"Fellow Daoist, have you heard? A few days ago, a Demonic Sect Master had a cultivation breakthrough in his sleep, and in just half a day, he broke through three grades!"

"I was about to enter seclusion myself when this news disturbed my state of mind. It's said to be some kind of dream cultivation technique."

"Is there really such a technique? Are you sure it's enlightenment in a dream, and not enlightenment in the boudoir?"

"Pah! Do you think it's the Hehuan Sect's bedroom arts? Still harping on about 'enlightenment in the boudoir'? It *is* enlightenment in a dream, witnessed by thousands of fellow Daoists—there's no mistake!"

"I don't know. There are countless cultivation methods in our Human Domain, but what kind of Dao is this dream cultivation? The Way of Sleep-Dreams? What's the family and given name of that Demonic Sect Master?"

"Wu Wangzi. He's the Sect Master of the Wind Great Demon Sect, which aims to annihilate the heavens and harbors dark desires. It is said that he had a prior instance of enlightenment in a dream. Because his cultivation was lower at that time, he directly skipped over seven grades!"

"Is that even possible? We have been cultivating for so long and have never heard such a rare story!"

...

"Have you heard, fellow Daoist? The Demonic Sect Master Wu Wangzi has mastered enlightenment in a dream and has already ascended more than ten minor grades in his dreams. He will soon become an Immortal!"

"Enlightenment in a dream?"

"It's unbelievable, truly unbelievable."

"To compare oneself with others can really be infuriating. Heh, I also wanted enlightenment in my dreams back then. I dreamt and dreamt until I nearly suffered demonic possession! That's when I converted to demons and gained a bit of a reputation nowadays!"

"Enlightenment in dreams, could this be a sign of great fortune? Does he have the bearing of the Human Emperor?"

...

"Dao!"

"Wu Wangzi's enlightenment in a dream, skipping three grades with one dream—is there nothing new? Even the mortal vegetable markets next door are buzzing with it!"

"No matter, I take my leave!"

...

In the Tianyan Xuan Nu Sect, in the bamboo forest behind the mountain.

Ling Xiaolan was seated cross-legged in the bamboo forest, her form enveloped by strands of Immortal Light.

She had already undergone the Immortal Ascension Tribulation and was now a Yuanxian Realm cultivator.

Unfortunately, the Immortal Spirit Body did not change her 'quirk.' Aside from her features becoming more delicate, her skin softer, and her figure slightly more curvaceous than before, there was not much noticeable change.

She still felt that the world was filled with impurities.

Several female silhouettes came along, calling from a distance, "Junior Sister Ling!"

Ling Xiaolan opened her eyes, the blue brilliance in her pupils quickly receding. She blinked her almond-shaped eyes slightly, a trace of confusion appearing in her gaze.

Usually, when she was cultivating, her martial sisters would not come to disturb her. Such a situation must mean there was some good news.

She rose from her levitating position, her skirt falling slowly like flowing water beside her.

"What is it?"

"Junior Sister, did you hear? That Demonic Sect Master Wu Wangzi you invited last time has had a breakthrough recently!"

Ling Xiaolan was somewhat puzzled, tilting her head slightly, a hint of confusion in her eyes.

"Isn't it quite normal for cultivation to break through?"

"His breakthrough is extraordinary!"

The Fairy Immortal said, smiling, "He achieved enlightenment in his dream, advancing from the middle stage of the Jumping God Realm to the middle stage of the Ascending Immortal Realm with a single sleep. Now, everywhere is abuzz with this news. 'Wu Wangzi, the master of enlightenment in dreams'—his name truly rings throughout the northern and southern reaches of the Human Domain. Truly worthy of being a peer that Junior Sister Ling values; he is indeed extraordinary."

"Enlightenment in dreams? The Ascending Immortal Realm?"

Ling Xiaolan pondered for a moment, her pretty face flushed with the recollection of the words previously spoken by the Supreme Elder. He must have accumulated enough insights for such an extraordinary event to occur, she thought. I really should send a letter to Brother Wu Wang to congratulate him.

One of the martial sisters giggled and said, "Junior Sister might as well go and congratulate him in person. If Sect Master Wu Wang has another beautiful dream, perhaps he might leap up another grade or two."

"Sister," Fairy Ling said with a slight frown and a serious tone, "such jokes are best not repeated!"

"Ah, my apologies. Don't be shy, Junior Sister Ling."

Fairy Ling glared with her almond eyes. "Why would I be shy!"

