"Ah—"

A red sun slowly rose from the eastern grasslands, where herds of beasts sped across the land.

A beautiful girl stood on a hill, her clear voice commanding as she drove the agile figures of the herd, which seemed to be responding to her calls.

Over a dozen large ships skimmed from the western sky. Accompanied by clouds and carried by the wind, they raced across the plains.

On the deck of the central ship, several figures leaned against the railing, gazing out and admiring the scene, so starkly different from that of the Human Domain.

The grasslands were sparsely populated; where the wind swept the plains low, ferocious beasts could be seen.

The Human Domain was too bustling, filled with so many mortals and Cultivators of the Human race that it was difficult to find areas where large groups of ferocious beasts gathered.

Entering the Northern Wilderness, however, was like stepping into another world, a return to the ancient age of gods.

Here, a Hundred Races thrived, with all manner of strange species, and it was common to see humans and these races living together.

When passing through areas heavy with the aura of fierce beasts, the skilled practitioners from the Human Domain had to unleash their own imposing presence; otherwise, they could easily fall prey to the stealth attacks of some stubborn great beasts.

The Immortal Soldiers from the Human Domain who witnessed this nearly drooled. They saw not the sharp claws or the robust bodies of these beasts, but their medicinally valuable body parts and an abundance of bouncing Beast Cores.

It was only because these Immortal Soldiers were strictly disciplined that they restrained the impulse to make a fortune on the spot.

"You see, a person must go out and explore," the Grand Elder said with a smile. "Such magnificence as this in the Northern Wilderness is truly rare in our Human Domain!"

An Elder from the Xuan Nu Sect chuckled, "Friend, haven't you been here once before?"

"Cough," the Grand Elder cleared his throat nonchalantly and exclaimed, "The men and women born of this land must also possess such vast and heroic spirits. Ahahaha, hahaha."

The several masters laughed lightly.

Their perspective had been too limited, truly too limited.

Laughter came from within the cabin. The wooden door was pushed open by two graceful figures. A Qingqiu fox woman and the little princess from the Feather Country bowed their heads and stepped back, making way for Wu Wang, now dressed in Northern Wilderness attire, to stride forward.

He wore black beast-leather boots and grey linen trousers. His belt was twisted from the long sinews of a ferocious beast, and at his waist hung the Young Master's Short Sword.

The short shirt he wore was also chosen for comfort, yet through the fabric, one could still discern his muscles—not exaggerated, but containing terrifying strength.

Compared to the long gowns and robes common in the Human Domain, this attire was quite simple.

But with a white cloak draped over his shoulders and several bracelets forged from precious ores on his wrists, Wu Wang appeared... exceptionally valuable.

"How do I look?" Wu Wang asked, lightly shaking the edge of his cloak with a smile. "Do I have the air of a Young Master from a Large Family Clan?"

The Grand Elder gave a thumbs up, "Isn't our Sect Master an authentic clan Young Master?"

The other masters also lavished him with praise.

This put Lin Suqing, who was inside the cabin, under considerable pressure. She felt as if these seniors were increasing the pressure on her to survive in her role as the leader of the Maidens.

Wu Wang walked to the railing, his hands resting on the wooden pole before him, and looked in the direction of home.

News of his return to the Northern Wilderness had been sent back half a month in advance.

After drifting for three months on the West Sea without any major incidents, and with the Heaven Palace remaining quiet, the Heavenly Emperor had not sent a fourteenth letter.

Some jarring noises had arisen in the Human Domain, but Wu Wang paid them no mind, even asking Lin Suqing not to relay such messages to him anymore.

Worldly affairs are like fleeting clouds; only the mediocre trouble themselves with them.

Wu Wang's daily tasks involved accompanying one person or another, and carving out time to sort through his understanding of the Yin and Yang Path.

He deeply felt that one's energy was limited—especially when it came to cultivation.

Lately, his insights into the Yin and Yang Path had become so numerous that they were squeezing out his time for the Star Dao, let alone the Dao of Fire, which had been completely shelved.

Of course, once Wu Wang set his mind on something, he did not waver.

The fundamental approach of prioritizing the Star Dao, with the Yin and Yang Path and Dao of Fire as auxiliaries, would not change.

After all, only by treading one's own path could one truly break through limits and reach heights unattained by predecessors.

Thus, during his long, twelve-hour daily cultivation sessions, at least four hours were devoted to comprehending the Star Dao.

