SWISH—SWISH—

Dots of stars adorned the night sky. On the calm sea, a merchant ship, its size indiscernible at a glance, drifted southeast, following the breeze near the coast.

The Southeastern Region was considered the most remote land in the Great Wilderness.

Its west and north were about equally distant from the Human Domain and the Eastern Wilderness.

Starting from the Human Domain, it was the shortest sea route; even for an old-fashioned merchant ship like this, unable to take to the air, the journey would take half a month.

In a cabin on the middle deck of the old ship, Wu Wang stood near a porthole, watching the fine ripples on the tranquil sea surface, a faint, relaxed smile playing on his lips.

For some reason, after leaving the Human Domain, he felt much more at ease.

"Young Master, would you like something to eat?"

The familiar voice came from behind him.

Wu Wang turned, smiled at Lin Suqing, and said, "Didn't I tell you? Call me Uncle-Master, and I'll call you Niece-Disciple."

Lin Suqing frowned slightly. She always felt that calling him Uncle-Master, compared to Young Lord, Young Master, or other such titles, was somehow a disadvantage.

She placed the Spirit Fruit aside and whispered, "How about we become martial brother and sister instead?"

"That won't do. How can we change a plan that's already been set?"

Wu Wang shook his sleeves and strolled over to the narrow wooden bed.

The wooden planks were hard. There were no rare beast furs, nor the silks and brocades common in the Human Domain—only a couple of rough blankets and a stone pillow. But the fragrance of powder from the old auntie's body was still just as refreshing.

Wu Wang chuckled. "Is this what you call an ordinary cultivator's life?"

"This... isn't it ordinary?"

Lin Suqing blinked. Today, she had deliberately changed into a plain long dress, yet under the soft glow of the magic treasure lamp, she still looked remarkably beautiful and captivating.

Wu Wang reminded her, "The scented powder you're using now seems to cost six hundred Spirit Stones a box."

"This one is just like it!"

Lin Suqing hurriedly said, "I've tested it. Similar powders sell for just a few Spirit Stones, and the effect is almost the same. No one would be able to tell the difference."

"Then…"

Wu Wang sized Lin Suqing up from head to toe but couldn't find anything out of place.

When it came to being 'ordinary,' Lin Suqing was professional in every aspect, except for her current stunning appearance.

Lin Suqing giggled, and with a flip of her fair hand, she produced two purple gourds.

"Uncle-Master, this is fine wine as a token of my respect for you."

Wu Wang accepted one gourd with a smile, opened it, and took a sniff, instantly feeling refreshed and invigorated.

Thinking of the old senior's Daoist liquor, Wu Wang smiled like someone who had just survived a calamity.

Shen Nong's Daoist liquor—a truly headache-inducing brew.

He picked up a grape, sat cross-legged on the wooden bed, and used his immortal power to peel it. Then, he stared blankly at the grape for a while.

Seeing this, Lin Suqing dared not disturb him. She went to the window, sat down, and took out a paper-bound book titled "Annals of the Southeast," avidly studying up on the Great Wilderness's Southeastern Region.

She hadn't expected the Young Master to be in such a rush. They had set off just three days later, without an escort and without informing anyone other than Elder Miao and Immortal Mu. The two of them had quietly left the Annihilation Sect, traveled south, and boarded this merchant ship heading to the "Southeast of the Southeastern Region."

They had bypassed the most prosperous western part of the Southeastern Region and were now heading towards the most desolate corner of the Great Wilderness.

"I wonder if Elder Miao can handle this situation," Wu Wang murmured. Before Lin Suqing could offer any reassurance, he added with a smile, "Still, one must try to trust one's teammates."

"Teammates?"

Lin Suqing had latched onto another new term.

"It means friends working together on the same task," Wu Wang replied nonchalantly, the word "perfunctory" practically written on his forehead.

Hmph. Lin Suqing pursed her lips and lowered her head, continuing to read the miscellaneous book in her hands.