"We should not disturb Junior Sister Ling's cultivation. Let's go elsewhere for tea."

Suppressing their laughter, the female disciples bowed to Ling Xiaolan and took their leave, their way back filled with merriment.

"How could I be shy..." Ling Xiaolan murmured quietly, her cool demeanor revealing a touch of contemplation, but she was really pondering what was wrong with her, and then she was in a daze for a good while.

...

Meanwhile, in a fiery, bright underground palace located elsewhere.

Eight or nine shadows sat within stone chairs, about ten meters high at the back, appearing silent and motionless on the surface, yet they were secretly communicating with each other.

"My fellows, with Wu Wangzi advancing three grades in one dream, should we of the Ten Gods Hall not do something about him?"

"The bearing of the Human Emperor?"

"He has yet to become an Immortal; it's just three grades in one dream—not yet a hundred-year-old Heavenly Immortal."

"If we wait until he's a hundred-year-old Heavenly Immortal, eliminating him will only become more difficult."

"I said it! The one Father Serpent wanted us to eliminate was Wu Wangzi, not some Lin Qi. But you all insisted that Wu Wangzi was Lin Qi."

"This man is not easy to deal with, and our current situation is worrying. It is not wise to act rashly."

"Regardless, we should report this matter to our fathers. The Northern Region has suddenly fallen silent, and the Beast Tide has inexplicably receded. It's not advisable for us to show ourselves now."

"Sigh…" It was unclear who let out the long sigh, but the atmosphere in the great hall grew much more somber. The shadows quickly disappeared one by one, without leaving behind any strategy.

...

「Annihilation Sect, Technique Teaching Hall.」

Wu Wang sat in the high seat's stone chair, picked up the teacup in front of him, and lowered his head to gently blow at the two tea leaves floating on top.

Hundreds of Demon Path cultivators of the Annihilation Sect, whose cultivation was at the Immortal Realm or higher, stood below respectfully—from the patrol officers to the Grand Elder—none dared to even breathe too loudly.

By now, they had sent away their guests. After a six-day feast in the Rift Valley, the group of newly initiated disciples was busy cleaning the place.

Wu Wang said, "Out with it. Whose idea was it?"

Lin Qi, bracing himself, stepped forward, bowed with his hands clasped, and said, "It was this disciple's idea. Please punish me, Teacher."

"You?" Wu Wang laughed. "I thought only Ji Mo would do such a thing."

Ji Mo also stepped out, bowed with his hands clasped, and said, "Sect Master, I shall accept punishment alongside Brother Lin."

Mao Aowu also stepped out and said aloud, "Sect Master! We all discussed this matter. If there is to be punishment, please punish us!"

"Right!"

A Heavenly Immortal Realm Elder was about to step forward but was pushed back down by the Grand Elder beside him with a slap.

The Grand Elder said, "Sect Master, Elder Mao should be the one punished for this matter."

Mao Aowu turned his head and glared at the Grand Elder, his eyes filled with sorrow and indignation. Yet, in the end, he sighed and bowed his head, taking all the blame upon himself.

"Sect Master, this is indeed my fault."

Wu Wang raised his eyebrows but understood why the Grand Elder 'betrayed' Mao Aowu like that.

It was simple: if too many people stepped forward to ask for punishment, it was actually forcing the Sect Master not to punish anyone, because the law does not blame the multitude.

By pushing Mao Aowu out to take the blame, the Grand Elder allowed Wu Wang to vent his anger, preventing an awkward situation for the Sect Master. It was quite considerate.

Wu Wang said with a smile, "Punishment is indeed necessary. Elder Mao will be docked twenty years' worth of offerings, Lin Qi will face the wall and reflect for three months, and Ji Mo will not be allowed to visit brothels for the next three years."

Lin Qi breathed a slight sigh of relief, while Mao Aowu and Ji Mo had bitter expressions but accepted their respective punishments with a salute.

"Everyone," Wu Wang spoke calmly, his gaze sweeping over the crowd below, and he sighed with a smile, "I never expected that three years would fly by so quickly, and yet, my position as Sect Master has become increasingly stable."

"Sect Master," the Grand Elder said warmly, "under your leadership, our Sect has now become renowned far and wide..."

"Grand Elder, let me finish. I'm not trying to shirk any responsibilities."

Wu Wang continued calmly, "The reason the Annihilation Sect has developed so rapidly in the past three years is mainly due to the foundation accumulated over many years prior. I merely set up some Sect industries, which isn't worth mentioning. The Sect's foundation still lies in its Cultivation Technique and in all of you.

