"You've been a great help, Head Manager."

On the way back to the Main Hall of Benevolent Emperor Pavilion, Wu Wang had fallen asleep, a faint smile on his lips.

He no longer needed to worry about what would come after.

Although the Sleep God did not want to get involved in the strife between Heaven and Earth, he was, after all, the God of Yun Meng, who had risen to fame since the second divine era. In their brief contact previously, Wu Wang had also subtly sensed that although the Sleep God was eloquent, he had never lowered his dignity, simply trying his best to "pluck" himself out of the struggle between gods and humans.

What he said most was:

"These words are said by the strong gods of Heaven Palace, and they have nothing to do with me."

"I am just a small god delivering messages; troubling me is in vain."

The Sleep God, having been sent to the Human Domain, was already quite dissatisfied with the Head Manager.

At this moment, Wu Wang dreamt that the Head Manager, so adept at maneuvering, was speaking eloquently within Heaven Palace, trying to persuade Heaven Palace with the Sleep God's death to accelerate the reclaiming of the Dao of Fire.

The Head Manager shouted at the deeply disappointed Young Master, "The Sleep God is already dead! It was your choice, sister! I'm determined to take back the Dao of Fire; not even the Heavenly Emperor can save the Human Domain!"

If it really happened like that, it would be interesting.

Wu Wang smiled lightly in his dream, making the few people in the Flying Shuttle smile at each other as well.

Activating the Teleportation Array once was not only costly in Spirit Stones but also caused considerable wear and tear on the array's foundations. In the Human Domain, they weren't luxurious enough to teleport everywhere directly.

And there was no rush.

Wu Wang was clear about this in his heart.

This time, it wasn't anything serious for the Human Domain. The Sleep God didn't want to help Emperor Shun, nor was it likely he would help the Human Domain. Senior Shen Nong certainly would not force this god; at most, he would imprison him in name to free him from Heaven Palace's influence. The Sleep God took the opportunity to reveal some of Heaven Palace's weaknesses to the old senior, and both sides reached some sort of agreement.

To be honest, if the Sleep God wanted to leave, it would be very difficult for the Human Domain to keep his true form. The god's true form was a wisp of qi—the very definition of qi between Heaven and Earth—a Great Dao incredibly close to the primordial essence of the cosmos. Even with the contingency plans left by the former Emperors Fu Xi and Suiren in the Human Domain, it was unlikely they would be used on this "Sleep God."

The God of Sleep and Dreams, the Monarch of the Clouds.

Had Eastern Emperor Taiyi, too, once graced the annals of the Great Wilderness, only to be submerged in the river of time with the shifting of divine eras?

The ancient Great Wilderness had already experienced countless eras before living beings were birthed. According to the records of the Human Domain, among the Innate Gods, there were actually Divine Spirits who had helped the human race, like the Queen Mother of the West who gifted Shen Nong the life-extending Spirit Grass. Without Heaven Palace, immortals and gods actually wouldn't have to be locked in a struggle to the death.

There really was no need for the Human Domain to have any conflicts with this God of Yun Meng.

「Meanwhile, in the wild mountain forests of the Northern Region, in front of the wooden tower that Wu Wang had personally built.」

Under the shade of the trees, a stone table and two stone stools were placed. Today, the Human Emperor was exceptionally cheerful, chatting warmly with the Sleep God seated across from him, without putting on any airs.

Shen Nong said, "Your noble self not assisting Heaven Palace has already been of tremendous help to the Human Domain. There's no need to speak of one's origin; being the God of Sleep and Dreams is enough.

"The creation of living beings is so mysterious. The Human Domain has one less formidable enemy and one more friend with whom we can peacefully coexist. How fortunate!

"Later, we might either arrange for your noble self to feign death or release information outwardly that we have imprisoned you. Either plan is feasible, and we'll just let them fuss over it.

"Come, let us have a drink!

"HAHAHAHA, HAHAHAHAHA!

"This Wu Wang truly is the lucky star of our Human Domain."

