This Human Immortal Is Too Serious-Chapter 340 - 338: To Hell with the Heavenly Emperor! [Medium Cup]
Truthfully, Wu Wang had begun to suspect that his brother Yun Zhongjun had some hidden faction backing him. How else could this guy wield so much power? When it came to plotting, he plotted; when it came to making arrangements, he did so effortlessly. He'd go out for over half a month, and with a snap of his fingers, BAM, everything was settled!
Although Wu Wang didn't want to inquire too much out of trust for Yun Zhongjun, as the one directly involved, he still asked in a roundabout and tactful manner, "How did you arrange it?"
"Simple," Yun Zhongjun said nonchalantly, sitting beside Wu Wang and gazing up at the gaps between the yellowing leaves of the tree canopy. "The only difficulty is that we'll need Lady Cang Xue and Chief Xiong Han to cooperate later. After that, you just give the Star God's Dao a little nudge, and everything should fall into place."
Wu Wang felt completely lost, as if enveloped in a fog.
All this time, his Chieftain father had stayed out of the great strife of the world. Often, Xiong Han had entrusted the tribe's authority to Wu Wang. Wu Wang, whose influence had already surpassed that of his own tribe, covertly controlled the entire Northern Wilderness through the Star God Cult. Most of the time, the pressure that Xiong Han might have faced in the past was shouldered by Wu Wang.
So why involve him this time...?
"What's the detailed layout?" Wu Wang asked earnestly. "Bro, the more you say, the more this whole thing sounds sketchy to me."
Yun Zhongjun simply waved his hand grandly. "Just wait and see. I guarantee you won't be cursed by the Human Domain. If anything, you might even attract a large number of followers."
Wu Wang raised an eyebrow. He was certain there was a catch.
And sure enough, when Yun Zhongjun asked when Wu Wang planned to set off, Wu Wang said he could at any time. Yun Zhongjun nodded and, right there beside Wu Wang, slipped into a dream.
Wu Wang distinctly felt the vibration of the Sleep God's path of slumber. This Dao spread throughout Heaven and Earth, inducing sleep in more than half the city's inhabitants before swiftly returning to calm.
After that, a series of 'minor' incidents began to occur both within and outside of the Human Domain.
And Wu Wang's two merciless iron hands, once metaphorically planted on Yun Zhongjun's throat, never let go.
Yun Zhongjun had completely learned the tactics Heaven Palace once used to deal with the Human Domain! Not only had he learned them, but he had also surpassed his teachers, continuously adding his own twists...
First, rumors surfaced in various tribes of the Eastern Wilderness, claiming, "The Human Domain's Wu Wangzi is the son of the Heavenly Emperor and has done many things to reclaim the Dao of Fire."
At first, this rumor seemed intriguing. Upon closer inspection, it even seemed plausible. But upon serious scrutiny, it was riddled with holes.
According to Yun Zhongjun, "The truth doesn't matter. What's important is that this issue can tug at people's heartstrings, aligning with the slightly dark expectations and speculations many harbor. That alone is enough to spawn rumors."
Soon, this strange rumor began to circulate within the Human Domain and Central Mountain. Many masters among the Hundred Races spoke of it with such conviction, it was as if they had 'seen' the evidence themselves.
In just a few days, the matter reached Yang Valley. The Divine Guards of Yang Valley began discussing it, and many minor deities who held nominal positions in Heaven Palace but lived in Yang Valley also joined the discussion.
Inside and outside the Human Domain, attitudes towards this matter were entirely different.
Human Domain cultivators scoffed at such rumors and cursed loudly.
"They can fool us once, maybe twice, but not a third time! Do those in Heaven Palace really think we're fools?"
"The same trick won't work a second—ACHOO, a third time in the Human Domain!"
"I support Wu Wangzi becoming the next Human Emperor!"
But in Central Mountain, the Eastern Wilderness, the Western Wilderness, and the Northern Wilderness, such news spread like wildfire.
Initially, Heaven Palace didn't really care.
The Heavenly Emperor had so many illegitimate children... With countless rumors flying around every year, people just listened for amusement, and nothing ever came of them. How could this be any different?
