This Human Immortal Is Too Serious-Chapter 488 - 486: The Third Seed of the Heavenly Dao

The cause of the event: The Liuli God started a Martial Arts class.

Ignoring the process and looking at the results: I became the teacher of this Martial Arts class.

Now where do I go to argue about this?

At just sixteen years of age, Qing Shan stood on the third floor of the spire in the "Academic Affairs Office," observing the dozen or so venerable, white-haired, and ancient elders sitting inside. He felt he should be ready to offer them walking sticks or similar items.

To be fair, even if you counted his main body and his avatar, Wu Wang wasn't even as old as the grandsons of these elders.

They were all of the Human race. Wu Wang firmly believed in respecting elders and cherishing the young, as was proper.

The elders were discussing how to instruct the talents of the Luili Realm and how to balance the Liuli God's lessons with their own courses.

After listening for a while, Wu Wang made a simple summary. The courses offered by these esteemed elders were akin to "compulsory courses," while the Liuli God's class was more of an "elective based on interest"—and one with an uncertain schedule at that.

There was no helping it; the Liuli God's primary purpose in descending to the mortal realm had already become teaching her little disciple, Jin Wei.

Wu Wang stood at the door, listening for a long time. He felt increasingly that his development in the Outer Sky was veering wildly down a convoluted and absurd path.

What do you call this?

Man's plans are no match for Heaven's, and Heaven's plans are no match for a simpleton.

That Martial God sure is bold!

"Qing Shan, my nephew? Do you have anything to say?" an old woman asked gently from the side.

Wu Wang immediately straightened up. Meeting the amiable gazes of these seniors, who were contemporaries of his own teachers, he said respectfully, "I believe the decisions you've all made are excellent."

With that, he cupped his hands in a salute and continued to stand by the door.

These elders naturally understood that Wu Wang was conducting himself as a junior and had no intention of offering any opinions on teaching matters.

Instantly, these experts, who had been summoned from various Martial Academies, regarded Wu Wang with looks full of appreciation.

They had initially worried that this young man might be too assertive, not leaving them, the old guard, any space to contribute.

An old woman smiled and said, "Since that's settled, let's all go and meet the students."

The dozen or so elders nodded in agreement, and Wu Wang obediently nodded along. Then he saw these elders... each retrieve 'small gifts' like secret manuals, Spiritual Medicine, small daggers, and folding fans from their personal bags.

What?

Teachers have to give gifts to students at their first meeting?

Wu Wang glanced down at his attire. He was supposed to be the one receiving gifts, and now he had to figure out how to give them out!

Just as Wu Wang had anticipated, the elders proceeded together to the lower levels of the spire. Facing the forty-eight students from the Sky Class and Earth Class, they first spoke for an hour, offering words of encouragement and explaining the responsibilities these classes entailed. Then, they began the process of teacher introductions and distributing their small gifts.

The backgrounds of these elders were indeed significant. Most were deans or vice-deans from the Luili Realm's Martial Academies, along with several old generals who had retired from frontline service due to age and declining strength.

Wu Wang was the last to take the stage. His expression was quite composed. After a moment of contemplation, he said in a serious tone, "I was also informed at the last minute that I would be an instructor for the Liuli God's Martial Arts class. I haven't made many preparations and came empty-handed."

He paused, then suggested, "How about I have another match with all of you? Consider it a lesson. What do you think?"

The students instantly perked up, eager for a fight.

An elder quickly stepped in to stop him. "Teacher Qing Shan, today is the first day of class. We should first speak of the glory of the Liuli God and the history of the Luili Realm. A Martial Arts sparring session isn't scheduled."

Wu Wang gave an embarrassed laugh and cupped his hands in a salute to the forty-eight students below. "Just kidding," he said. "I'm not actually that combative. Later, I'll just get a stool and sit in a corner of the Earth Class, listening in with everyone else. I still have much that I lack, and I hope to have more opportunities for discussion with all of you and to get along amicably in the future."

With that, he cupped his hands again, stepped down from the stage, and calmly walked to the very end of the teachers' group, continuing to be an inconspicuous presence.

In the back row, Mo Feng and Fu Er sat together, whispering. They seemed to be judging whether Wu Wang had the proper 'bearing' of a teacher.

