CHAPTER 67: CHAPTER 66: CLASSIC BROADCAST - THE SECT MASTER’S LAUGH

The dense forest shrouded by the Formation;

The brief and unintense Duel had ended moments ago.

Wu Wang looked at the artifacts laid out before him, as well as the few lower-tier Storage magic treasures placed to the side, and a gratified smile touched his lips.

This Yang Wudi’s mastery in the field of Mechanisms could well earn him the title of master craftsman.

These were, after all, what he relied upon in Duels and confrontations. The ’victim,’ Yang Wudi, stood to the side, his face etched with grievance as he watched the Sect Master repeatedly disassemble and reassemble his ancestral Magic treasures. He wanted to remind the Sect Master to handle them with care but was a little too afraid; his delicate heart, like a porcelain jar, trembled incessantly...

"Steward Yang, come and help."

Mao Aowu called out. Yang Wudi reluctantly made his way over, looking back every few steps, to join in interrogating the group of Cultivators.

The two proceeded with the simple method Wu Wang had suggested:

First, they used immortal power to create a narrow, soundproof Barrier. They brought each Cultivator inside one by one, asking the same questions each time. After every interrogation, they knocked the previous Cultivator unconscious, casually tossed them aside, and then, with a faint smile, brought in the next.

Soon, a collection of largely similar testimonies lay in Mao Aowu’s hands, recorded by his Magic treasure capable of capturing images and sounds.

"Sect Master, look, the way these people committed their crimes is pretty much as we expected," Mao Aowu said, offering the recording Magic treasure to Wu Wang, who waved it away.

Wu Wang said, "This is a matter for your Benevolent Emperor Pavilion; it wouldn’t be proper for me to view it. Did we miss any details?"

Mao Aowu sighed. "All I can say is that your housekeeper, Lin Suqing, is truly blessed with great fortune and a resilient fate..."

The group of Cultivators who murdered for treasure hailed from a nearby Immortal Sect known as the Water Approaches Heaven Sect. This time, their Chief Elder had personally led the team, bringing several trusted Elders and their respective Disciples to plunder the Flowing Wind Sword Sect and the Clear Wind and Moon Sect.

It all began when an Elder from the Clear Wind and Moon Sect took several treasure mines to a shop run by the Water Approaches Heaven Sect in a market town, intending to exchange them for some Magic treasures. This caught the attention of the Water Approaches Heaven Sect, and their Chief Elder dispatched men to investigate secretly. Once the Water Approaches Heaven Sect confirmed that the Clear Wind and Moon Sect still possessed a significant number of treasure mines, and realizing it was merely an obscure Minor Immortal Sect, they immediately harbored malicious intent.

Yang Wudi muttered, "What does that have to do with the Flowing Wind Sword Sect?"

"Purely an undeserved disaster for them—cough—they were simply caught in the crossfire." Mao Aowu hugged his arms, leaning against a tree trunk as he continued his explanation:

"According to the mastermind, they initially didn’t realize they were dealing with two separate Sects; they thought it was one Sect with two branches.

"Moreover, the two Sects were situated too closely. If they moved against the Clear Wind and Moon Sect, word would inevitably reach the Flowing Wind Sword Sect.

"They launched a surprise attack under the cover of night, easily subduing the Cultivators from both Sects. Using Mana, they transported them a thousand miles in the direction opposite to the Water Approaches Heaven Sect before finally destroying the bodies and eliminating all traces.

"Then, they took a detour back to this location to interrogate a few Elders from the Clear Wind and Moon Sect, asking about the origin of those treasure mines."

Wu Wang frowned and asked, "Did they find out about Suqing?"

"No. That’s why I said Lin Suqing is incredibly fortunate and has a strong destiny. She left her Sect half a day early, thus avoiding the calamity."

Mao Aowu sighed repeatedly before continuing, "Lin Suqing, or any female Disciple for that matter, wasn’t mentioned in the testimonies. Although the surviving members of the Clear Wind and Moon Sect exploited their Disciples and were of low character, they didn’t betray Lin Suqing. Perhaps it was a flicker of their remaining conscience."

Wu Wang looked towards the Elders of the Clear Wind and Moon Sect, whom Mao Aowu had confined within a Barrier. At this moment, most of them wore vacant expressions, their Spirit Light greatly diminished.

"What about the others from the Clear Wind and Moon Sect?"

"They were killed," Mao Aowu said. "They only spared the managing Elders. The young Disciples, along with the members of the Flowing Wind Sword Sect, were disposed of."

