"Hall Master, Floating Jade City is quite lively today."

Within the Flying Shuttle, an old woman dressed in ornate silk robes spoke in a warm voice.

Wu Wang, with a smile, nodded. His Immortal Consciousness swept across every corner of Floating Jade City, and with his Divine Thought far superior to that of the Yuanxian Realm, he barely saw through the fully activated Formation of the city.

At this moment, Floating Jade City was packed with cultivators; there wasn't even a place left for mortals to settle.

The taverns and tea houses were overflowing. Cultivators on the streets had to activate their protective Immortal Light, draw their defensive magic treasures, or enable the restrictions on their enchanted robes to maintain a respectful distance from one another.

Moreover, there were even 'streets' in the sky above Floating Jade City, with many figures sitting cross-legged in the air, close to the inner side of the Formation.

Why was this?

It was none other than the inaugural Heavenly Craft Pavilion Cup Refining Master Competition about to take place, with a large number of Refining Masters gathering in Floating Jade City.

Merchants, drawn by the news, were countless. They had even occupied rooftops everywhere, seeking a spot to set up. They priced their most precious treasure mines high, confident that cultivators needing last-minute supplies would grit their teeth and buy them.

Aside from the merchants, there were onlookers, treasure-seekers, and those who came to broaden their horizons, all to be found everywhere.

With natural disasters continuing unabated across the Human Domain, many cultivators who had wandered about to offer aid were mentally exhausted and also came here to join in on the excitement, taking it as a chance to relax their minds.

Wu Wang had envisioned this grand scene in Floating Jade City today many times in his heart.

Actually seeing it, he inevitably felt a sense of satisfaction well up.

An elderly man laughed and said, "Hall Master, do you still have a way to enter the competition? My hands are itching to refine a few more Dao treasures."

"Don't boast," another Transcendent laughed. "With your skills, even refining Immortal treasures is a struggle! Better not waste precious materials!"

"Hey! If you're going to say that, I must prove myself!"

Wu Wang, standing to the side, chuckled. "Elder Ge, if you take the stage, you should be seated with the judges. Why compete with these folks?"

The old man was quite pleased by this, stroking his beard and humming lightly.

He had become quite familiar with these few Transcendent Realm masters.

With the Grand Elder present, Wu Wang naturally didn't need to handle these social obligations; it was most fitting for the Grand Elder, the Blood Hand Demon Lord, to take the lead. Alas, the Grand Elder had gone to supervise Immortal Mu in raising crabs…

The Flying Shuttle landed before the city gate. A Heavenly Immortal proactively disembarked from the shuttle to present their passage token.

Floating Jade City had already welcomed two Vice Pavilion Masters—one from the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion and one from the Heaven Palace Pavilion—with many Benevolent Emperor Pavilion Immortal Soldiers stationed at every checkpoint.

The Immortal Soldier commanding the city guard immediately made profuse apologies, then said, "Floating Jade City is now overcrowded. The higher-ups are worried that villains from the Ten Evils Hall might slip in to disrupt the refining competition, so strict orders were given not to open the Formation casually, nor to allow any flying magical treasures inside… Would you mind asking the esteemed Dao friends inside to disembark and enter the city on foot? If there's any offense, I beg for your understanding."

Wu Wang laughed from inside the Flying Shuttle. "Is it necessary to be so cautious when serving in the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion?"

The dozen or so people inside the shuttle smiled without saying a word.

Wu Wang stood up and glanced unconsciously toward the corner of the Flying Shuttle, remembering he hadn't called Suqing to accompany him on this disaster relief mission.

"Hall Master, please."

The Transcendents yielded the chief seat, and Wu Wang didn't decline.

He donned his cloak, stored his Jade Talisman, gathered his long hair simply behind him, and his square face was touched with a gentle smile.

Stepping off the Flying Shuttle, the city's commanding officer was taken aback and quickly stepped forward, giving Wu Wang a fist-and-palm salute.

"This general pays his respects to Wuwang Hall Master!"

"General, you're too kind," Wu Wang said with a nod. The officer immediately turned to shout orders to open the Formation and let them pass.

The officer then said, "Hall Master, wouldn't you prefer to enter the city in the Flying Shuttle?"

Wu Wang responded with a smile, "What about the rules you just mentioned?"

"This…"

The middle-aged man was slightly embarrassed.

An old woman laughed and said, "Hall Master, it wouldn't hurt for us to walk a bit."

"Let's go," Wu Wang replied, hands behind his back inside the cloak, his boots already dusted with a touch of fine dirt.

After walking merely a dozen steps forward, countless glances from inside the city converged upon him; after proceeding some tens of steps, discussions revolving around him filled the city.

Some talked about how he had cunningly outsmarted Qiong Qi.

Others spoke of the recent battle on the northeastern borders.

