put Heaven Palace in a rather difficult phase. Although I may not understand what the Heavenly Emperor truly cares about, it must surely relate to the Candle Dragon. You all must have noticed that Heaven Palace's attitude towards the Human Domain has been fluctuating, depending on which Innate God is in power. When the Head Manager was in charge, his approach was to deplete the Human Domain's resources, gradually eroding its power, with the ultimate goal of reclaiming the Dao of Fire from the Human Domain. Unfortunately, the Head Manager lacked sufficient patience."

After a pause, Wu Wang spread a sheet of paper before him. He chose his words with care before speaking again, "As for the Earth God's attitude towards the Human Domain while he was in power, it's not yet entirely clear, but the battle in the Southeastern Region has shown that the Earth God's nature is steady, most likely favoring conservatism. Conservatism means that Heaven Palace will focus on maintaining the current state of the Heaven and Earth Seal. But now, there has been a change."

The Grand Elder, standing quietly nearby, continued, "Sect Master, in my opinion, Heaven Palace will probably be much more difficult to deal with in the future. The Heavenly Emperor actually used such wording and tone to extend an invitation to you, Sect Master, a Human Domain cultivator who is not widely known. Such magnanimity is truly incomparable to that of the Head Manager and the Earth God."

Wu Wang was momentarily taken aback.

"TSK!" Lin Suqing covered her mouth and chuckled softly.

"Dad, you're going too far," Elder Miao, leaning against a screen in the distance, said with a laugh. "The Sect Master is now renowned throughout the world. How can you say he is not widely known?"

The Grand Elder looked slightly embarrassed and hurriedly added, "I was referring to our Sect Master's cultivation."

Wu Wang calmly revealed his Dao Realm aura; the circulation of a mid-stage True Immortal Realm cultivator unfolded…

In this room, his cultivation indeed seemed relatively weak, holding a clear advantage only over Lin Suqing, a young cultivator who had not yet become an Immortal.

"Let's not talk about this for now." Liu Baiyi looked up and sighed deeply, saying in a low voice, "Wu Wang, the conditions the Heavenly Emperor has offered you—aside from the matter of concubines—we can fulfill them for you here in the Human Domain."

Wu Wang subconsciously glanced at the Blue Bird on the bookshelf. The bird calmly bowed its head to preen its feathers, as if it hadn't heard a thing.

"There is no need for that, no need at all." Wu Wang waved his hands repeatedly, hastily saying, "I truly cannot accept such treatment. Master Liu, please don't entertain any such ideas. I will return to the Northern Wilderness in a few days to visit my parents. Before I leave, I will write a reply to Heaven Palace in front of all of you."

"Well, alright." Liu Baiyi nodded in agreement, then asked, "Should these Image Projection Beads be destroyed?"

"Destroy them," Wu Wang said calmly. Lin Suqing, however, seemed hesitant to speak.

Just as Liu Baiyi was about to wave his hand over them, Lin Suqing finally could not hold back and spoke up, "Wait, Senior! Hold on a second!"

Wu Wang looked puzzled at Lin Suqing. "What's the matter?"

"Young Master, perhaps we should keep these Image Projection Balls," Lin Suqing said with a laugh. "Aren't there always people in the Human Domain who believe you covet the position of Human Emperor, deeming you unworthy? Let them see that even the Heavenly Emperor wants to invite you for assistance. It shows you have genuine capabilities."

"You…" Wu Wang's eyes carried a hint of amusement as he mildly reproached her.

"Hehe," Lin Suqing laughed sheepishly, her small hands held in front of her, her eyes reflecting some unresolved feelings.

Unable to help but smile, Wu Wang said warmly, "You don't understand these things, so don't speak carelessly. If such things spread, it will only deepen their suspicion of me and become evidence to question me. Suqing, you must remember, what truly determines what they say are their own positions and the paths they tread. If you try to reason with these people, they will just secretly laugh at you, find flaws in your words, and create more trouble for you. Just be yourself; why bother with these jumping clowns and petty schemers?"

"Oh," Lin Suqing replied, "I just think they are being too unreasonable."

In the corner, Ling Xiaolan, holding her Jade Flute, said softly, "We need not dispute temporary gains or losses, but if someone tries to take what rightfully belongs to Brother Wuwang, we certainly cannot let them succeed."

