This Human Immortal Is Too Serious

This Le Yao... she's clearly fallen for him!

Wu Wang reckoned that within half a month at most, he would receive a wedding invitation from the Ji Family.

In the Illusionary Realm, Brother Ji lasted but a moment before strolling into the brothel. Wu Wang had begun to worry about this fellow's safety, yet it turned out that Brother Ji's fantasy in the Illusionary Realm was none other than Le Yao.

He, Wu Wang, would call it a stroke of genius!

After Ji Mo and Le Yao left, Wu Wang carefully inquired whether any of the Formation experts were associated with the Ji Family or had received benefits from them.

Fortunately, there were none.

Otherwise, Wu Wang wouldn't hesitate to display the might of the Hall Master!

Ling Xiaolan said she came to offer her congratulations to Wu Wang but ended up quite comfortably staying in Wu Wang's small building.

Every day, she diligently cultivated for eight hours, spending the remaining four hours drinking tea with Wu Wang, chatting, or strolling around the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion.

After several days, Wu Wang asked if she intended to stay permanently. If so, he would secure a residence for her in the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion.

Ling Xiaolan, the Saintess of the Xuan Nu Sect, was someone the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion dared not neglect.

"Don't misunderstand, I have no intention of rushing you away," Wu Wang said with a smile. "I just think that staying at my place might be somewhat inconvenient for you, especially since Master Liu is returning tomorrow."

As he spoke, the two of them were strolling in a pavilion.

With her hands behind her back and leaning forward, Ling Xiaolan peered at Wu Wang's expression and asked softly, "Do you think I'm taking up too much of your time?"

"Having the company of a good friend is a rare pleasure for me," Wu Wang replied with a smile. "It's just that when Master Liu returns tomorrow, I won't have as much free time to wander about."

"I'm well aware of that," Ling Xiaolan said. "You will be practicing the Body Refining Technique with Master Liu."

"Eh?" Wu Wang was clearly surprised.

Ling Xiaolan laughed softly, a Jade Flute circling twice behind her as she said with a smile, "My visit to the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion is twofold: first to congratulate you, and second, on the orders of my Sect Master, to come here and assist you with your Cultivation."

Wu Wang was baffled by her words. "Really? Sister Jing Yue sent you here?"

"Of course, why would I deceive you?" Ling Xiaolan answered proudly, tilting her head back as she walked slowly out of the pavilion along the small path.

Wu Wang followed her, having regained his composure.

"Can the Cultivation Techniques of the Xuan Nu Sect even assist with Body Cultivation?"

"You'll know once Master Liu returns and you try," said Ling Xiaolan. "If you're worried about what others might say, I can just find a place in the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion to stay today."

Wu Wang replied with a laugh, "Since you've come to help me, what's the big deal about staying at my place? What does it matter what others say? I couldn't care less. With my body... cough."

Ling Xiaolan asked with concern, "What's wrong with your body?"

"It's in great shape," Wu Wang replied, puffing out his chest. "In fact, I'd say it couldn't be better."

Ling Xiaolan blinked. Seeing that Wu Wang didn't wish to elaborate, she didn't press further. In a soft voice, she said, "I just wonder, will Brother Ji truly settle down and form a Daoist partnership with Le Yao?"

"He should," Wu Wang said with a laugh. "Brother Ji once boasted to me that he has three principles, one of which is that he will never get involved with women stronger than him. Le Yao is no ordinary woman—nearing immortality at eighteen, she might become one of the top masters in the Human Domain in the future. Actually, Brother Ji... has fallen for her as well."

Ling Xiaolan praised, "Le Yao's aptitude is indeed impressive. If she reaches the Heavenly Immortal realm within a hundred years, she might even earn the Yan Emperor's decree."

Indeed, Wu Wang sighed inwardly.

Ji Mo was about to settle down. If Lin Qi heard this news, he might even start a family before Ji Mo.

It was just him, with this strange illness, and a cure still seemed impossibly distant.

Both Senior Shen Nong and Master Liu told him to improve his strength quickly. But if he couldn't raise his Dao Realm and gain mastery over a Great Dao to equal the Innate Gods in terms of realm, how could he cure this strange illness?

But that's not quite right either.

Wu Wang suddenly felt confused. He couldn't tell whether the way to cure his illness lay in improving his Dao Realm to the level of 'personally mastering a Great Dao' or in his strength matching that of Transcendent Realm masters.

Generally speaking, realm and strength were equivalent.

But his situation was somewhat unique. The Divine Power 'borrowed' from the Star God gave him a considerable boost to his own strength...

