Defeated.

This time, Lang Guduo was thoroughly defeated.

Under the powerful aura that formed around Ling Xiaolan, Lang Guduo, even with the confidence of the Young Master of the North Wilderness, still lost within that radiance.

During the banquet, she merely exchanged pleasantries with Wu Wang and spent the entire time watching Wu Wang and Ling Xiaolan discuss cultivation.

Cultivation, what's that? Lang Guduo did not understand. However, she could truly sense the attitude conveyed in Wu Wang's words.

The female generals had wanted to stand up for their Young Master, but upon remembering Wu Wang's influence in the Northern Wilderness, they obediently bowed their heads, eating and drinking, each simmering with frustration.

The experts from the Xuan Nu Sect, though, sent satisfied smiles toward Wu Wang.

After the banquet, which was originally held to celebrate Wu Wang's ascension, everyone dispersed.

They all thought Wu Wang's enlightenment in the dream would allow him to soar to immortality in one fell swoop. Banners celebrating the Sect Master's ascension in the Annihilation Sect had already been hung, and a large number of disciples and sect members were preparing to continue the feast.

Frankly, after the new Sect Master took his position, the number of banquets they attended became remarkably frequent.

"Fairy Ling."

Wu Wang called out to Ling Xiaolan, who was about to leave with her mentors.

The others in the cave dwelling took the hint, bowing their heads and departing. Even Lin Suqing, pulling Dongfang Mumu along, retreated into the inner cave.

The spacious stone hall fell completely silent.

"What is it?" Ling Xiaolan asked softly, standing beside a pool of water.

"Thank you for this time," Wu Wang said warmly, his eyes showing a hint of guilt. "I'm still somewhat unskilled in handling these matters."

"It's just a small matter." Ling Xiaolan shook her head slightly and smiled. "Rather than letting this little princess hold a grudge against you and potentially affect the relationship between the Bear Hug Tribe and the Big Wave Tribe, it's better if she directs her resentment towards me."

"Don't worry," Wu Wang said. "The men and women of the Northern Wilderness are very forthright. If they don't like something, they say it openly. I will explain things to Lang Guduo later."

"Mm," Ling Xiaolan asked, "when do we begin our cultivation practice?"

"Let's start tomorrow morning," Wu Wang replied, then remembered his venture amongst the stars, which ended with him being repelled by the Star Dao. "Do you need to set anything up?"

"No need." Ling Xiaolan raised her right hand, gently waving it. The bracelets on her right wrist tinkled. "I almost moved the entire treasury of the Xuan Nu Sect here, enough to turn a few Elders green with envy."

Wow, a rich young miss!

Wu Wang watched her drift away, feeling a sudden clarity in his heart.

Indeed, in everyone's close circle of friends and family, there is always one who is almost divine.

Through spiritual sense:

The Xuan Nu Sect members flew to the cliff-side pavilion to rest. They would cultivate there in the future, and a spirit gathering formation had been set up. The Annihilation Sect would cover the costs for the spirit stones.

Xing Tian and his sister, accompanied by several female generals, returned to Elder Miao's pavilion. It wasn't long before Xing Tian strolled out, hands behind his back. He wandered around the valley and dragged Ji Mo and Lin Qi off to drink.

Seeing the opportunity was ripe, Wu Wang summoned Lin Suqing and Immortal Mu to go find Lang Guduo.

Why bring Lin Suqing and Immortal Mu?

Gou Zi said: Even the wisest person can make a mistake, and if you gloat too much, you're bound to get knocked down a peg.

Wu Wang had a strange illness that could flare up at any moment. If his ice crystal membrane broke and he fainted in front of Lang Guduo, that would be a huge problem!

The real deal—waking up to find a child already born.

"Young Master," Lin Suqing whispered, "Do we need to say anything later?"

"No need, I will do the talking." Wu Wang said solemnly, looking at Immortal Mu. "You two are responsible for protecting me."

