Wu Wang had originally planned to return to the Northern Wilderness quietly and discreetly, to visit his parents and the elders of his clan.

But when he was actually ready to set out, he discovered…

that the matter had become quite troublesome.

It is said that on that day, Liu Baiyi took an Image Projection Bead and Wu Wang's reply letter, departed from the Annihilation Sect, and hastily returned to the Human Emperor Pavilion to present them before Emperor Yan of Shennong.

Shen Nong did not open the reply letter, nor did he look at the content within the Image Projection Bead. He simply asked Liu Baiyi a few questions.

Liu Baiyi answered truthfully. Sensing that Shen Nong was unwilling to pry into others' privacy, he indirectly described the gist of the Heavenly Emperor's thirteenth letter and Wu Wang's reply.

"Your Majesty, even the Heavenly Emperor wants to recruit Wu Wangzi to the Heaven Palace. Shouldn't we show more appreciation?"

"Appreciation?"

Shen Nong was somewhat puzzled. He set aside the fist-sized medicinal cauldron in his hand and wondered, "What kind of appreciation?"

"That is, to give Wu Wangzi more benefits, to make him feel the importance we in the Human Domain place on him."

Liu Baiyi said with a smile, "This old servant believes that Wu Wang deserves such treatment."

Shen Nong shook his head with a smile, saying,

"There's no need to do anything extra, and don't focus all attention on one young man; it will put immense pressure on him.

Baiyi, some things cannot be forced, and some things need not be excessively sought.

Do not mention this matter again. Have the same person from last time deliver this reply letter to Central Mountain.

Tell the messenger to be sharp. Don't let them get into a situation where a knife is at their throat, yet they're still too stubborn to say something conciliatory."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Liu Baiyi agreed. He seemed to want to say more but still lowered his head and quickly departed.

"Destroy that Image Projection Bead."

Shen Nong's voice followed from behind. Liu Baiyi paused, then immediately shattered the bead in his sleeve.

"Your Majesty, it has been destroyed."

"Hmm," Shen Nong said slowly. "For now, try not to disturb Wu Wang. The other young people in the Human Domain also need training and experience. Don't always keep relying on just one of them."

After pondering carefully for a while, Liu Baiyi lowered his head and answered, "This old servant understands."

Shen Nong waved his hand with a smile and continued to toy with the medicinal cauldron.

After Liu Baiyi left, he faintly sensed the location of Wu Wang's Yan Emperor Order, and a somewhat content smile appeared on his face.

He had already anticipated what would happen next with a high degree of accuracy.

Sure enough, even after Shen Nong's instructions, Liu Baiyi paced back and forth in his residence for an hour with his hands behind his back, mulling things over. He still felt that they, the old veterans of the Human Domain, should make some gesture.

At the very least, we must make Wu Wang feel a stronger sense of belonging to the Human Domain!

No sooner said than done!

Liu Baiyi rolled up his sleeves, gathered a few of his confidants, and sent out Jade Talismans to some of his disciples who now held important positions.

In less than half a day, a large net targeting Wu Wang was quietly cast.

Shen Nong, observing all this unfold, simply smiled and shook his head, returning his gaze to the medicinal cauldron before him.

It was as if an elixir that could solve the most troubling matter of his limited lifespan might emerge from that cauldron.

And so, when Wu Wang's letter was held by the Heavenly Emperor, the Heavenly Emperor summoned both the Head Manager and the Young Master.

Outside the Annihilation Sect Formation, a dozen exquisite, magnificent, and imposing multi-storied ships, clearly of no small expense, sailed through the sky.

Each great ship flew more than a dozen large banners with the character 'Human' and was surrounded by Immortal Soldiers.

On the central ship, there was also a vertical banner:

[A Fleet Gifted to Wu Wangzi, Sect Master of the Annihilation Sect, from the Human Emperor Pavilion].

Furthermore, several dozen bare-chested strong men were beating drums and striking gongs, creating a spectacle unrivaled for the moment.

Inside the Annihilation Sect, in a side hall next to the Technique Teaching Hall, Wu Wang had just gathered the Elders to discuss the matter of the Sect Master's succession. When his Immortal Consciousness caught this scene, he couldn't help but feel black lines forming on his forehead.

But he neither refused immediately nor said anything unnecessary. He calmly summoned Mao Aowu, asking him, as the Branch Pavilion Master of the Human Emperor Pavilion, to have the fleet stop a hundred miles away.

Are these old seniors also starting this kind of thing? Are they really worried I'll run off?

Mao Aowu hurried off, and the expressions on the Elders' faces were quite a sight.

Wu Wang cleared his throat, set down his teacup, and said slowly, "Everyone, let us continue with important matters. Grand Elder, please speak."

