This Human Immortal Is Too Serious

"Why do I feel like something major concerning me has happened?"

「In the Southeastern Region, Jiuhuang City.」

On the top floor of a high-rise building, Wu Wang held a cup of wine and murmured.

Sitting across from him, Lin Suqing blinked, a slight confusion in her eyes, not understanding what the Young Master meant.

"It's nothing. I've just felt somewhat restless these past few days."

Wu Wang said this and repeatedly scanned himself with his spiritual mind, but found no anomalies.

Strange, he muttered to himself, not dwelling on it, and continued to sit there, drinking and eating.

Today, he had taken Lin Suqing out, telling Sanxian Daoist that since they had made a rare trip to Jiuhuang City, they should try the local specialty foods.

The Sanxian Daoist seemed to want to say something but ultimately didn't. When Wu Wang arrived at 'the best tavern in the area,' he couldn't help but have a bittersweet reaction.

The most famous dishes here were from the Human Domain.

The few restaurants opened by other races all featured special roasts.

But since they were already there, they took their seats. Wu Wang casually placed two seemingly ordinary stones on a corner of the table, spaced three inches from each edge.

Lin Suqing rested her chin on her delicate hand, gazing quietly out the window.

Wu Wang continuously helped himself to dishes and wine, appearing content and at ease.

An hour later, a group of young men and women came up the stairs, led by a tavern employee toward a private room nearby.

One of them, with a very natural movement while passing Wu Wang's private room, made a detour, lifted the hem of his robe, and sat down beside Wu Wang, pressing one hand on the edge of the table.

Wu Wang immediately heard a voice transmission, "Heavens lack constancy in their ways."

Wu Wang replied via voice transmission, "Earth lacks constancy in its greenery."

The person asked again via voice transmission, "My fellow, what do you seek in your wanderings from south to north?"

Wu Wang chuckled and transmitted, "Merely to earn some Spirit Stones so my family is well, and my Dao heart is at peace."

The newcomer clasped his hands and transmitted, "This humble one is Sky-Rank Agent One, designation Nameless. Dare I ask this fellow Daoist's designation?"

Wu Wang replied via voice transmission, "Four. Six. Two. Five."

Good thing the temporary designation I received wasn't Nine-Five-Two-Seven, he thought with relief.

The person quickly produced a Treasure Sack from his sleeve and placed it in Wu Wang's palm. Then, he stood up, took a few steps, turned slightly, and rejoined his companions.

They began to eat and drink in the adjoining private room, their revelry quite jarring.

Wu Wang tucked the Treasure Sack into his sleeve and winked at Lin Suqing.

"Let's go. The food here is not much different from what we have at our Sect."

Leaving a few Spirit Stones behind, Wu Wang departed with his hands behind his back, a leisurely smile on his disguised face.

Just like that, a rather ordinary secret rendezvous was completed.

The two returned to their lodgings. Wu Wang opened the Treasure Sack and took out a wooden box.

The wooden box was secured by a three-layered intricate mechanism lock, which could only be opened sequentially using a special technique from the Four Seas Pavilion combined with a specific incantation.

Wu Wang was on edge, extremely careful.

After all, a single slip of the hand would cause the items inside to be sealed by the wooden box, transforming it into a Storage magic treasure with no opening.

A moment later, small lights flashed from various parts of the wooden box. Accompanied by a series of mechanical clicks, the outer layers of the box overlapped, interlocked, and receded, transforming into a square iron box. Its contents could now be directly examined with Immortal Consciousness.

Two memory Jade Talismans, one storage ring.

Wu Wang breathed a sigh of relief. He took the iron box to his desk, placed it ceremoniously atop a thick paper map, and then lifted the iron lid.

Lin Suqing laughed. "Uncle-Master, seeing you sweat so much, I thought you'd just accomplished something momentous."

"Unlocking it is indeed quite bothersome, but its secrecy is its strength."

Wu Wang held the Jade Talismans, closed his eyes, and concentrated, quickly perusing the information within.

Wow, Yang Wudi has already infiltrated the Third Grand Hall!

Leveraging the position he had obtained in the Second Grand Hall and the credentials he retained, Yang Wudi was highly regarded by the Chief Elder and the Grand Elder of the Third Grand Hall. It was said they were planning to have him serve the Divine Spirits.

