Immortal Mu had been somewhat troubled for the past few days.

Dongfang Mumu, who naturally loved lively scenes, had followed Wu Wang to the Northern Wilderness to help devise questions, only to miss out on such a bustling event in the Human Domain.

—The so-called big event was actually Wu Wang being scolded continuously for two days in Floating Jade City.

Truth be told, she wanted to scold him too!

Scold this heartless question-setter for trapping a brilliant Human Domain cultivator like her with his magical calculations and constantly intimidating her with workbooks.

Did he really think she was a child?

Well, in some areas of magical calculations, she was indeed worse than a child.

Recently, news of the Human Domain's impending campaign against the Heaven Palace had spread among all the cultivators stationed in the Northern Wilderness, naturally reaching Dongfang Mumu's ears.

Moreover, she had received a reminder from her family. They advised her to stay peacefully in the Northern Wilderness for the next few years. She should neither return rashly to the Human Domain nor venture carelessly towards the southern bounds of Central Mountain.

This left Dongfang Mumu tossing and turning. Her laughter significantly reduced, and even the specially-prepared small grilled meats from the recently 'favored' chef of the Northern Wilderness tribe couldn't lift Immortal Mu's spirits.

How could she not take part in such a momentous affair?

Wouldn't such a large-scale counterattack lack much of its luster without her, Dongfang Mumu, present?

In fact, for Immortal Mu, these things were not really significant.

What truly distressed Dongfang Mumu was that Lin Suqing had been claimed by Princess Jingwei and had not been returned to her!

Inside the tent.

Dongfang Mumu sat on a small stool with a low table before her. She rested her elbows on the tabletop, her small hands cupping her cheeks, as she listlessly watched the grass outside the tent.

To the side, Lin Suqing, dressed in a palace gown, and Jingwei, in a light green short dress, were chatting and laughing as they modified the design of a long gown.

Humph!

Immortal Mu pouted and silently shifted her gaze.

"Suqing! I want some snacks!"

Immediately, a figure darted over. The little princess of the Feather Country came floating by, her Light Wings flickering slightly and leaving a few afterimages in the air. She presented an array of freshly-made snacks in front of Immortal Mu.

Lin Suqing said with a smile, "Whatever you want, just tell them. You don't have to call out specifically for me."

CRACK—

It was as if a miniature lightning bolt had struck behind Immortal Mu. Her little mouth opened slightly, and the sparkle gradually faded from her big, round eyes.

She was here first, after all...

Jingwei blinked lightly, whispering, "What's wrong with Immortal Mu?"

Lin Suqing smiled and said, "Princess, it's improper for you to call anyone 'senior.' Your seniority in the Human Domain is incredibly high."

"It can't be counted like that," Jingwei replied with a smile. "I've only been revived in recent years. Everything that came before should be considered erased."

Immortal Mu complained discontentedly, "She's already called me 'senior,' yet she doesn't have the sense to let Suqing spend some time with me!"

Jingwei couldn't help but blink softly.

Lin Suqing hurriedly said, "Mumu, I've been here all along."

"It seems I haven't thought things through properly," Jingwei said with a smile. "I've been monopolizing Sister Suqing, asking for her help with this and that, which is indeed rather inappropriate."

She then suggested, "How about we go out together for a walk? The local customs and scenery here are quite novel."

As she spoke, Jingwei's gem-like eyes filled with anticipation, which almost instantly extinguished the anger Dongfang Mumu still harbored.

She puffed her cheeks and muttered, "Fine. Only because you invited me am I agreeing to go out for a stroll."

Lin Suqing and Jingwei exchanged a smile.

The 'senior's' thoughts were indeed too easy to guess.

Lin Suqing then gave a few instructions to four maidens, asking them to stay behind and await Wu Wang's summons.

She also had someone fetch Wu Wang's carriage. Taking Jingwei and Immortal Mu, they dashed out of the tribal lands to tour a nearby scenic spot for half a day.

When Immortal Mu went out, Xiao Deng from the nation of small folk and the ear-mouse—which had a much longer lifespan than Xiao Deng—naturally had to follow. Laughter filled the journey, and the giant wolves pulling the carriage ran with particular zeal.