The sound of waves lapping against the wooden ship echoed through the night.

Wu Wang studied a map for a while, then, feeling somewhat bored, lay down and asked listlessly, "Suqing, how is your master doing these days?"

"My master is very happy in Floating Jade City," Lin Suqing said with a smile. "The Annihilation Sect has been secretly looking after them, and my master and several martial uncles have emerged from the shadow of their clan's annihilation. My master is even intending to find a Golden Core Realm cultivator to be my stepmother, so they can spend the rest of their lives together."

"Well, that's great," Wu Wang chuckled. "For a wedding gift, we'll send them the secret manual of the Yin-Yang Hehuan Sect that you acquired in the Northern Wilderness. They might even break through to the next realm together."

Lin Suqing's cheeks flushed. She lifted the book to cover her mouth and nose, retorting, "Uncle-Master, be serious... I already gave that scripture to Yao Yao."

Wu Wang was speechless.

Are topics among female cultivators in the Human Domain always this sensational?

"Sigh."

Wu Wang sighed softly and lamented via voice transmission, "The person we're going to rescue is probably feasting on delicacies and fine wine right now, attended by several maidens, lest he suddenly tries to end his life. And here we are, the two of us, on this long sea journey, with no gourmet food."

Lin Suqing muttered quietly, "Aren't we abstaining from food?"

Wu Wang added, "And no beauties to behold."

The old auntie perked up. "Shall I dance for you?"

"And we still have to go to that place fraught with ambushes."

"About that," Lin Suqing said softly, "Uncle-Master, you really shouldn't worry too much. There are many cultivators in the Great Wilderness, many capable and extraordinary individuals. Ordinary cultivators are practically invisible. As long as you: one, don't meddle in others' affairs; two, don't give unsolicited teachings; and three, don't get into debates about the Dao with people. Why would anyone pay attention to two ordinary cultivators?"

Wu Wang chuckled. "Appearance."

"That," Lin Suqing looked up at the cabin ceiling, "that's just natural beauty; nothing can be done about it."

"Pah!"

Wu Wang laughed and scolded, "A proper Niece-Disciple should be complimenting her Uncle-Master on his handsome and dashing appearance!"

"Hee hee, Uncle-Master, you're getting old."

Wu Wang reminded her, "I believe I was born a good twenty years after you in this world."

Lin Suqing's face darkened, and she turned away indignantly.

"People say that among Dao companions, the older one is at a disadvantage, always having to look after the younger one. I think it's the same with a Young Master and his maidens; I'm always the one being bullied!"

"Speaking of which, that woman from Qingqiu is still detained in the Punishment Hall."

Wu Wang was full of praise. "The fox woman of Qingqiu, with a seventh-grade companion fox spirit, exquisite looks, and taught the lifetime expertise of six leading courtesans... Our Northern Wilderness needs talent like that."

"AIYAH!"

Lin Suqing stood up, tugging at her skirt, and gnashed her teeth at Wu Wang. "If you want to replace your attendant maidens, just say so!"

Wu Wang raised an eyebrow. "Niece-Disciple, your Uncle-Master does have some influence, after all. It wouldn't be excessive to have a few more maidens."

"Humph!"

Wu Wang said seriously, "You also need a few people under your management, don't you? We can't have you busy with everything all the time. I actually have high hopes for your potential in Enlightenment."

Lin Suqing paused, then asked, "Uncle-Master, are you serious?"

"Of course, I'm serious," Wu Wang said. "Don't worry. I have no ulterior motives regarding maidens. At most, they are pleasing to the eye and lift my spirits. Do you think all men are like Ji Mo before his marriage?"

"Aren't they?"

"Definitely not all of them!"

"Then, well—"

Lin Suqing sat back down, a faint smile playing on her lips. She said softly, "It's not impossible. Let me think about it."

Wu Wang was speechless.