THUD!

A very familiar large gourd was slammed onto the stone table by Shen Nong.

The Sleep God's eyes widened, his fair complexion trembling. That familiar Dao rhyme, that familiar sound of water, and that familiar rich fragrance…

"Is this how you people of the Human Domain make friends?" The Sleep God's voice trembled ever so slightly.

「Heaven Palace.」

In that majestic and imposing palace near the sea of clouds.

Dressed in a deep blue robe and a tall crown, the Head Manager looked relaxed, sitting on the broad windowsill, surrounded by several beautiful maidens kneeling at his side. The services provided were quite proper: eating Spirit Fruit, drinking clear spring water, holding an incense burner, or giving a back massage.

A slight disturbance at the palace entrance made the Head Manager's eyes twinkle with amusement; he gestured for the beautiful maidens to disperse.

A flash of white streaked past, and the Young Master appeared across the wooden table. Her pretty face chilled slightly as she lowered her head and stared intently at the Head Manager, her eyes betraying an unconcealable disappointment.

"Brother, you sent an envoy to the Human Domain border."

"Indeed. We in Heaven Palace cannot be threatened by the Human Domain because of a minor god." The Head Manager picked up the crystal-clear cup in front of him and sipped the special tea from Heaven Palace, letting its sweet aftertaste linger in his mouth. He said, "Isn't the Human Domain detaining the God of Sleep and Dreams with exactly that thought in mind?"

"Was it you who sent the Sleep God?" the Young Master asked accusingly.

"Indeed." The Head Manager nodded slightly.

The Young Master continued, "He's trapped in the Human Domain, yet instead of pressuring them to rescue him, you send people to declare that Heaven Palace cares nothing for the Sleep God's life or death?"

The Head Manager replied with a smile, "On the contrary, this is more likely to save his life."

"You never intended to save him at all." Full of incomprehension, the Young Master said, "Brother, have you not only lost all compassion for living beings but also ceased to care for the Divine Spirits within Heaven Palace, who are just like us? What exactly has happened to you?"

"I am merely doing everything in my power to share His Majesty's worries," the Head Manager calmly explained,

"Sister, you are still living in the days when Heaven Palace was first established and have not yet adapted to the changes in order.

"The order between Heaven and Earth is now exceedingly stable, and this stability is fundamental to resisting the Ancient Gods from beyond the heavens.

"His Majesty's intention is to reclaim the Dao of Fire. The conferment to the Human Domain can be seen as a test, or understood as a necessary step before the outbreak of war.

"Entrusted by His Majesty, I must handle these peripheral matters properly.

"Their capture of the God of Sleep and Dreams is exactly what I had anticipated, without the slightest error.

"If the Human Domain kills that God of Sleep and Dreams, you and I will have reason to send troops southward to attack.

"If they keep detaining the God of Sleep and Dreams without killing him, you and I can also proclaim to the outside world that the Human Domain is extremely wary of Heaven Palace, further consolidating the hearts of the Hundred Races.

"If they release the God of Sleep and Dreams, it will be a fatal blow to the Human Domain's influence within the Nine Wildernesses of the Great Wilderness."

The Head Manager paused in his speech, confidently lifting his head to look at the Young Master. He said, "From the moment the Human Domain released the Divine Guards and the envoys of the Hundred Races but detained the God of Sleep and Dreams, their defeat was sealed."

The Young Master frowned and said, "From beginning to end, brother, you never considered the life or death of the Sleep God."

"He is but a minor god," the Head Manager remarked, picking up a Spirit Fruit in front of him. "He has achieved nothing significant for Heaven Palace; instead, he has been continuously drawing power from the Divine Pool and had no merit in the great war. Now, by serving Heaven Palace, he may even gain some reputation. When the new God of Sleep and Dreams is born, I will have them retain the appearance of this current incarnation, as a way to commemorate him."

