Immortal Mu truly hadn't expected this. She had lived a second life even through the Transcendent Heavenly Punishment, yet she was now being choked by Lin Suqing—a cultivator who hadn't even formed her Nascent Soul—to the point of her eyes rolling back!

Fortunately, Wu Wang reacted quickly enough to stop the few who were about to slip away, his expression complex as he looked at Ling Xiaolan.

"This dual cultivation method you mentioned… Is it legitimate?" he asked.

"It is indeed legitimate," Ling Xiaolan replied with a smile, whether intentionally or feigning composure to cover her earlier slip of the tongue, it was hard to say.

"If it's legitimate," Wu Wang blinked, "then let's give it a try, right here in front of everyone."

Xiao Jian Daoist exclaimed, "Don't be rash! This is out of the question!"

The Grand Elder also chimed in, "Sect Master, we all have urgent matters to attend to."

Lin Suqing, however, had already recovered from her shock. With a blush, she said, "I'll go make the bed for Young Master and prepare warm water for his bath."

Immortal Mu covered her eyes with her two chubby hands. This scene is definitely not something an immortal lady of my image should be watching!

Wu Wang looked at Ling Xiaolan, who calmly used her immortal power to move two chairs aside.

With a gentle press of her fair hands, she drew a Tai Chi Diagram about ten feet in diameter, placing two clean cushions on the Yin and Yang fish positions and gesturing for Wu Wang to sit with her.

Then, Ling Xiaolan drew the surrounding spiritual energy towards them, using her own Dao as a guide to stimulate Wu Wang's Dao.

Before long, projections of Wu Wang's Nascent Soul and Ling Xiaolan's Primordial Spirit appeared above their heads. The illusory Tai Chi Diagram began to rotate slowly, quickly transforming into an elliptical cocoon of light that flickered in and out of existence.

The Heaven and Earth Dao permeated the space, and the principles of the universe converged upon them.

The two cultivators guided each other.

Water and Stars, mutually supporting and engendering.

Seriously, that's all? Wu Wang thought.

At this sight, the Grand Elder frowned and shook his head. Lin Suqing continuously rubbed Immortal Mu to comfort her, while Xiao Jian Daoist sneakily picked up a misplaced chess piece, casually disrupting the Grand Elder's formation.

The Yin-Yang spiritual sphere lasted only for the time it took to drink a cup of tea before slowly dissipating.

Ling Xiaolan's almond eyes gleamed with light as she stared at Wu Wang and asked, "How was it?"

Wu Wang's floating hair gradually settled. He opened his eyes and praised enthusiastically, "Just now, I felt as if I saw the Stars."

"Was it useful?" Joy was written all over Ling Xiaolan's face as she smiled and said, "Then, when we have the chance later, let's use this method for cultivation. I just calculated it; it provides much more insight than my usual meditation. My immortal power accumulation is a full sixty percent faster!"

Wu Wang said seriously, "Although this method is good, it's ultimately just an aid. Don't let it affect your own Dao… Is this the Divine Skill she passed on to you?"

"That's right. That senior called it a Divine Skill, but I don't think it's much different from the cultivation methods I already possess."

Ling Xiaolan hummed thoughtfully for a moment, then added, "This Divine Skill should share the same origin as my sect's core technique. It truly is most suitable for me to cultivate."

The same origin? Wu Wang suddenly recalled what he had heard in the Xuan Nu Sect about the Tianyan Stone and the Tianyan Xuan Nu Sect's cultivation technique, which were rumored to have come from the Outer Sky.

Could 'Outer Sky' refer to the sanctuary established by the banished Candle Dragon Divine Faction? If so, the connection between the Human Domain and the Candle Dragon Divine Faction is far deeper than I currently know... Is Mother indirectly leaking information to me again? Perhaps.

"Now is not the time to cultivate in peace." Wu Wang stood up, picked up the cushion beneath him, and smiled at Ling Xiaolan. "We'll continue to study this method later."

"Alright," Ling Xiaolan said, "then it's settled."

