Watching the "military transport ships" of the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion disappear into the horizon, Wu Wang pondered a very serious question.

How many more people from the Ten Evils Hall can I afford to mess with?

"Sect Master," the Grand Elder said, standing nearby with his hands behind his back and smiling. "The Ten Evils Hall has ultimately underestimated you. They only sent such subordinates and didn't even spare an Elder."

"The Ten Evils Hall's foundation isn't actually that deep," Wu Wang remarked. "If you consider it a sect, it's merely a newly risen power."

He stretched leisurely and said with a smile, "Let's head back. This has delayed the Grand Elder's cultivation again."

The Grand Elder spoke gently, "The Sect Master's safety is the sect's top priority. Let alone the fact that I am not in secluded cultivation seeking enlightenment, even if I were on the verge of a breakthrough, protecting the Sect Master would come first."

"Thank you, Grand Elder."

"You're too kind, Sect Master."

Nearby, Dongfang Mumu tilted her head, wondering why these two, who were already so familiar with each other, still bothered with such formalities.

They had crammed into a flying shuttle on their way here, but their return trip was unhurried. They conjured a white cloud, joking, laughing, drinking tea, and enjoying themselves as if on a spring outing.

Mao Aowu followed the large ships back to the Main Hall of the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion. With dozens of top experts and hundreds of Immortal Soldiers from the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion escorting those fiends from the Ten Evils Hall, there was no need to worry about their safety.

On the way back, Wu Wang discussed opening new magic treasure shops with the Grand Elder. The Grand Elder had done some research and recommended over ten cultivators from the Annihilation Sect whose cultivation had stagnated but who were resourceful and "knew how to get things done" to be the shopkeepers for the first batch of new magic treasure shops.

Elder Wang had managed the magic treasure shop in Floating Jade City diligently for several years without any errors. Wu Wang promoted him and Jia Zihang to Vice Hall Masters of the Treasure Hall.

While they were chatting, the Grand Elder created a small barrier around them to ensure their conversation wouldn't be overheard.

"Sect Master, this is for you." The Grand Elder handed over a storage bracelet. Wu Wang was surprised at first, but upon receiving it, he immediately understood: the Grand Elder had secretly intercepted the storage magic treasures from the Ten Evils Hall fiends they encountered today. The Grand Elder had always remembered that Wu Wang wanted the blood of ferocious beasts.

"Thanks, Grand Elder," Wu Wang said quietly, his heart filled with warmth. Although he was currently focused on dealing with the Evil Gods, he shouldn't overlook these scattered bits of Divine Power.

The Grand Elder smiled, took out an abacus, fiddled with it gently, and then said, "Sect Master, I've done some calculations. If we rely solely on opening more branches, establishing the 'Refining Master Alliance' you mentioned in a short time isn't very practical. For example, with three hundred magic treasure shops, we'd need at least two hundred years to operate and stabilize them. But you previously said we only have a hundred, or even just tens of years, to prepare..."

"You've been very thoughtful, Grand Elder," Wu Wang praised warmly, then continued, "I didn't explain it clearly that day, and Elder Jia cut in before I could finish. We don't necessarily need three hundred shops; a few dozen are enough. We need to ensure we establish our reputation in a region of the Human Domain, like the southeast, east, or the most prosperous central area.

"Then, we can ask the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion to back us, establish a set of standards and fixed operational methods, and first create a magic treasure merchants' alliance, inviting other magic treasure shops to join. Behind these magic treasure shops are various sects, so building good relationships with them is also very important. This way, we can increase our influence in the shortest possible time.

"After that, we'll hold artifact refining competitions with generous rewards. We'll invite several Transcendent Realm experts from the Human Domain to preside over them. The competition will be held on a three-year cycle, not a ten-year one, with the slogan 'Seeking Unique and Extraordinary Treasures.' After three or four such competitions, our standards will be widely adopted, our influence will be established, and we'll have gathered enough Refining Masters. The Refining Master Alliance will then naturally fall into place."

The Grand Elder pondered carefully, slowly savoring Wu Wang's words, and soon cupped his hands in a salute. "Sect Master, your insights are remarkable; I am impressed. In that light, Elder Jia's strategy was indeed short-sighted."

