The Celestial Court was bustling, but the Heavenly Emperor was at leisure.
In the Northern Wilderness, across the boundless grassland, Wu Wang sat in a comfortable carriage, letting the few tamed ferocious beasts roam slowly ahead. He basked in the sunlight, savoring the strong liquor just obtained from a herding family they had passed by. The Northern Wilderness was awash with strong liquor, and Wu Wang was merely helping them reduce their surplus. Well, it was all passionately offered by the herders.
From this vantage point, one could already see the continuous tents of his tribe's land in the distance. The heralds of the Bear Embrace Tribe had already gone to the edge of the territory to summon Lord Xiong Han, the chief who was perpetually on patrol.
By Wu Wang's side, the eternal piece of profound ice bathed in the warm sunlight.
Little Jingwei should have been here as well. However, when the battle in the Outer Sky concluded, his father-in-law, the venerable Elder Shennong, was present, and the Human Race highly valued etiquette... He didn't even get a chance to hold her before Jingwei was taken away by Elder Shennong.
With nothing else to do, Wu Wang squinted and began to search Heaven and Earth to see if Emperor Shun or the Candle Dragon had any remaining schemes.
His martial god teacher and the Water God had journeyed to the southwestern edge of Heaven and Earth. They were currently constructing an island, adorning it with some peculiar scenery, and naming it the Edge of the World. This was to be the final resting place for the Goddess of Fortune.
It was a pity. Although the Candle Dragon was brutal, the Goddess of Fortune herself was quite a decent Innate God. Choosing to perish alongside the Candle Dragon was her own decision. Wu Wang wasn't too familiar with her, so he couldn't do much to persuade her. If it had been his martial god teacher harboring such a notion, Wu Wang would definitely have knocked him out with a punch and then handed him over to The Goddess of Liuli, requesting her to thoroughly discipline the martial god.
CRACK, CRACK...
A soft sound came from beside him, and Wu Wang immediately sat up.
An ice-blue glow slowly spread as Cang Xue stretched and lazily sat up. Her loose gown was adorned with sparkling points of light, and tendrils of icy breath were about to diffuse all around. Wu Wang waved his hand, and the icy breath receded to within half a foot of Cang Xue; otherwise, the beasts pulling the carriage... he would have had to consider whether to steam or barbecue them.
Cang Xue gazed at the blue sky and white clouds overhead, pausing for a moment. She then turned to look at Wu Wang beside her, the confusion in her eyes quickly fading as she softly called out, "Ba'er."
Wu Wang hastened to ask, "Mother, do you feel uncomfortable anywhere?"
Cang Xue shook her head gently, then asked, "That Emperor Shun..."
"He's dead," Wu Wang said, as if discussing a trivial matter. "He died a few days ago. The Candle Dragon has also fallen. Mother, you can perceive these events through the Heavenly Dao."
"Hmm." Cang Xue hummed in acknowledgment, closed her eyes, and focused her senses, sitting quietly for a moment. Soon after, she opened her eyes and let out a soft sigh.
"Sigh. Little Nu... she ultimately couldn't overcome her own trial."
Wu Wang didn't say much, simply waiting for his mother to finish reading the information conveyed by the Heavenly Dao, allowing her to understand what had transpired during the time she was trapped.
Cang Xue said, "You also arranged for an incarnation to cultivate in the Outer Sky?"
Wu Wang nodded and smiled. "To smoothly absorb the Great Daos of the various gods from the Outer Sky, such measures were necessary. I'm just sorry that you, Mother, had to be trapped for a few more years because of it."
"These are all trifles. You shouldn't concern yourself with what I go through," Cang Xue said softly. "On the contrary, your meeting with your Grandpa in such a manner saved me the awkwardness of introducing you. I've never been good at such things... Ba'er, while managing the Outer Sky, have you neglected Young Master and Xiaolan?"
"That..." Wu Wang rubbed his nose. "I... shouldn't have."
"You," Cang Xue gently pushed Wu Wang's shoulder. "Go and accompany my daughters-in-law. What are you dawdling here for? Now that everyone knows you've resolved the difficult problem of the Candle Dragon and Emperor Shun, it's time to assert your dominance over the Four Seas, to be without rival. If you don't return now, they won't know what to think."