True to his word, during the subsequent lessons, Wu Wang actually moved a chair to a corner of the Earth Class classroom. He didn't initiate conversations with anyone, nor did he arrange any lessons for himself.

In this way, he effectively used his own capabilities to add an extra student slot to the Earth Class.

And so, Wu Wang's academic journey in Liuli City was finally underway.

He had thus responded to Old Qiu's expectations from that day.

Next...

The current grand competition had little to do with him. Now that he had established a connection with the Martial God, he just needed to steadily improve his cultivation. Later, he would either create an opportunity or wait for the Martial God to appear. He planned to interact more with the Martial God to determine if he was trustworthy.

Upon careful consideration, there was still much to be done.

As for the Liuli God, there didn't seem to be much value in actively pursuing her. The Liuli Dao, which was associated with the Dao of Earth, could likely be independently deduced and a similar Great Dao fabricated by the Heavenly Dao.

However, the Martial God's 'Martial' Dao was a major boon to the Heavenly Dao, and it was definitely worth striving for.

The Earth Class was located at the very bottom of the spire, with the Sky Class directly above them.

This location had originally been a place for priests to pray. It was temporarily converted into a classroom for the Martial Arts class, and as a result, the previously tightly drawn curtains had been opened.

Several layers of garrisoned troops surrounded the spire. The circular area beyond that was Liuli City's busiest marketplace.

Merchants congregated here, selling a wide variety of goods.

From this place alone, it was evident that while competition for essential survival resources existed in the Martial God's Twelve Realms, other goods were quite plentiful.

「In the afternoon.」

Wu Wang sat by the window of the ground-floor classroom in the spire, watching the figures outside, slightly lost in thought.

This bustling, everyday marketplace atmosphere always made him feel quite grounded.

JINGLE JINGLE—

The sound of wind chimes drifted from the corridor on the spire's lowest floor, causing the drowsy students in the classroom to peek outside.

A faint, sweet scent wafted by. The girl in the tasseled skirt skipped cheerfully to the classroom's back door, poked her small head inside, and searched for Wu Wang.

Her eyes soon lit up, and she called out softly, "Brother!"

The old scholar, who was lecturing on the history of Martial Arts development, lowered his bamboo scroll. He had been about to scold her, but upon seeing who it was, he calmly raised the scroll again, obscuring his own eyes.

Wu Wang chuckled, rose quickly, and slipped out the back door, making a hushing gesture at Jin Wei.

They reached the corner of the corridor, in front of the upward-spiraling staircase.

"What's wrong?" Wu Wang asked.

"Teacher is calling for you!" Jin Wei giggled. With her hands wrapped in fine gauze and a matching fabric bow in her hair, she looked like a little princess who had stepped right out of a fairy tale from Wu Wang's past life.

She twirled before Wu Wang, showing off delightedly. "What do you think? I spent a long time coordinating this outfit!"

"Don't you need to be cultivating?" Wu Wang asked, deliberately putting on a stern expression.

Jin Wei made a face and huffed, "Not at all! Teacher said I can achieve enlightenment in my dreams; I do my cultivation while I sleep. Teacher also said that at my age, I should be playing carefree. When I get older, I'll have more worries and won't be able to play to my heart's content! Teacher also said that I... Mmph! Mmmph!"

Wu Wang pinched her smooth, soft little cheek and said with mock severity, "I went to so much trouble to instill a little diligence in you, and your teacher erases it all with just a few words!"

"Ow, ow, that hurts!" A hint of tears welled up in Jin Wei's eyes.

Feeling he had been a bit too rough, Wu Wang immediately transferred a little Spiritual Power to her, erasing any marks on her cheek and softening his tone.

He said, "You still need to be diligent. You're the Liuli God's only disciple now, so your every move is watched by the beings of the Luili Realm. At the very least, you should strive to be a good role model."

"I know," Jin Wei pouted. "I don't like you anymore, Brother."

"Oh, really?" Wu Wang replied.

"Of course not! I was just saying that because I was cross," Jin Wei mumbled. "Teacher said you should accompany me for a walk around Liuli City to see how everyone lives. The carriages are waiting outside."

"Alright," Wu Wang nodded. He glanced at the dull lesson progressing in the Earth Class and brazenly began his 'class-skipping' excursion.

