「Human Domain, Northwest.」

Rows of Immortal Soldiers camped, their banners cluttering the sky; the Great Dao pulsed, and Transcendents gathered among the clouds.

Divine Spirits gathered outside the long wall, while Human Immortals lay in wait in the mountains and forests.

Thickets, mountain streams, valleys, plains, cottages... figure after figure either stood facing north in silence or sat cross-legged in meditation. Their breaths interconnected, solidifying their bodies and the Dao into a second wall of iron that fortified the Human Domain.

The great battle was on the brink of erupting.

This time, in the conflict against the Heaven Palace, the central battlefield was the very grounds that Lin Nuhao, the rebel, now staunchly defended.

Betraying the Human Domain, defecting to the Heaven Palace—regardless of the reasons, or whether Evil Gods were to blame—the entirety of the Human Domain was infuriated with Lin Nuhao.

But at that moment, slightly away from the battlefield in a valley sealed by a large formation, a group of the finest experts from the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion gathered. Numerous Vice Pavilion Masters and Elders from the pavilion were seated in several rows amid the crowd.

They should have been discussing how to set up for the grand battle, but at present, most of them wore somewhat odd expressions.

Just moments before, right here, that middle-aged Dao practitioner, on whom the Elders had placed high hopes ever since his breakthrough in his Sword Dao, had cursed them vehemently, his hair unkempt and Longsword unsheathed:

"In such a clear heaven and earth, why do so many demons and ghosts exist!"

"The sky is clear, the earth is bright; where do these corrupt and petty ways come from!"

"Do you truly still possess the spirit to draw swords against the Divine Spirits? I see that all of your spirit has gone into suppressing the bright and promising!"

Then, Xiao Jian was subdued and taken to the rear to be detained.

Liu Baiyi sat in the main seat, lightly blowing on a cup of tea, with no discernible emotion showing.

An Elder softly said from the side, "Master Liu, Xiao Jian is just a bit too upright. His anger stems from his close relationship with Wuwang Palace Lord on regular days."

Another person spoke in a gentle voice, "We all know that Wuwang Palace Lord would not stoop to the same level as Lin Nuhao, but Wuwang Palace Lord's closeness to Lin Qi is too conspicuous. It would be best for Wuwang Palace Lord to avoid suspicion in this matter."

"Indeed, we Elders are here to confront the Heaven Palace and exterminate the traitors. It is our old bones that shall fight, that shall strive. Wuwang Palace Lord is deeply trusted by His Majesty and you, Master Liu. The future era will belong to these young people, after all."

"AHEM."

Liu Baiyi smiled, "Where were we? Does anyone have any good strategies? Speak now while the battle has yet to commence; let's have a discussion, shall we?"

The crowd pondered individually; soon enough, one person began to speak.

They talked of troop deployments, of military strategies and tactics.

It was a battle of expertise, with the advantages of geography and unity.

The atmosphere gradually livened up, but there were still some faces, not too aged, appearing somewhat gloomy.

Among them were many who had participated in the battle in the Southeastern Region.

Before long, someone couldn't resist speaking out:

"Why not invite Wuwang Palace Lord here?"

"The last surprise attack on the city above the clouds in the Southeastern Region—why did we win so easily, even taking down three Innate Gods including the Storm God? The sacrifices of the esteemed Elders are certainly the most crucial, but it's also because Wuwang Palace Lord prepared a detailed plan."

"In the past, it was rare for us to spread the battlefield outside of the Human Domain, and even rarer to have such detailed plans, down to the precise moment of each action after the conflict started."

"Yes, what we are doing now is what we have always done. But what we can do is no longer merely what we could only do in the past!"

"Perhaps Wuwang Palace Lord has some good ideas."

"Enough!"

A middle-aged man spoke up, "My lords, as you all said, Wuwang Palace Lord should avoid suspicion for this. Doesn't everyone know that Lin Qi is his disciple! Without Wuwang Palace Lord, are you at a loss on how to battle the Divine Spirits?"

The others, who had been about to speak, could only remain silent.