No, he was the Young Master of a Large Family Clan and a high-ranking cultivator nearing the Human Domain's center of power. Plus, he had a few less significant hidden identities, like being the son of the Ice God, grandson of the Water God, and the Candle Dragon Divine Faction's ambassador to the Human Domain. What was wrong with wanting a few more maidens? Did he really need to consult the household tutor and wait for her to consider it?

Wu Wang snorted coldly in his heart. He said indifferently, "Well, think it over and let me know as soon as possible."

「In the Starry Sky Temple, a Sun Ritual officer eavesdropping via a necklace almost burst out laughing.」

Lin Suqing nodded slightly, though the answer was already written in the smile at the corners of her eyes.

Wu Wang lay back on the wooden bed. He tossed and turned, but the stone pillow was too uncomfortable. He pushed it aside and pillowed his head on his arm, carefully planning the next leg of his journey.

He would land in the southeastern part of the Southeastern Region, cross the barren mountains and wilderness, find some relatively primitive clans, and adopt his second disguise.

Then, from there, he would enter the City Above the Clouds and begin investigating the Heaven Palace's arrangements and Lin Qi's whereabouts.

During this process, he would use the Yan Emperor's command to contact Senior Shen Nong directly.

As he progressed, the Human Domain would, in several stages, gradually build momentum and pressure the various powers in the Southeastern Region, creating the appearance of intending to expand its territory there.

The Lin Family's influence in the Southeastern Region would then become 'active' without regard for the consequences.

Meanwhile, Miao Cuijiao, transformed into his likeness using Transformation Qi, would slowly approach the Southeastern Region with the Grand Elder.

Their ability to divert the Heaven Palace's attention was crucial.

As for Wu Wang, he always felt that Old Senior Shen Nong had tricked him... Actually, the 'felt' part could be removed. He *had* been tricked by Senior Shen Nong! For this operation, the Human Domain already had a ready-made 'detachable Heaven and Earth shifting formation plate'; there was no need to refine another set. Yet Wu Wang had written a personal letter and provided a treasure mine capable of producing three formation plates—enough for one and a half teleportation arrays! Incidentally, he had also covered the cost of Spirit Stones for this mission.

'This is the last of the betrothal gifts!' Wu Wang thought fiercely, grinding his teeth as he looked at the flame on the Immortal Platform, scheming how to get some dowry in return. Not to reciprocate is hardly polite.

「Meanwhile, in the Southeastern Region, within the City Above the Clouds, in a hidden cave manor, inside a magnificent hall.」

Lin Qi frowned as he watched several exotic female dancers performing before him. His gaze remained clear, even carrying a hint of mockery.

Neither exquisite delicacies nor beautiful women, who were but illusions, could shake Master Lin's Daoist heart in the slightest.

Because he was his teacher's disciple. Because he could always see that man's silhouette from behind.

In a corner of the hall, the Young Master frowned as she witnessed this scene.

She wasn't bothered by Lin Qi's reaction; she just felt that the Evil God Qiong Qi's suggestion was somewhat useless.

Clearly, the few Evil Gods around her had misunderstood her intentions.

"Cough," the middle-aged man Qiong Qi had transformed into bowed to the Young Master. "This subordinate will now shatter Lin Qi's Daoist heart. How dare he remain so arrogant in this place!"

The Young Master made no comment.

Qiong Qi put on an air of importance, walking forward with his hands clasped behind his back. His black robe, illuminated by various divine lights, exuded a certain majesty.

Lin Qi, restrained in a stone chair, turned his head to look, his eyes filled with rage. He said coldly, "Evil God! Use whatever tricks you have left!"

Qiong Qi smiled. "Young Master Lin, would you care to join our Heaven Palace?"

"Hmph," Lin Qi sneered. "I'd rather die than become an Evil God like you."

"Death?"

Qiong Qi slowly walked behind the stone chair. "You'll find that death is the easiest thing, Lin Qi. Oh, Lin Qi, do you know why you are here?"

Lin Qi had calmed down by now. He said indifferently, "Naturally, it's thanks to all of you."