"I must say, the situation in the Human Domain is going to be very grim. This is not unwarranted worry, nor is it a fear of losing what we have. Although the Northern Region is currently quiet, I always feel that something is brewing beneath this quietude. The Human Domain is far from a time for celebration. Our Sect celebrating with banquets for days in a muddled state was truly inappropriate. For the next hundred years, the Sect need not hold any grand banquets."

All the Demon Path cultivators said in unison, "We obey the Sect Master's command."

"I will continue to occupy the position of Sect Master of the Annihilation Sect. Not only will I continue, but I will also bring the Annihilation Sect to a higher standing in the shortest time possible, so that we might have some influence over the Human Domain."

Wu Wang continued, "This time, I had some realizations in my dream, not just about the realm of cultivation, but also some thoughts about the current situation in the Human Domain, musing on what I could do for it. You may all disperse for now. There's nothing else. All officers and Elders, please stay."

"Yes!"

All the Demon Path cultivators responded in unison. Soon, sixty percent of them had left, leaving only a hundred or so people.

Wu Wang stood up and descended the steps from the high platform to sit on a lower step. He rubbed his face with both hands, appearing somewhat weary.

This was due to the overwhelming realizations he had to absorb during his dream, leaving his mental state somewhat depleted.

The Grand Elder said, "Sect Master, you should rest first."

Concern was also evident on the faces of the Demon Path cultivators.

"Let's finish discussing the important matters first," Wu Wang said. "Grand Elder, going forward, our Sect should try to recruit more Refining Masters and also take stock of the well-known Refining Equipment Sects in the Human Domain."

An Elder laughed. "Sect Master, are you suggesting that our Sect's industries will mainly focus on the Path of Artifact Refining in the future?"

"Exactly," Wu Wang smiled. "Do you all know why I have such a fondness for the Path of Artifact Refining?"

The Elders shook their heads.

Wu Wang said, "A powerful magic treasure can greatly enhance a cultivator's combat strength. It is the fastest way to improve one's power outside of cultivation methods. In the future, I will also invest some of my efforts in artifact refining to see if I can achieve some results."

The Grand Elder advised, "Sect Master, at this time, you should focus on cultivation. Let us handle artifact refining and pill concocting."

"Indeed, Sect Master, you should sleep a bit more!"

"A few more instances of enlightenment in dream, and you, Sect Master, might truly become a Heavenly Immortal by the age of a hundred!"

Wu Wang was speechless. This is a huge misunderstanding! Where in this world is there such a thing as enlightenment in dream, a type of cultivation that reaps benefits without labor? Yet I can't explain it clearly, that the transformation of the Yan Emperor's Command gave me too many insights, to the point where my Dao Realm was forcibly expanded.

Therefore, Wu Wang nodded calmly and said, "The method of enlightenment in dream is actually untraceable, akin to sudden enlightenment, and is not under my control."

Desire blazed in the eyes of the Elders.

The Sect Master has finally admitted it! There really is a method of dream cultivation!

"Regarding artifact refining, I have an idea."

Wu Wang said, "The Refining Equipment Sects of the Human Domain have always had notions of hierarchy. Each famous Refining Equipment Sect specializes in different types of artifact refining. If we could somehow establish a standard for the Refining Equipment Sects, it would benefit both the Human Domain and our Sect enormously. But these words, 'establish a standard,' are easier said than done. It's very difficult to achieve, not to mention that our Annihilation Sect's artifact refining methods aren't famous, and our foundation is insufficient. Therefore..."

An Elder of the Heavenly Immortal rank said, "Should we pool our wisdom and efforts to figure out how to refine artifacts?"

"No, that's too slow."

Wu Wang firmly said, "We must first build a chain of magic treasure shops for selling magic treasures to quickly accumulate cultivation resources. With these cultivation resources, we can gather those master refiners who don't belong to any sect, thereby enhancing our influence in the Path of Artifact Refining!"

An Elder's eyes lit up, praising, "Brilliant, Sect Master!

"It's just like the treasure shop we have in Floating Jade City. If we build treasure shops in various places, we can first use low-price, high-quality magic treasures to win over the cultivators everywhere, making them come to us when they want to buy magic treasures. Then, using this influence, we can rope in various Refining Equipment Sects, making them provide us with a source of magic treasures!

"Once we have both ends secured, we'll first lower the price we pay for magic treasures from the Refining Equipment Sects, then raise the selling price to the cultivators. After back and forth like this, we'll be flush with wealth!