Upon reaching a place lush with grass and water, with herds of cattle and sheep in the distance and a clear river nearby, Jingwei asked softly, her gaze somewhat wistful, a hint of loss flickering in her eyes, "Is this where he grew up?"

Lin Suqing laughed and asked, "What's the matter?"

"I just feel that he has been terribly wronged in the Human Domain, and I still don't know what I can do."

Jingwei leaned back on the soft cushions of the carriage, sighing softly.

"I always feel that the Human Domain of today is no longer the one I knew back then. Everyone has become a bit more complicated. I can no longer directly sense what others are feeling in their hearts.

"I don't know why this is, nor do I know how to face it.

"When I first learned of what had happened, my thoughts were in turmoil. If the Human Domain has let him down, I feel as though I have let him down too."

She paused, then looked at Lin Suqing with a forced smile.

She said, "Actually, I know that the Human Domain's relationship with him, and mine with him, are inherently different."

"The Young Master doesn't support the Human Domain solely for Your Highness's sake," Lin Suqing said, raising her hand to tidy a lock of hair tousled by the wind. "So you needn't harbor such thoughts, Your Highness."

"Sister, what can I do to make him happier?"

Jingwei's eyes shone with anticipation, her cheeks blushing slightly. "If it is something within my ability, I am certainly willing to do it."

"This..."

Lin Suqing suddenly found herself stumbling over her words.

She knew all too well the Young Master's noble desires! But, well, if she were to trick Jingwei into doing something inappropriate, the Young Master would surely not approve. That fellow probably doesn't even realize how much he values Princess Jingwei.

"Can you play music? What instrument are you most proficient with?" Lin Suqing asked quietly.

Jingwei laughed softly and nodded. She reached into her sleeve, fished out an earthen xun, and began to play a distant and melancholic melody.

As the melody ended, Immortal Mu beside them already had teary eyes, while Xiao Deng lay on the back of the ear-mouse, sobbing continuously.

Lin Suqing raised a hand to wipe her eyes and said sincerely, "Perhaps we should start with something like how to interact naturally with the Young Master. Your music... maybe it's best not played."

"Is it... not emotional enough?" Jingwei gently shook the earthen xun in her hand. "My father taught me to play."

"No, no, no," Lin Suqing waved her hands repeatedly. "Such mournful tunes aren't very suitable for interactions between men and women. When interacting with the opposite sex, you should do it like this."

As she spoke, Lin Suqing pulled out a treasure pouch from her sleeve, took out several musical instruments, and promptly launched into an upbeat performance of playing, strumming, and singing.

Jingwei continuously expressed her admiration, her eyes beaming as she watched Lin Suqing play the zither.

Suddenly, they heard a light chuckle.

"What piece are you practicing?"

Jingwei sprang up, her slender frame nearly toppling, and she became somewhat flustered.

Wu Wang's faint figure materialized beside them; he had evidently arrived using the technique of riding the wind, a sliver of his Divine Thought reaching this place.

Jingwei said, "N-No particular piece."

"Just idly strumming strings with nothing better to do," Lin Suqing winked at Wu Wang. "Young Master, why have you come looking for us? Are you here to see Her Highness?"

"I'm looking for both of you."

Wu Wang said earnestly, "Come to my tent. I have something to discuss with you."

No sooner had he spoken than Wu Wang's ethereal figure vanished, leaving Lin Suqing somewhat taken aback.

Shouldn't the Young Master have taken the opportunity to cheer Princess Jingwei up? Why did he switch to business so directly?

Jingwei also exhaled softly, a sense of relief washing over her. This was followed by a tinge of disappointment blossoming in her heart. She stood on the carriage, gazing towards their tribal lands, lost in thought.

Immortal Mu beside her rolled her eyes, inwardly complaining about her increasingly negligible presence. This won't do. I must do something about it.

Dongfang Mumu hugged the ear-mouse and fell into contemplation, seeming to grow much 'wiser' in the process.

By the time Jingwei and Lin Suqing arrived at Wu Wang's tent in their carriage, they found several figures already seated inside.

Jingwei felt a bit intimidated at that moment, but she suppressed the urge to transform into a Blue Bird and followed Lin Suqing with her head bowed, entering the tent.

