This Human Immortal Is Too Serious-Chapter 418 - 416

"Qingluan?"

At the Southeast Border, seven figures stood with their backs to the endless waves, watching the divine bird soar through the high skies.

The Qingluan bird was a messenger of the Queen Mother of the West, which was almost common knowledge in the Human Domain, not to mention among these Innate Gods, each older than the last.

The Heaven Palace had sent an envoy for the second time to discuss the matter of the seven Innate Gods, showing much more caution and cleverness than the last time.

Caution lay in the fact that beside the aged Wood God, there was now a burly, stern-faced Earth God.

The cleverness lay in...

This time they came without bringing any gifts.

Not giving Wu Wang any chance to take advantage of them!

Behind the two Strong Gods were two Main Gods and three lesser gods, one of whom was a Goddess in a golden dress, the only Main God who had formed an alliance with Wu Wang in the Divine Realm—Mirror.

At this moment, the Earth God murmured the words "Qingluan," his eyes revealing a hint of sudden realization.

But the Wood God couldn’t help but stroke his beard and chant lightly, "God of Spring has become muddled."

"Oh?"

The Earth God asked in a deep voice, "Why does the Wood God say so?"

The Wood God shook his head slightly. Without moving his lips, his voice arose in the hearts of the gods.

"Previously, the Queen Mother of the West set a rule that any woman in this world who could win the favor of the God of Spring and spend a blissful night with him would be gifted an undying medicine.

"This undying medicine is extremely precious; though useless to us, for living beings, it is tantamount to an extra life.

"More importantly, the Qingluan bird sent by the Queen Mother of the West has an inexplicable divine effect that allows a creature to witness it, thus openly declaring to all beings between heaven and earth that the God of Spring has taken a wife in reality.

"Alas, if Qingluan were not flying to the Southeastern Region but into the Heaven Palace, in front of the Young Master, wouldn’t that offer the Heaven Palace and Human Domain a chance to ease tensions?"

The Earth God said, "If that were true, the Heaven Palace would likely be facing a great battle."

"The Head Manager?"

"Indeed."

The Earth God nodded in response, while the Wood God laughed heartily as he stroked his beard.

"Why does the Wood God laugh?"

"I laugh because the Earth God is astute in strategy, skilled in calculations, capable of commanding thousands of troops, yet does not understand the twists and turns of this affair," the Wood God laughed. "It is Wu Wangzi who should be worried about the Head Manager making a move against him now."

The Earth God shook his head, indicating that he didn’t quite understand.

The Wood God did not elaborate further, his expression returning to the usual calm and tranquility.

Only when a rainbow light streaked across the southeastern sky and materialized into Wu Wang’s figure did the Earth God, Wood God, and the five Innate Gods step forward to greet Wu Wang from afar.

Wu Wang clasped his hands and bowed slightly in salute, smiling, "For both the Earth God and Wood God to come in person truly gives face to those seven useless ones."

The Wood God smiled without saying a word, not talking much.

After pondering for a while, the Earth God showed a troubled expression and spoke softly, "God of Spring, we come here with but one purpose."

"Speak, Earth God."

The Earth God said, "Is it possible to directly execute the Divine Spirits captured by the Human Domain?"

Wu Wang had not expected the Earth God to speak so directly. He had thought there would be more beating around the bush and feigned courtesy.

He said, "Could the Earth God offer a reason that could persuade me?"

The Earth God was silent for a moment.

The Wood God beside him spoke up, repeating the same spiel as before, first saying that the gods of the Heaven Palace were furious, that if this continues, it might provoke a major war between heaven and earth. He then said that keeping those seven gods was of no benefit to the Human Domain, that the captivity of Innate Gods was in itself a great humiliation...

Wu Wang didn’t listen too closely, as he knew these words carried little weight.

Waiting for the Wood God to finish listing over ten reasons to kill or release them, the Earth God finally managed to interject, "What does the God of Spring want to do to resolve this matter?"

"Nothing." Wu Wang’s smile at the corner of his mouth gradually faded, and his expression became somewhat gloomy, brewing a tinge of anger within. "The Divine Spirits of the Heaven Palace attempt to assassinate my wife, yet you asked me what I would do? Don’t you find it ridiculous?"

