The Lin Family has rebelled against the Human Domain.

When Wu Wang first heard this news, his Dao heart trembled. This matter sounded somewhat off to him.

Overall, the Human Domain was quite united. The military families had a long history and had always been the strong backbone of the Human Domain, guarding the borders and respected by all. In the long years under His Majesty Shennong's leadership of the Human Domain, it was extremely rare for cultivators of great skill to join the Heaven Palace, and military family rebellions had never occurred.

It was normal for Xiao Jian Daoist to be enraged upon hearing such sudden news.

The Sleep God muttered, "Lin Nuhao? This name sounds familiar."

Then, the Sleep God turned to Lin Suqing with a puzzled look and said, "Your family?"

"Of course not," Lin Suqing quickly replied. "Our surnames just happen to be the same."

Xiao Jian Daoist sighed and said, "It is he, Lin Qi's father, Lin Nuhao, who had not long ago garnered significant merit by participating in a battle in the Southeastern Region."

Realizing this, the Sleep God showed understanding and wisely did not ask further questions.

"He has rebelled?" Wu Wang muttered to himself and slowly sat back down on the wooden chair.

His Primordial Spirit seemed to be in the starry sky, with a grey 'Great Tree' appearing before him, its veins and branches quickly lighting up. Each possibility led to different outcomes. At this moment, Wu Wang's thinking was extremely active, rapidly leaping from one thought to the next.

Lin Nuhao was a man of deep schemes, and Wu Wang didn't believe he would rebel against the Human Domain without good reason.

He asked, "Daoist brother, had there been any prior news from the Lin Family? For instance, about the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion targeting the Lin Family or something of the sort?"

"Nothing of the kind!" Xiao Jian strode in, cursing as he spoke, "Not only has the Human Domain never been against the Lin Family, but also, because Lin Qi was trapped in the Southeastern Region previously, the Lin Family cooperated fully. The Benevolent Emperor Pavilion even gave them plenty of rewards, and the Lin Family's prestige greatly increased.

"With the Ji Family in the east and the Lin Family in the west, they were the two great Door Gods of the Human Domain!

"This Lin Nuhao is simply shameless, rebelling without any warning!

"How the Human Domain and His Majesty treated him, and this is how he repays His Majesty and the Human Domain!"

The anger of the Sword Cultivator was plain to see, and Lin Suqing was so frightened that she hid behind Wu Wang.

The Sleep God said calmly, "Young man, don't be in a hurry, don't get angry. Anger won't change the facts."

Wu Wang asked again, "How exactly did he rebel?"

"A written denunciation against the Human Domain has been sent to the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion. Several military families from the Northwestern Region are trapped in the Lin Family's city. Furthermore, a large number of Divine Guards from the Heaven Palace have appeared directly at the border, forming a pincer with the Lin Family's private army and establishing a battle-ready posture!" Xiao Jian Daoist, visibly agitated, continued to curse and paced back and forth beside the desk. "Next, he may send troops to attack the heartland of the Human Domain and invite the strong gods from the Heaven Palace to invade!"

At this moment, the Sleep God had already quietly retreated to the side, cracking Spirit Melon Seeds and sipping aromatic tea, with a few Maidens coming over to massage his arms and legs. Whiling away the time with scenic pleasures, playing music, and singing were fine; but asking him not to slack off? Not a chance.

Lin Suqing said softly from the side, "I always feel something is fishy about this. Without any reason, why would Lin Nuhao rebel? Doesn't he know that such actions will only lead to doom?"

"He's possessed! Simply possessed!" Xiao Jian Daoist shouted furiously.

The Sleep God muttered softly, "It's also possible that Qiong Qi is secretly controlling that General Lin whatever. While Qiong Qi, that strange beast, has no other exceptional abilities, it is particularly skilled at bewitching creatures."

"How could a Transcendent Realm master be so easily controlled by Qiong Qi!" Xiao Jian Daoist firmly stated, "This must be a secret plot between Lin Nuhao and the Heaven Palace. It's possible that Lin Qi's capture last time became the means for the Lin Family to connect with the Heaven Palace. Wu Wang, people will surely mock this matter later, but don't pay them any mind."

"These are trivial matters, of no consequence," Wu Wang said as he rubbed his temples, "Right now, I just want to know if this is part of the Heaven Palace's plan. Counting the days, one-third of the Heaven Palace's fifty-year deadline has already passed. Daoist brother, how many Divine Guards are there, and have any Innate Gods appeared?"

