This Human Immortal Is Too Serious

The Old Snow Eagle and Sanxian Daoist were somewhat surprised to discover that, as they casually chatted, Wu Wang suddenly underwent some changes.

His gaze became sharper, and his expression carried a hint of sternness.

Given the rich life experiences of the two elders, they likely understood what had transpired—he was jealous.

The Old Snow Eagle had been recounting romantic tales between Wu Wangzi and women of various races in the Great Wilderness, stories whose origins were unknown but shared a common theme.

The women in these stories were either foreign princesses or legendary figures from other races; all of them held high status.

As a young man, Yan Chixia felt somewhat unconvinced by Wu Wangzi, which was quite normal.

However, Wu Wang's suddenly sharp gaze was due to receiving a response from his senior, Shen Nong.

This time, with the Young Master having kidnapped Lin Qi, the Human Domain would fight to the end, seizing this opportunity to wrestle with the Heaven Palace.

Standing up in the room, Wu Wang said, "As far as I know, that Wu Wangzi is currently a Pure Yang Cultivator... I have some matters to attend to; I will return to my room now."

Having said that, he cupped his hands in farewell and floated away.

Lin Suqing hurriedly followed. As she left, she didn't forget to smile at the Old Snow Eagle, saying, "As everyone knows, Wu Wangzi has been cultivating in the Human Domain and hasn't even had a chance to hold the hands of women from other races."

The Old Snow Eagle was taken aback and muttered, "Right, those from forces affiliated with the Heaven Palace and other races probably couldn't enter the Human Domain anyway..."

Suqing grinned and let out a light laugh. As she turned around, she cycled through a series of subtle expressions—rolling her eyes, pouting, furrowing her brows, and huffing internally—all with seamless transition.

Wu Wang dared not delay and hastened back to his residence.

Senior Shen Nong had already indicated his stance, fully supporting his impending duel against the Head Manager and the Young Master.

Half of this was achieved through his own efforts, and half was granted by the Human Domain. He now sat on one side of the chessboard, having already placed several pieces.

One decision could lead to heavy casualties among the Transcendents.

One mistake could cause irreversible loss.

Wu Wang did not enjoy such heavy responsibilities; his usual principle was, "If you don't act, you cannot err."

But it had come to this.

It had come to this!

The Heaven Palace had gone to great lengths to capture and destroy him, with gods incarnating within the Human Domain, and the Young Master acting forcefully.

Then, the Heavenly Emperor of the Heaven Palace appeared in person, discoursing with him at length, his words filled with talk of 'order' and 'chaos.' In reality, however, it was the Heavenly Emperor who sat at the apex of the established order, enjoying supreme authority above all living beings.

And then there was his mother...

In the eyes of the Heavenly Emperor, his mother had become the Sword Holder of the Heaven Palace, holding the key that could disrupt the existing order at any moment.

But equally, his mother was under tremendous pressure.

Wu Wang could feel that his mother was also hesitating about whether to break the Heaven and Earth Seal.

She had mentioned several times that the Ancient Gods of the Candle Dragon Divine Faction were, in comparison to the Heaven Palace, even more brutal, cold-hearted, and unreasonably troublesome.

If that was the case, then Wu Wang would prove it to his mother.

Even without disrupting the current order, without invoking the return of the Ancient Gods, living beings still had the strength to fight the Heaven Palace!

Of course, mere spirit and determination alone would only serve to raise one's morale and provide a fleeting sense of relief.

If problems could be resolved merely with emotions and resolutions, the Heaven Palace would have exploded long ago.

What Senior Shen Nong wanted to hear now was a complete action plan, one that provided ample contingency measures for every possible scenario.

Therefore, when Senior Shen Nong asked, "How do you intend to proceed?"

Wu Wang immediately answered, "The current strategy remains the same: to attack using a detachable and assembleable Teleportation Formation. However, we have more aspects to consider now.

And I will need the full assistance of a general, preferably one who will support me unconditionally."

"Who do you have in mind?"