Two earthy-yellow divine lights burst forth from the eyes of the Earth God as his majestic presence slowly rose. "Could it be that the God of Spring wishes to rebel against the Heaven Palace?"

"How can I rebel when I never submitted?"

Wu Wang closed his eyes and then opened them again. Although the Earth God’s might was strong, it could no longer put any pressure on him.

He continued.

"I call the Heavenly Emperor a senior rather than Your Majesty. I call you all fellow Daoists instead of Strong Gods. I went to the Heaven Palace to reconcile the conflicts between order and living beings, not to serve the Heaven Palace."

The Earth God said, "Since the God of Spring speaks thusly, how should the Divine Realm of the Heaven Palace explain this?"

Wu Wang remained silent.

The tone of the Earth God slowed, and the pressure quickly faded. He spoke softly, "If the God of Spring is indeed seeking some kind of balance between order and living beings, today is an excellent opportunity. Why not take those seven gods to the Heaven Palace? In doing so, not only will you have contributed greatly to the Heaven Palace, but you will also protect the face of the Heaven Palace. After all, it is the Divine Spirits of the Heaven Palace who have captured the seven deities who did not abide by the rules of the Heaven Palace."

Wu Wang asked, "If I do this, what can the Heaven Palace do?"

The Earth God said.

"Firstly, His Majesty will abolish the Anti-Spring Alliance and will capture three to six deities for punishment to demonstrate the majesty of the Heaven Palace.

"Secondly, His Majesty will follow up with a decree, ordering that the gods of the Heaven Palace must not act against the Human Domain on their own accord, with severe punishment for violators.

"Thirdly, the Heaven Palace will formally offer an apology to the Human Domain."

His words paused for a moment as the Earth God observed Wu Wang’s reaction, seemingly trying to ascertain from the minutest details of Wu Wang’s face whether the chips he had thrown out had swayed Wu Wang’s inner scales.

Wu Wang suddenly laughed lightly and said indifferently, "Forget about the third condition. It’s better not to make such attempts to win people’s hearts."

The Earth God nodded slightly and asked, "What does the God of Spring wish for?"

"I want power."

As these three words were spoken, the Earth God appeared contemplative, while the Mirror God and the accompanying Innate God both stared wide-eyed.

The Wood God’s beard trembled incessantly.

Are the young gods these days all this disrespectful of the rules? Bluntly stating their desire for power—back in the earlier godly eras, they vied for power stealthily and cunningly!

"Power?" the Earth God asked, "What specifically do you mean?"

Wu Wang declared loudly.

"There are four assisting deities in the Heaven Palace. The Earth God controls the Heaven Palace’s military, the Head Manager controls the Heaven Palace’s governance, I manage the marriage destiny of living beings, yet the Young Master holds no specific authority to execute. My foundation in the Heaven Palace is too shallow, and I am not an Innate God, only a being who has cultivated the Dao..."

Use ’reclaim what was originally the Star God’s’ as the reason.

The reminder from Yun Zhongjun, my elder brother, surfaced in Wu Wang’s mind.

Wu Wang said calmly, "Well, it does no harm to be straightforward with you all. My strength today is partially from my own cultivation, but the rest is all bestowed by the Star God.

"The Star God detests the Heaven Palace, so I will not flaunt his majesty within the Heaven Palace.

"Some things we both know well.

"But this time, I want power. I want the Heavenly Emperor to grant the Young Master the authority to oversee all the gods of the Heaven Palace."

The Earth God contemplated for a moment, then said slowly, "I must consult His Majesty on this matter."

Wu Wang made a bowing gesture. "Then, I shall await the good news right here."

"Very well," the Earth God agreed. After transmitting a few words to the accompanying divine beings, the other deities each nodded and, along with the Earth God, transformed into Liu Guang and disappeared from this place.

Wu Wang slightly curled his lips.

Negotiating truly felt inefficient; the Earth God sure is a tough one to deal with.

He had laid out his terms, watching whether the Heaven Palace would show any signs of softening. If the other party was willing to continue the talks, he would then retreat two steps further in turn.

After some thought, Wu Wang raised his hand and pointed, gathering the spiritual energy around. He left a phantom image and imbued a trace of his divine thought here to ensure there would be someone to receive the Earth God and his company if they returned too soon.

He then turned and hurried back to where he had subdued the seven Innate Gods, calling over the people from the Human Domain.

