Floating Jade City.

The chaos caused by the Evil Gods continued, but those enormous beasts had been dispersed by streams of flowing light.

The Human race experts who rushed outside the city were somewhat astonished. They racked their brains but couldn't understand why these Evil Gods went to such great lengths to delve deep into the Human Domain, disguise themselves with incarnations, and bellow a few shouts at the grand competition inside Floating Jade City.

To liven up the event?

A Vice Pavilion Master immediately shouted, "Everyone, do not panic! They are merely apparitions of the Evil Gods!"

In that alley.

The Young Master's incarnation was smashed into a bloody mist by an enraged Elder Ge. Wu Wang retracted the Golden Armor into his body, his expression relatively calm as he bent to pick up the wooden puppet that had rolled toward him.

A hundred yards away, the elderly woman of the Transcendent Realm had also directly shattered the shadow of the Whistling Snake. She turned her head and called out, "Wuwang Palace Lord, these Evil Gods are merely incarnations…"

She immediately sensed that the atmosphere was somewhat off.

Elder Ge flashed behind Wu Wang, frowning at the several panicked Lin Family houseguards.

Wu Wang's expression was somewhat gloomy, and the hand holding the puppet was slightly pale. He collected all the storage treasure bags stuffed inside his robe; these were originally just emergency food. Before acquiring a large number of Spiritual Storage Magical Items at Long Jade Gate, Wu Wang had always stored fresh meat by freezing it.

It was merely a matter of satisfying his appetite.

Later, after the incident in the East Sea where he was mistakenly captured by the Young Master, and following a warning from the Grand Elder, Wu Wang had changed his method of storing food. These Spiritual Storage Treasure Bags were usually kept inside Storage Magical Items and didn't take up space. Before this, Wu Wang hadn't thought the probability of encountering the Young Master again was high; this was just a precaution.

But today…

"Wuwang Palace Lord, our Young General!" one of them cried out, his voice trembling. "Has the Young General been turned into a wooden puppet?"

"It's not a wooden puppet," Wu Wang stated immediately. "Generals, do not panic. This is a divine skill of the Heaven Palace's Young Master, one that swaps the position of a wooden puppet with a living being. Lin Qi was still several yards from me just now; he was clearly targeted and taken by the Young Master. Since the other party chose to capture Lin Qi rather than kill him, they will not harm him at this moment. Instead, they intend to use his capture to achieve their own objectives."

The expressions of the Lin Family houseguards eased slightly, but they still couldn't fully relax.

Figures descended nearby, rushing toward Wu Wang.

However, Wu Wang turned to the Vice Pavilion Master and said, "The competition must not stop. Please spread the word everywhere that the Evil Gods have been driven away. Emphasize that this competition, and the arrangements following it, will make the Heaven Palace feel threatened."

The Vice Pavilion Master from the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion was momentarily taken aback, then nodded immediately, turned, and began to relay the message to the surrounding experts.

People came and went quickly.

Wu Wang pinched the wooden puppet and slowly sat down.

One by one, the Lin Family houseguards who had followed Lin Qi arrived, silently gathering around Wu Wang, awaiting orders from the Young General's teacher.

「Before long」

The news of Lin Qi's capture by the Heaven Palace spread within a small circle.

Ji Mo, Le Yao, and Elder Miao rushed over together. Seeing Wu Wang seated within a circle of houseguards, they initially thought the Lin Family men intended to cause trouble for Wu Wang and immediately moved forward to protect him. However, when they reached Wu Wang's side, they found that these men were merely gathered there, most looking bewildered and anxious.

"Brother Wuwang…"

"Mm," Wu Wang responded. "Let me think carefully."

Ji Mo nodded at once, staying by his side with Le Yao.

Elder Miao pondered for a moment, then took half a step back and sent a transmission jade talisman to the Annihilation Sect.

The Treasure Refining Competition restarted. The cultivators didn't know what had just transpired, but the news that "the Heaven Palace intends to obstruct this Treasure Refining Competition" had already spread widely both inside and outside the city.

As a result, this brought unexpected benefits to Wu Wang's Refining Master Alliance. It was just that the process had encountered a few unexpected hitches.

「Meanwhile」

In the Southeastern Region of the Great Wilderness, in a vast forest not far from the Human Domain's border.

