The Northern Wilderness. So peaceful.

It had been only nine days and eight nights since their departure from the Annihilation Sect. Propelled by Xiao Jian Daoist with his magical instrument, Wu Wang had traversed much of the Human Domain, the West Sea, and the Northwestern Region of the Great Wilderness. Finally, on a moonlit night, he saw the long-missed lands of the Northern Wilderness.

The flat-shaped Flying Shuttle, like an oversized bat, silently slipped into the desert of the Northern Wilderness's western border. Wu Wang asked Xiao Jian Daoist to slow their progress so he could carefully sense the changes in the lands at the edge of the Northern Wilderness. The tranquility of that moment seemed somewhat surreal.

The sound of the waves on the West Sea seemed to still linger in his ears. The Duels between the Ten Witches of the Spiritual Mountains and the numerous minor gods of the Western Wilderness had affected a vast area of the West Sea. As they passed by, they flew as high as possible. They were extremely cautious to avoid being drawn into the chaotic battles along the shores of the West Sea. Dozens of battlefields of varying sizes existed there, with most areas in a standoff.

Encountering such a situation, Wu Wang naturally asked why the Human Domain did not join forces with the Ten Witches of the Spiritual Mountains. The answer Xiao Jian Daoist gave somewhat startled Wu Wang. The Ten Witches of the Spiritual Mountains were originally Divine Spirits of the Heaven Palace lineage, but something happened, and they were exiled from the Heaven Palace. They called themselves witches and were ten Divine Spirits of moderate strength. It turned out that both sides, incessantly battling in the Western Wilderness, were originally from the same family. Such information was difficult to find in the records circulated among the Hundred Races; it was a secret the Human Domain had uncovered from within the Heaven Palace.

"Is the Northern Wilderness so sparsely populated?" Inside the Flying Shuttle, a Heavenly Immortal from the Xuan Nu Sect asked softly. "Scanning with Immortal Consciousness, I can only spot tents in places lush with vegetation."

"This is the west of the Northern Wilderness, a more desolate part," Wu Wang chuckled and explained. "Travel a few thousand more miles inward, and you'll see large stretches of tents. The population of the Northern Wilderness and the strength of the various clans are actually suppressed at a moderate level. There are no towns here. Even the Royal Courts of the large family clans mostly migrate continuously according to the availability of water and grass. The boundaries of power and territory are also somewhat blurred. Our Bear Hug Clan only settled down in recent years, establishing a relatively stable territory and borders. However, if a clan takes one more step forward and markedly surpasses the other clans, they will receive the blessing of the Star God."

Ling Xiaolan wondered, "A blessing?"

"Yes, a blessing," Wu Wang sighed softly, his gaze somewhat complex.

Lin Suqing, who was beside him, spoke up, describing the situation when the Bear Hug Clan had received the Star God's blessing. The Cultivators from the Human Domain each fell silent.

Wu Wang said, "In lands outside the Human Domain, the essence is the same; the gods do not allow the Hundred Races to escape their control. The Northern Wilderness is somewhat better off, actually, because the Star God has been slumbering all this while."

Xiao Jian Daoist's eyes held a touch of worry, but he did not say much.

Ling Xiaolan, however, said, "The Women's Country of the Western Wilderness, the Rain Mistress Nation of the East Sea, and the Star God's blessings in the Northern Wilderness... why can't the Hundred Races unite?"

"How would Heaven Palace allow that?" Wu Wang laughed. "In the Northern Wilderness, the Star God has set shackles, not allowing the Hundred Races to break free. The rules are set in stone, but at least there's room to breathe. Beyond the Northern Wilderness lay lands harshly ruled by the Heaven Palace. To divide the Hundred Races there, the Heaven Palace merely needed to grant preferential treatment to the strong. These powerful individuals would then be compelled to serve the Heaven Palace, easily becoming its tools to dominate the Hundred Races..."

"There are fierce beasts," Xiao Jian Daoist suddenly spoke up, his gaze fixed like lightning on a certain sand dune below. "A fierce beast tens of thousands of years old! Its aura covers thousands of miles, and it's hiding motionless underground!"

Wu Wang said earnestly, "In a way, these creatures that reside in sparsely populated lands are also a barrier for the Northern Wilderness. Let the fierce beasts near the borders of the Northern Wilderness remain."