"Settled. And I must thank you for this, Fairy Immortal." Wu Wang cupped his hands in a bow. Ling Xiaolan nodded in acknowledgment, glanced at the others nearby, and then floated behind a screen to meditate in mid-air.

Lin Suqing muttered, "Dual cultivation… Can it really be done so legitimately?"

Immortal Mu snorted. You weren't so composed when you were panicking just now!

Perhaps feeling a bit awkward, Wu Wang murmured, "I wonder how Brother Ji's injuries are and if he can handle such scenes next. Let's go check on him."

With that, he slowly walked away, heading towards a more secluded cabin on the large ship.

Xiao Jian Daoist and the Grand Elder exchanged a smile, returned to their seats, and bent their heads to continue their chess game.

This match, however, was already destined to be Xiao Jian's victory.

「...」

When Wu Wang knocked on the door of Ji Mo and Le Yao's cabin, which was heavily protected by Formations, a voice called out from within, "Wait a moment!"

And so, he waited for a full quarter of an hour!

When the wooden cabin door finally slid open, Ji Mo flashed out, wiggling his eyebrows and winking at Wu Wang.

Wu Wang sized Ji Mo up from head to toe.

Could this fellow have deliberately drunk tea, taken a bath, and changed clothes multiple times in his room, dragging it out for a full quarter of an hour before finally emerging?

"Are your injuries healed?"

"COUGH, COUGH, COUGH!" Ji Mo immediately adopted an extremely feeble posture, lowered his head, coughed for a spell, and sighed, "My Dao foundation is damaged. Alas, my stamina is not what it used to be."

"Say that again!"

Wu Wang aimed a kick, and Ji Mo leaped aside. The two grown men then engaged in a playful scuffle under the gazes of the surrounding Immortal Soldiers.

Naturally, it was Ji Mo who took the hits, his pleas for mercy particularly loud.

Soon, they composed themselves. Wu Wang stood with his hands clasped behind his back, while Ji Mo did his best to maintain a frail appearance. They strolled along the edge of the great ship, speaking in hushed tones about the expedition.

Their discussion turned to the life-and-death arena.

According to the ancient customs of the Human Domain, sects like the Sun Demolition Sect and the Heaven Fire Sect would set up such an arena to settle past grievances. After this, the involved sects were forbidden from initiating conflict over prior disputes.

The Benevolent Emperor Pavilion would mediate, aiming to prevent bloodshed whenever possible. The party at fault or the one that had previously gained an advantage would offer some Spirit Stones and treasures to resolve the matter.

This method of handling grievances was considered quite sophisticated in the current Human Domain.

In Wu Wang's view, however, the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion was still too 'soft' and had failed to properly implement the 'laws' of the Human Domain.

This was related to the long-standing internal and external environment of the Human Domain. Without unity, they could be annihilated by the Heaven Palace. Furthermore, the older generation completely suppressed the younger, so it was understandable that there were deficiencies in this aspect of the system.

Ji Mo said, "I'm still a bit worried."

"Worried about what?"

"About Qiong Qi and the Ten Evils Hall." Ji Mo coughed twice, taking out a folding fan to tap his palm. "I just have a feeling that things won't go so smoothly this time."

Wu Wang replied, "I refuse to believe the Ten Evils Hall wasn't instigating these conflicts between the sects. Their methods may be sophisticated, but there are always traces to follow."

"I think so too." Ji Mo sighed with a smile. "Previously, I was in the thick of it and didn't perceive anything. But now that I think back, many things seem fishy. Flames that should have been suppressed somehow grew fiercer!"

"Regarding this life-and-death arena, Brother Ji, I must inform you of something in advance," Wu Wang said earnestly. "I've made some additional arrangements concerning this matter."

Ji Mo asked hurriedly, "Oh? What kind of arrangements?"

"It's a long story, so I'll try to be brief. Essentially, it's to lure out the Ten Evils Hall and eradicate their fourth main hall."