A few figures stood under a tree, their expressions quite peculiar. Before them, the rather handsome young master of the Lin Family, Lin Qi, lay unconscious.

The Young Master's figure floated in mid-air, her pretty face bearing a hint of icy coldness.

The middle-aged man transformed from Qiong Qi hesitated repeatedly but finally spoke up. "My Lord… this is Lin Qi, holder of the Yan Emperor's command. His father is Lin Nuhao, a rising power among the Human Domain's military families."

The Young Master said indifferently, "Mm, I am aware."

The enchanting woman transformed from the Whistling Snake couldn't help but mutter, "My Lord, we have no objection to your decision, but this will be somewhat difficult to explain to the Head Manager."

"Why should I have to explain to him?" The Young Master's words carried clear dissatisfaction.

The several Evil Gods exchanged glances, a sense of helplessness in their eyes.

The Young Master said indifferently, "That Wu Wangzi has long been wary of me and has, in a way, found a counter to this divine skill of mine. You need not worry; I will explain things to the Head Manager on your behalf."

The brawny man transformed from the Kui Ox bellowed, "My Lord, what should we do next? Kill this Lin Qi?"

"Wouldn't that be a waste of the effort we spent capturing him?" Qiong Qi interjected. "Better to corrupt him, turn him into our slave, then let him return to the Human Domain and infiltrate the higher echelons of the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion."

The Whistling Snake sneered. "Leader, do you think the Human Domain won't thoroughly investigate Lin Qi? Don't forget, both main halls of the Ten Evils Hall were exposed due to abnormalities in their divine souls."

Qiong Qi chuckled. "That will depend on our methods."

"Then what's the use of capturing this Lin Qi?" Kui Ox grumbled. "Why not… see what his flesh tastes like and strip him of his Yan Emperor's command?"

"Use him as bait. Set a trap," the Young Master's ethereal voice drifted down from above, "to lure Wu Wangzi here."

The great Evil Gods looked at each other, once again feeling that familiar, frustrating urge to speak but not daring to, the unsaid words causing discomfort.

Qiong Qi, being bolder, subtly cautioned, "My Lord, I feel that unless Wu Wangzi's head has been kicked by Kui Ox, it's… unlikely he'd walk into such an obvious trap."

The Young Master's delicate eyebrows furrowed slightly. Qiong Qi quickly bowed his head, wearing an excessively fawning smile.

The Whistling Snake also added, "My Lord, Wu Wangzi is held in high regard by the Human Domain for some unknown reason. According to our intelligence, it's said that Wu Wangzi shares a friendship that transcends generations with Shennong. If I may overstep, there are quite a few disciples from military families like Lin Qi who hold the Yan Emperor's command in the Human Domain. Even if Wu Wangzi values loyalty and wishes to save Lin Qi, the Human Domain would probably not agree."

But the Young Master said, "Do not worry about such superfluous matters. Use Lin Qi as bait and make the necessary preparations. Wu Wangzi will certainly come to the rescue."

The Evil Gods exchanged glances and bowed their heads in acceptance of their orders. They were merely strange beasts and Evil Gods chosen by the Heaven Palace; the Young Master was a powerful god, high above, in charge of the profound matter of procreation. They could only offer reminders, not dare to debate.

However, to avoid punishment from the Heaven Palace later, they had already decided to secretly report this matter. After all, the one who truly held power in the Heaven Palace was the Head Manager.

Under the tree, Lin Qi leaned against the trunk, deeply asleep, the character for "TRAGIC" seemingly writ large upon his forehead. It was unknown what he dreamed of, but his body shivered intermittently, and his expression was tinged with a hint of anger.

「…」

Half a day after the Evil Gods' apparitions appeared in Floating Jade City, a large contingent of experts from the Human Domain rushed into the city.

The previously deserted Floating Jade City branch of the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion was bustling today. Even the Pavilion Master of the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion, Liu Baiyi, and the Pavilion Master of the Four Seas Pavilion, Feng Zhizi, arrived one after the other.

In the branch pavilion's rather shabby main hall, dozens of elderly men were seated to the left and right. Local branch Pavilion Masters like Mao Aowu could only find a seat at the very back, hardly daring to breathe.

Everyone's face was solemn, their gazes frequently falling upon Lin Nuhao, the head of the Lin Family and the steadfast pillar of the Human Domain's Northwestern Territory.