Though Ling Xiaolan felt unbearably shy at this moment, only wanting to hide in the tent until the storm passed, as soon as she heard Wu Wang’s message that he might return to Heaven Palace today, she hurriedly came to join him.

Regrettably, the tent was filled with figures and Ling Xiaolan didn’t dare to get too close to Wu Wang, so she could only stand in a corner and stare at his form.

"... Today I will take away those seven Innate Gods.

"Please rest assured, my fellow Daoists, I will ensure these seven Innate Gods bring out their deserved value and have this value reflected in the Human Domain.

"My presence in the Heaven Palace serves two purposes: one is to dissolve the Heaven Palace’s offensive towards the Human Domain, and the other is to correct the current order of heaven and earth, making the order benefit all beings, as well as the Heaven Palace itself.

"I won’t persuade any Daoist friend to forego their hatred for the Heaven Palace, but there will surely be ways to resolve or vent this hatred."

Some Daoists nodded in agreement, others pondered, creating a somewhat oppressive atmosphere inside the large tent.

Ji Mo, standing in the back, raised his hand to signal before speaking when he got agreement, "But going to Heaven Palace is always dangerous. Are there really no other ways?"

"There are," Wu Wang said with a smile, "but the path I’m on now, if I can make it through, will spare the Human Domain from too many losses."

An elder said, "The sages have a saying, ’Do not fantasize about a victory without bloodshed, or else you risk losing everything.’"

Wu Wang responded, "I’ve set a deadline of a few hundred years for myself."

Many Daoists relaxed their expressions somewhat.

What Wu Wang implied was that he would strive to make progress on this path, and before Emperor Yan of Shennong’s lifespan ran out, if he could not realize his vision, he would return to the Human Domain, preparing to make a decisive battle with Heaven Palace.

With such a promise, the Daoists naturally felt somewhat relieved.

Xiao Jian Daoist laughed, "The young should indeed break through challenges. Lord Wu Wang having such an open heart is something we can hardly match."

Then, there were many who spoke up to praise him, filling the tent with the scent of flattery.

Wu Wang gave some brief instructions to everyone and took the initiative to approach Ling Xiaolan. Seeing that Wu Wang did not avoid them, the Daoists thus turned all their gazes over.

Ling Xiaolan wore a veil, and behind it, her apricot eyes shone with starlight, focusing intently on Wu Wang.

Wu Wang let out a light chuckle, asking softly, "What does that undying medicine look like?"

She blinked and said, "That’s not an elixir. I just touched it, and it burrowed next to my Primordial Spirit."

While speaking, Ling Xiaolan opened her left hand, revealing a mysterious Dao rhythm swirling about. A small Lingzhi mushroom emerged in her palm, and a fresh scent permeated the area.

Wu Wang carefully sensed it and found the undying medicine quite extraordinary, yet he could not fathom why it was touted as such.

What would happen if this were given to Shen Nong?

Wu Wang looked at Ling Xiaolan, who also blinked back at him, showing a good understanding of his thoughts without words.

Ling Xiaolan said softly, "There are also several other treasures."

"Just keep them." Wu Wang raised his left hand, intending to touch her delicate cheek with eyes full of compassion, but with so many figures around, he felt slightly embarrassed and ended up resting his hand on her shoulder instead.

Ling Xiaolan, however, took the initiative to move closer, bowing her head and nestling in Wu Wang’s embrace.

"Everything must be done with one’s own safety in mind."

"Just be at ease." Wu Wang smiled and through the gap in the tent, his gaze settled in the direction of Heaven Palace, his eyes becoming infinitely profound.

This departure could bring about an earth-shattering upheaval. This farewell might lead to a long time before they met again.

Wu Wang already had a vague premonition that a major change was coming for the Heaven Palace, with him – a Divine Spirit of living beings – sending out signals of intent to usurp the monitoring authority, being the catalyst for this upheaval.

...

「Half a day later.」

In the deepest reaches of Heaven Palace, within that spacious Temple.

Emperor Shun reclined on his throne, his serpentine tail gently swaying. The dark golden scales upon it seemed infused with the power to crush heaven and earth.

He gazed at the Head Manager, Earth God, and Wood God bowing deeply before him, and he couldn’t help but ponder for a few moments.

"What does Earth God think Wu Wang is up to?"

