CHAPTER 38: CHAPTER 38: SOMETHING STRANGE IN THE PALACE

Wu Wang pondered all night but still couldn’t unravel it.

What exactly was that death-sworn assassin thinking?

The timing of his appearance outside Wu Wang’s door was just so impeccable.

Although the man’s Ascending Immortal Realm was nothing compared to Ling Xiaolan’s Jumping God Realm—the hallmark of a disciple from a major Sect—based on the skills he displayed, if Wu Wang had encountered him one-on-one, he would definitely... have had to expend a batch of Star Thunder Technique Crystal Balls.

Unfortunately, the man had completely burned his Primordial Spirit in the end, so no more information could be obtained. Wu Wang could only barely deduce that he was likely the one who had framed Brother Ji.

How many such cultivators were still hidden in the Women’s Country?

That Barrier, supposedly impenetrable by anyone, ultimately couldn’t withstand the provocations of Human Domain experts...

As soon as it’s light, I’ll bid farewell to the Queen and pretend to leave. It’s time to move from the overt to the covert.

Wu Wang secretly made his decision.

The pavilion he had previously stayed in was demolished. After the State Preceptor saw the Queen off, she arranged new lodgings for Wu Wang. Then, the State Preceptor calmly departed with her entourage, not mentioning anything that had transpired earlier.

It was a pity he didn’t know if the State Preceptor and the Queen had enjoyed themselves in the wardrobe.

That scene must have been quite intriguing.

「At the brink of dawn」

Ji Mo and Ling Xiaolan found Wu Wang one after the other, both wearing somewhat stern expressions.

"Brother Bear, we’ve identified him! That guy is the rapist who plotted against me!"

Ji Mo slammed his hand on the table—which remained unharmed—and cursed, "That bastard’s Primordial Spirit self-combusted too quickly, leaving no clues about his identity. But he’s been recognized by those sixteen victimized women. It was him! He is no son of man! Absolutely no son of man! He’s simply not human!"

Fairy Ling added from the side, "I’ve already reported this matter to the Human Domain as you instructed, Brother Bear, without mentioning your presence here. However, your activities in the Women’s Country probably can’t be hidden from those within the Pavilion."

Wu Wang chuckled. "If they can’t be hidden, so be it."

Ji Mo, after his burst of anger, sat before Wu Wang. He then moved his stool even closer, his gaze intense as he looked at Wu Wang.

He asked, "Brother Bear, would you also like to join the Four Seas Pavilion?"

Wu Wang countered, "And then be assigned all sorts of tasks far exceeding my capabilities, all under the euphemism of ’trials’?"

"It’s not quite like that."

Ji Mo glanced at Ling Xiaolan, raised his hand, drew several Talismans, and enveloped the room with Mana before saying secretively, "Brother Bear, I can let you in on something. Within the Four Seas Pavilion, there aren’t many who, like Fairy Ling and myself, participate in these high-difficulty trials."

Ling Xiaolan huffed. "Don’t think too highly of yourself. There are quite a few of us who undertake such trials."

Wu Wang asked, "And the casualty rate?"

"Well," Ji Mo sighed, "one can only say that perhaps one in ten survives."

Ling Xiaolan’s expression turned somewhat somber. She stood to one side, arms crossed, and said softly, "The expedition to the Northern Wilderness was my mistake. Before we set out, there were hints that Grandma Yin was problematic, yet I didn’t suspect a thing."

"Fairy Ling, don’t blame yourself," Ji Mo said earnestly. "This must be fate."

Ling Xiaolan glanced away, unwilling to discuss it further.

Wu Wang calmly changed the subject. "Brother Ji, why don’t you give me a detailed introduction to the Four Seas Pavilion?"

Ji Mo cleared his throat, moved even closer to Wu Wang, and proceeded to share a great deal of... information that was already common knowledge.

The Four Seas Pavilion effectively existed only outside the Human Domain. Cultivators from the Human Domain rarely had direct contact with it, yet the Four Seas Pavilion held a pivotal position within the Human Domain.

This Pavilion was founded by the current Human Emperor. Initially, it traded Elixirs and Magic Treasures in the Nine Wildernesses for ores, Spirit Grass, Beast Cores, and various items scarce in the Human Domain.

Now, the influence of the Four Seas Pavilion had spread throughout the Great Wilderness. Except for the Central Mountain region, where its influence couldn’t penetrate too deeply, it had established close ties with human tribes everywhere through trade and barter.

