As the saying goes: People differ in height, build, and appearance, just as matters differ in importance and urgency.

The Human Domain experts rushing to congratulate him, those Annihilation Sect Demonic Cultivators beaming with enthusiastic smiles—at this moment, they were all pushed to the back of Wu Wang's mind. His eyes were fixed only on the woman standing within the grand formation below; only on that girl in a light green short skirt, her hair styled in a chic cloud-like bun, her eyes brimming with excitement.

So… Wu Wang feigned unconsciousness.

After making the throat-slitting gesture, he stood silently in the air for a while. His aura gradually weakened, and flickering Immortal Light began to appear around him. The bloodstains on his robe were strikingly conspicuous. His breathing became as faint as a thread, his hands trembled, and a muffled grunt escaped his nose before his figure drifted down from the sky like a falling leaf.

Jingwei hurried out, transforming into a streak of green light, her arms outstretched to catch Wu Wang's falling figure…

Of course, Wu Wang was faking his faint. If he returned safely at this moment, not only would he have to socialize with so many Human Domain experts who had come to congratulate him, but there would also be a subtle awkwardness between himself, Jingwei, and Suqing. Could he really just stand in front of them and say, "Bro's curse is broken, let's hold hands!" That would be too abrupt!

Therefore, Wu Wang chose to feign unconsciousness. After the penultimate Heavenly Tribulation struck, he allowed himself to be "grievously injured" and fall from the tribulation clouds. As long as he pretended to be unconscious now, Jingwei would certainly catch him. Later, she would carry him back to his cave dwelling and lay him on the bed. Then, he would weakly open his eyes, offer a faint smile, lift his hand to stroke little Jingwei's cheek, relishing the clear, distinct, and continuous smooth sensation from his fingertips, and say in his deep, magnetic voice, "Darling, I'm fine."

Wouldn't their relationship then take a step forward after this Heavenly Tribulation, directly skipping over the awkward phase after the curse was broken? He had lived for so many years, cultivated for so many years… What was it all for? For what purpose?

Closer now. Wu Wang could distinctly feel Jingwei's aura rapidly approaching. He closed his eyes and retracted all his Immortal Consciousness. Since he was going to feign unconsciousness, he had to do it thoroughly!

At last!

A soft TAP sounded as Wu Wang felt himself caught by a pair of arms, and then he began to descend rapidly. This touch, this strength, and the jolting from her run all seemed to convey Jingwei's deep affection for him. To have a woman like you, this life already feels half worthwhile. Ah, my arm seems to be resting on little Jingwei's broad, sturdy chest. Such a firm chest! This was a sensation Wu Wang had never experienced in this life; in fact, he hadn't experienced it in his previous life either… Solid?

Wu Wang shifted his elbow slightly, feeling as if he had poked two hot irons. Just as he was about to release a wisp of Immortal Consciousness, he heard Jingwei's voice from ahead, "Quick, put him over here! Do we have any healing elixirs? Grand Elder, please check his injuries."

Then, Wu Wang heard an old yet steady voice by his ear, "Indeed."

Grand Elder!

A voice transmission entered Wu Wang's ear. "Sect Master, you might want to actually faint. Princess Jingwei's strength is considerable."

Wu Wang's mouth twitched. My Primordial Spirit just silently slapped itself! His head lolled to the side, and he completely passed out.

「Moments later.」

Wu Wang groggily opened his eyes on his soft couch, greeted by three exquisite and beautiful faces, and he immediately felt more alert.

"The Young Master is awake! The Young Master is awake!"

"Wu Wang, how do you feel? Is there any discomfort? The Grand Elder said your Primordial Spirit was only struck by the lightning."

"Brother Wuwang, how do you feel? Shall I play some music to soothe your spirit?"

Wu Wang nodded woodenly, suddenly feeling a hand pressing down on his wrist. Looking down, he saw Jingwei's delicate hand—those slender, crystalline fingers, those pale pink nails, surprisingly emitting a dreamlike white light. She's holding my wrist, and I'm conscious!

"Big brother... Sleep God, big brother!" Wu Wang called out tremulously. Immediately, several loud laughs erupted from a corner.