"What's the matter?" Ling Xiaolan came over from the side, tilting her head to look at Wu Wang, and whispered, "You look suddenly downcast. Is there really some hidden ailment with your body?"

"My body is perfectly normal!" Wu Wang laughed, then swiftly changed the subject, chatting with Ling Xiaolan about the wonderful uses of the Xuan Nu Sect's Cultivation Techniques.

「Late at night.」

Ling Xiaolan went to cultivate in the room next to Lin Suqing's, while Wu Wang returned to the second-floor quiet room to meditate.

Two heads peeked out from Lin Suqing's doorway, one above the other, observing left and right for a few moments before slowly retracting.

They were, of course, Immortal Mu and the old nanny.

In Lin Suqing's room, beautiful dresses were spread all over the table and bed. The bronze mirror was polished until it shone brightly, clearly the aftermath of a 'grand dress-up session.'

Lin Suqing sat back in her chair and began to tidy up the clothes.

Immortal Mu paced back and forth in front with her arms crossed, unable to resist muttering, "There's definitely something suspicious about those two!"

"So what if there is?" Lin Suqing laughed. "The Young Master is all grown up; it's quite appropriate for him to find a Daoist companion. Besides, Fairy Ling is one of the foremost beauties among the younger generation in our Human Domain. She has high Cultivation, good aptitude, and I think she's some Tianyan Saintess too."

"Humph! That Tianyan Saintess is the suspicious part!" Immortal Mu grunted. "Showing up at the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion at a time like this, and sticking to our Young Master like glue every day! Suqing, you need to be on your guard too! The enemy is at the gates; how can the main general of our formation even think of retreating! Ouch! Don't hit my head!"

Lin Suqing retracted the delicate hand that had tapped the Heavenly Immortal's head and, with a pretty, stern face, chided, "Don't talk nonsense! What 'our formation,' what 'main general'! I owe the Young Master a great debt. If it weren't for the Young Master, I would have died long ago. All the opportunities I've received were given by him. I wouldn't dare entertain any other thoughts. Taking care of the Young Master's daily needs is the least I can do. That Tianyan Saintess you mentioned, is she really the next Human Emperor's Daoist companion?"

"That's just a rumor!" Immortal Mu hopped onto the edge of the table and sat there, her two small, radish-like legs swinging constantly. "According to the secret scrolls of our Four Seas Pavilion, that seventh star could only be lit due to the influence of someone with strong destiny!"

"Then why doesn't the Xuan Nu Sect clarify this?"

"Admitting that a Tianyan Saintess is born only through the influence of others? Wouldn't that be a slap in the face for the Xuan Nu Sect?"

"That's true," Lin Suqing said, holding the clothes and pondering quietly. "Mumu, how do you know all this?"

"Before I failed to break through to the Transcendent Realm, I was at least a Vice Hall Master of the Four Seas Pavilion, you know!" Immortal Mu declared proudly, hands on her hips. "Besides dealing in Cultivation treasures, the Four Seas Pavilion is responsible for gathering information. How could such a small matter escape me! You all think I'm stupid. I'm only stupid when it comes to solving his problems. Math is just something I can't do, no matter what. I've already given up trying!"

"If you can't do it, what are you so proud about?" Lin Suqing said. "Then why don't the Four Seas Pavilion and the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion step forward and explain to everyone that our Young Master isn't the next Human Emperor... No, wait. If both pavilions vouched for him, it might actually make things look more like a cover-up."

Immortal Mu giggled. "How do you know our Young Master won't be the next Human Emperor?"

"Impossible," Lin Suqing shook her head slightly, yet she hesitated, wanting to say more but stopping herself.

"Heehee, you really think I don't know our Young Master's origins? I'm the disciple of the Four Seas Pavilion Master! Even if he is the young master of the Bear Hug Tribe, he could still become the next Human Emperor." Immortal Mu counted on her fingers, elaborating, "Look, he's good-looking, has a good character—though his personality is a bit flawed, he likes to tease people, but it's harmless. The trials he sets are tough, he's very popular, and the future leaders of two major powers are always hanging around him."

"It's not about those things. I don't know how to explain it either." For no particular reason, Lin Suqing thought of the small cabin at the Peak of the Snow Mountain, remembering the first time she saw Lord Cang Xue. Lin Suqing smiled. "It's just... a feeling, I suppose."

"Strange, strange," Immortal Mu said, her feet swinging lightly. "Anyway, many experts in our Four Seas Pavilion already think that His Majesty the Human Emperor might pass his position to our Young Master. There's a lot involved, and it's very complicated. You wouldn't understand even if I told you. Besides, our Young Master truly has countless ways to torment people."