"Lin Nuhao," said Wu Wang. "No matter how deep this general's schemes or how shrewd his thoughts, his dedication to his son is beyond question."

Shen Nong spoke gently, "In situations like this, we should avoid direct action by those close to the individuals involved, lest acts of insubordination occur that could impact the overall situation."

Wu Wang said, "Your Majesty doesn't trust General Lin?"

Shen Nong replied, "Lin Nuhao was a young man I evaluated before. I entrusted him with a corner of the Human Domain's defenses, so naturally, I can trust him."

"Then, Your Majesty, General Lin Nuhao will be particularly important in the upcoming plan."

Wu Wang's Primordial Spirit fiddled for a moment at the Immortal Platform within his God's Mansion, using immortal power and aura to conjure a simple topographic map of the Southeastern Region. On it, he drew three arrows, with Lin Nuhao's name written on one.

"Let's discuss the overall approach first.

"We must divide the available masters into three groups: one to face the enemy head-on, one to secure our retreat, and one to intercept Heaven Palace reinforcements.

"As for the specific arrangements, that's not something I can decide alone. Please, Your Majesty, choose three masters capable of independent command."

"Good."

"We must also adjust our strategies."

Wu Wang continued, "Previously, we operated with one overt and one covert element. Now, we will increase that to three overt and one covert.

"Overtly, the Lin Family's forces and the Ji Family's forces form one front; Elder Miao disguised as me is another; and the Human Domain cultivators who defy the Heaven Palace and wish to rescue the bearer of the Yan Emperor's order are the third.

"Of course, none of these three are the true main force. The main force will still be the multitude of Human Domain experts charging in with the aid of the great formation.

"Unlike last time, this time we will have three groups of masters reach the Southeastern Region openly, forcing the Heaven Palace to confront us directly.

"This is the stratagem of 'openly repairing the plank roads while secretly crossing at Chencang'—and the plank roads themselves can also be used for troop movements."

Shen Nong questioned, "I understand what you're saying, and it sounds good, but what does 'openly repairing the plank roads while secretly crossing at Chencang' mean?"

Wu Wang himself was startled.

That's right, this idiom originates from a historical allusion from my old world, which His Majesty Shen Nong probably wouldn't have heard of.

Stammering and speaking vaguely, Wu Wang muddled through a few sentences, managing to gloss over the topic, a wave of unease washing over him.

"Senior, let me first lay out the strategies we've already developed."

Wu Wang's Primordial Spirit manipulated the map in his God's Mansion, which now featured several marked spots, including Jiuhuang City, designated as a staging point for the Human Domain masters' advance.

Thus and so, so and thus.

Wu Wang expounded his thoughts and strategies, detailing most parts of the plan to Shen Nong.

Mixing truth with falsehood, reality with illusion, he applied the tactical theories learned in his previous life to the current situation, speaking with clear logic.

Gradually, even old Senior Shen Nong began to look at him differently.

But Wu Wang also recognized his own shortcomings at this moment.

A commander must be adept at recognizing and utilizing talent, and more importantly, must understand the personality of each general under his command.

Wu Wang knew he fell short in this regard. Thus, he only suggested to Shen Nong how many experts were needed for a surprise attack, how many for a diversion, and the number of experts necessary for securing the retreat and intercepting Heaven Palace reinforcements.

The specific assignments for these tasks could only be entrusted to His Majesty Shen Nong himself.

The Human Domain was indeed full of talented individuals.

「Another half-day passed.」

The flame of the Yan Emperor's order dimmed, and Shen Nong's ethereal figure ceased to exude the majesty of the Human Emperor.

Wu Wang also breathed a sigh of relief, waiting for the old senior to say something.

Shen Nong said, "I will discuss this set of strategies you've presented with those skilled in military matters. This is not because I distrust you, but rather to check for any oversights or aspects we might have missed."

"As it should be," Wu Wang replied softly. "Going solo can never compare to collective wisdom, and the actual situation is certainly extremely complex."

Shen Nong smiled. "You always manage to come up with something new for me."

"Well..."

Shen Nong asked, "Wu Wang, where did you learn all these military tactics?"