"A large number of Innate Gods have appeared north of the Great Wall, and the number of Divine Guards has surpassed hundreds of thousands!" Xiao Jian Daoist immediately said, "As of now, more experts from the Hundred Races are gathering, and all areas of Central Mountain have become active. Once the Heaven Palace's armies fully assemble and march south from the Northwestern Region, vast territories of the Human Domain will be left defenseless."

"Isn't it still not possible for a fight to break out yet?" Wu Wang said, "The Heaven Palace needs time to gather their forces, and the Human Domain also needs time to gather troops. There will inevitably be a period of gamesmanship and tug-of-war at the borders later on. Rapidly take action; evacuate the areas that might be affected. Have the cultivators transport mortals; let the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion play its role."

"This has already been started," Xiao Jian, his anger subsiding, said earnestly. "His Majesty gave the order at the earliest moment; evacuating that area will only take two days."

"Hmm," Wu Wang sighed softly and added, "There are some things I don't quite understand."

Xiao Jian immediately asked with concern, "What don't you understand?"

Wu Wang stated frankly, "Lin Nuhao's cunning and stratagems are even beyond me. Instead of saying that Qiong Qi is causing trouble behind the scenes, it's more like Lin Nuhao is intentionally using Qiong Qi to achieve some end. Seeing that the Heaven Palace's armies are also amassing, it can be judged that the Heaven Palace did not have much preparation time before this. Right now, we cannot be certain whether the Heaven Palace is feinting to exhaust the enemy with their tactics, or if they are truly gearing up for a decisive battle... The specific situation will have to be gauged by the developments on the battlefield. I cannot understand what exactly Lin Nuhao is up to, but it must be related to a position."

"What position?" Xiao Jian Daoist's eyes carried a bit of confusion.

"The position of His Majesty." Wu Wang, with his hands clasped behind his head, sat and hummed softly. Is this Lin Nuhao adding drama for himself?

The Sleep God beside him shook his head and muttered, "What's so great about the position of the Human Emperor? It comes with many issues, a heavy responsibility, and the fortunes of an entire race often rest on one's shoulders. Externally, one faces powerful enemies like the Heavenly Emperor, and internally, one has to deal with the complex thoughts of living beings. Is Lin Nuhao foolish?"

A few people nearby remained silent.

Xiao Jian asked, "Wu Wang, the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion has recalled all officials from outside. Do you want to go back now? This matter must be resolved quickly; the news has already spread throughout the Human Domain. No matter what the situation is, since Lin Nuhao dares to rebel, we cannot let him off easily!"

"I will go back a few days later," Wu Wang said. "Raising troops to quash a rebellion is no trivial matter, and with the Heaven Palace intervening, we must be fully prepared before taking action. Daoist brother, you go ahead. I have just left isolation, and my mind is still somewhat muddled."

"Very well." Xiao Jian Daoist said earnestly, "Wu Wang, you rest well. Once there is news of Lin Qi, I will send someone immediately to bring it here."

"Hmm, thank you, Daoist brother."

"What's all this formality?" Xiao Jian Daoist made a Daoist salutation.

Wu Wang stood up to return the courtesy, then watched as the Daoist hurriedly left the Sleep God Hall, flying out of Rift Valley towards Qingming.

Lin Suqing pondered for a moment and then whispered a few words into Wu Wang's ear, before hurrying off to gather the relevant information for Wu Wang.

Wu Wang sat behind the desk, lost in thought for a while, before quickly turning his attention to the Sleep God beside him.

"This has nothing to do with me," the Sleep God said with a smile. "It's better if you handle the matters of the Human Domain yourselves."

Wu Wang looked utterly helpless. "Big brother," he said, "you should first figure out how to restore my ability to sleep soundly." The Sleep God chuckled beside him, leaning over to discuss countermeasures for this matter with Wu Wang. He couldn't help but bring up, in a roundabout way, the matter of the girl in Wu Wang's dreams. Wu Wang sometimes responded vaguely, at other times describing one or two plausible scenarios, greatly satisfying the Sleep God's gossiping heart, which had been burning since the Second Divine Era. With an endless divine life, one always needs to find some amusement for oneself.

About half a day later, the night sky of the Human Domain became lively. Looking up from the Annihilation Sect's residence in Rift Valley, one could occasionally see one or two streaks of flowing light pass by, like meteors in the starry sky, and most of them were heading towards the Northwestern Region. Jade Talismans exchanged the latest messages. Large numbers of Human Domain cultivators spontaneously headed towards the Northwestern Region of the Human Domain.