Dongfang Mumu raised her small hand high. "Understood!"

"Hmm, good," Wu Wang praised, then took out a blank exercise book with neatly cut pages, which had not yet been written on, and burned it with flames.

Dongfang Mumu looked at him, her eyes instantly filled with a touched expression.

Strolling along, his mind serene, he often heard disciples calling out "Sect Master," a title that constantly accompanied him.

Amidst colorful scenery and the murmur of flowing water, a rhythmic KNOCK, KNOCK sounded at the door. "Coming," a soft voice replied.

The wooden door opened. There stood Lang Guduo, who had yet to dress up or comb her hair. She was full of surprise, her beautiful eyes fixated on Wu Wang's. Biting her lip, she called out, "Brother Ba, you've come."

"I came to see you. Won't you let us in?"

Wu Wang smiled and greeted her. Lang Guduo quickly stepped aside from the door, covering her chest with her hand, and bowed to Wu Wang.

The group of female generals, holding bunches of women's clothes, fled like the wind through every door and window.

Dongfang Mumu activated an immortal power barrier. However, even with her half-step Transcendent abilities, she couldn't prevent Transcendent Realm experts from noticing.

Lin Suqing, carrying a food box, stepped forward and softly said, "The Young Master instructed me to prepare some snacks from the Human Domain."

"Mm, thank you, Teacher Suqing."

Lang Guduo called out softly. Lin Suqing respectfully nodded with a smile, taking Dongfang Mumu to wait on a soft couch in the corner.

—Lin Suqing's identity in the Northern Wilderness was that of a Human Domain teacher invited by Wu Wang, hence Lang Guduo addressed her as Teacher Suqing.

Wu Wang made an inviting gesture, signaling for Lang Guduo to sit down with him.

"Are you getting used to being Young Master?" Wu Wang started a conversation to ease the awkward atmosphere.

"Actually, there's not much change," Lang Guduo said, twirling a strand of hair in front of her. Sporting a simple bun, she looked somewhat more delicate and graceful.

She said, "I'm not cut out to be a leader. I'm just filling in for my brother until he returns to the Northern Wilderness with his skills refined. Then, I will listen to everything my brother says."

"Overall, the Northern Wilderness is stable, and there aren't too many troubles, so don't worry."

Wu Wang thought for a moment. He crossed his legs, intertwined his fingers in front of him, and spoke in a gentle voice, "Before you came here, Elder Brother Xing Tian came to see me. He suggested an alliance through marriage between our families, but I declined."

Lang Guduo pursed her lips and whispered softly, "Oh."

"It's not because of you."

Wu Wang sighed inwardly. I have to use some rhetorical skills, the art of speaking, tailored to the similar personalities of Xing Tian and his sister, hitting the nail on the head.

"You know, I've always wanted my parents to have a little sister, but they're often apart. So, since that time you and Elder Brother Xing Tian visited our Bear Hug Tribe, I've started to treat you like my own younger sister. How could I become romantically involved with you, then?"

Little Lang Guduo blinked her eyes lightly, her spirits lifting, and she asked excitedly, "Is that so?"

"Of course." Wu Wang lifted three fingers. "I can swear on the Star God."

"Does that mean I have two elder brothers now?" Little Lang Guduo exclaimed happily. "I thought the women of the Human Domain were so beautiful that they bewitched you, Brother Xiong Ba, and that's why you disliked me!"

This effect was indeed good.

"How could I dislike you? Little Lang Guduo is so clever and adorable," Wu Wang laughed. "I just don't have romantic feelings for you because we're already family."

"Mhm, I understand." Little Lang Guduo nodded. She lowered her voice and said, "Actually, when I came this time, I originally wanted to knock you out... Wait for me, Brother Ba."

She ran to the room next door like the wind. After a series of clattering noises, she quickly returned carrying the jade-inlaid, gold and silver-encrusted Wolf Fang Club, causing Wu Wang to subconsciously channel the power of the stars.