"Elder Jia's goal was to earn Spirit Stones; our goal is to protect the Human Domain. Naturally, they differ," Wu Wang said with a smile. "However, this means most of the profits from the sect's industries will have to be invested in these matters... But everyone's remuneration will certainly be better than it is now."

"That's enough, more than enough," the Grand Elder said, waving his hands repeatedly and sighing. "As long as cultivation resources are sufficient, that's all that matters. If they have too many Spirit Stones on hand, their minds will wander."

"The Grand Elder speaks wisely. It's easier to improve benefits than to reduce them." Wu Wang pondered for a moment, then added, "We can exchange for more elixirs and Spirit Grass for everyone to aid their cultivation."

The Grand Elder smiled and nodded, and they began discussing the sect's reward system. The Grand Elder certainly hadn't forgotten the eight strategies Wu Wang had provided. He had always guided the Annihilation Sect in the directions indicated by those strategies, helping it grow larger and stronger.

In a corner of the white cloud, Dongfang Mumu sat hugging her knees, lost in thought. With Wu Wang ignoring her and Lin Suqing not by her side, Immortal Mu felt a bit lonely, but she just hugged herself tighter and said nothing more.

The white cloud descended back to the Annihilation Sect, and the experts went their separate ways.

Wu Wang took Dongfang Mumu back to Elder Miao's small building. She flashed up to the second floor without even greeting Wu Wang.

What's wrong with Immortal Mu... Wu Wang mused with a smile, then continued to ponder matters related to the Ten Evils Hall. Could the Ten Evils Hall's actions this time also be in coordination with the Heaven Palace's strategy of 'showing weakness to the enemy'?

After some thought, Wu Wang couldn't reach a conclusion. He returned to his quiet room to meditate and cultivate, contemplating the principles behind the transformations of the stars.

Several days passed. Mao Aowu hurried back to the Annihilation Sect to report, recounting the outcome of the prisoners' disposal.

To the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion's considerable embarrassment, Shi Lianying and the other seven spies, who were under strict guard, had died tragically in the dungeon before they could even be interrogated.

"The cause of death was a potent poison; each had a slender silver needle embedded in their body," Mao Aowu said. "The poison on the silver needles has also been identified. It's a rare venom refined from the stinger of a Ten-Thousand-Year Ferocious Beast. It truly is a shame. We couldn't get anything out of them on the way back either."

"What's there to pity?" Wu Wang laughed. "At least those eight didn't have to be dealt with directly by the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion. Moreover, this incident exposed the fact that the Main Hall of the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion harbors spies from the Ten Evils Hall."

Mao Aowu nodded slowly and whispered, "An internal investigation has begun within the Pavilion. The Pavilion Master was furious when he heard about it."

Wu Wang pondered silently beside him, not offering any comment.

He then asked, "What about Daoist Wancai?"

"Still determined to seek death," Mao Aowu replied. "As requested by the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion, he has recounted the atrocities of the Ten Evil Gods against the Human race in the outer domains across various places. Now, he's just waiting for you, Sect Master, to appear and grant him a swift end."

Wu Wang shook his head slightly, sighing, "Such stubborn people always have a certain charm."

Mao Aowu stood silently to the side for a moment, then smiled. "Sect Master, when I returned, Master Liu pulled me aside and asked—when will you report in? He said everything is ready on his end."

"Three... five months later, perhaps."

"Is that three months or five months?" Mao Aowu asked. "Master Liu asked me to send back a precise message."

"Five months." Wu Wang waved his hand decisively. "Alright, I still need to cultivate. Big Brother Mao, you go get busy too. If the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion presses, just hold them off for me. Since I promised that person, I won't go back on my word."

"Yes, your subordinate understands." Mao Aowu bowed and departed, mulling over the wording of the message for the Jade Talisman as he floated away from the small building.

Wu Wang then took out a few drops of an Evil God's Essence Blood, obtained from the Divine Child's storage magic treasure. He let them hover around him and began to slowly absorb the Divine Power within.

He actually wanted to go to the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion sooner, as the Divine Power from the Evil God Long Zhi was waiting for him to collect. However, Wu Wang was also worried. His current level of power from the Star God's bloodline wasn't particularly high. If he absorbed even a little of the Evil God's primordial Divine Power and couldn't withstand it, wouldn't he become a laughingstock to the senior?