Wu Wang smiled. "My mother taught me... Senior, do you have an idea now? How many people have read those scriptures and know that I authored them?"

"A total of one hundred and ninety-two people have come into contact with these scriptures."

Shen Nong sighed. "Fortunately, the number is not too large, which makes investigation less troublesome. It has always been this way, after all; there are inevitably those in the Human Domain who are swayed by the Heaven Palace.

"But do not worry, Wu Wang. Those I gathered to discuss this matter earlier were only Liu Baiyi and a few other Pavilion Masters."

Wu Wang asked, "Have we restored our surveillance of the Heaven Palace?"

"New informants have been activated," Shen Nong replied, "but no news has come back yet."

"That makes sense," Wu Wang said. "After all, the Head Manager is not to be trifled with."

Shen Nong let out a soft sigh and said gently,

"If a great war breaks out, we concern ourselves only with victory or defeat.

"In this contest with the Heaven Palace, if the Human Domain cannot gain even a slight advantage, then for the next thousand years, we will be confined within our domain, unable to proactively extend the battlefront beyond it.

"A thousand years later, I fear it will be another era of darkness and turmoil."

Wu Wang asked, "Senior, is there no way to extend one's life a second time?"

"I am ready to face this matter," Shen Nong said with a smile. "And to be honest, if I weren't so worried about the Human Domain and lacked a successor I could entrust things to, I would have already let go and stopped meddling.

"Being the Human Emperor is truly exhausting; it's never as enjoyable as leisurely picking herbs and refining pills.

"But Wu Wang, someone must always step forward, and someone always will.

"To be Human Emperor, one must first win the support of the people and possess sufficient means to deter troublemakers.

"Do you understand what I mean?"

Wu Wang blinked. Is he talking about what happens after the next Human Emperor takes the throne?

He said, "Senior, you needn't worry too much. Whoever takes your place in the future, as long as he doesn't offend me and his character isn't bad, I will certainly help him if I can."

Shen Nong: ...

"Enough. I shall find people to study these countermeasures of yours."

"Your Majesty, remember to arrange for the Four Seas Pavilion to investigate matters in the Southeastern Region as soon as possible," Wu Wang hastily said. "The sooner, the better. We must show the Heaven Palace that we are about to make a move."

"Very well."

Shen Nong gave this reply, and the flames of the Yan Emperor's order crackled loudly as the old senior's presence vanished.

Wu Wang's Primordial Spirit couldn't help but slowly tilt his head.

Just now, was the senior hinting that the position of Human Emperor could be passed to me?

This seemed highly improbable. His identity was too complex: Young Master of North Wilderness, son of the Ice God. His cultivation path had long diverged from a simple one, with most of his strength originating from an Innate God.

If he were chosen as Human Emperor, how could he win the people's support?

He must have meant for me to support the newly appointed Human Emperor in the future.

Pondering this, Wu Wang's spiritual mind returned from his God's Mansion. He stretched lazily and continued working on tactical planning at his desk.

This complex web of truth and deception, with all its twists and turns—he had to ensure they didn't get caught in it themselves and make some blunder.

After a short while, someone approached.

Lin Suqing brought tea, snacks, and a few words of greeting.

Wu Wang responded with a smile, feeling even more invigorated.

At this moment, he was in Jiuhuang City in the Southeastern Region, quite far from the Human Domain. Yet, through the Yan Emperor's order, he was in direct contact with the Human Emperor, influencing various aspects of the Human Domain.

「In the next three days, a series of reactions from the Human Domain dazzled onlookers.」

The stealthy mobilization of experts;

Experts from sects and prominent military families were successively invited to the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion for discussions;

The conflict between 'Wu Wangzi' and Liu Baiyi escalated, with the latter ordering Benevolent Emperor Pavilion experts to withdraw from the Annihilation Sect. 'Wu Wangzi' was also said to be setting off soon for the Southeastern Region to rescue Lin Qi;

Lin Nuhao, Patriarch of the Lin Family, widely invited friends, expressing dissatisfaction with the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion;

Lin Nuhao got drunk and went on a rampage;

The Lin Family's forces in the Southeastern Region became fully active, continuously sending spies towards the Cloud-Top City.

