This Human Immortal Is Too Serious

"Wu Wang..."

"Is that you?!"

Two loud shouts echoed—one full of anger, the other laced with astonishment amidst the rage.

Wu Wang looked up. He saw the Head Manager and the Young Master, two Strong Gods, suspended in the sky to his left and right. Their intense radiance made it difficult for anyone to keep their eyes open.

But at this moment, even with the blinding Divine Light above, he stood tall, chest out and head raised proudly. A genial smile touched his lips, as if he were greeting two old friends.

The atmosphere both inside and outside the great city froze instantly. The battle paused, as both sides seized the opportunity to regroup.

Having chosen to initiate with taunts and mockery, I must see it through to the end!

Wu Wang's gaze shifted from the Head Manager to the Young Master. He said with a smile, "When the Young Master aided the Feather Country in their retreat, I was watching from the side, and my opinion of the gods of Heaven Palace actually improved somewhat.

"Some Divine Spirits are stubborn and brutal, controlling half of the Dao of Life without any reverence for living beings.

"You, on the other hand, Young Master, are gentle by nature and inherently kind-hearted.

"If, one day, the Dao of Life is to be unified, I will surely support you, Young Master, in taking control of the Dao of Living Beings and becoming the Goddess of Life."

As his words fell, Wu Wang distinctly felt the Great Dao surrounding the Head Manager verging on explosion.

Touched a sore spot, did I? Ah, the information Senior Sanxian accidentally let slip certainly had a significant impact.

"Hmph!"

The Young Master's voice sounded as her aura locked onto Wu Wang.

But in the next instant, an old Daoist flew swiftly toward Wu Wang, hovering directly above him, transitioning from extreme speed to stillness without the slightest abruptness.

Subsequently, a dozen more figures appeared above Wu Wang, subtly sealing off all paths the Innate Gods might use to strike.

The Young Master began, "Wu Wangzi, such divisive tactics of yours, do you think I..."

"Don't waste words on him!"

The Head Manager cut off the Young Master. Her delicate brows furrowed in protest, but before she could speak, an endless azure radiance erupted around the Head Manager.

His figure abruptly swelled several times its size. Layers of Treasure Wheels materialized behind him, and his entire body became coated in a layer of pale golden light.

As sword light hundreds of zhang long slashed across, the Treasure Wheels behind the Head Manager spun, engulfing the sword light completely. Xiao Jian Daoist, who had launched the sword attack, shifted rapidly in succession, evading the areas where the Divine Light surged back.

Liu Baiyi and several other masters launched fierce attacks.

Each strike on the Head Manager's divine body revealed a dark golden radiance at the point of impact, giving an impression of outward strength but inner fragility.

Liu Baiyi shouted, "He is harming himself by forcibly activating such Divine Skills!"

At that, the dozen masters surrounding the Head Manager intensified their assault.

Yet the Head Manager ignored them all. His eyes, now restored to indifference and calm, focused intently on Wu Wang, who stood upon the earth.

"Exterminate Wu Wangzi."

Though the dozen Innate Gods frowned, they abandoned the attacking Human Domain masters and pounced ferociously toward Wu Wang.

The Head Manager's left hand mimed plucking a flower, while his right hand slowly pressed down.

No matter how vicious the surrounding attacks became, he remained steadfast.

The killing intent was so fierce! All sorts of doubts crossed Wu Wang's mind. He had only uttered a few mocking and divisive remarks; could they truly be so damaging?

An old Daoist shouted loudly, "Hall Master, retreat first!"

Wu Wang smiled calmly and declared loudly, "All of you, join forces to slay the god; don't concern yourselves with me."

No sooner had he spoken than he saw the Head Manager focusing all his attention on him. The retreating Human Domain cultivator army to the south took advantage of their Flying Shuttles, turning into streaks of light to cover some distance. They promptly...

He ducked back into the cave.

"Quick, go!"

Wu Wang called out. Yang Wudi, not daring to delay, instinctively moved to carry Wu Wang and rush into the cave.