The Young Master's expression gradually calmed. Looking at the Divine Spirit before her, for some reason, she bowed her head in a salute, turned, and vanished through the palace gates, her form, Dao aura, and presence quickly withdrawing from the place.

"The mercy of a woman." A trace of helplessness flickered through the Head Manager's eyes as he shook his head slightly.

In a corner of the palace, a shifting shadow morphed into the figure of a middle-aged man with a somber face—it was Qiong Qi appearing.

"My lord, the situation with Lin Nuhao has been mostly handled."

"Hmph." The Head Manager's mouth curled into a small smile as he lifted the crystal cup before him, reflecting his confident grin.

The humiliation suffered in the Southeastern Region—he was determined to make the Human Domain pay it back in full.

Wu Wangzi, it seems fortune is on my side this time.

Wu Wang slept for a few more days before the effects of the alcohol finally subsided. By the time he was completely sober, he found himself in bed, feeling something itchy on his face. He pulled out a mirror from his ring and saw that his face had been painted with two little lambs.

Wu Wang's face darkened as the Blue Bird, holding its belly with its wings, chirped and laughed, flopping over on its perch.

These last few days of deep sleep—it wasn't all just because of the alcohol, was it?

Actually, the drawings were quite good.

"Senior," Wu Wang calmly wiped the ink marks off his face and said earnestly, "You should act like a senior. It's not appropriate for you, tsk, to frolic with a junior like me."

"CHIRP." The Blue Bird replied, its tiny feet shuffling in a way that seemed a bit guilty.

"Young Master, you're awake?" Lin Suqing came over with a bowl of hangover soup, reproaching, "Next time, please don't drink so much."

"I couldn't avoid that social engagement," Wu Wang said with a smile, immediately asking, "Has there been any news these past few days?"

The Whistling Snake peeked in through the window, signaling it had been standing guard all along and had not disobeyed Wu Wang's orders.

Ling Xiaolan's figure floated down from the second floor and stood quietly to the side, as if she had something to say, but she did not try to interrupt Lin Suqing.

Lin Suqing said, "These past few days have been quiet, with no major incidents.

"Previously, an envoy from Master Liu reported that the Sleep God and His Majesty had conferred and agreed not to interfere with each other. The Human Domain has announced the Sleep God's imprisonment as a punitive measure against Heaven Palace for its persecution of the Human Domain.

"The Sleep God has now gone to a safe place, and the Pavilion Master said you don't need to worry.

"The Pavilion Master also said that your merits are increasing so rapidly that the divine power from Evil Gods is insufficient for your rewards. He wants you to devise a plan to acquire a few more Evil Gods."

Wu Wang's eyes bulged as he cursed, "Are Evil Gods something that can be just conjured up on demand? Why doesn't he just tell me to relocate Heaven Palace's Pool of Divine Power here!"

Lin Suqing's mouth opened slightly in admiration, saying, "You and Master Liu truly are on the same wavelength! His envoy said the same, and Master Liu has already prepared a response for you in advance."

"What reply?"

"If you really want to move it, it's not impossible."

Wu Wang couldn't help but scowl.

He had decided! He was going to slack off! He would return to the Annihilation Sect and rest for half a year or a year! Otherwise, these higher-ups in the Human Domain would end up leaving everything that they could do themselves on his shoulders!

"Suqing, go to the Punishment Hall and call those senior officers over."

"Alright, I'm on it." Lin Suqing agreed, humming a little tune as she and Dongfang Mumu headed for the Punishment Hall.

The Main Hall of Benevolent Emperor Pavilion has numerous restrictions. Lin Suqing's cultivation level is low, so taking a wrong turn could easily lead to injury; thus, having Immortal Mu by her side was the safest.

Ling Xiaolan smiled and said, "Fairy Suqing is becoming more and more capable."

"I see she's going further and further down the path of a secretary," Wu Wang muttered under his breath. Seeing Fairy Ling blink, he couldn't help but ask, "What's the matter, Fairy Immortal? Do you have something important to say?"