Wu Wang pondered for a moment, then transmitted his voice to Ji Mo, "The current situation in the Human Domain is deceptively calm on the surface, but turbulent underneath.

"Previously, because our Human Emperor's lifespan was nearing its end, the Human Domain was on high alert, and friction between various factions was at an all-time low.

"First, the Human Emperor successfully extended his lifespan. Then, at the Human Emperor's banquet, His Majesty declared his intention for a Northern Expedition. This was followed by the retreat of the Beast Tide, the Head Manager being severely wounded by His Majesty, and Central Mountain being rumored to have turned into a wasteland.

"The entire Human Domain seemed to collectively sigh in relief, but internal contradictions have been increasing daily.

"In recent years, conflicts between sects and personal feuds have multiplied. Some military families and sects in the border regions have secretly joined forces, already scheming for what happens a thousand years from now, after His Majesty the Human Emperor is gone… It's truly exasperating.

"In such an atmosphere, allowing the Ten Evils Hall to remain active poses a genuine hidden threat to the Human Domain."

Saying this, Wu Wang couldn't help but shake his head. The Northern Wilderness is still so much simpler and more direct.

Ji Mo frowned. "Has the situation truly become so dire?"

"The Human Domain isn't what it used to be," Wu Wang said with a smile. "The paths in the Human Domain are treacherous, and people's hearts are complex. If you're looking for simplicity, you still have to look to my homeland."

"Brother Wuwang, that's a wonderful verse."

"Let's be serious," Wu Wang said, observing Ji Mo's expression. "In this life-and-death arena, the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion will not directly mediate. They might allow the conflict between the two sides to escalate. I can only guarantee that there will be no innocent casualties resulting from the arena itself…"

"Brother Wuwang, I believe you're mistaken there." Ji Mo used his fan to scratch his back, speaking nonchalantly, "Casualties are quite normal. Even if it means I have to take risks, it doesn't matter… Brother Wuwang?"

"Hmm?"

"The bigger picture is what matters. One must be ruthless when necessary." Ji Mo's expression turned quite serious as he stated firmly, "If a course of action can reliably save the lives of ninety percent of the people, even if it requires sacrificing the other ten percent, then those in power within the Human Domain must act accordingly."

Wu Wang, however, said, "Such words are somewhat inappropriate."

"There's nothing inappropriate about them," Ji Mo said softly. "The Human Domain exists today because of the sacrifices of our predecessors. Sometimes, sacrifices are inevitable; choices must be made."

Wu Wang countered, "No one *should* be sacrificed. No individual's life should be weighed against another's."

Ji Mo shook his head, correcting him, "When you and I hold the power to decide the fate of a group, an individual's life *can* be weighed."

Wu Wang retorted, "That's merely an excuse for one's own lack of ability. If a war demands sacrifice, then the opportunity for sacrifice should be equal for all."

"But Brother Wuwang, who possesses the ability to prevent such situations entirely? Who can guarantee they will always be at the apex of strategic planning? If a small risk can yield a great reward, then soldiers should be pushed forward. In reality, not even His Majesty the Human Emperor can guarantee a perfect victory every time. The order of this world was established by the Heaven Palace. We in the Human Domain are merely struggling for survival under the oppression of that order."

Ji Mo tilted his head back slightly, a bitter smile on his face. "The principle of making sacrifices that I mentioned was taught to me by my grandmother. Whenever a sacrifice was needed, my Ji Family ancestors would step forward without hesitation, always leading the charge. Because of this, my Ji Family is now left with only a single male heir."

"What I said was indeed too idealistic." Wu Wang raised his hand and patted Ji Mo's shoulder. "Don't feel too much pressure. The Human Domain is currently facing both crises and opportunities. Who can predict how the situation will unfold?"

"Brother Wuwang, what I mean to say is…" Ji Mo sighed. "I will have no objection if the Sun Demon Sect suffers casualties, and Yao'er will understand as well. As long as it's for the good of the Human Domain, Brother Wuwang, you may act as you see fit."