Yun Zhongjun teased, "Who would have thought, Brother Wuwang holds me dearest in his heart. After stepping into the Transcendent Realm, the first one he calls out for is actually me."

Wu Wang's face turned red, unsure what to say, a joyful emotion welling up from deep within his heart.

Lin Suqing covered her mouth and chuckled, proactively relieving Wu Wang of his embarrassment. Laughing, she said, "Our Young Master still thinks this is a dream.

"Having narrowly survived such a powerful Transcendent Heavenly Tribulation, and then to see Princess Jingwei and Fairy Ling appear before him simultaneously—it truly is like a dream.

"Isn't that right, Sleep God?"

Yun Zhongjun smiled without speaking, picked up a scroll, and continued to read, seated behind Wu Wang's desk.

Wu Wang, meanwhile, laughed as he turned over and sat up. The small hand that had been pressing his wrist quickly withdrew. Wu Wang raised his hand, intending to catch hers, but then he saw the room full of people. His raised left hand paused, and he smoothly rubbed his nose instead.

Ling Xiaolan and Jingwei exchanged glances. The former nodded slightly, while the latter pursed her lips. Both turned and walked to the side. Their intent was clear: let Wu Wang handle official business first.

The Grand Elder immediately led the Demonic Cultivators of the Annihilation Sect forward. They clasped their fists and bowed in unison, announcing loudly, "Congratulations to the Sect Master on entering the Transcendent Realm!"

Wu Wang stood up. He glanced down at the black robe Lin Suqing had changed him into while he was unconscious; it was suitably dignified and carried a hint of authority. He raised his hands forward and said loudly, "You are all too kind. Please rise."

"Sect Master! HAHAHA!" Yang Wudi slapped his head as he came forward, exclaiming, "You've reached the Transcendent Realm just like that? That's inhumanly fast! HAHAHA!"

Nearby, Miao Cuijiao frowned slightly, turned to glance at Yang Wudi, and said coldly, "Is that how you compliment someone? You can't even flatter properly. You'll forfeit your allowance for the next three months."

"BURP!" Yang Wudi hiccuped, looking pitiably at the acting Sect Master, while the surrounding Annihilation Sect experts burst into raucous laughter.

The Grand Elder chuckled and said, "Sect Master, the news of your successful Crossing Tribulation has already spread throughout the entire Human Domain. The Human Emperor's eight pavilions, various military families, and major sects have all begun sending people to offer congratulations. Shouldn't we make a bit more of a spectacle?"

Wu Wang said gravely, "The Battle of Central Mountain ended not long ago. The cultivators who fell there are barely cold in their graves. How can we hold a grand banquet?"

The crowd was momentarily taken aback, their expressions turning solemn. Although the Annihilation Sect experts had also set out for the battle, they had received the order to retreat while still en route. The Gold God's surprise attack, the dozen Main Gods from Heaven Palace causing trouble, the Human Domain's counterattack that eliminated over ten Main Gods… The battle had erupted quickly and ended just as swiftly. Most Human Domain cultivators hadn't felt much involvement.

After pondering for a moment, the Grand Elder said, "The Sect will open its doors to receive guests starting today, but we shall not hold a grand banquet. Simply providing tea and light refreshments will suffice."

"That will do," Wu Wang said with a smile. "You have all worked hard. For the time being, I will be resting within the Sect and will go nowhere."

The Demonic Cultivators of the Annihilation Sect immediately erupted in cheers. They hadn't cheered for long before Sect Master Miao Cuijiao shooed them out, uttering "gentle" words like, "Show some tact," "What are you all standing around for?" and "Are you blind?"

The cave dwelling became much more spacious.

Lin Suqing turned her head and called out, "Why are you four standing there dumbstruck? Follow me and prepare some food to satisfy our Young Master's hunger."

The four maidens curtsied and answered quietly, gracefully emerging from a corner. Wu Wang glanced at the Water-elemental Innate Spirit, observing her imitating the demeanor of human women. Her movements were as light as possible, her simulated waist swaying from side to side. It was clear she was imitating the Qingqiu fox woman who had walked ahead of her.

As soon as they left, the Sleep God, who had been nearby, also vanished without a trace. The entire cave dwelling seemed to fall completely silent.

