This Human Immortal Is Too Serious-Chapter 431 - 429: The Last Zhao’an

It's truly great that Immortal Mu has become Transcendent, Wu Wang mused.

In the following days, Wu Wang was in high spirits, which also softened his view of the Divine Spirits in the Heaven Palace. He became more proactive in conversations with them.

Cracks had started to appear on a large scale in the foundations of the Heaven Palace.

No, to be precise, he had moved from merely undermining the foundation to prying at the whole structure.

It's not that our forces are too powerful; it's Emperor Shun who has given us the opportunity.

Without rest, Wu Wang shuttled between Temples in the Heaven Palace, befriending any unknown Divine Spirits he encountered. Wherever strong gods gathered, his presence was a must, and he always sat at the head of the table.

Time was tight, and the tasks were heavy. Emperor Shun might pull something unexpected at any moment.

Wu Wang had to familiarize himself with at least half of these several hundred Divine Spirits, preparing for any contingency.

He even felt that he was now retracing the path Emperor Shun had once trod under the Candle Dragon's close watch...

There might be differences in form, but in essence, they seemed rather similar.

A few more days passed, and Xihe, Mother of the Sun, sent over many gifts to thank Wu Wang for his instruction to the Golden Crows atop the Fusang Tree.

Xihe had also sent a letter to Wu Wang, inviting him to visit Yang Valley at least twice a month to teach and awaken the Spiritual Wisdom of the Golden Crows. Her words also conveyed a firm resolve: "I will bear all consequences."

Wu Wang pondered privately...

Are the husband and wife fighting?

That was indeed a possibility.

Wu Wang did not delve into the matter. In his view, Emperor Shun and Xihe were always united, and he found it impossible to believe Xihe would betray Emperor Shun.

Wu Wang also took his recent trip to Yang Valley as a test from Xihe and Emperor Shun.

What method should he devise to prove that his visit to the Queen Mother of the West was purely a social call?

Wu Wang had pondered this question for the past few days, and it had become a minor source of trouble.

One should always prepare for the worst, for it makes unexpected joys shine all the brighter.

Busy with external affairs, he must not neglect internal ones.

Every day, Wu Wang made time to be with the Young Master and Xiao Ming, either spending romantic moments with the Young Master or playfully teasing Xiao Ming.

Watching Xiao Ming grow day by day, Wu Wang's fatherly affection was filled to the brim.

One day, while lingering by a mountain waterfall near the Heaven Palace with the Young Master, Wu Wang found himself pondering such questions...

"Hey, what do you think? If Xiao Ming grows up a bit and starts to experience the stirrings of love, wanting to find a partner, what should we do?"

The Young Master, who was eating snacks nearby, lulled by the sound of the waterfall, blinked upon hearing his words and said with a smile, "Then let her find one."

Wu Wang frowned. "Aren't you afraid she'll be bullied?"

"Why would she be bullied?"

"Men's words are deceitful; they only want to see a woman's bare legs," Wu Wang said with contempt. "In my opinion, we need to instill in Xiao Ming a proper perspective on choosing a spouse in the future."

The Young Master covered her mouth and chuckled. "You really shouldn't worry about this. Xiao Ming is still a child. Besides, for a God of Death... to be honest, having a partner is somewhat inappropriate."

"Why?" Wu Wang blinked. "Our daughter, raised by us—would anyone dare say she's not pretty?"

The Young Master explained, "Living beings will instinctively fear her, and most Divine Spirits have already fallen."

"That's true..."

Wu Wang felt an inexplicable mix of relief and worry.

In short, his emotions were quite complex.

The Young Master asked, "What if she really is deceived by sweet talk in the future?"

"If she's under eighteen, I'll break the legs of any suitor. After she turns eighteen, she can make her own decisions," Wu Wang replied calmly.

"Break their legs?"

Wu Wang laughed. "I mean the legs of that wolf cub who dares to deceive her."

"That's not acceptable either!" the Young Master replied with a laugh. "I think you just can't bear the thought of her with anyone."

"Hehe," Wu Wang chuckled. Lying on a large rock under the blue sky and white clouds, inhaling the faint, sweet fragrance wafting from nearby, his heart filled with a strange sense of attachment.

Somehow, he had grown fond of this world.

Wu Wang reached out his arm to the side. The Young Master's gaze shifted away for a moment, but ultimately, she did not reject his invitation. Like a willow leaf gently drifting down, she lay beside him, her head resting on his arm.

"Officer, no matter how this world changes in the future, if we join hands, we'll be able to forge our own path," Wu Wang declared.

"Mm..." she murmured softly, her eyes already closed as if drifting into a light nap.