Meanwhile, a large number of elite forces from the Four Seas Pavilion poured into various major cities of the Southeastern Region...

In just three short days, the atmosphere in the Southeastern Region grew tense. Human Domain cultivators there, more or less, heard rumors that Lin Nuhao of the Lin Family had sworn to rescue his only son.

In the Cloud-Top City, the number of Feathered Tribe soldier guards increased severalfold, and certain areas of the city were closed to the public.

The rising wind forebodes a coming storm.

Another contingent of Golden Armor Divine Guards entered the Southeastern Region from the Eastern Wilderness, hurrying toward the Cloud-Top City.

But the whereabouts of these Divine Guards had already been monitored by agents of the Four Seas Pavilion.

「Jiuhuang City, Demon Suppression Tavern.」

Wu Wang had been buried in maps for several days.

Previously, scouts from the Four Seas Pavilion had arrived with a package containing twelve precious communication Jade Talismans, representing the pinnacle of the Human Domain's Path of Artifact Refining.

Because of this, Wu Wang was not only in contact with the old seniors but could also communicate with Liu Baiyi, Feng Zhizi, Xiao Jian Daoist, and Lin Nuhao.

He somewhat had the air of commanding the entire operation.

Apart from Emperor Shun, who could detect Wu Wang's movements, probably no Divine Spirit in the Heaven Palace could imagine...

The Human Domain had actually placed its central command tent ahead of its armies.

The commander had advanced before the troops were mobilized.

That night, Lin Suqing brought over a pot of fruit wine and two plates of pastries, saying gently,

"Uncle-Master, you should rest for now. You've been overly strained these past few days."

Wu Wang shook his head and conveyed via voice transmission, "Lin Qi is currently in enemy hands, suffering who knows what hardships. I'm just looking at maps and talking here."

Lin Suqing laughed. "Uncle-Master, you seem like a different person these past few days, suddenly so serious. You've even cut down on your usual teasing remarks."

"Have I?"

Wu Wang grabbed the wine pot and took a swig straight from the spout. "My dear niece must be mistaken. Your Uncle-Master is still as carefree and unrestrained as ever."

"Hmph..."

Lin Suqing couldn't help but make a face.

"It depends on the situation," Wu Wang said, standing up. He constantly held a Jade Talisman in one hand and took another sip of the sweet, mellow fruit wine from his goblet.

This fruit wine was clearly different from the grape wine of his past life. It tasted good, soothed the throat, and, most importantly, didn't easily lead to intoxication.

Fruit wine from the Southeastern Region was a sought-after commodity within the Human Domain, commonly found in the private chambers of ladies from prominent families.

Wu Wang smiled. "The work I'm doing right now doesn't allow for any carelessness."

Although she sensed the Young Master's desire to confide, the astute Suqing judiciously refrained from asking further.

"But you should still get some rest," Suqing complained. "You're not the only one in the world who can do these things. Why not leave them to someone else?"

"I'd like to leave them to someone else too."

Wu Wang said, "But many forces have pushed me to my current position, right into the eye of the storm, at the confluence of three whirlpools.

"At this point, evasion is useless. Being swept along by the current will only lead to being crushed by the forces from all three sides.

"It's better to take the initiative and seize destiny in my own hands."

Lin Suqing nodded slowly, looking thoughtful.

"Telling you all this is just to vent a little, to relieve some pressure," Wu Wang drained the remaining fruit wine from the small pot, still feeling somewhat unsatisfied.

But there was no helping it; drinking could lead to mistakes. A little of this fruit wine was acceptable, but at a time like this, he couldn't truly allow himself to get drunk.

Suddenly, the Jade Talisman in Wu Wang's hand flickered, and an unfamiliar voice came from within:

"Hall Master, that group of vultures is about to enter the formation. Should we attack?"

After a moment's thought, Wu Wang said firmly, "Attack. Eradicate them completely."

