Brother Ji, could it be that you're possessed by an ill-fated spirit?

In front of the Eight Trigrams Disk, Wu Wang held his forehead with one hand, his expression indescribably perplexed.

He hadn't had such a hard time fighting for a Yan Emperor Token himself! What on earth was going on with Ji Mo? Three major battles, three times he fought into the final round, each time persisting as one of the last few, but every time...

There was not much Wu Wang could do to help Ji Mo in secret, let alone in front of the Human Emperor and many respected seniors, where he couldn't blatantly favor him and could only give Ji Mo limited assistance.

In the first round of the thousand-person free-for-all, Wu Wang let Ji Mo off easy at the last moment by slashing the power of his thunder strike by more than half, allowing Ji Mo to have more Mana and resources to continue the battle.

Ji Mo did not disappoint him, sweeping away many opponents. However, this also made him a target. He drew too much attention and was consequently prioritized for removal in the final round.

The victory of the first round went to a demonic cultivator disciple with considerable strength and a deep background, truly deserving the win.

By the second round, Ji Mo learned from his experience and hid right from the start, constantly moving with the shrinking of the Barrier and scavenging a full bounty.

Wu Wang even discreetly placed a batch of magical artifacts on the path ahead of him without leaving a trace.

However, Ji Mo, before the last round of the Barrier's contraction, encountered that 'domineering' man in white—the same man in white who'd earlier employed the quadruplet Fairy Immortals to carry his throne.

Suddenly abandoning his previous steady tactics, Ji Mo roared and charged at the man in white, grappling and crashing both of them into the oncoming Barrier, with both being transported out of the Illusionary Realm together.

Clearly, the two had a grudge.

Therefore, Wu Wang took a few extra glances at the man in white. He had previously found the man quite remarkable, but now he felt a subtle gloominess about him.

The winner of the second round turned out to be a 'Heaven's Chosen,' who had stayed prone in the bushes for several hours without moving, right where the Barrier happened to shrink above him.

The third round held almost no suspense and became a competition among the younger generation of the Human Domain who had not yet become Immortals.

Even if Ji Mo had an Immortal treasure to protect him, and his cultivation had improved significantly since his time in the Women's country, having reached the threshold of the Jumping God Realm, the stars of others were equally dazzling.

The man in white surrounded himself with thirty-six Immortal Swords, the demonic cultivator woman in the peacock dress used a Short Sword to fight a grueling battle in and out seven times, and there were several men and women, previously nameless, who at crucial moments displayed extraordinary strength, comparable to that of Immortals.

Ji Mo fought his way into the final round and, after a tough battle, was narrowly defeated.

The third Yan Emperor Token ultimately ended up in the hands of the man in white.

As for Ling Xiaolan... She was either blocked by a filthy path, rendering her unable to move forward and thus being swallowed by the Barrier. Alternatively, it was because maintaining the Mana Barrier around her consumed too much Mana; her Mana at the Condensation Establishment Realm couldn't sustain it, and she failed to reach the point where Wu Wang could give her an advantage.

Streams of golden light flickered as 'young' cultivators were sent out of the Barrier's Illusionary Realm, making their way back to their original spots on their own.

Only the three winners of the Yan Emperor Tokens were missing; their identities had already changed, bearing a portion of the future hope of the Human Domain.

As the dust of the Illusionary Realm trial settled.

Following the crowd, Wu Wang walked out of the Illusionary Realm's White Jade Gate, his Sect Master's black robe fashionably billowing, and calmly went to sit next to the Grand Elder, the Blood Hand Demon Lord, without drawing any particular attention.

Both the Grand Elder and Elder Miao stared at Wu Wang in surprise.

The Grand Elder telepathically asked, "Sect Master, why didn't we see your heroic figure?"

"Ah, I hid quite carefully," Wu Wang shook his head with a look of regret. "I didn't duel much with others, so naturally, I wouldn't attract attention. That's normal."

The Grand Elder immediately had an epiphany, and Miao Cuijiao, seemingly thoughtful, didn't ask any further questions.

Then came several shouts from a corner:

"By what right is my God Child denied participation in such a trial! I demand to know, by what right is my God Child denied participation in such a trial!"

A few Golden Armor Immortal Soldiers looked embarrassed and could only keep apologizing profusely.

The crowd looked in the direction of the shouting only to see a young pregnant woman standing tall, prompting them to discreetly look away.

Wu Wang's gaze returned to the short table in front of him as he picked up a cup of drink, sniffed it at his nose to ensure it was untampered with, and took a small sip.