If Wu Wangzi really were the illegitimate son of the Heavenly Emperor, and if he had gone to the Human Domain to reclaim the Dao of Fire, then collaborated step-by-step with the Heavenly Emperor to reach his current position in the Human Domain, then Heaven Palace would undoubtedly have marked Wu Wangzi for death. This would have been to dispel the Human Domain's concerns about Wu Wangzi.
The position of Fourth Auxiliary God and the authority of the God of Spring, bestowed upon Wu Wangzi by the Heavenly Emperor, seemed like a clear ploy to sow discord between Wu Wangzi and Shen Nong.
Therefore, initially, the deities of Heaven Palace merely listened for entertainment.
But Yun Zhongjun's arrangements were clearly not limited to that.
For three consecutive days, unusual phenomena appeared in the starry sky of the Great Wilderness.
The first night, when the sky should have been clear with few stars, the heavens were instead showered with starlight so bright it momentarily outshone the moon.
During the second night, meteors streaked across the sky, but they fell erratically.
By the third night, things escalated. The projection of the Star God appeared in the northern sky, her expression tinged with annoyance as she looked down upon Heaven Palace.
In the deepest temple of Heaven Palace, Emperor Shun sat beside an exquisitely luxurious couch. Behind him, beauties with jade-like bodies lay in slumber. He, however, had donned his robe and was pondering by the bedside.
"Your Majesty, what troubles you?"
"The Star God, or rather, the Ice God, has been expressing her discontent these past few days."
Emperor Shun responded softly, "Rest awhile. I shall attend to this matter."
Xihe yawned and turned over to sleep. Even for an Innate God, such prolonged pleasure was quite draining.
Emperor Shun walked to a Divine Platform, where several threads of light appeared before him. He reached out, lightly twisting them. As they scattered, emitting halos of various colors, he gained an understanding of the situation.
"To think such groundless rumors could disturb her spiritual mind?" Emperor Shun chuckled softly as several silhouettes materialized before him.
At the forefront was the figure of Cang Xue. She wore an ice-blue gown, as if carved from a block of mystical ice. Her countenance was slightly different from her current appearance; it was colder and even more dazzling.
Below were three other apparitions: a gentle-faced old man—the Water God; a youth in leather armor and a short cloak—Wu Wangzi; and the Star God, a gaping wound visible in her abdomen.
Emperor Shun's finger glided gently, merging the silhouette of the Star God with that of the Ice God, which the latter subsequently absorbed. The Water God was drawn up to stand beside Cang Xue, while a new figure appeared beside Wu Wangzi: Xiong Han.
"It seems Cang Xue does hold this mortal in high esteem," Emperor Shun mused, standing with his hands clasped behind his back, lost in thought.
「Two days later.」
In a newly established market in the southern part of the Bear Hug Tribe's territory in the Northern Wilderness, Xiong Han, the tribe's leader, stood in deep thought before a tavern after hearing such rumors.
Xiong Han's brows furrowed. He suddenly recalled the dreams he had been having frequently and the 'little note from his wife' that had descended from Big Snow Mountain.
Shortly after, Xiong Han seemed to have made up his mind. He stomped his foot, ground his teeth, turned, and bellowed, "Spread the word throughout the entire Northern Wilderness! Those tribes that respect me, Xiong Han, post this notice everywhere—Ba'er is my own son! To hell with the Heavenly Emperor!"
...
Within just a couple of days, notices were posted all over the territories and marketplaces of the Northern Wilderness. They were all written in the script of the Human Domain, and their content was roughly the same:
[Chieftain Xiong Han decrees: Ba'er is my own son, and to hell with the Heavenly Emperor!]
As the message disseminated, inevitable distortions occurred. By the time news reached Central Mountain, the first fifteen words had been lost.
Originally, the Northern Wilderness was the domain of the Star God. According to the pacts among gods made after the ancient War of the Gods, no Innate God was to set foot in the Northern Wilderness. Heaven Palace, hearing such news, simply turned a blind eye.
However, a few minor deities with particularly strong loyalty to Heaven Palace learned of the incident. Feeling indignant and finding it hard to swallow their discontent, they publicly reported the Bear Hug Tribe's lack of respect for Heaven Palace to the Head Manager. They spoke very loudly.