"Good," Xiao Jian Daoist exclaimed in admiration. "It's just rather moving. How many years has it been since the Human Domain last saw beasts over ten thousand years old? The Beast Tides at the borders, at most, consist of beasts that have been prematurely aged only a few hundred years."

Wu Wang laughed, "The Beast Core trade in the Northern Wilderness is also big business."

As they spoke, a group of dark shadows flew beneath the Flying Shuttle; they were dozens of ferocious birds with wingspans of several meters, gliding through the sky. Everyone couldn't help but spread their Immortal Consciousness, carefully observing their surroundings. Traces of numerous fierce beasts were hidden throughout this desert; sometimes, just several miles apart, one could see two different species of fierce beasts, each thousands of years old.

Traveling and observing like this for half the night, they reached the central region where the Northern Wilderness population was concentrated. The sky had not yet brightened, but the rumbling of the ground could already be heard. Beneath the azure sky, as the Flying Shuttle skimmed past, large groups of Deep Eye Tribe members, riding Guan Shu beasts, were hunting a herd of Mengliu beasts, kicking up dust that filled the air.

Xiao Jian Daoist remarked with emotion, "Such vast skies and expansive lands, truly magnificent. Being here made one feel that even their Dao heart became vast and unburdened."

Lin Suqing laughed and said, "Senior, it's not too lively here yet."

"Let's avoid the mountain range ahead," Wu Wang suddenly spoke. "That is where the Deep Eye Tribe holds their Sun Ritual. We shouldn't disturb them."

Xiao Jian Daoist immediately adjusted the Flying Shuttle's direction.

Perhaps it was nerves from being near home, or maybe it was the worry gnawing at his heart, but Wu Wang's mind became increasingly restless. He tried to meditate, asking Lin Suqing to wake him upon their arrival at the Bear Hug Clan's territory. But he had barely closed his eyes for a moment before opening them again to glance outside. Seeing this, Xiao Jian Daoist increased the Flying Shuttle's speed further, no longer paying much attention to the passing scenery.

After an unknown amount of time, the Flying Shuttle suddenly stopped. Wu Wang heard Lin Suqing saying by his ear, "Young Master, look quickly! It's the Giant Wolf Cavalry of the Bear Hug Clan!"

"Where?" Wu Wang immediately jumped up, banging his head on the roof of the Flying Shuttle, not even noticing his gaffe.

Below, on the vast land, thousands of Giant Wolf Cavalry thundered towards the west, with dozens of precious giant bats circling above them. At the very front of the Giant Wolf Cavalry, a robust figure carried a large flag sewn from fierce beast hide. On the flag was a large character signifying 'Overlord', which was very noticeable.

"Hahahaha!" For some reason, Wu Wang laughed out loud and said, "Everyone, please stay hidden for now. I'll go join them! It's General Xiong San who has come to meet me!"

With those words, Wu Wang rushed out of the Flying Shuttle. Unfurling his wings of starlight, he tore off his long robe and draped himself in a snow-white cape. A long howl cleared the path as the wolf pack roared continuously. Wu Wang plummeted from the sky. The wolf cavalry below immediately changed their formation, wheeling left and right to encircle him, forming a circle several miles in diameter on the grassland.

"Young Master!" General Xiong San's fierce eyes turned red as he bellowed, his voice so loud it seemed to shake the clouds apart and made birds and beasts tremble in fear.

Instantly, thousands cried out "Young Master" in unison, their roars echoing across the grassland. Colored smoke signals rose in succession along the path they had come, straight plumes of smoke that served as homeward beacons, guiding Wu Wang.

Wu Wang leaped down from the sky. Before he could speak, General Xiong San rushed over and embraced him. "Young Master, you've finally returned! Old San here missed you to death! Hahahaha! Quick, let me have a look. The Young Master has lost weight, lost so much weight!"

Wu Wang hurriedly asked, "General Xiong San, is my father alright?"

"Everyone's fine! We've all been worried about you. What could possibly go wrong here with us?" General Xiong San sighed. "Young Master, don't go out anymore. No place outside is as good as our home! Quick, let's go find the Clan Leader. He happens to be inspecting the western border right now. This is still someone else's territory; we've gone in a bit too deep! Young Master, your chariot has been brought too!"

AWOOO—

A wolf's howl came from the horizon. Six snow-white giant wolves, each as tall as a person, galloped forward. The hides, cushions, and decorations on the chariot behind them looked newly refurbished.