There were even cultivators who mentioned Fairy Ling's renowned name, alluding to the matter of the Human Emperor's companion.

Many masters actively approached to give Wu Wang a respectful salute.

And there were young talents sizing up Wu Wang, seemingly with a competitive spirit.

What somewhat overwhelmed Wu Wang, however, were the intense, flirtatious gazes sent his way by the young women; it was a situation not much different from his time with the Bear Hug Tribe.

Fortunately, the women of the Human Domain are mostly reserved, preferring embroidery to forging iron bars.

Wu Wang decided to withdraw his Immortal Consciousness. Whenever he encountered someone who greeted him, he would smile and return the gesture with a cupped fist, making his way toward Guantao Tower.

"Teacher!"

"Brother Wuwang!"

He then heard two shouts as Ji Mo and Lin Qi flew toward him from the city's large arena, surrounded by a group of officials from the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion and the Heavenly Craft Pavilion, who exchanged lengthy pleasantries with Wu Wang.

Once these officials began, the experts of the Human Domain who were originally too shy to approach came forward to chat with Wu Wang.

The scene gradually spiraled out of control, and the streets became too crowded to navigate.

By the time Wu Wang reached the main entrance of Guantao Tower, his divinely-powered face was numb from smiling.

Before he could catch his breath, a group of cultivators inside Guantao Tower revealed honest smiles and surrounded him with cupped hands.

This was ridiculous.

As he mingled, Wu Wang faintly sensed a pair of unique eyes observing him. Following the gaze, he saw the woman in a conical bamboo hat standing by the railing on the second floor.

Had it not been for her hands on the railing, Wu Wang would have thought Fairy Ling had suddenly appeared.

The woman took off her hat, her calm eyes fixed on Wu Wang, and she nodded gently to him.

Wu Wang nodded back slightly, not lingering his gaze on the woman, and continued to exchange pleasantries with his fellow Daoists while making his way through the crowd to the top floor.

HMPH!

The Young Master watched Wu Wang from the shadows, the puppet in her sleeve trembling lightly, yet she did not make a move.

She could clearly sense that several of the old men around Wu Wang were not to be trifled with.

If she were to use her Divine Skills now, there would be less than a thirty percent chance of success.

While this incarnation could be discarded at any time, if she startled the enemy and made Wu Wangzi cautious, it would be much harder to succeed later.

Really, why did I come to the Human Domain to do such a thing? she complained in her heart, only to sigh and sit back down in her original spot, replacing her conical hat.

She was unconcerned about the gazes directed her way.

「 」

"Ah, this is going to kill me."

At the top floor of Guantao Tower, in the Sect Master's exclusive suite.

Wu Wang spread his arms wide and flopped onto the soft couch, complaining weakly, "Why didn't you guys set up a dedicated pathway in advance?"

Ji Mo and Lin Qi exchanged a look and burst into laughter.

"Teacher, everything has been arranged. Later on, would you like to say a few words?"

Wu Wang hurriedly replied, "No, no, I shouldn't have come to this bustling event. Perhaps I've been too secluded for too long; I'm really not used to such crowded situations."

"This just shows how renowned Brother Wuwang has become nowadays."

Ji Mo commented while walking over to the couch, drawing up a chair and sitting close to Wu Wang. "Speaking of which, why didn't you send an invitation to Fairy Ling to come and watch the ceremony?"

"What would she be doing here?"

Wu Wang responded with a smile. "Upon her arrival, all she would need is a sniff, a glance, and surely she'd tremble all over, turn pale, and say that this place is too filthy. She's even more afraid of crowds than I am. Why make her suffer?"

Ji Mo raised an eyebrow. "Brother Wuwang, you are indeed very considerate."

"Has your wife arrived as well?"

"She is, waiting at the viewing stand with her father."

"Teacher," Lin Qi interjected, "I noticed that many young cultivators have come today. How about organizing a fun, casual competition after the main event for cultivators under a hundred years old to show off their skills?"

Wu Wang smiled. "You can arrange it; that's a good idea."

Lin Qi asked, "What about the prizes for that competition?"

"Treasure mines will be enough," Wu Wang said. "The main purpose of this event is to gather these Refining Masters, paving the way for the establishment of the Refining Master Alliance."

Lin Qi quickly responded, "Disciple understands."

Wu Wang slowly exhaled, sighing, "Lately, I've been constantly on the move, with no time even for cultivation."

Ji Mo said, "With the disasters happening everywhere, indeed..."

"Stop! Who goes there?"

A sudden, soft reprimand came from outside the door, causing all three of them to halt their conversation. Wu Wang immediately jumped up, his Immortal Consciousness sweeping outside.

A Transcendent Elder from the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion was blocking two female disciples from the Black Desire Door who had come in to serve tea.

Wu Wang glanced at Ji Mo, who immediately rushed out, offered a smiling explanation, and brought the tea into the room himself.