"CHIRP CHIRP!" The Blue Bird responded in agreement with two calls.

Smiling and raising an eyebrow, Liu Baiyi spoke slowly, "In that case, this seat will keep one Treasure Bead to present to His Majesty."

"Pavilion Master, please handle it as you see fit." Wu Wang waved his hand, laughing. "Now, I am carefree and unburdened."

"Alright then," Liu Baiyi agreed. He crushed several Image Projection Beads, then solemnly placed the final Treasure Bead into his sleeve.

"I'll write the reply now." Wu Wang pondered for a moment before spreading out the most expensive sheet of white paper available.

This white paper was made from the pulp of thousand-year-old Spiritual Wood. It felt like fabric to the touch, yet creased like paper when bent. It carried the subtle fragrance of creeping fig, and its color was enhanced with Xun Grass. Even just holding this paper to read from it could bring a sense of serenity and pleasure.

Replying to the Heavenly Emperor naturally called for sparing no expense.

Ling Xiaolan proactively stepped forward. Her delicate fingers lifted her white gauze sleeves as she began to grind the ink for Wu Wang at his side.

The people nearby also moved a bit closer, curious to see what Wu Wang was about to write.

The Grand Elder asked, "Sect Master, do you need us to step away?"

"No need," Wu Wang said with a smile. "There is nothing that cannot be said openly; everyone here is someone I trust."

Liu Baiyi, seated at the writing desk, wore an even more pronounced smile.

After Wu Wang deliberated for a while, he picked up his brush, already having a clear idea in his mind. He wrote down several hundred characters without a single deletion or alteration.

The letter read:

[The Heavenly Dao is vast, the Human Dao boundless.

Heaven, Earth, and Humanity augment each other.

Your Majesty, for the Heavenly Emperor to harbor such goodwill is indeed a blessing to all beings.

Since my days of cultivation in the Human Domain, having the fortune to meet Senior Sanxian has been one of the great joys of my life.

Looking back to the days when I encountered Senior Sanxian, discussing the Dao, appreciating art, and indulging in various leisure pursuits—the paintings gifted by Senior Sanxian have always accompanied me and have never left my side.

Learning that Senior Sanxian is an avatar of the Heavenly Emperor shook me deeply, and to this day, I am still struggling to accept this truth.

Regarding Your Majesty's stated intention to foster a union between Heaven Palace and the Human Domain, I still harbor several doubts.

Is this matter sustainable?

Can it persuade all the gods?

What price must the Human Domain pay?

I implore Your Majesty for explicit clarification. If it is merely these few words, the Human Domain fears it cannot bear such kindness from the Heavenly Emperor.

From the start of the war between Heaven Palace and the Human Domain until now, countless bones have been piled high to form the Long Wall of the Northern Wilderness. Countless valiant souls have ascended as stars, too numerous to count.

If the Heavenly Emperor merely seeks to delay with words, awaiting the resurgence of war in a thousand years, the Human Domain's regret will come too late.

Moreover, I am but a humble, solitary cultivator in the Human Domain; my influence is limited, and my words carry little weight.

However, should Your Majesty truly wish to pursue peace, if you merely display sufficient sincerity, the Human Domain will certainly consider it carefully.

Respectfully,

P.S. I dearly cherish the memories of discussing the Dao with Senior Sanxian at the hot springs.

Wu Wangzi of the Human Race.]

SIGH.

After finishing writing, Wu Wang let out a light breath.

Those on either side pondered and scrutinized the letter, each deriving different insights from its contents.

Liu Baiyi said with a smile, "This reply is truly watertight. Scrutinizing it over and over, it boils down to just two words—sincerity. You're subtly accusing Emperor Shun of trying to get something for nothing. Indeed, your response is excellent. If Heaven Palace wishes for peace, they should demonstrate their stance, show sincerity, and perhaps start by lifting the lifespan limitations on Human Domain cultivators."

Wu Wang simply smiled in response.

"Oh?" the Grand Elder said with a laugh. "Why do I feel that the Sect Master's letter is cleverly written? It recounts past connections while maintaining a respectful distance, leaving no room for criticism."

Liu Baiyi spoke seriously, "Wu Wang, should this letter be made known to others? I feel that your response is appropriate, brings honor to the Human Domain, and could be beneficial for you."

"Let's not. If it gets out, I'll just be criticized," Wu Wang said with a squinting smile.