It was better to be pragmatic and strengthen his foundation further.

For a time, Immortal Light swirled within the barrier of the small building. Wisps of Spiritual Energy circled and spiraled, and occasionally, the roars of ferocious beasts and the cries of birds could be heard. Wu Wang's clothes quickly disintegrated into dust. Fortunately, the Immortal Light around him was dense, and the outer Formation concealed him, so the golden scales that appeared on his body were not exposed.

This phenomenon lasted for two months. The golden scales on Wu Wang's body faded, and the few drops of Evil God's Essence Blood turned to dust and dispersed. He stood up from his meditation mat, the qi and blood surging within him like waves crashing against a shore. Clenching his fist slightly, sparks of electricity seemed to flicker at his fingertips.

"The power of the Star God's bloodline hasn't been adversely affected; instead, it has grown much stronger," Wu Wang muttered to himself. "I wonder if this bloodline power has levels, and what level I'm at now."

He resolved to continue cultivating; the Dao Realm was fundamental. No matter how strong one became, a short lifespan rendered it useless. Although Senior Shen Nong had advised him to focus primarily on rapidly increasing his combat strength for now, how could an old senior who had lived for countless eons understand the anguish of a powerful cultivator from the Northern Wilderness!

Thus, Wu Wang meditated quietly for over a month. Once his body had adapted to the new strength, he took out a wine jar filled with an Evil God's blood and began to absorb the Divine Power within.

Comparing the two, the Evil God's Essence Blood was indeed more potent! This made Wu Wang look forward to the Evil God's corpse even more.

Five months wasn't actually a long time. For the current Wu Wang, it was merely the span of a few meditation sessions. (A greatly increased lifespan also tended to dull one's perception of time's passage.)

During this period, Lin Qi, Auntie, and Ji Mo successively emerged from their secluded cultivation.

Suqing had forcefully broken through to the mid-stage of Spiritual Silence, her cultivation advancing rapidly. It wouldn't be surprising if she became an Immortal before she turned one hundred.

Lin Qi had one foot in the Immortal Realm. He was now cultivating both the Sword Dao and the Dao of Fire, much like Wu Wang, focusing primarily on the Dao of Sword Control with the Great Dao of Fire as a supplement. He hadn't pinned all his hopes on the Yan Emperor's command. After paying his respects to Wu Wang, Lin Qi went into seclusion to prepare for his ascension to Immortality, planning to attempt breaking through to the Yuanxian Realm within half a year.

After Suqing came out of seclusion, she stayed by Wu Wang's side, taking care of his daily chores. Wu Wang suggested she go back into seclusion for a while longer to further consolidate her realm, but she only verbally agreed a few times and continued to hover around him.

After Ji Mo emerged from seclusion, he promptly came to Wu Wang to bid farewell. The moment he saw Wu Wang, he exclaimed, "Brother Wuwang! I've decided to start a family!"

Wu Wang, who had just taken a sip of honey tea, sprayed it all over Lin Suqing's long skirt and burst into a coughing fit.

"What's going on?" Wu Wang glared at Ji Mo and scolded, "Don't tell me you've had a lady you fancied all this time, yet you were still frequenting those pleasure houses? You're something else, Young Master Ji!"

"Brother Wuwang, please don't misunderstand! I didn't have a lady I fancied before, and I don't have one now!" Ji Mo pulled a wooden chair over to Wu Wang, his eyes burning as he looked at him.

Wu Wang scooted back slightly and whispered, "Could it be... a man?"

"A man? What man?"

Wu Wang chuckled. "Ah, never mind what I said. Explain clearly what's going on."

Ji Mo said excitedly, "I've figured it out, Brother Wuwang! His Majesty was right! I've been reckless for too long; it's time to settle down. Instead of seeking enlightenment in pleasure houses, it would be better to engage in dual cultivation with my own wife!"

Wu Wang blinked and asked in a low voice, "So, you're going... matchmaking?"

"Yes!" Ji Mo smiled. "I've already sent a letter home, describing the kind of woman I'm looking for. This time, I'll listen to my parents and the matchmaker. As long as we find each other agreeable, that will be enough."