Life outside of those twelve hours of cultivation proved to be much more exciting.

Having a rare chance to leave the Human Domain and escape the threat of Emperor Yan of Shennong's iron fist, he naturally wanted to spend more time cultivating his relationship with Little Jingwei.

Unfortunately, Jingwei maintained her Blue Bird form. Despite Wu Wang's several hints indicating he knew her true identity, she still hadn't decided how to face him.

That damned god of fortune.

After her direct confrontation with the Sun Goddess Xihe, Ling Xiaolan's own realizations had markedly increased. However, she still chose not to enter prolonged seclusion for cultivation. Instead, she accompanied Wu Wang for twelve hours of his daily practice and then cultivated for another twelve hours by herself.

She perfectly demonstrated to Lin Suqing just how diligently an outstanding disciple from a major Sect usually cultivated.

This made Lin Suqing feel rather ashamed, and she strove to practice diligently... for a whole half a month.

Fortunately, Immortal Mu stayed with Lin Suqing every day, occasionally imparting some insights to her. This allowed Lin Suqing to maintain the cultivation speed of an ordinary talented youth of the Human Domain. Otherwise, it was entirely possible that Wu Wang might have already broken through to the Transcendent Realm while Lin Suqing was still dawdling in the Yuanxian or True Immortal Realms.

"It feels really good to be home," Wu Wang said with a smile. "No more worries, and no one muttering in my ear."

The few accompanying experts nodded with smiles.

Then, an earth-shattering yawn echoed from the cabin below. The Sleep God, wearing a purple sleeping cap and a loose, soft, oversized sleeping robe, emerged stretching, continuously rubbing her eyes by the lower railing.

Then, she stared blankly at the horizon.

The Grand Elder spoke softly, "Sect Master, now that we are home, there's no need to worry about matters over there.

"By the way, Sect Master, are there any Ten-Thousand-Year Ferocious Beasts near your clan's territory?"

"There are several forbidden zones for living creatures in the Northern Wilderness, where quite a few ancient ferocious beasts lie sleeping," Wu Wang smiled and asked, "Does the Grand Elder wish to go hunting?"

"I'm thinking of crafting a few magic treasures and wondering if I can find some useful Beast Cores," the Grand Elder said, a keen interest in his eyes. "I'll go look for them myself later, to see if there are any ferocious beasts that align with the Path of Blood Killing.

"Such ferocious beasts are inherently bloodthirsty. Hunting them can also eliminate some threats in the Northern Wilderness."

Wu Wang said with a smile, "Grand Elder, if you need any specific type of ferocious beast, please feel free to specify.

"Many ferocious beasts have become quite cunning to adapt to the current environment where living beings are ascendant, hiding underground for thousands, even tens of thousands of years.

"To find their traces, one sometimes has to start with small clans, analyze ballads sung across various regions, and research where the worship of ferocious beasts has emerged."

The experts each nodded.

The Grand Elder said, "There's quite a lot of knowledge involved in this."

"That's for sure. It's a vast field of knowledge."

Wu Wang raised his eyebrows and smiled, "If the Grand Elder wants to explore the Northern Wilderness, he could visit some of the seaside markets. Many places there are quite interesting."

The Grand Elder asked in confusion, "Are there powerful individuals from the Hundred Races there? It might be a good opportunity to spar with them."

Wu Wang said, "..."

"Never mind, forget I said anything. The Northern Wilderness is our own territory; Grand Elder, feel free to wander as you please."

The Grand Elder stroked his beard and chuckled lightly, and the several Transcendent masters also seemed quite intrigued.

However, an Elder from the Xuan Nu Sect reminded them with concern, "This place is, after all, under the rule of the Star God. Although rumors say the Star God is gravely injured and near death, we still must not be too careless. We must act with utmost caution."

Wu Wang, standing by, didn't offer much explanation.

It's always good to be cautious; he couldn't very well encourage them to 'fly bravely and roam freely.'

Many nominal arrangements at this moment should indeed not be disrupted.

After traveling for another half day, Wu Wang successfully rendezvoused with the Xiong Bao Clan's army, which had traveled thousands of miles to welcome him. Together, they returned to the Xiong Bao Clan's territory.

Looking at those faces, full of warmth yet weathered by hardship, hearing the repeated calls of "Young Master," seeing those strong figures mounted on giant wolves...

Wu Wang's Dao heart quickly settled.

Being adrift outside always felt like being rootless duckweed. No matter how high I was lifted or how fast I flew, I couldn't find this feeling.