In the Human Domain, every Immortal Sect and Demonic Sect was required to send a certain number of disciples to the frontiers every fifty or one hundred years.

Even among the most talented disciples from these various Sects, only a select few could be chosen to work for the Four Seas Pavilion.

Wu Wang asked a few more questions, such as how the various Sects traded with the Four Seas Pavilion and the extent of the Four Seas Pavilion’s power.

Ji Mo was remarkably candid, saying everything he could and even hinting at things he couldn’t.

"The Four Seas Pavilion is teeming with talent. Brother Bear, if you’re willing to join, I’d be glad to ask my family elders to recommend you!"

Wu Wang said seriously, "Brother Ji, you still haven’t explained how joining the Four Seas Pavilion would be different for me compared to you."

Ji Mo chose his words carefully. "These trials aren’t something one can simply take on. Although dangerous, they hold extraordinary significance for the Human Domain..."

Their Pavilion Master got scolded; they might not even get the next round of trials when they return.

Ji Mo pondered for a moment, then, with slight hesitation, whispered, "Brother Bear, are there any rumors in the Northern Wilderness about the Yan Emperor Order?"

"There are no such rumors in the Northern Wilderness," Wu Wang replied—and he wasn’t lying—"but I am aware of the Yan Emperor Order."

"I knew I couldn’t hide it from you, Brother Bear."

Ji Mo’s eyes crinkled into a smile. He straightened his robes and adopted a gentle expression.

"The ultimate goal of trials like the ones we participate in is to gain the recognition of the Four Seas Pavilion. By doing so, with the Pavilion Master’s recommendation, one has a chance to obtain the Yan Emperor Order bestowed by the Human Emperor."

Ling Xiaolan chided, "You always say I speak recklessly. Aren’t you just the same?"

"This is common knowledge in the Human Domain," Ji Mo defended. "With Brother Bear’s aptitude and background, you would naturally be cultivated in this manner."

Wu Wang picked up the lukewarm teacup beside him and took a sip, a faint light flickering in his eyes.

He asked, "I have one more question. After joining the Four Seas Pavilion, is participation in these trials a personal decision, or does the Four Seas Pavilion assign the tasks directly?"

Ji Mo was suddenly at a loss for words.

Ling Xiaolan said, "Most cultivators who die in the first round of trials do so unknowingly."

"Then I won’t go," Wu Wang said with a smile. "I am the Young Master of the Northern Wilderness, and in the future, I will most likely have to bear the heavy responsibilities of the Bear Hug tribe. From any perspective, it’s not suitable for me to join the Four Seas Pavilion."

Ji Mo and Ling Xiaolan exchanged a glance.

Ling Xiaolan said proudly, "See? I understand Brother Bear a little better."

"Sigh," Ji Mo lamented. "I owe Brother Bear too many favors and truly don’t know how to repay them. I was thinking of bringing you to the Human Domain, Brother Bear, where I could show you a carefree life for some years... Ah well, it’s all up to you to decide."

"If you two have the time, why not tell me about the major powers in the Human Domain? I might go there in the future to seek the True Scripture that can alleviate the suffering of the Northern Wilderness. I’d rather not inadvertently offend any powerful seniors."

Wu Wang spoke warmly, then gestured for Ling Xiaolan to be seated. She took out a soft cushion, placed it on a chair, and sat down beside him.

Ji Mo, now in a talkative mood, engaged Wu Wang in a discussion about the current state of the Human Domain.

Many tidbits of gossip, Sect rumors, anecdotes about Fairy Immortals, stories of Daoist couples parting ways, and other interesting tales flowed quite engagingly from Ji Mo’s lips.

Ling Xiaolan, at the side, attempted to interject, but Ji Mo always deftly regained control of the conversation.

In terms of eloquence, Ji Mo was clearly far superior to Ling Xiaolan.

As Wu Wang listened, he suddenly had a sense of déjà vu, reminiscent of his past life when he volunteered at an orphanage, and several children would crowd around him, eagerly vying to speak first...

Before they knew it, dawn was breaking in the East Sky. The State Preceptor sent someone to inform them of the time to enter the palace. Ji Mo and Ling Xiaolan each returned to their rooms to freshen up and dress.

The Yan Emperor Order.

Wu Wang looked inward at his Spirit Platform, gazing at the ball of fire floating outside his smoke-like Divine Soul, his thoughts somewhat jumbled.

