This Human Immortal Is Too Serious-Chapter 424 - 422 Serial Traps

「Afterward.」

In the God of Spring's Divine World, the fierce divine battle had just concluded, and the gods of the Heaven Palace gradually dispersed. The Divine Court seemed quiet, but in reality, it was filled with the private murmurs of divine spirits.

Did the God of Spring win too easily?

The battle had just begun, and it seemed the God of Spring was already assured of victory. Even though he was momentarily suppressed in the head-to-head clash with the Gold God, his golden scales shattered, the entire Duel's pace was under the God of Spring's control.

Many Innate Gods skilled in combat began to replay and deduce the key to the God of Spring's victory. However, the more they speculated, the more these Innate Gods became convinced…

"It wasn't the God of Spring who defeated the Gold God."

"Oh? Why do you say that?"

"The God of Spring was just a decoy," a god said emphatically. "He was merely the decoy to attract the Gold God's attention. The real action was taken by the Star God and Young Master."

"Indeed. The God of Spring may be brave, but he's not yet at the level to confront the Five Elements Gods head-on. This battle was short because the God of Spring lacked stamina. He used all his power in this brief engagement: setting up a formation, provoking the Gold God, imprisoning him, and thus temporarily overpowering him. Young Master then used her formidable divine power to ensure the Gold God couldn't escape, after which the Star God delivered the killing blow."

"HISS—is that really how it happened?"

"So, it's not that the divine spirits lost, but rather that the living beings won?"

Logically, it makes sense!

Thus, the Divine Court gradually became lively again. The divine spirits selectively ignored the name 'Wu Wangzi' and started to discuss the Star God's injuries.

If the Star God has returned, doesn't that mean the crisis of their Heaven Palace has passed?

In a corner of the Divine Court, Wu Wang, assuming the identity of a legitimate god of the Heaven Palace, eavesdropped on these private murmurings of the Great Dao, feeling somewhat conflicted.

To be honest, he was also controlling the Star God. The synchronization between his true body and avatar was the key to slaying the Gold God. Of course, such a secret was not something he could reveal.

Hearing from his mother that Ming Snake had retained a remnant soul, Wu Wang's mood lifted from gloom to somewhat brighter.

Right now, he was sitting beside Lin Suqing's bed with Young Master, and the atmosphere in the room was rather somber.

Wu Wang had also calmed down, carefully sorting through the benefits and costs of his sudden intervention.

The greatest benefit, of course, was the removal of this thorn in his side.

The cost was that, aside from the truth about Zhong, Yun Zhongjun's existence, and his real relationship with the Star God, nearly everything else that could be exposed, had been.

To slay the Gold God, Wu Wang had even used the small flags from the Zhou Heavenly Star Battle Formation…

He had tried hard to conceal this, even swallowing the Star God's essence blood and using a treasure box of the same material to hold the flags. He desperately implied these small flags were a gift from the Star God.

But now, he still couldn't help but worry that Emperor Shun would figure out their origin.

After all, Emperor Shun had also been in contact with those old gods.

Ultimately, his own strength was still insufficient; he was still two great realms beneath the Gold God. If he had truly abided by the twenty-year pact set by the Gold God, perhaps by then he would have genuinely possessed the strength for a decisive battle. Instead of waiting, he had revealed all his trump cards and annihilated the Gold God recklessly.

"Alas," Wu Wang leaned back in the wooden chair, raising his hand to rub his brow.

Gou Zi said: A punch thrown will gradually lose its strength, but a hidden trump card is the magic treasure that ensures victory.

"What's the matter?" Young Master asked softly, drifting over from the bedside, gazing at Wu Wang with tender eyes.

The clear and cool glimmer in those eyes was like the purest spring water in the world, bringing peace to Wu Wang's Dao heart and clearing away much of his worry.

What's done is done, the cards were played. If there were truly any issues, Zhong would certainly have reversed it by now. He could rest easy.

Wu Wang sighed, "The Gold God will probably be thoroughly transformed by our Heavenly Emperor."

"Are you worried about that?" Young Master hummed softly, speaking gently, "A controlled Gold God is actually far preferable to one on the verge of self-collapse. At the very least, we then only need to consider what the Heavenly Emperor intends to do."

"Yes, no matter how profound and inscrutable the Heavenly Emperor's schemes are, at least they are purposeful." Wu Wang said with a wry smile, "I originally intended to weaken imperial power, yet I personally handed the Heavenly Emperor a sharp sword."

Young Master said, "Rebuilding the Gold God will require the Heaven Palace to expend considerable divine power. For now, at least, things are stable."

"I'm still a bit uneasy," Wu Wang said. "I will go to meet the Heavenly Emperor to ensure the Gold God's consciousness is completely obliterated."