Here, he didn't have to worry about anything.

Here, he didn't need to scheme or toil over anything. He just needed to find a spot to sit, and fine wine and fruits would be brought to him.

He saw General Xiong San again, and the elders of the clan.

Upon reflection, the time he had spent away was not short.

But seeing that several elders who previously only had salt-and-pepper hair were now white-haired and frail, their bodies beginning to shrink, Wu Wang felt a surge of emotion.

Fortunately, General Xiong San was still in his prime and retained much potential.

Wu Wang had already begun preparations to promote some cultivation methods in the Northern Wilderness—at the very least, to increase the Lifespan of his clanspeople.

However, he hadn't yet figured out how to handle the series of problems that would inevitably follow.

Increased Lifespan would naturally lead to increased pressure within the clan, inevitably causing population growth and increased resource consumption. The Xiong Bao Clan would then surely need to expand outwards... Not only that, but existing 'customs' would also undergo a series of changes...

Does the rise of a tribe truly require encroaching on the living space of other tribes?

Wu Wang pondered this deeply once more.

The words Xihe had spoken to him several months ago contained some truth, but Wu Wang vaguely felt that something was not quite right.

As if in a mere daze, he found himself at the clan's bustling celebratory banquet.

Beautiful girls danced gracefully around the bonfires, while sturdy young men nearby showed off the backs of their heads, proving they could withstand the 'marriage-test fist.'

White-haired elders sat in places of honor, savoring the first batch of freshly roasted ferocious beast meat.

The Immortal Soldiers from the Human Domain were now mingling with the giant wolf riders, drinking heartily and feasting on meat. They spoke of the scenery in the Human Domain and listened as those around them described the customs of the Northern Wilderness.

All being of the Human race, they found each other novel, yet there were no barriers between them.

"Ba'er, tired?" That familiar booming voice came from his side.

Wu Wang turned his head to see the large, square-jawed face.

His father, the Clan Leader, looked unchanged. He still had that somewhat rugged but immensely masculine face. It bore the wisdom befitting a clan leader, the resilience forged by hardship, and a pair of deep, piercing eyes.

Wu Wang smiled, "Not at all. Just a bit sentimental from being away from home for so long."

"Hmm."

Xiong Han grunted, then used a small knife to slice a perfectly balanced piece of fatty and lean meat from the foot-long roasted Spirit Beast before him. He sprinkled it with the seasoning powder Wu Wang had popularized years ago and tossed it onto the plate in front of Wu Wang.

The two of them were seated at the highest point of the hillside, so their actions naturally drew considerable attention.

Wu Wang grabbed the roasted meat and took a couple of forceful bites... it was a bit undercooked.

"Were you wronged over there?" Xiong Han asked in his deep, resonant voice.

"How could I be?" Wu Wang laughed. "I'm usually the one wronging others. Dad, you don't need to worry about that."

"Hmm, if you're not happy, just come back," Xiong Han muttered. "The outside world can never compare to home. Our Xiong Bao Clan will need you to shoulder its future."

Wu Wang said, "I'll arrange these things properly, Dad. Don't worry."

"Ba'er..." Xiong Han seemed to want to say something more, but he swallowed his words. As he turned to look at the distant horizon, his gaze held a persistent worry.

Seeing this, Wu Wang couldn't help but be concerned.

His parents had given him this life. If his own father was in trouble, he, as the son, certainly couldn't stand idly by.

Well, as long as it doesn't involve a life-or-death struggle with the Heavenly Emperor, other matters aren't too significant.

「Meanwhile.」

In the Central Mountain, Heaven Palace, within the Head Manager's Temple.

Ever since the Head Manager had fallen from favor and dismissed the beautiful attendants from this place, the temple had become much emptier and more desolate.

By the window overlooking the sea of clouds, the Head Manager sat quietly behind a long table.

In a corner, two musicians played a slow, ethereal melody. Both the musicians and their instruments appeared somewhat translucent, as if condensed by Divine Skills.

The Head Manager sat in stillness for a while. Then he picked up the cup of tea before him, from which the last wisp of white steam was emitting. Pressing his left hand on his right sleeve, he brought the cup to his lips with his right hand and savored it delicately.

Afterward, a faint smile touched his lips, his eyes filled with serenity.

"Why?"

An ethereal voice drifted in from outside the hall.

The visitor's figure flickered several times before appearing directly before the Head Manager, standing behind the low table.