It's not that he was always this cautious, but he was worried about trouble from the Ten Evils Hall. If he were the mastermind behind the Ten Evils Hall, he wouldn't miss this opportunity, when all the great masters' attention was on the Illusionary Realm trial, to strike from the least expected angle and cause trouble in the kitchen here. The risk was low, the gain was high, and it could easily damage the reputation of the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion.

"Big brother."

A sigh, then Ji Mo came over with his head drooping.

The Immortal Light faded, the folding fan stilled, and the gracefulness vanished. Arriving here, he dispiritedly sighed and smiled bitterly.

"Honestly... I truly can't seize even such an opportunity."

Having said that, he didn't forget to make a Daoist bow to the Grand Elder and Elder Miao. When he got a close look at Elder Miao, his gaze went blank for a moment, then he quickly averted his eyes and said, "My apologies, my apologies."

Wu Wang introduced, "This is a good friend of mine, the son of the frontier Ji Family, Ji Mo."

The Grand Elder surveyed Ji Mo a few times and nodded with a smile, shuffling to the side to make room.

Ji Mo voiced his thanks and sat down with a plop, propping his head with a hand, and started to drink from his cup without any concern for others.

Wu Wang was a bit puzzled and asked telepathically, "What got into you during the second match? Why did you suddenly lose your temper and fight with that man in white?"

"HUMPH!" Ji Mo's nostrils flared slightly as he cursed telepathically, "It was his people from the Women's Country who messed with me! Our grudge isn't to the point of life and death, but if I'm not having an easy time, he shouldn't think he can get by smoothly either!"

"Oh?"

Wu Wang immediately thought of that death soldier, the one who timed his sneak attack perfectly, played hard mode like it was hell difficulty, and eventually burned up his own Divine Soul.

So it's a personal enmity.

Ji Mo turned to look at Wu Wang and said telepathically, "Big brother—no, Bear Brother, where did you go? Why were you unseen in all three trials? This isn't right; for you not to appear in the final round is beyond explanation, even I managed to sneak in..."

Wu Wang explained telepathically, "I couldn't use the Praying Star Technique for the sake of the clan, and my strength is too weak, my fortune too poor."

"Alas," Ji Mo sighed softly. "We truly are brothers in adversity, sharing our trials and tribulations."

Wu Wang shook his head with a smile, his thoughts calm as he glanced at the orb of fire within his Spirit Platform.

Beyond that, there was another marvelous addition within his Spirit Platform.

It was an aura, coherent and unscattered. Should he activate this aura, Wu Wang could instantly transform into 'His Majesty Shennong's Artifact Spirit,' which he could use for bluffing or intimidating others at critical moments.

It was somewhat of a 'service fee' for him. Unfortunately, the Eight Trigrams Disk was taken back. His future father-in-law really was too stingy. What would be wrong with giving him an Illusionary Realm to trap enemies that he could carry with him?

Wu Wang said to Ji Mo telepathically, "I don't know if you're unlucky or lucky, but to openly hold the Yan Emperor Token, you'll surely be busy afterward."

"Busy maybe, but this is a great honor."

Ji Mo spoke seriously, saying telepathically, "The winner of the first and the jerk from the third round, taking away the Yan Emperor Token is acceptable. They both have strong backing, so probably there won't be any issues later on. The winner of the second match will have some trouble though, with too weak a foundation behind him. However, no matter. I just received news that he will go incognito, change his appearance, and seek experiences within the frontier military camps. Fairy Ling has also arrived."

As they were speaking, Ling Xiaolan had left the side of her two senior fellow sect members from the Xuan Nu Sect and was gracefully making her way here.

With the addition of Ji Mo this time, Ling Xiaolan's presence didn't draw much attention when she took her seat.

At this moment, the grand hall was abuzz with discussions about the three winners; other outstanding participants were only occasionally mentioned.

No sooner had Ling Xiaolan sat down than she muttered softly, "Such trials are truly somewhat ungracious. Couldn't we be given the cultivation of the Golden Core Realm? It's impossible to fly."

Wu Wang and Ji Mo exchanged looks and both began to laugh heartily, clapping their hands in amusement.

Ji Mo laughed and said, "The three of us should really have a drink together. We've got nothing; we're all coming away empty-handed!"

Following his words, Ling Xiaolan took out a Jade Cup from her sleeve, though her gaze couldn't help drifting to the side, her little face showing a hint of guilt.

Wu Wang also raised his hand to rub his nose, took a cup and filled it with wine, joining Ji Mo in their merriment.

Ji Mo was known in the martial world as the 'Loudspeaker of the Human Domain,' detailing the background of those who performed well in the competition, speaking with authority and conviction.

The man in white was named Lin Qi, Ji Mo's sworn enemy, with comparable backgrounds as descendants of military families from the frontier responsible for regional defense, though the Lin Family was subtly overshadowed by the Ji Family.