"You stay put." Young Master frowned slightly, pressing Wu Wang down in his chair.

She said, "Rest for half a day, and don't leave any lingering injuries."

Wu Wang obediently complied, pulling Young Master to sit beside him.

The latter did not say much, merely snuggling up to Wu Wang's shoulder and enveloping him in divine power brimming with life force.

After a while, Young Master softly asked, "Do you require a new mount?"

"No need," Wu Wang replied, gazing out the window at the bustling figures. "I can fly on my own. When Ming Snake became my mount, it caused quite a stir in the Human Domain."

"Mhm." She responded softly, her long eyelashes slowly closing as if she had fallen asleep.

The room gradually quieted down.

Two gods nestled together in the chair, a female cultivator lay dozing on the bed. Outside the attic stood robust men and women of the Northern Wilderness, on alert. Further in the distance, more than a dozen Innate Gods had not yet dispersed.

At the entrance to the attic, Yang Wudi tiptoed to sneak a few glances, then, bowing his head, he slipped away to the neighboring attic.

The esteemed 'masters' of the God of Spring's Divine World were all gathered here.

They had activated several layers of an internal soundproofing array to avoid disturbing the revered god next door.

Yang Wudi pushed the door open and tiptoed back to his place.

Seated in the main seat, the Grand Elder asked, "Has the Sect Master rested?"

"Resting," Yang Wudi scratched his head, his eyes filled with a hint of awe. "Who would have thought, who would have thought! The Gold God, such a powerful expert, a top existence in the world, slain by the Sect Master just like that!"

Everyone nodded, smiles emerging on their faces.

Da Yi looked down at his arms, thicker than an ordinary person's thighs, and murmured, "I didn't expect that even though my strength has soared, I am still unworthy to be the Sect Master's foremost Divine General."

The Grand Elder stroked his beard and chuckled, "Da Yi, don't sell yourself short. Your potential is indeed good; it's just that you've only recently begun to tap into it."

Hu Sheng pursed her lips slightly but refrained from speaking.

Those who don't manage the accounts simply don't understand thrift! To enhance Da Yi's strength, how much treasure had they expended, how many resources had they used? Such an investment was enough to nurture eight or ten Heavenly Immortals, yet Da Yi's current strength was merely that of shooting an arrow three thousand li. Hu Sheng had also heard that the Heavenly Craft Pavilion was under orders to forge a divine bow, clearly intended for Da Yi. Cultivators were all adept at manipulating objects freely; who would bother with a bow and arrows these days? But she couldn't voice such thoughts. Who could argue when Da Yi enjoyed Lord Wu Wang's exclusive favor?

Kan Tianhou spoke earnestly, "The Sect Master has slain the Gold God. Such news has already spread back to the Human Domain, and the entire Human Domain is naturally in an uproar. Meanwhile, we should also prepare for the influx of a large number of followers."

"Indeed," Hu Sheng chimed in. "The beings of Emperor's City mostly admire strength; soon, many will undoubtedly come, drawn by his reputation."

Yang Wudi patted his bald head and chuckled, his short, thick eyebrows twitching erratically.

He said, "We're now considered subordinates of a strong god in the Heaven Palace, so we should be mindful of our status when out and about. We can't associate too much with those riff-raff from all walks of life. Grand Elder, why not get everyone some new outfits? When walking in Emperor's City, appearance is paramount, you know."

The Grand Elder silently activated the Blood Killing Dao, forming a blood-flame blade in his palm.

Yang Wudi instantly sat up straight, exuding an air of utmost propriety and righteousness, the very picture of an upright young man from the Human Domain.

"What Yang Wudi said actually has some merit." The Grand Elder stroked his beard and hummed, speaking slowly, "The Sect Master strides far ahead; truthfully, we've long been unable to keep his pace. However, at the very least, here in Emperor's City, we must uphold the Sect Master's honor and not tarnish his name. General Xiong San is returning to the Northern Wilderness to select new Divine Generals. The Human Domain, for its part, could also dispatch some experts. The upcoming expansion plans must be executed well—neither too domineering nor too timid."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Afterward, the Grand Elder turned his gaze to Yang Wudi and gently patted the back of his hand, saying warmly, "Wudi, some matters will still require your effort."

The men at the table immediately showed solemn respect.

Hu Sheng's cheeks flushed. Recalling how Qingluan had gone to find her junior martial niece Xiaolan, she sat up even straighter, her lovely figure fully revealed.

It was a confidence that came from the Xuan Nu Sect.

「Half a day later.」

Within the Heaven Palace, in the Gold God Temple, Emperor Shun stood with his hands behind his back before the Divine Pool, watching the 'seeds' that bobbed like red dates within it.