After all, I'm an early-stage Heavenly Immortal specializing in Body Cultivation, more agile in such tight spaces than those spiritual cultivators, Yang Wudi thought.

But the moment Yang Wudi grasped Wu Wang's wrist, he felt an immense force surge toward him, causing the nine-foot-tall, robust man to stumble.

Then, like a kite, he was flung sideways, pulled forcefully by Wu Wang, who darted along, leaving a trail of "flying bald man" afterimages in the cave!

This?!

BOOM!

Before Yang Wudi could react, the cave suddenly collapsed.

Wu Wang looked up to see the sky enveloped by a giant Treasure Wheel!

This Treasure Wheel was composed of forty-nine concentric rings, each engraved with hundreds, or dozens, of diverse creatures. At this moment, these creatures seemed to spring to life, emitting a dazzling Divine Light.

The Lifespan Dao, its Dao-Manifested Implement!

Divine Light flickered ceaselessly in the sky, as pillars of light rained down relentlessly upon Wu Wang's retreating figure.

The chanting of ten thousand people, the whispers of Heavenly Gods, the lament of myriad spirits—all merged into a soul-stirring dirge that resonated between Heaven and Earth.

Even more masters rushed toward the Head Manager. Chaotic battles erupted in the sky and on the ground. Several Pavilion Masters and top commanders began to burn their own Essence Blood.

This battle would cost them, at the very least, hundreds to thousands of years of their Lifespan!

Such was the price of confronting the Head Manager!

But the effect was evident: the dozen or so Innate Gods, who had been huddled together, were once again ensnared by the Human Domain's human-wave tactics.

Which of the Transcendent beings present was not vastly experienced? Having all grown up and tempered themselves in the Human Domain, how could they not understand the intent behind Wu Wang's actions?

Fire Plume targeted an Eastern Wind God with a fierce assault. The vermilion dot on her forehead had transformed into a Fire Lotus. She bit the tip of her tongue, spraying a mouthful of Essence Blood to ignite the spear in her hand.

Gallant and unstoppable, she made these Heavenly Gods seem like mere specters!

"Wudi, go first!"

Wu Wang shouted, flinging Yang Wudi toward the location of the third main hall.

He himself stomped hard, shattering a massive boulder, and dashed along the wide subterranean passage in another direction.

"Sect Master!"

Wu Wang's voice transmitted, a sharp reprimand, "The Head Manager has targeted me! I'm heading for the Teleportation Array, and it will definitely come under heavy attack! Leave quickly! You're just a minor Heavenly Immortal; you can't help here!"

Yang Wudi's eyes widened. He almost shouted, You're the minor one! but deep down, he felt a twinge of fear.

He stomped his foot, knowing he was less than a speck of dust in this place. He could only lower his head and rush toward the Teleportation Array.

Figures still stood guard at the Teleportation Array. Their strict orders were to defend the array at all costs. They would only strike back to cover the retreat of those engaged in fierce battle if the overall situation turned dire.

In the sky, the Head Manager now sat cross-legged, pressing his right hand on the Treasure Wheel. In a short time, he had destroyed nearly half of the city.

He had to pursue Wu Wang's swiftly fleeing figure while withstanding an unending barrage of attacks. Yet, he still managed to keep Wu Wang in perilous situations.

Wu Wang dared not risk his life against such a relentless onslaught from a Strong God like the Head Manager, who was attacking with utter disregard for himself.

Wasn't that akin to saying, 'You have your Wolf Fang Club, hehe, and I have my skull!'?

While fleeing for his life, Wu Wang calculated escape routes, as masters from all sides continuously provided cover for him.

Today, as long as he could depart with all these masters, it would be a complete victory.

「...」

Elsewhere, the Human Domain's armies on three fronts had already withdrawn a considerable distance. The group of masters who had previously besieged the Thunder God had also joined the battle within the great city.

Their escape route was also the underground Teleportation Array.

Here, on this fierce battlefield, not far from Yun City, there was a constant fluctuation of Heaven and Earth.

The reserve Teleportation Array brought by the Four Seas Pavilion was now silently deployed.

「...」

"How is the Sect Master doing right now?"