That fellow is certainly quick, Wu Wang mused. I wonder what useful information he can bring back.

Apart from that, the hundreds of pieces of information in the two Jade Talismans were somewhat tedious. They consisted of intelligence summaries, ranging from the power dynamics within Yun City to the main figures in the Third Grand Hall, all mentioned therein.

Among the most critical pieces of information was that Four Seas Pavilion masters had detected changes in over ten Great Daos in Yun City.

Over ten Great Daos in Yun City, originally almost dormant, had suddenly become active, exerting a series of subtle influences on the city.

This was a common method used to observe the movements of Innate Gods.

From this, it was inferred that over ten Innate Gods had recently arrived in Yun City.

Wu Wang looked at the map before him and placed a thumb-sized wooden puppet at Yun City's location. The enemy chieftain is in position.

The three thousand Divine Guards dispatched from the north as reinforcements had been ambushed and slaughtered. Naturally, this wasn't a significant loss for the Heaven Palace, and the Human Domain didn't heavily publicize the event.

—Unless a Divine Spirit was killed, it wasn't considered a blow to the Heaven Palace's strength.

And now, Yun City had over ten more Innate Gods, with the possibility of more arriving.

The experts their side had prepared needed not only to be numerous but also to include great masters like Liu Baiyi, capable of battling Divine Spirits.

This presented Wu Wang with a slight dilemma.

Publicly, the Human Emperor had entrusted him with command of the Yun City rescue operation. He had to meticulously consider each step to achieve the greatest possible victory at the smallest cost.

Privately, Wu Wang didn't want the Human Domain's strength to be compromised by this, especially since the Heaven Palace's true target was the Dao of Fire.

Taking out a communication Jade Talisman, Wu Wang deliberated for a moment before contacting Xiao Jian Daoist and Lin Nuhao to continue arranging the next steps.

Although he was in Jiuhuang City, he could surveil the entire Southeastern Region and monitor movements on the southern frontier of the Eastern Wilderness. This was all thanks to the 'intelligence network' that the Four Seas Pavilion had operated in the Human Domain for many years.

Daring in planning, cautious in execution.

Since his opponents were a group of Innate Gods, Wu Wang dared not be the slightest bit negligent.

「Meanwhile, in Yun City.」

In the Third Grand Hall of the Ten Gods Hall, within the side hall where Lin Qi was detained.

The Head Manager stood with his hands clasped behind Lin Qi, who currently had his six senses sealed and sat quietly in meditation.

Qiong Qi whispered beside him, "Reporting to my lord, that Lin Nuhao is an ambitious man who has long coveted the position of Human Emperor. I had my sights set on him for a long time, waiting for a crack to appear in his Dao heart."

"Oh?" A faint smile touched the Head Manager's lips. "In that case," he said, "this Lin Qi might be of some use."

With that, he turned and walked to one side. Qiong Qi quickly bowed his head and followed.

Qiong Qi said, "As for how much Lin Qi is valued in the Human Domain, that's debatable. He's certainly not as important as Wu Wangzi, who has already received the support of the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion.

Especially on the northeastern frontier, that time we were outmaneuvered by Wu Wangzi greatly boosted his reputation among the Human Domain's experts."

"Hm?" The Head Manager's expression turned slightly displeased.

Qiong Qi immediately corrected himself, smiling. "Last time, you merely allowed him a small victory, my lord."

"Hmph," the Head Manager said indifferently. "That Wu Wangzi managed to deceive even Xiao Jian Daoist. He indeed surpasses our usual understanding of Human Domain experts. He is a rather troublesome being, always having some wild and fanciful ideas."

Qiong Qi smiled knowingly. "To be considered an opponent by you, my lord, is truly..."

"I do not regard him as an opponent; I merely appreciate him," the Head Manager said, glancing at Qiong Qi with a hint of impatience.

Qiong Qi internally lamented. What's wrong with me today? All my attempts at flattery are hitting the horse's hooves instead of its rear! My skills are declining, definitely declining!

Qiong Qi hurriedly changed the subject, asking softly, "My lord, are we just waiting here in Yun City now?"

The Head Manager said, "I have considered your previous suggestion. While it was a good idea, it was somewhat too impulsive."

