CHAPTER 45: CHAPTER 45 FIRST DEPARTURE FROM WOMEN’S COUNTRY

Regret. My whole being is just filled with regret now.

The next morning, Ling Xiaolan, wearing a veil, appeared before Wu Wang and Ji Mo, seemingly hesitant to speak yet unable to restrain a hand reaching up to her forehead, her eyes brimming with frustration.

Ji Mo hurriedly said, "This... this was my oversight. I forgot to warn you before I lifted the cloth and went straight in."

Ling Xiaolan asked in a low voice, "How much did I drink last night?"

"Two cups of fruit brew," Wu Wang replied, then added, "Were you scolded? I can go explain on your behalf. The daily life of cultivation can indeed be repressive, and there’s nothing wrong with timely self-release..."

"Exactly," Ji Mo immediately said, "What’s wrong with dancing a bit? Fairy Immortal, you’ve been busy and toiling for so long, can’t you enjoy yourself? I’ll go reason with some of the seniors!"

"I’ll go too."

Wu Wang said indifferently, "No matter how high one’s cultivation is, there still needs to be reason. It’s good to discipline disciples’ character, but what sense does it make to restrict their dancing?"

After pondering for a moment, Ji Mo said, "Brother Xiong, it’s not appropriate for you to step in. For Fairy Ling to begin dancing midway through her cultivation, it indeed looks somewhat like she’s losing her resolve to mere pleasures. The expectations placed upon Fairy Ling far surpass yours and mine."

"But shouldn’t we still talk about reason?"

"It has nothing to do with last night’s incident," Ling Xiaolan sighed softly. "I had a breakthrough."

As she spoke, she drew a rune imprint in front of her with her sword finger, revealing an aura that was clearly stronger than during the Earth Palace battle.

A silence fell. Ji Mo’s voice trembled a bit as he asked, "How did you achieve a breakthrough? Mid-Jumping God Realm? Are you just a few more steps from the Ascending Immortal Realm?"

Ling Xiaolan looked at Wu Wang, her vexation evident. "Indeed. It should be related to yesterday’s merrymaking. I drank some wine, and it was rather muddled, but somehow I just broke through."

Wu Wang asked puzzledly, "This is a good thing. Why do you look so downcast?"

Ling Xiaolan could not help but hold her forehead with one hand. The white silk gloves she wore appeared unchanged from yesterday, but in reality... She must have prepared who knows how many pairs of gloves for backup.

The current Saintess of the Xuan Nu Sect sighed. "I originally thought that our Sect elders were all incredibly serious. I was already prepared for a scolding yesterday, and two of my master-uncles were indeed quite angry. However, once they noticed my breakthrough, and after asking when it happened, I told them the truth, and then they told me to... to jump around more. This is just too frivolous!"

"Is that all?"

"That’s it... What’s wrong?"

Wu Wang and Ji Mo exchanged a glance and then headed towards the palace gate.

"Brother Ji, what would you like for lunch?"

"Let’s have my teacher decide. He also wants to try Brother Xiong’s cooking."

"Yuan Yang Hotpot?"

"Excellent!"

Ling Xiaolan blinked gently and then smiled with her eyes narrowed, following behind them with her hands clasped at her back. Her footsteps were light, and though no lotus flowers accompanied her walk, it was indescribably graceful.

With the reinforcements from the Xuan Nu Sect and the Ji Family having arrived, Ji Mo and Ling Xiaolan found themselves with some leisure time.

Wu Wang did not hold back any secrets, directly imparting the Faith Condensation Formation to the Xuan Nu Sect and the Ji Family as thanks for their assistance to the Women’s country.

In the future, this group of Immortals and Cultivators would erect thirty-six Goddess statues in the Women’s country and use formations to channel all the Power of Faith toward the Goddess statue in the royal capital.

The precious materials needed for the statues’ construction and the ’labor costs’ of these Immortals would be paid by the Women’s country itself.

The Women’s country, being at peace year-round and despite lacking precious mineral veins within its borders, had secret merchant caravans active abroad, accumulating substantial national strength over the years. Constructing these Goddess statues and temples was not considered a strain on the people or the treasury.