The Grand Elder at his side said, "The Sect Master has gathered us today primarily to discuss the matter of the Sect Master's succession."

The crowd looked puzzled.

An Elder from the Technique Teaching Hall asked, "Sect Master, you are young and vigorous, and your position as Sect Master is perfectly stable. Why the hurry to pass on the position?"

"Indeed, Sect Master!"

Another Elder spoke up.

"You usually don't involve yourself in the sect's affairs… Of course, that's not what I mean.

COUGH, COUGH, COUGH.

I just feel that with your high prestige in the Human Domain, if you could remain the Sect Master of our Annihilation Sect, you wouldn't even need to do anything on a daily basis, and our Annihilation Sect could gradually flourish.

Moreover, all disciples within the sect, from top to bottom, adhere to the strictest rules.

If we were to say we are the strongest Demonic Sect, that would definitely be boasting.

But if we say we are the most disciplined among Demonic Sects, with the most righteous bearing, then that is absolutely well-deserved!"

"Does the Sect Master think we are too weak…"

"Ah!"

Wu Wang hastily said, "Please don't say that. It's definitely not for such reasons."

The Grand Elder, beside him, raised a hand and pressed it down, instantly taking control of the situation.

After all, this was the Blood Hand Demon Lord. With his blood-red robe, blood-colored long hair, and the demonic rumor that 'he hasn't eaten anyone in a long time,' this Blood Hand Demon Lord, a certain Miao, was a renowned figure within a ten-thousand-mile radius.

He smiled and said,

"There's no need to panic, fellow Elders. Even if the Sect Master steps down from the position of Sect Master, he will continue his cultivation in our Annihilation Sect.

However, some matters are not convenient to discuss openly with everyone.

The position the Sect Master holds now is beyond our imagination; it's very high and fraught with many tempests.

The Annihilation Sect now offers few benefits to the Sect Master; instead, it has become more of a constraint.

Moreover, if the Sect Master continues to hold the position, it will make it easy for those who wish to target him to target our Annihilation Sect instead."

The Elders nodded one after another.

Miao Cuijiao, who had been sitting in the corner with her arms crossed, stood up, looked at the Grand Elder, and said,

"But Dad… Grand Elder, such an explanation is somewhat inappropriate.

Ever since the Sect Master appeared at the Human Emperor's Banquet in the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion as the Sect Master of the Annihilation Sect, the Annihilation Sect and the Sect Master have been one entity. This is an inseparable connection.

If someone truly intends to distract the Sect Master by dealing with the Annihilation Sect, the outcome would be similar even if he were not the Sect Master."

The Grand Elder stroked his beard and mused softly, "What you say has some merit."

Wu Wang smiled. "Everyone, please don't be so fixated on these formalities."

"Sect Master, if you don't care about such a title, then just keep it."

"Sect Master, we've all benefited from your glory for so long; we should do something for you."

"At the very least, we have over a thousand mouths. If it really comes to a shouting match with others in the future, if anyone dares to speak rudely to you, each of us spitting once would be enough to choke him to death!"

Miao Cuijiao frowned upon hearing this.

"How disgusting! Drowning them would be one thing, but choking them to death with spit?"

The several old men threw back their heads and laughed.

Wu Wang thought for a moment, then said gently, "How about this? I have a suggestion. Let's see what you all think."

"Please speak, Sect Master."

"Just give the order, Sect Master."

The Elders agreed quite readily.

Wu Wang said,

"The Heaven Palace has just been defeated, and spirits are high in the Human Domain. The overall situation is relatively stable.

Next, I need to go home for a while. I plan to stay for three to five years before returning.

During this time, Elder Miao… will serve as Acting Sect Master. If the Acting Sect Master makes any errors in her duties, the Grand Elder can dismiss and replace her at any time. How does that sound?"

Upon hearing this, the Elders pondered individually and soon nodded one after another.

Yang Wudi, in the corner, visibly sighed in relief upon hearing this.

Thankfully, the Sect Master hadn't picked him for this drudgery.

Previously, he had thought that being the Sect Master of the Annihilation Sect was quite nice. He would be a significant figure in the Human Domain and hold a respectable rank in the Demon Path.

But now, having seen a broader world and become aware of more beautiful vistas, he too desired a larger stage.

Like the Punishment Hall of the Human Emperor Pavilion, or the mysterious First Hall.

The "Invincible Sect Master" incident last time was purely an accident. He now had absolutely no interest in the position of Sect Master.

However, Wu Wang's gaze had already swept over to him.

"Wudi?"

"Yes, here!"

Yang Wudi, full of vigor, immediately stood up from the end of the long table. "You called me?"

