「A moment ago.」

The Gold God severed Heaven and Earth and fled for her life, while the peak forces of the Human Domain ambushed the Innate Gods, tearing apart a thousand li around them.

Wu Wang quietly left the battlefield and followed the fleeing Gold God.

Before submerging into the lava lake, the Gold God did not realize that she had been closely observed by an Ancient Strong God, an Evil God nurtured by Heaven Palace, and that ghost.

Wu Wang was quite tempted by the Gold God. Such a big Innate God, containing so much Divine Power and vitality.

Wu Wang's urge to strike a final blow, his impulse to Slaughter Gods, was already at his fingertips. He silently gripped the Divine Spear, his tattered black Battle Armor already at the exit of his Storage magic treasure.

What a pity.

"What are you up to? The Gold God is not easy to deal with," warned Yun Zhongjun via psychic message, and Wu Wang could only manage a sheepish smile.

Stay calm, stay calm, I almost got too excited.

Not to mention, if the Gold God were to open her arsenal and casually throw out dozens of Divine Weapons, Wu Wang currently would not be able to withstand the burden.

Huh? Isn't the most superficial mystery of the Golden God Great Dao the endless production of treasure mines?

With this thought, Wu Wang's eyes once again burst into raging flames.

Even if he couldn't take down the Gold God, if he could successfully rob her during the chaos, stealing away the Gold God's private stash, then he would never be short of 'funds' for anything in the future!

"Brother, is there any way to get her this time?"

"Although she is gravely injured now, her Divine Soul is tightly wound up because of it. This makes it more difficult to pull her into the Dream Realm or to peek into her dreams than it was to involve Emperor Shun."

Yun Zhongjun chuckled. "These old bones that have survived from several eras of gods will definitely not let themselves fall into a crisis so easily. You'd better not set your sights on her, lest you get hurt by her here. Although the Gold God almost fell into the hands of the Human Domain today, compared to the great battles she faced before, today's event was minor."

Wu Wang muttered, "So those seniors didn't die in vain?"

"Their target was not the Gold God, but the Main Gods of Heaven Palace, the mainstay of their forces."

Yun Zhongjun's lips twitched slightly as he said, "But even so, the outcome of this battle likely met the expectations of the Human Domain. You did not witness what happened beyond the great battle, in the void. Heavenly Emperor Emperor Shun and Human Emperor Shen Nong had a brief standoff, mutually restricting each other without taking action. It's true, the Gold God had just left the battlefield, and the Sun Goddess arrived immediately thereafter. But even so, Heaven Palace still lost more than a dozen Innate Gods, including eight Main Gods. This loss to Heaven Palace is exponentially greater than what we inflicted in the Western Wilderness."

Just one battle and so many Innate Gods perished? Heaven Palace had only about five or six hundred Innate Gods in total, with most needed to guard Heaven Palace and suppress the Heaven and Earth Seal. But from another perspective, throughout the entire Divine Farmer Era in the Human Domain, that was all the top experts there were—lose one, and there's one less.

Wu Wang pondered briefly. "I always feel that this Gold God has put Heaven Palace in a trap."

"Indeed, she must have had some plan; otherwise, no matter how reckless, she would have known to avoid the sharp edge of the Human Domain at this time."

Yun Zhongjun laughed. "She herself is seriously injured, and in the end, she will probably just be scolded. The Innate Gods who fought desperately against the Human Domain cultivators are the real losers. The lucky ones will recover their divine bodies in the Divine Pool. But the Divine Pool of Heaven Palace cannot accommodate too many Innate Gods at once. If it takes too long and their own will dissipates, the newly condensed Innate God will possess a brand new will from the Great Dao. This is equivalent to a complete turnover of the God position."

Wu Wang thought for a moment, and the fire in his gaze towards the Gold God in the lava lake dimmed a bit.

"With the Order of Heaven Palace protecting them, does it mean that the Innate Gods of Heaven Palace cannot be killed?"