"Such a great idea, indeed worthy of the Sect Master. We could not have thought of such a good plan ourselves."

Black lines appeared on Wu Wang's forehead. He glared at the Elder who had spoken and asked, "What is this Elder's name?"

"This subordinate is Jia Zihang."

Wu Wang said, "Take him out for a beating first, then reward him with three years of offerings and send him to the Treasure Hall as the Vice Hall Master."

Yang Wudi and Zhang Moshan immediately stepped forward from either side and escorted the astonished-looking Elder out of the hall. Shortly after, a few wails could be heard from outside.

The Demon Path cultivators of the Annihilation Sect simultaneously shivered.

"If there's nothing else, these are just instructions regarding artifact refining. You may all go cultivate. Ji Mo and Lin Qi, stay behind."

"Yes, Sect Master."

All the Elders and officers bowed and left. Except for the Grand Elder, Mao Aowu, Ji Mo, and Lin Qi, everyone else departed from the Technique Teaching Hall.

Wu Wang's expression suddenly turned solemn. He stood up and jumped directly in front of the two.

"Did you get a reply?"

Ji Mo said, "Grandmother has already responded; she has personally set out for the Northern Region to report this matter to His Majesty."

Lin Qi also said, "My father has already mobilized heavy troops to gather, sending people daily to patrol back and forth along the Northern Border Wall. If the resurgence of the Beast Tide is observed, we can respond in time."

Wu Wang asked with concern, "Have both families spread the news?"

"From the response letters, it seems they have spread the news as widely as possible."

"Teacher, rest assured. The Military Families in contact with the Lin Family have also been sent this information."

"That's good," Wu Wang sighed in relief, raising his hand to pat Ji Mo and Lin Qi on the shoulders. "You've worked hard."

The Grand Elder and Mao Aowu were completely bewildered, not knowing what this was all about.

Six days ago, right after Wu Wang had woken up, he had secretly taken Ji Mo and Lin Qi to a secluded corner and given them a task.

He asked them to send messages to their respective family heads, conveying the warning from his mother, Cang Xue, to the Ji Family and Lin Family.

The Heaven Palace might launch a total assault on the Human Domain within the next hundred years.

The reason Wu Wang had Ji Mo and Lin Qi send the messages, rather than contacting the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion himself or speaking directly with Senior Shen Nong, was after careful consideration.

The most important reason was to leverage the influence of the Human Domain's Military Families so that the information would not be suppressed by the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion. The core mission of the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion was to maintain stability in the rear. They might choose not to disclose this matter publicly. But what Wu Wang wanted was for all the powers of the Human Domain to feel the pressure, to unite closely under this pressure, and not to engage in infighting or internal strife before facing the total assault from the Heaven Palace.

Wu Wang asked Ji Mo and Lin Qi a few more questions, and they simply handed over the several response letters they had received to Wu Wang.

"This is all we can do for now," Wu Wang said as he stored away the jade talismans, smiling. "The rest, let's leave to the seniors to handle."

The Grand Elder asked, "Sect Master, you're in such a hurry to unite the Refining Equipment Sects and gather the master refiners... is it also for the protection of the Human Domain?"

"Yes," Wu Wang said. "The Path of Artifact Refining has been stagnant for many years, and I don't know if it's too late. Yet, having this idea, I want to try. Gather the Refining Masters, let them communicate and exchange ideas. Perhaps they can achieve breakthroughs in refining methods. Such breakthroughs could be crucially important for the Human Domain."

Mao Aowu said, "Sect Master, why not have the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion take the lead? You only need to speak up, and the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion will certainly listen to your opinion."

Wu Wang couldn't help but smile, his eyes narrowing as he said, "It's not proper to involve the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion directly in this matter. Using the Pavilion's orders to pressure various Refining Equipment Sects will most likely backfire. All under heaven bustle for-profit; all under heaven hurry for gain. Moving them by emotion is inferior to enticing them with benefits. Who doesn't love spirit stones and treasure mines?"

Mao Aowu couldn't help but lower his head in thought, and Ji Mo and Lin Qi also seemed to have gained some insight.

"I'm going to rest for a few days," Wu Wang said with a wave of his hand, sauntering towards the hall's entrance. "Lin Qi, keep an eye on Ji Mo. While sudden enlightenment in the brothels is a good thing, don't overdo it and harm your own foundation."