Wu Wang naturally didn’t have to continue with these laborious and exhausting tasks. He also declined invitations to banquets from several Immortals, with Ji Mo handling all communications on his behalf.

Wu Wang knew very well that getting involved with these Human Domain powers too early would bring him no good.

In the Human Domain, Cultivation was about the Dao, wealth, companions, and territory. So apart from the tricky issue of ’companions,’ what else was he lacking?

His wealth overflowed, he possessed the Yan Emperor’s Art, and in the Northern Wilderness, there was no shortage of places brimming with Spiritual Energy.

Now, heading to the Human Domain, what he valued was its cultivation atmosphere, along with various Five Elements spells and artifact refining methods.

The Women’s country had opened the convenient door for the Xuan Nu Sect to recruit disciples within the territory of the Women’s country. The new queen had also written an emotionally charged letter of thanks to the Ji Family, and the three parties got along quite harmoniously.

The sunlight was just right, and several parasols had been set up outside the palace doors.

Several silhouettes lay on lounge chairs covered with cushions and silk, sipping iced fruit brew and listening to the music played by the royal band of the Women’s country. The male Cultivators changed into short shirts and long pants that revealed their chests.

The only downside was that the sole female Cultivator still wore an immortal dress, keeping herself tightly wrapped.

From left to right were Wu Wang, Ji Mo, Ling Xiaolan, and Xu Mu. They all moved in unison, picking up crystal cups to take a sip of fruit brew. After rinsing their mouths, they spat the liquid into bowls held by maidens beside them. Seeing some valiant-looking female guards pass by, the four of them simultaneously grabbed the dark crystal goggles from the low table beside them. With a dashing toss of their heads, they put them on—fit, fit, fit... poke.

"ARGH!"

Xu Mu yelped, covering his left eye and squirming, which made the row of maidens behind him cover their mouths and giggle.

Ji Mo exclaimed with emotion, "Ah, how comfortable it is to have fun with Brother Xiong!"

Ling Xiaolan said, "So happy I forget the Human Domain, so happy I ignore the Immortal Dao."

Xu Mu smiled indifferently. "The path of cultivation is long and arduous. You three youngsters haven’t become immortals yet, so you can’t afford to slack off."

"Teacher, what’s wrong? Why are you so melancholic and even crying?"

"I have to go."

Wu Wang, resting his arm as a pillow, said, "There’s nothing major left here for me, and I must seek the True Scripture in the Great Wilderness to relieve the hardship of the Northern Wilderness. I won’t stay any longer."

"Brother Xiong, where are you heading?"

Ji Mo immediately sat up, took off the dark crystal glasses he had polished, his eyes shining brightly. "Why don’t we travel together and have a carefree journey through the Great Wilderness!"

Wu Wang tried to express as tactfully as possible, "Brother Ji is not yet an immortal. It might be dangerous for us to travel together."

Ji Mo smiled awkwardly and sighed. "That’s true. Ever since I’ve known Brother Xiong, I seem to have been mostly a burden."

"Brother Xiong, are you going to the Human Domain?" Ling Xiaolan asked softly, turning to look at Wu Wang. Behind her silk-adorned dark crystal goggles, her almond eyes held a touch of reluctance.

Alas, those almond eyes were not the ones from Wu Wang’s dreams.

Wu Wang said, "I might go there soon, but this place is quite far from the Human Domain, so I should stop by other places along the way. The Western Wilderness is different from the Northern Wilderness; the Northern Wilderness only has the great Star God as its Divine Spirit, while the Western Wilderness has many Innate Deities. I want to look around and see if I can find any trace of the True Scripture."

Ji Mo asked, "What exactly is the True Scripture?"

Wu Wang smiled in his heart... He hadn’t written it yet.

Wu Wang had said he would leave in three days, but in reality, he bluffed them.

By nightfall, he had already packed his bags and carried with him a little local produce from the Women’s country—alcohol, scented powder, embroidered clothes, and more.

He didn’t go to say goodbye to the State Preceptor, nor did he wave to the new queen.