"Of course they can be killed. To dissipate their consciousness is like what we did in the Western Wilderness," said Yun Zhongjun. "Ever since the Dao of Fire was drawn away by Emperor Suiren, Heaven Palace has made many arrangements. The essence of the Main Gods is connected to the Divine Court. As long as their Dao cannot be taken away, Heaven Palace can continuously resurrect these Main Gods. But this is only applicable to Main Gods, those Divine Spirits that play an essential role in the Great Dao between Heaven and Earth. To kill the Gold God, one would need to be fully prepared and shatter that bit of will in her Divine Soul before it is carried back to Heaven Palace by the Great Dao. If that can be accomplished..."

"Yes?" Wu Wang prompted.

"Heaven Palace would need to spend at least a thousand years to recreate a new Gold God using the Five Elements Golden Dao. The overall Divine Power of Heaven Palace would suffer a lot of loss."

Yun Zhongjun explained calmly and concluded, "The most fundamental issue lies in the assembly of the Great Dao in the Divine Court, as well as the order of Heaven and Earth that arises from this foundation, not the Innate Gods themselves."

The flames in Wu Wang's eyes suddenly dimmed considerably. He asked, "Then is it possible to seal her?"

"To seal a Five Elements God, only a supremely powerful god like the Heavenly Emperor could possibly do it."

"Forget it then." Wu Wang slightly shook his head, decisively opting to give up. "Let her lie here."

"Be careful, Innate Gods have already started to pursue us, probably coming to rescue the Gold God."

No sooner had Yun Zhongjun's words fallen than Wu Wang noticed the several hundred Human Domain cultivators gathering. The Gold God was also sinking herself into the magma.

Wu Wang inwardly sighed in regret.

"Is there really no way to make a move against her?"

"Ultimately, we're still lacking in strength. Don't be impatient, our Heavenly Dao has only just begun."

Yun Zhongjun said with an encouraging smile, "What we need to do now is to hide ourselves. You'll operate under the identity of the successor to the Human Emperor of the Human Domain, and I'll assist you from the shadows. Only when we can stand against Heaven Palace can we consider how to shake its foundations."

Wu Wang agreed, then turned to look at the Human Domain cultivators gathering from all directions, spotting a few familiar faces among them.

Brother Xu Mu is actually here.

Then, Wu Wang realized a simple question he had overlooked. If Innate Gods have followed them here, how can they leave safely?

Just as Wu Wang had anticipated, the gathered cultivators successfully attracted the attention of the three Divine Spirits from Heaven Palace who had come in search of the Gold God's whereabouts. Two of those Divine Spirits were familiar faces: Qiong Qi and Kui Ox.

Wu Wang immediately sent a psychic message to Ming She, instructing her to move these cultivators away. However, Ming She replied that it was temporarily impossible to perform such a transportation here. The Gold God's previous actions had severely damaged the very fabric of Heaven and Earth. The Dao of Heaven and Earth in this area was still in a state of chaos. Forcibly tearing through it to perform a transportation could easily result in these people getting lost in the void.

"Master, we need at least an hour."

"Hmm," Wu Wang acknowledged, his composure unfazed as he began to inquire about the strength and background of the leading Innate God.

Yun Zhongjun naturally recounted it as if it were common knowledge. This God was named Mu Wei, a subordinate of the Wood God and a mid-tier Innate God in Heaven Palace. His Dao was derived from the natural transformation of grasses, and he oversaw the density of vegetation on earth. He was considered one of the more powerful Innate Gods of the Wood element.

Wu Wang briefly summed it up: Mu Wei, a connection of the Five Elements God, Wood God. He has a third-rate God position but second-rate strength, belonging to the type whose absence wouldn't make much difference. If I were to confront him directly, it could be somewhat tricky. But with Ming She's assistance, there's still a chance to temporarily repel these three...