An old woman sat cross-legged in the center of the hall, several tortoise shells laid out before her. Another old man sat beside her, an Eight Trigrams Disk continuously floating in front of him, from which divinatory lines flew out one by one.

Lin Nuhao's face was ashen; he sat there for a long time without uttering a word.

Wu Wang was not present. He still sat where Lin Qi had been abducted, the wooden puppet placed before him, continuously pondering and deducing.

With Lin Nuhao's arrival, the Lin Family houseguards had already departed. Yet, the number of figures around Wu Wang had increased rather than decreased; one after another, elders and deacons of the Annihilation Sect stood silently behind him. Elder Miao's transmission jade talisman had only summoned Lin Suqing and informed the Grand Elder on the South Sea coast. However, news of Lin Qi's capture had somehow reached the Annihilation Sect, and the entire sect had mobilized.

In a nearby alley, Ji Mo gently patted Le Yao's hand.

Le Yao held Ji Mo's hand, shaking her head slightly at him, and transmitted her voice, "Husband, if you try to persuade him now, wouldn't you risk gaining a reputation for disloyalty?"

"Yao'er, you don't understand Brother Wuwang. If I don't speak up, he really will go." Ji Mo sighed lightly, freed his hand from Le Yao's delicate grasp, and strode towards Wu Wang.

Then, Ji Mo sat on the ground beside Wu Wang, pondered for a few moments, and sighed, "To save or not to save… it truly is a difficult choice."

Wu Wang looked up at him and said indifferently, "I've already discarded several plans and settled on two backup options."

"You're really going?" Ji Mo said urgently. "The Young Master abducted Lin Qi clearly to lure you to the Heaven Palace, to Central Mountain. What will you do?"

Wu Wang replied, "If Lin Qi were taken to the Heaven Palace, I would abandon the thought. But he hasn't necessarily been taken to the Heaven Palace's domain."

"Oh? Why is that?"

"Because someone told me that the Young Master isn't stupid; she's just a little naive." Wu Wang raised his hand and pressed it against his chest, where the outline of the necklace was visible. He continued, "If the Young Master wants to lure me out, she must give me some hope of rescuing Lin Qi. They used incarnations to infiltrate the Human Domain, much like we infiltrate Central Mountain. If one hides well, there's a good chance of accomplishing something. If they took Lin Qi back to the Heaven Palace, it would be like abducting a minor god and taking him to the Main Hall of the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion—the very one where His Majesty the Human Emperor presides. How could anyone attempt a rescue there?"

Ji Mo's face showed sudden understanding. He murmured, "Then where would the Young Master place Lin Qi? Somewhere that would make us feel we could try, that there's hope of bringing Lin Qi back, yet in reality, they hold the advantage…" He paused, looked at Wu Wang, and said slowly, "The Southeastern or Southwestern Territories."

"Or the lands of the Eastern or Western Wilderness," Wu Wang said. "No need to guess wildly. If the Heaven Palace captured Lin Qi to lure me, news will arrive soon enough."

As soon as he finished speaking, several elders hurried over from the side, led by Elder Ge.

"Wuwang Palace Lord! A ferocious beast appeared on the shores of the East Sea! It delivered a stone stele inscribed with Young Master Lin's current location. It also said that if you go there, they will release Lin Qi."

Wu Wang looked up and asked, "Where?"

Elder Ge replied, "The Southeastern Region. The City Above the Clouds."

Wu Wang smiled. "That's about what Brother Ji and I expected."

Ji Mo: I just mentioned half the Great Wilderness!

"Let's go." Wu Wang stood up, dusting himself off. "I need to leave, and now I also need to seek approval from the seniors."

Elder Ge was taken aback and quickly said, "Palace Lord, you intend to go there?"

"Otherwise?"

"Isn't this sacrificing something great for something small?"

"He is my disciple and also my good friend." Wu Wang stated calmly, "He suffered this calamity because of me. I cannot stand by and watch him die. Furthermore, today's events should serve as a warning to us all. We must devise a countermeasure for the Young Master's divine skills and find a way to limit them."

Elder Ge frowned slightly, unsure what to say. Wu Wang's voice, though calm, concealed an unyielding determination.