"Yes!"

The light from the Jade Talisman vanished instantly. Wu Wang raised his eyebrows, walked back to the side of the bed, and sat down, slightly lost in thought.

"What's wrong?"

Lin Suqing asked softly, "Do you want to sleep for a while?"

"I can't sleep now; I have to wait for a reply," Wu Wang murmured. "If there's a problem, I must take corrective action immediately."

He pondered for a few moments, his heart unable to find peace.

Strictly speaking, this was the first time Wu Wang was participating in a major battle in the capacity of an overall commander.

In his understanding, achieving merits was an honor for the entire team; if they failed, he would have to bear the blame for tactical errors.

This night was quite crucial.

Of course, its significance was largely symbolic; in reality, it wouldn't deal a heavy blow to the Heaven Palace. Those Golden Armor Divine Guards were merely powerful individuals from among the Hundred Races, cultivated by the Heaven Palace as divine protectors...

"Niece, bring a cup of strong tea."

"Alright!"

Lin Suqing agreed and went to the corner to prepare the teapot.

With a light tap of her fingers, a wisp of flame enveloped the teapot, evenly heating the spring water inside.

Wu Wang stayed by the bed for a while, then stood by the window, listening to the two playful old men making noise upstairs.

He calculated, pondered what the absence of a reply at this time meant, what the outcome of such a prolonged assault might be...

Finally, the Jade Talisman lit up again, and a somewhat breathless voice came from within.

"Hall Master, except for two we intentionally let escape, none got away!"

Wu Wang let out a soft breath. Standing by the bed, a slight smile touched the corners of his mouth.

"What are our casualties?" Wu Wang asked.

"Very minor, almost negligible."

"As planned, disperse immediately! Leave that area and beware of Heaven Palace's retaliation!"

"Understood!"

The light of the Jade Talisman flickered a few times, and communication was severed once more.

Wu Wang smiled. "Is the tea ready?"

"Yes," Lin Suqing hurriedly brought over the hot tea. Wu Wang, however, had already straightened his sleeves and walked back to the desk. He arranged the hand-drawn topographic maps one by one, his eyes shining brightly.

In this moment, to Lin Suqing, Wu Wang seemed to be radiating light.

「In the Southeastern Region, the Cloud-Top City.」

Lin Qi sat completely immobilized in a lavish side hall somewhere underground.

In front of him, a graceful figure danced, while to his left and right, enchanting women continuously performed seductive actions. Some even whispered sweet nothings into his ear.

Lin Qi's eyes were filled with cold detachment, his tightly pursed lips never parting.

Behind several screens, two figures stood quietly.

The middle-aged man Qiong Qi had transformed into laughed, hands behind his back. "See? These methods are useless against him. With this boy, we must first break his mental defenses, then make him succumb to his own desires."

The bewitching woman, who was Ming She in disguise, retorted, "Isn't the leader's method also useless?"

"I didn't expect Lin Qi to have such a resilient will." Qiong Qi marveled, a hint of cold light in his eyes. "Such a young man cannot be left to the Human Domain. Once this matter is over, it's best to simply eliminate him."

"You go tell the Young Master that," Ming She said leisurely. "Haven't you understood her temperament yet?"

Qiong Qi smirked, his eyes narrowed.

Could he easily divulge to others that he had secretly requested reinforcements from the Head Manager? Perhaps the Head Manager is already on his way...

"Everyone, to the main hall for a discussion! There's been an incident!" Kui Ox's booming voice came from behind. Qiong Qi and Ming She exchanged glances, their figures flashed, turning into streaks of light and vanishing from the spot.

After traversing a corridor several hundred zhang long, the two appeared in an opulent great hall. On both sides, throngs of figures in black robes knelt, representing a myriad of races.

On the main seat, the Young Master's delicate eyebrows were slightly furrowed, while several Evil Gods stood beside her.

Below, two Divine Guards, covered in wounds, knelt, trembling uncontrollably with fear.

Qiong Qi asked, "Superior, what is this?"