"Brother, look!" Little Lang Guduo shook the Wolf Fang Club back and forth. "I made this with the most expensive mineral materials in the Northern Wilderness! I thought that only this would be worthy of the back of your head, Brother!"

Wu Wang forced a wry smile. "A simple wooden stick wrapped in a quilt would have sufficed; no need for such extravagance."

"Brother." Little Lang Guduo earnestly presented the Wolf Fang Club. "I'll give this to you. It was crafted especially for you, and I don't want to use it to hit anyone else. Besides, I plan to wait until I'm a hundred years old and get married before hitting people again, so I won't need it for now."

Wu Wang did not hesitate and took the Wolf Fang Club with both hands.

There was no such custom in the Northern Wilderness, but both of them knew what it represented.

This Wolf Fang Club symbolized a young girl's purest yearning, the love of a Northern Wilderness woman for a man, and even more so, the burning desire and hope of the Northern Wilderness Human race to foster new life.

This was the tender heart of a young girl, the most beautiful vessel for emotion in the world!

Now, as Little Lang Guduo handed it over to Wu Wang, it showed that she had let go of these deep feelings.

Wu Wang put the Wolf Fang Club into his ring and said earnestly, "If there is any difficulty, just tell me. We are not strangers, and I will certainly help you."

"What troubles could there be? The Northern Wilderness is peaceful and tranquil now, and I have nothing to worry about."

Lang Guduo spoke softly, keen to chat with Wu Wang about cultivation. But after asking a few questions and realizing it involved sitting still in meditation, she showed some resistance.

North Wilderness women are forthright; they don't beat around the bush or say much. Her hearty laughter and calls of "Brother" and "Brother Xiong Ba" echoed within Immortal Mu's barrier. There was no sense of sorrow for the passing seasons or any feelings of regret.

This left Wu Wang feeling a subtle sense of loss as he left the pavilion...

Back at his residence, Wu Wang asked Immortal Mu to leave the door slightly ajar and sat on the round platform in the middle of the pond, drinking tea and occasionally letting out a chuckle or two.

Elder Miao was right; the best way to deal with such matters was to speak directly.

And now, truly, he felt light and carefree.

"Suqing! Warm up a pot of the finest wine and come have a few drinks with me!"

"Just let me change my clothes."

Lin Suqing agreed and soon arrived in a loose, comfortable long dress, sitting opposite Wu Wang to drink and talk about Lang Guduo's personality.

Lin Suqing laughed. "Having been in the Human Domain for a while, I've come to miss the scenery of the Northern Wilderness—so vast and boundless."

"We can't return to the Northern Wilderness for now." Wu Wang looked at the clear liquid in his cup and said warmly, "Actually, it's a bit dangerous for Little Lang Guduo to be in the Human Domain. Later, when she returns, I'll have to arrange for high-level masters from the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion to escort her."

Lin Suqing simply listened, not discussing these important matters with Wu Wang.

She clearly understood these issues and knew that anything she might say carelessly could influence the Young Master's decisions, so she didn't mention a word.

"Bring those little notebooks of yours for me to take a look."

"Little notebooks?" Lin Suqing suddenly became anxious.

How did the Young Master know about her habit of keeping records? Was he asking to see what she had written in her jade talismans? While his caution was understandable, those talismans really couldn't be shown—what was written on them was... so embarrassing...

Wu Wang didn't notice Lin Suqing's big, watery eyes and added, "I mean the ones you brought out when we were looking for information about the Long Jade Gate."

"Those!" Lin Suqing sighed in relief; her half-formed Nascent Soul felt like it slumped wearily on her Spirit Platform.

"They are all brochures of sects and masters issued by the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion, but they're all a few years old. I haven't had the chance to buy the newest editions," she said, fishing out a couple of palm-sized illustrated booklets from her storage magic treasure.

Wu Wang took a booklet and read it with interest, much preferring it to the detailed yet dull sect files.

