This Human Immortal Is Too Serious

Nightfall descended.

Outside the Drunken Fragrance Tower, in the busiest alley of Floating Jade City, lights shone brightly.

Dozens of True Immortals in black brocade robes stood in a row, each emanating an astonishing aura, their faces fierce.

A massive crowd of Cultivators had gathered around the alley, but the vast majority didn't dare to make a sound. Since flying was forbidden in the city's core area, they could only peer into the Drunken Fragrance Tower.

Inside the Drunken Fragrance Tower, the atmosphere was buzzing. Three groups were locked in a chaotic brawl, yet they all controlled their mana and physical strength, so only fists and feet clashed—much like a mortal street fight.

A chair was placed directly before the main entrance of the Drunken Fragrance Tower. A young Cultivator in a white robe sat there with one leg crossed over the other, positioned before the row of True Immortals—his identity as their leader unmistakable.

Having dozens of True Immortals as bodyguards, the young man's status also sparked much speculation.

Many maidens in the brothel, weary of the endless displays of bravado, were now sizing up the young Cultivator seated before the door, pondering how to make this young master a patron of their Drunken Fragrance Tower.

He had a square face and a full forehead, his tall figure anything but frail. His sword-like eyebrows and starry eyes needed no embellishment, nor did his high-bridged nose. As he matured, his features had sharpened, giving him the distinct, alluring air of a mature, single Immortal.

Of course, it was Wu Wang.

When he had arrived moments earlier, both groups inside the Drunken Fragrance Tower had called for reinforcements, and the conflict had devolved into a verbal dispute.

Hall Master Wu saw this and thought, how could this be acceptable? He had traveled so far, only to witness a non-fight? Wouldn't that have been a complete waste of a trip?

Therefore, with a slight raise of his hand, dozens of burly men burst from behind him. They rushed in and began to lay about them, striking anyone in their path regardless of affiliation—a flurry of kicks and punches that escalated into the current chaotic battle.

During this, the manager of the Drunken Fragrance Tower came to plead for peace but was swiftly escorted away by an expert from the Annihilation Sect. Then, the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion's patrol team arrived to mediate, only to be scared off by a Jade Talisman from Wu Wang, who subsequently took charge of maintaining order.

As for the instigators, Ji Mo and the others, they were now huddled in a corner, each covering their faces with folding fans, consumed by regret.

Lin Qi whispered, "Teacher seems to have brightened up?"

"What time is it to be worrying about that!" Ji Mo said anxiously. "If word about today gets out, Le Yao will flay me alive! What a raw deal for me! All I did was have a drink and listen to some music; I didn't even touch a single hand!"

Just then, two figures from the brawl were pushed toward their corner; they were True Immortals from the Annihilation Sect. Feigning injury, they staggered back several steps, cleverly shielding Ji Mo and Lin Qi, and slipped two Jade Talismans into their hands. "Protectors, take these. They are Earth-Escape Treasure Talismans."

Ji Mo and Lin Qi exchanged glances, gripped the talismans, and their forms dissolved into two wisps of blue smoke, vanishing from their spots. The two True Immortals then immediately sat down where Ji Mo and Lin Qi had been hiding, took out two folding fans, and covered their faces.

Nearby, Yang Wudi opened his mouth, exchanging glances with Mao Aowu and Zhang Moshan; the three of them had no choice but to remain hidden.

A moment later, Wu Wang's voice, tinged with fatigue, came from outside the door, "Alright, drag everyone who was fighting in here out for an airing."

At his command, a group of True Immortal Body Cultivators suddenly erupted. They damaged many flowerpots and tables as they captured everyone from the original two brawling groups, hauling them outside and lining them up.

Looking over, Wu Wang couldn't help but show a trace of amusement.

One group consisted of Mao Aowu, Yang Wudi, Zhang Moshan, and over a dozen rotating guards from the Annihilation Sect's Magic Treasure Shop in Floating Jade City. Added to their number were Ji Mo and Lin Qi, who had just stealthily slipped away.

The other group comprised more than a dozen Cultivators, with only two True Immortals among them; the rest were merely Yuanxian or had not even achieved immortality.

The two sides were not even in the same league strength-wise, yet in a brothel of all places, they had managed to stir up such an uncontrollable commotion.

A streak of blood-red light flashed, and the Grand Elder appeared before Wu Wang. The Blood Hand Demon Lord spoke coldly, "Members of the Annihilation Sect, step forward to accept your punishment!"