Ji Mo also said, "Brother Wuwang, if it's too difficult, I can go in your place."

"Rest assured," Wu Wang replied. "I will not trifle with my own life. This is not an impulsive decision."

With that, he strode forward, the experts of the Annihilation Sect silently following.

Several Transcendent experts from the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion, after much thought, continued to advise Wu Wang, urging him to reconsider. Wu Wang merely nodded with a smile and offered no further explanation.

He walked through the streets and alleys, entering the branch pavilion.

The oppressive atmosphere in the main hall noticeably lightened upon Wu Wang's arrival.

Just as Wu Wang's left foot crossed the threshold of the main hall, a faint sound was heard:

CRACK!

A crack appeared on the tortoise shell held by the old woman seated in the center, the fissure running across an ancient character.

The old woman exclaimed, "He is not dead! It is a sign that Young Master Lin will turn misfortune into fortune!"

Lin Nuhao visibly relaxed.

Wu Wang paused for a moment, then continued forward. He had taken only a couple of steps when the old man with the Eight Trigrams Disk floating before him opened his eyes and also said, "From the looks of the hexagram, although it is ominous, it also conceals a thread of vitality."

Lin Nuhao's ashen complexion finally regained some color.

From the main seat, Liu Baiyi waved his hand and said gravely, "Wuwang Palace Lord, were you alarmed?"

"I am fine. I just didn't expect an incarnation of the Young Master to come personally." Wu Wang performed a Daoist salute to Liu Baiyi, then turned to Lin Nuhao and said in a low voice, "General Lin, Lin Qi was innocently caught up in this because of me. I truly feel quite guilty."

Lin Nuhao immediately responded, "Wuwang Palace Lord, you mustn't say that. My son was abducted by a Strong God of the Heaven Palace. He wasn't shielding anyone from disaster, nor was he implicated by anyone. That Strong God's evil actions are the source of this calamity!"

Liu Baiyi sighed. "It is commendable that General Lin understands the greater good. Now that we know the whereabouts of the Lin family's young master, let us devise a strategy. We shall use all available means to rescue him with our full strength. Wuwang Palace Lord, you need not feel guilty. We also have a large number of experts in the Southeastern Region."

The implication was clear: Wu Wang should not act rashly, and the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion would not dispatch a large force into the Southeastern Region but would instead use the forces already present there from the Human Domain to rescue Lin Qi.

Lin Nuhao said nothing more. Liu Baiyi was the Pavilion Master of the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion, head of the Human Domain's eight pavilions. In the absence of His Majesty Shennong, Liu Baiyi's words carried absolute authority and were as good as law. These few sentences had already delivered the verdict.

Wu Wang asked, "Pavilion Master, what are the chances of rescuing Lin Qi this way?"

"Wu Wang," Liu Baiyi frowned, "this matter is no child's play. You mustn't be impulsive…"

"I have already decided to rescue Lin Qi," Wu Wang stated. "Pavilion Master, there is no need to persuade me further."

Liu Baiyi pondered for a few moments. Knowing Wu Wang well, he said no more. His somewhat chubby face even showed a hint of a relieved smile.

However, a deacon of the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion spoke up from the side, "Wuwang Palace Lord, perhaps we should discuss this matter further?"

"I am merely here to inform you all of my upcoming movements, not to discuss anything with you." Wu Wang cupped his hands and said gently, "Thank you all for your concern."

With that, Wu Wang turned to Lin Nuhao again. "I will do my utmost to rescue Lin Qi. If your cooperation is needed, General, I will have someone inform you."

Lin Nuhao stood up, clasped his fists, bowed his head, and said resolutely, "Wuwang Palace Lord! The Lin Family is deeply indebted to you for this great kindness!"

"You are too kind, General." Wu Wang cupped his hands, performed another Daoist salute to Liu Baiyi, and turned to leave the main hall.

Outside the door, the cultivators of the Annihilation Sect took a few steps forward, about to speak, but Wu Wang stopped them with a gesture.

"All members of the Annihilation Sect, proceed to Guantao Tower for a meeting."

The demonic cultivators of the Annihilation Sect responded in unison, "Yes!"

「An hour later」

In the suite on the top floor of Guantao Tower.