Wu Wang went to the entrance of the now-filled Earth Palace. There stood a Stele, its front had no names and was completely blank; on the back were carved over a hundred titles, belonging to the Martial Artists of the Women’s country who had died fighting the beast that night.

Wu Wang didn’t think much and just left two apples there. He had no feelings of self-reproach but simply came to pay a visit to these comrades-in-arms. When it had happened, he arrived a little late as he had been collecting information and making judgments; forcing oneself to protect every single person wasn’t bravery, it was foolishness.

"Those who give their lives for the future of their country shall forever be immortal."

Wu Wang murmured, clutched at his heart in a Northern Wilderness gesture, stared at the Stele for a while, and then disappeared into the night.

「A moment later, at the foot of the Goddess statue.」

This was the other end far from the Spirit Incubator, with towering high palace walls. It was also the idle courtyard between two palaces, where one could see the back of the Goddess’s heel.

Wu Wang said, "I’m leaving."

A gentle sigh echoed in his heart, as Wu Wang seemed to see a hazy light appear before him, solidifying into a blurry silhouette.

Wu Wang hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, do not force yourself to manifest. Gathering this bit of Power of Faith is not easy, so do not waste it."

"Mhm."

Jiayi’s voice sounded from the depths of Wu Wang’s heart, and the silhouette transformed into Liu Guang, returning to the Goddess statue.

Then, there was silence.

"If you’re tired from the journey, come back here to rest," Jiayi said softly. "Bear."

"Just call me Wu Wang."

"Wu Wang..."

"Ah, that’s my Daoist name," Wu Wang reminded. "You must be optimistic, do not harbor any negative emotions. This path is actually not easy to walk, nor is it simple to just gather the Power of Faith to become an Acquired God. Logically, the fewer and purer the distractions in one’s heart, the less likely complications will arise. Otherwise, it might be a disaster for the Women’s country."

"Then I just won’t think about whether or not I become a deity," Jiayi said with a light laugh.

She continued gently, "Actually, it’s quite wonderful. I can see everyone’s prayers, feel their joys and sorrows, and observe the lives of countless citizens, from the borders to the capital. I feel this is already the greatest happiness. Bear... Wu Wang. Perhaps I’m a weak person at heart, but I will do my best to protect my country."

"Then I am relieved," Wu Wang said with a smile, his voice warm. "I look forward to the next time we meet when you will be able to come out for a stroll."

Jiayi said, "I want to personally brew a jar of wine for you."

"Then I’ll look forward to drinking it."

Wu Wang heard a slight noise, turned his head, and glanced at the corner.

He sighed slightly, fumbled in his sleeve for a moment, took out two elixirs emitting a faint fragrance, placed them in a porcelain bottle, and set it at the foot of the Goddess statue.

Then, he bowed slightly and said, "I’m leaving." His Star Wings unfurled behind him as his figure vanished into the night sky.

After a while, an old woman with white hair emerged from the corner.

She wore heavy chains on her feet, her form already somewhat withered, holding a broom in her hand, sweeping the fallen leaves in this place.

Soon, she arrived in front of the elixirs and performed a trembling bow.

She did not take the porcelain bottle but walked to the Goddess statue, clearing away the dust that had settled at its feet.

"Your Majesty..."

"Why don’t you use the elixirs?"

The old woman revealed a slight smile, sat down slowly, leaning against the Goddess statue. Her thick, short eyebrows relaxed, and she murmured softly, "This criminal does not deserve it."

By her side, a pale golden light gathered, forming a hand that gently stroked her cheek and began humming a tender melody.

’Feng Ge, you will be my Great General in the future! After I go to fulfill my mission, you must also help my child take good care of our citizens.’

’Feng Ge~ Feng Ge’er~ What do you think men, as written in books, should talk like? Do they speak with a deep voice, like this?’

’Feng Ge, I can’t sleep, come and comfort me!’

’Then, can I call you Feng Ge from now on? My name is Jiayi. Pleased to meet you.’

The old woman seemed to be immersed in a dream, her lips revealing a shallow smile.