Kui Ox, in his transformed state as a burly man, whispered, "Three thousand Divine Guards, reinforcements from the Heaven Palace, were ambushed by a large group of Human Domain cultivators sixteen thousand li (approximately five thousand miles) north of Yun City.

"Their forces outnumbered ours by more than three to one. They attacked with a large formation right from the start, and after one volley of magic treasures from their units, our side had no chance to retaliate. Of the three thousand Divine Guards... only these two escaped."

Qiong Qi laughed. "So the Human Domain has really made its move?"

"We didn't find any top Human Domain experts," Kui Ox said. "The Young Master had already surveyed the north. The auras of those cultivators weren't very strong, not many in the Transcendent Realm, mainly True Immortals and Yuanxian. There were just a lot of them."

The Young Master said, "You two, repeat what the Human Domain cultivators shouted."

"Yes, yes..."

The two Divine Guards exchanged a glance, their fur-covered faces filled with panic.

One of them clenched his teeth and suddenly shouted:

"O wandering souls between heaven and earth! Unite! Gather! The era of living beings is dawning; the rule of gods is about to end!"

The other cried out:

"There are no cowards in the Human Domain! Even scattered soldiers have courage!"

As their words fell, the two Divine Guards prostrated themselves on the ground, not daring to move.

The expressions on the faces of the Young Master and the various Evil Gods were quite a spectacle.

"Scattered soldiers of the Human Domain?"

Qiong Qi frowned. "What is all this?"

Kui Ox grinned broadly. "As the name suggests, they didn't come on the Human Emperor's orders. They came to the Southeastern Region to oppose us.

"These humans are truly interesting, always coming up with all sorts of schemes."

Ming She, however, said, "The location of their ambush is also quite intriguing."

"North of Yun City, in the direction of the Eastern Wilderness."

Qiong Qi's eyes flickered with a faint light as he muttered, "It seems the Human Domain intends to confront us directly in the Southeastern Region."

An Evil God commented, "Right now, the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion's attitude is unclear. Liu Baiyi and Wu Wangzi had a major quarrel. Wu Wangzi is still somewhat impulsive, being young, after all.

"This is a great opportunity for us to capture Wu Wangzi."

Another Evil God said, "What if this is all an act they're putting on for us?"

"Young Master!"

Qiong Qi said, "This subordinate has a plan!"

"Speak."

"Deploy a large army here to cleanse the Southeastern Region of Human Domain affiliates."

Qiong Qi sneered.

"As long as we push them into a corner, they will come out of the Human Domain themselves.

"The Lin Qi affair has already blown up. Why not just ignite the flames of war..."

Kui Ox muttered, "Look, look, he's stirring up trouble again."

"Now is not the time for a major war," the Young Master said. "Our objective is merely to capture Wu Wangzi."

TSK.

A light chuckle suddenly echoed in the hall.

Golden streaks of light seemed to flow through Heaven and Earth, forming a circle. A slight rupture appeared in the fabric of space, and figures stepped out from it.

The one in the lead was handsome and imposing, dressed in a simple, ancient-style long robe, wearing a green scholar's cap.

It was the Head Manager himself.

Behind the Head Manager, Innate Gods with various bizarre appearances stepped out, more than a dozen divine spirits in total.

Following them were countless towering Divine Guards, most possessing fur and faces like tigers or leopards, their overall forms resembling Innate Dao Physiques.

The Head Manager smiled. "Well done, my sister. Although you didn't capture Wu Wangzi, you achieved an effect even better than if you had."

The Young Master calmly stood up and replied unenthusiastically, "Are you here to take command of the entire situation?"

"The complexity of this matter has exceeded what you can handle," the Head Manager said gently. "Later, I will need you to join me in taking action."

Young Master: ...

"Can't I return to the Heaven Palace?"

"Now is precisely when we need people," the Head Manager's eyes conveyed a hint of pleading. "If you could stay, that would be for the best."

"I'm tired."

The Young Master said calmly, her figure stepping towards the ring of light portals.

The Head Manager said, "You didn't capture Wu Wangzi this time. Leaving tasks unfinished, giving up halfway—that's not like you."

