This Human Immortal Is Too Serious-Chapter 428 - 426: Divine Spirit Rift

Ever since returning from Emperor Shun and Xihe's family banquet, Wu Wang had felt restless, pacing back and forth around his desk.

It wasn't just the Young Master who was worried; Lin Suqing also found it quite strange.

The young master had always been carefree... Ugh!

The young master had always been confident and composed. He was able to pacify the world with his literary skills and master his own chambers with his martial prowess, rarely showing such anxiety.

And now, just by observing the young master's stride and the frequency of his pacing...

The young master was panicking.

Lin Suqing couldn't help but blink. Was the Heaven Palace truly so difficult to deal with?

Or could it be that her young master had encountered some romantic entanglements and was at risk of being kicked out of bed by the Young Master?

Moreover, the young master was somewhat underwhelming. He had gotten close to Fairy Ling, yet he remained so proper around the Young Master, completely disregarding the Young Master's feelings.

If you can't hold a bowl of water steady, it's bound to spill. I'm such a wise old auntie.

Lin Suqing stood beside a stone pillar in the corner, coolly folding her arms, her eyes shining with intelligent light, looking like a thoughtful old auntie.

Not far from Lin Suqing, the Young Master held a paper packet, sitting on a swing and also gazing at Wu Wang's figure.

Compared to Lin Suqing, the Young Master's perplexity was even greater.

On the way back, Wu Wang had seemed normal, still cracking light-hearted jokes with her, whispering discussions about whether the Heavenly Emperor favored the sun more or had a greater affinity for the moon.

The Young Master recalled carefully...

After Emperor Shun appeared, he briefly discussed the matter of educating the Ten Suns, and then the conversation turned to the affairs of the Human Domain.

After Wu Wang reviewed the imperial decree from the Heavenly Emperor, he debated with the Heavenly Emperor for a full two hours, thoroughly revising the wording of the decree.

For example, the conferral of the title "Human Emperor" in the decree was ultimately changed to "bestowing" the name "Earth Emperor," as an equal to the Heavenly Emperor.

The Young Master was no fool and discerned Wu Wang's three bottom lines regarding Human Domain affairs: the Human Domain must not be divided, its sages must not be slandered, and longevity must not be used as a bargaining chip.

Similarly, she also discerned several of the Heavenly Emperor's demands. These stipulated that the masters of the Human Domain must follow Heaven Palace's commands, the Human Emperor could not interfere with Heaven Palace's operations, and Divine Spirits held superiority over all living beings.

The clash between the two was at times fierce, at times subdued.

There was much the Young Master didn't understand, but she could feel that a face-off had taken place between the Heavenly Emperor and Wu Wang. Ultimately, each had taken a step back, reaching a certain tacit agreement. It was enough to give a god a headache.

What is he worrying about now? Could it be he has discovered some hidden danger concerning the Human Domain? Is there a trap hidden within the Heavenly Emperor's decree?

The Young Master lightly tapped her toe on the ground, causing the swing to sway back and forth.

At this moment, Wu Wang truly felt anxious.

He couldn't figure it out.

He didn't understand.

Why would Emperor Shun, all of a sudden, add something to his name and transform into Emperor Ji?

According to the myths Wu Wang had heard, weren't Emperor Ji and Eastern Emperor Taiyi brothers!?

In other words, was he supposed to acknowledge Emperor Shun, this Great Wilderness conspirator, as a sworn brother?

Ugh! Disgusting! Better to just start a war!

Wu Wang almost swore out loud.

He kept contemplating how the birth of Emperor Ji would affect the evolving structure of heaven and earth.

It seemed that if he didn't fuss about Emperor Shun becoming Emperor Ji, it wouldn't actually have much impact; Emperor Shun couldn't achieve a reversal of fate just by changing his name.

With Zhong mediating, the myths he knew might not necessarily occur.

Alternatively, perhaps the myths he knew had already transpired on another 'timeline': he had become Emperor Shun's elder sworn brother, joined forces with Emperor Shun to fight against the Candle Dragon, and then, after victory, backstabbed Emperor Shun, completing the Human Domain's counterattack against Heaven Palace.