"Must I have an important reason to show concern for you?" Ling Xiaolan said with a smile. A handkerchief flew from her sleeve, landing next to the couch. She then sat down on it and turned to look at Wu Wang. She said, "Have you forgotten your vow to achieve a breakthrough to the Transcendent realm within a hundred years?"

Wu Wang laughed and said, "That's a big deal, how could I forget?"

The Blue Bird drew closer, glancing at Ling Xiaolan from time to time.

Wu Wang said, "Plans can't always keep up with changes. With Heaven Palace continuously causing trouble and the Human Domain struggling to find peace, my energy has been diverted. Later, I will still focus on cultivation; our joint cultivation must not be neglected either."

"Indeed, I too hope to become a master who can be of great use one day." Longing shone in Ling Xiaolan's eyes.

The Blue Bird lowered its head to peck at the fluff on its wings, showing slight discomfort.

Ling Xiaolan laughed softly and said gently, "After all, Brother Wuwang, once you comprehend the Great Dao and ascend to the Transcendent realm, this strange affliction of yours can be cured."

Wu Wang: …

Was she deliberately saying that for the little Blue Bird to hear?

The Blue Bird suddenly looked up, flew over to the desk, hopped around on the paper placed there, then swiftly carried the paper back in its beak. Written on it, in the convoluted ancient characters of the Human Domain, were the words...

[Joint cultivation! Joint cultivation!]

Ling Xiaolan covered her mouth and chuckled, and Wu Wang involuntarily smiled as well.

In a grand hall deep within the starry heavens, Cang Xue rested her chin on her hand, watching this scene with an expression of deep contemplation.

"Where are Brother Ji and Lin Qi?" Wu Wang asked in confusion. "Are those two actually diligent enough to go into seclusion for cultivation?"

"They have indeed become very diligent," Ling Xiaolan said.

"After following Brother Wuwang that day and meeting the Sleep God (who was an envoy from Heaven Palace), both of them were greatly stimulated.

"Brother Wuwang can already converse and scheme with such powerful gods, while they are still merely considered young talents in the Human Domain.

"The longer they stay by Brother Wuwang's side, the greater the pressure on them becomes.

"Brother Lin is doing somewhat better, as he has always regarded Brother Wuwang as his teacher.

"Brother Ji, however, is now fully focused on the path of cultivation, earnestly researching combat strategies and tactics. He has become much more serious."

Wu Wang laughed, "Still, I think I prefer Brother Ji when he's more carefree and unrestrained."

"Tch," Ling Xiaolan chided. "He should still be more proper."

"Marriage makes one mature," Wu Wang said with a smile. The Blue Bird could only listen to such conversations, unable to join in.

His experiences over these years have indeed been quite rich, it thought.

「And so the story goes.」

Wu Wang called for several deacons and delegated the daily affairs of the Punishment Hall, mentioning that he needed to enter seclusion for cultivation. Before Master Liu could intervene, Wu Wang called upon the Grand Elder, summoned Yang Wudi back from his duties in the Punishment Hall, and together they set off on the return journey to the Annihilation Sect.

Recently, Yang Wudi had been investigating the matter involving Sanxian Daoist, constantly collaborating with the Four Seas Pavilion and scouring every corner of the Southeastern Region.

Wu Wang kept reflecting on the time he had encountered Sanxian Daoist. He vaguely sensed that the secret Sanxian Daoist carried might be of crucial importance to the Human Domain.

The journey was smooth, without any prior notice to the Annihilation Sect.

Halfway through, Xiao Jian Daoist, who had fully sobered up, also caught up, saying that Master Liu was worried about Wu Wang's safety and had asked Xiao Jian to escort him.

Wu Wang, of course, felt this was just an excuse. It was obvious Master Liu wanted Xiao Jian to keep a close watch on him and to serve as a communication link.

Sure enough, the Sleep God, old chap, was right. When it's time to slack off, just do it—no need to be polite with one's 'boss'!