Instantly, all eyes converged on her.

Xiong Han, who had just been summoned back from the border by his son, observed Jingwei carefully and couldn't help but reveal a satisfied smile. Not bad, not bad. She has a pleasant appearance, surely the type Ba'er likes, different from the women on their grasslands. However, she seems to lack strength; I wonder how many beast hides she could carry.

Meanwhile, the great High Priest and General Xiong San of the Hug Bear Tribe, who were seated to his left and right, stood up and performed the prairie's courtesies towards Jingwei.

This was out of respect for the Human Emperor's daughter.

Jingwei slowly stepped forward and bowed to Xiong Han, emulating the actions of General Xiong San and the High Priest. After completing the gesture, she walked toward a seat in the corner.

"Hey," Wu Wang, seated in the place of honor, suddenly spoke up. Pointing to a seat beside him, he said with a smile, "Come sit over here. The matters we're discussing today don't have much to do with the Northern Wilderness; we'll mainly be discussing Human Domain affairs."

"Alright."

Jingwei showed no coyness and walked gracefully forward. She stole a glance at Wu Wang, and their eyes met.

She immediately turned her head away, gazing at the carpet pattern in the middle of the large tent, her slender body slightly tense.

Wu Wang said, "Let's wait a moment. Xiaolan has also come out of seclusion, and the seniors from the Xuan Nu Sect will be joining us as well."

Only then did Jingwei notice that half of the chairs to the side were empty.

Lin Suqing had already calmly taken a seat in the corner. She took out a book, spread it on her lap, and began to read intently, her demeanor quite composed.

After waiting a little longer, that familiar, subtle fragrance wafted over. Ling Xiaolan, her face veiled, arrived with several masters from the Xuan Nu Sect.

She saw Wu Wang and their eyes met. A trace of joy inevitably flashed in her eyes, but then she remembered something. The joy faded, and she asked directly, "Did they truly slander you?"

Her words concealed a hint of annoyance, a hint of righteous anger in her almond-shaped eyes.

Wu Wang said with a smile, "That's all in the past."

"One must be reasonable in all things."

Ling Xiaolan pressed her lips together and said in a low voice,

"If something like this happens again, don't make me go into seclusion.

"If even I don't speak up for you, who else will stand by your side? If they are truly jealous of the talented, then you needn't pay them any mind."

It was easy to forget that this Fairy Immortal, aside from her severe obsession with cleanliness and moderate 'directional impairment,' had the temperament to draw her sword at the first disagreement. Fortunately, she had been in seclusion during the last Human Domain incident; otherwise, things might have spiraled out of control.

Wu Wang nodded with a smile, indicating for Ling Xiaolan to come forward and take a seat.

Ling Xiaolan could only suppress her anger. She proactively looked at Jingwei, and their eyes met. She gave a slight nod in greeting.

Following that, Fairy Ling bowed to Xiong Han with a formal salute, calling out, "Greetings to Chief Xiong."

Xiong Han immediately couldn't help but grin from ear to ear.

This one is also not bad, not bad at all.

"Come sit over here," Wu Wang gestured to another seat beside him. Ling Xiaolan did not hesitate for long, but as she took her seat, she habitually took out a cushion and arranged it carefully before sitting down.

The atmosphere became a bit subtle.

Wu Wang calmly cleared his throat and spoke in a soothing voice, "Ming She, seal off the surrounding space."

A faint black light flickered around the large tent, and its connection with the outside Heaven and Earth was instantly severed.

Wu Wang didn't bother with small talk and went straight to the point. "I've invited you all here today because I'd like to seek your opinions on a major undertaking.

"I intend to create a second Human Domain outside the existing one. In your opinion, would the Southeastern Region be better, or would the Northern Wilderness be more suitable?"

Everyone was naturally taken aback.

An Elder from the Xuan Nu Sect whispered, "This matter... it seems a bit improper to consult us. It should be reported to His Majesty and discussed by the Pavilion Masters."

Another Elder from the Xuan Nu Sect asked, "Wuwang Palace Lord, have you already received His Majesty's permission?"

Wu Wang replied with a smile, "It's just a sudden idea I had."