"This is a lifelong commitment; don't treat it too casually."

"How could I treat it casually? Why would I?" Ji Mo said earnestly. "Marrying and starting a family is my current goal. I won't make this decision lightly. If I meet someone and it's love at first sight, I'll do everything I can to win her heart. In any case, I'll treat my future partner seriously. If she doesn't mind my past profligacy, I'll consider myself quite fortunate."

Wu Wang was speechless.

Is the power of a single phrase from the old senior really that great?

Wu Wang suddenly felt he needed to seriously re-evaluate the Human Emperor's influence over the Human Domain.

"You really should think it over. Once you're married, you can't frequent those pleasure houses anymore."

"I've thought it over." Ji Mo smiled faintly, then sighed and said softly, "Actually, it was when Grandmother was ambushed while pursuing those Divine Spirits. I felt like something was missing deep inside me. What Grandmother hopes for most is for me to get married. I used to think that even if I achieved some success in my cultivation, I couldn't escape the fate of becoming a martyr for the Human Domain. So, I figured I might as well live recklessly and pursue fleeting pleasures. My Ji Family has followed the Human Emperor into battle until now; we are a family of loyalists, and in every generation, the men either die or are injured... Regardless, I should give Grandmother and the others peace of mind. His Majesty's words awakened me. For me, what could be more important now than starting a family?"

"Then you must treat her well. Don't disappoint the lady!"

"How could I?" Ji Mo declared loudly. "I, Ji Mo, am most tender and cherish beauty. I won't allow my future wife to suffer the slightest grievance!"

Wu Wang punched Ji Mo lightly on the shoulder and waved his hand. "Go on, go on. Have your family come get you, or ask an Elder to escort you back. Be careful on the road."

"They'll send someone soon," Ji Mo said. "After I go back this time, I might not be able to return to the Annihilation Sect for a while..."

"No problem. I'll be waiting to attend the wedding feast at your Ji Family's estate."

"Then I'll try to hurry!"

"But don't wrong yourself. These things still depend on fate."

Ji Mo clenched his fist and lightly bumped it against Wu Wang's. They looked at each other and smiled, everything understood without words.

A mere two days after Ji Mo left, Wu Wang also embarked on his journey northward.

The truth was, Master Liu was pressing him too hard to report to the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion quickly. Mao Aowu had almost knelt before Wu Wang, pleading with the Sect Master to go to the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion and register his name as soon as possible.

Just register my name? Wu Wang was naturally skeptical. He could almost see the mountains of scrolls piled up in front of Master Liu...

This time, he traveled light again, with only the Grand Elder and Immortal Mu as his high-level protectors. Lin Suqing naturally accompanied them, attending to the Young Master's daily needs.

Because the Main Hall of the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion had previously experienced the vicious incident of eight Sin Immortals dying horribly in the dungeons, they were exceedingly cautious on this trip. Lin Suqing's storage magic treasure contained ten large vats of spring water; she wouldn't even use water from the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion for brewing tea.

However, they had never imagined that their Sect Master, disregarding past grievances and arriving as promised, would be met with such a cold reception and rejection!

From the Main Hall of the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion, Liu Baiyi's roar echoed: "What? Wu Wangzi requests an audience? Denied! Tell him this Pavilion Master is busy soaking his feet! I won't see him! Have him go to the Temple of Immortal and Mortal Affairs to report! This Pavilion Master needs a back scrub after his foot bath. I'm definitely not seeing him!"

Wu Wang merely smiled faintly, took out a folding fan, and waved it gently in front of him. Guided by several experts from the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion, he headed towards the Temple of Immortal and Mortal Affairs.

The Grand Elder frowned. "This Pavilion Master must have grown impatient from waiting. Sect Master, please don't take it to heart."

Lin Suqing complained with dissatisfaction, "He was the one who summoned the Young Master, yet now he's putting on airs."

"Suqing, watch your words," Wu Wang said with a smile. "This is the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion. The Pavilion Master is in charge; it's normal for him to wield some official authority."

"Yes," Suqing agreed. Beside them, Dongfang Mumu's eyes darted around, her thoughts unreadable.