The Heavenly Emperor's eyes were filled with a mirth that refused to dissipate.

A figure appeared at the temple gate, calmly walking through the restriction formation into the area. Upon reaching Emperor Shun's back, the figure bowed.

"Your Majesty."

The visitor was the Head Manager.

"How are things?" Emperor Shun smiled and said, "Wu Wangzi wanted to slay the Gold God. Was he almost certain of success?"

The Head Manager smiled gently, bowed his head respectfully, and said warmly, "Your Majesty's brilliant strategies are truly incomparable to my own."

"This is Wu Wangzi's weakness as a living being: too easily swayed by emotions." Emperor Shun turned around, casually materializing two chairs with a wave of his hand, and gestured for the Head Manager to sit with him.

The Head Manager glanced at the pool water, a touch of reminiscence in his eyes. He waited until Emperor Shun was seated before taking the chair opposite him.

The Head Manager said, "Wu Wangzi could win, but only with the help of the Star God."

Emperor Shun asked, "Then what do you think is the relationship between Wu Wangzi and the Star God?"

"That… I do not know," the Head Manager responded honestly, shaking his head.

"Mother and son? Master and disciple?"

"I do not know."

Emperor Shun chuckled a few times, reclining in the chair, his legs transforming into a serpent's tail, his eyes carrying a hint of nostalgia.

He said, "There are a few things I must speak to you about today."

The Head Manager maintained his humble and respectful demeanor, showing no signs of emotional fluctuation, merely saying, "I am listening."

"The Ancient Ice God… do you still recall what she looked like?" Emperor Shun lightly tossed out this opening. Before the Head Manager could fully digest these words, he unleashed a bombshell.

The Head Manager's brows furrowed deeply; he found it extremely difficult to remain calm. "The Star God is now controlled by the Ice God, Cang Xue. The original Star God had long since perished. So, behind Wu Wang are actually the Great Daos of both the Ice God and the Star God? Your Majesty, can such a thing… can such a thing truly be possible?"

"This is the bitter consequence of my momentary weakness, my failure to forcefully reshape the Star God," Emperor Shun sighed lightly. "Cang Xue is a god of slaughter. She was dazzling in the great war of the past. There's no doubting her power and ability to destroy the current Heaven and Earth Seal."

"So this is why Your Majesty has been so tolerant of Wu Wangzi?" The Head Manager looked as though he had a sudden realization.

Emperor Shun remarked with feeling, "Indeed. To maintain the Heaven and Earth Seal, I have truly been constrained by Cang Xue. As for this fellow Wu Wang, I both love and hate him. I love his many extraordinary ideas, his unwavering stance that living beings should be free. Yet I hate that he gives us absolutely no opportunity. You saw it today: he can slay the Gold God. Whether it was the Star God acting or Cang Xue supporting from behind, he merely fell to a disadvantage when facing the Gold God. Despite the Gold God's prolonged, fierce attacks, he still couldn't kill Wu Wang. Haven't you noticed yet?"

The Head Manager leaned back weakly in his chair, murmuring, "This situation is difficult to resolve."

Emperor Shun said indifferently, "Wu Wangzi came to the Heaven Palace, likely for the position of Heavenly Emperor."

"What?" The Head Manager looked astonished and said in a low voice, "That is too preposterous!"

"Preposterous it may be, but it is indeed his purpose," Emperor Shun said. "I have a secret I've never told anyone: there are some issues with the Queen Mother of the West's identity. The Divine Punishment Dao operates outside the established order. The Queen Mother of the West is merely a mouthpiece; behind her stands a group of old gods unwilling to fade away." 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

"Old gods?"

"Originating from the First Divine Era." Emperor Shun stated matter-of-factly, "Who do you think instigates the turning of divine eras? It is these old gods. Whenever they feel a divine era's development has gone astray, is no longer to their liking, or that the order itself has developed various problems, they will intervene to usher in a new one."

The Head Manager frowned. "Could Wu Wangzi also be associated with them?"

"I wasn't sure before," Emperor Shun said with a smile. "If Wu Wangzi had no connection to them, I would have actually been willing to cultivate him into a strong god of the Heaven Palace, on par with you, and let him manage the relationship with the Human Domain. Doing so could also appease the Ice God and win over the Water God—a masterstroke yielding multiple benefits."

The Head Manager remained silent.

Emperor Shun sighed again. "But today, he was forced to reveal those seventy-two Star Banners… They look so similar, far too similar to the treasures of the First Divine Era. What they don't know is that the Star God's understanding of the Great Dao hadn't actually reached that level. Otherwise, the Star God could have fought Candle Dragon to a standstill back then."