Wu Wang said with emotion, "I also wish to be peerless..."
"Hmm?"
"Ah, it's nothing." Wu Wang cleared his throat. "Then I'll be off! Mother and Father should spend more time together."
Cang Xue smiled. "Go on."
"Oh, Mother, here, I'm giving this back to you." Wu Wang took off the necklace from around his neck and presented it to his mother, smiling. "I've reforged this Life Essence Artifact of yours. As long as Father wears it, he can share your lifespan."
—Cang Xue's lifespan was eternal.
Cang Xue received it with a smile and spoke softly, "I will persuade your Father. Though he is stubborn, on such a major matter of life, death, and lifespan, he can't just be obstinate."
"Then I'll head back to the Celestial Court. I've already asked the Earth God to arrange a residence for you and Father in the Celestial Court, so you can move in anytime..." Wu Wang couldn't help but offer a few more reminders until Cang Xue, unable to bear it any longer, raised her hand to her forehead. Only then did Wu Wang ride the clouds and depart from the Northern Wilderness.
In the domain of nagging, as long as he followed his mother's path, he could leave her with no path to follow!
Wu Wang didn't rush back to the Celestial Court. Instead, he concealed himself in the void, quietly observing the Northern Wilderness for a while. Only after his mother and father had met did Wu Wang withdraw his gaze, his expression gradually becoming more reserved as he surveyed this world.
Where does the great calamity originate? How can the final end be avoided? My own transcendence, the salvation of Heaven and Earth. The fewer people who know about these matters, the better. My parents can't help much; it's better for them to enjoy another thousand or eight hundred years of peace. Perhaps, this is the selfishness of a son.
With a sweep of his hand, Wu Wang seemed to manipulate Heaven and Earth. The scene before him changed to the Celestial Court, and he himself appeared outside it.
His mother was right; it was indeed time to spend some quality time with his two ladies.
...
BANG!
"No more practice!"
In the Human Domain, within a scenic mountain villa.
Xing Tian slammed a large bell, intricately inscribed with complex runes, onto the ground. The impact caused the light barrier of the Formation on the ground to tremble violently. He rubbed his long neck, sat huffing on a stool, stretched out his legs, bared his chest, and grumbled, "What's the point of practicing anymore? Huh? Emperor Shun was killed by my second brother! The Candle Dragon was suppressed by my second brother! Now, even the Heavenly Emperor is my second brother! Do I still need to compete with my second brother?"
A few elderly men, basking in the sun and drinking wine, couldn't help but smile gently.
An elder specializing in Body Cultivation flexed his enormous pectoral muscles and said slowly, "Cultivation isn't just about challenging the strongest. Look, isn't it said that a powerful race called 'Demons' will emerge in the world and contend with our Human Race in the future? We cultivators can adjust our goals and continue to strive to protect every weaker member of our race."
Xing Tian's teacher also said, "Are you cultivating just for the sake of being competitive? Pick it up and continue practicing!"
"Humph!" Xing Tian crossed his arms and sat sulking on the stool. "The real question is, why didn't my second brother take me with him!"
"HA HA HA HA!" The robust elders burst into hearty laughter, filling the entire villa with the atmosphere of Body Cultivation and a joyful mood.
Suddenly, an elder asked, "Xing Tian, are you going to the Ji Family matriarch's birthday celebration? It's only a few days away, and the invitation was delivered to you some time ago."
Xing Tian's eyes lit up. "Will there be a fighting ring?"
"It's the Ji Family matriarch's birthday celebration! Would a fighting ring be appropriate?"
"Then I'm not going," Xing Tian shook his head. "I'd rather go back to the Northern Wilderness and take a look. I haven't been back in a long time."
"You should still attend if the Ji Family has invited you." Xing Tian's teacher said gently, "This matter isn't as simple as you think."
Xing Tian's rugged eyebrows furrowed. "What do you mean?"
"It's said that His Majesty Shennong intends to abdicate, at the latest within a thousand years," an elder said in a low voice. "I say 'it's said' because this news came from the Human Emperor Pavilion. His Majesty Shennong guided us through the most difficult times. Hey, the good days for our Human Race are still ahead."
"That's right. The Heavenly Emperor himself is from our Human Race."