As Wu Wang received the 'massage' treatment from the Sleep God, two imposing figures hurriedly made their way into the Human Domain. They didn't find Wu Wang in his retreat, but following the guidance of several people awaiting inside, they directly broke into the neighboring Sleep God Hall.

The young man with the elongated neck pushed aside his cloak's hood and burst in, ready to shout: Little brother, Lin Nuhao has rebelled!

But what he saw... saw...

In a palace filled with soft white light, Wu Wang was sitting in a rocking chair, his head wrapped in a square towel, ten fingers, like slender white radishes, gently tapping on the outside of the towel. Soft music floated throughout the hall, and not far away, several beautiful long-skirted Maidens were dancing gracefully.

"What?" Xing Tian's eyes widened, his eyeballs nearly popping out. How could his little brother be so leisurely when there was almost chaos outside? Instantly, Xing Tian lost his urgency, and his mood relaxed a lot as he observed carefully from the side. Where did he find this head-massaging master? The technique is quite skilled.

Only to hear Wu Wang say, "Sleep brother, that's enough for today. Once I'm done with this busy period, you must remember to give me back my sleepiness."

"I'll do my best, I'll do my best. HAHA." The Sleep God chuckled dryly, patted Wu Wang on the shoulder, and smoothly pushed him up. "Go on, little brother," he said. "The future of the Human Domain rests on your shoulders!"

Wu Wang smiled without a word. Before he could say more, he felt the light and shadow swirling around him as he was sent out from this temple. Accompanying him out were Xing Tian and Xing Tian's teacher.

BANG!

The great doors of the temple closed tightly, and from within came the prolonged yawn of the Sleep God.

This fellow is decisive in his avoidance, truly worthy of being the God of Slacking. Shaking his head, Wu Wang clasped his hands behind his back, looked at Xing Tian beside him, and asked somewhat curiously, "Big brother, what's wrong with you?"

"L-little brother..." Xing Tian's thick lips trembled. "I was here first, so how come you, without telling me, have found a new 'big brother'?"

Black lines appeared on Wu Wang's forehead, and he lifted his foot to kick at him. Xing Tian dodged with giggles, his muscles rippling under his robe, his physique appearing even more robust.

At this moment, several figures were already standing in front of Wu Wang's retreat, most with worried expressions on their faces. Ji Mo and Le Yao had already arrived, alerted by the news. Ling Xiaolan, too, had paused her cultivation, startled by a Jade Talisman from her sect. The Grand Elder, Elder Miao, Yang Wudi, and Mao Aowu were also present nearby, awaiting instructions from the Sect Master. Added to that were Xing Tian and Xing Tian's teacher beside Wu Wang... Most of Wu Wang's close friends had gathered.

"Why so serious?" Walking over with his hands clasped behind his back, Wu Wang said indifferently, "This matter isn't our responsibility. If Lin Qi is captured by Innate Gods, we can attempt a rescue. But if Lin Nuhao raises troops in rebellion, the Lin Family is now a traitor to the Human Domain."

Ji Mo said, "Brother Wu Wang, Lin Qi is surely not ambitious like his father."

"Lin Qi is likely trapped at home now," added Ling Xiaolan. "If we don't do something, then no one will be able to help him."

The sinuous snake came leisurely to the side, leaning against the arch bridge with her arms crossed. Her enchanting figure created an interesting contrast with Elder Miao.

The Grand Elder also stated, "Sect Master, Lin Qi is indeed a protector of our Annihilation Sect..."

"There's no need to say more. Claiming the Lin Family is the Lin Family, and Lin Qi is Lin Qi at this time is extremely irresponsible." Wu Wang tucked his hands into his sleeves, slightly tilted his head back, let out a shallow sigh, and continued indifferently, "I am Lin Qi's teacher and hold him in special regard, but there's no need to worry about Lin Qi's safety at this moment. All of Lin Nuhao's efforts are invested in Lin Qi. If the Lin Family's rebellion succeeds, Lin Qi stands to benefit; if the Lin Family fails, Lin Qi will be implicated as well. Lin Qi is Lin Nuhao's only son, whom Lin Nuhao treasures and holds in high regard; this is known throughout the Human Domain. It can only be said that for Lin Qi to have such a father, it's hard to tell if it's fortune or misfortune. But we cannot make decisions that could affect the overall situation based on unilateral guesses; this is not just a matter of our friendship, but a difficulty the entire Human Domain is facing. Let's go inside and talk."