Yang Wudi cursed, "Who exactly is the Demonic Sect here? They’ve practically uprooted them!"

"Wudi," Wu Wang said, "I’ll trouble you to take these people from the Clear Wind and Moon Sect back first."

"Yes," Yang Wudi agreed, then turned and asked, "Sect Master, do you mean for them to rendezvous with Fairy Immortal Lin, or..."

He made a slashing gesture across his neck.

He was starting to act like a Demonic Cultivator.

Wu Wang smiled. "Take them to Floating Jade City. Rent a small courtyard for them to stay in for now. Once this turmoil subsides, let them choose their own paths. Oh, and keep Daoist Zuo Dong here. We’ll need a victim to speak out later."

"Understood, your subordinate complies."

Yang Wudi bowed respectfully, cast a pained glance at the array of Magic treasures before the Sect Master, and turned to leave.

A voice called after him, "Brother Mao, make a note: Wudi’s reward for this is to be doubled!"

At this, the bald, burly man instantly bristled with energy. He strode forward with bold confidence, trails of blood-red light swirling around him! This terrified many of the captured Cultivators, who began to tremble uncontrollably.

Wu Wang picked up the few Storage magic treasures and sorted the ingeniously designed artifacts laid out before him, intending to study them in detail later.

"Brother Mao, when are the reinforcements from the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion due to arrive?"

"They should be here soon," Mao Aowu replied with a smile. "Actually, there’s no need to summon too many people for this. I can just take these individuals back to the nearest Pavilion branch myself."

"That won’t do. It would be too easy for others to turn around and accuse Demonic Cultivators of targeting Immortal Sects."

Wu Wang looked at Daoist Zuo Dong and sent a voice transmission to him, beckoning him to a corner for a private conversation.

The Sect Master then cautioned Mao Aowu, "I’ll instruct Daoist Zuo Dong on what to say later. Brother Mao, you must maintain a low profile this time. Don’t be greedy for credit; share as much of it as possible. I just had a rather unsettling premonition..."

"What premonition?"

Mao Aowu looked at the young Sect Master before him, but he couldn’t fathom the light in Wu Wang’s eyes.

"This matter might spiral out of control. We must ensure that our Annihilation Sect and Suqing are completely insulated from it, lest we invite disaster upon ourselves."

Nearby, Daoist Zuo Dong, who had hurried over, spotted Wu Wang. The old Daoist first froze, then tears streamed down his face. His legs buckled, and he knelt on the muddy grass, wailing despairingly in the forest. His cries were mournful, stirring the hearts of all who heard.

As Wu Wang had predicted, the situation indeed escalated significantly.

That day, after Yang Wudi had led the survivors of the Clear Wind and Moon Sect away, Wu Wang spent a long time instructing Daoist Zuo Dong and Mao Aowu. He only stopped when two streaks of light appeared hundreds of miles in the distance, signaling the arrival of reinforcements from the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion. Wu Wang, presenting himself as Mao Aowu’s junior brother, observed the unfolding events from the sidelines.

Mao Aowu gave the signal and met with the arriving male and female inspection immortal envoys. He detailed the entire incident to them and had them take away the culprits along with Daoist Zuo Dong. Mao Aowu then escorted Wu Wang back to Floating Jade City before hurrying to the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion’s branch.

Regarding the Water Approaches Heaven Sect, the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion swiftly dispatched hundreds of Immortal Soldiers and sealed off their Sect gates. The reason the Water Approaches Heaven Sect had targeted the Clear Wind and Moon Sect was deliberately downplayed; it was simply stated that greed had motivated them to plot and cause harm.

Up to this point, events had largely unfolded according to Wu Wang’s arrangements.

The order of the Human Domain wasn’t supposed to be one where the strong preyed on the weak. For a powerful Immortal Sect to plunder a weaker one was an almost unforgivable sin in the Human Domain, which emphasized unity against external threats. If this trend were allowed to continue, the Human Domain wouldn’t even need to confront the Foreign Gods; internal strife alone would lead to its collapse. Furthermore, Immortal Sects that grew stronger by exploiting weaker ones could hardly be expected to genuinely defend the Human Domain’s borders.

Simply put, the Water Approaches Heaven Sect had committed a grave taboo.

The culprits were swiftly convicted. The enraged Pavilion Master of the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion ordered their execution, and the Water Approaches Heaven Sect was disbanded on the spot. The details of the incident were written into a public notice and posted in major towns throughout the Human Domain.