Wu Wang arched an eyebrow; this scenario seemed quite plausible.

Enough, all I need to do now is avoid developing in the direction of the 'Emperor Ji brothers.'

Wu Wang walked to his desk, took out a Jade Talisman and considered it carefully, then switched to brush, ink, paper, and inkstone. He wrote down lines of small characters, fully recounting the finally agreed-upon content of Emperor Shun's decree.

Afterward, Wu Wang summoned a Divine Guard Captain, threw the letter and his Token at him, and issued a command, "Deliver this to the Human Domain, and ensure it is received by a Cultivator at the border."

The Captain's powerful frame trembled slightly, but he said nothing further, simply bowing his head to accept the order. He then began to ponder which of his subordinates was usually too individualistic.

Once the Divine Guard Captain had left, Wu Wang sat in his chair, spacing out for a moment, before he took a deep breath.

Let the old seniors worry about what comes next.

"What's the matter?" the Young Master couldn't help but step forward and inquire.

Wu Wang heaved a resigned sigh, slowly slumped onto the desk, and called out to the Young Master in a listless voice, "Quick, give me some vitality."

"Vitality?"

The Young Master was perplexed.

A wisp of blue smoke rose from Wu Wang's head, revealing a phantom image of a kissing couple within it.

The Young Master's cheeks reddened, and she scoffed lightly, "Don't be so improper, Suqing is still watching... Eh? Where's Suqing? She was just here..."

"Heh heh, our Auntie Suqing has seen it all before; she's no stranger to such things," Wu Wang's eyebrows danced.

The Young Master couldn't resist giving Wu Wang's cheek a playful pinch, then settled into the chair opposite him at the desk, her eyes smiling, her laughter pleasant.

She asked, "Are you truly alright?"

"What?"

"The matters you discussed with the Heavenly Emperor today, won't they have a negative impact on the Human Domain?"

Instead of answering, Wu Wang countered, "What do you think about the Heavenly Emperor's decree?"

"I feel," the Young Master gently lifted a strand of hair that had fallen across her chest, "that overall, it's beneficial for living beings. Even if the Heavenly Emperor might have ulterior motives, it's not really a bad thing."

"Correct," Wu Wang solemnly nodded. The Young Master's reaction was almost exactly as he had expected.

She was much better than she used to be; at least now she could firmly believe that the Heavenly Emperor had ulterior motives.

The former Young Master's stance often depended on who she had last chatted with; she was easily manipulated and indeed frequently used as a pawn by others.

The current Young Master, at least, believed that evil existed in the world, that some evils were pure and without reason, and that one must be carefully on guard against them.

With these thoughts, Wu Wang's hatred for the Head Manager dissipated slightly.

The Head Manager's atrocities in the Human Domain were partly due to his own stance and partly due to Emperor Shun's orders. This wasn't to make excuses for the Head Manager.

If the Human Domain were to create a Sinners List, the Head Manager would definitely be among the top three. The unprovoked disasters he had brought down were themselves an indelible sin.

Wu Wang's faint positive sentiment towards the Head Manager stemmed solely from the fact that he was an admirable elder brother, and nothing more.

Seeing him lost in thought, the Young Master couldn't help but ask softly, "What are you thinking about?"

"Your brother."

"Huh?" The Young Master was startled.

Wu Wang sat up languidly, stretched lazily, and slumped back in his chair, radiating the fatigue from his recent excessive social engagements.

He spoke slowly, "I am wondering about the sins carried by the Head Manager, and the end he deserves.

"If the rise of living beings is inevitable, then the downfall of the Head Manager will also be inevitable.

"He has betrayed the living beings."

The Young Master pursed her lips, leaning back in her chair as if lacking strength, her expression somewhat downcast.

Wu Wang spoke gently, "Don't dwell on it anymore. The path was his own choice, and you, being by his side, must have seen clearly what he has done over the years.

"I'm not here to judge the Head Manager; I don't have the standing, nor the right to judge the God of living beings.