Everyone nodded, roughly understanding Wu Wang's attitude: observe the changes, don't act on impulse, and prioritize the Human Domain's overall situation. But when Wu Wang took his seat, a trace of concern inevitably crossed his eyes, which he then concealed. At this point, they could only choose to trust Lin Qi.

...

Lin Suqing brewed two pots of tea, while Le Yao brought out some specialty Spirit Fruits from the Sun Demolition Sect. Wu Wang, sitting in the main seat, hummed a tune from "Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy," and everyone's mood finally stabilized.

Among the group, Xing Tian was the least acquainted with Lin Qi and, at this moment, the most relaxed. He had merely heard the news and hurriedly followed his master, aware that Lin Qi was Wu Wang's disciple and fearing that Wu Wang might be implicated.

Xing Tian said with puzzlement, "Why would Lin Nuhao suddenly rebel? Is his salary not enough, or is his power insufficient? Being in charge of a region's defense is already a great authority, so why isn't he content?"

Ji Mo said, "It's most likely the Heaven Palace stirring up trouble."

"We can't attribute all problems to the Heaven Palace," Le Yao interjected. "If Lin Nuhao's Dao heart was fulfilled and he bore no grudges against the Human Domain, he wouldn't have been exploited by the Heaven Palace."

"We are still unaware of the specific situation." Ling Xiaolan, twirling a strand of her hair with her fingers, spoke softly, "Let's not discuss this too much. We should think about whether there's a chance to save Lin Qi if he is indeed trapped right now."

"The Lin Family is now a dragon's lair and a tiger's den." Wu Wang exclaimed with emotion, "I once lived with the Lin Family."

CHIRP CHIRP! The Blue Bird chirped at his side, as if to comfort Wu Wang.

"In my opinion," Ji Mo said, "we should send someone to the Lin Family to inquire about Lin Qi. Though Lin Nuhao has rebelled, he wouldn't go as far as to kill a cultivator we send."

Yang Wudi suggested, "Sect Master, how about I sneak over?"

"Why would you go?" Wu Wang glared at Yang Wudi. "Don't you know enough secrets of the Human Domain already? If you get caught, you'll be a ticking time bomb."

"Hehe," Yang Wudi rubbed his head sheepishly. "I was just thinking, I'm a bit more familiar with the Heaven Palace's methods."

Wu Wang pondered for a moment and turned to the sinuous snake at his side, speaking softly, "What's your take on this?"

"Master, it's almost certainly Qiong Qi's doing." The sinuous snake bowed her head and said, "Please allow me to approach within ten thousand li of the Lin Family's territory. I am very sensitive to the aura of Evil Gods."

Wu Wang thought for a moment, then said, "Go ahead."

"Yes." The sinuous snake immediately accepted the command. She traced a line in front of her, and a crack opened in the fabric of Heaven and Earth. She plunged her slender jade leg into it, and the rift in Heaven and Earth quietly closed. This effortless gesture demonstrated her powerful mastery of the Dao of Heaven and Earth.

Xing Tian couldn't help but admire, muttering discontentedly, "You're even subduing Evil Gods now; your strides are too big."

Wu Wang pretended not to notice the playful glint in his old friend's eyes and took a sip from his tea. Before setting his cup down, the rift that had just closed opened once more, and the sinuous snake stepped out from it. Now that she was familiar with the Annihilation Sect Formation, she could traverse it freely.

"Master, it is indeed Qiong Qi. That scent is unmistakable," she reported.

Ji Mo immediately stood up and said resolutely, "I will notify the main pavilion at once." With that, he rushed outside the cave to send a Jade Talisman.

Wu Wang actually felt relieved and said with a smile, "In that case, I have a rough idea. Lin Nuhao must have other plans; we need not be too hasty. Qiong Qi alone cannot control Lin Nuhao's will. Of course, we can't rule out the possibility that Lin Nuhao has suddenly lost his senses."

As soon as he finished speaking, Wu Wang let out a small exclamation, turning to Lin Suqing to ask, "Why is Mumu crying inside?"

Lin Suqing's expression darkened, and she said softly, "Xiao Deng is almost gone."

Wu Wang also sighed softly. Citizens of the Small People Kingdom have a lifespan of six years, and Xiao Deng, supported by the elixirs of the Human Domain, had already prolonged his life by several years.

"Let's go see him, too."

"Yes," Lin Suqing said. "I'll change into some plainer clothes."

"No need," Wu Wang said. "To them, this counts as a joyful funeral."

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