This Human Immortal Is Too Serious-Chapter 372 - 370: The Head Manager’s Lamentation

Da Yi woke up to clanging and jingling sounds.

Almost instinctively, Da Yi grabbed the iron bow beside the wooden bed, held his breath, and tiptoed to peek through the crack of the door, his thick eyebrows furrowing tightly.

What is this...

Outside the wooden hut, with the ornate Treasure Toilet as the central point, several tall buildings were rising from the ground.

The ground was covered with flat stone slabs; the earth even seemed to dip downward in places, as if pounded down by enormous force.

Near the under-construction high-rises, metal ’little people’ three or five feet tall were busily and efficiently at work.

These little beings were covered in patterns and talismans, moved swiftly and flexibly, and could fly and hover at will.

Automatons?

Da Yi counted them—there were as many as three or four hundred of these small golden figures.

Above the high buildings, a Human race woman sat quietly, surrounded by talismans, each corresponding to one of the golden automatons below.

Da Yi’s left hand was on his polished arrows...

"Awake?"

The voice of Wu Wang reached him, letting Da Yi breathe a sigh of relief.

A white cloud condensed in front of Da Yi, who quickly stepped onto it and was lifted into the sky.

His god, Wu Wang, was conversing with an elder in a blood robe and two muscular men. The elder gave Da Yi an ominous feeling, as if one more glance at his robe would turn it into billowing waves of blood intent on engulfing him.

"Da Yi, come here," Wu Wang called warmly, a slight smile in his eyes.

Da Yi advanced on the cloud, bowed, and said, "My lord, I fell asleep earlier..."

Wu Wang replied with a smile, "Your Divine Soul’s strength is not strong, and you don’t have meditation Cultivation methods, so how else would you recover your spirits without sleep?"

The Grand Elder chuckled, "Sect Master, is this the archer you’ve been praising all along?"

"Not bad, right?" Wu Wang said, beaming with delight.

Perhaps it was the presence of the Grand Elder, but Wu Wang felt inexplicably more at ease, exuding a relaxed air from the inside out.

Wu Wang said, "Da Yi, this is the Grand Elder of my Sect in the Human Domain and also an elder who has supported my cultivation. Although his strength does not match those Divine Spirits, he stands above most of the Divine Generals.

The Grand Elder’s surname is Miao. From now on, you may address him as Elder Miao, and you’ll learn skills under him for the next few years."

"Yes, Sect Master."

"This is Kan Tianhou, also one of my subordinates."

Wu Wang continued softly, "The task of recruiting soldiers and buying horses will temporarily be handled by him and that Hu Sheng friend. Meanwhile, you should focus on your spiritual cultivation and gathering your thoughts.

You are my first Divine General, and it won’t do for your strength to be too weak."

Da Yi showed a bashful look and gave Wu Wang a deep bow, solemnly saying, "Da Yi will not disappoint you, my lord! I will follow Elder Miao’s teachings from now on!"

The Grand Elder beside him nodded with a smile, examining Da Yi from head to toe.

He rarely heard so much praise from the Sect Master’s mouth, especially for someone from the Human race of the Emperor’s City.

The Grand Elder carefully probed and found that Da Yi’s own vitality was not particularly strong. Within the range enveloped by his Immortal Consciousness, such Divine Generals were not many, but they did exist.

What were Da Yi’s strengths?

"Are you skilled in archery?" the Grand Elder asked amiably.

Da Yi nodded earnestly and said in a low voice, "I..."

"You can call yourself junior," Wu Wang said with a smile. "It’s the common address used in the Human Domain."

"To answer Elder Miao, junior is just more practiced in drawing the bow and releasing the string, nothing but familiar with the movements."

"Show us what you’ve got!"

Yang Wudi muttered from the side, egging him on, "Brother Da Yi, show us a demonstration."

Da Yi looked to Wu Wang, who recalled that he hadn’t yet seen Da Yi’s archery skills in earnest, only observing from afar with his Immortal Consciousness while Da Yi practiced in a very ordinary manner.

"Use this."

Wu Wang flipped his palm and within it, layers of silver light condensed into a seven-foot-long silver-white bow.

Da Yi’s eyes brightened as he stared intently at the bow. He noticed it was slightly different from the dimensions he had described before, but the subtle fluctuations it emitted, the power within the bowstring, made Da Yi’s breathing grow somewhat heavier.

"Your longbow is not yet completed. We are still collecting materials for it."

Wu Wang smiled and said, "For now, use this bow. It was crafted by the artisans of the Heavenly Craft Pavilion of the Human Emperor Pavilion from the Human Domain. It also carries many talismans and restrictions from the Human Domain.