"You will be the Vice Hall Master of the Treasure Hall, responsible for coordinating matters between the Treasure Hall and the Human Emperor Pavilion, to help share Acting Sect Master Miao's burden. How about it?"

"Yes! Your subordinate obeys! Rest assured, I'll definitely put my life on the line to get the job done well!"

Yang Wudi quickly agreed, having no ulterior motives.

Though the Treasure Hall controlled a substantial 'Spirit Stone flow,' managed several hundred shops, had direct dealings with the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion and the Heavenly Craft Pavilion, and influenced the increasingly famous Refining Master Alliance in the Human Domain, Yang Wudi was keenly aware that Wu Wang detested any form of embezzlement.

If he lacked Spirit Stones, he had other avenues.

To entertain thoughts in this regard would be to ruin his own future.

Beside them, Miao Cuijiao pondered for a moment and asked, "Why am I to be the Acting Sect Master?"

"Didn't you want to be the Sect Master's woman?"

Wu Wang blinked. "Doesn't this also fulfill the wish you had back then?"

Miao Cuijiao's pretty face actually reddened, and she showed a rare girlish coyness.

The Elders exchanged glances and soon burst into uproarious laughter.

The Grand Elder silently shook his head, not saying much.

He thought of that adorable Immortal Mu and began to ponder how he could persuade his daughter to give up the Black Desire Door's cultivation method.

Wait, that's not right.

The Grand Elder came back to his senses, looked at Wu Wang, and asked via voice transmission, "Sect Master, on your trip back to the Northern Wilderness this time, are you not taking this old man as a guard?"

Wu Wang smiled. "Does the Grand Elder wish to come along?"

"Naturally," the Grand Elder chuckled. "Nowadays, this is about all this old man is good for."

Wu Wang considered it briefly and did not refuse.

The Annihilation Sect was unlikely to face any major issues. Before leaving, he would just need to ask Brother Xiao Jian of the Sword Dao to look after the Annihilation Sect.

Not a big problem.

They had just dismissed the meeting when Mao Aowu hurried back, bringing with him several high-ranking deacons from the Human Emperor Pavilion.

Mao Aowu's eyes shone, his silver-white hair danced dashingly, and the Giant Sword on his back hummed softly.

"We've struck it rich! Sect Master! We've really struck it rich this time!"

"Calm down," Wu Wang said sternly. "Not to be elated by external gains, nor saddened by personal losses—this is the principle that Emperor Fuxi constantly taught us... So, how have we struck it rich?"

Mao Aowu chuckled. "The Human Emperor Pavilion has sent a fleet, and it's packed to the brim! There are also many Storage magic treasures!"

"Oh?"

Wu Wang couldn't help but lean back, smiling. "Since when has the Human Emperor Pavilion become so wealthy? Don't I often hear them complaining about insufficient Spirit Stones and inadequate budgets?"

Mao Aowu let out a hearty laugh and added, "Although I haven't looked closely, with so much stuff, even if they're just ordinary-grade Spirit Stones, it's still a massive fortune!"

"COUGH! Branch Pavilion Master Mao."

A middle-aged woman behind Mao Aowu quickly spoke up.

"Those are not treasures, but rather some grain, bolts of cloth, and various seasonings and vegetable seeds commonly used in the Human Domain.

They are gifts that Master Liu specifically ordered us to deliver upon hearing that Hall Master Wuwang was returning to his hometown."

Mao Aowu could only offer an embarrassed smile, while Wu Wang's eyes lit up.

"Oh? What's the quantity?"

The deacon hurriedly replied,

"The grain is equivalent to the Northern Wilderness's share for the past ten years, totaling over 1,600 specialized Storage magic treasures for grain.

There is less cloth. When Master Liu gave the order, we were rather pressed for time to collect it and could only requisition from the Four Seas Pavilion, barely enough for a million sets of clothes.

As for vegetable seeds, fruits, and seasonings, we collected as much as we possibly could. If the Hall Master desires more, you could wait another half a month for us."

"Excellent!"

Wu Wang slapped his thigh, stood up, and said with a laugh, "Please convey my thanks to Master Liu! This trip home will indeed be worthwhile."

Everyone couldn't help but smile.

Seeing Wu Wang so pleased, the deacons also breathed a sigh of relief.

As expected, Master Liu truly knew how to give gifts.

This gift, in Wu Wang's eyes, was indeed more valuable than ten or eight immortal treasures.

And for the Human Domain, with its vast population and territory, it was less than a drop in the ocean.

"Hall Master Wuwang, when do you plan to depart?"

"In three days, I suppose."

Wu Wang smiled. "I can't take too many things back with me, lest I disrupt the normal trade between the Four Seas Pavilion and the Northern Wilderness."