As Wu Wang watched, the three Divine Spirits appeared, intercepting the eight hundred Human Domain cultivators.

Xu Mu stepped out from the crowd, and the cultivators steeled themselves for death!

The three gods from Heaven Palace were about to kill these cultivators to vent their frustration when Fire Plume, Ling Xiaolan, and two cultivators from the Xuan Nu Sect descended from the sky. The Gold God had chosen this place as a hideout. After entering a crack in Heaven and Earth to move here, she had sealed it directly, so the number of cultivators present was not too abundant.

Following that, Qiong Qi took half a step back.

This half-step was significant. It was Qiong Qi's guarantee for survival up to this point and the reason Qiong Qi could still be rampant despite being pursued by the Human Emperor. In the face of adversity, beat a hasty retreat. The self-serving notion of 'better them than me,' reminiscent of ancient legends, was fully exemplified in Qiong Qi.

Qiong Qi didn't just retreat half a step by himself; as soon as Fire Plume appeared, he promptly sent a psychic message to the young Innate God Mu Wei: "Sir, this commander of the Human Domain's forbidden army is exceedingly powerful. It would be wise for us to avoid her sharp edge for now."

Yet the corners of Mu Wei's mouth revealed a faint smile, and he spoke indifferently, "Could it be that Commander Qiong Qi is afraid?"

Qiong Qi was silent, his Blood Escape Great Method already at the ready.

This god of the Wood element, Mu Wei, laughed out loud. "Why doesn't Commander Qiong Qi consider that if she still possessed the strength she had in the fierce battle with the Gold God, she wouldn't have given us three the opportunity to speak?"

These words were clearly a probe.

Hearing this, Fire Plume's expression did not change at all. She stood quietly in front of the eight hundred cultivators, holding a broken spear and wearing damaged Battle Armor. She had to find a way to stall for time, as speaking could easily give her away. Just as the Innate God had said, she was nearing exhaustion. Even though she had absorbed a considerable amount of medicinal power, turning it into her own immortal power would still require a significant amount of time. Moreover, having fought viciously against the Gold God earlier, Fire Plume's Immortal body had suffered severe damage. Before she decided to come to the rescue of these eight hundred Human Domain cultivators, she had actually been supported by Ling Xiaolan.

Fire Plume remained silent. Innate God Mu Wei chuckled again. "You see, doesn't this mean she has acquiesced? Human Domain cultivators who wish to acquire strength that surpasses their own realm must pay a hefty price. If it were those elders with their lifespans nearing their limits here, we might as well avoid her sharp edge. But if we get scared off by a leader of the Human Emperor's forbidden army who is strong on the outside but hollow on the inside, and the Head Manager holds us responsible... Can the Qiong Qi chieftain really afford that?"

Qiong Qi quietly stepped forward, carefully observing Fire Plume. He was able to glimpse into a person's heart, even a high-level expert like her. If any fear resided within, he could find a gap in their Dao heart. But at this moment, Qiong Qi was still uncertain. Fire Plume's state of mind was as composed as her expression.

"A great deed awaits. I'm going in," Kui Ox said, his voice like an urn. His horns gleamed with a faint metallic luster, and the two Short Axes in his hand exuded a frenzied aura.

Fire Plume sighed inwardly but did not dwell on it. Flames ignited in her eyes, all her power swirling around her arms.

BOOM!

With a light tap of Kui Ox's massive foot, all the cultivators' Dao hearts trembled in unison. Those already injured bowed their heads and spat blood.

"Humph!" A middle-aged Fairy Immortal from the Xuan Nu Sect huffed lightly and stepped forward, her phoenix-like eyes staring intently at Kui Ox's figure. But her strength was only at the peak of the Heavenly Immortal Realm; she had almost no power to resist the Evil God.

Ahead, a fist slowly but resolutely raised, holding back the Xuan Nu Sect cultivator.