If you wish to unleash the full power of this bow, I’m afraid you will need to seriously cultivate with Elder Miao for some time.

Here!"

"Thank you, my lord!"

Da Yi grasped the longbow, caressing its patterns lovingly, his eyes brimming with emotion.

He pulled back the bowstring, and the bow’s body sparkled with a cyan-blue radiance. The nature’s spiritual energy swiftly converged, forming the faint silhouette of an arrow.

Da Yi, deep in thought, slowly relaxed the bowstring, and the arrow of spiritual energy dissipated on its own.

He rested an arrow from the quiver hanging at his waist upon the bowstring, drew back again, and strands of spiritual energy were once more absorbed by the bow, quickly gathering on the arrow...

Da Yi slightly turned, facing a dense forest dozens of miles away.

Taking a gentle breath, he extended his left hand steadily forward, while his right hand slowly drew back. His muscles bulged out, making his arms appear even more ferocious and intimidating.

Dozens of miles away, a three-legged Spirit Rabbit that was hopping about seemed to detect something. With a push of its three legs, it quickly darted into the thick underbrush.

Da Yi, steady as an iron tower, slowly closed his eyes. His fingers, firm as a vice, gently twisted the arrow, then, without warning, released the bowstring.

WHIZ—

Before the sound emerged, the arrow had vanished. Though the bowstring quivered, it emitted a sound like a cacophony of clashing swords and charging horses.

Between heaven and earth, a trail of cyan smoke stretched out for over ten miles.

Wu Wang’s Immortal Consciousness saw that the arrow had precisely penetrated the Spirit Rabbit’s skull, yet the force of the arrow was concentrated at a single point. After penetrating the Spirit Rabbit, it streaked diagonally into the earth, burrowing who knows how deep.

Subsequently, the spiritual energy on the arrow exploded, giving rise to a mushroom cloud within the forest...

Da Yi quietly exhaled a breath of turbid air, stood in silence with closed eyes, savoring the feeling for a while before finally opening his eyes to look at Wu Wang.

"My lord."

"Excellent archery!"

Kan Tianhou gave hefty praise on the spot, and the Grand Elder also stroked his beard and nodded, his eyes showing admiration.

Yet Yang Wudi couldn’t help but whisper, "Spiritual cultivation allows one to control objects and take a life from a thousand miles away. That isn’t too difficult. Though this archery is pretty, in the end, it’s not quite as practical."

Da Yi said, "Indeed, I can currently only shoot up to three hundred miles away."

Wu Wang laughed and said, "Wudi, you don’t understand. Divine bows and sharp arrows have their uses. The further a Cultivator’s projected force is from their own body, the weaker its strength becomes, but this is not the case with bows and arrows.

Given the same distance, which is more significant, a reluctant shot or a shot with full effort?"

Yang Wudi scratched his head for a while, eventually just grinning foolishly.

Wu Wang turned to Da Yi, encouraging him, "Focus on your archery. Derive some nourishment from the Cultivation methods of the Human Domain to become stronger quickly; we’re going to expand outward soon."

"Yes!"

Da Yi, cradling the longbow, bowed his head and accepted the order, affirmatively shouting, "I will definitely not disappoint your expectations, my lord!"

Wu Wang smiled and said nothing, patting Da Yi on the shoulder and continuing to take them around the area to meet the eight giant wood spirits.

The skills that Hu Sheng displayed in refining and controlling puppets had indeed given Wu Wang quite a few surprises.

Originally, he had thought of having Yang Wudi train and become proficient at carpentry. But with Hu Sheng’s assistance and the inexhaustible supply of raw materials, a small city could be built in just over a month.

With a few more helpers, Wu Wang himself felt much more relaxed.

Especially since Kan Tianhou and Hu Sheng were elite soldiers handpicked from the Human Domain, Wu Wang felt confident in entrusting the development of the Divine Realm to them.

Only by being a good Carefree Boss could he have more time to woo Goddesses... tch, poach!

In the center of the Heaven Palace lay the grand hall where the Head Manager handled administrative affairs. Inside, more than a dozen minor gods bustled behind long tables on either side, while the Head Manager leaned back in his wooden chair, seemingly lost in thought.

A deep, long-lasting sound of Dao resonated from outside the hall. The Divine Turtle slowly lowered its body, and the Strong Gods on its back stepped leisurely into the hall.

The Head Manager did not rise. His somewhat hollow eyes slowly lit up with Divine Light, and a faint smile spread across his lips.

"Earth God, what brings you here to wander about in my abode?"