"My lord," Qiong Qi said, "the Human Domain cultivators have spouted such empty slogans as 'the Hundred Races must unite.' We must respond to this. In my humble opinion, now is the time to hunt down and kill Human Cultivators in the Southeastern Region. This applies whether they are Human Cultivators who came here previously or those arriving because of Lin Qi's situation—if one is spotted, one is killed. This will not only deter the Hundred Races but also disrupt the arrangements of the Human Domain's high-ranking officials and provoke the cultivators' anger. If the Human Domain cultivators become enraged and lose their reason, they will be much easier to deal with."

The Head Manager's eyes showed a hint of contemplation as he spoke slowly, "Even if the Hundred Races were to unite, so what?"

"This..." Qiong Qi was momentarily at a loss for words.

The Head Manager smiled. "Qiong Qi, do you know what you lack?"

"I do not, my lord. Please enlighten me."

"Perspective." The Head Manager gestured gently with his left hand, a trace of amusement in his eyes. "You have always lacked the perspective that stands above the Great Dao, seeing only immediate gains. Do you realize that Heaven Palace's constant restraint toward the Hundred Races has already caused them some resentment? If word spreads that we are slaughtering en masse in the Southeastern Region, it would not benefit the reputation of Heaven Palace in the slightest. To rule the Hundred Races, one must balance grace with might. Such actions would only complicate matters and cause the Hundred Races to become alienated from us. We have already managed the Hundred Races with restraint for a while; next, we should grant them some benefits."

Qiong Qi opened his mouth but found no rebuttal.

Seriously? he couldn't help but wonder. Would the Heaven Palace's standing among the Hundred Races really change whether one slaughter happens or not? It's already rock bottom! At a time like this, extraordinary measures are called for. How can the Head Manager be so indecisive and misjudge the situation?

But these were words Qiong Qi would never dare utter.

He could only smile and say, "Your vision is indeed broad, my lord. I am truly dull-witted."

This path to longevity just keeps getting wider, doesn't it?

As the two gods spoke and walked, they saw a few cloaked members of the Ten Gods Hall pass by.

Qiong Qi coughed softly, and the figures quickly knelt and bowed their heads to one side.

The Head Manager chuckled. "You see them? At this moment, they feel nothing but fear for you and me."

With that, the God of Lifespan flicked a finger. Two of the men shivered, their bodies tilting and slumping to one side. From beneath their hoods emerged wispy white hair and dry, lifeless faces devoid of any vitality.

Qiong Qi was secretly shocked.

The remaining two cultists couldn't help but lower their heads even further.

Especially the bald, burly man among them; his heart felt like it was about to explode.

The Head Manager pointed again. Two wisps of light green smoke entered the bodies of the remaining two. Their Dao Realms slowly ascended; originally only at the True Immortal Realm, they both surged towards the Heavenly Immortal Realm.

And their lifespans instantly doubled!

—All human members of the Ten Evils Hall focused on cultivation.

The two were stunned. The bald, burly man reacted swiftly, prostrating himself fully on the ground, his voice trembling, "God, we humble ones praise You!"

The Head Manager, however, didn't spare them a glance, walking slowly past with Qiong Qi. He continued, "See? Do these two now dare to harbor any thoughts of rebellion against the Heaven Palace?"

Qiong Qi wore a thoughtful expression, carefully schooling his features into a look of sudden, natural-looking enlightenment.

"Indeed, my lord, you are truly wise!"

The Head Manager smiled faintly and said indifferently, "Wu Wangzi, the Human Domain... don't attach too much importance to them. Your vision should encompass the entire Great Wilderness, all living beings between heaven and earth."

"Thank you for your guidance, my lord."

「Elsewhere.」

Wu Wang concluded his conversation with Xiao Jian Daoist and Lin Nuhao, then put away the two Jade Talismans, which were still hot to the touch.

Just now, Xiao Jian Daoist had asked him a question that made Wu Wang ponder for a long time, yet he hadn't given a definitive answer.

'Hall Master, what is the enemy strategy we currently fear the most?'

Wu Wang had actually already analyzed the answer to this question, but it was difficult to articulate.

The Human Domain's greatest fear currently was the Heaven Palace making a move against the Human race in the Southeastern Region, indiscriminately sweeping away Human Domain influence. Such an action would lead to widespread casualties among Human Domain cultivators in the Southeastern Region.