Lin Suqing and Elder Miao were beside him, looking through books related to mountains and examining Jade Talismans one by one. Whenever they found records related to the City Above the Clouds, they would copy them down and send them to Wu Wang.

Wu Wang, Ji Mo, and the Grand Elder stood together before a map just delivered by the Four Seas Pavilion, studying the vast expanse of the Southeastern Region and the terrain around the City Above the Clouds.

The Grand Elder sighed, his hands clasped behind his back. "The City Above the Clouds is the ancestral land of the Feathered People. It's surrounded by cliffs on three sides—absolutely easy to defend and hard to attack."

Ji Mo said, "This is a trap to begin with. Whether it's easy to defend or hard to attack is irrelevant."

"Sect Master," the Grand Elder said, "why don't you create a diversion openly to draw their attention, while I go alone and secretly infiltrate the City Above the Clouds?"

Wu Wang nodded calmly and smiled. "Grand Elder, your idea coincides with mine, except I will go alone, and you all will create the diversion openly."

The Grand Elder's eyebrows immediately knitted together tightly.

Wu Wang looked at Miao Cuijiao, then at Yang Wudi and the others, clapping his hands to draw their attention.

"Lin Qi has been captured. Who is willing to go on the rescue mission?"

Everyone stepped forward in unison.

"Very good. But not all of you need to go." Wu Wang said, "The Heaven Palace's intention this time is to capture me, so they have undoubtedly set an inescapable trap in the City Above the Clouds. I have a plan that might allow us to rescue Lin Qi and, at the same time, eliminate one or two Evil Gods!"

"Oh?"

Outside the window, a soft chuckle came through the protective Formation. Several figures had, at some unknown point, arrived by the window.

Ji Mo quickly strode forward and opened the window, and three figures floated in.

Elder Miao, who had been sitting behind the desk, instantly held her breath and stood up nervously.

The demonic cultivators in the suite were startled at first, then uniformly shifted towards the outer area, making ample space for the three newcomers to land. Some cultivators were so nervous their hands trembled, unsure if they should kneel and kowtow to show respect to the arrivals.

The one in the lead wore a straw raincoat and was barefoot, leaning on a staff. His medium-length hair was casually disheveled, and he exuded no aura of power. Who else could it be but His Majesty the Human Emperor?

Pavilion Masters Liu Baiyi and Feng Zhizi could only follow behind, like left and right protectors.

The Grand Elder immediately rushed to one side and brought over a wooden chair.

Shennong sat down calmly and smiled. "What is this plan of yours? Do tell."

"Well," Wu Wang chuckled, "has this matter alarmed even Your Majesty?"

"Lin Qi is the holder of the Yan Emperor's command whom I selected. This matter also concerns the rising star I trust the most. How could I not come?" Shennong looked at Wu Wang, his eyes filled with deep meaning, and said slowly, "Are you certain?"

"I am certain," Wu Wang replied.

Shennong asked again, "Have you considered the connections and responsibilities you bear?"

"I have. I thought about it for twelve hours." Wu Wang said, "I only know that if I choose to play it safe today and disregard Lin Qi's life, when I look back in a hundred or a thousand years, I will undoubtedly be filled with regret."

"Then go," Shennong said slowly. "Because it is you, I will order the entire Human Domain to assist you with all its might."

This statement seemed to be about Wu Wang, but its underlying meaning pointed towards the Candle Dragon Divine Faction. Because Wu Wang was the sole bridge between the Human Domain and the Candle Dragon Divine Faction, Human Emperor Shennong chose to help Wu Wang.

Wu Wang thought for a moment, then said, "If it is from that perspective, Your Majesty, it would be better if you did not help me."

"Oh?" Shennong looked slightly puzzled.

Wu Wang said, "Your Majesty, my going to rescue Lin Qi is also a way to strike at the Heaven Palace's power. If I can rescue Lin Qi and, in the process, kill one or two Evil Gods, it will also be a contribution to the Human Domain."

Shennong, however, said, "If we consider it from the Human Domain's perspective, then this plan of yours must be convincing enough for me."

"The plan is not complicated. It mainly involves two aspects." Wu Wang walked to the map on the wall, drew two circles with his hand, and then pointed his finger at the City Above the Clouds in the central area of the Southeastern Region.