If one were to say Senior Shen Nong valued him, this Yan Emperor Order wasn’t unique to him; he was merely one of many ’fry’ being cultivated.

But if Senior Shen Nong didn’t value him, then how to explain the Yan Emperor Order—an item that prodigies of the Human Domain had to endure countless hardships for even a chance to obtain? Shen Nong had not only given it to him but had also helped him cultivate the first three tiers, allowing the Yan Emperor Order to be concealed within his body.

From now on, I must not use this order unless it is a matter of life and death.

Wu Wang glanced at the ring on his hand and, after a moment’s thought, swapped the external Storage Magic Treasure he was wearing.

He couldn’t forget for a moment that it was very likely that a True Immortal was accompanying Brother Ji.

Rubbing the bridge of his nose, Wu Wang was already starting to feel a headache.

His ideal was so simple and wonderful—just to accumulate more Lifespan. He never expected to have to bear pressures unsuitable for his age... And all the covetousness.

"Divine Envoy, the State Preceptor invites you for a meal," a voice called from outside.

"Alright, I’m on my way."

Wu Wang pondered for a moment, then tucked his small dagger into his robe; he dared not be careless in this matter.

「Four hours later.」

Basking in the bright sunlight, Wu Wang sat on a carriage strewn with flower petals, receiving the praises and blessings of the surrounding younger sisters, elder sisters, aunts, and grandmothers.

And as Wu Wang’s carriage passed, Fairy Ling, in the carriage behind him, also received many compliments and admiring glances from the women.

When the carriage after hers passed by...

Groups of women on either side uniformly raised their hands, flicked their sleeves, and hastily dispersed.

Ji Mo, however, merely smiled serenely.

This treatment was vastly better than what he had received before.

Ji Mo had also come to understand that sometimes, people simply couldn’t be compared. At an age where he could be Brother Bear’s uncle, he still wasn’t even half-confident of defeating Brother Bear in a direct confrontation, which in itself was telling.

At this moment, Wu Wang appeared serious, but in reality, he was mulling over the State Preceptor’s words from earlier...

"Divine Envoy, it was a misunderstanding, all a misunderstanding. Last night, I had some insights from my prayers that I wished to discuss with you. For an exchange, bringing some wine is perfectly reasonable, isn’t it? The weather was too hot last night, and I momentarily forgot the Divine Envoy was a man, so I went in casual attire. Please forgive any impropriety. Also, could you explain to Her Majesty for me today? If I had known Her Majesty was with you, I absolutely wouldn’t have gone over!"

The State Preceptor seemed quite apprehensive of the Queen.

Judging from the State Preceptor’s past actions, the probability of her being the source of the rebellion wasn’t very high.

Wu Wang’s Spiritual Sense periodically swept across the capital of the Women’s Country.

The nation was peaceful, its people prosperous, harmonious internally and externally, everyone getting along amicably. How did this resemble a place on the verge of rebellion?

But then again, one couldn’t be too certain.

Wu Wang looked ahead. A sprawling complex of palaces rose in the center of the large city. Sunlight glinted off the golden roofs of the palace cluster, exuding an aura that was both sacred and ostentatious.

「The Women’s Country, the Royal Palace.」

The vicinity of the royal palace was enveloped by an invisible Formation, isolating it from Spirit Stone and Divine Thought probes. There was nothing particularly unusual about this, and Wu Wang hadn’t paid much attention to the royal palace before.

But now, as he drew closer to the royal palace, a faint sense of unease began to stir in Wu Wang’s heart...

"Brother Bear."

A voice transmission reached his ear. It was Ling Xiaolan, warning him, "There’s something strange about the royal palace. My spiritual mind is somewhat unsettled."

Wu Wang turned his head and nodded slightly towards the carriage behind him, just in time to see Brother Ji’s utterly bewildered expression...

Ah, this.

Compared to him, Fairy Ling was exceptionally reliable!

Before arriving at the royal palace, Wu Wang and Ling Xiaolan were already on full alert, continuously probing the structure of the Formation surrounding the palace.

Wu Wang tried to make sense of it, but it was futile; he was utterly clueless about formations.

Ling Xiaolan sent a voice message, instructing Wu Wang that if trouble arose later, he should follow her retreat, as she had already found a flaw in the palace’s Formation.

The carriages halted, and the palace gates swung open.