In a short while, the thousands of wolf cavalry had formed a protective escort, and the chariot had stopped before Wu Wang. Shaking his beast-skin cape, Wu Wang took out a mask made from a cub's skull and put it on. He then patted the armrest of the chariot and leaped onto the cushioned seat. Slumping back, hands resting casually, feet propped up, the corners of his mouth naturally turned upward, his eyes brimming with contentment.

"Back to camp."

The giant wolves howled, sand and dust swirling, while the cavalry atop them erupted in a cacophony of cheers.

「Meanwhile, hundreds of miles away at the main army encampment of the Bear Hug Clan, within the central large tent.」

"Report—Clan Leader! General Xiong San has met up with the Young Master!"

Inside the tent, a group of old generals cheered in unison, and the few elderly Priestesses accompanying the army were thrilled beyond measure.

"Calm down." Xiong Han sat calmly in the seat of honor. The robust man did not appear old; instead, his square face bore a wiser, more mature look. He signaled for the messenger to leave and spoke in a low voice, "So he's back. What are you all so excited about? Has he done some earth-shattering great deed? Or has he made some contribution to save the Hundred Races? Is there nothing else to do? Why is everyone gathered here? Come back for the feast this evening."

An old Priest reminded in a hushed voice, "Clan Leader, it's upside down..."

"What's upside down?" Xiong Han asked.

Xiong Han's eyes bulged. "What now? Is my son's position even above mine, his old father's? What's upside down?"

"You're holding your scroll upside down," the old Priest clarified.

Xiong Han: ...

"This!"

"Ha, cough, hahaha!" An old general couldn't hold back, and the grand tent soon filled with mirthful laughter.

「In the Middle Realm, Heaven Palace, within the palatial halls atop the sea of clouds.」

Beautiful women of the Hundred Races, each with different skin and eye colors, sat or lay quietly by a pool that emitted a misty, treasure-like glow. In the deepest part of the palace, the Young Master, dressed in white, held a mirror. Light flashed within it from time to time, carrying countless messages that she absorbed into her mind.

Outside the hall, golden Divine Light flickered. Inside, hundreds of women silently drifted to either side, devoutly kneeling or prostrating to welcome the approaching Head Manager.

The Head Manager's expression was somewhat chilly today, and even the grand hall seemed to become a bit more oppressive. He walked up to the Young Master with his hands clasped behind him, casually conjured a chair, and sat down with composure. "When you went to the East Sea to enlighten the new gods, did you seize the reproductive rights of a Black Crow Divine General?"

"Mm," the Young Master replied indifferently, without raising her head. "So what?"

"Humph!" The Head Manager said, "His father is the deputy commander of the Black Crow army. He rushed to Heaven Palace and filed a complaint against you, saying you abused the godly powers granted by His Majesty."

The Young Master slightly lifted her head. "And then?"

The Head Manager said indifferently, "I charged them with insulting Heaven Palace's Main Gods, merged their entire family to fill the shortfall in the Divine Pool, and told them *that* was the abuse of godly power."

"Then why tell me this?" The Young Master, slightly annoyed, continued to capture Liu Guang in the mirror and couldn't help but criticize, "You are becoming increasingly dull."

"This sequence of events, isn't there a certain contrast to it?" The Head Manager stroked his chin, muttering a few words, his eyes showing a hint of bafflement.

The Young Master asked, "Is there something that displeases you? The look on your face when you arrived—it's been tens of thousands of years since I last saw it."

"Ah," the Head Manager sighed. "I shouldn't have told you, to spare you the worry."

The Young Master said indifferently, "Then don't."

"It's alright to talk about it." The Head Manager summoned a pot of fine wine from the corner of the grand hall, poured himself a drink, and sighed, "It's still those obstinate fools, claiming that the Star God played a tremendous role in the divine war and that without the Star God, the current situation wouldn't exist. According to the agreement made by the gods back then, we shouldn't step into the Northern Wilderness at will. There have been three blood nights in the Northern Wilderness, yet strangely, there are no conflicts among the tribes."

The Young Master said, "Haven't you already sent people to investigate?"

"To no avail." A trace of sharpness crossed the Head Manager's eyes as he coldly said, "The Saint Star Envoy of the Star God Cult was the original practitioner of the Sun Ritual in the Northern Wilderness. We're still unsure whether the Star God Cult is an arrangement by the Star God himself. If it is the Star God's arrangement, there's no need to worry too much; the Star God is merely making his position more stable. If it is not the Star God's arrangement, but one the practitioners of the Sun Ritual decided to establish independently, then it's not so good."