The spray from the waterfall created a shallow rainbow, and they lay at one end of it, seemingly blending into the picturesque scene.

As the sun began to set in the west, they were about to head back when Wu Wang suddenly felt a slight disturbance within him.

"I've had a sudden insight," Wu Wang said, his eyes showing a hint of apology as he pointed to the location of his Primordial Spirit.

The Young Master immediately understood and nodded, silently standing by to wait.

Wu Wang's spiritual mind descended, and a thread of Divine Thought probed into the long-silent mass of Transformation Qi.

"Senior?"

"Hmm," Shen Nong's voice came through, seemingly with a hint of laughter.

Wu Wang laughed. "Is there some good news?"

"Not exactly a major joyous event," Shen Nong said, "but the Refining Master Alliance you started recently has produced quite a few interesting Immortal treasures. It has indeed provided the Human Domain with a few more means to counter our enemies."

Wu Wang chuckled. "I thought Senior might have found a way to achieve eternal life."

"Eternal life is not easily attained. The Lifespan Dao imposes restrictions on the very origin of all beings," Shen Nong replied with a light laugh. "I am aware of all that you have done in the Heaven Palace, and you've done well."

"Ah," Wu Wang muttered softly, "I always feel like I'm helping the Human Domain, but at the same time, I'm also helping Emperor Shun."

Shen Nong laughed. "Are you referring to Emperor Shun's plan to escape?"

"Senior knows about this as well?"

"That is Emperor Shun's way out of his predicament. It was foreseen long ago."

Shen Nong said softly, "As things stand now, there are some matters I shouldn't keep from you. You have earned the right to know."

Wu Wang hesitated for a moment. "Are there still things in the Human Domain that I do not know about?"

"Yes, many things that only the Human Emperor would be privy to."

Shen Nong continued, "The Dao of Fuel and Fire carries some of the memories of the Ancient Emperor of the Suiren Clan. Seeing as you've now completely lost the chance to become the Human Emperor, it's time you knew these secrets."

"Just tell me like this?"

"Of course, that wouldn't be proper," Shen Nong laughed. "Take some time to return to the Human Domain. There's no need to hide it from Emperor Shun and the others.

The current situation in Heaven and Earth is this: Emperor Shun wishes to break free, Candle Dragon wishes to burst back in, and we seek to protect the stability of the Human Domain, striving to create an order of our own.

In fact, leaving you to face Emperor Shun was a dereliction of duty for an old man like me. However, I am delighted to see your rise, as this gives us a greater chance of victory."

"Old Senior, for you to suddenly say all this..."

Wu Wang chuckled sheepishly. "I'm actually a bit embarrassed."

"Hmm, no need to be embarrassed," Shen Nong said. "When do you plan to return?"

"In the next few days."

"Good," Shen Nong muttered. "I will then send My son to the Northern Wilderness with gifts, just so he misses you."

Question marks seemed to pop up above the head of Wu Wang's miniature Primordial Spirit.

This old elder is clearly up to something!

Seeing Wu Wang staring and grinding his teeth, the Young Master couldn't help but feel puzzled and asked quietly, "What's the matter?"

"Ah, nothing," Wu Wang replied, somewhat sheepishly, giving the Young Master a gentle smile. "Let's go back. The Human Emperor just summoned me, asking me to return for a trip—to impart some memories left by the ancient Emperor Suiren. By the way, do you want to go?"

"Me?" The Young Master looked slightly taken aback.

"Let me think," Wu Wang cradled his arms, staring into the waterfall, deep in thought.

Revealing his hand?

He had indeed unconsciously overlooked the role of old Senior Shen Nong in his plans to deal with Emperor Shun.

Upon reflection, he realized that the cards in his hand weren't so few after all.

The Heavenly Dao, the Great Array of the Celestial Stars, the Star Gods, the Dao of Fuel and Fire, the old Human Emperor capable of facing Emperor Shun head-on, and a team of powerhouses like his mother, Yun Zhongjun, and the Young Master...

"Hmm?"

Wu Wang looked up at the sky, then down at his own hands.

He was a bit slow on the uptake.

If Emperor Shun was also preparing for the worst, directly considering him the new Heavenly Emperor selected by the old gods of Kunlun Ruins, then... Could it be that Emperor Shun was scared off by him and now wants to turn the tables?

He hadn't considered this line of thought before.

But it was too late for feigning ignorance. He could only continue to take things one step at a time. Both the grand plans for the south and the north needed to be pushed forward.

Should he secure another fallback option?

Wu Wang repeated the words "Women's country" in his mind, a spark of light flickering in his eyes.

「The following day.」

Wu Wang emerged from the God of Spring's Temple, riding a cloud towards the highest Temple.