If he didn't slack off now, there would be no chance for leisure once Heaven Palace launched an all-out war.

Upon thinking it through, Wu Wang realized he had been somewhat unfilial. Now that the Four Seas Pavilion had established a branch in the Northern Wilderness, it wouldn't be difficult for him to send a letter home. Moreover, any news from the Northern Wilderness would promptly reach him. Coupled with the fact that he had slept for several years prior, he had not contacted his family for a long time.

Feeling inspired on the road, Wu Wang penned a letter to his family, inquiring about his father's wellbeing. He also had Yang Wudi collect some novel items from the Human Domain to send to the Northern Wilderness via the Four Seas Pavilion later.

This is how most wanderers abroad are. A letter from home, a simple greeting—any unease that occasionally surfaced in their hearts would vanish, allowing them to continue their journeys with peace of mind, no longer yearning for the idle comforts of home where meals were served at their beckoning.

The wanderer's ephemeral aspirations, friends of the setting sun send their affection.

"Why does Senior Sanxian insist on hiding?" he murmured, gazing out the small window at the radiant rising sun, his heart unsettled for a moment.

As they neared the Annihilation Sect, Yang Wudi whispered, "Sect Master, should we stir up some excitement?"

"Do not disturb everyone's cultivation," Wu Wang said seriously. "My return isn't a major event; I'm just seeking some peace for my cultivation."

Yang Wudi grinned. "Alright," he said, though he seemed to be holding something back.

The Grand Elder gently asked, "Wudi, do you have something to report to the Sect Master?"

Yang Wudi patted his bald head. "Well, I daren't say," he mumbled. "Ah, never mind, let's just forget it."

Wu Wang said seriously, "Speak up. It's not like I'm going to kick you out of this Flying Shuttle, am I?"

"Then I'll really say it?" Yang Wudi rubbed his large hands, chuckling, and muttered, "I heard someone say you were granted the title of God of Welcoming Spring by Heaven Palace, right? And Heaven Palace hasn't issued a second imperial decree from the Heavenly Emperor to revoke your god position, so you still preside over spring, don't you?"

Wu Wang nodded and smiled, "You mentioning it does remind me; indeed, that's the case."

"Well then," Yang Wudi's eyes sparkled mischievously, and his Adam's apple bobbed. "You know, last time in the Ten Evils Hall in the Southeastern Region, I expended a great deal of vitality just to hold my ground. Could you perhaps... give this subordinate a 'spring' blessing? I still have several wives in the sect, and, well—

"Ah! Sect Master, please don't be angry, I was just saying! No, no, no... AHH!"

Against the clear blue sky, a Flying Shuttle silently moved across, from which a small black dot tumbled out, screaming as it plunged toward the earth.

"Hmph." Wu Wang withdrew his right foot, and the Grand Elder calmly used immortal power to repair the hole in the Flying Shuttle's side wall.

This fellow was getting too cocky.

However, as the God of Welcoming Spring, it seemed this indeed fell under his purview. Wu Wang carefully perceived the god position he had obtained and glanced at the Grand Elder. Not only did things like welcoming the spring and the melting of ice and snow fall under his governance. The rejuvenation of withered trees in spring also fell under his domain. Of course, if Wu Wang did not intervene, this Great Dao would operate on its own.

"Grand Elder, if you have any needs, just let me know," Wu Wang said.

The Grand Elder stroked his beard and nodded, his eyes glinting with a knowing smile.

He was, after all, a notch higher in status than Yang Wudi.

The atmosphere inside the Flying Shuttle grew slightly awkward.

Lin Suqing quietly asked, "Young Master, where do you think that Sleep God will be placed?"

"There's no need to worry about it anymore; it has nothing to do with us now," Wu Wang replied.

Thus, an hour later, in the Sect Master's bedchamber of the Annihilation Sect.

Wu Wang looked at the plump figure soundly asleep on the water bed in the Lotus Pond Residence, a slight smile tugging at his lips.

Old... Predecessor! Beautifully done!

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