Jin Wei's eyes sparkled. She snuggled up with a grin and hugged Wu Wang's arm tightly.

Wu Wang mused aloud, "Won't this set a bad example?"

"Who cares about them? Anyway, Brother, you're mine."

"Why would you suddenly say that..." Wu Wang's face flushed a little, and he felt somewhat perplexed.

But Jin Wei urged quietly, "Let's go, let's go! There's a big feast waiting for us when we get back!"

Wu Wang smiled and allowed her to continue her affectionate hug.

At the apex of the spire, the Liuli God observed this scene and sank into deep contemplation. Her hands even moved subconsciously a few times, mimicking the gesture of hugging someone's arm.

This technique might be worth trying.

「Half a year later.」

In the Great Wilderness World, on the Eighth Heaven of the Celestial Court.

The Earth God and the Head Manager rode the clouds toward Wu Wang's bedchamber. Young Master and Ling Xiaolan were already waiting before the chamber and led the two great Gods inside, to where Wu Wang was in seclusion.

The Earth God and the Head Manager carefully assessed Wu Wang's state. Seeing the faint, enigmatic smile on his face, they nodded to each other.

They were merely performing a routine check on the Lord Heavenly Emperor; only then could they feel at ease.

The Earth God asked, "When did His Majesty last awaken?"

Young Master and Ling Xiaolan spoke almost simultaneously, yet gave two different answers:

"Half a year ago."

"Three months ago."

Then, they exchanged a glance. Ling Xiaolan couldn't help but cover her mouth to stifle a giggle, while Young Master blushed and covered her eyes with her hand.

The Head Manager remarked coolly, "It seems our Heavenly Emperor, in addition to comprehending the Great Dao and strengthening the Heavenly Dao, also remembers to maintain harmony in his own household."

The Earth God chuckled. "It's only natural. We should understand."

"And yet he has no time to see us!" The Head Manager, looking somewhat vexed, flicked his sleeve and was about to turn and leave.

Young Master smiled. "Brother, why are you still angry?"

"Please don't take offense, Head Manager," Ling Xiaolan said gently. "The responsibility of strengthening the Heavenly Dao is immense and has been incredibly taxing for His Majesty. Since Sister Young Master and I cannot assist him much with that, we can only help alleviate some of his stress."

"Exactly!" Young Master nodded in agreement. "Sister is right."

The Head Manager's lips thinned, and he turned to leave.

The Earth God cupped his hands in salute to the two Queens of Heaven with a smile and followed him.

Just then, Wu Wang's main body suddenly stirred. A long yawn was heard as Wu Wang opened his eyes and mumbled, still half-asleep, "What happened? Is something wrong? I was in the middle of cultivating..."

The Head Manager and the Earth God quickly halted and turned to salute Wu Wang.

"Your Majesty," they greeted.

"Ah, you are both here," Wu Wang said, instantly becoming more alert, though his face still showed lingering fatigue. "What's the matter?"

The Head Manager and the Earth God exchanged a look. The Earth God nodded slightly, and the Head Manager said, "Your Majesty, we came here merely as a routine check on your condition. However, since you've awakened, there is indeed a matter that requires your personal attention."

"Requires my attention?" Wu Wang mused. He made a quick calculation with his fingers, the entire world projecting into his mind. Isn't the Eastern Wilderness peaceful? The Queen Mother of the West is even preparing to move to the Celestial Court. The Jade Pool from Kunlun Immortal Land has already been moved to the Eighth Heaven. What could possibly require my personal involvement?

He glanced at his two wives, offering them a warm look, and received an even more tender gaze in return.

The Head Manager said, "If you come and see for yourself, Your Majesty... Yun Zhongjun, he..."

"What about him?" Wu Wang asked, suddenly anxious.

The Earth God's mouth twitched as he muttered, "He's become... obsessed."

Hearing this, Wu Wang dared not delay. Yun Zhongjun was not only a meritorious servant of the Heavenly Dao but also his most trusted brother-in-arms. The two of them had been working on things together since before the Heavenly Dao was even established, and Wu Wang had not even kept the secrets of the universe from Yun Zhongjun.

If anything untoward happened to Yun Zhongjun, it would be an immense blow to Wu Wang.