Such a simple goading tactic...

"How dull."

The Young Master halted her steps but did not enter the portal. Instead, her form transformed into a streak of light and disappeared from the main hall.

The Head Manager revealed a warm smile and took his seat on the main throne.

Divine Guards stepped forward one by one, and more than a dozen Innate Gods replaced the Evil Gods who had been standing there. Qiong Qi and the other Evil Gods could only stand further back.

The Head Manager said gently, "Qiong Qi? Tell me in detail about the situation you described in your letter."

Qiong Qi immediately scurried forward, body slightly inclined, hands pressed against the outsides of his thighs. His eyes were remarkably clear, and the corners of his mouth curved into a smile of eternal life.

"Sir, the Human Domain seems intent on launching a strong assault on Yun City..."

In a corner of the great hall, at the very edge, a bald, burly man in a black robe and hooded cloak, who was prostrated there, broke out in a cold sweat.

Who am I? Where am I? Why am I here?

Good heavens!

He, Yang Wudi, had only intended to infiltrate the Third Main Hall; he never imagined he'd end up in the enemy's main camp!

So many Innate Gods! If any of them so much as glanced at him, wouldn't that be the end of him!

Stay calm, stay calm. Empty your mind. Think more about loving moments with your wives to guard against the Evil Gods prying into your thoughts.

Sect Master, this subordinate, this time, has truly done his best!

「Meanwhile.」

In the Human Domain, within a dimly lit small world, figures sat within a formation brimming with Spiritual Energy, seemingly comprehending something.

The Dao of Fire's essence was palpable everywhere. Occasionally, someone would achieve a breakthrough, bursts of flame erupting around them.

This was one of the main encampments of the Yan Emperor's forbidden army. Here, the Dao of Fire, combined with formations, had created a small world focused on concealment, free from the interference of other Great Daos, and completely hidden from the Heaven Palace's sight.

In one corner, the Xia Official, Fire Plume, stood with hands behind her back, constantly discussing something with three other leaders of the forbidden army in front of a map.

A shimmer of flame passed, and Shen Nong's figure appeared.

All four leaders bowed their heads in unison.

"We greet Your Majesty!"

Shen Nong asked, "How goes the strategizing?"

The leaders spoke one after another:

"Your Majesty, this strategy is absolutely feasible.

"However, there is one point: are there too many experts assigned to secure the retreat route? Dedicating one-third of our experts to this seems somewhat a waste of combat power."

"Your Majesty, a crucial part of the overall plan involves infiltrating behind enemy lines.

"The success of this element will determine the extent of our victory. This task should be entrusted to elite forces. I am willing to stake a military pledge on it!"

An elder said in a low voice, "Your Majesty, I believe it would be more appropriate for someone as steady as myself to handle this task."

Fire Plume, however, countered, "Your Majesty, I insist on taking this responsibility."

"No need to argue over such a task," Shen Nong said with a smile. "The one infiltrating enemy lines is the same person who formulated this overall strategy.

"What do you think? Is he worthy of your assistance?"

The four officials—representing Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter—fell silent in unison.

The elder spoke up, "Your Majesty, the Human Emperor is not a mere strategist. Based on this alone, we can only say he is skilled in military tactics and planning, not necessarily the most suitable choice for Human Emperor."

Shen Nong said slowly, "This person is none other than Wu Wangzi."

"In that case, it's acceptable," the elder smiled. "Setting other things aside, Wu Wangzi's reform policies for the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion have already won my admiration. His ability to see the suffering of mortals is very rare."

Fire Plume, however, frowned slightly and whispered, "Isn't he inept at leading troops?"

"You believe everything that sly fellow says?"

Shen Nong stroked his beard and chuckled. Fire Plume pursed her lips slightly; even she, tall and valiant, appeared somewhat embarrassed.

"All four divisions, heed my command! Prepare to march to the Southeastern Region at any moment.

"Fire Plume, you will later coordinate with those affiliated with the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion and keep the covertly gathered experts in check. Ensure not a single whisper of this leaks out.