When the two female disciples left, they were, to some extent, feeling rather aggrieved.

Why couldn't they see their Sect Master?

Ji Mo couldn't help but tease, "Brother Wuwang, your security is even tighter than some of the Pavilion Masters."

"Master Liu arranged it," Wu Wang said with a smile. "All the Pavilion Masters are top-tier experts in the Human Domain. With their unmatched combat abilities, why would they need the protection of you seniors? It's just a weak being like myself, easily targeted by Innate Gods, who needs the care and comfort of you seniors."

Lin Qi asked somewhat nervously, "Teacher, could it be that Heaven Palace really intends to make a move against you?"

"How could that be?" Ji Mo said. "For the Head Manager to personally act against a Yuanxian Realm human, wouldn't that be shameless?"

"We must not underestimate the enemy's shamelessness," Wu Wang said as he casually fetched an Immortal Fruit, smiling. "Who knows, perhaps at this very moment, there are spies from the Ten Evils Hall mingled among us."

Lin Qi hurriedly said, "Teacher, please rest assured. We have used various methods to search the Divine Souls of the cultivators coming and going and have found no trace of the Ten Evils Hall..."

In the suite, the laughter and chatter of the three continued without end.

And in the elegant room on the second floor of Guantao Tower—directly beneath them—the woman wearing a conical hat tried sipping her tea.

Even through layers of formations, she could still hear the conversation of these three young people from the Human Domain.

The Young Master suddenly felt that the analysis of these three young humans made quite a bit of sense.

She couldn't help but recall the events that had transpired in Heaven Palace before a wisp of her being had come here as a manifestation…

The Head Manager, her elder brother, had barged into her Temple with several Heavenly Gods in Golden Armor, scaring away her female attendants, clearly intending to hold her accountable.

"You released Wu Wangzi in the East Sea. Now, he has become a major problem for Heaven Palace. What will you do about it?"

"What do you mean by this?"

"Just now, His Majesty inquired about this matter and was quite displeased. I have no other choice. I heard that when you captured him in the East Sea, numerous Human race experts appeared, wanting to rescue him. Is that correct?"

"Yes, that's correct."

"His Majesty has decreed that we must minimize the threat from the Human Domain as much as possible before the main offensive, to reduce the Divine Pool's Divine Power consumption... Sister, you possess the divine ability to translocate living beings. I recall you once moved a Qiong Qi from the Western Wilderness to the depths of the North Sea, correct?"

"So what if I did?"

"Send a wisp of your manifestation to retrieve Wu Wangzi from the Human Domain. If you do this, you may remain uninvolved for the remainder of the war against the Human Domain."

The Young Master remembered that when the Head Manager said this, his expression was somewhat sinister, his eyes filled with a dark anticipation.

The Young Master herself didn't know why she had agreed to such an absurd task.

Perhaps it was because of the promise that 'you may remain uninvolved afterwards.'

Thus, she split off a wisp of her Divine Soul and, from the Divine Pool, created this manifestation. Unlike the last time when she had transformed into a woman from the White Kingdom, this time her manifestation was shaped into a Human race woman.

To ensure things went smoothly, she even expended considerable effort to meticulously sculpt her appearance.

This manifestation spent several months on the road, silently entering the Human Domain, and was even fortunate enough to stumble upon the refining competition.

The Young Master altered the Head Manager's plan. She did not seek to rendezvous with the servants of the Ten Evils Hall; instead, she headed straight for Floating Jade City.

Normally, as long as this manifestation of hers could get within ten zhang of Wu Wang, she could activate her Divine Skills and translocate Wu Wang from this place to where her true body resided.

It might not sound too difficult, but Wu Wangzi was constantly accompanied by several Transcendent Realm experts, which gave the Young Master a bit of a headache.

After all, she was only a manifestation here.

For absolute success, it would be best to make physical contact with Wu Wangzi.

Just by grasping the hem of his clothes, or brushing against his sleeve, even Transcendents couldn't stop her manifestation from using its Divine Skills.

Could it be she would have to do something against her will, use the beauty of this manifestation, to approach Wu Wangzi? This...

The Young Master frowned slightly, truly feeling conflicted.

To actively touch a being she detested, even if through a manifestation, was somewhat unacceptable to her.

Just then, the Young Master overheard Wu Wang's and Ji Mo's discussion about Heaven Palace and the Human Domain.

Wu Wang was saying, "...I have pondered for a long time. The gap between the Human Domain and Heaven Palace lies in a Great Dao, a Dao known as 'Immortality.' The Innate Gods monopolized immortality, and creatures were given limits to their lifespan; thus, the Head Manager became the ruler of all beings. If a cultivator in the Human Domain could master the Great Dao of Immortality, the problems of the Human Domain would easily be solved."