However, when Wu Wang rushed to Yun Zhongjun's temple and casually tore through the restrictions Yun Zhongjun had set up, his expression immediately relaxed considerably.

He's just sleeping soundly, isn't he?

"Isn't he fine?" Wu Wang asked, puzzled.

"Your Majesty," the Earth God said, "Lord Yun Zhongjun now only appears for three days each month. After he finishes handling the affairs of the Celestial Court, he returns to his own temple to sleep. He seems to be troubled by some problem and is constantly trying to deduce something, even in his dreams. You might think he seems fine now while he's asleep, but when I spoke with him earlier, his speech was incoherent."

"It's not just incoherent speech," the Head Manager added. "I've been observing him secretly. Lord Yun Zhongjun often mutters to himself, saying things like 'it's hopeless' or 'let it all be destroyed.'"

I think I mostly understand.

Realization dawned on Wu Wang, and he sighed. "It's my fault. By focusing solely on strengthening the Heavenly Dao and protecting the world, I've burdened Yun Zhongjun with too much pressure. You two should return to your duties. Don't worry; I'll have a thorough discussion with Yun Zhongjun."

The Earth God and the Head Manager both saluted.

Wu Wang sent a mental message to Young Master, who had followed him, instructing her to return to the bedchamber, perhaps take a bath, and so on.

He would join her shortly.

Then, Wu Wang pushed open the doors to Yun Zhongjun's main hall. He raised his hand, and the puppet-like beautiful women and handsome men instantly froze. He then had the Heavenly Dao conceal the temple. Walking to his old friend's bedside, he extended a finger and tapped.

Yun Zhongjun slowly opened his eyes. He took a sharp breath, and a fiery determination ignited within his gaze as an unshakeable conviction spread through his heart. Then, Yun Zhongjun turned over to face Wu Wang.

"Old friend?" Wu Wang prompted.

"Your Majesty... why have you come?" Yun Zhongjun sighed. "I cannot find the cause of the great calamity, nor can I find a way to deal with it. Ah, life is so exhausting."

Wu Wang patted Yun Zhongjun's shoulder and said seriously, "Don't dwell on it too much. I've already begun to address this matter. As long as we are fully prepared, no matter what the calamity is, we will face it head-on and overcome it. We'll adapt as needed; we can get through this."

"That may be so, but I still want to get to the bottom of this. The world is well-protected by the Heavenly Dao, and there are no signs of damage to its fundamental essence. So how can it be said that it's heading for destruction? I just can't understand it."

After a moment of thought, Wu Wang asked gently, "Are the governmental affairs of the Celestial Court currently stable?"

"They're manageable. It doesn't require too much of my effort," Yun Zhongjun replied in a low voice. "The Head Manager has regained his confidence and handles official matters adeptly. The Earth God is exceptionally steady in leading troops; it's difficult for any mishaps to occur."

"In that case, why don't you accompany me for a trip to the Outer Sky?"

Wu Wang smiled. "I'll give you a seed. It will help you create an avatar in the Outer Sky. You'll be able to descend there anytime via the Heavenly Dao, and Emperor Shun and the others won't detect you."

"What would I do there?" Yun Zhongjun asked, though even as he voiced his reluctance, his body was already sitting up.

"However," he mused, "if I can gain a direct understanding of the world beyond, perhaps I can find the root of this calamitous problem!"

"So, you want to go?" Wu Wang asked with a smile.

"I'll go," Yun Zhongjun said, raising an eyebrow at Wu Wang. "When do we leave? What preparations are needed?"

"Anytime is fine." Wu Wang took a lotus seed from his robes. "All the instructions are recorded within the Heavenly Dao. You can access them yourself, old friend. I have other important matters to attend to, so I won't stay and delay you further."

With that, Wu Wang patted Yun Zhongjun's shoulder again, smiled, and drifted away.

The joys of this new world make one forget all about Blue Star.

「Seven hours later.」

Qing Shan awoke at his desk. He looked up at the empty classroom, stretched lazily, then hopped out the window and straight into the square, still bustling under the night sky.

He headed towards a snack street he had recently taken a liking to. His mind was free of extraneous thoughts; he was simply seeking relaxation and ease.

In the sky outside Liuli City, a Demonic Mongol Bird, carrying an urgent report from the border, spread its wings and flew directly into the Shrine Institute.