"Head Manager," the Earth God performed a simple gesture of greeting and glanced left and right, speaking in a hushed tone, "Let’s find a different place to talk."

The Head Manager nodded slightly and stood to greet the Earth God.

Moments later, on the celestial island behind the hall, the two leading authorities of politics and military in the Heaven Palace walked side by side, their expressions unreadable.

Suddenly, the Earth God said, "The Gold God previously came to me, asking for a Divine Guard for her to train."

"Did you give one to her?" the Head Manager asked offhandedly.

The Earth God shook his head slightly and said softly, "I certainly would not dare to give them out recklessly. In the great war with the Human Domain, the Gold God acted on her own, causing the Heaven Palace to suffer heavy losses. Merely rebuilding those Main Gods will take one hundred and twenty years."

The Head Manager spoke indifferently, "Divine Guards are fine. Giving her some would not really be an issue."

"Does the Head Manager not know who the Gold God was dealing with?"

"Just Feng Chun, hmph!"

The Head Manager’s eyes betrayed a hint of irritation. "I truly feel some indignation! Why does His Majesty treat this God of Spring so differently?

Just after the Human Domain sent over four excellent Cultivators, His Majesty did not even ask and allowed them to stay in the Heaven Palace.

His Majesty’s orders have already reached me. Later, I still have to send someone to deliver talismans for the four of them that will protect them and grant freedom of passage!

Really!"

The Earth God said with a smile, "Head Manager, you need not be so agitated. The Heavenly Emperor has his own plans, and it’s our duty to follow orders."

"The Heavenly Emperor is trying to use Wu Wangzi to divide the Human Domain, and then rely on the power of the Human Domain to wear down the Candle Dragon’s forces."

The Head Manager sighed. "How could I not see through this?

That Wu Wangzi is cunning and sides with the living beings, possessing no sense of the bigger picture. His scope is as narrow as his heart; he only fixates on the gains and losses in a corner of the South Wilderness.

What’s even more infuriating is that lazy glutton! With his slick tongue, he has managed to beguile my sister completely with his flattery.

They, they actually...!

Alas, it’s my fault for protecting my sister too much in the past and not letting her experience hardships. In the end, it has led to this great misfortune."

Black lines appeared on the Earth God’s forehead.

Good grief, what a character! The Head Manager’s words carry such a strong hint of jealousy.

He felt that the God of Spring was actually quite good: outstanding abilities, astonishing potential, renowned for intelligence, and also quite comfortable to get along with. Some matters just clicked with her.

"Since the Head Manager understands, why still take it to heart? Just endure it, and it will pass."

"If I endure any more, I’ll truly end up having a nephew!"

"Oh?" A gleam shone in the Earth God’s eyes.

Though the Earth God wanted to say "Congratulations, congratulations," he wisely chose not to tease about the matter, instead steering the conversation back to the main reason he had come to find the Head Manager.

"It’s worrisome, the way the Gold God is acting."

The Earth God sighed. "Though I am not close to her, as one of the Five Elements Gods, it is somewhat disheartening to watch her play with fire and get burnt.

Does the Head Manager have a way to persuade her?

For her to fall into a deep sleep, under the current circumstances in the Heaven Palace, would be a rather good option."

The Head Manager was silently contemplative, his eyes reflecting deep thought.

Moments later, the Head Manager said, "Xihe recently went to see the Gold God, but judging by the expression on Xihe’s face when she left, they parted on bad terms, and she wasn’t able to convince the Gold God.

You know the temperament of the Gold God. If she wants to accomplish something, even if the Heavenly Emperor blocks her way, she would still draw her sword against Him.

Xihe and the Gold God are as close as can be, and ordinarily, the Gold God listens to what Xihe says.

But this time, even Xihe couldn’t persuade her. What more can we say?"

A subtle glint flickered in the Earth God’s eyes as a barely perceptible voice reached the Head Manager’s ears.

"I’ve always had a question.

During the Lin Family rebellion in the Human Domain, the Head Manager once challenged the Heavenly Emperor, asking why He plotted against your Great Dao. At the time, you seemed extremely angered.

Yet, in just a few years, it was as if the Head Manager had forgotten such matters. He once again appeared in the Heaven Palace and became the First Counsel God."

There was no change in the Head Manager’s expression as he replied softly, "His Majesty has already clarified this matter. It was nothing more than the Order incarnation causing trouble."

"Oh?"

The Earth God turned his head to look intently at the Head Manager, whose expression remained unchanged, even showing a hint of a smile.

The Earth God said warmly, "Head Manager, you need not overthink. I’m not trying to inquire about anything in particular, just to remind you of a few things... You are certainly more aware than I am of the situation in the Heaven Palace.