The Heaven Palace had become much livelier compared to half a year ago. Many Innate Gods who had been in a long slumber began to stay awake; for them, a few hundred years was but the flick of a finger, and they wished to see what upheavals Heaven and Earth would yet undergo.

As Wu Wang approached the Temple, he bowed with hands clasped before him, announcing loudly, "Wu Wangzi seeks an audience with His Majesty, the Heavenly Emperor!"

A light laugh answered from within. "Just enter. No need for such formalities."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Wu Wang bowed again, then squared his shoulders and stepped inside with his head held high.

His manner could be seen as respectful, yet it also bordered on presumptuous.

The hall was empty. Emperor Shun, standing before the throne, looked down at Wu Wang, who was approaching briskly, and chuckled, "Wu Wang, you seem to be in a hurry. For what matter do you seek me?"

"Senior," Wu Wang said, "I wish to return to the Human Domain for a while, and bring along the Young Master and Xiao Ming."

Emperor Shun chuckled. "What? Do you intend to bring the gods of Reproduction and Death back to the Human Domain, and then have the Human Domain wage war against my Heaven Palace?"

"Why would Senior say such a thing?"

Wu Wang frowned slightly and sighed. "I had thought you would understand me. My coming to the Heaven Palace was indeed deliberate. Now that the situation has finally opened up, I naturally wish to continue exploring."

"Oh?" A flicker of amusement showed in Emperor Shun's eyes. "It seems the decisive battle you've been contemplating is still far from arriving."

"Senior..."

"Enough." Emperor Shun waved his hand, then descended the steps and took a seat on the spacious landing before the high platform. He patted the empty space beside him. "Come here. Let's put aside our respective positions and have a heart-to-heart talk."

Wu Wang smiled but merely took out a meditation cushion and seated himself directly below the steps, facing Emperor Shun. He spoke slowly, "Senior, we actually don't need to talk too much."

"That's true," Emperor Shun's eyes twinkled with amusement. "You and I share a goal: to fend off the Candle Dragon's return and maintain this order."

"Beyond that," Wu Wang said, "I also wish to increase the influence of living beings within this order."

A trace of sentiment crossed Emperor Shun's handsome face. "Do you know, Wu Wang? You are very much like me—remarkably so. Even the paths we walk and the trajectories of our progress are astonishingly similar."

Wu Wang fell silent, watching Emperor Shun calmly.

Layers of Divine Light began to emerge around the great hall, and Wu Wang lost his sensory connection to the outside world.

But this was likely just Emperor Shun not wanting their conversation to be overheard. Wu Wang was not in a rush.

Emperor Shun's gaze flickered slightly as he muttered, "You have to admit, a certain momentum exists within this world. With momentum, one rises with the wind; without it, one faces insurmountable catastrophe."

"The God of Fortune?"

"She merely affects the momentum of living beings, not that of the Great Dao." Emperor Shun chuckled. "The God of Fortune is strong, but her Dao pertains to living beings and lesser, low-ranking gods. She might become a rather troublesome opponent for you, but she is beneath my notice. My opponents are only the likes of the Candle Dragon, Shen Nong, Fu Xi, and Suiren."

Wu Wang remained silent for a moment, then said, "It appears, Senior, that you are indeed extremely wary of the Dao of Fuel and Fire."

"The Original Dao of the Five Elements resonates with the Dao of Life. Though the Dao of Fuel and Fire is not a primordial Dao itself, it nevertheless stands above the primordial Daos." Emperor Shun raised his hand and sketched in the air, seemingly attempting to touch something, but his expression gradually turned somber.

"Having a potent Great Dao is truly an immeasurable convenience. You took the Star God's accumulated power, and her Dao became the foundation of your rise. Everyone says the Third God King is stunningly brilliant, but he was born from the Dao of Time and is the master of years. How can other gods contend against him? We are destined only to look up in awe. The people of your Human Domain venerate the Holy Mother Nuwa, who even became the sole transcendent deity. Yet she relies on the magic of her own Dao of Creation, which is a blessing from Heaven and Earth itself. Then look at the Candle Dragon. Its Dao of Yin Invasion can devour other Daos to empower its own Divine Skills. Its strength lies in plunder, tyranny, and instilling fear in every will within Heaven and Earth. Amidst all these, what do you see?"

Wu Wang said, "The varying strengths of the Great Daos?"

"I see two words," said Emperor Shun, sitting on the steps and raising a finger. "Ossification."

"Ossification?"

"Indeed, ossification." Emperor Shun sighed.