Ji Mo countered, "If the strong from the Human Domain could all live forever, wouldn't this world descend into chaos? Wouldn't it be even harder for other creatures to survive?"

"True, I've thought about that too."

Wu Wang responded, "Therefore, the true Great Dao of Immortality should not only establish the principles of achieving it but also define how beings can seek it. These conditions must be exceptionally harsh, requiring them to navigate trials of life and death. If one wishes to pursue immortality, one must be willing to take risks; if one desires to peacefully live out a long lifespan, then one should simply abandon the idea of immortality."

Ji Mo and Lin Qi pondered, unable to offer a response.

But the Young Master carefully savored Wu Wang's words, a slight shock stirring in her heart.

Others might not know, but she, the goddess closest to the core of the cosmic order, could envision from Wu Wang's few words an entirely different cosmic structure—one drastically different from that of the current Heaven Palace.

If all beings strive with all their might, each has the potential for immortality. The only difference between Innate Gods and Acquired Gods would lie in their distinct paths of the Dao.

Suddenly, the Young Master convinced herself. She decided to take the initiative to contact Wu Wang and directly 'translocate' him to where her true body resided.

If this was the caliber of her opponent, he was certainly worthy of her serious attention.

Thus, the Young Master sat quietly, waiting for the right moment, her divine mind now free of any conflict, her gaze holding only a cold clarity.

「 」

An hour later.

Lin Qi and Ji Mo left the top floor first, hurrying to the venue through the back courtyard's small path.

The Young Master voluntarily left Guantao Tower, calculating in her mind every possible route Wu Wang might take next. Based on his previously observed behavior, she deduced the alleys he would pass through.

Soon, the Young Master chose an alley and lingered there, strolling along with the crowd.

Another hour passed, and Wu Wang left the top floor of Guantao Tower.

Exactly as the Young Master had predicted, Wu Wang chose to leave via the back courtyard. Upon reaching the rear door, he began to take a circuitous route down a secluded path.

Those few Transcendents continued to follow by Wu Wang's side.

With a silent sigh, the Young Master wished she had granted this incarnation more Divine Power; then she wouldn't be as passive as she was now. The opportunity to translocate Wu Wangzi would only come once.

The Young Master started wandering along the street, not sparing Wu Wang a single glance.

She stopped and lingered at some stalls, timing Wu Wang's arrival to the 'TICK TOCK, TICK TOCK' rhythm in her heart.

To avoid attracting the attention of those Transcendents, she had to use the current crowd to make everything happen naturally.

With six steps left to the mouth of the alley, the Young Master's manifestation silently pointed a finger.

Several zhang away, right in the middle of the street.

A female cultivator suddenly clutched her chest, as if her Nascent Soul had abruptly malfunctioned; she turned ghastly pale, tottered, closed her eyes, and collapsed to one side.

The two people next to the female cultivator instinctively reached out to help her, but because the street was too crowded, more people dodged to either side to avoid trouble.

The Young Master turned her head to look at the female cultivator but continued to walk step by step.

When she reached the fourth step, two figures squeezed in from the left, 'forcing' her to quickly step forward and sidestep to avoid them.

Everything was calculated.

The crowd's initial reaction, a series of accidents, pieced together an 'unintentional' encounter.

In that instant!

Her silhouette appeared precisely at the mouth of the alley.

Wu Wang walked out from the alley and looked up at the woman's figure before him. No hint of alarm rose in his heart; his necklace gave no warning.

The Young Master's manifestation did not hesitate, pressing herself towards Wu Wang, who was halfway out of the alley.

Everything happened as naturally as could be.

The Young Master was confident that in this brief moment, no one could possibly detect her harboring evil... intentions...

She felt no contact at her back.

The manifestation staggered slightly.

Both the Young Master's true self and her manifestation were momentarily taken aback.

She quickly turned to look at Wu Wang behind her, only to see him frowning deeply, a conspicuous ice-blue light radiating around him, his eyes holding a touch of annoyance.

"Fellow Daoist, please conduct yourself with dignity!"

With those words, an elder stepped forward, separating Wu Wang from the woman and escorting Wu Wang into the crowd ahead.

Please conduct yourself with dignity... dignity... self...

The Young Master's manifestation stood there, dumbstruck. If anyone looked closely, they would notice her pupils seemed empty.

This Wu Wangzi was actually so, so proper?

Suddenly, a voice resonated in her ear, transmitted through a remarkably sophisticated technique of Heaven and Earth communication. The Young Master had met the sender a few times before.

Evil God, Ming Snake.

"My Lord, we've finally found you! Please give your orders; how should we coordinate? Chief Qiong Qi is ready to provide support at any time."

The Young Master withdrew her gaze from Wu Wang's retreating figure, lowered her head slightly, turned, and walked into the alley, replying via voice transmission:

"This time, I will coordinate with you."

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