Inside the Flying Shuttle speeding southwest, Miao Cuijiao asked in a low voice, her eyes filled with remorse.

If only I had been more proactive, grasped the overall situation better, and removed my disguise sooner, this current predicament might have been avoided.

However, Elder Miao was not entirely to blame.

She was only involved in one corner of the great battle. In the original plan, as well as several backup plans, the Wu Wangzi persona she assumed was an important chess piece intended to attract Heaven Palace's attention.

The Grand Elder's brow was deeply furrowed. He hesitated repeatedly, wanting to rush back several times but fearing that his recent advancement to Transcendent would only add to the chaos.

Besides, the Sect Master had already made detailed arrangements: he was to escort Ling Xiaolan safely back to the Human Domain.

So many masters are by the Sect Master's side…

"Don't worry," the Grand Elder said. "The Sect Master's strength is considerable now, and he is protected by various seniors."

"Dad, this is because of me…"

"Elder Miao, please don't say such things," Ling Xiaolan interjected. "Instead of regretting, it's better we escape quickly. We mustn't end up like Brother Lin, captured by Heaven Palace and used to threaten Brother Wuwang."

As her words fell, her crimson lips pursed lightly behind her veil. Her almond-shaped eyes held a hint of despondency, but were mostly filled with worry.

Ultimately, she was concerned for him. Ultimately, she feared that something might happen to him, some irreparable event. Whenever such thoughts arose, a sense of utter despair washed over her, leaving her Dao heart desolate and empty.

"Don't overthink it," the Grand Elder said softly. "In today's battle, the Human Domain will surely return triumphant, completely victorious over Heaven Palace!"

His words had barely faded when Heaven and Earth suddenly trembled.

To the northeast, in the direction of Yun City, an intense golden light flared. The Head Manager's Lifespan Dao erupted into the sky, shaking Heaven and Earth, throwing the world into turmoil.

All living beings were gripped by trepidation. Even some less powerful gods began to contemplate fleeing the Southeastern Region.

The Grand Elder's Immortal Consciousness probed from afar, his expression indescribably solemn.

Yun City had now completely collapsed. Its surface had caved in, and more than half of the underground black market lay exposed.

Wu Wang's figure, a streak of golden light, darted eastward and westward, evading the few remaining living beings within Yun City.

The Head Manager pursued relentlessly from above, now utterly desperate, determined to crush Wu Wang on this very spot.

"What an immense grudge this is!" an elderly man at the peak of the Heavenly Immortal Realm frowned and muttered. "What did Wuwang Palace Lord do to the Head Manager?"

The same question arose in everyone's mind.

Judging by the situation, it seemed like a 'personal vendetta,' the kind that would not end until one party was dead.

「...」

At the same time, on layers of clouds speeding eastward, Lin Qi, surrounded by Lin Family guards, held a bronze mirror.

Despite drawing upon the immortal power of the guards beside him and the inherent power of the magic treasure itself, he could still only see a blurry image of Yun City.

It couldn't be helped; the Great Dao was clashing tumultuously there, and powerful experts were constantly colliding.

Lin Qi took a deep breath. He remained silent, staring intently at the bronze mirror, desperately searching for Wu Wang's figure.

Occasionally, a clear image would flash for a moment or two, but it was difficult to pinpoint Wu Wang's exact location.

Finally, Lin Qi caught a glimpse of his teacher's back, and a sigh of relief escaped him.

At that moment, Wu Wang was clad in golden Scale Armor, wielding the Dao weapon Star Sword. His figure sprinted rapidly through various parts of the city, constantly dodging the Divine Light blasts.

But before Lin Qi could get a better look, the bronze mirror fogged over once more.

"Teacher…"

Lin Qi closed his eyes, his hands clenching slightly.

He truly, truly…

"Young General! Look north! Look north!"

Lin Qi abruptly raised his head. His somewhat delicate features, now illuminated by the ambient light, glowed fiery red, his expression freezing for an instant.

That is!

SCREECH—

The cry of a divine bird echoed throughout the Southeastern Region!