"Grand Elder, let it be," Wu Wang said softly. "We don't punish our own while abroad. After we return, they can report to the Punishment Hall Elder to receive their due."

But the Grand Elder snorted coldly. "Do they still have the face to return? A Heavenly Immortal was present, yet they dragged things out until we arrived! How utterly shameful!"

Mao Aowu hurriedly said, "Grand Elder, the rule here is not to use Immortal techniques."

"Who set such a rule?" The Grand Elder's eyes bulged, and he cursed loudly, "Even if you demolished this Drunken Fragrance Tower, couldn't our Annihilation Sect afford to compensate them? Do you realize what will happen to our sect's reputation if word of this gets out?

"People will say the Annihilation Sect is afraid of trouble, that we don't dare take responsibility! Can you still stand firm then?

"Tomorrow, a horde of other sects will be looking to bully us!"

Wu Wang frowned. Something felt off about the Grand Elder's words, but he couldn't quite pinpoint what it was.

The dozen or so cultivators, who were surrounded by auras of purity, now stood with pale faces, bruised noses, and swollen cheeks, uncertain of what to say.

Wu Wang asked, "How did the fighting start?"

Mao Aowu hurriedly said, "Sect Master, it was because Lin..."

"It was me! COUGH!" Yang Wudi suddenly stepped forward, cutting in, "It was because a non-human girl was holding her coming-out ceremony today. I took a liking to her and kept bidding. One thing led to another, and I got into an altercation with that fellow Daoist over there. I never expected such a sordid affair in a pleasure quarter to cause such a commotion. I failed to control my desires and am willing to accept punishment. I have brought shame upon you, Sect Master!"

"Oh?" Wu Wang said indifferently. "A non-human girl? Capable of making Immortals come to blows? Where is the manager of this Drunken Fragrance Tower?"

Several brawny men stepped aside, allowing a woman in light makeup—a beauty of seven or eight parts—to sashay forward with a swaying waist. She bowed slightly to Wu Wang.

"This humble one is here. I've been trying to see you, My Lord, but couldn't find the chance until now." The manager of the Drunken Fragrance Tower didn't dare to waste words and hurriedly added, "If you're interested in this humble one's daughter, My Lord, you may take her as a token of this humble one's..."

Without even looking, Wu Wang said calmly, "Hmm, how much are you selling this Drunken Fragrance Tower for?"

"Ah?" The manager was taken aback.

Yang Wudi immediately jumped in front of Wu Wang and demanded fiercely, "How much for this Drunken Fragrance Tower! Our Sect Master will buy it!"

"This... this... the Drunken Fragrance Tower doesn't belong to me; I cannot make such a decision." The manager actually knelt in panic, pleading, "I beg you, My Lord, show mercy and give this humble one a way out! If the proprietor finds out about this, I will truly meet a violent end outside Floating Jade City! This humble one has never forced women of the Human Race. We only take in those with nowhere else to turn, offering them a livelihood by selling smiles, a way to survive. Elder Mao is aware of this; we would never dare to engage in coercive practices!"

Wu Wang nodded slowly, not pressing the matter.

He had actually wanted to buy the Drunken Fragrance Tower and transform it into a song and dance establishment. This way, he could move the Black Desire Door's girl group out of the Guantao Tower and make the entertainment industry bigger and stronger. While reviewing the Treasure Hall's accounts earlier, Wu Wang had discovered that the Refining Master Alliance was burning through Spirit Stones at an alarming rate. Based on his past life's memories, wasn't the entertainment industry the fastest way to make money? To even use the word 'earn' was an insult to the vast numbers of rogue Cultivators struggling for every Spirit Stone. This was practically like picking Spirit Stones up off the ground!

"Get up." Wu Wang, seeming somewhat uninterested, rose and stretched lazily. "Take that non-human girl to the Guantao Tower. Make sure to give an ample amount of Spirit Stones. Elder Mao, send my calling card to the proprietor of the Drunken Fragrance Tower."

"Yes," Mao Aowu asked hurriedly. "What should I write on the card?"

"My Daoist title."

Mao Aowu smiled. "Understood."

Wu Wang, hands clasped behind his back, strolled toward the Guantao Tower. Lines of Body Cultivators, four abreast, followed him, their steps in perfect unison.

They hadn't even reached the Guantao Tower when several veteran Heavenly Immortals caught up, holding the deed to the Drunken Fragrance Tower.