"I'll do it," Fire Plume said decisively, still full of vigor, still exuding a heroic spirit. She took a deep breath. Using some unknown secret technique, her figure suddenly radiated with Immortal light, layers of flames leaped from her forehead, and a few sparks ignited on her long spear.

Kui Ox exhaled two streams of white smoke from his nostrils. Pushing off with his feet, his frame charged straight forward.

Fire Plume's feet made a slight turn. She dashed towards Kui Ox and raised her hand for a vertical chop with her long spear.

But…

CLANG—

Kui Ox retreated, and Fire Plume immediately drew back, caught by Ling Xiaolan.

Gently freeing her hand from Ling Xiaolan's grip, Fire Plume stepped forward once again.

"Senior," Ling Xiaolan called out softly. The footprints Fire Plume left behind suddenly burst into flames.

"Commander Fire Plume, please leave!" Xu Mu leaped out of the battle formation, striding forward. "I will cover the retreat for the commander!"

Another Heavenly Immortal general stepped forward, shouting loudly, "Please, Commander, leave!"

"Commander, don't worry about us," cried a female cultivator, unable to hold back her tears. "Senior of the Xuan Nu Sect, please ensure the Commander's departure."

"Commander! We're just insignificant little cultivators of the Human Domain. Our deaths and injuries don't mean much loss to the Human Domain, but you are our hope to stand against the strong gods of Heaven Palace…"

The two cultivators from the Xuan Nu Sect also spoke up, trying to persuade her.

Only Ling Xiaolan did not say much. She had her short sword floating around her and simply lowered her head to play her Jade Flute.

Suddenly, Fire Plume raised her hand, and the cultivators following her halted.

She turned her head slightly, a pained smile on her lips. "Don't worry, I will take you all back with me."

"Hahahaha!" Innate God Mu Wei laughed heartily, his eyes filled with triumph. "You truly won't shed a tear until you see the coffin. So be it! I will send you all to oblivion! Both of you, let's attack together!"

Qiong Qi revealed a slightly grave smile. Kui Ox had already leaped up once more, his nostrils blowing out scorching breath, and his two large axes were coated with a layer of Black Gold. His power seemed as if it could split the heavens!

Fire Plume leaped up again, her long spear tracing an almost perfect arc, the tip directed at the gap in the axe blades. The exchange was simple: one possessed great force and heavy momentum, while the other used clever strength and calculation.

In just an instant, there was another collision of weapons. But this time, Kui Ox was sent flying hundreds of li by Fire Plume's spear!

Fire Plume leaned back, immediately bracing her waist forcefully. Deep, almost bottomless fine cracks appeared in the ground beneath her feet, and the rocky strata and earth veins below were all fractured!

Flames appeared on Fire Plume's forehead again. Her gaze became a bit fierce as she lifted her spear and advanced once more!

The Wood-element god, Mu Wei, opened his left hand, and dozens of dense green lights transformed into sword shadows, casting down onto Fire Plume from above!

Qiong Qi frowned and pointed a finger at Fire Plume. Countless faint shadows appeared before her—the lingering souls of warriors who had died in battle within the Human Domain. At this moment, they transformed into fierce ghosts, lunging to attack Fire Plume.

Mu Wei attacked to kill; Qiong Qi attacked to shatter hearts!

In the distance, a mountain suddenly collapsed as Kui Ox leaped up. Holding his twin axes, his figure swelled several times over, and he chopped down at Fire Plume from above!

A slight, cold smile tugged at the corner of Fire Plume's mouth. Her spear swirled, casting myriad spear shadows across the sky, leaving behind dozens of afterimages and producing waves of whistling sounds.

The sky full of sword shadows was utterly destroyed; the boundless lingering souls returned to tranquility.

But then came a loud CLANG! Kui Ox's axe came crashing down. Fire Plume could only raise her spear horizontally to defend. The two collided in midair, unleashing ripples of energy. Fire Plume's figure was struck from the sky, crashing towards the cultivators. It took the combined strength of the two Fairy Immortals from the Xuan Nu Sect to barely support her.