With nothing urgent at hand, Wu Wang planned to spend the afternoon this way.

"Young Master," Lin Suqing asked softly, "Do you truly have no such feelings for Little Lang Guduo? Or is it because of... that person..."

Without raising his head, Wu Wang countered, "Would you have feelings for a neighbor's little brother whom you've only met a few times?"

"I might," Lin Suqing raised her hand to adjust a strand of hair near her ear. "It's really unpredictable. What if we hit it off well?"

Wu Wang looked up at the older woman, his expression a bit peculiar.

"What's wrong?" Lin Suqing lowered her head to glance at her attire, which was her usual dress when accompanying the Young Master.

"Nothing. Let's drink." Wu Wang lifted his cup and drained it in one go. "This alcohol is much smoother than the Daoist liquor from the elder."

Lin Suqing was somewhat puzzled.

「Late at night.」

Lin Suqing had returned to her inner cave for cultivation, while Immortal Mu continued to aid her in enlightenment, hoping to help Lin Suqing step into the Nascent Soul Realm as soon as possible.

Wu Wang lay on the circular platform in the center of the pool, carefully reading the insights of a cultivator of the Star Dao to prepare for the official start of their dual cultivation the next day.

At the slightly ajar door, two figures rushed in and knelt on one knee at the edge of the pool.

Wu Wang lifted his hand, and the door closed; the formation here was now fully activated.

"We greet the Holy Star Envoy!"

The two people kneeling by the pool lifted their heads; they were the two guards from Lang Guduo's side.

Since Wu Wang had already spoken to Young Master Xingtian about the foundation of the Star God Cult, there was no need for the two to hide their identities, and the Big Wave Tribe had tacitly approved their affiliation with the Star God Cult. However, such matters were internal affairs of the Northern Wilderness and obviously should not be observed by individuals like Xiao Jian Daoist from the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion. Deliberately creating a sense of mystery could also make Xiao Jian Daoist and others feel they could not fully grasp the depth of him, the Hall Master.

Wu Wang said, "I called you here mainly to inquire about the current situation of the Star God Cult."

"Reporting to the Holy Star Envoy! Everything in the Cult is normal, and the other six Holy Star Envoys are taking turns managing the affairs. Everyone is waiting for you to retrieve the True Scripture!"

Wu Wang then asked, "Has there been any suspicious activity in the Northern Wilderness lately?"

"There have been many suspicious individuals."

"Holy Star Envoy, according to the information we've gathered, there are experts from the Hundred Races outside the Northern Wilderness intending to infiltrate the local Hundred Races, such as the Rong Dog Tribe, which recently saw a sudden influx of wandering Rong Dog warriors."

Wu Wang raised an eyebrow. "And then?"

"We've absorbed them into the Star God Cult; they are now loyal messengers of the Star God!"

"Some harbored evil intentions, and we expelled or discreetly dealt with them."

"There are surely those with ulterior motives who have deceived your eyes," Wu Wang said slowly. "This matter cannot be taken lightly, but there's no need to worry too much. However, news of my presence here with Young Master Xingtian must not spread through the Northern Wilderness. Pass on my Holy Star Order: if anyone discusses this matter, they are to be dealt with severely."

The two said in unison, "Yes!"

"May the Star God's protection be with you and me."

"May the Star God's protection be with you and me."

The two whispered, quickly withdrawing from the place.

Wu Wang lay there, pondering for a while, then drew a thin blanket over himself and continued to peruse the remaining insights in his hand.

At this moment, the situation in the Northern Wilderness was relatively stable; investigations and probes were not a major concern.

But if the Human Domain could not withstand the total assault of the Heaven Palace, then the Northern Wilderness would truly be in trouble.

Sigh...

One must do what one can.

「At dawn, as day just broke.」

Ling Xiaolan arrived on a white cloud from the cliffside.

She had slightly concealed her figure again, and a hint of Immortal Light accompanied her. Seemingly in a rather good mood, she radiated a relaxed aura.