"This is an almost inescapable fate for the consciousnesses within Heaven and Earth. Look at the Innate Gods. Originating from the First Godly Era, the strength of all Innate Gods is determined by the power of their own Great Dao. How mediocre is the Thunderstorm God, yet his Dao of Thunderstorms possesses outstanding might. You might bring up exceptions, like myself. However, the efforts I've made along the way are beyond your comprehension, and yet I'm still cornered by these two words: ossification.

Then look at the Human Domain, which you consider the true Immortal Realm. Even under such heavy pressure from the Heaven Palace, the Human Domain continued to evolve. Their order, established during a Human Emperor's era, began an irreversible progression where the strong grow stronger and the weak, weaker. Mortals couldn't pursue cultivation and were merely ornaments in Heaven and Earth. Great Sects and Great Families monopolized cultivation resources, continuously nurturing new talents who then rose through the ranks. Those individual cultivators who stumbled into the realm of cultivation found it incredibly difficult to improve themselves. Most ended up like dust, sinking lower with each passing generation. Though you might say that there are always individual cultivators who achieve sudden fame, they are but a tiny minority.

This is ossification.

Those who have tasted the benefits of power will fight with all their might to protect their strength, suppress the weak, and solidify their status, believing it to be their legacy.

How will you solve this problem?"

Wu Wang said, "I have a solution, but it requires a considerable amount of time to implement gradually."

Emperor Shun gave a mocking laugh, seemingly unconvinced. He said, "Don't try to put on a brave face, and don't think you're smarter than everyone else. The threats I made to you earlier were actually just to tell you this: I won't sit idly by. I can't wait for you, your mother, and Shen Nong to make all preparations, only to then willingly offer my neck for you to chop."

Wu Wang remained silent.

A hint of a cold smile crossed Emperor Shun's lips, but it quickly reverted to his usual warm expression.

He said, "Wu Wang, this is our last chance. I have a premonition that when you return to the Human Domain this time, you will gain even more support."

"Chance?" Wu Wang wondered. "I don't quite understand."

"Let us join forces and share the throne of the Heavenly Emperor." Emperor Shun gestured behind him with his left hand.

"Look at that position. I can share half of it with you. You just need to nod in acknowledgment that you've seen those old gods, interacted with them, that they've given you some benefit, and that they've chosen you as the new Heavenly Emperor. You don't need to do much else. I have a way to deal with the Candle Dragon. As for Shen Nong, we can wait until his Lifespan ends. This world will ultimately be shared between us, and you will also have the opportunity to gradually verify your solution for this world.

I will be the elder brother;

You will be the younger.

Can we not unite all within and without Heaven and Earth?"

"Senior, you must be joking," Wu Wang sighed lightly, his eyes filled with some doubt. "I truly don't know anything about those old gods."

Emperor Shun's eyes narrowed.

The river of time suddenly seemed to freeze, and an overwhelming pressure, making it nearly impossible for Wu Wang to breathe, crashed down upon him.

Killing intent—an incredibly intense killing intent.

Wu Wang's face turned somewhat pale, a natural reaction of his divine body, but he still lifted his head and stared at Emperor Shun without any evasion or hint of retreat.

Suddenly!

An indescribable Dao rhythm erupted from this Temple!

It seemed to traverse the endless expanse of Heaven and Earth, carrying an unmatched Divine Power, slamming directly into the foundation of the grand hall!

BOOM!

Wu Wang nearly lost his balance. Emperor Shun, whose eyes had been narrowed, now opened them fully, a gentle smile playing on his lips.

"That fellow, Candle Dragon, is stirring up trouble again."

Emperor Shun patted his knees and slowly stood up, his body radiating a powerful Divine Light. The ground beneath Wu Wang's feet formed an intricate network of light.

"Go back. There's nothing more to discuss with you." Emperor Shun waved his hand, turned his back to Wu Wang, and looked up with a sigh.

"If you want to return to the Human Domain, go by yourself. The Young Master and Xiao Ming must not set foot in the Human Domain lightly."

Wu Wang stood up and nodded. Accompanied by the flashing golden light from below, he turned and headed towards the Temple door.

Before he could step out, the grand hall trembled again. Numerous figures appeared throughout the Heaven Palace, and the Divine Court began to suppress the Heaven and Earth Seal.

Wu Wang paused in his steps, then suddenly turned his head to ask, "Senior, what is your Original Dao?"

"You already know."

"Oh?"

"My Original Dao is called Feng Chun," Emperor Shun chuckled softly. "It governs the mysteries of spring's warmth and blossoming flowers. I am also known as the God Who Heralds Spring. My Divine Skill is to make all flowers bloom in unison."

Wu Wang was stunned for a moment.

He nodded slightly, stepped over the threshold, and rode the clouds towards the God of Spring's Temple.