Master Liu smiled, "Inviting Wuwang Palace Lord to share some ideas isn't a bad thing, after all. Wuwang Palace Lord is someone I absolutely trust. He is a close friend to His Majesty despite the age gap, uniquely insightful about the Great Dao. In the previous battle above the clouds, his control over the grand situation was quite extraordinary."

"Young people have flexible ideas, which is a precious asset for our Human Domain. After all, eventually, this world will be handed over to them."

Upon hearing this, many of the old-timers on either side who would have spoken up fell silent. Though the Pavilion Master's words seemed gentle, they were definitive on the matter.

Liu Baiyi said, "Since none of you object, let's send a few Transcendents skilled in the Dao of Heaven and Earth from the Annihilation Sect to bring Wuwang Palace Lord here."

A Vice Pavilion Master surnamed Wang pondered for a moment, then promptly smiled, "Master Liu, I have already sent someone to invite Wuwang Palace Lord."

"Oh?"

Liu Baiyi's brow furrowed, his gaze sharpening as he calmly said, "Old Wang, some things are to be done, others are not. You've held this position for quite some time; you should understand. Sometimes, don't think too much; just keeping the Human Domain in your heart is enough."

Vice Pavilion Master Wang said hurriedly, "Master Liu, your advice is well-received."

"HMM. Ask your people to be polite," Liu Baiyi said. "If Wu Wang doesn't want to come, don't force him."

"I will send the message right away..."

"There's no need."

A somewhat cold female voice suddenly rose within the grand formation.

The sky seemed to darken, the light walls of the grand formation were activated, and the valley was enveloped by the semi-circular barrier.

Above the light walls stood a figure, silent and motionless.

She wore a plain long dress that elegantly concealed her slender physique; her long hair was simply tied up, with a wooden hairpin slanting gracefully.

Her elongated phoenix eyes swept over those below, and the coldness at the corner of her mouth seemed mocking.

The Evil God, Mingshe.

Almost simultaneously, many of the hundreds of experts below invoked the Great Dao, and dozens subconsciously prepared to take to the sky.

But then, a high-ranking official from the Punishment Hall said, "Everyone, please refrain from taking action; this is Wuwang Palace Lord's newly acquired mount!"

The cultivators below all paused in unison, obviously recalling that Mingshe had previously been subdued by Wu Wangzi.

Someone asked, "Master Liu, should we deactivate the formation to let her in?"

"Then deactivate the formation."

Liu Baiyi spoke, and before his words were done echoing, Mingshe's figure flickered, and she was already below the formation barrier.

The rich aura of the Dao of Heaven and Earth rippled around her, making the Divine Souls of the slightly less cultivated Immortals feel uncomfortable.

With several light taps of her delicate hand, doors of Heaven and Earth slowly opened on both her sides, and through them, figures tumbled out like dumplings, smashing onto the central open ground of the valley.

Before long, a small hill had formed at Mingshe's feet.

Mingshe, stepping on high-heeled wooden clogs, though her bewitching figure was concealed by her thick dress, descended gracefully from mid-air, which stirred the imaginations of some innocent 'young men' even more.

Several old men, bound up like rice dumplings, tumbled out of the doors of Heaven and Earth, rolling down from the small hill and landing in a heap on the ground, yet rolled right in front of Liu Baiyi and several Vice Pavilion Masters.

Vice Pavilion Master Wang's face changed dramatically.

Mingshe's waist swayed as the cold smile on her lips grew chilling.

"The Human Domain... truly amusing indeed."

"What is the meaning of this, Evil God?"

An old man frowned and said, "The affairs of the Human Domain apparently do not require your interjections."

"Master Liu," Mingshe smiled seductively. "My master sends his regards and inquires if he may come here and participate in the discussions of the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion."

Liu Baiyi nodded and said solemnly, "Wu Wang is the Hall Master of the Punishment Hall, and the Punishment Hall belongs to the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion, so he may come at any time."

"Thank you, Master Liu."

Mingshe blinked slightly, and Liu Baiyi frowned for a moment.

Following that, she turned and walked a few steps away.

Perhaps it was due to the extreme arch of her foot, or because she was used to slithering with a snake's tail and not skilled in walking, but her stride seemed to hover above the ground, her waist swaying so mesmerizingly.