"We will divide our forces. One force will operate openly. We'll find someone to impersonate me, and have the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion and the Annihilation Sect cooperate to stage a drama. The narrative will be that I am determined to rescue my disciple, but the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion is trying to stop me at every turn, saying I bear the hopes of the Human Domain, and so on. In short, this needs to be a big spectacle, a good show for them to watch."

Shennong nodded slowly. "And then?"

"I will go to the Southeastern Region alone," Wu Wang said. "I need a Qiankun Transposition Formation that can be dismantled and reassembled, and enough experts on standby here in the Human Domain to provide support at any moment. Once I confirm Lin Qi's location, I will assess the situation and launch a surprise attack using this Formation! They have set up one layer of traps; we will coordinate from within and without, surround their trap from the outside, and strike directly at its core from the inside."

Shennong hummed thoughtfully for a few moments and said, "Although it is somewhat risky, you are the only one bearing that risk."

Wu Wang added, "Please trust me, Your Majesty. If my tracks are discovered and I find myself in a desperate situation, I will absolutely not activate such a large Formation recklessly."

"But have you considered," Shennong said slowly, "how many precious materials such a large Formation will require? And how many Spirit Stones it will consume?"

Wu Wang: It's just a matter of a few hairs.

Wu Wang said, "I will personally cover all expenses."

"Put it on the account," Shennong said, turning to Liu Baiyi, who nodded repeatedly with a good-natured smile.

Wu Wang, however, said, "No need for an account. Have Daoist Brother Xiao Jian go directly to my home to retrieve them. The round trip will take no more than a month."

The demonic cultivators in the room exchanged glances. The way the older seniors looked at Wu Wang now held a deeper meaning.

「Half a day later」

News began to spread from the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion: "Wuwangzi had a massive argument with Pavilion Master Liu Baiyi and has been placed under house arrest by the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion."

Wu Wang returned to the Annihilation Sect and began searching for someone to impersonate him.

He himself felt that although this plan was somewhat risky, it was the optimal solution under the current circumstances. However, several people familiar with Wu Wang had strong objections.

The Grand Elder repeatedly stated that he could go to the Southeastern Region and 'act according to circumstances.'

Elder Miao also said that with her charm techniques, she could try her luck in the City Above the Clouds.

Wu Wang, of course, refused them all, insisting on going himself.

"Then, I will accompany you," the Grand Elder said decisively. "I have a Spiritual Storage Magical Item. Sect Master, you can place me inside it and keep it in your sleeve. If you encounter danger, I can provide support."

Wu Wang persuaded, "Grand Elder, you need to be at the forefront. You are the only Transcendent Realm expert in the Annihilation Sect. If you are not there, how will they believe my impersonator?"

The Grand Elder couldn't help but fall into deep thought.

Elder Miao said, "What about me? Let me accompany you; it would be good to have support."

"You are actually the best candidate to impersonate me," Wu Wang smiled. "Elder Miao, you are quick-witted and exceptionally intelligent. You are renowned throughout the Great Wilderness for your beauty, so the Heaven Palace probably hasn't paid much attention to you."

Miao Cuijiao was taken aback. "Me? Impersonate you?"

Wu Wang flicked his fingertip, and a wisp of gray qi entered Miao Cuijiao's wrist.

"I'm lending this to you. Remember to return it. It's one of the dowry gifts His Majesty Shennong gave me."

Elder Miao was somewhat stunned and stepped aside to carefully perceive this wisp of Transformation Qi.

Nearby, Ji Mo rubbed his temples. Yang Wudi and Zhang Moshan also looked as if they wanted to speak but held back.

Just then, a soft laugh came from the entrance of the cave dwelling.

"In that case, I shall accompany Wu Wang."

It was Xiao Jian Daoist who had arrived.

Wu Wang thought carefully and said, "If my whereabouts are exposed, even having multiple Transcendents won't help. Brother Daoist, you are also a thorn in the Heaven Palace's side."

"This…" Xiao Jian Daoist was momentarily at a loss for words, his earlier bravado quickly replaced by a troubled expression.

Lin Suqing suddenly spoke up. "Young Master, let me go with you."

"Why are you joining the commotion?" Wu Wang frowned. "Stay here and cultivate diligently. Immortal Mu, guide her well. When I return, I want to see her step into the Ascending Immortal Realm!"