You should be very clear about how many undercurrents are hidden beneath these waters and how many powerful beings lie dormant.

The Heavenly Emperor has indeed taken some extreme actions. However, with the Candle Dragon on the outside and Order within, we must stand by His Majesty’s side if we wish to preserve the Fifth Divine Era.

There’s no choice."

The Head Manager laughed. "What the Earth God said is quite right. Does the Earth God really think that I would harbor resentment towards the Heavenly Emperor?"

"Just giving you a reminder, Head Manager."

"Every move we make is well known to the Heavenly Emperor."

The Head Manager let out a slight sigh and gazed at the distant sea of clouds, saying softly, "If Star God were still on our side, and had recovered from their injuries, then there wouldn’t be so many troubles."

"It’s different now," said the Earth God. "The long years have passed. The Heavenly Emperor has taken control over Order, and the Candle Dragon occupies Chaos. With the support of these two Great Daos, they have become truly supreme beings.

Star God has always been unable to advance. Even if their injuries were healed, they would not be able to dominate the great war of divine succession."

The Head Manager shook his head gently but said nothing more.

The Earth God bowed with hands folded in front. "If the Head Manager has no further instructions, I will take my leave."

"If the Gold God comes again to request troops, you may allocate some to her."

The Head Manager said indifferently, "She wants to make life difficult for the God of Spring. In truth, we shouldn’t stop her.

Currently, most Divine Spirits in the Heaven Palace harbor a grudge against the Human Domain. If Cultivators from the Human Domain have it too easy in the Heaven Palace and rise unobstructed, it would also be detrimental to the Heavenly Emperor’s prestige.

To make the God of Spring’s life a bit harder—we don’t necessarily have to take his life—will make everyone feel a bit more relieved at heart."

The Earth God nodded slowly. "Understood. I’ll keep that in mind."

"Earth God, take care."

"Head Manager, until next time."

The Earth God bowed, and the Divine Turtle rose from the sea of clouds, carrying the great marshal of Heaven’s armies away slowly.

The Head Manager’s expression gradually darkened as he stood at the edge of the immortal island in contemplation for a while before chuckling to himself, pacing back and forth with hands behind his back, then settled back into the administrative hall to sit peacefully.

Wu Wang was busy in Emperor’s City for three days before he returned to the Heaven Palace.

Young Master had been by Ming’s side the whole time without leaving, strumming the zither and reciting poetry, which was quite comforting.

"Is everything settled?"

"Yes, all is well."

Wu Wang took a seat next to Young Master and exhaled softly. Looking at the delicate face so close at hand, he smiled and said, "Letting them stay in the Heaven Palace is not quite proper after all. This place is crowded with Innate Gods, and their cultivation might even encounter demonic obstacles. It would be better for them to develop the Divine Realm down in Emperor’s City."

Young Master stopped playing with the zither, looked at Wu Wang and said, "Among these four, there’s one I don’t really like."

"Wudi?"

Wu Wang said with a smile, "Although he seems frivolous, he’s actually quite sincere at heart..."

"No, it’s that Cultivator from the Human race named Kan Tianhou," Young Master shook her head slightly and said, "He’s a bit too calculated. Yang Wudi, on the other hand, is rare in his genuineness. Though I don’t favor his temperament, I don’t dislike him either."

"Kan Tianhou?"

Wu Wang pondered for a moment and then said slowly, "There’s no need to worry about him. After all, he was sent by the Human Domain."

"Isn’t he your disciple?"

"Him? No," Wu Wang said with a laugh. "That was just for show. He belongs to the Human Emperor Pavilion and doesn’t have any direct connection to me. His coming to the Heaven Palace might also be with the intention to oversee me."

Young Master blinked. A slight smile appeared at the corner of her mouth. "I thought he was your disciple. I was struggling with whether to tell you or not."

"What’s there to hide?"

Wu Wang looked at Young Master, laughed, and said, "Since we are good friends, we should have no secrets between us... By the way, the Northern Wilderness will soon send people over as well. If you want any snacks, I’ll have them bring more over."

"That would be rather embarrassing..."

"What’s there to be polite about!"

"Well then..."

Young Master’s cheeks flushed slightly. Suddenly, she pulled a scroll out from her sleeve, stuffed it into Wu Wang’s chest, and dropping the words, "I’m going to rest now," she darted back into the basket chair, turning her back to Wu Wang and covering her face.

Wu Wang unfolded the scroll and his eyes filled with the densely packed words, a few black lines hanging across his forehead.

Goodness, Innate Gods really aren’t afraid of getting fat!

This greedy Goddess... there’s no one like her!