With a flick of her jade finger, a gateway opened out of thin air.

She backed away with her head lowered, her rebellious demeanor completely subdued, hands clasped behind her back.

The Evil God... it had to be this way.

Looking through the gate, Wu Wang strode forward with a knowing smile, a Blue Bird perched on his shoulder.

Behind him followed several figures, most of them young faces.

Ji Mo in blue, Le Yao in a green skirt, hand in hand, did not show less presence in front of the many esteemed seniors.

Ling Xiaolan, in a white dress like snow, held a Jade Flute, her face veiled with light gauze. Immortal Light shielded her from worldly impurities, and her bright eyes seemed to ripple the autumn waters.

The man draped in a cloak, Xing Tian, now wore an expression full of anger, looking somewhat intimidating.

Only after the insignificant crowd of onlookers, Yang Wudi and Mao Aowu, made their way out, did Elder Miao, arriving swiftly in a black gown, nearly steal the limelight from Ling Xiaolan.

Who wouldn't love a captivating and affectionate witch?

The Grand Elder and Xing Tian's teacher intentionally arrived last; after Lin Suqing, holding Immortal Mu, walked behind Wu Wang, the two Transcendents finally brought up the rear.

The gates of Heaven and Earth closed, and Mingshe now stood behind Wu Wang.

Ji Mo looked around and noticed the somewhat oppressive atmosphere, and with a smile, he said, "Brother Wuwang, there are truly a lot of esteemed seniors here."

"After all, this is the front line," Wu Wang replied with a smile. "I hope everyone had a good afternoon."

All around, numerous figures revealed smiles.

Regardless of whether these smiles were genuine or not, the atmosphere seemed quite amiable as they greeted Wu Wang with clasped hands, exchanging pleasantries.

Yet Wu Wang's hands remained clasped behind his back, not greeting others with a smiling face as usual.

The surrounding noises of conversation gradually quieted down.

At this moment, Wu Wang clasped his hands toward Liu Baiyi and said, "Master Liu, have I arrived a bit late?"

Liu Baiyi smiled without uttering a word, picked up his teacup, and simply lowered his head to drink tea.

Wu Wang felt he had a good grasp of the situation and turned to look at the several Vice Pavilion Masters nearby, as well as the Elders whose expressions weren't looking too good.

"I've heard that some here believe I'm colluding with the Lin Family to commit treason and want to charge me with the crime of plotting rebellion?"

The entire valley was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Wu Wang took a few steps forward, suddenly laughed, and added, "I've also heard that some think my relationship with Lin Qi is too close for comfort, and that at this moment I must recuse myself to avoid suspicion, resigning from the position of Wuwang Palace Lord."

A few Elders seemed like they wanted to speak but wisely chose to remain silent.

Wu Wang muttered to himself, "Who would have thought? I've dealt with a bunch of parasites from the Human Domain in the Four Seas Pavilion, and now in the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion, I have to face a pack of sanctimonious hypocrites. The words 'self-interest' truly are the driving force of living beings, as well as their flaw."

"Wuwang Palace Lord's words might be a bit too harsh," an old crone standing further back coldly said, "I can't bear the label of 'sanctimonious hypocrite'."

Some were even taking it personally.

Wu Wang glanced over with a smile and said, "Anxious to step forward and respond, Senior? Does this mean you're feeling guilty?"

"I!"

"I am the Hall Master of the Punishment Hall. In my presence, you should properly address yourself as 'your subordinate,' not 'this old woman'."

"You!"

The old crone gripped her wooden staff tightly and stated firmly, "Wuwang Palace Lord, if you're angry today, why not just let it all out, instead of being so aggressive? We're all here for the protection of the Human Domain!"

"I'm not angry, though," Wu Wang said with a smile, "I was merely in closed-door cultivation at the Annihilation Sect, contemplating how to kill the Head Manager, when I was suddenly disturbed by these people, saying they needed to bring me here."

"I had almost touched upon that realm, but my insight was abruptly severed."

"Senior, you should stop using the guise of righteousness to pressure me; anyone can speak with a mouth and utter a few words. Right, Vice Pavilion Master Wang Jian?"