The Lin Family were considered high-ranking border officials, and protecting Lin Qi was not an issue.

Besides being too flamboyant and foppish, Lin Qi also possessed considerable talent. Ji Mo couldn't help but praise his cultivation genius and deep guile, though his flaw was his pettiness.

The 'Heaven's Chosen' who won the second match by lying still was named Xu Zhan. Who knows how long he would survive.

The memorable demonic cultivator girl was called Le Yao, the one in a peacock dress, standing on the shoulders of two strong men, only fifteen years old this year.

Apart from these few, there were also over a dozen others who stood out in this trial, all of whom were the cream of the crop among the young generation.

Wu Wang exclaimed, "The Human Domain truly abounds with talents, like a sky full of dazzling stars."

"If Fairy Ling did not have such eccentricities, she too would have had a good chance…"

Ji Mo shook his head and smiled, "Let's not talk about it, it's all in the past!"

Ling Xiaolan thought for a moment, then said, "It is said that the Yan Emperor Token is just a carrier of a single Cultivation Technique. The true Yan Emperor Token will only appear in the world after undergoing three transformations. Those three individuals have merely obtained a pass token; the journey ahead is still long."

Three transformations?

Wu Wang looked at Ling Xiaolan but did not say much, choosing instead to clink glasses and drink with the two others.

The two disciples from the Annihilation Sect also performed quite well; Wu Wang found time to encourage them and reminded the Grand Elder to bestow more rewards upon returning.

Ji Mo asked Wu Wang how he became the Sect Master of this particular sect, to which Wu Wang replied that it was a stroke of fate. Ji Mo did not press further but went to offer several toasts to the Grand Elder, avoiding Elder Miao and the female disciples from Annihilation Sect altogether.

Wu Wang thought he had changed his ways, but then Ji Mo said during a conversation, "The Cultivation Technique of the Black Desire Door is truly lethal."

He was knowledgeable and well-informed in this regard, having heard of it before.

Suddenly, the sound of bells and drums echoed, and amidst rising clouds and mist on the central round platform, eight rosy-cheeked elderly men and women stepped forward, greeting everyone with folded hands.

These were the important ministers by the Human Emperor's side, having followed the Human Emperor in battles for many years; some controlled the lifelines of the Human Domain, while others were responsible for offensive and defensive warfare on its behalf.

All the Immortal Cultivators in the hall stood up to pay their respects to these eight high-ranking officials of the Human Domain.

On the side, Immortal Soldiers quickly brought in nine low tables and nine cushions; one table was placed at the center of the round platform, while the other eight were arranged around the edge according to the Bagua positions.

The Master of the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion announced in a clear voice, "His Majesty, the Human Emperor, will grace us with his presence today!"

No sooner had the words fallen than a dense mist filled the center of the great hall. From within the mist came the thumping sound of footsteps, and an old man dressed in a gold robe, leaning on a staff, slowly approached.

His face was thin and expressive with well-groomed grey-white hair. Despite some wrinkles, he exuded vitality. With kind, benevolent eyes that radiated a gentle glow, an odd medicinal fragrance wafted through the hall.

No one called out, and no one led the way.

In this grand hall, thousands of people bowed in unison, their movements synchronized, the only sound that of rustling garments.

"We pay our respects to the Human Emperor."

"We pay our respects to the Human Emperor!"

"We pay our respects to the Human Emperor!"

"Everyone, please rise and take your seats," Shennong spoke warmly, his eyes roaming over the crowd. Many of the older Immortals were so moved they had tears in their eyes, their Dao hearts and demonic hearts trembled with emotion.

Wu Wang turned to look at the tearful Grand Elder beside him, genuinely puzzled. The Blood Hand Demon Lord, who was already of such an advanced age and merely half a step away from transcendence, why would he…

In this place, all the Cultivators took their seats in unison, seemingly forgetting the strife between Immortals and Demons, the distinctions between their sects, as they intently gazed upon the figure of the Human Emperor.

Shen Nong placed his staff beside him, and the eight ministers seated themselves around the perimeter, facing the Human Emperor.

Emperor Yan of Shennong spoke gently, "Previously, my Lifespan was not much, which caused concern among you all."

"May the Emperor live a life free from disaster!"

"May the Emperor live a life free from disaster!"

Such calls rose and fell one after another, and the hall filled again with noise.

Emperor Yan of Shennong waved his hand and smiled, saying, "I, too, wish to live without disaster, but having ruled the Human Domain for such a long time—a time so long that many memories have grown fuzzy—I must start considering what comes next. In fact, before deciding on extending my life, I hesitated for a long time."