「Late at night, at the border of the Women’s country.」

A figure looked from left to right, sneaking out of the jungle beside the river, flying close to the ground and swiftly gliding over the long Protective River.

Taking out a Jade Tag engraved with words like ’Women’s Country’, ’State Preceptor’, and others, a barrier in front unfolded into an opening taller than a person, allowing his figure to shoot straight out.

In an instant! Even breathing became incredibly clear!

Wu Wang took a long breath. Honestly, within the Barrier of the Women’s country, there was an inexplicable sense of restraint. I constantly had to be mindful to avoid contact with anyone. The Ice Crystal film on my body had even been upgraded and now had a water circulation effect... Magical skills are truly forged out of necessity.

His leaving without saying goodbye should not surprise Brother Ji and Fairy Ling too much; it was just that the date he had mentioned had moved up by three days.

In this way, he could reduce delays, improve efficiency, and incidentally, escape the watchful eyes of those Heavenly Immortals and True Immortals from the Xuan Nu Sect.

Why did those senior elders look at me so strangely lately? So peculiar? They seemed to hold a grudge against me, their eyes filled with displeasure, seemingly determined to find fault with me. Had I offended them or provoked them?

Wu Wang shook his head and was about to pull out the two disguise masks to put on, ready to blend into a merchant ship at the West Sea and continue his journey to the Human Domain.

He moved with such secrecy. There was no reason for his whereabouts to be exposed; he could definitely...

"Not bad at all, your trip to the Women’s country," that familiar voice suddenly echoed in his mind. Wu Wang’s forehead instantly creased with dark lines as he immediately felt the presence of a certain Emperor.

This... Was it divined?

Just then, a sword cry suddenly pierced the night sky, followed by two figures swiftly flying over to block Wu Wang’s path.

It was an old man and a woman in black. Observing the woman: dressed in tight clothing with an enchanting and seductive outline, she held a Treasure Sword unsheathed by half an inch in her hand, her face hidden behind a black facecloth, those piercing phoenix eyes shining with compelling Immortal Light. Turning to look at the old man... Forget it.

Wu Wang immediately grasped two Crystal Balls and spoke indifferently, "Who might you two be? Why do you block my path?"

"Young Master Xiong," the old man said with a smile, "there’s a summons from above. We request that Young Master Xiong accompany us to the Human Domain for a visit."

Wu Wang frowned. "Above? Who?"

"Four Seas Pavilion. Don’t say you haven’t heard of it," the woman coolly said.

The old man continued smilingly, "I ask that Young Master Xiong not make things difficult for us. This trip will only benefit you and not harm you."

Wu Wang said, "Isn’t the Four Seas Pavilion only responsible for foreign purchases? Since when did it become so domineering?"

The old man laughed. "We are asking politely. Please think it over, Young Master Xiong. Do not compel me to resort to force."

"Resort to force?" Wu Wang chuckled lightly. Perform acts of force in front of your biggest boss, right here? He knew this game.

Wu Wang laughed. "I really did not know that the Four Seas Pavilion had such authority to disregard my titles as Young Master of a Large Family Clan of the Northern Wilderness and Divine Envoy of the Northern Wilderness’s Star God, and to directly abduct me to the Human Domain."

The woman in black stepped forward a few paces with her sword and said coldly, "The Four Seas Pavilion is the pillar of the Human Domain, gathering talented individuals from across the lands, without any talk of authority. However, any matters of the Human Domain, the Four Seas Pavilion can intervene. The Four Seas Pavilion handles the affairs that the Immortal Sects can manage, and even more so, those they cannot. To eradicate demons and protect the Dao—this authority is granted by the Human Emperor. This is the Four Seas Pavilion."

As soon as her words fell, a sharp Immortal gleam flashed across her eyes. She was utterly oblivious to the fact that the old man behind her had already been knocked unconscious by a large hand. The owner of that hand, dressed in a straw coat and barefoot, was now looking at her back with a face full of dark lines, silently raising his other large hand.

Wu Wang: ... Senior, he really did not pay anyone to slander the Four Seas Pavilion.