The Vice Pavilion Master who was unexpectedly named stood up. This man looked ordinary, with a decently profound aura, yet he fell far short compared to Liu Baiyi.

Vice Pavilion Master Wang Jian replied with a smile, "Wuwang Palace Lord, you must be under some misunderstanding. I merely sent people to invite you here. Did they say anything offensive? If so, I apologize to you, Wuwang Palace Lord, on their behalf."

"As colleagues in the same pavilion and servants of the Human Domain, why don't we drop this matter and consider strategies for dealing with such a military situation?"

Wu Wang laughed, "Is Pavilion Master Wang beating around the bush, implying I'm making a mountain out of a molehill? If I had been taken away by them, who knows how things would have unfolded."

"By then, perhaps when I saw Pavilion Master Wang again, it would have been from behind the earthen walls of a dungeon."

"Wuwang Palace Lord," Wang Jian said, placing his hands behind his back and slightly frowning, while covertly observing Liu Baiyi's expression and feeling a bit uncertain inside.

However, at this moment, Wu Wang was continuously gaining momentum. His intention was crystal clear: he was preparing to challenge Wang Jian, and Wang Jian would not simply surrender without a fight.

Wang Jian said, "Our concerns are not unreasonable. We're all aware of the relationship between Wuwang Palace Lord and Lin Qi."

"We all trust Wuwang Palace Lord, but we can't stop the wagging tongues in the Human Domain."

"The Lin Family is plotting treason, and we wanted Wuwang Palace Lord to lay low for a while; this was also for Wuwang Palace Lord's own consideration."

Elder Miao sneered.

Lin Suqing muttered quietly, "This person is really good with words, huh? They slap you, intending to knock your teeth out, but when someone blocks that slap, they turn around and say those were bad teeth anyway, and it's for your own good. Young Master, they're so old, we can't out-argue them."

The face of Vice Pavilion Master Wang Jian darkened upon hearing that, and immediately a middle-aged man behind him chastised in a low voice, "And who might you be? How dare an unknown upstart speak out of turn in this place?"

Lin Suqing's face turned white, and Dongfang Mumu immediately stood in front of her with hands on her hips.

"Looking for trouble, are we? You don't even have Transcendent strength, yet you dare to show off in front of us!"

The man became furiously enraged, "You brat!"

Someone next to him whispered a reminder, "This is a disciple of the Four Seas Pavilion's Wind Pavilion Master and the granddaughter of the previous Pavilion Master. After her failed attempt at Transcending Tribulation, her personality greatly changed, and her strength is comparable to that of a newly ascended Transcendent."

The angry look on the man's face instantly transformed into a grin, "You do have a fetching appearance!"

Wu Wang, however, did not bother to look at that man but stared at the Vice Pavilion Master in front of him, chuckling, "Suqing is straightforward. If she's caused any offense, I hope the Vice Pavilion Master will be forgiving. But she's not wrong. Vice Pavilion Master, your way of wanting to appear righteous while doing contemptible deeds is indeed quite cunning."

Le Yao chuckled and asked Ji Mo, "Husband, what does 'wanting to appear righteous while doing contemptible deeds' mean?"

"Well," Ji Mo pondered aloud for a moment, "it probably means wanting this and that, appearing very lofty and noble, while secretly desiring everything."

"Wow," Le Yao admired, "worthy of a senior."

"Enough!" Wang Jian bellowed. "You juniors are spouting nonsense here! Where are the rules of the Human Domain? The proper etiquette! Is this how the Ji Family trains its Military Family?"

Wu Wang retorted, "What, toppling the Lin Family wasn't enough, and now you want to frame the Ji Family as well?"

Wang Jian immediately said, "I have no such intention to misinterpret. But Wuwang Palace Lord, both of us serve His Majesty. I hold a rank nominally higher than yours by one level. Aren't you being too aggressive towards me today, showing a bit too much of your edge?"

Wu Wang smiled and said, "Are we starting to talk about official ranks now?"

Wang Jian swung his long sleeves, declaring coldly, "What exactly does Wuwang Palace Lord wish to achieve? At a time when a great enemy is at our doorstep, I beseech Wuwang Palace Lord not to continue undermining our army's morale!"