The Head Manager's face was stern. He immediately summoned the gods who were not in slumber, declaring that the Bear Hug Tribe of the Northern Wilderness must be punished.
Everyone in Heaven Palace remained silent.
The Earth God commented that the Northern Wilderness belonged to the Star God, who had been recuperating for many years and had previously warned Heaven Palace not to interfere lightly with the Northern Wilderness.
Yet the Head Manager's mind was set. He began to mobilize troops, preparing to dispatch an elite force to hold the Bear Hug Tribe accountable in the Northern Wilderness.
But what left the Head Manager somewhat embarrassed was that there was no commander for this expedition. The strong gods of Heaven Palace either feigned illness or continued their slumber. If not for the fact that Innate Gods do not need to cultivate, surely some deity would have played the 'in retreat' card.
Seeking the Gold God in secret, the Head Manager found the Gold God Temple's doors tightly shut, with a sign outside declaring: [Severely Injured and Not Yet Recovered].
The deterrent power of the Star God was evident.
The Human Domain quickly caught wind of this. A great number of powerful experts headed straight to the Western Wilderness, where they built two large teleportation arrays, ready to rush to the aid of the Northern Wilderness at a moment's notice.
The Northern Wilderness was not just Wu Wangzi's hometown; it was also the Human Domain's largest current source of treasure mines, Beast Cores, and essential herbs for cultivation.
Upon hearing that Heaven Palace intended to send troops to attack the Northern Wilderness, the various tribes there became incredibly excited. The bellicose blood flowing in their veins was instantly ignited by this flame.
Priests of the Star God Cult rushed about everywhere. Countless valiant warriors of the Star God hastened towards the southern shores of the Northern Wilderness under the cover of starlight. Adherents of the Seven Day Ritual appeared in various places, shouting to exterminate the invaders. The elite warriors of the Big Wave Tribe rushed out, reaching the coastline even before the Bear Hug Tribe, a group of burly men brandishing their Wolf Fang Clubs and howling loudly.
Countless beings loudly invoked the Star God's protection. An immeasurable amount of faith power poured into the starry sky, nourishing the divine body of the Star God.
After Wu Wang had gained complete control over the Star God's divine body and accepted the Star God's Dao, the wound on the Star God's abdomen had started to heal at an accelerated pace. And now, with the beings of the Northern Wilderness stirred into a frenzy, the resulting surge in faith power and the explosive increase in prayers to the Star God meant that faith power poured in endlessly, at an almost insane rate.
Wu Wang unexpectedly discovered: Mobilizing believers to participate in war is the most efficient way to harvest faith power.
Of course, these were all trivial matters. Wu Wang would not go so far as to cultivate Divine Spirits in the Human Domain through insidious means, akin to nurturing parasites, just to gather faith power to become a god.
Currently, Wu Wang was sitting behind the desk in the Sect Master's cave dwelling within the Annihilation Sect. He looked at the group before him—which included people like Xiao Jian Daoist and Ji Mo, men and women, old and young—all the while contemplating deeply.
How could he properly explain to them that the Northern Wilderness didn't need their support? He certainly couldn't tell them that this whole affair was orchestrated by Yun Zhongjun and himself, merely to create a plausible reason for Wu Wang to enter Heaven Palace.
"I appreciate everyone's good intentions," Wu Wang said, standing up and performing a Daoist salute, his eyes filled with a hint of emotion.
He smiled. "However, the current crisis in the Northern Wilderness has no connection to the Human Domain. If the Human Domain sends aid, the battlefront will be stretched too far. If too many experts go to support the Northern Wilderness, Heaven Palace will take advantage of the vacuum to move south, leaving the Human Domain vulnerable on two fronts. Heaven Palace wants to punish our Bear Hug Tribe, and naturally, our tribe is unwilling to accept it. I implore everyone to leave this matter for the sons and daughters of the Bear Hug Tribe to resolve themselves. I will be heading to the Northern Wilderness tonight."
The crowd seemed hesitant, words on the tips of their tongues.