"Don't worry, Teacher," Lin Qi clasped his sword fingers together, and an immortal sword flew out from his sleeve, resting against Ji Mo's neck. "I will ensure he keeps his desires in check and focuses on his cultivation."

Ji Mo shouted, "Brother Wu Wang, Sect Master! My ability to gain enlightenment will diminish in the sect!"

Without turning his head, Wu Wang replied, "It's fine. This Sect Master will soon open an outer branch not far from the mountain gate. You can go stay there then."

Ji Mo pulled a long face, completely wilted, his motivation entirely deflated.

...

Wu Wang strolled around the valley and noticed that disciples from various sects looked at him with a somewhat 'fanatical' gaze, so he went straight to his temporary residence: Elder Miao's small building.

The Sect Master's small building had been destroyed during his breakthrough. Wu Wang originally wanted to just rebuild an ordinary one, but the Grand Elder and other Elders requested that they build him a sturdy residence with its own large formations. Firstly, it was for safety considerations, and secondly, it had to suit the identity of the Annihilation Sect's Sect Master. As this was a good thing, Wu Wang didn't refuse, allowing them to carve into the mountain wall and bury the formation bases.

Furthermore, since Lin Suqing and Immortal Mu had moved to Elder Miao's dwelling, Wu Wang also followed them and stayed there for a few days. Elder Miao had no objections to this and even specially tidied up her own room to serve as Wu Wang's quiet room for cultivation.

The possibility of the Heaven Palace launching a general attack on the Human Domain added a bit of pressure on Wu Wang. But Wu Wang wasn't so arrogant as to believe that the rise and fall of the Human Domain rested solely on his shoulders, or that if the Human Domain couldn't overcome the Heaven Palace, it was his fault. He simply felt that the Human Domain was a decent place, and he wanted to lend a hand within his capabilities. Even if it meant just reducing the casualties among the immortals in the Human Domain, that would be quite good. Not to mention, keeping the Human Domain continuously attracting the Heaven Palace's attention also served as indirect protection for the Northern Wilderness.

"Young Master, you're back?"

Just as he entered the perimeter of the formation around the small building, Lin Suqing stood at the door and softly called out.

She was dressed in a comfortable and loose long gown that still managed to reveal her slender and graceful figure. Her willowy waist was the epitome of tenderness. Her delicate fingers, held in front of her, were as white as jade, and her eyes, expressive as if they could speak, were just as clear.

Wu Wang nodded with a smile, his mood instantly improving.

"Suqing."

"Yes."

"Help this Young Master clean his ears."

"Yes."

Soon enough, Wu Wang was lying down with his face turned outwards on a brand-new cushion placed on Lin Suqing's lap, while she sat in the corner of a soft couch.

She carefully moved aside Wu Wang's hair, avoiding any sensation, and took a thin wooden stick, gently scraping around Wu Wang's ear.

"Young Master… Do you have any troubles on your mind?"

"No, not really, all is well," Wu Wang said with a smile. "You wouldn't understand these things even if I told you. Just focus on your cultivation."

"I'm about to enter the Spiritual Silence Stage, you know."

Wu Wang muttered indistinctly, "Believe it or not, I might just sleep again and advance."

Lin Suqing immediately dared not say more.

Wu Wang yawned. He indeed felt a bit tired, the fatigue emanating from his Nascent Soul—a result of previously forcing himself to absorb too much enlightenment.

"Suqing, touch me."

"Ah, when should I wake you?"

"Four hours will do."

Lin Suqing's fingers gently touched Wu Wang's neck. He closed his eyes, lying sideways on the soft couch, resting on the cushion, and fell straight into a deep sleep.

This sleep did not bring enlightenment.

In a daze, Wu Wang had another dream. In the dream, he sat on a cloud, gazing down at the boundless land below him.

If I were a decision-maker in the Heaven Palace preparing a total assault on the Human Domain within a century, what preparations would be needed? Secrecy is a must, so that the Human Domain does not become aware of one's strategic intentions—strike when they are unprepared. Ah, right, there's also the tactic of lulling the enemy into a false sense of security, perhaps even drawing the Human Domain's main forces out of the Northern Region… Mother said that Head Manager is quite crafty. As for how crafty, we'll see soon enough.

In the quiet room of the small building, sunlight shone through the window, illuminating the interior.

Lin Suqing sat quietly on the edge of the soft couch, looking down at Wu Wang's side profile. Her cheeks flushed slightly, a bit of a daze in her eyes. She quietly slipped the cushion away…

Giggling to herself. Besides, no one would know.

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