"Mm, I will."

The two had unknowingly walked to the bow of the ship. Wu Wang leaned against the railing, gazing into the distance, a sharp glint in his eyes.

"If I can lure out the Ten Evils Hall this time, I will not let them escape."

Ji Mo nodded with a smile, joining Wu Wang in looking out from the railing.

Regrettably, due to a series of unexpected events, including Qiong Qi's sudden attack and control, Yang Wudi was now unable to monitor the Ten Evils Hall's movements.

But Wu Wang had a persistent feeling that this trip would yield significant results.

Ji Mo transmitted his voice again, "Brother Wuwang, I received a message from my father-in-law earlier. The number of cultivators coming to observe this time has somewhat exceeded expectations."

"I had the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion secretly invite many experts from both the Immortal and Demonic paths," Wu Wang explained. "This will make it difficult for the Heaven Fire Sect and the Sun Demolition Sect to back down without losing face, inevitably increasing the likelihood of conflict between them. But there's no other way. If the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion presides and mediates, and the two sides shake hands and make peace, the Ten Evils Hall won't be given a chance to act, and they probably wouldn't fall into the trap."

Ji Mo pondered for a few moments, then said, "In that case, I'll have my father-in-law's side cooperate."

"There's no need for deliberate cooperation."

A Crystal Ball appeared in Wu Wang's hand, and he pushed it into Ji Mo's.

"Carry this on you. After you return, meet with more people from the Sun Demon Sect. I'll use this to see if there's anything unusual about their Divine Souls."

"Alright." Ji Mo tucked the Crystal Ball into his sleeve. "Can it be placed in a Storage magic treasure?"

Wu Wang laughed. "Can't you just have Le Yao make you a small pouch for it?"

"She doesn't know the first thing about needlework," Ji Mo chuckled. "Nowadays, I'm the one who embroiders her bellybands."

...

"Brother Ji, lean closer."

"What is it… Hey, Brother Wuwang, why are you cursing? Honestly! We are both cultured individuals; how can we use such crude language?"

"HAHAHA! That felt good!"

Watching Wu Wang throw his head back and laugh, Ji Mo was momentarily speechless.

After a while, Ji Mo asked again, "Why isn't Lin Qi here? That fellow is usually inseparable from you, Brother Wuwang. With such an exciting event today, how come he's nowhere to be seen?"

Wu Wang smiled leisurely and mumbled sagely, "Heaven's secrets... are not to be bared."

「...」

Hundreds of multi-decked ships and Flying Shuttles traversing the heavens and earth would certainly attract considerable attention.

The Benevolent Emperor Pavilion's personnel were usually dispersed throughout the Human Domain and rarely orchestrated such grand displays. Moreover, Wu Wang had also dispatched people to deliberately spread news of the 'life-and-death arena' everywhere. Wherever this fleet passed, rumors inevitably swirled and discussions abounded. In the eyes of many cultivators, the long-standing grievances between the Sun Demolition Sect and the Heaven Fire Sect would finally be settled in the coming days.

The location chosen for this life-and-death arena was near the Sun Demolition Sect's mountain gate. Though termed 'near,' it was actually over a thousand miles away, a distance intended to reassure the Heaven Fire Sect. This location was in the center of a thousand-mile plain, with a large river flowing through it. There were no strategically advantageous terrains, nor did any ley lines run beneath the ground. The surroundings consisted of large mundane cities and only a few small Cultivation Sects.

The Sun Demolition Sect had dispatched hundreds of cultivators who had toiled here for a long time to set up a simple venue, all under the constant supervision of experts from the Heaven Fire Sect.

By the time the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion's contingent set off, this place was already teeming with people. Human Domain cultivators, whether invited or having heard the news, numbered over a hundred thousand. The mundane cities nearby were overflowing, even sparking a wave of 'disciple recruitment fever.'

On the day of the life-and-death arena, Immortals congregated within the venue.