But Xiao Jian Daoist, already sensing a deeper meaning in Wu Wang's words, promptly said, "I believe Wu Wang is right. Heaven Palace currently claims they want to punish the Northern Wilderness's Bear Hug Tribe and hold its Clan Leader accountable for insulting the Heavenly Emperor. The term 'punish' is quite deliberate. It likely means that if the Bear Hug Tribe publicly admits fault, Heaven Palace will not pursue the matter further. It's purely to save face for Heaven Palace. If we intervene, things will become exceedingly complicated, effectively pushing the Bear Hug Tribe into a fiery pit."
Xiao Jian Daoist paused, noticing the smile at the corner of Wu Wang's lips, and continued, "Heaven Palace is probably the most anxious party right now. They must maintain the Heavenly Emperor's dignity but dare not provoke the Northern Wilderness's Star God. Moreover, with the Northern Wilderness beings' fighting spirit so high, they cannot commit too many forces there. In my opinion, we only need to deploy our forces prominently along the Northern Region to provide sufficient deterrence to Heaven Palace."
Everyone reflected on his words and found his reasoning sound.
Ji Mo also chimed in with a few words, supporting Xiao Jian Daoist's points.
Soon, the representatives of the various forces, who had come upon hearing the news, paid their respects to Wu Wang and took their leave one after another. Wu Wang personally saw them out of the Annihilation Sect's main gate, watching as they departed.
Once the outsiders had left, Wu Wang closed the cave dwelling's gate and invited his trusted friends and family to sit together.
Ling Xiaolan had arrived at the Annihilation Sect early that morning. However, not wanting to pressure Wu Wang, she hadn't inquired about the Northern Wilderness matter and had just stayed in her own quarters. Now, Ling Xiaolan was seated to Wu Wang's right, with Jingwei on his left. To Ling Xiaolan's right, Lin Suqing, Immortal Mu, Xiao Jian Daoist, and Ji Mo each sat on a meditation cushion, all in a formal meditative posture. To Jingwei's left, Miao Cuijiao, the Grand Elder, and Yang Wudi were seated in order. One cushion remained empty, reserved for Lin Qi. After Lin Qi went to the Southeastern Region, he had distanced himself from the Human Domain's core circle, but Wu Wang certainly wouldn't forget this half-disciple of his.
Once everyone was seated, Yun Zhongjun's figure slowly materialized. He took a seat behind a nearby desk, leisurely observing the situation.
"I must leave the Human Domain for some time," Wu Wang began, his expression grave. "Today, here, every word I speak, I ask you all to take to heart. If anyone lacks confidence in their ability to keep a secret, you may ask Brother Sleep God to seal your memories of tonight. The seal can be undone when the time is ripe."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
Lin Suqing and Immortal Mu simultaneously raised their hands, indicating they wished for his help in sealing their memories afterward.
Yun Zhongjun agreed with a smile, casually picked up a book, and began to read it with an amused expression.
Wu Wang said, "Next, I have many things to do. During my absence from the Human Domain, voices of doubt may arise everywhere. Pay them no mind, and do not worry. My stance and convictions will not change in the slightest. You should all be aware of what happened with Emperor Fuxi. When Emperor Fuxi had the chance to fight Emperor Shun to the death, he instead chose to sacrifice himself to bestow humanity upon Emperor Shun. What I must do now is inherit Emperor Fuxi's will and ensure that his efforts were not in vain."
The group was perplexed.
Ji Mo asked, "Brother Wuwang, what exactly are you planning to do?"
"I am going to Heaven Palace to seek a path that will allow living beings to rise smoothly, without destroying the Heaven and Earth Seal or releasing the Candle Dragon. In simple terms, I am going to observe and experience things within Heaven Palace."
Wu Wang stated earnestly, "I intend to do as Emperor Fuxi did: to improve the order of Heaven and Earth, to reform the cosmic system."
Everyone fell silent.
Dongfang Mumu pursed her lips and said softly, "Then surely many people will curse you…"
"That's unimportant." Wu Wang smiled. "If I coveted such empty fame, I could easily win thunderous applause, but applause won't help the Human Domain."
Ling Xiaolan pondered for a moment, seeming to hesitate with unspoken words.
Jingwei, however, whispered, "What if Heaven Palace makes a move against you? That place is a dragon's lair and a tiger's den. Aren't you just walking right into their trap…?"