From within emerged four rows of beautifully dressed women, who surrounded the carriages and began to dance gracefully.

Wu Wang thickened the Ice Crystal film around himself, signaling those nearby not to approach him to avoid any breach of etiquette, and then he alighted from the carriage.

SUDDENLY!

The moment his feet touched the ground, Wu Wang’s Spirit Platform trembled faintly, the necklace on his chest grew slightly warm, and his entire body stiffened for an instant.

What the hell?

Why did I suddenly get that sense of déjà vu, like the time I was stared down by that blessing-bestowing Huge Beast from before!

It felt as if a ferocious beast was staring at him from deep within the earth, and the palace gates ahead seemed like the gaping maw of that beast, ready to choose someone to devour!

"Divine... Divine Envoy?"

The State Preceptor’s voice came from his side. Wu Wang took a breath, and the terrifying sensation rapidly subsided.

"Divine Envoy, what’s wrong?" the State Preceptor asked with concern.

Wu Wang smiled and shook his head. He glanced at Ling Xiaolan and Ji Mo. Ling Xiaolan’s gaze was also quite sharp, while Ji Mo...

It could only be said that his attention to the dance far outweighed his concern for his own safety.

"Did the Divine Envoy sense something?" the State Preceptor said with a smile. "Don’t worry, and don’t overthink it. Our Women’s Country has its own guardians and protections. Otherwise, how could we have survived in the Western Wilderness for so many ages?"

Wu Wang instantly understood. The dangerous presence he had sensed was probably something like the guardian beast of the Women’s Country.

At once, much of his unease faded.

Wu Wang looked ahead. Within the palace gates, the great ministers of the Women’s Country were arrayed on either side. Numerous formidable female guards stood at regular intervals, filling the space from the palace gates to the front of the great hall.

Feng Ge wasn’t carrying her Spear today; instead, her hand rested on the long saber at her waist as she stood proudly in the main hall, awaiting their arrival.

Inside the hall, the Queen, splendidly attired, sat quietly on the throne upon the high platform.

One dance performance followed another, making it truly ’difficult to move even an inch’ for Wu Wang and his companions.

Finally, after about an hour of ceremony, the three of them stood before the ruler of the Women Country, greeting her according to their respective customs.

"Divine Envoy Bear~" the Queen called softly, her voice filled with unconcealable delight.

The State Preceptor coughed beside her and whispered, "Your Majesty, first, the recitation and gift presentation. We can chat later during the meal."

"Mm!" The ruler of the Women’s Country cleared her throat and immediately resumed her dignified demeanor, clearly showing her earnestness.

「Fast forward to the end of the private banquet hosted by the Queen, attended only by Feng Ge, the State Preceptor, and the three of them.」

"Come, I’ll take you to a wonderful place!"

A hand, like one carved from white jade, extended towards Wu Wang.

Wu Wang looked up and saw the luminous jade arm, the magnificent attire, and that intoxicatingly beautiful smile.

"Your Majesty," Wu Wang said calmly, shaking his head with a smile, "holding hands is a rather intimate gesture between a man and a woman."

The Queen blinked lightly, clasped her hands behind her back, and whispered, "Well then, come with me. Let’s go to my bedchambers and have some fun."

The State Preceptor, who was holding a glazed cup, turned her head and spat out a mouthful of wine, hitting Ji Mo squarely in the chest.

"Your Majesty! You mustn’t, you mustn’t, Your Majesty! This servant will accompany you!"

Ji Mo’s mouth twitched a few times. Just as he was about to take out a handkerchief to wipe his face, a fist flew in from the side, striking him on the shoulder with lightning speed before he could react, making him grimace in pain.

"Damn it!" Feng Ge cursed through gritted teeth. "The Queen’s bedchambers... I really want to go!"

Ling Xiaolan coolly stood up and calmly followed in the direction Wu Wang had departed, dropping a comment, "I’ll go check on Brother Bear, make sure he doesn’t get taken advantage of."

"This?"

Ji Mo and Feng Ge tilted their heads simultaneously. They exchanged a glance, then quickly averted their eyes. Suddenly, only the two of them remained in the vast hall.

Inexplicably, Ji Mo’s gaze deepened slightly, his lips moving almost imperceptibly.

"We didn’t finish talking last night. When do you plan to make your move?"

"Wait a little longer," Feng Ge murmured softly, looking at the sumptuous feast before her and pursing her lips.