"Your division shall guard this end of the Teleportation Formation and participate in the main frontal assault."

"Yes!"

A trace of a smile appeared on Fire Plume's lips, while the other three looked somewhat dejected.

It had been tens of thousands of years since such a major battle; naturally, everyone was eager for action. If their subordinates later found out that the Xia Official had taken all the glory, they would surely raise a fuss.

Why don't you dare to challenge His Majesty to a fight!

That's likely what they would hear.

Shen Nong's gaze swept across the map, his eyes calm, his thoughts unreadable.

Shortly after, his figure dissipated, and the four leaders hurriedly bowed their heads in respect.

The Human Emperor did not return to his residence, nor did he go to the Northern Region. Instead, he traversed Heaven and Earth to arrive at another gray, dim small world.

The Human Domain had hidden countless such small worlds.

Each contained a hall without doors or windows, with more than a dozen figures seated atop its roof.

This particular small world was connected to the underground training ground of the Main Hall of Benevolent Emperor Pavilion. Wu Wang had visited twice before, taking sixty percent of the divine power of the Evil God known as Qiong Qi's nephew.

Now, the chains extending from the hall had doubled in number. Besides the half-corpse of Qiong Qi's nephew, two other enormous creatures were bound there, each with ten small flowers sprouting from their bodies.

Shen Nong stood quietly for a while. Then, with a wave of his left hand, the Gudiao creature's body shattered, turning into a pile of yellow sand.

The dozen or so small flowers danced and chased each other, flying towards Shen Nong. They constantly transformed and merged in midair, becoming a single lotus flower by the time they reached his palm.

He walked away with his cane, leaving behind only a half-sigh.

「A moment later.」

Behind the Xuan Nu Sect's mountain, before the treasure pool shrouded in rich Immortal Light.

Jing Yue, the Sect Master, having received Shen Nong's message in advance, had already dismissed the elderly women guarding the area and set up several layers of formations.

When Shen Nong appeared, Jing Yue immediately stepped forward to greet him but was gently stopped by Shen Nong's raised hand.

"No need for such formalities… How is she?"

"Everything is normal," Jing Yue said softly. "Your Majesty need not worry. Her Highness's Divine Soul is thriving. She will be able to leave the Spirit Pool in just over forty years."

"There's no time."

Shen Nong sighed softly and walked slowly to the edge of the pool, his aged face etched with complex emotions.

Jing Yue, not understanding, asked, "Your Majesty, what's the matter?"

Shen Nong flipped his left hand, and the lotus flower slowly materialized. The clear Divine Power flowing within it caused Jing Yue's expression to change.

"Your Majesty! Shouldn't we consult Her Highness on this matter?"

"Emperor Shun has already visited Wu Wangzi."

Jing Yue, confused, asked, "What… What does this have to do with Her Highness?"

"It means the Heaven Palace is determined to reclaim the Dao of Fire. When they launch their full assault, my daughter will surely be affected."

Shen Nong said slowly, "It's too late to have her cultivate anew. Only with the ability to protect herself can she survive better in the future.

"Besides, by taking this path, she will have people to look after her later on."

Jing Yue closed her eyes and sighed softly. Saying nothing more, she stepped back to watch.

Shen Nong slowly sat by the poolside, his figure slightly hunched, his demeanor somewhat helpless.

Muttering something, he placed the lotus into the treasure pool.

The ethereal image of a young girl appeared above the water, offering Shen Nong a slight smile. She drifted forward and bowed slightly before him.

Daughter has troubled Father.

It is I, your father, who has involved you.

The girl shook her head gently, gazing at Shen Nong with tenderness, then her figure merged back into the treasure pool.

Gathering the Evil God's Divine Power, refined by the Human Emperor; condensing the true essence of the treasure lotus, shaping the body of a Demigod.

In the next instant, the treasure pool erupted with dense Immortal Light, which enveloped the rear mountain of the Xuan Nu Sect for several hours. Unaware of the details, onlookers thought a Dao Treasure had been born.