The "Immortal and Mortal" in the Temple of Immortal and Mortal Affairs referred to "handling affairs between immortals and mortals." This was also typically the busiest place in the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion. The spacious hall contained hundreds of desks, with immortals engrossed in their work and numerous Immortal Soldiers bustling about.

The Grand Elder and his two companions waited outside while Wu Wang was led to a corner of the main hall. There was a side door with three large characters written above it: "Registration Office."

Unhurried, Wu Wang curiously observed his surroundings, his folding fan swaying leisurely in his hand, appearing quite at ease.

Just as he was about to step through the side door, he saw another young cultivator being brought to the same place.

This person looks somewhat familiar... Wu Wang frowned slightly and, pretending not to have seen him, stepped into the side door first.

It was Xue Kailong, a junior of the Xue family, with whom he'd had a minor conflict during the Xuan Nu Sect's disciple recruitment ceremony.

Upon entering, Xue Kailong was also taken aback when he saw Wu Wang. He then cupped his hands in a salute but said nothing more. Wu Wang put away his folding fan and returned the gesture.

The immortal who had led Wu Wang there said gently, "Old Hall Master, could you please register these two young men?"

In the corner, an old man in an earth-yellow robe looked up tremulously and beckoned Wu Wang and Xue Kailong to sit before him. The elder asked them a few questions and made simple registrations.

"Wu Wangzi, Xue Kailong, do you have letters of introduction?"

"Yes," Xue Kailong said, taking a Jade Talisman from his sleeve and placing it on the tray before the old man. "Thank you for your trouble, Senior."

Wu Wang also took out the scroll given by Senior Shen Nong and placed it on the other side of the tray.

Xue Kailong seemed much more composed today.

The old man arranged the letters of introduction without opening them; they were likely to be presented to the higher-ups of the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion.

The old man then asked, "What expectations do you two have for your positions after joining the Pavilion?"

"I!"

"I think..."

"Brother Wuwang, please go first," Xue Kailong said with a smile, making a gesture of invitation.

Wu Wang cupped his hands, said "Thank you," then reopened his folding fan and waved it gently before him as he spoke slowly, "I'd like a leisurely position, one that doesn't require much work, offers decent benefits, allows me to walk freely within the Pavilion, lets me get a share of any good fortune that comes along, and allows me to see the Pavilion Master whenever I wish. Mmm, that should be enough."

The old man looked up, staring at Wu Wang. Xue Kailong's mouth twitched slightly as he looked at Wu Wang with a mixture of amusement and disbelief.

Meanwhile, within Xue Kailong's Spirit Platform, a mass of dark energy swirled around his Nascent Soul, transmitting this scene across countless miles to the southwestern region of the Great Wilderness.

In a gloomy cave dwelling, a middle-aged man in a dark golden robe sat quietly in meditation. Hearing Wu Wang's words, a cold smirk touched the man's lips.

Is this it? Is this the Wu Wangzi whom those incompetents from the Ten Gods Hall described in their letters as being extremely difficult to deal with? Is this all there is to him? So arrogant, so ostentatious, and so dismissive of others! Hmph. He's so easily outshone by the new toy I just found.

Back in the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion, Xue Kailong said loudly, "Senior, please assign me the hardest, most tiring work. Although my cultivation isn't high, I'm willing to contribute what strength I have to the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion."

The old man immediately smiled warmly, asked them to wait a moment, and carried the tray to the back of the hall.

A short while later.

Xue Kailong stood dazedly at the entrance of the main hall, staring at the commission in his hand. The words "Gatekeeper Immortal Soldier" written on it were glaringly conspicuous.

He heard a conversation from the other side and couldn't help but turn to look.

"Young Master, what position did you get?"

"Ah, it's some fifth-rank official post called Supervisory Envoy. The rank isn't high, but it doesn't matter." Wu Wang handed over the Jade Tag and sighed, a little dejectedly. "Looks like they really expect me to work."

Xue Kailong nearly smashed the commission in his hand onto the ground and stomped on it twice.

And the certain Evil God, watching this scene through Xue Kailong's Nascent Soul from his cold, dark cave dwelling, remained silent for a long moment.

Finally, he spat out a curse.

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