The vitality of a Fairy Immortal.

Wu Wang cleared out the round platform in the middle of the pool. Ling Xiaolan drew a Tai Chi Diagram and took out two meditation cushions.

These cushions were embroidered with two mythical beasts; Wu Wang's was an Azure Dragon, while Ling Xiaolan's depicted a koi fish with wings.

The two sat face to face, and strands of spiritual energy began to converge swiftly upon this place.

Ling Xiaolan asked, "Shall we start?"

"Wait a moment."

In Wu Wang's left palm, strands of starlight gathered from his arm, coalescing into the Daoist Star Sword.

This object could aid him in understanding the Star Dao.

"I practice the Way of the Water Element, which is the exact opposite of the Dao of Fire," Ling Xiaolan said.

"I need to cultivate the Star Dao," replied Wu Wang, "so the effects of our joint cultivation may be somewhat compromised."

"I can lead," asserted Ling Xiaolan seriously. "I'm not in a rush to cultivate. Let's focus on helping you take the final step towards becoming an Immortal first."

"Good!"

Wu Wang was greatly energized.

He was finally about to take that step!

Thereupon, with tacit understanding, they both lifted their left hands and traced opposite circles in the air; the Yin and Yang fish beneath them seemed to come alive, leaping out from the sea of spiritual energy.

With clear chimes, both quickly entered a state of enlightenment, surrounded by a faint mist.

Lin Suqing tiptoed along the cave wall and hung a wooden sign on the swan-shaped rock sculpture outside:

[Sect Master is cultivating. Do not disturb with trivial matters.]

After doing this, Lin Suqing tiptoed back to her room, observed Wu Wang's silhouette through a barrier, and a faint smile appeared on her lips.

Immortal Mu peeked over, looked at Lin Suqing, and chuckled, "Little Suqing, are you jealous?"

"Who—who's jealous!"

Lin Suqing stepped back a few paces, her neck stiff as she was about to argue, but the words died at her lips. She averted her gaze slightly, bowing her head.

Two locks of hair slipped from her shoulders, and the fairy dress she wore quivered gently, like willow branches caressed by the March breeze over the water's surface, or like willow catkins entwined in the wind.

"It is... a little bit..."

Immortal Mu, who was about to tease her, was suddenly a bit stumped.

She admitted it? How am I supposed to respond to that? Suqing's learned to be unpredictable too!

"Psh, we don't envy them," Immortal Mu declared, pulling Lin Suqing towards the bed. "Come on, let's help you catch up to their Dao Realm!"

Yet Lin Suqing said, "Cultivation cannot be rushed. I need to build my Dao foundation step by step so I can build a strong foundation for explosive growth later!"

"Wow, I can't believe you could say something like that."

"Of course!" Lin Suqing lifted her head proudly, a fiery light in her eyes. "I'm aiming for Heavenly Immortal!"

Immortal Mu was inexplicably moved by her side.

Lin Suqing huffed, "Otherwise, the Young Master will look down on me as a mere maiden in the future!"

Immortal Mu was speechless.

"Tsk, all you think about is your Young Master. Are you living only for him? You might as well tattoo 'Wu Wangzi' on your back!"

"That would look awful," Lin Suqing said with disgust. The two joked and played around inside the cave for a while before both went into seclusion to cultivate.

The Sect Master's sleeping quarters quickly became quiet, but other parts of the Annihilation Sect were anything but peaceful.

Xingtian, with Lin Qi, Ji Mo, Le Yao, and little Lang Guduo, roamed the mountains and played by the water, vowing to make Lang Guduo's visit worthwhile.

Since Wu Wang was in seclusion to ascend to immortality, they wanted to celebrate for him in due time but dared not wander too far. They just strolled through nearby towns, going as far as Floating Jade City for half a day at most.

Ji Mo noticed that Le Yao was much happier than she had been in the Ji Family and didn't bring up the matter of returning home, taking her to enjoy their time everywhere.