"Even if you were to ask me to let the Head Manager off the hook in the future, I would still give him a way out when I make my move. That is my own personal inclination and also a mark of respect for you.

"But the living beings won't let the Head Manager off."

"If..."

The Young Master looked up at Wu Wang, her eyes carrying a trace of emotion.

She spoke softly, "If one day the living beings rise to prominence and overthrow the existing order, could my merits then offset his demerits?"

"Merits and demerits cannot offset each other," Wu Wang said, "unless the Head Manager plays a key role in the future conflict between living beings and Divine Spirits, a role significant enough to earn him forgiveness from the living beings."

He paused, then laughed, "Talking about this is too heavy; the living beings might not even win."

The Young Master pouted, "Isn't that even heavier?"

"It's the general trend of things."

Wu Wang squinted with a smile, fumbled in his sleeve for a moment, and took out some snacks he had brought from the Southeastern Region, speaking as if offhandedly, "Even if we lose, new forces of resistance will definitely emerge. A temporary defeat might be due to insufficient accumulated strength, a deviation in our chosen path, or perhaps our united forces are not strong enough for victory. But living beings were born in this world. Their unyielding will continues to flow through heaven and earth, so it's destined that they won't be oppressed forever."

The Young Master hummed thoughtfully, her mind echoing Lin Suqing's advice.

Lady Young Master, if my young master says something you don't understand but which indeed sounds very reasonable, you can adopt a thoughtful expression, then nod and reply with two words—'Indeed.' My young master will be especially pleased.

"Indeed," the Young Master said, as if contemplating.

Wu Wang couldn't help but give a knowing smile. He almost shouted 'Comrade!' and was completely immersed in the joyous thought: She understands me!

The Young Master: ... Suqing truly is a good friend. When I have time, I should chat with her more.

The letter Wu Wang sent to the Human Domain received a reply the very next day.

The reply was actually just one word, 'Agreed,' infused with the unique essence of the Dao of Fuel and Fire, which acted as Shen Nong's anti-counterfeiting mark.

Wu Wang more or less understood the old senior's intent.

Before my Lifespan concludes, you can stir up as much trouble as you like. It's best if it yields results. If not, then we resort to the worst-case scenario—a direct confrontation.

「Several days later.」

Emperor Shun convened the gods of Heaven Palace and initiated a session of the Divine Court.

This session was also significant. Emperor Shun issued the decree that, despite the feelings of the gods, forcefully set the tone for an alliance with the Human Domain. He awarded Wu Wang the title of Consultant in the Heavenly Administrative Palace, further expanding Wu Wang's authority.

The last part of the decree, however, caused a stir in Heaven Palace.

Emperor Shun officially changed his name to Emperor Ji.

The gods had mixed reactions.

The Strong gods fell silent, asking no more questions and giving it no more thought.

Many Main Gods and lesser gods clearly felt disgruntled, feeling that the Heavenly Emperor had not respected them and was neglecting essentials in pursuit of trivialities by doing so.

Especially those Divine Spirits of Heaven Palace who had been reshaped through conflicts with the Human Domain harbored deep resentment but dared not defy the Heavenly Emperor's will.

The rifts among the Divine Spirits of Heaven Palace had invisibly widened due to this decree.

In response, Wu Wang wisely chose to remain silent, adopting a policy of no comment, no explanation, and no attention paid.

Wu Wang hid in the God of Spring's Temple, deepening his bond with the Young Master and occasionally cultivating the Star God's Dao. He kept a low profile for over half a month before he began to move around Heaven Palace again.

He took the initiative to visit the Thunderstorm God and shared drinks with him, erasing the grievances between them.

As he was leaving, the Thunderstorm God held on to Wu Wang, repeatedly calling him 'Brother Ba,' as if their camaraderie had been forged in life and death.

In the following month, Wu Wang launched a 'gift-giving' offensive.

Sometimes, he brought wine to visit the Earth God's home; at other times, he brought fine tea from the Human Domain to leisurely stroll through the Wood God's temple.

He intentionally paid visits to several reclusive elderly gods within Heaven Palace and prepared a few challenging questions on the Great Dao to debate with those Divine Spirits who were deeply immersed in its study.