「...」

Yun City, the place where Human Domain experts besieged the Heavenly Gods.

Suddenly, a patch of fiery clouds appeared in the northern sky. These clouds quickly spread, obscuring the heavens and dyeing half the sky crimson.

Wu Wang's expression faltered. He immediately shouted, "Heaven and Earth are profound and yellow, Cinnabar takes precedence! Heaven and Earth are profound and yellow, Cinnabar takes precedence!"

The battling experts, reluctance in their eyes, retreated swiftly without hesitation. The thirty-odd elders who had been burning their own Great Dao began to fight with desperate ferocity.

On the outskirts of Yun City, the group of Human Domain experts abandoned the Treasure Bead they had been maintaining. They infused it with a final burst of immortal power and scattered in all directions.

Within the city, the experts rushed into the underground exits in an orderly yet rapid manner.

Only the thirty-odd elders showed no sign of retreating. They grew even more frenzied, their attacks fiercer than before.

"My gratitude to you, Seniors!"

Wu Wang shouted, luring the Head Manager away from the Teleportation Array. The instant the group of experts was about to complete their teleportation, he wheeled around.

Like a thunderbolt, like a lone wild goose, he lunged toward the Teleportation Array.

"Don't even think about it!"

The Head Manager slammed his right hand down, and obstacles materialized in Wu Wang's path.

Wu Wang's eyes filled with urgency. He glared up at the Head Manager's enlarged form and then darted directly out of the city.

A smile touched the Head Manager's lips, but the dark golden marks on his body grew more numerous, connecting into patches, making him appear severely injured.

To the west, the Eight Evil Gods, seeing the Human Domain experts retreat, rushed to provide aid.

To the north, the fiery clouds had dissipated, revealing nine fiery red suns, each the size of a disc, racing across the sky and illuminating the land for thousands of miles around.

As Wu Wang's mind raced with deductions and calculations, several figures appeared by his side: Fire Plume, Liu Baiyi, Xiao Jian.

With a forceful push from Fire Plume, Wu Wang's figure suddenly accelerated.

But a slight smile played on the Head Manager's lips; he was no longer in a rush.

It was simple: these few Human Domain experts were moving farther and farther away from the main Teleportation Array.

Moreover, directly in their path, the Eight Evil Gods were returning, perfectly isolating these few masters from the main Human Domain army.

That Teleportation Array, now almost undefended, was also in grave danger, liable to be shattered by an Innate God's palm at any moment.

Of course, at this moment, all the Innate Gods, including the Young Master, were being held back by the thirty-odd elders who were on the verge of burning out their lives.

The Head Manager's cold voice drilled into Wu Wang's ears: "Wu Wangzi, you excel at sowing discord, don't you? You're full of cunning schemes, aren't you? Today, you've sacrificed yourself for others, and now your own escape is impossible. My Heaven Palace lost the Thunder God today; I will ensure that you…"

"HAHAHA!"

An elder, enveloped in flames, suddenly burst into laughter. Facing the Head Manager, he declared loudly, "The mighty Heaven Palace is merely this!"

With his words, boundless firelight erupted from within him. Immortal power, the devastating force of a crumbling Great Dao, and the triggered power of the Dao of Fire—all smashed directly into the Head Manager's divine body!

In the next instant, elder after elder threw back their heads and laughed. Figures either stood alone to block an Innate God or formed groups of five or six to surround a more severely injured Innate God.

Their laughter was filled with exhilaration, and their shouts echoed between Heaven and Earth.

"Emperor Fuxi, your humble servant is coming!"

"The Human Domain's future is bright; what more could I, a humble Daoist, ask for?"

"HAHAHAHA! The age of gods will ultimately pass! Those who replace them will be the living beings of this world!"

"Our generation seeks only a place to survive!"

"The Strong Gods are nothing special! Utterly defeated by strategy and tactics!"

"Your Majesty, your general has not failed the Human Domain!"

Clusters of firelight bloomed abruptly. Innate Gods scattered in panic.

Even the brilliance from the north was momentarily overshadowed.