Wu Wang's smile narrowed, and he said coldly, "I want you here, to bow, to apologize, to make amends."

At these words, Wang Jian grew furious.

An old man frowned and said, "Master Liu, Wuwang Palace Lord is being too impolite today!"

Liu Baiyi merely lowered his head and examined the porcelain cup in his hand as if he had lost all his senses.

An elderly woman stood up and scolded, "Wuwang Palace Lord, by what right do you demand a highly respected Vice Pavilion Master to bow and scrape before you?"

"Bow and scrape?" Xing Tian muttered from the side. "If someone makes a mistake, they apologize. How does that become bowing and scraping? This Vice Pavilion Master unjustifiably sent people to the Annihilation Sect to arrest someone; doesn't he need to apologize for that?"

Ji Mo said coldly, "This should be considered abuse of authority."

Le Yao said solemnly, "Husband, say no more. Behind Vice Pavilion Master Wang, there is the support of several major Sects and Military Families. We cannot afford to offend them."

The Immortal Light dazzled around Ling Xiaolan, who took a half step forward, stating coldly, "Elders, what grand authority you wield."

"The Ji Family, Xuan Nu Sect, Young Master of North Wilderness... HEH HEH HEH."

Wang Jian chuckled twice, his voice indifferent, "Indeed, these are powers I cannot afford to offend."

"Do you mean to suggest that today I could overpower you because I rely on the power of my friends?"

Wu Wang stepped forward calmly, Mingshe following closely behind him.

"Then I'll say a few more words," Wu Wang continued, "lest you remain unconvinced in your heart. Today, I make Vice Pavilion Master Wang lower his head because you've done wrong, because you've forsaken your conscience! It's because I faced the Heaven Palace directly, defeated Evil Gods three times, schemed against Strong Gods, and boosted the reputation of the Human Domain!"

"Is that enough?"

Wang Jian involuntarily took a half-step back, his expression somewhat strained.

Wu Wang's gaze was slightly cold, and he was not the slightest bit angry, his voice calm throughout.

"Not enough?"

Wu Wang tossed out a Jade Tag inscribed with a large "Punishment" character that floated in front of Wang Jian.

Wang Jian said softly, "Wuwang Palace Lord..."

"Still not enough?"

Wu Wang's mouth twitched slightly, and he clapped his hand to his chest, where a pale white flame suddenly flew out, turning into a fist-sized white jade seal amid the flames.

Yan Emperor's Command.

The Yan Emperor's Command, on the verge of its final transformation!

The essence of the Dao of Fire rippled from the seal, prompting figures who had been seated around to suddenly stand up, their gazes turning towards this place.

Even Liu Baiyi was startled for a moment, putting down his teacup to stand up and gaze intently at the seal in front of Wu Wang.

Wang Jian turned pale, stepping back a few paces and falling into his original seat.

Wu Wang continued in an unfluctuating voice, "With a formidable enemy right before us, there are those who plot for petty gains, only thinking about securing their own positions. Such people, how are they different from the likes of Lin Nuhao and his ilk?"

"I conspired with the Lin Family to rebel? I need to avoid suspicion for this matter?"

"Vice Pavilion Master Wang, stand up, bow, apologize."

Wang Jian trembled slightly and, spurred by several sharp whispers, reluctantly stood up, momentarily forgetting how to perform the ritual bow.

Wu Wang's mind was continuously pondering; at this moment, he had to secure the right to speak within his camp, so as to naturally influence the development of the situation that was to follow.

Whether his Yan Emperor's Command was exposed or not no longer held great significance.

—Because of the Tianyan Saintess Ling Xiaolan and previous rumors including the Little Golden Dragon, Wu Wang had already been identified as a highly probable successor to the Human Emperor.

Today, by bringing out the Command willingly, he was essentially acknowledging this identity officially.

As for whether he would take on the throne later, that was a separate matter.

The people behind him either smiled or appeared enlightened but were not too surprised, except Xing Tian, who looked a little puzzled and glanced down at his own chest.

His Yan Emperor's Command... why is it just a wooden tag?

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