"I am confident I can go and return unscathed." Wu Wang looked down at Jingwei. She met his gaze for a moment, then nodded gently.
She didn't speak of the dangers of Heaven Palace, nor of the treachery of the Innate Gods. She didn't even ask what his confidence was based on or where such assurance came from.
Jingwei merely said softly, "Then, I will transform into a Blue Bird and accompany you. That way, we can look out for each other."
Wu Wang considered this carefully, then shook his head slightly, saying earnestly, "This journey to Heaven Palace is like walking a narrow bridge suspended high in the air. I am confident I can retreat safely on my own."
A hint of disappointment flickered across Jingwei's small face, but she smiled. "I don't want to be a burden to you. In that case, I'll just wait for you here."
"Sect Master," the Grand Elder, who had been silent for a while, couldn't help but speak up. "I feel this decision is still somewhat reckless. The hopes of the Human Domain rest on you. If Heaven Palace detains you, wouldn't the Human Domain lose a…"
"Grand Elder, you are mistaken there." Wu Wang smiled, his gaze sweeping over everyone. He said, "The Human Domain can manage without me. Besides, mine isn't the only Yan Emperor's token."
As he spoke, Wu Wang drew the Yan Emperor's token from his chest and placed it in Jingwei's hand. "Keep this safe for me. Taking this item to Heaven Palace would invite great disaster."
Jingwei nodded in agreement, pressing the Yan Emperor's token to her chest. Above her collarbone, as delicate as a budding flower, a fiery lotus bloomed.
Wu Wang smiled. "Next, Brother Sleep God will keep you all informed of my situation in a timely manner. The Whistling Serpent will also remain in the Annihilation Sect to guard the safety of this cave dwelling. There are a few things I need to instruct you on. Sect Master Miao."
Miao Cuijiao grumbled, "Sect Master, please don't call me that. It always feels a bit uncomfortable."
"You are in charge of the Refining Master Alliance. This alliance is already showing results, but it has even more potential," Wu Wang said solemnly. "You must remember, we need innovation and reform, not just refinement and splendor."
"Yes," Miao Cuijiao stood up to accept the order. "I understand."
"Please, sit down."
Wu Wang looked towards Yang Wudi and said seriously, "Continue to use your strengths to hunt for Heaven Palace spies within the Human Domain. And spend more time with Brother Xiao Jian Daoist later on." 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞
"Alright, sure," Yang Wudi nodded, then couldn't help muttering, "Sect Master, it really feels like you're giving your last..."
Suddenly, a flash of blood-red light! The Grand Elder slapped Yang Wudi, sending him flying.
The Grand Elder said calmly, "Sect Master, the next person."
A corner of Wu Wang's mouth twitched slightly as he shifted his gaze to Ji Mo.
「Four hours later.」
The night was as cool as water. Wu Wang stood at the entrance to the cave dwelling, watching several friends depart.
Yun Zhongjun strolled over to stand beside Wu Wang, whispering via voice transmission, "You're only telling them this much? Isn't this just the cover story we plan to use when we go to Heaven Palace? About inheriting Emperor Fuxi's legacy and all that."
"Ah…" Wu Wang's eyes showed a flicker of apology, but he quickly composed himself. He smiled at Yun Zhongjun and replied via voice transmission, "I cannot carelessly disclose the true purpose of my visit to Heaven Palace just because of my personal friendships with them. Currently, only you, I, Senior Shen Nong, and my mother know the truth. We've gone to such great lengths merely to maneuver Heaven Palace into forcing my hand, creating a situation where I appear to have no choice but to enter Heaven Palace. This is to alleviate Emperor Shun's suspicions. We cannot let all our previous efforts be wasted due to an unintentional slip-up by one or two people. Although I'd like to bring Jingwei, Xiaolan, and even Brother Ji and Brother Xiao Jian Daoist into the Heavenly Dao now and assign them high rankings in its sequence, it's clear they don't yet have the qualifications. To be impartial and just, unswayed by personal feelings—this is the guiding principle of the Heavenly Dao, and also the very foundation of our standing. Let us both strive to uphold this."