Wu Wang entrusted the matter to Yang Wudi, with clear instructions to acquire the Drunken Fragrance Tower at a fair market price. Bullying local businesses was something Hall Master Wu, naturally, would not do.

Returning to the Guantao Tower and arriving at the top floor's elegant private room, two enchanting women led the way to the Sect Master's exclusive suite.

Even before he entered, he sensed a somewhat oppressive atmosphere within. Pushing open the door for a look, Wu Wang couldn't help but chuckle.

Ling Xiaolan, Suqing, and Immortal Mu were seated at a round table drinking tea. Ji Mo and Lin Qi stood to one side, clearly being punished. Ling Xiaolan gently swayed a communication Jade Talisman in her hand.

This was a clear threat: one wrong word, and Le Yao would be invited over for a 'chat.'

Wu Wang chuckled as well, greeting them, "Young Master Ji, Young Master Lin, come, have a seat."

"No, no," Ji Mo quickly waved his hand.

"Teacher, your disciple is ashamed," Lin Qi turned his head to the side.

"Ashamed of what?" Wu Wang's smile was utterly sincere as he looked at Ji Mo and Lin Qi, speaking gently, "Come, sit down. I only came to help you out of this predicament. Both of you are men of status—scions of military families, talents of the Human Domain. Brawling in a brothel is truly unbecoming. Especially when, after all that fuss, you couldn't even resolve it and ended up in a mere war of words."

Ji Mo quickly said, "It was those fellows who couldn't afford the price! They started the insults and provocations first!"

Lin Qi also said, "Teacher, it really wasn't us stirring up trouble."

"Will others listen?" Wu Wang's smile faded. He let out a soft snort and took the seat Suqing had vacated, saying calmly, "Do you think the gossiping world cares *why* you caused a scene? Do they care if you were in the right? They won't. They'll only jeer, saying that two young masters from prominent military families were fighting out of jealousy in a brothel. The very fact that you visit brothels is enough for people to censure you!

"All beings are like this; they prefer to see what they want to see and hear what they want to hear. Brother Ji, your case might be dismissed, as you already have the reputation of a brothel frequenter. At worst, your family will be torn apart, and Le Yao will become the subject of gossip."

Ji Mo's eyes widened. How could this be 'dismissed'? This was a disaster of epic proportions!

Wu Wang then said, "What about you, Lin Qi? Your father has high hopes for you and cannot tolerate even a hint of blemish on your reputation."

Lin Qi, full of shame, bowed his head and said, "Teacher, your disciple is willing to accept punishment."

"What am I to punish you for? Would I even be able to punish you?" Wu Wang's mouth curled at the corner.

These fellows go out carousing without ever inviting him; he truly couldn't be bothered with them.

Ling Xiaolan said from the side, "Brother Wuwang, don't be angry. If they were half as proper as you, they wouldn't be in such a state of unaccomplished mediocrity today."

Wu Wang instantly smiled somewhat sheepishly, saying warmly, "Fairy Immortal, you flatter me too much."

Just then, Zhang Moshan hurried over. "Sect Master, the manager of the Drunken Fragrance Tower has brought that non-human girl."

"Teacher!" Lin Qi suddenly perked up, took two steps forward, and looked intently at Wu Wang. "You must see this non-human girl! Your disciple intended to buy her freedom and present her to you, to serve as a handmaiden or even a bed-warming maid!"

"Brother Lin! Brother Lin!" Ji Mo quickly stepped forward to block him, all the while gauging Ling Xiaolan's expression. He hurriedly said, "Just a simple handmaiden! Whether she warms the bed is secondary. Brother Lin and I both feel it's a terrible pity for such a woman to fall into a life of disrepute."

Bed-warming? Ling Xiaolan showed not the slightest disturbance; she even felt like laughing.

She calmly said, "Why look at me? You should look at Suqing."

Everyone turned to Lin Suqing, who said softly, "The Young Master indeed wouldn't mind having more handmaidens around."

"Are you two trying to drag me into this as well?" Wu Wang laughed. "Let the handmaiden... COUGH... let the Drunken Fragrance Tower manager bring the person over."

Zhang Moshan complied and quickly left through the outer door.

Before long, a peculiar fragrance seeped through the door crack, and the necklace hanging on Wu Wang's chest trembled slightly.

A warning from Mother? It seems this handmaiden... Bah!

Wu Wang sent a mental message reminding the others to shield themselves from the strange fragrance.