"You two." Wu Wang's voice suddenly came from the next room. "When you're whispering, at least set up a Soundproofing Array."

Immortal Mu and Lin Suqing looked at each other. The former scrambled to put up a Barrier, while Lin Suqing guiltily bit her tongue tip, lowered her head, and busied herself for a long moment.

In the adjacent quiet room, Wu Wang sat with his hands in a meditative pose, specks of Stars circling around him.

The next Human Emperor?

Wu Wang looked inward, observing the constantly flickering flame within him, experiencing the continuous insights of the Dao of Fire emanating from it.

The Yan Emperor's decree was a key.

After the former Human Emperor seized the Dao of Fire from the hands of the Gods, he used some unknown means to confine the Dao of Fire within the Human Domain.

To obtain the Dao of Fire, the Yan Emperor's decree had to undergo three transformations—that is, three gateways had to be opened—to behold the true Dao of Fire.

This was the pillar of the Human Domain and also the ultimate goal of the Heaven Palace.

At this moment, Wu Wang's own Yan Emperor's decree had undergone two transformations. With these insights, he could cultivate all the way to the True Immortal Realm. The only price would be a few decades of seated meditation.

What on earth was the senior thinking?

If he truly intended to groom him as a successor, he should at least have given some clear indication. Without a clear indication, how could he refuse?

Did the senior instigate the second transformation of the Yan Emperor's decree merely to allow him to rapidly improve his Dao Realm and compensate for his weakness in strength?

Based on Wu Wang's understanding of Senior Shen Nong... he didn't quite believe it.

The senior probably hasn't been able to make a decision yet.

He was so conflicted.

「...」

「A night of silent drizzle moistened everything, and by dawn, the entire Main Hall was damp.」

Before Wu Wang had a chance to practice a set of Tai Chi, Master Liu, who had hurried back, dragged him to the underground training field.

Unsurprisingly, Ling Xiaolan was already waiting there.

Ling Xiaolan blinked at Wu Wang, as if to say, See, I didn't lie to you yesterday.

Wu Wang greeted her with a clasped-hands salute. Seeing Liu Baiyi's somewhat grave expression, he asked, "Master Liu, what's wrong?"

"I got scolded by His Majesty." Liu Baiyi's nose was red as he grumbled, "His Majesty blames me for pushing you into the spotlight! You achieved such a great merit with Qiong Qi; if I, your master, took all the credit, would I still be human? I told everyone it was your strategy. Isn't that reasonable? Isn't hiding it just being afraid of the Gods?"

Wu Wang: ...

Father-in-law did a splendid job.

Of course, that's not what I should say. A wise man doesn't court immediate danger, and I'm about to take another beating.

"Pavilion Master, you don't need to take it too much to heart." Wu Wang said with a smile, "The Main Hall of the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion isn't just Immortal Soldiers; there are at least tens of thousands of civil officials. Including the Immortal Soldiers, the number is astonishing. Besides, unlike the previously garrisoned troops who had military discipline, it's impossible to keep news like this a secret. Let them spread it. When I go out, just assign a few more experts from the Pavilion to protect me."

"I'll assign two Transcendent Realm guards to you. Have them follow you whenever you go out." Liu Baiyi snorted, then added, "Feng Zhizi even dares to ask me to lend him people! Can he even field two Transcendent Realm experts? And putting that little troublemaker from the Four Seas Pavilion by your side—he clearly has ill intentions!"

Wu Wang said, "Immortal Mu is quite adorable too."

Liu Baiyi laughed. "You're adept at not offending either side."

"After all, I'm just the Sect Master of a medium-sized Demonic Sect," Wu Wang said, making a welcoming gesture. "Pavilion Master, please. I've pondered quite a few moves recently."

"Random dabbling. We have established dueling routines here; just take and use them." Liu Baiyi was about to loosen his wide robe, but then he glanced at Ling Xiaolan floating in the corner and could only sheepishly stop.

Wu Wang, however, had no such reservations. He casually pulled off his long robe, wearing only his specially made trousers, his well-built muscles glinting with faint starlight.

Ling Xiaolan's face instantly turned crimson, but she forcibly composed herself, clutching her Jade Flute and watching the confrontation between the two with concern.

With two low roars, Wu Wang and Liu Baiyi charged at each other, their raised fists stirring layers of Spiritual Energy...

A moment later, Wu Wang fell for the first time, lying on the ground gasping for breath.

After resting for about a moment, he jumped up and sat in meditation with Liu Baiyi.

Liu Baiyi drew and wrote on the ground, instructing Wu Wang on how to apply force, pointing out his mistakes, and teaching him some combat techniques.