The Head Manager said solemnly, "Your Majesty, perhaps the Star God comprehended it over these intervening years…"

Emperor Shun countered, "A divine spirit whose divine soul could shatter at any moment, who struggled fruitlessly only to have her divine soul easily crushed by the Ice God—how could such a being comprehend the Great Dao?"

"This…" The Head Manager pressed a hand to the bridge of his nose and spoke in a low voice, "Your Majesty, this matter truly… Perhaps there are other peculiarities. Wu Wangzi is still so young, after all."

"Yes, he is still so young, yet he has already slain the Gold God."

"Your Majesty!"

"Are you making excuses for him?" Emperor Shun asked with a smile. The Head Manager promptly fell silent.

Emperor Shun gazed at the Head Manager, as if he could see through the secrets hidden deep within his heart, to that Spirit of the Dao already riddled with countless holes.

The Head Manager said quietly, "Your servant has no reason to excuse him; I simply find this matter too absurd."

"Actually, this matter isn't absurd at all," Emperor Shun stated. He continued calmly, "The Fifth Divine Era, which I oversee, has already lasted too long in the eyes of those old gods. They wish to initiate a new era for living beings, and Wu Wang is merely the one they've chosen. Those old gods no longer possess physical forms, but the existence of the Divine Punishment Dao allows them to influence the order. Moreover, there is the terrifying accumulation of power from the First Divine Era. You needn't worry. I do not intend to oppose Wu Wang. On the contrary, I even want to offer him this position of Heavenly Emperor."

The Head Manager looked up suddenly.

Emperor Shun, however, smiled with narrowed eyes and said indifferently, "Then let him go head-to-head with the Candle Dragon, while I sit back and reap the benefits like a fisherman."

"So that was the plan," the Head Manager slowly nodded, sitting in his chair, lost in thought for a long time.

Emperor Shun waited quietly.

About half an hour later, the Head Manager exhaled softly. "Your Majesty, I have understood all these matters. Do you require your servant to do anything?"

"There," Emperor Shun gently raised his head, his chin gesturing towards the Divine Pool. "Wu Wang has received the aid of the God of Death. The reconstructed Gold God will be entrusted to you for care and guidance."

"Your Majesty, the Gold God…"

"Even if he has been reshaped, the original attachments should still be there," Emperor Shun said with a smile. "You are the most suitable person for this."

The Head Manager looked puzzled. "Your Majesty, do you really intend to abdicate?"

"Otherwise?" Emperor Shun spoke indifferently. "Those old gods have already chosen the Divine King for the Sixth Divine Era. Why should I cling to this position?"

"But…"

"Let's leave it at that for today." Emperor Shun chuckled lightly, his form rapidly fading until he dispersed into a flourish of petal-like fragments.

The Head Manager rose to bow, but he kept his head down for a long time, his pupils trembling continuously.

Emperor Shun is leaving, passing the throne to Wu Wangzi, allowing the Human Domain and the Heaven Palace to join forces, and then instigating the great war of divine era succession… Yes, Emperor Shun deliberately told me this news. He must have already sensed my disloyalty; this is something I could never hide from him. So, what is Emperor Shun trying to force me to do? Consolidate the power of the Heaven Palace? Ensure a devastating blow to the Candle Dragon? The Gold God…

If that's the case, then everything is clear.

Twin glimmers of sharpness flickered in the Head Manager's eyes, but they vanished in an instant. The complex thoughts in his mind quickly organized themselves into clear, structured points.

The purposes of this grand play orchestrated by Emperor Shun—slaying the Gold God—were numerous: to control the Gold God, to make Wu Wangzi reveal his hidden strength, to draw the Star God into the situation to safeguard Wu Wangzi's advancement, and to eliminate the hidden threat posed by the Gold God, thereby making Wu Wangzi's path in the Heaven Palace smoother.

And all of this was merely laying the groundwork. Even summoning me tonight and entrusting the Gold God to me was part of laying the groundwork. Emperor Shun must have already known about my secret assistance to Wu Wangzi… Yes, my sister supports Wu Wangzi, and I will ultimately side with Wu Wangzi. Emperor Shun must have been counting on this. This is tantamount to Emperor Shun gradually handing over all the power within the Heaven Palace to Wu Wang. Emperor Shun wants to flee! He wants to create a new Heavenly Emperor, consolidate the powers of the Heaven Palace and the Human Domain, and let this new Heavenly Emperor fight the Candle Dragon to the death! Then, he will make a comeback.

The Head Manager felt his limbs go weak. He instinctively reached back to grip the armrest of his chair but grasped only air.

A transient creation, after all, is but an illusion.