In that instant, Qiong Qi flashed in!

Fire Plume struggled to stand, but the two Xuan Nu Sect Immortals forcefully threw her backward. Ling Xiaolan immediately stepped forward to catch Fire Plume.

Qiong Qi's mouth revealed a hint of a ferocious smile as he deliberately slowed his approach. He loved such moments the most; the fluctuations of human nature brought him heartfelt satisfaction.

As expected, one cultivator after another charged forward, shielding Fire Plume with their bodies. They unleashed their immortal power, opening their arms wide. Some closed their eyes tightly and turned their backs to the three Innate Gods, but they surrounded Fire Plume tightly.

A bitter smile appeared on the corners of Fire Plume's mouth. The string in her heart had already loosened. She had known all along that showing herself would lead to these consequences. She also understood that what she had needed was to return to the Human Domain calmly, continue her cultivation, strive for greater breakthroughs, and do more for the Human Domain…

"Qiong Qi!" Ling Xiaolan suddenly shouted. "How dare you touch me!"

Qiong Qi's form hesitated, a hint of contemplation in his eyes.

"And who might you be?" Mu Wei asked with a sneer.

"Human Domain, Tianyan Saintess Ling Xiaolan." Ling Xiaolan laid Fire Plume down, drew her sword, and rushed into the sky. Her gaze was slightly solemn; at this moment, she would use whatever methods she had. "Do you really think that if you injure me today, *he* will spare you?"

"*He*?" Qiong Qi's expression grew slightly solemn.

"The fourth auxiliary god of Heaven Palace," Ling Xiaolan said indifferently. "He curses Heaven Palace in every way imaginable, yet the Heavenly Emperor still bestows upon him all sorts of titles, even granting him the position of a Main God. Don't you think there's something strange about that?"

"Who is he?" Mu Wei wondered aloud.

"Wu Wangzi," muttered Kui Ox. "This Ling Xiaolan is Wu Wangzi's beloved."

"Oh?" Mu Wei's eyes gleamed peculiarly. He sized up Ling Xiaolan for a few moments, then laughed. "So you're the cherished confidante of the fourth auxiliary god. If we capture you and take you to Heaven Palace, wouldn't that be two achievements?"

Ling Xiaolan's expression froze.

Qiong Qi hesitated, muttering, "My apologies," but still reached out his left hand toward Ling Xiaolan, a large hand aiming to grab her from above.

Ling Xiaolan sighed softly and flicked her short sword, its light sweeping forward!

HUM—

The large hand pressed down, slightly revealing the contours of Qiong Qi's sharp claws. The sword light unleashed by Ling Xiaolan was easily shattered. But just as the large hand was about to envelop Ling Xiaolan, Qiong Qi's face drastically changed. That hand stopped abruptly, as if it had never moved.

It was the surrounding Heaven and Earth that had locked his divine skills!

A voice, seemingly gentle yet always carrying a faint chill, echoed beside Qiong Qi's ear: "Qiong Qi, go ahead and try to strike."

The large hand Qiong Qi had extended suddenly shattered, revealing a slender figure in a black dress standing within.

And among the crowd fervently guarding Fire Plume, a male cultivator had appeared, though no one knew when. He was dressed in a cyan-blue robe with a white headband. In his right hand, a flame danced, sending filaments of Liu Guang into Fire Plume's body.

Ling Xiaolan genuinely breathed a sigh of relief, but outwardly maintained her cool demeanor, as if she had known everything all along.

"Ming She, leave Qiong Qi to me."

"Yes, Master." Ming She softly acknowledged. Her left hand formed a vague grip, conjuring a green whip out of thin air. Divine Power surged forth, causing the three gods from Heaven Palace to simultaneously turn pale.

She had grown even stronger.