Most of the Sun Demon Sect's experts had arrived. Heavenly Immortals filled several rows of tables and chairs, and True Immortals were even more numerous.

The Heaven Fire Sect, along with the dozen or so Immortal Sects that had previously allied with them against the Sun Demon Sect, had all brought their top experts to avoid appearing weak.

After all, the Sun Demon Sect was a colossal sect ranked sixth on the Demon Path. The Heaven Fire Sect, not even in the top ten of the Immortal Dao, could only barely maintain a balance of power with the addition of these dozen or so 'followers.'

However, as soon as the Sun Demon Sect's five Transcendent Realm experts appeared, they completely overwhelmed the Heaven Fire Sect's side—which had only two such experts—in terms of sheer presence. Four of these seven Transcendent Realm experts had rushed over from the Northern Region. They, who fought side-by-side against external foes, now had to lend their support for their respective sects.

Previously, due to the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion's mediation, more than half of the dozen or so Immortal Sects allied with the Heaven Fire Sect had announced their withdrawal from this dispute. But upon hearing that the Sun Demon Sect had prepared a large cache of treasures this time to 'settle matters,' these Immortal Sects jumped back in, firmly standing behind the Heaven Fire Sect once more!

None were affluent.

The two factions stood apart, the air palpably tense.

The younger cultivators were the most restless, their magic treasures constantly radiating Immortal Light. The older generation of experts, their eyes thoughtful, each projected their imposing auras.

After a stalemate that lasted half a day, someone suddenly shouted, "The Benevolent Emperor Pavilion has arrived!"

Countless gazes, Immortal Consciousnesses, and Spiritual Senses focused on the sky above, and exclamations of admiration rose one after another.

"What an impressive lineup!"

"It looks like the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion is going to suppress this matter completely, aren't they?"

"Ji Mo, the Sun Demon Sect's son-in-law, is very close to the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion. The Ji Family has pressured the Pavilion on their behalf many times. This time, the Heaven Fire Sect is bound to lose out!"

"Not necessarily! We're also here as witnesses. If the Immortal Dao is suppressed, they'll have to ask if we agree!"

"Exactly! The Benevolent Emperor Pavilion's stance must not be biased."

Groups of cultivators discussed amongst themselves, the scene truly spectacular. The resulting cacophony of voices was so intense that many cultivators with lower cultivation levels, who had not yet achieved immortality, felt their ears ringing.

The Benevolent Emperor Pavilion's fleet of flying magic treasures hovered directly above the venue, from which endless streams of Liu Guang emerged. Immortal Soldiers formed neat ranks, circling once above the assembled cultivators.

On the rooftop of the central multi-decked ship, Wu Wang sat in a wooden chair. He wore a white robe and a black cloak, his expression somewhat cold, his eyes slightly weary as he gazed down at the dense crowd on the ground.

Behind Wu Wang stood Immortal Mu and Ling Xiaolan, one to his left and one to his right.

In front of him, four Transcendent Realm experts and dozens of Benevolent Emperor Pavilion experts were arrayed on either side.

Xiao Jian Daoist cupped his hands and said, "Wuwang Palace Lord, we have arrived at the designated location."

"Hmm." Wu Wang raised his left hand, and Lin Suqing brought tea from the side.

He leisurely moistened his throat and walked to the railing of the rooftop pavilion. His simply tied long hair draped over his cloak. His gaze sharpened, and an aura of majesty, not originating from any Dao Realm, emanated from him.

"Enter the venue."

Dozens of experts followed from behind, while Immortal Soldiers had already unfurled a Cloud Path ahead for Wu Wang and his entourage to proceed through the air.

Ji Mo, hiding in a corner as it was inconvenient for him to appear at this moment, was deeply impressed by the sight. He transmitted his voice to his wife beside him in admiration, "Brother Wuwang is becoming more and more impressive. The title of Palace Lord truly suits him."

Le Yao, however, gazed at Ji Mo with eyes full of tenderness, whispering softly, "My husband is the most outstanding."

...

Tsk, winning big time.

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