It seemed this non-human girl, who had appeared so mysteriously in the Drunken Fragrance Tower, was undoubtedly hiding some scheme.

「In the northeastern border of the Human Domain, atop a dome where Immortal Soldiers were stationed.」

Xiao Jian Daoist sat in the main hall, frowning at the stone tablet before him. The hundred-odd large characters inscribed on it left this Sword Cultivator somewhat indecisive.

He asked, "Is Wuwang Palace Lord on his way?"

"Replying to you, sir," came the response, "we have just received news that Wuwang Palace Lord is still tied up with urgent matters and has not yet hurried to this location."

"Not yet arrived?" Xiao Jian Daoist was momentarily stunned. "Didn't we inform Wuwang Palace Lord that this is a matter of great importance?"

The person responding wore a somewhat embarrassed expression and said in a low voice, "Wuwang Palace Lord's meaning is that as the Hall Master of the Punishment Hall, he is only responsible for the official duties pertaining to it. With so many experts and wise individuals in the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion, they can't always be working him to death."

"This..." Xiao Jian Daoist was momentarily struck speechless, unsure whether to laugh or cry. He raised a hand to rub his temples and sighed. "Actually, he has a point. We have all become too reliant on Wuwang Palace Lord. Has there been any reply from the Central Pavilion?"

"No reply has been received yet." Just as the expert finished speaking, a messenger outside the hall shouted, "Report—a dispatch from the Central Pavilion has arrived!"

"Bring it in!" The messenger hurried over and tossed the Jade Talisman into the air. Xiao Jian Daoist snatched it with an outstretched hand.

After carefully reading the message inside, Xiao Jian Daoist couldn't help but furrow his brows. He rose and began to pace back and forth, unable to stop.

A nearby General couldn't help but ask, "Sir? What is it? What does the Central Pavilion say?"

Xiao Jian Daoist pushed the Jade Talisman aside for the local Generals and Benevolent Emperor Pavilion experts to review.

One of them chuckled, "This shows the Pavilion Master's trust in you, sir, entrusting this entire matter to your discretion."

"Indeed, a letter from the Hundred Races beyond our borders is a matter of great significance."

"Sir, please make your decision."

"I still lack confidence," Xiao Jian Daoist mused, though his eyes sparkled with keen insight.

This matter was indeed no small affair.

Xiao Jian Daoist had rushed back from the Northern Wilderness with Wu Wang because a major border city had been attacked by an Evil God, resulting in catastrophic casualties among millions of mortals. He had feared the Heaven Palace would immediately launch a full-scale assault.

However, after Wu Wang returned to the Annihilation Sect to undergo his Crossing Tribulation and recuperate, Xiao Jian Daoist received orders from the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion to come and garrison this location. Since then, there had been no further significant movements from the enemy.

On the contrary, in various places throughout the Human Domain, strange and mythical beasts symbolizing disaster began to appear.

Following that, experts from the Hundred Races, under the command of the Heaven Palace, were continuously sighted near the border, seemingly probing the Human Domain's reactions.

But these experts from the Hundred Races, firstly, never gathered in threatening numbers, and secondly, were extremely slippery, their appearances always brief and quickly concluded.

The impression was that they were intentionally trying to attract the Human Domain's attention.

Sure enough, yesterday morning, a Patrolling Immortal Soldier had found this stone tablet. Inscribed upon it was a letter with explosive content.

Led by Qingqiu, sixteen ancient kingdoms wished to engage in negotiations with the Human Domain—"bypassing the Heaven Palace"—to reach a non-aggression pact.

The whole affair reeked of peculiarity.

If they truly intended to bypass the Heaven Palace, it would be exceedingly difficult to achieve.

Moreover, there wasn't a sufficiently convincing motive for these ancient kingdoms to act in such a way.

The Human Domain flexes its might, and the Hundred Races all flock to submit?

If anyone high up in the Human Domain truly believed this, the Human Domain would have been annihilated long ago, and the current situation would not exist.

But on the other hand, if such a deal could truly be struck, it would alleviate some of the future pressure on the Human Domain...

"Difficult." Xiao Jian Daoist rubbed his forehead and said softly, "Send word. Urgently request Wuwang Palace Lord to come here."

"Sir, if we don't give a reply within two days and nights, they'll consider the matter dropped."

"Perhaps we should make contact with them first and see what they say next."

As several people continued to persuade him, Xiao Jian Daoist's gaze gradually firmed.

"Very well. Let's try to make contact first. We can always refuse at any time."