Of course, they wouldn't go to a place like the Drunken Fragrance Tower.

They had thought that, with Wu Wang's understanding and talent, he could break through in three to five days.

But half a month passed, then a full month, and there was still no disturbance from Wu Wang and Ling Xiaolan's seclusion.

A bottleneck?

Ji Mo, Lin Qi, and the others didn't believe it. After all, Wu Wang had a 'record' of multiple instances of Enlightenment in Dream. It would truly shatter their understanding if such a cultivator were to be stuck at the gate to immortality.

So, one and a half months passed, and still, no Dao charm burst forth from the Sect Master's residence.

Xiao Jian Daoist, who had been hiding in the dark, grew somewhat restless, carefully sensing the Dao charm fluctuations coming from Wu Wang's place.

The fluctuations of the Way of the Water Element, which encompasses all things, and the fluctuations of the Star Dao, which manifests all phenomena, were all within normal range.

The Grand Elder and Xingtian's teacher appeared one after another, both somewhat worried about Wu Wang.

At this moment, Wu Wang was also somewhat confused.

In those one and a half months, he accumulated many insights, which in turn advanced his Dao Realm. His accumulated understanding of the Star Dao was enough to bring his own Dao to maturity.

But...

He was just stuck like that.

No bottleneck, no confusion. Ahead was clearly a smooth path, yet a 'Star Wall' had appeared on the Star Dao.

It seemed as though this path was fundamentally impassable.

Wu Wang, calm and composed, carefully pondered and reflected.

The numerous notes and cultivation techniques of Star Dao practitioners he had studied in the past years proved useful at this moment.

Wu Wang quickly realized that the path he was taking was different from that of the previous Star Dao experts in the Human Domain.

Guided by the Star God's bloodline, and envisioning the image of the Star God, the path Wu Wang took was the purest, most basic, and ultimately most grandiose path of the stars.

This path, called Star Dao, encompasses all the changes of the stars and is truly a top-level Great Dao, one that could compete with the Dao of Fire among the Five Elements.

But the authors of these classics he had read were all cultivating 'branches' of Star Dao.

For example, they might focus on the principles of stellar changes, a single variation of the stars, or the rise and fall of star power. From these, they comprehended a Dao similar to the Five Elements, which allowed them to step into the Heavenly Immortal Realm.

It was similar in nature to cultivators who practiced 'Explosive Fire Dao' or 'Yin Fire Dao'.

The only explanation for why he could not advance now was this:

This Great Dao was already the private property of the Star God.

The Great Dao and the Innate God protected each other, not allowing others to control this Great Dao again.

It was also one of the reasons why the Heaven Palace had always been able to suppress the Transcendent beings of the Human Domain.

What to do? Take a branch path? Then what would be the point of choosing the Star Dao?

Wu Wang always remembered something—without the power of someone like Emperor Suiren, one could not change the fundamental structure of the Great Wilderness.

He hesitated, holding the necklace in his hand, but ultimately did not ask for his mother's help.

His mother must have sensed that he was trying to ascend to immortality by now. Her silence meant she wanted him to strive on his own.

There has to be a way out! I refuse to believe otherwise!

Cultivate! Comprehend! There must be a Star Dao of my own that will allow me to take this next step forward!

「Thus, another three months later.」

Lang Guduo, with a few newly made friends, reluctantly said goodbye. She waited by the sea for a while, but Wu Wang's figure did not appear.

Several Heavenly Immortals from the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion secretly stood guard, ensuring Lang Guduo's safe return to the Northern Wilderness.

「Half a month later,」

A Heavenly Immortal who had escorted Lang Guduo rushed to the shore of the East Sea in the Human Domain. Blood-soaked and frantic, they were promptly discovered by the border guards.

When the news reached the Annihilation Sect, Wu Wang was still grappling with the Star Dao, unable to take the final step towards immortality.

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