"The situation in the Human Domain is a bit unsettling these days. All the families have grown ambitious, and there seems to be friction already in the Southeastern Region."
"That's a given. Those Great Families are all eyeing that position. In these peaceful times, that position signifies the great prosperity of a family, truly placing them a cut above the rest."
The old men chattered animatedly.
Xing Tian, however, frowned deeply and muttered, "Shouldn't this matter be decided by His Majesty Shennong? Even if His Majesty Shennong abdicates, he should appoint a successor and pave the way for them in advance."
The elders each pondered this.
"That may be true, but even if His Majesty Shennong designates someone, if the chosen successor isn't capable enough to command the respect of the various Great Families, trouble will arise sooner or later."
"Ji Mo of the Ji Family and Lin Qi of the Lin Family represent the two largest family factions currently. It's common knowledge that both of them share a profound friendship with His Majesty the Heavenly Emperor, and their own power bases are quite stable. The Lin Family suffered a setback due to Lin Nuhao's previous rebellion, giving the Ji Family an edge in prestige and influence. It's estimated that the Ji Family is the likely choice."
"Not necessarily, nothing is certain."
"Let's wait and see. These things are unpredictable... But Xing Tian, are you really not going this time?"
"I don't care about them!" Xing Tian snorted. "I'll go roam the Northern Wilderness for a few years. This is all happening before His Majesty Shennong has even stepped down. Even if His Majesty Shennong does step down, whoever he chooses, I'll support them. All this talk of Prominent Clans and powerful Military Families is utter nonsense!"
The few Transcendent Body Cultivators exchanged glances, then burst out laughing, continuing their discussion about the strange and wonderful happenings in the world. Xing Tian sat there with his arms crossed, sulking, but said no more.
If he didn't want to get involved, he would just stay away. The so-called 'tides of the era' had little to do with him.
Should I remind Xiong Ba about this? Xing Tian pondered carefully. Wu Wang might genuinely be too busy with major affairs outside to notice these minor issues in the Human Domain.
Being naturally impetuous and fiery, as soon as this thought crossed his mind, Xing Tian immediately set off. He hoisted his two large axes and soared towards the Celestial Court on a cloud.
His journey was swift as wind and lightning, an exhilarating experience. Passing by the settlements of the Hundred Races, he saw vast cities shrouded in miles of mist and smoke, and thousands of dwellings housing diverse beings. Upon closer inspection, it all possessed a unique charm.
Heaven and Earth were flourishing; all beings lived in peace and prosperity. The Divine Spirits attended to their duties, and cultivation proceeded without disrupting the natural order.
Is there anything in such a world that needs improving? I have to admit, my second brother's talent is slightly superior to my own.
Then, with a proud swagger, his eyes full of satisfaction, he flew directly to the Heaven's Gate on the southern side of the Celestial Court, where he was stopped by several Heavenly Generals on guard.
These Heavenly Generals recognized Xing Tian and dared not be disrespectful. After Xing Tian announced his name and stated his purpose—to seek an audience with His Majesty the Heavenly Emperor—the Heavenly Generals invited him inside to rest while they awaited a message from the upper echelons of Heaven.
Xing Tian grinned. "The Celestial Court certainly has a lot of rules."
The Heavenly Generals merely smiled without speaking.
Before long, a Heavenly General hurried back and whispered, "Young Master Xingtian, it's truly unfortunate. His Majesty is currently occupied with important matters. He entered the chambers of the Greatly Merciful and Greatly Compassionate Tianyan Saintess just four hours ago."
Xing Tian frowned deeply, drawing a sharp breath.
He went to see his sister-in-law? Well, then I'm in for a real wait. Judging by the stamina of us Northern Wilderness men when we're not knocked unconscious, it's usually six or seven hours. Considering my brother Xiong Ba's current strength... Won't I have to wait for six days and six nights?
Xing Tian was just about to say he would come back another time, as it wasn't a particularly urgent matter, when a light "Eh?" sounded by his ear. Wu Wang, robed in black, appeared before him.
"Big bro, what brings you here?"
"Little bro, how are you so quick?"
The surrounding Heavenly Soldiers and Heavenly Generals instantly knelt in a vast throng upon the clouds. "Greetings, Your Majesty!"