The voice of the elder seemed to carry the profound rhythm of the Dao, unintentionally drawing people in, causing them to listen intently.

He continued, "The Lifespan of the Human race is shackled by the Heavenly Emperor in numerous ways. Solidifying the Golden Core, forming the Nascent Soul, transforming into an Immortal, stepping into transcendence, all involve breaking free from these shackles. However, the last shackle is the Heavenly Emperor himself. If it were possible to break that final bond, the peril facing the Human Domain would have already been resolved. This issue cannot be addressed by the Dao or laws alone; it requires all of you younger generations to ponder and solve this difficult problem.

"This extension of life has come at a considerable cost. I knew the price beforehand and did not wish to endure it. I also considered going the way of my predecessor Fu Xi, leaving without a fuss, igniting another flame. Though the Human Domain would be plunged into darkness for a while, a new flame would inevitably rise again, just as I once stepped up to the position of Human Emperor one step at a time. But it was then that I encountered someone."

Emperor Yan of Shennong paused mid-sentence and said with a smile, "Guess who this person was?"

Wu Wang silently bowed his head, quickly calculating. Is this old senior trying to trap me again?

An old woman chuckled, "Your Majesty, could it be that Little Golden Dragon?"

"Exactly, it was Little Golden Dragon."

Shennong's eyes narrowed into a smile as he lifted his cup and took a sip, saying warmly, "There are at least a dozen people here who already know Little Golden Dragon's identity. If his identity were to be exposed, I would hold you all accountable."

The eight elders around him hastily bowed their heads in response.

The Grand Elder and Elder Miao beside Wu Wang held their breath, yet they didn't show any flaws.

Then the Human Emperor continued to explain, "You don't need to overthink it. He is not one of those talents I chose to inherit the Dao of Fire. My encounter with him also stemmed from a medical visit, and we became friends despite the difference in our ages. This guy has no rules, always acting without due respect, even daring to lay hands on me without any fear after learning of my identity. And he strikes particularly hard, although it's all in good fun. My robes have been torn by him a few times."

Light laughter rose from various parts of the great hall.

But Shennong's smile slowly faded, and his voice became more profound, "Do you know what surprised me the most about this fellow?"

The Immortals fell silent.

"It's his inherent disbelief in fate!"

Shennong said slowly, "One day as we were talking, we touched upon the subject of Lifespan, and he said something that deeply resonated with my Dao heart. He said, 'Old senior, you've lived for so long, how come you haven't realized one thing, it's better to cling to life than to die a good death.' It was these words, 'it's better to cling to life than to die a good death,' that ultimately made me decide to prolong life through the medical pathway."

In the midst of his speech, Shennong's voice gradually rose, "Dying under the weight of a heavy responsibility is nothing but evasion! Saying one pins hopes on the future? Those are the words of the incompetent! While I still have strength, I must give it my all to see if I can open up a greater world for the Human Domain!"

As he paused, an intense aura of authority emerged around Shennong, and even the Transcendent beings and Heavenly Immortals involuntarily bowed their heads, daring not to look directly at the contemporary Human Emperor!

"Issue my Human Emperor's decree.

"From today on, increase the troops on the northern borders of the Human Domain.

"All Sects are to immediately open their doors to new disciples, sending three batches of disciples to the northern borders within the next hundred years.

"Benevolent Emperor Pavilion resources for Cultivation from today will be slanted towards those in the Immortal Realm, and Four Seas Pavilion is to exhaust the resources accumulated over the years to fully support the Sects in training disciples.

"All armies on the borders to train synchronously, establish Immortal Armies, sharpen swords, and set far-reaching ambitions!

"This upcoming beast tide will be used for military training, to muster the strength of the Human Domain within the next three hundred years!"

Shennong continued, "Let's not wait for the Human race's moment to come only to find ourselves still sharpening our swords and tending to our steeds. And don't be fixated on who will succeed as the next Human Emperor. As long as I live, in a thousand years, there shall be a grand expedition: slaughtering beasts, beheading Gods, stepping into Heaven Palace, and rewriting the heavenly order!"

There was a peaceful silence inside the great hall.

Wu Wang also looked at Emperor Yan of Shennong, filled with surprise, as if he was seeing this senior for the first time, his heart immensely stirred.

The Pavilion Master of Four Seas Pavilion rose to his feet and shouted loudly, "I will lay down my life and labor like a dog or horse to serve!"

A tidal wave of voices surged through the hall, trembling calls echoing repeatedly, as if a flame burst forth from Shennong, sweeping through the crowd.

"Step into Heaven Palace, rewrite the heavenly order!"

"Fight to the death, to console the heroic spirits!"

"We are willing to follow Your Majesty, to lay down our lives without regret!"

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