"How would this get you criticized?" Ling Xiaolan asked, somewhat puzzled. "Are you afraid of those extremists?"

"Exactly." Wu Wang said with a chuckle, "My letter simply makes my stance clear: I am a Human Domain cultivator and will not take an official post in Heaven Palace. At the same time, I'm asking Emperor Shun what conditions he can offer to facilitate peace talks, what his bottom lines are, and how he can guarantee he won't renege on his promises in the future. I'm maintaining distance while also offering a few conciliatory phrases, lest Emperor Shun's wrath be provoked."

The Blue Bird asked in an aged voice, "But this old one is still somewhat confused—how would this get you criticized?"

Wu Wang was silent for a moment before replying, "Some people will ask—'Why didn't you curse at Emperor Shun?'"

"CHIRP?" The Blue Bird was somewhat caught off guard.

Wu Wang spread his left hand, a layer of frost covering his fingers. The Blue Bird flapped its wings and alighted on them.

I really want to touch, but I daren't. Touching it will make me dizzy, and so many people are watching.

Wu Wang solemnly said, "Regardless, Emperor Shun is the creator of the current order, and the due respect must be given. The deep-seated hatred between Heaven Palace and the Human Domain cannot be resolved in a few words. Moreover, in the future, a great war may very well erupt between Heaven Palace and the Human Domain. That would be a true battle of life and death, unlike the war in the Southeastern Region, which had calculated objectives and was waged to achieve another goal.

If, beyond a battle to the death, another path exists to resolve the conflicts between Heaven Palace and the Human Domain, between Divine Spirits and living beings, then regardless of who it is—whether Human Emperors like Emperor Fuxi and His Majesty Shennong, who led the Human Domain forward, or a languid layabout like myself—we would all try. We would willingly bear some condemnation for it.

However, I harbor no illusions about Heaven Palace. We must always be prepared for this great war, viewing it as a battle for the very survival of the Human Domain. Only then can the innocent be protected from Heaven Palace's aggression.

On this basis, I want to explore if there are other solutions. For instance, freeing the minds of the Hundred Races, telling all beings between Heaven and Earth that Innate Gods are not born as overlords, and that all consciousnesses deserve mutual respect. I also want to tell those Divine Spirits that if you wield the Great Dao and possess its authority, you ought to contribute to the stability of Heaven and Earth, not just satisfy your own desires.

Free the Great Dao from desire.

Govern the Divine Spirits with little craving.

Condense order to protect the living beings of Heaven and Earth, and then guide them towards a better path.

Isn't such a cause worth pursuing?"

A faint smile played upon Wu Wang's lips.

He sat behind the desk, discussing his thoughts with the people before him as if chatting about everyday matters, sharing his ideals.

Glimmers of starlight sparked in the eyes of those around him.

In the temple next to his abode, the Sleep God, who had been reverting those handsome men and beautiful women back into wooden carvings, stood there somewhat absentmindedly.

He didn't know how long he had been standing—perhaps until Liu Baiyi hurriedly left with his people, or perhaps he overheard Wu Wang and the Grand Elder discussing who the successor of the Annihilation Sect should be…

"This guy." The Sleep God's eyes were slightly dazed, a smile of realization on his lips.

Free the Great Dao from desire;

Govern the Divine Spirits with little craving.

Condense order to protect the living beings of Heaven and Earth, and then guide them towards a better path…

Big aspirations, indeed. Which of these three is easy to achieve?

The Sleep God muttered to himself, yet he waved his sleeve. The dozens of wooden carvings before him transformed into Divine Light, spreading out from various parts of the temple and solidifying into lively forms.

I'll run away next time. Besides, Emperor Shun can't catch this old brother anyway.

「Several days later.」

In the center of Central Mountain, at the highest Temple of Heaven Palace, Emperor Shun held the paper that felt like fabric. He sniffed the faint scent and read the words written by Wu Wang.

True to your character. Indeed not easy to fool.

A faint smile appeared on his handsome face as he thought of those paintings, letting out an involuntary chuckle.

It has been a long while since I visited my concubines' chambers.

After a brief contemplation, Emperor Shun's fingers twitched ever so slightly. His resonant voice, traveling along the Great Dao, reached the two temples at the outskirts of Heaven Palace.

"Head Manager, Young Master, come before me."

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