The problem, however, arose with this final step.

Once the announcement was made, an uproar swept through the north and south of the Human Domain, with ceaseless arguments erupting between the Immortal Dao and Demon Path. First, Demon Path experts stepped forward, using veiled criticisms to call Immortal Sects hypocrites. They claimed that while Immortals appeared indifferent to fame and fortune, serene and detached, they were, in reality, disgustingly corrupt—far less straightforward than Demonic Cultivators.

Initially, the Immortal Sects paid little heed. After all, a disgrace had emerged from their own ranks; the incident caused little actual harm but was extremely insulting. But as more and more Demon Path experts joined in mocking the Immortal Dao, some Immortal Dao experts couldn’t resist retorting sharply. This back-and-forth continued, and in less than half a month, the entire Human Domain was in a ferment.

Verbal battles raged from north to south as the Immortal Dao and Demon Path debated righteousness. All one could see was incessant, rabid clamoring, and all one could hear was crude language.

Fortunately, the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion responded promptly, ordering both Immortal and Demon Paths to refrain from conflict. Although the vast majority of Cultivators exercised restraint, in many regions, isolated groups of Cultivators had already begun arranging duels, leading to numerous bloody incidents.

Wu Wang initially had no intention of getting involved in these matters, believing that his old senior’s subordinates could handle such problems. It wasn’t until two groups of Cultivators faced off in front of his own shop in Floating Clouds City for two days and nights, severely disrupting business, that Wu Wang had no choice but to recall the busy Mao Aowu.

Mao Aowu rushed to Floating Jade City and headed straight for the Annihilation Sect’s now bustling winehouse in the city—Guantao Tower. He had just reached the top floor, not yet having had a chance to calm his immortal power, when he heard the tinkling of immortal music from ahead. Carrying his Giant Sword, Mao Aowu followed the sound and was led into a private room by Yang Wudi, who had come to greet him.

Pushing open the door, the music grew clearer. He could see five female Disciples of the Black Desire Door, each with outstanding grace and unique charm, rehearsing a dance to the music on one side. He could see two lounge chairs by the window, and on them, an old man and a young man. Several female Disciples were gently tapping them with small wooden hammers, while two others on each side fanned them slowly. He could also see fruit wine chilling in a wooden bucket, an Incense burner emitting wisps of fragrant smoke, exquisite carpets, steaming hot food, and a group of colorful butterflies dancing outside the window...

This!

Mao Aowu held his breath, his eyes wide. Although he knew his Sect Master, his sworn younger brother, was skilled at enjoying life, he had never imagined the Grand Elder to be so...!

Decadent! Corrupt! This is simply... too corrupt!

Wu Wang raised his hand. "Add a seat for Brother Mao."

A short while later, Mao Aowu closed his eyes and let out a soft sigh of relief. His feet soaked in the steaming wooden bucket, and he felt as if his cultivation realm itself had been elevated.

He hadn’t forgotten his purpose, however, and asked in a low voice, "Sect Master, why did you summon me back so urgently? The Benevolent Emperor Pavilion is desperately short-handed; everyone is truly going mad with the workload."

The Grand Elder had his eyes closed in concentration, seemingly asleep.

Wu Wang gestured for the surrounding female Disciples to leave. Yang Wudi drew the curtain and enveloped the area in an immortal power Barrier.

Wu Wang asked, "How does the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion plan to handle this ongoing dispute between the Immortal and Demon Paths?"

"Alas," Mao Aowu sighed. "What else can be done? Such disputes have occurred many times before. The conflict between Immortals and Demons has a long history, typically a debate between purity and turbidity, where it’s difficult to determine right from wrong."

Wu Wang raised a luminous cup and took a sip. "So, they’re just waiting for the Cultivators’ tempers to cool down on their own?"

Mao Aowu shook his head, a wry smile on his face.

He said, "We can only wait for tempers to calm... Alas, this issue cannot be ignored; we must make an example of someone to deter others. The Pavilion Master and the others anticipated such a situation. However, anticipation is one thing; this time, the fire is burning fiercer than ever before.

"By the way, Sect Master, has Daoist Zuo Dong been settled safely?"

"I’ve already had him go into hiding under an assumed name to avoid being implicated," Wu Wang said. "Didn’t you notice Suqing isn’t here either? Her master has suffered a great upheaval; it’s best she spends more time with the old man, fulfilling her filial duties."

"Sect Master, why exactly did you call me back?"