Having said that, Wu Wang immediately grasped his necklace, asking his mother to help relay an order.

The clan would need to build several more large granaries this time.

「Three days later.」

Great ships sailed across the sky, and squads of Immortal Soldiers patrolled in formation.

Below the Annihilation Sect Formation, numerous figures were gathered. Half of them were to accompany Wu Wang, while the other half were there to see them off.

Wu Wang was going home to visit his family and would stay for at least three to five years before returning. Ji Mo, upon hearing the news, rushed to the Annihilation Sect with Le Yao.

The two of them were still quite close. Ever since they married, their cloying affection for each other hadn't diminished and, in fact, seemed to be intensifying.

Wu Wang chatted and joked with Ji Mo for a bit. They mostly talked about trivial matters and caught up on Lin Qi's recent situation.

Among Wu Wang's entourage, the most conspicuous was Ling Xiaolan, who stood slightly apart from the crowd.

Following her were several experts from the Xuan Nu Sect, specifically dispatched from their sect: two Transcendents and two at the pinnacle of the Heavenly Immortal Realm.

These experts were not only to protect their Tianyan Saintess but could also serve as Wu Wang's guards.

It was merely the goodwill of Sect Master Jing Yue.

Behind Lin Suqing, four Maidens stood in a line. They ranged from a 'waist-training' young girl from the Northern Wilderness and princesses from the Feather Country, to fox ladies from Qingqiu and that strange Innate Spirit. Each one was quite eye-catching.

But as they stood there, they couldn't overshadow Lin Suqing's elegance in the slightest.

Perhaps because she now had subordinates and had begun to manage people, Lin Suqing's entire demeanor had changed somewhat in the past six months.

She had become much more confident and composed, and the 'beauty' created by beauty elixirs now radiated even more brilliance.

The Blue Bird was currently perched on Lin Suqing's shoulder. Since no outsiders here knew her identity, she was somewhat inconspicuous.

Immortal Mu's situation was much more troublesome.

She cradled a small, eared mouse in her arms, had Xiao Deng, a citizen of the little people, standing on her forehead, and behind her was a basket full of Storage magic treasures, meticulously organized and filled with various inexhaustible collections of arithmetic problems.

She was the personal guard sent by Feng Zhizi; wherever the "problem-setter" went, she naturally had to go.

Then there was the Sleep God; the Annihilation Sect's Grand Elder; the new Sect Master's Protective Group formed by over ten True Immortals from the Annihilation Sect; and an entertainment troupe of over ten meticulously selected members from the Black Desire Door, skilled in musical performance…

This group of people was indeed quite lively.

"Brother Wuwang."

Ji Mo's gaze was somewhat complex, as if he had many things he wanted to say, but in the end, he just smiled and said, "Take care on your journey."

"Cultivate diligently."

Wu Wang raised his hand and patted Ji Mo's shoulder. "Don't bring shame to the younger generation of the Human Domain."

"That goes without saying," Ji Mo chuckled. "If anything happens here in the Human Domain, I'll have someone contact you immediately. Rest assured and enjoy your family time at home."

Family joy…

The corner of Wu Wang's mouth twitched slightly.

He inwardly pictured his homeland, that vast grassland where one blood-stained Wolf Fang Club after another seemed to be sprouting…

"Let's go, let's go! See you later!"

Wu Wang waved his hand and was the first to fly towards the most magnificent multi-storied ship in the center. Everyone said their goodbyes and flew up to follow.

In front of the Treasure Hall, Miao Cuijiao looked up at Wu Wang's retreating figure, her eyes shimmering with a faint light.

The Sect Master's woman? Hmph!

She turned and entered the hall, leaving behind an enchanting and alluring silhouette.

The contest isn't over yet. We'll just wait and see!

「Meanwhile.」

「To the east of the East Sea, in Yang Valley.」

In that magnificent palace, glazed tiles formed the supporting pillars, and gold was used to construct the grand hall's doorways.

Behind layers of curtains, a pool reflected Xihe's figure.

In the pool, nine sun-stars chased each other playfully.

And on the surface of the pool, amidst the trembling ripples of light, a clear image was projected: Wu Wang's multi-storied ship sailing west towards the West Sea.

The West Sea?

"Wuwangzi."

The smile at the corner of Xihe's mouth held a hint of helplessness.

With a flick of her left hand, a long whip flew into her grasp, transforming into a seven-foot spear.

She wore a golden long gown, now adorned with several pieces of chainmail over it. Her raven-black long hair billowed in the wind, gradually turning golden.

The nine sun-stars in the pool obediently flew out, circling behind her like a Treasure Wheel.

Divine might radiated outwards, causing all living beings near the grand hall to prostrate themselves on the ground.

"Where are the Divine Guards?"

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