"Your Majesty," Earth God said, "I am unaware."

Emperor Shun smiled wryly and sighed, "Earth God, you are truly steadfast. So, in this matter, do you only wish to act as a messenger Jade Talisman?"

Earth God glanced at the figure of the Head Manager beside him and said, "Your Majesty, God of Spring requests that Your Majesty grant Young Master the authority to monitor the divine spirits of Heaven Palace. There’s a deep significance in this request."

Emperor Shun asked leisurely, "What kind of deep significance?"

After a few moments of contemplation, Earth God showed a helpless expression, looked up at Emperor Shun, and then quickly bowed his head and said, "I only know a part, not the full extent, and that part is very shallow."

"Speak."

"God of Spring’s initiative," Earth God said, "is arguably a form of self-preservation. The audacity of the Anti-Spring Alliance to directly attack the Southeastern Region using stealth to capture the Tianyan Saintess was absurd and laughable, yet it prompted God of Spring to be vigilant."

As he spoke, Earth God glanced at the Head Manager and saw at that moment his expression was dark as deep waters, his eyelids slightly drooping, seemingly brewing a storm of rage.

Emperor Shun nodded and said, "Continue. Why are you looking at the Head Manager?"

"Yes," Earth God said, "As everyone knows, God of Spring has two close female friends: one is Jingwei, the daughter of the Human Emperor of the Human Domain, and the other is the Human Domain’s Tianyan Saintess..."

"HMPH!"

The Head Manager slammed his sleeve down and cursed, "A debauched profligate! How shameless!"

"Exactly," Wood God somewhat angrily chimed in from the side.

Earth God continued, "Wu Wangzi—after God of Spring came to Heaven Palace, Jingwei was invited by Emperor Yan of Shennong to cultivate by his side, leaving the Tianyan Saintess as his vulnerability. God of Spring wants His Majesty to grant Young Master the authority to oversee the divine spirits of Heaven Palace, arguably to protect his own vulnerabilities."

Emperor Shun laughed and said, "Earth God seems to think that granting Young Master such oversight authority is harmless?"

"Your Majesty," Earth God said, "I do not know much about this matter; I am only good at arranging troops and strategies."

"What does Wood God think?" Emperor Shun shifted his gaze to the side.

Wood God’s expression showed contemplation, and soon he said, "Granting it has its benefits, and not granting it has its reasons. This old god is senile and not adept at dealing with this matter. Please forgive my offense, Your Majesty."

A twitch ran through Emperor Shun’s lips, and he looked toward the Head Manager. "What does Head Manager think?"

"Your Majesty," the Head Manager said, "Young Master is my sister. It is not right for me to speak on this matter, but for God of Spring to demand the right to oversee the divine spirits seems a bit like opening his mouth too wide."

Emperor Shun reminded him, "He wants to place such a divine authority onto Young Master, not to keep it for himself."

"If he were to keep it for himself, the divine spirits of Heaven Palace would not accept him," the Head Manager said, "but by entrusting my sister with this divine authority, he can leverage her prestige in Heaven Palace, as well as her trust in him, to keep this authority in his own hands."

"So Head Manager’s opinion is not to grant it?"

"Whether to grant it or not is entirely up to Your Majesty’s decision," the Head Manager bowed his head and said, "but in my opinion, we must not easily grant such power. Perhaps we should consider giving my sister the authority to ’monitor whether the divine spirits intervene in the Human Domain,’ which may be more appropriate."

Emperor Shun stared at the Head Manager, and the great hall fell silent for a while.

Soon, Emperor Shun chuckled softly, "Head Manager’s words are sensible. Let’s proceed as suggested. Earth God, I would trouble you... Oh? There’s no need for you to make the trip."

A faint golden light blossomed from Emperor Shun’s serpentine tail, transforming into his robed Innate Dao Body.

He said, "God of Spring is already at the border of Central Mountain. Prepare to welcome him, giving him full honors. Head Manager, draft the decree granting Young Master the authority to oversee divine spirits’ interventions in the Human Domain."

The three mighty gods bowed in agreement.

But before Earth God and Wood God could turn to leave, the Head Manager suddenly spun around, leaving only two afterimages that dissipated with the wind. His form had already charged out of the Temple, turning into a beam of Liu Guang, shooting towards the Southeast.

Fury erupted, and the Great Dao trembled!