"This matter still needs to be reported to His Majesty," an Elder of the Xuan Nu Sect reminded him. "We are all but ordinary cultivators; we dare not speak too freely on such important issues."

Wu Wang looked towards Jingwei and said slowly, "Today, I just want to hear everyone's opinions; I'm not actually making a decision... Wei, what do you think?"

Wei! And with so many people here!

Jingwei glanced at Wu Wang, continued to sit upright, and said calmly, "That depends on whether the Second Human Domain is intended to be subordinate to the Human Domain."

"Oh?"

Wu Wang's eyes suddenly lit up, and he smiled. "Since it's a Second Human Domain, why even consider whether it should be subordinate to the Human Domain?"

The few Elders of the Xuan Nu Sect beside him also showed a slight change in expression.

Although they were aware of Jingwei's identity, hearing such words still made them slightly uncomfortable.

Jingwei pondered carefully, choosing her words with deliberation. Her thin lips slightly parted as she spoke eloquently,

"The Human Domain is the Human Domain; the Human race is the Human race. The Human Domain is merely the vanguard of the living beings of Heaven and Earth resisting the Heaven Palace; it is called the Human Domain because most of those gathered there are of the Human race.

"My father said that we must never forget the mission for which the Human Domain exists.

"The Human race was created by the Holy Mother Nuwa. We are a people of the vast world, and our footprints cover the Nine Wildernesses of the Great Wilderness. The objectives of the Human Domain and the Human race are not entirely the same.

"The Human Domain exists to resist the Heaven Palace.

"The foremost consideration for the Human race is its own survival."

The High Priest of the Hug Bear Tribe beside them voiced his admiration. "Such insight is truly illuminating."

"Yet, the Human Domain is already the foundation upon which the Human race stands."

Ling Xiaolan spoke up slowly from the side, her voice gentle,

"If the Human Domain falls, the Heaven Palace will surely not spare the Human race. It is also true that the fate of the Human race is inextricably linked to the fate of the Human Domain."

Wu Wang nodded slowly and asked, "So, what does everyone think? Should the Second Human Domain have a subordinate relationship with the Human Domain? Xiaolan, what are your thoughts?"

"If it were established in the Northern Wilderness, it would be best to maintain its independence from the Human Domain."

Ling Xiaolan considered for a moment. "If founded in the Southeastern Region, it would inevitably be influenced by the Human Domain."

Wu Wang leaned back slightly, his expression remaining quite calm throughout, but inwardly he was breaking a sweat.

He was actually asking the two women beside him, seeking an answer in the presence of so many witnesses that could convince himself.

He asked, "So, do you think it's better to establish it in the Northern Wilderness or in the Southeastern Region?"

At this moment, whether it was the thoughtful Elders of the Xuan Nu Sect or the dazed triumvirate from the Hug Bear Tribe, they were all thoroughly confused by Wu Wang.

But they clearly sensed that Wu Wang was not addressing them.

Wu Wang looked towards Jingwei. The latter, after a brief contemplation, said in a low voice,

"Actually, there's no need to call it the Second Human Domain, nor is there a need for it to rely on the Human Domain for anything. Establishing it in the Northern Wilderness is a good choice, as long as it can avoid the notice of the Heaven Palace before it becomes established."

Wu Wang inwardly breathed a sigh of relief.

"What do you think, Xiaolan?" Wu Wang turned his head to look at Ling Xiaolan.

Fairy Ling, however, said,

"I actually think establishing it in either of these two places is somewhat inappropriate. Being too close to the Northern Wilderness would surely affect the Hug Bear Tribe.

"Establishing a Second Human Domain in the Southeastern Region would be entirely superfluous.

"If the goal is merely to spread the Human Domain's cultivation methods, why not disseminate them broadly outside the Human Domain, effectively making all lands beyond it part of this 'Second Human Domain'?"

Ling Xiaolan laughed lightly, brightness shining in her almond-shaped eyes.

"If that day truly comes, what is there to fear from the Heaven Palace?"

Wu Wang was taken aback. He had been thinking too small. It turned out his perspective was too narrow.

"Come," Wu Wang felt a weight lift from his heart, "let's discuss what we can do in the Human Domain's upcoming war against the Heaven Palace."

The change in topic was slightly abrupt.

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