Wu Wang, pulled along by Xiao Jian Daoist, no longer needed to run himself. He turned his head to watch this scene unfold, speechless for a long time.

Waves of energy surged through Heaven and Earth.

The Head Manager's advance was forcibly halted. The Young Master was thrown into the air. Most of the Innate Gods who failed to escape were gravely injured. The Western Wind God and another, slightly weaker Innate God had their bodies obliterated by the savage force of a collapsing Great Dao.

Heaven Palace—three gods fallen!

The Human Domain also paid a heavy price. But fortunately, the elders who fought to the death at the end of their Lifespans bore the brunt, so the casualties among the other top masters were not extensive.

Half of the Head Manager's divine body had collapsed. He roared in fury, "Wu Wangzi, where can you possibly flee now!"

A cold smirk touched Wu Wang's lips.

Fire Plume, beside him, raised her hand and gestured forward. A light screen suddenly materialized on their path, merely a hundred zhang away!

Liu Baiyi roared, "To hell with Heaven Palace!"

Under the Head Manager's widened, staring eyes and the Young Master's frowning gaze, these two and a half peak Transcendent Realm masters, with Wu Wang in tow, were about to crash into that light screen.

The Teleportation Array within the city was not the only one.

"Go!"

Xiao Jian Daoist uttered a low shout, and the group plunged into the light screen!

Just then!

A soft sigh suddenly came from the north. A delicate jade hand, hundreds of zhang in diameter, appeared above the Teleportation Array.

As this colossal palm pressed down, the Roaring Serpent, its body tens of thousands of zhang long, which had been rapidly approaching from a distance, flashed erratically. It was suddenly seized by the jade hand and shrunk to a mere few tens of zhang.

Condense—the Roaring Serpent's Dao of Heaven and Earth.

In that fraction of a second, the Roaring Serpent howled at their rapidly vanishing backs, a torrent of cyan-blue light erupting from its mouth.

Xiao Jian Daoist's expression changed. He flung Wu Wang forward and, turning, unleashed a cold gleam of sword light behind him.

In that instant, this Daoist, already designated as the next Pavilion Master of the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion, did not hesitate for a moment to stay behind and cover their retreat.

Similarly, Wu Wang, whom he had been pulling, showed no hesitation. The instant the Great Array of Heaven and Earth began to pull at his own body, he forcefully gripped Xiao Jian Daoist, straining to drag him forward…

The Roaring Serpent lunged. Its Dao of Heaven and Earth was forcibly elevated by the owner of the jade hand. Its gaping maw seemed capable of swallowing a small piece of the world whole.

WHIRR—

An invisible ripple spread far and wide, pulverizing mountains, forests, and stones into drifting dust.

The owner of the jade hand now appeared high in the sky.

She wore a floor-length gown, her hands held slightly open before her. With her long hair coiled elegantly and a face of unparalleled beauty, she possessed an indescribable, youthful radiance. Behind her floated nine disc-sized suns, within which flickered the phantom images of solar divine birds.

The Sun Goddess, Imperial Empress of Heaven Palace, Xihe.

Xihe looked down at the land, now transformed into sand dunes. A serpent's tail lay there, from which black and gold Evil God's blood pulsed unceasingly.

Within Yun City, the Head Manager reverted to his human form. He clutched his chest and violently spewed a mouthful of divine blood. The remaining Innate Gods, whether sitting or lying, all wore somewhat stunned expressions.

Only the Young Master had remained largely unharmed throughout. She now stood quietly in the air, her gaze complex as she observed the Head Manager.

Her gaze was complex, but the expressions of the other Innate Gods were even more so.

Recalling Wu Wang's earlier words… the situation suddenly became exceedingly delicate.

"They failed to return to the Human Domain. They are lost in the shattered passages of Heaven and Earth."

Xihe's voice carried a hint of helplessness. "Return and recuperate. Do not wander about recklessly again."

The Head Manager lowered his head slightly, a faint, cruel light flashing in his eyes.

What he had yet to realize at this moment was that each of the beings who had not met a natural end but had perished tragically in this great battle had left a faint mark, imprinted upon his Great Dao pathway.