Ling Xiaolan stood at the entrance of the left inner cave. Jingwei stood with her hands behind her back beside the bookshelf to the right, apparently studying the calligraphy on the scrolls. Glances were exchanged, but they darted away as soon as they met Wu Wang's eyes.

An unavoidable issue confronted Wu Wang. Whom should I greet first...

The atmosphere quickly grew tense, and Wu Wang felt an inexplicable pressure. In the Great Wilderness, everyone envied Heavenly Emperor Emperor Shun for having the Goddesses Xihe and Chang Xi as his wives, making him the father of the sun and moon. But Wu Wang knew that Emperor Shun also had his own troubles to bear; Xihe was too assertive, and Chang Xi too scheming. The two of them did not get along well. He wondered how Emperor Shun balanced their relationship. I hope I don't end up like that... Wu Wang couldn't help but feel a few dark lines appear on his forehead.

"COUGH!" Jingwei suddenly said, "I'm going to change my clothes first. You two chat."

After speaking, she walked away with light steps toward the inner cave. However, a strand of her Divine Thought wrapped around Wu Wang's wrist, deliberately making him aware of its presence.

"How did you become Transcendent so quickly?" Ling Xiaolan asked with a light chuckle, taking the initiative to step forward with a gentle tap of her toes.

Wu Wang truly heaved a sigh of relief inwardly. With a warm smile, he looked at Ling Xiaolan. He smiled and said, "I received the Star God's protection; the Star God directly bestowed upon me comprehension of a Great Dao. Strictly speaking, this isn't true Transcendence. Cultivators cultivate themselves, whereas I received an existing Innate Dao."

Ling Xiaolan exclaimed in admiration, "Isn't that just like the Ancient Emperor of the Suiren Clan?"

"That's not something I dare compare myself to," Wu Wang said seriously. "At most, I have become an Acquired Divine Spirit of the Star Sky God Faction through my cultivation, and I am under the jurisdiction of the Star God." Of course, the Star God now effectively answers to the Xiong name.

While they were talking, Ling Xiaolan had already walked up to him. "As long as there are no hidden dangers," she said, "it's fine that the methods of cultivation differ."

"Mm," Wu Wang nodded with a smile, feeling a flutter of unusual emotions within. The Fairy Immortal and the Saintess were both great beauties. If it came to looks, Ling Xiaolan, dressed in more ethereal attire, would probably not be much inferior to Chang Xi. Moreover, Chang Xi's beauty always felt somewhat artificial, while Ling Xiaolan's natural beauty was truly rare in the world.

Yet, she said, "I am returning to the Sect now."

"Xiaolan, do you have something urgent to attend to?" Wu Wang asked warmly.

"Yes," Ling Xiaolan nodded lightly, her smile revealing no unusual signs. She said, "The recent great battle caused considerable damage to the Xuan Nu Sect; it has truly strained our foundations and depleted our vitality.

"Two Supreme Elders burned their Primordial Spirits and barely survived, leaving them with only a few years of their Lifespan.

"The Sect Master ordered me to attend to them and see them off on their final journey. I've been in the Sect until recently, only coming over here to see you.

"Seeing that you have safely completed your Crossing Tribulation, I can also go with peace of mind to attend to the two Supreme Elders... They have both guided me extensively in the past and are like two of my teachers."

"You should certainly go," Wu Wang said seriously. "If there's anything I can help with, don't hesitate to ask."

"I will." Ling Xiaolan smiled warmly.

"Oh, and take this," Wu Wang drew a bottle of Elixirs from his sleeve. "Consider it a token of my respect for the two elders."

She reached out to take it, their fingertips brushing inadvertently. Wu Wang stood perfectly straight, without the slightest hint of dizziness.

"Then I'll... I'll head back first." Ling Xiaolan's expression was somewhat unusual. She turned and flew towards the cave entrance, disappearing in a flash.

Wu Wang thought she might be shy, or that the Saintess had suddenly let her imagination run wild and, fearing she'd lose control of her feelings, had hastily fled... If only Ling Xiaolan hadn't, upon leaving, irresistibly conjured a stream of water to repeatedly rinse her left hand.

"HUMPH!"