The Young Master secured the bronze mirror, her fine brows furrowing slightly. "Do you suspect that another being is usurping godhood?"

"Usurpation is unlikely. The power of the Sun Ritual practitioners comes from the Star God; how could they rebel against their superior?" The Head Manager said, "What should truly concern us is that the Star God's injuries are incurable, and he can no longer sustain himself..."

The Young Master asked again, "How is the Star Dao?"

"That's the strange part. The Star Dao is very stable, and even its projection in the Divine Pool shows no anomalies. There are absolutely no signs of the Great Dao disintegrating, which usually precedes a god's fall." Having finished the wine in his cup, the Head Manager continued, "Regarding the Star God, the more I think about it, the more I feel it's riddled with peculiarities. His Majesty didn't state it explicitly, but he asked me this question yesterday... At the assembly of gods, has the Star God been absent for too long? It's possible His Majesty is dissatisfied with the Star God, or perhaps, he is also worried about the Star God. But regardless of the possibility, our probing the Star God aligns with His Majesty's thoughts. We truly can no longer wait. We are only missing the right opportunity to act against the Human Domain, and that moment could arrive at any time."

The Young Master pondered for a moment and muttered, "When I previously released those siblings—the young master and young mistress from the Big Wave Tribe—upon reflection, it seems there were some issues."

"Sister, how do you think we should probe to ensure it's appropriate?"

"We could pay a direct visit to the Starry Sky Temple."

"No, that's too straightforward." The Head Manager raised a finger and wagged it. "Not only would we fail to discover anything, but we might also alert them unnecessarily. I have a plan!"

"Hmph, you already have a strategy, yet you ask me." The Young Master picked up the bronze mirror and continued to 'read her book'.

The Head Manager chuckled awkwardly a couple of times. Regardless of whether the Young Master wanted to hear it or not, he began to share his well-prepared, flawless, and supposedly foolproof plan for probing. After all, it was the Young Master who would have to run the errand. Even if the Star God were to become angry, he would likely not vent his frustration on such a lovely Goddess... Right?

「In the Northern Wilderness, at the border of the Bear Hug Clan.」

The encampment where the main army was stationed was brightly lit, with robust men and women singing, dancing, and wrestling amidst loud shouts. The gathering here was quite different from those at the Royal Court. There were no carefree young maidens, no elders with ever-present smiles. After all, those stationed here were the elites following Clan Leader Xiong Han on patrols, all robust and vigorous members of the Bear Hug Clan. Even so, such a lively gathering was an eye-opener for Xiao Jian Daoist, who was visiting the Northern Wilderness for the first time.

In the large tent, Xiong Han and Wu Wang sat behind the main seats, drinking with the various generals and Priests. Lin Suqing had hurried over to attend to them. Ling Xiaolan, however, couldn't handle such a scene and had to hide inside the Flying Shuttle high above, accompanied by the other three experts.

An eager conversation between Xiong Han and Wu Wang failed to materialize. Wu Wang presented his newly compiled True Scripture. Xiong Han only grunted in acknowledgment and took the scripture. With so many people present, Xiong Han found it inconvenient to ask Wu Wang where he had been these past few years. After a while, he casually asked, "Out there, were your funds sufficient?"

"Enough, all was enough," Wu Wang replied, also sounding somewhat anxious.

"Will you leave again?" Xiong Han asked.

"I expect so," Wu Wang answered. "I came back to confirm one or two things, to set my mind at ease... The True Scripture I found is not complete."

"Well then, stay at home for a little longer," Xiong Han said. "And remember to spend more time with your mother."

Wu Wang vaguely sensed that his father was somewhat displeased with his pursuit of Cultivation, but this discontent remained repressed and unexpressed.

"Okay."

「At the Starry Sky Temple, Cang Xue shook his head slightly as he watched this scene.」

The father and son's insincere demeanor was both amusing and exasperating to behold.

「After another half-day, Wu Wang took Lin Suqing back to the Flying Shuttle, and Xiong Han led his troops back to the Royal Court.」

Wu Wang did not delay further, instructing Xiao Jian Daoist to pilot the Flying Shuttle directly to Big Snow Mountain within the Bear Hug Clan's territory. It wasn't just his worry about Heaven Palace making a move; there were many things he needed to discuss with his mother in person.

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