Xing Tian raised an eyebrow. "Heh, I didn't interrupt anything, did I?"
"Of course not," Wu Wang laughed. "Now that Emperor Shun and the Candle Dragon are gone, I'm actually a bit at loose ends. Come on, let's find a place to drink!"
"Let's go, let's go!" Xing Tian hoisted his axe, gave the Heavenly Generals a knowing look, and they quickly bowed their heads with apologetic smiles.
The two of them found an unoccupied Immortal Mountain in the Celestial Court, set out some simple wine and food, and began to discuss matters concerning the Human Domain. Xing Tian spoke with great animation, his words frequently critical of the powerful clans and families in the Human Domain. Wu Wang listened attentively, nodding from time to time or sighing softly.
"So," Xing Tian asked, "aren't you going to do something about this?"
Wu Wang smiled and sighed. "How could I intervene? Even Elder Shennong couldn't suppress the desires in people's hearts. It's inevitable that the Human Domain will experience turmoil. However, I've already asked Elder Shennong to delay his retirement by a thousand or two years."
Xing Tian shook his head. "Anyway, watching those factions fight among themselves really irks me. Every day in the Human Domain, there's talk that the Ji Family and Lin Family might go to war. Aren't Ji Mo and Lin Qi your followers?"
"Friends! They are friends, brothers. How can you call them followers?" Wu Wang chuckled. "They each have their own lives. Right now, it wouldn't be good for me to appear before them, as it would disrupt the stable environments they've established around themselves. Of course, if they encounter trouble, I will certainly help them, but I'll be helping them as individuals, not the powers behind them."
"I just don't want to see them fight." Xing Tian heaved a long sigh, leaned back in his seat, and gazed at the thin clouds drifting across the sky. In the Celestial Court, the sky seemed within arm's reach, yet when one extended a hand to touch it, the clouds proved to be impossibly distant.
Xing Tian said, "Regardless, I might not be able to help you much right now, but if you have any worries you can't discuss with others, you can always come and talk to me."
"What other major issues could there be?" Wu Wang smiled. "The Candle Dragon is dead, Emperor Shun is vanquished. My only task now is to remain true to my principles and be a proper Heavenly Emperor. That's enough."
"True enough." Xing Tian smacked his lips, failing to notice the fleeting contemplative look that crossed Wu Wang's eyes.
So be it.
「...」
Now, about Jingwei: she was temporarily taken back to the Human Domain by Shennong.
「Half a month before returning home.」
Shennong set aside the myriad trivial affairs of the Human Domain, donned an apron, and reveled in simple family joys in the wooden cabin Wu Wang had personally built. Every day, he would concoct new ways to feed his beloved daughter. Every day, this devoted father would fuss over her, wishing he could personally sew her a few new outfits. The conversations between father and daughter revolved around themselves, no longer touching upon the various matters of the Human Domain.
The phrase most frequently on Shennong's lips was, "I've worried about the Human Domain for so long. Now that it's finally at peace, can't I enjoy some family happiness and make it up to my precious daughter!"
Alas, the good times didn't last long.
Just half a month after Jingwei returned home, Shennong's tune began to gradually change.
"Child? Aren't you in a hurry to go to the Celestial Court?"
"Father, I want to stay by your side a little longer."
"Child, are you really not in a hurry to go to the Celestial Court?"
"I was thinking... Brother Wu Wang was with me in the Outer Sky for so long, I was worried his other wives might be displeased. I wanted to let Brother Wu Wang spend a few more days with them..."
"Well, you have to go back eventually."
Jingwei couldn't help but press her hand to her forehead. After lingering by her old father's side for over a month, she finally chose to go to the Celestial Court and reunite with Wu Wang.
On the way to the Celestial Court, escorted by several high-level experts from the Human Domain, Jingwei couldn't help but lower her head in thought.
Scenes from the Outer Sky flashed through her mind. Her time with her brother was undoubtedly sweet and comforting. She always felt that if the two of them could continue like this forever, it would be the most wonderful thing in the world. But soon, a flicker of doubt arose in Jingwei's heart. The doubt solidified into a cloud of suspicion, coiling in her heart, constantly swirling. Suqing; Zhong Ling; Was there a connection between them?