"Then do you know how the Human Domain is responding?"

Qiong Qi flicked out a wisp of black qi, which silently coiled around Lin Qi's forehead.

The chief of the Evil Gods continued, "No response. The Benevolent Emperor Pavilion hasn't made the slightest move. They've already given up on you. Even your father, Lin Nuhao, head of the border Military Family, has publicly declared that you are as good as dead."

Lin Qi clenched his fists, his eyes becoming bloodshot.

Qiong Qi smiled. "Feeling awful, aren't you? Feeling suffocated? That's just how cultivators from your Human Domain are—each one self-important, each one thinking they're indispensable, as if the Human Domain would collapse without them. But what's the reality? Your life or death is a trivial matter to the Human Domain, with almost no impact at all. Your father can marry wives and take concubines, sire another heir. He has a long Lifespan from his cultivation to do just that. Who truly cares about you? Who truly gives a damn?"

"My teacher."

Lin Qi closed his eyes and said calmly, "My teacher will care about me."

"You mean Wu Wangzi?"

Qiong Qi cackled, then said slowly, "You guessed right. Your teacher cares a great deal about you. He probably thinks you're suffering in his place and feels terribly guilty. We have reliable information that he argued with Liu Baiyi and is now imprisoned by the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion."

At this point, Qiong Qi glanced, intentionally or otherwise, at the Young Master and continued, "Don't forget, the only reason you exist now is to lure your teacher into this trap. This is outside the Human Domain. We've deployed a large number of elites. Does your teacher dare to come? Will he come? He is loyal and values relationships, but can he even get here? The Human Domain is not his to command. Someone like him, who constantly makes outstanding contributions to the Human Domain, will be bound by the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion and paraded high in the Human Domain, to show the world how the Human Emperor and the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion treat their rising stars. You've been abandoned, Lin Qi."

Lin Qi opened his eyes, which were filled with fury.

Qiong Qi's voice, however, became low and somewhat eerie, drifting around Lin Qi.

"Angry? What's the use of anger? You're just a discarded pawn, worthless now. Open your spiritual mind, ask yourself what you're truly living for. Are you really content to be abandoned like this? Truly content to just..."

"TSK."

Lin Qi suddenly chuckled. The red light in his eyes faded, and the black qi on his forehead quietly dispersed.

Qiong Qi frowned, staring at Lin Qi, who had abruptly regained his composure. He knew his spiritual mind attack had failed.

He asked, somewhat annoyed, "What are you laughing at?"

"I'm laughing at your shallow arguments."

Lin Qi said indifferently, "The question you raised—I asked my teacher about it long ago, and he explained it to me with perfect clarity. You ask what I live for? I can tell you my teacher's answer very clearly: Everyone, in fact, lives for the sake of living. Qiong Qi, have you ever considered this? My teacher once told me that living beings exist because they instinctively seek life and avoid death; this is the instinct of a living being, as well as its definition. Just as reproduction is also an instinct of living beings, all wish to pass on their bloodline.

"Therefore, living beings develop impulses, and the opposite of impulse is restraint. The interweaving of the two gives birth to complex emotions and thoughts, including joy, aversion, anger, and delusion, leading to competition, and thus deceit and cunning arise.

"The consciousness of the self is born from this, and this self-awareness transcends impulses and restraints, surpassing the mere instincts of living beings.

"That's why we, the Human race, can sacrifice our lives without regret, advancing wave upon wave, fearless of the thunderbolts and heavenly fires unleashed by your Heaven Palace!"

The word "fire" seemed to echo through the great hall.

Qiong Qi raised a hand to strike Lin Qi down, but his palm never fell.

"Don't embarrass yourself further."

The Young Master hmphed lightly. Her figure had already vanished from the corner, but her words lingered: "Later, if you can capture Wu Wangzi alive, try to do so."

Qiong Qi's expression froze, his mouth twitching slightly.