A black dress, long hair, a slender figure, an exquisite face, accompanied by an aura of emptiness, lightness, spirituality, and grace, as well as divine power hidden within her curves—if not the Young Master, who else could it be?

"Brother, it seems you have forgotten how the Heavenly Emperor schemed against you, causing you to lose nearly everything."

The Young Master's small face carried a hint of chilliness as she said softly, "Yet you have again agreed to act..."

"Little sister, please sit," the Head Manager said gently.

The Young Master sighed softly. Her skirt billowed out like black petals as she knelt behind the low table, her eyes displaying unconcealed dissatisfaction.

The Head Manager smiled. "His Majesty betrayed me; I will not forget.

"This time, my agreement to act against the Human Domain is more due to the current state of the world and the destiny of all living beings.

"Of course, the unwillingness in my heart is also a factor."

The Young Master frowned, showing her confusion.

She asked, "Dealing with the Human Domain—why is that for the sake of all living beings' destiny? Once a great war begins, countless beings will be annihilated."

The Head Manager said, "But as long as the seeds of living beings are not destroyed, with enough time, life will flourish once more."

Then, he added with a smile, "What's more, what His Majesty has asked me to do is neither to start a war with the Human Domain nor anything else harmful to the creatures of the Great Wilderness."

"What is it then?"

"Wu Wangzi."

The Head Manager said in a low voice, "His Majesty wants me to act, to force Wu Wangzi from the Human Domain, making the Human Domain and Wu Wangzi go their separate ways."

"Hmm?"

The Young Master was full of confusion. Perhaps the confusion was so great, so heavy, it tugged at her head, causing her to tilt it involuntarily.

"Just that?"

"Just that."

The Head Manager chuckled. "Is there any issue with that?"

The Young Master was somewhat at a loss for words. She said, "Using the power of the Heaven Palace to deal with a Human Domain Cultivator... Is that reasonable?"

"Is it not reasonable?" The Head Manager said seriously, "Sister, do not underestimate Wu Wangzi. Currently, Wu Wangzi is almost the prime candidate for Human Emperor.

"During this time, I have carefully observed the Human Domain. Wu Wangzi's rapid rise to fame must have been propelled by the Human Emperor from behind.

"Coupled with his own strength and the forces he has gathered... It is no exaggeration to call him the second Emperor Yan of Shennong. Even at the end of Fu Xi's era, Shennong did not possess such influence."

The Young Master pondered for a moment, then said, "The Human Domain naturally wants the position of Human Emperor to be passed down smoothly, to avoid another dark period of turmoil."

"Correct," the Head Manager smiled. "Two dark periods of turmoil, two attempts to reclaim the Dao of Fire—Heaven Palace actually paid many other costs besides the fall of Innate Gods."

"In His Majesty the Heavenly Emperor's eyes, these are likely not considered costs," the Young Master said, her dissatisfaction clear.

"Let's not discuss how His Majesty views living beings." The Head Manager continued, "What His Majesty commands me to do is to ensure Wu Wangzi leaves the Human Domain smoothly.

"No force or coercion is to be used, nor is Wu Wangzi to be forced into anything, and Divine Skills must absolutely not be employed.

"His Majesty said that since Wu Wangzi is the Young Master of the Northern Wilderness's Xiong Bao Clan and also carries the bloodline of the Star God, this task should not be too difficult to manage.

"We merely need to leverage the Human Domain's hatred for Innate Gods to drive Wu Wangzi away."

The Young Master asked, "How does this benefit the Heaven Palace?"

"His Majesty instructed it this way," the Head Manager said in a low voice. "It naturally involves calculations you and I cannot comprehend."

"How do you plan to do it?" the Young Master asked. "That Wu Wangzi won't just sit idly by while you make your arrangements. You've suffered quite a bit at his hands already."

"How?"

The Head Manager gave a calm smile, Divine Light flickering in his eyes.

"This time, I must prove to His Majesty that what the Earth God could not achieve, I can! The one the Earth God could not overcome, I shall!"

The Young Master was speechless.

Ah, there's no saving him.

She thought to herself and decided it would be better to give Wu Wangzi a heads-up.

It wasn't for any particular reason, mainly to let Wu Wangzi deal her brother another blow, to make him wake up and act like a proper god.

Incidentally, it would also repay Wu Wangzi for the advice he'd given her last time, and for educating her on matters of Reproduction in the Human Domain.

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