But if such a situation truly arose, the great battle in the Southeastern Region would evolve from a rescue mission for Lin Qi into a war of rebellion by all living beings against the Divine Spirits.

Subsequently, if the Heaven Palace emerged victorious, its current status would not be affected.

But if the Heaven Palace were to lose… things would become exceptionally interesting. Emperor Shun would probably awaken directly from his slumber.

Wu Wang was certain that the Head Manager wouldn't dare to take such a risk.

However, Wu Wang had also made contingency plans for this. If the worst-case scenario were to happen, it was imperative to ensure the complete preservation of the Human Domain's fighting strength. Furthermore, if the Heaven Palace initiated an attack against the existing Human Domain powers in the Southeastern Region, they would be met with a fierce counterattack.

The Southeastern Region was not Central Mountain.

The Human Domain held the geographical advantage, allowing them to attack or retreat.

At that stage, Wu Wang's only remaining concern would be Lin Qi's safety, and there would undoubtedly be a high number of casualties.

Step by step, they had reached this point.

All parties were ready; a large number of Human Domain experts had already secretly assembled.

As per Wu Wang's earlier request, backup teleportation arrays had been prepared. Should anything go awry on his end, but a prime opportunity for attack arose, the Four Seas Pavilion would be responsible for activating the backup teleportation formations.

One shouldn't put all their eggs in one basket.

This also provided an additional escape route.

Elder Miao, disguised as 'Wu Wangzi,' and Fairy Ling had already begun slowly approaching the Human Domain border, drawing the Heaven Palace's attention.

Lin Nuhao had arrived openly in the Southeastern Region and had formally sent a letter to the Feather Country.

The Feather Country, however, offered no response and even secretly indicated to the Human Domain that they were unaware of anything…

And the force of cultivators who had ambushed the Heaven Palace's Divine Guards was now active in the northern part of the Southeastern Region. They were spreading the notion everywhere that 'creatures will surely replace Divine Spirits as the masters of the Great Wilderness.'

Three overt operations were underway. As the leader of the main covert operation, he couldn't afford to back out now.

It's time to go to Yun City.

But before departing, Wu Wang had to eliminate a minor potential risk.

Suqing could no longer continue northward with him.

The situation was different now. The Heavenly Emperor's sudden appearance had disrupted Wu Wang's entire plan. If he had already been exposed, heading to Yun City now would be an extremely risky gamble.

Wu Wang was confident in his ability to protect himself but couldn't guarantee Lin Suqing's safety.

He planned to have Lin Suqing return safely to the Human Domain two days before his own departure, and only then proceed with the next phase of his plan.

That night, Wu Wang gestured for Lin Suqing to put down the book she was reading and come to him.

"Niece," Wu Wang said, "the situation has changed. You can't go to Yun City with me anymore."

Lin Suqing was taken aback and whispered, "Didn't we agree to pretend to be an ordinary niece and Uncle-Master?"

Wu Wang spoke earnestly, "The situation is different from when we first arrived…"

"Then I understand," Lin Suqing murmured, pressing her lips together slightly. "I can return by myself, Uncle-Master. Don't be distracted because of me."

She was surprisingly easy to persuade.

He looked up into Lin Suqing's eyes; she was also looking at him.

After a moment, Lin Suqing shifted her gaze away and smiled. "Uncle-Master, you don't need to explain these things to me. You're destined for great things, and I'm just an ordinary cultivator. Well then, I'll wait for you back at the Sect."

"Mm," Wu Wang said. "I'll send you out of the city later. I've already arranged for someone to meet you and escort you to the Lin Family's territory, where a permanent teleportation formation has been established."

"I can go back by myself…" Lin Suqing felt somewhat embarrassed. "Making such a fuss for a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator like me will cause gossip."

"Let them talk," Wu Wang replied with a smile. "You're considered part of my household now. The Benevolent Emperor Pavilion will naturally give you preferential treatment. If you feel bad about it, just give them some Spirit Stones and minerals for repairing any wear and tear on the formation."

As he spoke, Wu Wang took out several Treasure Sacks, wrapped them with immortal power, and pushed them toward her.