"Brother Mao, are you interested in a higher position within the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion?" Wu Wang asked, a hint of a smile in his eyes. "This is a good opportunity."

Mao Aowu was somewhat puzzled and muttered, "What’s the use of a higher position? The stipends are pretty much the same throughout the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion."

"If the Sect is to truly grow strong, we must have an Elder holding a significant position in the upper echelons of the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion," Wu Wang said seriously. "This is, in fact, for the good of the Sect."

"I’m not cut out for that, Brother."

"Just think of it as a contribution to the Sect."

The Grand Elder, eyes still closed, added, "The Sect needs you to step forward."

Mao Aowu frowned in thought for a moment, then slowly nodded. "Alright, I’ll step forward."

"Here," Wu Wang said, pressing a Jade Talisman into Mao Aowu’s palm. "The Three Strategies to Steady the Seas. You must find a way to present these strategies, in your own manner, to the Pavilion Master of the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion."

"What is this?"

Mao Aowu stared at the Jade Talisman for a while, his expression shifting repeatedly until his eyes lit up with understanding and delight. He turned to Wu Wang.

"Can you... explain them to me in detail?"

Wu Wang chuckled. "Why all the expressions if you didn’t understand it?"

Mao Aowu smiled sheepishly. "I understood some parts, but I was afraid I might have misinterpreted something."

Wu Wang’s smile faded as he began to explain in detail.

The first strategy was quite simple: The Benevolent Emperor Pavilion would conduct large-scale arrests, detaining those who had been most vocal in the war of insults. They would all be interrogated secretly, and then an announcement would be made, claiming that the Ten Evils Hall had been discovered instigating the conflict from behind the scenes. If any members of the Ten Evils Hall were caught, they would be dealt with immediately, and their names would be publicly released. If no members of the Ten Evils Hall were captured, those who should be released would be, and a fabricated list would be created and announced anyway. Regardless, the Ten Evils Hall had to take the blame, thereby diverting the hostility of both Immortal Dao and Demon Path Cultivators.

The second strategy was also straightforward: The Benevolent Emperor Pavilion would invite influential experts from both the Immortal and Demon Paths to speak about the hardships faced by the Human Domain, to recall past bitterness and appreciate present comforts, and to promote the ideal of great unity within the Human Domain.

The third strategy was slightly more challenging: The Benevolent Emperor Pavilion would organize a banquet or a commendation ceremony in the name of the Human Emperor. The leaders of the top two hundred Sects from both the Immortal and Demon Paths would be gathered to dine together, chat, and thereby enhance the friendship between the two paths...

Mao Aowu’s foot-soaking water hadn’t even cooled before the silver-haired Heavenly Immortal rushed out of Floating Jade City.

「Within three days」

The Benevolent Emperor Pavilion struck decisively, arresting hundreds of experts from both the Immortal and Demon Paths. Most were released within half a day, and an announcement followed, revealing the Ten Evils Hall spies who had instigated the war of insults between the two paths.

This left several strategists from the Ten Evils Hall quite perplexed, wondering how their side had produced such spies.

「Within five days」

Venerable, white-haired experts began appearing in Sects and towns, recounting stories of bygone eras and urging contemporary Cultivators to treat each other with respect and affection.

「Half a month later」

The war of insults between the Immortal and Demon Paths in the Human Domain gradually subsided. The Benevolent Emperor Pavilion sent out invitations for a banquet, inviting the Sect Masters and leaders of the top four hundred Sects from both paths to gather at the Main Hall of Benevolent Emperor Pavilion.

What truly electrified the countless Cultivators was the news that His Majesty, the Human Emperor, Emperor Yan of Shennong, would personally attend this banquet!

The Cultivators were invigorated; the Human Domain seemed to welcome an early spring. Even those Cultivators not involved with the banquet felt an inexplicable sense of refreshment, their thoughts becoming clearer.

And the true ’mastermind’ behind all this received his gilt-edged invitation from the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion while cultivating in a winehouse in Floating Jade City.

Wu Wang raised his luminous cup, took a sip of wine, and savored a piece of roasted thousand-year-old fierce beast elbow meat that was brought to his lips, humming a lighthearted and cheerful tune.

Father-in-law, have you been well lately? Must I become an Immortal before we can meet again?

"Haha! HAHAHAHA! HAHAHAHAHAHA!"

Classic broadcast: The Sect Master’s Laughter.

The surrounding Disciples of the Annihilation Sect looked at their Sect Master with even greater reverence.