Wu Wang never forgot that his purpose in coming to Heaven Palace was to poach support.

In these initial contacts, the Innate Gods he deemed worthy of association had all been mentally tagged with a 'defection priority number.'

When you cast a wide net, you're bound to catch more fish.

A minor matter had caught Wu Wang's interest.

Liu Guang still hadn't decided whether to be male or female, but he began to seriously contemplate whether it felt more comfortable to wear robes and trousers or long and short skirts.

Thus, Liu Guang changed styles every few days, becoming a unique sight.

This also left Lin Suqing somewhat confused, unsure if she should include the God of Flowing Light in her 'women's circle.'

「Another month or so passed.」

With incredible efficiency, Wu Wang had met with about seventy percent of the Divine Spirits in Heaven Palace and was beginning to integrate into their core circle.

While not exceedingly numerous, the Divine Spirits of Heaven Palace totaled only a few hundred.

Yet, each of these Divine Spirits could be reborn in the Divine Pool, and even the weaker, first-rank lesser gods required several Transcendents from the Human Domain working together to resist them.

Emperor Shun was right: the Human Domain now played a significant role in the world, but the main force against the Candle Dragon still had to be the Divine Spirits of Heaven Palace.

A list of Divine Spirits was beginning to take shape.

By Wu Wang's current standards, seventy percent of Heaven Palace's Divine Spirits were deeply sinful, their hands stained with the blood of innumerable living beings, their pleasures built upon the suffering of these creatures.

Wu Wang found this somewhat troubling.

To reshape so many Divine Spirits, how much Divine Power would be needed?

Even draining Heaven Palace's Divine Pool dry would be far from enough!

At this stage, the situation in Heaven Palace was gradually becoming clear: Wu Wang and Emperor Shun were both strategizing against each other.

Wu Wang wanted to use Emperor Shun as leverage to climb higher, increase his contacts with the Divine Spirits of Heaven Palace, and gradually establish his own authority.

Emperor Shun wanted to use Wu Wang as bait to reel in the big fish that was the Human Domain, then bind Heaven Palace and the Human Domain to the same war chariot, crashing it into the Candle Dragon in the Outer Sky.

That was the overt part of their scheming.

In secret, Wu Wang was calculating how to ensure the smooth unfoldment of the Heavenly Dao, while Emperor Shun was planning how to extricate himself and later return to reap the benefits like an opportunistic fisherman.

Their mutual calculations and entanglements were nearly forming a vortex.

Whoever broke free from the vortex first would gain the upper hand.

Things in this world are not simply black or white.

Although Wu Wang felt some aversion towards the Divine Spirits of Heaven Palace, he still needed to make use of those who could be used.

What troubled Wu Wang even more was that the challenges he faced extended far beyond this great trouble of mutual scheming with Emperor Shun.

"My lord!" a Divine Guard reported from outside the temple. "Lady Xihe has sent someone to urge you, asking when you will make your trip to Yang Valley!"

Wu Wang's mouth twitched a few times.

Do I truly have to become the teacher of the Ten Suns? I genuinely don't want any involvement with the Ten Suns, much less be the reason they gain Spiritual Wisdom. But I can't keep stalling like this either.

Wu Wang pondered for a while, then responded, "I'll depart from here at dawn tomorrow."

Several acknowledgments came quickly from outside the temple.

Incidentally, the perimeter of the God of Spring's Temple now had several thousand more Divine Guards stationed around it, adding a touch more majesty to the place.

「In the Human Domain, within a secluded forest near the Annihilation Sect.」

Several experts of the Human Domain were scattered throughout the woods, some sitting in the treetops, others meditating under the trees, vigilantly observing every passing figure.

Behind them were several layers of Formation. At the center of the Formation, a pristine white cocoon was swelling slightly, fine cracks appearing on its surface.

She, who had the appearance of a young girl when she entered the cocoon, had now reached the age of blooming youth, her figure beginning to show, her features clear and pretty.

Just like that, she had transformed from Immortal Mu into Little Immortal Mu…