Wu Wang hadn't even turned his head when he heard the huffy snort. His Immortal Consciousness brought him the image of Jingwei puffing out her cheeks. Somehow, perhaps because Jingwei was just too adorable, or because her words and actions always had a touch of charming naivety, the closer he got to her, the more he wanted to tease her and see her flustered.

Wu Wang suppressed the urge to reach out and play with the lock of hair on her forehead, intending to say a few sweet nothings. But Jingwei had already transformed into a Blue Bird with a POOF! Flapping her wings, she charged at Wu Wang, fiercely pecking at his forehead.

Wu Wang laughed heartily and begged for mercy. Jingwei pursued him relentlessly, yet her attacks were measured, merely expressing her dissatisfaction with the earlier scene. Gradually, the cave filled with sounds of laughter and playful fighting. Wu Wang soon turned from defense to offense. Jingwei, back in human form, dodged and weaved, and the two of them tumbled together in their mirthful chase.

「A moment later.」

The two lay on the wooden planks by the pond, their four feet dangling in the cool stream, both gasping for breath. Wu Wang turned his head to look at Jingwei, his gaze inevitably drawn to the rise and fall of her chest, constantly drifting downwards.

Jingwei turned her head to look at Wu Wang, her eyes shining brightly. Without warning, she suddenly flipped over, propping herself up with her left hand, and leaned closer to Wu Wang. Her feet stirred up a gentle SWISHING sound in the water.

Wu Wang's breath nearly stopped. Young Master Xiong had been constrained by the curse since he was seven or eight, always binding himself with the most proper conduct. When had he ever been in such an intimate position with a woman! The Great Wilderness was indeed the Great Wilderness, and prehistoric times were indeed prehistoric times! Who said women had to be reserved, demure, and shy? What was wrong with being proactive!

Her small face came closer and closer, but Jingwei showed no intention of closing her eyes. Finally, their noses were but half an inch apart. Her round eyes were so captivating; Wu Wang's Adam's apple bobbed as he met her gaze.

Just as Wu Wang was about to say "close your eyes," Jingwei suddenly let out an "AWOO!" and, quick as a phantom, transformed into a calico cat. She playfully bit Wu Wang's left ear, letting out a burst of laughter like silver bells.

Young Master Xiong's forehead was covered in dark lines. Oh well, as long as she's happy.

...

After they frolicked for an hour, Jingwei voluntarily leaped into the inner cave, leaving Wu Wang to the Human Emperor Pavilion masters who had been waiting for some time.

The arrival of representatives from the Human Emperor Pavilion naturally included Xiao Jian Daoist. With him were several Vice Pavilion Masters, all familiar faces to Wu Wang. After exchanging pleasantries, the Human Emperor Pavilion presented a hefty congratulatory gift. Wu Wang then inquired about the casualties from the recent battle between humans and gods.

Once the maidens had served tea, Wu Wang brought up the matter of Fire Plume. Xiao Jian Daoist then mentioned the title 'Zhurong'.

"Zhurong was formerly an official title under the purview of the Xia Official," Xiao Jian Daoist said with a smile. "This time, Lord Fire Plume has performed a great service and is truly a hero of the Human Domain. So His Majesty decreed that the title 'Zhurong' be given to Lord Fire Plume."

Wu Wang nodded with a smile, and then Zhong's words came to mind: 'With the birth of Zhurong this time...' Clearly, Fire Plume must be the Fire God Zhurong known from mythology, a potential candidate for the Heavenly Dao's focus.

Wu Wang asked, "How is Lord Fire Plume's condition now?"

"His Divine Thought has begun to awaken, allowing us to communicate," Xiao Jian Daoist said with a smile. "Thousands of Zhurong temples have been established, and the Heavenly Craft Pavilion has also made considerable progress in researching the power of incense. However, as for how to proceed, His Majesty has ordered us to discuss this matter further with you."

Wu Wang nodded, stood up with his hands behind his back, and paced as he heard Yun Zhongjun's voice transmission. He suddenly smiled and asked, "These matters require careful discussion. Why don't you all stay for a simple meal today? I have a guest here whom you might be greatly delighted to meet."

Xiao Jian wondered, "Who?"

Wu Wang didn't keep them in suspense, calmly announcing the 'guest's' name: "Qiong Qi."

...

[End of this volume. The next volume, "Hunting Heaven," will be updated soon.]