"Well, okay then." Lin Suqing pursed her lips, put away the Treasure Sacks, and looked at Wu Wang with some reluctance.

"Let's go." Wu Wang stood up. "Judging by the time, the person coming to pick you up should already be here."

"Wait for me a moment." Lin Suqing agreed and ran off to quickly pack her clothes. She also made Wu Wang's bed and boiled a pot of spring water for tea.

After busying herself with these tasks, she looked around and realized there was nothing left for her to do.

They didn't go to bid farewell to Sanxian Daoist—Wu Wang would return here later and use Old Snow Eagle's connections to infiltrate Yun City.

The Uncle-Master and niece left the unique tavern and strolled along the dusty streets of Jiuhuang City.

Several times Lin Suqing seemed about to speak but was deterred by the noisy surroundings.

Even at night, Jiuhuang City was bustling with activity.

From time to time, one could see brawny men with beast-like heads, drunkenly slumped in corners, their hands still gripping their weapons.

Occasionally, a few strikingly beautiful women from other races would pass by, their exaggerated figures swaying, their eyes filled with an unyielding alertness.

The majority of people here were of the Human race.

While most cultivators were fairly average—neither outstandingly good nor particularly bad—they were all considered respectable individuals in this place.

"Uncle-Master," Lin Suqing whispered, "sometimes don't push yourself too hard."

Wu Wang chuckled. "Now you're lecturing me."

Lin Suqing muttered softly, "How would I dare? Uncle-Master, you're the one who does great things."

"Stop with all the 'great things' talk, as if I'm truly capable of some earth-shattering feat," Wu Wang laughed. "Don't worry. I haven't forgotten why I came here."

Save him.

Lin Suqing, feigning a mature tone, said, "Well then, this niece won't worry anymore. Just take care of yourself, and don't always make me worry about you."

After saying that, she even made a triumphant, playful face at Wu Wang.

Wu Wang almost let fly a kick at her. Only because of my strange illness will I tolerate this, he thought, forcing himself to hold back.

Thanks to Old Snow Eagle's prior introduction, Wu Wang left the city without any difficulty. Even the non-human commander guarding the city gave Wu Wang a few flattering smiles.

The expert who came to pick up Lin Suqing was waiting in a dense forest ten li outside the city.

Wu Wang took out a shuttle-type magic treasure and flew close to the ground. In just a short while, they arrived at the prearranged location.

That was fast… Lin Suqing murmured.

From behind a large tree in the forest, two figures emerged. One was Elder Ge, the Transcendent Realm expert who had previously guarded Wu Wang and whom Wu Wang deeply trusted. The other was a True Immortal from the Black Desire Door of the Annihilation Sect, responsible for looking after Lin Suqing during the journey.

There was no time for pleasantries or formalities. Wu Wang cupped his hands towards Elder Ge, who gave him a reassuring look.

Lin Suqing, aware of the risk of exposing the Young Master's identity at this moment, didn't say a word, merely lowered her head and stood beside the True Immortal from the Black Desire Door.

With a wave of his large hand, Elder Ge led the three of them into the forest, employing a rather sophisticated escape technique.

Wu Wang raised an eyebrow, a sense of relief washing over him.

He was in no hurry. He waited for over a day in Jiuhuang City until Xiao Jian Daoist sent a message via communication Jade Talisman confirming Lin Suqing had safely arrived at the Main Hall of the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion. Only then did Wu Wang contact Old Snow Eagle via voice transmission.

Not long after, a snow eagle with a wingspan exceeding tens of meters began to circle above Jiuhuang City.

"Young Master Yan," Sanxian Daoist's laughter rang out from outside the door, "come out with your apprentice. We're setting off!"

"Coming." Wu Wang replied with a smile, taking a sip of the tea that had gone cold and straightening his collar.

He pushed aside the paper maps spread before him. A wisp of flame flew across the table, and in an instant, the surface was remarkably clean.

I must say, this is quite useful.

This journey, I will definitely enter Yun City, rescue Lin Qi, and thwart the Heaven Palace.

If I don't return... Pah! Of course, I'll go and return! It will be a smooth and successful mission!

Praise be to the Star God, Amitabha, the Immeasurable Heavenly Lord, Newton the Gravity Sage, Einstein the Saint of Relativity.

Time to set off and pull off something big!