Once Wu Wang's strength recovered, Liu Baiyi continued to spar with him, quickly knocking Wu Wang to the ground again.

This was repeated six times. Wu Wang was drenched in bloody sweat, his breathing ragged, his long hair disheveled, and his face contorted in pain.

A flute melody entered Wu Wang's ears, its sound gentle and lingering. A scene of small bridges over flowing water seemed to appear in Wu Wang's mind.

Spiritual Energy transformed into sweet spring water, nourishing every part of Wu Wang's body.

The pain rapidly dissipated. Wu Wang felt as if he were lying on white clouds, drifting aimlessly in the blue sky among them.

The melody ended.

Wu Wang sat up straight and took a deep breath. "Senior, one more time!"

"Any more and you'll damage your foundation. Go back and cultivate." Liu Baiyi winked at Wu Wang and chuckled, "Remember to thank Saintess Ling. Ordinary people don't get to hear this melody; Body Cultivators dream of it. You two head back on your own. I'm going to handle affairs in the Pavilion."

With that, Liu Baiyi's figure vanished with a WHOOSH, departing with incredible speed.

Fairy Ling bowed slightly, her toes tapping the ground lightly as she floated to Wu Wang's side.

"Do you need me to help you back?"

"No need." Wu Wang waved his hand. He realized that no new strength had been born within him, but the 'personal limit' he had felt before had been cracked open a bit.

It's no wonder the female disciples of the Xuan Nu Sect were so popular.

In the long corridor, Wu Wang limped upwards. Ling Xiaolan followed closely behind, ready to support him instantly if he couldn't hold on and fell.

She asked, "Is this how you've always done your Body Cultivation?"

Wu Wang laughed. "I only started recently. Every other day, I receive personal instruction from the Pavilion Master, and then I go back for a medicinal bath. I reckon that after half a year of this training, I could take a beating from a Heavenly Immortal without uttering a single cry of pain."

"Ha..." Ling Xiaolan burst out laughing, then quickly covered her mouth, her eyes shining brightly as she said, "I'm not laughing at you."

"Getting stronger, what's there to be ashamed of?" Wu Wang raised an eyebrow, leaning against the wall to catch his breath for a few moments.

Ling Xiaolan moved forward, wanting to support him, but Wu Wang gestured for her to stop.

"Um, it's a custom in the Northern Wilderness that men and women shouldn't have casual contact. I can walk by myself."

"Mm," Ling Xiaolan acknowledged, floating behind Wu Wang. She then asked, "I've heard that people in the Northern Wilderness are quite unrestrained. Women just need to knock a man unconscious and they can carry him back to their tent?"

"That's an ancient custom," Wu Wang said. "Nowadays, it's just a ritual, similar to the wedding ceremony in the Human Domain."

As they spoke, they had reached the end of the corridor. Wu Wang pressed a few spots on the wall, and the sound of a Mechanism was heard. The bookshelf, along with the huge stone behind it engraved with Formation imprints, moved aside.

Wu Wang asked, "How long will the Fairy Immortal stay here?"

"The Sect Master didn't say when I should return," Ling Xiaolan replied. "If I can help your Cultivation and it doesn't hinder my own, then staying here for an extended period is fine."

Wu Wang cupped his hands. "Then I am indebted to the Fairy Immortal."

"Finally, I can repay a small part of your kindness."

The two smiled at each other. Wu Wang pulled open the wooden door and stepped out, drenched in sweat, his robe haphazardly draped over him.

Fairy Ling followed closely behind, ready at any moment to support Wu Wang if he were to fall. Her light white immortal dress reflected a hint of sunlight, her graceful figure undeniably displayed, captivating at a single glance.

The Immortal Soldiers, lined up in neat formation nearby, were all stunned.

"GASP! I've suddenly gone blind..."

"Oh no, this must be poison."

"Oh dear, oh dear, I didn't see a thing."

The sixteen Immortal Soldiers used their spears as canes, each rolling their eyes as they hurried away into the distance, their formation remaining intact throughout.

「...」

「In a dark corner of the Human Domain, within a grand hall underground.」

Several old men in black robes knelt trembling on the ground, kowtowing deeply to the unfamiliar woman wearing a bamboo hat before them.

"Greetings, Father!"

"Mm," the female cultivator responded indifferently. "From this day forth, your Fourth Main Hall will be under my direct command. I will ensure you grow strong quickly. As long as my mission here proceeds smoothly, I will naturally see to it that your bloodlines are elevated."

The old men kowtowed repeatedly, their expressions unable to conceal their excitement.