Lin Qi looked at the Young Master's departing figure, a thoughtful expression in his eyes. He then closed his eyes and composed himself, displaying an arrogant air, as if to say, 'Your understanding is too shallow for me to bother with you.'

Qiong Qi snorted coldly and flicked his sleeve but didn't rush to deal with Lin Qi.

They would need Lin Qi to make a few more appearances later, to try and lure Wu Wangzi to the Southeastern Region. Damaging him beforehand wouldn't do.

「Half a month later. Aboard the old ship sailing eastward in a coastal area of the southern Southeastern Region.」

Wu Wang lay feebly on the wooden bed, resisting the urge to go out for a stroll. He asked in a hoarse voice, "How much longer until we arrive? If this doesn't work out, can't we just get off halfway?"

"Uncle-Master, please bear with it a little longer."

Lin Suqing, holding a hand-drawn map, murmured, "We have twelve more days before we reach the furthest point this ship can travel, which is the southeastern corner of the Southeastern Region. There's a rather famous place there called Land's End... Of course, we're on official business this time, so we definitely can't go sightseeing there."

"That's good, then," Wu Wang complained via voice transmission. "This reminds me of our voyage in the West Sea. Here, we don't even dare to cultivate, for fear of revealing our own Great Dao. It's truly..."

"Alright, we are on a rescue mission, after all; a little hardship can't be helped," Lin Suqing comforted. "As long as we reach our destination safely and smoothly, we'll have won the first step!"

Wu Wang, imitating the Grand Elder, stroked his beard and lamented, "It was I who was impatient."

BOOM!

CLANG! CLANG!

No sooner had Wu Wang spoken than the large ship seemed to hit a reef. The protective light barrier around its hull flickered faintly.

The two in the cabin couldn't help but exchange glances.

A sweep of their Immortal Consciousness revealed several burly men leaping from the sea onto the deck.

It was obvious at a glance that they had taken a strong interest in this merchant ship.

Lin Suqing pointed outside, then made a hushing gesture, reminding him via voice transmission, "Uncle-Master, we should do what ordinary cultivators would do: self-preservation above all, self-preservation above all."

"Agreed."

Wu Wang nodded calmly. He and Lin Suqing hid in the cabin, peering outside.

Just a few Yuanxian Realm ruffians. What could they possibly do? Could they rob the entire ship?

And so, half a day later…

Wu Wang and Lin Suqing stood on a wooden plank, watching the large ship recede into the distance, their faces dark with frustration.

Around them were dozens of other cultivators in the same predicament, none with particularly high cultivation levels; Lin Suqing was considered a 'great cultivator' among them.

Wu Wang looked down at the three-foot-wide plank, the corner of his mouth twitching. He was about to soar into the sky, cursing, "I'll—!"

"Young hero! Young hero!"

An old cultivator nearby hurriedly called out, "It's not worth it! Don't stoop to their level! We're better than that!"

Wu Wang quickly 'calmed' down. He smiled faintly at the old cultivator and cupped his fists. "Thank you for the reminder, Senior. I was a bit too hasty... May I ask for Senior's esteemed name?"

The old cultivator stroked his beard and sighed. A somewhat forced smile appeared on his wrinkled, bark-like face. He lamented, "Ultimately, I, this Daoist, have not become an Immortal; otherwise, I would certainly have fought them. I am the Sanxian Daoist. And you, friend?"

Three!

Wu Wang's eyes bulged as if he had seen a ghost from a past life.

This Daoist title, this peculiar name...

He took out a Treasure Sack from his sleeve, producing a stack of books on cultivation insights that he had acquired at great expense upon arriving in the Human Domain. Among them were numerous Jade Talismans and jade slips, all looking quite high-end.

"Are these all written by you?"

The old Daoist blinked, then smiled sheepishly. "Indeed. I, this Daoist, find joy in writing."

"Ultimately, I, this Daoist, have not become an Immortal."

Wu Wang was speechless.

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! Refund!

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