"Ascending Immortal?" Immortal Mu's eyes widened. "Why don't you just say True Immortal? Advancing in the Dao Realm isn't that easy!"

Everyone else chuckled in amusement.

Unexpectedly, Lin Suqing, who would normally have just replied with an "Alright" or "Oh," took two steps towards Wu Wang today.

Her face was filled with seriousness. She spoke, carefully choosing her words, "Young Master, could you please listen to a few more words from me?

"When you came to the Human Domain, it wasn't quite a meteoric rise, but you directly entered the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion, starting practically as a high-ranking official. Afterwards, you took charge of the Punishment Hall, accomplished many great deeds, contended with the Heaven Palace, and faced numerous Innate Gods. According to your way of thinking, Young Master, and the impression many Innate Gods have already formed, you are already an existence on their level, an opponent they must take seriously."

Wu Wang vaguely understood her meaning and asked, "And then?"

Lin Suqing said softly, "If you wish to operate in secret, why not subvert the existing impressions these Innate Gods have? Infiltrate the Southeastern Region and enter the City Above the Clouds as an ordinary, low-level cultivator.

"I only have Nascent Soul Realm cultivation, which is perfect to serve as your cover, Young Master. I just found out that the City Above the Clouds has a rule: all Hundred Races, including the Human race, are treated equally within its walls. This rule is the very thing low-level cultivators rely on. They might break this rule for a Heavenly Immortal, but it's unlikely they would tarnish their own reputation for one or two cultivators who haven't even reached immortality."

Wu Wang snapped his fingers. "That's an excellent suggestion. I'll disguise myself as a low-level cultivator later."

"Ah! Young Master!" Lin Suqing ran forward, blocking Wu Wang. "Then, will you let me accompany you?"

"You just stay here and cultivate diligently."

"Young Master is going to such a dangerous place. How can I cultivate peacefully here?" Lin Suqing said. "Low-level cultivators have their own ways of getting by. These are things you can't just act out."

Wu Wang smiled. "Then, do you possess any skills that others do not?"

"Well…" Lin Suqing pursed her lips slightly, looked up at Wu Wang, and said in a small voice, "If your whereabouts are exposed, Young Master, and you are surrounded and unable to return, then I will stay there with you. For the Human Domain, there would be no additional loss; I was saved by you in the first place. I wish to… to be with you, Young Master, through thick and thin."

Wu Wang looked down at the female cultivator before him, at her clear and bright eyes, and a wave of warmth spread through his heart.

Lin Suqing took half a step forward, but Wu Wang instinctively flinched back, turning and walking to the side, avoiding her gaze.

The people present watched Wu Wang's figure, perhaps seeing him beat a hasty retreat for the first time…

But Wu Wang had only taken a few steps when, just as a hint of disappointment flickered in Lin Suqing's eyes, he stopped and turned back to look at her.

"You are right. I indeed don't quite understand how low-level cultivators make a living. Suqing, this time, you will accompany me and offer your counsel by my side."

Lin Suqing was stunned, nearly jumping for joy.

Wu Wang strode towards the inner cave. Just as he was about to enter, he glanced back at Yang Wudi.

"Wudi!"

"Subordinate is here!"

"You are the third prong of the attack. Change your infiltration target from the first priority to the third," Wu Wang instructed. "I don't care what methods you use, open up that path!"

Yang Wudi was greatly invigorated and roared, "Your subordinate will not shrink from death!"

Wu Wang pointed at Yang Wudi a few times, chuckled softly, and stepped into the inner cave, activating several layers of Formations.

He still needed to discuss this matter thoroughly with his mother. Lives were at stake; there was no room for carelessness.

Yang Wudi looked left and right, at the Grand Elder and Xiao Jian Daoist, the two Transcendent experts present, and couldn't help but puff out his chest, his entire being radiating triumph.

He then declared, "Ten Evils Hall, your father is back! WAHAHAHA!"

The Grand Elder frowned. "What nonsense are you spouting?"

Xiao Jian Daoist snorted. "You fellow, showing off needlessly!"

「…」

<End of this Volume>

Preview of the next volume:

"The Star God's divine power? Why would it appear here?"

"Young Master, actually, even if you were knocked unconscious, it would still be possible to leave descendants."

"Head Manager, answer me! Who… is the true master of the Heaven Palace!"

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.